Changed Ways in North Africa

by The Ravenwolf

Following directly where "Change of Ways" has left off, this story follows Dietrich and his enlarged Rat Patrol into Tobruk and a new type of war for all of them in North Africa.

Welcome to this story. This is the second part of the "Change of Ways" series. I will revise the characters and let Dietrich provide an in character summary of the main outline of the first story, so just follow along, if you do not feel up to reading a million words of part one to get into this, but you are of course always welcome to do so. Anyway, enjoy the story and thanks for reading!

Disclaimer:

I do not own the Rat Patrol or any of its characters. This fiction is written purely for entertainment purposes without the intention of earning any money.

This work is written under the assumption that the age of the characters at the beginning of the story = time of the final series episode is equivalent to the age of the character's actor at that time of production of the series which makes Dietrich the youngest compared to the Rat Patrol members.

I also want to declare that even though I am a German native speaker, I am not Nazi or hold any affinity for their ideology. I want to continue the series' spirit of keeping the speech between German native speakers mostly in German and include the explanation of the content as part of the inner monologue or reflection of the characters rather than provide a literal translation.

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A convoy of trucks, Jeeps and tanks approaches one of the most desperately defended fortresses of the North African desert. At least it has been for the better part of the year 1942. All of the Allied and captured Axis soldiers along with their officers breathe a sigh of relief when Tobruk finally comes into view in the middle of a clear December afternoon. The fortress walls are connected to memories of his past for Hans Dietrich. When he has fought here in May of the same year, besieging the Australians, he could never have imagined that he would join them one day to fight against German troops. The guilt constricting around his throat like a noose makes some of these memories come to life more vividly for the young Captain. In front of his inner eye he can practically see and reexperience how he has directed his Panzer division through the difficult terrain which he now passes in the American armored staff car. Back then the Hungarian Feldwebel Stefan Deutsch has served as his driver, while his aide, Leutnant Brunner has sat beside him. Now the former art student from Berlin is dead, shot by a SS officer in cold blood out of mere cruelty, while Istvan Nemet who has adopted his original Hungarian name again, sits in one of the trucks following behind him as a prisoner of war. Instead of his German comrades in arms Hans is sitting next to the Jewish orphan Ari today, who leans against the young German officer's side, trusting him fully to protect him from all harm, while on his other side sits the American Captain James Boggs, head of the LRDP unit Dietrich has been assigned to after his defection to the U.S. army.

The kitten Bastet has curled up on Dietrich's lap, snoring very softly, as she slumbers, also trusting in her human protectors, while Jack Moffit in the front seat provides the German's personal security guard. This is probably the most absurd part of his new life that, unlike all those months ago, when the British Sergeant and the rest of the Rat Patrol have been his worst nightmare and personal nemeses, they have turned into his trusted men. Topping this is the fact that Hans has turned into Troy's and Moffit's friend, however reluctant he has been to accept the very notion the stubborn American Sergeant has practically forced upon him. Nowadays the young officer's nightmares stem from the German side more often than not, when his former allies, now turned enemies show their true faces, or when the memories of his troubled past come to haunt him, as they do now when in front of Hans' mental eye appear the faces of the men he has lost in the fights against the Australian defenders who have refused to surrender for such a long time. Less of a nightmare are the memories of walking the narrow streets of the city of Tobruk, visiting the bazaar or chatting at the officer's mess, although the faces of his former Oberleutnant Wagner and his aide Leutnant Brunner who have died at the hands of the SS, because they have stood with Dietrich loyally, also hold their own torment for him. But most of all the memories of Generalfeldmarschall Rommel commending him among other officers for their valiant and competent strategies feels like a blade stabbing through his heart nowadays, as it reminds him of how far from the man he has once been, he is nowadays.

"Dietrich", Boggs repeats for the third time and shakes the German Captain's shoulder gently, prepared for his defense reaction which triggers immediately. With his breath catching in his throat, the younger officer ceases his struggle as soon as he recognizes his commanding officer who has caught his right arm the lean European has raised on instinct. The younger Captain winces with pain, as his injured shoulder protests against the mistreatment and Ari immediately tightens his grip around his beloved caregiver's midsection, burying his face deeper in the fabric of his jacket. "Forgive me, Captain Boggs! I was caught up in my memories", Hans Dietrich mutters with a guilty tone, trying to keep his pain or mental torment from lacing into his voice, as he gently rubs the boy's back, trying to console him. "You have come quite a long way in the past few weeks, Captain Dietrich. I cannot blame you for struggling from time to time along your rocky road, especially since it will lead you to the next challenge ahead. I honestly hope that this turns out well", the older American officer declares calmly. "So do I", Hans mutters quietly. "You will handle this excellently, old chap", Moffit tells the worried looking German Captain who closes his eyes and murmurs his acknowledgement: "Ihr Wort in Gottes Ohr, Moffit."

"Finally, a real city with real bars and real beer and really pretty girls", Hitch meanwhile declares to Thomas Anaru and the gravely injured David Troy with a grin, once he has spotted the city's outskirts from the back of their medical truck. "Hey, Kiri, my girl. Don't you want to check what auntie Lisa's doing? I want to talk a little with my friend Mark here", the wounded and bandaged American pilot tells the Bedouin girl who pouts in annoyance. "Only if you tell me another story later, uncle Dave", Kiri demands and the younger Troy sibling chuckles good naturedly. "You're a damned tough negotiator, little lady. Okay, You got yourself a deal. I'll tell you another story later. Now go!", David agrees and Kiri strolls off to look for the nurses, proud of her success. She will have to tell this to her brother Ioannes later, as he has instructed her and her new brother Ari on how to haggle at a bazaar. "You gotta bring me a beer. I got the chicks around all day after all", the American pilot comments with a grin, as soon as the Bedouin girl is out of earshot. "I really like the way you think, Davey", Mark comments, grinning widely, while he pets a panting brown dog which has placed its head on his knee. Fritz, their unit mascot, enjoys the attention almost as much as the next sausage he hopes will come to him sometime soon, although he would not mind being able to run around and play fetch with some stick either.

The Maori soldier Thomas Anaru bears a thoughtful, almost grieving expression, as he stares out of the truck's back flap without really listening to Hitchcock and Troy. "Hey, Tom. What's wrong, buddy?", Mark asks, when he realises that the dark-skinned Private has not participated in their conversation at all in the last hour. "My brother died at El Alamein and my second brother got wounded so badly that he was sent home, just a little after I was assigned here. Everything around here reminds of that city and battle, the burnt vehicles and barbed wire everywhere", Thomas Anaru mutters with a gloomy expression. Both Hitch and David are immediately sobered by the words. "Jeez. I wasn't thinking. Sorry for our stupid jokes, Tommy", Hitch apologizes sheepishly. "We're just... is there anything we can do for you?" The injured Maori soldier shakes his head, still bearing his haunted expression, as he mutters darkly: "No. I'll be fine." Mark does not consider this in any way believable and suggests: "You should talk with Cap... Dietrich knows what it's like to lose everything and everyone one cares about. Besides, he's a really good and empathetic listener, calm, but not cold. He'll help you for sure. He helped me and Lisa a lot." David also pipes in: "Yeah. The guy helped me even though he doesn't like me that much. Your Jerry Captain's a mighty fine fine fellow." Hitch nudges him playfully. "He's your Captain as well now, Davey. You're part of our unit, when you finally quit playing the role of the Egyptian mummy and get back to your feet." The pilot tries to grin without hurting his burnt, scarred skin too much. "True. I can't wait for the day to join you all, especially Sammy and his Jerry friend. And then we'll go for a beer together. First round's on me."

Sam Troy has other things to worry about than his younger brother, as he observes the staff car with the officers from his position in the back of the Jeep. Since they are driving rather slowly, he has stood up again and leans against the Browning gun, ready to jump into action, if the need arises. "I wonder what they have in store for Dietrich. Knowing that snake Atkins it can't be anything good", the American Sergeant grumbles warily. Tully Pettigrew merely shifts his matchstick in a noncommittal manner without taking his eyes off the road. The half-Japanese Corporal Riku Gottschlich on the other hand looks at Troy from his position in the front seat next to the driver from Kentucky. "Do you really think that they would harm him, Sergeant Troy? But Captain Dietrich is an Allied officer and a really good one", the young man argues with clear worry in his tone. "That didn't keep that mad dog Baker from shooting him and his guy, whatever his name was, from trying to poison our favourite fox and Baldy." Gottschlich looks uncomfortable at Troy's nicknames for their officers, but at the same time feels truly worried and concerned about Captain Dietrich's health and safety. The German officer has given him the first honest chance he has had in the American army, being calm, patient, fair and above all not driven by any prejudice neither against someone of German nor Japanese descent. As the first officer to treat him like any other soldier, showing him more empathy even than anybody else ever has, Riku has no intention whatsoever to let his noble hearted young mentor down. "We'll take care of everything as usual, but one of us always stays around to keep an eye out for Dietrich", Troy decides their plan and his two companions agree without hesitation.

"For the wearing of the Green, for the wearing of the Green. They're hanging men and women for the wearing of the Green", Kevin O'Donnell sings the rebellious Irish folk song proudly. "Kev, could you for once try not to get us arrested!", his older brother Daniel scolds him, sounding unnerved. "Browny kept us safe and Captain Sherlock's even more loyal to the bone to his men", his younger sibling argues stubbornly. "And they're both just men of flesh and blood and can't work bloody miracles if you insult the English officers and defame the king right in front of their noses, Kevin. Try to behave like a reasonable adult!", Danny warns his brother sternly. "Okay. I'll just switch to drinking songs. Nothing's wrong with those. All soldiers need their drink", Kevin concedes. "Can't you sing about something nice, like girls. There are so many songs about the lovely Irish roses. Hey, Kev, I got it. Let's sing The Black Velvet Band!", Danny suggests, before he starts singing loudly: "Her eyes ... they shone like diamonds..." His brother joins him at the second line and together they pass the rest of their passage singing one Irish folk song after the other which they have learned from their patriotic parents, as they already have done in the hours before.

