The departure from Prague was silent. Falk led the group back to the rendezvous point with only the necessary orders. No one spoke of what had happened, but everyone felt its weight. Ernst kept glancing out the window, lost in thoughts he chose not to share. Lukas, usually chatty, mechanically checked the controls.
As they traveled down the road toward Berlin, Helmut listened intently to the radio, headphones on, brow furrowed.
—"Anything important?" Falk finally asked, breaking the prolonged silence.
—"They're talking about the new Panzer model," Helmut replied without looking up. "The Panzer IV. Apparently, it's a big deal. Very important."
—"More armor?" Konrad asked, with professional interest.
—"More armor and a better gun. They say it's a technological leap. Direct collaboration between Albert Speer and Heinz Guderian."
The name echoed in the vehicle with particular weight. Guderian was already a legend among armored units, and Speer was becoming known as the organizational mind behind the Reich's technological development.
—"That explains why we're going to Berlin," Falk said thoughtfully. "Command wants the sharpest spearhead possible."
—"And they'll have it," Konrad murmured, confident.
Hours later, they arrived in Berlin under a light drizzle. The barracks, spacious and functional, looked recently reorganized for something special. An entire unit stood in formation outside the hangars.
As they disembarked, an officer quickly approached Falk.
—"Welcome to Berlin, SS-Oberscharführer. Orders are clear. Intensive training on the new tank starts tomorrow."