Bastet pricks her ears, when she hears somebody knocking at the door, looking up with curiosity at the sound. Fritz rolls to his paws and yelps loudly, finally waking Hans who groans slightly at his aching shoulder, as he pushes himself up. "Who's there?", he asks loud enough to be heard on the other side of the door. "Sergeant Moffit, Captain", the British scholar replies. Frowning with worry more than annoyance, the German Captain gets up and opens his door immediately. "I assume you have a good reason for being here at", the lean officer checks his watch briefly, "five in the morning, Sergeant." Jack nods and bears a grave expression. "I do, Captain", he states curtly. "May I come inside?" Dietrich merely steps aside to let him pass. Once he has realized that his least favourite human has come visiting, Fritz has curled up underneath the bed again, but Bastet meows, demanding attention. "Hello, my dear. Did you miss me?", Jack greets the kitten that starts purring, when he crouches before the bed and pets her over the head. "I sincerely hope for you that you didn't wake me up just to see Bastet again", Hans drawls with dry sarcasm. "I'd never dare to do that", the former Cambridge scholar deflects with due formality, observing the tired looking younger officer in his baggy pyjamas briefly, before his eyes wander to the books and notes on the desk. "Are you delving into a scholarly career now, Captain?"

"Merlin left me some magical tomes", Dietrich replies dryly. "Troy was horrified enough to be scared off. They might work against his impossible brother as well." Jack chuckles lightly. "I can imagine Troy's expression at such a sight." "I told him that intellectual stimulus hasn't hurt anybody's brain before, but that possibly landed me in the league with you for the future", the German comments wryly. Smiling even wider, Moffit stands up and pats him on the shoulder. "You're most welcome to join me, old chap." "We will join forces anyways, Moffit, for studying decryption and encryption. You're my first choice along with Jakob who will be responsible for communicating with us from our own side. Daniel O'Donnell has also volunteered, but I'm not sure he will stay for the details, such as reading the book on combinatorics and number theory", Dietrich explains calmly, leading the British scholar to the desk, where he shows him the collection.

"I should remind you that I focused my studies on anthropology, geography and languages, not maths, science or engineering", Jack tells the younger officer with an awkward expression. "My guess is that you received better training in this regard than I did." Hans stares at him for a few moments actually baffled, before declaring: "Well, at least we can share our suffering then. Geteiltes Leid ist halbes Leid. This doesn't look like a pleasant read, just from the style it's written and the amount of formulae which probably require some previous knowledge." "Lieutenant Colonel McLean knows that we're both not mathematicians. He should have given us basic books", Moffit comments with a scowl. "Maybe they are for mathematicians, but I found even the introduction quite challenging and I'm not familiar with the English terms in this field, making it even harder for me", the German officer admits. "You're an intelligent man, Captain. For helping you with the terms I'll gladly join you, when you help me with the maths in return", Jack offers graciously and holds out his hand. "That sounds like a good deal. You're learning negotiation techniques after all", Hans replies with a smile, before grasping his hand to shake it.

Moffit smiles with amusement. "I'm trying to learn from the best. Alas for the reason why I'm here ... it's unfortunately less pleasant than joint studies or cuddling kittens." The kitten has stopped meowing, since both have ignored her and started exploring the bed surface, before curling up on Dietrich's pillow. "I feared that much... You're not Troy to wake me over cultists and their abstruse rituals", Dietrich mutters dryly. "What happened?" "I just wanted to return to my room after meeting our mutual female acquaintance, when I observed a strange gathering of people in a corner of our courtyard. One of the night guards was definitely involved, either a Brit or Australian from what I could see of their uniform, along with two other soldiers and a man in an Arab kaftan. The guard was extremely wary, always checking their surroundings, so I kept my distance and to my hiding place." "That's more than a bit suspicious", Hans comments with a scowl. "I will inform Captain Boggs and Lieutenant Colonel McLean who is probably the more subtle man to investigate this." Moffit nods. "That's definitely the case, Captain", Jack agrees. "They might need you as a witness", Hans adds thoughtfully. "I will of course provide a statement", the British Sergeant replies. "I have nothing to hide and an alibi for the night." The last part he states with a grin.

Nodding, Hans adds: "Excellent. I will take care of this. Morning exercises start at 0700. I'll meet you all in the courtyard then." "You'll join us I suppose", Jack comments, eyeing the skinny young officer closely. Pride and determination are immediately visible on Dietrich's expression, as he insists: "Of course I will. I asked Doctor Rothschild for advice on which exercises are recommendable for me, but I need to rebuild lost muscles." "You definitely do, but you should also allow your body to heal, old chap. You have only lost weight rather than gaining it which is a problem, as we both know." Dietrich scowls, but nods grimly. Jack however is not finished yet. "I have noticed that you have become quite ambidextrous in the last weeks, if you haven't always been, but never realized it", Moffit assesses. "I've always been right handed", Hans argues immediately. Being left handed is frowned upon and would have led to being trained with his right hand, but he has never been left handed as far as he knows. "You've been trained to use your right hand in a proper manner like everyone else and never considered using your left until now." The younger officer nods quietly in agreement. "Except for my Pentathlon training where our trainer insisted oneverybody learning to use both hands to have a backup."

Moffit smiles and explains: "I wouldn't know much more than you from my education. But a friend of my father's had an obsession with handedness and conducted experiments for years among Cambridge's students, checking whether people have an affinity for the other hand. He'd probably love to check you formally, but I'm fairly certain that you are among the rare with this gift." "What makes you think so?", Dietrich asks with his own curiosity piqued, as the British scholar is not the man to come up with wild ideas without a reasonable foundation. "Not only are you a good shot with your left hand", Jack replies, "but also by far the fastest and most talented to learn the techniques Gottschlich teaches us which are new to everybody and particularly challenging to execute with both sides. This isn't a matter of an emergency solution, because your right arm was injured. I can tell that you have really more talent for using your left side than the rest of us, Captain." Dietrich listens closely to the explanation and frowns, trying to consciously think about his own actions. "I have never considered this", he finally admits. "But I will observe this myself from now on." "You shouldn't consider it as something negative. It's rare and in your line of work an actual gift", Jack argues, knowing how strict the German school system is with using the right and only proper hand and indoctrinating this into students' heads.

"I'll leave you to your charming lady company with Bastet", Jack offers with a smile, as he observes the kitten sleeping peacefully on the Captain's pillow. "You're welcome to share your bed with her in the next few nights. Then I can keep my pillow and for the first time in months find no children's or animals' heads lying on me when I wake up", Dietrich offers with dry humor. "Taking in your strays was your own decision, Captain", Moffit reminds him. "But I have to admit that I'm finally convinced that you're doing a lot more good in this way than harm." Smiling wryly, the German Captain comments: "You're turning soft, Moffit." "Maybe", Jack replies cryptically. "Or maybe your lived lessons on humanism are finally bearing fruit." "I've never given any lesson on humanism", Hans protests. "You definitely are a humanist though and you teach it through the example of your actions", the British Sergeant argues. With a thoughtful expression, the younger officer replies: "Maybe you're right. Even Pettigrew has started to elect himself as the one to watch over Gottschlich and Anaru." "Still waters run deep", Jack comments with a smile. "Tully really respects and likes you to adopt some of your manners." "I'd appreciate, if he would finally adopt my proper manner of clothing and refraining from criminal activities", Hans counters dryly. "We're not talking about miracles, Captain", Jack reminds him with irony and a smile. "You're only human."

"Which reminds me to ask you to help me with my belt, as it doesn't look like I will return to sleeping anytime soon", the German officer addresses the Brit with a weary sigh. "It will be my pleasure to support you, Captain", Moffit replies, helping the younger man with his shirt as well, though keeping a respectful distance for the rest of the time, when he gets dressed and shaved. When he does not actively try to keep up his proud stance, Hans Dietrich's need for some peace and rest to allow his body to recover is obvious, as the German officer still looks badly bruised and emaciated as well as bearing dark rings under his eyes from lack of sleep. Since pity is the last thing the proud Captain wants and appreciates, Jack refrains from commenting, silently vowing to look after the younger man more regularly though, even if they do not share their quarters with him any more. 'You're starting to sound like Troy, old man', he reminds himself with irony, as he helps the younger officer to buckle his belt. 'Or maybe you have adapted too well to Dietrich's own manner of adopting strays, in this case an outcast German with nowhere else to turn.'

"Thank you, Moffit", Hans mutters quietly. "I will start my day in the field hospital with my medical checkup. Would you take Bastet with you? I also want Fritz outside." The brown dog pricks his ears and looks up at the sound of his name, while Jack smiles and picks up the kitten. Although Bastet protests with loud meows against being woken, she quickly snuggles into Moffit's arms and starts purring. "Bastet has really taken your heart, hasn't she?", the German Captain comments with a smirk, while observing the British Sergeant. "As I told you, Captain, you have managed to convince me and I won't criticize you any longer", Jack replies with a smile. "So you don't want to join the archaeology team after all?", Dietrich comments dryly. "Not as long as this war is raging. Afterwards... who knows whether I might return to academia", Jack muses. "For now, we'll stay comrades in arms until both our homelands are free from the Nazis' terror and threat." Grim determination settles on the German Captain's expression. "We will, Sergeant, for as long as we can."

"You're not condemned to die in this war, Captain", Jack tries to argue. "But we both know that it's still very likely to happen. I'm already sentenced to death by the German Wehrmacht. I don't expect to survive German captivity", Hans poses his arguments. "Don't underestimate Troy's stubbornness and insane creativity!", Jack advises. "He was supposed to shoot me to keep information from falling into enemy hands, but launched a rescue mission instead, wreaking havoc amongst the German side as usual. He won't hesitate to do the same for you anytime, neither would any of the others. We've already shown you that." Dietrich nods grimly, but counters: "Yes, you all did. But this episode in Hauptmann Zornbrecht's and Hauptsturmführer Habeck's captivity has shown me what my fate will be in German hands. The only advantage or disadvantage I have, depending on how yo want to view it, is being an officer, which makes torturing me for information and not killing me right away the most reasonable proceeding. Although this is a painful and gruesome perspective for me, it allows to launch a rescue mission." "Which any of us will participate in and Captain Boggs will surely allow", Jack argues. Sighing wearily, Dietrich nods and mutters: "You're right, Moffit. It's not like I don't believe in your loyalty and determination, not even that I don't trust Boggs to support you. Nonetheless do I have an obligation to not put any innocents at risk, like the children or the nurses, in particular nurse O'Donnell." "Being noble, honorable and self-less makes you the man you are, Captain. But don't forget that you can turn to your friends, Jakob, Troy ... and me! Even if you want to keep others protected, we'll stand by you."

