From the author

Dear readers, you are holding in your hands the sixth and final volume of the novel with the working title "Alexander", which tells about the adventures of our contemporary with you in not very distant antiquity (in the 19th century).

Who is our hero? An orphan who lost all his relatives in childhood and grew up in an orphanage. Senior Ensign of the Airborne Forces. Order bearer. Veteran of the first Chechen war, demobilized due to injury, lost both feet on a mine... A simple and harsh fate. She broke many, depriving them of faith in themselves and prospects in life. But Alexander not only did not give up after the cripple entered the “citizen”, but on the contrary, he was able to achieve considerable success in the crucible of the “nineties” and “zero”. His business, which did not survive several fights with bandits, left behind quite a decent amount of money. And his perseverance, intelligence and diligence gave him two higher educations (world economy and national history) and a huge outlook, including in matters that did not directly relate to his work. He also developed curiosity, a critical mind and flexibility of thinking, since the tasks he faced were not easy. All this is not so little. At least, few of our contemporaries can boast of such a “bouquet”.

However, the main feature of his character and consciousness was an unusual mental organization for his peers. The fact is that Alexander did not take out from his childhood that beautiful-hearted humanism, philanthropy and indifferent indecision that flourished in the souls of many people of the late Soviet era, due to some monstrous misunderstanding, were considered indispensable character traits of any well-bred and cultured person. Our hero turned out to be surprisingly illegible in methods and means, and he was not accustomed to experiencing compassion either for himself or for other people. Because of this, he often looked like a stubborn and blind-sighted rhinoceros, who gloomy and inexorably walked towards the intended goal. Which? Strange, scary and inexplicably attractive ... the one that has visited each of us more than once. After all, you must admit that the idea that, if not in our world, but somewhere in another assembly of space and time, but to achieve the transformation of his homeland into something immeasurably great, warms the souls of many with eternal fire. In addition, the fall of the Soviet Union, which he experienced as a personal defeat, hurt Alexander's pride too much. It was too painful and sickening for him to contemplate the obscurantism that swirled in subsequent years ... After all, everything that his ancestors had built with great efforts collapsed before his eyes. Fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers… Undernourished. Lack of sleep. Tearing off all the best from themselves so that their children live better. He is hurt and ashamed of what is happening around him. But what could he personally do when the whole country was shaking, being gripped by a feverish passion for "jeans and Coca-Cola", having lost all life orientations and burning in the fire of growing spiritual and moral decay?

It was on this wave that our hero was made an offer that he could not refuse, thereby starting a new life path for the young Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov, the future Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander III with “firmware” from the future. The path is long and difficult, waist-deep in blood. A journey of fifty-four years, from March 10, 1855 to March 10, 1909. The path to his dream, for which he was ready for anything.

Post scriptum. In order not to amuse various evil natures, I want to note that in this fantasy novel everything is invented by the author, and any coincidences are accidental.

Prologue

For the fifth day there was a fine, vile rain that turned almost everything and everyone into one continuous mess. The gray sky reliably hid the earth from the meager autumn sun and created the effect of incomprehensible gloom. As if not a day in the yard, but early morning or late evening.

Alexander thoughtfully looked at how the drops flowing from the roof beat a muffled, unhurried rhythm on the windowsill. He was full of sadness and sorrow. Yesterday, by a stupid accident, his true friend and faithful comrade-in-arms, Nikolai Ivanovich Putilov, passed away. The only person in this alien world with whom he could communicate honestly, sincerely and practically without hiding anything.

He had never been so sick of the loss of a loved one. I wanted to forget and just not think about what happened. Drown or in strong alcohol, or in work. However, all this remained only inside Alexander. Outwardly, however, he held his own, appearing before his subjects and comrades-in-arms as the Emperor of stainless steel, whom, it would seem, nothing could break or unsettle. But only a few knew what it cost him.

Two days later, residents of Moscow were able to see the funeral procession, which was slowly moving in almost pouring rain. It’s good that all the key roads of Moscow were able to be covered with paving stones, otherwise the already unpleasant farewell procedure would have turned into a natural horror. It is not enough joy and convenience to walk knee-deep in the muddy earth.

However, despite the rather high-quality road, the appearance of the procession was saved only by the personal participation of the Emperor, who was the first to follow the coffin. Especially after the heavy rain turned into a real downpour with hail and gusty winds. However, while the procession was walking the last couple of miles to the Donskoy cemetery, the violence of the elements was rapidly subsiding. And after the coffin was carried through the gate, in general, all the “wet business” stopped, the gusty wind quickly tore apart the continuous curtain of clouds and individual rays began to break through to the ground, creating a somewhat fantastic picture.

“A good omen,” Alexander, wet to the skin, said loudly, looking at this. But the participants in the procession, who were very wet and chilled, were not very happy about what was said. For them, at that moment, only one thing was important - to change into dry clothes and warm up somewhere. And even better - drink hot tea or mulled wine. Not all were as strong in spirit as their overlords.

Much has changed since the days of the Emperor's grandiose triumph in 1871-1872, when he was able to defeat the age-old enemies of Russia with great benefit for the Fatherland. And the death of Nikolai Ivanovich became a feature that marked this not the most rosy stage in the life of Russia and the Emperor.

Part 1
"Children's diseases" of a big empire

Let the good man go! Let the good man in, otherwise he will break down the door!

Aibolit‑66

Chapter 1

March 5, 1878 Railway station of the city of Tsaritsyn

Fedor Dmitrievich was driving in his compartment to the place of service after being cured at a medical and health center in Abkhazia. It took three months for his wound to heal and he made a full recovery. Not so little, but not too quickly, but it was enough for him to recover and rest. Therefore, he went to the unit in high spirits and especially blossomed when in Tsaritsyn his old acquaintance sat down with him, whom he had not seen for many years - since the beginning of the Asian campaign to conquer Central Asia and East Turkestan.

