Change of Ways

by The Ravenwolf

Set directly after the the events of the Rat Patrol's final episode, the story follows Dietrich's path into an unsteady future, joining his ways with the Rats and even less expected individuals. Reunions with former friends and foes included. (CHAPTER 1-36 revised!)

59. The end is nigh

"Meow", Bastet exclaims with shock, as her human mattress starts to toss and turn underneath her, waking her quite forcefully. The German officer moves his hand as if to protect his head, muttering quietly and moaning when his injury at the back of his head reminds him of its existence, adding to his tormenting dream reality of explosions, mostly involving Troy and the Rats as the origin. Once the kitten realizes that the human does not stand up or turn around to completely bury her underneath him, she gets to her paws from her cowering position and balances over his chest, until she reaches his head. As a light touch with her paw only triggers him to shift his head to the side, moaning again, Bastet turns to more drastic measures, rubbing her head against the young man's chin, purring loudly. Hans Dietrich wakes with a start, his breath catching in his throat, as cold sweat still lingers on his body. "Meow", Bastet comments her own success proudly, before rubbing her head against his cheek once more. "Danke, Bastet", the German mutters with slight relief, once he has regained control of his breathing and voice. The kitten purrs even more loudly, when he pets her over the head and back, letting herself drop on his chest contently.

Soft snoring from the direction of his feet tells the young officer that Fritz must have chosen to return to him, while Troy has been on nightwatch. At least Hans hopes that it is nightwatch and not another prank or he will throw him personally to Atkins and leave him at the General's mercy which might be non-existent for a troublemaker like Troy. "Good morning, Captain", Jack Moffit greets the younger German quietly from his own bed. "Moin, moin, Moffit", Hans mutters, trying to shift to get out from underneath Bastet who stretches to keep lying on top of him. "It would appear that the Goddess of Home and Hearth has granted you her special protection, sending you her avatar", the British scholar comments with a wry smile, as he observes his commanding officer's predicament. Dietrich winks at him, he declares dryly: "Apparently she has, sending me a living alarm clock in the form of a cat. Could you just pick Bastet up to help me, Doctor, since I don't want to hurt her?" Jack comes over and takes the kitten that immediately protests through meowing, but settles down once the tall man mutters quiet reassurances to her. "Watch out, Moffit! Once you fall into this habit of adopting strays and liking them, it's hard to get out of it", Hans comments dryly. "Thank you for the warning", the British Sergeant replies with a wry smile. "Your example appears to be a lot more infectious to imitate compared to Troy's though." "Shameless flattery will get you nowhere with me", the German officer comments dryly, as he cautiously stands up and tests the stability of his legs. Without a wave of dizziness striking him down again, he starts to stretch and practice some of the exercises for his shoulder to improve its mobility and help his stiff neck that has not approved of his sleeping position.

Bastet wiggles out of Moffit's grasp in the meanwhile, as he wants to set the struggling kitten on the floor. Deftly she lands on all fours and darts off under Ari's cot to start her exploration trip through the tent. The Jewish boy wakes with a yawn, as the kitten struggles to jump onto his bed, finally managing to pull herself up. When Bastet walks over his stomach, the boy starts petting the purring little cat who enjoys the attention and cuddles for a short while. Then Bastet's curiosity drives her onward, while Ari joins Hans who instructs him to perform his physical exercises along with him to keep the child from hurting him unintentionally by hugging the German.

During the next few minutes, Jack, Kiri, Riku, Thomas, Kevin and Daniel join them with the exercises as well. Only Tully remains snoring, while Jakob pulls his pillow over his head, until a "meow" from underneath his bed makes him bolt upright immediately, anxiously looking around for the pillow assassin who hides under his cot. While Silberblatt clutches his pillow to his chest protectively, Hitch comes sneaking in, astonished to find everyone awake, not only Troy the guard before the door. "What are you doing?", he asks curiously after observing the exercises for a few seconds. "Protecting my poor darling!", the Jewish Lieutenant replies without hesitation. "Could you take this murderer of innocent pillows away, Hitch?" "Don't be ridiculous, Jakob!", Hans admonishes sternly, although smirking with amusement. "Bastet has not surpassed the level of hunting pillows and shoelaces yet, but she has potential for becoming a great huntress", Jack adds, smiling proudly at the kitten that stalks Silberblatt's boot laces instead of his pillow, pouncing and rolling over with the whole boot. The kitten whines in shock and surprise, immediately darting back to Dietrich and pressing against his shin, shivering slightly.

"She might need a bit more practice before turning into the fierce little lioness you try to picture her as, Moffit", the German Captain comments dryly, when he bends down to pick up the scared kitten and holds her in his arm which effectively ends their exercises. "Serves her right for attacking my innocent boots in addition to my poor pillow", Silberblatt grumbles a bit miffed. "Hör nicht hin, Kleines", the young officer murmurs gently to the cat that she should not listen to him. Feeling a lot safer, Bastet calms down and starts purring in her protector's arm, rubbing her head against the chest pocket of his shirt. Ari sees this as the perfect chance to huddle against his beloved brother and carefully watches out not to touch his injured side. "Defender of kittens, saviour of strays and children. You're a real hero, Captain", Moffit comments with a smile. Dietrich narrows his eyes though, growling: "You can spare me the irony, Moffit!" "I honestly didn't mean this in an ironic way. You're a well-liked individual and standing up for others, even those most would overlook", Jack defends himself. "Woof", Fritz agrees, now that he has woken from his sleep, jumping up at the German Captain's thigh, before running across the tent to greet Hitch.

"We should all get washed, dressed and ready for the day", Hans diverts attention from himself. "Ari, Kiri, you come with me and Jakob!" "Do we wash Bastet too?", Ari wants to know. Dietrich smiles wryly and moves his index finger to distract the kitten who eagerly tries to catch the moving finger. "We don't have to wash her, as Bastet always cleans herself, unlike you." "That's why cats are considered very clean animals in most cultures", Jack Moffit adds in his lecture tone. "Dogs are pretty clean as well", Hitch tries to argue at which the British Sergeant regards him with an indignant stare full of disgust, as he growls: "Dogs drool, dogs stink, dogs possess no sense of cleanliness at all!" "Don't listen to him, buddy! He didn't mean it like that", Mark tells the panting Fritz who considers receiving more cuddles always a good idea for his human friends. "I meant it exactly like that", Jack insists, before grumbling to himself "Flee ridden mutt", as Troy kneels to support Hitch and the dog faction. "Fritz is not flee ridden", even Dietrich protests now. "You may call him a greedy beggar, but he didn't deserve that." "Yeah, you should give him a part of your sausage in recompense!", Troy immediately supports the Captain. "I will not sink so low as to give any food to this constantly begging, selfish, stupid little mutt", Moffit insists. "That's enough!", Hans snaps. "You leave Fritz in peace, Moffit, and you can feed him your own sausages, if you like him so much, Troy and Hitchcock. And now we all go to the lavatories! Gottschlich, you have kitten duty!" Before the baffled Corporal can even consider to protest, Hans hands him the little cat that curiously sniffs the new human, until he scratches her behind the ears and she starts purring. With a shy smile, as the little kitten is not in the least as fearsome as a dog for him, Riku confirms: "Yes, Captain Dietrich."

Without any further protests, as nobody wants to annoy the irritated Captain any more, Dietrich leads the children and Silberblatt to the officer's washing facility. "Hola. Buenos días, Captain Dietrich", Lieutenant Carlos greets the younger German with a broad smile. "Buenos días. Good morning", Hans replies, adding the translation of one of the few Spanish phrases he knows for the children's sake. Ari smiles and greets the friendly officer he likes by now, even adding the 'Sir', as he has been taught and Kiri copies him diligently. "Hello. Good morning, chiquitos", the Hispanic Lieutenant greets them with an even wider smile. "You remind me of my own son and daughter who live back in my home country, Miguel and Maria. Although my wife would wish that they're as well-behaved as you." "Wie der Herr, so das Gescher", Jakob comments, grinning widely, as he winks at his friend. Seeing Carlos' puzzled expression, Dietrich translates: "He wants to implicate that the children mirror my behaviour as their caregiver. This was a German proverb, basically meaning that." "I'd like to join your German courses, Captain. We'd all profit from understanding at least a bit. And I can offer some Spanish courses in exchange. Your pronunciation is better than that of most Americans", the Lieutenant offers in a friendly manner. "Thank you. It's 'gracias', isn't it? Spanish is more similar to German pronunciation than English one", Dietrich replies with a smile. "We'll have lots of fun together, given that you're such a fast learner", Carlos offers with an honest smile. "I'll take care of the POWs who are really docile and cooperative thanks to your interventions. But I always appreciate your help. See you later at breakfast, Captain." With these words, he pats the German officer on the shoulder and leaves quickly.

Once Ari and Kiri are properly occupied with washing and splashing, Jakob helps his friend to check his head injury. Hans hisses with pain, as soon as the Jewish Lieutenant touches the lump at the back of his head. "Entschuldige, Hans", Silberblatt apologizes. "Nicht deine Schuld, Jakob. Aber es schmerzt ziemlich", Dietrich assures him that the pain is none of his friend's fault. "Es wird Zeit, dass wir Tobruk erreichen und du dich endlich erholen kannst. Du bist nur noch Haut und Knochen und hast mehr Verletzungen als das halbe Feldlazarett gemeinsam", Jakob admonishes his friend with clear concern that it is about time that they reach Tobruk, since he feels the thin German to be barely more than skin and bone, while bearing more injuries than half the field hospital put together. Hans Dietrich sighs wearily, but still bears a defiant expression. "Ich bin weder invalid noch verhungert", the proud officer insists that he is neither an invalid nor starved.

