Вечный в Cмерти
Chapter 1, Act 1
To say Vichnaya was a militarized state would be an
extreme understatement.
Putting it simply, the thin veil the Federal Republic of Vichnaya was putting up did nothing to hide the fact it was an authoritarian, militarized, and
slighty dystopic police state that, if the rumors and stories from Vichnayan nationals were true, didn't even hesitate in massacring entire towns for even
thinking of betraying the state and church. The few whispers and tales that have escaped to the wider world spoke of large camps in the deepest parts of her winter territories, filled with the skeletons of men and the hollow shells of people yet unidentified. Generations spoke with fear of said camps and the guards who run them, keeping their heads low lest they be the target of the ever-daily crackdowns and policing actions that were common in Vichnayan life, ensuring that rebellious ideas never spread too far, if any at all. While foreign residents weren't subjected to the brutality found in daily life, they were still placed under the heavy watch of the most infamous agency of the Northern Steppes:
The All-Vichnayan Commissariat for Political and Social Security.Already in a state of war even
before the charade in Magica had even started, the
Polar Sea Standoff — an armed incident where Vichnayan
Peacekeepers hailing from the Ostova and Luzinov Military Districts, and Coalition forces from the Empire of Magica, the Empire of Riomler, the Kingdom of Harrisopia, and the Republic of Alexiandra stood off against each other, a hair's breadth away from engaging each other — had propelled the Federal Republic of Vichnaya into a total state of mobilization, with all kinds of tools for the business of war pumped by the hundreds each day — and for smaller weapons and munitions, in the
hundreds of thousands — and deployed all across the motherland, with the great railways that connected the lands constantly shaking from the thunder of engines hailing from the logistical might of the Federal Armed Forces. Projects that weren't intended to be completed until 2025 or 2030 were rushed into active service, with these consisting of upgrades to the absolutely
massive amounts of gear already in service — bolstered by technologies captured from the brief border conflict with the Empire of Riomler propelling the development of several research projects that would ensure the technological superiority of the Vichanayan Federal Armed Forces.
And having spent the last few decades embroiled in wars at home and abroad, damn near anything in Vichnaya was built/modified for the purposes of war or repelling a potential invasion. The streets that dominated the lands and filled many of the steppes — though pleasant with the architecture that had made many cities world heritage sites — were initially built for the efficient and rapid movement of troops, whether it be wide and open streets that would grant the armies of old to maneuver unimpeded or the winding alleyways that would serve as perfect kill zones for a group of men armed only with rifles. Likewise, the homes the civilians resided in were built to withstand the impacts of cannon fire, and in more recent times, small-diameter bombs, with each and every home featuring at least some type of bunker that would sustain them, for around a few days at most. Unlike the image most had in their minds about underground military bunkers — mainly, grey-concrete structures that had little in terms of comforts — Vichnayan bunkers are significantly different, with their interiors looking straight from a 5-star resort and stocked with plentiful reserves of food, water, and other necessities that were required to house a small family, with other items typically brought along as to ensure that no-one went bored for more than 10 minutes. However, while most citizens in Vichnaya have these types of bunkers, only a few use them regularly. Fewer still remembered
why these were built.
For the few that had, they remembered vividly of a time when Vichnaya wasn't a unified state, or rather, wasn't even called Vichnaya. They remembered a time when the vast stockpiles of nuclear weaponry weren't controlled by a single, unified entity, but instead, a group of states all vying for power on the vast steppes that make up modern Vichnaya. For the few that were born during or directly after the fall of the Ustina-Adaki Empire or the Adak Provisional Authority. they did not saw their country fall into ruin once, but twice. Such was the confusion, the anger, the despair, and finally, the unabiding rage that followed after was incomparable to most, and none who experienced it forgot nor forgave. He was a mere conscript in the Adak Defense Forces — barely 19 — when it started to tear itself apart, 20 when it was collapsing into what would become the Federal Republic of Vichnaya. He was 21 when he landed himself a position in the All-Vichnayan Commissariat of Political and Social Security, running tasks that were glorified pencil-pushing jobs all the way to torturing Astovkans during the Third Vichnayan-Astovkan War. By age 30 he was running for office as mayor of Hero City Orlova. By age 40 — through wit, cunning, bribing, and a
little bit of murder — he secured himself as the Chief of Security for the Ministry of Defense. And by age 50 he became the President of the Vichnayan Federal Republic, something that he held ever since.
