"Hauptmann Dietrich", the harsh voice of the German Abwehr Hauptmann snarls angrily at the younger Captain. "Sie sind ein Hochverräter. Abschaum wie Sie hat es nicht verdient, frei herum zu laufen." Hans winces at the words that traitorous scum like him does not deserve to roam free. "Major Ingelheimer lässt Sie grüßen", the female agent whispers coldly into his ear and Dietrich can feel a shiver running down his spine. "Ich habe die einzig anständige und ehrenhafte Entscheidung getroffen, die mir in der Situation geblieben ist", he voices his justification that he has made the only decent and honorable decision left to him in his situation. A hand grips his shoulder and the young Captain instinctively tries to break free, while the enemy officer continues to taunt him: "Major Ingelheimer freut sich bereits darauf, Sie ins peinliche Verhör zu nehmen." "Sie sind um nichts besser als die Schergen der SS, die gegen ihr eigenes Volk vorgehen", the young Captain growls that they are no better than the SS who brutally works against their own people. "Captain", Dietrich hears a distant female voice calling, while the fact that someone gently shakes his left shoulder starts to filter into his consciousness.
"Captain Dietrich", the woman repeats with worry and concern in her tone as well as a distinguishable accent of an English speaking person, making it a clear contrast to the Germans of his dream reality. "Please wake up!", the female voice continues to plead. The young officer blinks, as he opens his eyes, but requires a second more to realize that he is really in Tobruk's field hospital, not in German captivity. Next to him crouches Deirdre O'Donnell who bears a tormented and concerned expression, as she keeps her gentle grip on his shoulder. "You were talking in your sleep and struggling", the blond nurse tells the haunted and exhausted looking Captain with a worried tone. "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?", the young officer asks with worry. The blond nurse smiles sadly that this would be his first thing to worry about. "No, you didn't. Although you struggled a bit, you didn't harm me, merely appeared that you tried to get away from something. What happened, Captain?" "It was just a bad dream", Hans mutters awkwardly, a bit ashamed of himself to be caught in this position by her. "You had them ever since you came to our hospital, when you changed sides weeks ago", Deirdre whispers quietly. Dietrich grimaces, but nods. "They became a lot more frequent after my ... treatment at the hands of the SS", he admits. "I hope that it will become better, once a certain routine settles in. But ever since, one bad incident has followed the last without much time to even think them through." Nurse O'Donnell nods, while leaving her hand on his shoulder with a gentle grip. "I hope so too. I'm worried about you, we all are." Hans looks chagrined, as he replies: "I'm terribly sorry for causing you worries. It has never been my intention."
"I also need to apologize for my insensitive behaviour yesterday, Lieutenant O'Donnell", Dietrich tells the nurse with a polite bow of his head and tormented expression, now that he is awake enough to think clearly again. Deirdre flinches, but nods. "Thank you, Captain. But you're not the one who should apologize. I'm so sorry for my inappropriate behaviour. I should never have put you into a situation like that", she declares despondently. "I know that you mean well... which is why it hurts me even more." "Your friend Lieutenant Hartigan tried to explain your perspective and your personal background to me. Until now, I have not given the perspectives of the nurses in this war much thought, as I was too preoccupied with other duties. However, this has opened my eyes to your hardships. I want to assure you, Lieutenant O'Donnell, that I neither accuse nor blame you for your behaviour or", he gulps, looking visibly uncomfortable, as he continues, "your feelings. However, I honestly care about your well-being and after yesterday I am more worried than ever not only about you but also for the children and their safety", Hans explains calmly, however with audible concern. "We can look after them", Deirdre promises him immediately, making the German Captain smile sadly. "I have no doubt about that. But you would be in just as much danger as them, if enemy agents would try to abduct you or them. With General Simms' son I trust that they are as well protected as they could possibly be. Yet, this doesn't mean that they are absolutely safe." Deirdre looks a bit saddened to not even be able to perform one small favour for him. "Where were they last night? Did you look after Kiri? You were both on duty", Hans remembers. "Kiri and Ari stayed with the nanny for a while and then moved to our room, both of them, as Lieutenant Silberblatt asked for our help. Mary looked after them", the Irish stemming nurse explains. "Thank you so much, all of you nurses actually, since you help me so willingly. Where are the children now?", the young officer asks, sounding more relieved. "They're with Lisa and we will bring them to breakfast", Deirdre replies. "That will help me a lot. Thank you", the lean Captain assures her.
"I'm also afraid that you have an image of me which is far too idealized that it could ever be true. I'm a mere human with all my faults and weaknesses, not a fairy tale prince to save the damsel in distress", Dietrich argues with audible worry. "You're a good person, honorable, selfless, polite, charming, intelligent", Deirdre states, fully convinced of her statement. "I'm also stubborn, proud, sometimes more brave than wise and caught between a guilty conscience and indoctrinated principles. In addition, I'm a German defector, sentenced to die by my original army and hunted by its secret service", the skinny German counters. "You don't even know me personally. We have never had any longer conversation about anything. We even know each other's background only from hearsay." "Would you give me the chance to get to know you?", Deirdre asks, surprising them both with her boldness, as the young officer winces and frowns. "That would put you in danger", he argues stubbornly. "I'm a nurse in a warzone. I'm always in danger", the blond woman counters just as stubbornly. Hans hesitates at the argument. "I must not take you out to any place where you could be seen with me alone", the lean German Captain mutters quietly. "Abwehr could get wind of that and target you. If they managed to abduct Hitchcock and almost myself, they might manage it for anybody." "But if you accompany us nurses as a group? You promised this to Mary, Anne, Lisa and me", Deirdre asks. "Or we can just chat for a while, when you come visiting here in the hospital?" Dietrich sighs wearily. "Both are safer options", he agrees reluctantly. "Will you do that, come to visit or accompany us to town?", she pleads with an insecure tone. Hans hesitates with his answer. He has already walked this path once before and it has turned into a catastrophe. Guilt to betray Amelie like this by moving on to the next woman also plays in the back of his head.
Deirdre O'Donnell notices some of his torment on his face and places her hand on his skinny forearm. "Please. I don't want to seduce you or harm you. I honestly just want to know more about who you really are", she argues with honest conviction. Dietrich studies her face for a few seconds, trying to read her intentions. To be honest he has no doubt of her truthfulness, only about where this might lead and how guilty he might feel in the end. Finally, the tall German officer sighs wearily and nods. "I can agree to that, Lieutenant O'Donnell, yet not on a regular basis. I still ask you to respect my decision to not start another serious relationship, while I'm in such a precarious situation, as I don't wish to endanger anybody I care about." Deirdre nods with a bright smile. "Thank you so much for giving me a chance. I will of course respect your decision. You told Lisa that when this war is over or I'm safely away from the frontline, you will act differently. I know that you're as good as your word from my cousins' tales." Hans nods a bit despondently. "Once this war is over, things are different. However, I must remind you that my chances of survival are slim at best." "Stop being such a pessimist, Dietrich", David Troy comments with a wide grin, obviously having listened for much longer to the conversation. "This is the part where you're supposed to kiss the girl, not spread misery and worst case scenarios, you Jerry misanthrope!" "Troy!", Dietrich growls angrily, glaring at the insolent pilot he has to share the officers' ward with. "I would have thought that we had the times behind us, when you just eavesdrop on my private conversations." "You're the only other person here in the officer's ward with me", the American argues with an insolent grin that reminds Hans of his brother, just when he is about to spit the devil in the eye. "I just couldn't help hearing what you said. I won't tell anyone. I just wanted to give you some advice, buddy." Hans is just as offended as he looks. "I'm not your buddy, Captain Troy", he insists with a scowl, spitting the rank title and name like an insult. "I know that you're Sammy's friend. I just didn't want to let you down", David tries to appease the angry young man. "I would greatly appreciate to have my privacy respected, Captain Troy", the proud German Captain argues indignantly.
"Captain Dietrich, Captain Troy!", Deirdre O'Donnell interrupts them with a serious tone. "This is a hospital and you should behave accordingly." Both officers look chagrined at her sharp admonishment. "I apologize for the inappropriate behaviour", Dietrich is the first to recover. "Likewise", David Troy agrees, appearing quite sheepish. "Couldn't you just make peace with each other instead of constantly quarreling?", the blond nurse asks. Dietrich scowls at the American who grins widely. "Dogs that bark don't bite. He's not really angry, but just doesn't want to admit that he likes me." "Troy, you're just as bad as your brother, maybe even worse", the German Captain groans. The pilot truly possesses the potential to cost him more nerves than even his brother. "Come on, Dietrich! I know that you're a good guy to the core and you honestly care about my well-being. I even enjoy this verbal sparring from time to time, since I can't do any physical one. It's okay to admit that", David argues with a grin. Hans sighs wearily. "You cost me more nerves than your brother and this is a feat, Captain Troy. Of course, I neither hate you nor wish you ill. But unlike your brother and I, we have not known each other for a long time and gone through unimaginable events together. We're not friends, but you're an officer assigned to my unit and as such I care about your well-being, physically as well as emotionally." David grins, as he argues: "Once I'm out of bed, I'll also take the chance to get to know you better. You're really a decent fellow, Dietrich. We could do that together, Deirdre, dear." The blond nurse looks flustered by the ambiguous offer, especially since the black haired pilot winks at her flirtatiously. "Leave her in peace, Troy!", the young German rises in her defence immediately. "We'll spend time as fellow unit members anyway. The nurses deserve their own privacy and the company they choose." Deirdre smiles at her noble defender. "Thank you, Captain Dietrich." "You're welcome, Lieutenant", Hans replies earnestly. "I gave you my word and I will keep it."
