I also referred to my grandmother's (born 1927) tales about her school time, when they had to learn classical ballads by heart to train students ability to memorize large quantities of information which was a fixed part of the Austrian and in parallel German educational system.
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When they enter Lieutenant Colonel McLean's lair again, the Scottish spymaster eats his lunch, while reading some reports from which he looks up at the Rats. "Captain Hans Dietrich, accused by the Wehrmacht of routine insubordination", he declares with a formality that irritates them all. Troy bares his teeth to snarl at him: "Leave him in peace, you ..." "Troy!", both Dietrich and Moffit interrupt him and hold him back, before the young Captain meets the older officer's gaze directly, taking a step forward to position himself between the Scottish officer and his men. "You have collected countless complaints from the German army and have just started to do the same among the Allied forces", McLean continues to assess the lean young man before him in the same cool and aloof tone he has applied before, as if Troy would never have interrupted him. Determination settles on Dietrich's expression as he states coldly: "If you have doubted for a moment that I would defend my men and my principles against whomever, Lieutenant Colonel McLean, you have not paid as close attention to my men's report as I would have given you credit for." Unexpectedly, the Scotsman starts to laugh loudly. "You have a talent for drawing attention and causing trouble that rivals your unruly unit, Captain. But I would not have expected any different behaviour from you for a moment. On the contrary, I would have been disappointed if I wouldn't have been given a clear demonstration of how you have gained the respect of countless men of General Atkins' desert expedition and why loyal and convinced Allied soldiers applied to join a German defector's unit."
His tone becomes more stern now, as he adds: "I simply didn't expect it so soon, when I retrieved my lunch today. Captain Warren and those sharing his mindset hate you already which comes as no surprise. But I observed the rest of the room quietly. The majority of enlisted men looked impressed and held clear admiration for your openly demonstrated honor, courage and an unrelenting defence of moral principles as well as your unit members. You gained more friends than enemies today, but I wouldn't recommend you to repeat this too often." Dietrich looks actually baffled by the line of argumentation, as appear his men. McLean enjoys their surprise, arguing: "And I commend you for the smart idea to let any punishment be checked by another more senior officer. You're truly worthy of the name 'Sherlock'. If you need my assistance for this, just let me know." "You'd let us off the hook?", Troy asks with clear suspicion. "If you're actually innocent and not deserving of punishment, I see no reason for punishing you unnecessarily, Sergeant", the Scotsman replies coolly. "They're the Rat Patrol. The last time they have been innocent and not deserving of punishment was at their birth", Hans comments with dry sarcasm. "I knew there was a loophole", Sam grumbles, looking actually grateful at the German Captain for having pointed out the trap which is not the reaction Dietrich or McLean would have expected.
"Have you found out the location of the minefield?", the Scotsman inquires in an almost leisurely tone, as if they would chat about the weather. "Yes. Our shared informant Ahmed provided me with a very clear description and several sources of information, as I have forbidden him to go to the area of the minefield himself, since I value keeping the boy alive", Hans replies sternly, as he steps toward a map of the city area pinned up behind the Lieutenant Colonel to place his finger on the area with well-trained precision which proves that he is very familiar with maps of the local surroundings. "Was he the boy at your table? I thought he looked quite different from Ari", Merlin asks with a lurking tone, studying the area the German Captain has pointed out for him. "I have no idea what you're talking about", Dietrich mutters quietly, concentrating on keeping his tone and expression neutral. Hitchcock, Kevin and Daniel O'Donnell looking caught red-handed and Troy scowling darkly give their ruse away however. "You're getting better at pretending innocence and ignorance, Sherlock", McLean provides as mock praise for the skinny officer who frowns at him. "Smuggling an Arab street boy into the mess hall under the eyes and noses of more than a hundred soldiers and officers as well as getting him out again unnoticed is also quite a feat. I merely didn't point you out to observe how far you would get on your own. But since your whole unit has apparently been in on this and cooperated smoothly, you have truly escaped attention. What I don't understand is why you did that, Captain. To prove a point? To annoy men like Captain Warren? You have the perfect ability to do so without anybody's support. So, would you care to enlighten me?"
Dietrich recognizes an order, even if it is well-hidden under fancy wording. Without hesitation he meets the Lieutenant Colonel's gaze. "I saw how little you paid this boy for his services yesterday", he growls with indignation. "If you pay this scum too much they get greedy", the Scotsman argues arrogantly. "He didn't ask for much, just for food instead of coins, so he can eat something and nobody steals it from him." Tully's gaze bores into the German Captain now, as he starts to realize how his iron ration has been used. "As this was important, I offered him a meal, nothing more and nothing less", Hans explains without hiding his disdain at the Scotsman's attitude. "Why not pay some street vendor for a meal?", McLean asks directly. To his surprise, Dietrich looks almost embarrassed at the question, while Troy intercedes: "If you lot would actually pay him instead of abusing him, he could do that. But I'm with the Captain that the kid absolutely deserved that meal." The Scottish spymaster looks surprised now. "I thought that the U.S. army had arranged everything with you, Captain." The German Captain looks truly ashamed to be required to provide such an explanation. "They have provided me with all required documents. But I cannot possibly possess a bank account valid in the U.S. and my German one is worthless. Nobody has paid me a salary in cash which was impossible in the desert and has not been a high priority since our arrival, although Captain Boggs intends to work on it."
The tall, muscular Scotsman observes him quietly for several long moments, before turning around and retrieving a box from his desk. "I don't work for the Royal Army. You have no obligation, Sir", Dietrich argues, when the British officer holds out several pound notes to him. "You work for me and I have no intention of exploiting my collaborators without paying them, even if you don't consider my payment fair, Sherlock. I'll arrange things with the U.S. Army. Since you're on British territory, you require pounds anyways. Leaving someone like you without any means to provide for himself is sheer lunacy which I cannot tolerate." The German Captain looks visibly uncomfortable with the idea of taking money from the Scottish spymaster, continuing his line of argumentation. "If this is the case, hand this to Captain Boggs please so that everything is officially registered and in order." Realizing his cause for hesitation, McLean relents. "It has never occurred to me to try and bribe you, as you care about your principles and honor more than something as mundane as money. I will assure that you receive your deserved salary through the official channels."
After locking the box, Merlin places it into a desk drawer again, before picking up the phone and speaking with an officer he addresses as First Lieutenant Kirk. McLean orders him to let his men prepare everything for taking care of the minefield, before coming over for the Rats' training. Mere minutes later a short stocky black-haired man arrives. His expression is stern and concentrated, as he carries a whole box with different explosive devices with him. "Captain Dietrich, this is our trusted expert for the construction, handling and disarmament of explosives, First Lieutenant Kirk", McLean introduces him politely, while Dietrich provides a sharp salute as a greeting which the British officer returns. Meanwhile the Lieutenant Colonel addresses the new arrival: "First Lieutenant Kirk, may I introduce you to Captain Hans Dietrich and his infamous unit, the Rat Patrol. Sergeant Troy and Sergeant Moffit are the experienced men in the field, while the Captain has only recently joined us." Hans bears a fatalistic expression, while Troy glares at the Scottish spymaster. "You're the Jerry Captain who just caused a ruckus in the mess hall", Kirk assesses sternly, as he looks more closely at the young German officer's bruised face. "I defended my men and my principles which is the minimum standard I have for being an officer", Dietrich growls defensively without hiding that he takes pride in the attitude. Kirk merely nods and shrugs before stating with the tone of a school master annoyed by his unruly students: "My field of expertise requires more calm thinking than bold actions." "We are capable of this even if you may have your doubts, First Lieutenant", the German Captain replies dryly, enjoying the English officer's slightly incredulous expression.
The British expert for explosives puts this to the test, as he provides them with a detailed background on mines and their technical build and construction. With a monotonous tone and barely any pitch in his voice he explains the differences between the mines of different warring factions and what to take care of, when dealing with them. His tone alone bores Hitchcock, Pettigrew, the O'Donnells, Anaru and Troy after the first five minutes, while Dietrich and Moffit pay keen attention and take notes accordingly. "Smartasses", Sam mutters to Hitch who merely nods, trying to suppress a yawn. "He'd better show us how to actually disarm the damned things, rather than bore us to death with all that talking." The only breaks of the monotony happen, when Hans Dietrich provides information about the German strategies for defending their taken territories and how they apply combinations of anti-tank and anti-vehicle mines, such as the Tellermine, with anti-personnel mines, like the S-Mine. "You should be particularly careful with those, as they are constructed to maim large numbers of soldiers, rather than killing them", Dietrich warns with stern seriousness. "They jump in the air for about a meter", he raises his hand to the level of his lower abdomen, aware that the Anglosaxons struggle with his metric units, "before exploding and therefore do severe damage in this body region." "Devious. The French I met when we were evacuating Dunkirk told horror stories about these mines they had encountered in the Saar offensive", Moffit provides additional information. "Devious indeed. More than one fellow lost his crown jewels like that", First Lieutenant Kirk comments coolly, before continuing with his lecture. Shaken briefly into attentiveness through the gruesome perspective, Hitch and Troy along with the others try to pay better attention for a while, until the monotony of the Brit's intonation makes them almost fall asleep again. Troy's wish to finally end the British Lieutenant's boring sermon is only fulfilled forty minutes later after answering all the questions of the German Captain and the British Sergeant in addition to finishing the presentation.
