AN: The following one-shot is set after chapter 2 and before chapter 3 of my story – In The Air Tonight. If you haven't read that, I kindly ask you to go read it and leave a review. Also it's recommended that you read the story first, since some things in the one-shots may not make sense to you.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned here.
In The Air Tonight One-Shots
authored by WingsuitFlying
Chapter 8 – Viper
Written in memory of Rear Admiral Pete "Viper" Pettigrew, February 3rd 1942 – June 23rd 2024
The sun had barely risen over NAS North Island, casting a warm glow over the deck as the pilots of the elite Top Gun program prepared for another day of grueling training exercises. Lieutenant Donovan "Reaper" Grimm was meticulously going through his pre-flight checks on his sleek F-35, his mind focused on the day's training maneuvers that Captain Rick "Hollywood" Neven would be putting them through. The hum of activity around him was familiar and comforting; it was the rhythm of his life as a naval aviator.
Reaper glanced up briefly to see Lieutenant Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw and Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in the midst of a heated exchange. Rooster's face was contorted with anger, his voice rising with each word he hurled at Maverick. Rooster was walking away from Maverick, ignoring him, despite Maverick's calls to him to stop.
"Bradley…" Maverick called out, but Rooster continued his determined stride, letting the words pass him by like the wind "Bradley…" Maverick called out again as he sped up his steps to catch up to the taller, younger pilot. "Liuetenant Bradshaw! " he called out in order and Rooster knew that he had nowhere to run and he couldn't disobey orders.
"What?" Rooster asked with unhidden disdain for Maverick.
"What's this about?" Maverick asked, his tone probing.
"What's this about? You pulled my papers from the Naval Academy! You had no right!" Rooster's voice was sharp, the words cutting through the air like a knife.
Maverick stood his ground, his expression a mixture of regret and determination. "I did what I thought was best for you, Bradshaw. Your mother—"
"Don't you dare bring her into this!" Rooster interrupted, his face flushed with fury. "My dad trusted you, and look where it got him! I'm not making the same mistake."
Reaper, tightening a bolt on his jet, chose to ignore the scene. He knew the tension between Maverick and Rooster was none of his business. Their issues were deep-rooted and personal, stemming from the tragic death of Rooster's father, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, years ago. Getting involved wouldn't help anyone.
Just as Reaper turned back to his work, an unmistakable figure caught his eye. Walking with a purposeful stride across the deck was the retired Rear Admiral Mike "Viper" Metcalf. The legendary naval aviator, known for his heroics in Vietnam and his storied career, was a living legend among the Navy's best. He had been Maverick's instructor during his time at Top Gun, and his presence commanded respect and reverence. Viper's reputation as a "MiG Killer" from the Vietnam War preceded him, his name spoken with reverence among the ranks.
Viper approached the unfolding confrontation with a calm demeanor. He had seen a similar scene play out decades ago, when a younger Maverick had stood before him, burdened with the loss of his own father. Viper knew the weight of that pain and the way it could shape a pilot's career.
"Lieutenant Bradshaw," Viper's voice was steady and authoritative, cutting through the tension like a well-aimed missile. "A word."
Rooster snapped to attention, the anger still simmering in his eyes but tempered by the respect Viper's presence commanded. Maverick, too, straightened, his expression unreadable as he watched his former instructor step into the fray.
"Rear Admiral Metcalf," Rooster acknowledged, his tone formal but strained.
Viper nodded, his gaze piercing. "Walk with me, Lieutenant."
Rooster hesitated but then fell into step beside Viper, leaving Maverick standing alone, his eyes following them as they walked away. Reaper, watching from a distance, felt a sense of relief. If anyone could navigate the stormy waters between Maverick and Rooster, it was Viper.
As they walked, Viper spoke softly, his words meant for Rooster alone. "I've seen what you're going through, Bradshaw. I've been where you are. Anger and blame won't bring your father back, nor will they make you the pilot you want to be."
Rooster's shoulders tensed, but he listened. Viper continued, his voice steady. "Maverick made a difficult decision. He did it out of care, not malice. Your father trusted him, and I think you know why."
Rooster's face softened, the hard edges of his anger beginning to crumble under Viper's measured words. "It's not easy," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
"No, it's not," Viper agreed. "But holding onto that anger will only hold you back. Trust in yourself, and in the legacy your father left you. You have a chance to honor him by being the best pilot you can be."
They stopped at the edge of the deck, the vast expanse of the ocean stretching out before them. Rooster looked out at the horizon, his mind churning. Viper placed a hand on his shoulder, a gesture of support and understanding.
"Remember, Bradshaw," Viper said, "it's not the plane, it's the pilot."
As Viper walked away, Rooster stood there, the weight of his words sinking in. He glanced back at Maverick, who was watching from a distance. Their eyes met, and for the first time, Rooster saw something more than just the man he blamed for his father's death. He saw the mentor who had guided him, his father's best friend who had tried to protect him, and perhaps, the pilot his father had trusted for a reason.
Reaper, finishing his pre-flight checks, saw the subtle change in Rooster's demeanor and felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe today's training exercises would bring more than just skill refinement. Maybe they would start to heal the rift that had divided them for so long.
As Viper walked back toward Maverick, the older man's stride was as confident and steady as it had always been. Maverick, feeling a mixture of relief and gratitude, let out a long sigh. The weight of the confrontation with Rooster had been pressing down on him, and Viper's timely intervention felt like a lifeline.
"Admiral," Maverick greeted, his voice carrying a hint of the respect and affection he had for the man who had become like a father to him over the years.
