Moscow in January is a world of silver makeup.

Outside it was icy and snowy, but inside the Kremlin, just a wall away, it was as warm as spring.

In his office, Stalin stood by the wide window, smoking his pipe, enjoying the heat and nicotine inside and out, smiling as he listened to Zhukov's report on the progress of the war in the Pacific.

"Following the occupation of Guam by the Japanese on December 29, the day before yesterday, Wake Island was also occupied by the Japanese army. In Southeast Asia, the Japanese army has successfully landed in Apari and Vigan in northern Luzon in the Philippines, and Regaspies, Renyain and Artimonan in southern Luzon, and is carrying out centripetal attacks on Manila, the capital of the Philippines. According to the General Staff, the U.S. forces in Manila will hold out until the end of this week at most, and the entire territory of the Philippines will not be occupied for more than three months. ”

"Well, the faster the Japanese expand in Southeast Asia, the better it will be for us. Comrade Molotov, what have the Japanese recently put forward in diplomacy? You speak to your comrades. Stalin said without looking back.

Molotov said with a smile: "It's still the same, Japan's new foreign minister Shigetoku sent a new note, asking us to fulfill our promise as soon as possible, send troops to India, contain the strength of the British army in India, and also proposed to send a foreign trade mission to Moscow to negotiate the purchase of strategic materials such as iron ore, scrap steel and oil. ”

"How are you going to answer?"

"As always, it's winter, it's very difficult for us to move supplies from home to Iran, we have to wait for the weather to get warmer, the road conditions are better before we attack, and we need the cooperation of our German and Italian allies." Molotov said.

Stalin smiled and said: "Well said, treat the Japanese along these lines, and it would be best if the attention of the Japanese could be diverted to the Germans." ”

"What are we going to do with the Japanese foreign trade mission? My personal recommendation for the reception of them. "Molotov

"You're right, it is necessary to have a high-level reception, to provide them with all the strategic materials they need, and the more Japanese forces are invested in the Pacific, the safer our Far East will be, without the Japanese containment. We can concentrate on dealing with the Germans in future wars. ”

"I immediately discussed with the Japanese the time of the meeting and the specifications of the reception." Molotov said.

Stalin turned around and asked Timoshenko and Zhukov: "Our threat in the Far East has been lifted, and these are the credit of the Foreign Ministry." In another four to five months, the time will come to test the combat effectiveness of our Soviet Red Army. Are you ready? ”

Zhukov looked at Timoshenko in embarrassment, and said stubbornly: "Compared to the summer, our army is much more powerful in combat. The total number of KV1, KV2 and T-34 tanks is already close to five thousand, and the number of army personnel has also increased from five to seven million, only. Personally, I believe that in order to take the initiative to attack Germany and to be able to achieve victory, it is necessary to prepare at least until the summer of 1943, because "

Half of Stalin's good mood disappeared in an instant.

"Dear Comrade Zhukov, the Germans will not give us much time to prepare, my intuition tells me that this summer the Germans will inevitably launch an offensive against us, and you should not leave anything to chance. The enemy will invade our sacred land in five months at most. Killing our innocent people, and now you say that our army will not be ready for war until 1943, is this your attitude of responsibility to the great Soviet Fatherland? ”

Seeing that Stalin was angry, Timoshenko hurriedly relieved Zhukov.

"Comrade General Secretary, Comrade Zhukov is trying to say that our army is not ready to attack on its own initiative, and according to the fact that the attacking side needs three times the strength of the defending side, as long as the Germans place an army of two million men in the border area, we will have to mobilize almost the entire army to launch a full-scale offensive.

We are expanding our forces too fast. There is a big shortage of qualified officers, qualified pilots, tankmen, radiomen, and other technical arms, and the army's combat effectiveness cannot be brought into full play; if war breaks out this summer, Comrade Zhukov and I suggest that we fight a defensive counterattack on the border. First of all, use defensive warfare to destroy the Germans' forces and technical weapons to the greatest extent. Then a counter-offensive into the German mainland, which was the best way to deal with the Germans. ”

Hearing the explanation of the most trusted old handsome Timoshenko, Stalin's unhappy face eased a lot.

"I can accept this explanation. You informed the military districts in the west and closely monitored the movements of the German troops on the opposite side. The spies planted in Germany were also to keep a close eye on Poland, especially Warsaw, where the Germans moved troops to their eastern border, which was the most important transport hub. ”

Molotov suddenly interjected: "And spy on that Warsaw governor." As 'the prophet of the defeat of France in eight weeks'. Like the planner of the French campaign, Hitler would have summoned him frequently to Berlin to inquire about the strategy of attacking us, and we would have to ascertain the length of his stay in Berlin and Warsaw in the following months, which would be enough to analyze a great deal of information. ”

Stalin nodded and said: "Comrade Molotov's suggestion is very reasonable, what is that Warsaw governor doing now?" ”

"He should now be in the North Atlantic, on his way back to Germany from the United States."

"Investigate the movements of the Germans as soon as possible and find all the information we desperately need. Comrades, our time is running out, and you should remember that as long as the war with Germany is won, the European continent of the future will be a world of red flags. Stalin said.