"Die Ärzte sagen etwas anderes", Jakob insists that the medics tell them a different story. "Sommer ist seit einem ganzen Jahr ständig um mich besorgt und Andrews, seit ich dieses Lager betreten habe", Hans counters that Sommer has worried about his well-being for a full year, while Andrews only has worried since Dietrich has entered the camp. "Ich mache mir Sorgen um dich, seit wir uns wieder getroffen haben und du kaum einen Tag nicht auf der Krankenstation bist", Jakob declares that he hasstarted to worry about his friend, since meeting him again, as not a single day has passed without him landing in sickbay for some reason. "Du brauchst dir keine Sorgen um mich zu machen", Hans insists that his friend should not worry about him. "Hans, du bist mein ältester und bester Freund. Natürlich mache ich mir Sorgen um dich, so wie du sie dir um mich machst", Jakob counters that since Hans is his oldest and best friend, worrying about him is natural, as Dietrich would similarly worry about him the other way around. Hans nods, unable and unwilling to argue against this statement. "Let's check on the kids!", he suggests, purposefully changing the language.

As Ari and Kiri have managed to get washed and play without being fully drenched in water, they can attend breakfast immediately after the washing process. When they enter the mess tent, Gottschlich bears the expression of a kicked puppy, while Moffit's face is contorted in anger, as he scolds the young Corporal. "I'm so sorry, Captain Dietrich", Riku addresses the young officer, before he can even ask what is going on. "He lost Bastet", Jack growls with righteous anger. Dietrich is stunned for a few seconds, before speaking in a calming voice. "Cat's curiosity. She cannot seriously leave the camp and someone will hopefully find her, before one of the vehicles runs her over. We'll check later." Turning to the guilty looking young man, he adds with dry humour: "You're supposed to be the hand to hand combat expert with your karate and you got bested by a kitten." Gotty actually looks so ashamed of himself that Hans feels some pity for him and tells him in a reassuring tone: "You shouldn't feel bad, Gottschlich. It's her instinct. She will either come back on her own or we'll find her." "Why is Bastet gone?", Ari asks with horror. "My kitten?", Kiri adds with indignation, looking around to spot her. "Bastet is exploring the camp. Cats do that", Hans explains gently, but with finality.

Meanwhile Troy, Tully and the O'Donnell brothers have taken care of retrieving their breakfast and place the trays on the table, efficiently distracting the children. Jack Moffit addresses Dietrich however: "It would appear that not everyone is as qualified for herding cats, as you are, Captain." The young officer raises his eyebrows in surprise, before replying with dry irony: "Not everyone has had the chance of practicing this skill with your lot for weeks." Their starting conversation is interrupted by a group of British soldiers who approach their table with determination. "Gentlemen", the lean German greets them cautiously with a sharp salute and Moffit notices his whole body tensing. "What can we do for you?" "We brought you something, Captain", one of the men announces whom Dietrich recognizes from the tank instructions he has given. A scrawny red-haired British soldier holds a kitten in his arm. "Bastet", Dietrich and Moffit sigh simultaneously. "Meow", the kitten replies and tries to wiggle out of the man's grasp who holds onto her nonetheless. Hans takes her gently from the Brit and speaks soothingly with the little cat that snuggles against him meowing pitifully. "Thank you, Privates", the German Captain tells the collection of British soldiers who watch the kitten with endeared expressions. "The little one tried to break into one of our tanks", the British tank soldier reports at which Dietrich smiles with honest amusement. "If she succeeded I'll promote her right away." Several of the Brits laugh at the dry humoured statement. "We caught her halfway in, Sir", the red-head reports. "So it will be a bit longer until you've earned your promotion", Jack Moffit comments dryly, while Bastet purrs loudly, as she gets scratched under the chin.

Ari and Kiri join Hans in petting Bastet until he hands the kitten to the children and turns back to the soldiers. "Thank you, gentlemen, for returning our youngest unit member to us. I wish you a good day." The British troops salute and take their leave, smiling and chatting among each other. Troy puts a full plate in front of the thin German who looks slightly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of eggs, beans and bacon. "How is one person supposed to eat all this?", he asks wearily, torn between nausea at the sheer sight of the mass and actual hunger making his stomach growl. "With a fork", Sam recommends with a grin, handing him just that piece of cutlery. "Very funny, Troy", Dietrich replies dryly. "Have you taken clown lessons from your brother?" The American Sergeant grins. "No, but that might be interesting."

"This reminds me that you may return to your dear brother again today, Troy!", Hans orders with a smirk, as he notices the American Sergeant's scowl. "Come on, Captain", Sam starts to protest, but the German officer interrupts him: "No protests, Sergeant Troy. As latrine duty has not managed to teach you a lesson, maybe spending time with dear David will. How did you formulate this so adequately yesterday? The punishment should fit the crime. You told me yourself to get creative after all." "I take it back. This is torture. What's this Geneva Convention for?", Sam protests. Dietrich smirks with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "As I believe to have told you already, you cannot invoke this against me anymore, because it only refers to the treatment of prisoners of war, not one's own soldiers." "I believe our dear Captain has outfoxed you, old man", Moffit comments dryly, as he pats Troy on the shoulder.

"Wouldn't you enjoy spending a relaxing car ride together with Captain Boggs and me again today, Doctor?", Hans asks with exaggerated politeness. "It would be my pleasure and joy, Captain", Jack replies likewise. "I should never have let you two snobs form an alliance against honest folks like me", Sam grumbles. "Your honesty leaves much to be desired, Troy, or would you rather speak honestly with General Atkins about yesterday's events around his tent?", Hans asks with dry humour. "You're evil. How didn't I see this before?", Troy mutters with narrowed eyes and irony in his tone. "How indeed, in spite of me wearing a German uniform?", the young Captain inquires sarcastically. "Don't listen to him, Captain! You're a good and decent fellow", Jack comments, placing his hand on Dietrich's good shoulder, when he notices the German officer's gaze changing to a more doubtful and tormented expression. The younger officer meets Moffit's gaze and holds it for a few seconds, until he nods thoughtfully and mutters: "Danke, Moffit." Although they all understand enough German by now to be able to translate the expression of gratitude, Jack considers that the Captain intends to communicate something by using his native language instead of English.

After breakfast, Dietrich sends his men off to their respective manner of transportation. Anaru and Hitchcock become responsible for the children and pets, riding on the trucks with the wounded and medical personnel. While his drivers from the previous day remain on duty, the others return to the same vehicles as on the previous day with Troy complaining the most that he cannot join them in spite of his minor graze. Moffit accompanies his younger commanding officer to meet James Boggs who looks honestly relieved and happy to see the German Captain. "Good morning, Dietrich. I hope that you could eat some breakfast today." The young officer stiffens slightly, but nods. "Mostly, yes. Hopefully this should be a quiet drive behind your lines so we can arrive at Tobruk tomorrow." "It's our lines, Captain", Moffit corrects him with more sympathy than annoyance in his tone. "I understand that some events have given you little reason to feel at home here, but I seriously hope that this will change", Boggs adds with a frown, placing a hand on the thin German's shoulder. Hans tenses slightly, but relaxes again after a weary sigh. "Hopefully. But none of us knows what your superior officers actually have in mind." Boggs looks almost as doubtful as the younger European. "We will see what OUR headquarters have planned. But I would really like to keep you and your unit, Captain Dietrich. You are a man of many qualities." With his eyebrows raised in a slightly doubtful expression, the younger officer turns toward the staff car to settle in the back seat.

Once they have started their journey, Moffit addresses the young German Captain: "If you don't mind I would like to continue practicing my German, Captain Dietrich." The young European raises his eyebrows and smirks, as he inquires: "Hochdeutsch oder Plattdütsch, Doctor Moffit?" "Wenn es geht, würde ich gerne beide verbessern und vergleichen", Jack replies that he would like to improve and compare both German languages, High and Low German. James Boggs listens with some astonishment to the conversation which switches between two languages he does not speak, although he can recognize a few German terms and English, whenever the two discuss the meaning of certain specific proverbs or phrases, referring to similarities in the English language. "I know that you speak German, but what is the other language?", the older American Captain asks at some point, when his curiosity gets the better of him. "Plattdütsch or Low German", Hans replies calmly. "It's a separate language than High German, the language one typically refers to when saying German, whereas Low German is more closely related to English and Dutch. Captain Dietrich as a native speaker is so kind as to teach me the details of both languages", Moffit provides in his best Cambridge lecture tone.

