red moscow

Chapter 3106

Sokov had just stepped out of the somewhat dilapidated wooden door of the brigade command post when he was met by Bobrikov, the guard company commander who was already waiting outside. Bobrikov quickly stepped forward and asked with utmost respect, "Comrade Brigade Commander, where do you plan to go next?" His voice conveyed the respect due to a subordinate to a superior.

Sokov stopped and replied briefly, "I'm going to inspect the First Battalion." He paused, then added, "Select a few soldiers to come with me."

However, Bobrikov did not immediately carry out the order. Instead, he stood still and cautiously asked, "Comrade Brigade Commander, if I may be so bold, I don't know the exact location of the First Battalion now?"

Sokov understood why Bobrikov had asked this question. As the brigade's guard company commander, his main responsibility was to protect the brigade command post, and it was impossible for him to know the exact location of each combat unit at all times. So he patiently explained: "Currently, the 2nd and 4th Battalions have successfully occupied the town ahead, and the 1st Battalion has taken over the vanguard position from the 4th Battalion and is advancing towards the enemy's defensive positions."

After listening to the brigade commander's explanation, Bobrikov frowned slightly, his tone revealing concern: "Comrade brigade commander, according to you, isn't the 1st Battalion now the unit closest to the enemy in the entire brigade? Is my understanding correct?"

“Absolutely correct, Captain.” Sokov nodded firmly. “The battalion I’m about to be assigned to is currently advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses, where fierce fighting could break out at any moment.”

Bobrikov immediately chimed in, "Comrade Brigadier, since you are going to the front lines, you can't have too few people with you. Otherwise, if you encounter another emergency like what happened at the Fourth Battalion command post today, your life will be seriously threatened."

Sokov understood that Borikov was referring to the dangerous situation they had encountered at the 4th Battalion command post that day. He said understandingly, "Comrade Captain, since you are fully responsible for my safety, you can decide how many men to bring with you."

Upon hearing the brigade commander's words, Borikov immediately straightened his back and replied loudly, "Yes, Comrade Brigade Commander! Please wait here for a moment, I will go back and gather capable men." After saying this, he saluted, turned around and strode away.

Watching Borikov's departing figure, Sokov fell into deep thought. This loyal guard company commander had followed him from headquarters to the infantry brigade, and after so many battles and so much time, his rank and position had remained unchanged. Once this pursuit of the enemy was over, he would definitely promote this dutiful officer.

Bobrikov's efficiency was truly astonishing. In less than ten minutes, he had arranged all the necessary vehicles according to Sokov's request. A military jeep and two trucks covered with canvas canopies quickly drove up and parked neatly in front of Sokov. The whole process was swift and efficient, without the slightest delay.

As soon as the jeep came to a stop, the passenger door opened immediately, and Bobrikov nimbly jumped out. He quickly went around to the back seat, opened the door, and then faced Sokov: "Comrade Brigade Commander, please get in."

Sokov was very satisfied with Bobrikov's quick and thoughtful arrangements. He nodded slightly, his face expressionless, but his eyes revealed approval. He didn't say much, but simply bowed slightly and deftly entered the car.

The convoy slowly drove through the newly occupied town, the streets littered with the brutal marks of war—huge shell craters, scattered bricks and rubble, and the remains of soldiers from both sides that had not yet been cleared, forcing the vehicles to slow down.

Sokov stared out the window, then suddenly pointed to a bullet-riddled building and said to Captain Bobrikov beside him, “Look at that room, Comrade Captain. Major Vasya and I were trapped in there by enemy fire, almost in dire straits. If it weren’t for the timely arrival of the comrades from the 2nd Battalion, the brigade commander would probably have been replaced.” His voice was calm, yet carried a barely perceptible heaviness.

Bobrikov looked in the direction his brigade commander was pointing and saw that the walls of the house were riddled with bullet holes, like a honeycomb. He couldn't help but imagine the fierce battle that had taken place, and a wave of fear washed over him. If the German offensive had been any more intense, the people inside would likely have been killed or captured. Thinking of this, he shuddered, realizing how close his brigade commander had come to death. A brief silence fell over the vehicle, broken only by the deep rumble of the engine.

After a long silence, Bobrikov broke it: "Comrade Brigadier, the deputy brigadier is also in town. Should I go and inform him, or should we go over and say hello?"

Sokov turned his gaze to the window, watching the officers and soldiers busily clearing the battlefield and tending to the wounded, and slowly shook his head: "No need. The deputy brigade commander and the others must be very busy right now; let's not disturb their work."

No sooner had he finished speaking than several commanders emerged from a half-collapsed building by the roadside. Leading them was Deputy Brigade Commander Belkin, followed closely by Vasya, Alexa, and others. They walked and talked in hushed tones, seemingly discussing some important matter.

Now that the deputy brigade commander was already in front of him, Sokov couldn't pretend he hadn't seen him, so he immediately called to the driver beside him, "Stop the car, stop the car quickly!"

After the car slowly pulled up to a stop on the side of the road covered in broken bricks and dust, Sokov quickly opened the car door, leaned out halfway, and shouted loudly to Belkin outside, "Comrade Deputy Brigade Commander!"

Berkin, who was standing on the sidewalk talking to Vasya and Alexei, heard someone call his name and instinctively turned around. He immediately saw Sokov sitting in the jeep, and a look of surprise and confusion appeared on his face. He quickly walked to the car and asked with concern, "Comrade Brigade Commander, where are you going?"

“The chief of staff told me that the 4th and 2nd battalions had successfully captured the town, and now the 1st battalion has taken over the mission of the vanguard battalion and is continuing to advance into the enemy’s defensive depth,” Sokov explained calmly. “I wanted to go to the front line to see the 1st battalion’s combat situation in person, so I came here.”

Upon hearing that Sokov was going to the 1st Battalion, which could be engaged in battle with the enemy at any moment, Belkin's expression immediately turned serious. He solemnly reminded him, "Comrade Brigade Commander, the 1st Battalion is the vanguard of the entire brigade and could encounter the enemy at any time. By going directly to the front of the troops, you are putting yourself in an extremely dangerous situation!"

“That’s right, Comrade Brigade Commander,” Vasya added immediately, “You already faced considerable danger this morning in my command post. If the Second Battalion hadn’t arrived in time to provide support, the consequences would have been unimaginable. You really shouldn’t take such risks again.”

Faced with their sincere and urgent advice, Sokov simply waved his hand, saying casually and nonchalantly, "It's alright, don't worry. I brought many more men this time than this morning, and even if we encounter a similar situation again, I'm fully confident that we can escape safely. You don't need to worry too much about my safety."

“But, Comrade Brigade Commander!” Seeing that Sokov seemed completely unmoved by the advice, Belkin further explained, “Only the First Battalion has passed through the town so far; the Third Battalion hasn’t caught up yet. If a similar emergency situation were to occur again, I’m worried that the Third Battalion wouldn’t be able to provide you with timely support!”

"I believe in the officers and soldiers of the First Battalion, and I believe they are capable of crushing the enemy's offensive, so you don't need to worry." After saying this, he waved to the group, then closed the car door and instructed the driver, "Drive!"

(End of this chapter)