INT. VON MANSTEIN’S TEMPORARY RESIDENCE – BERLIN – DAY
Erich von Manstein, German field marshal and military genius, sits alone in the modest living room of a temporary residence in Berlin. He gazes out the window, lost in thought, his eyes reflecting the weight of the tumultuous times unfolding around him. He’s anxious about the fate of Germany and feels a sense of helplessness.
INT. VON MANSTEIN’S STUDY – DAY – FLASHBACK
During his tenure, despite scoring numerous stunning victories in seemingly impossible circumstances on both the Western Front and Eastern Front, Von Manstein was still eventually dismissed due to disagreements with Hitler and the latter’s constant operational interference. In retirement in East Prussia, he soon had to abandon his estate and evacuate family westward to flee from the advancing Red Army. Now, he finds himself taking refuge in Berlin.
INT. VON MANSTEIN’S TEMPORARY RESIDENCE – BERLIN – DAY
The door opens, and in walks lieutenant Klaus von Schwartzburg, von Manstein’s former adjutant. The young officer has just recovered from a wound sustained in battle and is freshly discharged from the hospital.
VON MANSTEIN (looking up, surprised) Klaus! What a pleasant surprise. How are you?
VON SCHWARTZBURG (smiling) Field Marshal, it’s good to see you. I’ve recovered well, thank you. I thought I’d come to see how you’re holding up in these difficult times.
Von Manstein gestures for von Schwartzburg to sit down, and the two begin a heartfelt conversation.
VON MANSTEIN (sighing) Klaus, I won’t lie to you. I’m deeply troubled by the state of our nation. The military leadership is ineffective, and I fear we are heading towards disaster.
VON SCHWARTZBURG (earnestly) Field Marshal, your brilliance on the battlefield is unmatched. The men respect you, and the enemy fears you. If anyone can turn the tide, it’s you.
VON MANSTEIN (shaking his head) I appreciate your faith in me, Klaus, but I’m powerless to change anything now. Hitler dismissed me, and I have no authority.
Von Schwartzburg, full of determination, leans forward.
VON SCHWARTZBURG Sir, I firmly believe that you are the only one who can save the Eastern Front. You must speak to the Führer. He has to see reason.
VON MANSTEIN (pondering) It’s a long shot, Klaus. Hitler has never been one to admit his mistakes.
VON SCHWARTZBURG But if there’s even a small chance that you could make a difference, don’t you owe it to Germany to try?
Von Manstein looks into the earnest eyes of his former adjutant and sees the unwavering belief that von Manstein can change the course of the war. After a moment, he slowly nods.
VON MANSTEIN (resolved) You’re right, Klaus. I must try. I’ll attempt to get an audience with the Führer. The fate of our nation may depend on it.
The two men exchange a determined look, knowing that the path ahead will be difficult but understanding that the future of Germany hangs in the balance.
David Eristavi
May 12, 2023Wow, that was a really engaging and emotional story! The author did a great job of capturing the tense and uncertain atmosphere of wartime Germany, as well as the sense of determination and duty felt by von Manstein and von Schwartzburg. It’s clear you put a lot of thought and effort into this story, and it paid off.