The night before the advance on El Alamein, Erika Falkenberg sat at the edge of her tank, the engine humming softly as the desert wind swept through the camp. She had just finished her meal, a simple ration, and was taking the last few moments of quiet before the battle began. Her men had already turned in, some asleep, others keeping watch. She found herself staring out at the distant lights of the camp, the tension in the air palpable.

She wiped a smudge of dust from her cheek, her thoughts drifting to the Field Marshal's briefing earlier that day. The plan was set, and the next day would be a turning point. But tonight, there was nothing to do but wait. She leaned back against the tank, staring at the sky. The stars were bright, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to feel something other than the weight of the mission.

Just then, one of her subordinates approached, standing a few feet away but not saying anything. She didn’t need to look up to know who it was.

"Anything you wish to discuss before tomorrow?"