The German Captain meets his gaze with a slightly surprised expression that the cool British Sergeant would so openly count himself among his friends, even if they have come to an agreement. "You, Moffit? Are you getting that soft after all?", Hans asks with slight irony, trying to hide his reaction somewhat. "Only with the saviours of fluffy kittens bearing Egyptian names", Jack replies with an ironic smile, as he pets the purring Bastet over the head. "Troy would tell us that we're snobs and smartasses", the younger officer assesses with dry irony, before calling: "Komm, Fritz. Bei Fuß!" Yawning widely and with a tormented expression that he really has to get up, the brown dog stands up, stretches his forelegs and trots to the German Captain, looking up at him expectantly with big brown eyes. "Even if he is a greedy mutt, Fritz is the most successful digsite dog I've ever met", Moffit comments as he looks at the fawning creature with slight annoyance. "And he actually obeys your every word, Captain." "That's the advantage of a dog as opposed to a cat, Doctor. If we're lucky, we obey Bastet's demands accordingly", Dietrich comments with irony, as he leads them outside. "Good luck with the nurses, Captain", Jack wishes him, before turning to leave for his room. "Thank you, Moffit. I have a secret mission after all for which I need their assistance. Troy will inform you", the German replies, before telling the dog: "Du kannst hier bleiben, Fritz." Fritz wags his tail, as his master points to the doorstep and tells him to stay, before curling up into a ball and returning to sleep.

As soon as Hans Dietrich enters the field hospital he finds himself in the clutches of a furious Lisa Hartigan. "Where's that coward?", the nurse hisses like an angered lioness. "I suppose you mean your fiancé", the German officer offers smoothly, trying to avoid angering her even more. "Of course I do", she snarls. "Where was he last night? I know he was out and he didn't return to his room." "You interrogated Gottschlich and Anaru I suppose", the lean Captain replies calmly. Lisa nods, as she growls: "They were honest at least, unlike this good for nothing, lying, cheating..." "Lieutenant Hartigan", Dietrich interrupts her calmly. "You have known Mark Hitchcock for long enough to know that he has always been a womanizer and possesses a dubious relationship with fidelity and the concept of monogamy at best. Why are you so angry? You have always known who you're dealing with." The nurse glares at him angrily. "You're right. I've known that Mark flirts with anything that moves. Originally this made it the actual challenge of making him mine. But all that was before I was pregnant. I expected some responsibility or at least reliability from him to take care of our child and stand by me, not go out looking for his pleasure wherever and whenever he wants without even thinking of us." Hans sighs wearily. "I know what you mean, I have even reminded him of this, but I'm not his chaperone or close friend. As his commanding officer have neither the right nor responsibility of intervening with his choices, other than reminding him of his responsibilities." "I should've chosen to marry you instead of him", she snaps angrily, mostly frustrated with herself and her own bad choices. The German Captain grimaces and flinches visibly at the words. "No, you shouldn't", he counters with a stern tone.

"Don't worry! I wouldn't harm my friend Deirdre by coming after you", Lisa tells him with a smirk that calms Dietrich in no way. "I have warned your friend explicitly and tried to appeal to her reasonability", the young officer argues with conviction. "You let her suffer through the Lioness tearing out her throat for liking you yesterday only to abandon her right away!", Lisa accuses him with renewed anger, this time on behalf of her friend Deirdre, as she stabs her finger into the young man's chest angrily. Wincing with pain, Hans cringes at their unabashed usage of their nicknames for the superior officers in front of him of all people. In this sense Nurse Hartigan is just as bad as Hitchcock and Troy. But the accusation of abandoning Deirdre O'Donnell is even worse and something he cannot accept. "I didn't abandon her. You were there, when I asked you to dissuade her, told you both my story of my engagement even and asked for both your promises to not come after me in such a manner." Lisa studies his bruised face intently. "You're neither cruel nor cold-hearted. And you're also not as prudish as dear Deirdre I thought." Dietrich shakes his head. "This has nothing to do with being prudish. I stand by my principles of honor and morals. I always have."

"Come on, Captain. Don't deny that you like Deirdre!", Lisa Hartigan throws at him. "You don't understand, Lieutenant Hartigan. It is exactly because I like her that I must not put her life at risk", Hans counters vehemently. "Abwehr has targeted me personally. They will hunt me as well as torture and kill me, if they catch me. I don't want her or the children to become targets in order to get to me. Currently, she is just one of the nurses and until this war is over or she is out of reach of the German secret service, it must stay like that for her own protection." The stubborn American nurse considers protesting again, but thinks better of it. To a certain degree, the German Captain is right. And he has definitely not refused in general, only under the current conditions and even admitted to liking her friend. This is as close to a promise as she will get with him anytime soon. They can work from here without antagonizing him too much which might keep him from interacting with them anymore, as he has done in the first days after his defection, until Lisa has confronted him directly, when he has become commander of their camp instead of Captain Boggs.

"Take off your shirt and then sit down, please, Captain!", she finally tells the baffled Dietrich who has already prepared himself mentally for a lengthy discussion as he would have it with Troy. Not eager to look the gift horse in the mouth, lest he gets bitten, Hans complies quietly. Whatever the reason for her compliance, he has no intention of angering her again to receive the anger meant for Hitchcock. The American nurse sits down on the cot next to him to get a better look at the sutures at his side. "Finally this is healing after your injuries have been aggravated through your missions so many times", she tells the young man with an accusatory glare. "We might even be able to take out the stitches today or tomorrow." "I will return to training today, but avoid anything affecting my injuries", the German Captain adds calmly. "You'd better. Or we'll lock you up here with your friend David", Lieutenant Hartigan admonishes him. "David Troy isn't my friend", Hans protests indignantly. "Then you'd better avoid ending up with him, Captain Dietrich", Lisa reminds him. "As you won't like the alternative, since he definitely considers you his best friend and will let you know that." Dietrich glares at her, snapping finally unnerved: "You'd better mind your tone, Lieutenant! I'm still a Captain of your army." "I didn't want to insult you, just motivate you, Captain", the nurse counters coolly.

When she suddenly winces and grimaces, placing a hand on her abdomen, the young officer tenses immediately. "Are you alright? Can I help you somehow?", he inquires with clear worry and concern, as he quickly crouches before her. Lisa Hartigan shakes her head, while she takes a few deep breaths to get the awkward feeling of the contractions in her uterus under control again. "It's normal... a side effect of pregnancy, as Doctor Andrews assured me", she tells the clearly concerned Captain. "It's not even painful, just ... a strange feeling. You don't have to worry, although I'd appreciate it, if Mark would at least care enough to worry from time to time", she snarls the last part. "I'm sorry that I cannot offer more than talking to him", Hans mutters a bit awkwardly. "You've already done more than enough for me. You're still my noble knight in shining armor, Captain", the dark-haired nurse assures the young German whose empathy is definitely not faked, smiling honestly at him, while she feels her body's contractions subside and breathes a sigh of relief. Still a bit unsure, the lean officer stands up and sits down on the cot again.

"Don't worry! It's over now. Stay seated, while I check your shoulder and its mobility! Tell me, when you feel that a movement causes you more pain!", Lisa orders sternly, turning back to her professional inspection. Dietrich complies quietly, only speaking up, when he cannot hide a wince of pain, as the movement clearly affects his arm. "Lieutenant, I need to ask for your assistance", Hans addresses her quietly, after hesitating for the first minutes of their physical exercises and mobility assessment. Lisa Hartigan looks surprised by the unusual manner of the young officer. "What do you need, Captain?", she asks curiously. "I would ask you to keep Ari and Kiri here with you during lunch and distract them, but not let them go outside until dinner", Dietrich replies cautiously. The brown-haired nurse is clearly surprised by the request. "Why?", she inquires with open curiosity. "I have a street boy, a young orphan who lives of begging and doing odd jobs. The boy works as my street informant here in Tobruk. I promised him to invite him to lunch, but still have not received any salary to be able to live up to this promise. Thus I have come up with the plan to smuggle him into the mess hall disguised as Ari and let him have lunch there with the Rats who are in on the plan. Since he is only a few years older than Ari and quite scrawny and small, it shouldn't be a problem to fool most people from a distance", Hans explains his plan.

Lisa Hartigan smiles widely, as she promises: "They don't call you Captain Locksley for nothing, taking from the rich to give to the poor. Of course we'll help you, Captain." Dietrich smiles with honest relief. "Thank you Lieutenant", he assures the nurse of his gratitude. "You're welcome. You could join us for dinner in return or let us join you. Deirdre and the rest of the girls would be overjoyed", Lisa suggests. "Do you want Major Timberlake to start torturing me even before the German intelligence service?", Hans asks with slight irony. Nurse Hartigan chuckles. "Not at all, Captain. When we're all joining the officers for dinner, it shouldn't be a problem. She believes Doctor Rothschild and Andrews by now that you're an honorable guy. She'll join as our chaperone and all should be fine. You're one of the few men she has ever reevaluated." "It cannot hurt to stay on her good side. When you say all the nurses, I suppose this includes your colleague nurse Olson as well", the German officer states cautiously, shuddering inwardly at the memory of the Nordic valkyrie scolding him for his lack of proper nourishment. Lisa grins widely. "You really know everyone from the medical personnel. I'm sure Frida Olson will be delighted that you still remember her."

"I doubt she remembers me. She suffered from a concussion and disorientation, when we last met", the young Captain explains calmly, although a scowl forms on his face involuntarily. "What did she do then that you still remember her by name?", Lisa asks curiously. "I doubt this is any of your concern, Lieutenant", Dietrich growls with annoyance. "Come on. I won't tell the whole camp", nurse Hartigan tries to persuade him. "Only the whole medical personnel", Hans states dryly. "That's only fair", she argues. "Then it's only fair that we wait until the evening and see whether she will recognize me at all", the German Captain argues slyly, concentrating, while he focuses on the movement of his shoulder during the next exercise. "You're really a wily fox, Captain", Lisa Hartigan comments, as she directs him to perform an outward movement that causes the lean German to wince with pain. "Even if it hurts, I can tell that you're improving daily", she consoles the proud young man who is visibly unhappy with showing such weakness. "You need to rebuild some muscle though." "I know and I'll start doing this today", he assures her with a professional tone. "I already consulted with Doctor Rothschild which exercises should be fine." "Good. I look forward to seeing you fit and healthy some time soon", Lisa replies, as wraps the bandages around his abdomen, beforeshe helps him back into his shirt. Without the bruises and with a more athletic stature than his current underweight body he would make quite an athletic and handsome young man, even if scars mar his torso.

The German Captain has other worries than his physical appearance, as Hans Dietrich's first priority after leaving the hospital is to find out more about Moffit's observations. With determination he approaches the British Lieutenant on duty who stands up and salutes once he recognizes the senior officer's rank insignia. "Captain?" "Lieutenant. Do you have an overview of the guard schedule?", Hans asks with a professional tone. The black-haired Brit, whom Dietrich estimates to be of approximately his and Jakob's age, looks baffled, but confirms this. "Yes, Sir." "I need to check who is on duty. Do you know from each soldier where he is stationed?", the young Captain inquires with enough self-assurance and the according command tone that the dark-haired officer never doubts his authority and right to ask for this information. "Yes, of course, Sir." "Hand me a paper and a pen, please!", the German Captain demands calmly. The Lieutenant complies immediately and Dietrich starts copying the names of the guards, taking notes of their positions and physical description, as far as the junior officer is able to provide it.