"I would ask you to take the time to check on my scratches and the stitches of the gunshot wound. Doctor Rothschild offered to take them out, if the healing has progressed well", he addresses her with a professional tone. "Of course. Please take off the pyjama top, Captain", Deirdre O'Donnell replies, falling back into her role of diligent nurse caring for her patient which the skinny young officer definitely is. "Is it true that you beat up a Yankee Captain to protect the half-Jap kid from your unit?", David meanwhile asks Dietrich curiously, while the younger Captain struggles out of the pyjamas. "I fought against Captain Warren, because he and his men attacked and constantly harassed Corporal Gottschlich who is also a member of your unit, Captain Troy", Hans replies coolly. "When they beat up him and Pettigrew yesterday in the morning, the Captain showed no willingness to change his attitude or intervene. On the contrary he offended the Corporal, my whole unit and me as well, challenging the young man to a duel which Riku Gottschlich could only lose whether he would have won or not, as Warren would surely have accused him of attacking an officer and gotten him arrested. That's why I fought myself." "That was extremely risky with your injuries", Deirdre whispers a bit desperately, eyeing the countless bruises and injuries along his torso, while David comments loudly: "That's just Sammy's kind of bravery and craziness. I see why you're best buddies. You fit much better with him than this sarcastic English scholar." Deirdre O'Donnell meanwhile gently checks on the German Captain's sutures, trying to assess whether taking them out would be reasonable, while the two men continue their verbal duel.
Suddenly, a soldier storms into the field hospital and starts shouting in a drunken slur: "Hey, somebody come here!" "I'm sorry, Captain", Deirdre mutters apologetically. "Look after him! I'm here, should he cause trouble. The man sounds drunk", the young officer assures her, bearing a worried expression. "Thank you so much", Deirdre whispers, squeezing his forearm gratefully, before standing up to go outside. "Holy moly. This time I got the really pretty one", the man with an American accent continues to slur, grinning languidly at the blond woman who blushes with embarrassment. By now Dietrich has had enough and steps out of the officer's ward to glare at the soldier who only stares at the Irish stemming nurse with a longing gaze. "You'd better mind your behavior in front of the lady, Private! Such drunken folly in public would warrant a report and penal duty otherwise", he snaps in an angry command tone that immediately induces a reaction, as the man stands at attention before staring at the tall, skinny and bruised German with a puzzled expression. "S...sorry, S..sir", the brawny man slurs, looking a bit intimidated by the tone he does not know the Captain, his sharp voice induces automatic compliance making him recognizable as an officer even without wearing a uniform shirt. "Apologize to Lieutenant O'Donnell and behave yourself! I'll be watching you", Hans warns him sternly, as he crosses his arms in front of his chest. Deirdre smiles gratefully at her protector who bears a grim expression. For the rest of his treatment, the drunken soldier remains silent after providing a stammered apology, while Dietrich never takes his wary eyes off him.
Only once the man has left, does the German Captain relax again and Deirdre turns back to kiss him on the cheek. Just like Lisa, who has recommended her to behave like this in such a situation, has predicted, Dietrich tenses and blushes slightly. So he does like her after all and is truly worried about her and not just trying to keep her at a distance, because he is too polite to tell her that he does not like her at all. "I just wanted to thank you. I felt much safer with you keeping him in check", the blond woman whispers with honest gratitude. "You're welcome", the lean officer mutters a bit awkwardly. "It's my duty to keep you protected, Lieutenant." "You're not even on duty", Deirdre holds against him with a faint smile. "But I know that you're far too noble and honorable not to protect me." "That's how I have been brought up. I would have acted like this with any of your colleagues as well", Hans argues curtly. "I didn't mean to accuse you of preferential treatment. It makes you really heroic", nurse O'Donnell counters defensively. "I don't want to see you harmed. My apologies for not formulating this properly, Lieutenant", Hans adds thoughtfully. "Should we continue with my medical checkup?"
"I think removing the sutures should be safe, but Doctor Rothschild or Doctor Andrews will have the final decision", the blond Lieutenant replies diligently. "He can do this, when I return after the morning call for duty and training session with my men. I will be here for some hours to learn methods for detecting poisons and certain drugs hands on with the substances we confiscated yesterday", Dietrich replies calmly, while Deirdre smiles widely. "That's wonderful. Maybe I can assist and learn something as well." "As far as your other duties allow this, Lieutenant. I'm not your direct superior", Hans replies cautiously. "This will be for Major Timberlake to decide." The blond nurse looks a bit discouraged by the idea of pleading with the head nurse, but nods in agreement. "I would ask you to repeat your massage treatment from yesterday, Lieutenant O'Donnell", Dietrich addresses her directly. "It has helped me immensely with regaining mobility of my right arm and shoulder." Deirdre O'Donnell smiles widely. "Of course, we can do this again. The sooner you can use your arm properly again, the better."
Actually massaging the skinny German who takes his seat again for the treatment turns her focus back on his thin stature and sinewy muscles attached to the bones. Although he looks skinny, she knows that he is stronger and more agile than one would give him credit for. At some point like during his previous treatments, the pain becomes unbearable and the proud young officer bites hard onto his rolled up shirt sleeve, trying to suppress the groans of pain which still escape from time to time. After fifteen minutes, the Irish stemming nurse is finished and puts her patient under scrutiny from head to toe. His face is slightly pale and a few beads of sweat are visible on his forehead. When she notices some dried blood sticking in the hair of the young man's temple however, she frowns and asks: "Haven't you been treated for your head injury, Captain?" "I have, but it wasn't that serious, not even requiring to be sewed up. They left it open to allow better healing", Hans replies calmly. "It must have bled some more during the night. I need to check this", Deirdre insists with clear concern. The German Captain merely accepts this and sits back down on his bed, starting to change into his uniform, while she obtains the disinfectant.
"I see why they're all worried about you. You really look like nothing more than skin and bone, Dietrich", David comments, sounding actually concerned. "Ironically this is partially due to the commando units with whom I serve nowadays", the young German replies dryly without looking up, while he struggles to buckle his belt with his injured arm which works a little bit better every day. "This is a result of countless challenging events following closely after one another which robbed me of the chance to recover in between." "You really need to recover now. You look more skinny than I do and I've spent my last weeks lying around in bed, not on active duty as a commando officer", the pilot admonishes with uncharacteristic seriousness. Dietrich sighs wearily, but the older American's honest concern does not trigger an adverse reaction. "I'm honestly trying to do so, Troy. I have even been taken off active duty for this and merely join in the training which is less physically straining."
"Which is necessary", Deirdre O'Donnell comments as well, as she bends down next to the sitting young man to better reach his head wound, returning with the bandages and something to clean away the blood. "We're all worried about you, Captain." "I'm honestly trying my best", Hans counters, sounding a bit unnerved to be pestered by both of them. "I'll even spend some hours here in the hospital today and tomorrow." The skinny German winces at the application of the disinfectant, but otherwise remains quiet through the treatment. "When you're here in the hospital I don't have to put a bandage around, as it will improve the healing process", Deirdre argues, before helping the tall lean young Captain into his shirt and jacket. "How is Hitchcock?", the German officer inquires about his man, as he buttons both with his left hand only. "We took care of him. His physical injuries are not severe, but Doctor Andrews and Rothschild want to speak with him after what he endured to assess how badly he is affected", the blond nurse replies. "Thank you. I will let him sleep for now, but you may send him my regards. We will speak about his shortcomings in choosing his acquaintances in a more official setting. For now I will meet my other men."
"Please take care, Captain!", she tells him, as Dietrich is about to leave. "You have my word that I will try my best", the young officer replies, before turning to the other cot. "I wish you a fast recovery, Captain Troy. I will see you, when I come to visit", Hans tells the American pilot, making an effort to be friendly and polite. "Thanks, Dietrich. You know you could just say David", the younger Troy brother tells him with a smirk. "We're not friends, Troy. And I really don't want you to call me by my given name", the skinny German argues. "Just deny it until you can't anymore! You'll see how this will turn out", David comments with a grin, winking at Deirdre who looks a bit taken aback by the behaviour. "I actually miss Ari and Kiri", the pilot adds with a more serious tone. "What did you do to have your kids hanging out with a General's son now?" Dietrich hesitates for a moment, but realizes that the American actually cares to a certain degree. "General Simms and I ... have a history. I was charged with the transport of his son, after he was abducted by German commandos to put pressure on his father", the young German explains hesitantly, looking ashamed of himself. "I wouldn't allow the kids of the kidnapper of my son to play with him", David states nonchalantly. Dietrich winces as if he would have been struck in the face and looks tormented.
"I did not choose my orders, but I didn't want to leave the boy in the hands of some other German officer either, once I realized how young he was and that he was mute but not deaf", Hans mutters with a hoarse tone, his guilty conscience obvious. "I see", David continues with a little more empathy for the younger man. "You basically protected his kid on enemy territory." The German Captain hesitates, but nods. "You could call it that. Miles ... suffered through several traumata in his life and you know yourself that Ari is an empathetic and friendly child, while Kiri is a source of boundless energy. Both have the potential to do the young Simms some good and receive a proper education alongside him through the boy's nanny and tutor, Miss Lincoln", he explains calmly. "Smart idea", David comments, while Deirdre nods and adds: "That's the best that could happen to them. Not many children get this chance for a better life." "I took responsibility when taking them in. I'm trying my best to give them a chance for a future life", Dietrich argues sternly. "I see what you're doing. I just miss them. That's all. They could come by to visit from time to time", the pilot suggests with a smile. "I will suggest this. They probably want to hear some of your tall tales again", Hans tells him dryly. "Goodbye, Captain Troy." "See you later, Dietrich. And tell Sammy to show his face from time to time!", David replies with a smile, before whispering to the nurse conspiratorially: "I told you he likes me. He's a nice fellow, even if he tries to keep his strict German officer facade at times."