The usually strong willed nurse Lisa Hartigan struggles with the for her unusual sickness during the ride. Her friend Deirdre O'Donnell stays loyally at her side, constantly worried about her dark haired friend and her unborn child. "Stop fretting, Deirdre! You're making me nervous", Lisa grumbles moodily. "I'm just a bit sick. It's damned normal during a pregnancy." The blond Irish descended nurse is used to her friend's mood swings which have become more intense in the past months due to her condition in addition to the stressful environment of a war zone they have to work in. "Let's chat about something else to distract me", Lisa suggests. "Like your plans for our handsome Captain." "I have no plans!", Deirdre protests immediately. "I gave him a promise." "As long as he's our officer, Deirdre. When we're stationed at the local hospital and he's not in the same unit, your promise doesn't apply anymore", her friend argues smartly.

The blond nurse blushes, as she stutters: "I doubt it was meant like this." "Nevermind what he meant. He's a good and decent guy, even got engaged once with that French nurse who got murdered for which he still blames himself, as he told us. But our dear Fox is the embodiment of an officer and gentleman. He'd never just have his fun and then let you down afterwards", Lisa argues. "You can search for a man like that far and wide, a real gentleman, well-bred, educated and polite. Believe me, Deirdre! You don't want to let a guy like him go." "But what should I do?", Deirdre asks desperately. "I think I have a few ideas", Lisa declares with a conspiratorial wink and roguish smile. "Trust me, Deirdre!" Then she starts whispering into her baffled friend's ear, until Kiri turns up, because David Troy has stopped telling her interesting stories, since he wants to chat with Mark Hitchcock instead. With a pout the Bedouin girl sits beside the two nurses and demands her entertainment which Lisa Hartigan is willing to give in the form of her own stories, wanting to inspire her to not let any men dominate her life, as it happens to many of the women the American nurses have observed here in North Africa. Deirdre O'Donnell meanwhile lets her mind wander to the young officer she feels enthralled with, not noticing the noon heat of the Sahara or the bumpy ride. Lisa has a lot more experience with men than she does, but at the same time she might not be the best example to follow.

The man she is thinking about has completely different problems occupying his mind at the moment. Hans Dietrich observes the native citizens of Tobruk as well as soldiers of the many army posts the Allies have placed in the form of road blocks, guard towers and military stations. "You were here before, weren't you?", James Boggs asks him calmly, as he notices the younger officer's tense posture. The German Captain nods curtly. "Yes. My division was involved in the final battle actions for taking the city in May. After that I visited the local Axis headquarters a few times for reports or to receive fresh orders." "Then, you probably know the city a lot better than I do, as I have only been here once before", Boggs replies, trying to alleviate the mood. "And you both know a lot more than I, since all I have ever seen of Tobruk was a hand drafted map", Jack Moffit adds dryly. "I can show you around... if I'm still allowed to roam freely", Hans mutters a bit gloomily. "Don't be absurd, Dietrich! You're an Allied Captain in service of the U. S. army now. Nobody has any right to treat you like a second class officer or they shouldn't have accepted you and given you citizenship and a uniform. Arresting you is out of the question as is interrogating or mistreating you", James Boggs protests indignantly.

Dietrich winces and involuntarily his left hand reaches for his right flank, where underneath the shirt his sutured and bandaged wound reminds him quite clearly of the distrust he still has to face from his new allies' side, as he growls:"Lieutenant Baker was of a different opinion." The older American Captain also notices the movement and his expression becomes more saddened, especially when he hears the argument and gets reminded of his own officer's shameful behavior. The skinny, bruised German has gone through hell to make it here and paid more than dearly for his change of ways with countless fresh and healed injuries bearing a reminder of this. More than anybody else Dietrich would deserve and need a break and the chance to recover and heal. "This shouldn't be the norm and I trust our superior officers to be more reasonable", Boggs argues a bit meekly and notices Moffit's disapproving snort. The Sergeant is after all here as his young commander's bodyguard for a good reason, because the Rats trust the rest of the Allied soldiers and officers even less than their German commanding officer who almost expects distrust as well as physical and verbal abuse from his former enemies, since he has experienced all of it during the last weeks.

As they halt in the courtyard, the young German Captain turns to his Jewish ward who still clings to his side. "You stay with Jack Moffit and Jakob Silberblatt now, Ari!", Dietrich tells the boy gently, as their staff car halts in the courtyard. "Do you promise that you will not be hurt, Hans?", the Jewish orphan asks with worry, as he listens to his caregiver's steady heartbeat. Dietrich winces slightly, before he tries to reassure the boy: "Don't worry, Ari! I promise you that nobody wants to hurt me here." "Please come back soon", Ari mutters, hugging his caregiver as a gesture of goodbye. "Meow", Bastet protests indignantly, when Dietrich wakes her, as he hands the kitten to Moffit. "You take care of our little guardian of home and hearth here, Sergeant, as well as Ari!" Jack smiles warmly, as he takes the kitten that curls up in his arm and starts purring again. "I will look after both of them, Captain. Knowing Troy, he will place a lookout to watch over you." Hans smiles wryly, as he counters dryly: "I would have thought that the times when the Rat Patrol comes sneaking after me would lie behind us now." Moffit smiles, as he replies: "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Captain. But Troy is even more pushy, when he sees one of his friend's in danger than he's, when going after his enemies." "Even more pushy? I'm not sure, I can even imagine that. Is there a superlative for the word which has Sam Troy as his lexical definition?", the German Captain inquires dryly, as he dusts off and straightens out his uniform and crusher cap. "Have I told you already how much I appreciate finally having a witty, intelligent and dry humored unit member, Captain?", Moffit asks with his typical British humor although there rings some earnestness in his words, then whispers to Dietrich: "I'll catch up with Troy and we take care of our unit." "Thank you, Moffit", the young officer manages to reply, as he gives a final reassuring smile to Ari whim Moffit tells: "Come, Ari. We won't keep your brother for now and instead look for your other brother, Jakob."

"Captain, I'll continue onward to the POW camp to drop our prisoners there and get their wounded and sick their much needed treatment as soon as possible", Lieutenant Carlos reports from his front seat in one of the trucks with the captured Germans and Italians which he has ordered to stop next to their staff car. "You do that, Lieutenant", Boggs replies, as Dietrich adds what he has picked up from the Hispanic officer: "The Swiss should help with that. Hasta luego, Teniente!" "Si, nos ayudan. Nos vemos, Capitano!", Carlos replies with a wide smile, happy to have somebody who is interested and grateful to learn some Spanish from him. James Boggs looks a bit baffled for a few seconds, before addressing the young German: "You're really a language talent, Dietrich." "Spanish is a Romanic language and related to French and Italian which I have already known and spoken for years", Hans argues calmly. "I've got a clear idea by now why Doctor Moffit likes you and men in camp call you Captain Sherlock for being smart and knowledgeable", Boggs counters with a smile. "I seriously hope that we keep collaborating." Dietrich shrugs a bit nonchalantly and winces when his injured right shoulder protests with a stab of pain, as he mutters: "We'll see." "Gentlemen, you will follow me!", the short and wiry General Atkins orders sternly without allowing the two Captains to organize their men any further. While First Lieutenant Adams takes over the duty of providing orders to the LRDP troops, Dietrich straightens his uniform one last time, before he turns to follow the American officers.

General Atkins leads the way for Captain Boggs and Dietrich through the maze of hallways and offices that immediately remind Hans of German government agencies specialised on driving ordinary people to insanity through regulations and reglementations that would never occur to any sane human being. As security gets tighter, it becomes clear to the German that they are moving toward the more relevant sections of the Allied headquarters in Tobruk. After saluting sharply, a British soldier opens a big double door for the General and the two officers accompanying him. Along a large table sit several high ranking officers, even requiring a second row of spectators to fit them all in. Their higher rank is clearly recognizable from their age as well as the decorations worn on their uniforms, as none of the men in the room is younger than his early thirties and below the rank of a Major. James Boggs shares the German Captain's tension, as he stands at attention with his cap held in his left arm next to the tall and lean young officer in front of many of the most influential officers in command in North Africa. Most of them are British, many officers of the ANZAC, with only two men wearing an American uniform in addition to the new arrivals.

"So who of them's your newly acquired kraut Captain, Dick?", one of the two, a rather small round American Colonel asks General Atkins, before commenting rather derisively: "The pudgy, balding one? Blond hair and blue eyes like the Nazi propaganda." Hans Dietrich hides a smirk, as he sees Captain Boggs beside him scowl darkly at the unflattering assessment. His amusement helps the German rein in his own indignation at the offending expressions and assessment in spite of his slightly wounded pride. "The tall and skinny one, Colonel Rankings", a brown-haired officer intercedes. The German Captain tenses even further, as he recognizes the American Major from infiltrating his base under the guise of pretending to be 'Sergeant Troy'. The American Colonel scrutinizes the tall, thin German with open curiosity, as Dietrich stands at attention in an even more rigid stance with his head held high. "You don't look like the model krauts Hitler's sending out here, brown hair, brown eyes, sun-tanned." "Forgive my lack of foresight to adapt my hair and eye color, Sir. Staying pale after two years under the desert sun is also rather challenging", Dietrich counters dryly in smooth English. "That man clearly sounds like an American. Are you trying to pull my leg, Major Fisher?", the Colonel demands to know with open indignation. Before the American Major, who looks slightly baffled, can search for an adequate answer, the German Captain intercedes in his native tongue: "Wenn es überzeugender für Sie klingt, meine Herren, kann ich auch Deutsch sprechen. Mein Name ist Hans Dietrich, ehemaliger Hauptmann im Deutschen Afrikakorps."

Several of the Allied officers present tense at the unmistakable intonation of their enemies' language, even if most do not understand his words. General Atkins smirks openly, as he twirls his moustache between the fingers of his right hand, while Captain Boggs hides his schadenfreude far better, but enjoys observing Dietrich crossing blades with the insolent Colonel nonetheless. "What did you just say, Captain Dietrich?", the Major asks with a stern expression, trying to hide his own smirk. "I said that I can speak German as well if this sounds more convincing to you. And I introduced myself as a former Captain of the German Afrikakorps", Dietrich replies with a clipped tone, living up to their notion of the famous German diligence. An amused expression makes the Major's lips rise, as he inwardly applauds the young European officer's bravado in the face of a whole room full of his former enemies. "You're a U. S. army officer now though, Captain Dietrich", the American Major confirms sternly. Glancing briefly in Atkins' direction who nods curtly, the lean German replies in a professional tone: "Yes, I am, Sir."