"What's your name, Lieutenant?", the German inquires, while writing down names and information, switching to his left hand, when his right shoulder starts to hurt after the strain it has been put through by the nurse. "Lieutenant Matthew Weizbauer", the black-haired officer replies and Dietrich tenses visibly at the German name in spite of the English pronunciation which still holds a hint of the original German intonation. "You're from Great Britain originally?", Hans asks cautiously. Lieutenant Weizbauer nods, before shaking his head lightly. "Well, my parents emigrated from Germany, when I was eight, after the Hitlerputsch, when the Nazis started to get strong in Bavaria." "I see", Dietrich replies quietly. "Wouldn't the U.S. have been the first choice for emigration?" "My father was in England as a POW after the Great War and thought that it's still a lot more civilised and European than America. He also knew some people in London who helped us along in the beginning. Why do you ask, Sir?", the young officer inquires curiously. "I merely asked out of curiosity, since your name is obviously German", the young Captain answers him. "Few recognize that the name isn't English or that my accent isn't fully from London", the Lieutenant, who according to his tale is two years older than him, tells him. "You're very fluent and have an authentic British accent I assure you", the German Captain amends quickly. Hans smiles wryly, as he assures the young officer: "However, I should let you know that my name is Hans Dietrich." He purposefully applies the German pronunciation for his name. "As everyone on this base will inform you, I was an officer in the Deutsche Afrikakorps until I defected to the U.S. army two months ago."

Weizbauer draws in a deep breath, staring at the bruised young Captain before him. "I hold no prejudices against you, if this is what you suspect and I have never been a sympathizer of the Nazis, even less a party member", Dietrich tries to reassure him. "Lieutenant Jakob Silberblatt who shares your fate, only that his family emigrated much later, has been my closest friend since childhood... in spite of being a Jew." "So you're Jakob's friend", the dark-haired young officer exclaims in surprise, but sounds more joyful than Hans would have expected. He should not be surprised that the two know each other though, knowing Jakob's easygoing and friendly attitude. "It's an honor to meet you, Captain Dietrich", Lieutenant Weizmann tells the thin Captain with a smile, pronouncing his name in the actual German manner, as he holds out his hand for the more senior officer to shake. After a moment of hesitation, Hans does just that and mutters: "The honor is all mine, Lieutenant, to meet a friend of my good friend, Jakob."

The dark-haired officer smiles. "You told me that my accent isn't noticeable, but I wouldn't have heard yours either and you're a real German. Your speech sounds really like a Yankee's to me." "If you are from Bavaria, you're also a 'real' German", Hans counters with dry humor. The dark-haired Lieutenant smiles widely. "That's true, but I usually don't show this, use the English pronunciation of my name, I even changed my first name to the English version to blend in and not be asked any questions." "So you are originally called Matthias", Hans comments calmly. Weizbauer smiles and nods. "Yes, I'm from a socialist family, but my mother still clung to her Catholic upbringing, insisting I'd go to church for all the big festivities, even though my father distrusted the church. My parents however were united in disliking the Nazis back then and were really shocked how easily they almost got to power. When my uncle cheated my father out of his inheritance, my old man finally decided that enough is enough", the Lieutenant explains in an openhearted and trusting manner that immediately reminds Dietrich of his friend Jakob Silberblatt. "But that's quite enough about me. So what can I help you with, Captain?" Dietrich is relieved that this has worked better than anticipated and starts questioning his new informant about anything he knows about the different soldiers.

"May I ask what you're investigating, Captain Dietrich?", Simon Weizmann inquires cautiously once they have gone through the whole list of guards. "I'm not free to give away anything about the investigation yet, but will pass all information onward to the appropriate authorities who might come questioning you as well", Dietrich assures him. "It might be paranoia, but it's better to be safe than sorry, when espionage is a viable option in wartime." The Lieutenant nods with a worried expression. "That's true. Would you tell me, if you find something, Sir?" Hans hesitates briefly, but finally nods. Gaining a new ally is important and he does not suspect the German descended Lieutenant to be a Nazi collaborator in the least. "Once I know something reliable, I'll let you and Jakob know, Lieutenant Weizbauer." The black-haired man smiles and thanks him, before inquiring: "Do you need anything else?" Dietrich shakes his head. "No, thank you. That's all. I won't bother you anymore on your duty." "I'll see you in the officer's mess with Jakob sometime soon then, Captain", Lieutenant Weizbauer greets him cheerfully and Hans can perfectly imagine how he and Silberblatt can spend whole evenings chatting jovially.

"And may I ask you one morequestion, Captain?", Weizbauer inquires curiously, as the taller Captain is about to leave. Dietrich merely raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner, gesturing to him to bring his question on. "Are you related to Marlene Dietrich?", the dark-haired Lieutenant inquires and Hans merely groans in exasperation. "If you believe Jakob and the others, yes", the tall Captain mutters with slight annoyance. "Is this a yes or no?", Matthew Weizbauer asks curiously. "It's a 'yes, officially, for my own protection', but 'no, unofficially'. However I would ask you that you don't tell anybody, Lieutenant", Dietrich replies cautiously. "It's like changing your name to the English version... a way to blend in." "Why lie about this?", the other asks calmly. Hans winces, before he explains: "I've never had any intention to lie about this. It was the nurses' idea, when they heard my name, but Jakob fleshed it out by spreading the rumor among the troops. Unlike you, Lieutenant Weizbauer, I didn't grow up in an Allied country, but served in the Wehrmacht until mere months ago. I have even fought actively against several of the officers and troops stationed here. Jakob's idea was to provide some friendly connection to the U.S. which everybody is familiar with and nobody would resent me for, unlike my actual heritage from a German officers' family."

"That's a good idea", Weizbauer comments, while Hans sighs with exasperation. This man is exactly like Jakob. "I don't consider such a systematic lie a good idea, but my chances of meeting a Hollywood actress are non-existent. Thus, I should remain safe", the German Captain comments dryly. "Being more familiar and on friendly terms with the officers around here also would help you... Well, I'm definitely willing to give you a friendly introduction with my fellows and men", the British Lieutenant continues, holding out his hand again. "That's very friendly of you, Lieutenant", Dietrich assures him, actually grateful to have met the man. "I could actually need your assistance for another matter, as I need to find Lieutenant Colonel McLean. Have you seen him or can you direct me to his quarters?", Dietrich asks his new ally. "My shift ends in three minutes at six. I'll lead you then. It's a bit hidden", the British officer replies and the German Captain smiles wryly, as this comes as absolutely no surprise. "I'll wait with you here", Hans replies, relieved to have found a sympathetic and helpful officer to assist him.

They actually have to wait no longer than two minutes until the officer for the day watch arrives and they briefly discuss any events during the night, before the new officer sends all guards of this new shift to their respective positions. "Come along, Captain Dietrich", Weizbauer addresses the lean German in front of his colleague. The new Lieutenant salutes politely to the senior officer who returns the gesture, before the two men leave together. Two minutes later, Hans is indeed grateful for his guide, as they have wandered through the cellars to a secluded part of the building where next to the wall of the storage rooms, accessible only from the other side, a lonely guard post has been added which serves as Alexander McLean's quarters. "Merlin's pretty paranoid", Matthew Weizbauer whispers to Dietrich at enough distance to be sure that he is not heard. "A necessity of his position and job as a spymaster", the tall Captain replies equally quietly. "Viel Glück! Good luck with what you have to discuss with him, Captain Dietrich", the Bavarian descended Lieutenant mutters. "Danke, Weizbauer. Glück kann ich brauchen", Hans whispers back.

Both start with surprise, when the door of the room is torn open and the tall Scotsman dashes out, pointing a handgun at them. Out of well-drilled experience with Troy and the Rats, Dietrich cautiously raises his arms, wincing as his right shoulder protests slightly at the rapid movement. As soon as he recognizes the two officers, McLean lowers his gun again and calls to them. "What are you doing here, Captain, Lieutenant?" Then, he looks from Dietrich to the other officer and smiles. "I see that you have endeared yourself with the whole league of our German descended officers by now, Sherlock. That's quite a feat to achieve within two days. You're very promising indeed." "I only guided Captain Dietrich to find your quarters, but I will leave now, Lieutenant Colonel McLean", Weizbauer states meekly to which the Scotsman nods graciously. "You're dismissed, Lieutenant. Come in, Captain Sherlock!" Dietrich and Weizbauer exchange a brief nod, before their ways part.

"What are you doing up already at this time?", the Scottish spymaster asks after closing the door behind the German Captain. The lean young officer briefly lets his eyes scan the surroundings, noticing the well-made bed, a trunk and cupboard as well as a washing section, separated by a curtain. Nothing lies around or gives any hint to its inhabitant. The small window is more likely intended for defenders to observe or shoot without being seen or easy to hit, but would provide little to no daylight even during the day time. "Sergeant Moffit woke me up an hour ago", Hans replies calmly, focusing back on his task at hand. "To report an unusual observation I thought I should bring to your attention." Now the Scotsman's interest is piqued. "What happened that you came to me right away?", he asks sternly, immediately switching to his professional tone. Dietrich provides a diligent report, including the list of all guards, their respective positions and what he has learned from the Lieutenant which he presents to the older officer.

"I'm impressed. You're as good as your reputation, Sherlock. If you weren't the most qualified man I have for infiltrating enemy bases, I would keep you for counterintelligence immediately", Alexander McLean states, sounding almost impressed. "I'll take care of this from here, as I need you to focus on your training and recovery. You've done an excellent job with this investigation, Sherlock." As he takes the notes from the lean German, he asks with a sly tone: "How did you like your reading material?" Dietrich smiles wryly, when he replies: "I started reading a bit. I'm not sure whether any of us possesses the qualifications for understanding number theory though." The Scotsman barks a booming laugh. "I don't need you to pass a Maths exam at college, Captain, merely to understand the background of encryption and decryption. Have you selected your men for their respective tasks and skills?" The German Captain nods, before providing a detailed description who has volunteered or been selected for which tasks. "Even if Monty is still skeptical, you're an asset, Captain Dietrich", the Scottish spymaster comments with a smirk. "If you don't require my presence any longer, Merlin, I will meet my men for morning exercises", Hans replies calmly, trusting the Scotsman and his compliments as little as Laokoon has trusted the Trojan horse.