Dietrich leaves the hospital to meet his men in the meanwhile who should already be assembled in the courtyard for the morning training. Sam Troy is notably absent, as he has to work on his penal duty in the laundry, while Mark Hitchcock is still in the hospital. The rest of the Rats observes the young officer expectantly, although Riku Gottschlich looks downright miserable. "We will start with the usual morning routine for now. However, I will not be able to join you for sparring training afterwards, as my injuries prohibit me from participating." Several of his unit members exchange worried glances. After all, the German Captain has joined them in the last days in spite of his injuries. Hans continues unperturbed though: "In addition I will receive training for the chemical analysis of the poisons and drugs which we obtained from the agent from the medical personnel for today and tomorrow morning. Sergeant Moffit, you're in charge of supervising the training in my absence, given Sergeant Troy's other obligations. Inform me immediately should any further interruptions occur!", he tells them sternly, saluting in the manner that comes naturally to him. "I will, Captain", Jack replies and salutes back properly, knowing how important military gestures and discipline are for the young officer. "How's Hitch?", Pettigrew asks, shifting his matchstick to the corner of his mouth. "He was still sleeping when I left the hospital. Lieutenant O'Donnell said that physically he has not been gravely injured, but the Doctors will still check how the torture affected him mentally", Dietrich replies with audible concern. "Since he offered to marry his fiancé right after returning, he definitely has been affected", Moffit comments dryly.
"Bloody Jerries", Kevin curses, before looking up at his commanding officer and muttering sheepishly: "Sorry, Cap. I didn't mean you." "I'm more indignant about you adopting Hitchcock's bad habits of dropping half the rank title rather than you being angry about your enemies abducting and torturing one of your friends", Hans replies dryly. "You're one of us", Jack also assures him. "And even if some of the Yankees and even some of his Majesty's soldiers and officers call you a kraut, you're still a U.S. army officer with an American passport nowadays, Captain Dietrich." The German officer sighs wearily and nods. "This is a notion which will never be generally accepted by every soldier and officer, especially for a branded outcast and enemy traitor." "It takes a lot more courage and resolve to walk the path you have chosen than any of them could imagine", Jack counters, taking a step closer to the skinny young officer to place his hand on his shoulder. The German Captain is not as unaffected by the events as he would like to pretend. Hans Dietrich has not had any time to truly recover physically and mentally from the strain of his own torture and his 180 degree change of his ways. Standing close enough to make out the doubt, torment and exhaustion on his haggard unshaven face, the younger officer makes it clear to Jack Moffit that he will need their support as friends as well, sooner rather than later.
"Let's start with our morning training for now", Dietrich announces after clearing his throat, changing the awkward topic. Then he turns to guiding their callisthenics, participating more often than he probably should, although he stops each time the scratches and his other injuries cause him clear pain. After a half hour session Hans ends the morning training and sends his men to their breakfast, before turning to his room to get washed and shaved. Fritz sleeps curled up on his doormat, but opens his eyes and starts fawning when the brown dog recognizes his master approaching. Just when their unit mascot jumps up at his thigh to greet him excitedly, James Boggs leaves his own room with a protesting Bastet in his arms. As soon as he spots Dietrich, he drops the kitten into his young second in command's hands unceremoniously. "Getting her out of my room, took me 15 minutes already", the American Captain grumbles with annoyance, as he shuts his door to keep the little cat from invading his room again. "How do you manage both that cat and the dog?" "Dealing with Troy and the Rats has taught me about herding cats", Hans replies dryly, while scratching Bastet behind the ears and on her belly. She quickly ceases her struggle as she starts purring contently against his stomach.
"If you intend to complain to General Atkins, I doubt he will show you much sympathy, when he learns that a kitten has waylaid you and occupied your room successfully", the German Captain comments with irony in his tone. James Boggs groans with a tone of pure suffering. "You're right, he will promote her to Lieutenant right away." "How would you like that, Lieutenant Bastet?", Hans asks the little cat that enjoys her cuddles. "Meow", the kitten comments curiously. "I thought so", the German replies with humor in his tone. "Would you hold her for a few seconds so I can unlock my door and get washed and shaved?" "I won't take her again after that struggle, but I'll unlock your door for you, if you tell me where you have your key", Boggs counters, glaring at the innocent looking kitten who purrs as she snuggles against Dietrich. "Left jacket pocket", the younger officer replies and must actually hold onto Bastet carefully, as she tries to playfully catch Boggs' hand with her paw, when he gets closer. "She's dangerous", the older Captain warns warily. "She's just a playful kitten, but will hopefully become a more successful hunter for mice one day than Fritz has shown us to be", Dietrich comments dryly.
Getting close enough to his younger second in command, James Boggs can make out not only the stubble on his unshaven face, but also the bruises, the fresh injury half hidden by his hairline and his haggard look. "You still look exhausted, Dietrich. How are you actually faring? And don't tell me that you're fine, because you look anything but alright." Hans sighs wearily, while the older officer unlocks his door. Fritz simply trots along with them without hesitation, considering the room one he is entitled to occupy along with his master. Bastet starts meowing however and wants to be set down on the ground, where she delves into the inspection of her territory immediately. Once the two are taken care of, Dietrich finally responds: "I have seen better days. The scratches are more painful and embarrassing than anything else and the concussion luckily was not heavy. Because of the other drugs they didn't dare to give me painkillers though, so this was not an easy night." "That goes without saying", Boggs replies, looking worried, as he empathizes with his tormented and drawn looking second in command. "What was Merlin thinking, sending you into a place where he suspected Abwehr to operate?", he inquires with righteous indignation. "I don't know. He probably wanted to draw them out. However, we have been a bit too efficient with beating on the bushes", the younger Captain replies, as he gathers his shaving equipment. "You're not on duty for a good reason. You're visibly injured and barely look like you have gained any weight", James Boggs assesses with worry in his tone. "Doctor Rothschild has ordered me to remain in the hospital instead of joining my men's sparring training", Hans reassures him. "I will receive my training in chemically detecting poisons and drugs for a day or two. The materials I confiscated from Abwehr yesterday are the perfect training material."
"At least you should be safe from further attacks there", Boggs agrees immediately. "That fight with Warren has stirred up quite some emotions. You were the talk of the officers' table yesterday, separating it quite efficiently into those supporting your actions to stand up for your men along with your principles and those who considered it a scandalous and inappropriate behaviour." "My own father would definitely have been among the latter faction", the young German Captain comments dryly, while shaving. "I understand your motives, Dietrich, and I support your attitude, but not necessarily your methods all the time. You're a lot more similar to Sam Troy than I would ever have expected from a German officer." Dietrich lowers the razor, looking actually offended. "That's not necessarily a bad thing. But you put bravery and standing by your men before military conventions and the expected behaviour from an officer. You're no less proud and just as stubborn as him, but you have managed to win those commandos' hearts and loyalty in this manner. They'll follow you anywhere and lay down their lives, because they believe in you. They have never respected me in the same manner and even less personally liked me", Boggs argues. A bit awkwardly, his younger colleague continues to shave, as he looks at a loss of what to argue against the accurate assessment.
"I couldn't believe or understand why the Sergeant would feel any kind of sympathy for the German officer who has antagonized and arrested him so many times, but I'm fairly sure that Troy has liked you a lot longer than since your defection", Boggs informs him about his personal suspicions with a thoughtful expression. "That would have been treason and gotten him killed", the young Captain argues very cautiously. "I will therefore not comment on any such sentiment." "And that's why Troy and the rest of the Rats will go through hell for you", Boggs counters. "I don't need your confirmation and I want neither him nor you arrested. We'll stay with the official version." "Which even Abwehr doubts", Hans states with clear worry. "That Hauptmann basically accused me of having been an agent for the Americans for much longer because of the close relationship with the Sergeants which his agent observed and reported." "They're drawing the wrong conclusions", Boggs mutters with worry. "They're not stupid to interpret their observations in the most reasonable way. Troy's attitude has been so absurd that it would not occur to anybody that he would ever behave like that toward an enemy officer who is not secretly on his side", Hans agrees wearily. "With such suspicions standing against you it's no wonder that they actively hunt you", his older colleague comments with concern. Dietrich nods grimly, before finally washing and drying his face.
"From that perspective I would have been condemned sooner or later anyway, independent of my actions and decisions regarding the SS. Just like I'll always remain branded a kraut traitor and Nazi turncoat in the eyes of Allied officers and soldiers", the German Captain declares with a harsh tone, frustration and desperation audible for once. "I know that you have experienced both yesterday, but you should also consider that General Atkins trusted your word enough to launch an operation of the size he had last night, based solely on your reports. Lieutenant Carlos, Williams and Carter all like and respect you and even Griffith has learned grudging respect for you. The medical personnel openly pledged their allegiance, as have the Australian LRDP units. You're not as much of an outcast as you feel. When you were among the Germans you had your friends and enemies as well after all." Dietrich nods wearily. "Yes, but I still could rely on the others heeding their orders and military custom to support me professionally, even if they didn't like me personally. Now, I have to fear to be hunted and expect to be attacked personally as well as distrusted professionally by the men of my own side, without relying on orders which would help me out of a tense situation. Maybe that last suspicion is not due the Allies per se, but the experience of being betrayed by the side I served loyally in spite of moral doubts", Hans counters. "Take your time to rest and settle down, Dietrich! You obviously need it and also to get out of the line of fire to come to terms", James Boggs advises with concern. "You're still young and take things more personally than they sometimes are. This makes you a man to gain sympathy with the common soldiers, but vulnerable to events such as the ones you're involved with now."