"Well, this should disprove some doubts and confirm the reports finally. As Colonel Rankings has pointed out you speak English with an almost native intonation, Captain. Which other languages are you familiar with?", Fisher inquires, while the Colonel still stares with astonishment and wariness at the young man whom he would have believed to be a role model Yankee just based on his looks and speech, until he has spoken in his native language. "German, naturally. English, obviously. French and Arabic fluently. Italian from my time as an communications officer with Mussolini's troops in Rome and serving with Italian officers and soldiers in North Africa, Major Fisher", the German Captain answers diligently, leaving out the languages of which he only knows some rudimentary basics, a few words or phrases. Several of the officers present exchange glances which range from astonishment to being impressed. "You are a tank commander by training, Captain Dietrich?", an elderly British Colonel who has only quietly observed until now asks with a curious expression. "I am an artillery officer by training, Colonel. Only after being promoted to Captain and transferred to North Africa have I been in command of tank units", Dietrich answers with the diligence and dignity appropriate for a German officer of his rank, meeting the Brit's gaze directly with unmistakable pride.

"You are supposed to be in command of a commando unit in the future, Captain Dietrich. Do you think that you are qualified for such a job given your record of destruction suffered from our commando units?", an Australian Colonel inquires arrogantly. The proud German struggles visibly with reigning in his temper and holding his tongue to keep himself from saying something he will definitely regret. James Boggs considers briefly to lay his hand on his younger colleague's shoulder to keep him from acting driven by his wounded pride, as Dietrich sometimes has in the past weeks, but it does not become necessary, since the German Captain keeps his temper well in check. "I can vouch for Captain Dietrich's qualification in this regard", Major Fisher intercedes unexpectedly on behalf of the German who looks as stunned as several other people in the room. Turning to the younger officer with a smirk, the American Major asks with a tone of irony: "How did you like the plans for Operation Diamond, Captain?" Dietrich is still slightly taken aback at the question, but quickly pulls himself together.

With dry sarcasm he then replies: "I would not have expected that you of all people would assess this mission as a positive qualification on my behalf, as I am well aware that you have finessed me, Major. Oberst Bauer of the German Wehrmacht however is still convinced that this was the most deviously encoded battle plan since the invention of Enigma." The American Major laughs heartily, while several of the higher ranking officers grin at the inside joke and the admission that they have managed to pull one over on the German high command. "As you said yourself, you are trained for commanding artillery and tank units, yet you have very aptly infiltrated my base and Colonel Rankings barely believed you to be a German officer, before you spoke in your native language, in spite of you identifying yourself", Major Fisher assesses, while an elderly British officer with the rank insignia of an Infantry Brigadier adds: "Speaking the languages of four major factions involved in this war is a unique quality for an officer, even more so for one with the qualification of a commando trooper in addition, as you are reputed to have." "And you are a skilled actor and creative strategist as well, which I can verify from personal experience", the Major adds. Dietrich frowns at the American's words which make sense, but he would not have expected them from the officer whose base he has almost blown up.

"However, there are certain aspects of you and your allegiance to be taken care of, before we can continue to brief you about your future mission types and units to operate with. According to General Atkins and his experienced consultant, you are not a Nazi. But from what I have heard the man has been your school friend and thus would be inclined to cover for you, even if you were", the American Major argues sternly. For a moment Dietrich thinks that he cannot believe his own ears. After all he has been through in the past few weeks they have the gall to accuse him of being a Nazi and Jakob of covering for him? "Lieutenant Jakob Silberblatt is neither lying nor trying to deceive you and for sure, he as a Jew who had to flee from Nazi Germany to save his and his family's lives, is the last man to cover for an actual Nazi", the German Captain counters with conviction and righteous indignation, defending his friend since childhood as well as his own honor. General Atkins and Captain Boggs know him well enough by now to be able to assess that the German officer's temper is starting to show, as the proud and stubborn young man will not budge, but rather risk his own future than not stand by his friend. But intervening is not necessary, as the reaction seems to have been anticipated by the American officer who bears an almost lurking expression.

"Then you will wish to cooperate to prove your words, Captain", he states in the manner of a predator stalking its prey. "I have nothing to hide, as I am no Nazi. But I have no manner of proving this here and now other than through my words", Dietrich growls with barely concealed fury. "Please open your shirt and show me your left upper arm and shoulder pit to provide physical proof then, Captain", the Major demands. Dietrich is so perplexed that he merely stares at him incredulously for a few moments, until he growls: "I beg your pardon, Major. I must have misheard you." "You heard me correctly, Captain. I have to search you for markings and tattoos typical for a Nazi", Major Fisher replies with a cool tone. "I was treated by American medical personnel countless times during the last weeks and found myself under close scrutiny more often than I could from American officers and soldiers in addition to the medical personnel that any of them could vouch that I bear no tattoo on my arm or shoulder pit. I'm neither a Nazi, nor SS member or spy", Dietrich snarls furiously, not even bothering to hide his righteous indignation and anger anymore.

Although he briefly considers the argument of having uncovered such people himself and pointed this method of identifying Nazi spies out to the medics, it occurs to him that this could of course have been part of a prearranged ruse to manipulate the members of the camp into trusting him as they do. Briefly, the German Captain looks at the American General Atkins, searching for any kind of reaction to the wild accusations and an indication of support, but sees only the man's cryptic expression, lurking like a nightly predator. "Just follow your orders, Captain!", the older American officer remarks coolly, twirling his moustache. Dietrich shoots him a venomous glare, filled with pure loathing. That spineless, backstabbing coward would of course not stand up in the defense of his former enemy, who has abducted him from a field hospital months ago, in spite of everything that has happened ever since.

"This is insane. You cannot seriously suspect me of bearing Nazi tattoos which have stayed hidden from your medics during countless checks and treatments in an American field hospital", the German Captain argues incredulously. The American Major appears outwardly absolutely unimpressed by the outburst, just like the General. "Then providing this proof in front of us should not be a problem, Captain Dietrich, since you are assured of your innocence", Major Fisher argues coolly. The German Captain has tensed into a defensive stance and looks like he might jump at the Major's throat at any time, when James Boggs lays his hand on the taller man's shoulder and whispers: "Captain Dietrich, please. Calm down and be rational!" The American Captain clearly feels the wiry muscles tighten even further after a wince, but Dietrich's expression becomes more guarded, as he makes a visible effort to regain his self-control. Briefly, the younger officer meets his gaze with brown eyes which show his warring emotions of pride, dignity, betrayal, incredulity, shame and some Boggs cannot even name, before Dietrich swallows his stubborn pride and gives in to the undignified process.

"Should we go outside, Major?", the German Captain growls with barely concealed anger at the humiliating treatment. "Here and now would be preferable for your check, Captain", the American officer replies coolly. James Boggs looks just as incredulous as Hans Dietrich at the announcement while the German's wounded pride wars with actual shameful self-consciousness on his face, as he hisses: "Why? Do they not trust your word, Major?" Major Fisher remains unperturbed by the stubborn reaction and offending question. "You have a reputation which is far too sly and wily to convince anybody, unless they see it with their own eyes that you could not weasel your way out of this." With an almost cold tone he adds: "In the light of your current behavior the reports that you were convicted for routine insubordination are a lot more believable." Dietrich winces as if he would have been slapped, then glares at the older American officer with a murderous expression, when James Boggs intervenes on his behalf: "Captain Dietrich has proven that he is a reliable and loyal officer countless times during the last weeks. Accusing him of insubordination is as unfounded as it is offending, Major Fisher." "Thank you, Boggs", the young officer mutters quietly, wrestling his temper and facial expression back under control.

With clenched jaws, the German officer unbuttons his jacket and shirt wide enough to pull his left arm out without damaging the fabric. The American Major standing before him narrows his eyes, he can make out the scars of the burn wounds and shrapnel splinters on the younger man's chest as well as countless bruises and welts. A large scar on his right shoulder is mostly covered by his shirt, but discernible, although a dark bruise is partially hiding it. The thick bandages wrapped around his waist surely cover further injuries. Additionally, the fact that the German Captain wears the Erkennungsmarke of the Wehrmacht as well as the U.S. army dog tags irritates Fisher almost as much as the man's thin build, still speaking of formerly suffering starvation and not having regained any lost substance. But the Major has been ordered to keep up this farce and for this he has to pretend to check something else on the sinewy German officer's skin who has gritted his teeth and glares at him with open contempt. To keep up his pretense that he wants to assure that he will not miss a small hidden tattoo, the Major has to touch the visibly tense young Captain and move his arm in the optimal positions for his close inspection.

Although the former German Hauptmann looks sinewy and lean, even skinny, the American officer is surprised to sense quite an amount of wiry muscles attached to the bones, making the young officer more athletic than he would appear at first sight. Like with many desert dwellers, there is little excess water and almost no fat left on the young man who has survived countless episodes of thirst and starvation in the past months without having had enough excess supplies available to recover from them for a longer period. Dietrich has also been truthful about not bearing a Nazi tattoo which comes as no surprise to the Major, as they have known and expected this in advance, since the submitted medical reports have been very clear and precise. "You may get dressed again, Captain Dietrich. I am sorry for the scrutiny we had to put you under, but I acted according to my orders to double check you and you hopefully understand why we are particularly wary after recent events", the American officer provides as an apology. "I understand the nature of duty and the reason to distrust a potential SS spy", Dietrich replies with an icy tone that communicates his disdain over the humiliating treatment clearly. Noticing the German Captain's piercing gaze, the Major feels relieved to know that the man is serving on their side now and would not actually harm him, although he communicates his loathing quite clearly without bothering to hide his feelings. If his service record would not have been enough to document Dietrich's front-line battle experience, his scars definitely have. The young German Captain is an officer who is no stranger to battle actions or being wounded in the line of duty.

