Question:
Where lie Sams Loyalities? 

Answer:
He is loyal to his friends. 

Evidence:
original statement: "...Als sein Freund Carl Dietrich (ein Deutscher, kein Nazi, leider ziemlich bald tot) in Gefahr ist, kümmert er sich nicht groß um die Frage was nach dem "rulebook" zu tun wäre, es ist für ihn klar, daß er ihm helfen wird. Auf wenn das Konfrontation mit anderen Freunden (Tina Backus, in dem Fall) bedeutet. (Hat dem armen Kerl leider auch nicht viel geholfen, aber immerhin). Es ist eben vielleicht diese Mischung, die mich an Sam fasziniert: nach außen etwas zynisch und cool, aber wenn es darauf ankommt für seine Freunde da, was die auch genau wissen. (betrifft: Souvenir'/'Souvenir des Schreckens', 05.06.99)" (von: Augenzeugin Bettina, protokolliert am 26. Januar 2000)

translation: "...When his friend Carl Dietrich (a German, not a Nazi, but unfortunately pretty fast dead) is in danger, he is not asking, what he should do after the "rulebook", it is quite clear to him, that he will help him. Also if this means a confrontation with other friends (Tina Backus, in this case). (Didn't help the poor chap very much, but still.). It is perhaps this mixture, which fascinates me with Sam: on the outside a little bit cynic and cool, but when it is important, he is there for his friends, what these also know exactly."(translated for protocoll: rg, 1. Februar 2000) 

Comment:
There is a simple Rule: You cannot survive alone. You need friends. But what is a "friend"? A Person who don't let you down. Not very difficult. Really not? Why then is there such a ado around "Friendships?"* There is even a term in german: "Männerfreundschaft" describing a special bond between men.** 

And of course, not every friend is a Friend. Actually, there seem always to be tests, before it is clear: This one is trustworthy, proven. And like it is with tests, not everyone passes them. So, on our way through life, more often than not will we loose friends - and will appreciate the ones, who stay. And this brings also responsibilities. A guy once saved your live. He calls now for help. What is any "rulebook" against that? Carl Dietrich knows, that Sam will not let him down. When Sam hears his message on the answering machine, he gets that cold intense look. He owes Carl - and will pay back in full. 

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*Of course, I started my reading-career with Enid Blytons "Fünf Freunde..." (actually, they also provided me with the wonderful magic word "ingot"...) 

**Read one of Karl Mays 70 Books, and you will know, what I mean...okay, very german affair...Liest heutzutage überhaupt noch jemand Karl May??

rg 2. Februar 2000