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!)

60. Ende gut, alles gut

The sound of an explosion in camp has Hans Dietrich more quickly on his feet than anything else would have managed to wake him. "Verdammte Ratten", the German Captain mutters groggily on instinct, before realising the absurdity of his automatic accusation only a moment later. Since he sleeps in the same tent with the Rats as their commanding officer, he can observe first hand that they are absolutely innocent, getting up from their cots in a similar manner to him. Unless this is another of Troy's pranks gone wrong, they have been sabotaged and are not the saboteurs. If Sam Troy should be the guilty party however, Hans will undoubtedly just leave him at Atkins' nonexistent mercy. Instinct and dozens of similar experiences drive the young officer onward without hesitating any longer or putting on his boots and remaining clothes, but to run toward the site of the attack immediately, only grabbing his belt as he passes by. "Watch the children! The fit follow me!", he orders swiftly,before darting out of the tent, as soon as he has realised that they are not under direct fire. Sam Troy sees him leave, drops his own boots and runs after the German Captain, grumbling curses about the stubborn Jerry and his recklessness, while the rest of their men quickly get into their boots and grab their weapons.

Dietrich approaches the actual site of the explosion more cautiously, drawing his service weapon, as he slings the belt sideways over his neck and left shoulder. In this manner it hangs loosely, does not occupy his uninjured hand and arm, but does not hurt his ailing right shoulder either. As the twilight of dawn provides him with enough light to see more or less well, he does not bother to try and take an electric torch from the belt pouch, instead focusing on his hearing to find the right direction toward the site of the attack. The German officer however stops short, when he sees a huddled figure on the ground. An American soldier lies in the sand, flat on his stomach, and Dietrich quickly checks his pulse, crouching next to the man who bleeds from an injury to the side of his head, just underneath the rim of his helmet. Breathing a sigh of relief that the man is alive with a strong and stable pulse, Hans is about to stand up again, when he hears footsteps approaching and raises his gun on well-trained instinct, as he whirls around in his half-crouched position. "Whoa. Don't shoot me, Captain!", Sam Troy shouts and his commanding officer immediately drops his arm again, sighing with relief. "Troy", Hans mutters with honest appreciation of the Sergeant's presence, before pointing at the huddled figure on the ground. "The man here's still alive. We need to reach the explosion site and check for more survivors and the saboteurs." The Yankee nods at the young Captain's precise orders. Keeping a level head and providing clear orders for his men in such situations has always been Dietrich's strength, who swiftly stands up and moves forward without dropping his caution, while Sam stays merely a step behind him. Both are aware of the flickering light, indicating a fire burning closeby.

"Where are the others?", the young officer inquires, as they move around the tent blocking their view. "Coming", Troy replies curtly, before both stop short in their tracks and stare at the smouldering remains of one of their supply trucks which they have not unloaded for a single night's stay. Sam curses softly under his breath, while the German Captain kneels at another fallen soldier's side, as soon as he spots the figure on the ground. "Dead", Dietrich assesses quickly, standing up in another swift motion, as his eyes constantly dart around, checking their surroundings. "Stop right there!", Troy bellows lividly at a figure moving in the half-light between two trucks. "Please don't shoot!", a British soldier calls back, raising his arms. "Identify yourself, soldier!", the tall Captain orders no less wary than his Sergeant. "Private Ryan James, Sir", the man answers with a slightly quivering voice. "You can lower your hands, Private, and help us check the vicinity and move the trucks", Dietrich orders, nodding to Troy who understands the nonverbal command to stop pointing his weapon at the Brit and continues scanning the surroundings with his gaze. "The two guards are both dead, killed in the explosion", Hans declares gravely with a dark scowl after having checked a second injured man on the ground. The British soldier cannot hide a soft whimper, as he looks at the body of the American soldier with his half-torn off head.

"Captain", Moffit calls from behind, as he arrives with the rest of their unit's men still fit for duty, asSilberblatt, Hitchcock and Anaru are apparently occupied with handling the children and animals. "These two men were killed in the explosion, but the other unconscious man we found had been knocked over the head. This wasn't an accident, but a clear attack on our convoy. Check the whole camp for intruders, anyone trying to sneak around or hiding in one of the trucks!", Hans Dietrich orders sternly, turning not only to the Rats but also a handful of other soldiers who have been the fastest to respond. "Aye, Captain", one of the British soldiers, a comrade of the one who has run into Troy and the German Captain, replies on behalf of his companions. "Troy, you coordinate the search! Moffit, you help me coordinate the firefighting and getting some order in this chaos!", Hans continues with his orders. Both nod in agreement, as Jack waves his hand and Tully hands a pair of boots to Sam. The British Sergeant meanwhile approaches their young commander with his Australian army boots, commenting: "We thought you'd like to wear those as well instead of running around barefooted." Sam Troy nods grimly, as does his German friend. The American quickly puts on the boots with less struggle than their Captain who leans against the Brit for support to gain speed and free his good arm. As soon as he is finished, Sam Troy readies his gun and barks: "Let's shake it!"

The next soldiers arriving Dietrich recruits for fighting the flames and driving away closeby trucks to keep the fire from spreading. Jack observes the skinny German officer's focused and precise coordination in the next three minutes until a rather shocked looking Captain Boggs arrives. "What happened?", the older American officer inquires. "One of our trucks loaded with ammunition and weapons exploded. My men secure the area under Sergeant Troy's command. I took care of coordinating the fire fight and keeping it from spreading", Dietrich replies with his typical clipped tone reserved for such dire situations. "How is the fire fight progressing?", Boggs inquires, observing the chaotic scene with worry. "The fire in the truck is under control. Several burning parts and hot metal pieces have been spread by the explosion however", the young German Captain replies. "They still might cause the spread of the flames, if they wouldn't have been contained quickly. Believe me. I have massive experience with handling such situations." The last part is spoken with dry sarcasm, although the tall officer's glare is not directed at Boggs or Moffit, but rather at the smouldering remains of the truck.

"We'd better check for any hints regarding our attacker. Moffit, you help me search the debris and remains of the truck for any clues!", Hans orders without even noticing Boggs' and Moffit's guilty expressions. "Keep your eyes open for wires or other metal components that might give us an indication of the explosive or the usage of a time fuse, Moffit!", Dietrich tells the former Cambridge scholar, as he swiftly uses the back tire to haul himself up and gain an overview of the truckbed, supporting himself with his left arm only. A minute of carefully scanning the whole truck bed with his eyes assures Hans that there is nothing to miss, as the explosion has thoroughly destroyed the vehicle and along with it all evidence.

"Dietrich, come here quickly!", James Boggs calls with clear urgency in his tone. The German Captain jumps down from the tire, then pats his hands on his trousers to clean them of ash and dust, as he approaches the American Captain swiftly. The small metal box in Boggs' hands looks dented and scratched, but the American Captain eyes it warily as if it may contain another bomb. Only at a closer look can his younger colleague make out the letters formed by several scratch marks. "Hans Dietrich", the German Captain mutters, clearly astonished to read his own name. "I would safely assume that this is for you", James Boggs declares grimly. "At least you don't assume that I would have lost it here", Hans comments dryly, as he takes the small encasing from the older man's hands. "Shouldn't you watch out in case it is a trap?", Boggs asks nervously, ignoring the younger Captain's absurd statement. "It looks like we have finally infected you with our wariness of traps and spies, Boggs", Dietrich counters dryly. "This has already been in an explosion. No mechanical or explosive device would have survived such an event without triggering or becoming dysfunctional. So it should be safe to open this." Shaking the box slightly next to his ear, he notices a rustling sound. "Paper I assume. A message from our attacker possibly." "Too bad that Troy never thought of leaving you a letter", Jack Moffit comments with a smile. "He did once, but not after an explosion. He probably feared that my temper would be too hot for a love letter after such an event", Dietrich counters with dry sarcasm, as he stares at the box intently, trying to figure out the best way of opening it, since it has been dented badly. "Love letters are Hitch's specialty. Troy isn't that much of the written eloquent type", Jack assesses with dry British humour. "Thank God Hitchcock didn't do that", comes Dietrich's dry reply. James Boggs looks as incredulous over their conversation as he feels over the whole situation. The German Captain and his Rats would have caused him even more headaches, if he would have suspected any if this previous to the young officer's defection. But those have been the good times of blissful ignorance and his small, mobile, well-hidden scout camp which has never suffered such attacks and other misfortunes. Those times are long gone now.

Hans has meanwhile managed to pry the lid of the box open in spite of his injured arm hindering him. Inside lies a folded piece of paper, as he has guessed. To unfold it, he hands the box to Moffit and starts reading with the Sergeant spying over his shoulder. "Hochverehrter Hauptmann Dietrich, oder sprechen Ihre Amifreunde Sie mit Captain an?", Hans reads and clenches his jaws with indignation over the mocking, condescending tone of the letter addressed to him directly. "Sie sollen wissen, dass mein langer Arm weit reicht und Sie sich nirgendwo verstecken können. Ich kann den Tag kaum erwarten, an dem wir uns endlich persönlich begegnen. Es wird mir eine Freude sein, einem solch ehrlosen Schurken die Leviten zu lesen. Machen Sie sich darauf gefasst, den Zorn des deutschen Volkes, das Sie verraten haben, am eigenen Leib zu spüren. Heil Hitler. I. V. für Major Jens Ingelheimer" Jack Moffit has noticed how Dietrich's hand has clenched into a fist, as the German Captain glowers lividly at the message.

"What does it say?", James Boggs inquires after having given up reading, when he has realized that the only words he can understand are his colleague's name and the Nazi greeting. "Major Ingelheimer mocks me for my defection and threatens to reach me with his long arm whereever I hide, mentioning rather clearly that he intends to personally take care of me then in a rather unpleasant manner." With his expression turning even more grim, Dietrich growls in addition: "Major Ingelheimer is not a man who keeps someone waiting it would appear." James Boggs looks really uncomfortable now, as he counters: "This is a statement we cannot ignore, that this Abwehr Major can reach us so easily and quite openly threatens you with torture." "He is battling us psychologically, trying to unnerve us by living up to his threat from yesterday", Dietrich argues. "If he could easily abduct strategically relevant enemy officers from headquarters in Tobruk he would have done so already." "Troy will camp on your doorstep, when he hears this", Jack Moffit comments with a worried frown. "And I have to agree with him that I worry about your safety as well, Captain."

"I knew fully well what the price for my change of sides would be, gentlemen. However I get more and more of the impression that I am the only one, as all of you react as if this is unexpected. What other reaction would you have expected from the German Wehrmacht than this?", Dietrich argues grimly, shaking his hand with the letter in a demonstrative manner. "You're of course right, Captain Dietrich", James Boggs agrees. "Your good relationship with your former unit members and the captured Italians has kept us under the illusion that you are well-respected by both sides." The young European officer shakes his head, as he replies with a grave tone: "My men, former men, are the ones who know perfectly well that I have never betrayed them or our homeland. For any other German I am a backstabbing traitor and cowardly defector who escaped his just verdict by selling himself to the enemy, as Hauptmann Zornbrecht has demonstrated clearly." Both notice his pained expression and tormented gaze. "I have apparently not appreciated your decision in all its gravity and consequences until now", Boggs mutters thoughtfully. "And I honestly wish to apologise again for my totally inappropriate comment that this was your only alternative to being killed in a POW camp", Moffit tells him, placing his hand on the younger officer's left upper arm.