With a smile he adds: "Once you've managed to catch your little lioness, we can move to breakfast." "Bastet", Dietrich calls her, but although the kitten pricks her ears, she continues stalking Fritz who has curled up under the bed. "Bastet, nein!", Hans scolds her more sternly, as he picks her up gently, as she gets ready to pounce on the unsuspecting dog. "Fritz wird nicht gejagt und gekratzt." Fritz, unaware of the danger he has been in, stands up and fawns once he hears his name. "Komm, Fritz. Futter!", the German Captain reassures him and the little brown dog yelps with excitement at the promise of food, while Bastet meows sadly, when she gets carried out of the room. As soon as Boggs has closed the door, Dietrich sets her down and takes the key from his colleague to lock his room, before they both turn to follow Fritz toward the mess hall. At the staircase Hans has to pick Bastet up again, as the kitten meows with such a suffering tone, when she sees him walking down, but does not dare to jump down the stairs. "What's wrong with her?", Boggs asks with a tinge of concern in spite of himself. "Moffit and I suspect that she is afraid of heights", Hans replies, while scratching the kitten behind the ears. Purring contently against his stomach, Bastet enjoys the attention.
"Hans. Ioannes", two excited children's voices call the German Captain's name, when he approaches the officer's table next to Boggs who carries both their breakfast. Dietrich crouches and immediately gets hugged by two children, as Ari and Kiri greet him happily. Miles Simms observes his new friends' reaction and behavior with silent worry. "Bastet", Kiri exclaims right after and grabs the kitten although Bastet protests through loud meows. "Auntie Lisa and Deirdre said that you're hurt again. Are you alright, Hans?", Ari wants to know, as he presses his ear against his beloved brother's left chest to listen to his steady heartbeat. "I'm fine", Hans tries to reassure him gently. "We were with Auntie Mary yesterday. She taught us funny new things", Kiri tells him with excitement, while struggling against the kitten which finally manages to escape and flees to Jack Moffit and the Rats. The Bedouin girl looks a bit disappointed, but her caregiver tells her calmly: "Bastet doesn't like to be grabbed too roughly. You don't like that either, do you, Kiri?" Kiri shakes her head, looking a bit chagrined, before her expression changes into a smile again: "Did you know 'Mary has a little lamb', Ioannes?" Hans looks baffled, but shakes his head. He has not grown up in an English speaking country to ever have learned nursery rhymes. "Mary has a little lamb", Kiri starts her excited recount and Ari joins her, although he continues to lean against his brother. Dietrich gently nudges them to accompany him to the breakfast table during their recitation, where General Simms sits next to his son Miles and Miss Lincoln. "Good morning, General, all of you gentlemen, Miss Lincoln", Hans greets the men and the woman at the table, while taking his seat next to Boggs, although Kiri squeezes to sit between them. "I asked Auntie Mary when she taught us the rhyme, but she has no lamb", the girl continues to blabber unperturbed. "Then, I told her that I had a little goat before. So we made the rhyme new with 'Kiri has a little goat'." Again she starts from the beginning, allowing her skinny caregiver to start eating a bit, while listening with one ear and providing reassuring comments once in a while. James Boggs bears a nostalgic smile, as he whispers: "Just like my little girl Karen."
"You look like you should still be in hospital, Captain Dietrich", General Simms admonishes sternly after allowing the younger officer some time to eat his breakfast. "That's where I'll return after breakfast", Hans replies wearily. "Though not only for my treatment but also for training in chemistry. I'll join the Doctors to learn how to identify the substances, poisons, drugs and what else we confiscated from the Abwehr agent's room yesterday." "You're a man with many talents, Captain. I have to agree with Richard in this regard", Simms replies with a scowl. "You're excellently chosen for your new field of duties. I want to assure you that Merlin's lack of wisdom in sending you and your men into such a precarious situation has been duly noted and will not be without consequences." Seeing the young German officer tense visibly at the words he adds quickly: "Not for you or your unit. You have paid dearly enough." Surprise registers on Dietrich's face, but he thinks better of questioning the General in front of the other officers and the children.
"Are there any news regarding the men arrested yesterday?", Hans inquires instead with earnest curiosity. "The man you suggested has been released after Sergeant Moffit and Major Fisher spoke with him. We identified three further informants who confessed to their allegiance with the Allies, while most others have still refused to cooperate." "What about the arrested officers?", the German Captain inquires and most men at the table are paying close attention now. "They made their statements and were released, but I insisted on them being transferred to another battle arena to take them out of Abwehr's range here in Tobruk for now", General Simms replies with a stern expression. "We will hold a meeting and address what happened for all officers at the base to inform them about the manner in which our enemy has targeted their comrades." Dietrich nods with a grave expression, his left arm resting on Ari's shoulder who leans tightly against him.
"What happened?", Boggs whispers to his younger second in command, once he turns back to eating his breakfast. "I found a photograph of a British officer with the female German spy and recognized two more in the field of her operation", the German Captain replies cautiously. "You mean the brothel you and Pettigrew broke into", James Boggs adds with a wry smile, seeing the younger officer blushing slightly, while he nods in confirmation. For a man with his proud sense of honor and propriety, Hans Dietrich has definitely roguish tendencies en par with the Rat Patrol's more unruly members. The young man is an exceptionally good choice for a commando officer in spite of his background. His empathy and more emotional side shown by his treatment of the children are even more unusual and astounding for a professional soldier and trained German officer. Boggs reminds himself that the young Captain is twelve years his junior and simply lacks the experience only life itself brings, even though he is very mature for his age.
Kiri continues telling her older brother stories about all that they have learned on the last day to which also Ari adds some comments. Miss Lincoln who observes the interaction between the unusual trio smiles and sometimes whispers to Miles, trying to encourage him through prompting questions to interact more with her and his father. Kiri will hopefully provide him with a positive example to get the shy and introverted traumatised boy to interact more with them. "You'll join Miss Lincoln and Miles again today", Dietrich tells his wards gently. "We will learn to write more words. I can already write Hans and Ari and Kiri", the Jewish orphan agrees eagerly. "And I want to learn more stories about the desert", Kiri insists with a pout. "Yes, you will", Hans tells them gently, before turning to the British nanny and tutor. "I hope we're not putting too much strain on you, Miss Lincoln." The young woman smiles widely. "On the contrary, Captain. Interested, eager and well-behaved students are any teacher's dream coming true. I like Kiri and Ari." "We like you too, Miss Lincoln", Kiri tells her with a smile and Ari immediately agrees, nodding eagerly. "I hope Miles is also fine with his new friends. Do you like having Ari and Kiri learning new things with you?", Dietrich mutters, eyeing the boy cautiously. Although he stares at the young Captain with wide eyes, Miles recovers after a few moments and nods a bit hesitantly. "Good. Thank you, Miles. Thank you too, General Simms, for this opportunity." "This is Miles' opportunity. He hasn't had any friends of his own age for years", his father replies, nodding to his son. "I wish you a more pleasant and quiet day than yesterday, Captain Dietrich. We might have some need for you and Sergeant Moffit as interpreters again, although we have now also put our usual experts to the task. They lack your ability to motivate the locals to turn into our allies though." Dietrich nods briefly. "I'm of course at your service, if you require me as an interpreter."
Then, he stands up and again says goodbye to his wards. While Kiri hugs him briefly, before turning to her teacher, Ari clings much longer to his brother. "Will you be hurt again, Hans?", the boy mutters into his shirt, while pressing his face against the young officer's left flank to listen to his heartbeat. "I hope not, Ari", Hans gently tries to reassure him without lying. "I will be in the hospital most of the day. You can go with Miss Lincoln and remember to be friendly with Miles!" "I promise", the Jewish orphan declares, hugging his beloved brother, before turning to join the other children. "Do you require me to be present for the address of the officers, General Simms, or may I return to the hospital for my treatment?", Hans inquires cautiously. "Receive your treatment, Captain Dietrich! You know better than anybody else with the exception of Merlin to beware of enemy agents", the British General replies sternly. Dietrich smiles wryly, salutes and leaves after nodding to Boggs and wishing him a nice day.
Jack Moffit gets up, when he sees the German Captain leaving, intent to intercept him, followed by the rest of the Rats. Hans turns, when he notices them and raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner. "Troy offended the officer on duty at the laundry", Jack tells the skinny young officer who closes his eyes and takes a deep calming breath. It does not matter whether Troy is his enemy or friend, for the Sergeant to cause him trouble without end. "Whom and why?", the Captain merely mutters with a tormented tone, before opening his brown eyes again to look at the British Sergeant with a worried expression. "A British First Lieutenant who insisted on colonial standards of white rulership which are undermined by your rebellious acts", Moffit explains, noticing the European officer scowling darkly. "I see. I'll stand in his defence then. And it appears that I made the right decision by defecting to the rebellious Americans after all", Dietrich states with pride and anger about the treatment of his men. "Kia ora, Captain. Although we could need more officers like you in his Majesty's army", Thomas Anaru thanks him immediately. The German nods in acknowledgement, but turns around again. "Wait for me outside! I'll address the issue with General Simms directly." Moffit smiles at the calm and circumspect reaction. Even if Hans Dietrich is no less emotionally involved than Sam Troy in the defence of their unit, he is well-bred and indoctrinated with military principles to act in a socially acceptable way most of the time which is a lot more successful when dealing with soldiers and officers of their own side. In situations like this, they can be more than grateful to have him as a commanding officer.
