It was a sad day.

Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky had succumbed to his cancer, something that had come back after he had beaten it once before.

While Emmett hadn't known the Admiral, he still felt an obligation to show his respect and give his condolences.

So, with Genevieve at daycare, Emmett and Natasha went straight to the cemetery.

Regardless of the fact that Emmett had been discharged, he wore his dress uniform to the service. He wasn't an aviator. Nothing Emmett had done in the Navy was anywhere near what Admiral Kazansky had control over. But it didn't change the fact that the admiral was highly respected and deserved all the honors that could be bestowed.

He stood away from Natasha, as she was lined up with her fellow aviators, and bowed his head while the pastor was giving his final speech.

An American flag was folded as Taps was played for the fallen. Sarah Kazansky, recently widowed, was presented with her husband's flag as Maverick took his step towards the coffin.

One final time, he would act as Iceman's wingman. Solifying his wings into the coffin, he saluted his friend one last time.

Emmett looked up as four jets fly overhead. One had broken off, flying in a separate direction, signifying a lost pilot.

It was, unfortunately, bringing up some memories for Emmett, who had attended one too many funerals for his fallen brothers and sisters.

After the service, he went to the family to give his formal condolences and well wishes.

As he began to walk back towards Natasha, he was stopped. Looking at the man who stopped him, Emmett couldn't help but greet him. "Riley, I didn't know you were in town."

Riley Townes was once a teammate of Emmett's, though they had only been together about a year before Emmett was discharged.

Riley nodded. "I'm stationed nearby for the time being. Got hurt pretty badly on the last mission, so I was sent here for PT and recovery."

Emmett scanned him real quick. "You're all good now, though, right?"

"Yeah, much better. Took me about two months to get fully back to myself, but they want to keep me for a little longer to be safe. And I've got to pass another physical and psych eval," Riley informs him.

But then he tilts his head slightly. "What are you doing in town?"

Emmett nods his head towards Natasha. "Well, I've got a gym not too far from here, and my girlfriend was recalled to Top Gun, so I've been around aviators for the past two weeks."

Riley let out a laugh. "Someone actually managed to tame the famous Emmett Knight? Well I've got to meet her now."

Emmett smirked, punching Riley in the arm. "Ha ha, very funny." He thought for a moment. "Have you heard from O'Malley lately?"

Thomas O'Malley was another member of their team. He had stayed on longer than Emmett but was discharged about three years ago. Emmett had contacted him after he was out but hadn't heard much from him since.

Riley shook his head. "No, not really. I'll get updates occasionally from some friends or social media posts, but that's about it. But from what I understand, he is doing well."

Emmett had been worried for O'Malley. He hadn't dealt well with some of their missions, and the transition back into civilian life can be difficult after what they've seen and done.

"Good. I'm glad." But then he was waved over by Nat. Nodding, he turned back to Riley. "I'm being summoned, but don't be a stranger, okay? Come by my gym sometime. I think you'd really like it."

Riley and Emmett went in for a bro-hug. "I'll be sure to stop by soon."

They parted ways, and Emmett made his way to his girlfriend and her team. She nodded in Riley's direction. "Who was that?"

Emmett smiled lightly. "Riley Townes. Fellow Seal, on base for some rehab and PT. Haven't seen him in a while, that's all. Didn't know he was in town."

Natasha smiled at him, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I'm glad you could reconnect, even if it's because of a less than happy event."

"It was good to see him again. Glad he's doing well." And Emmett really meant it. Even if they had only known each other for about a year, they had gone through plenty together.

But as people began to clear out, Emmett shrugged his shoulders. "Come on, let's go home."

Both of them wanted to be home with Genevieve right now. If anything, today only solidified an always present worry.

You never know when one day can be your last.

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Word count: 779

Super short chapter today, sorry y'all. Didn't know what to write for this one.

Sad chapter but we got to meet one of Emmett's old teammates.

Ngl Riley (and O'Malley) came out of literally nowhere. My brain just didn't know what to write for this chapter and suddenly BOOM there they were.

Hope you enjoyed a glimpse into some of Emmett's past.

See you for a slightly more upbeat chapter next time. Bye guys!!