"Plattdütsch is mainly spoken among sailors and working class people in Northern Germany", Dietrich adds to the explanation. "Why do you speak it then? You're neither", Boggs inquires curiously. The young German officer smiles, as he responds: "You're right. I'm neither. But against all protests of my aristocratic mother who considered this an unworthy language to speak my uncle as a navy member insisted that I should learn the language early on to be able to understand sailors who frequently serve in the navy. Thus, I often spoke Platt with my uncle and cousins and even taught my friend Jakob several phrases and vocabulary." "If I may ask you, Captain Dietrich, what happened with your cousins? I didn't see them mentioned in your SS files unlike the rest of your family, including the Wehrmacht and SS members", Boggs asks curiously. The German officer tenses visibly at the question and briefly a tormented expression passes over his face, before he manages to regain his self-control and bears a more neutral expression again. "They died", he replies curtly, before sighing deeply, when he sees both men eye him with confusion. "Both served as young officers on German submarines. One was sunk in the Atlantic, the other in the English Channel." "I'm sorry for asking", James Boggs comments immediately.

"They were Navy officers who chose their career knowing the risk fully well just as I did, when I joined the Wehrmacht. Unlike other ships or even tanks however there is no chance of surviving, when a submarine is hit and sunk. They had no chance to make it out alive whatsoever", Dietrich explains with a controlled tone, but tormented expression. "You were smart not to join the navy", Moffit comments. "I was not so fond of the idea anymore after almost drowning in the cold water of Kiel's harbor as I told you", Hans counters dryly. "The desert is actually the perfect location for not running the risk of drowning", Boggs adds, trying to relieve some tension. "I once was naive enough to think like this as well, until I almost drowned in a wadi during a flash flood", Dietrich counters sternly. "How did that happen?", Boggs asks incredulously. "It was during my desert ride on Khalil to retrieve the antibiotics for my fort and the oasis town", the young Captain replies, before recounting the tales of his adventures, astonishing and impressing his American colleague.

"You're a skilled rider and scout it would seem", James Boggs voices his impression of the young officer. "And you can handle a saber really well from what I've seen", Jack adds. "My father insisted that I would train in modern Pentathlon during my school time which he considered the best military training from the perspective of a cavalry officer", Hans replies calmly. While Boggs scowls, Moffit looks impressed. "Riding, fencing, shooting, swimming and running. I can absolutely imagine that this has been the ideal training in the eyes of a former Rittmeister, now Kavallerieoberst." "Although I wouldn't have believed it that I would ever have to cross the Libyan desert alone on horseback, it has indeed been the perfect preparation for such an adventure", the German Captain declares earnestly. "You can start your practice and training again, when we reach HQ", Boggs adds. "You'll need it to regain some muscle, but I have no doubt that you're a perfectly qualified officer for the LRDP given your skills." "I would like to train some fencing with you, Captain", Jack offers to the young German Captain who scowls at the previous statement. "Although I'm well aware that you're likely a lot more skilled than I am. But I might stand a chance with your wounded shoulder and fighting with your offhand." Dietrich smirks, as he replies: "Challenge accepted, Moffit. I must warn you though that I was trained by the best saber fencer of the German military, one of my father's former cavalry officers during the Great War." Both shake hands, as Jack states: "I trust that you'll let me survive a friendly sparring duel." "Of course, Moffit. I might still need a few days to regain enough strength and mobility with my shoulder, but the daily exercises have helped already", Dietrich explains patiently.

At lunchtime the group reunites with the patrollers, the hospital patients and the children joining them. Bastet struggles against Troy's grip, as the American Sergeant has picked her up by the fur of her neck and the little cat loudly voices her protest and discontent. "Meow", she tells her suffering to Dietrich and Moffit, once Sam as dropped her into the German's hands. "Schon gut, Bastet", Hans mutters gently to reassure the kitten that soon curls up and starts purring again. Slightly jealous Fritz demands his own cuddles from the young officer, settling down beside him with his snout on his knee. Tully Pettigrew, Riku Gottschlich and the O'Donnell brothers bring their warmed lunch, handing out bowls with hot stew and crackers to all their assembled comrades. Smiling widely with his bowl in hands, Ari immediately joins Dietrich's side, while Kiri wants to sit with Troy and continue listening to one of his stories. Happy to outshine David for once and be the star entertainer for the girl he truly likes by now, Sam continues his boisterous story about recapturing their escaped horses on his ranch in Wyoming. Meanwhile, Ari happily feeds Bastet small pieces of meat from his and Hans' stew which the kitten eats greedily, licking his fingers. Only Hitchcock distracting Fritz by feeding him some of his own stew keeps the dog from continuously eating the little cat's portion, as he has greedily done with her first piece.

Waiting until he is finished with his lunch, James Boggs calls his younger colleague to the officer's campfire to discuss their route for the day for which Moffit follows him inconspicuously as a bodyguard. "According to our maps there is a small village a few hours away from here", Boggs shows the German Captain their position on the map which is rolled out on General Atkins' field table who observes the demonstration as well. Dietrich furrows his brows and nods. "I remember the village from passing through here a few times in the past months. Some villagers actively collaborated with the Germans for deporting Jews to gain their houses and possessions, but also provided us with information. I don't know if they still remain in the village or have been caught by the Allies or simply arranged themselves with the new occupational force as true opportunists." James Boggs looks quite worried, while Atkins twirls his moustache with an inscrutable expression, as he inquires sharply: "I have no idea, but will consult our headquarters. Do you know any names, Dietrich?" The young Captain shakes his head, wincing slightly. "No, I have never interacted with them personally, since I mostly passed through with my columns. I don't know if it is safer to stay under the circumstances to allow the already exhausted men to rest, but risk espionage and sabotage, or to press on to be able to reach Tobruk before noon tomorrow." "Both suggestions have their own merit. Given the long journey, I would prefer though that we rest and you take the time to enter the village and see if you can recognize somebody, Captain Dietrich", the American General declares. "Lieutenant Silberblatt, call headquarters for me!" Jakob hastens to the radio and follows through with his orders, while Boggs and Dietrich consult the map for the best route.

"If I may provide a suggestion", Jack Moffit intercedes cautiously. While Boggs looks surprised, Dietrich meets his eyes and nods after a second of studying the British Sergeant's face. "We appreciate your expertise, Doctor. What do you suggest?" "We should not camp inside the village, but rather a bit outside. I remember interacting with some people there who supported the Allies against their German and Italian occupational force, but cannot give you any names either. To catch a spy we should provide some distraction for him to focus on and give him something worth reporting. Send several Jeeps and troops into the village to appear like a large contingent passing through! Drop me in walking distance and allow me to enter in less conspicuous clothes to check the reactions", Moffit suggests. "Excellent idea, Sergeant. I will accompany you for this though", Hans comments immediately.

"Are you even back on duty?", Boggs intercedes. "I have the only chance of recognizing a former collaborator with the Germans. This is not a combat mission", Dietrich argues stubbornly, raising his head proudly. Atkins twirls his moustache, while observing the scene with a scowl, before intervening: "I don't want to risk your health and safety, but you are our only chance to recognize a collaborator or spy of the Axis side. With the protection of your whole unit and keeping in the back in an actual fight, you should be fine." The young European officer grits his teeth at the suggestion of such cowardly manners, but has to admit that putting himself in the frontline as usual would endanger his men in his current state. "Understood, Sir", Hans finally snaps his acknowledgement curtly, while Boggs now protests: "Captain Dietrich is gravely injured. We must not risk his life and wellbeing again. This has already happened far too often in the last weeks." "You all are army officers and accepted that risking your lives is part of your job, when you chose this career", Atkins growls back, frowning at the American officer for his rather unexpected defence of the German defector.

"Yes, we have", the American Captain argues with conviction. "But constantly risking the life of a single man in spite of injuries and exhaustion is not what our responsibility as officers for our men entails. I am starting to understand Captain Dietrich's impression that we consider him the most dispensable officer in our ranks." "He is not dispensable", Atkins barks with unexpected fervor, before adding in a more moderate tone: "But sometimes hard to replace due to some unique abilities and knowledge." Hans Dietrich looks more than a bit baffled that Boggs would try to defend him against the General. "General Atkins is right that nobody else could do this", the young German officer himself argues. "But my life should not be at higher risk than usual in a warzone. I merely provide intelligence." "You have your orders, Captains", Atkins declares with finality. "Dietrich, you coordinate the distraction to buy your unit the time to carefully check the village! You and your men stay together and you keep in the back and out of harm's way! Boggs, you support him and assure his protection!" Both Captains look a bit surprised by their shift of roles, but confirm their agreement. More content than before, Atkins declares the meeting ended and orders to move on with the convoy.

Breaking camp to continue their journey in their usual marching order happens with practiced efficiency. As soon as they have left, the American Captain turns to his younger colleague. "I don't understand you, Dietrich. Do you want to die?", Boggs asks with a strained tone. The thin German tenses visibly at the question. "I don't know what you mean. I'm not trying to commit suicide", the young Captain replies cautiously. "You are actively asking to put your own life at risk though", the older American officer argues with annoyance. "I have no value as a defector except for providing my expertise", Dietrich growls. "Don't be absurd, Dietrich! The U.S. army decided to give you U.S. citizenship and an officer's rank. You have the same value as any other of its officers born in our country", Boggs counters, more worried than annoyed, as the younger officer is serious about his perspective. "And like any other of our soldiers we have an obligation to protect you from exploitation. You're more skin and bone than you have flesh and muscles left. According to official rules you shouldn't even be on duty any longer. Atkins bends them, because we are in a dire situation. But I really wish to make it clear to you that I don't want to see you harmed, neither through our own side nor through our enemies who will be out for your blood." Both Dietrich and Moffit look quite stunned at the passionate declaration, but refrain from arguing with Boggs.

