Pre-Mission Pep Talk, Post-Mission Assessment, And Shenanigans.
Once BobNix have been selected for the mission and are dismissed form the briefing, they find each other and go to be alone for a moment to talk.
Bob: Im with you Natasha. Whatever you need… I will be right behind you assisting in anyway I can.
I promise to be at my best and paint that target this time. Even if I have to fight that pesky dead eye!
Phoenix takes him by the shoulders with a look of determination.
Phoenix: I know. We are the best the Navy has. I am also going to work with you and listen to any advising you provide.
You have my trust completely and I promise to get you back to Calvin and Shelley. NO MATTER WHAT.
Now get dressed and I will see you at the bird OK Bobby?
Bob: Yes Maa’m.
The two get all jocked up in their flight vests and helmets but Bob attempts to make a pit stop to pray but Nix sees him and flags him down.
Phoenix: BOB! The hangar deck is the other way! Please tell me you’re OK !?
Bob: Im Good to go I can Promise you that but I was just going to go say a quick prayer.
I figured I should at least give thanks to my creator even if the worst comes to pass… but I was also going to ask for his divine presence to guide us both and our team.
Phoenix: I can understand your commitment to your beliefs and I actually respect your Faith in God while I am rather light hearted but we need to be topside in 15 minutes.
Go if you must but please hurry.
Bob Looks at her with a gentle smile and has an idea.
Bob: For it is written: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am among them” Matthew18:20.
Would you kindly join me as we ask for his divine overwatch?
Phoenix: You know, I actually would like to but, I didn’t bring my rosary so It would feel a bit wrong… I know that doesn’t have significance to your Christian views but-
Bob pulls a rosary of his own from one of his pockets.
Bob: It actually does.
This was my uncles before he passed away.
He was a devout Catholic himself and served with 1st Force Recon in Vietnam but he left me this rosary in his will because of my service.
He had it wrapped around his forearm during the battle of Hue City while he recited Hail Mary’s over and over again.
He was the lone survivor of his recon team but he believed his faith saved him.
You can borrow it for today if it would give you comfort.
Phoenix looked at him with soft eyes and nodded slowly.
Phoenix: You are thoughtful and do your best to accommodate me in anything we do together.
Lets go have a talk with Sky Daddy.
Bob thanks her and they actually gold hands on their way to the chapel.
Once they make it, The bot htake a knee and bob starts with hisown heart felt prayer as he thanks God for his many gifts and his wonderful life but then he askes him for his overwatcvh and to be with the entire team of daggers but he really takes a detour on Nix and prays for her deeply with the kindest words.
Nix is actually choked up as she swears she can feel some kind of powerful presence.
Bob looks at her with gratitude and a soft smile while offering her his arm.
Bob: Shall I escort you to our Bird Ms. Trace?
Pheonix: Side by side… I need it that way.
They both make it to the Flight deck and as they are double checking each others Survival vests and equipment, they lock eyes and they know what is being said without a word.His eyes are raging storm of blue waves that are brighter than usual as they tell her he is going to give her his best but her eyes mean to say that she is going to bring him home even if it gets her killed.
They share the look but as Bob reaches out to shake her hand, Phoenix Grabs the back of Bob’s helmet and gently to place it to hers with one hand and meets his outstretched hand with her free hand.
They are now inches from each other’s faces but Nix has glinty eyes filled with determination and stern face but her tone is gentle and encouraging.
Phoenix: You are the man of highest character I have ever met.
It’s a true honor to have you with me today. Nobody comes close to what you do for me when we are up there. Do your best and I will get you home.
Bob: I wont let you down.
I now have had the privilege to meet two amazing Women that I admire and feel truly connected to.
One was my wife but now she is departed.
The other is you and I need you to know that I think the world of you Natasha. A strong woman with a compassionate heart. God made you something special Phoenix.
They both have watery eyes and believe each others words completely but Phoenix moves in closer to hug him tightly as she whispers in his ear.
You are also something different. A daddy like you has to come home from this. Always wanted a family of my own someday and now I have an example of a selfless and loving parent in my arms. We are going to make it home. you are going to hold your babies and I'm going to love seeing you all together.
Bob: And I would love for you to join us for lunch at the very least.
She steps back but her hands are still on his shoulders as she nods with a smile but he can see she's been crying.
Phoenix: . Are you ready?
Bob puts a hand on her helmet and softly taps it.
Bob: “Duty is ours… Results are God’s” Let’s light the fires and kick the tires Nix.
They Nod and get in the Bird.
They are both quiet as they check their instruments one last time and Mav announces he’s all set on Cat-1.