Dietrich nods wearily in acceptance and declares: "I appreciate both of your sentiments. Given this finding I suggest that we stop the search. The saboteur is long gone, having succeeded in his mission of providing us with the Major's message. We'd better spend the ressources on checking all vehicles for hidden explosives and sabotage rather than hunting a phantom." The American Captain hesitates, but nods in agreement. "Do so. I leave this in your competent hands and provide a report to General Atkins in the meantime." "That is a most welcome distribution of our obligations", Hans replies dryly. "Moffit. Find Troy and the others to inform them!" Jack Moffit meets his eyes with a level gaze, as he replies gravely: "With all due respect, Captain. After what we have just read I would rather not leave your side and you without a reliable bodyguard, especially when a German agent could still remain in camp." Dietrich looks baffled for a few moments that the British Sergeant would argue against his orders, but finally nods after giving Moffit's argument some thought. "You're at least not as touchy as Troy. Fine, Moffit. You stay with me and I send someone else. The Rats are infamous after all." "Which is also due to you, Captain", the British Sergeant replies with a wry smile. "Everyone knows us since you taking command and the wave of applications following afterwards. Nowadays your trick of posing as us would not work so easily anymore." Dietrich grimaces, but nods, as he comments dryly: "The price of fame. I'm only glad that I have no actual Hollywood relation." "You gave far too many autographs in my office to truly escape that rumor anymore", Boggs adds with a wry smile. "Private Umbridge is very happy and so will his mother be", the German Captain states dryly. "That's why you're a true rogue fitting in perfectly with Troy and Tully, my dear Robin", Moffit declares with dry humour.

"Corporal Gottschlich", the German Captain shouts, when he spots the young soldier. Gotty whirls around and quickly comes running toward them, halting a few steps before Dietrich to salute. "Call back the search team and inform Sergeant Troy. We know the intention of the saboteur and consider searching the vehicles for further traps more important", his tall commanding officer informs him. "Yes, Captain", Gottschlich immediately confirms and darts off without further discussion. "I'll inform the General now", Boggs tells his skinny young colleague who has started shivering slightly, in spite of wearing his jacket over his shirt. "Organize the search party and then take care of yourself and your kids, Dietrich! You're shaking like a leaf." The proud young officer bristles immediately. "I'm not shaking that badly. It's not my fault that you Yankees designed your desert uniforms to better protect from the heat, but forgot about the cold nights", the German Captain protests indignantly. "It's not a matter of fault, Dietrich. Get into an undershirt or two to keep yourself warm! You're also skinny enough to freeze badly, when others wouldn't be affected", Boggs counters vehemently, before adding with a more moderate tone, as he sees the proud young Captain's offended expression: "I care to keep you as an officer which includes assuring your well-being as best I can." Hans looks briefly baffled by the last statement which keeps him from snapping back at the older Captain in an automatic defensive reaction. "It appears like you don't need Troy to mollycoddle you, my dear friend", Jack whispers into the German's ear, seeing him wince slightly. "I will take care of the children and my personal needs after assuring that the search is conducted properly, Captain Boggs", Dietrich replies coolly. "Good. I'll see you later at breakfast", Boggs replies and his younger colleae nods quietly.

"Why are you calling us back?", Sam Troy protests lividly, as he approaches them and Boggs decides that this is the perfect moment for his retreat, while Dietrich pinches his nose. "Because I don't wish to waste the camp's ressources chasing a ghost, when I need them for checking all vehicles for further explosives", Dietrich counters. "The man has left a personal message from Major Ingelheimer, the Abwehr officer from yesterday, repeating his threat and trying to intimidate me." Troy looks a bit shocked and Dietrich is sure that the anger he reads in his eyes is not directed at the Sergeant's commander, but the German Major. "Believe me, Sergeant, I am the master of assessing the futility of chasing commandos and saboteurs beyond a certain point, in particular when I don't even know their faces and attire", Dietrich continues his line of argumentation. "To hell with those bastards!", Troy curses and the German Captain cannot help himself but to smile at the irony. "Well, Troy. All those hit and run sabotage missions look a lot less dashing and daring, when you're on the receiving end, don't they?", Dietrich asks dryly. Sam Troy scowls at the younger officer, but grumbles with clear annoyance: "You're right, Captain."

"I owe you an apology, gentlemen", Dietrich addresses his assembled unit with a stern expression, taking them all by surprise with his unexpected declaration. "My first instinct was to assume you, the Rats and commandos of the LRDP, as the culprits when something explodes in one of my camps. I have apparently not overcome my own past yet." Jack Moffit exchanges a glance with Sam Troy, before the American Sergeant steps up to the lean German officer and pats him on his good shoulder. "No worries, Captain. It happens to the best of us, as I told you", Sam attempts to console him with a grim smile. "And you've really come a long way to end up where you're now. I doubt that anyone could've done it any better than you have, even if you're slipping up from time to time." "So do I", Moffit agrees, as Tully shifts his matchstick awkwardly and nods. "Aye. And you're the politest officer we've ever had, apologizing to us", Daniel O'Donnell declares, as his brother Kevin adds with a grin: "Browny's apologies have been more of the liquid sort. But being nice and friendly is fine as well." "Thank you for your magnanimity", Dietrich replies dryly after a second of stunned silence. Hans has almost forgotten about Brown's dubious homebrew collection, but this has served as an excellent reminder.

"And it looks like we have a new nemesis among the German officer's corps", Jack Moffit reminds them. "Major Ingelheimer is after you personally and in extension after us all." Dietrich nods grimly, as he confirms: "Yes indeed, gentlemen. The man has the reputation of being icy cold and merciless, as well as devious and calculating. He enjoys sowing fear among his enemies, not just fighting them honorably straight on." All of the Rats nod grimly, but Troy comments with a lopsided smile: "Looks like we still made a good trade here. We got you as one of us, Captain, but now we have that really nasty Jerry brass chasing us instead. Those are the ones I like though, cause I got no qualms about just shooting them or blowing them up." The German Captain looks a bit uncomfortable at the last part, but Troy merely pats him on the shoulder jovially. "And we're all more than happy to have you as our friend and CO here, Captain Fox Kit." "We sure are. You're the most crazy fellow we ever served under, but also the most likeable one", Kevin O'Donnell pipes in, before giving Dietrich the chance to reply. "Brown will be delighted to hear that", Hans comments dryly. "Browny's a nice enough fellow, but ... you know... old, like the fatherly type. You're as young as us and I really love your cuddly fox family", Kevin argues with a grin. The German Captain winces at the reminder of the children and his responsibilities. "Moffit, Troy. Organize the search of all our vehicles, especially the trucks. You gentlemen will all participate along with any soldiers we have alreadyrecruited for this."

"There's a Jerry Major out for your blood and you think you can walk around without a bodyguard? Like hell I'm gonna let you get harmed on my watch!", Troy growls defiantly. Dietrich sighs, weighs his options briefly and finally nods, too weary to put up a fight. "If you insist, Troy, stay as my bodyguard. I would have employed our other three unit members for this though." "Your friend Jakob's a damned pacifist who won't fire a gun even if his life depends on it. And Hitch and Tommy are in pretty bad shape themselves", Sam counters with annoyance. "You mean compared to me", the young German Captain snarls. "Compared to all of us", Troy snaps back. "And you should also not be on duty any longer given your state of health, Captain, as even Captain Boggs has pointed out", Jack Moffit intercedes calmly. "Yet we're still happy to have you with us, merely concerned about you." The former Cambridge scholar's calm words calm the young officer enough to quit arguing and merely order: "Just do your duty now, gentlemen!" Moffit makes an effort to salute in the manner he has been taught among the Scots Greys and the O'Donnell brothers try to follow his example. A bit baffled by the show Tully draws himself up from his usual slouched stance and provides what he considers an excellent salute. Dietrich winces inwardly, but notices the effort, saluting back sharply with his left.

Then he turns back toward their tent, while Troy marches alongside him, casting a worried glance at his friend before glaring at a soldier who has dared to cross their path. Although the American Sergeant casts an intimidating aura, several men greet them or rather the Captain with enthusiasm, adding bits and pieces like "You got it under control", "Lucky you were there" or "We'll catch those damned Jerries". Apparently the ones uttering the last part have not given much thought to who they are talking to or really consider him one of their own officers now Dietrich reflects, while Troy merely barks at them: "Leave the Captain in peace! Move along!"

When they arrive at their tent Hitchcock consoles a whining Fritz and Kiri sits in front of Dietrich's bed with Thomas Anaru who looks a bit overwhelmed by the challenge of calming the Bedouin girl. Jakob Silberblatt and Ari are notably missing from the scene. As soon as she spots her caregiver, Kiri comes running to him. "Bastet is scared", she explains her main worry. "She's just a little kitten, but she will come out again", Hans tries to console her, when he quickly grasps the situation. "Sam, why are you always so loud?", Kiri complains and Dietrich laughs heartily in spite of the dire situation. "I also suspected him, but it wasn't his fault, Kiri", the German Captain explains with mirth, obvious from his tone. "Like I'd ever do something like that", Sam comments jovially. "I'm surprised that you can actually speak those words without blushing, Sergeant", Dietrich tells him, still amused. "Jerry smartass", comes Troy's usual counter.

"Hans!", Ari exclaims, as he returns to the tent, running to hug his beloved caregiver tightly around the midsection. "We had to... change clothes", Jakob explains, looking more embarrassed than the boy who simply presses his face into the German's side without any intention of releasing him from his vice grip in spite of Hans' pained expression. "What happened?", the Jewish Lieutenant inquires, as his friend gently pats the panicked child and rubs his back in a reassuring manner. "A German Abwehr agent blew up one of our supply trucks, loaded with weapons and ammunition. Major Ingelheimer left me a personal message to try and intimidate me", Hans Dietrich replies, forcing himself to not let his anger and loathing find their way into his voice, as he does not want to scare the crying boy.

"You must help Bastet, Ioannes!", Kiri insists indignantly. Thomas Anaru has stood up and tells the young officer with a bedraggled stance: "I'm sorry, Captain. I'm really not good with cats. It's under your bed, crawled into your satchel." Hans nods with a fatalistic expression. Whatever can possibly go wrong in his world usually does just that. Some things will never change. "Ari, please release me so I can help Bastet. You can stay right beside me the whole time", he gently addresses his crying ward who continues huddling against his flank for a few moments longer, before releasing his beloved brother hesitantly. "Can I stay with you, Hans?", Ari asks with a quivering lip, as tears run down his face. "Until we arrive in the city. Then you must stay with Jakob, Hitchcock or the nurses for a little while. But I promise to see you again afterwards." The Jewish orphan nods, although he looks less than happy at the prospect of ever leaving his caregiver's side again. Then he finally releases his grip fully and Dietrich breathes a silent sigh of relief, as the pressure against his sutures and injured side stops.

"Let's look after Bastet", he then proposes and both children look at him expectantly. "We should give her some room and be small and quiet to not scare her any more." To show what he means, he crouches in front of the bed and starts muttering in a quiet reassuring tone. Ari leans against his beloved brother, as he crouches next to him, while Kiri kneels on his other side and mutters: "Poor Bastet." The kitten has indeed hidden quite efficiently by squeezing herself into the folds of Dietrich's satchel. "Woof", comes the intervention of an unexpected party, as Fritz comes running over, seeing the perfect chance for being scratched and cuddled. Jealousy can be a strong motivation even for animals Hans muses with a wry smile, when the kitten comes out with a suffering "Meow" half a minute later. Kiri is only too happy to provide her with attention, while Fritz takes care of keeping Ari distracted, so that the German Captain can pick up a fresh uniform as well as his razor and toothbrush. Too weary when even considering having to console children again afterwards, Hans settles for a quick shave and wash with the rest of the water left in their canteens which Troy considers a good idea to copy, handing his gun to Hitchcock in the meantime.

