Cannon Fire Arc

At 7 a.m. on the 17th, at the headquarters of the Western Front Army.

General Golikov and Chief of Staff Ivan Stepanovich were eating black bread while looking at a map.

At this moment, the communications staff officer opened the door and saluted, "Report, a telegram from High Command."

General Golikov, holding a pair of compasses, gestured on the map without looking up and said, "Read."

The communications staff officer opened the telegram, "General Golikov is appointed as the Commander of the Suhayaveli Front Army, and General Ivan Stepanovich as the Acting Commander of the Western Front Army."

General Golikov put down his compasses, "Just as I expected. High Command wouldn't simply interfere with General Andrey's command; they would replace him, so there's no need to worry about overstepping the chain of command becoming the norm. When a general is relieved, it's only logical for High Command to issue a new order to all the Army Groups below."

Ivan Stepanovich extended his hand to General Golikov, "I wish you all the best in your new position."

"And to you," General Golikov shook the Chief of Staff's hand, "I believe the offensive plan we devised has promise, don't give up on it. We can't rely on Rocossov to win all the battles for us."

Ivan Stepanovich, "It's a pity that the plan you proposed won't be executed by you personally."

"Don't say that. Rocossov needs me to replace the man who's been dragging him down, and of course, I can't refuse his request. Of course not," General Golikov repeated the last sentence.

At that moment, the door opened again, and General Golikov's aide-de-camp led a pilot in, who saluted, "General Golikov, High Command orders me to escort you to Yarvik, the headquarters of the Suhayaveli Front Army is located there."

"Understood," General Golikov saluted the pilot, then continued to instruct Ivan Stepanovich, "Make sure to launch the attack, even if there are some casualties, it doesn't matter, the key is to verify whether this method works."

"Don't worry."

Only then did General Golikov release Ivan Stepanovich's hand and turned to walk towards the pilot.

Pilot, "You can pack your belongings..."

"No need, as a soldier I am always ready to assume my post, I only have two changes of clothes, just have the aide-de-camp fetch them for me," said General Golikov.

The pilot looked on with a solemn respect.

————

The First Mobile Group Army Headquarters.

"Report, urgent telegram from High Command."

Wang Zhong looked up, "Oh?"

Popov, who had just finished his night shift and was on his way out, casually took the telegram, "Oh, good news, General Golikov has replaced General Andrey as the commander of the Suhayaveli Front Army, we don't have to worry about being sold out and left to fight alone by friendly forces."

Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, "They've sent him here? That's good, we can confidently fight our own battles now, he'll cover for us."

Vasily, "Sending General Golikov here, is that a move to limit the Rocossov faction?"

Wang Zhong looked confusedly at his aide, "What do you mean by that?"

"You see, whichever general you win a battle under, that general gains the spotlight, and they become part of the Rocossov faction, whether it's Kashuk or Kiriyenko, all the same. In the future, all of you will be promoted to Front Army commanders, making it three Front Armies.

"If you win another victory this time, General Andrey will be convinced and will also become part of the Rocossov faction!"

Wang Zhong tapped Vasily's head, "You've read too many political thrillers! They transferred General Golikov here because we coordinated well during the winter campaign of 914, they're hoping we will make another brilliant achievement in the summer campaign of 915."

Vasily, "Okay, my bad."

Popov came over, handed the telegram to Wang Zhong, then while yawning and heading out, said, "Since that's settled, you have no worries, work hard. General Golikov will surely give you command of the 40th Tank Army."

Wang Zhong, "It's not certain yet, let's prepare for both possibilities. But first, let's take down the 190th Division on our doorstep."

As the words fell, someone at the door called out in heavily accented Ante language, "Report!"

Wang Zhong turned his head and sure enough, it was Tadeusz, the division commander of the first division of the Melania People's Army, and his chief of staff.

"You've arrived, come over here!" Wang Zhong hurriedly waved them over.

