Red Moscow

Feining stretched out four fingers: "Four people."

Without waiting for Sokov to ask again, he took the initiative to say: "A driver of the amphibious vessel and three crew members."

"Can you carry heavy weapons?"

"Comrade General." Without waiting for Feuining to answer, another middle-aged engineer rushed to answer: "If the amphibious boat is equipped with weapons, it will inevitably reduce the space for the crew, and the weight of the ammunition carried by the weapons will also decrease. resulting in a slowdown."

Sokov didn't care about the engineer's last name, so he said bluntly: "Comrade engineer, I want to ask you a question. If a regiment of our army needs to carry out forced crossing operations, how many amphibious ships will it need?"

Without waiting for the engineer to answer, Sokov asked himself and answered: "According to the calculation of a regiment of 1,600 people, more than 500 amphibious boats are needed. Since these boats cannot carry heavy weapons, when crossing the river, they will be killed by the German army." Under the attack of artillery or machine gun fire, there is no power to fight back. Even if they paid a huge price and reached the opposite bank, they would not be able to continue to advance deep into the German defenses because they did not have heavy weapons."

"We can order the amphibians that have completed unloading to return, return to the starting point, and cross the river with heavy weapons..."

"Comrade engineer, according to your design drawings, this kind of amphibious ship cannot carry heavy weapons."

Sokov's words left the engineer speechless. He could only look to Foyining for help, hoping that he could come out to help him resolve the embarrassment.

Yakov, who was sitting by the side, couldn't help but secretly rejoice when he heard Sokov say that, it turned out that the other party was still speaking for him.

Seeing the engineer looking at him, Foyining coughed lightly, and then said to Sokov, "General Sokov, hearing you say that, I think you have a better idea?"

"Senior engineer of Foyining," Sukov said straight to the point, considering that his own troops might also use this kind of amphibious boat to carry out river crossing operations in the future, and the design must be improved, "I think what you have The design of the amphibious boat, there is still a lot to be improved."

Feining was not angry because of Sokov's tone, but asked modestly: "Can you explain in detail?" The reason why he was so respectful was because he knew what Sokov was involved in. Various weapons can give your troops an advantage. Not to mention, even the hovercraft that was rejected by them for mass production is Sokov's masterpiece.

Sokov pointed to the design drawing and said to Foyining: "Senior engineer Voyining, I think the size of the amphibious boat should be increased. Even if it can't take a row like a hovercraft, it must at least be able to carry one row at a time." Also, I think some amphibious ships should be equipped with heavy weapons, such as 12.7mm heavy machine guns, so that our crossing troops can use firepower points to suppress the German firepower on the shore during the river crossing process. .”

"I agree with Misha's proposal." As soon as Sokov finished speaking, Yakov promptly expressed his support: "Amphibious ships can also be divided into combat ships and transport ships like hovercraft. As the name suggests, transport ships are It is responsible for transporting our troops, and the combat ships use the weapons they are equipped to suppress the firepower of the German firepower points on the shore."

The engineers sitting opposite, after hearing Yakov's explanation, did not immediately refute, but whispered to each other, discussing Sokov's improvement plan in a low voice.

While everyone was discussing, Sokov approached Yakov and said in a low voice, "Yasha, my house has a telephone now, if you need me for anything, you can call my home number."

"Yeah, okay." Yakov nodded and said, "I'll call you directly if I have something to do in the future, and save a lot of time by sending someone to find you."

"By the way, after the meeting ends later, arrange for me to have a chat with Comrade People's Commissar alone." Sokov felt that today was a good opportunity for him to have a good talk with Ustinov and let him take charge of the new After entering the army, give yourself the most up-to-date weapons and equipment first: "I want to talk to him about the weapons and equipment."

Yakov smiled slightly after hearing this, "Misha, don't worry. After the meeting is over, even if you want to leave, Comrade Ustinov will probably stop you and have a good chat with you."

"General Sokov." After the two chatted for a while, Sokov suddenly heard Foyining calling his name: "I have a question to ask you."

"I don't dare to ask for advice." Sokov said modestly: "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. As long as I know the answer, I will know everything without saying a word."

