In the heart of Moscow, within the formidable walls of the Kremlin, the morning sun cast an enchanting glow on the iconic dome of the palace. The brilliance of the dawn reflected a spectrum of captivating colors. With a resounding command, the colossal gates at the palace's forefront swung open, allowing three opulent Mercedes-Benz cars to glide gracefully into the Kremlin's sanctum. Soldiers, stationed in perfect alignment, snapped to attention and saluted, their gazes filled with utmost reverence as they observed the procession of vehicles.
The first car came to a halt, and two young soldiers with stoic expressions emerged swiftly. One bore a prominent scar across his face—a mark of valor, perhaps, or a souvenir from a past battle. Without a moment's distraction, they positioned themselves at either side of the second car, their movements synchronized to an impressive precision. From the third vehicle, three individuals disembarked, two of whom were armed with German-made submachine guns. They swiftly formed a protective square around the middle car, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings for any hint of threat.
One of the men approached the middle car, opened the rear door with great respect, and executed a flawless Soviet military salute. "Comrade Lu Xiaofu, we have arrived at the Kremlin," he announced with formal rigor.
Nikita Khrushchev, the passenger in question, stepped out into the crisp morning air. His slightly balding head glistened under the sun as he adjusted his dark green military uniform and touched the medals adorning his chest, a silent testament to his storied past. He cast a quick glance around before proceeding towards the heart of Soviet power, his stride resolute yet weighed with contemplation.
Despite the soldiers' impeccable conduct, Khrushchev's expression bore a hint of dissatisfaction. In his view, every soldier should embody the zeal of Comrade Stalin, who was as radiant as the sun itself, much like the revered German comrades.
Upon reaching Stalin's office, the door opened to reveal the venerable leader himself. Khrushchev, without hesitation, saluted vigorously. "Long live Comrade Stalin!" he exclaimed with fervent loyalty.
Stalin, setting aside his pipe, gestured towards a sofa. "Oh, Comrade Khrushchev," he began in a tone devoid of ceremony, "we are revolutionaries, not icons for personal adulation. Sit, please."
Khrushchev noticed a young officer standing expressionlessly behind Stalin. This officer, known for his graduation from the enigmatic "German Armored Command Academy" or "Wolf Cavalry Academy," a symbol of the covert military collaboration between the Soviet Union and Germany, remained impassive even as Khrushchev entered.
Stalin's demeanor was casual as he critiqued the culture of personality worship, yet his tone carried no real censure. His slightly upturned mustache indicated a mood of amusement or perhaps contentment.
"Yes, Comrade Stalin! You are the beacon that guides us, the great leader of our people," Khrushchev affirmed, quickly shifting the conversation to the urgency of his summons. "There must be a significant reason for this meeting. I am fully prepared to undertake whatever tasks you deem necessary."
Stalin nodded, acknowledging Khrushchev's loyalty and readiness. "I've read your article in the party newspaper. Your thoughts mirror my own. Our party, our country, is plagued by traitors and opportunists who threaten to undermine the fruits of our victory," Stalin declared, his voice a mix of fury and resolve.
"Your insight is unparalleled, Comrade Stalin! With your leadership, no enemy scheme can ever succeed," Khrushchev responded, eager to discuss the actions required to counteract these internal threats.
Stalin, however, chose to discuss recent developments at a party conference that had reaffirmed the victories of socialism but had also exposed vulnerabilities in his leadership. "During the conference, a secret ballot revealed a concerning trend. My name was scarcely ticked, and it was only by a last-minute decision to expand the Central Committee that I retained my position," Stalin confessed, revealing a rare moment of political vulnerability.
Khrushchev was visibly shaken, his voice tinged with anger and disbelief. "This is a blatant betrayal of the revolution! How can they disregard your contributions?"
"The most troubling aspect," Stalin continued, "was the popularity of Kirov. His speech at the conference was met with prolonged applause and chants, signaling a shift in support that could threaten my position."
Khrushchev, realizing the gravity of the situation and his own precarious position should Stalin's influence wane, suggested a more drastic course of action. "Comrade Stalin, we cannot simply stand by. We have the loyalty of the Wolf Cavalry Academy graduates. These soldiers are among the best, trained to act decisively and without leaving a trace."
Stalin, though hesitant about employing such extreme measures against a comrade, understood the necessity of maintaining control. After a brief exchange with the stoic officer, Vahir, assurances were made that any action taken would be swift and leave no evidence of foul play.
The conversation then shifted to other matters, including the ongoing conflict in Spain and the performance of Soviet military equipment and strategies. Khrushchev reported on the advancements in Soviet technology and the superiority of their tanks and aircraft compared to their German counterparts.
Stalin, pleased with the reports, emphasized the importance of continuing to enhance the capabilities of the Wolf Cavalry soldiers, combining German expertise with Soviet improvements.
As the meeting concluded, Khrushchev reaffirmed his loyalty with a robust "Long live Comrade Stalin, the great Soviet leader!" before departing to initiate the plans they had discussed. As he exited, he crossed paths with General Tukhachevsky, who was there to report on the Soviet involvement in the Spanish Civil War. The general's news of significant losses added a somber note to the morning, prompting Stalin to consider further actions to mitigate the impact of their support to the Spanish Republican Army.
The intricate dance of power, loyalty, and betrayal within the Kremlin's walls continued, reflecting the complex and often perilous nature of Soviet politics during Stalin's reign.