Cairo — October 10, 1941
The British flag waved for the last time over a supply depot west of the Nile. The 8th Army was retreating in haste toward El Alamein.
"Tobruk has fallen," said General Auchinleck, his jaw clenched.
"Who led the assault?"
"A mixed group—German, Spanish, and Italian. Rommel at the front, supported by Falangist units and Bersaglieri. They broke through from the south."
The desert, once a natural barrier, was no longer enough. Egypt was now at stake. And with it, the canal.
Kyiv — October 10, 1941
A report from the SD arrived at Army Group South headquarters.
"No significant partisan movements reported in the city or immediate rear areas. The Ukrainian flag appears to have redirected hostility toward Moscow."
An aide read the note aloud to Guderian. He listened, expressionless, and said simply:
"Good. Then let these troops move forward. Moscow needs reinforcements. We cannot afford a southern detour now."
But that order would never be given.
Wolfsschanze — Führer Headquarters
Hitler had the maps spread out before him, pointing insistently at the Caucasus.
"The oil is there. He who holds the oil, holds the victory. Moscow is a symbol, not a resource."
Guderian and the other generals exchanged wary glances.
"With all due respect, mein Führer, if we don't take Moscow before winter, this campaign could—"
"My generals understand maps," Hitler snapped, "but they do not understand war."
Silence followed. Once again, politics was beginning to obstruct strategy.
Moscow — October 11, 1941
The Stavka was gathered in emergency session.
"If they lose North Africa, the British may give up the Mediterranean," one general said. "And if Japan joins the war, the Americans may never arrive."
Stalin sat in silence. Then, coldly:
"If Vladivostok stands, let it stand. But evacuate all industry east to the Urals. If Moscow falls, the war will change—but it will not end."
Washington D.C. — October 11, 1941
Roosevelt was flipping through reports.
"Tobruk is gone. Kyiv as well. No sign of internal resistance. Where's the spark?"
His advisor hesitated.
"Japan hasn't moved. Public opinion is still divided."
"Then it will be Japan or Europe," Roosevelt muttered. "But we won't be able to sit out much longer."
A phone rang. The aide picked up.
"London on the line, Mr. President. It's urgent."
London — October 11, 1941
Churchill looked worn, but his voice remained firm.
"Franklin, the Axis is advancing. And they're not doing it with tanks alone—they're doing it with symbols, with messages of liberation. They're writing the narrative. And if you don't step in soon… theirs will be the only one left."
Berlin — October 12, 1941
Goebbels reviewed the numbers.
"The fall of Tobruk has changed everything. The peoples of the Maghreb are beginning to sympathize with the Axis cause. Kyiv was a masterstroke. Not with bullets—but with flags."
He turned to his press secretary.
"Bring Falk Ritter and his crew back into the spotlight. This time, with a message. They don't destroy—they liberate."