- I see, Fyodor Dmitrievich, you are in an excellent mood, - Andrey Ivanovich turned to him.

- Yes, how can you not be surprised. How many years have passed since our meeting?

“Already read four years already,” Andrey Ivanovich smiled.

“Time flies inexorably,” Fyodor Lavrenenko shook his head with feigned disappointment.

“And he doesn’t leave the faithful sons of the Fatherland without his encouragement,” Khrushchev smiled, nodding at the major’s epaulettes of his fellow traveler.

“Yes,” Fyodor Dmitrievich waved, “that one is empty.”

“So it is, but you are pretty lucky. As you can see, I still can’t get out of the captains.

- Can't get certified?

- Exactly! - Captain Khrushchev declared with expression. - Already seven times I submitted a report, collected all the recommendations, but when I run for office, I fail. I don't even know what to do now. For long service, only chevrons are hung, but there is little sense from them.

- And what are you doing? Not preparing for certification properly? Before each one, I collected all the leave cards and went on vacation to prepare, completely burying myself in books.

“I confess that I didn’t act like that,” Khrushchev said with some surprise.

- What are you trying to get through? On a whim?

- Fyodor Dmitrievich, pardon me, I have been in the army for more than ten years! Where can I study papers and read all sorts of nonsense? I know army life from the inside and very soundly. Here, look,” Khrushchev waved at his “iconostasis”. Fyodor looked at the two crosses with swords, three St. George medals, and thought for a while. - What? Impressive?

- Yes, such awards are not given just like that, - Major Lavrenenko agreed with Andrei Ivanovich.

“That's what I'm talking about,” Khrushchev waved his hand with bitter regret. “I don’t understand, I just don’t understand why I can’t get a major because of this stupid certification.

“She's testing your knowledge as an officer, not your personal courage, which you seem to have no problem with.

- What are you getting at? Khrushchev asked suspiciously.

“Personal courage is not the only virtue in battle,” Fyodor Dmitrievich spread his hands. “At least that’s how His Imperial Majesty teaches us.

“Ah, you are talking about this,” Andrey Ivanovich grimaced. “They,” Khrushchev pointed upward, “it seems that jumping ahead of the detachment and leading it into battle is not the sacred duty of an officer. That I should be doing something else, hiding behind the backs of my people. What kind of soldier will follow me if I hide behind him, afraid to expose my head to enemy bullets and sabers?

- That's right, my dear Andrey Ivanovich, personal courage is very important. But a spoon, as they say, is the way to dinner. - Lavrenenko thought for a few seconds, after which he grinned. - Here's the thing. After all, I am now studying in absentia at the regular advanced training courses of the Moscow Imperial Military Engineering Academy and learned a lot of interesting things.

- Are you preparing for certification for the colonel?

- Yes. This is a difficult stage, but if I pass it, then the road to the ranks of generals will open for me.

“We’re getting some bookish generals,” Khrushchev chuckled.

“Not without it,” Lavrenenko smiled at the joke. - So, you understand. The higher the officer's rank, the farther he should be from danger. Here is a sergeant or a lieutenant - yes, they jump on the front line, go into hand-to-hand combat. They lead the fighters forward. Inspire by example. But the general will not run ahead of his division? Agree, Andrey Ivanovich, that this looks stupid.

– Perhaps.

- So it turns out that even the lieutenants should not run ahead, brandishing a revolver or a saber, but control their people. Even lieutenants,” Fyodor Dmitrievich repeated. - Moreover, the commands are not “Come follow me!”, But the distribution of tasks between sergeants and corporals. The first link is there, doing this and that. The second squad is on the defensive in that sector. Etc. At the same time, if possible, do not engage in battle yourself, but turn your head and see what is happening in order to quickly respond to changes in the combat situation.

- Some cowardly officers are coming out.

“This is how we are taught to fight in the academy, with the focus on personnel management, and not the desire to personally shoot a rifle or add a few more hacked enemies to your account. Believe it or not, there is so much paper work already done by the major that the head is spinning. I'm currently serving at the headquarters of the regiment.

- That's it, - Andrey Ivanovich smiled. “But I think what is wrong with what you say. It seems that the battalion commander should not think like that.

- How the battalion commander should think, I think, is better seen by the attestation commission, - Fyodor Dmitrievich returned the rudeness. - His Imperial Majesty decided to fight like this and think like that, that's why they dance. Or do you think that his new doctrine of war turned out to be useless?

- Certainly! Plain stupidity!

“Aren’t you afraid to talk about the Emperor like that?”

- You are an officer, not a market woman, what should I be afraid of? Khrushchev asked defiantly.

- Continue.

- I think that Alexander is just a very lucky person who took advantage of the situation and more cunning than martial arts, achieved military success. Well, an officer cannot sit in the rear and pull the strings! Personal courage, training and example - this is the basis of Russian military skill. If you are a cavalryman, then please lead the attack personally, and not watch it from afar. You are the father of your soldiers, whom you lead. Is not it?

- So. But that is the level of management of junior officers and non-commissioned officers. You understand, dear Andrey Ivanovich, that being at the forefront of the attack even at the head of a battalion in modern combat, you cannot control it. They gave the order to move there, and that's it. And what is going on there on the flanks is not clear to anyone. Especially if you attack in a new way, in loose formation, flexibly managing companies and platoons, and not, as before, move in a battalion box to enemy positions. The war has changed. Too changed.

- What has changed in her? Khrushchev asked skeptically.

“That's it,” Lavrenenko smiled. - We can say that the war of the times of Napoleon Bonaparte and now are two big differences. Remember - even seventy years ago, a dashing attack of cuirassiers could decide the outcome of the battle. Now it is doomed to failure because of the destructiveness of small arms and artillery fire. You have no idea how sad it makes me realize this.