Andrei Yazov had lived through much during his slow rise to power, rife with murder as much as the amount of political string-pulling he had to do to get here. With him in this room of 18 people were two of his friends from his days in the Adak Defense Forces, Ekaterina Geralt Novikova of the Vichnayan Air Force, and Anaheim Lecca Karlstahl, Head of the Ministry of Defence. Aside from them, the room consisted of the respective heads of the Armed Forces, the heads of the VPKO/FSB-FR, with the last seat granted to a special guest: Mara Auclair, one of the two CEOs of Mara Electronic & Aeronautics Limited — a major defense contractor and a new contender within the Vichnayan defense industry.
Mara Auclair, the little shit she is, managed to get a seat on the National Security Council through what she called 'Toss and Pushing' — a thin veil to conceal her outright threatening the
heads of government. Distrusted not only because of that instance, but because she wasn't even Vichnayan, instead, she was Magican by birth, choosing to immigrate to Vichnaya after smelling a business opportunity in the country's attempts to rapidly modernize the Armed Forces back in the early 1980s. Yazov, unlike others that preceded him, didn't care about a person's place of birth (mostly), race, skin color, gender, orientation, etc — as frankly, caring about those other than the improvement of society was a good way of showing you're primitive — instead, he didn't trust Mara simply because he couldn't get a read on her. That constant poker face/smile always threw him off. She was..off in a sense. By the luck of the Stars, Mara personally spoke to him earlier that she will mainly be staying silent for this session, seeing as she was practically a civilian.
Even then, he still felt her stare from the back of his neck.
"..Don't fuck up, Mr. Yazov.""Ladies, Gentlemen, Misc," He'd sigh briefly as he leaned in, "As of this time, the 221st Meeting of the National Security Council of Vichnaya will begin after this speech. As usual, Mrs. Karkstahl will be the facilitator once the meeting has begun, and Mrs. Alina of the VPKO to be the timekeeper, with our special guest Ms. Mara of Mara Electronic & Aeronautics Limited serving as...an observer to our gathering. I'll try to keep this short as possible, though if our meeting extends beyond the 3-4 hour mark, then we'll have a group vote on whether to continue or not. Are we under an agreement, Comrades?"
This would signal the last few precious moments the group would have to talk, gather and organize their belongings, and do whatever the hell they wished to do. The moment he uttered those last few words, he felt his phone figuratively explode. While he didn't dare to check it as it is somewhat inappropriate in the middle of a meeting, he was guessing that it was the shared group chat was getting bombarded by Ms. Alina of the PVKO. Alina, like Petrovich, was one of the three resident shitposters, unsurprising as the three directors were part of the newer generation that had crawled and festered like roaches.
He'd sigh, "Comrade Alina, I request you stop using your phone-"
"Ain't her, Boss."
That was a plain and pure
Magican Accent.
"My apologies, Ms. Auclair," He'd swivel in his seat to face her, "Either way, I kindly request you stop."
"Mhm," Mara leaned back in her seat, shrugging, "I will for now, but as we agreed upon, I don't have to
promise to stop."
After an awkward stretch of time filled with a few nods here and there, Mrs. Karkstahl stood up, a stack of yellow-tinted papers gripped in her gloved hands, "Mr. President, the council has come under a unanimous agreement to start this meeting." She'd spin around to face the rest, particularly, at Ratkov, "Comrade Rains of the Ground Forces of the Federal Republic, you may start with your report."
The first to stand would be the Chief of Staff of the
Vichnayan Army, "First things first - the state of our forces in Calisa and Constis Oblasts. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 'Darintsa' Fronts have been reinforced with 2-3 Motor Rifle Divisions divisions each, with the 172nd White Guards Motor Rifle Division stationed nearby acting as QRF. As for Constis, the 5th and 9th 'Belan' Fronts have each been reinforced with a Motor Rifle Division and a Tank Division, with the 26th White Guards Naval Infantry Brigade and 33rd White Guards Mountain Air Assault Brigade en route to pre-planned staging areas if yet another allied incursion is confirmed. As of now, Strategic Operational Plan
'Obman' has been moderately successful, as we've reported mainly Riomlerian formations digging in up to the north, with additional attention from allied sources drawn to there, in thanks to the constant radio communications from attending all units. As part of Strategic Operational Plan 'Zala', KRFV units have successfully transported 2200 deactivated vehicles from stockpiles to open locations close to the border. As for the rest of the forces, all divisions are reporting optimal status in moral, personnel health, and vehicle health...though the 5th White Guards Tank Divisions has reported difficulties in replacing their T-22Us with T-11AMs whose-"
He'd turn to Mrs. Karkstahl with a sigh, "...Purchase was wholly unneeded, seeing as we need additional spare parts,
not an entirely new tank that the crews will have to readjust and maintain yet another model that doesn't fall in line with Vichnayan doctrine, or more rather, the doctrine and training assigned to one of the most Elite formations in the entire bloody army."