The sun's first rays bath the courtyard in a warm halflight, as it gradually rises above the horizon, when Hans Dietrich steps out of the building. The Rats are already assembled, when he arrives in the courtyard, although Hitchcock looks quite bleary eyed and tired. True to his own training and upbringing, Hans Dietrich salutes diligently to his men which all of them return, though with varying degrees of imperfection. "We will start with basic gymnastics training before breakfast", the German Captain announces sternly. "Then Corporal Gottschlich will provide us with basic instructions on his fighting style of karate. After training the movements, we will turn to sparring with those or other techniques. Those still affected by their injuries will be more careful with this and not use full force." None of them takes his eyes off the bruised young officer who pointedly ignores the stares. Instead he continues his instructions, informing them about the plans for training defusing explosives hands on while helping to clear the minefield. Jack nods approvingly, while Hitch appears baffled. "German lessons for everyone start at 1700 after dusk, when working with the mines in the field would be too dangerous", Hans finally adds. "Jakob Silberblatt and I will serve as instructors. We will focus on teaching you the main phrases of the German military to allow you to gain relevant information from spying and overhead reports or conversations." All of the men nod in acknowledgement, while Sam Troy announces: "Fine, Captain. What are we waiting for? Let's shake it!"

"We start out with calisthenics, gentlemen", Dietrich orders sternly, preparing to start with the first exercise for warming up. "Moffit, was heißt Hampelmann auf Englisch?", he asks the British Sergeant for the English term of the exercise. Knowing this from German physical education classes in school, Jack helps him out immediately, smiling with the irony of him providing this explanation: "They're called Jumping Jacks." "We start with Jumping Jacks!", the German officer orders in his usual command tone for the others to hear. Hans immediately notices that he still has to be careful with his arm's movement, as his right shoulder protests straight away. Nonetheless, he has no intention of letting this stop him from participating as best he can, while ordering the exercises for the men, moving on to squats then to sit-ups.

Thomas Anaru groans a few times, still handicapped by his injuries. But he does not want to appear weak compared to the German Captain who participates with diligence in every exercise, while simultaneously giving orders without even sounding out of breath. "Take it easy, Private Anaru! Not worsening your injuries is the most relevant aspect here", Dietrich tells the young Maori soldiers with more compassion than strictness in his tone, when he hears him moan a bit too loudly. "I'm fine, Captain", Anaru replies quickly. "Don't tell me such nonsense, Private! You're obviously not fine. Only participate in the exercises to the extent of not aggravating your injuries! I'm doing the same as ordered by the medics!", Hans counters more sternly now.

When they move to push-ups, Hitch gives up on participating with his broken ask in a cast and Thomas does the same right after him. Troy observes the German Captain slightly incredulously for going through somewhat slower, more concentrated push-ups compared to him, using only his left arm to protect his right from aggravating his injury. "You're getting scarily good with your left side, Captain." "As this has been my main arm in the past few weeks, it's not that surprising, Sergeant", Hans speaks slowly to not get out of breath, while keeping the tension in his whole body. "Yeah. And you only have half of my weight to push up, since you're just skin and bone", Sam adds with a scowl. "That's not true!", the proud German protests immediately to which Jack Moffit adds dryly: "Absolutely correct. There's at least some muscle and sinews attached to those bones, as you're just proving to us." "Moffit!", Dietrich snaps. "Don't join the Troy league of inappropriate comments!"

After half an hour they are all starting to sweat in spite of the early morning temperatures. This is what the German Captain considers the appropriate indication for stopping the exercises, as it is still too cold right after dawn to risk getting sick in such a manner. The O'Donnell brothers, exhausted but exhilarated, collapse onto the ground, their bodies aching with the demands of the training in spite of not being handicapped by any injuries. Kevin grins, as he comments: "Wow. I don't think I've ever seen Browny going along with us, even less with only his left arm for bloody push-ups. You're quite a tough fella, Cap." "Would you mind terribly to not adopt Hitchcock's bad habits and apply the appropriate rank title, Private O'Donnell?", Hans asks dryly. "Fine, Capt'n Sherlock", the Australian replies, still grinning. "Tully called you tough as a boot nail and you really are. Willy would've liked you even more than he already did, if he'd ever done one of his training sessions with you." Dietrich smiles, as he thinks of the aboriginal Australian Sergeant of Captain Brown's unit, Sergeant Williamson. The man has been a reliable, diligent and competent soldier. If Captain Brown would not have needed him direly after the loss of his trusted Lieutenant through the trap in their supply depot, he would have asked for him immediately. However even the two unruly brothers are promising desert scouts, in spite of their family dynamics and affinity for Hitchcock's and Pettigrew's pranks and shenanigans.

"Hitchcock, we need to talk!", Dietrich addresses the American Private sternly, as the Rats turn to move into the mess hall. Hitch's goofy grin falls at the tone that clearly communicates that the German officer is quite serious about what he is about to discuss with him, while he leads the Private to a quiet corner of the courtyard. "Your fiancé", Hans stresses the word, "is rather affronted by your irresponsible behaviour. I gave my word to remind you of what proper behaviour in your situation should look like." "Really, Cap, I didn't...", Mark starts to stutter, but Dietrich interrupts him unnerved. "I'm not your chaperone, Private. But I definitely don't approve or being lied to. What you do in your free time is none of my business, as long as it doesn't break any military rules or the law. But as someone I hope you respect enough to heed my word, I want to remind you to stand by the mother of your child and not antagonize her, especially since you gave your word to marry the woman." Hitch blushes vividly. "I totally respect you, Cap. It's just that I ... feel like being locked up in a cell for which the key is tossed away when I think of marriage." "I'm absolutely not qualified to give you any advice, but I would recommend you to make sure that nurse Hartigan can rely on you to abandonneither her nor your child", Hans replies with seriousness. "But I already promised to marry her", Hitch laments. "And then you turn tail and run off to have your fun wherever and with whoever on the second night after arriving in town. Don't deny that this doesn't make you look very reliable, even in my eyes and I have no intention of marrying you, Hitchcock!", the German Captain comments with dry sarcasm. Hitch grimaces, torn between shame, guilt and incredulity. "Okay, Cap. I promise I'll apologise to Lisa." "I believe that she doesn't just want an apology, rather that you start to reconsider your behavior. But it's a starting point at least", Hans counters sternly.

Fritz saves Mark Hitchcock from further moral sermons by jumping up to put his paws on Dietrich's thigh and greeting his master, before he waddles over to greet his best friend among the soldiers as well. "I think we're done with this discussion for now anyways, Hitchcock", Dietrich mutters, before telling the dog to start with his favourite activity, searching for something to eat: "Los, Fritz. Such! Wo gibt es Futter?" With excited yelps and barks Fritz dashes off in the direction of the kitchen which he has located with masterful skill since his arrival and starts his siege of the kitchen personnel, starting his usual drama of playing the poor starving, suffering dog who has never been fed properly in his life. While Mark quietly sneaks off toward the rest of the Rats, Dietrich approaches the soldier handing out food. "Good morning, Private." The freckled Australian greets back immediately, before staring at him with clear curiosity. "You look really roughed up. Have you been in some tough fights with the Jerries lately, Captain?", he asks nosily. "You could say so", Hans replies dryly. "Which unit do you serve, Sir?", the young man continues unperturbed, while preparing the breakfast according to the German Captain's wishes. "LRDP", Dietrich answers curtly, longing for the coffee after his rather short night. Hopefully it is of decent standard at least and not the tasteless dishwater the Yankees consider coffee. The Australian is even more enthusiastic now though which keeps him from handing out the breakfast. "They are really tough fellows in the Long Range Desert Patrol. No wonder you've had a scuffle with the Jerries, although they've moved away for a while already. The LRDP is so much more exciting than the infantry where I serve." "Only until the next serious tank battle or siege occurs", the German comments dryly, starting to enjoy this verbal game of cat and mouse. "I was an infantry officer before gaining my current position."

"You must be really experienced then. I probably haven't seen you before, because you're always out with the scouts", the young Australian comments, while frying two eggs for the thin officer. "I haven't been to Tobruk recently. That's true", the young Captain comments with a wry smile. "Are you cheating children again, Captain?", Troy asks with a wide grin, after listening in on the conversation for his maximum span of patience of five sentences. "I'd never cheat children, Sergeant Troy!", the proud German officer counters indignantly. "Should I remind you of your Christmas cards, signed as Marlene Dietrich's cousin?", Sam enjoys rubbing in. "You're Marlene Dietrich's cousin?", the Australian asks incredulously with awe clearly audible in his voice, only grasping half of the sentence. Dietrich sighs wearily and fights hard not to roll his eyes to honor his standards of dignity and appropriate behavior for a German officer. "Could you get me an autograph?", the young man inquires incessantly. "No, but I can offer you my autograph instead", Hans replies without even trying to hide his sarcasm or annoyance. "That sounds fair. Who can say they've got an autograph from Marlene Dietrich's cousin?", the young Private replies happily, while the German Captain pinches his nose, wondering how he ends up in this kind of situation again and again. It is the curse of the Rat Patrol which will now never leave him, since he is their commander. Troy chuckles and grins widely by now. "Well, let's shake it, Captain Sherlock, before you starve to death, cause that kid never stops talking." "Could you give me an autograph, Captain Sherlock? Please", the Australian pleads and Dietrich is amused enough by his assumption that Sherlock is his actual name to not jump at his throat. "Not here and now, but somewhere clean, when we both have the time, Private." "That's mighty decent of you Sir. Thanks a lot!", the young man replies, handing the young Captain his plate which Troy takes off him to carry for the injured German who is content with downing half of his coffee right away and asking for a refill, before he follows the Sergeant.

"I need to speak with Captain Boggs, Troy, but I'll join you later", Hans mutters and the older American Sergeant nods in agreement. "Fine with me, Captain Fox Kit. At least I know that Baldy won't harm you." "But he might harm you, if he ever hears that nickname", Dietrich replies dryly. "Don't tell him! You're my friend after all", Sam mutters conspiratorially. Snorting with annoyance and amusement, the German Captain argues: "I mainly don't tell him to protect the poor man from the nervous breakdown that's usually connected to you and your nicknames for your officers, Sergeant." "You're kinda his friend anyways. Why don't you give him probation? Boggsy really likes you, Captain?", Troy grumbles with slight annoyance. "As I told him and you, I still need some time to come to terms with my new reality. All this is rather overwhelming", Hans replies grimly. "Don't take too long. You can need a friend among the brass. And we both know that Jakob doesn't really count, cause he's as much of a proper officer as Davey was a proper Royal Army member", Troy argues. "Don't exaggerate, Sergeant! Jakob has his moments", Dietrich counters dryly, defending his childhood friend nonetheless without hesitation. "I'm pretty sure, Davey had his moments as well, once in a while or they wouldn't have made him a Captain. Not even the arrogant Tommies are that blockheaded", Sam argues.

