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1938 ended on a quiet note. Germany had settled down for the time being and the West relaxed from the tensions slowing boiling over. War in China had frozen along the same lines. Only the succesful Communist uprisings in Manchuria were affecting the battle lines, remeniscent of the Western front of the Great War.
And in the Soviet Union, the military was preparing itself. The technological ventures of the Red Army were bearing fruit. Along with the slow, but steady training of new divisions, the Red Army was expanding well. Except for the navy's lack of large troop transports, which had been promised by Stalin over a year earlier, the Soviet military was prepared for just about anything that could happen. But all of this was hidden beneath the shrowd of darkness communism put over the nation. Except for Poland and Finland, the world was for the most part ignorant of Soviet military expansion.
In fact, the only noteworthy event of early 1939 was the replacement of Litinov by Vyacheslav Molotov. Stalin's patience of the bafoonish Litinov had worn thin, and had begun searching for a competent Commissar of Foreign Policy. After an unsuccesful search, Stalin chose Molotov. Molotov was a man who lacked any independent thought. He was a mouthpiece from which Stalin would project Soviet diplomacy. Within days of appointing his new Foreign Minister, Stalin began sending "diplomatic" support for leftist factions in Central and South America, and placed a vested intrest in Mexico, which was independently forming more socialist policies.
------------------------------------------------
February 14th, 1939
Alexei Stukov was napping in his office due to yet another day of little buisness. The whole Kremlin seemed idle, almost wishing something catastrophic would happen just to end the boredom.
Suddenly, a familiar blue vortex appeared in the center of Stukov's office. Papers flew everywhere and Stukov was instantly awakened. Suprised, he fell backwards into his chair, knocking it backwards and falling to the floor.
Quickly, he stumbled upright. The vortex was gone, and the brown haired woman was standing where it had been, laughing at him.
"You again!? Maybe you won't be laughing when I have you shot!"
The woman slowly stopped laughing, clearing her throat, "You always were funny Alexei."
Stukov was fuming now, "Who are you anyway?"
The woman sighed, "I suppouse you don't really know who I am yet....." she trailed off.
"Yet....?" said Stukov.
"Let's just say.....I'm here to help you."
"Help me!?" said Stukov, looking her over, "How is it you have a functioning time machine?"
"Alexei, I can't tell you yet, but you must trust me. For your sake."
Stukov sighed, "Alright, alright alright," he picked up the chair and sat back down, "So what is it you want to help me with?"
The woman grinned, "To make sure we.....you, don't fail this time."
Stukov's eye's widened, "We?"
The woman waved it away, "Slip of the tongue is all it was. But I suppouse if you fail, then I do too."
Stukov shook his head, "Fine. So what is it you have in mind?"
"Well, it'll take awhile to explain."
Stukov leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the desk and shrugged, "We've got plenty of time it seems."
And in the Soviet Union, the military was preparing itself. The technological ventures of the Red Army were bearing fruit. Along with the slow, but steady training of new divisions, the Red Army was expanding well. Except for the navy's lack of large troop transports, which had been promised by Stalin over a year earlier, the Soviet military was prepared for just about anything that could happen. But all of this was hidden beneath the shrowd of darkness communism put over the nation. Except for Poland and Finland, the world was for the most part ignorant of Soviet military expansion.
In fact, the only noteworthy event of early 1939 was the replacement of Litinov by Vyacheslav Molotov. Stalin's patience of the bafoonish Litinov had worn thin, and had begun searching for a competent Commissar of Foreign Policy. After an unsuccesful search, Stalin chose Molotov. Molotov was a man who lacked any independent thought. He was a mouthpiece from which Stalin would project Soviet diplomacy. Within days of appointing his new Foreign Minister, Stalin began sending "diplomatic" support for leftist factions in Central and South America, and placed a vested intrest in Mexico, which was independently forming more socialist policies.
------------------------------------------------
February 14th, 1939
Alexei Stukov was napping in his office due to yet another day of little buisness. The whole Kremlin seemed idle, almost wishing something catastrophic would happen just to end the boredom.
Suddenly, a familiar blue vortex appeared in the center of Stukov's office. Papers flew everywhere and Stukov was instantly awakened. Suprised, he fell backwards into his chair, knocking it backwards and falling to the floor.
Quickly, he stumbled upright. The vortex was gone, and the brown haired woman was standing where it had been, laughing at him.
"You again!? Maybe you won't be laughing when I have you shot!"
The woman slowly stopped laughing, clearing her throat, "You always were funny Alexei."
Stukov was fuming now, "Who are you anyway?"
The woman sighed, "I suppouse you don't really know who I am yet....." she trailed off.
"Yet....?" said Stukov.
"Let's just say.....I'm here to help you."
"Help me!?" said Stukov, looking her over, "How is it you have a functioning time machine?"
"Alexei, I can't tell you yet, but you must trust me. For your sake."
Stukov sighed, "Alright, alright alright," he picked up the chair and sat back down, "So what is it you want to help me with?"
The woman grinned, "To make sure we.....you, don't fail this time."
Stukov's eye's widened, "We?"
The woman waved it away, "Slip of the tongue is all it was. But I suppouse if you fail, then I do too."
