Page rushed over and separated Pat and Edward. He glared at Edward with eyes glittering with anger.
"Lieutenant Clarence, there was absolutely no call for that. You're entirely out of order. Seriously? Fighting, unprovoked, with your own squadron member all of a few hours after he got out of triage? You should be ashamed of yourself. Textbook definition of conduct unbecoming an officer. We'll talk about this later, believe you me."
Page returned to the lectern.
"However, this obviously dispiriting information was immediately followed by the news, also given to me by the PM, that 319 Squadron is to be reactivated immediately, as the first squadron attached to Churchill's new Special Operations Executive. This is an entirely new branch of the British military, dedicated specifically to implementing clandestine operations against the Axis. Our mission hasn't really changed at all - we've just been removed from the official RAF rosters, and moved to Churchill's personal command. Officially of course, we don't exist anymore - all the better for secrecy.
"This also means that we'll need to move airfields - Manston Heath is too high-profile an airfield for us now, and we'd just be taking up space that RAF combat squadrons could use. We'll soon be re-stationed to the official SOE headquarters/airfield, now under construction at a village called Tempsford, in Berkshire. It's brand new, deep in the heartland, far away from prying eyes. Besides, I understand that with the damage inflicted to the Red Lion, George is planning on relocating his business elsewhere. Perhaps we could convince him to come along and open a new pub there."
Page sighed.
"So, it sounded a bit worse than it was. And I know we're all kinda stressed out. But we can't afford to be throwing punches at each other. Ever. I thought I made that clear the last time.
"I don't know when we'll be ordered to move, but it'll likely be soon. So be ready. You men did good work out there. Don't piss all over it now."
Page folded up his dossier.
"Alright, dismissed for the day. Again, well done. And Commander, could I see you for a minute?"
As the men of the squadron left the briefing room, chatting about their plans, Noble hung back. She looked slightly nervous. Page motioned her over.
"No need to be scared, Commander, it's good news. You've heard you're officially a part of the squadron now, not just our...handler, for lack of a better word?"
She perked up immediately. "Oh, yes! Sorry, I thought I'd done something wrong. No, I've heard, and I'm glad for it. I'll miss London, but I think I can be of much more use here with you, actually doing frontline work."
"I'm very much inclined to agree. However, there's more to it than that. The SOE's offering you a position, Commander. Another transfer. You'll be commissioned as a Lieutenant, and be fully qualified for training as one of us, as an active member of the squadron. Combat flying training, commando training, etc... It's all wide open to you, if you want it. I know you already have some flight experience, so that'll speed things along considerably."
"Or, you could stay where you are - as a strict ground operative. Although if our future operations are anything like the last one, I think it couldn't hurt for you to have more training. It's your call."
Her eyes widened. "I...wow. I don't think I could turn that down. And you would train me?"
"Of course. You'd be the first woman in the history of the RAF to be a combat pilot. And I don't think there could be a better candidate."
She looked at her feet, a little red in the face. She slowly looked back up.
"It would be an honor, Captain."
Page grinned. "Then we'll start as soon as possible. Welcome to the squadron proper, Commander...or should I say Lieutenant now?"
"Oh, either works, really. Alix works fine too - first name basis with officers, and all that."
"I'll try to remember that, Alix. I promise."