By the time they are ready for breakfast Bastet has escaped from Kiri and hidden between Dietrich's legs, pressing against his boot, which leaves him no other option but to pick up the kitten. The group then makes their way to the mess tent. The lack of further explosions reassures the German Captain that he has made the right decision, redistributing the men to check the camp. With the exception of a flat wheel on Atkins' staff car which might as well have been a victim of natural events as of enemy saboteurs nothing turns up which is out of the order. Ari stays at the young officer's side at all times, only allowing him a brief toilet break.

When the group enters the mess tent, emotions are running high and the gossip mills turn without pause. The German Captain tenses involuntarily, when several men point their fingers at him and his group, as they pass by. Troy notices the same and glowers at the soldiers, bearing his best intimidating glare which Kiri tries to imitate rather unsuccessfully. Captain Boggs stands up from the officer's table where emotions are equally displayed openly and quickly approaches them. "Captain Dietrich. It's good that you're finally here. General Atkins awaits your personal report." Hans scowls and inquires dryly: "Is yours not good enough anymore?" The older Captain grimaces. "He insisted on receiving your report, since you were the first officer on site and responsible for the coordination of the search, fire fight and check for further explosives." Ari grips the German officer's jacket tightly, intent to not let him leave without him. "The boy is scared. I need to take him along", Hans whispers quietly to his older colleague. "Take him along, but please come to report!", Boggs replies, eyeing the panicked looking orphan with clear sympathy.

"I'll bring along our breakfast", Jakob Silberblatt offers immediately. "I'll help you", Sam Troy declares with finality and Kiri immediately adds: "I help too." Smiling at Hans she proposes: "I take Bastet." The kitten has curled up in the nook of Dietrich's arm and presses against his side looking almost as scared as Ari. "I think Bastet will stay with me. She's also scared and you don't want her to run away and hide again", the young officer argues and Kiri looks a bit disappointed, but shakes her head. Petting the kitten over the head once, she tells her: "Bye, Bastet." "Meow", comes the small cat's indignant protest, as she tries to fend off the hand with her paw. "Let's go, Captain Boggs", Hans tells the older Captain who nods with an understanding smile. As a father of two children, a boy and a girl, he can fully understand the challenges his younger colleague is faced with. Hopefully they can find a good place for them to keep the children safe rather soon.

Atkins stares at the group slightly incredulously, as the native boy accompanies his two Captains and the kitten observes her surroundings wide eyed from its position on the German's arm. But both are well-behaved and quiet. Dietrich has to provide a salute with his right arm which does not live up to his usual standards and causes him to wince with pain. Ari presses against his side more tightly when he feels the pained reaction. "It's about time you get your chance to recover. You're too valuable an asset", Atkins assesses coolly. "Provide your report, Captain Dietrich!" The German officer keeps himself from grimacing at the insolent statement, forcing a neutral expression onto his face, while Boggs scowls openly. With his typical diligence the lean young Captain provides a clear and detailed report of the events in the morning. Several of the men around the table nod, as they listen intently. "We went to check on the prisoners right away", Lieutenant Carlos adds after the younger officer has finished, pointing at Griffiths along with him. "I checked on the field hospital", Carter continues and Boggs finishes: "First Lieutenant Adams and I checked on the office tent and the General."

"None of which have actually been under attack", Atkins remarks sternly. "I start to understand far better why you were one of the LRDP's most successful adversaries, Dietrich. You have a good instinct for where the action is happening and a clear and precise manner of dealing with such situations. You all did your jobs well, gentlemen." When Jakob Silberblatt appears with the tray and several plates and bowls, followed by Sam Troy, he comes into Atkins' field of vision. "You were hiding, Lieutenant, I assume", the General growls indignantly. Hearing Troy's angry snarl already, Dietrich intervenes quickly: "Lieutenant Silberblatt protected the children." As his stern gaze shifts to the boy nudged against the German's side, Atkins expression softens slightly. "It will also be good for them, when we reach a safe place", he declares with a strict tone. "At ease, gentlemen. You can return to your breakfast."

"It's good you said something or I might have torn off his head", Sam Troy growls into the German's ear. "Keep your hands off Prince John, Little John", the young Captain mutters back quietly. With a grin, Troy pats his shoulder. "Enjoy your breakfast, Captain Sherlock." "I brought breakfast for Bastet", Kiri declares upon hearing her perfect trigger word. "Meow", the kitten comments curiously when hearing her name. Hans puts her on his chair and helps his friend to place their cups and plates on the table. "Danke, Hans", Jakob whispers quietly. "Ehrensache", his friend counters that it is a matter of honor to help him, not only with the breakfast cutlery. "Ich hatte dich wirklich vermisst", the Jewish Lieutenant assures him that he has truly missed him, placing a pot with steaming tea on the table. "With compliments from Major Bracken and Lieutenant Johnson."

"Breakfast is about the only well-tasting meal of British cuisine", his tall German friend comments dryly, as he pours himself some tea. "Don't let them hear you! Here comes the Major himself", Jack Moffit whispers to him quietly, as he approaches the German Captain from behind. Whirling around, Hans stares at him briefly, as memories of the Rats sneaking up on him in the past threaten to resurface. "Easy, Captain. I volunteered to watch over you for now and will have my breakfast later, relieving you of Troy's looming presence in this manner", Jack explains quietly, as he notices the young officer's tense combat ready stance. The younger man sighs wearily and nods, before turning into the direction his British Sergeant has pointed out for him.

Surprise registers on Dietrich's face, as he recognizes the two British officers and their additional company who are indeed moving in his direction. Major Bracken leans heavily on Lieutenant Johnson's arm and a walking stick. Right behind them follows Professor Stevenson with one of his students, Alexander Yates, who bears a rather uncomfortable expression, while carrying a big object wrapped in cloth. "Is this some British conspiracy you have failed to inform me about, Moffit?", Dietrich inquires dryly with quietly muttered words. "I swear to you that I am just as clueless as you are, Captain", the British Sergeant replies. Ari feels quite intimidated by the number of people closing in and nestles against his beloved caregiver's side, partially hiding his face in the Captain's shirt. Kiri remains focused on Bastet until Silberblatt distracts her.

"Johnson, stop!", Major Bracken orders brusquely, as they reach the table, and his aide complies immediately. "Captain Dietrich", the British officer addresses the tall German in a similarly stern tone, seeing the lean young Captain adopting a straight position, as he stands at attention. Only the boy nudging against his flank destroys the impression of a proper stance. "Major Bracken", Hans replies flatly, saluting sharply. An almost content smile passes over the Brit's face, as he comments: "One can still tell that you're originally a German and not one of those uncouth Yankees who wouldn't manage a proper salute, if their lives would depend on it." James Boggs looks truly offended now, as he snaps: "I beg to differ, Major." "You have British ancestry, Captain Boggs. That doesn't count, since you possess the good genes", Bracken waves him off. Boggs and Dietrich exchange exasperated glances, both feeling a little more sympathy for David Troy for the first time in their lives for having to share the officer's ward with this particularly snobbish Major.

"How can we help you, Sir?", Hans inquires politely, much more used to having to appease unnerving authorities than his American colleague. "We will arrive at Tobruk today and our ways will finally separate, although I expect to meet you again in the future, Captain", Bracken declares in a magnanimous way. Dietrich nods cautiously and replies: "Indeed. Although we have to wait and see what the future will hold in store for us." Bracken looks actually uncomfortable now, as he seems to struggle with his next words: "We owe you, Captain, for the efforts you have taken on behalf of our unit and ourselves." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in surprise at the acknowledgement and amount of formality of this declaration which would even have put the Propagandaministerium of the German Reich to shame. "I assure you, Major, that I have only done my duty as an officer of the Allied forces", the German Captain replies with due politeness, expected from a man of his rank and upbringing, savoring to lace some irony into the last two words.

Lieutenant Johnson notices the jab and immediately averts his gaze with a slightly guilty expression, remembering vividly how he has taken out the German Captain with an injection of a sedative, since he has assumed him to be in command of the Axis troops trying to arrest them, not the Allied troops trying to aid them. The German defector has come a long way since then, not only through the desert but also mentally and regarding his attitude toward his former enemies. Jack Moffit at his side observes the whole scene with curiosity, as Major Bracken rather uncomfortably thanks the young Captain for saving his life and the lives of his men.

Professor Stevenson's patience is running thin and when the Major takes a longer pause to consider his wording, he intercedes: "I also want to take this chance to thank you, Captain Dietrich, for saving us from military forces as much as from rabies and this horrible man who pretended to be my assistant." Dietrich nods grimly, while Bracken glares at the elderly scholar for having the audacity to interrupt him which the Professor efficiently ignores. Jack Moffit congratulates himself for his presence of mind to send Troy back to their table and remain as Dietrich's bodyguard himself. "I also want to remind you of my invitation to come visiting me in Oxford, since I was quite serious when I proposed it." Rummaging through a few pockets of his jacket and shirt finally produces a slightly crumpled personal card which Stevenson offers to the surprised looking German Captain. "Here you find my address and my department. My invitation also extends to you, Moffit Junior, if you wish to accompany your most extraordinary young unit commander here. You are both well-bred young men unlike the rest of your Yankee companions, although this Troy is a most curious and amusing specimen." "We will let him know that you said that about him", Dietrich replies, fighting to keep his face straight and too much irony from leaking into his words. Major Bracken sniffs indignantly at the name Troy, refraining from losing his face any further through commenting outright.

"I also have a personal gift for you, my dear fellow. And I'm sure two educated young gentlemen with knowledge of North Africa and its historical development will truly appreciate this." Waving his hand, Stevenson orders sharply: "Mister Yates! The book, please." Dietrich and Moffit exchange baffled glances, as Alexander Yates hands a large leather bound book to the Professor who presents the tome to the German Captain as if it would be the holy grail itself. "The extensive collection of scholarly articles and my personal comments outlining the history of North Africa starting from before the Ancient Egyptian empires and reaching until Howard Carter's discovery of Tutanchamun's tomb. This is the extended version of the book I want all my students to read and learn by heart, hand signed, as you deserve it as our saviours." The German officer is too surprised to react for a second, until Moffit gently touches his shoulder drawing him out of his reverie. With a polite bow, Dietrich takes the book from the Professor, struggling briefly to hold it, since he requires both arms. "Thank you very much, Professor. It will be an interesting reading experience", the young Captain replies politely. "I had no idea you were such an educated young fellow, Captain", Major Bracken comments approvingly. "I might actually look forward to meeting you again in an officer's club to chat about history." Dietrich briefly evaluates whether this is a dangerous threat, but remains quiet about his thoughts.

"You should return to your breakfast now, before your cat will eat all of it", Stevenson comments with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Whirling around Dietrich notices Bastet chewing on some of the scrambled egg on his plate. "Bastet, nein!", he scolds her and the British scholar beams with happiness. "Such a well-chosen name. She may yet grow up to become a proper guardian of home and hearth. My dear Horus is of course much better behaved." Dietrich's and Moffit's gazes dart toward Troy who appears to be in a discussion with the rest of their men. "It was a pleasure, gentlemen", the Professor declares in a regal manner. With a jovial smile Stevenson shakes Dietrich's, Moffit's and even Boggs' hands, before returning to the table with his students. Major Bracken takes his leave after a struggling salute which Dietrich returns with similar struggles of his right arm, as the heavy book blocks his left arm.

