This first part evokes the downfall of the French Army in May-June, 1940, through the particular story of a handful of fighters whose lot symbolizes the lot of the whole Army, brave but defeated. It tells the tragedy of a French officer and his unit, confronted – without adequate training – with the nazi troops and modern war. This officer, encircled inside the “Ligne Maginot” bunker he has in command, has to make a terrible choice: either obey the orders directing him to resist until death inside the fortress, or disobey and save the garrison.