Fiancee

"Urgh, here go my hopes", Kate's mechanic girl was clearly disappointed.

"Yeah…", Inna was as down as her regarding this turn of events, "comrade Gruel, you knew about it?"

"Most of people at the base know. You are new here so have not encountered Mary yet, but she comes from time to time".

"And how long have they been dating?", the other girl butted into the conversation.

"For about a year. Apparently, she works in the museum in the town nearby, commander fell for her during one of the visits and later asked her out".

"They get along pretty well", she looked at the Alex and his fiancée, walking ahead of them and chatting.  "What are they talking about?"

"Art if I have to guess. She knows quite a lot about paintings and commander learned the subject to have a common topic to talk about".

They reached the third hangar and went inside.

"So this is the base of famous «Silver Ghosts»! You are quite a talk in the area", Mary glanced at the planes with the regiment emblem.

"Who even came up with this name?", Alex asked jokingly.

"And who came up with this logo? What would you expect?"

"Me. And yeah, understandable that people call us this way".

A bit behind them stood Lily and Alexis, while mechanics went back to their workplaces.

"Do you know why commanders fiancée visited the base?"

"Yes. As you heard, some guests are coming in a few days. There will be a party in the village club and we are also invited to the local town school to give a lecture to pupils. Apparently, Mary will work as a guide for our guests, so she is staying here for a bit".

"Why her specifically and not someone from the base?"

"I do not know the details myself, but seems like some celebrity, who is a part of the delegation, is Alex’s old acquaintance and asked for it".

"Lex, will you introduce your companion to me?", Mary turned to them and called him.

"Yes, of course. This is junior lieutenant Lily Leitis. She joined the regiment recently".

"Or, the famous White Lily. She is even prettier than on photos. In your place I would be cautious that another guy will steall her".

"We are not dating!", Lily and Alexis replied in unison.

"Oh, sorry, my mistake, I thought you are", Mary smiled mischievously, "Alec, I will be staying in the nearby town, feel free to come anytime".

"Of course. Let me at least drive you back", He took her hand and turned, "If you excuse us… Have a good night", and they left smiling.

Mary visited again in two days. Alexis and Lily were going back from a morning flight practice when they spotted the pair walking hand in hand towards them.

"Oh, Lex, comrade Leitis. Together again?", Mary asked smiling.

"Lily is fine. We had a flight practice".

"I often take Lily as a pair for missions, so we do practice together regularly".

"I see...", Mary was still smiling.

"Do you mind joining us for breakfast? I presume you have not eaten yet".

"Sure. Comrade Leitis are you fine with it?"

"Why not. Are we going to cantina?"

"Not this time. I made some pancakes before going here. There should be enough for four people".

"That is nice. Let us take a shower first and change when".

"We will be waiting in the alcove in the western side of the village", Alex informed them and the pair continued their walk.

"See you where, comrade Leitis".

"Till when, wing-leader".

They met in the alcove in about twenty five minutes. Alexis and Lily wore their officers uniforms instead of flight robes and were still fresh from shower. A thermos with tea and a bunch of cups stood on the wooden table. In the centre were a couple of boxes with pancake rolls.

"In the left one are pancakes with ground meat, while in the right one - sweet ones with farmers cheese", Mary informed them.

"We also brought some cookies from the city", Alexis put a square box on a table.

"How nice of you, Lex. Let’s eat…"

"Once Benevolent Сity province is liberated, we should visit Elijah Turnip museum. They have some nice art there. As far as I know, it is still relatively intact under occupation", Alex swallowed a piece of roll and said, "Delicious, you need to teach me a recipe".

"You need to improve your cooking first. Grilled meat is still the only thing you excel at. Yes, we should, but how long will it take?", Mary said and her look clouded.

"Less than you think. Apparently, alemanian forces are getting hammered now. They got stuck on the defence line in the West, which allowed Allies to gather the force and defeat them in two battles. Reich forces planned to go around defence line in the north, but Allies managed to collaborate in time and prolong it up to the sea. So general staff thinks they are to occupied now and plans a big counterattack. I cannot give you details yet, but they are discussing the plan now.

"Hope so, I am eager for some big fight", Lily was as bloodthirsty as ever.

"Such pretty face hides a devil behind it", Mary smiled again.

"It is what it is. I do not mind being a devil sometimes", Lily smiled in return.

Mary stayed till the evening, walking around the village and chatting with the staff.

"I will see you in a few days. The guests have arrived, so I will be a bit busy for now", she kissed Alex, "And you too, Lex. I guess you, as one of the top aces, will be accompanying our guests".

"Yes, of course. See you", Alexis shacked her hand and she went to the car, higher ups sent to take her back.

They waited until the car moved and started walking back to the commanders office.

"So, Alex, who is the mysterious celebrity guest that knows both you and Mary?"

"Oh, you never met but you definitely know him. You’ll see in a few days".

"Talking riddles again? But ok, I will wait till when if you want to surprise us".