ddiplock said:
I'm using the Stony Road graphics pack...version 1.1.5 at the moment. I love the auto-update program those guys have put together.
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
I'm using the Stony Road graphics pack...version 1.1.5 at the moment. I love the auto-update program those guys have put together.
Looking forward to learning more ... what is Alexei doing? Still being an informer on STAVKA. Oh and your AAR made me decide to finally order HOI2
What a fine AAR you have crafted together, DataKing. I am eagerly awaiting for the Great Patriotic War to begin.
invertigo2004: I didn't realize that the Dismal Enigma gave you a chance for stolen blueprints. I never had anything like that happen for me in HOI1. Thanks for the info. I'll probably keep him around for a while then.
KingMississippi: Chapter 11 will focus on Alexei. I've settled in on sort of an alternating focus, with one chapter concentrating on Alexei, and the next concentrating more on in-game events. And I'm glad to hear that you'll be getting HOI2 soon. Maybe Paradox will give me a commission. :rofl:
Frankie: Thank you kindly. The war is rapidly approaching, but there's still a bit of pre-war story to tell.
The great brit: High praise indeed! Thank you.
I just wanted to drop a quick note, since it's been a few days since the last chapter. Chapter 11 is progressing nicely, and I expect to have it ready in a day or two. Without giving anything away, let's just say that Alexei's life has become a little more complicated.
KingMississippi: Chapter 11 will focus on Alexei. I've settled in on sort of an alternating focus, with one chapter concentrating on Alexei, and the next concentrating more on in-game events. And I'm glad to hear that you'll be getting HOI2 soon. Maybe Paradox will give me a commission. :rofl:
Frankie: Thank you kindly. The war is rapidly approaching, but there's still a bit of pre-war story to tell.
The great brit: High praise indeed! Thank you.
I just wanted to drop a quick note, since it's been a few days since the last chapter. Chapter 11 is progressing nicely, and I expect to have it ready in a day or two. Without giving anything away, let's just say that Alexei's life has become a little more complicated.
More complicated? That could kill a normal man especially in the SU.
I am getting mad at Amazon though. I ordered HOI2 from them a week ago and they say they will not even ship it for another 4 days. Maybe I should cancel and order direct from Paradox ...
I am getting mad at Amazon though. I ordered HOI2 from them a week ago and they say they will not even ship it for another 4 days. Maybe I should cancel and order direct from Paradox ...
Chapter 11: Interlude
December 31st, 1938 - Leningrad
Alexei stepped out onto the balcony and lit a cigarette. Inhaling deeply, he listened as the door closed behind him, muffling the cacophony of the New Years Eve party. He stepped forward to the railing and looked out upon the city of Leningrad, brilliantly lit in celebration of the closing of nineteen thirty-eight and the pending birth of nineteen thirty-nine. Alexei had always taken New Years Eve as an opportunity to reflect, and today was no exception.
Alexei’s life had become much simpler in the last six months or so, and for that he was thankful. The ‘Cleansing Trials’ had mercifully come to an end in May, leaving the STAVKA staff with the daunting task of filling the numerous, gaping holes that had been created in the command structure of the Red Army. It had been mid-summer before the last of the command decisions had been made, and while in the back of his mind Alexei had hoped for a field command of his own as a result of the trials, he knew better than to expect one. He had only recently been promoted to Colonel, and that promotion was made by Stalin himself, which seemed to hold little weight with Marshall Shaposhnikov or the others. Indeed, the other members of STAVKA had held Alexei at arm’s length since his assignment there. This didn’t trouble Alexei, in fact he was grateful for it. He found most of them to be boorish and unimaginative.
Alexei had continued to be called to Stalin’s private offices on a regular basis for questioning by the Soviet dictator, but these meetings and become less frequent as of late. Apparently, Stalin had less use for an informer in STAVKA now, but would still ask Alexei for his opinions regarding Germany and their activities. The Munich Conference had reinforced Alexei’s belief that armed conflict with Germany was only a matter of time, and he tried to impress this opinion on Stalin with as much tact and subtlety as he could muster, but it was difficult to tell if he was having any effect on the man. Alexei was pleased to learn, however, that fortifications were being built near Minsk, Kiev, and Mogilev Podolski.
Invitations had arrived for Alexei to attend a number of different New Years Eve parties and celebrations for Red Army officers, including one for STAVKA members, but he knew better than to believe that he would actually be wanted there. Alexei jumped at the opportunity to spend some time away from the drudgery that was Moscow, and had instead decided to visit Leningrad. Here his host was a Major Karpovnik, a man he knew from his days in Kiev. But soon after arriving Alexei had discovered that he was the highest-ranking member of the Red Army in attendance at this particular party, and the other officers were treating him as the senior officer present, rather than merely as a fellow officer. The comradery that he had so enjoyed as a young officer rising through the ranks seems to have disappeared sometime during his hurried flight from Kiev to Moscow the year before.