Very cautiously, the First Lieutenant takes an actual mine out of the box he has brought with him and places it on the desk. Now all the Rats pay close attention again, while Kirk demonstrates the mechanisms and techniques for activating and deactivating the mines. Even Dietrich learns a lot of new information in spite of having served at the forefront of this war for years and the officer's training he has received. After the instructions each of them has to go through two training rounds of defusing the practice mine which the stocky British First Lieutenant observes with eagle eyes. Hitch is immediately taken out by him and forced to observe, when he fiddles awkwardly with his left hand, trying to avoid using his broken right arm. Thomas Anaru is also told to stay away from the active mines in the field as long as his injuries affect him, although he manages to defuse the training mine successfully only taking twice the time. "I've never heard of a left handed Jerry officer", Kirk mutters, when observing Dietrich closely at the second round. "I'm not lefthanded", the younger officer protests. "The injury to my right shoulder prevents me from using my main arm." "You're incredibly dextrous for someone right handed, Captain", the First Lieutenant assesses, almost astonished. "I won't let you work in the field though with an injured arm. You'd better learn how to find and detect the mines with your two lads, while the others dig them out and defuse them. You need both for your field work in the future anyway." Hans nods in understanding, as handling explosives is not something he would entrust an injured man with either. Additionally, learning to detect explosives is of importance as well.
Once Kirk is content with their performance during training, he declares: "My lads prepared everything in the meantime. Where's that minefield located?" McLean who has continued studying his reports throughout the Rats' training waves his hand toward Dietrich, indicating him to show the explosives expert the location. "According to my source", the German Captain speaks calmly and deliberately, "the minefield is located to the Southwest of the city over here." The young officer points out the location on the map. "I have no information about how large it is, but I can tell you that at least two civilians have been killed and several more injured in the location according to the information we could gather." "How do you learn the civilian casualties, but not the size or exact location? You chatted with the Arabs or what?", Kirk inquires incredulously. "That's exactly what I did", Dietrich replies icily. "Captain Dietrich and I speak Arabic fluently", Jack Moffit intercedes politely to avoid any further escalation. The First Lieutenant studies the German Captain with a different expression though. "Dietrich. You were a tank commander among the Jerries, weren't you?" The young officer looks a bit unnerved by the inquiry, but nods. "Yes, I was an infantry Captain in command of tank units." "You're one of Rommel's junior foxes we were to lay our mines out to catch", Kirk mutters almost to himself, as the realization finally dawns on him who exactly he is dealing with. "Why are you here?" "Because Lieutenant Colonel McLean wants us all to get trained in defusing mines", Dietrich replies dryly, purposefully sidestepping his question.
Merlin looks fairly amused by the answer, but tells the First Lieutenant who has less of a sense of humor: "Captain Dietrich defected two months ago. Monty and I interviewed him and his unit ourselves and we are assured of his reliability and honesty." "I see", the Lieutenant mutters. "Well, Captain. Let me show you and your lads how to detect minefields, specific mines and how to best defuse them out in the field." "Come along, gentlemen!", Hans addresses his unit, while his men rise already. "Let's shake it!", Troy declares enthusiastically. Finally they are going out and performing something hands on, rather than just talking about it. The Rats climb into the truck of the British bomb squad, while Dietrich takes a seat in an armored staff car next to First Lieutenant Kirk. While driving through the main streets of Tobruk, large enough for their vehicles, the British explosives expert tells Hans: "Two months ago we still dug our mines into the sand out there, now we're digging them out again along with the Jerries'." "Territories change quickly here in the desert", the German Captain mutters quietly. "I still remember the fights that took place here in June." The British officer eyes him critically, as he comments: "You're a rare fellow, Captain Dietrich, to join us after all this. I hold no sympathies for Germans in general, but I respect your efforts. I know that what you told us before is true and even learned some new parts myself." "So did I from your lecture, First Lieutenant, in spite of having been trained as a German officer", Hans returns the compliment.
The sun beats down mercilessly on the desolate landscape surrounding the town of Tobruk in spite of it being December, as the air shimmers with heat. As they reach the area of the minefield they can already make out cadavers of two goats and a donkey around which several vultures have gathered who glare at the humans for disturbing their meal. The actual minefield stretches before them like a deadly puzzle, since only the animal cadavers provide some indication of its extent as well as being a silent testament to the brutal ingenuity of this war. Even though the invaders have retreated days ago, the people remaining, Allied soldiers and local civilians alike, are still in danger. At First Lieutenant Kirk's shouted order their armored car and the truck halt and the soldiers start to gather their equipment in a practiced manner, while the Rats gather around Dietrich. "You follow First Lieutenant Kirk's instructions, gentlemen. Be diligent, calm and focused!", the German Captain tells his men with a stern expression. "Unlike your usual rowdy methods, keeping a calm and level head is essential here, as more men than simply yourselves might be injured and killed, if you fail to heed our warnings." "Right, listen up, you Yankees and diggers alike!", Krik begins with his voice rough from the dry sandy environment and lack of water. "The Jerries have been busy. This field is a mix of Teller mines and S-mines. Nasty business. One wrong step, and you'll be in more pieces than a jigsaw." Then, he repeats his instructions on how to best detect each type of mine and how to best handle and defuse it. "When handling mines it's better to be slower than too fast!", the British officer shouts at the end of his instructions which he also provides for his own men with a perpetually grim expression.
The German Captain listens intently as he stands flanked by the Maori soldier on his left and the American Private with his red kepi chewing on his bubble gum nervously on his right side. While Hitch is most obviously sporting his injury, since his right arm is still in a cast, held by a sling around his neck, Dietrich and Anaru mainly bear bruises in their faces as visible signs of their injuries which are mainly hidden underneath their uniforms. "Since you three are a bit less mobile than the rest of you fellows," Kirk states sternly, gesturing towards Hans, Mark and Thomas, "you'll learn the art of detection. It's just as crucial as disarming, believe me." On his command, one of his soldiers brings a large spool with lightweight white rope which the First Lieutenant carries to the corner of the minefield, where he assumes that the two lines marking the outline meet approximately. Then, he wraps the rope around a rock three times to fixate it before cautiously walking along the lower line a few feet away from where the first animal cadavers lie. "This will be our help for orientation, which parts we have already checked", he explains to his apprentices. "Now for the actual detection we use this", he explains, as he picks up a strange looking metallic device which looks like a long pipe with a flat plate attached on one side and a cable leading into a backpack on the other side. "That's a mine detector, our most valuable tool", he explains to the three. "I will use one and one of you will use the other one. Given your injuries it's best if you switch places regularly to all learn the method and not suffer from too much strain as this is a dangerous job, requiring full attention." "I will start", the German Captain proposes immediately and accepts the help of one of the British soldiers for putting the backpack onto his back, before being handed the mine detector.
"You two follow behind him very carefully! Watch Corporal Grannings intently and move exactly in the manner he does", the British First Lieutenant orders sternly. Then Kirk proceeds to explain the intricacies of handling the mine detector showing them how its needle twitches erratically as it passes over the ground, until jumping into action when moved over buried metal which he simulates through digging his army knife into the sand before them. Next, he explains to them how to probe the ground with bayonets at a careful angle which his Corporal Grannings demonstrates diligently. Again the experts for mine detection let them all test the feeling for resistance that might possibly betray the presence of a mine. Also the other Rats listen to the instructions, even though they will later work in the team defusing and disarming the mines. "Patience is key," Kirk emphasizes with his strict tone forbidding any nonsense. "And a light touch. These things are designed to kill or maim mercilessly. They won't forgive a heavy hand." "Listen carefully, Troy", Jack whispers to the American Sergeant who glares at him. "I can be gentle, if my life depends on it", Sam counters with a grim expression.
