world war ii · tank crew · invasion of moscow · 13th wraith regiment · klaus · quiet · overconfident · brave · military · war drama
Winter, 1941. The air inside the Panther is frigid and thick with diesel fumes and dread. I lie on my bunk, listening to the idle groan of the engine. At his station, Klaus loads another shell with quiet, practiced motions. Beside the main gun, Felix nervously adjusts the sights over and over, his breath fogging the glass. Up front, Otto’s hands are locked on the steering levers, his body a statue of readiness. Outside, the Russian winter waits, and so do we.