Karkstahl leaned in forward, "Comrade Rains, I have explained once and I will explain again, we
no longer have the capability of producing nor maintaining the T-22Us on top of the production and modernization of all available T-72s and T-90s, as if that weren't to say about the existing T-14s and T-110s. Simply put, we'll have to rely on...foreign companies to supply the spare parts need for the maintenance of
foreign vehicles. Besides, the 5th White Guards will temporarily use them until Object 17991 exits the prototype stage and enters mass production. Is that all or will you need another explanation, Comrade Rains?"
"That...That would be all, Comrade Karkstahl." He'd briefly shuffle the yellow-tinted stack of papers he carried, "The Ground Forces will be ready to respond to any attack within 12 Hours as in accordance to Operational Readiness Condition
Polnaya-1, and at this time, Army Aviation and Tactical Rocket Launchers will be ready within 36-72 Hours. Logistical-wise, all 8 Fronts on the border are each able to conduct high-intensive combat operations for an estimated 10-17 months
if supply lines are unimpeded. If they are? The cut wouldn't be that drastic, shortening combat operations down to 7-12 months if we have continued assistance from the Air Force." Within a silent, somewhat awkward, stretch of time, Ratkov would hand out several pieces of papers to the other members of this geriatric congregation, "...Scheduled Exercise
Pobeda 300 will be taking place by the Ostnovnoy Gap, in which we'll have the 99th MRD and 102nd Tank Division playing against the 1st White Guards Motor Rifle Division and 50th Airborne Regiment, the latter of which will be playing as OPFOR."
"Mhm," His eyes shifted to the corner of the table, towards the Head of Public Security, "Comrade Petrovich, I'm assuming you're picking up on all of this?"
Petrovich simply nodded. Yazov had noted that the man was increasingly becoming quieter by the day — that, while not strange in itself considering most PKKV/VPKO officers were semi-antisocial — had become a concern following a recent argument between him, Alina, and Laika. A man born from the cold Adaki steppes, Yazov had chosen him because of his innate ability to make anyone disappear. Simply put — regardless you were a man, woman, or child — the absolute moment you showed a hint of dissatisfaction or dared to think of committing treason to the State, and thus heresy against the Sacred Stars, you would quickly find your door broken down by the friendly hands of some very unfriendly agents. Such was life in Vichnaya, and frankly, such actions don't happen all that often nowadays considering the fanatical nature of most of the populace.
After a short pause as Rains took his seat, Karkstahl waved over to Fleet Admiral Vanovich, signaling him to start with his report. He spoke without any pause, which unfortunately for the group, meant hearing his semi-unintelligible Adaki accent/lexicon. "The Maritime Forces are reporting more than optimal conditions. Simply put, all 17 Fleets are ready and waiting for any battle to come. We have the 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th Fleets patrolling the Polar Star Sea, the 11th and 12th Fleets patrolling the White Star Sea, and the 6th Fleet prowling by the Northern Star Sea. The 32nd Surface Ship Division — which consists of the Slava-Class Cruiser
VVK Eternal Sovereign , the Lider-Class Destroyers
VVK Arcalís and
VVK Itonda, and three assisting Admiral Goshkov-Class Frigates and a single Gremyashchiy-Class Corvette — has reported an increase of allied naval presence as they're transitioning to the Southern Ocean, with the
Eternal Sovreign in particular reporting shadowing by multiple Riomlerian warships and Harrosopian aircraft. Naval Surface Command is currently debating the deployment of the Northern-Star Fleet, though, that could potentially raise tensions beyond acceptable limits. As for now, the Kirov-Class Battlecruiser
VVK Admiral Gorov has been dispatched to assist the 32nd Surface Ship Division, with the 19th Naval Aviation Squadron on standby
if she finds herself under attack. Likewise, the forces in the Polar Star Sea have been placed on high alert with the reports of Magican
Predator-Class Arsenal Ships undergoing construction, though, this is more or less a precautionary move seeing as they look like prime targets to a pair of
Kinzhals."