"General Simms, may I have a word with you in private?", Hans addresses the baffled older officer directly. Standing up, Lawrence Simms points to the side. "Please, Captain." As soon as they are out of earshot of the officers at the table, the wiry Englishman inquires: "What happened? What did your men report?" The young officer bears a grim expression. "My Sergeant Troy ran into a conflict with one of your officers, responsible for supervising the laundry duty." The older General looks surprised, as he ask: "Why?" "Because the man apparently offended our ... not European descended unit members, insisting that I undermine the standing of white officers because of my fight against Captain Warren. He openly called me rebellious", the German Captain reports. "You are rebellious, Captain Dietrich", Simms declares with a smirk. "But not in a manner that I consider you a dangerous element within the troops, as the man has apparently implied." "Sir, I'm aware that Sergeant Troy is short tempered and shortsighted, when anger overrules his rational thinking. In this case, he was actively provoked though and I ask you to spare him further penal duty. I take the responsibility for his behaviour", Hans argues diligently. "You're an unruly and rebellious man worthy of a commando officer. Stirling would probably love to hire you. Just like him, you're a very good officer and excellent at handling your complicated soldiers in a manner that is impressive. I will speak with the Lieutenant and your Sergeant, before making a final decision though", Simms decides. "Thank you, General. A fair decision is all I ask for", the German Captain assures him, before leaving after providing a sharp salute.
"Have you been successful, Captain?", Jack Moffit inquires from the young German as soon as he approaches them where they have gathered near the exit of the mess hall. "I convinced General Simms to take care of the matter himself. He will speak with Troy and the Lieutenant. The rest is up to him", Hans replies earnestly to which all Rats nod in appreciation. "Kia mataara! Watch out!", Thomas Anaru warns them suddenly. The Rats all narrow their eyes suspiciously, when they see the tall Scottish spymaster McLean approach. "Take care, Robin! The Sheriff's coming", Jack mutters to Dietrich who scowls and takes a step in the other's direction to position himself between his unit and the Scotsman. "Good morning, Sir", the German Captain greets him coldly, never taking his wary gaze off the older man's face. "Captain Dietrich", the beefy British officer addresses the young German with unusual seriousness. "Please follow me!" "You'd better not harm him!", Kevin O'Donnell snaps angrily, before Hans quiets him with a sharp: "Private, quiet!" The men's tense and offensive postures tell clearly that he has voiced what all of them think. "I won't harm your Captain", McLean states almost defensively. "I merely need to speak with him in private." All of the Rats observe him warily, while Dietrich intercedes diplomatically: "We are all soldiers, fighting for the same cause. We shouldn't waste our energy on such needless quarrels. Start with your training, gentlemen! Sergeant Moffit, you're in charge." Nodding in appreciation, Alexander McLean leads the younger officer away towards his office after the German Captain and his British Sergeant have exchanged brief salutes.
"If Cap gets harmed, we know where to find this bastard", Tully promises revenge with unusual fierceness, as soon as the man is out of earshot. "I'm in", Kevin immediately agrees. "Count me in as well", Danny states right after. "And me", Thomas Anaru confirms. "I hope you're not intending to seriously harm a Lieutenant Colonel of his Majesty's Royal Army", Moffit admonishes sternly. "We call it 'prank', Doc, not 'seriously harm'", Tully counters. "Haven't you served enough penal duties already for all your pranks, Tully?", Jack asks with a weary sigh. The Kentuckian shrugs, but shakes his head. "The brass deserved it. I ain't sorry for any of 'em. That Merlin deserves it as well." Riku Gottschlich looks like he is stuck between a rock and a hard place, wishing to stand with his unit, but not offend any officers. "I see that you need a voice of reason and a cool head for your plan", the British Sergeant comments dryly. "So what did you have in mind?" Tully shifts his matchstick, as he grins widely, before breaking them into his plan.
Meanwhile Hans Dietrich warily follows the Scottish spymaster to his office where Merlin offers him a seat, but the German Captain proudly insists to remain standing. "I want to apologise to you, Captain Dietrich", Alexander McLean addresses the German Captain with unusual seriousness, while the younger officer raises his eyebrows in clear astonishment at the statement. "It wasn't my intention to cause you or your men grave injuries or risk your capture and torture." "You could have given us a warning at least, before sending us to a dinner with beer and whiskey without knowing about the potential trap it might be", Dietrich snaps angrily. McLean nods wearily. "The reason for not warning you ahead of time was that I wanted you all to act authentically. Since none of you are trained as actors or actual secret agents, you might have given away that you suspect something, causing the agents I wanted to uncover to retreat rather than show themselves." "For a spymaster with years of experience you acted without any caution or wisdom by sending us into this lion's den unawares of the lioness lurking there", Hans snarls lividly. "I swear to you, Dietrich, I didn't expect the German agents to act with such fierce directness against you. Ihonestly believed that you were safe, given the number of experienced commando soldiers with you." The young German Captain glares at him, as he listens intently to the explanation. "Given that Abwehr hunts me personally, it would have been fair to give me a warning at least. I would have understood that telling Troy and the others straight away would not have been a good idea. But Moffit, Pettigrew and possibly also Anaru are more subtle to not show their emotions too openly and they would have provided reliable support", he counters sternly. "I realize that now. You have proven to me in a quite indisputable manner that you are able to act your part and hide your emotions, when the need arises, Sherlock." Hans narrows his eyes in a doubtful expression.
"I would like to continue your training and have you join in on some of our missions, as what you did with retrieving evidence from that second establishment is exactly what I have wanted you for all along." The younger German officer glares at him now. "Unlike Fagin I'm not a selfish what you did yesterday, neither I nor my men trust you any longer, Merlin. You've let a band of looters and thieves go, you even support them with stealing much needed supplies from the army. You cannot possibly understand how a soldier who had to watch one or more of his comrades die, because no such supplies were available, feels about such betrayal." Merlin opens his mouth, but thinks better of interrupting the German Captain in his angry tirade. "Even worse, you left us in the belief that we were going to a hard earned quiet dinner, furthered the excessive use of alcohol there, while knowing that German agents who would have to be out for my blood might be lurking in the location. That Hitchcock made it out mostly unscathed was luck, not in the least thanks to your plans, but due to our thinking ahead and collecting evidence against our foes", Hans accuses him, getting more enraged the longer he speaks. "You'd better prove to them that you can be trusted to not throw them to the wolves without caring about their fates or they will not only not follow your command, but start to antagonize you."
The Scotsman notices that the German Captain does not include himself in the statement. "What about you, Captain? Why do you think I don't have to convince you?" Hans furrows his brows, as he weighs how honest he should be, but decides to stay true to his strategy of blunt honesty. "We both know that you couldn't care less about a German traitor apart from strategic value. If captured, I'm assured that you'll order my execution rather than my rescue which is the far less risky operation. We neither like nor trust each other, but I'm a professional soldier and officer. I will heed my duty and follow my orders, independent of my thoughts and feelings about you. Thus, you don't have to waste your efforts with me." McLean looks truly taken aback by the words. "I think that you are getting me wrong, Captain Dietrich. I neither dislike nor despise you, quite the contrary. I'm also loath to have you killed unnecessarily, if rescue is still a possibility, not only for your strategic value, although I can see that you don't believe me. I have my work cut out for me, thanks to your honesty. Your men are correct that you are a good officer as well as a good man. The likes of you are rare, Dietrich, and even rarer among current German authorities and military personnel. If it helps to assure you that your death is the last option for me, consider that we are playing a long game here. We learned from our mistakes to leave Germany in incompetent hands after the last war. We will definitely require reliable and good people like you to rebuild your homeland, once this war is over, as I have understood you correctly that you still fight for Germany, but its freedom and its future rather than its current government."
Dietrich nods curtly, bearing a grim expression. "But I'm a convicted traitor and outlaw. Returning to Germany is impossible for me", he argues with clear frustration. "Only under its current leadership", McLean states. "Currently, you are helping us the most in the position we train you for, but this might change as might the necessity to protect your life more actively and actually employ you for counterintelligence which you qualify for with ease", Merlin explains sternly. "I'm not supposed to tell you that, but I realize the necessity to rebuild some burnt bridges and regain what little trust you have ever had in me." Dietrich is speechless for a few moments at the revelation, not sure whether this is a well-crafted lie to appease him or actually holds some truth, as the Scottish spymaster is a crafty liar and the whole notion appears rather outlandish. "Are you trying to take me for a fool? I'm a branded traitor and outcast to the German military, not only its current government. I can never return to my homeland or the German army after what I did, what I'm doing now. The chances that I survive this war are nonexistent in my current position. Do you truly think that you could convince me with fairytale stories of a time afterwards? I'm not Ari or Kiri to believe in such", the German Captain snarls with wounded pride at the impression of being played as an idiot. "You're not the expendable traitor I'm willing to sacrifice, Dietrich", McLean tries to argue, but the other's angry expression only turns more livid. "Stop treating me like a child desperately searching for a place to belong, McLean! I know that I have no future and perspective other than helping to get the Nazis out of Germany until I die in this effort. Don't try to sell me any lies and false security! I know there won't be any for me", Hans hisses with as much anger and pride as desperation and frustration. "Invest your efforts into convincing the Rats! And don't you dare sell them out or I swear to you that I will come after you myself, even if it's the last thing I'm doing!"