Stukov shook his head, "Fine. So what is it you have in mind?"
"Well, it'll take awhile to explain."
Stukov leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the desk and shrugged, "We've got plenty of time it seems."
So.. Stalin had the Stukov native to this timeline killed. Now Stukov from another timeline is dealing with another mysterious time-traveler that some how knows Stukov (from this current one or dead one?).. so confusing, but great nonetheless.
Lord G. Q. White said:You should always watch out for strange women that kiss you.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Indeed you should.
Machiavellian: Well, technically she knows both of them, since the native Stukov is the alternate Stukov before travelling back in time. But for the sake of the story, she knows alt. Stukov.
A trooper: I take it you know from experience?
-----------------------------------------------
Unlike January and February, March 1939 was anything but uneventful.
Not content with the Sudetenland, Hitler pressured Slovakian dissidents to demand independence under German support. This flimsy excuse was enough of a reason for Hitler to send troops into the Czech zone of the country and occupy it. The country was in chaos and could do little to stop Germany, and Czechslovakia dissapeared from the map, butchered by Germany, Hungary, and the new German puppet, Slovakia. The West was horrified, and tensions were on the rise again. The prospect of peace was fading rapidly, as Germany shifted its armies to the Polish border, an Allied nation. On March 24th, Hitler approached Lithuania and demanded the return of the Memel to Gemany. Trapped between two hostile nations, the small country ceded the city. Germany was becoming a bully, and the Allies worriedly watched for the Nazis' next victim. In early April, Great Britain guaranteed Greece's independence and supplied weapons to Portugal for rearmament
With the world's attention glued to Berlin, Mussolini sent an ultimatum to King Zog of Albania, demanding that the tiny country be incorporated into Italy. It was obvious the tiny Albanian army was doomed against 'modern' Italian military forces and the Albanian monarch reluctantly accepted. One more country vanished from Europe.
In the Soviet Union, a baffling beurocratic mix-up removed Boris Shaposhnikov as Commissar of the Red Army and replaced him with Sergei Uritskiy. But after two days of red-tape, the problem was corrected.
------------------------------------------------
April 2nd, 1939
Stukov sat at the head of the table in a meeting room, several high rank Red Army generals present with him. Off to the side was the brown-haired woman, acting as a notetaker, but actually like Stukov to Stalin, an observer. While she hadn't told him her real name, he had decided to nickname her Azuren, for the color of the time machine vortex.
At the moment, Konev was just finishing a report on the progress of the Smolensk armored development operation, "So, with the continued funding, we anticipate new medium and heavy tank prototypes by the end of the year."
Stukov politely smiled and nodded, "Very good comrade. I think we can expect great benefits from your progress," Stukov read from his list, "Next, we have comrade Voroshilov who will assign new general assignments for the coming months."
Voroshilov nodded and handed each general present a paper, "While you'll find the specifics written on the documents, I want several standard orders followed. First, keep your divisions in a high state of readiness. Recent German aggression has Stalin worried. Secondly, continue observing army operations for any new doctrinal methods. We need every idea we can get. Thirdly, look for promising officers or those who show valuable characteristics for command to be promoted to division commanders. We need all the best in command after Stalin's...." Voroshilov paused, looking at Stukov.
Stukov laughed, "Don't worry comrade, I know all about it."
Voroshilov hesitated, "....after Stalin's reassignment of Red Army officers."
Blucher sighed in disgust, "I've been moved to Mongolia!?"
Voroshilov rolled his eyes, "Yes, comrade Blucher, you will be temporarily assigned to monitoring Japanese activity along the Mongolian border, and to help organize the Mogolian military to defend the borders."
Blucher sagged into his chair, "I'd rather stay with my army."
Zhukov scowled at the pouting general, "Those are your orders, and you follow them. At least you'll be near the fighting. And you don't see me complaining."
Blucher looked up, "Yo're being sent too?"
Zhukov nodded, "Right after you."
"Even worse."
Stukov impatiently cleared his throat, "If you wish to comment upon your new assignments, feel free to discuss it with comrade Voroshilov or Shaposhnikov AFTER the meeting."
General Popov scratched the back of his head, "Isn't the meeting already over?"
Stukov sighed and covered his face with his hand and waved towards the door with the other, "Out, all of you! You're dismissed."
When the generals left, Azuren burst out into laughter. Stukov glared at her, "Something the matter?"
She looked over to him and shook her head, "You certainly have a way with people."
"Does that include you too?"
She grinned, "No."
Stukov rubbed his eyes, fed up, "Look, can't you just try to act normal?"
"With you?" she shook her head, "No."
Stukov barked a laugh, "I think I'm starting to like you."
"Just in time too," she winked.
Stukov coughed and cleared his throat, "Anyway.....what happens next?"
"War."
"Care to tell me when? And with who?"
"Who?" she shook her head, "No, not yet. But I can assure you by the end of the year, you'll know. Just inform Stalin of the neccesity to build troop transports."
Stukov stared directly at Azuren, once again getting the feeling he faintly recognized this enigmatic woman, "I'll see what I can do," he managed to say.
A trooper: I take it you know from experience?
-----------------------------------------------
Unlike January and February, March 1939 was anything but uneventful.