"The plural maiestatis is not that fitting for the dear Major, don't you think so, Captain?", Moffit comments, as the German Captain hands him the book. "Whyever not, Moffit? He feels quite noble in comparison with the plebeians. Too bad he didn't have the chance to actually get to know Major von Stolberg from this perspective, as they share a scary amount of ideas", Dietrich replies dryly. "We will have interesting reading materials for the future", Jack changes the sore topic, not daring to openly criticize the British officer, when he notices that General Atkins has observed their interactions with one of his devious expressions, twirling his moustache. "You surely will, Doctor", the younger man comments without turning around to see what his Sergeant is looking at. "You're a well-educated, intelligent man as well. I doubt that you wouldn't be able to profit from reading it, Captain", Jack counters. "Currently I suffer just from holding it", Hans counters dryly. "But you're right and I will eventually read it as well. Die Neugier ist der Katze Tod." "You're not a cat easily killed through curiosity, although I said that proverb more than once about you, when you still served in the Afrikakorps." "You should eat your breakfast before your cat is finished with it", Boggs admonishes sternly and Dietrich takes his seat with a strict "Bastet, nein!", trying to salvage what is left of his breakfast, while the kitten glances at him sheepishly.

"Sarge, stay here! You're not helping Cap trying to beat up the British brass", Hitch advises, as he places his left hand on Troy's shoulder, trying to hold him back, when they observe the British officers approaching their commanding officer. Tully and Gotty nod in silent agreement, while Thomas Anaru openly declares: "Hitch is right." Only Kevin O'Donnell comments with a mischievous grin: "But it would be real fun to see that snob of an orange man getting roughed up a little. He dressed us down for not upholding the standards of his Majesty's army and being a disgrace for our king and country. Like I care about his bloody English king and the country that kept my ancestors' homeland suppressed." "Shut up, Kevin, before they arrest us forlese majeste!", his older brother advises. "That's a word I've never heard before", Troy declares. "It means the crime of defamation of the king", Danny explains. "That's why we got rid of all this nonsense centuries ago", Sam Troy counters grimly. "Bullshit. If a king's an idiot I wanna say that." "It's good you didn't live in the commonwealth for too long and nowhere near anyone who'd care to denounce you for saying something like that, as Browny's sure a tolerant fellow", the Australian soldier replies with a smile. Kevin elbows him in the side and whispers conspiratorially: "Should we tell them the story of how we got detention for a whole school year forlese majeste?" "I wanna hear that!", Hitch immediately agrees enthusiastically. "These two will be a dangerous new combination", Troy mutters to Tully who merely nods and takes another sip of his coffee quietly.

Meanwhile at the officer's table the children and their main caregivers finish their own breakfasts. "I need to get my injuries checked, Ari. Please stay with Jakob for the moment!", Hans tells the boy who looks like he would burst into tears at the announcement to leave his brother. "You can stay with Jack Moffit, if you feel safer with him", the German Captain suggests. Ari looks from Silberblatt to Moffit who still stands behind Hans at the officers' table. "Will you come back afterwards?", the Jewish orphan asks timidly. "Yes, I promise you that." "You can take him along in the car with us", Boggs offers unexpectedly and the younger Captain's surprise is clearly written in his face. "Thank you", he mutters, as Ari beams happily and squeaks the expression of gratitude a lot more loudly. "Stay here with Jakob and Jack, Ari! Kiri, you take Bastet!", Hans orders and the girl squeaks with joy. "You can have your own breakfast now, Moffit. I should be safe in the field hospital", the young Captain tells the British Sergeant. "As you wish, Captain", Moffit agrees and leaves for the Rats' table.

"I hope you can handle the burial of the men killed without me, Captain Boggs. I would like to give a final address to the POWs, before they will be sent to their respective camps", Dietrich states sternly. "Of course", his older colleague agrees. "We will have a very brief ceremony." "Stay ready to accompany me straight into headquarters right after our arrival, Captain Boggs and Dietrich!", Atkins intercedes. "I have already made arrangements via radio." Both Captains salute, before the German officer leaves quickly. However, he does not even reach the tent exit, before Sam Troy intercepts him. "Don't even think of walking off alone, Captain!", the American Sergeant grumbles. "Troy, what would I do without you? I might have to keep a dog... oh, wait. I already do that", Hans comments dryly, raising his eyebrows in a mocking expression. "Jerry smartass. You should be more grateful that we care to watch your back!", Troy growls his complaint. "I actually am grateful, Sergeant", his young commander adds in a more serious and moderate tone. "I would have expected you to possess a better sense of humor though", he adds with irony. "Not when I get woken by explosions at 0500 in the morning", Sam rants. "Have you ever experienced me to be that grumpy and devoid of humor in spite of all your shenanigans of the last year?", Dietrich inquires dryly. "Hey. I had no doubt that between the two of us you're the far more tolerant guy", Troy replies, but his usual grin finally returns. "Splendid, as our British friends would formulate it", the young Captain comments with a smile of his own, relieved to have removed some of the sharp edge from Troy's mood. "I won't let you hang out with Jack anymore, if you play the British snob with me afterwards, Dietrich. Let's shake it!"

As they enter the field hospital Doktor Sommer, the Swiss medical team and Lieutenant Carlos try to arrange transferring all wounded prisoners of war to the trucks. "You can do me a favour and distract your brother, Troy. Doktor Sommer and the medical stuff don't pose any threat to me", Hans Dietrich suggests. Sam Troy glares warily at the assembled medics, but finally nods. "Fine. But you know that it's your own fault that you've been too nice to Davey." "After what I heard from Major Bracken today I'm actually of the opinion that he deserves some sympathy and standing up for him to leave the British army was a noble deed", the young Captain replies dryly. "Wow. What did that damned British brass do? I knew I should have intervened", Troy growls immediately. "It's good that you didn't, Sergeant. But he demonstrated quite clearly that your brother must have had a really tough time with him", the lean officer counters cautiously. "Davey had better treat you nicely and with respect. Noone except for Ma has ever said something that nice about him", Sam grumbles. "You may remind him of that fact, when the appropriate time comes, Sergeant", Dietrich states dryly.

"Hauptmann Dietrich", Wolf Bauer shouts enthusiastically, when he is the first to notice the young Captain. Carlos, Sommer and the Swiss turn around immediately and the Lieutenant along with the German medic approach him. "I see that you are already taking care of what I had intended to accompany you for, Lieutenant", Dietrich states calmly. "Can I be of any further assistance for the organisation or is everything under control? I will give a brief speech to my former men, before the transport starts." "Doctor Sommer and the Swiss support me excellently", the Hispanic Lieutenant replies with a smile. "Thank you, Captain. But I always appreciate your presence." "If you don't mind I would like to address a few arrangements, Herr Hauptmann, especially regarding Soldat Bauer and Feldwebel Nemet, but also ... myself", Sommer addresses the tall officer with a serious tone. Hans is surprised that Sommer wants to address his own situation, but realizes that many might view him as a collaborator and traitor after all the support he has provided them with. "Of course, Doktor. Whatever you need", Dietrich replies earnestly. "If you would excuse us, Lieutenant." Carlos nods and returns to the Swiss medical personnel.

"Hans, darf ich Sie etwas bitten?", Ludwig Sommer addresses his former Hauptmann with a serious tone and concerned expression. "Selbstverständlich, Ludwig, wenn es in meiner Macht steht", Dietrich replies calmly, concern and curiosity readable in his brown eyes. "Sie wissen, dass ich meine Familie, meine Frau, meine Söhne und meine Eltern, in Nürnberg habe", the German medic starts and the young Captain merely nods, knowing fully well that Sommer has his family, his wife, sons and parents in the city of Nürnberg. "Ich bitte Sie, wenn es so weit kommt, dass die Alliierten am Boden in Deutschland einrücken, dass Sie, wenn irgendwie möglich, meine Familie beschützen." A tormented expression passes over Dietrich's face at the plea to protect Sommer's family should it come to a ground invasion in Germany. "Ich kann für meine Familie nichts tun, da sie mich eher umbringen als auf mich hören würde, aber ich schwöre Ihnen, Ludwig, bei meinem Leben und meiner Ehre, dass ich alles in meiner Macht Stehende tun werde, um Ihre Familie zu schützen", the lean German officer vows with a grave and serious tone that he will do all within his power to save and protect Sommer's family. The medic notices the bitter tone of the slightly younger Captain when he mentions that he cannot help his own family, as they would rather kill him than listen to his warning. "Haben Sie Namen und Adressen für mich?", the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann asks diligently about the names and addresses. Sommer smiles, as he takes a folded paper from his shirt pocket and hands it to the tall officer. Dietrich smirks, as he comments dryly: "Sie haben meine Antwort vorhergesehen." "Sie sind ziemlich berechenbar in dieser Hinsicht, Hauptmann Dietrich", Sommer replies with a smile that the young officer is quite predictable in this regard.

"Machen Sie sich Sorgen um Ihre eigene Sicherheit, Ludwig?", the young Captain inquires with honest concern. "Sie haben uns schließlich lange und offen genug unterstützt, auch gegen die SS Agenten, dass man Ihnen Kollaboration mit dem Feind vorwerfen kann." Sommer seems to consider Dietrich's inquiry about his own safety, as some might view his support for his former Hauptmann as collaboration with the enemy, not for the first time. "Ich weiß, was Sie meinen, Hans. Aber ich kann es dennoch nicht wagen, einfach einen Pakt mit dem Teufel zu schließen wie Bauer und Nemet, solange die Gestapo meine Familie inhaftieren könnte", the German medic argues with desperation that he does not dare to make his own deal with the devil, like Bauer and Nemet, as long as the Gestapo might arrest his family. The young officer nods in understanding. "Wenn ich irgendetwas für Sie tun kann, Ludwig, fragen Sie nach mir oder Lieutenant Silberblatt. Wir beide sind gerne bereit, Ihnen zu helfen." Sommer smiles warmly at his former commander. Hans Dietrich has always been noble and compassionate. Ludwig Sommer has no doubts about the sincerity of his offer to help, just as his friend Silberblatt would. Those two are a fitting pair of friends. "Danke, Hans. Ich weiß es wirklich zu schätzen", the slightly older medic assures the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann, patting his uninjured shoulder.

"Was also soll mit Bauer und Nemet geschehen?", the German medic inquires about their former men. "Lieutenant Silberblatt hat arrangiert, dass die beiden recht schnell in die Vereinigten Staaten gebracht werden. Bis dahin sind sie als vertrauenswürdig eingestuft und ich werde Order geben, dass Sie und die beiden dem Feldlazarett des Kriegsgefangenenlagers zugeteilt werden, wodurch Sie automatisch von der Horde der Nazis getrennt werden sollten", Dietrich argues that Silberblatt has already arranged to have both transferred to the United States as quickly as possible. Until then he wants the two to join Sommer in the sickbay of the POW camp as medical assistance. The lean German Captain makes his way to the medic's table where Doctor Andrews is filling out medical protocols. "Doctor Andrews", Dietrich interrupts the American doctor who looks up startled, but smiles when he recognizes the young officer. "Captain Dietrich. What do you need? Others should be able to provide you with medical aid for now." Hans scowls slightly, as he replies: "My own checkup can wait for now. I need a sheet of paper, a pen and a place to sit down and write, Doctor." Andrews looks a bit surprised and asks: "What for here in the medical tent instead of Captain Boggs' office?"