Their afternoon trip passes quickly with further language instructions, as Dietrich and Moffit move from German to Arabic and French, while Boggs merely listens with quiet fascination. The German Captain repeats his stunt from the previous day of standing up in the slowly driving car a few times to gain an overview with the binoculars lent from his American colleague. An hour before sunset Hans spots their intended destination and points it out to his American colleague and his British Sergeant. "I'm surprised that we managed to surprise you at all, Captain Dietrich", Jack comments with a wry smile. "If not for those damned dunes blocking the view and your drivers' insane manner of speeding those Jeeps that wouldn't have been the case, Moffit", the proud young officer growls testily. "I'm relieved to have gained one of the most skilled reconnaissance officers in North Africa instead of having to fight against him", Boggs comments with earnest relief. "Do you wish to take off with your unit, while we set up the camp, Dietrich?" The German Captain considers the suggestion for a moment, before nodding. "That would be reasonable, Captain Boggs." Then he provides a few arm signals which first catch Tully's attention and then get spotted by the O'Donnell brothers as well.

"Can you manage the acrobatic way of changing vehicles, Moffit?", Dietrich asks the former Cambridge scholar dryly, as he stands up in the moving staff car and provides a hand signal to Gottschlich and Pettigrew to drive closer to Boggs' staff car. "Do you really want to jump, Captain?", Jack inquires incredulously. "We are driving quite slowly to not make this maneuver particularly risky", Hans argues, while Boggs asks incredulously: "Have you lost your mind? You're already gravely injured." "I wouldn't suggest it, if I considered the risk too high. Gottschlich can take my arm and help me to jump over. The same applies for the O'Donnell brothers and Moffit", Dietrich counters, looking a bit peeved at being called insane. "This is your responsibility", Boggs grumbles, looking discontented. "It's better than stopping the whole convoy and then getting it to move again which will lose you at least half an hour and cause serious problems with safely erecting the camp before we lose the daylight", Dietrich argues and Boggs grudgingly has to admit that he is correct.

"Pettigrew!", the German Captain calls, once the Kentucky driver has moved their Jeep next to the staff car. "Drive closely to us. I will jump over on the back of your Jeep. Gottschlich, grab my left arm to help me!" Gotty looks quite shocked, while Tully shifts his matchstick, as he smirks at the bold suggestion. That is a stunt even Sarge would be proud of. The O'Donnell brothers observe incredulously how the lean young officer jumps from the back of the staff car to the Jeep, while Boggs and Moffit provide him with some stability and Gottschlich quickly grabs his arm to pull him over safely onto the Jeep. "The Jerry's crazy", Danny comments incredulously, as he observes the skinny German Captain. "So true, even more crazy than Browny. I really love this unit, Danny", his brother Kevin replies with a wide grin. Jack Moffit then repeats the same maneuver with the two Australians who cheer him on. "Come on, Doc. You don't need a fancy PhD for jumping on a Jeep", Danny shouts with a grin, as he pulls the Brit over onto his Jeep. "No, but it's not an impairment either", Moffit counters dryly. "Thank you, Private."

Their acrobatic stunt does not remain unnoticed by the soldiers behind them who also provide encouraging shouts and cheers. This calls Sam Troy to the back of the medical truck which allows him to watch Jack's jump. As Tully drives by him, the American Sergeant hollers loudly: "Hey. You don't intend to go without me?" Dietrich taps Pettigrew on the shoulder and indicates him to drive to the truck's back and allow the stubborn Yankee to join them as well, since Sam Troy definitely is a man whose presence he really appreciates in potential enemy territory. The American Sergeant masters the gap with support from Gottschlich and Dietrich stabilising him after landing in the Jeep's back, but stumbling a bit. "That was pretty crazy, Captain. Why haven't I thought of this before?", Sam asks with irony and a wide grin. "Probably because you left the acrobatic stunts to your brother", Dietrich comments dryly. "Maybe I'll learn something from you in that regard, Captain Fox Kit", Troy replies with a smile, patting the German Captain on his good shoulder. "You've definitely learned more than enough from us already. I'm proud of you."

Tully drives away from the column and directly toward the village following Dietrich's curt and precise directions, while Kevin follows close behind them. The German Captain quickly spots a good place for leaving their vehicles to provide them with a quick option to retreat and prohibit being ambushed too easily. Tully looks around contently, as he kills the motor. He could not have chosen the spot any better himself. Troy is the first to pick up the automatic Thompson gun, followed by Tully who also takes two grenades from their box as iron reserves, his inside joke shared with the German Captain. Dietrich meanwhile orders Kevin O'Donnell to stay as a guard for their Jeeps and observe the village outskirts, while his brother Daniel and Jack Moffit also arm themselves with automatic guns. The young officer then instructs his men on their reconnaissance mission, before leading them into the village.

"*The end is nigh!*", a shaggy looking Arab with a ragged kaftan and turban shouts to a small crowd assembled around his slightly elevated position, standing on a crate. Moffit and Dietrich exchange glances, both wondering what is happening. "*Fear Allah's wrath, when he will strike down the foreigners with his mighty arm!*", the prophet continues his exaggerated show waving his arm with a balled fist in their direction, as several people turn around and stare at them with expressions ranging from fear to loathing. "*Don't let them distract you from the path of the righteous leading you to paradise for Allah will rain fire on the infidels!*", the prophet continues his speech, eager to regain their attention. "What's this about?", Troy asks his friends, when he notices Jack snorting and Hans looking rather grim. "The apocalypse", the German Captain replies dryly, scowling darkly at the man. "The end is nigh", Jack adds with his typically dry British humour. "You're kidding me, aren't you?", Sam inquires, but their stern expressions tell him that this is not the case. "War is a fertile ground for end time prophets", Moffit counters dryly. "Historically, there have been several examples of prominent figures..."

While the former Cambridge scholar continues with his pallaver about prophets, Troy glares at the crowd and their dubious leading figure, when Dietrich notices a movement out of the corner of his eyes. A single man sneaks off toward a small gap between the shanties forming the village centre. Quietly, Hans taps the American Sergeant's arm and only moves his head in the direction, before starting to follow the suspicious man inconspicuously. Jack Moffit continues his lecture to the Privates and the Corporal, while their Captain and Sergeant sneak after the stranger, only followed by Pettigrew. When he observes the man disappearing around a corner, Hans directs the two with hand signs to split up and cut off his way, which Troy and Tully do quietly and without hesitation.

When Hans cautiously glances around the corner where he has observed the Arab disappear, but sees nothing except for an empty narrow alleyway, the Captain grits his teeth in annoyance. Reaching for the gun at his belt, he places his hand on the gun's handle in order to quickly draw it, if necessary. As he cautiously makes his way around the corner and through the alley, always trying to keep covered by a wall and gain as much of an overview as possible, the tall German Captain notices a voice, muffled by a door. Swiftly, Dietrich moves closer and it takes him only three seconds to recognize that the words are German. Without further hesitation he opens the unlocked door and draws his gun in a single fluid motion. The perceived Arab looks up with a shocked expression, holding a radio in his hand, when he finds the tall officer pointing a gun at him. "Treten Sie vom Radio zurück und heben die Hände!", Hans growls his order to step back from the radio and raise his hands. The man appears shocked to hear a native German speaking to him. Now that the young Captain can see his face more closely, he realizes that the bearded sun-tanned man is indeed a European and not an Arab.

"Wer immer strebend sich bemüht", the stranger recites a verse of Goethe's "Faust". "Den können wir erlösen", Hans replies more on intuition than conscious thought, having been indoctrinated with learning certain famous quotes by heart to demonstrate education in higher German society. The bearded man's eyes widen slightly, but he starts telling Dietrich about his mission here without further hesitation. "Ich versuche dem Hauptquartier Meldung zu erstatten. Die Alliierten sind seit Tobruks Fall am Erstarken. Zwei Dutzend verschiedene Regimenter sind hier die letzten Wochen durchgekommen. Viele hier sind aber schwach und angeschlagen. Perfekt für den Anschlag hinter feindlichen Linien." Noises outside make the man glance toward the entrance nervously, while Dietrich never takes his eyes off his opponent, determined to keep him from escaping, which is exactly what he intends to do, believing the other man to be his fellow spy who will let him pass. "Stehenbleiben oder ich schieße", Hans sternly warns the other to stop as he will shoot otherwise.

Realizing his previous mistake, the German agent does not follow Dietrich's orders however, storming at the Captain instead, as he is trying to physically run the thin officer over. Without further hesitation the German Captain fires three shots in self-defence which hit his attacker mid-movement before the man collapses more against him than actually tackling the young Captain. Nonetheless the momentum brings them both to the ground which is how Troy and Tully find them, when they storm into the room with their weapons raised. "Get off him!", the American Sergeant snarls at the shot man, dragging him physically off his friend which extracts a groan from both. Tully keeps his gun trained at the stranger, but asks: "You alright, Cap?" "I'm unharmed. Thank you", Dietrich replies, when he drags himself to his feet, pressing his palm against his hurting side, as he hopes that his sutures have not been torn again. Atkins or Sommer will have his head otherwise. "You got blood all over you", Tully insists and Troy snarls lividly, as he tightens his grip on the German agent. "It's his, not mine", Hans tries to assure them, while he checks his own aching body for actual fresh injuries.

