The aircraft carrier had a number of briefing rooms used for various occasions. This specific occasion called for the mission selection. Maverick and Cyclone stand at the front, ready to assign placements for the mission.
"It's been an honor flying with you," Maverick starts, "each one of you represents the best of the best. This is a very specific mission. My choices are a reflection of that and nothing more."
He surveys the pilots he's been training for the past two-ish weeks. In his mind, none of them were ready. Hell, he was barely ready. But this had to be done. And some had more promise than others.
Cyclone stands next to him. "Choose your two foxtrot teams."
"Payback and Fanboy," Maverick lists the first pair. "Phoenix and Bob," he finished off.
Both pairs give nods, accepting their official positions and beginning to mentally prepare themselves.
"And your wingman," Cyclone continues.
After a moment of hesitation, Maverick calls out one name. "Rooster."
Cyclone looks slightly concerned while Rooster looks up in surprise.
"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserved role that's required," Warlock informs the rest. Hangman looks slightly downcast, hoping he had been chosen for the mission. "Dismissed"
The rest of the aviators congratulate those chosen before standing by to offer support. They would be ready to help if needed, be assured of that.
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Reuben, after their selection, had gone back to the room he was assigned to sit and think.
He knew it was a possibility to be selected, and this is what he signed up for. That didn't stop the nerves or stress.
Mickey had come into the room a few minutes after Reuben had disappeared. "You good man?"
He nodded. "Yeah, I'm good. I knew the nerves would hit eventually. They always do."
Mickey took a seat in front of him. "I know that's not all, dude. I know you too well by now."
Reuben smiled. That was true. They had been partnered together years ago and been so successful that they stayed partnered.
"I've been thinking about the future. Jia and I have been together for almost thirteen years, engaged for almost five. We never cared if we got married. It was just another title. But the more I think about the future, the more I realize I want to be married. It wouldn't change anything, but it would give us the freedom to move around more and put an end to all the questions."
It was a lot to take in, but Mickey took it all in stride. It didn't surprise him that this was all coming out now. He had never truly seen a couple as in love as Jia and Reuben. It was something he strived to have for himself one day, if he was being honest.
"It's completely normal to be having these thoughts about your future, Rueben. Like you said, you two have been together since you were seventeen. Seventeen! And even if neither of you really care about the official title or label of marriage, it does give you more access to benefits, especially for her. I'm honestly surprised you didn't do it earlier, specifically for the benefits."
He shrugged. "It's something I'm going to talk with her about when we make it back."
And that's how Mickey knew he was okay. Because he said when, not if.
When.
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Jia and Benji were on their final day on set. The movie was finally wrapping after a long six month shoot.
"It's finally over. At least we get to relax and rest for a few months before the next project."
Jia sighed in exhaustion. "It's been a long few months, Benji. I don't know how we did it."
He shrugged. "Because we're badass, that's how."
She laughed at that, lightly nudging him in the ribs. But he still noticed her look. "I know you're worried about him. But they will be fine."
"I can't help it. This one is really scaring me." Benji could only hug her, trying to keep her steady.
She pulled out of the hug after a few minutes. "I've really been thinking of the future lately. And I know I want to have kids soon, before it becomes more of a danger for me."
He looked at his best friend. "Have you guys talked about this? It's big for both of you, but it would put your career on hold."
Jia nodded her head. "We've discussed it in passing before, but nothing serious just yet. I'll have to bring it up once he's home."
And Benji knew he had succeeded in keeping her calm. Because she had just admitted he was coming home, with a certainty he hadn't heard in days.
But one thing was for sure. This couple had a very bright and happy future ahead of them.
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Word count: 816
Bit short today, but highly important.
So both Jia and Reuben are really thinking of their future but thankfully both of them are on the same page. Can anyone say soulmates??!!!
Mission is next chapter, along with some advice from a very wise source. Bye guys!!!
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