Finishing off the tribute to Val Kilmer, a final snippet in honor of ‘Iceman’.
Peter waited until most of the guests had left. He sat stiffly in the front row, watching as each mourner walked by the casket.
Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky was his rival, friend, and protector.
The two had stayed friends after Top Gun, Iceman building his career to Admiral, getting the respect he deserved. Maverick was a pilot, he had never wanted rank, just wanted to fly. Kazansky’s influence let him slide through the Navy as a pilot and covered his ass many times. Some were surprised the two were still close, Peter had been a groomsman at the man’s wedding.
He glanced over to see Sarah and the kids, once he had gotten word he had reached out to see if there was anything he could do. The woman was resilient, she had to be to marry Tom in the first place, and deal with his ego. Whatever she or the kids … well adults who had careers and families of their own … needed he was there.
It was at this moment he was feeling the weight of his immortality.
He had known his time with the Navy, Top Gun, was going to be ending. Loosing Iceman, was the final door that had closed. He had been the last connection to Nick ‘Goose’.
Each of the kids stopped at the casket, saying their goodbyes, then left through one of the side doors. There would be a graveside service in a few hours, family only. Sarah placed her hand on the casket, tears streaming down her face, as she leaned over and kissed it. As she walked to the side door, she stopped by Peter.
“You’re family you know.”
Peter laughed slightly, his smile a bit wobbly. “I’m the annoying cousin who stops by for free beer.”
The laugh was genuine. “We’ll be having a more private dinner in a few days. More relaxed where we can talk about how much of a dork Tom was, not just the hotshot Top Gun and Admiral.”
“I’ll be there with pictures.” He stood taking a calm deep breath.
“You have a few moments. I knew you would want to say your goodbyes privately.” Sarah reached out and pulled him into a hug, then left him to say his goodbyes.
Maverick slowly made his way to the casket, laying a hand on the warm mahogany wood. “There was so much I wanted to tell you, but never had the courage.” He looked around the chapel, taking the calm of the building. “You kept me going after we lost Goose. I was never sure if you goaded me purposely to keep me going or was just an asshole. I have met members of your family, and I’m going with likely just being an asshole.” His laugh was strained, but he continued. “I know you had questions, you figured out quickly something was different about me. The comments on my age, and the ability to stay young. I couldn’t tell you. Not sure if I was afraid you would hate me or want me to Turn you – either scared the shit out of me.”
He stepped back and saluted.
“You were my best friend. I will miss you. Now go enjoy the peace, say hi to Goose for me. But I expect to see both of you, soon. Someone has to keep me grounded.”
He lowered the salute, then turned to head for the door, when he saw a figure sitting in one of the back pews. “How the hell did you get in here?”
“Why I walked through the door like a civilized person.” John stood up, wearing a very smart suit, his normal black flatop hat in his hands. “The family felt one of us should be here, to say our own goodbyes and to make sure you don’t do anything stupid. Well actually Speed demanded one of us show up, as he couldn’t make it and new you would do something stupid.”
Maverick rolled his eyes. “I’m surprised they didn’t send Ethan.”
“Oh then something stupid would’ve been had.” Holliday gave him a slight smirk. “We got a suite at the hotel, it’s not often the family is together. I’ve been ordered to drag you along, no complaints.”
“And why did they send you?” He asked as they went out one of the back doors.
“I could walk in less conspicuously, the hat throws everyone off.” He smiled putting the hat on. “Just to make you feel better, Ethan is at the hotel, along with the tall one Reacher. I didn’t realize you came in extra large.”
“It was quite the surprise.” Peter laughed as the two headed off to the waiting car.
He suddenly stopped and turned.
There just under the tree was two figures, both in flight gear looking young and invincible. Maverick gave them a nod, then turned back to his companion.
Not many had known he was officially retiring.
Peter ‘Maverick’ Mitchell was going to disappear into the sunset. Waiting for the day to return to the skies.
This was right on time. I needed a little pick me up.
Oh, Ice. Something tells me you won’t be gone long… I’m betting Goose was waiting for him too