Daughters of the Night Sky(17)
The headmaster’s admonition was unnecessary. Every cadet in the room sat straighter as the petite blonde stepped to the microphone. Her name was known to all of us. She had shattered so many records in aviation that Stalin himself had presented her with the highest military honor, Hero of the Soviet Union. We’d all grown up hearing about the exploits of these famous pilots, mostly men, who gained notoriety for flying from one end of Russia to the other, or setting records for speed. They were the heroes who had inspired us to earn our own wings, in many cases. This was the first time I’d been in the same room as one of these famous aviators, and I felt my childlike giddiness rush to the surface, coated in the honey-and-spice scent of my nostalgia.
“Comrades. My fellow pilots,” a confident, remarkably deep voice emanated from the woman who looked to be several centimeters shorter than I, and much smaller in frame. “I come to thank you for your efforts in your studies. What you do here is one of the most important endeavors our great nation is undertaking. We are moving into a new age, and Russia must be at the forefront of technology and training if we are to take our rightful place in this new world. Our great leader, Comrade Stalin, has wisely invested many resources in your training, and I know you are all working tirelessly to make the most of this opportunity to serve your country.
“The time may soon come when your lessons and training will be put to real, practical use. Comrade Stalin and Hitler have an uneasy peace for now, but we cannot count on a greedy foreigner to keep his word. I want you all to be ready to answer Mother Russia’s call if she has need of you. Even if we are not called into the war in Europe, even if the troubles in Asia quell themselves, the situation in the Baltic will demand many of us to serve. Men, if you are needed, I hope your sense of duty will call you to the front before you are called by conscription. I know you will serve with honor. Ladies, the choice is yours, and I understand it is likely to remain so. Know that Comrade Stalin sees you all as equal to your brothers in arms, and just as capable in combat.
“We were all born in a country where women were considered lesser. Second to their brothers, husbands, and fathers. We know this is not so, and you, my sisters, have already benefited from the laws enacted by Comrade Stalin. We are not chained to our stoves any longer. Fight for the liberties we have been given. If you are in this room, you are worthy of service, and I am confident Mother Russia will be proud of the men and women who will defend her in her hour of need.”
The speech was met with thunderous applause as the other cadets and I rose to our feet. Orlova posed with the headmaster and some of the instructors for a photo; then the rest of the cadets were allowed to approach the podium to shake her hand.
Vanya stayed back, but Taisiya and I rushed to the front of the crowd along with the rest of the women. We were of course the most anxious to meet her, but most of the men seemed just as thrilled to meet such an accomplished aviator.
“Thank you” was all I could say as I took her hand in mine. Her grip was firm, but her hand was soft.
“I know,” she said with a smile, knowing the words that I could not express. “It’s not always easy, but it is worth it. I promise you. Will you serve if you are needed, Cadet . . . ?”
“Ivanova. You have my word,” I said, feeling a broad smile stretch across my face.
“Good woman, Ivanova. I’ll be proud to fly with you, sister.”
Sister. I caught Taisiya’s eye, and she returned a grin as ridiculous as my own. Orlova knew the struggle, just like the rest of us.
Vanya waited for me at the door to the auditorium, his face not reflecting the patriotic glow on our classmates’ faces. “Practicals are canceled this afternoon,” he said with no sign of his usual sly smile or roguish wink.
“Probably wise,” I said. “No one will be able to concentrate after that.”
“I’m sure that’s what Stalin is hoping for,” Vanya said, his lips set in a grim line. “Let’s get out of here, shall we?”
I followed him out of the cement corridors into the weak spring sun that still wrestled for victory against winter. He took my hand for anyone at the academy to see, but I didn’t care. They could talk all they liked. Vanya and I walked for perhaps a quarter of an hour before he finally dropped my hand and turned to me. He cupped my face and kissed me slowly, reverent as a penitent man saying his prayers. We hadn’t shared an embrace in the weeks since our date, too busy with the demands of our exams to steal time for one another away from the airfield. Was the sacrifice of that time with Vanya worth the reward?
“Katyushka, can you promise me something?” he whispered in my ear, kissing the soft skin of my jaw, earlobe, and neck in succession.
“What do you need, my Vanya?” I returned the favor by lacing my fingers in his hair and pulling his lips back to mine.
“Could you stay home?” His voice was still hushed, but I heard a note of panic I’d not heard from him before.
“What do you mean?” My brain whirled with excitement at having him near me again, but I felt myself slipping back into reality.
“They wouldn’t have Orlova come if war wasn’t around the corner. They’re trying to get us inspired to fight. The generals don’t trust Hitler to stay put, even if Stalin is too foolish to see his true colors. They’ll be loading the men on the train as soon as they hand us our diplomas. You have the choice, though. You heard what she said. I’m begging you to stay so I can fight knowing you’re safe.”