AN: In my investigations regarding a character in this chapter I've realised that I shouldn't have been calling Vasilevsky a 'Minister' but a 'People's Commissar for…' I'm not going to go back and edit this, so let's all just agree that his official title is the later, and people are calling him the former out of habit.
"I remain concerned about their cavalry." Said Thurius as they finalised their battle plans.
"And as I've said, if they can take a 76mm shell and carry on I'll share that concern." Shrugged Durov.
Thurius struck the table in rage. "That's not good enough!" He clenched and unclenched his fist, breathing heavily. "The Beasts come for us every generation, bringing the feral beasts down out of the Land of Vulcan, you underestimate his might! You say he's not a god, but he is a demon!"
Durov in turn paused, feeling he might have overstepped. Perhaps an alternate strategy was in order. "I apologise." He said, "You understand, it is strange for us to fight against these animals. We fought in this manner long ago, it is difficult for us, as strangers here."
The roman grimaced, but held up a hand, "Pax," he said, "If your weapons are nearly as effective as you say, I'll be the first to be happy about it."
"Would you feel more confident if we tested them first?"
Thurius considered, "Capture some of the Beasts? It's been done before. Perhaps… they are without discipline… Yes! Tomorrow I will send my scouts out on your metal steeds. Good, that is a plan!" and he strode out of the tent with his officers.
After the general left, Captains Ivanovich and Konovalov came in. "Sir, if I may, why are you pushing the Romans so hard?" asked Ivanovich.
The Colonel grinned, "Orders, Captain, if I'm to bring the Revolution here, and liberate all those slaves we saw back in the city we need someone to do it."
"And you're thinking that roman sir?"
"We can't come here as just more conquerors, there must be local support. We can only help."
"With respect sir, it seems as if well be doing a lot of helping…" said Ivanovich warily.
"Be that as it may," continued Durov, "He's popular with the troops, sceptical regarding religion, especially once I convince him all his gods are just alien interlopers rather than honoured ancestors, and he's unpopular with the Senate and established bourgeoisie here, that's why they sent him on this mission."
"What does Comrade Basin think of all this?" put in Ilya.
Durov turned to him. "Ilya you make a good point. Very well, you fetch him, and Suslov as well. We should have a discussion now before we proceed. Dimitri, go clear a space for us, and set guards at the edge of hearing range. I don't trust this translation." He said, waving a hand beside his head.
The men saluted and left, leaving the officers and Igor in the tent.
"Konovalov," the Colonel said, "You'll come too. Ivanovich, collect the leaders of the SG teams and come join us."
"And Colonel Chapayev and the other regimental officers sir?"
"No, leave them, just the SG team leaders."