Super Zoo

On the outskirts of Pskov City, the stationing grounds of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division of Russia.

The 76th Airborne Division was Russia's first elite force to professionalize its military, comprising three airborne regiments and one guard artillery regiment. Ivanov served in the 104th Airborne Regiment among them.

This celebrated unit bears a long history. During the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, the division participated in the Battle of Odessa and the Crimea campaign and received the honorary title of "Guard" during the Battle of Stalingrad. Throughout the war, more than fifty officers and soldiers from the division were honored with the Soviet Union's highest accolade - the title of "Hero of the Soviet Union".

Suming saw that steely President Vladimir in front of a row of barracks.

From television appearances, the President, who originated from an intelligence agency, seemed cold and energetic, but Suming realized upon seeing him up close that Mr. President was actually an old man now. Though his figure remained upright and his movements full of vigour, the white hair on his head and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes betrayed his age. Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire

Vladimir, born in '52, had turned over sixty this year, truly entering his senior years.

"Welcome home, hero of Russia!" President Vladimir did not start with pleasantries towards Suming, but strode up to Ivanov in front of a large group of journalists from different nations, giving his shoulder a firm pat.

Suming felt a slight stir in his heart. President Vladimir was not purposely neglecting him; with just that single action, he had won the loyalty of the military.

"Mr. President, it is my honor to serve my country!" Ivanov's face turned red, his chest puffed out, and with a snap, he gave a standard military salute.

"Welcoming a hero home is also the President's honor."

Vladimir nodded to him with a smile, then turned his azure gaze towards Suming. He stared at Suming for several seconds before laughing and saying, "And welcome to you, friend of Russia, oh, such a young friend, you make me envious."

Zhao Yun had the role of translator… Those old-school intellectuals like him learned Russian, not English, during their school days. But anyhow, Suming now saw Zhao Yun in a new light; not everything is omnipotent, but Zhao Yun is omnicompetent…

"Mr. President, youth is a phase everyone will have. Although precious, it is not envious, but to always maintain a youthful heart and vigour, that is truly admirable," Suming casually flattered, carrying the chair, as the saying goes, lifted by everyone's hands.

Mr. President's mouth twitched into a helpless expression, "I would love to be a normal old man, relaxing by the seaside and fishing at sunset every day, but the responsibilities entrusted by the nation do not allow me to age."

"I look forward to the opportunity to taste the Taimen you catch yourself." Suming inwardly scoffed, thinking, keep up the act; even if he went to the seaside, with his character, he'd probably be hosting a party with a bunch of bikini-clad Eastern European women. Fishing wasn't his style at all.

"Perhaps there will be a chance." One of Vladimir's aides whispered something in his ear, and his expression became more stern as he said, "Mr. Su, please come with me, today is a very special day."

Suming had already been made aware of the other party's arrangements. At that moment, he composed himself, tidied his already pristine suit, and nodded solemnly as he followed along.

The commendation ceremony today took place at a special venue on the city's outskirts.

In front of an eight-meter-tall white monument, two rows of honor guards from the 76th Airborne Division stood solemnly. The foundation of the monument showcased a large St. George's Cross with 84 names engraved on it. At the top of the monument was a large white dome, symbolizing a parachute.

84 metal candles were placed in front of the monument, burning day and night.

History of war is never short of miracles, and Suming's glorious achievement in leading two platoons to disrupt IS positions is but a speck in the mighty current of history.

In the year 2000, during the Chechen War, Colonel Marka of the 76th Airborne Division led his sixth company of paratroopers into one of Russia's most disproportionate battles in military history in the Kert mountain area.

90 young Russian men faced a breakout by 2,500 rebels. After fighting fiercely for two days and nights without retreat, they held their ground, killing 700 of the enemy while 84 of them fell in battle.

"Fire at my position" is not a cry exclusive to the soldiers of any particular nation; any military man with courage, when facing the last moment, will erupt with such a roar.

As the fight neared its end, and their position was about to be overrun, Colonel Marka issued the roar "Fire at my position!"

In recognition of their valiant spirit, 22 officers and soldiers were awarded the title of Russian Hero, and 69 soldiers and officers received the "Medal of Valor," of which 63 were awarded posthumously.

Ivanov's father was among those who perished in this battle, and Colonel Marka, who cried out "Fire at my position," was the former commander of Ivanov's unit.

In front of cameras of journalists from various countries, President Vladimir walked slowly to the monument with a bouquet in hand and bowed to offer flowers;

A military representative, Colonel Ivanov, with tears in his eyes, bowed and presented flowers;

Suming, with a solemn expression, bowed and offered flowers.

"This brave nation has never lacked for heroes, and history will remember all who have contributed to this country. On behalf of the Russian Military Council, I promote Lieutenant Ivanov to the rank of Colonel and award him the title of National Hero and the Medal of Valor."

Vladimir approached Ivanov to affix the new shoulder straps and medals, "Colonel Ivanov, congratulations to you, and thank you for all you have done for this country."

"It is my honor, long live Russia!" Ivanov responded, standing tall and proud.@@novelbin@@

President Vladimir returned to the microphone and said, "There is a friendship that is forged in blood, and the Russian people will forever remember this bond. On behalf of the Russian Government, I present Mr. Suming with the title of 'Friend of the Russian People'" he paused, waiting for the flashbulbs to settle down before continuing, "and on behalf of the 76th Airborne Division, I present Mr. Suming with the division's flag and military saber."

Having finished, he took a pale gold medal from the honor guard's hands and handed it to Suming with both hands. Because this was not an instance of a superior decorating a subordinate but rather a gesture between 'friends,' the exchange was one of ceremonial equals.

Colonel Ivanov, with two honor guards from the 76th Division, presented Suming with the divisional flag and combat sword.

Although it was an airborne division, the 76th retained the tradition of carrying combat swords, with Cossack swords of world-class make. The pure silver scabbard was plated with a line of vintage court-style Russian lettering.

To be given to the most trustworthy comrade of the 76th Division.