"Thank God that Generalfieldmarshal Montgomery is not around to hear you or you would long for your good old times of latrine duty, Troy", the German officer declares with dry sarcasm. "Damned British brass", Sam growls, glaring at the British officers sitting at the officer's table, as most of them observe the young German Captain with obvious wariness, some even with hostility. "Quiet, Troy. We already have enough enemies around here", Hans whispers his assessment of the situation. "I'd wish to change their mind with this", Troy replies with a glare which is not meant for his tall friend, holding up his fist, after placing his tray on the table next to Captain Boggs. "Troy, please spare both our nerves by not beating up any British officers!", Dietrich mutters in exasperation. James Boggs starts choking on his baked beans, glaring at the Sergeant who has been an infinite source of trouble in spite of his uncanny luck and successes against his enemies. "Fine. I promise you I'll only attack the ones who go after you", Troy relents. "Thank you for graciously not attacking our allied officers, Sergeant", Hans comments sarcastically, valuing his statement not in the manner the Sergeant would have hoped for. "Ungrateful Jerry", Sam mutters, before adding: "Enjoy your breakfast, Captain." "You too, Sergeant", Dietrich replies. "I will. These morning training sessions make me really hungry. I feel like I could eat a horse", Sam replies, as he returns to bothering the young Australian, intent to force him into giving out a larger portion. Caught between Troy and Fritz the young man stands no chance, Hans assumes.

"A wonderful morning to you, Captain Boggs", the younger Captain wishes his colleague with his tone dripping with irony, as he takes his seat next to him and starts to eat his fried eggs. "I see that you have already started yours with Sergeant Troy being particularly stubborn and up to insane ideas", Boggs comments with sympathy, glancing at the lean German. "Being insanely annoying at times is the Sergeant's specialty", Hans counters dryly, before his expression becomes serious, as he puts down his fork. "Captain Boggs, I have a matter of importance to discuss with you. I wish toask you for permission to carry my sidearm, even when I'm not on duty", Dietrich presents his cause with due formality. "Why do you need it?", the older Captain asks with concern. "As we both know, Abwehr is targeting me personally and they might have agents still left in place here in Tobruk. Sergeant Moffit has observed a strange gathering in the courtyard at 0500 in the morning today. I'm rather safe than sorry, but I don't want to be shot by my own side again out of prejudices and suspicion against any German on principle", Hans explains his reasoning.

"What did Moffit observe?", Boggs inquires incredulously to which his younger colleague provides a detailed description as an answer, while taking bites of his breakfast in between. "I already reported it to Lieutenant Colonel McLean whom I considered the best option for counterintelligence and detecting potential spies on the compound. After all he is definitely more experienced with such investigations than any of the two of us", Dietrich tries to appease the American officer. "He surely is, although you undoubtedly have more talent and experience than me as well", James Boggs mutters. "Permission granted to carry your gun. I feel better, when I know that you have it." Hans smiles gratefully. "Thank you. I swear to you that I won't misuse this privilege." "It's really a necessity, Dietrich, not a privilege. I want you to remain alive", the older American Captain argues. The younger officer nods quietly. "I'll stay with my men most of the time to avoid being caught alone." "Good idea. They'll protect you with their lives from any harm", Boggs mutters, feeling somewhat assured, as Sergeant Troy is absolutely reliable in this regard in spite of his bad habits. "As far as they can at least", the German Captain adds quietly. Once he has finished his meal, he declares: "I'll join Ari and Lieutenant Silberblatt for now."

"Hans", Ari exclaims joyfully, as he jumps up to hug his beloved brother around the waist. "I missed you." "We were together until you went to bed, Ari. You have to get used to not being around me all the time", Dietrich tells him gently, as he pats the boy's head. "I know that you have to help people. But I like to be with you as well", the boy argues with a pleading look, very reminiscent of Fritz. "We'll see each other every day until you leave to join your new family or I have to leave for my duties", the German Captain assures him. "Hans will visit you as often as he can, but he has a lot to do", Jakob supports his friend. Ari looks a bit sad but nods. "I know. You're a she... chivalrous knight", he repeats the term he has adopted from Lisa Hartigan for describing the young officer. "Eat your breakfast, my little squire, to become big and strong", Dietrich tells him gently. "Ari, I will have to work today at noon, so you and Kiri will have lunch with nurse Hartigan and O'Donnell", Hans tells the boy quietly, squatting next to him to not be overheard. "Okay, Hans", Ari replies, used to spending the day with the nurses and only meeting his brother in the evening. "You're a good boy. Maybe you and Kiri can practice some more drawing? You could draw Bastet, when you find her sleeping somewhere or your friend David." The Jewish orphan smiles happily. "Yes. I'll draw a lot for you, Hans!" Jakob leads him off after saying goodbye to his friend, while Dietrich turns back to his men. The Rats quickly gather their things and stand up to accompany their Captain, when they notice him approaching their table, following the skinny officer outside. Moffit picks up Bastet who has begged him for her breakfast and places her on the ground, before following the others, while the kitten continues her exploration of her new realm.

"We need to warm up again, before starting with the sparring session", Dietrich orders sternly and the Rats all nod in acknowledgement. The Captain is an experienced officer and knows exactly what he is doing after all. They begin with Swedish drill exercises, a training method popular among Allied and Axis forces alike. Again Dietrich asks a few times for Moffit's support to provide him with the specific vocabulary, as he directs the exercises, always participating himself. After stretching their arms overhead in unison, the soldiers sweep down in measured arcs. Then they twist their torsos left and right, creating a rhythmic wave of muscle and motion. After another half an hour, they are all starting to sweat and Hans Dietrich considers this enough warming up before they start with the combat training. "We will switch instructors now. I suggest that we take off our jackets and belts, as the sun is warm enough by now and we are warmed up appropriately", the tall officer declares, before stepping to the side to leave the position of instructor to Riku Gottschlich, while he takes off his jacket with Moffit's unasked support as well as his belt which Dietrich still struggles with, given his shoulder injury. Then, the lean Captain positions himself next to the British Sergeant who nods to him in acknowledgement.

"W..we start p...properly with the Ritsu Rei, the standing greeting of all who participate", Riku Gottschlich speaks cautiously and as soon as he reaches the first Japanese term, he finds enough self-assurance to continue without stammering. The half-Japanese Corporal places his hands on his thighs, bowing to the men in front of him who imitate the gesture, while he speaks the classical greeting: "Osu." "Oss", Dietrich, Moffit and Anaru repeat the greeting, while the others merely listen to the foreign term, but bow slightly as well. "We move to the zenkutsu dachi", Riku declares, as he adopts the forward stance by placing his right leg in the front. Moffit and Dietrich repeat the Japanese term, while they try to copy the stance properly like the rest of the Rats. Riku walks to each of his comrades in arms and corrects their stances appropriately. Troy grumbles something like: "This is about fighting not dancing." "Troy", Dietrich snaps and Moffit adds: "You should take this more seriously, old man." "Damned snobs", Sam grumbles with annoyance, while the two exchange exasperated glances.

Gottschlich demonstrates several offensive strikes and chops using hands and feet alike, before letting them practice the techniques. For this training he lets them take five steps forward, performing a different attack movement in each step, before turning around and repeating the sequence of movements. The young Corporal quickly learns to steer clear of Troy, Hitchcock and the O'Donnell brothers who care little about the proper movements, focusing more on the force behind each strike, while Anaru, Pettigrew, Moffit and Dietrich are grateful for corrections of their stances and movements. While Tully is quietly focused on striking an invisible opponent, Dietrich tries to envision the physics behind the motions, as many of the strikes have the idea to gain momentum and added force through rotations of the limb or whole body. Moffit inquires in detail about the details of the movements and their intended usage, especially which part of the hand to strike the opponent with since some are focused on the knuckles, the outer or the inner side of the hand which requires that all muscles have to be tightened accordingly to not get injured when performing the strike. Hans Dietrich has to switch from his right to his left side after a few minutes of training, as he feels his shoulder throbbing in spite of the muscles having been warmed up through previous exercises. Riku instructs him on the right way of keeping the correct part of his hand's muscles tightened for striking with the maximum efficiency. The concept of targeting the carotis rather than the opponent's face to take him out quickly and without bloodshed is new, but immensely promising in the young officer's eyes.

After the hand techniques follow the foot techniques which are Dietrich's and Moffit's favourites, as they have the longest legs and reach, while Troy is absolutely annoyed by the different kicks, when he loses his balance for the second time in ten minutes. "Kicking like mules. What manner of fighting is that supposed to be?", he complains to Daniel O'Donnell who offers him his hand to help the Sergeant back to his feet. "It's weird, Sergeant, but I heard that the slant-eyes are scarily dangerous with this. It's at least a good idea to know what we might be dealing with, even if we can't use it properly ourselves. They're the Jerries' allies after all. If the King sends us all the way here from Australia, the Japs might also send some backup for Hitler and his cronies", the Australian Private argues. "You're a smart kid, Danny", Sam replies. "Let's get to practicing this. I won't fight with my feet against Jack or Dietrich though. They're both scarily good with this, those scrawny beanstalks."

After the offensive techniques, Riku shows them different defensive motions and blocks with arms and legs to counter the different types of attacks, by redirecting the force of the opponent's attack. Again they first practice a sequence of different blocking techniques taking steps forward, before turning around and repeating the sequence, while he corrects the correct position and tension of the arms to allow blocking an actual attack. Once he is content, he asks the soldiers to form pairs to practice the offensive technique in combination with the corresponding defensive technique in slow motion and without striking with full force in order to learn when to apply which technique. Moffit and Dietrich form a pair for this, as do the O'Donnell brothers, Troy with Pettigrew and the injured Hitchcock with Thomas Anaru. The German Captain and the British Sergeant have the highest ambition to actually learn the movements as precisely as possible, while the others are quite content with grasping the concept of which strike to counter with which type of blocking technique.

"We can start with the jiyu kumite now, Captain", Riku declares after several rounds of training and corrections he has provided. Noticing the German's puzzled expression, he adds quickly: "The free form sparring, as you wanted, Captain." "Thank you, Corporal Gottschlich, for your valuable instructions. Gentlemen, I suggest we don't tear any uniform shirts and take off our boots as well for the following sparring, since it is warm enough by now", the German Captain addresses them all diligently. "Smart idea, Captain", Troy comments and helps the younger officer out of his shirt, once he has unbuttoned it. Even though some of his lighter bruises have faded in the past days since Hauptmann Zornbrecht and the SS have gotten hold of him, putting him through the mill, several of his older and newer bruises are still dark and look painful. Sam briefly wonders how the tall, thin Captain has been able to participate in their training without any visible signs of pain, given how beaten up he actually looks when his uniform is not hiding his injuries. The other soldiers also observe the young officer with more or less disguised curiosity and shock, as the amount of scars and bruises on the young German's torso is non-negligible. Bastet however does not care about this, when she rubs her head against the young man's hand, as soon as he has sat down in the sand to take off his boots. "Bastet, wir haben jetzt keine Zeit für dich", Hans tells her gently that they don't have time for her now. After petting her a few times over the head and back he leaves the kitten to play with his bootlaces which he has tied together properly for their protection against the young cat's claws.

