The Rooster and The Wolf | Bradley 'ROOSTER' Bradshaw

TWENTY ONE

Cyclone had called you early this morning, asking you to be present in a meeting with himself and Warlock. 

What you didn't expect was Maverick to walk in mere minutes after you.

"I can only imagine what you must be feeling right now. Take some time, whatever you need." Cyclone addressed Maverick.

"I appreciate that, sir, but there is no time. The mission-"

"I'll be taking over the training from here." He said, and your head snapped to look at him.

"Sir?" Maverick said, just as confused as you.

"We both know you didn't want this job, Captain."

"Sir, they're not ready."

"It was your job to get them ready."

"Sir they need to believe that this mission can be flown-"

"And all you've managed to do is teach them that it can't." Cyclone said, "you're grounded, Captain. Permanently."

A gasp left your mouth as his words, and you looked at your father as his eyes dropped to the floor. 

This couldn't be happening.

"Cyclone please this mission needs him-" You tried, but he cut you off with a wave of his hand.

"That is all. You will still be expected to assist, Lieutenant."

You followed the distraught Maverick out of the room, but you didn't know what to say, so you just held him. 

You then called the only person you knew he needed, and soon you were both at Penny's doorstep. 

You went inside to spend some time with Amelia, who had become a sister to you over the years, to give them space to talk before re-joining them.

"Those are your pilots." Penny said as you emerged from the kitchen, "If anything happens to them, you'll never forgive yourself."

"She's right, Dad. You can't give up."

"I don't know what to do." he croaked, looking between the two of you.

"But you'll find a way. I know you will." Penny said, placing her hand on his cheek.

"We've gotta do something, Mav."

The pilots sat in the training room, listening to Cyclone as he gave the new parameters. 

Many of them shook their heads in disbelief, this new way was going to get them killed, and they knew it. Rooster scanned the room, and noticed you were not present yet again. 

He nudged Phoenix with a questioning look, who shrugged her shoulders.

"Where's (Y/N)?" He tried to whisper, but Cyclone heard him.

"Lieutenant Mitchell has failed to turn in for duty, this morning. I would expect that she has left with her father."

Rooster scoffed at this, "With all due respect, sir, Wolf would not abandon this mission."