Danger Zone: TOP GUN MAVERICK

Prologue:

The air was rather humid, unfortunately, as Neo hopped out of the cockpit and walked away from his jet on the USS Truman. This was his second deployment to the carrier, but in all honesty he had lost count of the total number of deployments he had been on. He was on his own this time. "Matrix, please report to Commander Bridges's office in fifteen minutes. Something urgent has come up," Commander Bridges's assistant said as she greeted him.

"Thanks, Cat," Neo replied, walking to change out of his flight gear.

Once he'd had a quick shower, changed into fresh service khakis and combed his hair properly, Neo walked to Commander Bridges's office and knocked.

"Enter." Neo walked into the office. Once inside, he quickly stood at attention.

"Lieutenant Kazansky-Mitchell, a call was made for you." Wasp says. Wasp was a tall man around 6'4" and had a rather slim build despite being a commander. He was one of the tamest, if not the friendliest, commanding officers Neo had ever had, especially compared to a couple of COs he'd had prior to Commander Bridges.

"Sir? Are my dads alright??" Neo asked, immediately concerned. There weren't very many reasons lieutenants were called away from their postings, and when they were, it usually meant the worst.

"Yes, Lieutenant, they are alright. The call came from Vice Admiral Beau Simpson. You and twelve others have been called back to Top Gun for a classified mission. He said that he talked to Admiral Kazansky, and your Pops said you'd make a good candidate. I do not know many details but you are to be stateside within the next five hours for your detachment."

What will the mission be? Neo thought. Why would they need 12 others? Were they Top Gun graduates? Why would they need 12 of them? What could possibly be so bad to warrant that? What would he need to know? What–

"Good luck, Lieutenant," Wasp said, looking up from his position behind the desk. He almost looked...proud. "Dismissed."

Neo didn't need to be told twice. He quickly strode out of the Commander's office to pack.

Once he had packed his uniforms, toiletries, flight suit and general hodgepodge of necessary items into his duffle, tucked his helmet under his arm, and gave a last goodbye to the boat, he watched from the deck as the USS Truman sailed into the port of North Island. Before he was due to leave he made a stop by Wasp's office again.

"Thank you, sir, for everything. If I don't see you again." Neo said. There was a slight pang in his chest as he turned to leave and face the unknown. Wasp had been one of the kindest commanding officers he'd ever had, and the possibility of not seeing the man stung more than he would've liked to admit.

"You're a good man, Lieutenant. Make your country proud," Bridges says as Neo gives a firm salute, which Bridges returned with a soft smile.

Neo scanned the area for his dad or his pops. The port was relatively empty other than a couple other cars and vehicles. Neo thought back to Jake as the two had last talked during the new years celebrations as the duo were home for Christmas and New Years that year as they had promised Ice and Maverick that they'd be home for the holidays.

Ten minutes crawled by until Neo spotted Ice's car pulling in. His smile grew, and he walked to his pops's car. The trunk flew open and Neo quickly deposited his duffle and helmet in the back.

"It's good to see you, son," Ice said, smiling as Neo got into the car.

Buckling himself in, Neo grinned and settled into the seat. "It's good to see you too, Pops."

"We need to make a stop at medical to see your dad." Ice said, starting to drive.

"What? Why? What did he do this time?" Neo asked.