Hans walks in parallel with the British First Lieutenant at enough distance that they can only just cover the ground between them when swishing the mine detector's front part to the side without touching. While his experienced Corporal and another British soldier from his squad follow behind Kirk taking large steps, always careful to step in the ground exactly where the officer with the mine detector has stepped, Thomas Anaru and Mark Hitchcock follow in Hans Dietrich's wake in exactly the same manner cautiously boring the tips of their bayonets into the ground. It is a painstaking work which tries Troy's patience just from watching until the first mine is detected twenty minutes after the start. One of the experienced soldiers asks one of the Rats to join him in digging out and disarming the mine for which Sam immediately steps forward. Better spend his time carefully digging out that deadly device than having to watch Dietrich taking one cautious step after the other while swishing the mine detector slowly over the area surrounding him. During the next hour all of the Rats move into action, as mine after mine is found by the two detection crews. Daniel O'Donnell works with a quiet focus, as he furrows his brow in concentration, wiping away some sweat from his forehead every now and then which betrays his actual nervousness. His brother Kevin is quite the opposite, moving with nervous energy, as he double-checks every small action he takes with the British soldier instructing him. Jack Moffit, as the well-trained British scholar that he is, is a picture of calm efficiency focused on his task at hand, as his every movement is precise and deliberate. Riku Gottschlich regularly performs breathing techniques to calm his flaring nerves, as he cautiously mutters to himself, repeating the First Lieutenant's instructions over and over to himself, while Tully Pettigrew works calmly and with grim efficiency he also applies as a sniper, while the Private bites down on his matchstick with a concentrated expression.
As they continue the nerve wrenching work with due diligence, sweat trickles down the men's faces, while the silence is only broken by the rhythmic beeping of the mine detector, the scraping of bayonets against the dry earth and the soldiers mutterings, Gottschlich repeating his instructions, while Troy swears in Greek and English, cursing the damned Jerries who buried the nasty mines here, causing them all this work. After two hours, First Lieutenant Kirk insists on a break, as they all have to maintain their concentration. After this Dietrich and Anaru switch places and the Maori takes the mine detector while the German uses the bayonet for cautiously testing the ground. After a few minutes the detector's needle moves erratically and the beeping changes frequency. Thomas Anaru with his face rather pale points to the ground and mutters: "Here! I think... there's something here." Hans Dietrich moves closer and observes the area he is pointing out closely, as he narrows his eyes in concentration, while he carefully probes the earth with his bayonet until he meets a distinct resistance. Carefully retreating from the potentially deadly device, he calls: "There's another mine over here. It feels rather large and flat, probably a Tellermine."
Troy and his British instructor move toward him, as the Brti eyes the young officer warily upon hearing the German pronunciation of the word. The experienced Sergeant checks the mine by cautiously poking around in the sand, before he nods: "It's a Tellermine alright, Captain. You ever did this mine detection before?" Dietrich shakes his head. "No, but I concluded it from the form, as far as I could feel it with the bayonet." "They call him Captain Sherlock, cause he's the master of deduction", Sam Troy provides his own comment unasked. The British Sergeant eyes the German Captain a bit warily, before calling loudly: "Right, let's get this one out. Troy, you help me." "You, Maori, keep searching and the rest of you continue digging those mines out!", Kirk barks his command, when he sees Anaru hesitating on how to proceed. With practiced movements, Troy and his grizzled British instructor carefully excavate the earth around the mine, until they finally expose its deadly form. Then, the English Sergeant barks commands to his American equivalent on how to meticulously disarm the fuse. Unusually for the energetic Yankee, his movements are slow and deliberate, while he works to disarm the lethal mechanism of the mine. When he finally succeeds, Sam wipes beads of sweat from his forehead, muttering: "Nasty business."
After five long hours of painstaking work, moving through the area step after careful step to scan the ground and cautiously digging out and defusing deadly mines, First Lieutenant Kirk finally declares the minefield cleared, when the sun is about to set again. "We'd better return to the city. It's not safe out here without the light of the sun", he barks. "Move all our tools into the truck. Then get in yourselves. Grannings, you drive the truck!" Dietrich meanwhile congratulates all his men on their achievement of successfully removing the mines. "Gentlemen, congratulations and my thanks for your excellent and diligent work", the German officer declares formally. "After deploying countless explosives, I hope that defusing some has taught you a lesson about handling these devices with care and thinking about the consequences of your actions." Hitchcock, Gottschlich, Anaru and the O'Donnell brothers look a bit chagrined, while Moffit and Pettigrew bear neutral expressions and Troy grumbles: "I know that you're the moralist, Captain. But an explosive's still pretty useful." "Unless it blows up in your own face, old man", Jack counters dryly, "or don't you remember the good old times when we drove through that wadi, hoping that none of them would tear our Jeeps and us into pieces?" While Dietrich nods to the British Sergeant with gratitude, Sam huffs, but growls: "You're right, Jack."
On the drive back to Tobruk, none of them feels like talking, as they all are weary and exhausted after the intensive work of the day. Nonetheless, the German officer insists on calling them all together for the start of their language lessons, even if it might be shorter than usual. Jakob Silberblatt joins them as well, reacting with similar astonishment as the others have, when he learns about the location of Merlin's secret lair. "Now, we are to start our German lessons officially", Hans Dietrich declares with due formality, as he stands in front of them. "All of you have agreed to learn the language basics to be able to understand your enemies, when performing reconnaissance of enemy camps or overhearing radio messages." His students observe the German Captain with various degrees of openly expressed curiosity. While Pettigrew chews on his matchstick and Hitchcock on his chewing gum, Troy scowls, as he concentrates on paying attention to his friend's words. Jack Moffit and Riku Gottschlich who know the language best still listen with interest to their commanding officer, while the O'Donnell brothers and Thomas Anaru who have not received any instructions before wonder how this will turn out. Jakob listens to his friend whom he will support diligently.
Hans Dietrich starts out by explaining the pronunciation of certain German words which are similar or identical even to English in their meaning, only differing in their pronunciation. "Take for example the word 'Halt'. It means 'stop', if used as a command. The word derives from 'halten' which is mainly used as 'anhalten' in the sense of 'to stop'. However, it has a double meaning, as it also means to 'hold' something" Hans explains calmly, carefully pronouncing the German and the English words to stress the differences and similarities. "Thus, 'Ich halte an' means 'I stop', whereas 'Ich halte das Buch' means 'I hold the book'." "Crazy", Sam mutters, rubbing his temple to lighten his headache, while Hitch mutters: "It kind of makes sense. That reminds me of the lectures in Old English we received during my college major in literature." "It makes a lot of sense if you look at the joint development of the German and English language during the middle ages", Jack Moffit provides his scholarly insights which are not received with as much enthusiasm as he would have liked. "Barbarians", he finally mutters, when the Australians and Americans join forces in ignoring his valuable information.
"The word you pronounce as 'gut', a part of the stomach, is spoken as 'gut' in German, meaning 'good' in English", Hans continues his lecture, letting them all repeat the word. "For example 'Guten Morgen' means 'Good morning' or 'Guten Abend' means 'Good evening'." "I know that one already", Toy declares proudly and repeats the two phrases with a pronunciation that is so horrible that the young officer cringes visibly. "It is spoken as 'Guten' no 'Gooden', Troy", Dietrich corrects with a weary sigh. "That's what I said. 'Gooden Morgan'", Sam counters. "Do you even hear the difference, Troy?", the German Captain asks with slight exasperation. "Guten Morgen", Riku Gottschlich who knows the basics of German pronunciation from his German grandfather and has an advantage from knowing Japanese pronunciation repeats diligently. "Well done, Corporal. You're 'r' and 'e' are still slightly off", Hans tells him with a content smile to have at least one talented student. "Guten Morgen", Thomas Anaru repeats, while applying his native Maori pronunciation rather than the English pronunciation to the words. "Excellent, Private Anaru. You have real talent for learning to speak German", Hans commends him and the young soldier smiles proudly at his success. "Thank you, Captain." "What does 'Good night' mean, Captain?", Kevin O'Donnell asks curiously. "You're overly eager, Private. 'Gute Nacht' is the phrase you want. It contains the 'ch' which also occurs in my family name and is particularly hard for you English speakers to pronounce. I can tell immediately whether somebody is not a native speaker of German from hearing this syllable alone", Dietrich tells them. "Even I struggle with it, since I was already twelve, when my father moved to Germany, and I have always been ridiculed for this", Jack Moffit admits. "Children can be very mean about these things", the young officer tells him with some sympathy. "We had a fellow student who had a harelip and therefore struggled with speaking properly. He was always ridiculed by our fellow students." Jakob Silberblatt nods in agreement. "Children can be honest but cold-hearted and mean as well", he adds sadly. "I suggest that you help our fellow unit members with listening to your pronunciation of different words. I suppose the time for your poetry has finally come, Jakob", Hans tells his friend withban inviting smile. Silberblatt looks utterly enthusiastic, as he asks his friend: "Would you recite Schiller's 'Bürgschaft' with me, Hans? Like in our school times, splitting the roles of narrator and actors?" Dietrich sighs wearily, replying: "Fine, Jakob. We had to learn this by heart after all. Don't worry, gentlemen. We will present you with a translation and explanations afterwards. This is really intended for getting you used to hearing German pronunciation."
