As soon as the meeting was over, Maslov followed Rokossovsky back to his office, and with him went in was the political deputy commander Kamenev.

Kamenev put his hands on the edge of his desk, leaned forward slightly, glared at Rokossovsky viciously with his eyes, and asked sharply: "Comrade commander, please explain why this inexplicable exercise was suddenly announced." ”

Rokossovsky glanced up at him and said with a straight face: "Comrade Deputy Political Commander, the reason why I suddenly announced military exercises is to deal with possible accidents. Don't you know that the border has not been peaceful lately? ”

"But all this is just your guess," Kamenev continued, after a brief silence: "Since the end of the last imperialist war, the Germans have never fought on two fronts at the same time. Your panic at today's meeting, and the spread of the word that our war with the Germans is inevitable. Do you know what kind of panic this can cause in the army? ”

In response to Kamenev's accusations, Rokossovsky said-for-tat: "Yes, I think so. In the recent past, we will fight the German fascists, and many facts in front of us have also proved this view. ”

"What are the facts?" Kamenev asked rhetorically, unconvinced.

"Disturbing facts, my comrade political deputy commander." Rokossovsky stood up, also propped his hands on the table, stared at Kamenev with both eyes, and said politely: "Don't you know that they are constantly increasing their troops and removing all the obstacles on both sides of the border?" ”

Kamenev sneered and said: "What's wrong with you, do you really think that the German devils treacherously attacked us?" ”

"That's right, they will attack us," Rokossovsky said loudly, "and the day will come soon!" ”

"I don't think they would dare to provoke us, would they?" Faced with the aggressive Rokossovsky, Kamenev said with some hesitation: "After all, we have hundreds of thousands of troops on the territory of Ukraine, and they are only a few divisions." ”

"Comrade Kamenev, your intelligence is outdated." Rokossovsky said unceremoniously: "According to the report from above, the units of the German army opposite the Kiev Special Military District have increased to thirty divisions at the beginning of the month. Their divisions are all wartime establishments, with about 15,000 men, while ours has an establishment of 8,000 men, but there are not many fully established divisions, and most divisions have only two or three thousand men, and they are not well trained and ammunition enough. ”

Kamenev stared at Rokossovsky for a while, and continued: "Let's put it this way, Comrade Rokossovsky, it is good to be vigilant, but these things are something that the superiors of the General Staff should consider. I can only ask for your forgiveness for casually issuing an order for exercises, and I have to report it to my superiors in accordance with the regulations. ”

"Whatever, Comrade Deputy Political Commander." Rokossovsky was also out of the question, and he was now desperately betting that the leadership of the military district, who was being ordered to move to the Ternopil region, would not be able to receive Kamenev's complaint, so that he could buy valuable time and prepare his troops for all the necessary combat preparations.

Looking at Kamenev, who was walking away, Maslov, who had wanted to persuade Rokossovsky in private, changed his mind, and he cautiously asked: "Comrade commander, if the deputy commander really reports to his superiors, you will be in trouble then." ”

Rokossovsky looked at his chief of staff, saw his anxious look, comforted him and said: "My comrade chief of staff, don't worry, if the political deputy commander wants to sue, let him sue." I have a hunch that after this exercise, our superiors will not only not blame us, but will also reward us. ”

When Maslov heard Rokossovsky say this, his first reaction was that it was over, and Comrade Army Commander was probably crazy. If you do not ask your superiors for instructions and get permission, you will not be sent to a military court, and you will be blessed by God, and you will dare to expect any reward.

However, he also knew Rokossovsky's character and knew what he decided, and unless he changed his mind, it was useless for anyone to persuade him. Thinking of this, he sighed helplessly and said, "Okay, Comrade Army Commander, since you said so, our exercises are still going on normally. Even if the superiors blame me, I will bear it with you. ”

Rokossovsky took Maslov's hand, shook it vigorously a few times, comforted him, and said: "Don't worry, Comrade Chief of Staff, if I say it's okay, I'm sure it's okay." Your task tomorrow is to deploy anti-aircraft guns in important sectors of the city and conduct air defense drills. Do you understand? ”

Hearing this order, Maslov was silent for a moment, and then replied with a bitter face: "Yes, I promise to complete the task!" ”