East Prussia, August 30, 1939
The frost had returned without warning, as if time itself knew what was coming.
The Panzer IV breathed slowly, its engine idling like a predator in wait. Around it, dozens of similar vehicles occupied the clearings of the eastern forest. They made no sound. They didn't shine. They simply waited.
Falk stepped down from the tank with his notebook tucked under his arm. He didn't need to open it. Everything was already learned, memorized, internalized.
—"The order has arrived," he said simply. "We're first line. Coordinated advance with the 4th Panzer Division. Objective: cut supply lines between Łódź and Warsaw. Volksdeutsche infiltration expected. No civilian prisoners until further notice."
Konrad didn't answer. He just cleaned the sight for the fifth time.
Helmut had left the receiver on. High Command's radio repeated codes and confirmations. Among them, one word was no longer theoretical.
Fall Weiss.
Case White. The attack.
Lukas slapped the side of the Panzer with an open hand, as if activating something inside himself.
—"You know, chief? A year ago we were parading with flowers."
—"And now we'll sow steel," Falk replied without raising his voice.
Ernst, the last to climb into the vehicle, placed a small wilted flower on his seat. The same one a girl had given him in Linz.
—"In case someone finds it later," he said.
The roar of engines began—first one, then two, then all. It wasn't a symphony. It was a warning.
Falk looked at his crew one more time. Not to give orders, but to memorize their faces. There was no fear. Only conviction. Blind or not, it was all that moved them now.
—"Strap in. In a few hours, we cross."
Konrad settled into the sight.
Helmut turned the dial.
Ernst closed the hatch.
Lukas started the engine.
And the Panzer moved toward the border.
No music. No parade. Only snow over steel.
End.