Not content with the Sudetenland, Hitler pressured Slovakian dissidents to demand independence under German support. This flimsy excuse was enough of a reason for Hitler to send troops into the Czech zone of the country and occupy it. The country was in chaos and could do little to stop Germany, and Czechslovakia dissapeared from the map, butchered by Germany, Hungary, and the new German puppet, Slovakia. The West was horrified, and tensions were on the rise again. The prospect of peace was fading rapidly, as Germany shifted its armies to the Polish border, an Allied nation. On March 24th, Hitler approached Lithuania and demanded the return of the Memel to Gemany. Trapped between two hostile nations, the small country ceded the city. Germany was becoming a bully, and the Allies worriedly watched for the Nazis' next victim. In early April, Great Britain guaranteed Greece's independence and supplied weapons to Portugal for rearmament
With the world's attention glued to Berlin, Mussolini sent an ultimatum to King Zog of Albania, demanding that the tiny country be incorporated into Italy. It was obvious the tiny Albanian army was doomed against 'modern' Italian military forces and the Albanian monarch reluctantly accepted. One more country vanished from Europe.
In the Soviet Union, a baffling beurocratic mix-up removed Boris Shaposhnikov as Commissar of the Red Army and replaced him with Sergei Uritskiy. But after two days of red-tape, the problem was corrected.
------------------------------------------------
April 2nd, 1939
Stukov sat at the head of the table in a meeting room, several high rank Red Army generals present with him. Off to the side was the brown-haired woman, acting as a notetaker, but actually like Stukov to Stalin, an observer. While she hadn't told him her real name, he had decided to nickname her Azuren, for the color of the time machine vortex.
At the moment, Konev was just finishing a report on the progress of the Smolensk armored development operation, "So, with the continued funding, we anticipate new medium and heavy tank prototypes by the end of the year."
Stukov politely smiled and nodded, "Very good comrade. I think we can expect great benefits from your progress," Stukov read from his list, "Next, we have comrade Voroshilov who will assign new general assignments for the coming months."
Voroshilov nodded and handed each general present a paper, "While you'll find the specifics written on the documents, I want several standard orders followed. First, keep your divisions in a high state of readiness. Recent German aggression has Stalin worried. Secondly, continue observing army operations for any new doctrinal methods. We need every idea we can get. Thirdly, look for promising officers or those who show valuable characteristics for command to be promoted to division commanders. We need all the best in command after Stalin's...." Voroshilov paused, looking at Stukov.
Stukov laughed, "Don't worry comrade, I know all about it."
Voroshilov hesitated, "....after Stalin's reassignment of Red Army officers."
Blucher sighed in disgust, "I've been moved to Mongolia!?"
Voroshilov rolled his eyes, "Yes, comrade Blucher, you will be temporarily assigned to monitoring Japanese activity along the Mongolian border, and to help organize the Mogolian military to defend the borders."
Blucher sagged into his chair, "I'd rather stay with my army."
Zhukov scowled at the pouting general, "Those are your orders, and you follow them. At least you'll be near the fighting. And you don't see me complaining."
Blucher looked up, "Yo're being sent too?"
Zhukov nodded, "Right after you."
"Even worse."
Stukov impatiently cleared his throat, "If you wish to comment upon your new assignments, feel free to discuss it with comrade Voroshilov or Shaposhnikov AFTER the meeting."
General Popov scratched the back of his head, "Isn't the meeting already over?"
Stukov sighed and covered his face with his hand and waved towards the door with the other, "Out, all of you! You're dismissed."
When the generals left, Azuren burst out into laughter. Stukov glared at her, "Something the matter?"
She looked over to him and shook her head, "You certainly have a way with people."
"Does that include you too?"
She grinned, "No."
Stukov rubbed his eyes, fed up, "Look, can't you just try to act normal?"
"With you?" she shook her head, "No."
Stukov barked a laugh, "I think I'm starting to like you."
"Just in time too," she winked.
Stukov coughed and cleared his throat, "Anyway.....what happens next?"
"War."
"Care to tell me when? And with who?"
"Who?" she shook her head, "No, not yet. But I can assure you by the end of the year, you'll know. Just inform Stalin of the neccesity to build troop transports."
Stukov stared directly at Azuren, once again getting the feeling he faintly recognized this enigmatic woman, "I'll see what I can do," he managed to say.
TC Pilot said:
That's also fun to play with Red October Hymn playing, especially in MP in the thick of a charge of a dozen Russian soldiers
Morpheus506 said:That's also fun to play with Red October Hymn playing, especially in MP in the thick of a charge of a dozen Russian soldiers
Yeah, those are the best moments of the game. Along with the British Dam(ned) mission. [<- Heavy sarcasm]
But enough with derail, let's get back to this excellent AAR.
A trooper: Thanks again
Ladislav: Ha ha! Anothe victim!
Jopi: I didn't think the dam level was too bad. Sure it contradicts the central theme of the game....but it's still good
*Today was my first day of school, so until I can get settled again, there won't be as frequent an amount of updates.*
----------------------------------------------
June 6th, 1939
Stalin burst into the conference room, his appearence dissheveled and unkept.
