Field Operations Office – North of OrléansJanuary 21, 1943, dusk
The office was small, with an old stove and a coffee-stained desk. Folded maps, overflowing ashtrays. The wooden walls creaked in the cold. Nothing about the scene suggested power or glory.
Albrecht sat without his cap, sleeves rolled up, a nearly extinguished cigarette between his fingers. When Falk entered, he didn't salute. He simply closed the door behind him.
—"Sit down," Albrecht said quietly.
Falk did. No one spoke for a few seconds. Outside, the sound of an engine turning over echoed softly.
—"Well?" Albrecht asked.
—"The tanks respond. The Tiger… impresses. Everyone."
Albrecht nodded.
—"And you?"
Falk hesitated for a moment. Then he answered:
—"I do what I've always done. Take responsibility for those with me."
Albrecht's cigarette went out unnoticed. He set it in the ashtray with a practiced motion.
—"You're going back East. You know that."
Falk nodded.
—"I suspected."
—"No set date yet. But the canal is secured. Africa's done. And Moscow hasn't fallen."
A heavy silence settled between them.
—"Does it weigh on you?" Albrecht asked suddenly.
—"What?"
—"Carrying them. Going back. Commanding."
Falk took a slow breath.
—"Only when they go quiet. While they're firing, there's no room to think."
Albrecht looked at him for a few moments.
—"You've changed."
Falk held his gaze.
—"For the worse?"
—"For what's needed," Albrecht replied.
Another silence followed. This one more comfortable. Like between old soldiers.
—"They'll expect a lot from you," Albrecht added. "New technology, new front. You won't just be a platoon. You'll be the symbol."
—"Then we can't afford to fail."
—"No. But you're allowed to be afraid."
Falk lowered his eyes—just for a second.
—"Fear was never the problem. The problem is standing still."
Albrecht stood up and offered his hand.
—"Nothing more needs saying."
Falk rose. He shook it firmly. And just before leaving, he turned back.
—"Thanks for saying it without saying it."
Albrecht smiled—barely.
—"We understand each other without words, Falk. That's why you're in front."