An Abrupt Change of Direction

Side Effects

As Jake pushed Maddy to the infirmary, he got faster with each step. His eyes constantly glanced down at her, silently hoping her eyes stayed open. He rushed her into the infirmary, holding his breath as the medics instantly came to them.

He slowly moved out of the way, watching their every movement. His heart jumped into his throat as they carefully lifted Maddy and it made her cry out in pain. He couldn't stay in the corner when her pain got worse as they put her down.

"What the hell are you doing to her?!" He panicked.

"I'm fine," Maddy whispered shakily through her pain. She reached over and Jake instantly took her hand in his.

"Lieutenant," a nurse sighed, "we need you to step aside so we can. . ."

"No," Maddy cut her off. All the nurses took a step back. She looked over at Jake, unable to stop the tears as she whispered, "Please don't leave me, Jake."

He leaned down and gently moved some hair out of his face. "I'm not going anywhere, Mads," he whispered. He glanced up at the medical team to see them nodding and looking away.

Just like he promised, Jake stayed by her side as the medical team did what they could for her. After they pumped her full of medication, she fell asleep. The medics had to reassure him several times that Maddy would sleep for a couple of hours before he was willing to leave her and go to the meeting.

When he walked in, the other trainees jogged over to him.

"How's Maddy?"

"Is she okay?"

"What did the medics say?"

"They gave her some medication," Jake explained. "She should be asleep for the next couple of hours. They plan to keep her under close supervision during that time."

"So, she's okay?" Rooster asked, not bothering to hide his nerves.

"They think so," Jake sighed shakily.

"Think so?" Coyote asked, studying Hangman.

"They don't really know," Jake admitted. "They can't run any tests on her yet. She was too weak."

The trainees fell silent, and the tension in the room thickened. Neither of them said anything as they slowly sat down. When Maverick walked into the room, the trainees straightened up. He stopped in the aisle when he got next to Hangman.

"How is she?" He asked under his breath.

"They gave her some heavy medication," Jake explained. "They can't run any tests until she's stronger."

Maverick took a shaky breath. He gently put his hand on Jake's shoulder and whispered, "Thank you for being there for her."

"Of course, sir."

Maverick patted Jake's shoulder before going to the front of the room. When the admirals walked into the room, the trainees instantly stood up.

"It has been an honor flying with you," Maverick started. "Each one of you represents the best of the best. This is a very specific mission. My choice is a reflection of that and nothing more."

"Choose your two Foxtrot teams," Admiral Simpson instructed.

"Payback and Fanboy. Phoenix and Bob."

"And your wingman," Admiral Beau added. The tension in the room was thick, but Jake's mind was only half-present. His mind was constantly redirecting to Maddy and getting back to her.

"Rooster."

To his surprise, Jake wasn't disappointed.

"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserve role that's required," Admiral Bates explained.