In the Kremlin, Stalin is brewing a storm of war, but in the North Atlantic, Chen Dao is enjoying rare good weather.

The North Atlantic in winter has always been a world of fierce winds and waves, like the roar of Poseidon, the god of the sea.

After eight days of rounding the Panama Canal and turbulent waves in the North Atlantic, Chen Dao finally looked forward to a rare good weather.

Walking out of the aggrieved cabin, Chen Dao and his four lieutenants strolled on the bow deck, enjoying the bright sunshine and warm sea breeze.

"Today is probably the only good weather before returning to Germany, and we can't miss it, so we inform Bismarck that the ready target training will start immediately, and let them release the target." Chen Dao ordered Major Lorenz.

"Your Excellency the Governor, is there any target training today? What kind of weapon is it going to use? Naval artillery or anti-aircraft artillery? ”

Chen Dao turned his head to look and saw the four Levi standing behind them, talking exactly Ah Ming.

"It's a 203 mm bow gun."

"Great, my favorite is the big ship and the big gun, when will the target training start. I can't wait. ”

"Bismarck is releasing targets, and target shooting will begin soon." Chen Dao said.

Alan walked up to Chen Dao and asked, "Your Excellency, I have discussed with Levi to join your country's cavalry. Would we like to hear from you, an expert? ”

"Cavalry, why cavalry? Is it because of the cowboy culture of the American West? If I'm not mistaken, only the Waffen-SS has one cavalry brigade in Germany at the moment, and it's hard to say how long this cavalry brigade will exist in the future, so I don't recommend you to join the cavalry. Chen Dao said.

"Because my grandfather was a cavalryman. So I also wanted to join the cavalry. And we all ride horses, even the mulberry calendar. We who participate in cavalry can complete equestrian training in the shortest possible time and become a qualified warrior. Alan said.

"Your grandfather was an American cavalryman? Then you should know that the cavalry has withdrawn from the stage of history. I suggest that you join the cavalry of the new era - the armored corps, which is much more powerful in driving a tank than riding a horse. Chen Dao said.

"My grandfather was a cavalry general in Russia, and it was my dream when I was a kid to be a cavalryman." Alan said.

"Your Excellency, you don't know that Yeager is Allen's surname in the United States. His grandfather was a famous Russian general, you must have heard of it. ”

"Which of the Russian generals is it? Kolchak? I've only heard of him, but he's an admiral. Chen Dao asked.

"Say it, you've heard it. In 1916, the Russian offensive on the Eastern Front was commanded by Allen's grandfather. Armin said.

Chen Dao stretched out his hand to pinch Allen's shoulder, and the four of Major Bach instantly surrounded Allen, looking at Allen with amazement, as if he had discovered a new continent.

"Is your grandfather Alexei . Alexievich. Cavalry Admiral Brushilov? Chen Dao asked.

"Yes, my grandfather was that." Alan said.

"After it turned out to be a famous general, Alan, you really hid it and gave us a big surprise." Chen Dao said.

"You know what. Your grandfather's summer offensive in 1916 inflicted nearly 1.5 million casualties on Germany and Austria-Hungary with nearly a million casualties, and 400,000 prisoners alone.

Let's not talk about the political impact of this offensive. From a purely military point of view, the fact that the offensive and defensive sides were able to play this kind of battle loss ratio was a miraculous result on the battlefield more than 20 years ago, not to mention that your grandfather commanded the Tsarist army, which was known for its decay and backwardness, could achieve such results. Highlight your grandfather's extraordinary abilities even more. Personally, I don't think the tactical level of the Somme and Verdun battles can be compared to this one. Just, how did you end up in the United States? He changed his surname to Yeager again, why is that? ”

"I heard from my mother that after the October Revolution in Russia, my grandfather joined the Soviet Red Army and assisted Trotsky in the reorganization and training of the Soviet Red Army. In 1927, Trotsky was expelled from the Bolshevik Party by Stalin and exiled and deported. Although my grandfather had died by that time, our family was considered to be a Trotsky faction, and my father died early, and our family had a hard time, and my mother took me out of the Soviet Union, to Mexico, and then to the United States. ”

"So, you should have a lot of friends and relatives in Europe, in Russia, right?" Chen Dao asked.

"I was young when I left Russia, and I don't remember a lot of things, and my mother should know a lot of Russians, but unfortunately she didn't come back with me." Alan said.

"This matter is easy to deal with, and when your life in Germany is stable, I will send someone to bring your parents to Germany so that you can reunite your family." Chen Dao said.

"Thank you so much if you can do this, I'm really not at ease when he's home alone." Alan said.

"We are friends, of course I will help with this." Chen Dao said.

Looking at Allen's full of gratitude, Chen Dao was full of emotion in his heart, he didn't expect that he would do a righteous and courageous act on a whim, and he actually picked up Allen's hidden treasure, and it was really a good person with good rewards.

"There are two small boats down there, are they targets?" Amin suddenly shouted.

Chen Dao turned his head to look at the sea, and sure enough, he saw two more lifeboats on the starboard side of the battleship Bismarck, and there were still figures moving on the lifeboats.

