Keep Your Eyes On Me

- 14 -

Liz looked out at the sea, standing on the edge of the carrier's deck. Her hands gripped the railing of the f/18s next to her, keeping her center as her mind wandered.

"You think you'll be picked?" Bradley asked, walking up behind her causing her to jump a little.

"Not a chance," she mumbled. "Maybe before Mav became team leader. Definitely not now."

"Yeah, I have a feeling Hangman's going to be chosen as wingman."

Liz nodded. She could see that. He seemed to have the fastest times when it came to making it on target. But he didn't work well with others in the air. At least not traditionally. In her experience, when the stakes of death were present, he always was a team player.

"You have a chance Roo," she hummed leaning into the man's side. "You are one of the best single-seaters who were recruited. Don't discount yourself just because you have a history."

The mustached man looked down at Liz, smiling softly as he pulled her into a hug. He kissed the top of her head gently before pulling away.

"I won't if you won't," he said, squeezing her arm before walking off. She watched him before bracing herself as the platform began to unexpectedly move downward. As the platform slowed, it revealed her father and Warlock. She watched as her father walked onto the platform flight gear in tow. The platform slowly rose once again to go to the flight deck.

"What's with the gear?" she asked, seeing the haunted look on his face.

"Oh uh, wanted to go on a flight. Clear my head. Help me make decisions," he explained, making her nod.

"You alright?"

"At the moment? I've been better," he answered honestly, giving her a soft smile.

"No matter your decision. I'll still love you, dad. No matter what."

Pete looked away, shaking his head to himself. Why'd she have to say that when he was already so emotionally vulnerable?

The platform stopped on top of the deck, revealing Jake who was waiting for her. The two were going to be meeting up. She walked past her dad onto the main deck of the ship.

"Lizzy!" her father shouted, causing her to look back over.

"I love you too, no matter what happens," he said with a smile, causing her to smile back. She turned to look up at Jake, who smiled down at her. He took her hand and led her towards the door to the deck below.

—-------------

The group of aviators sat in the dimly lit room below deck. The sounds of the ship rang through their ears as they stood at attention. All eyes were focused on the man before them. Their leader. Their captain. Today was the day. No turning back. The mission was a go.

"It has been an honor flying with you," Pete started, looking across the faces of his students. "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."

Liz shifted nervously and glanced over at Bradley, who looked back at her. Her eyes shifted to Jake, whose hair was perfectly combed over. He stood there, tall and ready to be told he was going on the mission. Her eyes went back to her father.

"Choose your two Foxtrot teams," Admiral Simpson said, causing her heart to jump. She wanted to go on this mission. She knew she could do it. Please let her be picked.

"Payback and Fanboy," her father said. He glanced her way, giving her a little glimmer of hope before he looked behind her and John. "Phoenix and Bob." Her heart dropped, looking down at her feet. She felt John's hand reach over for her's, giving it a soft squeeze.