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.

2. Baron Muenchhausen, the fox and the cat

"The Fox and the Cat" is a German fairy tale, retold and collected by the brothers Grimm, Gebrüder Grimm, the short version of which Hans Dietrich tells Ari in this chapter. Baron Münchhausen has been famously fictionalized as the braggart soldier telling tall tales which are obvious lies because of their sheer impossibility.

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"Arrest that man! He's a German officer", the brown-haired American Doctor exclaims as soon as the German Captain enters the field hospital. Only at the second glance does the young officer recognise him as Humphrey Raymond, one of the medics who have saved his life, when Sam Troy has shot him in the leg, while Hans has tried to negotiate the surrender of Tenente Marcello's Italian troops. Closing his eyes with a fatalistic expression, Captain Hans Dietrich slowly raises his arms in a defensive gesture, lest he gets shot innocently by his own allies ... again. "We know that", Sam Troy confirms with a dark scowl, stepping next to his commanding officer, as he adopts a defensive stance. "He's our Captain now though. Don't you dare shoot or arrest him!" "Hauptmann Dietrich?", Doktor Rothschild inquires with confusion, as the blond middle-aged Doctor approaches the strange scene, pronouncing the German name with the accuracy of a native speaker. "What happened? I can hardly believe that you actually defected?" The lean young officer nods in confirmation, as he slowly takes down his arms, wincing with a pained grimace when his right shoulder protests against his previous sudden movement with stinging pain. "Even if it is hard to believe, I have actually defected, Doctor Rothschild", Dietrich replies calmly, while Troy squeezes the taller German's shoulder, as he adds with a grim smile: "And we're glad to have you, Captain." To prove his honesty, Hans takes his documents, the American military passport along with his medical documentation booklet out of his pocket and hands them to the incredulous looking Doctor Humphreys who studies his documents intently, while Doctor Rothschild focuses on the obviously worn and wounded German Captain.

"Why are you here, Captain Dietrich?", the emigrated Jewish Doctor inquires, pronouncing the English rank title purposefully, as he looks at the young officer's bruised and haggard face intently. "Because General Montgomery ordered my medical checkup", the tall European replies wearily. "When was your shoulder injured?", Rothschild wants to know, pointing at the younger German's right shoulder after having seen him wince visibly when raising and lowering his arms. Hans scowls briefly, before replying: "Almost six weeks ago at the beginning of November. Sergeant Troy shot me with a machine gun." "You were still a Jerry officer back then", the American Sergeant grumbles with wounded pride. "I didn't pretend to be anything else. If I may remind you, Troy, I'm still a German officer! I merely serve in the U.S. army not the Wehrmacht anymore", Hans replies dryly. "Just to make things clear for you, Doctor Rothschild, Doctor Humphrey. The SS arrested me on the very same day to interrogate me for four days, before sentencing me to be executed for a treason I had not committed. Sergeant Troy and his unit freed me from captivity, saving my life. I changed sides, once I was assured that my men were taken good care of, outside the reach of the SS or vengeful locals. I have no option of turning back, while this is my only option of fighting to free my fatherland from the Nazis." Rothschild observes the young German Captain intently, as he explains his situation with earnest conviction and a firm tone that leaves no doubt about his honesty, while he unbuttons his jacket and shirt with his left hand only, without any consideration of using his main right hand. The American Sergeant who has once brought the young officer to their hospital and vehemently insisted on his treatment now helps him unbidden out of both pieces of clothing without aggravating his shoulder and overall acts more like a considerate friend than a former enemy.

Doctor Rothschild sucks in the breath between clenched teeth, when Dietrich finally opens and removes his shirt. When the Jewish medic has been able to make out some battle scars on the lean European three months ago, he can now barely count how many he has accumulated since. In addition the prominent ribcage clearly indicates that the young officer is quite underweight for an active soldier and some of his scars tell the story of torture rather than battles wherever they are visible under the dark bruises covering most of his upper body from his injured shoulder to his abdomen. But at least as worrying as the sheer amount of bruises covering his whole torso are the thick bandages wrapped around his midsection which likely cover further injuries that Rothschild will have to uncover for a full examination. "What happened to you, Captain Dietrich?", he asks a bit incredulously that the young German is still standing and apparently has been on active duty until now. "Apart from multiple SS interrogations and the retaliation of my former Afrikakorps comrades?", Hans asks dryly without any mirth in his tone. "I was attacked by German commando troopers and spies infiltrating the camp of the LRDG after I had defected. In addition I had run-ins with Arab slavers, French resistance fighters and Allied officers who suspected me of treason against my new side." "Why would they do that?", Rothschild inquires incredulously, as he cautiously removes the bandages, while his patient fights hard to maintain his stern expression. "Isn't the fact that I was born in Germany and served in the Wehrmacht for years sufficient reason for suspecting me?", Dietrich asks with bitter sarcasm, trying to not flinch too obviously whenever the medic touches a particularly sensitive spot. "That bastard Lieutenant just shot him before we could intervene", Troy provides his additional information with a livid growl. "Troy", the German Captain snaps briefly to rein in his Sergeant.

"You're not a very lucky man, Captain Dietrich", Rothschild comments after checking the sutures of the gunshot wound as well as further injuries and freshly healed scars which have been hidden by the bandages before. Hans winces a few times, when the medic puts pressure on his cracked ribs and his bruised shoulder. "Or you're particularly lucky and resilient, as most men would not have survived such a streak of injuries", Rothschild comments with empathy, bearing an apologetic expression to have caused the German Captain such obvious pain. "I cannot allow you to participate in active fighting though as long as you're gravely underweight and still have stitched up injuries which require their time for healing." Dietrich nods in acceptance, bearing a fatalistic expression. "I have expected this answer and so has everyone else. I will be introduced to people and facilities around here as well as new skill sets for my new duties during my recovery." "What exactly are those?", Rothschild wants to know, as he applies a salve to the young officer's heavily bruised right shoulder, noticing the thin man wincing at the touch. "Being a commando officer behind enemy lines, responsible for infiltration, acquisition of information and so forth", Hans replies stiffly, as he tries to regain his bearings. "This doesn't sound like a job with a long life expectancy", the Jewish medic comments dryly, reducing the pressure to a more bearable amount for his patient. "It isn't. But I'm living on borrowed time anyways, since my own fatherland is hunting me as a criminal. As I said, there is no turning back for me. All I can do is do my best to see Germany freed from the Nazis, its worst enemies", the German Captain replies despondently.

"You confirm my previous impression that you're a good and honorable man, Captain Dietrich. Which reminds me to tell you that the men, whose treatment you ordered, when you bluffed your way out of our field hospital disguised as a medic, all survived, some thanks to your quick and correct diagnosis. If you ever consider a change of career, I'm more than willing to train you", Doctor Rothschild offers with a friendly smile. Hans Dietrich looks rather baffled by the statement, bearing a chagrined expression. "I'm relieved that nobody came to harm, as has been my intention." "Why did you abduct General Atkins then?", the blond medic asks, intent to sate his curiosity after all these months of wondering and speculating about the whole affair. The German officer grimaces painfully. "Didn't you say so yourself that I was rather unlucky? I never wanted to abduct him, but simply intended to steal a vehicle without much attention from anybody to get the chance to flee. That every alarm would be raised and the best commando troopers sent after me to retrieve their General was quite the opposite of what I had in mind", Hans explains dryly.

"You really don't have much mazel", the Jewish medic comments with a sad smile, before heorders: "Take off your trousers! I want to check how well your injury from back then has healed." The young Captain tenses immediately, but then complies after a few seconds of hesitation, once he has reminded himself that he has had to spend days lying naked in his enemies' medical ward, compared to which this check through his now allied doctors is hardly any more humiliating. For removing the belt he requires Sam Troy's help though which the Sergeant provides with honest sympathy for his tormented friend. Sitting down on a cot the thin officer then starts to remove his boots and finally his trousers. The middle-aged medic checks the older injury at the young soldier's thigh which has healed well enough that the German officer is walking without a limp even which he has been able to confirm during the last minutes. "This healed really well given that you almost bled to death on our operating table", Rothschild comments after checking on the scar and prodding the thigh muscles. "Your main problem is that you have lost a lot of weight and basically have no reserves left which your body would require for its current healing process. This is also the main reason why I need to keep you off active frontline duty for the moment in addition to the multitude of smaller and larger injuries you have accumulated." The skinny German nods quietly and sighs. "I'm grateful to get this chance for recovery as well as reasonable training and planning, Doctor Rothschild." "And we'll make sure that he gets his three meals per day with enough to eat, Doc", Troy provides, as he scowls at his friend's thin stature. "Which includes not eating up everything yourself, Troy", Hans teases him with dry irony and a wry smile. "When have I ever done that?", Sam protests indignantly. "Whenever you get invited for tea and see something sweet", the German Captain reminds him with a smirk. Rothschild observes their friendly banter with amusement, before commenting: "I should have guessed that you two make good if unlikely friends one day."

"Hans!", a child's voice cuts through the quiet hospital, as Ari enters and spots his beloved caregiver. "No running in the hospital!", Dietrich admonishes the Jewish orphan who immediately reins in his speed, but still makes his way straight to his brother. "I was worried, Hans. Are you hurt again?", the boy mutters with true concern, as he comes closer. "I'm fine, Ari. Doctor Rothschild here just checks on my old injuries to make me get better", Hans explains gently, as he squats to get to the boy's eye level. The blond American medic looks obviously curious, when the child wraps his arms around the young Captain's neck and he huddles against his chest in an intimate manner one would expect only between close family members. "Ari, this is Doctor Rothschild, the local Doctor here", Dietrich tells the boy, pointing at the older man. "Doctor Rothschild, may I introduce you to Ari ben Levi." The Jewish medic looks astounded, immediately recognizing the Hebrew name construction. "He's a Jew?", he asks quietly. Dietrich stands up slowly, while Ari shifts his grip to hug him around the waist and listen to his heartbeat at his left flank, as the German nods and whispers to not be heard by the boy: "He's the only survivor of the massacre at my former base. The SS executed Jewish civilians, men, women and children. I had my men fire at them rather than children which earned me a death sentence." Rothschild's expression becomes sad, but he places his hand on the young officer's left shoulder and squeezes gently. "You're a good man, Captain Dietrich. I've thought that before, but now I'm absolutely convinced." The lean European meets his gaze, then moves his focus back to the boy, smiling gently, but sadly, as he gently ruffles the child's hair. "No, I'm not, Doctor, but I'm not one to murder children either, independent of their race or faith."

"Should I check the boy as well?", Rothschild asks quietly. "He has usually spent half his day in the hospital during our rides and is a lot more fit and sound than I am, but you can check him of course, Doctor", Hans replies, squeezing the boy's shoulder gently, as he addresses him: "Ari, Doctor Rothschild will check you now to see that you are healthy. He is nice like Doctor Andrews and Sommer." The Jewish orphan nods and immediately complies, muttering: "Okay, Hans." Rothschild gently smiles at the boy, as he greets him: "Shalom, Ari. I will check that you're fine." Ari nods obediently and asks: "Shalom, Doctor. Can you help Hans get better?" The American medic smiles more broadly. "Of course, I will help your ... caregiver." "Hans is my brother", Ari explains proudly, smiling at the young officer. "Not by blood", Dietrich adds quickly, looking slightly embarrassed. "Jahwe sent him to me to protect me, when Eema and Abba and my brothers and sisters died", the Jewish orphan explains with a saddened expression, as the German Captain flinches at the words. "Are you hurt, Hans?", Ari asks with worry, looking at the lean young officer with a concerned expression. "I'm fine, Ari. Don't worry about me!", Dietrich reassures him, gently patting his head. "You're very lucky to have a brother like that, Ari", Rothschild tells the boy with a friendly smile, as he prepares his equipment. Holding onto his brother's arm, Ari lets the blond man check his vitals, until the middle-aged Doctor nods and assures him: "You're absolutely fine and healthy, Ari." The boy cheers and leans against his caregiver's chest in a gentle manner that communicates their familiarity and his unflinching trust quite clearly. "We'll take good care of your brother too, Ari", Rothschild reassures him.

"What's wrong with Hans?", Jakob Silberblatt inquires with a worried tone, approaching the group now as well, after having released Kiri into Lisa Hartigan's care for the moment. "Nothing that you're not aware of already, Jakob", Hans replies sternly. "You two know each other?", Rothschild asks curiously, as he looks from the former German Hauptmann to the Jewish Lieutenant. "How come you're familiar with more of our medical personnel than I have ever been?", Jakob asks his friend with an amused smile. "You may put this question to Sergeant Troy, my matchmaker", Dietrich replies dryly. "He's responsible for initiating most of my meetings to get acquainted with Allied medical personnel." "Jerry smartass", Sam grumbles and lightly pretends to hit the young officer on the back of his head, careful not to touch or injure him though. "To answer your question, Jakob Silberblatt and I have been friends since childhood, Doctor Rothschild. We grew up in the same city, Kiel, and went to school together for twelve years", the German Captain explains while glaring at the insolent Yankee Sergeant. "I should have guessed that", the Jewish medic replies to which Ari adds: "Jakob is my brother too." "And you'll stay with his family in the future", Hans mutters quietly. "But I want to stay with you", the boy whines and nudges against his brother's side who sighs wearily. "Ari, I have to leave often and for a long while to perform my duty as an officer." "But you'll come back and then I can stay with you", the young orphan tries to convince him. "You're not safe here, Ari, not fully. I'm really worried about you", Hans argues with honest concern written on his face. "But you'll protect me or Sam or Jack or Mark will too", Ari counters. "We cannot always be there, but Jakob's family can keep you safe, because they live in a safe place", the German Captain tries to explain gently.

