Airport of Ávila. 4 p.m. in the afternoon.
The sound of propellers filled the runway, and one of the incoming Ju 52s slowly came to a halt beside a delegation of military officers.
The delegation consisted of General Sperrle, flanked by the old Oberst von Thoma and the young Major Jeager.
When the door opened, Paul managed to take his first glance at the famous Kurt Student — later known as the father of the German parachute units and General of the Paratroopers.
Right now, the insignia on his shoulders and collar signaled his rank as Oberst. The middle-aged man's stoic expression did not reveal anything. He adjusted his uniform before saluting General Sperrle and his delegation.
"Oberst, good to meet you," Sperrle said, shaking Student's hand.
"Thank you, General. I am happy to assist. In truth, I was surprised by the sudden summons," Student replied.
"Well, you have a fan here who's quite fond of you," Sperrle said, turning toward Paul, who stretched out his hand.
"It's nice to meet you, Oberst. I've read your books and I'm a supporter of your theories," Paul said, studying the historical figure before him.
"I'm honored, Major, that you see me in such a light. Although you are the true celebrity, aren't you? The word of the Ghost of Ávila has already reached Germany," Student said, a small smile forming on his lips.
"Well, I'm hardly a ghost, Oberst," Paul joked, before his gaze moved to the other transport planes that had landed, soldiers climbing out of them.
Student turned as well. "My men. Good men they will finally get the appreciation they deserve."
Paul nodded before Sperrle led Student toward their temporary headquarters, arriving in the familiar room where Paul and the rest of the officers had discussed their future strategies only two days ago.
Sperrle had managed to convince the Führer of the plan that Paul and the others had worked on deep into the night. After gaining the Führer's support, they got what they wanted quickly — Kurt Student and his parachuting unit. Although not an official unit yet, they soon would be.
Paul's senses drifted back to the present.
"The Nationalists will delay their attack on Greater Madrid for a day, which means they will strike in two days. Our ground units, commanded by Oberst von Thoma will too." Sperrle said, worry in his voice.
"Although that comes quickly, my men are ready, General," Student said proudly and confidently.
Another officer stood up, wearing a blue Luftwaffe uniform. "Our scouts have already identified potential threats and key positions around the objective."
"Good. Then let's discuss them," Sperrle said, gesturing for the man to mark them on the map.
The map showed their new objective — Paul's altered plan focused on the Airport of Madrid.
Paul listened intently to the discussion, sometimes offering an argument, sometimes supporting another.
The discussion was heated, but the group of men managed to agree on suitable landing zones and how to neutralize the threats around the objective.
"Here, at the fuel depot… cover from..."
The distant chatter faded away as Paul's eyes wandered toward the runway, where a Ju 52 was taking off. He watched the plane closely, trying to discern every detail from afar.
Paul had always been a history enthusiast. But what truly fascinated him were planes. Watching these big metal creatures soar into the sky had always filled him with wonder.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" a voice said from his side.
He turned his gaze toward the source. It was the same middle-aged man he had greeted before.
Student smiled. "You should have joined the Luftwaffe."
"Perhaps," Paul said. "But I'll be having a taste of it soon."
Student looked at him, confused. "A taste?" he asked.
"I'll be coming with you. Has the General not told you? I asked him myself," Paul said, already turning back toward the windows facing the airfield.
"But you're not trained—"
"I have experience," Paul interrupted. He wasn't lying. His love for planes had led him to do many parachute jumps throughout his life — sometimes even to reach remote areas for his work. Not to mention the last time he had been in a plane…
"Experience? It's dangerous. You'd be fighting at the front, surrounded by enemies. You're not a Leutnant anymore, perhaps your quick rise has made you forget your current rank," Student whispered.
"You're going too, aren't you? And you're an Oberst. Have you forgotten your rank as well?" Paul asked, smiling.
"But they are my men, they need me," Student said in protest.
"I won't be a hindrance to you," Paul said, turning fully toward him. "Besides, you could use the man who came up with this whole plan, don't you think?"
