Moscow was now under threat from the German military, and the Germans could arrive beneath the city walls at any moment. Yet the Russians living here actually wanted to flee, something Joseph simply could not accept.
In Joseph's view, those living in Moscow were Buru's most steadfast people. They enjoyed the best treatment in all of Russia. Now that danger had come, they should have been the first to stand up, take up arms, and defend Moscow. But their behavior truly disappointed him.
"Comrade Shaposhnikov, dispatch the troops directly under the General Staff Headquarters to blockade Moscow's outbound roads. From this moment on, no one may leave Moscow without a pass personally signed by me!" Joseph said viciously. He was determined to wield the knife without mercy now.
"Yes, Comrade Joseph." Marshal Shaposhnikov nodded.
Although Marshal Shaposhnikov did not believe those civilians could play much of a role by remaining in Moscow—and thought they would instead consume Moscow's food reserves—Joseph had already issued the order, and he could not refuse it. Otherwise, there was no telling what Joseph might do in his rage.
"Also, aren't the Germans already close to Moscow? Moscow will probably soon become a war zone. Since that is the case, have every resident in Moscow participate in building defensive fortifications. We will turn all of Moscow into a fortress. If the Germans dare attack Moscow, then let them bleed dry here!" Joseph said with a ferocious expression.
"Yes, Comrade Joseph!" Marshal Shaposhnikov did not object to this. After all, with more than a million free laborers digging defensive works, Moscow could be made impregnable in a short time. This would be of enormous help to the Russian military's defense of Moscow. After all, when both their weapons and equipment and their troops' combat strength were far