"I congratulate you, Captain Dietrich and Captain Boggs. You have both passed our little test", General Atkins declares with a jovial tone. The German Captain briefly bears an expression as if he would like to murder the American with his bare hands, before reining in his temper and openly displayed reaction. Boggs looks more surprised than indignant, as he inquires with a bemused tone: "This was a test for us?" "We wanted to see both your reactions. Your compliance with orders, Captain Dietrich, even if they go against your pride and dignity, and whether you, Captain Boggs, would be able to direct your stubborn subordinate in such a situation." Dietrich seethes with anger, as he snarls: "And you really had to stoop so low to perform this unworthy show and could not have told this from our behaviour during the last weeks?" "I was totally convinced, Captain Dietrich. I merely needed to convince my fellow officers here", Atkins argues, unperturbed by the reaction. The German Captain has drawn himself up to his full height, standing at attention, but with his muscles tensed like a leopard about to pounce on its prey. Boggs squeezes the younger officer's shoulder and meets the intense gaze of his brown eyes with calmness in his blue eyes, while he shakes his head almost imperceptibly. Dietrich is smart and adaptable so he surely is able to read and understand the nonverbal message. James Boggs can see thatthe German has gritted his teeth with enough force that a muscle twitches in his jaw, but he seems to heed his warning, as he states in an icy tone "I see." and remains quiet after that.

Several of the Allied senior officers observe the spectacle with morbid curiosity. Major Fisher however addresses the young German Captain with some veiled sympathy: "My apologies for the deception and the humiliating treatment, Captain. I understand your reluctance, but I had my orders." Dietrich frowns, but nods in acceptance. Holding a grudge against the Major would be absurd, especially since the man is open minded enough to not begrudge his former enemy his freedom and new career after Hans has actively pointed a weapon at him and almost destroyed his whole command post. "I understand, Major Fisher", he mutters with less aggression than before, as his reasonable mind gains control over his emotions again. "Now that this unworthy display is over", an extremely tall athletic looking young British officer announces with a Scottish drawl and clear disgust for the procedure, "I would like to take a look at and have a word with the Captain to gain an actual impression of his qualification as a commander of a commando unit. And I am looking forward to finally receiving a report of the exploits of the LRDP and the events he and his new unit have been involved in during the last few weeks." From Dietrich's estimate this officer is only a few years older than him in his beginning thirties, noticing that he bears the insignia of a Lieutenant Colonel.

Studying the lean German who has struggled with maintaining his dignity in the face of the partially stripping before them, as some of his more paranoid colleagues have insisted on to prove hos submission to their command more than his lack of tattoos, the Brit states with typical dry humor: "From your appearance, Captain Dietrich, I can only conclude that the LRDG is living up to its reputation of seriously damaging German supply routes. But is their cuisine truly as gruesome as the English is reputed to be that you have not managed to regain some weight and muscle in the past weeks since your change of sides?" For a few moments the younger Captain appears as stunned as everyone else in the room, before replying in a quiet voice: "We were constantly faced with supply shortages and had to accept whatever we got. Besides, Lieutenant Colonel, what else would one expect, when the Royal Air Force supplies the rations?" The last part is spoken with similarly dry sarcasm which makes an elderly grey-haired officer wearing the uniform of a RAF Air Commodore burst into laughter at the statement. The athletic officer in his fifties introduces himself with a jovial tone: "We have only been introduced via radio until now, Captain Dietrich. My name is William Harrington, Air Commodore of his Majesty's Royal Air Force. You have given me an excellent demonstration of how you've managed to get Harry Bracken to laugh at your dry jokes and Old Georgey to like you. Unfortunately, Air Commodore George-Irving is not fond of these boring meetings of loony old coots like us, so he'll meet you later, lad." Absolutely at a loss what to reply to this, the German Captain merely stays with stating politely: "It's an honor to meet you, Air Commodore."

Meanwhile the Lieutenant Colonel smiles at the exchange, before he salutes to the younger man who responds with a salute of his own though using his left arm only. "I am Lieutenant Colonel Alexander McLean. You might have heard of my more prominent because more openly working colleague, Lieutenant Colonel David Stirling from the Special Air Service." Hans Dietrich tenses visibly at the name of the man and the unit, as they are reputed to have the Rat Patrol's destructive force with several times the manpower and a far wider range of equipment to back them up. McLean smiles wryly, when he notices the reaction. "I see that his name rings a bell with you, Captain, unlike mine, though my codename might, which is 'Merlin'." Dietrich bears a stern expression as he searches his memories for any recognition or hint of the name, but shakes his head. Outside of British mythology he has never encountered the name and assuming that he is just meeting King Arthur's court magician and advisor would be absurd. The Scottish officer appears to be quite content with this response. "That was to be expected, as I do not aim for publicity and openly spreading chaos and terror unlike Stirling. Your new unit, the Rat Patrol, is reputed to be one of the best subunits of the Long Range Desert Group, operating in a similar manner as the SAS though with far less manpower. To be honest, my methods are less straightforward than those of Lieutenant Colonel Stirling or Sergeant Troy, but I have the impression that so are yours given your reputation and reports about you."

The young German has tensed visibly again, eyeing the Scotsman warily, as Hans has no idea where this is supposed to lead. McLean however continues unperturbed: "You are well-documented as one of our most bothersome enemy commanders in the North African dune war, wily, smart, skilled in avoiding most of the standard tricks by the LRDG units, while even devious enough to turn some of their own tricks against them. But Americans, Brits and Australians alike have also described you as honorable, chivalrous and merciful with your enemies. If I have been informed correctly your unit by now consists of a conglomerate of American, British, Australian soldiers and even one of the Maoris who volunteered to join you." "My men are loyal and believe in their cause and the strength of their unit, while none would backstab me which is rather rare given my ... background", the young Captain replies, holding his head up high, as he proudly meets the other's gaze. "Not a single man in my unit has not volunteered or voluntarily agreed to serve under my command."

McLean sizes him up with open curiosity, as he continues his inquiry: "What did you do that loyal Allied soldiers wish to serve under a former German Afrikakorps officer, one they have fought against more than once?" "I did my job as an officer properly and diligently as was my duty", Dietrich answers coolly without any intention to get into details. James Boggs gives a confirmatory nod. "Half of the soldiers of several units including my own handed him letters of application. The ones serving under Captain Dietrich now are only a selected few of the men who volunteered." This statement makes several of the officers around bear expressions of surprise, while a few others look rather disgusted. "I suppose this calls for a more detailed report than what you two have just told me. I will be given the honor of collaborating with you and your unit, providing you with training, contacts, equipment and orders, Captain Dietrich, if you're able to live up to our standards. So please start from the beginning! How and why did you defect from the German Afrikakorps to the Long Range Desert Patrol, your sworn enemies, Captain Dietrich?",McLean inquires with as much honest curiosity as official diligence.

The German Captain tenses slightly at the wording, but otherwise keeps his facial expression under control, as he glances briefly sideways in the direction of the American General Atkins who twirls his moustache and bears a cryptic smile, while waving his hand in an inviting manner. "Please go ahead, Captain. We have provided regular reports in the last few weeks, but this is an excellent manner of summarizing all of them concisely." With a curt nod the lean young officer focuses back on the British Lieutenant Colonel. McLean has observed the nonverbal communication with clear interest which he upholds as the German starts his recount. "A little more than a month ago on November the 9th two SS officers arrived at my base and demanded the arrest and branding the Jewish inhabitants of the town which I refused for the sake of upholding our peace and collaboration with the locals as much as out of personal principle. Only two days later I was arrested myself after General König's wife, the man you refer to as 'The Butcher', accused me of treason and cooperation with his abductors of the LRDP." Several men in the room bear grim expressions at the mentioning of the notoriously brutal and cruel German General who has indulged in the torture of Allied soldiers and officers more than once. "We know perfectly well that you are innocent of this crime which you are however now guilty of in the eyes of the German high command", McLean confirms.

Dietrich nods and sighs, as he continues: "Sturmbannführer Friedrich Waldheim and Hauptsturmführer Hermann Metzlich have spent the following days interrogating me about my cousin Elisabeth Wolf, who had tried to help Jewish prisoners to flee from a prison and was subsequently arrested, interrogated and executed as a traitor, as well as my own crimes against the Afrikakorps, about failed missions raising suspicions along with countless complaints and accusations of my fellow officers or superiors as well as my own protests against their immoral behaviour which happened in accordance with Berlin's orders and politics." The German Captain almost sneers at the words, spitting them with anger and contempt. "The climax of this interrogation was a demonstration of power and terror by the SS officers, hoarding all the Jewish inhabitants at the town's bazaar for a demonstrative mass execution. Sturmbannführer Waldheim wanted me to order the execution as a proof of my loyalty. My men shot at the SS, instead of the Jews though which resulted in their immediate execution and my death sentence." James Boggs who is standing next to him sees that the lean young officer has balled his hands into fists and is fighting hard to keep his emotions from showing too clearly on his face and in his voice, shaking slightly with suppressed anger.

"We had heard about your arrest by then and I suggested to offer the man who had dared to infiltrate enemy bases under the guise of an American Sergeant he has fought and lost against countless times a chance to apply his skills for the right side. Even most of my colleagues here considered our offer a fair deal given your precarious situation",McLean replies dryly. "My intention has never been to save my own skin by selling out all my principles along with my men", Hans practically snarls at him lividly. "Dietrich", Boggs mutters quietly, placing his hand on the younger man's shoulder who flinches visibly at the touch. However, this seems to break the spell, as with a deep breath, the tall German regains most of his countenance and some self-control. "You're obviously as spirited and proud as reports describe you, my dear Captain", the British officer assesses dryly, when Air Commodore Harrington intercedes unexpectedly: "Leave the lad in peace for goodness' sake, Merlin! He's supposed to report, not being ridiculed and having his temper tested." Surprise registers on Dietrich's face, as he nods to the RAF officer gratefully. "You seem to have an unexpected amount of sympathisers and defenders, Captain Dietrich",McLean assesses dryly, before adding more seriously: "It has not been my intention to ridicule or provoke you. Please continue."

the young German officer takes a deep breath to calm his mind and his tone. "Sergeant Troy and the men of the Rat Patrol freed me from SS custody and saved my life in the process. I insisted on not leaving my unit at the mercy of the SS or the angry Arabs out for revenge against the infidels who had simply executed some of the local citizens, even if they were Jews. As the Arabs killed the SS troops during their officers' funeral, they were the only ones left to negotiate with for saving my men. Even if my soldiers would have escaped from the locals, the Gestapo would likely have been after them and their families in Germany, as they had become tainted through my treason and the mysterious deaths of the SS troops", Dietrich reports with notable concern for the lives of his soldiers. "I offered Sergeant Troy my full cooperation in exchange for his unit's support in getting my men out alive." Several officers in the room exchange glances with their neighbours now andMcLean even asks outright: "You sold yourself to the LRDP to save your soldiers?" Dietrich grimaces, visibly uncomfortable with the question, but finally nods. "Yes. That is basically the deal I made." The Scottish Lieutenant Colonel turns around to exchange gazes with some of his superiors, before he addresses the German again: "That is quite the opposite of what we are used to and definitely more than I would have wanted to ask of you, Captain." "It's nonetheless the truth", Hans insists, "which Sergeant Troy and Sergeant Moffit can confirm." "I can confirm it as well from my men's reports and the Captain's own admission after arriving in my camp", James Boggs intercedes and several men nod including Dietrich who eyes his colleague with clear gratitude written on his face.