- Come on! You were with me in this God-damned Asian campaign. I have seen with my own eyes decisive successes from the attacks of the light cavalry with white weapons on these bandits.

And I took part in them. But this is not indicative. They are natives, practically devoid of good weapons and discipline. If your reytars were in their place, we would simply be shot. And they had nothing to shoot. Yes, and everything is very sad with weapons - not everyone even has sabers, but those who have them can’t really use them. After all, you should know that we were strictly forbidden to carry out attacks with white weapons on our own initiative at the initial stage of the campaign. And then, when they knocked out almost all the experienced fighters, they went into action. Not earlier. Yesterday's shepherd with a saber does not become a warrior. Especially given the fact that they have virtually no training system for these militias.

“So it is, but…

- What's the "but"? Put a German Landwehr regiment there, armed with normal rifles, and that's it. We would bleed. Much has been written about this from the experience of the military campaigns of 1871 and 1872. In the old fashioned way, we can fight only with undisciplined and untrained savages, deprived of normal weapons. And that's it.

- Fedor Dmitrievich, I think you exaggerate.

“Not at all,” Lavrenenko snapped. - I have been convinced of this for more than a year. That's why I'm in the office. This is my reserve for leaving for another branch of the military. There is not and will not be a cavalry of the future. The past cannot be returned. Yes, no one will abolish it, but its role in the war, the further, the more it will fall. Already now, in the combat schedules of full-time army corps, she is assigned the role of combat guards and auxiliary patrols. And combat formations larger than a squadron are available almost exclusively only in our beloved cavalry corps.

- And where are you going?

- In engineering and sapper troops.

- What?! Khrushchev was genuinely surprised. - The cavalryman will go to build bridges and dig trenches ?!

- Why not? I have been subscribed to the magazines "Modelist-Constructor" and "Technology for Youth" for a year now and, to be honest, I found a lot of interesting things in them. And the engineering and sapper units are now very intensively saturated with modern technology.

Interlude

On June 9, 1881, Fedor Dmitrievich Lavrenenko was selected to command the 1st cuirassier battalion deployed near Orel. It was the first mechanized military unit in the world, however, it was top secret, which is why it was named in such a strange way.

Andrey Ivanovich Khrushchev, shortly before that, died during another skirmish on the Russian-Chinese border. His unparalleled courage during the counterattack allowed the entrenched gang to be thrown off its defensive lines and put to flight into the territory of the National Republic of China. He did not wait for the approach of the artillery battery called, relying on the courage of a valiant and sharp saber. Although the locked up gang could not get away from their positions and did not want to get under the bullets - the situation was a stalemate. And from his squadron of Reiters after this attack, less than a third of the fighters remained. If Andrei Ivanovich had waited a couple of hours, keeping the gang locked up, then the approaching battery would quickly and swiftly mow it down with shrapnel. But he didn't wait. Why - no one could answer this question. Maybe he was not smart enough, or maybe he just wanted to get a new military award. In any case, the act was committed unreasonable - and the gang was missed, and people were lost. Of course, such things were not written in the newspaper, but because of such a trick by Captain Khrushchev, the personnel of the entire first cavalry corps were “warmed up”. The lessons of the new war were given to officers of the old school with considerable bloodshed. And for some, they didn’t get it at all. They were buried like that, not broken by the spirit of the new war.

Chapter 2

July 16, 1877. Moscow. Kremlin. Nicholas Palace

It was a quiet, calm night outside. Beautiful and peaceful. It would seem that nothing terrible should happen at such a beautiful time, but it was on that day that a tragedy happened - Nasser ad-Din Shah Qajar, the progressive ruler of Persia and a friend of the Russian Emperor, died at the hands of Islamic fundamentalists. And along with him, his entire family, gathered on the occasion of the celebrations in the Marble Throne Hall of the Golestan Palace in Tehran. Five hundred kilograms of dynamite in the basement said their weighty word - the throne room was formed like a house of cards.

- Huge charge! Alexander paced the office in annoyance. - How did it happen that such a mine appeared in the residence?

“Your Imperial Majesty,” Alexander Mikhailovich Gorchakov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire, wearily rubbed his eyes. - We believe that someone from the inner circle betrayed the Shah. Now Vladimir Nikolaevich, - he nodded at the head of Imperial intelligence Kovalev, - and Andrei Pavlovich, - another nod, now on the other hand, at the imperial commissioner for the Persian mission Stoyanov, - are working on this issue.

- When will you be able to find out exactly the circumstances of the case?

“Preliminary information will be with us not earlier than in a month,” Andrey Pavlovich Stoyanov said.

“Good.” The Emperor calmed down a bit and sat down at his desk. “The Shah was our foundation of influence in Persia. He died. There are no heirs. What is the current situation in Persia? How can we maintain our presence there? Do you have at least an approximate scenario of events?

“Apparently,” Kovalev began, “this murder is not so much an internal affair, but the result of the success of someone's intelligence service. The main competitor in the region for us are the British. I think their ears will poke out sooner or later.

“I agree with Vladimir Nikolayevich,” Andrey Pavlovich nodded. - And I want to note that five hundred kilograms of explosives simply could not get to completely wild fundamentalists. No one would simply sell to them - it's more expensive for themselves. This means that we are dealing with a well-executed sabotage that eliminated a policy beneficial to Russia in Persia. Great Britain only a year ago was able to finally make peace with the Sikh Empire, recognizing its independence and territorial gains. The positions of Foggy Albion in the Indian Ocean region are very shaky until it fences it off from Russia with a strip of alienation from states with an Anglophile elite.

– Do you mean to say that the British are planning to reorient Persia to themselves? the Emperor asked.

- They would not refuse, but they are unlikely to do it now. But here they will arrange a civil war in Persia for sure. According to the scant information we have, there are several military camps in northwestern India where Muslim volunteers are preparing for a war to liberate Persia from Russian influence.

