MAVERICK knew he was beyond screwed when the VX31 landed at the base and Marines were ready to escort him to one of the administrative offices.

However, he didn't feel guilty. After all, he had saved the lives of countless of his comrades by proving to the Navy that they could reach Mach 10, not Mach 9 as predicted. What he would never have thought was that the aircraft would disintegrate upon reaching Mach 10.3.

Facing Admiral Cain was beyond frightening, but he was trying to stay calm and take a deep breath, hiding all his nervousness from whoever she knew was in trouble. He was a test pilot, but after what he'd done, he didn't know anymore.

"Maverick," he began by reading from his file. "Over 30 years of combat, honorable mentions, the only man to shoot down three enemy planes in the last 40 years. Distinguished service medals, more medals, and more medals... But he doesn't get a promotion, and he won't even retire.

Maverick kept his posture rigid and precise, his arms at his sides. He swallowed, oblivious to the superior seal sitting on the table in front of him.

"And after all his efforts, he refuses to die," he continued. "I should already be at least Rear Admiral or even Senator, but still Captain of Sea and War?" Because?

"It's one of life's mysteries, sir," he replied.

"I'm not kidding," he warned. "I asked a question."

Maverick looked down, thinking hard before replying:

"I'm in my place, Sir."

"Well, the Navy doesn't see it that way," he commented. "No more."

Admiral Cain leaned back in his chair, sighing before being blunt:

"Those planes you test, Captain, sooner or later won't need any pilots. Pilots who need to sleep, eat, and even piss. Or pilots who disobey orders.

At that moment, Maverick swallowed hard. Oh, he already knew what was coming.

"You bought everyone more time there," Cain said. "The future is coming, and you're not in it.

He looked out the window, seeing the movement outside. Maverick would admit to himself that he'd screwed up pretty badly in that situation, but after 30 years of service? Would they really take away your license?

"Escort this man to the base," the Admiral ordered one of his soldiers. "Take him to the barracks and wait for him to collect all his belongings. I want him on his way to the North Island in an hour.

"North Island, sir?" Maverick repeated, but did not understand.

Cain sighed, shaking his head and denying something to himself.

"The timing couldn't be more perfect," he complained. "I got the call when I was going to ban you from flying once and for all. I don't like to admit it, but for reasons only God and your guardian angel know, you've been called back to Top Gun.

There was no way this could be happening. Maverick was trying to reason with the few words Admiral Cain had said, but he was having a hard time. Top Gun? Called back?

"Sir," he called, trying to think of something to say.

"Dismissed, Captain."

He didn't even risk answering, afraid of what would come out of his own mouth. Maverick relaxed, sighing deeply as he turned on his way to the exit.

"The end is inevitable, Maverick," he said, watching him leave. "Your kind will be extinct.

"Maybe, Sir," Maverick replied, pausing to face his superior with a smug smile on his lips. "But not today."

━━━━━━
07.09.22

N O T E S

Welcome to another duology by me and Donatumblr !

If you've already followed me, you know that this isn't the first time we've created a duology. You must also know that we love strong emotions, so you can be sure that you will have many here!

I need to give these warnings so that there is no confusion, so here goes:

1. One story complements the other! Of course, we can't force you to read both works if you don't want to, but be aware that the characters appear in both fanfics, so in some scenes you may end up getting confused if you don't know, at least, about the existence of our Oc's.

2. It is a story for people over the age of 18! We had some issues with this before, so we need to warn you: if we notice the presence or interaction of children, we will have to block and report users!

3. Votes and comments are always welcome (they help us a lot), but comments that offend or are prejudiced, referring to politics or religion, will be deleted and users blocked!

Now, please tell us what your expectations and theories are! We'd love to hear them! I'll see you in the next chapter and, again, thank you for joining us on another journey.