"My wounded men along with myself were treated in the LRDP field hospital after reaching Captain Boggs' camp. Two days later, General Atkins arrived to submit your offer of defecting to the Allied forces rather than waiting to be murdered in a POW camp, since I was a convicted traitor already", the young German officer reports curtly. "We heard a lot of details about that, including your roguish escapades", the American Colonel Rankings comments with a glares at him, as do Captain Boggs and Major Fisher, while Dietrich narrows his eyes, but fights to keep his countenance after having lost his temper far too many times already. "Please continue with your report, Captain! We know how your negotiations have ended", a British Colonel orders sternly, as he eyes his American colleague with as much disgust as he might look at a scorpion in his boot. "Yes, Sir", Hans replies politely, observing the social dynamics between the Allied senior officers with interest. This is far too reminiscent of German officers' clubs where grown men with the responsibility for thousands of soldiers have sometimes behaved worse than immature children in his eyes.

"The following day, Major Bracken's convoy of tanks and armored vehicles arrived in our camp with the Major gravely wounded and his whole unit decimated by Major von Stolberg whom you might know better as 'the avenger of the Afrikakorps'", Dietrich continues with his recount. "Eliminating this threat had top priority and we agreed on offering the Arabs of my former garrison town a temporary collaboration against this common enemy, since he had been sent to destroy their oasis." "You negotiated with them yourself?", a beefy Australian Major inquires sternly. "I took Sergeant Moffit, who holds a doctorate in anthropology and is an expert for North Africa, with me to the negotiations, but mainly negotiated myself, as the local Arabs knew me and trusted my word to a certain degree. We managed to persuade them to not only lend us horses, but also send the Sheikh's own son to fight along with us, as he didn't want his honor questioned by having infidels fighting their battles for them." "Too bad good old Lawrence isn't here anymore to hear this", the British Colonel comments dryly with a smirk. "It's good we have our own rebel fighter who can inspire Arabs to ride into battle with him, isn't it, Colonel Raymond?",McLean inquires dryly, before turning back to Dietrich, addressing him in a tone that is not unfriendly: "Please continue, Captain."

Scowling slightly at the comments and interruptions, the German officer reports: "The LRDP along with our Arab allies dealt a severe blow to Major von Stolberg's unit, resulting in the death of his Hauptmann Gebsattel and many of his soldiers as well as the Major's arrest along with the survivors. Captain Boggs however was wounded during the battle which subsequently led to me temporarily being in command of the LRDP unit." Dietrich glances at the American Captain who bears a grim expression, but nods at him in an encouraging manner. "Commando troopers of Major von Stolberg's unit attacked our camp during the following night, but we were able to repel the attack, capturing one of them alive. This provided us with an opportunity for gaining some insight on the Major's original strategy as well as further negotiations with the Arabs whose support and trade we required, as our supplies would never have sufficed for reaching Tobruk with all the wounded allies and captured prisoners of war we had to take care of, even with reduced rations. That was the time when I also contacted Air Commodore Harrington here to help us out with aerial deliveries of supplies we could not trade with the Arabs, such as medical supplies and gasoline." The British officer smiles jovially at the younger German Captain. "I at first couldn't believe who contacted us, but this has turned out excellently after all, Captain."

The German nods in quiet acknowledgement, before continuing with his recount: "I also contacted Captain Brown of the LRDP who reached our camp on the following day and supported us with some additional supplies from local supply deposits. However, his Lieutenant along with one of their units were caught in a trap, resulting in several deaths." Dietrich looks with a worried frown in the direction of an angry Australian Major who glares and snaps: "What kind of trap?" "Apparently Axis troops, likely commandos, had tripwired the supplies which exploded only a while after being moved", the young German replies diligently. "Captain Brown reported that you had investigated the whole episode and recovered his surviving men. Do you know which Axis unit operates in such a manner?", the muscular officer demands to know. Hans shakes his head. "I am sorry, Major. I have never seen this modus operandi before with the exception of the LRDP attacking or blowing up my bases and depots under my guard. On the German side I have never been in command of commando troopers, only rarely cooperating with some on joint missions."

"Weren't you the one who uncovered a whole group of German spies infiltrating your camp?",McLean asks to which Dietrich nods. "Yes, but that had nothing to do with my experience with German commando troopers specifically rather than infiltration through enemy commando soldiers in general. Their veiled attacks caused chaos and paranoia, while keeping us all occupied in the following days after I had handed command of the camp back to Captain Boggs. However, if I may remind you, I am originally a German officer who has been trained well in recognising these techniques through your Australian, British and American commando units, not an American officer trained through Axis units." The last part is added in a dry tone which brings a wry smile to the British officer's face. "That is actually true, Captain, although you sound very much like a Yankee with only a hint of an accent, whenever you're losing your temper." Dietrich narrows his eyes, but does not protest, vowing instead to watch out for this. "First Lieutenant Winters attacking me openly which forced my men to kill him in defense of all our lives was what triggered the investigation", he provides the answer toMcLean's original question. "We found the German drug Pervitin on the body of his driver."

The young European officer can tell immediately who in the audience recognizes the word, as those men breathe in deeply and observe him with bated breaths. "The drug makes people ignore hunger, thirst or pain of injury at the cost of their mental capacities, losing any judgement or reason and being prone to acting with extreme violence. It was used very frequently among infantry troops during the invasion of France", Hans explains and now also the other men in the audience look as shocked as their colleagues. "Our investigation led to the quick arrest of a handful of suspects who tried to cover their trails and destroy evidence", the German Captain reports furthermore. "Merely a day after these events and the discovery of the drugs, one of our nurses, Lieutenant Sara Westwood, openly attacked General Atkins and Major Turner, wounding the Major and killing several guards in an attempt to free the infiltrators under the influence of the drug. According to her drug influenced statements, which I doubt have been lies, they had made her believe that they were agents of British intelligence, trying to save and protect the camp from the head infiltrator, namely myself." His words hold some bitterness, although the thin German tries to not let this sentiment show too clearly. "Another attempt against Captain Boggs' and my life disproved our idea that finally all infiltrators had been caught. The interrogation of the arrested responsible soldier uncovered that he was a Major serving Abwehr, the Wehrmacht branch of intelligence, and his collaboration with SS spies had been out of necessity, not his original plan. He provided us with the location of hidden stashes of drugs, weapons, explosives and their original as well as further disguise uniforms and excellently forged documents."

"I believe that was approximately the time, when you removed your own General from his duty",McLean intercedes, obviously well-prepared for the interrogation he is currently conducting, because neither Dietrich nor Boggs are fooled any longer that this would be a report he requires to hear. "Who came up with the original suspicion that your own General could be affected by drugs and needed to be removed from his duty for the safety of the camp?", a middle aged British General wearing a Scottish beret with a practically tailored British uniform inquires sternly, while he keeps himself half hidden behind the beefier Australian Major in the row before him. Dietrich turns his head slightly to meet Boggs' gaze which does not go unnoticed. "Your exchange and hesitation provide quite a clear answer. Your original report says something else though", the older officer continues rather sternly and relentlessly.

"Everyone in camp was already paranoid, irritable and prone to violence as well as unfounded accusations against virtually everybody else of being German spies. Under these circumstances and given previous physical attacks against my person, Captain Boggs suggested taking the official responsibility", Dietrich explains cautiously. "My intention was to protect Captain Dietrich's life and health, not to lie or take away his credit where deserved", James Boggs adds earnestly. "You were attacked more than once before by men from our side, Captain Dietrich? This is a relevant question", the British officer insists on an answer. "I had already been attacked approximately half a dozen times by then for very different reasons, Sir. Sometimes men recognized me from before my change of sides and attacked me, suspecting me to be a German spy, sometimes out of prejudice, because they knew about my defection and suspected it to be fake", Dietrich replies with honesty, keeping his tone neutral. "I cannot blame either of the men for their sentiment, but was wary and worried about my safety and the lives of those in my close surroundings given those circumstances. Also I had already been accused of being the head of the infiltrators and attacked by the nurse for this very reason." "I see. Please continue, Captain!", the British General replies, staying again out of the younger officer's sight.

"Captain Boggs and I decided that finally moving camp and safely leading our convoy here was our best option. We therefore left after the last food delivery through the Arabs they had agreed on after we handed over Major von Stolberg to be put on trial for ordering the assassination attempt against the Sheikh, leading to the murder of his wife", Dietrich reports, adding fervently: "I provided my statement in both the trials of the Major and one of the assassins, the German commando soldier. The Arabs conducted this in a civil manner. They are not savages and they had the right according to their and our laws to sentence them to death." "You earned their respect for a good reason, Captain",McLean assesses, bearing a 'cat got the cream' smile. Dietrich scowls at him, distrusting the man to a certain degree, as he is an intelligence operative and has his own agenda. "Selling people into slavery or to their death is not a practice I conduct", the German Captain growls indignantly. "That is neither what we suspect nor I wanted to imply, Captain Dietrich. Please continue with your report", the British Lieutenant Colonel finally states with an inviting gesture.