"Zu Dionys dem Tyrannen schlich
Möros, den Dolch im Gewande,
Ihn schlugen die Häscher in Bande.", Jakob Silberblatt starts out, before passing the word to Dietrich who speaks in a low growl:
"Was wolltest du mit dem Dolche, sprich!"
"Entgegnet ihm finster der Wüterich", the Jewish Lieutenant continues,
"Die Stadt vom Tyrannen befreien!", Hans speaks with his silky baritone, before continuing again in his low voice:
"Das sollst du am Kreuze bereuen."
In a similar manner they continue throughout Schiller's whole ballad with Silberblatt reciting the lines of the narrator, while Dietrich adopts the different roles of the tyrant Dionys, the valiant protagonist Möros and other characters he encounters throughout his journey to wed his sister and save his friend. The Rats are quite enthralled by the spectacle and almost disappointed, when it is over. "Could you do this again?", Troy asks with a grin. "That was actually fun. And I think I can finally get a hold of hearing what you mean about pronunciation, Captain." Humoring the men, since they see some actual importance in learning the pronunciation properly, they first provide a literal translation for the ballad, verse by verse, before repeating the whole spectacle. Even Jack Moffit who has been forced to learn this ballad by heart, when attending German highschool in Bavaria, gains some new insights, while the other Rats truly enjoy the spectacle which provides them with language instructions in an actually enjoyable manner. When they hear the translation of the ode to unwavering friendship presented by the two unlikely friends, more than one of the men fights against tears welling up in their own eyes, when they realize how well it describes the two men in front of them, the German officer and his Jewish friend.
After a full hour of language lessons Jakob and Hans are content with the outcome of having taught some basics and gained everybody's interest and attention. "We will continue in two days' time, gentlemen", the young German Captain declares diligently. "Time for dinner", Troy cheers. "Your Fritz's soulmate, Sergeant, truly insatiable", the German Captain comments dryly, although he feels hungry as well after a day filled with intense work. "I need to pick up Ari and Kiri from the nurses first." "I can do this for you, Hans", Jakob offers. "Then you have some time for yourself." "You're the one taking care of Ari after dinner, Jakob", the German Captain replies. "It's only fair that I retrieve..." Suddenly, he halts mid sentence and stares at the Jewish Lieutenant, as realization dawns on him. "The nurses will join us for dinner. This was the deal I made with Lieutenant Hartigan for helping us", he mutters half to himself. "I'm really grateful to you, if you pick up Ari and Kiri, as I need to reserve and prepare a table for them." "We'll help you along, Captain", Troy offers, taking the German officer by surprise with his offer. "We can carry stuff to the table, plates, cutlery and food." The other men of his unit nod as well, while only Hitchcock appears rather flustered by the suggestion. "I don't want to misuse you as serving personnel, gentlemen, especially since you all have an exhausting day behind you, but I'm very grateful for any volunteers helping me with this task", Hans replies with gratitude audible in his tone. "You fought against that jerk Warren for us. Carrying some stuff to a table is the least we can do in return", Sam counters immediately, patting the skinny young Captain on the left shoulder. "Thank you, Troy, and all of you", Dietrich tells his men who all nod in response. "You're welcome, Captain", Moffit answers as their representative.
Their ways split, when the Rats turn to picking up the dinner utensils, while Dietrich walks to the officer's table directly to take care of the arrangements. However, General Atkins calls the young Captain over during his dinner and addresses him sternly, as soon as Hans has approached the officer's table. "Captain Dietrich. I heard that you caused quite a ruckus at lunch", the older man remarks sternly, twirling his moustache. The German Captain proudly meets his gaze straight on, as he provides his justification: "I merely stood in defence of my men, General, and pleaded with Captain Warren to call back his unit members, keeping them from harassing mine." Atkins wraps his moustache around his index finger absentmindedly, while bearing a contemplative expression, as he scolds in a strict tone: "According to descriptions you were not only the defensive part, Captain." "But Captain Dietrich was mostly defensive, until Captain Warren personally offended and intentionally provoked him", James Boggs rises in his colleague's defence who looks a bit surprised by receiving his support. "I will allow you and Captain Warren to come to your senses and settle this within the next few days as officers and gentlemen of your rank should, before I have to intervene", Atkins warns sternly. "I want to allow you to craft a reputation, Dietrich." The German Captain looks actually taken aback by this statement, but bows his head in a gesture of appreciation. "Thank you, General. I will do my best to settle this peacefully with Captain Warren." "I wish you good luck for that. Knowing Warren, you'll need it", Atkins comments cryptically. "Speaking of crafting a reputation, General. I owe the nurses a favour and offered to let them all have dinner here with us. I would need enough space at one table for this though", the young officer speaks calmly. "The medical personnel have always spoken highly of you, Captain Dietrich. Returning this appreciation is an action I consider adequate for you unlike quarrelling with your fellow Captains. Take the table at the far left end and tell the Lieutenant there to take a different place on my order!" "Thank you, Sir", Hans replies with a polite bow, before following through with the command.
Troy and the rest of the Rats, all bearing trays with plates, glasses, cutlery and food, approach their commanding officer, once they see him alone at the table. The Captain helps his men with arranging everything and gives precise instructions on how to lay out cutlery and dishes. "The Aussie kid gave us some extra portions of dessert, cause you're Marlene Dietrich's cousin and he still wants that signature of yours. This is gonna become my favourite ruse, Captain", Sam tells the German officer jovially, as he observes their finished work with a content expression. "Don't tell Jakob or he'll feel encouraged to come up with more of those insane ideas", Hans mutters dryly. "I like Jakob and his ideas", Troy comments with a grin. "I feared you would, Sergeant", Dietrich groans in mock exasperation. "With you two combining forces, I'll never have a boring moment in my life again." "That's good. We wouldn't want you to be bored after all", Sam replies, grinning from ear to ear. "Troy", Hans groans in actual exasperation now.
"Jeez, the monstrous amazon herself is coming", Troy suddenly mutters, when he notices Major Erica Timberlake leading her squad of nurses into the mess hall. Hitch gives a quiet whimper that reminds of Fritz when somebody has stepped on his tail, while the O'Donnells pale slightly. More than one of the officers sitting here for dinner looks surprised, as the women directly approach the table with the German Captain who stands at attention, clicking his heels and saluting properly which all of his men copy with unusual diligence, even Pettigrew. "Major Timberlake, it is an honor that you and your brave nurses have followed my invitation", the young officer declares, as he gives a polite bow and indicates placing a kiss on the hand of the head nurse who observes him calmly. "Inviting us for dinner is unusual, but not unappreciated, Captain. You have quite a lot to thank the medical personnel for, given your injuries, but Doctor Andrews, Lieutenant Hartigan and Lieutenant O'Donnell similarly have much to thank you for. I am grateful for your thoughtful gesture and invitation nonetheless, as you are the only officer who has ever considered expressing his appreciation in such a gentlemanly manner." Her voice is sharp and cutting like a blade, intended not for Dietrich as a reprimand, but the other officers, some of whom appear quite flustered to be scolded like this, including General Atkins who mutters to Captain Boggs, while the nurses take their seats around the table.