“Want to use the Sikh scenario against us?”

- I think yes. On our side is a small, but quite combat-ready, by local standards, army, all of whose senior officers studied in Russia. On the side of the British are the imams, who are actively muddying the waters throughout Persia.

“Alexander Mikhailovich,” the Emperor turned to Gorchakov, “do you think one of the senior officers can be proclaimed shah in Persia?”

- Undoubtedly. But will all his subjects follow him? This is a question. Now there is no legitimate leader in Persia, and those who claim this post are very weak.

- It turns out that the British want to play off these mongrels ... - Alexander said thoughtfully.

- And what will it give?

– Firstly, a strong ruin of the state, which will reduce the already low combat potential of Persia. Secondly, it will allow in the future to break up Persia into several small "powers", much weaker and more miserable. Third, hiding behind chaos, they will be able to carry out sabotage on the Solnechnogorsk-Tehran-Basra railway. This is a priority direction, because it allows you to seriously reduce the travel time for goods from India to Europe. The highway under construction Tehran - Krasnograd - Kamennogorsk - Semirechinsk - Verny - Novosibirsk can become secondary. I am convinced that there will be sabotage and attacks on personnel.

- Do you think that they will try to destroy the objects that are important to us as much as possible?

- Exactly. I believe that the main reason for such an attempt was to block the operation of our railway line, which runs from the shores of the Persian Gulf into the interior of the country. Everything else is less significant.

- The Persian army will not be able to protect our railway, it is too weak.

- It is for this reason that I beg you, Alexander Mikhailovich, find an unconditional leader among the Persian officers as soon as possible and recognize his legitimate authority. Even if for this he will have to be recognized as the illegitimate son of the late Shah and a goldfish. Did you understand me? Choose. We place a bet. We play. Without delay and red tape. It is best if you can pull by the ears, on the one hand, kinship, albeit distant, with the late Shah, and on the other hand, arrange an open vote among senior officers. We need them to recognize him as a leader.

“I understand you, Your Imperial Majesty,” Gorchakov nodded.

“After the completion of this procedure, I need you to obtain from the new shah the right of Russia to protect our railways and property. That is, permission to introduce a military contingent into Persia.

What is the order of troops?

“We will send all four armored trains and twenty-five thousand personnel there.

“His people might start to resent. After all, this is an open intervention,” Gorchakov raised an eyebrow. - Whatever you call her.

– In return, our new shah and friend will receive small arms and ammunition from Russia in a fairly large amount. I think you can handle such volumes as one hundred thousand B-58 rifles. And a thousand rounds for each. We will give this weapon to him free of charge.

- Machine guns? Cannons?

- These things will go for a fee. But the issue is quite debatable. Based on the models, be guided by old mechanical machine guns and Armstrong cannons.

“And if the new shah wants rifles of our production?”

- For a fee - anything. Within reason, of course.

“I understand you,” Gorchakov nodded.

The magazines "Modelist-Konstruktor" and "Technique - Youth" were established by the Emperor's decree of 07/01/1873 and generally correspond to the theme conceived when they were originally created in the USSR.

The Imperial Commissar is the personal envoy of the Emperor, who oversees a particular issue. He is on the staff of the Imperial Control Commission, directly subordinate to the Emperor. According to his status, the imperial commissioner of the 1st rank is one step below the people's commissar, to whom he can only fall into operational subordination. Imperial Commissars have three class ranks: I, II, and III.

According to the norm adopted at the Zemsky Sobor in 1874, all large settlements that became part of the Russian Empire were renamed into new variants. All-imperial. Those who entered after 01/01/1870 - without fail, the rest - at the request of the local zemstvo assembly. At the general zemstvo meeting of the city of Baku, the option "Solnechnogorsk" was chosen.

Faithful - Alma-Ata. The original name given to the Russian fortress before its renaming to Alma-Ata.

Dear readers, you are holding in your hands the sixth and final volume of the novel with the working title "Alexander", which tells about the adventures of our contemporary with you in not very distant antiquity (in the 19th century).

Who is our hero? An orphan who lost all his relatives in childhood and grew up in an orphanage. Senior Ensign of the Airborne Forces. Order bearer. Veteran of the first Chechen war, demobilized due to injury, lost both feet on a mine... A simple and harsh fate. She broke many, depriving them of faith in themselves and prospects in life. But Alexander not only did not give up after the cripple entered the “citizen”, but on the contrary, he was able to achieve considerable success in the crucible of the “nineties” and “zero”. His business, which did not survive several fights with bandits, left behind quite a decent amount of money. And his perseverance, intelligence and diligence gave him two higher educations (world economy and national history) and a huge outlook, including in matters that did not directly relate to his work. He also developed curiosity, a critical mind and flexibility of thinking, since the tasks he faced were not easy. All this is not so little. At least, few of our contemporaries can boast of such a “bouquet”.

However, the main feature of his character and consciousness was an unusual mental organization for his peers. The fact is that Alexander did not take out from his childhood that beautiful-hearted humanism, philanthropy and indifferent indecision that flourished in the souls of many people of the late Soviet era, due to some monstrous misunderstanding, were considered indispensable character traits of any well-bred and cultured person. Our hero turned out to be surprisingly illegible in methods and means, and he was not accustomed to experiencing compassion either for himself or for other people. Because of this, he often looked like a stubborn and blind-sighted rhinoceros, who gloomy and inexorably walked towards the intended goal. Which? Strange, scary and inexplicably attractive ... the one that has visited each of us more than once. After all, you must admit that the idea that, if not in our world, but somewhere in another assembly of space and time, but to achieve the transformation of his homeland into something immeasurably great, warms the souls of many with eternal fire. In addition, the fall of the Soviet Union, which he experienced as a personal defeat, hurt Alexander's pride too much. It was too painful and sickening for him to contemplate the obscurantism that swirled in subsequent years ... After all, everything that his ancestors had built with great efforts collapsed before his eyes. Fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers… Undernourished. Lack of sleep. Tearing off all the best from themselves so that their children live better. He is hurt and ashamed of what is happening around him. But what could he personally do when the whole country was shaking, being gripped by a feverish passion for "jeans and Coca-Cola", having lost all life orientations and burning in the fire of growing spiritual and moral decay?