"While Captain Boggs remained in command of the convoy, Captain Brown provided its additional protection along with his unit of the LRDP and I scouted ahead as the person most familiar with typical German routes and outposts. We discovered an abandoned SShideout by chance and found several dead Australian LRDP members who had been imprisoned and interrogated. The Schutzstaffel had avoided registering our dead comrades as prisoners of war, denying them the protection this entails. This practice is in accordance with the German commando order issued in October however", Dietrich reports and already sees the beefy Australian officer fuming, as he growls threateningly: "Those bastard krauts will pay!" Dietrich tenses visibly at the derogatory term, but bears a defiant expression. "I want to point out to you that the SS and the Wehrmacht are not the same organisation, Major. One is a band of armed thugs, serving their party, not their people, the other is the official army of the German Reich. It was the SS torturing and murdering the men, while the Wehrmacht also received the same orders from Berlin, but is still bound by laws and traditions", the young Captain intercedes sternly. "Your family served in this army for how many generations, Captain?",McLean intervenes unexpectedly. "I'm of the fourth generation of military officers of the Dietrich family in service of Germany", Dietrich replies proudly, realising his mistake, as he corrects himself. "At least I was until recently."

"How can someone like you be loyal to our side?", a British Colonel intercedes harshly, glaring at the German Captain with clear animosity. "I am loyal to the German people unlike its current government which is exactly why I realised that fighting against rather than for the Nazi regime is my only option for staying true to my principles", Hans growls defensively. "That is a rather intricate situation and challenging position you are taking, Captain",McLean comments dryly, trying to keep the conversation from turning even more emotional. Dietrich bears a wry smile, as he replies with a fatalistic tone: "Believe me, Lieutenant Colonel. I am aware of this." "I found Captain Dietrich's arguments more than believable and he has acted true to his word ever since", General Atkins intervenes for the first time, making the young German turn in his direction with clear surprise. The older American officer grins a bit condescendingly, as he adds: "You shouldn't look that surprised. I vouched for you personally, Captain Dietrich, in case you haven't been aware of this. And you have neither betrayed nor disappointed me until now. On the contrary, you even surpassed my expectations more than once." "Thank you, Sir", the young officer mutters a bit sheepishly, feeling guilty for having considered the American General an adversary rather than a supporter until now.

"You have shown your qualities and loyalties without leaving any doubt during the interaction with the officers in command of the German positions along our route to Tobruk", Atkins replies coolly. "I suppose the gentlemen are as eager to hear your concise perspective on these events as I am." Dietrich bows his head slightly in compliance. "As you wish, Sir. We learned about the commander of the first fort and his collaboration with the SS through a former soldier who had been captured by Arabs. Thus Sergeant Moffit and I scouted the local town disguised as Bedouins. A local boy recognized me though and called my name which led to my arrest and ... interrogation through the local Wehrmacht commander and his SS associates." "I suppose that this is how you received your bruises and injuries", Major Fisher intercedes. The proud young Captain grits his teeth, as he spits out: "Yes, partially." The older American officer observes him with narrowed eyes, assessing the skinny German's honesty.

"You were wounded just how many times during the past months and the events you have just reported, Captain?", Major Fisher inquires sternly. Dietrich lowers his gaze slightly, as he tries to go through the events in his mind and make a count, when he gets interrupted: "If you have to think for such a long time, you have definitely been wounded far too many times which is more or less what you look like as well." "I'm fine", Hans growls indignantly in an automatic response, as he moves up his head to glare at the Major, unwilling to openly admit to any weakness in front of the Allied officer's corps. "You even sound like my men usually do, too stubborn to admit any weakness or injury", the American officer comments with a smirk. "Captain Dietrich has performed his duty and much more in the past weeks with exceptional competence, diligence and selflessness. The man has gained respect along with personal sympathy from many men in our camp, however at the cost of his own health", Boggs intercedes, placing his hand on the skinny German officer's left shoulder. Dietrich does not flinch this time, but looks honestly surprised at receiving backup in such an openly displayed manner. "Your diligence is not something we doubt rather your physical ability to continue with your duties", Major Fisher argues. "You don't look like you even weigh more than 130 pounds in spite of your height." "When to let him return to active duty will be for the medics to decide", McLean ends the discussion which has forced the German officer into a defensive stance again. "Please continue with your report, Captain Dietrich."

The thin young Captain nods in his direction with a grateful expression, while he continues: "My men's attempt to free me from this situation led to a distraction attack against the German base and its subsequent destruction. Along with me, three Australian LRDP members, the last survivors of the unit we had found before, could be freed as well." The Australian Major and Colonel both nod contently. "As the locals were grateful for their liberation they traded with us, providing us with further food and water supplies", Hans reports next, grateful for the chance to continue reporting rather than discussing his physical state. "What happened to the local boy who betrayed you?",McLean wants to know. Surprise registers on Dietrich's face, as he replies: "He offered to help my men to free me and we sent him home to his family." "How did a local boy get to know you well enough in the first place to recognize you, call your name and then offer to help saving you?", the Scotsman wants to know with actual interest.

Hans hesitates what he should share, before deciding to choose the more elaborate answer: "In August the majority of my unit along with several local inhabitants of the town we were stationed in fell sick from amoebic dysentery. I acquired the required medication from the Red Cross in exchange for doing them a favor and treating a few local tribes camping at oases which were impossible to reach for them. The boy and his mother were the ones asking for this help from the Red Cross and thus grateful for my help." McLean nods contently. "I see. A plausible explanation why you wouldn't have sought any punishment for a local who had almost caused your death." "Omar has not intended to harm me", the German Captain protests. "Asking for the boy's life or punishment would have been absurd." "You have a very humanistic worldview, Captain, for someone originating from a family of German military officers. I read that this Omar wasn't your only local helper hired throughout your whole ordeal",McLean continues slyly. "Six other teenagers who had lost their families and been taken captives by slavers also joined us. The three boys offered to serve as scouts and are supporting Major Turner now who holds the command of the third German base in the oasis Lieutenant Colonel Bennett and the Maori battalion had put under siege", Dietrich replies matter-of-factually.

"You resolved this situation without bloodshed",McLean states calmly. "Both other German bases could be taken without any direct combat actions, as their commanders had no supply lines left and did not wish to sacrifice their men's lives unnecessarily in a worthless fight", Dietrich replies sternly. "Hauptmann Langreiter was mainly afraid to negotiate with the Maori battalion out of prejudice and because of their fierce and savage reputation." "One of the Maoris joined your unit",McLean points out, looking honestly surprised and curious. "Do you not share the other German officers' attitude toward them?" Hans Dietrich glares at him venomously, as he growls with clear contempt: "I have learned my lesson not to let fear and prejudice guide my thoughts and actions. We freed Private Anaru on the day before negotiating with the German commander and he explicitly asked to join my unit after spending time with my men and witnessing Lieutenant Baker's attempt to shoot me." "It wasn't just an attempt. You were shot, weren't you?",McLean asks, knowing the answer already.

"Yes, but I doubt that the Lieutenant had originally intended to murder me. He wanted my confession of the crime of infiltrating and manipulating the camp and its inhabitants", Dietrich replies sternly. "The Lieutenant was convicted for his crime. I see why you have spared him the court martial though",McLean summarises coolly. "The protocol said something about trying to protect a boy. Was this the same boy, Omar, as you mentioned before who returned to his family?" The German Captain tenses visibly and narrows his eyes to glare at the British officer. "No. Ari ben Levi is the only survivor of the massacre of the Jewish inhabitants of my original base." Hans hesitates as he considers what exactly to tell them, before he explains: "When the Rat Patrol saved my life, they also saved the boy, as I had asked them to do. Ari knew me from before when I had treated him for amoebic dysentery and for this reason he knew and trusted me." "He's a Jew, isn't he? And you're a German", an elderly British officer asks sternly. "Do you think that this would be any kind of reason for me to hurt or even murder a child?", Dietrich snarls furiously. James Boggs places his hand on the younger officer's shoulder, practically holding him back from jumping at the offensive man's throat, as he mutters quietly: "Calm, Dietrich. Nobody intends to harm your boy Ari."

Alexander McLean, who stands close enough to hear them, looks truly surprised by their interaction as well as the reaction, but also tries to calm the situation. "None of us wants to harm a child. I only wanted to clarify that matter to make your actions understandable." "And I want to clarify that Ari is a six year old child in dire need of a safe place and a family to take him in. Lieutenant Silberblatt's family has agreed to take care of him in the future. All he requires from you is a safe means of transportation and the allowance to enter the United States without a passport or official citizenship, since he has none", Dietrich pleads in Ari's favour. "You'd be willing to sell yourself for the boy?",McLean inquires half-jokingly. "I'm willing to do whatever is needed to get him to safety", the young German Captain replies with true conviction. The British officer looks stunned for a moment, before smiling widely. "I start to see why men volunteer for your unit. I'm truly looking forward to working with you, Captain Dietrich. And I am sure that a solution will be found for the young lad."

"I remember reading some interesting abstracts in your reports which mention you as an investigator of unaccounted deaths of soldiers and civilians", Major Fisher points out without allowing Dietrich any time to react and McLean immediately agrees. "Indeed that is a most curious qualification, since I know not many army officers with such skills. You did not only look into the German infiltrators' case, but also uncovered a fraudulent civilian who had committed murder and even put your skills to use to find a murderer among the locals, clearing some Maori soldiers which is why Lieutenant Colonel Bennett reported it with a commendation on your behalf." Dietrich looks surprised, but nods. "It's true that I conducted these investigations." "You're way too modest, young man", General Atkins intercedes, twirling his moustache. "You're talented and did an excellent job, impressive enough even that Major Turner recommended you for counterintelligence several times and men in camp started to call you 'Captain Sherlock', a most appropriate nickname." Hans blushes slightly and nods, unwilling to comment on the embarrassing fact that soldiers have created such nicknames and actively apply them. McLean's eyes shine with delight, while several of the others look as astonished as skeptical by the American General's praise.