Looking at the lifeboat with the binoculars that Major Bach had handed him, Levi was stunned as he looked at the slowly turning turret. There were also two 203mm guns with their muzzles down, and Levi suddenly asked, "Shoot now?" There are still people in those two lifeboats. ”

"Is it a humanoid puppet?" Sang Li asked.

"You're not seeing puppets, you're seeing real people." Chen Dao said with a smile.

Sang Li covered his mouth in fright, and Alan and Armin glared at Chen Dao in unison. As if wondering if the Governor-General, who had always been kind to them, was someone else's fake.

"Don't you think it's brutal that you're going to use a real person as a target?" Levi asked.

"To be honest, it's the first time I've done anything like this. The two lifeboats were tied to Sherlock and his villain uncle, as well as a few of their thugs. I don't want to bring them to Germany, so as not to pollute the German social atmosphere, so I have to use them as targets to smash them, and sort of cleaning up a few scum for the world.

You say I'm brutal? I don't think so, it is my usual style to treat friends as warm as spring and enemies as cruel and ruthless as winter. ”

After Chen Dao finished speaking, regardless of whether the four Levi could accept it or not, he pulled the four of them to the side of the ship's main gun that was far away, and leaned on the railing to watch the live man shoot the target.

Five or six hundred meters away from the sea. Erich. MacDonald hit Sherlock with his head and yelled, "Quick, you idiot, untie the rope from my hand." ”

"My hands are tied and I can't see it, and now it's the fastest I can."

"Shut up, you idiot, you're all the fool who is going on now, don't talk nonsense, untie the rope for me." Erich scolded.

With his back to the furious uncle. Sherlock really didn't dare to talk nonsense, and with the touch in his hand, he panicked and untied the rope on Erich's wrist.

"Uncle Erich, help me untie the rope." Sherlock excitedly shouted to Erich.

Erich ignored him. He only cares about untying the ropes on his ankles, and from time to time he looks up at the Prince Eugen in the distance.

Sherlock followed Erich's gaze curiously, and vaguely saw the turrets on the bow and stern of the Prince Eugen turn in his direction.

Sherlock couldn't help but open his mouth wide, did they want to

"Untie me, untie me," Sherlock yelled frantically.

With Sherlock's roar, the rope was untied. However, it was the rope on Erich's ankle.

Ignoring the roar of his nephew Sherlock, Erich glanced at the battleship in the distance, and one of them plunged into the sea and swam desperately into the distance.

Not far away, Erich heard a thunderclap in the distance, and subconsciously plunged into the water.

"Boom, boom, boom" A series of explosions sounded.

Eight 203-millimeter high-explosive bombs set off eight white columns of water that rose into the sky, carrying fragments from lifeboats and various human organs.

Chen Dao saw the two lifeboats and the unlucky eggs on them, put down the binoculars with satisfaction, and said, "Hmph, these scumbags are dying here, it's really an insult to the waters of the Atlantic." ”

Eight main guns fired a salvo, disposing of a number of scum, and the Prinz Eugen sounded the victory whistle, chased after the Bismarck, and headed east.

"Whew"

Erich burst out of the water, panting and looking around.

Seeing the departing battleship in the distance, Erich looked at the vast sea in horror and immediately pounced in the direction of the lifeboat.

Crossing two intestines floating on the surface of the sea, a broken leg, and a corpse with a lost head, left arm, and right leg, Erich managed to find his target, a wooden plank about twenty centimeters wide and more than a meter long.

Looking at the battleship in the distance, Erich waved his fist and shouted: "Lao Tzu is not dead yet, we will meet again." ”

After seven or eight minutes, there was no trace of the battleship on the sea, only a black column of smoke.

Half an hour later, Erich felt his body lose consciousness and his eyelids grew heavier and heavier after being soaked in the cold water.

No, you can't close your eyes, you'll freeze to death.

Erich bit his tongue and spurred himself to cheer himself up with the pain, not allowing himself to close his eyes.

Looking around, Erich saw a faint black plume of smoke on the surface of the sea to the west.

A ship arrived, and Erich was in good spirits.

After a few minutes, the column of smoke became clearer and clearer, it was really a boat, not an illusion.

Great, saved, Erich couldn't help but burst into tears.

"Damn Germans, when I get ashore, I'm going to call the police, I'm going to have to, what's that?"

Erich saw two sail-like objects appear in the nearby sea, sliding around him.

No, not a sail, it seems to be the dorsal fin of a shark.

Erich instantly remembered the horrific scene when he and his men threw those black men into the sea to feed the sharks.

"No, no, don't"

Erich yelled in despair at the sight of a dorsal fin rushing straight towards him, only to be rewarded with a bloody mouth.

The shark's bloody mask slammed into Erich's head and flung to the right, a fountain of red blood spurting out from the headless corpse, staining a large area of sea water red, and the pungent smell of blood aroused the shark's appetite

Ten minutes later, a merchant ship flying the American flag passed by the scene of the tragedy, saw nothing, did not stop, and just sailed straight for Europe. (To be continued.) )