Frida Olson follows the other nurses to the officers' table, as they have been invited to join a young Captain for dinner, while Doctor Rothschild, Raymond and Andrews handle the hospital on their own for the next hour. A tall thin brown-haired officer stands there to greet them, surrounded by a motley crew of serving personnel, Americans, Australians, a Brit and even an exotic Maori, all of them saluting to the Major in greeting, before the young Captain bows and kisses the hand first of the head nurse, then of each of the nurses as a manner of a polite welcome she has never experienced before. While some of her colleagues observe the young man with clear adoration in spite of Timberlake's strict gaze, Frida keeps staring at his bruised face for a different reason, when he steps toward her and repeats the same treatment he has provided to each of her colleagues. Some part of her mind tells her that she knows him from somewhere but she cannot quite place the man and the face, even though she usually remembers her patients very well. Maybe the bruises and the black eye he is sporting are changing his appearance so she does not recognize him. Apart from the nurses, a curly haired officer with the two children who spend their time in the hospital under the care of her colleagues Lisa and Deirdre greet the young officer, all three hugging him with obvious familiarity.
After five frustrating minutes of raking her memory, Frida Olson finally dares to address the skinny Captain: "I think that I remember you and I never forget a face normally. Did I treat you at some point, Captain?" The young man blushes a bit, when he answers her: "I wasn't sure whether you would remember me, Lieutenant Olson. You suffered from a concussion yourself back then, when you conducted my treatment in September." Olson scowls, as she tries to remember him more clearly. "You were already very skinny back then, weren't you?", she asks cautiously. "That is an educated guess which serves you well, Lieutenant", Dietrich replies dryly. "I still served in the German Wehrmacht back then, although you were not aware of this, when you provided treatment to the Italian Tenente Marcello and me." Frida Olson looks honestly in shock now, realizing the implication of the words. "I assure you that I have done you no harm or abused your situation, Lieutenant Olson", Hans quickly assures her. "You were the ones who stole the General", Olson realizes and the German Captain nods with a rather guilty expression. "Yes, although this was never my intention. I simply wanted to escape captivity and rescue as many of my men as possible, including the Italian Lieutenant. Although you probably don't remember it, because you were affected by your head injury, you let me go, because you thought that I was an American Doctor, when I asked you to help treat a wounded soldier."
Lisa Hartigan intercedes now, after listening for a while to gather new gossip. "I see why you didn't want to tell me this, Captain. You really thought he was a Doctor, Frida?" The blond nurse blushes, barely remembering the events which have been blurred through her injury. "An external medic gave me orders to help a patient and I obeyed. The diagnosis and ordered therapy were reasonable. The soldier did not die on that day.I'm sure of it." "I gave you the best diagnosis I was able to give according to my abilities and wanted you to treat him properly, as I'm no murderer to kill a man through false treatment in cold blood", Dietrich argues desperately, trying to convince her that she is not to blame. Erica Timberlake who has listened and observed all interactions sharply also intervenes now: "Doctor Rothschild and Andrews consider you very competent in the field of medicine, especially first aid, Captain. We don't accuse you of any ill intentions. Even General Atkins himself has defended you lately, although he was more than angry right after your escape. Only once he realized that you saved his life through providing his direly needed treatment, sacrificing your own escape chances, has he been rather taken by you." Dietrich looks honestly surprised, as he has never heard this version of the events before, but they are consistent with Atkins' surprisingly friendly and polite treatment of the German officer who has once abducted him.
"Captain Dietrich has risked his life to help others more than once", Deirdre O'Donnell also adds to the praise of the young man she is enamored with, although he tries his best to protect her by dissuading her of the notion. "He went out into the desert to save the Italians on the very first day after he arrived in our camp, freshly tortured by those monsters from the SS. And he called in help from the Red Cross, when we were absolutely desperate and didn't know how we should continue treating so many wounded without collapsing from fatigue ourselves." "I still remember how you avoided us in the beginning, because we found out about your relation to Marlene Dietrich", Lisa Hartigan adds with a grin, enjoying to see the young officer blushing. "We don't get the cousins of famous Hollywood actresses every day." All the nurses stare at him now and Hans averts his gaze, feeling more ashamed than ever about the impertinent lies Silberblatt and Atkins have forced upon him. "He's just shy", Lisa Hartigan comments, while Erica Timberlake assesses him closely now. "I can really see the similarity now. I saw her in 'The Flame of New Orleans' and 'The Spoilers' in the cinema together with my husband."
Hans Dietrich sighs wearily as he pinches his nose, shaking his head in disbelief how the power of imagination can even mislead the reasonable and stern Major. "What is a cinema?", Kiri wants to know. The German Captain smiles gently, relieved about the distraction the children provide from the topic which is more than a little embarrassing for him. Erica Timberlake tells the children about the movies' plots, after Hans has described the technical functionality of a cinema. Lisa Hartigan enthusiastically supports the head nurse in finding new and interesting movie plots to tell them about, while the nurse Dietrich knows as Anne Mitchells addresses the young officer: "I hope you still remember me, Captain." Dietrich smiles politely. "Of course I do. You were my eager language student for Italian and German phrases. You're Anne Mitchells, aren't you?" The nurse smiles widely at the young man, as she chatters: "I'm so glad you remember me. Back then it was still Mitchells, now it's Anne Raymond. Humphrey and I have finally married."
"It was a really romantic wedding ceremony, Reverend Storm held for them three weeks ago, here in the church in Tobruk", Mary Falkowsky adds with a sigh at the wonderful reminiscence of the event. "I wish I could finally marry my Harry soon." "My sincerest congratulations, Lieutenant. I wish you both a happy time", Hans declares politely, holding out his right hand for her in spite of wincing slightly at the movement. "Thank you so much. It's still wonderful that we could get married so soon. We thought we'd wait until we're on leave and back in the U. S. But events here showed us how short life can be and how important it is to cherish the moment." Deirdre wipes a tear out of the corner of her eye, while the German Captain bears a saddened expression. "I know what you mean. I was engaged once." Mary Falkowsky and Anne Raymond scan his hand quickly with their gazes, verifying that he wears no ring. "What happened?", the bolder nurse Mary dares to ask. "She died", Hans replies with a tormented look. "I'm so sorry", the nurse tells him sadly, actually reaching out to squeeze the young man's forearm who flinches at the unexpected touch. "You'll find someone else", Anne tries to reassure him, while Deirdre O'Donnell looks stricken.
Briefly, the German Captain's gaze flickers in her direction, before focusing back on Anne Raymond. "I must not put anybody's life at risk, Lieutenant Raymond. I should be more precise. Amelie didn't just die. She was murdered by French resistance fighters, her own countrymen, for being engaged with a German officer. I'm a pariah and hunted traitor for the Germans nowadays and a distrusted defector and former enemy for the Allies. Being engaged with me would only harm the person I care about and thus it's not an option as long as this war is still raging and they are actively at risk of being attacked by the Axis side because of me." While speaking the last part, he meets Deirdre's gaze directly who cannot hide her tears any longer. Their interaction does not go unnoticed by the other nurses who exchange a glance, before Mary wraps her arm around Deirdre's shoulder in a reassuring manner, while Anne addresses the German Captain: "Lisa and Deirdre described you as the selfless hero, but I had no idea that was so true. I'm all with them to help you, if you need us." Dietrich nods, looking actually astonished, before whispering very quietly: "Please, look after Deirdre O'Donnell and help her come to terms with what I just told you." Anne Reynolds looks honestly surprised by the request and trust, but smiles in return, promising: "We will."
"Hans, we also want to go to the movie!", Ari interrupts them to plead with his brother. "You didn't tell me that you have a beautiful cousin with a lot of beautiful dresses, Ioannes", Kiri declares with such an accusatory tone that it makes everyone around the table laugh, including Hans himself. "I'm so sorry, Kiri, that I kept this very important information from you", the German tells her with mirth in his tone and a twinkle of irony in his eyes. "I also want a beautiful dress", the Bedouin girl states her demands. "I'm afraid obtaining one for you anytime soon will not be possible. But you still have a lot of beautiful dresses from auntie Fatima and auntie Amira", the lean Captain tries to console her. "But I can't go to the cinema without a beautiful dress", Kiri laments. "You can't go to the cinema here at all, Ari, Kiri. Only in the United States of America where we want to bring you to be safe and with nice families you can go to the cinema", Dietrich tries to convince them. "Will you come too, Hans?", Ari asks. "Only once there is no war", Hans replies clearly, adding more quietly: "If I'm still alive." All the nurses look saddened and worried, as it becomes clear that the young man's situation is far from simple.
