Steel Soviet Union

Malashenko knew that he still held the title of general in name, but in fact it was difficult to even protect himself. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was in a state of being at the mercy of others.

At the moment, there is really no better way besides following Vatugin's arrangement.

It is true that if you continue to stay in Moscow, you will attract more attention and be more remembered. If you are not careful, you may bring trouble to your family.

Vatutin was right. He had no choice now. Staying away from his family would be better and safer for them.

In addition, Vatutin's personal guarantee was here, and Malashenko, who had no reason to refuse emotionally or rationally, nodded in agreement.

"Understood, Comrade Commander, I will follow your plan. But please give me some time. I want to say goodbye to my family. I don't know when I will see them again next time."

Vatutin, who was trembling when he heard Malashenko say this, lamented even more.

From the end of the Great Patriotic War to the present, Malashenko has no time to spend even a whole day with his family. He either comes back for a meeting to visit relatives on the way, or he passes by his house on the way to a business trip.

It just so happens that such a meritorious general, a well-known hero of the motherland, has now been reduced to having no place in Moscow.

When did things start to become like this? Why did it become what it is today?

Vatutin, who felt inexplicably miserable, could not think of an answer or any other solution. Now he had no choice but to take Malashenko away immediately.

"I'm ready, Comrade Commander, you can go."

""

Vatutin, who did not expect to be so fast, looked at Malashenko, and then at Natalia, who was holding a child behind Malashenko, and instantly understood that Malashenko had already prepared everything in his hands. What happened to the suitcase.

Perhaps in the past many years, Natalia always organized everything for her husband, and then took her children with her to send her husband away from home.

I just don’t know when I’ll be back again after saying goodbye.

There was no relief, because even Vatutin himself didn't know the answer. He could only say that he would do his best towards the unknown future, and he spoke slowly as he got up from the sofa.

"Let's go, take care, Comrade Natalia."

Malashenko, who followed Vatutin downstairs with his suitcase, still looked back three times every step of the way, looking towards the floor where his home was located from time to time.

Vatutin, who was still confused at first, looked up and found Natalia holding her two children by the window, casting her gaze towards where her husband and father were.

The two children, who had no idea what was going on or where their father was going, were still waving their little hands to Malashenko who was getting ready to get in the car downstairs. Their childish calls for farewell were echoing in everyone's minds. Ears.

"Bye Dad!"

"Have a safe trip dad!"

Malashenko, who was also waving goodbye to his family, couldn't bear to stay any longer. He took one last look at the direction of his family and turned around to get in the car.

Like Malashenko, he waved goodbye to Natalia and the two children. After thinking for a while, Vatutin thought it would be better to ride with Malashenko, and then went to the other side to open the door and get in the car.

However, not long after he got in the car and set off, Vatutin was startled by Malashenko's state.

"I'm sorry for them, Comrade Commander. I've been married for 12 years, and there's never been a day when I didn't feel guilty. Natalia has obviously done so much for me, but now she has to bear all this with the children because of me. , I’m sorry for them, I’m sorry for them!”

At least in Vatutin's memory, the last time he saw Malashenko crying so much was when Commissar Petrov died that year.

Malashenko is not without weaknesses, and his family is.

After all the troubles, he didn't even care about himself, but he felt sorry for his family. Facing Malashenko, who couldn't stop crying, the only thing Vatutin could do now was to put his hand on his. Malashenko spoke with comfort on the back of his hand.

"Hold on, Malashenko. We have experienced a lot and gone through a lot together. The road is long and full of thorns. Nothing will always be smooth sailing."

"But I believe that there will always be sunshine when the gloom passes. Just as Comrade Lenin said back then, there will be bread and milk. Difficulties will always pass, so we must persevere."

Malashenko, who only felt sad for a short time, knew what he should do, and he was able to gather his emotions and continue to face the road ahead calmly.

Just when the convoy had just left the edge of Moscow and was about to head straight to the airport in the suburbs, Malashenko suddenly remembered something and hurriedly spoke to Vatutin.

"Comrade Commander, please wait. I forgot one thing. I have to go to a very important place. I won't waste too much time. I hope you will allow me."

"What is that place? Where are you going?"

"I want to see Comrade Political Commissar again."

""

Needless to say, he personally presided over the funeral that year. Vatutin certainly understood Malashenko's feelings and could also see the flash of longing in Malashenko's eyes.

If you cannot see your family again for a long time in the future, then you will also not be able to see your political commissar comrades who are buried in the Martyrs Cemetery on the outskirts of Moscow.

Vatutin, who understood why Malashenko did this, didn't think much about it. He immediately gave the order to the guard driving ahead, changed lanes and headed straight for the new destination.

Standing in front of Comrade Political Commissar's grave again after a long time, Malashenko felt indescribable sadness and longing in his heart, always thinking how great it would be if he could hear that familiar voice again.

"I'm leaving, Comrade Political Commissar. I may not be able to see you again for a long time. I'm sorry."

"Sometimes I always think, if you were still here, how would you teach me, tell me how to face the current difficulties, and tell me what to do."

"Ha, it sounds like a child who hasn't grown up. But I really want to hear your voice again, even if it's just a simple chat. I really want to think about it, just once."

"But you once told me that no matter what happens, the road must still be walked firmly. All the difficulties and obstacles we have experienced are a test, and the difference lies in whether we can survive it."

"I will never forget what you taught me, never."

"Have a good rest, I swear I will come back to see you again, I promise."

"Goodbye, Comrade Political Commissar."

After giving a standard hat-off salute, he turned around and left with his hat on.

Although he didn’t know when he would see Comrade Political Commissar again next time, Malashenko, who had already arrived at the entrance of the cemetery, came to the car and was about to leave, and returned to the Prime Minister for one last look, knew one thing.

As long as the road ahead can continue, I will never give up.

The plot of the Cold War period may seem a little twisty, and the old horse will fall into a trough, but the final result will be good. After writing so many words, there is no need to stab everyone in the finale, so please don't worry.