Cannon Fire Arc Chapter 312

Chapter 312: Chapter 1 Rocossov's New Appointment

November 23, Military Order Department.

“Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky is promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral, effective immediately upon release of the order,” Admiral Tugenev set down the first order and picked up the second.

“Vice Admiral Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky is also appointed as the Division Commander of the First Guard 'Red Flag' Mechanized Division.”

Standing in front of Tugenev's desk, Wang Zhong frowned slightly. Wasn't I supposed to be appointed as the head of the Suvorov Military Academy?

Had Olga changed her mind?

Admiral Tugenev set down the second order and said, “Don't get distracted.”

“Yes,” Wang Zhong straightened his body.

Tugenev picked up the third order, “The First Guard 'Red Flag' Mechanized Infantry Division, distinguished by its merits, will henceforth be stationed at the Kubinka Training Base and transferred to the Capital City Defense Command.”

Wang Zhong wanted to ask, first, where did my academy head appointment go, and second, with my status as a Vice Admiral taking on a division commander role in a heroic unit, what kind of City Defense Commander could hold sway over this?

But with Tugenev maintaining a stern face, Wang Zhong didn't dare ask questions, only watching him put down the third order and pick up the fourth.

“Appointing Vice Admiral Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky as the Commander of the Ekaterinburg Fortress Defense.”

Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, well there it was. Posting my loyal troops near the capital at a critical location and appointing me as the City Defense Commander, clearly, it was meant to prevent others from causing trouble.

Taking advantage of the moment Tugenev set down the order, Wang Zhong asked, “Is this per Olga–His Majesty's wish?”

Admiral Tugenev, “It was my suggestion. Do you understand what I mean?”

Wang Zhong, “Understood.”

Tugenev picked up a new order: “Appointing Rokossovsky as the head of the Suvorov Military Academy.”

The last appointment really turned out to be the head of the military academy, I wonder what the expressions of the academy's professors would be.

Tugenev set down that order, then picked up another one.

Wang Zhong couldn't hold back anymore, “Is there more?”

Admiral Tugenev glanced at Wang Zhong, “I am fulfilling your request. If you are unwilling to accept, I can change the orders right here.”

Wang Zhong, “Go ahead and read it.”

Only then Tugenev looked down at the order, “Appointing Vice Admiral Rokossovsky as the Chairman of the Military Equipment Special Review Committee.”

Well, there it was, both a headmaster and chairman, plus micro-managing troops in the future. It seems my head of hair is in jeopardy.

Wang Zhong, looking at Admiral Tugenev, asked, “Any more?”

Tugenev stacked all the orders, straightened them, then picked up a pen and asked, “What other appointments do you want? I'll write them for you.”

Although Wang Zhong lacked social experience, he knew making demands at such a moment would be outrageous. Besides, he had no complaints; he could interfere with anything. With these stack of appointments, even though he wasn't a Prince, he was almost as influential.

At least in Yeburg.

Admiral Tugenev took the stack of appointments, came around the office desk, and handed them to Wang Zhong, “Originally, I wanted you to sit in on an upcoming General Staff meeting, but Chief of Staff Tukhachev looked quite displeased. His Majesty intends for him to lead this counterattack, and she fully trusts your judgment. She plans to have a reason to replace Tukhachev if there were any issues.”

Wang Zhong, “The new His Majesty the Tsar seems to have difficulty convincing the military internally.”

“He is, after all, a young girl and too closely aligned with the Church.”

Admiral Tugenev sighed and continued, “After all, the civil war was twenty years ago, and the Church has always been expanding its power among the lower classes, while the nobility does so in the military.

“You said many designs of our weapons were terrible. I relayed your opinion to His Majesty, and the fundamental reason for their terrible quality lies in the Old Nobility forming factions for their personal gains. Not every noble sees things as clearly as your father.”

Tugenev seemed to have more to say, but then the Military Chief of Staff opened the door, “Report! There's an emergency!”

Admiral Tugenev furrowed his brow, “What happened? Has someone finally opposed the new His Majesty the Tsar? It's good that the new City Defense Commander is here…”

“No, please allow me to turn on the radio.” The Military Secretary went straight to the radio and began to operate it.

Tugenev appeared to be a very easygoing person; he didn't mind a bit of disorder from his subordinates.

When the radio was turned on, an English broadcast–known in this world as Anglican language–came through.

Wang Zhong's English was basically at the “how do you do” level. He could understand the simple parts, but could only endlessly stutter when speaking.

The Military Chief of Staff translated, “Next, the President of the United States will address Congress, and we will broadcast the entire speech.”

Wang Zhong glanced outside at the morning sun, estimating the current time in the United States. He thought, interesting timing for a speech…

He then glanced at the calendar, which was two weeks ahead of Earth's, but it was still a Sunday surprise attack.

The speech then began.

Wang Zhong had heard this speech many times in different places, such as in the game Hearts of Iron where the original speeches were added, and players could listen to them by clicking on resolutions.