Phoenix: Everything working back their Lt.Floyd?
Bob shoots her a confident look in her rear view mirror and tightly squeezes her shoulder.
Bob: Good to go Lt.Trace… God Be with you.
Phoenix: Yes, and may God be with us both.
(She looks back in her rear view mirror with caring eyes at Bob.)
Phoenix:”Dagger-3, Up and ready.”
*** Post Mission Assessment***
Once Mav and Rooster Returned back from the mission and everyone was celebrating them, Bob tailed off before everybody else and disappeared while Phoenix forgot about him as she was focused on Roo’s safe return but as people were going to their lockers, She couldn’t find Bob and started to get worried.
She kept asking the guys if he was in their gear locker to which they said no but did see his flight equipment hung up in his locker.
Phoenix quickly put her gear away and checked the Chapel again but as she got closer, she heard Bob’s voice and she was relieved to know he was OK but she was trying to give him his space but what she heard him say hit her hard as he was thanking God for their safe return.
Nix kept out of the chapel but paid close attention to his words.
Bob:” God, I am so grateful for your grace and giving me a second chance to turn my life around those many years ago.
I understand that you give me all that I need.
It is written that you give and take away and I do my best to abide with Carrie being with you now.
But Lord, I am torn right now because of the Woman you have put in my path.
I think highly of her and she has been such a blessing with her friendship and wonderful personality.
But am I to be tempted?
I cannot decide this with my own understanding.
Is it OK to feel an attraction to her?
Is it Ok to try and start over?
I know I am commanded to love you and seek you first above all others, but I already struggle with this in terms of my children that you have blessed me with.
To add another gift may actually cause me to lose focus on you.
I ask for discernment and the strength to make the right choice once I know your will.
And I also ask that you would watch over Natasha and help her to achieve her aspirations. God, I care for her and her wants but I ask you to bless her the way her presence has blessed me.
I love you and Thank you lord. Amen.
Phoenix was beside herself.
She had a hard time even standing but she also had to get out of there and fast!
If Bob saw her right now, he would know that she knows he is crushing on her.
But how could he not?
She knows the effect she can have on guys with all the free drinks and countless bad relationships but he’s not like the others… Not at all!
She try’s to keep her steps light and makes her way to the briefing room undetected by Bob but now she takes a seat and continues her thoughts.
Nix also thinks well of him and even she cant deny how much he means to her!
“How did I let him get so close so damn fast!”
“Is he for real?... He is! He just prayed about me and for me because he wants to do the right thing according to his ethos.”
‘Why cant I find fault in him?!”
“He’s kind of cute sure but his eyes do me in. They are very telling and its like he can’t wait to be there for me.”
“ I do like him! What the hell!? Seriously!!! He has Kids! No way could he balance all of us!.. That’s it! See… Nobody can serve that many people all at once!
But… He really is the best guy she ever met and he makes her feel cared about and respected.
Even if I am not his number1 priority, I still know he is committed to giving me what’s left and that’s still way more than anyone else has."
She then considers how she is similar in that being a fighter pilot is all that really matters to her.
And yet he also matters.. maybe she can make room if he can also understand her own priorities.
Maybe the two can come to an understanding that while they have a bond, they also have other commitments that may be more important and if they could only agree to each other and be OK with that, then this could be one hell of a paring.But why couldnt they be just as important if this actually would move forward?
But then she considers that maybe he is too good for her. She feels a man like that should be with someone who matches his commitment to God and knows True love.
It feels like she doesn’t minus her wonderful parents and siblings. but maybe he could show her how?
Nix has been in a trance for quite a while where Bob finds her as chow is about to start.
Bob: HEY NIX!, There you are!! Is everything OK?
Phoenix jumps a bit but then she gives him a brief look of worry but tries to hide it.
Phoenix: Yea! Just trying to decompress a bit you could say…
I couldn't find you and I was worried so I thought I should just take a minute.
Bob: I was also trying to decompress in the chapel if you can believe that. (She manages to keep her amusement to herself.)
Sorry I didn’t tell you where you where I was Going… You looked pretty busy with Roo and didn’t want to break up the happiness.
Phoenix: Im just glad we found each other!
They meet halfway for a tight hug.
But Nix is now armed with confirmation of Bob’s feelings and even though they are both exhausted, she has to try and feel him out.
Phoenix: Thank you for being with me today. You were perfect with painting the target for Mav and calling out SAM's I couldn't find.
But we have much to talk about now.
Bob: We do! But chow is starting in 10 minutes and I wasn’t going without you!
Cyclone expects everybody to be there as he wants to address us all.
