Cannon Fire Arc-Chapter 698 - 36: Raising the Red Flag

Chapter 698: Chapter 36: Raising the Red Flag

Marshal Geron listened to the artillery fire outside cease, then he pushed open the large doors to the Headquarters’ balcony and stepped out onto it.

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The anti-aircraft searchlights were still on, sweeping constant beams across the sky.

His Deputy Officer whispered, “It seems the enemy’s attack has been repelled by our fierce anti-aircraft fire. We can rest easy now.”

Marshal Geron did not reply but after a few seconds of silence, he turned and asked the Chief of Staff, “How much confusion would it cause if we moved Headquarters now?”

“If you’re talking about the kind of move where we first send a small team to secure a new location, establish a temporary Headquarters, and then gradually transfer over once all units have established communication procedures during the move, then it would have little impact. But it would take three days to complete the move.

“If you mean starting the move right away, leaving here within one day, that would definitely lead to widespread chaos.”

Marshal Geron pursed his lips, pondering for a few seconds, “Then we’ll use the first method of moving. Let’s start right now. When do I begin moving?”

“As soon as the temporary Headquarters is set up, you can start moving. That should be by tomorrow night.”

“Good, let’s go with that. Also, prepare for a large-scale enemy air raid, as well as an all-out advance of Armored Troops. Bring more anti-aircraft artillery units here and increase anti-tank firepower in the vicinity. We can’t let Rocossov succeed!”

————

July 4th, 0800 hours, at the First Front Army Headquarters of Kazarlia.

Major General Aromeyev entered Headquarters and proclaimed loudly, “Commander Davarish, Major General Aromeyev of the First Airborne Brigade reports to you!”

Wang Zhong looked up, “Oh, you’re here? How are you adjusting to the paratroopers?”

The Naval Infantry 393 Brigade, under the command of Major General Aromeyev, had performed excellently in the defense of Abawahan last year, and soon after being rotated out, they started training as paratroopers, which has been going on for nearly eight months now.

Wang Zhong, using the backbone of the 393 Brigade as a foundation, formed the first Airborne Troops of the Ante Army. Initially, he wanted to name it the First Aerial Transport Brigade, but then he thought about the South Koreans’ airborne forces, which didn’t have much to show for themselves—apart from coups and suppressions.

So, in the end, he named the unit the Antean Airborne Army, abbreviated as VDV, which at least had a decent showing when strike operations happened in Aganstan on Earth, and they were also highly capable in Wang Zhong’s favorite real-time strategy game “Red Dragon,” which his kids also liked to use.

As they were converted from Naval Infantry, Wang Zhong simply made the sailor’s striped undershirt the standard attire for the VDV, to be worn under their combat uniform, thus aligning with Earth’s conventions.

In response to Wang Zhong’s question, Aromeyev answered, “The troops have conducted many parachute jumps, and everyone feels that it’s much simpler than landings.”

Commander Komanda Jonathan, studying maps at the operations table, looked up, “Oh, big talker, Aromeyev.”

He spoke in Angsa Language, but Aromeyev responded directly in Angsa Language, “Instructor, good to see you again. I’m not sure I’d lose to you in a contest now.”

Starting at a high school level, Naval Infantry would find it easy to pick up Angsa Language.

Wang Zhong’s proficiency in Angsa Language during high school was such that passing level four was like taking candy from a baby. Unfortunately, by the time he transported to this world, it had become a “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve” scenario.

Jonathan laughed heartily, “Very good, very good! Now we won’t have to worry about language barriers during operations. Come over here, General Rocossov personally went out on reconnaissance last night and obtained this enemy map.”

Aromeyev, “A map? I thought gathering the whole brigade at the airport meant we were going to strike a critical enemy position, but are we still doing special operations?”

Wang Zhong, “It’s not exactly special operations, since the enemy has too many defenders. I alerted them when I scouted last night, and earlier the Cavalry Troops also raided them. So during the day, they will definitely be fortifying their defenses, Komanda needs you to draw the attention of the enemy troops.”

Jonathan adjusted his beret, “Of course, if we manage to infiltrate without alerting the enemy, you’ll be able to withdraw and meet up with the Cavalry Troops, and join the guerrillas in wreaking havoc behind enemy lines.

“You’re already familiar with how to conduct sabotage behind enemy lines, right?”

“Of course,” Aromeyev touched a spot on his hand where he had been injured, which might have become his new habitual gesture, “All of us are well-versed in demolition techniques, plus we’ve learned lock picking, key making, and so on, although I don’t understand why we need these for forces primarily used in direct combat. Demolitions make sense, but lock picking…”

Wang Zhong, “After the war, quite a few of you might transition into the intelligence sector, so these skills will come in handy. For now, let’s focus on the map; this is drawn based on the scene I witnessed last night.”

In actuality, he cheated by using an overhead view. The overhead perspective did not reveal enemy compositions when there was no visibility, casting a “war fog” similar to real-time strategy games, but it still clearly showed building structures and terrain.

Amelia, translating at the side, couldn’t help but interject, “Last night was dark, we just flew over the enemy’s heads and ended up getting scattered by anti-aircraft fire… Are you sure you only have a sense for the enemy, my witch comrade?”