Stukov turned to look, fumbling with several urgent reports from the Far East. Several others in the room also stopped their activities, feeling the anger radiating off their leader.
"All of you, out now! We must deal with this in private," Stalin ordered.
Stukov glanced at Azuren, who had hesitated before obeying Stalin's command. Stukov nodded, and she left with several other people, leaving Stalin with Stukov and Voroshilov.
Stalin immediately jumped to the point, "What is the situation?"
The effects of a sleepless night were evident when Voroshilov spoke, "Zhukov's tanks routed the Japanese advance and has pushed the remainder of their force into Inner Mongolia."
Stukov nodded. In mid May, a small Japanese incursion force had been defeated near Chasen Lake by Mongolian forces under Blucher's command and pushed them out of "Soviet" territory. However, the Japanese sent a much larger force into Outer Mongolia on May 30th and defeated a Mongolian defense force. Zhukov quickly asked to attack the Japanese near Nohoman Village and was given the authority by Stalin. And now, news was that Zhukov had obliterated the Japanese force. Within hours, the Japanese had declared war.
"Japanese planes have already attempted bombing runs at Vladivostok. Fortunately, Shaposhnikov was ready for it. He's begun advancing into northern Korea as we speak."
Stalin rubbed his eyes, "Have you sent any divisions from the west."
Stukov spoke this time, "We've prepared the 13th and 3rd Armies to begin redeploying to Vladivostok. The 13th will be there by the fourteenth, and the 3rd by the twenty-first."
"Who commands those armies?" asked Stalin.
"Blucher originally commanded the 13th, and he'll be reassigned back to it. And since General Zhukov already has 10,000 men from his army in Mongolia, we felt it was best to keep him there."
"I agree with this," nodded Stalin. While he had little understanding of military concepts, keeping his generals already familiar to the region was not beyond him., "Any additional support in the future?"
"We've contacted General Eremenko, who leads the 8th Army, to be ready to redeploy east."
Stalin thought over the situation for the moment, "What can we expect to happen before reinforcements arrive?"
"We have a very lop-sided situation at the moment," said Voroshilov, "Shaposhnikov currently has 90,000 troops ready, opposing 10,000 Japanese. But their air and naval power greatly outgun us. Plus, we do not have enough troop transports yet to launch any attack on the Japanese home islands."
Stalin grunted, "Order the 1st Army forward at once. We must press our advantage. And any attack of Japan is too premature. Take China first."
Stukov nodded, "Sound planning, comrade Stalin," the compliment turned sour under Stalin's harsh gaze.
"Keep me informed of our progress as soon as it available," Stalin looked at both men in turn, "Let's see what a modern Red Army can do."
Ladislav: Ha ha! Anothe victim!
Jopi: I didn't think the dam level was too bad. Sure it contradicts the central theme of the game....but it's still good
*Today was my first day of school, so until I can get settled again, there won't be as frequent an amount of updates.*
----------------------------------------------
June 6th, 1939
Stalin burst into the conference room, his appearence dissheveled and unkept.
Stukov turned to look, fumbling with several urgent reports from the Far East. Several others in the room also stopped their activities, feeling the anger radiating off their leader.
"All of you, out now! We must deal with this in private," Stalin ordered.
Stukov glanced at Azuren, who had hesitated before obeying Stalin's command. Stukov nodded, and she left with several other people, leaving Stalin with Stukov and Voroshilov.
Stalin immediately jumped to the point, "What is the situation?"
The effects of a sleepless night were evident when Voroshilov spoke, "Zhukov's tanks routed the Japanese advance and has pushed the remainder of their force into Inner Mongolia."
Stukov nodded. In mid May, a small Japanese incursion force had been defeated near Chasen Lake by Mongolian forces under Blucher's command and pushed them out of "Soviet" territory. However, the Japanese sent a much larger force into Outer Mongolia on May 30th and defeated a Mongolian defense force. Zhukov quickly asked to attack the Japanese near Nohoman Village and was given the authority by Stalin. And now, news was that Zhukov had obliterated the Japanese force. Within hours, the Japanese had declared war.
"Japanese planes have already attempted bombing runs at Vladivostok. Fortunately, Shaposhnikov was ready for it. He's begun advancing into northern Korea as we speak."
Stalin rubbed his eyes, "Have you sent any divisions from the west."
Stukov spoke this time, "We've prepared the 13th and 3rd Armies to begin redeploying to Vladivostok. The 13th will be there by the fourteenth, and the 3rd by the twenty-first."
"Who commands those armies?" asked Stalin.
"Blucher originally commanded the 13th, and he'll be reassigned back to it. And since General Zhukov already has 10,000 men from his army in Mongolia, we felt it was best to keep him there."
"I agree with this," nodded Stalin. While he had little understanding of military concepts, keeping his generals already familiar to the region was not beyond him., "Any additional support in the future?"
"We've contacted General Eremenko, who leads the 8th Army, to be ready to redeploy east."
Stalin thought over the situation for the moment, "What can we expect to happen before reinforcements arrive?"
"We have a very lop-sided situation at the moment," said Voroshilov, "Shaposhnikov currently has 90,000 troops ready, opposing 10,000 Japanese. But their air and naval power greatly outgun us. Plus, we do not have enough troop transports yet to launch any attack on the Japanese home islands."
