Author's Note: This is my first piece of fan fiction, so excuse any newbie errors I may make. Reviews and suggestions would be appreciated, and I will update as soon as I can! Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own Top Gun - this includes all characters and themes associated with it. I would be extremely grateful if you did not try sue me.
" … it's urgent, so the sooner I get a reply from you, the better. I'd appreciate it if you could call me back. Thank you."
Harper had already looped the message, but her hand slid over the 'repeat' button again, hesitating before pressing it a third time.
"Lieutenant Maharis, this is Commander Mike Metcalf, calling on behalf of an issue that has recently arisen …"
His plea droned on, describing the situation in greater detail. A pilot was in search for an apt RIO, and she had been nominated as a prospect.
"... unfortunate incident resulting in the loss of Lieutenant Ron Kerner. "
Her entire body bristled instantaneously, and she slammed the 'pause' button. Ever since she had suffered the casualty of her pilot and best friend, Lieutenant Aidan "Shift" Clark, Harper had been inhabiting a world of denial and absolute seclusion. Her guard was sensitive, and even the slightest triggers sent her wheeling into painful recollection. This call was an optimistic venture on Viper's part; the contingency that she would reappear in the field of aviation was slim. Her mindset that particular afternoon must have been aberrant, however, because the unbearable relapses the message sparked combined with the dull desperation in Viper's voice was forcing Harper to seriously consider the idea of returning to TOPGUN. Her chest heaved once before she grasped the receiver, punching in the appropriate sequence of numbers before raising the phone to her lips.
"Hello?"
"Commander Metcalf, this is Lieutenant Maharis. I …"
Harper's trembling voice faded into reticence, any of the composure she had managed to collect deserting her. The sudden wave of apprehension was preventing her from continuing, but Viper was quick to blindly assess her state.
"Let me guess, you've got a reply for me. Tango, all I need is a one word answer."
The sound of her call sign brought the glory of flying into re-justification. Before any remorse had the chance to surface a second time, Harper took a deep breath.
"I'm honored to be considered, sir, and I will assume the position as gracefully as I can