The German Captain appears unperturbed, as he answers his question patiently: "Because the German POWs and their medical helpers are transferred now from your field hospital. I want to assure that my men, Private Bauer, Sergeant Nemet and Doctor Sommer will be treated with the respect they deserve and kept out of the Nazis' reach by being ordered to serve in the medical unit of the POW camp." Andrews smiles warmly and already starts collecting whatever the Captain needs for his request. "I knew that I liked you from the first morning you woke up here, Captain Dietrich. You're a decent and compassionate man who is circumspect enough to consider angles to his duties that are not obvious for others. Here are your writing utensils. You can sit down here with me for writing your orders." Dietrich thanks him with an earnest smile, as he takes the offered pieces and takes his seat to meticulously write his detailed orders for the Allied officer in charge of the POW camp.

Sommer observes the skinny young officer closely. Hans Dietrich winces a few times, when writing with his right hand affects his injured shoulder too much. The German medic has never had the slightest doubt that their former commanding officer would be willing to help his men, but is still touched by the amount of dedication the young Captain invests immediately. Filling the page with a letter addressed to the prison commander and a recommendation for their treatment takes Hans somewhat longer than it usually would have due to his injury. Nonetheless he finishes the document with his typical diligence and folds it up neatly in the end. Handing back the pen to Doctor Andrews, he thanks the American medic, before getting up to approach Lieutenant Carlos.

The American officer in charge of the prisoners looks up in surprise, when the Captain and the German medic approach him. "Lieutenant Carlos. It is of vital importance that you let Captain Boggs verify these orders and sign the letter to the POW camp commander. This should keep Private Bauer, Sergeant Nemet and Doctor Sommer out of the reach of the Nazis in camp, mostly at least." "You're a great guy, Captain. I really understand why those folks applauded and cheered for you, even though you defected to their enemies. I'll take care of everything. I swear it", the Hispanic Lieutenant replies with a smile. "Could you help your shot officer, Doc? We need to get him to the truck." Doktor Sommer smiles mildly. "I will take care of Lieutenant Haberfeld right away, Lieutenant." "If you don't mind I would like to accompany you. I owe Haberfeld my thanks for catching a bullet to keep me safe", Dietrich intercedes to both their surprise. "I'm sure he will be happy to see you", Sommer replies with a warm smile.

As they walk by the cots of German soldiers who are currently being prepared for their transfers, a voice calls out Dietrich's name, first meekly, then stronger: "Hauptmann Dietrich!" As the tall Captain turns around, Sommer continues to Haberfeld to help him along. Franz Kierner looks at the young officer with the fear filled eyes of a startled deer caught in the headlights. "Was wird nun mit uns geschehen, Herr Hauptmann?", the young soldier asks fearfully what will happen to them. "Sie werden ins Kriegsgefangenenlager transferiert, Kierner. Machen Sie sich keine Sorgen. Die Alliierten werden sich gut um Sie kümmern. Sie sind kein Nazi und zu schwer verwundet, um je wieder zu kämpfen", Hans reassures him gently, as he crouches next to his field bed, explaining that they will be transferred to a POW camp and well taken care of, especially since he is too badly wounded to ever fight again. Seeing the thin young soldier shivering slightly with fear and worry, Dietrich reaches out to squeeze his shoulder gently. "Hören Sie mir gut zu, Kierner! Es wird Ihnen kein Leid geschehen. Natürlich geht es auch rau zu. Wir sind schließlich im Krieg. Aber niemand hat vor, Sie zu foltern oder zu misshandeln. Seien Sie ehrlich in Ihren Verhören, dann geschieht Ihnen nichts. Sie wissen viel zu wenig, um Ihr Vaterland dadurch verraten zu können." Franz Kierner nods at Dietrich's reassurances and instructions to cooperate in his interrogations, since he knows far too little to seriously betray his fatherland.

"Danke, Herr Hauptmann", the young soldier whispers, desperately fighting against the tears that sting in the corners of his eyes. "Das ist selbstverständlich. Da gibt es nichts zu danken", the young officer assures him gently that there is nothing to thank him for. "Herr Hauptmann", Kierner asks meekly, blushing slightly, as he stammers: "Da..darf ich Sie umarmen?" Dietrich looks stunned by the request, trying to figure out why the young man would ask whether he may hug him. "Sie... waren immer wie ein Vater für mich, haben sich als einiger um mich gekümmert, abgesehen von meiner älteren Schwester Maria", Kierner explains clumsily that he considers the German Captain a father figure as the only one who has taken care of him apart from his older sister Maria. Seeing the honest intent behind the request calms the young officer and Hans finally nods, as his guilt over the Rats' distraction attack which has led to Kierner's crippling injury returns. "Wenn es Ihnen so viel bedeutet...", Dietrich mutters hoarsely. "Es bedeutet mir wirklich viel", Franz Kierner confirms full of trust that this means a lot to him, before he hugs the lean officer a bit awkwardly, as they both have to shift positions to get close enough for such a maneuver.

"Wie wird es weitergehen?", Kierner asks after a few moments of holding the slightly older officer in a tight embrace. Dietrich extracts himself a bit awkwardly from the position and sits back on his heels, kneeling by now. "Hauptmann Stadler wird sich gut um Sie kümmern. Er ist ein anständiger, bodenständiger Bayer so wie Leutnant Wagner es war", the young Captain tries to reassure him that Stadler as a decent well-grounded Bavarian will take good care of them. "Darf ich Ihnen schreiben, Herr Hauptmann? Sie sind der einzige Mensch außer meinen Schwestern, den ich dafür habe", Kierner surprises Dietrich by asking whether he may write to him, as he is the only person apart from his sisters he could possibly write to. "Ich wüsste nicht wohin", the German Captain mutters confused, having no idea himself which address he should write to to reach him, before an idea occurs to him and he drags his American dog tags out from underneath his shirt. Holding out one of the tags he presents it in front of the surprised soldier to show him the address. "Schreiben Sie sich diese Adresse auf. Von dort wird man wissen, wie man Ihren Brief an mich weiterleiten kann." Although he feels slightly guilty to put the extra efforts on the Silberblatt family to forward him letters, this is the most reliable way he could think of, as Jakob should always remain behind their own lines and thus stay in contact with his family, even if Hans and the Rats are far behind those enemy lines.

Istvan Nemet has noticed their interaction, but waits patiently for Dietrich to finish his conversation with the introverted and shy young artist who has never opened up to anybody like this before. After worrying about the shell shocked and traumatised young man for weeks this is a real progress, although the first steps have already been made when Hauptmann Dietrich has assured that he would receive the chance to create sketches. That the Captain takes out two metal plates on a chain which the Hungarian realizes after a second are his Americandog tags takes him as much by surprise as the young soldier who starts copying diligently whatever kind of information the young officer wishes to share. "Herr Hauptmann", Nemet then addresses Dietrich quietly, making the Kieler turn around with a friendly smile, as he obviously recognizes his voice.

"Feldwebel Nemet. Sie müssen sich keine Sorgen um Ihre und Wolf Bauers Zukunft machen. Ich habe Lieutenant Carlos, dem amerikanischen Offizier, der für die Gefangenen zuständig ist, einen Brief für den Kommandanten des Kriegsgefangenenlagers mitgegeben, der Sie beide und Doktor Sommer in Sicherheit vor den Nazis als Mitarbeiter auf der Krankenstation halten sollte", Hans explains his scheme with the letter again. Nemet looks briefly baffled, before smiling gratefully. "Vielen Dank, Herr Hauptmann. Ich wüsste nicht, was wir ohne Sie getan hätten." "Sie haben den Ratten geholfen, mein Leben zu retten, auch wenn das niemand von Ihnen erwartet oder verlangt hätte, am allerwenigsten ich selbst", Dietrich argues that they have after all helped the Rats to save his life which nobody would have demanded or expected of them, least of all he himself. "Ihnen zu helfen, vor den Nazis geschützt zu sein, ist das Mindeste, was ich für Sie tun kann." His argument that helping now in return to protect them from the Nazis is the least he can do brings a smile to Nemet's face. The German officer has always been noble, decent and true to his word once given. If Hans Dietrich has prepared this properly and diligently, they will be safe.

Wolf Bauer has joined them during Dietrich's explanation, bearing the grateful expression of a loyal but often kicked puppy who has received the unbelievable gift of a fresh savory sausage. "I konn's no goar ned fass'n, Hauptmann Dietrich. I dank eana sche", he expresses his disbelief and gratitude. The skinny young Captain smiles warmly. "Gern geschehen. Auch Ihnen schulde ich mein Leben und werde das nie vergessen." "Eigentlich schuld I eana mei Leben. Sie ham mi so oft g'rettet", Bauer argues that he is the one owing Dietrich his life more than once. "Derf ... derf i se a umaormen?" Hans grimaces a bit tormented by the second request to hug him within ten minutes. Nonetheless he nods wearily, knowing that Wolf Bauer bears no ill intent. The lean young Austrian happily pulls the only slightly taller German officer into a tight embrace, releasing him, when he feels the thin Captain wince at the pressure put on his injuries. "Es tuat mir leid", Bauer mutters guiltily, although Dietrich counters to reassure him that all his injuries and bruises stem from the last weeks: "Machen Sie sich keine Sorgen. Das sind die alten Verletzungen und Blutergüsse der letzten Tage und Wochen. Es ist nicht Ihre Schuld." Istvan Nemet pats the lean younger officer on his good shoulder, as he declares mixing some of his native Hungarian into his farewell: "Wir sind Ihnen unendlich dankbar für alles. Köszönömszépen. Viszontlátásra. Wir werden uns wiedersehen, Herr Hauptmann."

"He is cute, isn't he?", Lisa Hartigan comments with a wide grin, nudging her friend Deirdre who has stared at their young Captain for the past minute without continuing with her duties. "Who.. what?", Deirdre mutters disoriented, blushing vividly, when she realizes that she has been caught daydreaming. "Are you imagining again that you'd be the one hugging him?", Lisa continues tormenting her blond friend relentlessly. Although Deirdre would not have thought it possible, she blushes even more, as she starts stuttering: "We... I promised him..." Lisa Hartigan grins from ear to ear, right within her element of gossip and cheesy love stories. "Yes, we did and I totally respect him as well as my promise given. But I can't help noticing how you keep looking at our youngest and most handsome officer who also happens to be unmarried, Deirdre. It's not like it isn't obvious for everybody." Now the Irish stemming nurse has finally reached the point where she simply wishes that the ground would just swallow her whole, as the embarrassment truly feels too much to bear. "Now, pull yourself together, Deirdre! We still have lots of work to get finished, before we can finally leave. You can dream about handsome Hans all the way to Tobruk, when we're on the truck", Lisa Hartigan draws her friend out of her reverie rather brutally by pressing a whole box with first aid medication into her arms and pushing her in the direction of the tent entrance.

Dietrich meanwhile has reached his former Leutnant Haberfeld whom Doktor Sommer has helped into his uniform. When he notices the young Captain though, Haberfeld smiles widely and greets him jovially: "Hauptmann Dietrich. Danke, dass Sie noch einmal gekommen sind." "Ich wäre nicht gegangen ohne mich zu verabschieden, Leutnant Haberfeld", Hans replies calmly. "Diese Einstellung ehrt Sie, Herr Hauptmann", Haberfeld gratefully acknowledges that not leaving without a last farewell honors their former commander. "Haberfeld, Sie werden unsere Einheit repräsentieren und ich erwarte, dass Sie gut mit Hauptmann Stadler zusammenarbeiten werden. Er ist wie Oberleutnant Wagner, ein bayerisches Urgestein", Dietrich tells him calmly that he expects his former Lieutenant to represent their unit well and collaborate with Stadler, a classical Bavarian. Haberfeld smiles at the description, as he has always gotten along well with Wagner, their Bavarian First Lieutenant, sharing many a beer outside of stuck up German officers' clubs. "Wir werden uns schon mögen", the German officer assures his former Hauptmann that they will get along well.

