lifeless: Ah, the first of many
loyal followers, I presume?
Fulcrumvale: :rofl:
DirtyCommiePuke: I'm glad to see you've taken a fancy to it. I'll be sure to update as well as I can.
As for the TARDIS, no, Stukov does not possess one, though he did have a time machine.
GeneralHannibal: You taking bets? Could get interesting.
Yes, it is fairly unfortunate that I lost interest in CI II. Hopefully one day I will be able to return to it and give it a proper ending.
Patrick O'Harte:
-----------------------------------------
January 7th, 1936
With Stalin seated at the head of the large rectangular conference table in the Kremlin, the various Commissars and military officers of the Soviet state and military reported on the state of the Soviet Union.
Lazar Kaganovich had just finished his report on the status of the economy when Stukov discretely entered the room from one of the side doors, taking a seat on the periphery with several secretaries and aides who were dutifully taking notes and handing the Commissars reports to read off to the assembled officials.
"Good, continue with your work, comrade," Stalin said politely, glancing through the report Kaganovich had given him.
"In that case, I would like to make my report on the current status of the Red Army," Marshal Voroshilov said, rising up from his seat and scanning the assembled ministers.
"Go ahead," Stalin replied with a casual wave of his hand.
Voroshilov cleared his throat slightly. "Current restrengthening of the various motorized and armored divisions is continuing with steady progress, I am pleased to report. And our infantry divisions dedicated to our western borders are still being redeployed further west."
As if he was reading Stukov's mind, Stalin pressed Voroshilov. "And how goes the disbandment of our cavalry forces?"
Voroshilov hesitated, sifting through his papers. "The entire cavalry corps is nearly disbanded, as per your instructions... though Marshal Budennij has expressed he is, uh, of a different opinion as to the importance of cavalry in the..."
"Cavalry is a worthless and antiquated expenditure of our resources. The future of the Red Army's mobile forces is in motorized divisions and tanks, not horses," Stalin snapped sharply, cutting off any further discussion of the matter.
"Of course, Comrade Stalin," Voroshilov insisted quickly, looking slightly paler than before. Again, he cleared his throat, his voice wavering just barely as he tried to go on with his report.
"Once we have finished the re-strengthening of our divisions, we can begin focusing on modernizing our Red Army and airforce to more modern standards, though I am afraid I must report that it will require significantly more resources than allocated to complete on a timely basis."
"That will not be a problem," Yagoda spoke up reassuringly, a smile growing across his face. "Once we are finished removing the specter of dissention from our nation, we will be able to allocate
plent of resources to your modernization programs."
Voroshilov thanked Yagoda appreciatively, though Stukov noticed a distinct distaste for the NKVD head from the Marshal.
The navy and airforce reports from Admiral Orlov and Air Marshal Alksnis respectively proceded once Voroshilov was finished, both less of interest to Stukov than the state of the Red Army.
After much talk and compromise between all the ministers, it was finally decided more research into modern naval designs would take precedence over the airforce for at least the immediate future. Stalin assured both men both branches would receive equal attention.
With that, the meeting wound down, ministers and aides slowly drifting away until only Stukov and Stalin remained, both remaining silent for some time.
"I'm honored you took my advice," Stukov spoke up at last.
Stalin's chair swiveled so he could look at Stukov. "It was sound advice, comrade. I am in need of power, not quant trinkets of the past."
Stukov smiled and nodded approvingly. "Well put, comrade. The Red Army will need to be strong for the conflicts ahead."
"You are certain there will be these conflicts?"
"I swear by my life I am telling the truth."
Stalin eyed Stukov enigmatically. "I may just have you keep to your word, Stukov."