Stalin grunted, "Order the 1st Army forward at once. We must press our advantage. And any attack of Japan is too premature. Take China first."
Stukov nodded, "Sound planning, comrade Stalin," the compliment turned sour under Stalin's harsh gaze.
"Keep me informed of our progress as soon as it available," Stalin looked at both men in turn, "Let's see what a modern Red Army can do."
Last edited:
Jopi said:
Indeed he is, very much so. I hope the war in the asias is over before the Germans start knocking at the door.
Come on now, all he needs to do is send aides to himself from the future, updating him on the situation.
Ego
Ego
Jopi: Yeah, and Stalin's run out of Stukov's to vent on
A trooper: We'll see how 3 years of unrelenting modernizatin pays off.
Ego: Yes, although I'm sure that thought hadn't crossed his mind
----------------------------------------------
Almost immediately after the decleration of war, Shaposhnikov's 1st Army was advancing. On June 16th, the Soviets pushed into northern Korea, defeating a ill-prepared 20,000 Japanese with ease. As Blucher moved in behind the 1st, Shaposhnikov moved south along the coast, hoping to destroy the airfields basing Japanese air attacks on Vladivostok.
By the 20th, Blucher moved into position, and was quickly reinforced by the 80,000 commanded by Zhukov. The Soviets now had 280,000 troops arayed against the measly 20,000 Japanese in northern Korea. Zhukov and Blucher began rapidly advancing west on the 25th, as the 1st continued advancing south along the coast.
However, Japanese submarines in the Tatar Straits were slowly eating away at Soviet convoys heading to Ocha. Although there were no real military presence on the entire island, a Japanese naval presence so far north of Vladivostok.
On July 1st, Blucher and Zhukov encountered a 50,000 man Japanese army and dealt it a harsh blow, forcing it to retreat at 60% casualty rates. The Soviets continued to advance, hoping to maintain momentum on the offensive. In the south, Shaposhnikov continued moving south, dispersing his army as he went as there was no significant Japanese threats to impede his progress.
On July 8th, Zhukov overtook the retreating Japanese and cut off their path west and forced them south, directly into the path of a detachment of Shaposhnikov's army. The Japanese army was systematically destroyed over the next week as it deserately tried to break through. By the 13th, Shaposhnikov had reached over 150 miles south of Seoul, while contingents of his army to the west moved south to push back 1 division of Japanese resistance, which was forced to retreat on the 26th. The 1st army began a rapid advance south, hoping to secure the coastline and trap the Japanese in the interior, where vengeful natives and attrition would slowly wipe them out.
With the destruction of the Japanese army, Blucher and Zhukov advanced further west, reaching the Liao He River by the 23rd. With no Japanese resistance on the opposite bank, both armies continued onwards in earnest. Zhukov brushed aside a motorized division with ease on the 28th and siezed desperately needed troop transports in the port of Jinzhou.
The news coincided with Shaposhnikov's destruction of the Japanese in southern Korea, securing the entire peninsula. The Soviets were met by the Korean people as liberators and saviors, freeing them of the yoke of Japanese brutality.
The war had so far been a dramatic success. Stalin was exacting revenge for it's humiliating defeats at the turn of the century, and shocking the world with a suddenly modern Red Army. The sudden awareness of Soviet power terrified the Polish, the Finnish. And in Berlin, Hitler was forced to take into account this vaunted new threat to his own mechanations.
A trooper: We'll see how 3 years of unrelenting modernizatin pays off.
Ego: Yes, although I'm sure that thought hadn't crossed his mind
----------------------------------------------
Almost immediately after the decleration of war, Shaposhnikov's 1st Army was advancing. On June 16th, the Soviets pushed into northern Korea, defeating a ill-prepared 20,000 Japanese with ease. As Blucher moved in behind the 1st, Shaposhnikov moved south along the coast, hoping to destroy the airfields basing Japanese air attacks on Vladivostok.
By the 20th, Blucher moved into position, and was quickly reinforced by the 80,000 commanded by Zhukov. The Soviets now had 280,000 troops arayed against the measly 20,000 Japanese in northern Korea. Zhukov and Blucher began rapidly advancing west on the 25th, as the 1st continued advancing south along the coast.
However, Japanese submarines in the Tatar Straits were slowly eating away at Soviet convoys heading to Ocha. Although there were no real military presence on the entire island, a Japanese naval presence so far north of Vladivostok.
On July 1st, Blucher and Zhukov encountered a 50,000 man Japanese army and dealt it a harsh blow, forcing it to retreat at 60% casualty rates. The Soviets continued to advance, hoping to maintain momentum on the offensive. In the south, Shaposhnikov continued moving south, dispersing his army as he went as there was no significant Japanese threats to impede his progress.
On July 8th, Zhukov overtook the retreating Japanese and cut off their path west and forced them south, directly into the path of a detachment of Shaposhnikov's army. The Japanese army was systematically destroyed over the next week as it deserately tried to break through. By the 13th, Shaposhnikov had reached over 150 miles south of Seoul, while contingents of his army to the west moved south to push back 1 division of Japanese resistance, which was forced to retreat on the 26th. The 1st army began a rapid advance south, hoping to secure the coastline and trap the Japanese in the interior, where vengeful natives and attrition would slowly wipe them out.
