Reverence

In London, England, a group of Royal Air Force commanders gathered at the headquarters of the Vickers Sheppelin Aircraft Design Company, their faces etched with concern over recent developments. "We've received intelligence from France," began an expert from the Air Force Intelligence Department, scanning the room. "In the recent air battles over Spain, the Soviet Union's latest fighter, the I-16, has significantly outperformed our current Bulldog fighters. This is unsettling news for us."

A pilot interjected with a sigh, "Thinking about developing a new fighter now? It's too late!" He continued, frustrated, "Years ago, we initiated the GC fighter project, nicknamed 'Cockfighting,' but it was underfunded and eventually, only a few units were produced and sold to the Japanese."

"Indeed! And remember, our chief designer Michelle, who returned to China a few years back, vanished at sea. It's still unclear what happened, but I'd bet those damned Germans had a hand in it!" an aircraft engineer added angrily.

"Enough!" A Royal Air Force Colonel banged on the table, bringing the room back to focus. "We all regret Michelle's disappearance, but today we need to address the increasing aerial threats," he stated, his expression grave. "And let's not dwell on the past failures like the Cockfighting fighter. We have more pressing issues."

"The I-16's superior performance in Spain has indeed made our current fleet seem outdated. However, the main point today is that despite its advancements, the I-16 has suffered significant losses," the intelligence officer revealed, capturing everyone's attention.

"Are you saying that the Soviet's I-16, capable of flying at 186 miles per hour, was bested by an Italian aircraft?" asked an incredulous airplane designer.

The British intelligence officer laid a photograph on the table. It was blurry, but the outline of a sleek, single-winged aircraft with a closed cockpit was discernible. "Franco's Nationalists used a new, unknown super fighter that easily outmatched the Soviet I-16," he explained.

"Our spies in Germany have limited information, but they've learned that several German companies have collaborated to develop a new fighter named after Messerschmitt, officially the ME-109," he continued, pointing out features on the image. "This aircraft is all-metal, with enclosed cockpits and aerodynamics that are frankly terrifying. Reports from our operatives in Spain and Francone suggest this German aircraft exceeds 250 miles per hour."

"This is impossible! No plane can fly that fast!" exclaimed a fighter pilot, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"I'm afraid it's true," the intelligence officer confirmed solemnly. "Our spies within the Republican Air Force have corroborated this. They've clocked the German fighter at a minimum of 250 miles per hour, possibly even more."

"My God! So, both the Soviets and Germans have fighters beyond our capabilities? And we're lagging behind without even the technical reserves?" another officer lamented.

"The disappearance of Michelle indeed set back the development of our new superfighter," a technical officer from the Air Force chimed in. "Currently, we have two projects nearing readiness—the Fearless fighter with a rotating turret and the naval-type Dapeng fighter. Both are comparable to the I-16 in performance."

"We must test these aircraft immediately! By year's end, I want all relevant data ready for mass production," demanded the highest-ranking officer, a British Royal Air Force Major General. "Next year, we must begin producing these models—500 units for the RAF."

He then stood, approached a blackboard, and wrote '300' on it with chalk. "The Royal Air Force needs future fighters capable of 300 miles per hour, with fully enclosed cockpits and a monoplane design. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir!" the room responded in unison.

"Designers and manufacturers, I know you're constantly developing new planes for us to consider. However, these are extraordinary times, and we must adapt our traditions accordingly," the Major General concluded.

"No problem! We fully support the Royal Air Force's decisions," several designers and manufacturers nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, in Germany, General Brauchitsch of the German Defence Forces Command reviewed the Army Expansion Report for the month. The document detailed significant achievements, including the acquisition of 70 heavy artillery pieces from Krupp, 28 trucks, 41 tanks from Mercedes-Benz, over 5,000 G43 semi-automatic rifles, and 12,000 new recruits. The German Army's strength was formidable, enough to intimidate any European power.

The Luftwaffe had also made notable advances, deploying 30 ME-109A fighters to support Franco in Spain and improving subsequent models based on combat experience. Additionally, Luftwaffe Commander Catherine had recently received 17 Ju-87 dive bombers, enhancing the Air Force's ground-attack capabilities.

The German Navy was not left behind, with monumental changes underway at the Kiel shipyards. Work had begun on the first two German aircraft carriers, set to become the core of the naval fleet.

As Brauchitsch pondered Germany's military might, designed in collaboration with the Führer, he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and apprehension. While the Army and Air Force had proven their effectiveness in combat, the Navy's new weapons had yet to be tested.

Just then, Major General Gascol from the intelligence service entered. "Lieutenant General, we've dismantled a French spy ring attempting to steal our fighter plans. The Gestapo has captured four operatives."

"What about the French embassy?" Brauchitsch inquired.

"They deny any involvement. It's up to us to handle them," Gascol reported.

"Then proceed as usual. Send them to the concentration camp," Brauchitsch ordered.

"Yes, General," Gascol affirmed, turning to leave.

"Gascol," Brauchitsch called out suddenly, "do you truly believe in everything the Führer proposes?"

"Absolutely," Gascol responded without hesitation. "He is a gift from God to the German people. I will follow him to the end."

"Me too," Brauchitsch murmured, half to himself, half in reassurance.