"We actually sometimes watch movies here as well for the entertainment of the soldiers. But it could still be some time until it works here in Tobruk", Erica Timberlake unexpectedly states for the children's consolation who beam at her happily. "Can we see Hans' cousin then?", Ari asks eagerly, while Dietrich pinches his nose in exasperation. Just what did he do wrong in God's eyes to be punished like this? "There are lots of movies with Marlene Dietrich", the head nurse declares in a friendly tone. "And then we can all see how close the two of them look compared to each other", Lisa Hartigan declares, making the German shudder slightly. He can still explain any lack of similarity with being rather distant cousins. But he seems to struggle rather with the other phenomenon that people try to see and invent similarities that cannot possibly be there, since he is not an actual relative of the famous actress. But once every soldier on the base is pointed at the closeness of their family names, he will never be able to escape the net of lies that is bound to follow. "I'm still of the opinion that you have the same nose as your cousin", Deirdre tells the young officer with a slight blush, as she sees his exasperated expression.
"And you should see Hans' actual performance skills, my dear ladies", Jakob Silberblatt intercedes rather unexpectedly, taking his friend by surprise. With a maneuver that would have made Sam Troy himself proud he tears the rug out from underneath the German Captain's feet, before he even realizes fully what is happening, as he suggests: "Hans and I have just practiced and rehearsed the presentation of one of the masterpieces of German romantic lyricism, Friedrich Schiller's most famous ballad 'Die Bürgschaft'." "I have never heard German poetry before", Deirdre O'Donnell is immediately taken by the suggestion. "Mark repeated some of the poems he learned from you, but I'm sure it sounds quite different, if presented by a native speaker", Lisa Hartigan comments, scowling in the direction of the Private she currently is more than angry with. "We will present the work splitting the text between us. I recite the narrator's part, while Hans plays the different roles with different voices as appropriate for the cousin of such a famous actress." Dietrich glares daggers at his insolent friend who in addition to inventing this whole insane lie has the audacity to display it openly. "I want to hear the ballad, Hans", Ari cheers enthusiastically which finally overcomes the young Captain' resistance, as he loves the boy too much to turn him down out of mere stubbornness.
"The ballad is from the literary epoch of 'Sturm und Drang', a time when humans with their individuality, the power of their idealism and the sense of sentimentality as opposed to the previous rationalism and dry humanism became important", Jakob Silberblatt enjoys to delve a bit into the backgrounds of literature which he has enjoyed since their schooldays. "Schiller is one of the most famous representatives of this epoch, like Goethe as well. The ballad 'Die Bürgschaft' tells the story of a young man who intends to assassinate a brutal and cold-hearted tyrant, but gets caught in the act and convicted to die by crucifixion. He pleads to be allowed a three days leave to wed his sister to her future husband, before returning for his execution, offering to leave his best friend as guarantor, 'Bürge' in German, to die in his stead, should he not return. The tyrant agrees and the main plot of the ballad revolves around the young man and the perils he suffers trying to return in time to save his friend." "When he finally arrives back at the city", Hans takes over providing the summary, "he is warned that he is too late to save his friend and recommended to save his own life instead to avoid the tyrant's revenge, but instead continues onward into the city, willing to valiantly and honorably die alongside his friend rather than leaving him to die in his stead all the while believing in their friendship." "The tyrant is actually moved so much by the noble deed and unwavering friendship that he releases them both and the ballad ends with him pleading to be accepted as a third friend in their midst, renouncing his evil ways", Jakob finishes the plot summary. "Wow", Lisa Hartigan states with a baffled tone. "That's almost like an epic movie plot." "Indeed, but it sounds even more dramatic through the rhymes of the ballad", Dietrich agrees with a smirk.
Then, he stands up to be better heard when reciting the verses and Silberblatt follows his example. Again they start their by now actually practiced performance which draws the attention of the rest of the officers quickly, many of whom surround the table with the nurses and the two German stemming officers.
"Und ist es zu spät, und kann ich ihm nicht
Ein Retter willkommen erscheinen,
So soll mich der Tod ihm vereinen.
Deß rühme der blutge Tyrann sich nicht,
Daß der Freund dem Freunde gebrochen die Pflicht,
Er schlachte der Opfer zweie,
Und glaube an Liebe und Treue",
Hans Dietrich recites with enough pathos as if the words, pleading to rather die at his friend's side than betraying him, would be his own. Hand gestures make the message of the words easier to understand for those who have learned the content of the ballad, but cannot understand the actual German terms. James Boggs along with General Atkins observes his younger colleague performing in a manner that might have made the Italian stage artist Marcello proud of his German friend. "Dietrich has actual acting talent", the American Captain mutters, sounding impressed. "Selling him as Marlene Dietrich's cousin was a stroke of genius", the General adds contently, as he twirls his moustache. "He's a hidden gem that will make an excellent agent, once Merlin has polished him through training."
The nurses and the officers who have formed their unexpected audience applaud for the two young Germans who bow politely, both looking a bit flustered. "That was amazing", Anne Mitchells whispers, truly impressed by the stage performance of the duo. "I thought I missed the opera plots, but this is just as good. We need to join them more often", her friend Mary agrees. "That was wonderful and impressive, Captain", Deirdre tells the lean officer with a rather starry eyed expression. "Thank you", Dietrich replies with an actual smile, when Ari hugs him around the waist and mutters into his shirt: "That was the most beautiful poem I ever heard, Hans. Can you teach me to do that?" "Sure, Ari", his brother mutters gently, patting the orphan gently on the head. "I want to learn this too, Ioannes", Kiri demands and snuggles against the German Captain's other side, making him wince, when she presses against his sutures and bruised ribs. "I'm really impressed, Captain Dietrich", Major Timberlake admits. "This evening is a lot more entertaining and enlightening than I would ever have expected." "Thank you, Major", Hans replies politely.
When the nurses leave an hour later with Kiri accompanying Lisa Hartigan and Deirdre O'Donnell, Jakob Silberblatt also excuses himself to bring a tired Ari to bed. Troy and Moffit have observed the Captain's dinner party and approach their exhausted looking young commander now. "Need a hand with all those plates, Captain?", Sam inquires, while Jack politely provides: "That appeared to have been quite the entertaining party, Captain, given how excited your guests have looked from afar." "I'll gladly take any offer of help, Troy. Thank you, Doctor. The whole event was an absolute surprise for me as well, but didn't turn out as bad as I feared", the German Captain admits earnestly, as he helps to gather plates on a pile, using mainly his left arm, while collecting cutlery with his right. When Sam Troy whistles loudly, Hitch and Tully followed by their other unit members come running immediately. "Bring that stuff back to the kitchen boys, guys! Wait, Jack, that pastry still looks quite edible", the American Sergeant declares, quickly saving half a pastry somebody has not eaten for dinner by stuffing the dessert in his mouth. "Insatiable", Hans mutters, shaking his head in slight exasperation.
Something small tearing at his bootlaces makes him aware of the kitten who looks up with innocent blue eyes, when he scolds her sternly. "Bastet, nein!" "Meow", the little cat pleads to be picked up, by moving her front paws in the air and staring at him intently. When she almost topples over from her stunt, Hans picks her up gently. Fritz trots along behind the Rats, when their efforts distract his new friends from the food dispense and keep them from handing him more of the leftovers. As soon as he spots Dietrich with the kitten in his arm, the brown dog walks up to him and drops himself on the German Captain's boot, making it impossible to ignore him. "Fritz", Hans sighs wearily and scratches his loyal mascot behind the ears at which Fritz pants and yelps happily. "All done", Troy reports contently, when their joint efforts have cleared the whole table in two rounds. "Well done, Sergeant. My sincerest thanks to all of you, gentlemen. I want to remind you that we are likely to come under attack from Captain Warren's men. Prepare yourselves accordingly, stay vigilant, but also defensive. Don't provoke them and never strike first!", Dietrich addresses his men sternly who nod with grim expressions. Gottschlich looks heartbroken, as he steps toward the Captain with a desperate expression, whimpering: "I'm so sorry, Captain. This is all my fault." "None of this is your fault, Corporal Gottschlich", Hans counters. "Neither are you responsible for Captain Warren's narrow minded stubbornness nor for the prejudices many hold against you or Private Anaru." "Or even yourself, Captain", Moffit adds. "That bastard offended you even worse than Gotty", Sam Troy agrees with an angry growl. "He'd better hope that I never get my hands on him." "Sergeant Troy. Attacking a senior officer is a serious offense", Dietrich reminds him sternly, glancing toward the nearby table with the remaining officers with clear worry written on his face.