Once assured that his pain only originates from his old injuries, the tall German Captain returns his gun to its holster, before turning toward his bleeding groaning attacker whom Sam Troy holds upright with an angry glare. "Wer sind Sie?", Hans demands to know who the man is. Clutching his wounded chest, the bearded European glares at him defiantly, spitting: "Fahr zur Hölle!" Troy tightens his grip, realising that this is some kind of insult, while Dietrich eyes the man unperturbed. "Sie können sich kooperativ verhalten oder nicht, dementsprechend wird auch ihre Behandlung gestaltet sein. Überlegen Sie sich gut, ob Berlin und die Korinthenkacker fernab der Front Ihr Leben wert sind", the German Captain argues that his treatment will depend on his cooperation and he should consider whether Berlin's nitpickers far off the front are worth his life. "Ich sterbe sowieso, aber treu zu meinem Vaterland stehend", the German agent groans that he is dying anyway, but will do so loyal to his fatherland. His breaths become more laboured by the second, until his legs give out completely.

"Watch him!", Dietrich orders, before turning to the radio set that still stands on the ground, hidden in a corner behind some crates and sacks. When the German Captain picks up the dropped communication device, he can hear the tell tale sound of an open frequency. "Mit wem spreche ich?", Hans asks cautiously. Nobody answers his question about who he is talking to. "Vermelden Sie Ihren Vorgesetzten, dass die Mission hier beendet wurde", he adds coolly, observing the dying spy out of the corner of his eyes, as he announces the end of his mission. "Wer spricht dort?", the radio officer on the other end asks incredulously. "Ich habe zuerst gefragt", the lean Captain counters with a smirk, content to have extracted some reaction from the other man. Again his conversation partner hesitates, but finally replies: "Unser Mann ist also tot." "Er liegt im Sterben", Hans declares that their man is not dead yet, but dying. How much longer the bleeding agent will remain alive is unclear though, as Troy keeps supporting him, while fixating his captured enemy's arm to keep him from attacking them.

"Abwehr", the German radio officer replies suddenly and provides more information than Dietrich would have expected to hear from him. "Long Range Desert Group", the young Captain provides on a similar level of information, answering each other's previous questions. "Aber ein Deutscher", his unseen conversation partner recognizes his native German intonation immediately. Then, the lean officer hears some muttered discussion happening on the other end of the call of which he understands almost nothing, only recognizing single words torn out of context. "Hans Dietrich?", a different voice inquires then in a sharp tone, making the tall German Captain almost jump out of his skin. "Wer sind Sie?", Hans asks back. "Kein Verräter wie Sie", the German officer replies coldly. "Stellen Sie sich auf ein Kopfgeld ein und nie wieder Ihre Familie zu sehen." "Das habe ich bereits. Aber ich habe mich nicht entschlossen, zum Verräter an meinem Vaterland zu werden. Die Entscheidung hat die SS für mich getroffen", Dietrich growls back with righteous anger that although accused of being a traitor who must expect a price on his head and to never see his family again, he has never chosen to betray his fatherland, adding that the SS rather has made the decision for him.

"Einmal eine Ratte, immer eine Ratte", the other German officer assesses him coldly as once a rat, always a rat. Dietrich grits his teeth in indignation, already loathing this German officer. "Wenn wir Sie erwischen, dann kümmere ich mich persönlich um Sie. Major Ingelheimer ist mein Name." In spite of his anger, Hans shudders slightly at the name and the Major's promise to personally take care of him, if they should capture him. The German secret service officer is reputed for his ruthless manner of extracting information from captured enemies, in particular commando troopers. Even some SS men have considered him cold-blooded and brutal in the past. "Auf ein persönliches Wiedersehen, Dietrich", Major Ingelheimer enjoys rubbing in how much he will enjoy meeting the other in person, before ending the call. Hans glowers at the radio. During his time in the Wehrmacht, he has come to know more than enough sadists, although the SS has accumulated a far larger percentage than the Wehrmacht. Major Ingelheimer is a sadist who enjoys sowing terror and fear as much as causing pain and injury.

Moffit and the rest of their unit have arrived in the meantime, called by the shots. The British Sergeant checks their prisoner's pulse at the neck and shakes his head, as he assesses: "He's dead." Troy stops holding him restrained and drops the dead body on the ground unceremoniously. "He was an agent of Abwehr, German intelligence. I just spoke to his radio contact and superior officer, Major Ingelheimer", Dietrich declares with a worried tone at which Troy and Moffit scowl. "I've heard that name before", the American Sergeant growls. "That's because the Major is an expert for extracting information from captured commando soldiers", Dietrich explains. "He promised me a special treatment should I ever get captured." "We'll get you out. Don't worry!", Troy promises immediately. "Unless we're in it together", Hans counters dryly. "It's not relevant now though. We caught a spy behind enemy lines, merely a day's distance from Allied HQ. I'll report to Boggs and Atkins, once we've returned to camp. Any further insights regarding our doom's day preacher, Moffit?" Jack smiles wryly. "Nothing you couldn't read in the apocalypse or Dante's inferno, Captain. You however should get yourself checked, as your jacket is stained with blood." "Not mine, but his", Dietrich argues sternly, pointing at the dead German agent. "Still he knocked you down. I don't want to see you hurt even more, Captain", Troy insists and takes a few steps closer to his friend. "Fine. I will get checked in the field hospital, before reporting to Captain Boggs and General Atkins", Dietrich agrees with a weary sigh. "Troy, Gottschlich, take the dead spy's body back to Jeep. We bring him to our camp for a post-mortem investigation just in case. Pettigrew, you take this mobile radio with us! Moffit, help me with searching this room for potentially hidden documents or other resources of the intelligence agent! O'Donnell, you watch our backs!" All his men comply with their respective orders without inquiries or complaints.

After a thorough search of the room, checking for hideouts and hollow spaces behind walls or under the floor, Dietrich and Moffit can at least claim a German dog tag, Wehrpass and some money as reward for their efforts. "Mühsam nährt sich das Eichhörnchen", the German Captain comments dryly, as Moffit inquires curiously: "I've never heard this phrase before." "It talks about tiny successes through tedious work, like a squirrel collecting nuts", Hans explains with a wry smile. "I truly like the metaphor", Jack replies with a smile. "Let's join the others, before Troy comes up with crazy ideas, when he feels bored or remains unattended", the German Captain suggests dryly. "You have to admit though that you truly are Troy's master student, when it comes to crazy ideas, Captain. That stunt with the Jeep hasn't even occurred to him yet." "Kindly refrain from calling me insane and in particular more insane than Troy, Moffit! That was a calculated risk, balancing our acrobatic skills against costing the convoy direly needed time for building the camp in the remaining daylight time", the proud young officer counters with indignation. "Without any doubt, Captain. But Boggs looked like he would suffer from a heart attack at the suggestion alone", the British Sergeant comments with dry irony. "Maybe this will finally ground him in reality and dissuade him from his romantic views of our unit's manners of operation", Dietrich replies just as dryly, as they reach the Jeeps where Troy stands behind his Browning gun and warily observes the surroundings. "We leave for our camp, gentlemen", the young Captain orders sternly. Troy nods grimly and mutters "Finally", before hollering: "Let's shake it!"

Their return to their camp is greeted with cheers from several sides. A few Americans even run toward them to inquire about the spectacular stunt of jumping onto the Jeeps. Dietrich tries to dodge out of the attention by ordering the men to let him pass through. However the German Captain is fairly baffled, when the Yankees obediently form a passage for him through them, only to enthusiastically pat his left shoulder and back, as he walks by them, followed by his Sergeants who receive similar shows of appreciation, although most ignore Moffit. "Bring the dead body to the hospital for investigation, hand over the radio to our radio officer. Then wait for me with the report!", Dietrich orders Moffit and Troy to coordinate the men, before turning to the field hospital.

When Dietrich enters the field hospital he finds Kiri listening to David Troy's stories with delight, while Ari sits at Private Kierner's bedside and holds a pencil with which he tries to draw on a sheet of paper, while the young soldier instructs him calmly and gently in English with a thick German accent. "Dreckiger Judenbub", the German Captain hears someone spit an insult, before Wolf Bauer shouts at a soldier with unusual vehemence: "Halt's Maul, du Gfrast! Ari is da Bua vom Hauptmann." "Du Ösiverräter bist doch ein Hosenschisser, der zu den Drecksamis gekrochen ist, den Schwanz eingezogen wie ein feiger Hund", the German soldier continues to insult the Austrian as a coward, until Bauer strikes him in the face with the fist, before Dietrich can bellow: "Ruhe! Wehe, Sie schlagen noch einmal zu!" All the soldiers fall quiet immediately at the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann's sharp command tone and none of them dares to act aggressively anymore.

