[Issue 30] The Grand Offensive - Completed!

[Pathfinder 1,690]

The completed story - thanks again to all who took part!

The Grand Offensive

Chapter 1 (@DarthvaderjonGTR):

Part 1: The Invasion

Commander Nikolai marched along the imposing row of tanks neatly lined up outside the defense perimeter of Berlin, the last German stronghold.

"Comrades, today, we strive to bring glory to our motherland, and to annihilate these ingrates from the face of the Earth! They will feel our full power, wrath, and anger! Mercy is not ours to give! Let them taste our vengeance while we send them all to hell!"

Sauntering over to a distraught looking soldier, he snatched the bottle of vodka from his trembling clutches, "save that for when Berlin is ours, comrade! Fear not, for victory is certain!"

A mortar shell landed near my tank, the ground shook and the sound of confused shouting rang in my ears. The musty, yet familiar smell of gunpowder and charred metal perforated the already saturated air. Everyone scrambled to their offensive positions.

"Happy birthday Hitler," Nikolai muttered under his breath.

"All units, attack! Fire at will! For mother Russia!"

Slowly, but surely, our formation of tanks began to advance, decimating all enemy troops in our path. Fierce resistance was met, with German troops and heavy gunfire bombarding our positions. Artillery shells whistled overhead as Gatling guns sought to inject rhythmical discipline into the chaos ensuing on the ground.

"We need air support!" Colonel Alexei hollered, motioning to the radio. Soon, heavy artillery fire came from behind us into the German capital. Suddenly, a strange silence fell over the street we were besieging. Enemy movement had ceased. I looked to my fellow comrades, only to find the same confusion and puzzlement etched on their faces. The street seemed abandoned, save for the multitudes of fallen soldiers scattered like breadcrumbs across the brick pavement, their faces contorted beyond recognition and limbs strewn haphazardly across the blood stained mesh of concrete and mangled metal.

The infantry inched forward tentatively, unsure and cautious at this unexpected development.

A single gunshot reverberated around the deserted street. A lieutenant from the 6th Belorussian front gave a muffled cry of horror and stumbled backwards. I had noticed the flash of the shot, bearing origin from behind a window on the third floor of a battered building. The sniper had clearly been trying to establish the chain of command and had been relatively successful in doing so.

"Contact from within the buildings! " The warning had barely left my lips when the windows of buildings from both sides of the deceptively empty street erupted in heavy machine gun fire.

Abandoning our posts and breaking formation, we dived for cover behind overturned vehicles as our infantry units began to scale the stairs to take out the snipers. Our ten tanks lumbering in the middle of the street slowly turned their turrets, preparing to neutralize the threat. Bullets ricocheted off the thick heavy armor of the sturdy T-34 tanks like peanuts as the turrets of destruction took careful aim at the doomed resistance fighters seeking cover in the brittle concrete buildings.

I clutched my assault rifle and tried to catch my breath. War was no stranger to me, but this was different. We had been caught completely off guard. Things could have gone much worse... I glanced at my companion Boris, seeking reassurance. He gave me a confident nod and motioned upwards. We were taking cover in one of the buildings and would try to take out the troops hiding upstairs. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as we scaled the stairs with unparalleled speed and dexterity.

The rumbling sound of the German tanks rose over the noise of small arms fire and artillery shells. The German tank battalion had arrived.

"Panzer Vor!!!" A loudspeaker resonated from the German line.

Realising the advantage of higher ground, we hastened our climb to the top floor.We turned the final round of stairs, with Boris ahead as usual. Abruptly, Boris stopped dead in his tracks. Slowly, he laid his rifle down on the unforgiving concrete floor and raised his hands. The sound of a pistol cocking echoed around the stairwell. Beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead as the sudden raw realization dawned on my tormented soul.

Swiftly, I ducked back down the stairwell as two pairs of scuff hairy arms pushed Boris into the room. For the first time in the war, I was at loss of what to do...

