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Riley hadn't lied when she said she didn't get hangovers. She didn't. She woke up the next morning feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead of her. She was excited to hear what Top Gun had called them back for and what their newest mission would be. And so, she left the homeport with a pep in her step, turning on the radio in her red 67 Chevy Impala. It had been a gift from her father on her twenty-first birthday and despite them not being close, she fucking loved that car.
Turning up at the base, there was a buzz of anticipation in the air. Everyone was standing around, talking amongst themselves in a more hushed manor than the night before at the Hard Deck. Riley had gone to the locker rooms, getting changed into her coveralls and then headed to the meeting, her hair slicked back into a low bun.
Riley walked in, catching Phoenix's gaze who was stood with her brother, chatting with him, "Morning, Riles. How we feeling?" Phoenix asked her in greeting, turning her attention away from Jake who was probably already annoying her so early in the morning. Riley could just tell from the look of relief on her face at the sight of her.
Riley grinned and held her arms out, "Fresh as a daisy, baby," She chirped and then glanced at her brother who looked almost miserable that she wasn't suffering. She smirked and nudged him, "That's what happens when you're the younger, more talented sibling. No hangovers." She teased smugly.
He looked down at her, "Correction: the younger, more annoying sibling." He said, giving her a passive smile. Riley gave him the middle finger.
Everyone settled down. There were two-seater tables in two rows and so, Riley sat with her brother—if she didn't, he would most likely be sitting alone, "Jesus, the anticipation is almost killing me." Riley whispered to her brother, the sound of aircrafts humming on the runways outside.
Jake leaned closer to her, "Right?" He agreed, showing a bit of excitement, "But whatever it is, you and I are gonna do what we always do." Riley furrowed her brows at her brother, turning her body to face him.
"And what's that?" She inquired.
His mouth twitched into a smirk, "Be the best."
"Attention on deck!" Everyone immediately raised from their seats, standing with their hands clasped behind their backs. Riley fought off the urge to grin. This is what she had been waiting for. They were finally about to find out their purpose at Top Gun.
Two men walked in, dressed in their khaki uniforms unlike Riley and the rest of the Top Gun graduates who were dressed in their coveralls. They both walked with purpose before stopping in front of the group of aviators, "Morning. Welcome to your special training detachment. Be seated." One of the men said once he reached the front of the group, standing with the American flag spread out behind him and a podium in front of him.