Alexander McLean has no doubt about his honesty in his current angry state. The German Captain is obviously more brave and loyal than wise or selfish to dare voice such a threat in his position. Just like Stirling, the man even Montgomery himself considers insane, these character traits make Dietrich such an excellent officer of a commando unit. However the young officer is gifted with more subtle abilities and a much calmer and more calculating character which qualifies him better for the spying duties than Stirling could ever handle. This is just what Alexander McLean needs the German Captain for, but also needs to gain a certain amount of his trust for. "I'll let you and your men cool your moods for a few days", the Scottish spymaster suggests calmly. "Meanwhile I will think of a way to regain all your trust, not just your men's." Dietrich glares at him, but nods curtly without another word. "I have arranged training sessions for my men for the next two days and will stay in the hospital for my own medical and chemistry training." "Your self-reliance is a feature for a commando officer", McLean observes. "It has been a necessity for a tank officer in this dune warfare as well", Dietrich counters stubbornly. "I have no doubt of that", the Scottish officer tries to console the younger German who continues to glare at him warily. By now he does not bother to hide his animosity and distrust. The British officer has overstepped a bound which is intolerable for Hans and he has no intention of trusting such a man ever again. "I will let you leave for your training at the hospital then", Merlin states calmly. Knowing when he is dismissed, Dietrich salutes sharply, before turning around without another word and leaving the office as quickly as possible without losing his dignity.
Doctor Rothschild awaits the German Captain expectantly, when he arrives. "I hope that you are rather late because you had a long and filling breakfast, Captain", the blond medic comments with a wink. Raising his eyebrows in an ironic expression, the younger man replies dryly: "I wish so too, but we rarely get what we wish for. I just had a conversation with Lieutenant Colonel McLean about yesterday's events which brings me to the most urgent question. How is Mark Hitchcock?" "Since the SS kept to electrocution, he is physically rather well. His broken arm has not been affected either. Mentally however I would not release him to light active duty for at least a day or two. He appears truly shaken and affected by the events", Rothschild argues. "If only he'd learn his lesson", Dietrich states with a weary sigh. "I left him in Nurse Hartigan's care. I considered this the most fitting for both of them", the medic adds with a wry smile. "You're a really devious man, Doctor", Hans comments with a smirk at which the older man winks mischievously. "So are you, Captain. Should we take care of your sutures before starting your chemistry lessons?" "That would be preferable, Doctor Rothschild. Thank you", Hans replies.
Rothschild leads him to a separate ward and helps the young officer out of his jacket and shirt, still eyeing his malnourished body critically. "Your lack of recovery from the events is somewhat worrying, Captain. I don't blame you for not gaining much weight, when your dinners are followed by events such as those of the previous day, but I still have to worry nonetheless. You're in no state to send you back to your duty in spite of you acting as if you were still on duty." Hans bristles, protesting: "I didn't choose any of this, Doctor." "I know, but I'm responsible for your physical wellbeing and currently this is not really taken care of", Samuel Rothschild argues with a worried scowl, directing the younger officer to sit down by placing his arm on his uninjured shoulder. "How are the scratches?" "They hurt at certain movements or when I'm stretching, otherwise it could be worse", Dietrich replies wearily. "I've seen you in a worse state, when we fought to save your life on the operating table", the blond medic replies. "But this doesn't imply in any way that you are well now. Tell me when you feel any pain, when I remove your sutures!" Hans nods and observes the medical procedure, paying close attention. Compared to all his more intensely hurting injuries, this is almost a minor discomfort. "You're lucky that your body possesses a very good and rather fast wound healing process, Captain Dietrich", Rothschild comments as he carefully prods the injury to check whether the gunshot wound has healed sufficiently well in spite of the young officer's general state of health.
Finally, he nods contently. "We can get started with your chemical analytics training, as we're finished here. How much do you know about chemistry and working in a lab, Captain?" "I have training in operating in chemical laboratories", Dietrich tells the blond Doctor, while getting dressed again. "I went to a high school focused on science education. However, this was years ago." "I would have expected you to have attended a military school", Rothschild comments, sounding actually surprised. "They had all been closed down in Germany after the Great War, before the Nazis had been elected and Hitler opened them again which was when I was in my second to last school year. My father therefore considered this particular high school the best training option, as I learned two foreign languages, English and French, instead of Latin or ancient Greek as is typical in Gymnasium in Germany. In addition, I also received a well-rounded training for science and basic engineering, like creating technical drawings", Hans explains calmly. "Jakob Silberblatt was my schoolmate, as his father had intended for him to become a medical Doctor or at least turn toward the practical disciplines of science and engineering. However, he was a hopeless case, skipped his maths homework to write his poems." Samuel Rothschild smiles at the humorous description, easily able to imagine the curly haired young officer as a dreamy teenager, relishing in the creative arts rather than precise maths. "My wife would like him, as she is a creative spirit herself, relishing art and culture. I'm rather the rational character as are you from what I could observe about you." Dietrich smiles honestly. "I definitely enjoyed physical and chemical laboratory work and mathematical calculations far more than the idea of writing poems, although I enjoyed listening to Jakob's works, when we would spend our free time together." "This qualifies you even better for what you are to learn", Rothschild replies with a content expression, observing the younger man intently, as he appears to weigh something in his mind.
"I have an offer for you. As the older and more senior in rank it is my privilege to ask you to drop rank titles and apply first names", the Jewish medic proposes, taking the young German officer completely by surprise, as Dietrich gapes at him for a second, before recovering. "I beg your pardon?", the young Captain mutters with confusion. "You heard me correctly, Captain Dietrich. When working closely in a lab for hours, using first names is easier and more natural", Rothschild argues calmly. "Are you sure about this, Doctor Rothschild? You know who I am and where I come from", the German officer argues cautiously, as he tries to keep his guilty conscience at bay. The blond medic smiles however, when he replies: "I know exactly who you are, which is why I'm offering this to you, as you would never consider something like this on your own. We're not friends, as we don't know each other well enough, but friendly acquaintances and collaborators. As such I offer you this." Seeing the bruised young man bearing a skeptical expression, he adds: "After what happened yesterday it is about time that some of us show more open support for you and the principles you defend in an admirable manner." Hans is actually taken aback by the line of argumentation, but finally nods. "I would never have expected this, but I'm grateful for your offer and your support, Doctor." "It's Samuel", the Jewish Doctor offers along with his hand. "I don't like the abbreviation your Sergeant uses, although Peter Andrews sometimes enjoys calling me Sammy simply to tease and annoy me." "I guess you're familiar with the name Hans", the German Captain replies dryly, as he shakes the other's hand. "Are you called Hans or Johannes, as Kiri uses to call you?", Rothschild wants to know. "My given name is Hans. I merely used the Greek version to build a connection to the girl and her mother", the younger officer explains. "You did this very well. The girl actually considers you her brother and caregiver", Samuel assesses with a gentle smile.
The Jewish medic directs the younger man to a separate room next to the hospital rooms which is filled with shelves containing crates and boxes with medical supplies, but also a wide selection of chemicals and drugs in labeled glass bottles, wooden or clay jars and small ceramic vessels. On a table a whole lab set up has been placed, including a mortar and pestle for grinding medication and a press for creating pills, scales for weighing medications and further glass vials and ceramic dishes for mixing air in the laboratory is inlaid with the faint, acrid stench of chemicals and a characteristic smell of medical drugs which immediately works to trigger long buried memories of the German Captain. For a moment, Dietrich feels like he has moved back in time, back to when he has spent afternoons with his uncle, Heinz Wolf, in his medical practice, mixing some medications themselves which would have been more expensive for his patients to buy at the apothecary. The doctor's nephew with his curiosity and eagerness to prove himself as a talented junior science adept has been a valuable helper more than once. Hans recalls how he has pressed the pills from the fine powder his uncle has ground and mixed from the various components. A painful stab goes through his heart, when he remembers Onkel Heinz's fate, that he and Tante Gerti have been sent to the concentration camp after Lisel's conviction and execution through theGestapo. Samuel Rothschild notices his trainee's glazed over gaze, as he stares at the lab equipment. "Hans?", he quietly asks the younger man and gently touches his shoulder, when no reaction is forthcoming. The German Captain flinches visibly upon the touch, drawing back a step and raising his left arm defensively, before his eyes focus on the man before him and he recognizes the Jewish medic. "I'm sorry, Doctor", Dietrich mutters sheepishly. "It's alright. What were you thinking of to become so distracted, Hans?", the older man asks purposefully. Hans winces slightly at the usage of his given name. This will definitely be something he has to get used to.
"I was reminded of my uncle's medical practice. I helped him sometimes with creating some simple medications which would have been too expensive to buy ready-made from the apothecary every time. He also considered it valuable practice, as he tried to convince me of taking the medical profession, just like you do now", the younger man replies with a wry smile. "Your uncle still lives in Germany?", Rothschild asks with a smile that immediately fades at Dietrich's answer. "My uncle and aunt were sent to a concentration camp after their daughter, my cousin Lisel, was convicted by the Gestapo for helping Jewish prisoners to flee from a transport to a KZ." Hans' voice sounds strangled, but he meets the Doctor's gaze straight on. "I'm sorry for asking such a stupid question", Samuel apologizes. "It's not your fault. You didn't know what happened to my family", the young German mutters in response. "I should have been more thoughtful nonetheless", Rotschild insists with a guilty conscience. "I apologize." "No harm has been done through your question, Doctor... Samuel", Dietrich corrects himself, when he sees the medical doctor gesturing. "You're a lot more experienced than I would have thought. We typically have to spend a month or two with our new nurses to train them to the level where you're starting. So let's have a look at all those substances you confiscated yesterday."