"Bauer, wenn Sie Ihren Streit mit der Zunge und dem Kopf austragen würden, wäre das wesentlich besser als mit den Fäusten", the young officer admonishes sternly that he should better use his tongue and head for solving his problems rather than his fists. Then, the Captain's gaze falls on the German soldier the young Austrian, who sheepishly mutters an apology, has attacked and Dietrich's expression darkens immediately. "Sie sollten sich besser sehr gut überlegen, wen Sie wann angreifen und beleidigen, denn die Amerikaner haben keine Sympathie für judenfeindliche Nazis genauso wenig wie ich", Hans snarls at the soldier from von Stolberg's unit that he should better think very well, before insulting and attacking people, as the Americans hold no sympathy for Nazis verbally attacking Jews as little as he does. The soldier swallows hard and nods, looking fairly intimidated, as he mutters his apology. "Entschuldigen Sie bitte, Herr Hauptmann." "Sie entschuldigen sich bei dem Jungen, Soldat", Dietrich demands that he apologizes to the boy instead, stepping to the intimidated and scared looking Ari, as he places his hand on his shoulder in a reassuring manner. The Jewish orphan nudges against his beloved caregiver's stomach, wrapping his arms around his waist without noticing the blood. "Entschuldigung", the soldier mutters reluctantly. "Ausgezeichnet. Und jetzt wiederholen Sie das auf Englisch!", the young Captain demands sternly that he repeats the apology in English. "Sorry", the German soldier grinds out even more reluctantly, holding his nose which has started to bleed.

"Why is he apologizing?", Ari asks in confusion. "Because he said something really unfriendly to you and Wolf Bauer tried to defend you", Hans explains, pointing at the young Austrian who blinks at him, trying to understand what is said about him. "Oh", Ari mutters quietly with a sad look, then the Jewish boy smiles timidly at Bauer and says: "Thank you." This is among the few phrases the Austrian soldier has learned to understand well by now and he beams at the boy. "Gern g'scheh'n", he mutters, looking pleadingly at his former Hauptmann. "He said that you're welcome", Dietrich translates for him and Ari smiles a bit more. Now that he looks at his former Hauptmann directly, Bauer notices the blood on his uniform. "San Sie verletzt, Herr Hauptmann?", the young Austrian asks with concern whether his Captain is injured. "Das ist nicht mein Blut, Bauer. Danke." Ari also has noticed the sticky substance now and stares at Hans in horror, crying in his jacket, as he mumbles something incomprehensible. "I'm fine, Ari. I wasn't hurt. This isn't my blood", the young German Captain reassures the boy gently, as he kneels before him and puts his arm around him, allowing him to cry into his shoulder. "Really?", Ari finally mutters after having calmed a little. "Yes, Ari. I promise it in God's name", Dietrich assures him which ultimately calms the Jewish orphan who hugs his beloved caregiver around the neck at the declaration, holding him tightly for a minute until he actually feels sure enough to let go of his brother.

"You can continue with your drawing lessons", Dietrich suggests and the Jewish orphan proudly shows him his paper which he has been working on. "It's Ludwig", he tells Hans who stares at the rather unrecognizable face that clearly belongs to a man though. Compared to his last drawing attempts this is definitely an improvement. "You're really getting better", he tells the boy in a reassuring manner. Ari beams at the praise and declares: "I want to get really good like Franz." Kierner blushes slightly and smiles sheepishly. "Thank you. You will become really good, if you practice a lot. I practiced for hours. And you have to be patient and observe closely. But you are very patient, Ari." The Jewish boy smiles at him and cheers. "I will become really good and then I'll draw you, Hans, and Kiri and Bastet and Hitch and Sam and David and..." "You'll become great. But you should continue your lesson now", Dietrich interrupts him gently and Ari immediately picks up his pencil again and looks at Kierner expectantly. With a friendly smile, the young man continues his instructions, who appears more happy and alive than he has ever since losing his leg.

Deirdre O'Donnell intercepts the German Captain, as he wants to make his way to the officer's ward. "My god", the blond nurse exclaims with shock, as she sees the dried blood sticking on his uniform jacket. "How badly have you been injured? Why isn't anybody helping you?" "Because this isn't my blood and I wasn't injured", Dietrich argues coolly, as he tries to calm her. "I shot my attacker, but he knocked me to the ground which is why I came here for a checkup." "Of course", the blond nurse declares immediately, as she leads the tall German Captain to the officer's ward, where Kiri jumps up from her place next to David Troy's bed and exclaims: "Ioannes." Then, she notes the blood on his shirt and jacket, as she puts her finger onto the sticky substance with a disapproving scowl. "You must clean like Bastet", she advises her caregiver who smiles wryly in spite of himself. "I'm sorry for not being so diligent at cleaning myself", Hans comments with a grin, as he spots the kitten doing just that at the foot end of David Troy's cot, stretching her leg above her head while licking her fur diligently. Placing her hand on the young officer's shoulder to draw his attention, Deirdre O'Donnell advises gently: "I will help you out of your jacket and shirt, Captain. Please sit down so I can check the sutures properly." "Thank you, Lieutenant", Dietrich mutters with gratitude, as he unbuttons his jacket and shirt, before accepting the offered assistance.

"Can I help Ioannes too?", Kiri asks, as the lean German officer has lain down on his cot. "Yes, dear. But please do what I say", Deirdre instructs her gently, while Hans squints at them a bit surprised. The Bedouin girl nods eagerly and follows the nurse's instructions to pick up the disinfectant and bring it to the meantime the blond American checks the German officer's ribs to verify that none of his cracked bones have broken and caused internal damage. Dietrich clenches his jaws and balls his fists involuntarily in the blanket, as he tries to not let too much of his pain show. "You're lucky that all your cracked ribs have remained intact, Captain", Deirdre O'Donnell tells the young officer with a compassionate smile, relieved to know that he is not worse off than he has been before. "Put some of the fluid on here, Kiri, dear", she instructs the girl to apply some of the antiseptic lotion on the sewn up wound of her caregiver who observes the scene patiently. When he flinches and shows a clear reaction of pain though by groaning quietly, Kiri almost drops her medical device which Deirdre grabs barely in time. "*I'm sorry, Ioannes. I didn't want to hurt you*", the girl cries, hugging the startled young man around his neck, as she buries her face in his shoulder similar to Ari. "*I know Kiri. You didn't harm me*", Hans mutters quietly, trying to calm the despondent girl by gently yet awkwardly patting her on the back.

Deirdre O'Donnell observes the young officer with open sympathy and affection. Never would she have believed that the stern German Captain would be so gentle and compassionate, when he has first come to their camp. Hans Dietrich has tried to help Sara, because he has given Deirdre his word, saved the Irish stemming nurse from the hostage situation with the British student and above all shown compassion and empathy in countless situations in particular toward the orphaned children few others in his position would care for with such diligence and empathy. In spite of the promise she has given him to respect propriety and his principles of not abusing his position of power by starting a relationship with one of their camp nurses, it is hard not to fall in love with the young man who is polite, well-bred as well as handsome, when he is not as badly bruised and starved as he is now. Deirdre O'Donnell pushes the absolutely inappropriate thoughts to the back of her mind, as she forces herself to focus on the present situation again.

The German Captain has sat up in the meantime and consoles Kiri who has stopped crying, but rests her head against his chest. The whole commotion has drawn Bastet's curiosity, as the little kitten has jumped down from David's bed, but then desperately meows to plead with Dietrich to help her up, rubbing her head against his shin. Seeing a chance for distracting and consoling the girl, Hans picks the kitten up and sets her on top of his lap where Bastet curls up, purring loudly, while Kiri starts petting her gently. "Can we continue, while I remain seated, Lieutenant?", the German officer inquires wearily. "Of course. But you need to lean backwards, so I can wrap a bandage around your midsection, Captain Dietrich. I also need to check your head wound", Deirdre replies, eager to help him. How can she not like the young officer who treats the girl and kitten alike with gentleness and compassion? The young Captain suffers through the rest of his checkup stoically, unless the pain becomes too intense for him not to react, while he mutters quiet reassurances for the girl and the kitten.

Once the blond nurse has finished the treatment, Hans gently nudges Kiri to let go of him and hands her a slightly discontent Bastet who would have preferred to keep lying on his lap. Deirdre patiently helps the young German into his shirt, when David Troy who has observed the whole interaction with unprecedented patience, inquires: "Is Sammy and the rest of them alright, Dietrich?" Eyeing the pilot a bit wearily, Hans replies: "Nobody else was injured, only a German Abwehr agent was killed." "Good riddance. None cares about a dead kraut", the younger Troy brother declares nonchalantly at which the younger German Captain tenses involuntarily. "I didn't mean you, Dietrich", David quickly adds, as he notices the reaction. "You're basically a Yankee by now rather than a kraut." Dietrich sighs wearily, as he remarks dryly: "I doubt that, Captain Troy." "You got an American passport and uniform. You don't look blond and blue-eyed. And you even sound like a Yankee, when you speak English", David argues, regretting his loose tongue for once.