When Bastet starts to happily play with the metal parts on his uniform, Hans hands her to Moffit who takes the kitten with a gentle smile and scratches her until she starts purring loudly. Troy meanwhile offers: "Jack and I will accompany you to your room Captain, so you're not alone and none of us is on our way back." " Excellently planned, Troy. Anaru, Hitchcock, you two choose somebody to accompany you to the field hospital for your medical checkup. The rest of you return to your rooms and always move in groups. General Atkins ordered to resolve this matter within the next few days, before he will intervene. Hopefully, Warren will see reason sometime soon, before this will escalate too much. I don't want any of us accused of having been the offensive party however and therefore all of you have the standing order to only act defensively and never be the first to attack!", Hans orders strictly. "You can count on us, Captain Fox Kit", Troy assures him. "Sure, Captain Sherlock. We look after our own", Kevin O'Donnell assures him as well. Dietrich bows slightly. "Thank you, gentlemen." "Let's shake it, guys. See you all later!", Troy declares and the Rats start to split up into groups. The O'Donnells accompany Anaru and Hitch to the hospital where they want to chat with their cousin Deirdre about what has happened during the dinner party, while Tully watches over Gottschlich, since the two have formed a quiet understanding and basis of respect for each other. The Captain followed by his two Sergeants and his unit mascot turns to leave as well.
When Dietrich does not take the staircase toward the officer's quarters however, Troy asks: "What's going on? Where are you going?" "I need to pick up the uniform I borrowed from Captain Boggs yesterday. It should be laundered already", Hans replies. "Very diligent, Captain", Sam mutters. "I'm a German officer, Troy. I've been spoon fed diligence since my birth", the young Captain replies with self-mockery. "It makes you a very noble and honorable individual, Captain, just like the protagonist of Schiller's ballad you recited for us today", Jack Moffit adds his insights. "Yeah, that was the most fun I ever had listening to such stuff", Troy admits. "I'm sure Friedrich Schiller would feel honored by your praise, Troy", Hans counters dryly. "You presented the same ballad to the nurses and officers, Captain?", Jack inquires. "Indeed, Doctor. It was Jakob's ingenious idea to prove my acting prowess and thus my relation to Marlene Dietrich", the young Captain laments with a weary sigh. "I like that guy. He's full of good ideas", Troy comments with a grin. "I thought it could have been one of your ideas, Troy. He surely would have made you proud with how he took me completely by surprise", Hans admits with dry sarcasm.
Once Dietrich retrieves Boggs' borrowed uniform from the laundry, he returns to his room, accompanied by Troy and Moffit. Fritz already awaits them, curled up and sleeping on the doormat. "Thank you, gentlemen. I hope that I won't need a bodyguard for going to the officer's facilities and taking a shower which I definitely need after the sparring session today", the young Captain declares to his loyal Sergeants. "Good idea", Troy agrees. "How's your flank? Does it still hurt from the shoves Tommy and I gave you?" "Not more badly than it hurt during the last few days, Troy. So there is no need to worry", Hans replies calmly. Sam eyes him with clear worry. "You're tough, Captain, I grant you that. But you've also been beaten black and blue. And for a guy of your size you're a flyweight. I can easily carry you though you're taller than me." Hans narrows his eyes now, as he growls defensively: "Leave me in peace, Troy! I'm doing my best to rebuild my constitution and strength." "Leave him be, Troy!", Jack also intercedes, still carrying the now napping Bastet in his arms. Troy huffs, but quits arguing with his friends. "Good night, gentlemen", Dietrich wishes them quickly, before Troy comes up with more unnerving ideas.
As soon as they have left, Hans knocks at the door of his neighbour, the older Captain. When James Boggs opens his door and finds his younger colleague waiting outside with the dog leaning against his master's boot, he asks with surprise: "What can I do for you, Captain Dietrich?" "I wanted to return the shirt and trousers I have borrowed from you, now that I have retrieved them from the laundry", the German replies with due formality. "Thank you, Captain Dietrich. You are a very diligent man, as you could have just let the laundry return it to me", Boggs replies. "I owe you my gratitude for intervening on my behalf more than once, Captain Boggs", Hans counters, bowing politely without appearing subservient. "Returning this to you personally is a matter of honor." "Thank you, Dietrich. After seeing your performance at dinner I decided that I should take the time to attend your German classes as well, if this is how you teach your Rats about German pronunciation, as your friend Lieutenant Silberblatt told me." "It isn't my usual way, but we were all tired after several hours of detecting and disarming mines, so I thought that a more entertaining lesson was in order to still keep them attentive", the younger Captain argues. "You have real talent for this, acting as well as teaching your skills, Dietrich", Boggs assures him. "Where is your lady companion, Bastet?" Hans smiles wryly. "She spends the night with Sergeant Moffit, thank God. So I can look forward to a pleasant night with none but Fritz sleeping in my bed and noone stealing away my pillow." "Woof", the brown dog adds, fawning at his beloved master, when he hears his name. "Braver Hund, Fritz", Dietrich tells his unit mascot, petting him over the head gently. "You're still the patron and saviour of children and animals, Dietrich. I wish you a good night", Boggs tells the younger man with a smile. "Good night to you as well, Captain Boggs", Hans replies, before retreating to his room. There he spends another hour and a half studying the books about forensics Merlin has left with him, before finally taking a shower. Luckily Warren has not had the patience to besiege the facilities, so he can make his way there and back peacefully, before tucking in for the night with Fritz snoring quietly underneath the German Captain's bed.
CWINACWINACWINACWINACWINACWINACWINACWINACWINACWINACWINACWINA
Die Bürgschaft (Friedrich Schiller)
Zu Dionys dem Tyrannen schlich
Damon, den Dolch im Gewande,
Ihn schlugen die Häscher in Bande.
Was wolltest du mit dem Dolche, sprich!
Entgegnet ihm finster der Wüterich.
„Die Stadt vom Tyrannen befreien!"
Das sollst du am Kreuze bereuen.
Ich bin, spricht jener, zu sterben bereit,
Und bitte nicht um mein Leben,
Doch willst du Gnade mir geben,
Ich flehe dich um drey Tage Zeit,
Bis ich die Schwester dem Gatten gefreit,
Ich lasse den Freund dir als Bürgen,
Ihn magst du, entrinn ich, erwürgen.
Da lächelt der König mit arger List,
Und spricht nach kurzem Bedenken:
Drei Tage will ich dir schenken.
Doch wisse! Wenn sie verstrichen die Frist,
Eh du zurück mir gegeben bist,
So muß er statt deiner erblassen,
Doch dir ist die Strafe erlassen.
Und er kommt zum Freunde: „der König gebeut,
Daß ich am Kreutz mit dem Leben
Bezahle das frevelnde Streben,
Doch will er mir gönnen drei Tage Zeit,
Bis ich die Schwester dem Gatten gefreit,
So bleib du dem König zum Pfande,
Bis ich komme, zu lösen die Bande.
Und schweigend umarmt ihn der treue Freund,
Und liefert sich aus dem Tyrannen,
Der andere ziehet von dannen.
Und ehe das dritte Morgenrot scheint,
Hat er schnell mit dem Gatten die Schwester vereint,
Eilt heim mit sorgender Seele,
Damit er die Frist nicht verfehle.
Da gießt unendlicher Regen herab,
Von den Bergen stürzen die Quellen,
Und die Bäche, die Ströme schwellen.
Und er kommt an's Ufer mit wanderndem Stab,
Da reisset die Brücke der Strudel hinab,
Und donnernd sprengen die Wogen
Des Gewölbes krachenden Bogen.
Und trostlos irrt er an Ufers Rand,
Wie weit er auch spähet und blicket
Und die Stimme, die rufende, schicket;
Da stößet kein Nachen vom sichern Strand,
Der ihn setze an das gewünschte Land,
Kein Schiffer lenket die Fähre,
Und der wilde Strom wird zum Meere.
Da sinkt er ans Ufer und weint und fleht,
Die Hände zum Zeus erhoben:
O hemme des Stromes Toben!
Es eilen die Stunden, im Mittag steht
Die Sonne und wenn sie niedergeht,
Und ich kann die Stadt nicht erreichen,
So muß der Freund mir erbleichen.
Doch wachsend erneut sich des Stromes Wut,
Und Welle auf Welle zerrinnet,
Und Stunde an Stunde entrinnet,
Da treibet die Angst ihn, da faßt er sich Muth
Und wirft sich hinein in die brausende Flut,
Und teilt mit gewaltigen Armen
Den Strom, und ein Gott hat Erbarmen.
Und gewinnt das Ufer und eilet fort,
Und danket dem rettenden Gotte,
Da stürzet die raubende Rotte
Hervor aus des Waldes nächtlichem Ort,
Den Pfad ihm sperrend, und schnaubet Mord
Und hemmet des Wanderers Eile
Mit drohend geschwungener Keule.