"Regardless," Vanovich sighed under his breath, "The Maritime Forces and the Coastal Defense Forces are still developing the requested 3M22M2 Tsirkon-M missiles specifically for cases like these. As a stopgap measure, we have the Battlecruisers
VVK Marshal Vitya and
VVK Admiral Kulchitsky undergoing refits to replace their anti-ship missiles with pre-existing 3M22M Tsirkons — and in the case of the Admiral Kulchitsky, replacing all of her 'Makara' ballistic missiles with P-800 Onik-M ASMs to temporarily provide a counterbalance until the Tsirkon-M project is ready for mass-production. As for the escort ships operating in the Polar Sea, the
VVK Spiral and
VVK Ara have already been modified to carry 3M22M Tsirkons, though they'll obviously carry far less than the capital ships we're refitting...though that should be offset as we're pairing the two Liders-CLass Destroyers with the 17th Naval Aviation Interception Division, of whom operate 18 MiG-41As with the capacity to carry Kh-47M2 Kinzhals. Three on each of 'em, in fact. Aside from those, the Submarine Force is still waiting for the promised Husky-Class to replace the rustbuckets we call the Akula-Class-"
"Of which you shall, Mr. Vanovich." Karkshtahl, still bearing the same face she had when she visited Aquilara, butted in, "Once the funding has been allotted, that is."
"We've waited for two years just to secure funding for the pre-existing Lider-Class, when can I expect-?"
With a sharp glare from Karkstahl, the Silan was silenced, allowing her to call up the next unfortunate candidate, "Mrs. Novikova of the Aerospace Forces of the Federal Republic, you may now begin your presentation. Ms. Alina, do you have any remarks regarding this next presentation?"
Sitting further away and just behind Petrovich, Alina shook her head with a soft smile, though, rather tiredly with bags under her eyes. "No remarks nor complaints from me yet, seeing as we haven't passed the 1-hour mark thus far."
"Good, we'll have a lot to cover for later," Karkstahl shifted her attention back to the Air Force Chief of Staff, "Kat, you're up."
"Unsurprisingly and
probably a delight for you all to hear," Novikova cleared her throat, "The Aerospace Forces are reporting similar conditions to the rest of the Armed Forces, with a few exceptions to taint the Aerospace Forces superb record, mainly, the squadrons operating the new
Su-60SMs are reporting minor issues with the cabin's AC systems and well...the crews drinking the vodka coolant. Munitions have been stocked and the R-90As-"
That was interesting. Yazov leaned in, speaking into a microphone. "Did I hear that correctly, Kat? The crews are drinking
vodka coolant?"
Rather hesitantly, she'd nod. "Unfortunately so. As I've been told by the Aviation Board, the temporary coolant for the Sukhoi Su-60SM consists of 45% Distilled Water, 50% Ethanol, and 5% ethylene glycol. Because of its...uncanny resemblance to
Nara Vodka typically found in the Darinsta region, crews have been taking a liking to directly tapping the coolant from the aircraft itself or, as a number of MPs have found, directly sourcing them from the transport crews ferrying the coolant to and from the airbase and manufacturer. As it stands, the problem isn't becoming so widespread that it'll affect flight operations, though precautions have been taken to prevent such actions from occurring in the near/far future."
With a satisfied nod and a hand gesture from Yazov, Ekaterina continued, "..Anyway, the 7th, 9th, and 11th Air Armies in the Constis-Calisa Front have reported optimal conditions on the continued supply, maintenance, and operation of all of their aircraft in exception of the Sukhoi Su-60s stated previously. As of now, the 77th Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment are in the process of replacing their MiG-25RBShs with MiG-41RBs, with the 887th Assault Aviation Regiment opting out of their Su-25SMs with Yakovlev Yak-131s for greater speed so it seems. The 8th and 10th Air Armies are reporting optimal conditions as well, however, the 433rd Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment is reporting structural issues with their Tu-200s, though this is quickly being rectified by modifications by the folks in Mara Industries. Overall, the Air Force is still undergoing the process of replacing all older aircraft with Su-60s, Su-94s, and MiG-41s, with newer production Su-57Ks and Su-75UKs expected to receive continued modernization packages until the 2030s. Simply put: the air force will retain the technological advantage we've enjoyed thus far, and will continue to hold a numerical advantage if the continued production of the Chelovek's and the Odysseus' series of UCAVs. Logistical-wise, the Air Force can handle sustained and heavy combat operations in Lyceni for an estimated 8 months before reserves are depleted, though the supply of newer munitions will obviously deplete quite quickly if the war does spark. Parts aren't a concern either, nor does fuel come onto the radar considering we're one of the largest suppliers of natural gas on the planet."