"I'm nonetheless a German by birth. People will not stop viewing me as such", Dietrich argues wearily. "You were not at the trial, when Baker's man who tried to poison Captain Boggs and me accused me of using pets and children to emotionally manipulate the whole camp." As the German Captain points at the kitten and the girl, Deirdre O'Donnell who has been listening gasps in shock, before protesting indignantly: "How can anybody accuse you of that, when they have never actually seen how much effort this care costs you and how much you're loved for it in return?" The young officer winces and blushes slightly at the last formulation, especially since it comes from this particular nurse. "I ... I mean your children, Ari and Kiri, and the pets, Fritz and Bastet", the Irish stemming Lieutenant tries to salvage the statement. "Meow", Bastet agrees, while Kiri decides that she should show what she understands from this last sentence by doing what Ari would do, hugging her caregiver and muttering: "I love you." This draws the skinny German Captain out of his reverie, as he gently murmurs a reply for Kiri. That he would ever come to this point with the orphaned Bedouin girl would have been far outside of his scope of imagination, but is less embarrassing than the nurses hovering over him.

"Okay, Dietrich", David comments, trying to grin with his burned and scarred skin which is only a partial success. "You got me convinced that you're a really nice guy." "Which will not necessarily convince everyone, especially those who distrust any German on principle", Dietrich argues, patting Kiri gently on the shoulder. "You can always count on Sammy and his folks to stand by you, Dietrich", the pilot argues. "They like you and are loyal to the bone." "We, the field medical personnel, also like you and support you, Captain", Deirdre O'Donnell adds immediately, looking actually proud. Hans studies both their faces briefly, but is convinced of their honesty after all that he knows about his Rats and the medical unit. "I thank you for your support, ladies and gentlemen", the young officer replies smoothly. "I should report to General Atkins and Captain Boggs now however, before I run into trouble with my superiors again." Dietrich sets Bastet on the field bed, before standing up, as Kiri immediately tries to pick up the kitten who wants to escape instead. With a brief salute, the German Captain takes his farewell and swiftly leaves the field hospital tent.

When Hans Dietrich walks the first few steps he starts to have the uncanny feeling of being observed and stalked. As the young officer whirls around with his hand on his gun holster, he realizes after a second who his mysterious stalker is however and starts to grin. For once it is not Sergeant Troy. Bastet has sneaked after him out of the tent and now stares at him with big blue eyes, looking quite sheepish to have been caught. "Meow", the kitten states innocently, then stalks up to the tall German Captain and rubs her back and head against his boot. Hans smiles wryly, bends down to pet the little cat a few times and finally picks her up, transferring her into his cap again. "Na komm schon mit, du kleiner Racker", he scolds the kitten gently, rubbing her chin at which Bastet purrs loudly.

"There you are", Troy bellows only seconds later, as he comes running over to the young German, followed by Moffit. "I was starting to worry." "Your dear brother stopped me for a while", the German officer replies smoothly. "I told you Davey's a good for nothing lout", Sam growls. "Please, Sergeant. I thought spending some time together would help you to overcome your differences", Hans replies with a weary sigh. "It rather reminded me of more of them", the older Troy brother growls. "That's unfortunate", the young Captain mutters quietly, not even intending to be sarcastic. "I will provide a detailed report to General Atkins and Captain Boggs of all that we learned in the village and suggest to increase camp security, as I don't trust Major Ingelheimer to not try something against us, if he has any options left in the area. You two might be called to report in addition, but I'd rather spare you to receive the reprimand for my idea of how to change vehicles."

"That could have been my idea", Troy tells him with actual awe. "That's exactly why I don't want you to come into the General's focus", Hans argues. "Captain Boggs can vouch for us. He was there, when you argued with him about this stunt after all", Jack Moffit intercedes. "We'd rather come with you, Captain, as a ... moral support." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in slight surprise, but finally nods, handing the kitten to Moffit. "Well, Sergeant, if you insist you will be in charge of our youngest unit member for now. Don't lose her!", the German Captain comments dryly. "I surely won't", Jack promises, as he takes the Captain's cap with the curiously looking kitten. "Meow", Bastet greets him, before continuing to purr, as the British Sergeant scratches her head. "Welcome to our world of the ordinary folks, liking cats and dogs", Troy comments with a grin. "I thought I'd never see the day, when you finally get along with my strays willingly", Dietrich rubs in, smiling a similarly mischievous smile, before turning to continue on his way to the office tent.

The young Captain greets the guard there with a sharp salute of his left arm. "Captain Boggs awaits our report." "Yes, Sir", the young soldier replies and lets the Captain and his Sergeants enter unhindered. Boggs looks briefly shocked at the sight of the dried blood on the German's uniform. "It's not my blood", the German Captain repeats, deeply regretting not having taken the time to let the Rats bring him a fresh uniform jacket to change into. "I had to shoot a German intelligence agent who collided with me afterwards." Still scowling at his younger colleague with actual concern, Boggs orders the Brit: "Sergeant Moffit, please summon General Atkins for the report." After saluting briefly, Jack puts the cap with Bastet on Boggs' office desk to follow through with his orders to fetch General Atkins. "Do you have a map of the area, Captain Boggs?", Dietrich inquires, intent to show his American colleagues the situation as clearly as possible, while the older Captain digs the right map out of his transport boxes. Then he unfolds the map on a chair, as the desk is too cluttered for having a smooth surface, while Dietrich and Troy approach him to provide their input.

Being rid of all the humans containing her, the kitten uses the chance for climbing out and starting an excursion into the landscape formed by folders, papers and writing utensils unhindered. "Stop!", Boggs exclaims, when he looks up from where he studies the local map with Dietrich, as he notices the cat playing with his favorite pen. "Bastet, nein!", Hans speaks with a calm, but clear tone that makes the kitten actually stop her nonsense, while Bastet looks up and stares at him with wide blue eyes. "When she does something she's not supposed to do, just repeat these two words in a strict tone!", he advises his American colleague, while he walks over and picks the little cat up gently, holding her in his arm. "Did you try this with Sergeant Troy as well?", Boggs asks with slight amusement, petting the kitten over the head, now that his desk is safe, while the American in question looks actually surprised at the humorous tone the older American Captain he has considered devoid of humor until now shares with his German friend. "I haven't, actually. But you're right that animal training methods might work well, since motivating him with sweet treats for drinking tea has actually done the trick", the lean younger officer replies dryly, winking at Sam Troy who glowers at him and grumbles: "Jerry smartass." "For David Troy we might need a bull whip or circus equipment for taming lions however. The kitten is very simple to train compared to him", Hans continues with his dry argument. "Winters would have agreed with that assessment", Boggs declares with a sigh. "So do I", Sam Troy growls, bearing a grim expression.

"Dietrich, you have asked to report to me", General Atkins announces, as he enters the tent followed by Moffit, surprising both Captains who whirl around simultaneously. "Meow", Bastet greets him curiously and the senior American officer steps up to Dietrich to pet her over the head with unexpected gentleness. "You'll become a good hunter", he mutters and scratches the kitten behind the ears. "Once she has moved on from bootlaces to bigger and more serious prey", Hans adds dryly. Boggs sighs wearily. "Ideally without using my pen as an intermediate state", he declares sternly and saves his favourite writing utensil. "Her most successful hunting experience remains Lieutenant Silberblatt's pillow." Atkins chuckles, while Boggs looks dumbstruck. "That must truly have hit him hard", the General comments with amusement. "Now let us hear your report, Captain." With his typical German diligence, Hans Dietrich does just that, providing all necessary details about the village, the doomsday preacher and the German agent, as well as his radio call with German HQ, carefully avoiding to even mention their manner of leaving the convoy. Atkins looks stern and worried, while Boggs is openly concerned about the presence of professional intelligence agents so close to their headquarters.

"Do you think that more agents of Abwehr could be operating in the area?", Boggs inquires with clear concern. "The German agent we killed suggested sabotage missions against the weakened Allied troops, left behind by the main army which is driving the Afrikakorps westwards", the young Captain tells the General and his fellow Captain with a worried frown. "Thus I would assume that he has hidden some equipment and explosives somewhere in the village or its surroundings. Given his passphrase which I answered correctly incidentally, I would also assume that other German agents remain behind enemy lines for exactly such sabotage missions and spywork, as otherwise such means for recognizing each other would not be necessary. However they apparently do not collaborate regularly, as otherwise he would have recognised me immediately to not belong to their spy network." "You will report all this at headquarters tomorrow, Captain Dietrich", General Atkins insists. "But for today you take your rest, although you've proven quite efficiently that you're a lot more fit and agile than one would assume from a soldier whose own uniform isn't fitting because of losing so much weight." The proud German bristles slightly, but Boggs intercedes immediately: "Indeed. You've even initiated this performance, worthy of your Rats. I didn't appreciate how well you fit with your unit until today, Captain Dietrich." The lean younger officer narrows his eyes and glares at the older ones, growling: "What is that supposed to mean?" "I told you that you fit perfectly with us, Captain", Troy comments with a grin, patting the German Captain on the shoulder.

Boggs scowls at the younger officer, as he admonishes him: "I won't let you continue risking your life and health unnecessarily too soon. Sergeant Troy and Moffit, you have the order to watch Captain Dietrich's back and keep him from harm." Sam Troy grins widely, as he gives an unusually sharp salute, while Moffit keeps a neutral expression. Their German commanding officer however looks truly indignant. "I'm not in need of a chaperone or constantly being guarded. I would have thought that we agreed on this weeks ago, Captain Boggs." "We agreed that no guard is necessary for you for the safety of my camp, Captain Dietrich", Boggs counters sternly. "But you have to admit yourself that you have required your men as bodyguards and in addition as support when you have been too gravely wounded more than once." Dietrich nods reluctantly. "I merely wish to ensure the same as you want for the men of your unit, that they receive protection and support, especially when they are impaired by injuries or other circumstances. You are one of my men and it is my responsibility to assure your safety and well-being, independent of what you believe is necessary." The German Captain bears an almost incredulous expression at the wording, while Troy steps up to him and growls into his ear none too quietly: "I told you people care whether you live or die, Captain, not just your kids and us." "Troy", Dietrich snaps back, glaring at the American Sergeant over his shoulder. "Sergeant Troy's assessment is not wrong", Boggs comments with a frown.

