Arrive back at the Partisan headquarters

“I still can’t believe it.” Artyom whispers to me as we walk along. “The most badass woman in the world, and she likes me.”

“I would have kissed you last night.” I tell him. “But we would have never gotten away with it.”

“We made the right choice.” He says. “But just you wait until I get you alone.”

“What happens then?” I ask playfully.

“I think you know.” He answers. “I hope you’re ready.”

“I hope you’re ready.” I say, narrowing my eyes at him and smirking.

We’re approaching headquarters, and I see something very surprising. Fedorov. He’s actually outside for once, wearing his commissar’s hat, smoking a cigar, hand on his hip, looking over the troops marching in. Captain Zaitsev stands next to him with his hands folded behind his back. Fedorov begins to step forwards as we near him.

“Don’t say anything.” I whisper to Artyom. “Don’t look at me.”

“Tatyana!” Fedorov says. “Come here.”

I step out of the ranks and approach him. “Yes, comrade commissar?” I ask.

“I want you to accompany the Captain and myself to my office.” He tells me.

I stand next to him and Captain Zaitsev, and watch the rest of the troops come through with them. We follow Fedorov to his office, and I stand off to the side. Fedorov sits behind his desk with much groaning and sets his hat on its surface.

“Were you successful in your mission?” Fedorov asks.

“Yes, comrade commissar.” The Captain responds. “The enemy has been destroyed and the cargo secured.”

“Excellent!” Fedorov says. “Casualties?”

“Three dead, one wounded, comrade commissar.” Captain Zaitsev answers.

“That’s a lot less than I expected!” Fedorov cheers. “Captain, you are dismissed. Tatyana, I need to talk to you.”

“I’ll need to cancel that personnel transfer.” Fedorov mumbles to himself as Captain Zaitsev leaves.

“Personnel transfer?” I ask.

“To replace your platoon’s expected losses.” Fedorov says with a chuckle. “It’s good to see that you made it back, Tatyana. If you got killed, you couldn’t suck my cock anymore!”

I don’t say anything.

“How was the shootout, Tatyana? Did you piss your pants? Cry?” He asks. “I can give you your old job back!”

“I killed two fascists.” I say. “You should come with us next time, Ivan. It’s quite the thrill.”

“Be careful what you say, girl.” Fedorov warns me. “You going out there is your choice.”

“Do you know why you’re here?” He asks me.

I sigh, lean my rifle against the wall, take my belt off, then set my hat on his desk. I let my hair down as I walk around the desk and kneel in front of him.

Fedorov laughs hysterically. “We’ll get to that!” He says. “But first, I need you to do something.”

“What is it?” I ask.

“Go to the infirmary and get your friend.” Fedorov orders. “Bring her here.”