The Jewish medic takes the woman's handbag which is still in the same state as Thomas Anaru must have left it with them. "An interesting means of transportation", he comments dryly, raising an eyebrow. "The only one I had available at the time", Hans answers just as dryly. "Time was of the essence as well as stealth. This was the largest bag at hand." "I'd like to hear the detailed story of how you obtained this, when we have lunch", Samuel states with a smirk, as he picks up the first of the bottles and reads its label "AsO3" as "Arsenic trioxide". "White Arsenic", Hans murmurs, as he looks at the white powdery substance in the stoppered glass bottle. "That was used by a Sergeant who tried to murder Captain Boggs and me on our way here to Tobruk. The man had been led astray and turned into a fanatic by undercover agents of the SS and Abwehr who had infiltrated our camp." "How did you survive that?", Samuel asks incredulously. "This is called the 'king of poisons' or 'poison of kings' because it has been applied for centuries to murder without detection." "I was lucky that I shared my water with a stray cat we had taken in, Minki. When she died at my feet, I realized that something was wrong", Dietrich replies. "So Peter performed the test for its detection?", Rothschild inquires, but Dietrich shakes his head. "We didn't perform any chemical detection while on the move. We were lucky to obtain the labeled bottle of the original substance which the man tried to frame me with." "You should start writing a book about your memoirs which would be quite an interesting adventure novel to read", the medical doctor comments with a grim expression. "Writing books about their lives is something for old men", Hans declares derisively. "I'm neither that old nor do I expect ever to reach an age where this might become relevant, as I doubt that I'll survive this war." "You shouldn't be so pessimistic. Although you're attracting trouble with greater efficiency than a jar of honey draws flies, you have an immense amount of mazel to survive your ordeals and still have neither lost life nor limb."
The German Captain shakes his head in disbelief. "Let's not quarrel about this, Doctor Rothschild, Samuel. I'm not familiar with the method for detecting arsenic. So I would need your instructions for this." Rothschild drops the topic to not drive the younger man into the defence. "The Marsh test is already more than 100 years old", he explains, "and still valid today. You require sulfuric acid and pure metallic Zinc however as well as an apparatus like this one." Rothschild turns to the table where an assortment of glass retorts is kept on stands, connected by a maze of glass tubes which only unfolds its layout at closer inspection. "Our distillation device", he adds as an explanation to his trainee who nods in recognition. "For evaporating the alcohol or water to extract the substances of interest", Hans adds his knowledge right away. "I assume that you have done this before, Hans", Samuel comments with a smile which widens, as he sees the younger man nodding. "The Marsh test will not require actual evaporation of any solution, as it is basically a Redox reaction. The metallic Zinc is oxidized. Its electrons work to reduce the Arsenic trioxide to metallic arsenic, while the hydrogen ions of the sulfuric acid together with the oxygen form water. As the metallic Arsenic is hard to obtain in its pure form, the Arsenic ions form arsine gas with the hydrogen which becomes detectable, while the Zinc ions react with the sulfuric acids' remaining ions, forming Zinc sulfate." During his explanation he writes the chemical formulae onto a sheet of paper which is a great relief for Hans Dietrich who is only familiar with the German terms for the substances, but easily recognizes the chemical standard notation for the reaction's equations.
Once all the terms he has not been sure about have been clarified, they turn to the details of actually performing the test. As he has learned this in his chemistry classes, Hans starts out with preparing the working environment, cleaning his instruments, mostly by holding them into the flame of the Bunsen burner, before he gathers all the chemicals he will require for the test. Then he deconstructs the complex distillation device to reduce it to the simpler setup they require. "I assume that you don't usually bring metallic Zinc with you into the field", he states coolly, as he takes the substances from the shelf. Rothschild nods. "You're absolutely correct. We only have it in a few of the large facilities because of the necessity to perform this test. We have all these materials here, because Merlin insisted on it." Dietrich narrows his eyes at the name and nods grimly. "I would have thought that he would keep all this in his own secret lair", he growls angrily. "You're overestimating him a bit, Hans", Samuel comments with a chuckle. "Keeping this there would be of no use to him, as unlike you, he is not well trained with handling chemical lab equipment. You could say that my knowledge and expertise in this field earned me my position here, as he specifically wanted to have me transferred here due to my knowledge in the area."
Dietrich looks a bit perplexed at this explanation. "I thought you were a surgeon." "I'm a trained medical doctor and I also have experience in the field of surgery. But before the war and volunteering to support our armed forces, I worked as a medic and part time researcher at the Harvard medical school", Samuel Rothschild explains. From his uncle Heinz Wolf and Bernhard Silberblatt Hans knows that this is among the famous institutions for studying medicine in the world. "I'm impressed. I had no idea that you're such a highly educated expert. I almost feel even more unworthy of being on a first name basis with you", he mutters a bit awkwardly. "Don't, Hans! It's my pleasure to have an intelligent young man to work with. Apart from medical research I also taught a few lectures if required by the university. I can recognize potential and a bright mind, when I come across them and you have both", Samuel Rothschild assures him. "You can prove this right away by performing the test. I will instruct you regarding the lab protocol, as I have no written protocol, since I usually perform this from knowing the procedure by heart. I will write it down for you, while you perform the steps."
In this manner, the German Captain follows the instructions diligently, while Rothschild observes his trainee with interest. At first Hans ladles some Zinc into the test tube, then adds a bit of the arsenic compound from the bottle, using a metal spoon. Next, he sets a stopper with a dropping funnel onto the test tube to prohibit the poisonous gas from escaping, when he adds the sulfuric acid drop by drop as the next step of the procedure. After the first few drops the reaction starts immediately, bubbling with a hissing sound, as nascent hydrogen is produced. "Excellent. The arsine gas is already developing. Stop adding the acid, close the funnel and apply this glass tube which will redirect the forming gas to the side!", Rothschild instructs. Hans follows his instructions with swift precision, observing the hissing formation of the gas with slight wariness, as this means that he has to act quickly to allow it to escape before it could build enough pressure to explode the gas. "Well done. Now put the Bunsen burner right below the vent exit to make sure that you will burn all the gas!", Samuel instructs, which the German officer again executes with precision. "Well done. Now you only have to hold this small glass dish into the flame with the convex part on top to keep any gas from escaping, while the metallic arsenic solidifies on the glass. You can stop, once no dark compound is added any more." When a dark, almost black stain starts to condense on the glass as he follows the Doctor's instructions, Hans raises his eyebrows, equally curious and impressed how fast and simple this has been. The whole test has taken less than two minutes with the preparations already done beforehand.
"I suppose you always received an A, when you worked in school", Samuel jokes. "An A?", Hans asks, looking a bit confused. "I'm sorry. I meant a 1. With your lingual adaptability, I almost forgot that you haven't spent part of your school career in the United States as I did", Samuel Rothschild amends. "I actually received a 1, yes", Hans replies with a wry smile, once he understands that the joke is about school grades. "You really missed a promising career, Hans, in the field of medicine or chemistry", Samuel assures him. "I had actual students of medicine who didn't manage to perform this as flawlessly as you at the first attempt." "If you'd like to start a club of people trying to convince me of an academic instead of a military career, you might join forces with Jakob Silberblatt and Jack Moffit, Samuel", Hans counters dryly. "As long as this war is raging, it is a lost endeavour anyways. And I don't count on any future afterwards to make plans for." "You should, however, as it would help against your severe streaks of battle fatigue, Hans", Rothschild advises with the calm aura of the wise mentor. "Let's continue with our lessons for now! You can always come to me, if you look for academic and career advice though, as I would gladly help and support you. You can be proud that you have just mastered the Marsh test which can detect the heavy metals Arsenic, Antimony and Germanium."
"At least no animals have come to harm this time", Hans mutters with a frown. "Although that was a life saviour for you, as arsenic is tasteless, odorless and easily dissolved in liquids which is why it is still a favorite for discreet elimination for enemy agents, as they don't care about a conviction for murder", Rothschild argues with a scowl. "Thallium also reacts in a similar manner with the sulfuric acid, but you can detect it clearly through flame spectrometry, as it burns green, hence its name deriving from thallos, meaning 'green shoot'." Hans nods. "I'm less familiar with that element." "That's because it requires higher doses than arsenic and has only been discovered in the middle of the 19th century, while arsenic has been infamous throughout history for much longer", Rothschild explains. "Thallium salts are not only a bad thing. Apart from using them as rat poison, they have a medical application for treating worms, skin infections and aid tuberculosis patients with their night sweating. We even have some thallium salts here among our stocks." Dietrich nods. "I see. So this is something which is very frequently available in medical practices and pharmacies." "Yes, you will frequently find them stocked there, should you have use of this on one of your missions", Rothschild confirms. "I'd rather not turn to poisoning and murdering people", Hans mutters wearily. "But I realize that I have to be prepared for any eventuality."
"Then, it's important that we talk about the next chemical compound in detail, my young friend, because this is as infamous as arsenic for its potential for murder, cyanide", Doctor Rothschild lectures, as he picks up the bottle, labeled KCN. "Potassium cyanide", he explains, "is something Abwehr is particularly fond of. Your special friend Merlin had arrested one of their agents, but when he returned to the cell, the man was dead. When I performed the post mortem examination, I found out that he had a cyanide capsule hidden in his mouth and killed himself to not give anything away." Hans shakes his head in slight disbelief. "This is incredible. I hope it happened with none of the men we arrested yesterday night." "Not as far as I know and I'm sure that McLean would have consulted me", Rothschild replies. "Are you able to smell and taste a bitter sweetish note when you eat almonds?" Dietrich is so perplexed that he stares at him for a second dumbstruck, before recovering. "I ... yes, I think so", the German stutters, unsure where this is leading. "Then you are able to detect cyanide by taste and smell", Samuel assesses. "Not everybody is born with this ability, but most people are. Sweet almonds have a much lower portion of cyanide than bitter almonds which is why you can safely eat them and test this ability in this manner." Hans nods and observes him attentively. "If you ingest the poison, you have only a very short time frame to apply the antidote, but the good news is that an antidote exists, even if it is dangerous in itself. You'll receive amyl nitrite pearls for this purpose which are crushed in case of emergency. Then you must inhale the escaping gas to buy yourself some time to administer the additional treatment. This includes sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate which are administered intravenously. Here, you have to act with great care to not poison the patient with the treatment which is why this is usually done only by experienced medical personnel in a hospital. But I realize that as a commando unit you might be too far away from the next friendly hospital that you require to know how to do this yourself." Hans pays close attention, while Rothschild instructs him regarding what indications to observe to stop administering further substances.