Of course, with Wang Zhong's basic level English, he could not understand every line, but the last phrase, “God help us,” he definitely wouldn't mishear.

The military intelligence officer translated, “I believe I have expressed the will of the Federation Congress and the people of the Federation, and I am certain that we must not only fully defend our homeland but also ensure that the Federation will never again be harmed by such treacherous acts.

“The enemy is right in front of us, and our people, our land, and our interests are in great danger, we cannot ignore this fact. I have full confidence in the Federation Army and the people of the Federation, and we will surely prevail, God bless us.”

The translator was not as angry as the speaker himself.

At last, he said in a calm voice to General Tugenev and Wang Zhong, “The Federation and the Empire of Fusang, along with their ally, the Empire of Prosen, are now in a state of war.”

Wang Zhong, at this moment, suddenly understood the gravity of the situation; it was time for a good sleep.

Especially since he had just heard yesterday that the Federation had vetoed the lease act under the instigation of the Plorsen Lobby Group.

Well now, no need for the act anymore, he thought, it's time to personally get involved.

The M3 Lee tanks, M4 Sherman tanks, and the P39 Airacobra fighters could now be requested. More importantly were the trucks, the Federation had an explosive production capacity of trucks, using Federation's trucks to improve logistics, assigning more support units to a division, providing tank units with maintenance vehicles, towing vehicles, and other equipment–

Wang Zhong immediately listed three pages in his mind, and the list was still growing.

General Tugenev looked at Wang Zhong, “How about some wine to celebrate?”

Wang Zhong replied eagerly, “Yes, definitely!”

Seeing this, the military intelligence officer turned off the radio and quietly left.

The general went to his liquor cabinet, took out a bottle that was ornately decorated, used a corkscrew to pull out the cork, and poured two glasses.

Wang Zhong went over, took a glass for himself, and raised it, “To celebrate the Federation's entering the war!”

General Tugenev added, “For the assistance that is coming!”

They clinked glasses.

After drinking, General Tugenev said, “This afternoon, you should show your face at the Suvorov Military Academy, I have already informed the school that you will be there. Also, your security in Yeburg will be taken care of by the Church's Tribunal. You can also arrange some trusted troops on your own.”

Wang Zhong replied, “I will make arrangements.”

General Tugenev continued, “You can go to the City Defense Command tomorrow.”

Wang Zhong asked, “What about Ludmila's assignment? Where has she been assigned?”

The general explained, “The Prayer Hand and the Divine Arrow Company are not under our command. Moreover, since you changed the use of Divine Arrow, the frontline is not as desperate for Prayer Hand as before, and the casualty rate of Prayer Hand has also decreased. Now, most of the Divine Arrow Company is integrated with anti-aircraft artillery, responsible for protecting key locations from the air. I presume Belinsky won't send your fiancee to the front alone; you both can enjoy some family life here in Yeburg.”

Wang Zhong responded, “If that's the case, then good.”

General Tugenev said, “Alright, you better go now, or else His Majesty will finish the imperial conference, and then it will be difficult for you to leave.”

That's right, once His Majesty the Tsar says, “My subjects, I want to understand the situation at the front,” there really would be no escaping.

Wang Zhong nodded, packed a stack of documents into his briefcase,

General Tugenev added, “Get a deputy officer. It's not fitting for a Vice Admiral to carry his own briefcase.”

Wang Zhong didn't like this remark; coming from China, he didn't have this kind of problem.

General Tugenev acknowledged, “I know you are close to the Church and deliberately trying to shed any air of nobility you had.”

Well, the habits he brought from another world seemed to appear differently to others.

General Tugenev continued, “I don't know what image the Church plans to create for you, but functionally speaking, you have orderlies to handle daily chores, you should also have a deputy to handle miscellaneous administrative duties, a deputy is akin to a secretary.”

Wang Zhong replied, “Alright, if I find secretaries like Bernard or Humphrey, I will recruit them as deputies.”

General Tugenev advised, “These are who? Nobles from Yeborg? You better choose wisely, as only capable people can serve as your deputy, I assure you.”

Wang Zhong responded, “Anyhow, I will keep an eye out.”

General Tugenev nodded, “Leave now, the imperial conference will be ending soon.”

Wang Zhong turned and left the room.

General Tugenev walked to the window, looking out at the morning sun.

He maintained the posture of admiring the sunrise for a long while.

Then the door opened, and Empress Olga I came in, “Alyosha! Eh? Has he already left? How could he leave so quickly? I wanted to understand the situation on the frontlines from him.”

General Tugenev turned, “Your Majesty, he just received so many assignments, he's surely very busy. It's best not to always disturb him.”

Empress Olga I pouted like a young girl.

The general remarked, “Your Majesty, although the coronation ceremony has not yet taken place, you are already Her Majesty.”

Empress Olga I sighed, “I know. I know. I will take over from my brother and handle everything!”

Chapter end

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