The first weak rays of dawn came through the gray skies over Tallinn next day.
The city, now draped in Soviet banners, awoke slowly, numbly, and silently.
Soldiers moved like ghosts, patrolling streets that felt empty even when filled with subdued crowds.
Shopkeepers quietly hung propaganda posters bearing slogans of unity and strength beneath Stalin's stern gaze.
At his Kremlin desk, Stalin lit another cigarette, glancing impassively at reports spread across his table.
Beria stood silently nearby, hands folded respectfully.
"Initial consolidation?" Stalin asked without looking up.
"Proceeding smoothly," Beria responded softly. "Local police disarmed, all major institutions under our immediate control. Schools begin Russian instruction immediately."
Stalin exhaled a slow stream of smoke, eyes narrowing. "And resistance?"
"Minimal. Small pockets. Isolated intellectuals, poets, teachers harmless idealists, mostly."