"Another group of poisons or rather substances to be aware of are alkaloids", Samuel instructs his student. "Among them are rather frequently used substances such as nicotine or coffee. Which reminds me that it is high time to share a coffee and exploit the effect of this type of alkaloids, namely to be stimulants. I remember that you were a smoker and asked me for a cigarette when you were in our hospital in September." Dietrich freezes at the comment, as cold sweat starts to bead on his forehead, while his fingers wander subconsciously to the scars at his collarbone where the brutal SS officer Metzlich has once burnt his own cigarettes into the young Hauptmann's flesh. "I don't smoke anymore. Not since ... my experiences with the SS", he counters hoarsely. "I'm sorry for my unthinking comment, Hans", the blond medic assures him with a guilty expression. "You suffered more than badly to change such a habit, as nicotine is addictive. You must have felt the symptoms of withdrawal." The German Captain blinks and mutters sarcastically: "I was in such a bad overall state that I barely noticed it consciously at the time, blaming the SS and their methods of ... motivation and interrogation rather than lack of nicotine."
"I see. This explains your overall state of mind and body, Hans. Let's continue with our exchange, while we brew our coffee", Rothschild comments with calm focus on their work, leaving the sore topic behind, although he is more determined to keep an eye on the younger man. Dietrich stares at him slightly incredulously, when the medical doctor takes a tin box labeled 'C8H10N4O2' from the shelf and ladles a dark brown powder into a fresh glass flask, before pouring in some water and fixing it above the Bunsen burner. "Welcome to the lab worker's manner of preparing coffee", Samuel explains to the perplexed German Captain. While they wait for the cooking process to finish, Rothschild provides brief explanations on how the alkaloids work in the body, which is still a field of study he finds fascinating. Hans also finds it fascinating that this is the best coffee he has drunk in a long while. "My father always complained about American coffee and its lack of taste. After conducting a series of lab experiments during my student times I arrived at the conclusion that he is correct. It's not only more watery but also prepared in a different manner at a different temperature compared to African or European coffee. This is my optimized version", Samuel Rothschild explains with a smile, as he enjoys his brew himself. "It's indeed optimized. This is really the best coffee I've had since leaving Italy", Hans replies. "You are a difficult client, as you know Italian coffee in comparison", the blond Doctor admits with a smile. "A difficult client would be Tenente Marcello. He complained about the coffee every single time, called it an insult even", Dietrich counters with dry humor. "When you go visiting him with Mary Falkowsky, send him my regards!", Rothschild comments with a wink. "I will", Hans promises with a smirk.
"So let's continue with our chemistry lesson, Hans!", the Jewish medic proposes with a smile. "One substance among the alkaloids is particularly infamous for its potential for murder, Atropine. It is extracted from the fruits of atropa belladonna, the deadly nightshade." "Tollkirsche", Hans mutters the German name and Samuel nods. "Yes, exactly. Three to four berries can kill a child, ten to twelve an adult, but also the leaves, blossoms and roots contain poisonous alkaloids", he warns sternly. "Among the symptoms you will suffer are loss of balance, hallucinations and confusion, physically notable are dilated pupils and tachycardia which is also a reason why I checked your pupils yesterday, since we didn't know what you had been poisoned with. But you were far too clearly oriented to suffer from belladonna poisoning already before returning to the hospital." Hans nods with a grim expression. "I had not even considered this an option, when she scratched me", he mutters, sounding nervous. "You definitely have to be more careful and shouldn't get this close to an enemy agent, when your true identity is clear, Hans! I'd rather not lose my most talented trainee of the last two years", Rothschild admonishes him with a friendly tone. "Because this can be relevant for you, Physostigmine would be the antidote for belladonna and several other poisons based on alkaloids. Detecting them is not really a viable option however, unless you have animals to sacrifice or a complex laboratory equipment available. But I can teach you how to extract the antidote from the Calabar bean and how to apply it. The beans might only be available at a well stocked apothecary or a hospital, but I would expect Berlin's Charité for example to have this or the extract available."
In a similar manner to before, Rothschild instructs the German Captain about the chemical extraction process which takes much longer, before the medical doctor delves deeper into the application of alkaloids which include the usage of other nightshade plants such ashenbane and mandrake. Then his university style lecture leads them onwards to exotic poisons such as the arrow poison Curare, applied by some South American indigenous tribes collected from frogs. "We have covered the relevant poisons here in this manner. I would leave the specific instructions about narcotics for later and turn to another lab exercise for now. We will need to extract the actual compound of this unlabeled vial with great care, as we have no idea whether it's volatile or poisonous. This also demonstrates to you the reason for having the closed system ... as an additional layer of security, since it prohibits the escape of gaseous compounds which might be deadly, as airborne cyanide would kill you within minutes." "I assume this means that we gradually heat it on a small flame of the Bunsen burner", Dietrich adds his thoughts. "Exactly. Why do I train you instead of hiring you as a permanent assistant?", the blond medic asks jokingly.
They prepare a glass flask with a small portion of the unknown substance, a white powder, dissolving it in water. "If a substance is not soluble in water it is an indication excluding many compounds. You can then use alcohol instead. The higher the percentage the better", the Jewish medic recommends. "Don't let my driver hear that. He was a moonshine runner in Kentucky for years before getting convicted and sent here to North Africa. This will provide him with a plausible excuse for creating all kinds of dubious substances", Hans replies dryly. "You have a very interesting group of individuals under your command, my dear Captain", Samuel comments with a grin. "The first test I would recommend is holding the watery soution in the flame and checking its colour which usually can give you an indication as to which ions especially of metals and other pure elements are present. In particular, the heavy metals we spoke about before have very specific colours when burnt. You can use it as a simple field test since all you need is a thin metal wire and a cigarette lighter." Hans nods with a grim expression. "I still have one, although I have only thought about carrying it, when going into the field for lighting a campfire or the fuse of an explosive device, should the need arise. This application has not occurred to me yet." The blond medic smiles. "This is the reason why you are here, Hans, to learn something valuable for the field. I trust that you're responsible enough to not missuse what I teach you." "Of course not. You have my word of honor on this", the young German officer insists immediately.
"The problem is that this test is not very specific and only an indication that certain elements are present. Particularly, Sodium which is frequently used for creating anorganic and organic salts burns with a bright yellow color, masking other elements. Copper is blue-green, arsenic turns the flame blue, Mercury red. I already mentioned Thallium dyeing the flame green. However, none of these colours is specific for a single element and you would need it in its pure form which is usually not the case. But it is simple and fast to perform in the field and can give you a first indication", Rotschild instructs Dietrich who first holds the metal spatula into the flame to cleanse it, before dipping it into the watery solution. Then, they can observe the change of the colour of the flame, first burning with an intense yellow, before Hans also makes out some green color. "Interesting", Rothschild mutters. "We will try to dissolve this in ethanol, as I have a suspicion what this could be." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner, but the older doctor is not willing to share more. Thus the German officer pours a bit of high percentage lab alcohol into an eprovette, before adding a small spatula of the substance which sinks to the ground but does not dissolve even when stirred.
"Just as I thought", the Jewish medic declares with a content smirk. "What is this?", Hans inquires. "Borax", Rothschild replies which still leaves Dietrich slightly puzzled. "It's absolutely harmless, unless you are an ant. Apart from its use as a pesticide, a woman might use it for bleaching her teeth. She worked as a courtesan, didn't she?" Hans still stares at the substance slightly incredulously. "It's a cosmetic product? I couldn't tell the difference between this and the white arsenic at first sight. The texture is slightly different at closer inspection, but it's hard to tell when not having one as comparison and both dissolved in water." Samuel looks at his student with sympathy. "That's why a simple optical check will not suffice for most substances. Borax is notably insoluble in ethanol. And the colors of the flame indicated its main components, Sodium and Boron, which burn yellow and green. Dissolving it in water leads to the formation of boric acid. Apart from killing insects, this also might serve as an improvised antiseptic." "I actually have underestimated the value of chemistry knowledge until now. Could you borrow me a book on the topic to refresh my memory and help me to learn the English nomenclature?", Dietrich inquires eagerly, a notion which he soon will come to regret. "Of course", Rothschild agrees right away, smiling broadly. "Let's have a look what I have available in our little library, Hans."
By the time of their lunch Dietrich feels like he has been sent back to school with all the information directed at him and a homework list of four more books to read. "I need to take care of something before lunch, namely to meet one of my street informants and another Arabic boy I hired as a trainer for acrobatics skills", he explains to the Jewish medic who grins. "They gave you the nickname Sherlock and you collect a gang of street boys as informants. You're a man who is more than a bit interesting to have as an acquaintance, Hans. The nurses will prepare lunch in the meantime, as they should be finished with providing for the patients soon. I will make a round and check on all of them with Peter and Humphrey. We will see ech other for lunch then."