AN: I've been absent and not writing for a while, and am trying to get back into the swing of things. I've chosen this story to do so. I'm crossposting on AH/SB/SV, all of which have superior systems than this one, for instance the ability to link to URLs.

"Will this equipment be sufficient sir?" asked Konovalov after Durov had considered the list.

"I must defeat thousands of primitives, armed with sticks and rocks, then pass through mountainous terrain to attack unknown fortifications defended by alien weaponry of unknown configuration and capabilities." Durov shrugged, "What equipment would you take Captain?"

"I'm not a field officer sir, my background is in logistics."

Durov was rather frustrated by it all, the complete lack of information and the general uselessness of preparing for alien defenders was grating on him. "Then in your logistical opinion, what would be the idea composition of a force for this mission?" He asked.

Clearly Konovalov had no desire to be drawn on the issue, but saw that Durov wouldn't take no for an answer. "Well sir, no doubt machine guns and heavy artillery would be of great use against the first force, however I entirely understand the problem associated with defeating whatever the alien Vulcan has within his domain. From the report we've received so far from Comrade-Doctor Diakonoff, Vulcan's weapon, whatever it is, is limited, but extremely powerful. It's entirely possible that, as you no doubt are aware, Vulcan has reserves - armoured vehicles we would be unable to defeat, or alien aircraft, or even spacecraft, that would be impervious to our weapons. I also understand your concern regarding the terrain, any piece of equipment powerful enough to possibly penetrate heavy armour, like the IS tank, though able to be fitted through the Stargate, will not be effective in rough terrain, and will have difficulty due to the lack of roads and bridges able to bear its weight."

"Then what is your suggestion?" replied Durov.

Konovalov sighed, "A mobile force Colonel. The essence of a motorised division is its ability to react, I believe this will be of greatest significance, given all other qualities are possible to counter will the appropriate equipment."

Durov inclined his head, "You're not a complete fool then." He smirked, "But you miss the main problem."

"Sir?"

"Time. We have to maintain surprise, and preserve the advantages it provides through our assault. Once Vulcan sees vehicles and soldiers with guns he's going to realise his position is untenable. We don't have time to properly scout the terrain, and the Romans don't know enough to guide us. He may even know we're coming now! That's what I'm most worried about Captain, I have no air support, no time to build a runway or level a field even, and all I have is mismatched equipment like those German scout cars you've given us!"

"Again sir I understand your frustration, but as time is limited, is there anything you would have me prioritise for procurement?"

Durov frowned again, the timing was continually irritating. He had been pressured for time in engagements before, both in offence and defence, but never had he engaged in planning an operarion with so little information.

"Get me air defence guns. Automatics, 100mm or 85mm. I will not accept 37s. And experience crews for them. I will not have my men bombed by whatever passes for Vulcan's airforce, not without a way of responding."

"I will see to it immediately sir."

Konovalov stood to leave, waiting to be dismissed, Durov gave him a salute. Despite the Captain's manner he seemed a capable enough officer, and would likely learn to fill the position, even if he was currently unsatisfactory.