Summoned to Lüshun's central command, Kondratenko entered the room covered in dust from the trenches. Across from him, General Anatoly Stoessel, impeccably dressed in his pristine uniform, awaited.
"Apologies for pulling you from the front," Stoessel began.
"No apologies needed, sir. What are your orders?"
Stoessel wasted no time. "How is the defense of Dalian holding up?"
"Casualty rates are rising steadily. While we're inflicting significant losses on the Japanese, our own forces are stretched thin. We've received no reinforcements, while the enemy continues to pour in fresh troops."
Stoessel leaned forward. "We've secured reinforcements of a different kind. Jinhan has sent 215 additional machine guns. They've proven devastatingly effective—our only complaint is how quickly they burn through ammunition."
"Are they ready for deployment?" Kondratenko asked, his interest piqued.