Popov was almost at the door and stepped aside for the two men, making a "please" gesture.

The two Melania officers, facing Popov's gesture, appeared quite constrained and only after saluting did they pass by Popov.

Yawning, Popov left the warehouse where the headquarters was located.

The two Melania officers approached the map table and saluted Wang Zhong once more, "Report, division commander Tadeusz of the first army first division of the Melania People's Army, reporting for duty."

Wang Zhong said, "Good timing. I believe you've already heard the rumors. You're the main attack force against the enemy's 190th division. We will initiate a pincer movement today to cut off the 190th division from the rest of the enemy forces."

Pavlov added, "Then it'll be your performance time. You haven't participated in the previous battles and your establishment is intact. Your Federation armored vehicles have fewer malfunctions. Our Ante equipment is highly affected by the scale of production, with a very high rate of failure."

Tadeusz saluted loudly, "Guaranteed to complete the mission!"

Wang Zhong said, "No need to be so loud. The entire command is in one warehouse, and shouting like that will disturb everyone else's work."

"Sorry," Tadeusz hurriedly said.

Wang Zhong pushed a map covered in symbols towards them, "This is the topographic map of the intended area of attack. Don't be fooled by the plains; underneath the grass is very complex. Be very cautious. We've asked the old herdsmen in detail about the terrain, hoping you can use it to your advantage."

Taking the map, Tadeusz opened it for a glance and then quickly put it away, "Understood. I'll distribute this to all the commanders of our army companies and platoons."

Wang Zhong said, "Tomorrow morning when you attack, I will ask the researchers from the Institute of Folk Customs if they can create a thick fog for you. Last time, we attacked Yeisk in the fog and achieved unexpected success. You should be able to do it too—unless you have any superstitions."

Tadeusz looked troubled, "Our soldiers are saying those researchers are witches. They will summon the fog, and those trapped in it will fall into an eternal damnation. Perhaps…it would be better not to invoke the fog. Let's attack in clear weather."

Wang Zhong nodded, "I respect your beliefs." Enjoy new tales from empire

Tadeusz seemed still a bit worried and emphasized quickly, "A considerable part of us are believers in the Secular faction. Otherwise, we wouldn't have fled to Ante when Prosen annexed Melania."

Pavlov said, "We understand. You don't have to worry. Besides, the Military Bishop in charge of these matters has gone to sleep, so there's nothing for you to fret about."

Vasily interjected, "If you hadn't mentioned that, there'd be no issue. But saying it makes it seem like there's definitely a problem."

Pavlov shrugged, "What's there to fear? Our commander has the complete trust of the Grand Patriarch."

Wang Zhong joked, "Trust? Now they're all saying I'm an angel under Saint Andrew himself. So, don't worry. Since you don't want a foggy attack, we will use smoke grenades tomorrow. You'll play the role of demons in the smoke instead."

"Excellent! We will surely live up to your expectations," Tadeusz responded enthusiastically.

Pavlov placed a document in front of them, "Take a look at this. This is the logistical supply plan I've prepared for you. Follow this plan and arrange your own attack waves. If you have any requests, feel free to make them."

Tadeusz said, "After studying it, we'll come up with a concrete battle plan and report back to the Army Group Headquarters."

Wang Zhong instructed, "Remember during the attack, if you encounter any hard-to-crack points, do not force the assault; surround them. There aren't many must-capture spots on the prairie. Once the enemy is split and surrounded by the smoke, just bombard them one by one with firepower. Make full use of the radio in your hands.

"Information, plus firepower! We must not only win but win handsomely, with a good exchange ratio! Otherwise, the Prussians will always look down on us, feeling psychologically superior when they face us. That won't do!"

"Yes!" Tadeusz responded loudly.

Wang Zhong continued, "Information, plus firepower! Understand the concept of signal-fire unity? Signal-fire unity!"

Wang Zhong had completely adopted the style of the American forces, like the Ceres Army had after the Peninsula campaign.