The End is Near – Eps 9: A Change in the Winds

Stalin and his associates gather at the Soviet High Command, surprised by the sudden change in German leadership. They had grown accustomed to exploiting Hitler’s “Fortress Towns” strategy and now face the formidable professional adversaries who had once caused them immense difficulties.

STALIN (attempting nonchalance) So what? We’re near the gates of Berlin. They’re breathing their last breath. Launch a massive offensive! Capture Hitler, Manstein, and all the Nazi bastards alive! They owe the blood of millions of our comrades, including my son Yakov!

Everyone in the room exchanges uneasy glances. The atmosphere is heavy with fear, as they sense the impending danger posed by their new, yet familiar, cunning enemy. Stalin’s emotional impulsiveness and irrational attitude only add to their concerns.

INT. STAVKA – CLOSE-UP ON VASILEVSKY

Everyone turns their attention to Vasilevsky, Chief of the General Staff and Stalin’s most trusted military adviser. Known for his cool head and calm, analytical mind, he musters the courage to speak up.

VASILEVSKY (soft-spoken, firm) Comrade Stalin. This is not just any enemy general. This is Erich von Manstein. I hope you remember France in 1940, Sevastopol, and especially Kharkov? We underestimated him before, and the consequences were dire. We must be cautious.

STALIN (feigning confidence) Now, we have learned our lesson. My three fierce warriors, Zhukov, Rokossovsky, and Konev, will bring that Manstein down!

At this remark, Vasilevsky remembers the previous battles where the competitive spirit Stalin had incited between these commanders had led to tactical blunders and unnecessary losses. He decides to address this concern.

VASILEVSKY Comrade Stalin, our field commanders’ brilliance is unquestionable. But to effectively contain this new challenge, we must ensure better coordination between them and their respective fronts.

Stalin understands Vasilevsky’s implication. In his fear of being overshadowed, he had created rivalry and competition among his top commanders. This policy had worked thus far, but with the new threat at hand, should he change his approach?

INT. STAVKA – STALIN’S INTERNAL CONFLICT

STALIN (torn) Comrades, that’s it for now. Let me think it over.

The meeting disperses, leaving Stalin to grapple with the decision of whether or not to listen to Vasilevsky’s advice. Should he prioritize an overall well-coordinated strategy among his three most senior generals, even if it’s not in his best interest?