Wang Zhong, “I can only sense the enemy, but my memory for terrain and other details is photographic; you can ask Sergeant Grigori. On several reconnaissance missions, I grasped the terrain instantly. It’s just a gift!”

Of course, he always relied on the overhead view to grasp the terrain, or rather, with this view, understanding an area was a matter of a single glance.

Sergeant Grigori nodded solemnly, “The General has an exceptional sensitivity to terrain; I suspect he could memorize every mountain and river just by riding past.”

Vasily chimed in, “It shows our Commander loves the great landscapes of the motherland deeply.”

Wang Zhong: “You’re absolutely right!”

Everyone in the room looked at Wang Zhong with faces full of admiration.

Popov stood up and began to applaud.

Wang Zhong: “Alright, alright, look at the map! This is the enemy’s Army Group Command, the nerve center for this campaign’s direction. Taking it out will completely throw the enemy into chaos. You all know that our offensive has been going very poorly lately. The enemy’s Armored Troops have been engaging us in a slugfest, and we shed a copious amount of blood for every inch we advance.

“Destroying the enemy’s Headquarters can save our Armored Troops from shedding more blood and preserve our precious veterans! This is extremely important, so you’ll take off this afternoon and parachute in at dusk. Even if the raid fails, you must plunge the enemy’s Headquarters into chaos!”

Aromeyev slapped his chest: “Leave it to us! Even if our regiment is wiped out, we’ll complete the mission!”

Wang Zhong: “Then what about my airborne troops that I’ve trained so hard? How many times have I said that you need not only to fulfill the mission but also to come back! That’s why I’ve had you familiarize yourselves with the terrain, so you can take out the enemy and save yourselves at the same time!”

Aromeyev nodded, leaned in to study the map closely, while a staff member shouted into the radio transmitter: “Keep attacking, Comrade Battalion Commander, even if there’s only one Rokossovsky Type left functional in your battalion, attack. The Rokossovsky Type is currently the only weapon we have that can negate the quality advantage of the Prosen Armored Troops. If you don’t attack, the brother units will suffer countless more casualties!”

Aromeyev was drawn in by the voice and looked at the staff member.

Wang Zhong patted his shoulder: “That’s the situation now, our T34Ws are falling behind in anti-tank rounds. The enemy’s No. 4 long-barrel has 80mm sloped armor of superior quality steel, and our 76 guns can’t penetrate it at a distance.”

Aromeyev: “Has it gotten this serious?”

“Yes, fortunately we have the Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks,” Wang Zhong sighed, “If we could postpone the offensive to fall or even winter, we’d have new medium tanks that could hold their own against the Prosen’s upgraded tanks. But time waits for no one.”

Aromeyev: “I understand. We will definitely take down the enemy’s Headquarters, disrupt their battle plans, and turn them into headless flies!”

Wang Zhong nodded: “I believe in you. I believe in you and the Allied Forces.”

Jonathan gave a thumbs up: “You can certainly trust us.”

————

At the same time, at the Guard’s Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group headquarters.

The Commander personally rode in a Willys Jeep to the front of the tank named Revenge.

Podoliskov was rolling a cigarette and stopped to look up when he saw the Commander approaching.

Commander: “Today, you’re the only one that can move. This morning, tank number 267 wouldn’t start. Don’t worry, you’ll be moving with the brother units’ T34Ws.

“We’re in bad shape, and the enemy’s Armored Troops can’t possibly have many intact tanks left. If you encounter enemy infantry, bully them together with the T34Ws.

“If you come across a supply station, take what you can for yourself and destroy the rest. The group’s vehicles have been almost completely lost, and we can’t advance with you, so from now on, you’re the Commander of this small combat group.”

Podoliskov hesitated: “I haven’t received any officer training, you know? I’m just a roughneck who got talked into enlisting by my younger brother. When I was doing tank training, my brother was close to getting the Venus medal.

“He knows how to command a unit, but I don’t!”

Commander: “Sukabule, you talk as if I knew anything. I was a Cavalryman before I was transferred to the tanks, thrown in the deep end as well. Podoliskov, we’re all doing things we’re not specialized in, but Mother Russia needs us, and the General needs us.”

Podoliskov sighed: “Alright, I’ll command. But don’t expect me to come up with strategies.”

At that moment, a Tank Operator from a brother unit said: “Just lead the charge, that’s all you need to do. Floor the accelerator, drive until the tank can’t move anymore, then get out and keep advancing with your Papasha!”

Everyone else agreed: “Right!”

At that moment, surrounding the tank Revenge were infantrymen, tank operators, and even Cavalry comrades who had caught up after being left behind.

Podoliskov: “If it’s just about charging forward, then that’s simple, but I don’t know how much longer my old buddy here can hold on. The other heavy tanks that rolled out with it have already broken down.”

“Your tank bears the General’s autograph!” someone shouted, “As long as the General’s line isn’t scratched off, your loyal tank won’t break down!”

“That’s right!”

“Lead us forward!”

At that moment, the driver of Podoliskov’s tank crew suddenly returned, speaking mysteriously: “Guess what the locals nearby gave me?”

“What?” Podoliskov asked.

“A piece of red cloth!”