I also have to protect you, so you don't die early on — by my change of the timeline, Paul thought.
Student paused for a moment, studying Paul, before slowly nodding."You better live up to your reputation, Major Jeager."
"Don't worry, Oberst," Paul said confidently. "You, your men, and I will take that airport — and we will win this battle."
Two days later. The night of 31st October. Airfield of Ávila.
The sound of countless engines filled the airfield. Shouts managed to cut through the loud rain pouring down onto the asphalt.
Paul stood with his hands behind his back, rain soaking his black leather coat. He watched the countless Stukas and Heinkel bombers take off, joining other squadrons arriving from different airfields across Spain. Some old Spanish planes joined the force too.
The bombers formed wave after wave, circled by roughly the same number of Messerschmitt fighters protecting them.
Paul's eyes never left the majestic sight. Even as water poured down his hair and cheeks, he remained still.
Muffled footsteps sounded from behind, coming closer, until Oberst Kurt Student appeared at the corner of Paul's eye.
The two men watched the sight silently until even the last wave of planes vanished into the distance.
"So this is the first wave," Student said, breaking the stillness.
"Oberst von Thoma and the Nationalists should have started their general attack on the Greater Madrid area as well," Paul said, looking at Student.
Student rolled up his wet sleeve, glancing at his watch. "If everything goes as planned, our battalion will depart in one hour."
Paul nodded, and after a while the two men walked silently back into the airport building.
Paul looked back the now nearly lifeless airport.
Outskirts of Madrid, at the same time.
"Marco, come on, it's time to go to bed. Where are you?" Maria shouted through the house, searching for her son.
After a while, she opened the door and saw him standing in the garden.
"Are you watching the planes landing again?" she asked, but her son did not react at all.
She looked at him in confusion before following his intense gaze and wide eyes.
Her own eyes widened as well when she saw the sight in the sky.
Hundreds of planes. Countless. Never before had so many aircraft flown above them like this — a sight so intimidating that Maria opened her mouth, unable to speak. Their flight path clearly marked the target of the armada before them: the airport.
Air sirens came to life, sounding in the distance.
She walked to her son, embracing him, while watching the enormous explosions erupt in the distance. The fires illuminated the night sky even from afar.
Airfield of Ávila — moments later.
A group of officers sat around a radio, listening to reports of the air assault as well as the ground attack.
The radio crackled: "Despite the weather conditions, we managed to hit our targets successfully. I can say the strike was a full success."
General Sperrle and Paul exchanged looks.
Sperrle walked up to him, pulled him to the side and whispered, "Are you sure about going?"
"Everything is going as planned, and my participation is part of the plan too," Paul said, reassuring Sperrle.
Sperrle looked at him for a moment before opening his mouth. "That's the last time you will participate in such a dangerous mission. Germany can't afford to lose a mind like yours. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, General," Paul replied, before Sperrle turned back to the group of officers.
"Gentlemen. It's time for the second wave," Sperrle said.
Paul, Student and a handful of other officers nodded, then made their way toward the airfield.
Outside, in the pouring rain, long rows of soldiers formed on the tarmac. Before them tens of Ju 52 transport planes waited, ready for boarding.
Oberst Kurt Student stepped forward, looking the young men in the eye, his gaze expectant.
"Today — no, tonight — we will claim glory. We will fight, we will bleed, and we will win. The bravery of you paratroopers will be known throughout the Reich. Your courage will be recorded in the annals of history. Let's take that city together, for the Fatherland!"
A loud shout of approval filled the airfield as the rows of soldiers began moving toward their designated planes, boarding one by one.
Paul, Student, and the group of officers boarded their planes as well, preparing themselves for the upcoming fight.
Paul sat beside Student, exchanging another look with him. Student nodded, and Paul signaled the pilot to start.
The plane's engine howled as it lifted off from the runway, joined by Messerschmidt fighters flanking it.
-----------------------------------------
Thank you all for the support! I appreciate every Power Stone, comment, and review.