"Why are the heavy machine guns installed on combat ships 12.7 mm instead of the 14.5 mm we commonly use?" Feining asked: "You know, the anti-aircraft machine guns we are equipped with for air defense forces are basically 14.5 mm caliber, they can be mounted directly on ships.”

"Comrade Senior Engineer," Sokov explained to Foyining: "I also considered a 14.5 mm heavy machine gun at first, but soon found that the positioning of a heavy machine gun of this caliber is awkward. Against armored targets, although the 14.5 mm The mm shell has a strong armor-piercing ability using the AP shell, but it is still not enough to penetrate the side armor of the tank.

Although the 12.7mm heavy machine gun is not as powerful as the 14.5mm heavy machine gun, the range of the two is not much different. 12.7mm heavy machine guns can't hit armor, and 14.5mm heavy machine guns can't hit most of them. To deal with German targets, 12.7mm heavy machine guns are enough, and they are lighter. Under the same weight, it can carry more ammunition. "

"General Sokov, you are really thoughtful." After waiting for Sokov to finish speaking, Foyining gave him a thumbs up: "To tell you the truth, we originally designed this amphibious ship At that time, I considered installing a 14.5mm heavy machine gun, but this machine gun is too heavy, and the ammunition it carries is limited, and it can play a limited role in crossing the river, so I directly chose to eliminate it. But now, after listening to your suggestion, you can On the newly added combat ships, 12.7mm heavy machine guns are installed to provide fire support for the amphibious ships transporting troops."

Sokov's proposal successfully resolved the dispute between the two factions. Voynin looked at Yakov and said: "Comrade Colonel, due to the increase in the size and load of the ship, the engine we originally planned to use may not be able to do what we want. See if you can transfer some of the personnel under your jurisdiction to be responsible Engine development personnel, join our design team?"

Now that the focus of the dispute between the two parties has disappeared, Yakov was quite generous in the face of Foyining's request: "No problem, senior engineer Voyining. As soon as the meeting is over, I will immediately arrange people to come to your Reported in the design team."

"Thank you very much, Comrade Colonel."

Voynin looked at Ustinov and said: "Comrade People's Commissar, our current design ideas have been unified. Are we allowed to go back and continue working?"

"Yes." Ustinov was very happy to see that the designers with different views finally reached a consensus to a certain extent. He nodded at Foyining and said with a smile, "You guys start the new project as soon as possible." work."

Seeing the engineers get up and leave, Sokov also stood up, wondering whether he should stay or take the opportunity to leave. At this moment, I heard Ustinov calling his name: "Comrade Sokov, please stay here, I want to talk to you."

"Misha, I'm going back to work." Yakov said to Sokov in a low voice while tidying up the things on the table.

"Wait a minute!" Sukov suddenly felt a little flustered in his heart, and quickly asked Yakov in a pleading tone: "Can you stay with me?"

"Why? Comrade People's Commissar didn't order me to stay, and besides, I still have a lot of work to do." Yakov muttered: "It's not like you haven't met the People's Commissar, so don't feel guilty."

"Come on, Comrade Sokov." Ustinov beckoned to Sokov, "Sit beside me." Perhaps seeing Sokov's nervousness, he said with a smile, "We also It's not the first time we've dealt with each other, so there's no need to be so nervous, and your old partner, General Lunev, is still here, so what do you have to worry about?"

Hearing what Ustinov said, Sokov immediately felt relieved. That's right, my old partner Lunev is sitting across from me, and I have someone to embolden me, so why should I feel guilty.

He moved two seats to the side, sat down next to Ustinov, and asked with a smile, "Comrade People's Commissar, what do you want to talk to me about?"

"Just chatting casually." Ustinov asked with a smile: "Comrade Sokov, when will you be able to return to the army?"

"Comrade People's Commissar, I'm still studying at the Frunze Military Academy." Sokov replied, "It may take half a year before I can return to the army."

"We still have to wait for half a year." Ustinov said with some regret, "We still have to wait for such a long time."