With the destruction of the Japanese army, Blucher and Zhukov advanced further west, reaching the Liao He River by the 23rd. With no Japanese resistance on the opposite bank, both armies continued onwards in earnest. Zhukov brushed aside a motorized division with ease on the 28th and siezed desperately needed troop transports in the port of Jinzhou.
The news coincided with Shaposhnikov's destruction of the Japanese in southern Korea, securing the entire peninsula. The Soviets were met by the Korean people as liberators and saviors, freeing them of the yoke of Japanese brutality.
The war had so far been a dramatic success. Stalin was exacting revenge for it's humiliating defeats at the turn of the century, and shocking the world with a suddenly modern Red Army. The sudden awareness of Soviet power terrified the Polish, the Finnish. And in Berlin, Hitler was forced to take into account this vaunted new threat to his own mechanations.
Early August saw a lull in the fighting. Blucher would not finish crossing the Liao He River until the 15th, Shaposhnikov's 1st Army wouldn't completely reach the front until the 19th, and General Eremenko's recently transferred 8th Army wouldn't reach the front until the 6th. In Korea, the small Soviet defenders came under increasing Japanese air attacks from safely inside Japan.
Eremenko arrived on schedule, allowing Zhukov to advance west with a safe rear gaurd protecting the flanks while the 8th got reorganized. But with Blucher advancing the Japanese positioned to the north, Eremenko decided to take Tianjin and secure the north bank of the Hwang Ho delta.
Blucher engaged the Japanese defenders of Fuxin on the 15th, encountering stiff resistance and was forced back east in disgrace. News reached Stalin within hours, and Blucher was sacked, replaced by Marshal Egorov, a rather plain general without any distinguishing characteristics in battle.
Meanwhile, Shaposhnikov's army began crossing the river to the south under cover of Eremenko's advancing force. And good news came from Zhukov west of Fuxin, pushing back a small Japanese force. He quickly dispatched a division to head north and cut off the area around Fuxin while Zhukov threatened Bejing. Eremenko, meanwhile, proved his army's readiness by defeating 50,000 Japanese at Tianjin. The Japanese presence in eastern China was now being threatened, as their only means of supplies was now through a 200 mile gap between the Soviets in the Tianjin region and Nationalist controlled Zhengzhou. But with Blucher's failure at Fuxin, the Soviets were dangerously overextending themselves and would not be able to advance safely until Shaposhnikov and Egorov could secure the northern regions.
August 24th, 1939
Stalin stood behind his usual seat in the conference room, grinning in pure glee. In front of him, sitting in the chair that any Soviet would be "removed" for sitting in, was Molotov, signing papers. To his right, stood German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop, obviously nervous about the meeting.
"The terms are quite satisfactory," said Stalin, "I assure you this non-aggression pact will serve both our nations well."
Ribbentrop was still nervous, though trying to smile for the photographers and be polite to Stalin, "The Fuhrer will be most pleased. He feels that the destiny of the Reich and the Soviet Union are connected."
Stalin grinned, "Destined when one stands in triumph about the rubble of the other," he thought inwardly, his smile slightly fading.
"And of course," Ribbentrop continued, "Given the terms of the agreement, both sides will honor the decisions the other party takes in their diplomacy of Eastern Europe."
Stalin nodded, knowing full well it meant the end of Poland, the Baltic States, and Finland. Of course, they were secret measures of the agreement that neither side had made public. The war in the Far East had made Stalin reluctant. He had never liked fighting a two-front war, but he could not resist the oppurtunity to acquire so much land for so little struggle. Stalin was no fool. This was precious needed time for both sides, gathering their strength and biding their time for the real struggle ahead.
-----------------------------------------
Stukov sat with his legs up on his desk in his office, away from the meeting, rocking back in his chair. Azuren lounged in a large cushioned chair in front of him.
"We certainly convinced comrade Stalin," said Stukov with a grin.
"It didn't take much effort to push him in the right direction. Once this is over, we'll have plenty more than Japan to deal with," she grinned slyly.
Stukov continued rocking, but stared curiously at Azuren, "You know, there's always been something about you I've recognized, but I still can't quite put my finger on it."
Azuren didn't respond, but simply smiled, not meeting his eyes.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
She hesitated before answering, "Uh....I'm concerned about our progress in China. Blucher's failure wasn't anticipated...."
Stukov stopped her, "Azuren, I know you enough to know that's not what's bothering you."
She sputtered and stopped, meeting his gaze. Again, Stukov felt the vague feeling of familiarity. Quickly, she tore her eyes from his and looked down at the floor.
"Not yet," she murmured, almost as if to herself, "All in due time."
Stukov shook his head and sighed. He opened one of the desk drawers and pulled out a bottle and glass and poured himself a drink. After emptying the glass, he glanced Azuren, who still was looking at the ground.
While he barely knew anything about her, despite having 'worked' with her for five months, he was grateful for her help. Her knowledge, added to Stukov's own and his influence in Stalin's decisions had helped immensely. But there was something else, something Stukov couldn't quite understand.
