Come Back To Me // Top Gun: Maverick

[Hangman] The Mission

Mission day. This time it was different. This time, I was more scared than I had ever been before, and I am not even going to be there. Maverick, Cyclone, Warlock, I stood on the front stage with the class all out waiting to see who would be chosen. 

"It has been an honor flying with you. Each one of you represents the best of the best. This is a very specific mission. My choice is a reflection of that and nothing more." Maverick said. 

"Choose your two foxtrot teams." Cyclone says. 

"Payback and Fanboy. Phoenix and Bob."

"And your wingman."

"Rooster." 

I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding in. It was horrible knowing that Rooster was going. I hated being selfish but I was glad it wasn't Hangman. I don't know what I would have done if he was going in. 

"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserve role that's required. Dismissed." Warlock said. 

After a while, we were all led to another room with a screen where I will be going over the mission one last time.

"Your target is a clear and present threat." I start to say. "A secret uranium enrichment site under rogue state control. It's an underground bunker, tucked between these two mountains. Your route of ingress is heavily defended by surface-to-air missiles backed up by fifth-generation fighters." I tell the group.

"Once your f-18 strike team crosses the border, tomahawk missiles from the USS Leyte Gulf will launch a synchronized strike on the enemy's airfield here. This will knock out their runway. But you'll have to contend with any planes already in the air. The moment those tomahawks hit, the enemy will know you're coming. Your time to target will be two minutes and 30 seconds. Any longer than that, and you will be exposed to any aircraft the tomahawks may have missed. This is what you've all been training for." I continue to say. 

"Come home safely." I finish saying looking at Dad. 

🗲 🗲 🗲

I was out on the deck where the F-18s were watching everyone get ready. I watch Pheonix, Bob, Payback, and Fanboy all walk up to me. I shake all of their hands giving each of them a nod. 

"Good luck out there!" I yell over the sound of the wind.

"Thank you for everything Lieutenant Commander!" Pheonix yells back to me. 

The four walk off and I see Rooster talking to Hangman. Hangman walks off and I walk up to Rooster. He notices me and we give each other a nod before shaking hands. My final stop was to see dad. I walk up to his aircraft where Hondo was and saw dad talking to Rooster. He then came over to us and gets ready to get in his aircraft. 

"Maverick." Hondo says trying to get his attention. "Maverick? Hey, you with me? I don't like that look, Mav."