Chapter 14:
Last minute checks, he always does last minute checks, either for driving, or flying. He was about to be sent into a mission, it sounded simple, but he knew better then to question his gut, something was gonna happen.
Giving the 'Ready for take off' signal, he prepares his body for the slingshot off of the ship.
3… 2… 1… whoosh!
In an instant Rooster was slammed in the seat and sling into the air. Gaining control, he heads for the Turkish border to complete his mission. Breathing deeply, he looks down at the picture of him and Nat, at the Hard Deck, goofing around with the piano, it was right after their graduation from Top Gun.
That is what he is fighting for, a chance to see her smile like that again, fuck, he'll cross through hell and back for her.
The coast was in view, meaning the minute he crosses, all gloves were off. With a shaky breath, he looks up to the sky, "Talk to me, dad.".
Full throttle, shwoosh, shooting for the border. He'll be damned if he fails his true goal. Three hours, it was a dreadful flight, his thoughts were only of her, his dreams were only of her, he wants her to be the centre of his life.
The border was in sight, the ravine in front of him, arming the missile, taking place on the target, firing the missile, and he watches as the rocks and rubble slide to close the ravine.
But his mission wasn't over, two enemy fighters were on his tail, must've been a scout team, for now, he was in a tough situation, but the words: 'Don't think, just do.' Pop into his head, and he was laser focused, if it's a dogfight, then he'll give them him.
'It's not the plane, it's the pilot.'
Setting out full speed, the two enemy craft follow him, diving into the ravine, one jet loses control and flies right into the edge. But the other fighter was on his tail, Brad knew using missiles was a shitty idea, so he switched to guns.
The enemy craft did the same, firing at him, but Brad was quicker, heading for a steep climb, and shutting of the jets, he performs a backflip over the enemy craft, reengaging the engines, he fires a round of bullets, nicking the engine, but it wasn't enough, the guy was swirling side to side, trying to avoid the wrath of Brad.
But Rooster wasn't gonna let this motherfucker get away so easily. Laser focus, he switches to missiles, and fires at the top of the ravine, the rocks crumble and drop, hitting the enemy cockpit, causing the jet to explode, with a quick move, Rooster climbs above the ravine, heading back to the ship.
Once the wheels hit the deck, and leaving the cockpit, his ass was dragged for a physical. Why the fuck did he need a physical?
A few minutes later, the docs told him he was free to go, and he was thankful for that, heading for the bridge, he accidentally bumps someone over, it was the young petty officer who was assigned to assist him.
"Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you like that." He apologises, kneeling to help her pick up the paperwork that fell from her.
"It's okay, sir." She stutters again.
"I didn't get your name.".
"Emily, Emily Carter, sir.".
Brad seemed a little taken aback, "Lemme guess, Captain Carter is family of yours?".
"My mom, sir.".
Brad smiles back, "You don't have to address me as 'sir' all the time, but under certain circumstances, I'd say its okay.".
"Thank you, sir… I mean, Bradley." She quickly corrects herself. The two stand up and Brad opens the door to the main office for her, "Ladies first.".
She blushes deeply as she walks through. Brad then spins around and walks for the galley, but unknown to his knowledge, the petty officer, was spying on him from the peephole in the office door.