It was on this wave that our hero was made an offer that he could not refuse, thereby starting a new life path for the young Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov, the future Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander III with “firmware” from the future. The path is long and difficult, waist-deep in blood. A journey of fifty-four years, from March 10, 1855 to March 10, 1909. The path to his dream, for which he was ready for anything.

Post scriptum. In order not to amuse various evil natures, I want to note that in this fantasy novel everything is invented by the author, and any coincidences are accidental.

For the fifth day there was a fine, vile rain that turned almost everything and everyone into one continuous mess. The gray sky reliably hid the earth from the meager autumn sun and created the effect of incomprehensible gloom. As if not a day in the yard, but early morning or late evening.

Alexander thoughtfully looked at how the drops flowing from the roof beat a muffled, unhurried rhythm on the windowsill. He was full of sadness and sorrow. Yesterday, by a stupid accident, his true friend and faithful comrade-in-arms, Nikolai Ivanovich Putilov, passed away. The only person in this alien world with whom he could communicate honestly, sincerely and practically without hiding anything.

He had never been so sick of the loss of a loved one. I wanted to forget and just not think about what happened. Drown or in strong alcohol, or in work. However, all this remained only inside Alexander. Outwardly, however, he held his own, appearing before his subjects and comrades-in-arms as the Emperor of stainless steel, whom, it would seem, nothing could break or unsettle. But only a few knew what it cost him.

Two days later, residents of Moscow were able to see the funeral procession, which was slowly moving in almost pouring rain. It’s good that all the key roads of Moscow were able to be covered with paving stones, otherwise the already unpleasant farewell procedure would have turned into a natural horror. It is not enough joy and convenience to walk knee-deep in the muddy earth.

However, despite the rather high-quality road, the appearance of the procession was saved only by the personal participation of the Emperor, who was the first to follow the coffin. Especially after the heavy rain turned into a real downpour with hail and gusty winds. However, while the procession was walking the last couple of miles to the Donskoy cemetery, the violence of the elements was rapidly subsiding. And after the coffin was carried through the gate, in general, all the “wet business” stopped, the gusty wind quickly tore apart the continuous curtain of clouds and individual rays began to break through to the ground, creating a somewhat fantastic picture.

“A good omen,” Alexander, wet to the skin, said loudly, looking at this. But the participants in the procession, who were very wet and chilled, were not very happy about what was said. For them, at that moment, only one thing was important - to change into dry clothes and warm up somewhere. And even better - drink hot tea or mulled wine. Not all were as strong in spirit as their overlords.

Much has changed since the days of the Emperor's grandiose triumph in 1871-1872, when he was able to defeat the age-old enemies of Russia with great benefit for the Fatherland. And the death of Nikolai Ivanovich became a feature that marked this not the most rosy stage in the life of Russia and the Emperor.

"Children's diseases" of a big empire

Let the good man go! Let the good man in, otherwise he will break down the door!

Aibolit‑66

Fedor Dmitrievich was driving in his compartment to the place of service after being cured at a medical and health center in Abkhazia. It took three months for his wound to heal and he made a full recovery. Not so little, but not too quickly, but it was enough for him to recover and rest. Therefore, he went to the unit in high spirits and especially blossomed when in Tsaritsyn his old acquaintance sat down with him, whom he had not seen for many years - since the beginning of the Asian campaign to conquer Central Asia and East Turkestan.

- I see, Fyodor Dmitrievich, you are in an excellent mood, - Andrey Ivanovich turned to him.

- Yes, how can you not be surprised. How many years have passed since our meeting?

“Already read four years already,” Andrey Ivanovich smiled.

“Time flies inexorably,” Fyodor Lavrenenko shook his head with feigned disappointment.

“And he doesn’t leave the faithful sons of the Fatherland without his encouragement,” Khrushchev smiled, nodding at the major’s epaulettes of his fellow traveler.

“Yes,” Fyodor Dmitrievich waved, “that one is empty.”

Mikhail Lantsov

DEATH TO BRITAIN! "THE KING GIVEN US AN ORDER"

Dear readers, you are holding in your hands the sixth - final volume of the novel with the working title "Alexander", which tells about the adventures of our contemporary with you in not very distant antiquity (in the 19th century).

Who is our hero? An orphan who lost all his relatives in childhood and grew up in an orphanage. Senior Ensign of the Airborne Forces. Order bearer. Veteran of the first Chechen war, demobilized due to injury, lost both feet on a mine... A simple and harsh fate. She broke many, depriving them of faith in themselves and prospects in life. But Alexander not only did not give up after the cripple entered the "citizen", but on the contrary, he was able to achieve considerable success in the crucible of the "nineties" and "zero". His business, which did not survive several fights with bandits, left behind quite a decent amount of money. And his perseverance, intelligence and diligence gave him two higher educations (world economy and national history) and a huge outlook, including in matters that did not directly relate to his work. He also developed curiosity, a critical mind and flexibility of thinking, since the tasks he faced were not easy. All this is not so little. At least, few of our contemporaries can boast of such a “bouquet”.