Chapter 2 (@Kevred):

Part 2: Betrayal

I stumble through the front door as the first panzer fires. My ears ring. The burning brick building next to me collapses, taking many of my comrades with it. I try to get back in, but the door's stuck. "No!". I kick the door with my feet, but I doesn't move. "No! No! NO!". I scream in outrage as I repeatedly kick and punch the door until my body can't take it anymore. Then I start sobbing. Boris is trapped inside. I slowly sit down, oblivious to the blazing fires and the bullets whizzing past me, feeling only remorse, shame and anger burning me deep from the inside.

What had I done? Why didn't I save him? I could've helped him somehow, but instead I acted like a coward and ran away. As I sob, a charred Wehrmacht soldier, his body covered in burns, walks past me and falls down, onto the mix of blood, metal and dirt that was once called a street. He raises a hand toward me, silently begging me to help him. I do not. He does not get up again. That seemed to bring me back to my senses.

I clutch my dirty SMG¹ as tightly as I could, and slowly get up. I peek towards the advancing German tanks. There are two panzers right next to the building I just left. I load a cartridge into my rusty MP40², and snatch another glimpse out of my cover. I realize the two German panzers are between me and what's left of my unit. Cautiously, I search the German soldier that fell down and take his 2 grenades. Then, I wave my hands to signal the rest of my team, on the other side of the street, behind the panzers. I have to blink the dust out of my eyes several times before I can see them. They're nodding to show me they get what I'm trying to tell them, then charge out all at once of the brick building, a library I think, and start shooting at the panzers. It doesn't do any real damage, nothing more than scatches and dents. But it does get the German tank crews' attention.

The tanks' machine guns roar into action, mowing down my men one after the other, bursts of crimonson erupting from their shuddering bodies. I watch my second in command , Dmitri, get shot in the head and then repeatedly in the body. It was brutal. I should feel bad, but I don't. This is war. We all know the risks.

As the first panzer's cannon slowly turns towards my men and away from me, I run to the armoured beast, jump on top of his turret, and pry the cover open. I do not look at my soon-to-be victims, throw one of the grenades in it, and jump off at the last second. Behind me, a huge explosion shakes the houses around me. I don't look back. Instead, I shout towards the others: "Can you take care of the last panzer?". A soldier nods, then starts shooting again. I gesture to a lieutenant of the 4th Infantry division. He runs towards me.

"What's your name?", I shout, covering the sounds of guns firing and soldiers screaming.
He grins, and pumps his chest with pride."Dragovitch, sir! Lieutenant of the 4th Infantry division, proud soldier of Mother Russia, hero of the..."
"Yes, yes, just follow me, were going to rescue a..." I pause for a moment. 'A friend' just doesn't sound right. Not after all we've been trough together. "A brother.", I finally say.

With his help, I break into the building where Boris is being held, and creep back up the stairs. The light clawing in from the windows give this place a feeling of dread. There's no one to stop me, which seems strange, but I don't have time to think about it. As my hand reaches the metal door Boris was dragged into, my stomach clutches. Who knows what the Germans might have done to him? Is he even still alive?

I was about to tell Dragovitch to go first, when I hear a gun shot right behind me. I turn around as Dragovitch, his eyes bulging, slowly slumps to the ground, clutching his bloody stomach. Behind him are two Germans, both pointing their rifles at me. Then the metal door opens, and someone puts a gun to my head. I don't even think of trying to defend myself. All I could do is stare in bewilderment at the man holding the gun.

Because the man holding the gun... is Boris.

He grins.

"Don't be so surprised".

¹ SMG stands for sub-machine gun
² The MP40 is a german-made SMG

Chapter 3 (@greyat):

Part 3: Revelation

No... no... no... no. This cannot be, I think. I am in such a state of shock that I don’t resist as the Germans lead me away.


The sounds of the battle fade away as we go deeper and deeper within the building. Finally, I am led into a cramped metal cell. The Germans exit the cell, leaving me alone with my former friend. I seize the opportunity, and lunge at Boris. I am sent reeling by a blow from the butt of his pistol. Boris, how could you?

“You’d better not try that again,” he says coldly, “Next time the other end of the pistol will be waiting for you.

