The division commander, Major General Bilyukov, was circling around the wooden table in the middle of the command post, his stride was large and he walked slowly. The two company commanders of the third and fourth companies straightened their bodies and stood with their backs against the wall, not even daring to breathe, their eyes moving with the movement of Bilyukov's body.

I also stood up, raised my hands and saluted, and reported in accordance with the regulations: "Comrade division commander, Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, acting commander of the 678th regiment, has been ordered to come and wait for your orders!" ”

Bilyukov stopped, looked at me and said with a smile: "Comrade Lieutenant Colonel, you came here by yourself, and I didn't order you to come and report." With that, he walked over to the table and sat down, gesturing to me and Lukin at the same time, "Don't stand, sit down!" ”

After Lukin and I sat down across from him, I saw that the two company commanders were still standing there like fools, so I said to them, "Comrades two company commanders, what are you doing there?" Let's all go back to the troops, and after counting the weapons and ammunition, give me a call. ”

Two company commanders walked up to me and raised their hands in a salute in a loud promise. After saluting me, the hands of the two did not drop, but turned to Biryukov and cautiously asked: "Comrade General, are we allowed to leave?" ”

Biliukov glanced at me, then smiled at the two of them and said, "Didn't your regimental commander order you to go back to the army?" Also ask me what to do? Let's go, let's go, don't stay here as an eyesore. ”

The two company commanders and division commanders should also be acquaintances, and after laughing twice, they put down their raised right hands and turned around to leave the company command post.

After waiting for the two company commanders to leave, Lukin asked Byrykov: "Comrade division commander. You're still at the forefront so late. Are you worried about Slavin's safety? ”

Biryukov pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. He took one out of his mouth and handed us the cigarette case. Lukin and I both shook our heads and signaled that we would not smoke. After taking the cigarette case back, Biryukov took a match and lit the cigarette, took a deep breath, nodded slowly, and said: "Yes, Comrade Lukin. You also know the situation in my family. I have three sons, all of whom joined the army after the war broke out. Two sons had already died in the defense of Smolensk, and the remaining youngest son was also wounded in the defense of Moscow. Although on the phone just now, Commander Oshanina said that he was fine, but I didn't see his people, I still didn't feel sure, so I rushed over overnight. Today, I am not here as a division commander, but as a father. I just want to wait here for him to come back safely. I hope you can understand how I feel at this moment. "When he said this. His eyes couldn't help but redden.

I hurriedly comforted him and said, "Comrade division commander, please don't worry, from the analysis of the information we have received, Captain Slavin did not alarm the enemy in the vicinity after they succeeded in attacking the enemy's baggage camp, so they were able to successfully transfer a large amount of ammunition. Now I have sent two more companies to help the seventh company carry the ammunition. On their way back, I also arranged a company to take care of them. Here, I would like you to assure you that Captain Slavin will return safely. ”

After listening to my words, General Biryukov nodded again and said: "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, although we have not been in contact for a long time, from what I know about you, I fully trust what you say. ”

For Byliukov's trust, I smiled bitterly, and said in my heart that this division commander is really not simple, and sent his three sons to the battlefield. Since there are already two sacrifices, it is understandable to be nervous about the only son. Looking at this general sitting in the command post and waiting, I thought to myself that if I changed the commander in the US army and was in my position, I would definitely send a team of people without hesitation to perform a Russian version of "Saving Private Rennes".

As soon as I finished persuading Biliukov, Lukin continued to persuade while the iron was hot: "Comrade division commander, please rest assured, Captain Slavin is a very elf, and even if he encounters any danger, he will be able to return safely." ”

Bilyukov couldn't help laughing: "Okay, don't comfort me both of you. I also knew that Slavin would not be fine, but I couldn't let go of it, so I came over to take a look. At this moment, the phone on the table interrupted our conversation.

Lukin reached out and picked up the phone, I didn't lean over, but in the quiet command post, I could still hear the conversation between Lukin and the other party clearly. The call was from the commander of the third company, and he seemed to be in a good mood, and as soon as the phone was connected, he said excitedly: "Report to Comrade Captain, the ammunition that was transported back just now has been counted." ”

"Tell me, what's there?"

"In addition to rifles, submachine guns, machine guns, and pistols, there were ten mortars, all German-style equipment."

"Okay, I'll report to the regiment commander right away." Speaking of this, Lukin covered the microphone and, after repeating what the third company commander had just said to me and Biryukov, asked for instructions: "Comrade regiment commander, what should I do next?" ”

After tapping my fingers on the table a few times, I replied: "Distribute the weapons and ammunition to the units immediately." Remember, let those commanders and fighters who have changed into German-style equipment quickly familiarize themselves with the weapons in their hands, so that we can have a better chance of winning the battle. ”

After saying this, I remembered that there was a general with a much higher rank than me sitting opposite, and hurriedly said with a smile on his face: "Comrade division commander, do you think it is appropriate for me to arrange it this way?" ”

Bilyukov nodded and said approvingly: "Well, Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, you are very thoughtful. The captured German-style equipment is not simply a matter of being fired into the hands of the commanders and fighters, but it is necessary to make them quickly familiar with their weapons, so that they can be handy in the battle. Seeing that Bilyukov also agreed with me, Lukin hurriedly let go of the microphone and conveyed my order to the commander of the third company word for word.

As I watched Lukin convey orders to the troops on the phone, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Biliukov raising his hand and looking at his watch, and knew that he was very anxious now, and that he might help him a little, but he lacked sufficient means of communication, let alone Slavin, who was staying in the baggage camp, and could not even contact the company that was on guard and receiving tasks a kilometer or two away from the position.

I am considering whether it is better to send a few fighters to find out what is going on, so that General Biryukov will not be restless like an ant on a hot pot. At this moment, a hoarse voice came from the door: "Hehe, there are really a lot of people here, not only Commander Oshanina is here, but even General Bilyukov has come to this command post." (To be continued......)