Stukov suddenly broke the silence, "So when did I send you?"
Azuren stared up at him, startled, "What?"
"You heard me," he repeated, "When did I send you?"
"I....I don't know what you're talking about."
Stukov waved it away, "Oh come on. The only possible way you've managed to travel back in time at all is with my help."
Azuren smiled ruefully, "Aye, several years from now."
Stukov poured himself another drink and raised the glass to drink and paused, "I must have trusted you immensely to ask for your help in that manner."
"You trusted me the most, more so than anyone else," she looked him in the eyes again. A curtain had seemingly lifted, her eyes filled with a warmth and affection he hadn't seen in her before.
Stukov froze, putting the glass down roughly. There was a flash of an image in his mind. It suddenly hit him.
"Wait just a moment," he stared and pointed straight at her, "It's finally all become clear. Somehow I know. You're.....you're my...."
Azuren nodded slowly, grief evident on her face, "Oh Alexei, I'm sorry. But I couldn't tell you, for your sake. You didn't really send me. But you entrusted me with your secret, your new project that Stalin didn't know about. But once you ran out of usefulness, he had you.....eliminated," tears rolled down Azuren's face, "I came back to change that. I can't let you die."
Stukov slowly sat back down in his chair, everything else forgotten, "I think.....that this changes a few things."
Eremenko arrived on schedule, allowing Zhukov to advance west with a safe rear gaurd protecting the flanks while the 8th got reorganized. But with Blucher advancing the Japanese positioned to the north, Eremenko decided to take Tianjin and secure the north bank of the Hwang Ho delta.
Blucher engaged the Japanese defenders of Fuxin on the 15th, encountering stiff resistance and was forced back east in disgrace. News reached Stalin within hours, and Blucher was sacked, replaced by Marshal Egorov, a rather plain general without any distinguishing characteristics in battle.
Meanwhile, Shaposhnikov's army began crossing the river to the south under cover of Eremenko's advancing force. And good news came from Zhukov west of Fuxin, pushing back a small Japanese force. He quickly dispatched a division to head north and cut off the area around Fuxin while Zhukov threatened Bejing. Eremenko, meanwhile, proved his army's readiness by defeating 50,000 Japanese at Tianjin. The Japanese presence in eastern China was now being threatened, as their only means of supplies was now through a 200 mile gap between the Soviets in the Tianjin region and Nationalist controlled Zhengzhou. But with Blucher's failure at Fuxin, the Soviets were dangerously overextending themselves and would not be able to advance safely until Shaposhnikov and Egorov could secure the northern regions.
August 24th, 1939
Stalin stood behind his usual seat in the conference room, grinning in pure glee. In front of him, sitting in the chair that any Soviet would be "removed" for sitting in, was Molotov, signing papers. To his right, stood German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop, obviously nervous about the meeting.
"The terms are quite satisfactory," said Stalin, "I assure you this non-aggression pact will serve both our nations well."
Ribbentrop was still nervous, though trying to smile for the photographers and be polite to Stalin, "The Fuhrer will be most pleased. He feels that the destiny of the Reich and the Soviet Union are connected."
Stalin grinned, "Destined when one stands in triumph about the rubble of the other," he thought inwardly, his smile slightly fading.
"And of course," Ribbentrop continued, "Given the terms of the agreement, both sides will honor the decisions the other party takes in their diplomacy of Eastern Europe."
Stalin nodded, knowing full well it meant the end of Poland, the Baltic States, and Finland. Of course, they were secret measures of the agreement that neither side had made public. The war in the Far East had made Stalin reluctant. He had never liked fighting a two-front war, but he could not resist the oppurtunity to acquire so much land for so little struggle. Stalin was no fool. This was precious needed time for both sides, gathering their strength and biding their time for the real struggle ahead.
-----------------------------------------
Stukov sat with his legs up on his desk in his office, away from the meeting, rocking back in his chair. Azuren lounged in a large cushioned chair in front of him.
"We certainly convinced comrade Stalin," said Stukov with a grin.
"It didn't take much effort to push him in the right direction. Once this is over, we'll have plenty more than Japan to deal with," she grinned slyly.
Stukov continued rocking, but stared curiously at Azuren, "You know, there's always been something about you I've recognized, but I still can't quite put my finger on it."
Azuren didn't respond, but simply smiled, not meeting his eyes.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
She hesitated before answering, "Uh....I'm concerned about our progress in China. Blucher's failure wasn't anticipated...."
Stukov stopped her, "Azuren, I know you enough to know that's not what's bothering you."
She sputtered and stopped, meeting his gaze. Again, Stukov felt the vague feeling of familiarity. Quickly, she tore her eyes from his and looked down at the floor.
"Not yet," she murmured, almost as if to herself, "All in due time."
Stukov shook his head and sighed. He opened one of the desk drawers and pulled out a bottle and glass and poured himself a drink. After emptying the glass, he glanced Azuren, who still was looking at the ground.
While he barely knew anything about her, despite having 'worked' with her for five months, he was grateful for her help. Her knowledge, added to Stukov's own and his influence in Stalin's decisions had helped immensely. But there was something else, something Stukov couldn't quite understand.
Stukov suddenly broke the silence, "So when did I send you?"