After the Rats have discarded their shirts for the sparring to avoid rips or tears and having to wash them right afterwards, they prepare by choosing their respective partners for their sparring training. They start out with their previous sparring partners for a few rounds, before taking a break and switching partners to try different styles. "I'll go easy on you", Troy promises the German Captain who scowls at the words. "That is not the idea of sparring. Fight properly, but don't use full force for your attacks, Sergeant, to spare me further injuries", Dietrich argues, as he takes his own fighting position. "You'll wish you wouldn't have said this", Sam brags with a grin. "Don't get overconfident, Troy!", Hans counters dryly. Two minutes later, both are breathing heavily and have dealt and received more than one blow. It is fairly obvious for their spectators, which includes the rest of their unit, that both are quite equally matched, but the Captain is more at a disadvantage due to his injuries and weight loss, as Troy will wear him down much sooner than tiring himself. The American Sergeant growls, as he prepares another attack which his opponent sidesteps instead of even trying to block it. Instead of returning to his original position however the German whirls sideways and strikes the older man against the neck with a hand chop technique in a single fluid motion, as Troy passes him by. Even though he does not even intend to use full force with the foreign technique, he has no experience with the strength of the blow, as he strikes his sparring opponent directly at the carotis. Momentarily stunned, Troy stumbles and in a wave of guilt Dietrich reaches out to catch him by the shoulder. Misinterpreting the German Captain's intention as an attack to wrestle him, Sam, as soon as he recovers from the sudden loss of blood pressure, throws himself instinctively against the surprised younger officer and takes him off his feet, landing on top of him which finally makes Hans cry out in pain.

"Troy, stop!", Jack Moffit calls a moment too late, as he rushes forward. "He tried to help you", the British Sergeant offers as an explanation, while kneeling at the German's side who groans, as Sam gets his weight off him. "Sorry, Captain", Sam mutters a bit sheepishly, as he kneels at his injured friend's side who still grimaces with pain and presses his palm against his ribs. "You should get this checked", Jack advises. "Rothschild won't let me out of his sight again for days, if he hears about this", Dietrich groans. "So, don't tell him! We'll ask Lisa Hartigan to check my ribs, if I get troubles with breathing or dizziness. I doubt anything is broken though. You're just heavy, Troy, and my ribs have already been cracked before." "I'm not that heavy. Well, maybe compared to you I am, but not in general", the American Sergeant protests. "Don't be such a diva, Troy, or you can join your brother in visiting his new best friend Marcello to take proper acting and singing lessons for the opera", Hans counters with a wry smile, raising his eyebrows. "No singing for me!", Sam snarls angrily and stands up, snapping at the men gathered around them: "There's nothing to stare at here! Get lost!"

While Dietrich takes a few minutes to rest during which the pain in his ribs almost fully subsides until he is able to return to sparring rather than visiting the hospital, the others continue with their training fights with Gottschlich taking the German Captain's position as Troy's opponent. Bastet is absolutely happy to have him all for herself and drops onto the young officer's feet, purring loudly, as she demands to be scratched behind the ears. Once they are ready for the next switch, Riku approaches Dietrich, who joins them again after leaving a discontent Bastet, and the Corporal congratulates him for performing the chopping technique in just the proper manner to knock out an opponent with a single strike as he has targeted the carotis precisely. "That is an absolutely valuable technique for taking somebody out of a fight in a quick manner without the necessity to kill and without producing any noise", Hans assesses quite contently.

"Are you alright, Captain?", Sam asks his friend whom he eyes with worry. "I'll live, Troy, and the pain has mostly subsided. Possibly another bruise or two, but that's to be expected from sparring", the German officer replies calmly. "You'd better not continue with any such tough sparring for now though, Captain, as you should not aggravate your injuries", Jack Moffit recommends with a serious tone and concern written on his face. "I'll continue sparring against one of the other injured ones, focusing more one the practice of our new techniques", Hans replies after swallowing his stubborn pride and reining in his temper to not attack the Sergeant verbally for his honest concern, especially since he is right. "I'll continue sparring with you, Captain, if that's fine", Thomas Anaru volunteers and the young officer nods in response. "Yes. That's excellent, let's continue after two more minutes of pause."

Once their break is over during which Bastet has forced Moffit into taking care of her, Sam Troy is quickly involved in a boxing match against Daniel O'Donnell, both bearing stern expressions, as they size up each other's strengths and weaknesses, while circling one another slowly. Tully is pitted against Kevin O'Donnell with both appearing equally matched, while Hitch practices with Moffit, using his cast for his right arm as a tool for blocking the Brit's blows who restrains himself to not use full force. Riku Gottschlich instructs Thomas Anaru and Hans Dietrich as the two most gravely injured unit members in the fighting techniques of karate which they practice first next to each other before turning to sparring with enough distance to not actually touch the other while still practicing their actions and reactions. The young Maori soldier and the skinny German Captain are a strange pair even for those watching them, as both mix their trained respective fighting styles with the karate techniques their instructor has shown them. Anaru moves with a grace of a panther, although he winces several times when his injuries remind him of their existence, while his opponent is similarly swift and quick in his movements, often dodging instinctively in addition to performing the blocking movement. Even though he has originally been trained in boxing and hand techniques, Hans quickly adopts the kicks and foot techniques of the Japanese fighting style which do not put strain on his injured shoulder and gain him an advantage given his tall stature and longer legs. Thomas Anaru rather focuses on protecting his body and head with his arms and the defensive techniques, while aiming to grab his opponent and physically throwing him off his feet and wrestling him on the ground.

"Hey, Captain", Sam shouts, distracting Dietrich long enough that Anaru manages to catch him off guard and unable to dodge or avoid the straight attack which he does not expect. With a grunt of pain Hans gets thrown to the ground with the astonished Private landing on top of him. "Mō taku hē.

I'm sorry, Captain", Thomas apologises, as he helps the bruised and thin young officer back to his feet. The German Captain checks his aching side whether the sutures still feel intact after the second time of being tackled, as he grits his teeth to suppress a groan of pain. "Well done using your opponent's inattentiveness, Private. But try to pay attention in the future to stop, when I get called off", he tells the young Private with a stern tone. The Maori soldier nods guiltily, observing the skinny Captain's wincing movements closely, as he approaches his Sergeant with his hand still clutched against his aching side. "What's the matter, Troy?", the German officer mutters with obvious concern and curiosity. "Are you okay after getting thrown off your feet for the second time today?" "I've survived far worse", Hans mutters dryly. "Why did you call, Sergeant?" Troy moves his head to point out a certain direction without using his arm directly to avoid drawing too much attention. "Some guy's been observing us for a while now, over there, leaning against the wall. Should we check him out?" Dietrich lets his gaze wander over the whole courtyard without lingering too long in any place, while his eyes focus on the suspicious figure.

A slim and unshaven soldier in a wrinkled British uniform leans against a wall, observing the Rats' sparring training with veiled curiosity. The ash blond man with a mousy face marred by pockmarks approaches the group, when Dietrich finally gives the sign and order to his soldiers to stop their training. "You're Captain Sherlock?", he addresses the tall skinny officer, obviously sizing the bruised young man up. Briefly, surprise registers on the German Captain's face, before he confirms this. "Yes, I'm Captain Dietrich. Who are you?" "Merlin sends me. Private Wilbur Orwell. He calls me Fagin though", the Englishman replies warily. Hans estimates the man to be approximately of his own age, observing the cat burglar in service of McLean and the British army with as much veiled curiosity, as he is observed with himself. "I heard that you hold no sympathy for the SS, Private", the German comments cautiously. "Bloody right. I hate them all", the Englishman confirms grimly. "Even though I am a German myself, I share your sentiment to a certain degree. The SS are armed fanatics who should never be allowed the freedom they enjoy under the Nazis' regime. You can see for yourself that I bear enough marks of their kind treatment", Dietrich applies his argument in the manner McLean has recommended to him. Orwell studies him closely, taking in the scars of cigarettes burnt on the lean man's skin and the countless bruises which tell a clear tale of some of the torture he has been put through.

"You're the safecracker and pickpocket?", he suddenly asks out of the blue. Dietrich looks visibly uncomfortable with this inquiry. "I know how to pick a lock and crack a safe", he finally admits after taking a deep breath. "And he knows some pretty impressive card tricks as well", Troy adds on his friend's behalf who glares at him with annoyance, as he growls: "Sergeant!" "I watched you. You're swift and you're smart", the burglar in service of the British army assesses coolly. "Bad thing for an enemy, good thing for a spy of ours. And you're one of us, Merlin says." He sounds and looks skeptical at which point Troy intercedes with an angry growl. "Those SS bastards have almost killed him twice and you dare to doubt that he's one of us, you half-witted scoundrel? The Captain's more honorable and reliable than you've ever been in your life, you sneaky thief!" "Sergeant Troy. Private Orwell is our ally", Dietrich interrupts the escalating tirade. "We don't have to like each other. We need not even trust each other fully, as his job is merely to train us in his ... extraordinary skills." Wilbur Orwell glares at Sam Troy with a scornful expression, before turning to the German Captain. "You're right. I don't have to like or trust you fellas at all. I'll show you what Merlin wants me to show you and then I'm off." "That is a reasonable agreement and nothing else would ever have been our intention, Private Orwell", Dietrich replies. "Call me Fagin! I hate the military jargon", the Brit growls. "We're secret service after all, even if you're a kraut Captain." "You'd better mind your tone, when speaking with an officer", the German Captain snaps sharply which leaves Orwell completely disinterested.

Reminding the Brit of how to address an officer is a waste of breath, Dietrich realizes immediately. Since they do not even serve in the same army and the thief has a more than dubious obedience even to the British spymaster, Hans gives up on the idea of getting any proper behaviour out of the man, merely glaring at him in annoyance. "Follow me, you bunch!", the Brit declares. "We can't practice my type of skill here in the open." Seeing the reason behind that, the German Captain orders his men to get dressed again after wiping off the worst sweat and sand. Jack Moffit who has come well prepared lends him the towel he has brought with him, knowing that the younger officer has been up and about since he has woken him up in the morning, taking care of the observation he has brought to his attention. Although his pride fights against his wish for a proper appearance briefly, Hans accepts the friendly offer, reminding himself of Moffit's attitude toward sharing a friendship which makes accepting such offers easier for him.

Troy takes over, helping the lean young officer into his shirt and jacket, before assisting him with buckling the belt. "I don't trust that fishy guy in the least", Sam whispers to the German Captain with an angry growl audible in his tone. "Neither do I, Troy, nor even Merlin himself", Hans whispers back. "He warned me not to antagonize him though and that he hates the SS with passion, as you can see yourself, after they tortured and murdered his Jewish friend. The enemy of our enemy is our ally here, but surely not our friend, Sergeant." Scowling darkly, Troy nods at the information, grumbling: "We'd better keep an eye on him." "That's probably a good idea, but don't follow him. I believe that he is far more proficient than us in detecting and shaking off a tail", Dietrich assesses with a frown. "You can trust us. We'll keep an eye on him, whenever we have to be around him", Sam relents a bit too quickly for the German's liking who eyes him with doubt whether the Sergeant is second guessing his order. "I hope you're not up to something stupid, Troy!", Hans voices his doubts. "My ideas are only stupid, when they go wrong, which they hardly ever do", the American Sergeant counters with a grin. "May I remind you that you have sworn to me to keep me informed honestly about your ideas and not act behind my back", the young Captain growls with exasperation. "Fine. I consider following that guy around anyways. We're pretty good with shadowing people as well", Sam counters. "Unsuspecting military personnel focused on their jobs, not professional spies and criminals who are paranoid and actively looking for tails to shake, Troy", Hans reminds him seriously. "We can't risk that for now. At least not until we have received our own training for inconspicuously tailing somebody and hiding in a city environment." "You're a sly fox, Dietrich, and probably right", Troy admits, before patting the younger officer on the shoulder. "We'll wait till we have some training." Dietrich nods, as he mutters wearily: "Thank you, Troy."