“But… Boris. You were my friend. The battles we were in... Stalingrad... Kursk... Dukla Pass... Königsberg... why has it come to this? Who are you?” I ask, my voice rising. Tears are about to come, but my training asserts itself and stops them.

His reply is mechanical. “What I am is of no concern to you. Your only concern is how to stay alive.”

Suddenly, I realize that when the Germans took away my submachine gun, they failed to take away my sidearm, concealed in the depths of my uniform.

Should I…? Yes.

Feigning defeat, I slump into the only feature of the otherwise barren cell, a stool behind a table, while covertly slipping my hand into my coat.

“What is it that you want, then?” I ask.

“Intelligence. You are a high ranking officer, so we can expect that you know more about Russian troop movements that I, a mere sergeant in the army,” said Boris.

“Very well,” I reply, “I will-” Noting that Boris is still clutching his pistol in his hand, I slide to the ground in the middle of my sentence, while retrieving my revolver from my coat. Aim, and gently apply pressure to the trigger. I sight on Boris’s right arm, and fire. The bullet runs true, and Boris yells, dropping his pistol. His right arm is useless, I can tell, for he has dropped to the ground and is scrambling desperately for the pistol, which has slid under the table, with his left.

“Freeze,” I intone coldly, mirroring his voice of minutes past. Boris immediately stops and turns around.

“B-b-but I thought they disarmed you,” he stammers.

Keen to avoid another reversal in the situation, I retrieve the gun, while keeping my own trained on him.
“Germans are stupid. They forget that all Soviet officers carry a sidearm,” I say, “Too bad you didn’t realize either. Now, I would like some answers.”

Apparently realizing his disadvantage, Boris replies, “The Germans turned me during Stalingrad; I couldn’t stand the death anymore… they promised a way out - if I could assassinate Zhukov, but I could never get close enough before I was transferred under you.”

“And now we are in Berlin, where my true superiors are, and you here with me - a veritable gold mine of intelligence. How can any sane man resist? Bringing you in was just as good as assassinating Zhukov.”

He is deluded, I realize. “Now, I wish to return to my soldiers. You will help me,” I say quietly, hiding my rage. There will be a time for you later, I vow.

Cowed by my gun, Boris quickly accedes.

“Lead the way,” I continue.

We walk through a maze of corridors before the harsh electric lighting fades out into brilliant sunlight. The battle is over, I can see. The charred remains of what were once men and tanks litter the streets. Taking cover in an alley to take stock of the situation, I quickly come to realize how grim it is. Our forces had evidently withdrawn, leaving Germans once again in control of the city. We rise to continue the journey.

Suddenly, a cry of “Stopp” comes from behind us. We turn to face an entire company of Germans, weapons drawn. I dart around a corner, pulling Boris with me. The Germans, too surprised to discharge their weapons, run after us in pursuit.

How will I ever get out of this wretched city?

Chapter 4 (@TriNitroToIuene):

PART 4 - COMPENSATION

YURI

I gazed with distaste at Boris. It seemed aeons ago that we had last shared a hearty laugh.

Money is the root of all evil. Look how much has changed over the weeks. Still, hope remained inside me, hoping that this was all a bad dream.

Stop it, I chided myself. He’s gone, and nothing can be done about it.

Boris had now started to struggle in my grip. Timidly, he managed to squeak, 'Where are we going?'

'For a nasty surprise,' was the intended reply, but what came out was 'You'll see.'

'Oh'

But still, I hesitated to grill him further. Was this what I was supposed to do? Boris was simply a beleaguered person. A beleaguered person who had tried to kill me.

I couldn't do this. Not personally anyway. Even though he betrayed me, Boris had been like a brother to me.

Behind me, the sounds of the soldiers got louder and louder. A huge cry echoed around - 'Tötet ihn!'¹. I realized that I had two options – to release Boris and escape or keep hold and get killed. I chose the first option.

As he ran away, I shouted at him, ‘You are a traitor!’ I thought I saw an expression of guilt in his eyes, and the next moment he was gone. I scrambled for shelter as soldiers of the Third Reich opened fire and mines exploded around me….

