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Ekaterina stepped forward, her voice steady and direct. "Major Serov, what do you think you're doing?"
"The affairs of the KGB don't concern you, Ekaterina," Serov replied coldly, his tone firm, though his eyes briefly drifted toward her chest with a glance that betrayed his supposed professionalism.
Andrei froze. Ekaterina—here? How did she even get into the base? And more surprisingly, how did she know this KGB major? From the way he addressed her, it was clear they were familiar.
Ekaterina raised her chin. "Is that so? The man you're trying to take away is the same pilot praised by the Pravda just days ago—a decorated hero who risked his life for this country. Are you telling me, Major Serov, that you have an arrest warrant authorized by the Presidium of the State Security Committee?"
The air shifted. Serov, though still composed, hesitated. She'd struck a nerve.
"Our work is always based on evidence," he replied with a forced calm. "And we have sufficient proof that Captain Andrei is involved in treason. He must come with us for interrogation."
Around them, pilots from the 513th Regiment had begun to gather. The scene was becoming public—and Serov didn't like being cornered with so many eyes watching.
Trying to end the conversation, Serov turned and gestured to his agents to take Andrei. But Ekaterina stepped in front of him again.
"What proof do you have?"
He opened his mouth, ready to shut her down again, but he knew he had to produce something. "We have evidence that, on the night of August 5th, Captain Andrei met with Annie—an American spy."
A hush fell over the gathered pilots. Glances were exchanged. Whispers began. Could it be true?
Ekaterina blinked, momentarily stunned. Her gaze shot to Andrei's, who silently returned the look. Understanding dawned in her eyes. Fool, she thought. Why didn't you just tell them the truth?
"You're mistaken, Major Serov," she said loud enough for the crowd to hear. "Captain Andrei wasn't with any American spy that night."
"Oh?" Serov's voice was sharp. "And how would you know that?"
"Because I was with him." She stepped forward, her eyes unwavering. "He spent the night in my quarters and didn't leave until morning."
There was a collective shift among the pilots. Some arched their eyebrows. Serov stiffened, his gaze turning icy.
"You're certain?" he asked.
"I am. My colleague Diana can confirm it. Even my son Ivan saw him that night."
Serov turned to Andrei. "Is that true?"
Andrei gave a single nod.
"Then why didn't you say so earlier?"
"I didn't want to tarnish Dr. Ekaterina's reputation," Andrei said simply. "She has nothing to do with this mess."
Serov's jaw tightened. "Very noble of you," he muttered. "But don't think this ends here."
He turned to his agents. "Let's go."
As the KGB officers marched off toward their helicopter, the assembled pilots burst into cheers and whistles. The tide had turned. Andrei looked over at Ekaterina, the woman who had just saved him from a fate worse than exile.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "If you hadn't shown up, I'd be halfway to Moscow by now."
"You're such an idiot," Ekaterina replied with a soft smile. "What were you trying to protect? If they'd taken you, what would I have done?"
Their eyes met, and for a long moment, neither spoke. Then Andrei pulled her gently into his arms. Applause rose again from the crowd.
Among his comrades and even a few medical staff nearby, Andrei held her close, relishing the feeling of her against him. The moment was tender and electric all at once.
At that point, it no longer mattered that Ekaterina had a son. Andrei didn't care. He just knew that he wanted her in his life.
Time passed. The crowd eventually dispersed. Andrei and Ekaterina found a quiet spot beside the runway and sat together in the grass, hands entwined.
"I've wanted to tell you something for a while," Andrei said. "From the first moment I saw you, I fell in love. But I never had the courage to say it."
Ekaterina smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I thought it was just me. When you stayed at my place that night, didn't you have... any thoughts?"
Caught off guard, Andrei stumbled over his words. "Well... I did. But I didn't want to disrespect you. I know you have a son, and I... I'd still like to build a future with you. I'd treat him as my own."
Ekaterina burst out laughing. "You fool. I've never been married. Ivan isn't my child."
Andrei blinked. "Then why does he call you 'Mama'?"
She grinned, clearly enjoying his confusion. "That's a story for another time."
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