"Wishful thinking." She said bitterly "No woman has ever made officer rank." Nevertheless, Claire smiled and toasted with Alex. Perhaps they made more in common than they realized. Perhaps this was the start. The start of a new friendship. "I fight for the country, not myself. If I think that my life is more important and of more utility than someone elses then I'd rather let the other die."<br/><br/>~4 months later~<br/><br/>"Alex! We have a new assignment." Claire called. He was a Warrant Officer now, just like her. He'd risen 3 ranks in the same time span it had taken her to rise one. They'd grown quite close over time. In fact, he did reminded her of Mark more and more each week. Mark's mother was from the States as well, even though Mark himself was British. Mark had always been a better flyer than her as well, although not as good as Alex. He couldn't shoot a plane to save his life. However everyday she was reminded he was not Mark. Mark was soft, gentle and kinder. Mark's smile shone while Alex's dazzled. Alex wasn't a replacement.<br/><br/>"Alex were are you?" She walked over to his bunk, where his stuff lay scattered about. "Oi! Sgt Donavan. Could you tell Alex I've placed tomorrow's mission details on his desk?"<br/><br/>"Will do. Ma'am" Claire smiled and was about to turn around when she spotted one of the letters on the cot. It was in Russian. No it wasn't the fact that it was in Russian that it drew her attention. Because of his heritage, Alex often served as an interpreter and after Mark she wouldn't judge. No. It was addressed to Russia.<br/><br/>She had to tell the Colonel. She snatched the letter and took off towards Colonel Carim's office.