Chapter 24: Ch 22. The weak link

We headed out of the village right after we were done packing our belongings into the tank. We hung some bags and boxes on the turret and track shoulders [Plates above the tracks]. The villages were woken up by the engine roaring and the ones who dressed fast were able to show us out and bid farewell.

On our way I saw a lot of fields and forests. I observed the beautiful scenery of untouched nature and simple rural countryside with admiration and excitement. Those fields and small tree lines which crossed them look so perfect and calm. I can’t wait to go there and look around from close range.

The fields are a perfect battlefield. They are indeed perfect for our travel.

This open landscape is perfect for tank maneuvers and provides great opportunities for tank warfare. The visibility is at least 3 kilometers in any direction, shoot at anything that you want. The soil is strong and is not wet. There are small hills and bluffs where a tank can hide from ATGMs and enemy fire. If only we had a worthy opponent for us. I thirst to see the limits of our machine. I want to participate in an actual battle, not in a target practice with moving dummies.

My dreams were over when we entered a grove. I saw a number of signs ahead of us. Wait… I see something...

“Stop the vehicle, there is a bridge right in front of us.” The tank gently stopped and I climbed out of the turret.

The bridge looks sturdy but I am 100% sure it will crumble under our weight. It looks to be built out of wood so our only option is to look for a ford. I started checking the surrounding with my binoculars.

“What did you find?” Jester climbed out as well. Under normal circumstances I would’ve kicked him in the face to return him inside. This place can easily be observed by a sniper. However, this time I was more concerned about a spire I saw in the distance.

“Jester, lift me up, I need a higher observation point. Old man, shut the engine.” With his help I now saw that there is something ahead. A church of some sort?

“Good, put me down, Jester. ... ... ... Alright, people, there is a church over there, I have no idea what can be there and will we encounter hostiles. For now I want the least useful member of the crew to go and scout that church while the tank will search for a ford.”

“Yes, yes… Just let me take the rifle…” Jester immediately dived inside the tank. Funny, I actually wanted to be the useless volunteer, after all if there is a need to setup underwater driving equipment then two men are better than a straw brat. F*, just why? Why did I turn into that…

“Hey, captain! Can I borrow some mags?” (J)

“Don’t say nonsense. Take every magazine you would need. There might be enemies and the last thing I want is to lose a man.”

“So, there are only 6 mags for [AK-]74th.” (J)

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“If you need some firepower you can take my [AK]M, there should be 5 mags.”

“No need, I will go with this one. After all I don’t want to clean your rifle, you can do it yourself.” (J)

“Fine, fine…” When he went down he immediately headed to the church.

“Hey, you idiot! Who told you to go?”

“Sorry… What are my orders…” He unenthusiastically mumbled something.

“You will go to the church and set up an observation post there. If you encounter enemies you need to retreat, don’t take any risks. If something happens then call me, I will try to call for mortar support. Verstehen?”

“Ya-ya, mein comandieren. Good luck out there, I’ll contact you when I’m at the church.” He waved his hand and headed out.

“Start the engine.”

‘wwwwWRUUU’

“Left, 90.”

‘Clanging of the tracks’

“Forward, slow.” The tank shook and moved into the ditch. We will move near the river and search for a good place to cross it.

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