"What's going on, Doctor Rothschild?", a black-haired American woman in a nurse's garb asks, as she steps into the ward where the gathering is happening and stops short to gape at Dietrich. "Isn't he the German Captain?", she asks incredulously, staring at the skinny young man. "That is correct. However I serve in the U.S. army now, Lieutenant Falkowsky", the young officer replies smoothly, bowing his head politely, as he motions Ari to let him stand up from where he has sat with him on the cot during the boy's medical checkup. With a swift motion he gets to his feet and takes the nurse's hand to indicate kissing it, before stepping back again. "I haven't forgotten that you all have saved my life once." Mary Falkowsky looks at him a bit starry eyed, smiling broadly. "I have almost forgotten that you're a real gentleman, Captain", she mutters, but her expression becomes more concerned when she becomes aware of the young Captain's countless bruises and injuries and notices his almost emaciated appearance. When she has remembered him as athletically slim, tending towards the thin side, he now has lost a lot more weight than could possibly be healthy and the dark bruises along his whole torso speak of active mistreatment, as he must have been struck and even kicked far too many times.

"My god. What happened to you?", Mary Falkowsky asks with honest concern. "Many things, Lieutenant. Believe me that I wouldn't have taken such a grave step as defecting to my enemy lightly or without good reason", Dietrich replies with a serious tone. Ari still nudges against his side and Mary eyes him curiously. "Is he your son? He doesn't look like you", she inquires curiously. "Ari is the son of Levi, a Jewish copper smith, who has been executed along with his whole family by the SS. I ... we look after him", Dietrich explains with a saddened expression, while Ari adds with an innocent smile: "Hans is my brother." "And what a fine brother you have, Ari", she tells the boy with a gentle smile of her own, before adding toward the German officer: "I'm really glad that you're on our side now, Captain. Welcome!" Before Dietrich has fully realized her intention, she has placed her hand on his left shoulder and a brief kiss on his cheek.

"Wow. I had no idea that you're even better at turning the heads of the nurses than Hitch", Sam Troy comments with a wide grin. "Why don't you shut up, Troy?", Hans groans unnerved. "You know I won't. Not when you're flirting with the nurses without even wearing a shirt or trousers", the American Sergeant counters, grinning from ear to ear, when he sees the young Captain blush vividly at the realisation that this is actually true. "You need not be that shy. We've seen you naked and treated you as our patient for days", Mary provides her argument. "This is not really helping, Lieutenant", Dietrich mutters a bit hoarsely, as he awkwardly gets back into his trousers again. "What happened to the Italian singer? I miss his opera stories", the American nurse wants to know. The German Captain sighs wearily, as he painfully shrugs into his shirt with Troy's unasked support. "He's in the POW camp, currently entertaining people there. I'm sure Tenente Marcello would be delighted by your visit", Dietrich replies dryly. "Will you come with me? I need your translation to understand him", Mary Falkowsky asks with a pleading look. "You can't say no to a lady asking for your help, Captain", Troy comments, as he sees Dietrich's irritated expression. "Troy, what am I going to do with you?", Hans mutters indignantly. "Maybe you finally want to get creative, Captain, now that you have some time off", Sam replies with a grin, although he knows that the question has been rhetorical."So you will accompany me?", Mary Falkowsky insists. Dietrich sighs wearily, before replying: "Yes, Lieutenant. I will accompany you, if you want to visit him." "You're a gentleman, Captain. I need to tell Anne that we have you back and you're one of our officers now. She'll be beside herself with joy. She loved your language lessons", the dark haired nurse replies with a smile.

"Ioannes", Kiri shouts, as she comes running, but similarly gets stopped by Dietrich's stern words: "No running in the hospital, Kiri." "Auntie Lisa showed me our room. I have a camel trough as a bed", the Bedouin girl tells him excitedly, as she comes closer and hugs the young officer around the waist without caring about his disheveled appearance. Hans chuckles in spite of himself. "That's what a real bed looks like for us, Kiri", he tells her with a gentle smile. "Let me guess. This man is your brother", Doctor Rothschild addresses the Bedouin girl with a smile and a wink. Kiri looks at him curiously, before she explains: "Ioannes is my brother. He promised Mama in God's name to protect me." "That is very noble and honorable of him", the blond medic confirms. "Kiri, why don't you go back to auntie Lisa and take Ari with you for now, as I still need to speak with the Doctor?", Hans suggests and Kiri pouts at him, while Ari hugs him more tightly. "I don't want to leave you, Hans." "It's not for long. We'll pick you up soon, Ari", Dietrich promises gently.

"David promised me a story. Where is he?", Kiri wants to know. Sam grins widely, as he comments: "That's the woman to tame that old devil. You're a wonderful girl, Kiri." The Bedouin girl beams at the loud American she likes a lot, while Dietrich glances at Doctor Rothschild, asking him: "Do you have Captain David Troy, a pilot, previously serving in the RAF, now the U.S. Air Force, already in your custody?" "You mean our care, Captain", the blond medic corrects him. "I meant what I said. You'll wish for his arrest sooner or later, wanting to tie or chain him to a bed to keep him from doing something stupid", Dietrich replies dryly. "Unlike your Italian singer for whom we just wished for a sore throat or a gag", Rothschild replies with a smile. "I realize that I actually missed your sense of humor, Captain Dietrich. I rarely get patients like you, taking their injuries with dry and witty humor rather than constantly complaining." "David!", Kiri exclaims, as she spots the pilot being carried into the medical ward, as Doctor Andrews directs two soldiers who carry his stretcher. "Look after your brother, Troy, before he adopts Kiri as his sister", Hans murmurs quietly to Sam Troy who observes the procedure. "You wanna switch. I give you my brother and get the girl as my little sister", Sam suggests with a wink. "Only over my dead body, Troy. David is insufferable, even more so than you are", the German Captain protests with sarcasm.

"I see that you have met my most troublesome patient of recent times already, Sammy", Doctor Andrews greets Rothschild with a smile, while Troy looks puzzled, as he does not realize at first that he is not actually addressed by the medic. With a mischievous expression Dietrich mutters to his Sergeant dryly: "The world doesn't revolve around you, Troy. Doctor Rothschild's first name is Samuel." "How come you know our medic's first names better than I do, Captain?", Sam grumbles. "Probably because you forced me to spend so much time with them", Hans deadpans. The Jewish medic replies in the meantime with similar dry humor to Doctor Andrews: "I hope you're not talking about my favourite Captain here, Peter, as I have known him only as one of my most well-bred, polite and humorous patients. Well, at least until he stole one of our ambulances along with a General."

Andrews laughs heartily. "He told me about this episode, but I hadn't realized that you were the one treating him for his injured leg." "I offered him a place here, if he wished to change his career one day", Rothschild replies with a smile. "I suppose you'd like our new colleague." "That Captain's definitely a guy I'd like to keep around", Andrews agrees wholeheartedly at which time Dietrich has tuned in on their conversation again and remarks dryly: "I honestly doubt that it's Captain David Troy you're talking about. I'm willing to bet that he will ever muster the patience, reliability and dedication for studying medicine though." The two medics exchange amused glances. "We were actually talking about you, Captain Dietrich. I believe I have told you before that you are by far our favourite officer. By now you have a remarkable reputation in the Allied medical corps. If Sammy adopts you for a medical career I'm all in to support you as well", Andrews declares, patting the young officer on the left shoulder. "And I am looking forward to chatting with this David Troy", Rothschild remarks with a smile. "That's cause you don't know Davey yet, Doc", Sam grumbles his warning.

"There he is!", Mary Falkowsky declares, pointing at the tall, lean Captain until she realizes how impolite this is, as an older blond nurse of approximately thirty years scolds her sternly: "Don't point at people in such a pert way! You should always conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the U.S. army you serve, Lieutenant!" "Yes, Major Timberlake", the dark-haired nurse replies despondently, blushing slightly, as she stands at attention and salutes. Herbrown haired mousey looking friend Anne Mitchells immediately follows suit. "Is this the trainer of your Valkyrie, nurse Olson?", Dietrich whispers to Rothschild who grins widely. "Please come visiting regularly, just for your sense of humor", the Jewish medic mutters in a conspiratorial manner, before speaking more loudly: "Captain Dietrich, may I introduce you to our head nurse, Major Erica Timberlake." Then the American Doctor addresses the blond woman who has made her way toward them with a respect instilling aura in spite of being almost a head's length tinier than the tall German Captain who stands at attention and salutes properly, though with his left arm: "Major Timberlake, this is Captain Hans Dietrich who joined our forces recently after serving in the German Afrikakorps before."

The blond nurse puts Dietrich under scrutiny from head to toe, finding him more than lacking in many respects which she points out immediately: "I would have expected a German officer to be better trained than to appear in such disheveled attire and not even saluting with the right arm." The German officer winces slightly, as he replies with a professional tone: "Forgive me, Major! I have just undergone a medical full body checkup and suffer from an injury to my right arm." "I suppose you will keep him here under the circumstances, Doctor Rothschild", the head nurse addresses the medic with a scowl after frowning at the thin officer whose face is covered with bruises. "I would have taken him off duty, but released him for his recovery, since the Captain is ambulant, but not in need of stationary treatment", Rothschild replies unperturbed. Nurse Timberlake nods with a stern expression, then turns to Dietrich and stabs her right finger into the surprised German Captain's chest in a menacing manner. "Good. Then I would like to address an issue with you, Captain Dietrich. I have just been able to overhear my own nurses and the newly arrived nurses chatting over the handsome, unmarried young Captain. To make one thing very clear for you, I will not tolerate any untoward behaviour regarding my nurses, turning their heads with empty promises or other shenanigans."

Dietrich has actually blushed vividly at the accusation, before he starts trying to defend himself: "Major Timberlake, I absolutely respect your attitude and it would never occur to me to endanger any of your nurses by starting such an improper relationship. What you imply violates any of the principles I have been taught to respect as an officer, abusing my power in such a manner, and I have also told this to the nurses of my unit already." The blond nurse studies his bruised face briefly with a stern expression, until she nods, seemingly content. "I give you the benefit of the doubt, Captain, but you'd better not disappoint me! And you'd better take care of regaining some healthy weight along with allowing your injuries to heal." Then, her expression softens unexpectedly, as she inquires in an empathetic tone: "You have been tortured, haven't you?" Taken a bit by surprise by the sudden change of her mannerism, the young German officer averts his gaze, as he nods curtly. "Yes, but not from the Allied side, Major." "I have seen some brutality from the German interrogators, not only toward our commando soldiers. But you're a German yourself, aren't you?", she addresses the tall man calmly, taking down her hand as her whole demeanor drops all its threatening aspects from before.

"Yes, I am a German which naturally makes me the most hated and despised subject for any German officer or soldier, since I am a traitor and defector. But I wish to apologize on behalf of my former colleagues who should have behaved in a better and more honorable manner than what you have just described, although I'm sadly aware that this is not as uncommon as it should be. A captured enemy soldier deserves the same respect we would wish to receive in captivity. I can assure you, Major Timberlake, that I have been treated fairly under such circumstances by the Allied troops, just as I have treated anybody I have been responsible for as a prisoner of war in an honorable manner out of principle", Dietrich vows with conviction. "You can take the Captain's word on that, Ma'am, and I guarantee you from experience what he tells you is quite true", Troy intervenes and finds the Major's stern gaze measuring him next. "You'd better remember to keep a proper attire, stand at attention and salute, when you address an officer. And you are not to interrupt your superiors uninvited, Sergeant!", she scolds the dumbstruck Sam Troy with a strict tone, stabbing him in the chest with her index finger. The woman is steadfast and tolerating no protest which Hans absolutely respects. Enjoying the priceless experience of Sergeant Sam Troy startled into submission and silence, he tries to hide his laugh by pretending to cough.

After staring the insolent Yankee Sergeant in the eyes for ten seconds, the Major turns back to the thin young officer, addressing him sternly: "You're the first officer who has ever willingly provided such an apology in front of me, Captain. Keep your word and respect my girls! Then I expect that we will have no problems with each other." Dietrich salutes sharply with his left, as he confirms: "Major, nothing else has ever been my intention." Timberlake smiles wryly. "I see why they like you. Polite, steadfast, honorable. My husband would like you too." Hans raises his eyes in a questioning manner. "My husband, Colonel Timberlake, provided aerial support for Operation Torch and still helps our boys in Morocco and Algeria", she explains. The young officer looks puzzled at the codename. "Forgive me, Major! Our unit has spent the last five weeks almost completely separated from the rest of the force and relevant news." "Our forces landed in Morocco and Algeria and received air support for this which is all I can tell you, Captain", the nurse replies with a professional but not unfriendly tone. "They'll probably brief you, when you're better recovered." As she wants to turn away, Dietrich remembers an important issue. "Major Timberlake, I wish to make a request on behalf of Lieutenant Hartigan and Lieutenant O'Donnell", Dietrich addresses her with a calm tone.

