Despite Brandi's pleas, Bradley couldn't disregard the need to find Maverick. He was all he had left of his dad and he knew Brandi saw him as a surrogate father. Her bone-trembling scream still rang in his ears from when she collapsed at Iceman's funeral. She had held herself together, only falling apart when she thought no one was looking. He would not let that happen to her again, not while he had an ounce of guilt left in him.
Was he being reckless? Yes. Was there a chance he wouldn't make it? Yes. Was it possible that Brandi would be burring two empty caskets instead of just one? Most definitely. But Bradley was willing to take that chance, he couldn't help but feel as if his dad would do the same, that he would want him to.
'Just come home.' That's all she asked of him. Easier said than done. But he was determined.
A large clearing was spotted and an attack helicopter flew low over the tree line, firing down upon a small moving target. It was a person, appearing more ant-like than human as they slipped behind a fallen tree for cover. The red helmet was what caught Bradley's eye, there was no mistaking that it was Maverick.
The chopper was just yards from him, its guns trained, ready to fire again. Without hesitation, Bradley flew right past a collection of SAMs. The missiles chased him down, but he weaseled his way toward the helicopter. The missile made impact with the vehicle, crashing into the ground in an explosion of fire and metal. The pilot didn't even notice him. He thanked the snowy weather briefly.
But there were other SAMs at the ready. He wizzed by another set and they took off after him. There would be no escaping he knew it. Seizing Brandi's ring from where it hung in his line of sight, Bradley calmed himself down. He ejected with not a second to spare.
~~~~~
Bradley's icon vanished from the monitor.
"Dagger Two is hit. Dagger Two is hit!"
Brandi bolted from her chair. She fought for air. Her vision darkened. The girl had sent him to his death. This was her doing. She tried to do the right thing and she paid the consequences.