However, the main feature of his character and consciousness was an unusual mental organization for his peers. The fact is that Alexander did not take out from his childhood that beautiful-hearted humanism, philanthropy and indifferent indecision that flourished in the souls of many people of the late Soviet era, due to some monstrous misunderstanding, were considered indispensable character traits of any well-bred and cultured person. Our hero turned out to be surprisingly illegible in methods and means, and he was not accustomed to experiencing compassion either for himself or for other people. Because of this, he often looked like a stubborn and blind-sighted rhinoceros, who gloomy and inexorably walked towards the intended goal. Which? Strange, scary and inexplicably attractive ... the one that has visited each of us more than once. After all, you must admit that the idea that, if not in our world, but somewhere in another assembly of space and time, but to achieve the transformation of his homeland into something immeasurably great, warms the souls of many with eternal fire. In addition, the fall of the Soviet Union, which he experienced as a personal defeat, hurt Alexander's pride too much. It was too painful and sickening for him to contemplate the obscurantism that swirled in subsequent years ... After all, everything that his ancestors had built with great efforts collapsed before his eyes. Fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers… Undernourished. Lack of sleep. Tearing off all the best from themselves so that their children live better. He is hurt and ashamed of what is happening around him. But what could he personally do when the whole country was shaking, being gripped by a feverish passion for "jeans and Coca-Cola", having lost all life orientations and burning in the fire of growing spiritual and moral decay?

It was on this wave that our hero was made an offer that he could not refuse, thereby starting a new life path for the young Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov, the future Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander III with “firmware” from the future. The path is long and difficult, waist-deep in blood. A journey of fifty-four years, from March 10, 1855 to March 10, 1909. The path to his dream, for which he was ready for anything.

Post scriptum. In order not to amuse various evil natures, I want to note that in this fantasy novel everything is invented by the author, and any coincidences are accidental.

For the fifth day there was a fine, vile rain that turned almost everything and everyone into one continuous mess. The gray sky reliably hid the earth from the meager autumn sun and created the effect of incomprehensible gloom. As if not a day in the yard, but early morning or late evening.

Alexander thoughtfully looked at how the drops flowing from the roof beat a muffled, unhurried rhythm on the windowsill. He was full of sadness and sorrow. Yesterday, by a stupid accident, his real friend and faithful comrade-in-arms, Nikolai Ivanovich Putilov, passed away. The only person in this alien world with whom he could communicate honestly, sincerely and practically without hiding anything.

He had never been so sick of the loss of a loved one. I wanted to forget and just not think about what happened. Drown or in strong alcohol, or in work. However, all this remained only inside Alexander. Outwardly, however, he held his own, appearing before his subjects and comrades-in-arms as the Emperor of stainless steel, whom, it would seem, nothing could break or unsettle. But only a few knew what it cost him.

Mikhail Lantsov

Death to Britain! "The king gave us an order"

Dear readers, you are holding in your hands the sixth - final volume of the novel with the working title "Alexander", which tells about the adventures of our contemporary with you in not very distant antiquity (in the 19th century).

Who is our hero? An orphan who lost all his relatives in childhood and grew up in an orphanage. Senior Ensign of the Airborne Forces. Order bearer. Veteran of the first Chechen war, demobilized due to injury, lost both feet on a mine... A simple and harsh fate. She broke many, depriving them of faith in themselves and prospects in life. But Alexander not only did not give up after the cripple entered the "citizen", but on the contrary, he was able to achieve considerable success in the crucible of the "nineties" and "zero". His business, which did not survive several fights with bandits, left behind quite a decent amount of money. And his perseverance, intelligence and diligence gave him two higher educations (world economy and national history) and a huge outlook, including in matters that did not directly relate to his work. He also developed curiosity, a critical mind and flexibility of thinking, since the tasks he faced were not easy. All this is not so little. At least, few of our contemporaries can boast of such a “bouquet”.

However, the main feature of his character and consciousness was an unusual mental organization for his peers. The fact is that Alexander did not take out from his childhood that beautiful-hearted humanism, philanthropy and indifferent indecision that flourished in the souls of many people of the late Soviet era, due to some monstrous misunderstanding, were considered indispensable character traits of any well-bred and cultured person. Our hero turned out to be surprisingly illegible in methods and means, and he was not accustomed to experiencing compassion either for himself or for other people. Because of this, he often looked like a stubborn and blind-sighted rhinoceros, who gloomy and inexorably walked towards the intended goal. Which? Strange, scary and inexplicably attractive ... the one that has visited each of us more than once. After all, you must admit that the idea that, if not in our world, but somewhere in another assembly of space and time, but to achieve the transformation of his homeland into something immeasurably great, warms the souls of many with eternal fire. In addition, the fall of the Soviet Union, which he experienced as a personal defeat, hurt Alexander's pride too much. It was too painful and sickening for him to contemplate the obscurantism that swirled in subsequent years ... After all, everything that his ancestors had built with great efforts collapsed before his eyes. Fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers… Undernourished. Lack of sleep. Tearing off all the best from themselves so that their children live better. He is hurt and ashamed of what is happening around him. But what could he personally do when the whole country was shaking, being gripped by a feverish passion for "jeans and Coca-Cola", having lost all life orientations and burning in the fire of growing spiritual and moral decay?

It was on this wave that our hero was made an offer that he could not refuse, thereby starting a new life path for the young Alexander Alexandrovich Romanov, the future Emperor of the Russian Empire Alexander III with “firmware” from the future. The path is long and difficult, waist-deep in blood. A journey of fifty-four years, from March 10, 1855 to March 10, 1909. The path to his dream, for which he was ready for anything.

Post scriptum. In order not to amuse various evil natures, I want to note that in this fantasy novel everything is invented by the author, and any coincidences are accidental.

For the fifth day there was a fine, vile rain that turned almost everything and everyone into one continuous mess. The gray sky reliably hid the earth from the meager autumn sun and created the effect of incomprehensible gloom. As if not a day in the yard, but early morning or late evening.

