𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 | 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐠𝐮𝐧.

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 - 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄.

Ashley spent the last two weeks with Maverick, Bradley and Bob. She was worried about losing them on this mission and she made it her purpose to spend the two weeks with them, making the most of their time together.

But the day that they were set to fly out to the carrier had arrived and they were boarded onto the plane and flown miles away from home, to intercept the mission they had spent months preparing for.

Maverick stood out on deck as he watched the sea crash against the metal ship when he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist and a soft kiss was placed on his clothed shoulder, "It's going to be okay. We have to believe it will" Ashley told him as he rubbed circles on her hand with his thumb

"I hope so, Ash," Maverick sighed

Ashley lay her head against his shoulder and the couple shared a moment, with the sound of the sea around them

"Talk to me, Goose" Maverick muttered as he closed his eyes

"Captain Mitchell and Captain Thompson" Warlock's voice broke the silence the couple were embraced in and the pair turned to see the man standing behind them, "You're where you both belong," He said as the two Captains looked at their superior

"Make us proud" He said

The platform with Ashley and Mavericks planes lowered to where they were standing and they both walked off onto the platform. Ashley and Maverick locked hands before turning to face Warlock for one last time before the platform lifted up, taking the couple to the top deck.

Down inside the carrier, Ashley and Maverick stood before their pilots that they trained for the last few months, two of which were their family members.

"It has been an honour flying with you," Maverick began, "Each one of you represents the best of the best"

"This is a very specific mission. Our choice is a reflection of that and nothing more"

"Choose your two Foxtrot teams" Cyclone spoke up

Maverick looked at Ashley and nodded at her to go on, "Payback and Fanboy" Ashley said,

"Phoenix and Bob" She looked at her son as his head slowly rose to connect his vision with his mother

"And your wingman?" Cyclone asked

Ashley paused as she and Maverick looked at each other. They knew choosing him was not only a chance for him to prove his abilities but it would also be the possibility of losing him.

"Rooster" Ashley said as her nephew's head rose

"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserve roles that may be required" Warlock spoke, "Dismissed"

Ashley and Maverick watched as everyone slowly dispersed and she held her breath. Was this the right decision? God only knows...

Ashley stepped over to her nephew and son and looked at them, "Whatever happens out there, know I love you both so much" She said, "Your dad would be proud of you, Brad. As would your dad would be of you, Bob" She smiled

Ashley walked over to her plane and ran her hand across the metal cage where her name and callsign was printed on the edge.

She gave one last look up to the grey clouded sky and smiled, "I love you Rob"

She muttered to the sky before pulling her helmet over her brunette hair and she climbed up the wings and into the cockpit, as Maverick mimicked her actions.

Ashley lined her plane up to the front of the carrier, as she waited for commands and the canopy closed.

"Dagger One, up and ready on Catapult One" Ashley spoke

"Dagger Spare, standing by"

"Dagger Five, up and ready"

"Dagger Three, up and ready"

"Dagger Four, up and ready"

"Dagger Two, up and ready" Maverick's voice was the last one Ashley heard through the comms before she received the command to fire up her engines and take off. She looked over to the crew on the platform and gave her hand signal and salute before taking off into the air, as the other planes followed.

The silence in the canopy and the comms was eerie, as Ashley's mind played back everything in the last thirty years of being a Naval Aviator.

This was the matter of life and death. . .

This was the beginning of the end. . .

This was the last day on earth. . .

This was war. . .

This was the final countdown. . .