red moscow

Chapter 3124

The next day at noon, sunlight shone through thin clouds onto the ground. The delegation from Moscow, led by Military Commissar Lobachev, arrived at the brigade headquarters in jeeps, covered in dust from their journey.

Upon learning of the arrival of the delegation, Sokov hurriedly led his brigade headquarters members and several battalion commanders to greet them.

Sokov strode up to Lobachev, gave him a solemn military salute, and said respectfully, "Hello, Comrade Military Commissioner! Welcome to our infantry brigade with your delegation. We are honored by your arrival."

Lobachev grasped Sokov's hand firmly and said with a smile, "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, your brigade has performed exceptionally well recently. You have not only repeatedly crushed German resistance, but you have even destroyed the headquarters of a German division and captured the enemy's division commander alive. These outstanding achievements have earned you high praise from the Supreme Commander himself." He paused, his eyes revealing approval, "Therefore, the Supreme Commander himself has personally signed a commendation order to recognize your loyalty and bravery."

Lobachev took out a neatly folded piece of paper from his briefcase and solemnly handed it to Sokov. "This is the commendation order. I hope you will continue to uphold this honor and make new contributions to the motherland."

Sokov accepted the commendation order with both hands, his face showing excitement and pride: "Thank you, Comrade Military Commissioner, this is the best New Year's gift from our superiors."

After saying this, Sokov turned and handed the commendation order to Karsokov, instructing him, "Comrade Chief of Staff, immediately circulate this commendation order to the entire brigade, so that every officer and soldier knows its contents. This is not only an affirmation of their heroic fighting, but also an encouragement to the morale of all comrades."

“Yes, Comrade Brigade Commander.” Karsokov solemnly accepted the document and nodded in response, “I will handle this matter immediately and will convey it to all battalion and company units as soon as possible.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Sokov!” When Sokov turned around again, Lobachev introduced him to the bespectacled, composed middle-aged man beside him: “Let me introduce you. This is Comrade Shamyakin, the director of the Mytishi Machine-Building Plant. He personally led a team to visit and brought a batch of urgently needed supplies for the front.”

"Hello, Comrade Shamyakin!" Sokov quickly stepped forward, shook the outstretched hand, and politely asked, "Thank you for coming with your comrades—may I ask if you may ask: what types of weapons and equipment does your factory currently produce?"

Upon hearing Sokov's question, Shamyakin smiled faintly and replied calmly yet with a hint of pride, "Lieutenant Colonel Sokov, the predecessor of the Mytishi Machine-Building Plant was actually an ordinary vehicle repair shop, mainly responsible for the maintenance of trucks, tractors, and some heavy machinery. After the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, our plant merged with some military industrial enterprises that had moved to the rear, and was officially renamed the Mytishi Machine-Building Plant, and began to undertake more important defense production tasks."

He paused briefly, as if considering his words, before continuing, "Currently, we are mainly responsible for the production and modification of certain infantry support equipment and mobile vehicles. Please understand that I cannot disclose too much specific product information here."

“Understood, I understand the nature of your work.” Seeing the other party’s reserved tone, Sokov knew it involved military secrets, so he didn’t press further. Instead, he sincerely said, “In any case, you and the factory workers are also silently contributing to victory. On behalf of all the officers and soldiers of the infantry brigade, I sincerely welcome you and the delegation!”

"Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel!" Shamyakin said with a smile. "First of all, on behalf of all members of the delegation, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to every commander and soldier fighting on the front lines. It is because of their day and night defense of the front lines, their heroic fighting and bloody battles against the enemy, that our rear cities can carry out national defense production with peace of mind and efficiency, and ensure the supply of materials and strategic support. We will always remember their sacrifices and dedication."

He paused briefly, his tone becoming increasingly solemn and warm: "Furthermore, on such a significant day, we also extend our sincerest holiday greetings to you—all comrades who are fighting for the motherland! May victory be with you, and may glory accompany you on every step of your journey!" Then, Shamyakin began to introduce the main members of the delegation to Sokov. These people were basically the backbone of the factory, all of them in high spirits, dressed in simple work clothes, their faces beaming with respect and enthusiasm for the soldiers on the front lines.

Sokov greeted everyone with a smile, then politely said a few words of courtesy, such as "Thank you for your support" or "Comrades, you've worked hard." His voice was gentle and sincere, making the members of the delegation feel very respected.

When a young woman with a camera hanging around her neck was introduced, Sokov's eyes widened in surprise, for he recognized the person standing before him as Kopalova, a photojournalist for Izvestia. Her blonde hair fluttered slightly in the cold wind, and her eyes were bright and focused, causing Sokov to momentarily feel as if he had been transported back to a memory from a previous life.

"Kopalova, it's you?" Sokov greeted her somewhat haltingly, his heart pounding, almost blurting out more familiar greetings, but his remaining rationality allowed him to restrain himself in time.

But Kopalova's gaze as she looked at Sokov was clearly that of someone looking at a stranger. Hearing Sokov call her by name, she couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Comrade Commander, how do you know my name? You know, Comrade Shamyakin hasn't even had a chance to introduce me to you yet." Her brow furrowed slightly, revealing a puzzled expression, and her hand unconsciously adjusted the camera strap.

Sokov realized he had once again confused reality with his past life. The Kopalova he knew wasn't his childhood sweetheart; they were complete strangers meeting for the first time. Somewhat embarrassed, he replied, "I just heard someone in the group call your name, so I remembered it." His voice was slightly tense, and he subconsciously scratched the back of his head, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“Oh, I see.” Kopalova thought carefully, as if she remembered someone calling her name just now, and the commander in front of her might have heard her name at that moment. She extended her hand to Sokov and greeted him in a friendly tone, “Hello, Comrade Commander! Let’s get acquainted. I’m Kopalova, a photojournalist for Izvestia. I’ve heard that you are a very capable commander who has achieved many great feats on the battlefield. May I take a few photos of you alone later? I would like to capture some vivid moments for the newspaper.”

“Sure, of course.” Sokov readily agreed, a smile returning to his face. “I’d be happy to make things convenient for a pretty girl like you. But please don’t take pictures of me looking too serious; I prefer a more natural look.” He tried to ease the awkwardness with a lighthearted tone, while noticing that Kopalova’s camera was the same one he had seen many times before, which reminded him of his past life.

Berkin walked over and said to Lobachev, “Comrade Military Commissar, it’s too cold outside, and the wind is getting stronger. It’s easy for the comrades to catch a cold if they stand for too long. Let’s go inside. There’s a fire inside, so it’ll be warmer and the friends in the delegation can rest.”

“Yes, comrades, it’s too cold outside. Let’s go inside.” Lobachev agreed with Belkin’s suggestion and turned to Shamyakin, saying, “Comrade Shamyakin, let’s go inside and talk about it.”

Sokov, standing nearby, said, “Comrade Shamyakin, please come with me. Hot tea has been prepared for you inside; it will warm you up.”

Shamyakin nodded, then turned to the members of the delegation and said, "Let's go, comrades. We'll follow Lieutenant Colonel Sokov's instructions and go inside to warm up."

(End of this chapter)