My Boyfriend's a Fighter Pilot (And So Am I)

Chapter 8

Everyone rested up as much as they could the rest of that night, and by morning we were already being shipped off to the USS Theodore Roosevelt for the upcoming mission. I never got a chance to speak with my uncle because as soon as we got on board we were brought to the bunks on the ship. None of us wandered far from one another, since we all knew that these would be our last moments together as a group.

"Bradshaw," I said with a smile.

"Phoenix." He said back as he gently shoved me.

"All naval aviators please report to the flight deck." A voice over the loudspeaker said. Everyone gave each other a look before nodding, as we all began to make our way up top.

"Hey, I need to talk to you about something," I said as I pulled Rooster aside.

"What's up?" He asked as he furrowed his brow.

"If I am chosen for this mission." I began to say when he cut me off.

"No." He said.

"Rooster," I said before he began to speak.

"I can't lose you. Not now." He said as his jaw clenched.

"Bradley, listen to me. If either of us gets chosen or both, we both know the risks. We're both willing to take them. But, if both of us get chosen, NEITHER of us will try and risk it for the other, not in this mission." I said as tears threatened to prick my eyes.

"Anna."

"There's no reasoning in this Roo. Please." I said as I hugged him tightly.

"Okay." He said softly after a beat.

"Come on, let's go," I said as I began to make my way to the top. We got up to the flight deck and took our spots as General Warlock began to pull up a diagram behind him.

"It's an underground bunker tucked between these two mountains. Your route of ingress is heavily defended by surface-to-air missiles, backed by fifth-generation fighters." Warlock turned to the side and began to address all the fighter pilots. "Once your F-18 strike team crosses the border, Tomahawk missiles from the USS Leyte Gulf will be launched in a synchronized strike on the enemy's airfield...here. The moment those Tomahawks hit, the enemy will know you're coming. Your time to target will be two minutes and thirty seconds. Any longer than that and you'll be exposed to any aircraft the Tomahawks may have missed."

"Most importantly, remember Coffin Corner." My uncle said as he began to address us. "On the climb out of the valley, you'll be exposed to enemy missiles. Remember, get low as fast as you can and break for home." I studied my uncle's face as I saw the slight shift of emotion as he glanced at Rooster and then at the ground.

"Captain Mitchell, please select your two Foxtrots," Warlock said as we all held our breath.

"My selections are a mere reflection of the mission ahead, and nothing more." My uncle added before pausing. "Payback and Fanboy, and Phoenix and Bob." I glanced over at my cousin, who seemed to stand a little straighter. I knew just how much she wanted this, just like me.

"And your wingmen?" Warlock continued. Wait, wingmen? I thought as I kept a straight face. Something is up. I glanced over at Rooster and saw that he was looking at the ground, thinking that he wouldn't be chosen. The undeniable shift of Hangman standing up straighter caught my eye, as he hoped that his name would be said.

"Rooster...and Phoenix." My uncle said as he looked at the ground. Rooster and I glanced at each other, then I looked away only to meet my uncle's gaze. His decision surprised me, but also didn't at the same time. I could tell how hard it was for him to make it since he didn't want to lose some of the only family that he had left. I have to talk to him before we leave. And Rooster. I thought as I glanced back at Rooster.