Alexander thoughtfully looked at how the drops flowing from the roof beat a muffled, unhurried rhythm on the windowsill. He was full of sadness and sorrow. Yesterday, by a stupid accident, his real friend and faithful comrade-in-arms, Nikolai Ivanovich Putilov, passed away. The only person in this alien world with whom he could communicate honestly, sincerely and practically without hiding anything.

He had never been so sick of the loss of a loved one. I wanted to forget and just not think about what happened. Drown or in strong alcohol, or in work. However, all this remained only inside Alexander. Outwardly, however, he held his own, appearing before his subjects and comrades-in-arms as the Emperor of stainless steel, whom, it would seem, nothing could break or unsettle. But only a few knew what it cost him.

Two days later, residents of Moscow were able to see the funeral procession, which, slowly, moved in almost pouring rain. It’s good that all the key roads of Moscow were able to be covered with paving stones, otherwise the already unpleasant farewell procedure would have turned into a natural horror. There is little joy and convenience - to walk knee-deep in the muddy earth.

However, despite the rather high-quality road, the appearance of the procession was saved only by the personal participation of the Emperor, who was the first to follow the coffin. Especially after the heavy rain turned into a real downpour with hail and gusty winds. However, while the procession was walking the last couple of miles to the Donskoy cemetery, the violence of the elements was rapidly subsiding. And after the coffin was carried through the gate - in general, all the "wet business" stopped, the gusty wind quickly tore apart the continuous curtain of clouds and individual rays began to break through to the ground, creating a somewhat fantastic picture.

A good omen, - looking at this, Alexander, wet to the skin, said loudly. But the participants in the procession, who were very wet and chilled, were not very happy about what was said. For them, at that moment, only one thing was important - to change into dry clothes and warm up somewhere. And even better - drink hot tea or mulled wine. Not all were as strong in spirit as their overlords.

Much has changed since the days of the Emperor's grandiose triumph in 1871-1872, when he was able to defeat the age-old enemies of Russia with great benefit for the Fatherland. And the death of Nikolai Ivanovich became a feature that marked this not the most rosy stage in the life of Russia and the Emperor.

"Children's diseases" of a big empire

Let the good man go! Let the good man in, otherwise he will break down the door!

Fedor Dmitrievich was driving in his compartment to the place of service after being cured at a medical and health center in Abkhazia. It took three months for his wound to heal and he made a full recovery. Not so little, but not too quickly, but it was enough for him to recover and rest. Therefore, he went to the unit in high spirits and especially flourished when his old acquaintance sat down with him in Tsaritsyn, whom he had not seen for many years - since the beginning of the Asian campaign to conquer Central Asia and East Turkestan.

I see, Fyodor Dmitrievich, you are in an excellent mood, - Andrey Ivanovich turned to him.

Yes, how can you not be surprised. How many years have passed since our meeting?

Already read four years already, - Andrey Ivanovich smiled.

Time flies inexorably, - Fedor Lavrenenko shook his head with feigned disappointment.

And he does not leave the faithful sons of the Fatherland without his encouragement, - Khrushchev smiled, nodding at the major's shoulder straps of his fellow traveler.

Yes, - Fyodor Dmitrievich waved, - that is empty.

So it is, however, you are pretty lucky. As you can see, I still can’t get out of the captains.

Can't get certified?

Exactly! - with expression said Captain Khrushchev. - Already seven times I filed a report, collected all the recommendations, but when I run for office, I fail. I don't even know what to do now. For long service, only chevrons are hung, but there is little sense from them.

And what are you like? Not preparing for certification properly? Before each one, I collected all the leave cards and went on vacation to prepare, completely burying myself in books.

I confess that I did not act like that,” Khrushchev said with some surprise.

What are you trying to get through? On a whim?

Fedor Dmitrievich, have mercy, I have been in the army for more than ten years! Where can I study papers and read all sorts of nonsense? I know army life from the inside and very soundly. Here, look, - Khrushchev waved at his "iconostasis". Fedor looked at two crosses with swords, three St. George medals [See. Appendix. Award system of the 1870 model.] and thought for a while. - What? Impressive?

Yes, such awards are not given just like that, - Major Lavrenenko agreed with Andrey Ivanovich.

Here I am about the same thing, - Khrushchev waved his hand with bitter regret. “I don’t understand, I just don’t understand why I can’t get a major because of this stupid certification.

After all, she tests your knowledge as an officer, and not your personal courage, which, apparently, you do not hold.

What are you getting at? Khrushchev asked suspiciously.

Personal courage is not the only virtue in battle, - Fyodor Dmitrievich spread his hands. “At least that’s how His Imperial Majesty teaches us.

Ah, you are talking about this, - Andrey Ivanovich grimaced. “They,” Khrushchev pointed upward, “it seems that jumping ahead of the detachment and leading it into battle is not the sacred duty of an officer. That I should be doing something else, hiding behind the backs of my people. What kind of soldier will follow me if I hide behind him, afraid to expose my head to enemy bullets and sabers?

That's right, my dear Andrei Ivanovich, personal courage is very important. But a spoon, as they say, is the way to dinner. - Lavrenenko thought for a few seconds, then grinned. - Here's the thing. After all, I am now studying in absentia at the regular advanced training courses of the Moscow Imperial Military Engineering Academy and learned a lot of interesting things.

Are you preparing for certification for the colonel?

Yes. This is a difficult stage, but if I pass it, then the road to the ranks of generals will open for me.

We have some bookish generals,” Khrushchev chuckled.

Not without it, - Lavrenenko smiled at the joke. - So, you understand, the higher the officer's rank, the further he should be from danger. Here is a sergeant or a lieutenant - yes, they jump on the front line, go into hand-to-hand combat. They lead the fighters forward. Inspire by example. But the general will not run ahead of his division? Agree, Andrey Ivanovich, that this looks stupid.

Perhaps.