"Sie haben Kierners und Bauers Herz ja wirklich berührt", Sommer comments with a warm smile that Dietrich appears to have gotten through to Kierner's and Bauer's hearts. The young Captain grimaces a bit awkwardly. "Ich hoffe, dass beide ihren Weg im Leben finden werden. Franz Kierner hat sich jedenfalls meine amerikanische Kontaktadresse notiert. Wenn Sie irgendetwas benötigen oder mit mir in Kontakt treten wollen, dann schreiben Sie dorthin. Es kann nur zu Wochen bis Monaten Verzögerung kommen", Dietrich explains giving his address to Franz Kierner so that they may be able to write to him, even if the mail takes weeks to months to reach him. "Danke, Herr Hauptmann", Haberfeld replies, while Sommer asks: "Warum haben Sie eigentlich Kierner Ihre Adresse gegeben?" Now Dietrich blushes slightly at the inquiry why he has given Kierner his address in the first place. "Ich bin froh, dass er sich von seinem Trauma und Schock erholt hat und gleichzeitig habe ich ein schlechtes Gewissen, da er verwundet wurde, weil die Ratten eine Ablenkung brauchten, um mich unter der Nase der SS unbemerkt aus dem Fort zu schaffen. Daher fühle ich mich verantwortlich und auch, weil er nach eigener Aussage niemanden anderen als Bezugsperson hat außer seinen Schwestern. Wir wissen alle wie introvertiert er immer schon war."

Both Haberfeld and Sommer bear sympathetic expressions when Dietrich confesses to his guilty conscience, as the young man has been wounded when the Rats have wanted to smuggle the Captain out of the fort under the noses of the SS. They also share Dietrich's relief that the traumatised soldier has overcome his shell shock and is able to interact with his environment again, as well as his concern that he has no other people he feels any attachment for except for his sisters and his former Hauptmann. "Sie werden das schon schaffen, Hans", Sommer assures the younger Captain that he will handle this well, as he gently pats him on the shoulder. "Nicht Sie auch noch, Ludwig", Dietrich groans slightly unnerved at all the hugs he has received lately. Sommer laughs heartily, before reassuring him. "Keine Sorge. Ich bin nicht so der Mann für Umarmungen. Außerdem müssen Sie noch den italienischen Leutnant aushalten." Hans groans again, when Sommer reminds him that he will have to bear Marcello as well, even if his former medic is not the hugging type. He will definitely need these days off duty to recover from all this afterwards. "Würden Sie mir helfen, zu unseren Kameraden zu gehen?", Haberfeld asks the two men whether they would support him to walk to his comrades in arms and both Dietrich and Sommer immediately agree. Leaning on both men's shoulders the German Leutnant limps through the field hospital to the POW transport truck.

When the Axis troops spot them, several of the men start pointing at the three Germans. "Herrschaftzeiten, wos is denn jetzt scho wieder los?", Stadler grumbles, as he tries to make out what is catching the men's attention. "Da legst di nieda! Wos mochts'n ihr drei da?" All three have become used to Bavarian dialect through Dietrich's former Oberleutnant Wagner and therefore do not stare at Stadler without understanding as some of the German soldiers do now. "Wir unterstützen Leutnant Wagner, damit er aufrecht zum LKW gehen kann, wie es sich für einen deutschen Offizier gehört", Dietrich replies that they support Wagner to walk upright to the truck as appropriate for a German officer. "Ich vertraue Ihnen hiermit meinen ehemaligen Leutnant an, Hauptmann Stadler." Stadler, Haberfeld and Sommer look surprised, when Dietrich tells the German Captain that he entrusts him with his former Lieutenant from now on. "I werd mi scho guat um den Buarsch'n kümmern, Dietrich", Stadler replies jovially that he will take good care of the man patting the younger Captain on the back in a friendly manner.

"Wenn Kierner und Bauer Sie umarmen dürfen, darf ich das aber auch, Hauptmann Dietrich. Offiziersprivilegien und so", Haberfeld insists with a mischievous smile that he will be allowed to embrace his former Hauptmann as well, when Kierner and Bauer have done so, since officers are supposed to have privileges. Without allowing the startled Dietrich time to react he briefly hugs the taller man, taking the chance that he is already leaning onto his shoulder to embrace him again briefly. "Ich bin Ihnen ewig zu Dank verpflichtet, Hauptmann Dietrich, schließlich schulde ich Ihnen meinen Rang und mein Leben", Haberfeld assures his former commanding officer of his eternal gratitude, since he owes him not only his rank but also his life. "Es war mir eine Ehre, Leutnant Haberfeld, mit Ihnen zu dienen. Eigentlich schulde ich Ihnen mein Leben", Dietrich counters a bit hoarsely that it has been an honor for him to serve with his Lieutenant, pointing out that he owes him his own life in return. "Na dann sind wir ja fast quitt", Haberfeld suggests with humor that they are almost even then. "Ich möchte Ihnen noch einmal in unser aller Namen danken für alles, was Sie für uns getan haben. Wir alle schulden Ihnen unsere Leben, Hauptmann Dietrich", Haberfeld counters and several of Dietrich's former soldiers standing close enough mutter expressions of agreement, when he thanks him for saving all their lives. "Wir alle haben nicht vergessen, dass Sie mit den Ratten und den Arabern verhandelt haben, um uns aus der Traufe zu holen, und sich selber anstatt uns an die Amis verkauft haben", Sommer points out that none of them has forgotten that Dietrich has negotiated with the Rats and the Arabs to save them and has sold himself rather than his men to the Yankees.

"Sie sind der beste Offizier, unter dem ich je gedient habe... vielleicht bis auf Rommel. Ich bitte um Entschuldigung, Hauptmann Stadler. Unter Ihnen habe ich bis jetzt noch nicht gedient", the Panzer Lieutenant declares quite emotionally that his former Captain is the best officer under whose command he has ever served with the possible exception of Rommel, apologizing to Stadler, since he has not actually served under him until now. Dietrich looks visibly uncomfortable at the statement, while Stadler observes the the younger Captain and his men closely. "Scho guat", the Bavarian assures him, while Hans Dietrich is actually too stunned for a few moments to react, when the Bavarian pats him on the left shoulder in a jovial manner. "Die Hundsbuam von Amis sollt'n besser schau'n, dass eana ned zu sehr zuricht'n, Dietrich. Sie schau'n ziemlich übel aus, Kamerad, nur mehr Haut und Boana. Wenn dera Krieg vorbei is, dann gemma auf a g'scheite Maß und a Weißwurscht in München." The words of concern and inviting him to beer and Bavarian sausages are almost too reminiscent of his former Oberleutnant Wagner that Dietrich winces slightly, but quickly assures the older Hauptmann: "Ich hoffe, dass wir den Tag beide erleben und Deutschland es ebenfalls bis dahin übersteht." "Des pack ma schon. Ende guat, alles guat", Stadler reassures the worried looking younger officer with a broad smile that hides perfectly that he is the one going to a prisoner of war camp, while the taller skinnier officer will remain fighting in this war, though on their enemies' side. "Ich schreib eana die Adress'." "Ich auch", Haberfeld immediately picks up the idea of writing down his address for Dietrich who looks quite taken aback by the development of this conversation, before nodding in compliance. "Sehr gerne, meine Herren."

Another thought plagues him and he addresses Stadler directly: "Ich würde gerne noch einige abschließende Worte zu meinen Männern sprechen, wenn das für Sie in Ordnung geht, Hauptmann Stadler." The older German Captain looks a bit surprised that the younger officer wants to address his men and asks for his permission, but nods immediately. "Nur zu." "Alles antreten zum Appell!", Haberfeld hollers in his well-practiced manner, calling the POWs together for a roll call. "Soldaten des deutschen Afrikakorps, meine ehemaligen Kameraden. Ich möchte mich nun, da unsere Wege sich endgültig trennen werden, ein letztes Mal bei Ihnen allen bedanken für Ihre treuen Dienste unter meinem Kommando, aber auch für Ihre Unterstützung und Kooperation in den letzten Tagen und Wochen, die mehr als herausfordernd waren. Sie alle werden in britische und amerikanische Kriegsgefangenenlager gebracht werden und von dort aus weiter verschifft werden. Stehen Sie stets treu zueinander, wie Sie das bisher gestanden sind! Ich kann Ihnen nur noch alles Gute wünschen und, dass sich unsere Pfade in der Zukunft unter besseren Bedingungen kreuzen mögen. Meine Herren, es war mir eine Ehre mit Ihnen zu dienen!"

As the tall Captain salutes after thanking the men for their loyal service and support during the past challenging weeks, every single one of the German soldiers salutes back, even the ones from different units than his own, as they observe Stadler, Haberfeld and Sommer respond in a similar manner to Dietrich's passionate speech. "Alles Gute, meine Herren!", Dietrich wishes the officers one last time, before he finds himself in the tight embrace of Alessandro Marcello who has negotiated with Lieutenant Carlos to be allowed to come over to say his farewell to the German Captain.

Alessandro Marcello has apparently had a similar source of inspiration as some of the others, when he presses an envelope into Dietrich's hand, which holds an address, as soon as he has released the young German. "Questo è l'indirizzo della mia famiglia. Se hai bisogno di qualcosa in Italia, ti aiuteranno sempre, Captano Volpacchiotto", he assures the young man that his family whose address he has given him will help him, if he ever finds himself in need of anything in Italy. Even though this man has almost managed to cost him as many nerves as the Troy brothers in their time together, the eccentric opera singer and now Lieutenant Marcello has been a loyal and reliable ally as well as a good and honest man in spite of his tendency for melodrama. Thus, Hans thanks him wholeheartedly for the gesture and invitation:"Ti ringrazio dal profondo del mio cuore" Who knows what kind of help he might require, should this war move to Italian as well as German ground. "Arrivederci, mi amico. Ci vediamo. Dio ti protegga!", the former opera singer performs his goodbye rather melodramatically, kissing his unwilling friend on both cheeks, before embracing him again. "Arrivederci, Tenente Marcello. Anche ti protegga!", Hans replies with a forced calm tone, once he has been able to extract himself from the Lieutenant's embrace, before Dietrich turns around after a final salute to all the officers and returns to the field hospital for his final check-up before they will have to leave.

"One can get the impression that you spend almost as much time in the field hospital as my medical personnel, Captain", Andrews comments with good humor, when he sees the young officer returning. Glaring at him with annoyance, Dietrich growls: "I came for my actual medical checkup, as I would have expected you to appreciate, Doctor Andrews." "No need to be so tetchy, Captain. Unless you want to join the latest quarrel of the Troy brothers, I suggest you stay here instead of the officer's ward", Andrews replies dryly. "If I don't have to see them quarreling ever again in my life, it will still be too soon", Dietrich mutters sarcastically. "What did I do to deserve this?" "Apparently you did everything right for them", Andrews remarks as he helps the young officer out of his jacket and shirt. "I'm only relieved that you will finally have the time to recover", the American medic comments with a stern scowl, as he scans his patient's body closely. "You look almost as bad as on the first day they brought you into my hospital unconsciously. And you even lost weight instead of gaining it." The skinny German shifts slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. "You cannot imagine how stressful these past few weeks have been for me, starting from commanding this whole pack of desert Rats, ending with personal threats from German intelligence", Hans tries to argue with dry humor.