"No way." Sokov shrugged, and said rather helplessly: "I have never systematically studied various military theories before, and I was barely able to command division-level combat units. When I became the commander of the group army later, I feel powerless. I just want to take advantage of this rare learning opportunity to enrich myself."

Ustinov hummed lightly, indicating that he knew it, and continued: "I heard from Yakov that once you take over the new army, you plan to directly obtain more from our weapons and equipment department. Weapons and equipment. Is there such a thing?"

When Sokov went to the weapons and equipment department today, he had an idea of ​​asking Ustinov for weapons and equipment. Although it is okay to ask Yakov for this matter, if Yakov wants to provide himself with weapons and equipment, he still needs Ustinov to nod. Now that he had an opportunity to speak directly to Ustinov, he naturally would not give up.

"Comrade People's Commissar," Sokov said, looking at Ustinov, "you also know that in order to win on the battlefield, in addition to well-trained troops, high morale, excellent weapons are also indispensable. If the weapons in hand are not good, no matter how brave my commanders are, I am afraid they will not be able to defeat the enemy and win the final victory."

"That's right, Comrade Ustinov." As soon as Sokov finished speaking, Lunev, who was sitting across from him, chimed in: "When Misha and I were in the 27th Army, the reason why we were able to obtain one after another The great victory has a lot to do with the various sophisticated weapons you directly provided."

"General Lunev," Ustinov said bitterly after Lunev finished speaking, "it is precisely because you have won one victory after another on the battlefield relying on sophisticated new equipment, it is inevitable that some people will Jealous. They lobbied the members of the Supreme Command in various ways, so that the superiors put pressure on me, forcing me to order to stop providing weapons and equipment to the 27th Army.”

Sokov originally only knew that it was Ustinov's order to stop the supply of weapons to his troops. He thought it was just the other side's whim, but only now did he know that the other side was also forced by pressure from above and had to do something. difficult decision.

"Comrade People's Commissar," although Sokov knew that Ustinov was under tremendous pressure, but he knew better in his heart that if the troops he commanded in the future could not get sophisticated weapons and equipment, then imagine that he would be killed one after another like before. Winning a battle is basically impossible. So he said to Ustinov: "I hope that after I take over the new army, you will still be able to supply me with excellent weapons and equipment in large quantities."

After Sokov said this, seeing Ustinov's face showing a troubled expression, he quickly added: "Comrade People's Commissar, I can assure you that the same weapons are in the hands of our troops. , can play a greater role.”

Ustinov stared at Sokov for a long time, and did not make any promises to him, but said euphemistically: "Comrade Sokov, I think your main task at present is to complete the mission in Frunze. Study in the military academy. As for weapons and equipment, when you graduate, our army’s equipment is already in a relatively sufficient state, and when I provide you with weapons and equipment, no one will gossip.”

Although in the ensuing conversation, Sokov tried many times to persuade Ustinov, but the youngest People's Commissar turned out to be cunning and cunning that did not match his age. He agreed and didn't refuse, but kept Sokov's appetite there.

When the conversation was over and Sokov and Lunev walked outside, Lunev said to Sokov, "Misha, I have one more thing to tell you."

Sukov couldn't help being startled, and hurriedly asked, "What's the matter?"

"I just got the news that your temporary headquarters may not be able to go to the Belarusian Front Army."

"Why?"

"The reason is very simple." Lunev looked around and saw that no one nearby could hear the conversation between himself and Sokov, but he still lowered his voice and said: "At the beginning, you have been arranging the interim commander through Marshal Zhukov. The whereabouts of the Ministry. But now Marshal Zhukov has been idled, and many of his proposals have been directly rejected by the above."

Sokov's heart sank suddenly, and he hurriedly asked: "Then how does the superior plan to arrange my temporary headquarters?" When he asked this question, Sokov's mind quickly pondered, thinking about how to arrange it Bornejelin and others and those students.

"I'm going to make a phone call to General Konev, hoping to arrange your interim headquarters with him." Lunev said to Sokov: "Now tens of thousands of German troops are besieged in the Cherkasy area. Sending an interim command to that area would also be a good option."