Phoenix: We will get going in a sec but I have to ask you something difficult first…
Bob looks at her with deep concern but pulls away gently and places his hands on her shoulders.
Bob: anything!
Nix can see those eyes of servant that wishes to give her whatever he can.
“Maybe I should start soft… Its been a hell of day already.” she thinks to herself.
Phoenix: You and I work together seamlessly and now that our mission is done, I wanted to know if you would fly with me again?
But… I also consider that You have some much bigger priorities in your life other than flying with a wild pilot like me.
Is there any chance you could take me on again as a full time commitment as well?
Bob gave her a wide smile with eyes of gratitude.
Bob: Nix I would love to fly with you again!
Never enjoyed being a backseater so much before!
Thank you for thinking of me and my challenging attempt to balance faith,family, and work.
But, You told me that being a fighter pilot was your number one goal and if we flew together again, that could put your career back a little bit because you qualify for the single seat very soon.
I do not want to stand in your way of what is most important to you. I would gladly take being your friend on the ground as a constellation prize if it means getting what you need to be happy.
But if you are willing to fly with me until that moment arrives, I am all in! if you need time to-
Nix goes back in to hug him tightly.
Phoenix: It’s a deal!
Now lets get some chow and talk about where we want to go!
Bob: Thank you Nix!
They break off and shake hands with a happy smile.
But Nix had a second wind after confirming that Bob was willing to take her on as well so she lets loose by shoving him back and takes off running.
Phoenix: Last one there is a rotten egg!
Bob takes off as well.
Bob: Cheater!
They are running full tilt while laughing and talking trash but Nix Keeps the lead since Bob has to duck under the doorways through the ship. ( U.S. Navy Ships have door ways that can be compact with the door itself being a few inches high up from the wall and kind of narrow as well so they can lock out the door ways in case of flooding… or That’s how I remember it on board the USS “Nasty Nassua”2007-2008.)
As Phoenix makes it to the Officers Mess while giggling, she is met by the rest of the Daggers all sitting down at the tables awaiting the announcement giving her a WTF face but they quickly understand the situation as Bob also makes it with a smirk.
Bob: Well played Nix.. Next time how about a fair match?
Phoenix: Fair!? Your legs are much longer than mine… Fat chance Bobby.
Bob: This from the one who could literally hop through the door ways… must be nice to have some kind of an edge being a “House Elf”.
Nix: Dobby wins!
They both smirk at each other while catching the Harry Potter reference.
Bob: You must be a Slytherin.
Phoenix: Pure blooded and the only true choice of House…. Let me guess now…. You must be a Gryffindor but, nah your a total Hufflepuff.
Bob: Gryffindor always wins in the end.
Phoenix: That's not reality.
Bob: “I am Reality.”
Nix doesn’t get the reference from the movie “Platoon” but Fan Boy, Hangman, and Rooster do as they chuckle.
Fan Boy: Sgt Barnes!
Phoenix: The Reality is that I beat you.
She goes to punch his shoulder, but he blocks it gently.
Bob: Karate? Yawn.
Phoenix gives him a smug look.
Phoenix: Care to test that any further?
Bob: Perhaps I would but may I suggest a grappling art instead?
Phoenix: Judo vs. Jujitsu? You are so gonna get choked out.
They smirk and square up with all the daggers watching I amazement because these two were acting like consummate professionals before this.
Bob shoots and gets Nix’s arm but she trips him and they both hit the deck in a trade of maneuvers.
They are trying to counter each others moves while laughing at first but then it gets intense because Nix is dodging all of Bobs maneuvers with her flexibility but he keeps blocking her counters with his sharp mind.
Hangman: Well this interesting, our Token girl pilot is trying to prove she belongs here by trying to kick the nerds ass.
Payback: Bruh, you wouldn't 5 seconds with either one!
Rooster: They are actaully impressive! both of them are neck and neck.
The daggers all nod in agreement.
Bob: Just give it up Nix. I promise to be gentle if you tap.
Phoenix:Never! The only tapping I’m gonna do is this!
She gets a hand free and bag taps bob as he is groaning on the ground .
She goes for a Chimera to insult Bob with his own type of move.
Bob is in serious pain and finally taps out but Nix still keeps her hold.
Phoenix: I don’t accept taps.
Just then, Maverick arrives to announce Cyclone and Warlock’s presence as they are behind him although he’s a bit stunned to see what is happening.
Mav: ATTENION ON DECK!!
Everyone stands at the position of Attention while Nix breaks her hold and stands up as well but she also takes Bobs arm and helps him up while giving him a smile of approval.