"I know that these were more challenging times for you than for anyone else, yet you've mastered them quite well. But this has come at the cost of your own health, Captain", Andrews argues. "I won't watch you risking your life before anyone else's, although you have become a lot more reasonable and less self-destructive lately." Dietrich scowls darkly at the words, as he protests immediately: "I have never been suicidal." "You risked your life for stunts that were close to trying to commit suicide in an honorable manner", Andrews argues, as he checks the fresh sutures of his gunshot wound. "But as I said you are more reasonable nowadays. I'm mainly worried because of your malnourished condition. Sending you back to duty in your current state violates the army's regulations and I wouldn't do it, if we weren't desperate on the one hand and almost in Tobruk on the other hand." Dietrich winces, when the medic checks his cracked ribs' healing process. Although a constant background pain is his permanent companion nowadays, the stab of pain direct pressure causes is immense.

"Your bones will require their time to heal, just like your bruises and the gunshot wound. I also insist that your sutures remain inside for a few days. Regaining a healthy weight and keeping a balanced diet should aid your healing process", Andrews assesses calmly. "Easier said than done out here in the desert under the current circumstances", Hans grumbles quietly. "Unless those men wish to bury you sooner rather than later they'd better allow you the time to recover, now that this is possible. And you'd better heed my warnings as well, young man. I like you and I'd like to keep you alive", the American medic admonishes sternly, as he helps him back into his uniform. Dietrich sighs wearily, but nods with gritted teeth, aware himself that the medical doctor is right with his assessment. "I promise you I'll try not to sabotage you, Doctor", he replies dryly. Andrews smiles and pats his uninjured shoulder. "Try to remember this promise the next time you want to risk your life."

"Hauptmann Dietrich", the older Swiss nurse addresses the German officer, as he tries to leave the field hospital as inconspicuously as possible, lest he gets drawn into the Troy brothers' discussion which can be heard to still continue. "Schwester Arno", Dietrich replies, trying to not let his weariness show in his tone. "Was kann ich für Sie tun?" "Wir wollten uns ebenfalls verabschieden. Schwester Regula und Dottore Riggioli sollten gleich kommen. Wir werden ja den Transport der Kriegsgefangenen zu ihrem Lager begleiten", the stern nurse explains that they will accompany the POWs to their camp and thus wish to say their farewell as well. The other two Swiss join them now that the German officer bows politely and expresses his gratitude for their medical and logistical aid. "Ich bedanke mich bei Ihnen allen für Ihre Unterstützung. Ich wüsste nicht, wie wir es ohne Ihre medizinische und logistische Hilfe geschafft hätten, Schwestern, Doktor."

Regula beams at the lean young Captain whose empathy and care for the orphans has moved her heart for weeks. "Es is uns a Freud gewesen, Ihnen zu helfen. Passen Sie guat auf Ari und Kiri auf, Herr Hauptmann." Dietrich smiles warmly at the mentioning of his wards and taking care of them. "Ich hoffe, dass wir die beiden nun endlich in Sicherheit bringen können. Ein solches Militärlager ist kein Ort für Kinder." "Das stimmt. Aber Sie sind trotzdem ein großartiger Beschützer und Bruder für Sie beiden", Regula agrees with him that a military camp is no place for children, but adds that he is an excellent protector and brother for them. "Darf ich Sie etwas bitten, Herr Hauptmann?", she asks, making the tall German narrow his eyes warily, since too many people have asked him for personal favours lately. Regula ignores his reaction, as she continues: "Würden Sie mir bitte schreiben, wie es den Kindern geht." Dietrich looks baffled by the request to write her how the children are faring. "Ich kann Ihnen schreiben, sobald ich weiß, wer ihre Adoptivfamilien sein werden, Schwester Regula. Danach weiß ich selbst nicht, ob und wie ich mit Ihnen in Kontakt bleiben kann." Regula nods in understanding, as the German Captain explains that he will write her, once he knows who their foster families will be, but cannot tell whether they would stay in contact with him at all. "Ich freu mich, wenn ich von Ihnen höre", Regula agrees that she is happy about anything she hears. "Ihr netter junger Soldat, Franz, hat mir ein Bild von den beiden gezeichnet." Hans smiles warmly upon hearing that Kierner has drawn a picture of the two for her. "Hier ist meine Adresse in der Schweiz. Dort schicken sie dann die Post an meine Rote Kreuz Station." The nurse hands him a small sheet of paper with her address in Switzerland where they will forward her mail to her current Red Cross post. "Ich werde Sie vermissen, Herr Hauptmann", the pudgy nurse confesses that she will miss him squeezing the thin young officer's hand gently.

"Ich danke Ihnen allen", Dietrich repeats, trying to escape the awkward situation, before he ends up being hugged again by the nurse who could easily crush him with sheer body mass. "Wir haben wirklich gerne geholfen, Capitano", Riggioli declares earnestly that they have enjoyed helping them. "Grazie, Dottore Riggioli", Dietrich replies politely, cautiously moving away from Regula without her noticing. "Passen Sie gut auf auf sich, Hauptmann Dietrich. Sie sind ein guter und anständiger Mann und bleiben es hoffentlich trotz des Krieges. Ich wünsche Ihnen alles Gute... und danke Ihnen, dass Sie dereinst mein Leben gerettet haben." The young European officer blushes slightly at the argument that the older nurse considers him a good and honest man as well as her expression of gratitude for saving her life. "Das war eine Frage der Ehre, Schwester Arno, nicht zuzulassen, dass dieser tollwütige Hund Sie erschießt", Hans argues awkwardly that assuring that the mad dog would not shoot her has been a matter of honor. The older Swiss nurse smiles with unusual warmth. "Tun Sie mir den Gefallen und wenden Sie so viel von Ihrem medizinischen Wissen, wie Ihren Kriegslisten an." "Ich werde mich bemühen. Das schwöre ich Ihnen", Dietrich vows to try his best to apply his medical knowledge as much as his military strategies. "Leben Sie wohl, Herr Hauptmann", the Swiss nurse says her goodbye, as her colleagues follow suit.

When Hans Dietrich turns to leave, Ari comes running to him, led by Lisa Hartigan. While the boy still nudges against his beloved caregiver's stomach, promising to not leave his side any time soon, Mofitt leads a sad looking Kiri back into the hospital tent to hand her over to the nurses' care. When the Bedouin girl spots her caregiver she runs to Dietrich and hugs him around the midsection, crying into his shirt on his right side, while Ari holds onto his left. "I lost Bastet", Kiri is downcast, as she confesses her failure to Hans who tries to console her. "It's not your fault. She escaped from Riku Gottschlich and Thomas Anaru as well", the German officer tells her calmly, patting the child on the back gently. "But where is she?", the Bedouin girl cries. "We will find her. Don't worry, Kiri! Bastet is clever enough to sneak into one of the vehicles and not be left behind", Dietrich tries to calm her, before insisting gently: "You should go back to auntie Lisa and Deirdre. I promise you I will look for her." Kiri trots off with a hanging head in the direction of one of the nurses she has spotted, but she feels consoled by the notion that her trusted caregiver will look for the kitten. Moffit comments dryly: "Let's hope that your assurance not to worry has not been in vain. Bastet is a curious little cat after all." "Malen Sie den Teufel nicht an die Wand, Doktor!", Dietrich warns him not to think the worst. "Will we find Bastet?", Ari asks with worry. "We will look for her for sure, Ari", Hans assures him calmly.

"Get lost, you flying menace!", they hear Sam Troy's angry bark, as soon as they have left the sickbay. "Are you talking about your brother, Troy?", Dietrich inquires dryly, as he glances up and adds: "Or dear Horus, the falcon with the delicate personality?" "Like I needed your sarcastic comments, Captain Smartass!", the American Sergeant grumbles with annoyance, glaring at the falcon that dives down from the sky, hopefully to return to its owner and not attack any of their soldiers. "Fortunately, the Professor and his whole entourage will leave us today. I am to tell you though that he considers you an curious and amusing specimen, representing the American spirit excellently." "Damned British snob!", Sam curses. "He was lucky that I wasn't there or I would have shown him my American spirit first hand." Balling his fist, he glares in the direction where the falcon has dived down from the sky. "Indeed, Troy. You wouldn't have appreciated the Professor's gift either", Moffit adds coolly. "You can keep your crazy book all to yourselves. That cult experience has taught me to steer clear of such mumbo jumbo." Troy looks truly affected by the memories alone. "Just go to our Jeeps and man your gun, Troy, before I have to fear for the safety of my camp in addition to the field hospital!", the German Captain orders sternly. "I'm no threat to your camp", Troy protests. "Don't try to make me laugh, Troy. You're a threat to any camp, independent of being friend or foe", Hans comments dryly. "We should get on to our respective vehicles", Jack Moffit intercedes diplomatically. "Excellent suggestion", Dietrich comments, while Troy grumbles, as he turns around: "See you later." "I had no idea how much more annoying grumpy Troy could be compared to normal Troy", Hans remarks sarcastically, making Jack grin widely. "You'll get used to it, old chap. After a year or two." Dietrich smirks mischievously. "You're underestimating my adaptability, Doctor. Let's shake it!" Moffit grins and winks. "Troy's right. You are his master student, Captain."

As he has promised, the young officer asks a few soldiers he meets on his way along the convoy's length whether they have seen the kitten, when he inquires about the travel preparations or reassures the men. A few promising comments convince him that Bastet must have passed by on her way to the front of the column. Hopefully she will not try to climb a tank again Hans considers, as he walks up to the staff car where Boggs is already waiting for him, looking more annoyed than Dietrich would have expected. As soon as he reaches the other Captain and spots the kitten curled up in his uniform cap he understands Boggs' unnerved expression, but smiles nonetheless with relief. "Bastet", Ari exclaims with joy, waking the kitten from her peaceful slumber. "Bastet is better than this annoying little dog with finding her way", Moffit comments dryly. "Fritz can find a sausage in a haystack, just not a needle. He has his qualities, but such reliable pathfinding isn't among them", the German Captain comments dryly. "Could you please take this cat out of my cap so that I can wear it again?", Boggs asks with a tinge of impatience in his tone. "Komm, Bastet!", Dietrich speaks calmly as he picks up the kitten. Bastet meows a bit desperately, when she is taken out of her chosen sleeping place, but quickly starts purring, as the German Captain scratches her under the chin.

Organizing the convoy requires hardly any additional effort, as all the men are familiar with their positions and little additional input is required from the two Captains. Boggs is much more happy to have Ari sharing the car with them than Bastet. But the little kitten's enthusiasm for exploring his car and hunting his bootlaces has been significantly dampened by the morning's events. Thus she remains lying curled up on Dietrich's lap, merely demanding cuddles from time to time by meowing loudly. Her main trip through the car brings her from the German officer to his ward and finally to Boggs's side where she then curls up on her own part of the seat. A bit traumatised by Minki kicking him out of his own officer chair, Boggs eyes Bastet warily, before petting her back which she accepts with loud purring. The American Captain realizes the true problem resulting from this mere minutes later, when his younger colleague stands up in the back of the staff car again to pick up the binoculars and take a look around which the kitten on his lap has basically prohibited him from doing for the past hour.

"Can you tell me a story, Hans?", Ari asks cautiously after two hours of sitting with them and quietly listening to his the adults', meaning mainly Dietrich's and Moffit's, language talk. The young European officer frowns but nods. "I can tell you a story from when I was in North Africa as a boy", he offers calmly. The Jewish orphan nods eagerly, while both Moffit and Boggs listen curiously. "When I was a boy a few years older than you, Ari, I had a ... teacher for a lot of interesting skills like the trick with the cards you have seen." Ari's eyes light up at the memory. "That was fun. Can we do that again?" Dietrich nods and smiles wryly. "I'm sure that we will. As you can imagine this wasn't just fascinating for you but for all the children in the camp and the surroundings, as rumour spread quickly and I was young and wanted to show off this new skill." Moffit tries to imagine the scrawny German teenager with his card tricks in a desert expedition camp such as many he has known, coming along with his father. The young Dietrich would definitely have been a boy his own younger self might have considered interesting, intelligent and tolerable enough to befriend.