The nurses Falkowsky and Mitchell, who have been joined by Deirdre O'Donnell and Lisa Hartigan after the latter has managed to convince Ari and Kiri to eavesdrop on the conversation along with them, look at their newly arrived colleagues in a questioning manner, while the two appear absolutely surprised like everybody else in the room. "What kind of request, Captain?", the blond head nurse inquires sternly, narrowing her eyes warily. "We have adopted two orphaned children, Ari ben Levi and Kiri, daughter of Maryam. While the boy will stay with Lieutenant SIlberblatt whose family will hopefully be able to take him in soon to get him out of this war zone, Kiri should rather stay with women than rough soldiers and is already used to Lieutenant Hartigan and Lieutenant O'Donnell. Would you allow her to share her room with one of them?", Dietrich pleads his case, pointing at Jakob Silberblatt who awkwardly tries to salute to the fear instilling woman whose attention he has managed to avoid until now. A tear runs down Deirdre's cheek at the strong emotion gripping her, while Lisa looks almost as strongly moved by the compassionate and selfless plea. Ari is crying for a different reason. "I don't want to leave Hans", the boy whispers between desperate sobs. Deirdre kneels next to him to try and console him. "He really wants to save and protect you." "But I love him. He's my brother", the boy whispers as he hugs her around the neck to cry into her shoulder. "I know how you feel", Deirdre whispers, trying to brush away her persistently returning tears.

Meanwhile Major Timberlake stares at the German Captain incredulously for a second, before recovering from her shock and surprise. "I want to meet this young lady, before giving you a final answer, Captain." "Ioannes!", Kiri comes running to the baffled young officer who looks just as surprised as everyone else how she has appeared on cue as if summoned by magic. "Kiri", Hans addresses her gently, as he crouches down to get closer to eye level with the child, while he explains: "I want to introduce you to Major Timberlake. She will decide whether you can stay with auntie Lisa and Deirdre." "Hello, Major Timberlake", Kiri greets her with the most winning smile she can manage to produce. The blond head nurse looks actually touched by the Bedouin girl's perfect imitation of Fritz's puppy eyes look. "Do you want to stay with the two nurses, Deirdre O'Donnel and Lisa Hartigan?", she asks the girl, bending forward to get closer to her. "Yes... please, Sir", Kiri replies politely, as she has learned that a Major is an officer who should be addressed like that. Timberlake smiles gently, as she tells her: "I'm a married woman, not a man. Therefore, you would say Ma'am. But since you're already more polite than most of the enlisted men they send me here I can overlook this, Kiri."

Lisa Hartigan approaches them now as well, while Deirdre follows a bit more slowly with Ari. "Does this mean that Kiri can stay with us, Major?", she inquires a bit doubtfully. "Yes. Of course. At least until we have found a solution of who she will stay with on the long run", the blond head nurse replies, as she stands up swiftly along with the young Captain. "I wonder though, Lieutenant Hartigan. Knowing your record, would you even have bothered to ask me, if Captain Dietrich wouldn't have been as diligent?" Lisa smiles a roguish smile that appears almost insolent, as she replies: "That's what we have a considerate and charming young officer and gentleman for, Ma'am. Our Captain's the reliable one for such matters." "Lieutenant Hartigan, could you possibly not ruin my reputation within my first day at this base?", Dietrich protests indignantly, feeling clearly reminded of one of Troy's usual schemes who appears utterly meek and quiet since he has been dressed down by the Major.

Ari buries his face in the German Captain's shirt, crying softly, as he repeats what concerns him the most: "I don't want to leave you, Hans. Please." Hans sighs wearily, as he places his left hand gently on the crying boy's shoulder. "Ari, please. We have always told you that you would join Jakob's family. This won't stop you from considering us your brothers. You'll simply be far away from here, where no bad men can hurt you anymore", the skinny man tries to argue with the desperate boy. "But they will hurt you and then I can't know that you're well, because I can't hear your heart", the boy argues despondently, listening to his young caregiver's steady heartbeat which serves to calm him. The lean officer looks at a loss what to reply to that, when Troy intervenes to help his friend. "Don't worry, Ari! We'll protect your brother. I promise you that." "You promised that before and he was still hurt", the Jewish boy protests without letting go of his beloved brother, burying his face deeper in his shirt.

"Ari, my job is to protect others and to keep them from being hurt. It will often happen that I get hurt myself. That's why I want you to be safe", Dietrich argues with a pained expression. "I don't like it, when you get hurt", Ari gets out with a sob. "I don't like it either, but I like it even less if children like you and Kiri get hurt. That's why it is important that I do what I do", Hans tries to convince him. The Jewish orphan seems to honestly consider this, before hugging the young man more tightly. "But can I stay with you, when you don't have to help others anymore?" The German Captain looks stricken, as he struggles with his answer. Telling him that he will feels like a lie, as Hans has little hope to survive this war until its end. "When all this is over there's nothing keeping you from staying with your beloved brother, Ari. And until then we'll take good care of him, when he gets hurt, cause that's our job", Lisa Hartigan intercedes, trying to calm the boy and help the young officer who nods gratefully that she saves him from this predicament. "Auntie Lisa will help Ioannes", Kiri tries to console the Jewish orphan as well. "And my job's to take good care of my friend here so he doesn't get hurt in the first place", Troy adds proudly, patting the young officer on the shoulder. "And I'll take care of him as well. I'm his older brother after all", Jakob Silberblatt adds with a smile, enjoying Hans scowling at the statement with indignation.

"Has he been like this in the past few weeks?", Samuel Rothschild asks Peter Andrews. "More or less. He has saved children and animals since the very first day. And of course the nurses have loved the young man for it since the very first day because of this selfless heroic attitude of the classical knight in shining armor, even though he has tried to discourage their advances", the American medic replies with a gentle smile, as he observes the scene. "So I will have to protect him from my girls, not the other way around", Major Timberlake declares with a more friendly and sympathetic tone than she has applied before. "Captain Dietrich has been honest with everything he has told you, Erica", Doctor Andrews assures her. "I would vouch for that. The man has bluffed his way out of my field hospital disguised as an American medic, saving the lives of his enemy soldiers in the process, while playing the role of a professional Doctor convincingly. He's a German officer who cares for a Jewish orphan who loves him like his own father, as you can see with your own eyes. That's a good man to the core", Doctor Rothschild argues. "And he saved the girl from a hoard of slavers who killed her mother and probably did even worse things to her", Andrews argues. "How do I keep the girls from going after this guy? Every girl will want such a man", Erica Timberlake asks dryly.

"If it helps you, Lieutenant Deirdre O'Donnell, is truly enamored with him, although she doesn't want anyone to know, least of all the Captain himself who is already uncomfortable with her presence sometimes", Andrews states. "It appears like I scolded the wrong person. I will give this Deirdre an earful", Erica Timberlake declares sternly, scowling at the blond Irish stemming nurse who observes the German Captain with clear affection. "Be gentle with the girl! She's an Irish Catholic, prudish and old-fashioned to the core. She might actually die of shame from some of the terms you use in your moral sermons, Erica", the American medic argues with a smirk. "I'm quite gentle and by far not as bad as the nurse who trained me all those years ago. She was a nun, working in a charity hospital in the middle of Harlem. I learned terms I'd never even dare to utter in front of veteran soldiers from her", the Major counters with a smirk, before finally retreating back to her duties.

After agreeing to allow Ari to stay with him for today and to get his cot put up in his room for tonight only, before he will move to Jakob's room, the Jewish orphan finally is appeased enough to let his beloved caregiver go. "You wanna visit Davey now as well?", Sam asks the drawn looking young officer. "I have training in negotiating with immature children now. What could possibly go wrong?", Hans asks dryly. With a grin the older Troy brother places a hand on the skinny German Captain's shoulder, declaring proudly: "Let's shake it then!" "Take care, Captain! And finally take your time to recover!", Doctor Andrews tells Dietrich, as he walks off to which Rothschild adds: "And try not to get injured too soon again!" "I have never actively tried that, Doctor. But I promise you that I will be careful", the young officer replies dryly.

"Hey Sammy, nice to bring my favorite Jerry Captain along. How are you doing, Dietrich? Will you keep me company around here?", David greets them with a grimacing smile owed to his burnt skin. "Fortunately not. The doctors were merciful enough to allow me to recover anywhere else", the German Captain replies dryly. "How is your own recovery progressing, Captain Troy?" "Far too slowly for my taste, but thanks for asking. Hitch reminded me that you're my CO nowadays, Dietrich. I'm still not used to having someone around who cares for his men like you do, coming to visit almost daily and all. Most of our colleagues I've known dropped by once and were never again seen afterwards", David argues with a wry smile. "That's how I would have handled it with most of my men of a large unit who I don't actually know too well and when my duty would drive me out of my base sooner rather than later", Dietrich counters earnestly. "You even checked on your Jerry boys much more frequently than most. That's why they all hugged you, when you left", Sam intercedes with a grin. "You're the most compassionate guy among all our brass." The German Captain looks a bit flustered by the statement.

"The kids definitely love and adore you. You're a better Dad for them than most are for their own children", David adds, honestly believing what he says. "I'm neither their caregiver nor a good kind of father figure. That's why I insisted on being called their brother instead of anything else", Dietrich argues vehemently. "Let them call you whatever you like. That doesn't change that you're the responsible adult they trust blindly", David holds against him. "You're the responsible adult even I trust blindly." "That's because you only have your brother as a comparison", the German Captain states dryly. "Jerry smartass. Why exactly do I like you?", Sam grumbles with slight annoyance. "Because you need someone to tell you the truth unvarnished, Sergeant, and Doctor Moffit is too much of a well-bred gentleman to be able to do so properly at all times", Hans provides his ironic answer. "You're really a fox, Dietrich", the older Troy brother declares with a grin, as he elbows the tall young man in the ribs, making him wince with pain. "As I said we're glad to have you." "Try not to change my medical status from ambulant to stationary, Troy", the German Captain mutters dryly, rubbing his hurting cracked ribs. "Whatever that means", Sam grumbles. "Medical English isn't your specialty, Sergeant", Dietrich assesses dryly. "Yeah, you're far better with that than I am. My preferred way of dealing with medics and hospitals is staying far away from them." "Unless you ask for a blood donor or plasma packs at gunpoint", the German officer comments dryly. "That's only my second favourite way", Sam replies with a grin.

Shaking his head, Hans turns back to the convalescing younger Troy brother. "I will see you frequently, when I have to appear here for my checkups, Captain Troy. I honestly wish you a good and fast recovery", the younger Captain tells the pilot who beams at him. "Thanks, mate. You can keep sending your kids to keep me company. I really like Ari and Kiri." "Until we find a good solution for them, I will", Hans replies calmly, scowling slightly at the colloquial term. "I'm grateful for your time and efforts to keep them entertained and teach them something, even if it is only the English language." "What's that supposed to mean? My stories are really valuable. And I actually have nothing better to do", David replies with a grin, reminding of his brother. "That's true. And your tall tales are in the same league as the famous Baron Münchhausen, Troy, I grant you that", Dietrich counters dryly. "Take care, Davey! And take my advice for once: don't harass the nurses. Their head nurse will tear your head off and eat your heart for dinner otherwise", Sam plays his role of the responsible older brother. "She must be a helluva woman, if she managed to intimidate you, Sammy", David teases him. "I'm not intimidated!", Sam protests angrily. "Silence!", Dietrich intercedes, unnerved by their juvenile behaviour. "You're both advised to treat the Major with respect and not cause such a ruckus in her hospital!" "Your Captain's advice is sound and smart", Doctor Rothschild comments, as he comes in, since he wants to check on the injured pilot. "I see what you meant by as unnerving as the Italian singer, Captain Dietrich. I wish you a pleasant evening. And if you wish to continue having a pleasant time here, Captain Troy, I recommend that you do exactly what I tell you now..."

"Let's shake it, before that woman shows up again!", Sam drawls into Dietrich's ear who mutters back: "I wouldn't have thought that I'd live to see the day when you're scared of something other than crazy British cultists, Troy." "Jerry smartass", the American Sergeant grumbles, while Hans calls Ari and Kiri to accompany them. Jakob Silberblatt who has looked after the two and chatted with their nurses in the meantime joins them with the children and pulls his friend into an embrace. "Ik bin froh, dat dat di good geiht un dat wi nu endlich seker hier ankamen sünd." Troy stares at the Jewish Lieutenant and asks: "That sounded weird. What was that?" "That was Platt", Hans replies dryly. "Ah, it's your special German. What did you say?", Troy grumbles. "I said that I'm glad that we finally arrived here and that Hans is well, at least as well as he could be under the circumstances", Jakob replies with a smile. "I'm fine", Dietrich protests. "Yeah, like hell you're fine, Dietrich", Sam counters angrily. "You're all black and blue under your shirt and in your face, you got fresh stitches all over your right side and my Ma wouldn't let you out of her clutches for at least a month, if she could see just how skinny you are." "Troy", the German snaps, but his Jewish friend intervenes: "Hans, he's right. We're all worried about you, especially Ari." The orphan has settled for leaning against his caregiver's left side, listening to his heartbeat which serves to calm him in this new, unsettling environment.