"As for matters for the defense against space-based weaponry — mainly, Alexiandran
Brimstone and
Rising-Class Satellites — the
Peresvet and
Zadira laser systems will provide a temporary solution until the
Veles Land-Based Orbital Defense System can be brought online. For now? We're simply using the Zelenchukskaya laboratory as a testing ground for the solid-state laser which we'll predict to be around 70 Petawatts worth of energy. It doesn't sound all that impressive, however, do mind that a Petawatt equates to around...I don't know,
a quadrillion watts, which essentially gives us the equivalent of a
superlaser. We're planning to build one unit each in Orla and Vozrozhdeniye Oblasts, chosen for the simple fact that the cold weather will be able to provide some form of coolant to the unreasonably powerful units, and well, there are two hydroelectric plants and a nuclear power station nearby to feed the hungry systems."
"Thank you, Kat," Karkstahl yawned, rubbing the bridge of her nose, "Comrade Kirillovich of the Unified Missile and Rocket Forces of the Federal Republic, it is now your turn on this increasingly-boring stage."
Kirillovich, one of the younger members of the council as she was only in her mid-30s, wasn't exactly affected as heavily by the natural phenomena known as 'time' and 'aging', and thus, was the quickest to respond with only a half-second to shuffle her papers. "Don't worry, Comrades, my presentation will be rather short as the Nuclear Forces are operating quite well. Simply put? If you want a nuclear winter within 60 seconds of an order, then you're guaranteed that it will come within
40 seconds. As it stands, all 1,100 ICBMs are operational and ready to be launched within a moment's notice, 5/6 of the IRBMs such as the ones on the
RSD-10M Pioneers are combat-ready, 3/4 of all SRBMs in inventory are also combat-ready, and the SLBMs
Typhoon and
Borei-Class Submarines are all reporting adequate conditions. Currently, the 31st White Guards Rocket Army, 32nd Rocket Army, and 33rd Rocket Army are dispersing into the Northern and Northwestern Oblasts, with the 55th White Guards Rocket Army at Condition
Polnaya-1. Likewise, the 5th Maritime Missile Division and the 9th Maritime Missile Divisions are dispersing across the Polar-Star Sea and Northern-Star Sea, and in-thanks to our comrades in the navy, any attention dedicated to tracking them down has been distracted by the movements of the 32nd Surface Ship Division, and soon enough, the
VVK Admiral Gorov."
"Ana," Yazov turned to the not-so-pleased facilitator, of whom had an increasingly worsening grimace on her face, "What's the time?"
"An hour has passed, Comrade President-"
"Andrei, Ana, Andrei."
"Mhm," She'd grumble, "An hour has passed, Andrei."
With a few chuckles in the room, Yazov cracked a smile as he shifted his attention back to his old friend, "What's wrong? Still pissed after your visit to Aquilara?"
"Y'know," Karkstahl turned, releasing a sigh that damn well
everyone felt was rich with raw
annoyance, "The next time we play at Aquilara, are we allowed to use guns?"
. . .
"Say, do you think I'll be able to trade a 'Choccy bar from one of them?"
"Dunno, man, wanna try it?"
Such was the famous case of boredom of the lower ranks in the Vichnayan Army. While presenting itself as a modern and highly capable army, able to conduct brutal wars of attrition in a scale that would horrify most nations, it mainly conducted roles that wouldn't be unfamiliar to nations that had border patrol services. Because of the giant size of the Vichnayan Motherland, the Vichnayan Armed Forces (With exception of the Air Force) regularly conducted the tasks typically found in the hands of law-enforcement agencies, essentially making the Vichnayan Army and National Guard glorified
gendarmerie, in itself not to be confused with the actual gendarmerie organizations known simply as the
Internal Troops and the
VPKO Security Troops. While this had certainly expanded in the outbreak of the Adaki-Riomlerian Border Conflict, the mission given to the Ground Forces remained the same: secure the border at all costs. At first, it was Border Guards rebuilding up fences that were smashed during the short conflict, but it soon grew to become layers of high concrete walls and barbed wires that were constantly watched over by guards, ensuring that not only the Riomlerians stayed on their side of the border, but as to ensure that their own citizens don't escape. While Riomler had thought of simply building up a simple giant wall, the Vichnayans had been far more extensive — opting to build layers upon layers of walls that were interspersed with rows of barbed wire, anti-tank traps and ditches, and minefields, with all watched over by the thousands of personnel who were watching above from their bunkers and emplacements. For the few that weren't posted in the safe and secure bunkers that had been the bulwark the Riomlerians had thrown themself against in the brief but brutal border conflict, they would still be a highly formidable and deadly force that would hold their own.