"Maverick," Viper replied, his eyes softening as he looked at the younger pilot who had once been his most challenging student. "I see not much has changed. You're still finding ways to create turbulence."
Maverick chuckled, a wry smile forming on his lips. "Old habits die hard, sir."
Viper's expression grew serious as he stood next to Maverick, both of them looking out over the deck where Rooster was now standing alone, lost in thought. "Bradshaw is a good pilot. He's got his father's instincts, but he's carrying a lot of baggage."
"I know," Maverick admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "I've tried to guide him, to protect him, but I think I've just made things worse."
"Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is step back and let them find their own way," Viper said, his tone gentle but firm. "You did what you thought was best. His anger isn't just about you pulling his papers; it's about the loss of his father and the confusion of not knowing the whole story."
Maverick nodded, remembering how Viper had revealed the truth about his own father's heroism during the Vietnam War. That revelation had changed his life, giving him closure and a deeper understanding of his father's legacy. "I know. It's just... difficult to watch him struggle."
Viper placed a reassuring hand on Maverick's shoulder. "You've always had a tendency to take the weight of the world on your shoulders. But you're not alone in this. Rooster has to come to terms with his past, just like you did. And he will, in time."
Maverick looked at Viper, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, sir. For everything. You've been like a father to me."
Viper smiled, the lines on his face deepening with the expression. "And you've been like a son to me, Maverick. Watching you grow from that brash young pilot into the man you are today has been one of my greatest honors."
The two men stood in silence for a moment, the bond between them stronger than words could convey. Maverick knew that Viper's wisdom and guidance had been instrumental in shaping his career and his life. He was grateful for the mentorship and the friendship that had sustained him through the years.
As the morning sun climbed higher, the deck buzzed with activity, pilots and crew preparing for the day's training exercises. Viper gave Maverick a final, reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to leave.
"Remember, Maverick," Viper said, his voice carrying a note of finality, "it's not just about flying the plane. It's about knowing why you're up there in the first place."
As he turned to leave, Viper's keen eyes scanned the deck, taking in the various activities with a practiced ease. He noticed Reaper, who was diligently conducting pre-flight checks on his F-35, meticulously going over every detail. Viper's gaze lingered on the younger pilot, recognizing a familiar intensity in his movements.
Maverick, noticing Viper's interest, followed his gaze and understood the unspoken question. "That's Reaper," Maverick said quietly, stepping closer to Viper. "He's Smoke's kid."
Viper's eyes widened slightly with recognition. He remembered Lieutenant James Grimm, known by his callsign "Smoke" due to his incessant habit of smoking cigarettes, one perpetually dangling from his lips even when he wasn't flying. Viper had never flown with him, but he knew Smoke's reputation and the tragic story that surrounded his disappearance.
"James Grimm," Viper mused aloud, his voice tinged with a mix of respect and sorrow. "Disappeared on what was supposed to be a routine mission in an F-14 Tomcat. They never found him."
Maverick nodded, his expression somber. "Yeah. Reaper carries that legacy on his shoulders, just like Rooster and I do with ours. But unlike us, he doesn't let it show. He pushes it all into his flying, flat out to the limit, consequences be damned."
Viper watched as Reaper completed his checks, his movements precise and deliberate. "He has the look of someone who's always got something to prove," Viper observed. "Much like his father."
"Exactly," Maverick agreed. "He's a hell of a pilot. Keeps to himself mostly, doesn't let anything get in his way. But there's a fire in him, a need to prove that he's not defined by his father's legacy."
Viper nodded thoughtfully. "It's a heavy burden to carry, living up to a legend, especially one who vanished without a trace. But sometimes, it's those burdens that forge the strongest steel."
As if sensing their conversation, Reaper glanced up from his jet and met Viper's gaze briefly before returning to his work. There was a flicker of recognition in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment of the respect that Viper commanded.
Maverick felt a sense of pride as he watched Reaper. "He reminds me a lot of you, sir. Focused, determined, always pushing the envelope."
Viper smiled faintly. "Let's hope he learns to temper that with wisdom. There's more to being a great pilot than just skill. It's about understanding why you fly, and who you're flying for."
Maverick nodded, appreciating the depth of Viper's insight. "I think he's getting there. Slowly but surely."
As the call for pre-flight briefings sounded, Reaper finished his checks and stood up, ready to join the other pilots. Maverick and Viper watched as he walked away, each lost in their own thoughts.
"You and Hollywood got good classes here, Maverick," Viper said, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and pride. "They're the best of the best. Just like you were."
"Thank you, sir," Maverick replied, a hint of emotion in his voice. "Coming from you, that means a lot."
Viper gave Maverick a firm nod. "Keep guiding them, Maverick. They need your leadership, your experience. But most importantly, they need to know that they're not alone in carrying their burdens."
"I will, sir," Maverick promised. "I'll do my best."
Maverick watched as Viper walked away, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He knew he still had a long way to go to mend his relationship with Rooster, but with Viper's wisdom and the legacy of Goose guiding him, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As he turned back to his duties, Maverick saw Rooster walking towards him, a tentative look on his face. There was still a lot unsaid, a lot of healing to be done, but the first step had been taken. And for now, that was enough.
AN: A short one-shot written in memory of Rear Admiral Pete "Viper" Pettigrew, who was the inspiration for Viper in the original Top Gun. Reviews are always welcome! If you have any requests for a one-shot you want to see written, let me know and I'll come up with something for you. Also I want to thank AmberRising and Batghost once again due to their unwavering support for In The Air Tonight!