***

BORIS

As I entered our refuge, I was greeted by many handshakes. I enjoyed this attention till I saw Marschall² Heimlich striding towards me. ‘Boris,’ he boomed. ‘Commence operation Double Bravo immediately and suit up.’

Momentarily confused, I stood there till Heimlich said, ‘Don’t you see? Why are we all wearing this then?’ He pointed at several soldiers wearing things that looked suspiciously like anti-radiation suits, or…….

Oh no. I thought. The bio-bomb. That was the ace in our hole, to end things quickly and efficiently before they got out of hand.

Yet, somehow, the thought of eliminating Yuri’s living tissues sounded painful to me. I can’t do this, I thought.

'You're the only one who can operate this!' said Heimlich.

I had an idea. ‘Continue fighting,’ I said. ‘I’ll be back.’

***

YURI

The battle was going well, till Boris brought the glowing tube.

The survivors of the two armies were fighting it out in the town square. The Russians were superior in arms and weaponry and soon had the Germans scrambling for shelter.

I smiled and saw Boris lugging the tube to the town square. My anger boiled and I threw a pistol at him. He ducked and shouted, ‘Can’t you see what this is?’ I obliged and lost hope. A bio-bomb.

He's lying, I thought. I glared at Boris.

'It's real, trust me!' he screamed.

Trust. Small word, big responsibility. But the moment I studied the glow, I knew he was telling the truth.

I slumped to the ground. We had lost. All around, my comrades were looking at it and muttering mutinously.

I met Boris’ eyes. He looked at me and muttered, ‘I am the only one who knows how to operate this.’ He paused. ‘More than a German, I am a friend, and I cannot let this happen to you. I hope you can forgive me for all this, bruder³.’

'No,' I croaked. 'Come with me, we can still escape.'

Boris shook his head, then picked up a pistol and shot himself. My pistol. As the life drained out of his eyes, the Russians fluidly surged forward and finished it within seconds. Victory was ours.

I walked upto Boris' feebly stirring body. 'Why did you do this?' I asked. Boris' eyes blinked. 'Trust.....' he muttered, and his eyes blinked no more.

As my comrades celebrated, A tear splashed from my eye, and I gazed sadly at Boris’ body, soon to be buried and join millions of other martyrs.

All this for forgiveness, I thought.

He had done more than compensate. He had earned a place in my heart.

***

Glossary
1-Kill him!
2-Marshal
3-Brother

Edited April 30, 2015 by hogree

[Shaloo7 1,216]

Awesome! ^_^

[DarthvaderjonGTR 615]

My story :wub: Good job guys :wub:

[hogree 4,179]

A story of great quality, really impressed with the way this panned out. Well done guys.

[jazz20 1,181]

Nice :D

[Pathfinder 1,690]

Definitely yes, well done those who won, and everyone who took part :) You all deserve your crystals!

[snipe3000 678]

MEOW¹

 

¹congrates

[aBdUlLaHkInGg 39]

Congrats to all who won and who took part.

[Raredust 454]

Not bad for random people continuing a random story.

[Tanker1928374655 133]

Definitely yes, well done those who won, and everyone who took part :) You all deserve your crystals!

Words are cheap... Not everyone is getting crystals -_-

[TriNitroToIuene 4,765]

My story :wub: Good job guys :wub:

 

My ending :wub:  Good job guys :wub:

[Cke1st 102]

Speaking of crystals, I supposedly won 10K for an honorable mention, and I haven't seen any crystals.  It's been a week.  Is there something I have to do to get them?

[hogree 4,179]

^Have you received them now?

[AbsoluteAlphaZero 2,027]

Awesome :o Great joI3 guys :)

[Pathfinder 1,690]

joI3 :)

b4da$$

[opidude 437]

b4da$$

xD

[Usman11111 41]

b4da$$

hehe

[1stsuperwhitedragon 408]

I cried for no reason at the whole story

Edited June 1, 2015 by 1stsuperwhitedragon

[Excyte 569]

Awesome !

[thunderousrailgunner 1,934]

i maybe necroposting though , but all the winners are/were reporters . That shows kirby's quality .. i miss him sadly