Then he turns back to his men and announces: "We follow Fagin, our new trainer for specific skills, gentlemen. You all know who has volunteered for additional training in his field of expertise. But you will all learn the basics of the locksmith's profession." The British thief smirks at the declaration and mutters something indiscernible under his breath, before turning around to lead them back into the building and through a maze of hallways to the supply cabinet Hans already knows. "Have you lost it? What are we doing in a broom closet?", Troy grumbles with annoyance, before his eyes widen with surprise when Dietrich moves one of the shelves to the side using only his left arm, declaring with a hint of irony in his tone: "Sesam öffne dich! Open sesame!" "Bloody hell", Kevin O'Donnell mutters to his brother with honest surprise, when he becomes aware of the larger room hidden behind the small closet. "Wow. That's what I call a lair!", Hitch comments with a grin, while he observes his surroundings. "That feels actually like the forty thieves' hideout, Captain", Moffit tells the young German who leads them into the room behind where Alexander McLean is awaiting them. "I see that Fagin has found you and brought you here along with your unit, Sherlock", he addresses the lean Captain jovially. The English thief merely moves to the side without saying a word, while he eyes the spymaster with clear wariness.

The Scottish spymaster greets the rest of the Rats with a distinguished salute, before pointing at several tools assembled on his desk. Hans Dietrich recognizes them immediately as three sets of lockpicking tools, presented for them, while behind each set is a box with different locks integrated next to each other on the different sides, keeping the lid from being opened, with a fourth box standing separately. "We have prepared these training boxes for potential trainees and they will now be put to good use", McLean announces. "You will form pairs as I believe that you possess your own equipment, Captain. To provide this first introduction, I will use you as a second instructor to help dear Fagin here with giving advice to your men." Dietrich nods wearily, as does Orwell who glares at McLean when applying his codename.

"Fagin is a very appropriate codename for this individual", Jack Moffit comments dryly, whispering to Troy and Dietrich. "A trainer of pickpockets and for further skills of thievery as well as a receiver of stolen goods, just like good old Dickens has portrayed Fagin." "Indeed, Doctor", Dietrich agrees, realizing why the name has appeared familiar to him, while Troy growls: "What kind of informant do you guys have you didn't tell me about?" For a moment the Englishman and the German look equally stunned, before Jack Moffit starts a lecture about the importance of Charles Dickens and his works, while Hans tries to hide his amusement upon seeing Troy's indignant expression. After two quite informative minutes he finally decides to save the American Sergeant, as he tells Moffit: "I suppose that this is quite enough effort to save Troy's literature education for now, Doctor. We should proceed with cracking the lock." Sam smiles gratefully at his friend, as Jack sees enough reason behind this statement to relent.

"Let me show you how to do this!", the German Captain announces with a calm professional tone. Hans Dietrich takes a seat on the chair in front of the desk where the box is placed to regard the different locks intently. "They have different difficulties", he assesses and points at the smallest one. "This one is too small to contain a complicated mechanism, likely consisting only of three or four pins", he points out. "These pins are the actual parts locking something, as they are moved in place to block movement or opening while the lock is locked. When unlocking a lock, the key typically presses them down such that moving the cylinder inside becomes possible." Moffit and Troy listen intently, as do Riku Gottschlich and Thomas Anaru who have been assigned with Dietrich as their instructor, because Orwell distrusts the two on principle out of prejudices and has refused to teach them. "With this tool, the tension wrench, you apply a slight pressure during the lock picking procedure. As a key would fit perfectly, but we don't know the exact length and form of the key, we have to simulate the pressure it would provide to allow for the pins to be moved and kept in place without moving back immediately." Carefully, the young officer inserts the tension wrench into the keyhole, while he instructs his men about its importance. Then the skinny Captain applies a slight pressure which he will have to uphold during the whole procedure of picking the lock. Since his right side hurts far too much after the previous training he uses his left hand for upholding the tension.

Then the young German takes the rake in his right and slides it in and out of the lock. "This tool is the rake. It is meant for carefully pressing down the pins as far as possible to move them out of the way of turning the cylinder. The actual challenge is to keep them in place, as they tend to snap back out of their pressed down positions", he explains cautiously, while he carefully feels the pins' resistance and assesses how much pressure to put on each of them to move them out of their locked position. "I see", Moffit comments while observing him closely. "This is the hardest part, which requires the most dexterity and fine motor skills. The tool you're using now is called a 'Dietrich' in German, isn't it?" Hans sighs wearily, but confirms this. "Yes, Doctor. This is the Dietrich for any German burglar and thief. Now that I have basically shown you how to work, I leave the honor of picking these locks to you, gentlemen." Troy takes Gotty's lockpicking tools with a dark scowl, which quenches any resistance the Corporal might ever have had, while Moffit takes Dietrich's tools and starts to work on the locks of the box on the desk in front of him.

Five minutes later, Sam Troy has uttered enough curses in Greek that Hans feels close to being able to authentically reproduce them should the need ever arise. With utter frustration, the Sergeant snarls at the recalcitrant mechanism as if it would have personally offended him, before standing up so quickly that the chair would have dropped to the floor behind him, if Gottschlich would not have caught it at the last second. "That damned box has been manipulated. It's impossible to keep those pins in place", the Yankee Sergeant snarls lividly. "I doubt that, Troy", Dietrich comments dryly. "You open that goddamned lock then to prove this, before I throw this box against the wall. The best way to open something is still good old dynamite", Sam curses angrily. "Give me the tools, Troy!", Dietrich tells him calmly and sits down on the chair Gottschlich puts back for him, while starting to work on the lock. A minute later after some fumbling with the pins, the lock clicks softly, indicating that it has been opened. "It's not that hard, Troy. You merely need a little patience and dexterity." "I have neither", Troy grumbles. "This thievery stuff is for you but surely not for me, Sherlock." "Sherlock Holmes also knew how to pick locks. It's not just a skill for thieves", Moffit argues on behalf of the affronted looking German Captain. "I never said that you're a thief. On the contrary. You're one of the most decent and honorable folks I know, Captain", Troy tries to amend his previous statement, while Dietrich sighs wearily. "I'm well aware that this is a more than dubious skill for a man of my background and position." "Sergeant Troy, I insist that you double your efforts and try to best this lock!", McLean intercedes sternly, as he locks the mechanism again. "One day the life of one of your friends might very well depend on your ability to open a lock without bullets or explosions." Glaring at the Scottish spymaster, Troy takes the wrench and rake back from Dietrich. "Captain Dietrich, please join me! I would like to provide you with some instructions, while your men practice their skills." Hans obeys a bit reluctantly, knowing that Sam Troy is better not left unattended, when he is already in a foul and impatient mood. However Merlin involves him in a longish conversation about various ongoing operations in North Africa, including large scale strategies, involved officers and special units on the Allied and Axis side. Through this Hans finally learns about the Americans' large scale offensive Operation Torch, as well as Montgomery's counteroffensive which drives the German and Italian troops further West out of Libya. The whole briefing efficiently binds his attention for the next hour and a half.

By the time the Scottish spymaster releases the young officer in spywork training from his attention, his men have mostly finished their work. Tully Pettigrew proudly presents his opened box which has been his work only, as Hitch is unable to actively participate with his broken arm still in a cast. Kevin and Daniel O'Donnell also have finished their work on the locks, as have Jack Moffit and Thomas Anaru. The team of Sam Troy with Riku Gottschlich is the least successful. Although the Corporal has managed to open one of the locks, opening another one has taken Troy almost a whole hour which has resulted in enough frustration for the Sergeant to offend the British thief in service of the secret service permanently. Orwell glares at the loud American with exasperation and hatred, when he declares that he is truly a hopeless case. "I told you I prefer dynamite and bullets for opening locks. And for all else I have the rest of them!", Sam protests indignantly. "This is why we train specialists and don't try to make each of you experts in every field", Merlin assures him. "I suppose this suffices for now. Report to me, when you know the location of the minefield, Sherlock! Your training for defusing explosives will start after lunch. We will use these rooms again." Dietrich confirms this order, before sending the men off for lunch, keeping only Pettigrew, Moffit and Troy with him. They arrange that Tully will meet them at their Jeep where he has hidden the kaftan for disguising the boy, while Troy and Moffit will come with Dietrich.

Ahmed approaches the military base with a mixture of worry and apprehension. "Hauptmann", he tells the guard in broken Arabic pointing into the fort and immediately finds himself at gunpoint from the two soldiers on duty. Just when he is led into the courtyard with raised arms, Dietrich leaves the office building and shouts: "Stop! Don't harm the boy!" "He said 'Hauptmann', when he came here, Sir. He's a German spy", the British Corporal, whom Hans has never met before, reports diligently. "He is looking for me. I ordered him to come here to report", the tall officer tells the man sternly, while Troy glares at the Brits in an intimidating manner, ready to vent his frustration should they provoke him. Seeing the English veteran's puzzled expression, the Captain adds his explanation: "I'm Captain Hans Dietrich. I was formerly a Hauptmann in the German Afrikakorps until my defection two months ago. The boy knows me from the summer, when the Germans still held Tobruk." "Don't you dare, attack our Captain!", Troy snarls aggressively, having put his hand on the gun at his belt, ready to draw it at any sign of danger for his friend. Moffit lays his hand on his fellow Sergeant's shoulder, whispering: "Don't attack anyone, Troy! They're with us." In a louder and more formal manner he addresses his fellow British soldiers: "I can assure you, gentlemen, that Captain Dietrich is a reliable officer of the Allied Forces without any intention of treason."

The two men stare at them incredulously, while Ahmed points at Dietrich and confirms that he is the man he has been looking for, repeating "Hauptmann" a few times. More or less convinced, the British Corporal lowers his gun and takes a step toward the bruised young Captain, studying his face closely. "You're really that Dietrich fellow, but I wouldn't have recognized you from the picture I saw. They put a price on your head a while ago, didn't they?" "The Allied forces will not pay you a price for my head anymore, Corporal. But the Germans will nowadays, in particular Abwehr and the SS", Dietrich counters dryly, trying not to antagonize the man. "You look fairly roughed up, Captain", the Corporal comments, still observing the lean German officer closely. "Courtesy to the German not the Allied side", Hans answers his unspoken question curtly. "I'll leave you to your Arab then, Sir", the man declares finally and turns to leave.