Alexei’s wife Polina and their daughter Anya, now a precocious four-year-old, had made the trip with him from Moscow, but had declined to come with him to the party. This was a rare opportunity for Anya to spend some time with her babushka and dedushka (grandmother and grandfather), and Polina’s parents were overjoyed to see their daughter and grandchild. Nothing short of a tank could have pulled the child away from them this evening.
But, Alexei had to be honest with himself, he was enjoying the time alone, away from his wife. At first, Polina had been overjoyed by the news of Alexei’s promotion and the family’s move to Moscow, the ‘hub of the revolutionary wheel’ as his wife was fond of calling it. Their love life had even warmed up some over the past winter, but this had proved to be fleeting, and Alexei had often wondered if Polina didn’t turn amorous just in an effort to keep warm. As the weather had grown warmer, she spent more and more of her time volunteering for various Party functions, and insisted on dragging Anya to all of the ones where she thought it prudent. Between these activities and the demands placed upon Alexei’s time at STAVKA, he felt his grasp on his family slipping away. Polina’s activities did not truly bother him, but little Anya was becoming more and more alien to him. Alexei was profoundly disturbed by this.
Lost in thought and reflection as he was, Alexei did not hear the door open behind him or notice the volume of the party increase as a result.
“Alexei?”
Surprised, Alexei turned.
“I thought that was you, Alexei! Small world, no?”
Andre Chekov, Alexei’s escort during his time in Berlin, stepped forward and extended his hand, smiling as always. Alexei recovered from his surprise and smiled as well, shaking the smaller man’s hand firmly.
“Andre! Well, this is a surprise.”
In truth, Alexei had to force himself to focus on Andre’s face, for it appeared that Andre had a companion with him, and a striking one at that. One of the most beautiful women Alexei had ever seen stood behind Andre, wearing a long, dark green evening gown and with a fir stole wrapped around her neck to ward off the cold. Long, raven black hair fell back from a gorgeous face. She had high, defined cheekbones that were lightly freckled, dark eyes, and full red lips. Alexei could not help himself, and snuck a peak over the shorter man and found the woman looking back at him, a hint of amusement on her face. Alexei broke the handshake and took a step back, returning his attention to Andre.
“It looks like you’re doing pretty well for yourself,” Alexei pointed at the rank insignia on the shoulder boards of Andre’s dress uniform, “Captain.” It appeared as though Andre had received a promotion since the two had parted ways at the Berlin train station.
“I should say the same for you, Colonel.” Andre’s grin never faded as he snapped a half-hearted, shabby salute. Alexei could only shake his head and grin.
“I’ll make a soldier out of you yet, Andre.”
Andre laughed.
“But by all appearances, “Alexei’s gaze unavoidably shifted back to Andre’s companion, “That you’re doing better than I am, with such a stunning woman here on your arm.”
Andre broke into a peal of laughter, bending over and clutching his sides. The woman suddenly appeared quite embarrassed, blushing furiously and casting her gaze downward.
“Did I say something funny?”
Andre recovered from his fit of laughter and put a hand on Alexei’s shoulder.
“Perhaps introductions are in order.” Andre turned and extended his free hand towards the woman. “Alexei, allow me to introduce Veronika Chekov, my sister.”
Now it was Alexei’s turn to blush as he extended his hand to the young woman. She was still blushing as well as she placed her small hand in Alexei’s. He was struck by the warmth and the softness of her skin, despite the winter chill of Leningrad in December.
“My sincerest apologies, Comrade Chekov.” Alexei bowed and raised her hand, kissing the back of it before releasing his grasp.
“Apology accepted, Colonel Efremov.” Veronika’s voice was breezy and light, and carried with it no hint of anger at Alexei’s incorrect assumption.
Andre groaned in mock exasperation.
“Oh come on, you two! We’re all friends here, there’s no need for formalities.”
Veronika shot an impish grin at her brother, then at Alexei.
“There’s never a call for formalities when Andre’s involved. I think he’s allergic to them.”
Andre did his best to look hurt, and now it was Alexei’s turn to laugh. Soon all three were laughing. Alexei was struck by the moment. It had been a long time since her heard the sound of his own laughter.
“So when did you get to Leningrad?” Alexei asked Andre once the three of them had stopped their laughter. “They finally drove you out of Berlin, eh?”
“Oh, they didn’t drive me out. They would have had to tie me down to get me to stay. I’ve been back for about six months now.”
“Six months…”
A polite cough interrupted Alexei, and all three turned to find a young, red-haired lieutenant with his head poked out the door.
“My apologies for the interruption. Captain Chekov, the Colonel is ringing for you. He says it’s most urgent.”
Andre sighed audibly, obviously perturbed that duty had interfered with his personal time.
“All right Gregor. Tell him I’ll be right there.” Andre turned to Alexei. “Do me a favor, will you, and keep an eye on the troublemaker here.” He made a casual gesture towards Veronika.
Alexei nodded.
Andre hurried back inside, receiving a playful slap on the shoulder from Veronika as he passed. Once he had gone inside, Alexei stepped back to the railing, and he was pleased to notice that the lovely brunette did the same. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.