The middle-aged British General with the beret, who has observed the interaction and only intervened once, stands up now and walks closer, putting the lean European under scrutiny from head to toe. Dietrich tenses visibly when he finally recognizes the man's face and realizes whom he is dealing with. "Well, my dear Atkins. It looks like you caught yourself a pet fox, though a rather emaciated one", the British General assesses coolly. "I'm nobody's pet", the German Captain snarls with actual indignation, before he is able to stop himself. Nobody has the right to speak about him like that, not even a Generalfieldmarshal. "Your fox has teeth and claws", the Brit comments unperturbed with dry humor. "I assure you, Monty, that like the rest of his unit, the Rat Patrol, he is by far not tame and well-behaved enough for being a pet", General Atkins counters with a wry smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief, as he twirls his moustache. The lean young German looks truly affronted by the statement and even Boggs appears angry on Dietrich's behalf. "But I have seen the Yankees, Tommies and Diggers alike respect Captain Dietrich for being an honorable, selfless officer who would risk his own life for his men or some innocent child and he bows only to those he respects", Atkins adds with actual amusement, while twirling his moustache between two fingers. "I have started to respect and like him myself at times. Captain Dietrich has crafted a reputation for himself in those past few weeks." "Fascinating", the lean British officer mutters, as he scrutinizes the bruised and skinny former Wehrmacht Hauptmann again, while the German Captain stands at attention with his head proudly held high, as he tries desperately to wrestle his temper under control before it gets the best of him again.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Monty. I thought you were chasing the old Desert Fox and his troops back to Tunisia", the American General comments at which the British high commander nods grimly. "I will return to doing this soon enough. But I wanted to take a look at your most interesting new officer, Dick." Looking at the young German, General Montgomery addresses him directly: "You're reputed to have been one of Rommel's proteges, a talented young tank commander, skilled at dealing with the constantly shifting conditions of this dynamic dune warfare. You seem to live up to your reputation, but you still have not answered the question to my full content of how you managed to convince your former enemies of your sincerity", the tall man argues sternly. "With all due respect, General Montgomery, I have tried to answer this question to the best of my abilities in the required shortness, as you can read up any further details in our reports", Dietrich replies with a cool tone and controlled expression. The British officer smiles wryly. "Indeed, Captain, I read more than enough details in those reports which make a lot more sense through the concise description of the connection of those events you have just provided us with. But I want to hear from you in a brief summary what I could not read there in the least. What did you do to convince those men?"

"What has convinced you, Sir, that I'm not a spy or agent sent by the German side to deceive you?", Hans asks back. "It can hardly have been the lack of SS tattoos", he adds dryly. Montgomery curls his lips in disgust. "That test was a necessary evil demanded by some men here which I however consider as distasteful as you did. Frankly, I'm not fully convinced of your sincerity, Captain. But apparently the men who spent time with you to get to know you better are convinced." "Then it might be a better idea to interview my men, as I cannot tell you what exactly has convinced each of them. I can tell you that Sergeant Troy has initiated all of this by volunteering his unit under my command and very insistently trying to build bridges with his men of the original Rat Patrol", Hans explains patiently. "The men who joined me afterwards had different kinds of motivations. Corporal Gottschlich has been faced with complications and prejudices from the American side which I don't have and asked to join me very quickly. The others applied later after I had already served in the Allied forces for some time and gained a reputation, different from the one I had as a German tank commander."

James Boggs intercedes now, eyeing his younger colleague with open sympathy: "Captain Dietrich has replaced me as unit commander, when I was too gravely injured to fill this position, and served as a competent, compassionate and considerate officer, investigator and my second in command since my recovery, earning the trust and sympathy of many men on the LRDG as well as other units united during the past few weeks. I am willing to provide a statement about his actions in my camp myself." "Thank you, Captain Boggs and Dietrich, for the insights", Montgomery replies sternly. "I will take this into consideration." "May I inquire whether you intend to assign Captain Dietrich and his unit under Lieutenant ColonelMcLean's command or leave him under mine", the American Captain insists. "Keep your young fox, Captain Boggs. But Lieutenant ColonelMcLean will contact you, Captain Dietrich, in due time for coordinating joint missions", the British General decides coolly. "I insist on a medical checkup by our medics though and to take you off active duty until you have recovered from your injuries and starvation. In the past I have ordered men off duty who looked a lot more healthy than you currently do, Captain Dietrich."

The proud young German Captain looks indignant and frowns at the British General, although he nods in confirmation. On the one hand his stubborn pride makes him deeply resent the assessment, on the other hand he knows that the General is right and actively antagonizing the highest commander of the British forces in North Africa would be suicidal in his position. Such a notion might only occur to Sergeant Troy, the grandmaster of such insanity. Montgomery observes the younger officer's reaction closely. The German Captain is a visibly proud man, but well-bred and reasonable enough to know when to cooperate which he does at the moment. "You can learn your ways around here and get to know the relevant officers, while you recover, and, once you are in a fitter state, perform light duty in the office or receive instructions by our experts for actual spywork, since you have never received proper training in this regard." Hans observes him closely as he listens to the suggestions which all sound fair and reasonable. Montgomery continues sternly, as he points at the Scottish officer who has stepped aside to leave his General the spotlight: "During this time, Lieutenant ColonelMcLean can familiarise you with his undercover missions and his network, once we are assured of your reliability and loyalty. I want your unit to cooperate with him given that almost half your men are from his Majesty's Royal Army and you are rather unique among the Allied officers, having actively served in the German Wehrmacht and Afrikakorps for years."

Dietrich keeps a neutral expression, as he salutes sharply in a manner that clearly marks him as a German officer, not an American one, although he winces with pain at the movement of his right arm, pronouncing clearly: "Yes, Sir." "You're adaptable, intelligent and skillful, Captain Dietrich. I will use the next two days to interview your men in order to get a better idea of your reliability and trustworthiness", the British General continues. "I'm willing to make a statement and vouch for Captain Dietrich anytime", James Boggs offers for a second time. Several officers in the room eye him strangely and even warily to stand up so openly on the German Captain's behalf, but the American officer remains steadfast. "I will take you up on this offer, Captain Boggs. Today at 5 p.m. I expect you to come to my office", Montgomery orders. "I will be there, Sir", Boggs answers politely. "Thank you", Hans mutters quietly to his older colleague who so unexpectedly has taken his side so many times in such an open and clear manner."Then, you are dismissed for now, gentlemen. We will continue this meeting with only General Atkins." Dietrich clicks his heels in a very German fashion, almost enjoying to rub in his heritage, while he has been mostly compliant and adapted during the last few weeks. Both Captains salute simultaneously and while Boggs turns around in a slower and more dignified manner, Dietrich spins on his heels in a swift way that does not lack elegance and pride.

James Boggs looks even more annoyed than Hans Dietrich, when they walk through the labyrinthine hallways of the Allied HQ. "I invite you for a drink, Dietrich. I really need one now", the older Captain offers. After a moment of hesitation, his younger colleague agrees to join him. Boggs rants, as they continue on their way: "This was ... unbelievable. Just how they treated us and especially you. That farce with the tattoo was an absolute disgrace." The proud young German scowls, as he mutters: "Indeed." Nonetheless he has not been overly optimistic about the whole meeting to begin with and with the exception of this humiliating episode the meeting has not turned out worse than he has expected beforehand. The older American leads him around the corner from the main building out of the gates separating their fortified area from the surrounding town. Hans looks around curiously, remembering how he has walked these streets mere months ago. Most of the local inhabitants avoid meeting their eyes after the two battles which have taken place in the area, fearing and distrusting all foreign soldiers independent of their uniform. Only a few overly meddlesome street traders trying to sell their wares come after them immediately until Dietrich barks in harsh Arabic: "*We're not buying anything. You can leave.*" After their hasty retreat merely a few ragged children still hang around, playing or observing the strangers curiously. One of them comes closer and the German Captain recognizes him as a boy he has paid to keep him informed about news on the streets.

"Effendi, Hauptmann", the boy calls and cautiously walks closer, when Dietrich bids him towards him with a hand gesture. "As-Salam aleikum, Ahmed", Hans greets him. "Wa-Aleikum Salam, Hauptmann", the ragged boy greets back and Boggs observes the interaction with as much incredulity as curiosity. "*Many things have happened, Hauptmann*", Ahmed starts babbling enthusiastically, regaining some trust. "*Will you give me food again, if I tell you things?*" "*As long as they are true*", Dietrich replies sternly. "*But not today, Ahmed. I'm tired and need to get used to the new city. We will speak tomorrow morning.*" Ahmed nods eagerly, but bears a pleading look. "*But I'm hungry today and tired too. Do you have something to eat? Anything is good enough.*" The German Captain frowns, but one look at the scrawny boy tells him that he is indeed starving. Among the useful things he has adopted from the Rats, in this case Pettigrew, is to take a package of dry cookies or can with meat with him in the belt pouch as iron ration should they get stranded in the desert. Such a pack with dry cookies Hans takes out now and offers to the boy who stares at it like a gift from Allah himself. "*Take this as renewal of our partnership and come tomorrow to inform me about what you know, Ahmed!*", the German Captain tells him sternly. "*Thank you, effendi, Hauptmann. You've always been most gracious and good hearted. Allah protect you on your ways*", Ahmed replies as he cautiously takes the package with dry cookies. Then he scampers off with a victorious grin, intent to wolf down his dinner where nobody else will take it from him.

"Another stray?", Boggs asks with a wary sigh. "One of my street informants here in Tobruk. I gave him food for information. A mutually beneficial deal, as you can see", Hans replies earnestly. "You're smart indeed and able to get the most out of your language skills. This would not even have occurred to me, if I would speak the local language", James Boggs replies. "But now let's get this drink. Where is this damned excuse for a bar? I know it's somewhere around here", he mutters indignantly. "Another narrow street forward, then turn to the left", Dietrich replies dryly. When Boggs stares at him in astonishment, Hans explains with a smirk: "You seem to forget that I was among those who fought to capture Tobruk in May. I came by from time to time afterwards and my first Lieutenant had an obsession with checking out every bar in town for its beer." "I can't tell you how much I appreciate your company right now, Dietrich", Boggs replies, as he follows the German's lead.

Once they have reached the rather dubious looking establishment, Boggs insists on ordering two whiskeys and paying for them as well. With not necessarily fully clean glasses in hand they take their seats on two pillows in the corner of the room. "Do you think I look like a typical German officer?", Boggs finally asks what has been bothering him since the meeting, after taking the first sip of his drink. Dietrich squints at him, before answering dryly: "Apparently, you look more like it than I do." "Hey, Captain. Are you cheating on us?", Sam Troy interrupts their conversation with his shout from the entrance. Dietrich scowls at him, as the American Sergeant comes closer. Raising his eyebrows in a sarcastic expression, Hans replies dryly: "Sergeant, I didn't realise that you consider our relationship that serious to consider my 'rendezvous' with our CO as cheating on you." Boggs looks highly amused, as does Jack Moffit who has followed behind Troy after leaving the children in Jakob Silberblatt's care and Bastet to exploring her new realm, the Allied headquarters. The American Sergeant scowls at the younger German Captain for a few moments, before breaking into a grin himself. "If you've still got your humor ready like that, things can't have gone too bad." "If I have to drink cheap whiskey to digest what has happened, things actually have been bad", Hans counters with irony.