General Atkins has observed the whole episode with a cryptic expression. "Captain Boggs is quite correct. You're a competent officer and valuable asset given your knowledge about the German military, Captain. I therefore ask you to also accompany Captain Boggs and me to take your dinner at the officer's table to show some respect and spirit of community to your fellow officers, not just the men of your unit." "How are we supposed to keep him safe there?", Sam Troy interrupts him indignantly for which all three officers glare at him with clear annoyance. "Mind your position, Sergeant. Captain Dietrich hardly requires protection from our Allied officers", Atkins barks angrily. Seeing Troy's defiant expression and knowing his attitude toward the General, Hans Dietrich steps in between the two and argues himself: "Sergeant Troy's worries are not fully unwarranted, given that one of these officers has shot at me mere days ago." Seeing Atkins scowl angrily and Boggs wince at the reminder the youngest of the officers continues his line of argumentation. "I have no doubt though that you and the remaining officers of our convoy have no intention to harm me and I should be as safe as possible, having dinner with you. My men will pick me up afterwards and the Sergeants can constantly keep an eye on me from their table. I must warn you though that the children and Bastet will join me as well." "That will not be a problem, Captain", Atkins comments, almost smiling at the kitten, which is quietly sleeping in the nook of the German Captain's left arm. "As you wish", Troy growls defiantly, not even trying to hide his discontentment with the decision. Moffit places his hand on his shoulder in an attempt to get him back to his senses, while Dietrich distracts Atkins by starting some superficial small talk about Tobruk, all the while observing his Sergeants out of the corner of his eyes.

The two Sergeants follow the three officers with a few steps' distance behind them, because Sam Troy insists to never let their friend out of their eyes. When Jakob Silberblatt along with Ari and Kiri joins them as well, Dietrich stops walking with Atkins and Boggs to greet the enthusiastic children who both call his name. "You will all join us, Captain, Lieutenant!", Atkins provides a stern reminder, before he continues to walk into the mess tent. "I drew many pictures, Hans", Ari declares proudly. "Show them to us on the table rather than out here", Hans suggests gently. "Then they don't get dirty or destroyed." Ari nods and grabs his brother's left arm, declaring eagerly: "Let's shake it!" Sam Troy smiles at the boy, as well as Kiri who wants to get her hands back on Bastet which wakes the kitten from its slumber, as Jack persuades her to merely pet the little cat instead, since he has been given charge of the kitten again. "Meow", the little cat protests groggily, but starts purring, when her second favourite human caregiver gently rubs her under the chin. "Are you better from my help, Ioannes?", Kiri wants to know from her caregiver who smiles gently. "Yes, thank you, Kiri. I feel much better already", the German Captain reassures her which makes the girl squeak happily: "I want to be a nurse too and make others healthy again like auntie Lisa and auntie Dida." Dietrich grins with amusement at the struggle with the foreign name which Moffit shares with him.

The group then enters the mess tent and picks up the food at the dispensary station. This is the time point, when Jack Moffit hands the kitten back to Dietrich to help carry the trays with their dinner, while Troy insists on remaining vigilant with his hand on his gun. Dietrich steers the children to an area Boggs seems to have reserved for them, allowing the German Captain to sit next to him with the Jewish Lieutenant down the rows of chairs and the children between them. But since Kiri and Ari both want to sit next to their beloved brother they settle for placing Kiri between Hans and Jakob, while Ari takes his place between the two Captains. "Look what I have drawn", Ari declares enthusiastically, as he takes out his papers, as soon as he sits down at the table next to his beloved brother.

The German officer can make out two blotches with several added lines on the first sheet. Additional lines create the arms, legs and something like hats on the oval heads which now have recognizable eyes and mouths. One figure is longer and thinner, the other tinier and broader. "It's you and Captain Boggs", the Jewish orphan tells him proudly, smiling at each of them in turn, while the American Captain stares at the picture from Ari's right side. "You have to be very brave now, Captain Boggs", Hans whispers to his colleague, unable to hide his amused grin and mischievous expression. The older American Captain however looks rather touched by the gesture of drawing him, when Ari asks with big innocent eyes: "Do you like it?" Only after a moment he remembers to add a "Sir". "I can definitely recognize your brother and myself here", the American Captain assesses with a smile that looks more nostalgic than forced. Ari beams at him, honestly happy about the praise to which his caregiver adds: "Franz Kierner has really taught you very well. You improved a lot in a few days. You should definitely continue drawing, Ari, as you have talent." Ari nudges against the tall young man affectionately, mumbling his thanks into his shirt.

"You can have it as a gift", the Jewish orphan then offers to Boggs who looks honestly surprised, before appearing really touched by the gesture. "This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever given to me, Ari, apart from my own children's drawings", James Boggs tells the boy with a gentle smile. "Thank you." The Jewish orphan again smiles happily at him, before replying with an almost British intonation: "You are very welcome." Both Captains smile, hearing Jack Moffit's influence from his language lessons quite clearly in spite of the child's local accent. "We should all enjoy our dinner now", Jakob Silberblatt reminds them with a friendly smile, before Ari continues showing his art collection until their food is cold. Hans nods gratefully and feeds Bastet on his lap the first small piece of meat which the kitten chews hungrily. Once she is stuffed and content, starting to clean her fur, Hans can finally have his own dinner. The feeling of being observed stems from Boggs who barely hides that he observes his younger colleague's eating habits closely with a stern scowl.

As soon as they have finished eating, Ari continues showing his drawing to Boggs and Dietrich who both comment on his childish attempts with patient benevolence. James Boggs particularly feels actually reminded of his own son, when observing the interaction between the German officer and the Jewish orphan who treats the young man like his father and older brother in one, while the younger Captain behaves more like a gentle parent rather than a soldier looking after a child he has picked up in a warzone. Lieutenant Carlos joins them curiously and adds a few stories of his own children as well, adding to the entertainment. When Bastet starts her exploration round of the officer's table, ending up being petted by the American General and Kiri who has joined him, when "her kitten" has settled with him, Jakob Silberblatt assesses that he has never before seen his friend so relaxed among the American officers. Taking him along has been a reasonable idea of the General in spite of Atkins' devious motivation to force him into a potentially challenging and stressful situation to watch his behaviour, before he will present him to the officers assmbled in their headquarters tomorrow.

When the first men start to leave the table, Troy and Moffit walk up to their Captain. While the British Sergeant bears a neutral expression, hiding his surprise at how well the young German gets along with the other officers after many conflicts they have observed previously, Troy scowls and glares at the men as if suspecting any of them of attacking his friend out of the blue. "We should go to bed", Hans tells the children gently, only just suppressing a yawn of his own, as he feels the exhaustion and bone deep weariness after the past few weeks of constant strain. "I'm not tired", Kiri protests and yawns widely, proving her own assessment wrong immediately. "You should rest nonetheless, young lady", Atkins tells her with unprecedented gentleness, having found a connection over their love for cats. Kiri beams at him, as she repeats happily: "I'm a lady... like auntie Lisa." Dietrich smirks, as he tells her: "Yes, you are. But auntie Lisa would also want you to go to bed now, Kiri. A lady must have her beauty sleep." The mentioning of beauty convinces the Bedouin girl, as Kiri nods and grabs the napping Bastet. "Come, Bastet! We go to bed", she tells the kitten who protests against the handling with an indignant "meow". With the kitten in her arm, Kiri approaches Sam Troy and informs him with the magnanimous expression of a princess looking down on her subjects: "I'm a lady." While the American laughs heartily, Jack Moffit bows with a smile. "Of course you are, Lady Kiri."

Grinning happily from ear to ear, Kiri walks with them back to their tent, still carrying Bastet. Fritz trots behind Mark Hitchcock after having successfully befuddled the kitchen crew to feed him the half-burnt and cold left-overs of the dinner meat. Ari follows his brother's example of wishing everyone a good night, before grabbing the tall officer's shirt to assure staying with him. Riku Gottschlich, the O'Donnell brothers and Thomas Anaru smile at the children whose relationship to their caregiver is as heartwarming as amazing to them, none of them regretting their change of unit to the Rats. When they reach their tent Troy and Dietrich immediately agree on the necessity of a nightwatch after the afternoon's events which they arrange between the O'Donnell brothers, Pettigrew and Gottschlich. Hans tucks in the children who both are tired after the exhausting days of travelling behind them, not just this one. Bastet in the meantime takes over the German Captain's bed, curling up right in the center and protesting with indignant meowing against being moved to the side, when he finally wants to lie down as well. The kitten snuggles against his injured side however, as soon as he has taken his place, purring loudly until she finally falls asleep after a few minutes, as does her human caregiver.