Phoenix: Not bad Bob, I could get used to beating your ass.
Bob gets up all the way but whispers.
Bob: I thought we were friends?
Phoenix: Best friends..that’s why I can mess with you.
She winks at him.
He just shakes his head briefly and smiles.
But the two are laughing on the inside while also impressed with each others willingness to goof off and have fun.
Cyclone arrives to congratulate the entire team on their mission success and to make them aware that they are all being folded into a Top Secret Squadron Permanently and will be stationed at Top Gun as “Instructors” to keep their status of handling real world missions a secret from the public.
The Daggers are all excited to stay together and the mood is very high.
BobNix are excited to be stuck together officially even if this means Bob cant get back to the East coast like he hoped but Nix Reminded him that she was going to make good on her promise to fly him home whenever they got a chance to see his kids.
The dinner starts and everybody is having a good time but Hangman starts to mess with Fan Boy by flinging mashed potatoes at him with hits him in the chest.
Pay Back: Real Mature.
Hangman is laughing to himself but as his head is down, Nix carefully unscrews Hangman’s salad dressing next to him and puts it back and he doesn’t notice.
Hangman is all proud of himself but it quickly fades while he dumps the entire contents of French dressing on his salad and everybody laughs except Bob because he's going to take it further.
Bob: That was a nice touch Nix, But why stop there?
Bobs stands up and while taking Hangman's salad bowl and dumping in on his head.
Everyone is laughing hysterically except Jake.
Phoenix: Your right! What was I thinking? Maybe I should have done this too!
She pours her glass of water on his head as well.
Hangman: What the!?
Bob: I mean, that’s fine and all but You missed a spot.
He takes a handful of mashed potatoes and flings it at Jake but some of it lands in Nix's Soup.
Phoenix: REALLY!?
Bob: My bad, Friendly Fire!
Nix starts tossing her own mashed potatoes at Bob but this gets everyone into the festivities as random food items go flying through the air.
They all yell in unison.
“FOOOD FIGHT!”
While everybody else is going crazy with the affair, Mav decides to shut it down while trying to hold in his own Amusement.
Mav: ENOUGH!
Everybody freezes while still chucking but they know they took it too far.
Mav: Look I realize we have all been a bit wound up but this kind of conduct is way under your collective pay grades as Officer’s.
I am going to sweep this one under the rug since Warlock and Cyclone are not here but speaking up sweeping, clean up this mess and then keep it light.
The Daggers: Aye Sir!
Everyone is chuckling and making small talk as they clean up the mess but Phoenix and Bob are side by side as they wipe away the tables.
Phoenix: Bob, I am literally having so much fun with you right now.
Bob looks at her with a chuckle.
Bob; Its been too long.
I have been so preoccupied with life that I never have fun anymore… Thank you for this.
Phoenix puts her hand over his and smiles.
Phoenix: No, Thank you. I mean… I feel like such a child right now but I needed this as well.
Bob: What are we? This many?
He holds up three fingers and she smirks.
Hangman: Bonnie and Clyde is what you two are.
After they clean up the mess, They all grab dessert but while everybody else is back in the mess deck, BobNix take their ice cream to go and eat in the briefing room where they have more time to talk about life and themselves together.
Bob: What a day this has been! It started out very tense but now here we are just having fun and enjoying life together.
Nix Stops playing with her ice cream and looks Bob in the eyes.
Phoenix: You are enjoying this too? Like the fun out or the together part?
Bob: Both Natasha.
I haven’t laughed like this in a long time. I think you and I have a healthy relationship.
Phoenix smiles at him but then she considers what she heard him pray about earlier and now had a sincere look.
Phoenix: I mostly agree but, I know your Faith is huge part of who you are and I can be a bit wayward at times… is that going to mess with you at all?
Bob considers her point but he it means a lot to him that she is conscious of his faith.
Bob: Thank you for that kind observation but my Spidey senses cant find fault in us as this time.
Is it OK if I back out of certain situations if I think they are too risky?
Phoenix: Of course Bob, but just talk to me about it OK?
Bob: Good deal Nix.
They spend the evening in the briefing room alone as they watch a movie on the big screen but the days events catch up to them and fall asleep in their makeshift bed comprised of rubber matts and weather balloons. Mav found them early in the morning with Nix's chest upper torso resting on bobs but he swore he could see her smiling.
He quietly chuckled to himself and thought " They are good to each other in the air why couldn't they play nice on the deck as well?".
he carefully woke them up once it was around 6 A.M. so nobody would start any rumors.
They spend the next few days on ship hanging out and fighting the urge to step it up.