“Care for one?” He asked, holding the cigarettes out towards Veronika. Without a word she took one, and Alexei lit the cigarettes for the both of them. They both looked out over the city, quietly. Alexei did not feel as though the silence that passed was an uncomfortable one, but felt that Veronika might, so he decided to speak.
“So, Veronika, does Andre always bring you along to these sorts of things?”
“More often than not. And it’s more like he drags me along, to tell the truth. I think he’s trying to find me a husband.”
Alexei nodded and smiled, and fell silent. This time it was Veronika that broke the silence.
“The truth is, most of the time I end up dreading these things. I just go to humor him.”
“I’m sure you must have plenty of other men beating down your door. I hardly think that you need Andre’s help finding…someone.”
“I think it makes him feel…I don’t know…useful? Like he’s helping or something…I don’t know what goes through his head sometimes.”
Alexei chuckled.
“I doubt anyone does.”
Veronika laughed, a quiet, genuine laugh. The door opened again behind them and Andre stepped back out onto the balcony.
“Whatever she’s telling you about me, Alexei, it’s lies…pure lies.”
Veronika stuck her tongue out at Andre, and he returned the favor.
“There’s no denying it,” Alexei observed. “You two are definitely brother and sister.” More laughter.
“Listen, Alexei. I’ve got to head back to base. Seems there’s some sort of ruckus in my company. Probably just some new recruits broke into the vodka shed or something…but any way I’ve got to head back right away. The Colonel’s pretty mad.”
Veronika took a step towards Alexei and lightly put a hand on his arm.
“I’m sure Colonel Efremov can see me home, Andre. Go on and see to your duties.”
“You don’t mind, Alexei?” Andre asked.
Mind?!?! Alexei thought. Has he lost his wits?!?!
“Go on, Andre,” Alexei tried to keep the smile off of his face. “Best not to keep us strict, boorish Colonels waiting.”
“All right.” Andre looked genuinely disappointed at having to return. He stepped forward and shook Alexei’s hand again.
“Listen, I’m stationed out with the 8th Rifle Division, northwest along the border. Come out and pay me a visit before you head back to Moscow, all right?”
“I will.”
Andre gave Veronika a peck on the cheek, then turned and hurried off towards his post. Alexei and Veronika turned back towards the railing.
“Thank goodness!” she exclaimed quietly. “I thought he’d never leave.”
“You don’t like Andre?”
Veronika shrugged.
“He’s my big brother, and I love him. But he does get irritating sometimes.”
Alexei and Veronika made small talk for over an hour, smoking and watching the city glow. Alexei asked most of the questions, but Veronika did not seem to mind answering them. She was a student at Leningrad University, in her final year and preparing to become a mathematics teacher. Andre and she were the only two children in her family, he being five years older than she was. (Alexei did not outwardly ask her age, but determined that she was twenty-three years old, eleven years younger than him.) Both had lived in Leningrad all their lives. Their mother worked as a seamstress and their father was a manager in one of the Leningrad shipyards.
“Father was very disappointed,” Veronika had said, “when Andre chose the Army over the Navy.”
As Alexei and Veronika talked, people began to gather on other parts of the balcony in small groups. Alexei noticed the gathering crowd and glanced at his watch. Five minutes to midnight.
“The fireworks should be starting soon.”
Shortly thereafter, the doors opened again and nearly all of the people in attendance began to drift out onto the balcony. It soon became quite crowded, and Alexei and Veronika were pressed quite close together. Neither seemed to mind in the least, and Veronika looked up at Alexei, with a smile on her lips and in her eyes.
“I usually don’t like these sort of parties,” she said quietly, so Alexei could just barely hear her over the crowd, “but I’m glad I’m here now.”
Alexei smiled as well and, on a whim, bent down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. As he did so, a tremendous whistle was heard from out over the water, and everyone turned to watch as a bright rocket soared high into the air.
“Time for the boats to put on their show,” Veronika said, snuggling closer against Alexei and resting her cheek against his shoulder.
Alexei casually slipped an arm around Veronika, a sign of affection which she did not seem to mind, leaning into him some more. Without a word the two watched, along with the crowd now gathered on the balcony, as the Marat and the October Revolution launched volley after volley of fireworks into the air. For an hour the dazzling display of color, light, and sound continued, a celebration of the coming year. It would be the last year of peace that the world would know for quite some time.
Yeah, smells like this Alexei is having a soap love story!When will is twin evil brother appear!!!
Just joking,awesome,keep it up.
Just joking,awesome,keep it up.
Adaptation said:
You mean the one from Germany with the goatee (the mark of all evil twins)?
:rofl:
But what will happen to his "wonderful" wife, the grand party member, etc, etc, etc ...
Continue to victory Alexei Efremov and may God (or Stalin in the SU) have mercy on your soul
wife, the grand party member, etc, etc, etc ... Continue to victory Alexei Efremov and may God (or Stalin in the SU) have mercy on your soul
Sajer274 said:Lol, it's been a month
damnit, good AAR aswell, ends just before the war.