Azuren stared up at him, startled, "What?"
"You heard me," he repeated, "When did I send you?"
"I....I don't know what you're talking about."
Stukov waved it away, "Oh come on. The only possible way you've managed to travel back in time at all is with my help."
Azuren smiled ruefully, "Aye, several years from now."
Stukov poured himself another drink and raised the glass to drink and paused, "I must have trusted you immensely to ask for your help in that manner."
"You trusted me the most, more so than anyone else," she looked him in the eyes again. A curtain had seemingly lifted, her eyes filled with a warmth and affection he hadn't seen in her before.
Stukov froze, putting the glass down roughly. There was a flash of an image in his mind. It suddenly hit him.
"Wait just a moment," he stared and pointed straight at her, "It's finally all become clear. Somehow I know. You're.....you're my...."
Azuren nodded slowly, grief evident on her face, "Oh Alexei, I'm sorry. But I couldn't tell you, for your sake. You didn't really send me. But you entrusted me with your secret, your new project that Stalin didn't know about. But once you ran out of usefulness, he had you.....eliminated," tears rolled down Azuren's face, "I came back to change that. I can't let you die."
Stukov slowly sat back down in his chair, everything else forgotten, "I think.....that this changes a few things."
His what?? His What?????? Aaah, the not-knowing-ness, it burns! .......that and a lack of sleep.
We will find out eventually though, right?
Morpheus506: Oh, I think you can figure it out by yourself
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"Indeed it does change some things," responded Azuren.
"This is rather........unexpected," Stukov picked up his glass again. He had lost his intrest in it, and he was simply trying to preoccupy himself.
Azuren laughed, "Not something that you'd usually discover."
"I'm still not really sure how I....actually figured it out."
"I'm just glad you did figure it out, albiet rather slowly. Now I can stop holding back."
Stukov sighed, exhaling slowly, "Azuren, listen. Whatever your feelings are, or will be, or whatever, I can assure you, that I do not feel the same way."
"Not yet," she said hopefully.
Stukov slammed his fist down, "Maybe not at all anymore! You and I of all people know that what we did isn't definite, not with this damn time travelling!"
He continued, "We can't let this get in our way. Our knowledge of what WILL happen is the most important. Our lives depend on it!" he pointed to the door, "Down the hall Stalin is signing a deal that'll buy us at least another year to finish this war with Japan. We must stay focused! I'm sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear, but I don't love you. It's different than it was the last time through."
Azuren was long in responding, keeping her emotions in check, "You're right," she finally said, she looked at Stukov and smiled, "You were always right."
Stukov shook his head and laughed, "Oh, not always. That's why you're here."
"Your mistake was doing your job too well. And there's only one way to get your problem worked out."
Stukov was confused now, "I'm not sure I follow you."
Azuren grinned slyly, "Stalin got rid of you when you were no longer useful. So we get rid of Stalin, before then, together."
Stukov finally took a sip from his drink, swirled it around in his mouth as he thought and leaned back in his chair, "We'll have to work on that later, too," he glanced at Azuren again, "Together."
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"Indeed it does change some things," responded Azuren.
"This is rather........unexpected," Stukov picked up his glass again. He had lost his intrest in it, and he was simply trying to preoccupy himself.
Azuren laughed, "Not something that you'd usually discover."
"I'm still not really sure how I....actually figured it out."
"I'm just glad you did figure it out, albiet rather slowly. Now I can stop holding back."
Stukov sighed, exhaling slowly, "Azuren, listen. Whatever your feelings are, or will be, or whatever, I can assure you, that I do not feel the same way."
"Not yet," she said hopefully.
Stukov slammed his fist down, "Maybe not at all anymore! You and I of all people know that what we did isn't definite, not with this damn time travelling!"
He continued, "We can't let this get in our way. Our knowledge of what WILL happen is the most important. Our lives depend on it!" he pointed to the door, "Down the hall Stalin is signing a deal that'll buy us at least another year to finish this war with Japan. We must stay focused! I'm sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear, but I don't love you. It's different than it was the last time through."
Azuren was long in responding, keeping her emotions in check, "You're right," she finally said, she looked at Stukov and smiled, "You were always right."
Stukov shook his head and laughed, "Oh, not always. That's why you're here."
"Your mistake was doing your job too well. And there's only one way to get your problem worked out."
Stukov was confused now, "I'm not sure I follow you."
Azuren grinned slyly, "Stalin got rid of you when you were no longer useful. So we get rid of Stalin, before then, together."
Stukov finally took a sip from his drink, swirled it around in his mouth as he thought and leaned back in his chair, "We'll have to work on that later, too," he glanced at Azuren again, "Together."
Yikes...so the time travelers get rid of Stalin...and what happens next? Does he have any rivals worthy of replacing him? This ought to be interest. Good update!
No, not Stalin! He's too cool to be gotten rid of! Well, at least it will keep the story from dying...
Well, at least it will keep the story from dying...
-If- they get rid of Stalin. Stalin defeated all his opponents to make his unlikely rise to absolute power within Russia and then the USSR. I wouldn't be surprised if stalin didn't have spies watching stukov and his new 'assistant', maybe even secret evesdropping on their chambers.