"*Come here, Ahmed, and stay close to us!*", the German Captain orders sternly. The Arabic boy looks quite intimidated, but musters his courage to take a few steps closer to the tall officer whom he still trusts the most of all the foreigners around him. "*Have you learned what I wanted you to find out about?*", Dietrich inquires calmly, as he leads him through the courtyard to the motor pool where Pettigrew waits with the disguise they have hidden in the Jeep. "*Yes, Hauptmann*", Ahmed replies eagerly. "*Well done, Ahmed*", the young officer commends his informant who beams happily at the praise. Then he provides a detailed description of what he has learned, answering all of the German Captain's questions diligently, while Moffit provides a translation for Troy. "Pretty smart idea of our wily fox friend to keep the kid fed to work as his informant", the American Sergeant grumbles with respect in his tone. "Like the actual Sherlock Holmes with his Baker Street irregulars our dear Captain acts in an intelligent and street smart manner", Jack Moffit confirms. "We should've taken him in much earlier", Troy growls. "He'd never have defected, if the SS wouldn't have come after him and killed his relatives, old man", the former Cambridge scholar counters coolly. "We can be quite grateful to them for providing us with this opportunity." "I'll swallow my Colt before I'm grateful to the SS for anything", Sam snarls. "But I'm glad we have him."

Hans Dietrich meanwhile instructs the street boy to wash his hands, face and feet with water from a canister Tully handles for them. "*Put on this kaftan over your clothes, Ahmed, and stay closely at my side at all times. I promised you a meal and you will eat with us today, but nobody must notice you. If anybody speaks to you or calls you 'Ari' just behave like this is your name. Oh and you should address me as 'Hans' instead of 'Hauptmann'*", the German Captain instructs the boy diligently who listens intently and nods. "*I will. What does Hans mean?*" Dietrich smiles wryly, as he explains: "*It's my given name, just like you're called Ahmed. Hauptmann was my title among my old army. My current one is Captain which is basically the same rank.*" The Arab boy looks absolutely astounded that he may call the European with his given name, but follows all instructions obediently.

Troy, Moffit and Pettigrew regard the disguised street boy critically until the American Sergeant declares: "He looks close enough to Ari for the guys who don't know him around here not to notice. We shouldn't waste more time, but get our lunches. You take the table with Hitch and Tommy. The rest of us will bring your meals along." "Agreed, Sergeant", Dietrich confirms. "Moffit, I would ask you to sit on Ahmed's other side so that he has somebody he can understand next to him." "Of course, Captain", Jack agrees. Tully merely listens closely to the plan, chewing on his matchstick. "Well, let's shake it!", Troy declares and the others nod in agreement with Dietrich leading the Arab boy, placing his left hand on his shoulder, as he whispers reassuringly: "*Don't worry, Ahmed! I swear to you that you won't be harmed. Just stay close to me.*" The Arabic boy does just that, staying as close as possible without actually leaning into the tall European soldier.

Nobody pays them any more attention than usual, as they enter the mess hall. Dietrich approaches Hitchcock and Anaru without stopping, guiding Ahmed whom he instructs: "*Sit down on the bench next to them, keep your head down and stay quiet until we get our lunch!*" "Dietrich!", someone bellows harshly, just as he directs the intimidated youth to sit down on the bench. "*Stay here!*", Hans orders quietly, before he turns around to face the unknown officer. The American Captain is a bit shorter than him, but looks beefy enough to easily have twice his current weight. "You're the kraut who wants to talk with me?", the older officer growls in an aggressive manner that makes Hitch and Anaru cower a little. "I don't know who you are, Captain", Dietrich replies cautiously, swallowing his wounded pride to not provoke the angry man even more, since his experiences with escalating emotions of American officers are absolutely bad and he still bares stitches and bruises reminding him of the consequences. Dietrich's first worry that their bluff has been discovered is dispersed, when the Yankee answers. "I'm Sergeant Clarence's senior officer, Captain Timothy Warren. James Boggs said that you wanted to talk to me. I don't speak with krauts normally, even less with traitors, but I owe him a favor. So what do you want?"

"Would you please come to the side to discuss this in a more civil manner among officers, Captain Warren", the German officer suggests with gritted teeth, fighting to keep his countenance. "You can tell me what you have to say here and now. I have no secrets unlike you lying cheating bastard", the American Captain snarls. Dietrich glares at him with a hateful expression, but he flinches visibly, as a hand settles on his left shoulder. Sam Troy has abandoned the task of bringing lunch to provide his friend with some backup. "You'd better mind your tongue, you arrogant ass...", the Sergeant growls back at the older officer, when the younger Captain interrupts him, gripping his shoulder and snapping: "Sergeant Troy!" Turning back to the other officer, Dietrich grits out between clenched jaws: "Forgive my Sergeant! He sometimes speaks before thinking. I want to appeal to your honor and reasonability as a fellow officer of the U.S. army, Captain Warren, and therefore ask you to keep your Sergeant Clarence and other men under your command from harassing and attacking Corporal Riku Gottschlich and Private Thomas Anaru of my unit." The mess hall has become deathly quiet by now, as all soldiers and officers at the tables and in the front listen with bated breath how the confrontation between the two Captains is evolving.

Warren glares at the German Captain with contempt, observing the motley crew of the Rat Patrol assembling at the table, including a shivering and intimidated looking Corporal Gottschlich. "Mongrels, half-breeds and criminals", he growls his assessment. "What else should one assume to see among the followers of a cowardly kraut traitor who looks more like a starved jackal than an actual soldier. They're quite aptly named Rats it seems. My men are absolutely right to show this scum their place." Grim determination settles on the skinny German's expression, as he snarls back: "My men have the clear order to defend themselves against foe and friend alike, when they come under attack. Escalating this conflict is madness, Captain Warren. Call back your attack dogs!" "Did you just call my men dogs?", the Yankee Captain growls aggressively. "I believe this is no more insulting than your assessment of my unit", Hans snaps back. "Captain Dietrich, Captain Warren", Moffit intercedes politely, stepping in between the two officers. "You're both officers and gentlemen. You will surely not start a physical row in front of the common soldiers." Both officers look a bit startled but lower their aggressive stances. "I'll have any of your mongrels punished, if they overstep the bounds, Dietrich. We'll start with that insolent Sergeant of yours. Two weeks of latrine duty for your inappropriate manner of addressing an officer should teach you to clean your mouth of dirty words." Troy glares at the beefy Captain with a hateful expression and moves forward intent to physically strike back, but Dietrich's and Moffit's hand on each of his shoulders keep him from attacking the provocative man. "I assure you that I will have any man of whichever unit punished for overstepping the military laws which includes not attacking any of their fellow soldiers, while self-defence is not punishable in this way", Dietrich announces with an icy tone, audible in the whole room. "Any punishment announced by each of us for the other's unit members will be put for decision to another impartial officer to assure fairness. We will start with Sergeant Troy's. Come along, Sergeant, Captain!"

Both Troy and Warren are taken by surprise when the German officer stalks to the officer's table in the front and approaches Major Fisher directly. "Major Fisher. You have just borne witness to the discussion between Captain Warren and myself, haven't you?", he addresses the American officer directly. The man looks surprised, but nods. "Yes, Captain Dietrich." "I would ask you in this case to evaluate whether two weeks of latrine duty is an exaggerated punishment for Sergeant Troy under the circumstances", Dietrich continues his polite line of argumentation. Warren snarls angrily: "That's still very light punishment for this insolent ape." "Captain Warren, mind your tone!", Fisher reins him in. "Given the circumstances I'm of Captain Dietrich's opinion that two weeks are an overly harsh punishment. I'll reduce it to two days to be served starting tomorrow." The beefy American Captain looks scandalized by the support for the German, glaring at the younger man angrily, before turning around and stalking off without another word. "Thank you, Major, for your fairness", Dietrich addresses the older officer. "Watch out who you start your confrontation with, Captain Dietrich! Captain Warren is a dangerous man, quick to anger and vengeful", Fisher warns him. "I cannot abadon my men or my principles, Major, and I'm quite willing to fight for both and I'm willing to bear the consequences I have for my actions and decisions, as I always have." The younger Captain salutes to the Major as a sign of respect and for taking his leave, while Troy gives a sloppy salute and nod, before following his commanding officer. Several of the officers around the table glare at the young German contemptuously, while others bear respectful expressions, among them a dark-skinned Indian officer and Lieutenant Weizbauer who stands up now and steps in the German Captain's way tocongratulate him demonstratively.

Hitch and Thomas meanwhile console Riku Gottschlich who is close to bursting into tears. "We won't let you down or leave you alone!", Mark assures their comrade in arms and Kevin agrees immediately: "That fella's an absolute ratbag and I can't wait to kick his lads' behinds." "We'll stay with you, Gotty", his brother Daniel agrees immediately and Tully nods as well. "We'll also provide you with protection, Private Anaru", Moffit addresses the Maori. "From his tone and words, Captain Warren has just declared all of us targets for his men, so it's advisable that none of us remains alone." "We also need to watch Cap's back", Tully reminds him unexpectedly, but the rest of the Rats immediately agrees. "He's just like that Lieutenant who shot the Captain right next to me", Thomas Anaru agrees. "United we stand, divided we fall!", Hitch pledges with passion and the others quickly adopt this motto as a battle cry, making several of the soldiers around stare at them warily, when Dietrich and Troy return. "We don't start a war against our own comrades in arms, gentlemen!", the German Captain admonishes them sternly, but adds immediately: "However we must defend our friends and comrades without fear of consequences. As long as you stay with defensive behaviour, move around in groups and refrain from actively provoking or attacking Captain Warren's men, I can intervene in the same manner as I have just done with Sergeant Troy to reduce or avoid your punishment." "You're our hero, Cap!", Hitch assures him gratefully and Tully nods in agreement.

Ahmed looks absolutely scared, when Dietrich finally sits down at the table next to him and subconsciously follows Ari's behaviour in leaning close to the young officer, when Hans explains that he has just defended his men and that the youngster has nothing to fear. "*I was really afraid, when he started shouting all the words I couldn't understand*", the boy whispers with a fearful tone. "*I would have protected you under any circumstances, Ahmed. This much is my responsibility for inviting you to come here. Do you like the food?*", Hans tries to distract him through something positive after his earnest assurance. The young Arab grins widely, as he nods eagerly while shoving another full spoon into his mouth. "*It's really the best I've ever eaten, Haup... Hans.*" After wolfing down his meal, the child is more than happy when he gets a second round of dessert, as Troy manages his anger through a load of sweet pastry he shares with the others. "*I've never tasted anything so good. Thank you, Hau... Hans*", Ahmed whispers to the German Captain who eats his own lunch next to him and smiles gently, enjoying the orphaned street child's honest joy and gratitude. This much the boy has truly earned through his reliable behaviour and it should bind him into his services more dependably. Ahmed shows his far more trusting attitude, when Dietrich finally leads him outside of the military base, as he hugs the young officer briefly, once Hans crouches to say his good bye and asks for the next report on the following day. "*Allah protect you, Hans, Hauptmann!*", he mutters, before disappearing around the first dark corner of the street.