Was wollt ihr? ruft er für Schrecken bleich,
Ich habe nichts als mein Leben,
Das muß ich dem Könige geben!
Und entreißt die Keule dem nächsten gleich:
Um des Freundes Willen erbarmet euch!
Und drey, mit gewaltigen Streichen,
Erlegt er, die andern entweichen.
Und die Sonne versendet glühenden Brand
Und von der unendlichen Mühe
Ermattet sinken die Knie:
O hast du mich gnädig aus Räubershand,
Aus dem Strom mich gerettet ans heilige Land,
Und soll hier verschmachtend verderben,
Und der Freund mir, der liebende, sterben!
Und horch! da sprudelt es silberhell
Ganz nahe, wie rieselndes Rauschen,
Und stille hält er zu lauschen,
Und sieh, aus dem Felsen, geschwätzig, schnell,
Springt murmelnd hervor ein lebendiger Quell,
Und freudig bückt er sich nieder,
Und erfrischet die brennenden Glieder.
Und die Sonne blickt durch der Zweige Grün,
Und mahlt auf den glänzenden Matten
Der Bäume gigantische Schatten,
Und zwey Wanderer sieht er die Straße ziehn,
Will eilenden Laufes vorüber fliehn,
Da hört er die Worte sie sagen:
Jetzt wird er ans Kreutz geschlagen.
Und die Angst beflügelt den eilenden Fuß,
Ihn jagen der Sorge Qualen,
Da schimmern in Abendrots Strahlen
Von ferne die Zinnen von Syrakus,
Und entgegen kommt ihm Philostratus,
Des Hauses redlicher Hüter,
Der erkennet entsetzt den Gebieter:
"Zurück! du rettest den Freund nicht mehr,
So rette das eigene Leben!
Den Tod erleidet er eben.
Von Stunde zu Stunde gewartet' er
Mit hoffender Seele der Wiederkehr,
Ihm konnte den mutigen Glauben
Der Hohn des Tyrannen nicht rauben."
"Und ist es zu spät, und kann ich ihm nicht
Ein Retter willkommen erscheinen,
So soll mich der Tod ihm vereinen.
Deß rühme der blutge Tirann sich nicht,
Daß der Freund dem Freunde gebrochen die Pflicht,
Er schlachte der Opfer zweie,
Und glaube an Liebe und Treue."
Und die Sonne geht unter, da steht er am Thor
Und sieht das Kreutz schon erhöhet,
Das die Menge gaffend umstehet,
An dem Seile schon zieht man den Freund empor,
Da zertrennt er gewaltig den dichten Chor:
„Mich Henker!" ruft er, "erwürget,
Da bin ich, für den er gebürget!"
Und Erstaunen ergreifet das Volk umher,
In den Armen liegen sich beide,
Und weinen für Schmerzen und Freude.
Da sieht man kein Auge tränenleer,
Und zum Könige bringt man die Wundermär,
Der fühlt ein menschliches Rühren,
Läßt schnell vor den Thron sie führen.
Und blicket sie lange verwundert an,
Drauf spricht er: Es ist euch gelungen,
Ihr habt das Herz mir bezwungen,
Und die Treue, sie ist doch kein leerer Wahn,
So nehmet auch mich zum Genossen an,
Ich sei, gewährt mir die Bitte,
In eurem Bunde der dritte.
English Version
To Dionysius, the tyrant, would sneak
Moeros, concealing a dagger;
He's slapped by the guards in a fetter.
"What would you do with that dagger, speak!"
Demands the despot, his visage bleak.
"I would free the state from a tyrant!"
"For that, on the cross be repentant."
"I am," he replies, "ready to die
And do not beseech you to spare me,
But if you would show me mercy,
I ask you to let three days go by,
'Til my sister her marriage bonds may tie,
I'll leave you my friend, in bondage,
If I flee, his life is hostage."
The King then smiles with malice in his face,
And speaks after thinking just briefly:
"Three days I'll give for your journey.
But beware! If you've used up your days of grace,
Before you've returned to me from that place,
Then he must to death be committed,
But your sentence will be remitted."
And he comes to his friend: "The King bids, that I
Must pay by crucifixion
For my wrongful act of passion,
But he will let three days go by,
'Til my sister her marriage bonds may tie,
So stay as my pledge, 'til I hasten
Back to you, your bonds to unfasten."
And the true friend embraces him silently
And goes to the tyrant in submission,
The other goes hence on his mission.
And before the sun rises upon the third day,
He quickly gives his sister in marriage away,
Hurries home, with anxious spirit,
That he stay not beyond the time limit.
Then the rain comes pouring down endlessly,
From the mountains the springs are rushing,
And the brooks and the streams are gushing.
To the bank with his wanderer's staff comes he,
As the whirlpool is tearing the bridge away,
And the waves now break with a thunder
The arch of the vault asunder.
And hopeless he wanders the shore's dark sand,
As widely as he scouts and gazes
And as loud as the cries he raises,
Here no boat puts out from safety's strand,
Which brings him across to the wished-for land,
No skipper mans his station,
And the wild stream swells to an ocean.
Then he sinks on the shore and prays and cries,
His hands up to Zeus extended:
"O let the storm's wrath be ended!
The hours are hastening, at midday lies
The sun, and if it leaves the skies,And I cannot reach the city,
Then my friend must die without pity."
But renewed, the rage of the storm does grow,
And wave upon wave goes racing,
And hour after hour is chasing.
His courage he seizes, his fear makes him go
And headlong he dives in the thundering flowAnd cleaves, in a powerful fashion,
The flood, and a god has compassion.
And he wins the bank and runs from the flood
And thanks to the god he expresses,
When a band of robbers then presses
From out a nocturnal spot in the wood,
His pathway blocking, and snorts for his bloodAnd holds up the wanderer's speeding
With threatening cudgels impeding.
"What do you want?" he cries, pale with fear,
"I've naught but my life to render,
Which I to the king must surrender!"
And he grabs the club from the one most near:
"For the sake of my friend be merciful here!"And three, with a powerful beating
He slays, the others retreating.
And the sun glows hot as a burning brand,
And from all of the pains of his mission
He sinks to his knees in exhaustion.
"O you've saved me with mercy from robbers' hand,
From out of the stream to the sacred land,And shall I here languishing perish,
And my friend die for me, whom I cherish!"
And hark! there it purls silver-clear,
Quite close, like a rippling it rushes,
And to listen, he halts and hushes,
And see, from the rock ledge, now babbling near,
An ebullient fountain springs murmuring here,And he joyfully kneels down and washes
And his burning limbs refreshes.
And the sunlight slants through the verdant trees
And paints on the glistening meadows
The forest's gigantic shadows;
And two wanderers walking the road he sees,
He would hasten along as past them he flees,Then he hears the words they are saying:
"Now him on the cross they are slaying."
And now fear gives wings to his hastening gait,
Pangs of grief are him pursuing,
And i'th' shimmering red o'th' evening,
Distant Syracuse' towers await,
And here Philostratus comes from its gate,The household's honest keeper,
Who with horror perceives his master:
"Go back! It's too late to save your friend,
So save your own life, for the future!
Even now to death does he suffer.
Your return he awaited for hours on end,
To you his hopeful soul did bend,With a faith too strong and valiant
To be robbed by the scorn of the tyrant."
"And is it too late, and can I not lend
Him the hand of a welcome savior,
Then in death I'll join him forever.
Let the bloody tyrant's boasting end,
That the friend has broken his word to his friend,Let him slaughter us two together
And believe in love and honor."
And the sun now descends, by the gate he stands nigh
And sees the cross elevated,
Which the gaping crowd has awaited,
On the rope already his friend's lifted high,
Through the thick of the throng he goes charging by:"Me, hangman! Kill me!" he's crying,
"I'm the one, for whom he is dying!"
And amazement seizes the people all round,
The two friends give each other embraces,
Tears of sorrow and joy wet their faces.
No eye without tears is there to be found,
And the wonderful tale to the king is then bound,Humanely his feelings are shaken,
To his throne are they quickly then taken.
And long he regards them with wondering eye,
Then he speaks: "You have prospered,
My heart you now have conquered,
And true faith, 'tis no empty vanity,
So into your friendship's bond take me,I would, if allowed my intention,
Become the third in your union."
Notes:
Hear the spoken version in German: https/upload./wikipedia/commons/transcoded/4/41/De-Die_B%C3%BCrgschaft_ /De-Die_B%C3%BCrgschaft_ .mp3
Video of the British army defusing Mines in 1942: https/watch?v=Dm41UPsvuFo