Dietrich swallows his stubborn pride for the sake of not scaring the children, muttering instead: "Do you already know where we will have our rooms, Jakob?" The Jewish Lieutenant smiles. "I received a permanent room on the first floor with a balcony on Atkins' orders." "I know how much you love balconies", his German friend comments with a smile that bears sad reminiscence at the memory of a different life, a life when they have both been boys and lived in their families' homes back in Kiel. Back then, the Silberblatt family has rented a large flat right above the medical practice of Jakob's father, Bernhard Silberblatt, and they have even been able to afford the luxury of having two rooms with balconies, one of which Jakob has always demanded for himself. Sitting on this balcony the two friends have worked on homework exercises or rather Hans has done the mathematical calculations and enjoyed puzzling out some challenging exercises, while his friend has written his personal poems. How much would he give to experience these carefree times of youth once again. But the Silberblatts have lost their German home and been forced to flee to the United States, while Hans is a pariah from the perspective of the German state, similarly unable to return to his hometown.

A hand on his shoulder shaking him gently draws the young officer out of his memories. "Hey, Captain Fox Kit. Are you okay? You got that thousand yards stare that makes me worry", Troy tells the younger man with clear concern audible in his tone. "I'm fine... really. I simply got lost in some memories of our home", Hans replies a bit awkwardly. Jakob smiles sadly. "I know how you feel, Hans." Then his expression lightens up again. "You need to come by my room from time to time and we chat while we sit on the balcony like we did when we were just boys." Nodding with a sad smile the tall Captain responds: "As long as I'm here we can do that. Ari should move in with you tomorrow." "But today I'm staying with you, Hans! You promised", the boy insists. Dietrich ruffles through his hair gently. "Yes, today you may stay with me." Looking at Silberblatt he asks: "Do you know where I will stay?" "I heard that Captain Boggs insisted on keeping you closeby, so they had to rearrange rooms. He should be able to tell you at dinner", Jakob replies apologetically.

"That's the magic word making me happy", Troy comments with a grin. "You're truly a kindred spirit for dear Fritz", Hans states dryly. "I like Fritz. He's a good and loyal dog, honest in his behaviour unlike those damned cats", Sam counters fervently. "Honestly greedy and insatiable, just like you when you get a plate of sweets and a cup of tea", the German Captain holds against him with irony. "Hey, if you don't force me to drink your damned tea, I won't need that many sweets." "Don't blame the tea for this or I am forced to inform Moffit, the noble defender of tea, to give you a lecture", Hans threatens him with a roguish grin and amused wink. "Don't you dare!", Troy grumbles with actual annoyance. "You have no idea how many of his lectures I had to suffer through." "My heart is bleeding with sympathy, Troy", Dietrich counters sarcastically. "Jerry smartass", comes the Sergeant's usual reply which the Captain has become so used to that he doesn't even consider it an insult anymore.

"There he is!", Dietrich hears an almost familiar shout, when he enters the mess hall. Five seconds later Fritz has his paws up on his thigh and yelps enthusiastically as he greets his master by rubbing his head against his hand. "Schon gut, Fritz", the German Captain mutters to the dog who distracts him well enough that he is actually surprised when someonebriefly pulls him into a hug. "I'm so glad to see you back with us, Cap. I thought Old Twirly and the rest of the brass were chewing you whole", Hitch declares sheepishly, taking a step backwards, when Dietrich's glare focuses on him and the German snaps: "Hitchcock, we're not friends that I would suffer such behaviour from you." "Sorry, Cap. I was just really worried ... I mean we all were." He points at their comrades who have formed a tight circle around them. "Can't you express your concern without physical contact, Private?", the German Captain growls unnerved. "I could, but I thought that's more appropriate. Tully and Doc are not the hugging type, but you...", Hitch tries his justification. "I'm absolutely not a hugging type", the young officer snaps with annoyance. "But you're always hugged by your kids", Mark argues, pointing at Ari who nestles against Dietrich's side affectionately. "You're not a kid in spite of your sometimes childish behavior, Hitchcock", Hans counters dryly.

"Are you fine, Captain? You still look really drawn", Thomas Anaru intercedes with clear sympathy for their young unit commander. "Shouldn't you two have received your checkup in the local field hospital as well?", Hans inquires sternly. "Well", Hitch starts out, bearing a sheepish expression. "I thought I'd wait until a little later, when I would have some more ... privacy with Lisa." "Don't let Major Timberlake catch you or you will regret ever having made such avances, Hitchcock", Dietrich comments dryly. "Yeah, Hitch. She's fierce, like a good, tough woman from the Old West. Don't let her tiny blond stature fool you!", Troy warns him as well. "I'm an expert for handling petite blond women", Hitch tries to argue, but both Troy and Dietrich appear utterly unconvinced. "If you wish to risk your life unnecessarily, Hitchcock, couldn't you at least do it for some noble cause?", the German officer inquires dryly. "And even if the Major spares your life, your girlfriend Lieutenant Hartigan won't for the trouble you're about to cause for her." "Honestly, Hitch. She chewed both of us out and he didn't even do anything wrong. That amazon had just heard the girls talking about liking him", Troy argues. "That is quite enough, Troy!", Hans interrupts, truly offended and pained by the sore topic.

"Will you join us for dinner, Captain?", Kevin O'Donnell tries to keep the mood good. Dietrich glances in the direction of the officers' table and already notices the men's scowls and disapproving looks. "It would probably be a more enjoyable dinner, if I would sit with all of you, but I have certain obligations to uphold and cannot just skip out on them on my very first evening here. I will join you after dinner to discuss how we proceed from now on", the young German officer replies earnestly. "You have our sympathies for suffering through the disapproving stares and attitudes of the majority of Allied officers", Jack Moffit assures him. "I'd give those arrogant brass a piece of my mind", Troy growls, but immediately gets interrupted by Moffit and Dietrich who simultaneously exclaim: "Troy." "They're scarily well synchronised", Mark whispers to Tully who merely shifts his matchstick a bit and nods. Corporal Gottschlich looks like he would have a heart attack, if Troy would actually follow through with this, while Silberblatt and the O'Donnells appear truly amused. Thomas Anaru bears a baffled expression, as he still tries to evaluate how much of this has been said in good humor and how much Troy's temper might actually drive him toward insane actions. "Please keep him in check, Moffit!", Hans mutters quietly to the British Sergeant who nods with a worried expression, patting the younger man on the shoulder gently. "I'll try my best, old chap." Dietrich nods with gratitude and understanding. "Thank you, Moffit."

"Ari, Kiri, you can help me bring food for all of us to the table", Jakob Silberblatt suggests and both children follow him eagerly. "I will go to the officer's table in the meantime", Dietrich tells his friend. "Captain Boggs already looks a bit nervous." "I couldn't imagine why. You're the most well-behaved individual after all", the Jewish Lieutenant comments with a smile. "Jakob, don't try to beat the Troys in annoying me!", Hans counters dryly, as he turns toward the officers' table. Seeing the Captain alone, Thomas Anaru takes heart and approaches him to mutter quietly to their commanding officer: "Captain, could ... could we talk privately?" Noticing the young Maori soldier's discomfort and obvious torment, Hans nods. "Of course, Private Anaru. Can this wait until after dinner?" The Maori Private looks a bit unsure, but nods. Scowling, the German places a hand on his shoulder after a moment of hesitation. "If it is urgent, we can speak right now." Thomas is briefly baffled, before he smiles at the skinny young officer in earnest. "It's about my brothers. We can really talk later, Captain." Hans nods, slightly relieved but still a bit worried about the young soldier, as he remembers that his brothers have been killed and wounded at El Alamein. Being reminded of this cannot be easy for the young soldier and it is his duty to support his man. "Kia kaha", the skinny Captain repeats the phrase he knows to mean a lot to the Maori who beams at him gratefully. "Kia ora rawa atu. I will see you later, Captain", Thomas replies, patting the tall German on the shoulder without hesitation. Captain Hans Dietrich is one of them, a brother in arms and the most compassionate officer he has ever met. Joining his unit is one of the best decisions he has ever made.

"What was that about? Are your Rats always like that?", James Boggs inquires incredulously, when the skinny German officer finally arrives at their table. "No. Apparently Hitchcock believed that you wouldn't let me out of the officer's staff meeting alive and well, while Private Anaru has lost both his brothers in the final battles over El Alamein, apparently feeling vividly reminded of this here in Tobruk or that's what I assume", Dietrich replies calmly, as he takes a seat next to the older American Captain. Another seat is still free and the children can be squeezed in between them and their neighbors if the need arises. One of those neighbors is a young British officer Dietrich recognizes immediately. "Do you tolerate such behaviour from your soldiers frequently?", Lieutenant ColonelMcLean asks with curiosity. "No, of course not", the young German Captain protests. "But Hitchcock and I... have been through a special kind of hell together with only each other to rely on." "Now you may call me a wee bit curious, but what kind of situation you reported today did you go through with only this Private?", the tall Scotsman inquires. "I didn't report it for lack of military relevance and because you were obviously familiar with our reports", the skinny German officer replies a bit sharply. "You're not one to fool and suffer it kindly", Alexander McLean assesses at which Dietrich scowls warily.

"Hitchcock and I were caught by Arab slavers together after a Jeep accident. I had sent my only fit man to call for help, while staying with my injured Private. We had only each other to literally lean on for support, while suffering through some mistreatment. Since then the man behaves like you have seen at times when his emotions get the better of him", Hans explains patiently. "And you don't have the heart to punish him for inappropriate behavior towards an officer. I suppose you could tell me similar episodes about all your men, but I will listen to them from your men's perspective, when receiving their reports during the next few days. I thoroughly regret already that the British senior officers were too reluctant to grant you citizenship, as I would truly have wanted to hire a man like you, Captain Dietrich", Lieutenant ColonelMcLean assesses with a smirk. "An intelligent and adaptable man with deep knowledge about our enemies and the ability to speak every major language in this war zone, who can also inspire such sympathy and loyalty in his men is invaluable." Dietrich scowls at him, but refrains from openly crossing blades with the man in the light of all that has happened and their possible future cooperation, instead inquiring more cautiously: "What exactly is it that you expect and want from me, Lieutenant Colonel?" "Do you know what kind of missions my unit undertakes? Or Lieutenant Colonel Stilring's unit?",McLean asks back. Hans scowls, but thinks carefully. Since he has never heard about McLean, code named Merlin before, Stirling's Special Air Service unit is his only clue. "I know that Lieutenant Colonel Stirling's unit is reputed for well-planned and executed sabotage of infrastructure behind enemy lines, but that is what I know from my time at the Germans' side."

"You haven't been on our side long enough to have been briefed about anything important which I intend to change soon, Captain Dietrich",McLean replies without sounding condescending, but honestly interested in gaining an ally. "You're unique among our officers, as you have not only grown up in Germany, but also served in the Afrikakorps until recently and stem from a family of German officers. Thus you are more intimately familiar with the major players on both sides than anybody else. And I'm not talking about the big information here, but little observations like a favorite dish or drink, or a personal friendship with people outside of the military which can be immensely useful for infiltration and other kinds of missions." Dietrich has narrowed his eyes and glowers at the British officer, as he snarls with clearly wounded pride: "I'm not sure how well General Atkins has communicated this, but I have always made it very clear that I'm neither an assassin nor willing to murder officers of the legitimate German army in cold blood. Asking me for information that will lead to poisoning dishes served to these people violates my sense of honor and I will not comply with such methods."McLean looks actually surprised at the clear statement and Dietrich's unflinching attitude. "I wouldn't ask you to murder somebody, but there are also poisons which are not deadly and situations where friends might turn into informants if previous actions have been too immoral." Hans nods grimly. "I think I know what you mean. That is acceptable for me."

McLean observes the younger man closely, as he comments: "You're a rare fellow with your proud sense of honor and duty. I see why the enlisted men adore an officer like you though and actively apply to join you. As I said I would truly have liked to gain you for my unit directly, but we also have a good history of collaborating with the LRDP. Your current position allows us to gain access to one of their most infamous units, the Rat Patrol." "Dietrich is the officer the Rats will follow loyally, more than anybody else", James Boggs confirms without hesitation. "They have never respected and even less liked any other officer as much as him."McLean smiles wryly, as he declares: "I have just been able to observe that. They treat you like one of them." "I am one of them, assigned as their commander", the young German Captain growls with wounded pride. "You're still an officer, not one of the enlisted men. And even more so you're a German officer who has fought against this unit as one the their fiercest and most resilient enemies. Still those men looked like they treated you not like their officer but their brother in arms and that young man who hugged you actually cares deeply about a man he has fought against for months." Dietrich winces slightly, muttering: "Hitchcock is a Yankee of the very sentimental type." "The British Sergeant also appeared rather close to you. I could count the man in my unit who would consider even touching my shoulder on a single hand without requiring all the fingers and your Maori trusted you enough to pat you on the shoulder as well which they wouldn't even consider doing with most of our officers",McLean argues, as Boggs nods in agreement.