"Do you think I look like the role model German officer, Sergeants?", Boggs asks his question again. "Well. You're more blond than him and you got blue eyes", Troy replies, taking a seat at their table uninvited. "Basically, you can see little difference optically between a German and an American or Brit for that matter", Moffit replies more diplomatically, noticing Boggs' scowl and Dietrich's amusement. "Hitchcock and Pettigrew look more like the role model Arier the Nazis want to sell than two thirds of my soldiers ever have", Hans mutters sarcastically. "Of all my current men, Thomas Anaru is the only one I cannot sell as a German soldier, even with the right uniform." Boggs sighs wearily. "That really doesn't help me a lot, gentlemen." "Take a sip of your whiskey and just swallow it down, Captain", Troy shares his wisdom. "Is this the American way of dealing with problems, Troy?", Hans asks sarcastically. "Yeah, more pragmatic than your bull-headed aloof European ways", Troy replies. "I beg to differ", Moffit intercedes, now sitting down with them as well after ordering two more whiskeys with the waitress.

"To inform you now, gentlemen, General Montgomery will wish to speak with you in the coming days", Dietrich tells them sternly. "Wonderful. Another smartass Brit annoying me is just what I needed to make my day", Sam Troy grumbles. The German Captain pinches his nose, while his English Sergeant glares at the insolent Yankee. "That was truly below the belt, old man", Moffit scolds him with an absolutely indignant tone. "Why are you offended, Jack? I didn't even mean you", Sam growls back. "You clearly said 'another smartass Brit' and you should definitely reconsider your attitude, Troy", Dietrich remarks. "I thought you're my friend. Why are you helping him?", Sam protests with a scowl. "Firstly, you pushed me into considering Moffit my friend as well and secondly, because you cannot simply walk around offending people, Troy. That's a harmful behaviour, also for yourself", the young officer admonishes sternly. "Listen to my dear friend, the Captain, since you've refused to listen to me for a year, Troy!", Moffit insists. "Or to me", Boggs adds, taking another sip of his whiskey. Troy stares at the lean European, assessing his words, as he has no doubt about his honesty. "Okay. You're probably right, Captain Sherlock. I won't offend the British brass. Happy now?", Sam finally concedes. "Thank you for graciously considering not to offend the highest ranking Allied commander in North Africa, Troy", Dietrich replies sarcastically. "How do you manage to bear him without whiskey?", Boggs asks sarcastically. "I'm just asking myself that question. How did you manage for a year?", Hans asks back dryly. "Not as successfully as you in the least", the American Captain replies, patting the taller German officer on the shoulder who tenses slightly at the unexpected touch.

"You're getting friends now?", Troy verbalises his assessment of their interaction. "We are professional soldiers and officers", Hans Dietrich counters stiffly. "That doesn't mean that you cannot befriend some of your colleagues", Boggs himself argues against him and the younger Captain stares at him with slight incredulity. "You don't know me in the least to consider becoming friends", Hans mutters quietly. "I know your character and honest intentions well enough to like you, Dietrich", James Boggs counters. "It's the whiskey, the water of life, making him speak honestly", Jack Moffit whispers into Dietrich's ear who scowls at him in response. "I understand that you have suffered greatly at the hands of my units, when you still were an Afrikakorps officer, and of my officers in particular since your defection, but I personally respect and like you, independent of your background, Captain Dietrich. Few men I have met possess your determination, chivalry and unrelenting attitude to defend their principles and nobody I have ever met has been willing to give so much while expecting so little in return", Boggs draws his attention again with his argument. "Think about this, Dietrich! I mean what I say, but I'm not one to force somebody to accept an offer of friendship." "You're the only one here", Hans replies with a wry smile. "Give me some time to think about this offer, please!"

"What's there to think about?", Troy asks incredulously. "Troy, not everyone is like you, driving people into a corner and then shoving them against the wall", the German growls back defensively. "I'm more than willing to give you time to think", Boggs addresses the younger Captain directly now. "You've been beaten physically and proverbially often enough in the past months that you deserve to choose your pace and I can understand your wariness and reluctance to trust your former enemies." A slightly tormented expression passes over Dietrich's face turning into a grateful look, as the German nods. "Thank you, Captain Boggs. You have my word that I will respect and heed this gracious offer as well as your support. I'm just not ready to accept friendship from all my former enemies so easily." "He'll come round. Don't worry, Boggsy", Troy tells the older Captain with a grin. "Sergeant Troy. We're not on such friendly terms that I would consider such an application of nicknames appropriate", Boggs protests. Dietrich smirks with actual amusement, as he asks silkily: "Didn't I tell you so countless times in the past few weeks, Troy?" "We call you by your nicknames all the time and you barely protest anymore", Troy counters. "I'm merely smart and experienced enough to not waste my energy on lost battles, especially with you, Troy", Hans counters dryly. "Never ride a dead horse, goes the Indian proverb", Boggs provides support for his fellow Captain with a smile.

Troy grumbles something, while Jack Moffit also agrees: "Our dear Captains are actually right, Troy." "Backstabbing British traitor", Sam complains and downs his whiskey. "We should get our stuff unloaded." "Indeed, Troy. I can't tell you how much I will enjoy getting a room of my own without you snoring as if you'd saw down a tree", Dietrich comments dryly. "You're moving to a room of your own? How should we protect you?", Troy protests immediately. "Sergeant Troy. These are the headquarters of the Allied forces in the Eastern part of North Africa. I live among countless Allied officers", Dietrich argues. "And I don't trust that damned brass one bit after what happened with Baker. You still got your stitches on your side", Troy growls back, as he points at the lean German's right flank who tenses slightly. "Don't you think that the notion is ridiculous to suspect your own officers of murder and assault all the time, Sergeant? If I were to do that, given that I'm a German officer by birth and training, it might be understandable. But coming from you, a born and raised American, this amount of distrust is absurd", Hans counters vehemently.

"Although it pains me to say that, I have to support Sergeant Troy to a certain degree", Boggs intercedes and all three stare at him incredulously. "You will suffer from prejudices and suspicion. The violent attacks of my own officers against you have given me cause to think. I can arrange for you to have your room next to mine to provide you with some safety and backup though", the American Captain offers. His younger colleague blinks, as he still feels quite stunned by the statement. Troy growls his reply much faster: "That's at least something. But I'd still feel better to have our quarters next to yours." "Under no circumstances will you move in with the officers. This whole unit is a menace in and of itself even for its own side", Hans counters himself. "And you cannot move in with the enlisted men which would also hold other sources of difficulties", Boggs argues. "And then there's also the question of what to do with your children." "It's much more reasonable to have Ari live with Lieutenant Silberblatt for the time being, since I will be away on missions sooner or later, while he will always stay in HQ as our communication officer and organiser", Dietrich argues, having given the matter some thought already. "And Kiri should better move in with the nurses, Lieutenant Hartigan and O'Donnell."

"That sounds reasonable", Boggs agrees. "I'm offering to take Bastet in", Moffit graciously provides. "Given that she is a very self-determined little cat, I suppose she will choose her sleeping quarters herself and there will be no protesting against that", the German Captain replies dryly. "Fritz can sleep with us", Troy offers. "Fritz may choose where to sleep as well. During the day he will likely reside in the kitchen and mess hall most of the time, unless he feels like playing fetch", Dietrich comments calmly. "So everything is decided", Boggs declares. "I will arrange the location of your quarters as close to mine as possible. And you go to the field hospital now for your medical checkup, Dietrich!" "After drinking whiskey? Do you want to get me removed from duty indefinitely?", Hans inquires dryly. "You can always blame it on me. But you should heed General Montgomery's orders", Boggs replies. Sighing wearily, the young officer nods. "I know. The sooner I get this over with the better." "Nobody expects you back on heavy duty within the next one or two weeks. But Lieutenant ColonelMcLean's interest in you and your unit should keep you busy. He is ... unusual from what I've heard and might actually be well compatible with your style and that of your unit", Boggs replies. "What's that supposed to mean?", Troy growls indignantly. "You'll see that for yourself, Sergeant. You all will have some training time ahead for adapting your skill sets and adopting new ones for your new type of missions", Boggs replies sternly. "Thank you for your efforts and your support, Boggs. I honestly appreciate both, even though I still struggle with your offer which has nothing to do with you personally, but merely the whole overwhelming situation", Dietrich declares with an earnest smile. "You're welcome, Dietrich. Let's get back to our jobs!", James Boggs orders calmly.

Their ways separate after returning to the courtyard of the fort. While Boggs returns to his assigned office, Moffit turns toward their Jeeps, as Dietrich's way leads him to the field hospital with Troy following close behind him. "Do you intend to turn into my shadow permanently, Troy?", Hans mutters sarcastically. "Better to be safe than sorry. I don't want to see you shot, beaten up or arrested by our own guys again, Captain", Sam grumbles with conviction. "I appreciate your support, Troy, as long as I'm not known to people around here. But swear to me to leave me to do my duty, once this is established!", Dietrich counters sternly. "Okay. Once you're not in danger from our folks, I'll let you walk around without a bodyguard. But it's on your head, Captain!", Troy growls back. "This is my life and my decision, Sergeant", the German officer argues vehemently. "But if something happens to you, it will affect a lot more people than just you. We're your friends, remember? And Ari will just break down crying", Troy growls back, trying to convince the proud and stubborn young Captain. Sighing wearily, Dietrich replies: "I'm aware of this and it pains me immensely, Troy. I honestly don't intend to hurt any of you. But I cannot walk around like the paranoid Major von Stolberg. This would drive me insane." Troy nods with understanding. "I know what you mean. We'll keep you safe without constantly following you. Maybe keeping a distanced watch post. Tully's good with that." The German officer sighs wearily again and simply shakes his head, giving up on prolonging the argument, as they continue on their way to the local field hospital.