I'm not sure specifically, but it could be the harvesters themselves. There might be an experienced old - timer who has been in the business for decades and knows all the tricks of the trade.
One of the main themes could be the struggle of the American harvesters. It might show their hard work in the fields, dealing with the elements and the challenges of farming life.
The appeal lies in the novelty. It's not a common pairing we see in mainstream fiction. So it offers a fresh take on relationships in a fictional context.
I find that in 'harvester queen x human fanfic', the contrast between the two characters is what makes it appealing. The harvester queen might have powers and a way of life that are completely foreign to the human. This can lead to all sorts of storylines, from the human trying to understand the harvester queen's world, to them falling in love despite their differences.
Another feature is the diverse crew. Since it's a large vessel, there are usually different species or groups of people on board. This can lead to complex social dynamics and power struggles within the story. And also, the mothership in science fiction usually has a unique design, with different sections for living, working, and storing resources.
The settings make it unique. Many of the stories are set in very ordinary yet spooky places like old houses, abandoned buildings, and local landmarks. These are places that people can easily relate to, which makes the ghost stories more terrifying.
During the Cold War, there were a plethora of activities happening on both sides. If this 'Russian harvester attack' was a real event, it could potentially be related to the use of machinery or equipment in a military - like operation. For example, a harvester could be modified or used in a covert way for things like transportation of goods or personnel in a rural area, or it could be part of a psychological warfare tactic where the appearance of a normal harvester was used to deceive the enemy. But again, without more information, this is all just guesswork.
The International Harvester Company played a significant role in World War 2. It produced a variety of military - related equipment. For example, they manufactured trucks that were crucial for transporting troops and supplies. Their manufacturing capabilities were redirected towards the war effort, helping to meet the high demands of the military.