The young German officer looks obviously troubled, as he tries to argue: "When I negotiated with General Atkins, Sergeant Troy actively intervened and basically insisted to place me with his unit without even considering ranks or other complications. He argued that this was to save my life as no other commando unit would possibly trust my defection and I was convinced of the same notion. He also argued constantly with me, gradually convincing me that a small closely knit commando unit works differently from the large units I have served with before. I cannot even tell you, when this shift of perspective has happened or pinpoint it to a single event, as more than one incident was involved. But I can assure you that a lot of what happened in the past week has knit this unit even more closely together, including myself and our newly acquired men who have all volunteered and been hand selected by me, because I know them well enough to trust them." "You trust your men a lot more than any of the officers at this table, don't you?",McLean asks slyly. Dietrich glances at Boggs, bearing a truly apologetic expression, as he replies: "I know a lot more about my men than about any of the men at this table and have enough reason to trust my men with my life, Lieutenant Colonel." "A reasonable argument. You need not call me Lieutenant Colonel though. My name is sufficient, Alexander, McLean or Merlin which I personally prefer",McLean replies. Dietrich looks a bit surprised by his attitude, but nods. "I personally do not prefer the nicknames the enlisted men have chosen for me." The Scottish officer grins widely with amusement. "Which is absolutely unwarranted, as I know officers who'd give an arm and a leg to be nicknamed Sherlock or Locksley after Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood. You're a very special individual, Captain Dietrich, and I intend to make the most of our collaboration, training you as best I can, as you're absolutely worth the investment."

"Meow", a soft animal voice interrupts them, as a small cat rubs her head against the German's shin. Purring loudly, Bastet demands to be picked up insistently. As soon as Dietrich has placed the kitten on his lap, she starts sniffing curiously and tries to continue onward onto the table. "Bastet, nein", the German Captain scolds her. Looking a bit sheepishly at her human protector she rubs her head against his hand, purring loudly, as she drops back onto his lap. Hans can practically feel the stares of every officer at the table boring into him along with many of the enlisted men's. "You know how to draw attention, Captain",McLean comments dryly with amusement. "I have become used to people staring at me as the odd one out during the last weeks, Lieu...Merlin", Hans replies just as dryly. "I see why your scholarly British Sergeant must like you. He's the son of a Cambridge Professor for Egyptology, isn't he?", the Scottish officer asks dryly. "Doctor Moffit even suggested Bastet's name and likes our latest unit mascot", the young Captain replies coolly. "I would have thought that the dog is your unit mascot", the Brit argues. "Fritz has a shared history with the Rats even before he became my unit's mascot among the German troops. He will masterfully adapt to the local kitchen facilities and soldiers without doubt, learning quickly who he can beg food from and adapt to any unit, the larger, the better, because that means more men to beg from", Dietrich counters dryly. "He's not trained then?",McLean asks. "As a war dog?", Dietrich chuckles. "Absolutely not. He's some stray the Rats left at my doorstep, but he sits, comes and fetches on command. Otherwise he has no real training and in addition is the least aggressive dog I have ever met. I have left him in the field hospital to console shell shocked or gravely wounded soldiers, because he possesses real empathy. But he wouldn't attack anybody, rather try to be cuddled." "Cute",McLean comments dryly.

"Hans, we brought you food", Ari declares proudly, making his brother look up and smile at him. "Thank you, Ari. You can sit between Captain Boggs and me." The Jewish orphan looks at the older Captain a bit unsure, but smiles back at him, when he sees Boggs bearing a gentle smile. "Bastet!", Kiri shouts enthusiastically, almost dropping her plate. "Kiri, put the plate on the table!", Hans admonishes sternly. Bastet meanwhile has detected the promising smell of food and tries to reach the plate to sniff at it, standing up on Dietrich's thigh. "Bastet, nein!", Hans tells her again with a strict tone, pushing her to sit back down, while picking up a piece of meat, tearing it into smaller pieces and offering them to the kitten. Bastet immediately starts eating greedily which allows him to pick up his fork with a wince and start eating as well. "It's so good!", Ari mumbles with a full mouth. "You should only speak after swallowing, Ari. It's impolite and you'll lose your good food", the German Captain tells the boy patiently who nods with the obedient expression of a loyal puppy. After swallowing visibly, the orphan beams at him and asks: "Do you like it too, Hans?" The German Captain replies with a gentle tone: "Yes, of course, Ari." "Meow", Bastet reminds him that she likes the food as well and wants some more of it, as she licks his fingers.

"I assume that you're Ari ben Levi",McLean addresses the boy who looks at him like a startled deer caught in the headlights and leans against Hans' side, feeling safer in his physical presence. A bit awkwardly Ari nods, while Dietrich glares at the Scotsman with a wary expression, as he places his right arm around his ward's shoulder. "As I said I have no intention of harming children. I am merely curious",McLean tries to calm the scared child and his distrustful protector. "Hello, I'm Kiri", the Bedouin girl introduces herself confidently. "I don't think I have heard or read about you." "Kiri's mother was killed, while Private Hitchcock and I were in the hands of Arab slavers, when Sergeant Troy and Captain Brown freed us along with their units. She stays with the nurses Lieutenant Hartigan and O'Donnell", Dietrich explains quickly. "You left out this part during your report today",McLean reminds him slyly. "It had no tactical relevance", the German Captain counters with a scowl. "You know exactly how much to tell your superiors without committing insubordination and which parts to keep to yourself",McLean assesses with a wily expression, "which is an excellent quality for a commando officer. Bobby, my second in command Bobby Prescott, would like you, Dietrich."

"It's good to see you, my boy. Willy said that I'd find you here", Commodore George-Irving greets the German Captain halfway through his dinner in the same almost grandfatherly manner he has already adopted the last time, patting the younger officer's shoulder jovially. "You look like you lost even more weight since I last saw you. Didn't you like our good Ole English cuisine?" Dietrich tries to hide his indignation at the undignified behaviour, even if it originates from the famous pilot and Ace, liking him for whichever inexplicable reason, as he replies: "Not wasting any rations was essential during the last weeks. I'm more than grateful for the support and rations we received, Air Commodore." Ari who feels quite intimated presses against his caregiver's side. "And you even brought your little lad along. Splendid", George-Irving comments jovially, beaming at the dark-skinned orphan who glances up at the broadly smiling older man. "Ari, this is Air Commodore George-Irving. He brought us food, when we would have been hungry otherwise", Hans explains gently. The Jewish boy looks more closely at the man, before he replies: "Thank you... Sir?" "You're very welcome, my dear boy. It's been an honor to help you and your noble protector here", the British officer replies with a friendly smile.

"How is Captain Troy, Captain?", the British pilot then asks the German directly. Dietrich sighs a bit wearily, before answering: "Captain Troy is recovering at a moderate speed which is not unexpected given his massive injuries. You might be shocked to learn however that he asked for changing to the U.S. Air Force rather than remaining with the RAF." George-Irving looks truly surprised, before huffing: "Unreliable Yankee. I'll give him a piece of my mind next time I see him." Hans glances at James Boggs beside him who appears to be far less sympathetic toward the pilot than Hans currently feels, as he comments: "Indeed, Commodore. Once joining an army, one should stay with it." The German Captain winces as if struck in the face and Ari immediately presses against him, as he whimpers: "Hans." "I didn't mean you, Dietrich", Boggs addresses the younger officer in an apologetic tone. "You were driven to your decision and didn't leave your side out of discontent with being reminded of the proper behaviour expected of an officer." "Indeed, my boy. Your behaviour cannot be compared to Captain Troy's in the least", the Air Commodore insists.

Dietrich sighs wearily and nods with a fatalistic expression, before he addresses the British Ace: "I ask for some leniency with Captain Troy, Air Commodore, as the man has suffered badly enough in the last weeks. Your positions are somewhat like Daedalus' and Icarus'. While you still fly with competence, his own overestimation of himself has been his downfall." George-Irving pats the lean Captain's shoulder in a grandfatherly manner, as he tells him: "I see clearly why lads around camp liked you enough to apply to join you. You're a noble man, chivalrous, selfless. A true knight like Ivanhoe, dishonored and disinherited, who still stands by knightly virtues. We see few like you nowadays. Your little lad here can be glad to have you." "Ari, will join a family providing him with safety and stability which I cannot, given my position", Hans counters with a pained tone, as he feels the boy tightening his grip and whimpering at his side. "This isn't what he wants I presume", George-Irving comments with a sympathetic expression. "It's the only way to keep him safe in this war", the German officer argues with vehemence, putting his arm gently around the Jewish boy's shoulder. "I see. A matter of the heart", the British officer assesses with compassion, smiling almost gently, never taking his arm off the younger man's shoulder.

Alexander McLean observes the whole interaction with curiosity. Air Commodore George-Irving is a legendary Ace of the last war getting close to becoming the same again in this one. The man is as much known as a flying daredevil as he is considered an eccentric fellow even for the standards of the British upper class. Air Commodore Harrington has already implied that the pilot likes the young German tank commander who has defected to become an Allied commando unit officer. Yet seeing this playing out in front of his eyes is quite different. George-Irving only ever treats a handful of his most liked pilots with as much sympathy and respect as he treats the lean Captain who looks visibly uncomfortable with the grandfatherly manner the Brit addresses him with. "I'm looking forward to seeing you more often now, my boy. Do you by any chance play Bridge?", the RAF officer inquires with the aloof manner of an elderly British upper class gentleman. "I do, Commodore. I've agreed on partnering with Captain Boggs though", the German replies politely, glancing at the American Captain beside him. "Splendid. Willy will be delighted, when you join us for a game or two from time to time", George-Irving replies with actual joy, patting the younger officer on his left shoulder amicably. "Have a nice evening, my boy, and enjoy some more of the dinner. You need it."

Before Dietrich even gets the chance to come up with a counter which is not too impolite, the pilot has squeezed his shoulder one last time and walked onward to meet his friend, Air Commodore Harrington, greeting the man in a similar jovial manner. From the gaze directed at Dietrich and Boggs, the two assume that their future Bridge games are the current topic of their conversation. "A Bridge player?", McLean comments with a smile. "More social than chess. What else do you do, when you don't save children and little furry animals?" "I doubt that this is of any relevance for our future collaboration, Lieutenant Colonel", Dietrich blocks the inquiry warily. The tall Scotsman narrows his eyes and observes him closely, before nodding: "You're right. Curiosity kills the cat though." "Indeed", Dietrich comments and notices with a wince that Bastet is no longer on his lap or in Ari's arms who has picked her up, as she has sneaked onto the table and sniffs at the spymaster's glass curiously. "Bastet, nein", the man addresses her directly and the kitten looks at him sheepishly, aware that she is not supposed to stroll over the table like this. When she sees the large man moving his arm, the startled kitten flees back to her main protector, practically jumping into the German's arms. "Das hast du nun davon", he scolds her gently.

"Hier, Hans", Jakob Silberblatt comments, placing a teacup and a plate with several cinnamon rolls in front of his friend who looks a bit startled. "Jakob, I'm not used to eating that much", the thin German mutters quietly. "That's fine, but I thought that you'd give away everything to the children if I just brought you one or two", his curly-haired friend argues with a smile. "Can I have one, Ioannes? Please", Kiri starts the inquiry and Ari follows in a similar manner, encouraged by his sister's boldness. "You can take one, each of you", the German invites them gently. "You too, Jakob, since I won't be able to eat two of them." "Sharing is caring I learned in my new home", Silberblatt comments with a smile, as he picks up one of the rolls for himself, leaving the last to his friend, as he has intended. With less than four Hans would never have kept more than half of one roll for himself. Sipping the tea in between, Dietrich savours the sweet taste of the local pastry. "A connoisseur of tea and the local food I see", McLean comments quietly, but adds quickly, when he sees the undernourished man tense: "That was just an observation. Enjoy your dessert, Captain!"

"If you would excuse me for the evening, gentlemen. I need to take care of my men", the German Captain tells the others at the table quietly, as soon as he is finished with his cinnamon roll and tea, picking up the half-sleeping Bastet on his left arm. "I'll wait for you to lead you to your room, Dietrich", Boggs replies with an understanding smile. "I have more than enough men here I want to chat with a bit to exchange some of our adventures." "Enjoy the evening!", the younger officer wishes him with a friendly smile. "You too, Dietrich", Boggs replies. "I'll meet you tomorrow in the afternoon, Captain Dietrich, to discuss how he will proceed with you and your unit", Alexander McLean addresses the skinny German, as he stands up as well. "From what I've seen now Monty won't find anything that would speak against you cooperating with us. You're an unusual soldier, but that's a positive quality in my opinion." The Scotsman pets the kitten on his arm over the head once, before turning to join the round of men around the British General.

