Steel Soviet Union

Malokov didn't show anything unusual when he walked into the office. He didn't even show the dull pain in his shoulder. He just walked calmly to the desk and stood at attention.

"Oh, Comrade Malokov, you are back, tell me how the mission was completed?"

Khrushchev, who did not appear to be surprised by Malokov's arrival, was still correcting documents. Dealing with the Zhukov incident and a series of recent tedious tasks were almost overwhelming.

Facing Khrushchev, who didn't even raise his head and was busy with his hands while asking questions, Malokov, who was used to this kind of reporting method, slowly spoke.

“Malashenko rejected the offer and he did not change his decision even after I explained all the conditions to him, showed him the promotion order and informed the Stavka that he would be promoted to commander of the East German cluster. "

"Um"

After hearing this, Khrushchev slowly stopped what he was doing, put down the pen and closed the document at the same time, raised his head and faced Malokov and spoke seriously.

"That is to say, the situation is consistent with what you expected before, is that what you mean?"

"Yes, I think I can be sure of that, Comrade Leader."

Malokov handed over the detailed incident report he had written on the table, then took a step back to keep a certain distance from the desk and continued to speak.

"Essentially different from Zhukov, Comrade Malashenko is a very pure soldier, just as I expected before and informed you."

"Even in the face of huge rewards that can be exchanged for a simple signature, Comrade Malashenko still withstood the test and adhered to the bottom line. If the same thing were done to others, I think it would be at least 70%, no, I should say More than 80% of people will not refuse, especially if there are people on the side to persuade them.”

Khrushchev, who got the result he wanted, seemed quite satisfied. He looked at the detailed report written by Malokov himself and listened to Malokov's report, but after a while he put down what he was doing. He spoke.

"So Malashenko's rejection of Zhukov's invitation to join the gang is not out of personal disgust or personal dispute. But Malashenko always remembers who he is, what he does, and what he is for. I see from your report This is the result.”

Facing Khrushchev's "Summary of Afterviewing", Malokov, who knew what he had written, nodded in response.

"Yes, based on practical inspection and my understanding of him over the past 16 years, I am very convinced that he is indeed innocent on the issue of the Zhukov faction, Comrade Leader. This is due to firm belief rather than any other factor."

"Um"

After hearing this, Khrushchev crossed his hands, sat behind his desk and nodded slightly to show his approval, with the answer clearly in his eyes.

"It seems that our investigation and test of Comrade Malashenko can be concluded, but on the other hand, he did reject the invitation, which is reassuring but not entirely a good thing."

"What do you think? Malokov, I want to hear your opinion on how to arrange Malashenko?"

""

Standing in this office where Zhukov had stood countless times, facing the same people Zhukov had faced before, he said words similar to those in Zhukov's previous situation.

Malokov, who knew exactly what he was facing and how to deal with it, did not hesitate much. He thought for a moment before speaking.

"My suggestion is to implement the promotion of Comrade Malashenko and continue to implement it as planned. Regardless of whether he accepts it in front of me or not, a promotion with conditions is completely different from a promotion under normal procedures."

"Even if Comrade Malashenko rejected the invitation, his powerful deterrent effect on the enemy is still there, and his important role in the development of military construction cannot be ignored."

"Since there is no threat, maintaining promotion is the best choice under such circumstances. Even if it is from the perspective of "making the best use of everything", it can maximize the value and utility, and it is safe and harmless."

"Well--"

Khrushchev, with his eyes slightly narrowed and his back leaning on his seat, nodded thoughtfully.

However, the first thing he did after making the decision was not to issue an order. Instead, he smiled and spoke for the first time since Malokov came in, as if he was amused by something.

"The way you describe it is always interesting, but also useful, Comrade Malokov."

"I agree with your opinion, it should indeed be the case."

"Then do as you suggest, Malokov. By the way, are Comrade Malashenko's family still in Moscow?"

Malokov, who was overjoyed to receive recognition and affirmation and remained calm and unfazed, nodded and immediately answered.

"Yes, Comrade Leader. Comrade Malashenko's wife and two children are in Moscow and have never left."

"Then take good care of Comrade Malashenko's family, and you will be responsible for it personally. Comrade Malashenko will definitely arouse greater hatred and resentment from the enemy. In order to allow him to free his hands and feet, he must Make sure he has nothing to worry about, right?"

""

Malokov, who rarely gave a direct answer, pondered for a moment, even if it was only less than two seconds, and then replied after understanding what the words meant.

"Indeed, Comrade Leader, then I will carry out the order first."

Khrushchev, who resumed reviewing the documents, nodded in response.

"Well, go ahead."

"In addition, continue to keep an eye on Zhukov and report any new situations to me in a timely manner. He is not a person willing to admit defeat easily."

"clear."

The trip to East Germany came to an end, Malokov's daily life and work were once again back on track, and the order for Malashenko's promotion was soon officially issued and implemented.

Even though this was a premise that Malashenko himself could not figure out and was even surprised, the fact happened regardless of the subjective will of the person involved.

"Congratulations, Comrade Malashenko."

"The Supreme Command has consulted my opinion before, and I suggest that you take over the position of commander of the East German Cluster. If I leave this responsibility to you, I can leave with peace of mind. Now there will be no one in our East German Cluster better than you." More appropriate."

"Remember to lead our army's most powerful field group. I believe you have the ability to do it."

Malashenko, who was called to the cluster headquarters, was greatly surprised by such a "pie in the sky" thing. For Malashenko, who was mentally prepared to be taken away for investigation, this was simply a fateful fate. Teasing, making an unprecedented joke.

"I, I don't understand, Comrade Marshal. I have obviously refused once, but why-"