While both sides thus far had posted personnel and the odd armored personnel carrier here and there in these checkpoints, the Vichnayan definition of an 'APC' differed significantly from their Western counterparts. Simply put: the main APC of the Vichnayan Armed Forces, the BTR-82U, was more akin to an Infantry Fighting Vehicle with its heavy armament of a 2A97 30mm Autocannon and a pair of ATGMs, typically a pair of 9M200 Top-Attack ATGMs
(In itself a copy of a foreign ATGM Vichnaya purchased only a year previously). Recent upgrades and modifications to the 82U had improved nearly aspect of the design, with the IR-Covers that were commonly found on MBTs such as the T-90U now finding their way to the rank-and-file vehicles that made up the bulk of the military. Like their vehicles, the soldiers, too, had received several upgrades to their armor, communications, and by far the most noticeable aspect, their weaponry.
In the hands of one
Alexei Bucharin was one of the newer weapons in the Vichnayan Army, the
AK-500M. Created during the late 2000s as a successor to the then-new AK-12 in the event of heavily-armored opponents, the rifle was rushed into production
at the literal second reports of new Magican gear and weaponry seeing active combat in Traldonia were confirmed. While it was light and, frame what it seemed, reliable as the previous AK-12. For him, there was little difference in the design, or rather — it just seemed to be an AK-12M re-chambered in 6.5x48mmV. While it did shoot significantly longer, and in turn, had a flatter trajectory than the 6.8mm rifles that the Magicans would be running, it did falter in one significant aspect:
The stopping power was
abysmal.
Regardless, the armor penetration factor that it had possessed seemed to counter-balance this, and really, while one may survive a singular round to the torso, could you also survive
multiple pentrating into the stretchy/meaty blob that you call a body?
Alexei slung his rifle across his shoulder, taking a step forward. Next to him was his battle buddy, Private First-Class Mikhael. Both, while two grew up in completely separate cities, they both had been born in Taka Oblast, a trait that had seemingly made the two men damn-near inseparable — brotherly, as the others described it. He'd turn back to Mikahel, who was giving the Riomlerian side of the checkpoint a thousand-mile stare, well, if they could see through the balaclava and goggles, that is.
"I mean," Alexei shrugged, "I could try, but considering how trigger-happy they are? I don't think I'll do it."
"Pussy.""Screw off, I'll do it when they switch out with the Magicans."
"If," Mikhael emphasized that part, "If they do-"
"Mik, we've been here for several bloody days, the Romi's switch out with some foreign contingent every five hours or so." Alexei plopped back down onto a wooden crate that had served as a make-shift bench for the both of them, "Well, I'm hoping it'll be the Magicans, they'll trade damn well
anything if we give them enough alcohol."
This 'checkpoint' had served a second purpose other than the foiling occasional Riomlerian attempts to cross into the motherland. Not too far away, at a clearing in the nearby forest, was Vichnaya's newest addition to its vast armored forces,
the T-110 Vityaz. A large and imposing beast, the 'Knight' was capable of dispatching its foes at an extremely long range. It would serve as a visible symbol of the Vichnayan's presence on this particular section of the wall, and really, that was the purpose of Alexei's platoon setting up around here. From the gear and exoskeleton he wore, down to the rifle he held, he and his platoon would serve as a visible reminder of Vichnayan technological supremacy. Though rather strangely, the platoon leaders had instructed them to use their radios as frequently as possible, even for communications that weren't vital for the functions nor maneuvers of any of the squads. Hell, he was scolded for not using his radio when his buddy was a mere ten feet away.
"I mean, would it hurt?"
"Would a 7.62 Round entering your forehead hurt?"
Mikhael shrugged, "For a second it would, I guess."
"..."
"..."
"Still, would I still be able to get a 'choccy bar from one of them?"
"When the Magicans switch out with 'em."