Ari has remained at his brother's side, pressing his head against his flank. Now he follows Hans quietly to the Rats' table where Fritz greets them both with enthusiastic yelps, having missed the young officer and his ward. Troy, who has constantly kept glancing at the officer's table with wariness, grunts at the tall Captain with relief. "Finally. When's the British Ace gonna adopt you?", he inquires, knowing that his friend will react just as indignantly as he does, snapping "Troy." "Just asking", Sam replies with a grin. "Air Commodore George-Irving is reputed that he has this grandfatherly manner of treating soldiers he likes and considers worthy of his support in such a way", Moffit adds. "I've been told that already. It's better than being shot or constantly treated with suspicion by an Allied officer from my perspective", Dietrich counters dryly, sobering them quickly. "How's your wound, old chap?", Jack asks politely, as he stands up to allow the young officer to sit down with them, although the skinny German does not look inclined to do so. "Healing slowly after yesterday's events", Hans replies quietly.

Bastet has woken up and insists on being set down which ends with Dietrich handing her to Moffit who places her on the table, as she does not stop struggling in his arms. Finally content to have a new exploration territory, the kitten moves cautiously between glasses, plates and cutlery, sniffing at rests of food until she hears "Bastet, nein!" behind her and looks up sheepishly at her caregiver who still clings to the hope of socialising her better than Fritz, the masterly beggar for food. "Could you take Kiri with you, when you visit your cousin?", Dietrich asks Kevin and Daniel, when he sees Jakob coming to join them with the Bedouin girl. "Sure, Captain", Kevin agrees immediately, while Danny asks: "You said we should beware of the head nurse." "I expect you to be at your best behaviour when dealing with Major Timberlake, as she will not tolerate anything less", Hans replies, adding dryly: "And I'm not sure whether she will tolerate you at all, Hithchcock." "I can be really charming at my best behaviour. I swear it, Cap", Hitch replies with a grin and a wink. "You'd better behave like a good and proper soldier rather than being charming, Hitchcock!", Dietrich admonishes him sternly. "I know how to handle women", Hitch insists with a roguish wink. "I expect your report about this episode tomorrow, gentlemen", the German Captain orders in a professional tone, before adding with a sly smile of his own in a dry tone: "This promises to be very entertaining." Troy barks a laugh and pats the tall officer on his good shoulder. "You bet. I'm all with you in this matter, Captain."

Looking from one of his men's faces to the other, Hans Dietrich assesses their mood. All of them look tired underneath the superficial chatting, even Troy appears a bit less energetic now that the constant attention and tension of the last weeks can finally be released. The strain of their ordeal has taken some toll on all of them and they deserve some rest as much as they need it. While Pettigrew observes quietly as usual and only rarely drops a comment of his own, Riku Gottschlich and Thomas Anaru look the most stressed and uncomfortable. At least with the Maori soldier Hans knows what he is dealing with, since he has been considerate enough to approach him. But the introverted half-Japanese Corporal is much harder to read, as the only indicators of his nervousness are his eyes constantly darting to the soldiers surrounding them. "Corporal Gottschlich, I want to speak with you tomorrow to arrange a regular training schedule for your special fighting style", Dietrich orders in a professional tone, congratulating himself for having come up with a believable excuse for talking with him in private. The young man salutes diligently, before returning to his nervous observation of his environment. "I suppose we should similarly arrange a schedule for language lessons, Captain", Jack Moffit states coolly. "Yes, Doctor. But since this will be a lot more intricate, we'd better meet separately", the German officer replies calmly.

"You should all prepare yourself for an interview with General Montgomery or Lieutenant Colonel McLean. They wish to learn about your motivations for serving in this unit under my command and most likely want to hear what you think about me as your CO", Hans Dietrich then informs them with a stern expression. Riku Gottschlich looks the most worried, as he asks: "Why do they still distrust you, Captain? You've done so much and still..." He trails off, before asking desperately: "Will it never be enough?" The German Captain is not the only one suspecting that something is terribly wrong with the young man and he is not actually speaking only about the Captain. "Gottschlich, you should know that you can always come to me to tell me, if something affects you", he addresses the despondent looking soldier with a gentle tone he usually reserves for Ari, when the boy suffers from a panic attack. For a moment Gottschlich stares at him as if he would want to say something, before shutting his mouth again. "We'll speak tomorrow anyways because of the training. Think about my offer, Corporal!", Hans adds gently and Troy looks at him directly to meet his gaze, nodding in approval.

"Captain Dietrich, could we talk a bit now?", Thomas Anaru addresses the young officer who has sat down on the table with them. Dietrich nods and kneels in front of his ward to address Ari gently on eyelevel: "I need to speak with Thomas Anaru to help him. I promise you that I won't get hurt, but it's important that you go with Jakob and I will join you later." Looking a bit unsure, the Jewish orphan hugs his caregiver around the neck, before he joins the curly haired Lieutenant Silberblatt. "I'll show you how nice it is to sit on a balcony in the evening, listening to poems, Ari", Jakob promises with a gentle smile, knowing how much the boy enjoys poetry due to its natural rhythm and elegant sound.

"Where are your quarters, Private?", Hans inquires calmly, as he turns back to the Maori soldier. "I'll show you, Captain", the young man replies with a sad smile. When he gets up, Sam Troy follows as well, but the thin officer shakes his head. "Stay, Troy. We need some privacy." Although he looks utterly discontent, the American Sergeant nods, then mutters quietly for only the German Captain to hear: "You're doing a really good job. I had no idea officers could be like that. The kids like you, not just the little ones." "You fail to see that this has always been my way of treating my men, Troy", Hans counters quietly. "That makes you an awesome guy for one of the brass. I'll see you later, Captain", Troy comments with a grin. "I suppose you mean tomorrow, Sergeant, since I have my own quarters by now", the young Captain replies dryly. "I'll catch up with you after speaking with Tommy. Don't want you to get harmed and I wanna know where you live now." "I would tell you, if I knew. Captain Boggs will show me my room later. Just wait until tomorrow morning with tripwiring my doorstep, Troy", Hans murmurs dryly. "That's actually a good idea", Sam agrees. "No it's not!", Dietrich snaps, finally losing his patience. "Ari, Kiri, Fritz or Bastet could trigger that. Don't be absurd, Troy!" Turning around impatiently, the German Captain follows with brisk steps behind the Maori soldier.

Thomas Anaru looks grateful and a bit more relieved than before, when he walks beside the tall European through the hallways after the Captain has caught up with him. With a smile he tells him: "Thank you, Captain, for doing this. Hitch persuaded me to talk with you. He said ... you'd understand and maybe help me." "I'll try at least to do that to the best of my abilities", the young Captain promises, as he follows his lead through the hallways. That an officer comes to join one of the enlisted men in his room gives rise to some stares and muttered comments among the inhabitants of the neighboring rooms, although any of the local soldiers greets the tall Captain with a polite salute. "That's the Rats' new Captain", he hears more than once whispered behind them, but also: "That's the Jerry. Watchit with this fellow!" At "kraut with his colorful bunch" the German finally turns around and glares at the offensive soldier who bears a sheepish expression to have been caught. "You'd better mind your words, Private, before insulting either me or my unit!", the tall officer bellows in his typical command tone and the man stands at attention immediately. "Yes, Sir. I'm sorry, Sir." "What's your name?", Dietrich demands to know. "Przewlocki, Pavel, Sir", the soldier reports. The lean Captain squints at the man, recognizing the unpronounceable name construction from his first front experiences in the war, as he asks: "You're from Poland?" The brown-haired young man looks surprised, but replies: "My parents are. I'm from Boston." "Private Przewlocki, I expect a better behaviour from you in the future!", the German officer tells him sternly, before turning to follow Thomas Anaru, as soon as he has seen the man acknowledging the statement.

The Maori soldier leads Hans Dietrich into their newly assigned quarters. The Rats' commander takes a close look at the room shared between four soldiers. "Who lives here?", he finally asks after a few seconds. "Sergeant Moffit, the O'Donnell brothers and I. The others are next door, since they're all Yankees and we're all commonwealth soldiers", Anaru replies, before realising a bit awkwardly that they have nowhere to sit except for his and Moffit's bunk bed. Hans waits patiently, until the Maori invites him to sit on Moffit's bed which is easily recognizable from the tea pot at its foot end. Stepping closer the German Captain also realizes that the Sergeant has taken Dietrich's own possessions with him and stored them here, since the young officer has not even had a room assigned until now. "What can I do for you, Private Anaru?", Hans asks cautiously after taking his seat and observing the young soldier for a few seconds, noticing his struggle and torment. "I ... my brother Franky died at El Alamein and Willy got wounded really badly. When we transferred him in the truck... he was crying all the time, when he was conscious. The whole area here, everything kept reminding me of that ride." Dietrich nods with empathy written on his face. "Losing both your brothers is undoubtedly a painful experience. Even though I have have no brothers of my own, I can feel for you. Not only have I had countless soldiers under my command who lost loved ones or were killed, while I was responsible for them, but also did I lose all my three cousins in this war, although that is not quite the same as losing a brother, we spent a lot of time together when we grew up", Hans tries to communicate his empathy and understanding.

"They're also whānau ... family", Thomas mutters despondently, before continuing hesitantly: "Can... can I ask you something personal, Captain?" Hans raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner, before nodding. "Did you ever see them, your cousins or your dead men?", Anaru inquires with a hollow tone. Dietrich flinches, remembering his own flashbacks far too well, although they have become less frequent than directly after his rescue from the SS torture. Swallowing hard, he replies hoarsely: "Yes, I did see them die, mostly in my nightmares." "Did you ever see them so real that you believed you were right there again and you thought it was real?", Thomas Anaru asks after hesitating a few moments, his voice almost inaudible. The German Captain observes him closely, as he weighs his answer. "A few times, after the Rats had saved me from the SS", he finally replies honestly, realizing that it is of importance for the young Maori. "I have known many soldiers who experienced such episodes, especially when I recovered from my grave wound in a hospital in France. When did this happen to you?", he asks with a gentle tone he typically applies when Ari is close to panicking. Anaru stares at him and Hans thinks that he can read actual fear in his eyes. "Private... Thomas, I'm not trying to torment you or remove you from my unit. I'm truly trying to help you, but I cannot, as long as I don't know your problem. I gave your Captain Carson my word to take good care of you and I also have my own principles of caring about my men as my first and foremost duty", Dietrich vows earnestly. Anaru looks actually pained, as he replies: "I trust you, Captain. Really. But I don't understand what's wrong with me."

The young officer nods patiently. "Please tell me why you wanted to speak with me in the first place. What happened?" A bit hesitantly, Anaru starts to speak: "It was on the truck...when we sat with David." He sobs loudly and stops in his answer, as a shudder shakes him. After a moment of hesitation, Dietrich stands up to squat before the young soldier and place his left hand on his shoulder as a sign of reassurance. Anaru looks at the skinny Captain like a startled deer caught in the headlights, but leans into the touch, before continuing with a hanging head, unable to meet the other man's gaze: "I saw my brother Willy lying there on the field bed in the truck, crying with pain." The Maori shudders, before looking up to meet his gaze with the German Captain who bears a sympathetic expression. "Am I going crazy? Will they lock me up?", he inquires with a desperate tone. Dietrich grimaces painfully, but shakes his head. "No, Private." Seeing the young man shudder, he changes for his name. "Thomas. You're not losing your mind. You suffered through several horrible experiences in a row without giving your mind and body the time to recover. You couldn't really grieve for the death of your brother, because you went with the living one on the truck, only to see him transferred back home in the state you have just described. This is a last memory that would haunt anyone. After that you were captured, tortured and have been on the same hell ride as the rest of us since your rescue." Anaru sniffs. "But my best time has been with you and your unit, Captain." "Still, none of us had any time for recovery", Hans argues gently. "I also saw my former men, when we closed in on Tobruk. I fought here alongside them, while now I am a Pariah and outlaw for the men who once shed their blood alongside me. Believe me, Pr... Thomas, I know what you're suffering through and can empathize. You're not crazy, but you should know that as far as my experience reaches some of these memories will never fully leave you in peace."

Anaru uses the back of his hand to rub away a tear, as he nods and mutters hoarsely: "Kia ora e hoa. Thank you so much, Captain. You really helped me a lot. It's good to know that I'm not loony, because I'm the only one who sees things like that." "You can talk to a military priest. Probably he would be the most qualified to help you. Most likely they have one serving here in headquarters", Dietrich suggests, removing his arm from the Private's shoulder. "Maybe I'll do that. But it helped to speak with you... a lot. Thank you so much. Kia ora rawa atu", Thomas replies, sounding a lot more relieved and even managing to smile a bit. "You're welcome, Private Anaru. Clerical duty is part of my duty to my men and important to me to help my soldiers, as this has a direct effect on our whole unit. I... thank you for your trust. I've learned only today that this is not something I can take for granted, given my heritage", Hans tells him with earnest gratitude at which Thomas smiles honestly. "Captain Carson would kill me, but you're the best officer I've ever known. No, you're more like hoa or whānau, a friend or family. It was never a matter of trusting you, but not trusting myself." Dietrich smiles wryly, although he looks a bit uncomfortable at the level of familiarity the young man wishes to see. "It goes without saying that I would do this for any of my men."

