red moscow

Chapter 3105

"How could this be? How could things be like this?" Sokov exclaimed in disbelief, his voice rising in astonishment. "I clearly remember that Rokossovsky knew the famous actress Comrade Serova before he was wounded. If we carefully follow the timeline, they should have met around the time the performance troupe came to the front lines. Could it be that I've misremembered some crucial detail, or that there's a major oversight in the historical records?"

Bakharov stared intently at Sokov, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He said with a hint of helplessness, "Dear Misha, have you ever considered this possibility? The gossip you know about historical figures has actually been deliberately modified and artistically embellished by later generations, and has long lost its original truth."

Hearing this, Braun, who was sitting next to him, finally couldn't help but interject, his voice full of doubt: "Comrade Bakharov, according to you, are the widely circulated stories that Serova and Rokossovsky fell in love at first sight after meeting on the front lines all untrue?"

“Whether it’s true or not, it’s hard to say for sure right now.” Baharov shook his head slightly, his tone becoming cautious. “But I can say for sure that this historical rumor has been embellished by later generations, and many details were deliberately fabricated to increase the drama of the story.”

After saying this, Bakharov seemed unwilling to continue the topic. He said impatiently to Sokov, "Alright, Misha, didn't your chief of staff send someone to call you? Is there something particularly important that you need to handle personally? Why don't you go and see what's going on?"

Bakharov's words promptly reminded Sokov, who then realized what was going on and quickly nodded, saying, "You're right, I'll go right now." He then turned to Braun and said, "Braun, you should go back and rest. If there's anything I need you for, I'll send someone to find you immediately."

Sokov then quickly returned to the command post with Bakharov. As soon as they entered, he eagerly asked Chief of Staff Karsokov, "Comrade Chief of Staff, why did you call me back in such a hurry? Is there some good news from the front?"

"That's right, Comrade Brigade Commander, it's truly fantastic news." Karsokov said excitedly with a joyful smile on his face, "We just received a telegram from the Fourth Battalion, saying that they have successfully captured that strategic town. The enemy that was originally entrenched in the town has either been completely wiped out or has become our prisoner."

"That's certainly exciting news!" Sokov nodded with satisfaction, then asked with concern, "So how are the troops doing now? Have they continued their advance?"

“Yes, Comrade Brigade Commander,” Karsokov nodded without hesitation, confirming to Sokov firmly, “As per your instructions, the 4th and 2nd Battalions are currently responsible for battlefield cleanup and spoils tallying, and they have commenced operations in an orderly manner. At this moment, the 1st Battalion, commanded by Captain Yefim, is continuing to advance deep into enemy territory. Although the enemy is currently in a state of rout, we cannot ignore their potential counterattack driven by desperation. They are highly likely to resort to desperate measures and fight to the death, causing unexpected losses to our side. Therefore, Comrade Brigade Commander, I believe it is necessary to dispatch Captain Nazorov's 3rd Battalion as follow-up support to ensure the flanks and rear security of the front-line troops. Do you think this arrangement is appropriate?”

Upon hearing this, Sokov immediately understood why Karsokov had urgently summoned him back. His original plan was to divide his troops into two groups, advancing simultaneously to pursue the fleeing enemy and eliminate as many enemy soldiers as possible. However, if the German army suddenly launched a counterattack during their retreat, concentrating their forces to attack one of the routes, that unit would likely be in grave danger, even facing the risk of being cut off and encircled.

"Comrade Chief of Staff, your considerations are very thorough." Sokov nodded solemnly, acknowledging Karsokov's assessment. "Although the enemy is in retreat, they will not easily admit defeat. They are likely to have set up ambushes along our advance route. If we recklessly divide our forces and advance rashly, a unit that has penetrated too deep into enemy territory may encounter a fierce counterattack from the Germans, and could even face the serious consequence of being encircled and annihilated. We will proceed as you suggested: Yefim's 1st Battalion will continue to serve as the vanguard, with Nazorov's 3rd Battalion following closely behind, maintaining tactical coordination and advancing steadily."

“Yes, Comrade Brigade Commander, I will immediately notify Captain Nazorov and order him to lead the 3rd Battalion to set off immediately to support the 1st Battalion's advance.” Karsokov said, reaching for the communicator. Just then, Sokov suddenly remembered something and asked, “By the way, where’s the Deputy Brigade Commander? Where did he go?”

A smile appeared on Karsokov's face as he replied, "He took a few comrades to the newly recaptured town, saying he wanted to personally inspect the results of the Second and Fourth Battalions and understand the actual situation on the battlefield."

“Since the deputy brigade commander is with the 2nd and 4th battalions,” Sokov thought for a moment and then made a decision, “I will go with the 1st and 3rd battalions. I also want to see with my own eyes which unlucky German unit will run into our guns today.”

Upon hearing this, Karsokov immediately became tense: "Comrade Brigade Commander, this is too dangerous! Major Vasya reported that you and he were once trapped in the command post by the enemy. If the Second Battalion had not arrived in time to relieve you, the consequences would have been unimaginable. You are the highest commander of the entire brigade, and I cannot let you put yourself in danger again."

“Don’t worry, Comrade Chief of Staff,” Sokov said with a relaxed smile, reassuring him. “Last time, even in such a critical situation, we got out safely, didn’t we? I’ll be careful this time as I’m with the troops, so you don’t need to worry too much.”

At this moment, Bakharov, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but step forward and earnestly asked Sokov, "Misha, can I go with you?"

Sokov immediately shook his head, firmly refusing: "No, Bakharov. The front is too dangerous, and you lack combat experience. I can't let you take that risk. You should stay at the brigade headquarters and work with the chief of staff to develop supply plans for new weapons. That's what you should be doing right now."

As he spoke, Sokov turned his gaze to another officer who had remained silent throughout the room—a captain from the weapons and equipment department—and politely inquired for his opinion: "Comrade Captain, are you right?"

“You are absolutely right, Lieutenant Colonel.” The captain immediately nodded in agreement. “Comrade Bakharov is an important designer in our weapons and equipment department. He must not be sent to the front lines lightly. If anything happens to him, it will be an irreparable loss for us.”

“Did you hear that, Bakharov?” Sokov turned to Bakharov, his tone softening but not negotiable. “Comrade Captain also believes you should stay at the brigade headquarters. We’ll discuss the next steps in detail when I return from the front.”

(End of this chapter)