So it turns out that even the lieutenants should not run ahead, brandishing a revolver or a saber, but manage their people. Even the lieutenants, - repeated Fyodor Dmitrievich. - Moreover, the commands are not “Come follow me!”, But the distribution of tasks between sergeants and corporals. The first link - there, does this and that. The second squad is on the defensive in that sector. Etc. At the same time, if possible, do not engage in battle yourself, but turn your head and see what is happening in order to quickly respond to changes in the combat situation.

You have some cowardly officers coming out.

This is how we are taught to fight in the academy, focusing on the management of personnel, and not the desire to personally shoot a rifle or add a few more hacked enemies to our account. Do not believe it - there is already so much paperwork for the major that the head is spinning. I'm currently serving at the headquarters of the regiment.

That's it, - Andrey Ivanovich smiled. - And I think what's wrong with what you say. It seems that the battalion commander should not think like that.

How the battalion commander should think, I think, is better seen by the certification commission, ”Fyodor Dmitrievich returned the rudeness. - His Imperial Majesty decided to fight like this and think like that, that's why they dance. Or do you think that his new doctrine of war turned out to be useless?

Certainly! Plain stupidity!

Aren't you afraid to talk about the Emperor like that?

You are an officer, not a market woman, what should I be afraid of? Khrushchev asked defiantly.

Go on.

I think that Alexander is just a very lucky person who took advantage of the situation and more cunning than martial arts, achieved military success. Well, an officer cannot sit in the rear and pull the strings! Personal courage, training and example - this is the basis of Russian military skill. If you are a cavalryman, then please lead the attack personally, and not watch it from afar. You are the father of your soldiers, whom you lead. Is not it?

So. But that is the level of management of junior officers and non-commissioned officers. You understand, dear Andrey Ivanovich, that being at the forefront of the attack even at the head of a battalion in modern combat, you cannot control it. They gave the order to move there, and that's it. And what is happening on the flanks is not clear to anyone. Especially if you attack in a new way, in loose formation, flexibly managing companies and platoons, and not, as before, move in a battalion box to enemy positions. The war has changed. Too changed.

What has changed in her? Khrushchev asked skeptically.

Everything, - smiled Lavrenenko. - We can say that the war of the times of Napoleon Bonaparte and now are two big differences. Remember - seventy years ago, a dashing attack of cuirassiers could decide the outcome of the battle. Now it is doomed to failure because of the destructiveness of small arms and artillery fire. You have no idea how sad it makes me realize this.

Come on! You were with me in this God-damned Asian campaign. I have seen with my own eyes decisive successes from the attacks of the light cavalry with white weapons on these bandits.

And I participated in them. But this is not indicative. They are natives, practically devoid of good weapons and discipline. If your reytars had been in their place, they would have simply shot us. And they had nothing to shoot. Yes, and everything is very sad with weapons - even not everyone has sabers, but whoever has them can’t really use them. After all, you should know that we were strictly forbidden to carry out attacks with white weapons on our own initiative at the initial stage of the campaign. And then, when they knocked out almost all the experienced fighters, they went into action. Not earlier. Yesterday's shepherd with a saber does not become a warrior. Especially given the fact that they have virtually no training system for these militias.

So it is, but...

What about "but"? Put a German Landwehr regiment there, armed with normal rifles, and that's it. We would bleed. Much has been written about this from the experience of the military campaigns of 1871 and 1872. In the old fashioned way, we can fight only with undisciplined and untrained savages, deprived of normal weapons. And that's it.

Fedor Dmitrievich, I think you are exaggerating.

Not at all, - cut off Lavrenenko. - I've been convinced of this for more than a year. That's why I'm in the office. This is my reserve for leaving for another branch of the military. There is not and will not be a cavalry of the future. The past cannot be returned. Yes, no one will abolish it, but its role in the war, the further, the more it will fall. Already now, in the combat schedules of full-time army corps, she is assigned the role of combat guards and auxiliary patrols. And combat formations larger than a squadron are available almost exclusively only in our beloved cavalry corps.

And where are you going?

In engineering and sapper troops.

What?! Khrushchev was genuinely surprised. - The cavalryman will go to build bridges and dig trenches?!

Why not? For a year now I have been subscribing to the magazines "Modelist-Constructor" and "Technology for Youth" [The magazines "Modelist-Constructor" and "Technology for Youth" were established by the Emperor's decree of 07/01/1873 and generally correspond to the theme conceived when they were originally created in the USSR .] and, to be honest, I found a lot of interesting things in them. And the engineering and sapper units are now very intensively saturated with modern technology.

Interlude

On June 9, 1881, Fedor Dmitrievich Lavrenenko was selected to command the 1st cuirassier battalion deployed near Orel. It was the first mechanized military unit in the world, however, it was top secret, which is why it was named in such a strange way.

Andrey Ivanovich Khrushchev, shortly before that, died during another skirmish on the Russian-Chinese border. His unparalleled courage during the counterattack allowed the entrenched gang to be thrown off its defensive lines and put to flight into the territory of the National Republic of China. He did not wait for the approach of the artillery battery called, relying on the courage of a valiant and sharp saber. Although the locked up gang could not get away from their positions and did not want to get under the bullets - the situation was a stalemate. And from his squadron of Reiters after this attack, less than a third of the fighters remained. If Andrei Ivanovich had waited a couple of hours, keeping the gang locked up, then the approaching battery would quickly and swiftly mow it down with shrapnel. But he didn't wait. Why - no one could answer this question. Maybe he was not smart enough, or maybe he just wanted to get a new military award. In any case, the act was committed unreasonable - and the gang was missed, and people were lost. Of course, such things were not written in the newspaper, but because of such a trick by Captain Khrushchev, the personnel of the entire first cavalry corps were “warmed up”. The lessons of the new war were given to officers of the old school with considerable bloodshed. And for some, they didn’t even get it at all. They were buried like that, not broken by the spirit of the new war.