"Before I leave, unless you need something else from me, Private, could you help me with fixing the saber and dagger to my belt. My arm is still limiting me a bit." "Of course, Captain", Thomas agrees, happy to be able to do a favor in return. After the countless times Hans has had Troy or Moffit helping him along with this, Hans has become more used to somebody placing a belt around his waist, but it still is an awkward situation for him. Anaru is actually very cautious and gentle, aware of the thin officer's injuries who still tenses slightly at the proximity this brings him into with the other man. Standing close enough, the Maori reaches out to squeeze the lean German's left shoulder in a show of gratitude. "Kia ora. I honestly mean it, when I say thank you so many times. I don't know what I should've done otherwise, Captain." "You should trust your officers or Sergeants enough to share something like this and not try to play the hero. You've done the absolutely best thing, Private Anaru", Dietrich reassures him, before bending down to retrieve his satchel with the rest of his possessions, his old letters, documents and German uniform pieces, as well as the leathermade Australian bush hat, Captain Brown's present. "I'll see you tomorrow. Good night. Is it still Kia ora?", Dietrich asks with curiosity. "You'll get really good, Captain. No, we say Kia ora for good evening, but good night is 'Pō mārie'. But if you want to say goodbye, say 'E noho rā' ", Anaru replies happily. No white man he has ever met before has been as interested in learning his native language as both Dietrich and Moffit. "Pō mārie. E noho rā", Hans repeats after listening closely. "You have a really good pronunciation. E haere rā is what I reply to you", Thomas explains with a smile, patting the tall officer on the shoulder gently, as he steps to the door to leave.

Troy is already waiting in the hallway outside, glaring at some soldiers who dare to stare at the young officer with too much curiosity, while Moffit leans against the wall next to him. "Is the kid alright?", Sam asks directly, pointing at the door, but Dietrich shakes his head. "Not really, but he's better than he was before we talked. Please keep an eye on him, Sergeants!" "We'll do that", Troy promises immediately. "I share the room with him and will be attentive, Captain", Jack replies, adding: "I see that you have found and taken your belongings already. I thought it better to store them here than leaving them in the Jeep." "That was a good idea. Thank you, Moffit", the skinny German replies. "I will let Captain Boggs show me my room now and then pick up Ari. Is Hitchcock already trying his luck with the nurses?" "He and the O'Donnells. There's strength in numbers", Jack answers wryly. "The famous Rat Patrol scared into submission by a single woman. I should visit the field hospital more regularly and take lessons from Major Timberlake", Hans comments with dry irony. "You don't need any lessons. We like you the way you are", Sam Troy counters.

Dropping his voice a little, Dietrich asks: "Do you have any idea what is wrong with Corporal Gottschlich?" Troy shrugs. "I was more worried 'bout you than him. You should ask Tully though. He spends the most time with the kid." "Just the man we're talking about", Jack Moffit tells them a moment later, when Pettigrew strolls along the hallway leisurely. "You still here, Cap?", the Private comments a bit astounded, but intends to pass them by until the German Captain stops him. "We were just talking about you, Pettigrew." The soldier from Kentucky tenses, as he stops and looks up and down the hallway, before he declares with a defensive tone: "Whatever they tell you, Cap. I didn't steal nothing." "Must I be worried, Pettigrew?", the lean officer asks with dry sarcasm after a weary sigh. "This is not about any accusations, but our worry about Corporal Gottschlich. Did you notice anything happening?" Tully Pettigrew gives this some thought, before replying: "We parked and unloaded the Jeep together. Then I sent him out to carry our stuff to our room, while I took care of the Jeep. He took a while and when he came back he looked ... I dunno ... shaken or pained. He didn't look badly ruffed up, but ... a bit like he'd seen a ghost."

Dietrich exchanges a worried glance with Troy and Moffit. "Thank you, Pettigrew. That was at least a first idea. If you observe anything that could be the reason for causing him problems, please consult me before rushing off to do anything stupid with Hitchcock and the O'Donnels who are just as crazy as you." Tully actually smiles, shifting his matchstick in the corner of his mouth. "Sure, Cap. We'll take you along for our mischief. Never had a safecracker before." The German looks slightly scandalized, as he counters: "That was absolutely not what I meant, but that I would like to address what is troubling him with Corporal Gottschlich." "We'll tell you, when we find something, Captain", Sam confirms and Tully nods in agreement, as the Sergeant adds: "You're a good guy. Boggs wouldn't even bother to look twice." "Captain Boggs has a much larger unit with a very different dynamic to worry about", Hans argues on behalf of the other Captain whose position and challenges he can understand only too well, having been in a similar position long enough. "No wonder he likes you and would want you as a friend. Noone's ever stood up for him", Troy grumbles. "He stood up for me, when I would have been absolutely isolated in front of the Allied officer's corps. I truly owe him my gratitude", the German Captain argues immediately.

"Then why the hack didn't you just say yes, when he offered you his hand in friendship?", Sam asks incredulously. The lean young officer winces slightly, as he sighs wearily. "Until two months ago, Captain Boggs sent his best commando troopers, you, gentlemen, after me to hound me relentlessly. A lot of things have happened since and I've felt more often like the proverbial rug had been pulled out from underneath my feet than I felt steady and in control of what happened to me. Doctor Rothschild is right that I need this time for settling down, recovering and coming to terms with what has changed my life irreversibly. Such a decision I would prefer to not make quickly and under pressure without being able to weigh my options." "You think we put too much pressure on you?", Troy growls his question. "Do you honestly think that I would ever have agreed to your absurd proposal otherwise, Troy?", Hans counters grimly. "You wanna take back your word?", Sam snaps, actually hurt. "Don't be absurd, Sergeant! It would be neither reasonable nor honorable to do that. Anyways, we're far past the point of no return already. Taking back this friendship is impossible", the German argues wearily. "I like you, when you're calm and reasonable on my behalf, Captain", the American declares, as his dark scowl changes into a broad smile and he pats the younger man on the left shoulder amicably.

"I assume that would account for our relationship as well, Captain", Jack addresses the German Captain calmly who replies: "Yes, Moffit, unless you think otherwise." "I absolutely don't, Captain. But I wanted to make sure we see this on eyelevel", the British Sergeant agrees. "You wanna take our offer, when you take Baldy's?", Tully asks unexpectedly. "Hitch'll be really hurt, if you don't." Dietrich sighs wearily. "Pettigrew, I told you that this violates all the principles I've been brought up with. But you have my word that I will respect and keep your offer in mind until I have made a decision." Tully nods contently. "Take your time, Cap! We know you're as good as your word." "I truly value your patience and calm attitude, Pettigrew", Hans tells him earnestly. "I wish you all a good night, gentlemen." "Night, Captain", Troy replies immediately. "Let me know where we can find you tomorrow!" "No rigging my doorway, Troy!", the German insists dryly. "I promise. I'll just beat up anyone trying something funny the old fashioned way", Sam promises with a grin. "I had no idea you were such a traditionalist", the Captain counters dryly and Moffit winks to him in actual appreciation. "Enjoy your first quiet night since more than a month, Captain!" "You mean my first quiet night since more than two years", Hans mutters dryly without turning back.

Once the German Captain is out of earshot, Troy whispers to Moffit and Pettigrew: "You think we've been too harsh and rough with him?" Tully merely shrugs, while Jack answers: "I doubt he would have ever agreed without pressure. He even thinks this himself" Sam's expression turns grim. "No, he wouldn't have. You know ... he's got scars on his lower back from when his father beat him badly enough to drive this rule home with him. First time, I felt guilty for this, when Jakob told me." Moffit looks a bit shocked, while Tully hides his emotions well behind his matchstick. "I had a bit of an idea what enforcing rules would mean from a German officer's perspective, but ... I'm actually feeling guilty now, old man." "Don't! You heard him that he's not regretting it or wants to take anything back. He's just too stubborn for his own good", Sam Troy argues. "Cap's a good guy. He'll come round with us, when he's up to it", Pettigrew declares unexpectedly, before turning around to enter their room. "I sometimes wish I had his cool pragmatism", Jack mutters. "You can be pretty cool and pragmatic, Jack", Troy tells him with a grin. "You know what I admire Dietrich the most for is how he treats the boy, Ari, in spite of how he has been treated and what kind of treatment he must have grown up with", Jack mutters quietly. His American friend merely shrugs. "I had no doubts he's a good guy to the core. He risked his unit and his life rather than treating a child badly more than once. Our friend's always been reliable and honorable. See you tomorrow, Jack."

As Hans returns to the mess hall, several of the enlisted men and a handful of officers have still remained there. Captain Boggs is among them and stands up to greet his younger colleague. "Dietrich, I want to introduce you to a few people." Noticing the satchel hanging over the German's left shoulder and the saber at his belt, the American Captain comments: "You carry all your possessions with you now I see. I won't keep you long." "Thank you, Captain Boggs", the German mutters tiredly. "Major Fisher, you have met Captain Dietrich." The lean young officer tenses visibly, as the Major stands up, but salutes with his right arm, wincing visibly with pain. "Captain Dietrich. I'm aware that we have subjected you to an unworthy and humiliating treatment which several British and ANZAC officers insisted on to see an authentic demonstration of your behaviour first hand. I want to apologize to you for this", the older officer addresses the lean Captain whose surprise registers clearly on his face. "I wouldn't have asked for an apology or expected one either", the German mutters quietly.

"You're surprisingly humble", the Major comments with narrowed eyes. "Believe me, Major, the past weeks have taught me quite some humility", the young Captain replies earnestly with a hint of irony in his tone. "You've been beaten and tortured badly enough to learn humility from what I've seen and heard. Anyone doubting your actual change of sides need only look at your wounds and scars", Fisher confirms, seeing the German wince slightly. "The medics have already taken you off duty I assume." "Doctor Rothschild wouldn't have let me continue for another day", Hans replies honestly. "That's what I would have ordered as well, if you would serve under my command", Major Fisher agrees sternly. "General Atkins left me on duty, because our situation upon returning here was precarious and every officer was needed after losing several and Captain Brown leaving to go after the French resistance, bringing them to mind that we fight a common enemy and they should not attack us."

"Browny considers you a worthwhile fellow and he's a pretty good judge of character", the beefy Australian Major Dietrich remembers from the meeting adds unexpectedly. "He gave you his hat which means he must really think highly of you", the older officer explains, pointing at the hat in Dietrich's hand. "A gift for jointly mastered challenges, Sir", Hans explains cautiously. "It's a better vouching for your reliability and character than what Monty tries to learn from your men. I'm Major Fitzgerald, commander of an infantry unit cooperating with the LRDP from time to time. You're supposed to be a real asset for our lads, Dietrich." "Thank you, Major", the German Captain mutters, glancing in Boggs' direction after saluting to the Australian officer in the same wincing manner. "Captain Dietrich, if you would like to join me, I'll show you your room", Boggs invites the skinny German, feeling some sympathy for the pained looking younger man. "If you would excuse us, gentlemen." "You both look bone tired", Fitzgerald agrees. "Good night." "Good night, Majors", Hans murmurs, saluting once more, although his right shoulder and flank already protest. Then he turns to follow his colleague, when he gets intercepted by a small fur ball, as he reaches the door of the mess hall. Bastet simply walks in his way and meows in a demanding manner, as she lets herself drop to the floor. With his left hand full and his right arm hurting, picking up the kitten is something Hans wants to avoid. Thus he steps over the little cat and murmurs: "Bastet, komm mit, wenn du etwas willst." The kitten is a bit disappointed that she is not cuddled, but stands up to run along with him, as he has intended.

Boggs already awaits them at the foot of the stairs leading to their rooms. Meowing eagerly, the kitten comes strolling along, until she can convince her protector to pick her up and carry her in his arms, as she struggles with the high stairs after mastering the first two. Purring loudly, Bastet thanks the German officer, as she rubs her head against his chest, curling up on his arm, before happily invading the Australian bush hat Hans carries, as he wears his cap. "It would seem that you don't have to worry about your female company for the night", Boggs comments with a smile, petting the kitten over the head, as he leads the younger Captain through the hallways to their rooms who smiles wryly at the comment. The American Captain notices that the lean European has no more than his satchel strapped over his good shoulder which holds his entire possessions apart from his new sets of uniforms which have likely been handed to the laundry right away. Apparently he and the Rats have considered it a good idea to strap the Arab saber and dagger to his belt instead of forcing him to carry it in his hands as well, giving him a bit of a roguish appearance in spite of the uniform. "You live here for the time being, Dietrich. My room is right next door", James Boggs tells his second in command opening the door for him. "Thank you, Captain Boggs, for everything you did for me today", the young officer declares honestly. "You're welcome, Dietrich. Find some rest", the older American Captain replies with a friendly smile. "I'll only pick up Ari again and then go to bed", Hans mutters quietly. "Good. You look dead on your feet and really need the recovery", James Boggs replies, patting the taller German on the back gently, before entering his own room.