"One day", Hans continues his recount which his audience follows attentively, "a caravan with several armed Arabs arrived and demanded to be shown the 'circus boy'. We had no idea what they meant and when it dawned on me that they wanted me I was really scared that they would take me away with them. So I ran to my older cousins and my uncle to tell the strange foreign men to go away, as they wanted to abduct me or enslave me." Ari has been taught the word slave after what has happened to Dietrich and Hitchcock, shivering as he leans into his brother's side to listen to his steady heartbeat. Hans smiles gently. "Don't worry! I was a scared boy like you back then, but that doesn't mean that everything was bad." "...love you", Ari mumbles into his jacket, mumbled partially by the fabric. Putting his left arm around the boy's shoulder in a reassuring manner, the young Captain continues his tale: "My 'teacher' had other ideas of how to handle the situation and made arrangements in the meanwhile. When my uncle arrived with his gun in hand, looking more than a bit angry, the American calmed him and explained the situation. As you can imagine my uncle as the Navy officer of the old school that he was was indignant to hear about what I had been taught. He sternly promised me some harsh consequences for even learning something like that, although I was raised in a manner that I should have known better." Boggs and Moffit nod in understanding, while Ari looks puzzled.

But his caregiver does not allow him any time to dwell on this, as he continues with his tale: "The American adventurer, who had taught me, arranged for him and me to provide a show to the Arabs which my cousins and uncle watched as well, as now they wanted to see themselves what I had been taught. Their presence alone made me more nervous by now than the whole caravan had in the first place. I knew I wasn't allowed any mistakes or I would pay for them dearly from my uncle's and father's side." Moffit has a clear idea of what a German military officer would consider appropriate measures for disciplining a child and observes the younger man more closely. Dietrich possesses a resilience regarding receiving beatings and injuries that likely stems from more than only his short military career and experience. Yet the German Captain has never acted with violence, brutality or aggression, not toward his enemies and even less toward the children. The young officer is someone who has learned compassion and caution rather than aggression and hatred from his family's treatment Jack assesses, observing at how gently he treats the scared Jewish orphan nudging against his side. Hans Dietrich definitely is what Troy has always insisted on, a good, decent and honorable man and luckily has agreed to their friendship probation as well. The German Captain continues his recount without noticing the scrutiny: "The demonstration turned out to be a success. The Arabs were a lot more impressed than my family members though. But at least I escaped any serious consequences from my uncle's side, once he realized that this was a good manner to keep the workers and expedition members motivated, although he explicitly forbade me to ever consider to show such ... unworthy behaviour for a German officer in front of common soldiers."

James Boggs nods with sympathy. "I understand your reluctance to show this to us then under these circumstances." Moffit looks curious, as he asks: "Have you ever shown this to the German soldiers or has Captain Brown successfully persuaded you for the first time." Dietrich bristles visibly. "Of course I have never shown this in front of German troops, since I have valued my reputation back then." With a wry smile, he adds dryly: "Since Jakob Silberblatt has sold me to General Atkins as a devious rogue in the first place I had hardly anything to lose reputationwise." "On the contrary, Dietrich, I would consider this a manner of building a different reputation among the Allied forces", Boggs argues with conviction. "You have a surprisingly good reputation for a German officer who defected less than two months ago and that is due to such extraordinary skills as well as your adaptable nature and open display of compassion as well as your principled, honorable manners. I would never have considered it possible what you have managed in these few weeks, at the cost of your own health though. The majority of soldiers and officers in camp not only respect but even personally like you. But before you have at least mostly recovered, I insist on keeping you from participating in any commando missions." Dietrich scowls, but mutters with a far less indignant tone than he would have used without the scared Ari pressing against his side: "Although it pains me to admit, you're unfortunately right regarding the last part. Hitchcock and Anaru are in similar need for recovery and also the other members of my unit deserve their time off." "Troy won't stop following you around, even if you send him off duty, as long as he worries that a German intelligence Major might try to harm you", Jack Moffit warns him. The young German officer grimaces, but nods. "That's not utterly unexpected. I would prefer though, if he would at least take turns with somebody else to do so." "I'm volunteering for this", the British Sergeant offers without hesitation. "And I assume that the same can be said about Tully, Gotty and our new Australian unit members."

"You chose your men well and you inspire them even better, Dietrich. I doubt any of my men would volunteer to safeguard me in their free time", Boggs comments calmly. "I would", the younger Captain offers coolly. "given that the situation is precarious and dangerous enough." The older American officer observes him quietly for a few moments, evaluating the statement. The bruised young Captain has taken enough actions for the good of their camp in the past weeks without caring whether he is on duty or not to leave Boggs without doubt that he is honest with this declaration. "Where Captain Dietrich goes, Troy and the rest of us go as well", Moffit adds coolly. "Thank you, gentlemen. I hope that your whole unit will still be under my command after our meeting with the Allied headquarters, as you are my best men. But I'm honored by your declaration nonetheless", Boggs addresses them and starts with surprise when Bastet comes jumping onto his lap, since he has stopped petting her during the conversation. "It appears you're getting adopted by our strays", Dietrich comments dryly and Jack grins with amusement. Boggs eyes the kitten a bit dubiously, but Bastet starts purring and gently touches his hand with her paw. "She's almost too cute to resist", the older Captain comments in spite of himself. "That's her secret. She will become really dangerous, when she grows up and learns how to apply this skill purposefully", Hans comments. "Like Lieutenant Minki", Boggs declares with a wary sigh. "Minki successfully befuddled the most powerful man in camp within an hour of arriving. I suppose any secret service would wish for such an accomplished agent", the young German states with amusement written on his face. "And she saved our lives, though not on purpose", Boggs adds. "Let's hope this little one doesn't meet a similar fate." "Meow", Bastet comments without understanding anything. Hans smiles sadly and nods. "Let's hope so."

"Have you always been in the habit of adopting strays or have you started this only lately, Captain?", Moffit inquires curiously. Dietrich smiles wryly, as he considers his reply for a few moments. "Actually, you might say that I have always had an affinity for this. I can even tell you a story about one of my strays." Ari beams happily at the word 'story', while even Boggs and Moffit look curious. "I was a twelve year old boy and for the second time in North Africa, already knowing a few words of Arabic and feeling a lot more experienced than at my first time around. That's why a felt like exploring the camp environment on my own at dusk and dawn which was truly adventurous for me back then, but definitely a challenge I felt up to. One day in the twilight of dawn, I found an injured little fennec fox pup, holding its bloodied paw awkwardly and whining desperately. I saw no mother, but it was clear that it had been seriously hurt and apart from that the little fox yelped and whimpered in a truly heartwrenching manner." Ari looks moved to tears, while Moffit smiles almost diabolically. "If Troy learns that you saved baby foxes as a kid, he'll never stop calling you Captain Fox Kit." Dietrich sighs with dramatized weariness. "I've already accepted that this will be my fate." "So what happened with your baby fox?", Boggs wants to know. "Don't tell me you took it all the way back to Germany!"

Dietrich shakes his head. "Of course not. My father would have beaten me black and blue. No, I took the fox kit back to my friend, the American adventurer. He had worked in a circus and basically done anything from acrobatics and sleight of hand tricks to handling animals and cleaning their stables. So I thought that he could help the little fox, since it whimpered so desperately that I simply couldn't find it in my heart to leave it behind." "Meow", Bastet comments on his story, demanding her own attention right now, as she lets herself drop onto his lap. Scratching the kitten behind the ears with a gentle and patient smile, Dietrich continues: "Well, he tried his best with patching up the little fox's paw, when all of a sudden we heard yelps outside of his tent in our camp. Someone shouted, another person screamed and I had no idea what was going on, but I tried to calm the little fox that whimpered terribly. A minute later another fennec fox darted into our tent and stared at us with big dark eyes. I realized immediately that this was the mother of the baby fox, yet we still needed to patch up its paw. So I just started talking in a really calm, quiet and reassuring voice, telling the animals all kind of things about how we would help them and not harm them, that they would live happily afterwards, I even switched between German, English and the little Arabic I knew back then."

"Did anything happen?", Moffit asks curiously. "No. My voice seemed to calm the mother and the baby fox equally. She didn't attack us or even just bare her teeth at us as if she would sense that we meant her and her baby no harm, while the little one accepted getting its paw wrapped in a bandage", Hans replies calmly. "It was really nice. I could actually pet the little fox that accepted the help and then brought it outside of the camp, feeding them both some dried strips of meat which they gulped from my hands." "You're are fox whisperer it seems. I haven't appreciated how well Marcello has named you", Moffit comments with a grin. "He named me after Rommel and his desert fox nickname the propaganda media created", Dietrich argues dryly. "You're the far better desert fox, Dietrich", Boggs comments with a wry smile. "Fox and Rats, both predators relying more on their wits than strength for hunting. You really fit perfectly with your unit, more than any officer than I could ever have come with." "Troy would agree", Moffit confirms. "And he would love the fox story. You have to tell him this one, old chap." "I will eventually", Hans agrees. "You have to tell Fritz and Mark as well. They also like stories", Ari adds with a smile. "Can you tell us another story, Hans?"

The following hours of driving pass with some more stories from Dietrich and Moffit about their desert experiences during their youth, language lessons and explanations for Ari and small talk, until the remains of the past battle, burnt out vehicles, barbed wire and countless bomb craters, indicate that they are closing in on the vicinity of Tobruk. A caravan and herder with animals moving along their road briefly stop their fast advance until Moffit and Dietrich can convince the Arabs to move their animals to the side and let them pass. The German Captain's heart clenches uncomfortably at the sight of the actual city of Tobruk with its ancient impenetrable appearing fort. Merely half a year ago, in May, he has been in a similar position as now, only that the General in command has been Erwin Rommel and that the troops around him have worn German and Italian instead of American and British uniforms. Now the men who have once been his comrades in arms, united under the flag of their German fatherland, have turned into his enemies and he himself into a defector and traitor, hated not only by his former fellow officers, but particularly by his own father and uncle. Feeling the stab through the heart again at the painful thought, the young Captain winces with surprise when he feels a pair of small arms wrapping around his chest, as Ari nestles against his side and mutters: "Don't be sad, Hans!" His haunted gaze turns more sad than tormented, as the lean German manages a wry smile and squeezes the boy's shoulder. "I'm fine, Ari. Don't worry!"

"You have come a long way, Captain", Jack Moffit assures the haunted looking young officer. Dietrich nods and mutters: "Ende gut, alles gut. Let's hope that it is true that all is well that ends well." "This end is only a beginning for you", Boggs adds. "That would be a good toast for our champagne session, Captain", Jack comments with a wink. "Indeed, Moffit. I have not forgotten about your unit's constant alcoholism", Hans comments dryly. "What's alcoholism, Hans?", Ari wants to know and both Boggs and Moffit chuckle at Dietrich's pained grimace. "You've called this one upon yourself, Captain", Moffit comments with a smile, as their staff car closes in on the city walls of Tobruk.

COWCOWCOWCOWCOWCOWCOWCOW

Final Remarks:

I want to thank my surprisingly many readers for their constant feedback and support during the creation of this story.

In particular, I want to thank victory7 for the inspirational idea with the fox kit story. I just could not resist to include this here.

Ending this with a cliffhanger is mean, but purposeful. The first chapter for the follow up story is already in the making. Thank you again for following on this journey until this point.