As soon as Dietrich has placed the hat on his bed to take care of his other possessions, Bastet wiggles out to start her exploration of this new area. "Stell nichts Dummes an, bis ich zurück bin!", Hans admonishes her gently to not do anything stupid until he is back, before leaving to fetch Ari. "Meow", Bastet replies with an innocent look in her eyes, before she starts playing with the seam of his blanket, as soon the German Captain has shut the door behind him. The Jewish orphan eagerly awaits his beloved brother and wraps his arms around the thin German's waist as soon as Silberblatt opens the door of his room to him. "Is everything alright, Hans?", his longterm friend asks with worry. "More or less. Thomas Anaru suffers a bit from battle fatigue, but that is to be expected given how many losses and traumata he has suffered", Dietrich argues. "He's not the only one", Jakob counters, looking at his friend in a meaningful way. "You've gone through hell in the last six weeks, Hans, and suffered through a treatment that most wouldn't survive." The tall Captain sighs wearily, flinching when Ari shifts and presses on his sutures. "I'm sorry, Hans. I don't want to hurt you", the boy cries quietly. "You didn't harm me. Don't worry, Ari!", the lean German assures his ward gently."We should go to bed now. I'm really tired." "Hans, I'm sorry to tell you, but you look and smell like you need a shower, before going to bed", Silberblatt intercedes. Briefly, Dietrich bears an offended expression, before self-consciousness settles in. "I need to take Ari with me for that, Jakob, and I don't even know where the shower facilities are", the lean German states with some worry. "I can come with you and take care of Ari, while you take your shower, Hans", Silberblatt offers. "I want to stay with Hans", Ari protests. "Then you will have to undress completely and take a shower as well", the young Captain tells him sternly. "I come with you", the boy insists stubbornly, never releasing his grip around the skinny officer.

With a weary sigh Dietrich nods to his friend and merely moves his head to beckon him along which Jakob follows immediately after locking his door. Knowing the premises from the instructions he has received as General Atkins' interpreter for interrogations of German officers, Lieutenant Silberblatt leads the way for his friend and his ward. Ari's reluctance to leave Hans is problematic, when they want to send him to his parents in New York, but before they can start worrying about this, finding a manner to safely transport the boy is far more relevant, since none of them can accompany him on this travel in the near future. At least he has Hans back, alive and more or less healthy, even if he is gravely underweight and has been beaten and tortured more than once. Remembering what has bugged him all day, Jakob asks: "Do you want to tell me how things went today?" He can notice his friend tensing slightly which is not a good sign. "Nicht jetzt und hier, Jakob. Lieber in privaterer Atmosphäre, etwa wenn wir deinen Balkon zum ersten Mal gemeinsam genießen", Dietrich replies wearily that he prefers not not talk here and now, but somewhere more private, like when they sit down on his friend's balcony for the first time. "Das klingt vernünftig", Silberblatt agrees that this is reasonable, empathizing with his tormented friend who is torn between loyalties and haunted by his past. The way the spymaster McLean has treated him has been promising and annoying at the same time and Jakob can only imagine how his friend must have behaved isolated and hounded in front of the Allied high officers corps. If Hans would not be so steadfast and true to his word, he would have had enough reason to turn back on his decision from the way he has been treated by the Allies more than once. The saddest part for Jakob is that Dietrich does not even resent his former enemies for their behaviour toward him, rather expecting nothing good in the first place and being honestly surprised whenever he is not treated with disdain or attacked at least verbally, if not physically.

"Here we are. Get undressed, while I just organize two towels for you in the meantime", Jakob offers his friend who nods gratefully, as he mutters: "Danke, Jakob." The German Captain bears a slightly worried expression, when he enters the bathroom with Ari by his side and sighs with honest relief, when he recognizes only James Boggs dressed in a bathrobe to whom Ari waves shyly. The older Captain smiles when he sees the duo entering and declares: "I was wondering whether I would meet you two here tonight." "Long time no see", Hans drawls dryly which puzzles Ari who asks: "But we have seen Captain Boggs at dinner?" Both Captains smile with amusement, until the German explains the phrase and concept of irony to him. "Do you want help getting out of your jacket without aggravating your shoulder, Dietrich?", Boggs inquires cautiously, knowing the young German's pride. But apparently the thin officer is exhausted enough to accept that offer without indignant protest or maybe does not feel uncomfortable with accepting his help any longer, since he simply nods wearily and mutters: "Thank you. That would be welcome."

Boggs can witness his dexterity first hand now, as he observes the younger man undoing the buttons along his uniform with his off hand at a speed most would have with their main hand only. Through his injury the German Captain has adapted remarkably well to using his left hand instead of his right hand for anything from shaving and writing to firing a gun. James Boggs grimaces painfully, when he sees the amount of bruises covering his younger colleague's torso from his wounded shoulder down to the bandages wrapped around his midsection. Dietrich actually looks embarrassed, when he formulates his next request: "I need to ask you to help me with unbuckling the belt." The older American Captain can tell that this request actually costs the proud young man some pride and dignity, as he has tensed visibly. "Of course", Boggs tries to reassure the skinny German who musters enough self-control to neither flinch nor draw away at the touch.

Ari is a lot less self-conscious about getting undressed and leans against his caregiver's side, as soon as Dietrich sits down to remove his boots. By the time he is finally finished with removing his clothes, Jakob Silberblatt has returned and deposits two towels along with two bathrobes for his friend and his ward. "What about your bandages?", Boggs inquires, eyeing the skinny bruised German with actual worry. "I will leave them on during the shower to protect the sutures and ask for your help to remove them afterwards", Dietrich replies wearily. The older American officer nods in agreement. "We will do it like this. I wanted to shave and wash anyways."

Even if teaching Ari to handle the soap and wash himself properly takes some effort, feeling clean for the first time in weeks is an actual relief Hans cherishes. Jakob has been right with his unflattering assessment and he has to admit that the shower makes him feel a lot better. True to his word, Boggs helps the tall German with removing his bandages, before helping him into the right sleeve of the bathrobe. "Thank you. I really owe you", Dietrich mutters with honest gratitude. "You're welcome, Dietrich. You've done enough to have earned my gratitude and sympathy", Boggs assures him. "I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast. Good night." "Good night, Captain Boggs", the younger officer replies and Ari adds: "Good night, Sir." With a smile the older Captain nods to the boy and his second in command, before leaving for his room. Silberblatt has meanwhile taken care of his own shower and joins his friend, wrapped in a bathrobe of his own. "It's not the same like a good hot bath, but still wonderful after those weeks in the desert without any proper facilities." "You're right, Jakob. This was a good idea. Apparently I'm too weary and used to going for weeks without a bath or shower to not notice it any more", Dietrich agrees with an exhausted tone. "Your mother would be shocked to learn that you have turned into such a savage", Jakob teases him with a grin. "My mother wouldn't even look at her prodigal son any more", Hans counters bitterly. "Especially after throwing my lot in with savages she wouldn't even consider humans on the same level as us." "Like Thomas Anaru?", Jakob asks sadly. "Him, but also Ari", Hans whispers with a tormented expression.

The Jewish boy leans against his caregiver's side without worry and full of trust, not even listening to the conversation, when he can focus on his brother's heartbeat. Jakob nods sadly, but murmurs: "Onkel Heinz wäre stolz auf dich. Papa ist es bestimmt." The younger German bears a sad smile at the reminder of his uncle who would be proud of him. At least Jakob's father, Bernhard Silberblatt, is still alive and able to actually appreciate the effect of his humanistic ideals instilled in the young officer. "Das wären sie wohl", Hans mutters quietly in agreement, staring ahead as memories of his uncle, Doktor Heinz Wolf, and the man's best friend, Doktor Bernhard Silberblatt, come unbidden. He can practically see how he and Jakob have sat in the Wolf family's living room and received a lecture on humanism and tolerance based on their terrible war experiences as field medics in the trenches of the Great War which both boys, Hans and Jakob, have listened to attentively. The Jewish Lieutenant places his hand on his friend's shoulder, making the German Captain flinch at the touch, as he blinks, trying to regain his footing in reality. Ari tenses his grip around his waist, while Jakob speaks gently: "It's alright, Hans. I know you miss them as much as I do. You really need to get some sleep. Gute Nacht und schlaf gut!", Silberblatt wishes his friend a good night who replies in a similar manner in Platt. "Gode Nacht, slaap good!"

Returning to his room with only the bathrobe and his belt, since Boggs has given his uniform to the laundry, the German Captain is relieved to find that the kitten has not made a total mess of things and even left his pillow intact. Having the chance to wash his face and hands directly in his room is a luxury he appreciates right now, as well as not having to sleep in his day's uniform, when he changes from the bathrobe into the set of pyjamas someone has provided for him. The main struggle is to gain access to them by getting Bastet off them, as the kitten has comfortably curled up on the clothes. The pyjamas wobble on his thin frame, but Hans is hopeful that he will grow into them, when he receives the time for training to regain his lost muscles and weight. Ari eyes him with constant worry, until Dietrich asks him about what is the reason for his concern. "Do I really have to leave you, Hans?", the Jewish orphan asks with tearfilled eyes. The German Captain sighs wearily. "Ari. I like you and I worry about you a lot. That's why I want to be sure that you're safe." The young boy looks desperate. "But you're my brother. I love you." Hans flinches at the words, as guilt flashes his senses. "Ari, I'm not safe for you. I will have to fight... often. I promise you that I will not just disappear but write to you." Ari looks puzzled. "What's 'write'?" Dietrich is suprised by his question, as he explains: "It means to draw symbols which stand for words to conserve the meaning and content, just like you conserve dates or fig in a jar after drying them. People can read them again much later and anywhere, unlike the words we speak now which are gone, as the sound disappears." Ari looks fascinated, as he asks: "Can I learn to draw words, Hans?" The German Captain smiles patiently, as he replies: "Yes, Ari. Moffit, Hitchcock, Jakob or I will gladly show you how to write." The Jewish orphan crows with delight and starts blabbering about all the words he wants to draw, especially Hitchcock's and Silberblatt's poems.

"Bastet, nein", Dietrich scolds the kitten that has curled up in the middle of his bed after ruffling up the whole blanket since she has lost his pyjamas as her kitten bed. With true indignation the little cat glares at him, when he pushes her to the side to be able to lie down himself. "Can I sleep with you, Hans?", Ari asks with a trembling voice. "Ari, you're safe here. Nobody will harm you and your bed is right next to mine. I already have to share it with Bastet", Hans explains gently, as he glances at the kitten with actual worry, when she moves toward his pillow. But instead of shredding it with her claws, Bastet drops right onto its center and curls up with a content purr. So much for finding some quiet sleep. "You can have mine", Ari offers with a smile to his beloved brother. "This is strange anyways. I'd rather listen to your heart." "Ari, from tomorrow onward you will have to sleep without listening to my heart", the German officer tries to argue a bit awkwardly. "But everything is new and scary. Please, Hans", the Jewish orphan pleads with him. Knowing that his soft heart will be his downfall, Dietrich finally gives in. Leaving Bastet her own pillow, he takes Ari's to sleep on and lets the boy rest with his head leaning on his left arm and against his chest.

"Can you tell me as story?", Ari asks, as he snuggles against his caregiver's chest. Hans sighs wearily and sympatizes with every parent who has ever been in a similar situation. Sighing wearily, the German thinks what kind of story he could come up with. "Have you ever heard the story of the arrogant fox and the cat?", Hans asks and Ari shakes his head. "Bastet, you need to listen!", the boy tells the kitten who wakes from her sleep with a start. "Leave her to sleep!", the lean Captain advises gently, petting the little cat over the head, before continuing with his story. "Once upon a time there was a little cat like Bastet and an arrogant fox." By now the kitten looks curious to hear her name so often and moves onto Dietrich's chest who pushes her down a little after sneezing from the cat hair, when she rubs her tail under his nose. "The cat asked the fox who was said to be full of clever tricks whether he could teach her something. But he was very arrogant and said that he had a whole bag full of tricks, but she wasn't clever enough for them." Purring slightly, Bastet settles for curling up on the German Captain's stomach eyeing him intently, as she demands her cuddles. Petting the kitten over the head the young man continues: "The cat was a bit sad, as she said that the only trick she knew was how to climb trees to escape the wild dogs."

Ari listens with bated breath, as his caregiver tells with a mysterious harsh voice: "All of a sudden, they heard the barks of the wild dogs and the little cat immediately climbed on a tree." "Can Bastet climb a tree?", the Jewish orphan wants to know. "Maybe when she is older", Hans replies gently, as he continues to pet the kitten who purrs loudly enough by now that he can physically sense it in his whole torso, though not in an uncomfortable manner. "While the cat climbed the tree, the fox had no hole to disppear into and so the dogs were upon him faster than he could run. 'Where is your bag of tricks now?', the cat called from the tree, but the fox had no trick to help him. So boasting about his tricks had been less important than learning to use one's strengths", Hans explains the end of the story. "Will dogs harm Bastet?", Ari asks with worry. "Bastet is clever and careful. And Fritz surely won't harm her", Hans replies gently. "You had your story. We should sleep now." Ari snuggles against his caregiver's chest contently listening to his heartbeat as he falls asleep within a mere minute. Exhaustion claims the young officer a lot faster for sleep than he would have expected, as he drifts off only minutes later, leaving Bastet curled up on his stomach where she finds her sleep.