#like i have no doubt he'd make some different strategic decisions

[kvetchinglyneurotic]

if flint from episode 1 was magically granted all the knowledge and memories he had in episode 38 do you think it would change anything

[autumntouched]

Day 9 of Ode to Phoenix:

Today's ode is an essay, an ode to Monica and Phoenix. I can't stop thinking about what @coraphoenix shared about what Monica said of characters like Phoenix in an interview: She loves characters who are tough and strong but who also have a softer side that is revealed through love.

I've seen variations of these thoughts throughout the TGM Phoenix-verse so I hope I'm not stealing anything and only building on what others have shared about why Natasha "Phoenix" Trace is such an awesome character.

For some reason, Hollywood seems to struggle, for the most part, with representing strong and tough women. Often, they come embittered, sexless or hypersexualized, traumatized, or in need of a man to soften them. Their interactions with men can be frankly grating, a constant one two punch of watch them all underestimate me so I can kick their ass. It's kind of exhausting.

Then there's the flip side. Women who wilt in the face of adversity, who need someone to come along and give them confidence. Or every step is a fight for them to prove themselves.

From the moment, Monica swaggers onto screen as Phoenix there is a refreshing dimension to her character. She enters already a leader, assertive, and extremely confident. Her validation comes through the respect and trust of those who work with her and her power comes from earning rather than demanding it. Not a single one of the guys ever doubts or questions her ability, and more often than not, they look to her to make critical calls. Her role is not to actualize herself but the team.

I've mentioned this before, but Phoenix's leadership is based on team-building, trust-building, and listening--all things that the male protagonists need to learn from her. She is the first to understand that the mission can only be completed as a team so it doesn't matter who is better than everyone else but how you work with them. Phoenix is also the most empathetic but least emotional member of the team (besides maybe Bob!) Her decisions are strategic and logical. For example, rather than berate Hangman (aside from "son of a bitch") for ditching her during their hop, she waits until he needs her help then reminds him that on a mission his actions would have gotten her and Bob killed. He'd be on his own. It's a much more effective lesson.

I love that in the film, Phoenix does not have to be a perfect pilot to be chosen for the mission or to be considered exceptional. Like everyone else, she makes mistakes and struggles to meet the demands of the course. Not only that, but she is the only one to own her mistakes. It's such a subtle moment, but it's one in which she earns Coyote's respect for not calling him out (when she was well within her right to do so) and shows that she doesn't have to hide her vulnerabilities to succeed up against her male peers.

But I think one of the most important aspects of Phoenix's character is that she neither is nor has a love interest. @reiverreturns does a phenomenal job breaking down why Phoenix isn't a wayfinder for the male characters so I won't rehash. The love that shows her softer side is her love for her friends, her team, and her work. One of the reasons I sometimes prefer children's content to adult content is that "love" is often narrowly defined as romance for adults. Sure, friendships and careers exist, but these are often framed as inhabiting a different sphere, an obstacle or vehicle to love rather than an expression of "love" in and of itself. So often, single women are portrayed as unhappy, unfulfilled, or undesirable in their present state. Their career is a compensation for what they lack rather than an embodiment of what they want. Maybe Phoenix does have an SO waiting for her at home. But it's equally possible to believe that she doesn't, nor does she need to end up with any of the other characters to complete her journey.

And this portrayal is something that I think is so critical to creating spaces in which men and women work together with respect. Our society has perpetuated an assumption that men and women can't have platonic, supportive relationships so it's refreshing to watch something that models what these can be. Respect doesn't preclude teasing, competition, or even flirtatious (?) banter. But the guys can watch Phoenix and Hangman verbally duke it out in their relationship without assuming that's how she would want to be treated by them. As normal as it is in life, it still feels rare for films to portray such a nuanced range of the platonic friendships men and women can have from Maverick's mentorship to her (implied) long friendship with Rooster to her competitive one with Hangman to her work wife one with Bob. Maybe this is why women in media who move through male dominated spaces can be portrayed as "masculine." Sure, Glen might not have seen Monica in a dress until the press tour, but there is something incredibly "feminine" about Phoenix even as she asserts herself in ways that her male peers respond to or reflect more "masculine" posturing.

Phoenix might not have much of an arc in the film, but she serves the crucial role as the leader of the new generation of pilots.

A lot of people consider Rooster and Hangman the Maverick and Iceman of TGM, but I would argue that the dynamic is more complex than that. Phoenix and Hangman are actually the Iceman and Maverick of the film. Phoenix has Iceman's popularity, his cool head, and disdain for showboating in the air. Like Iceman, she's the one the other pilots defer to and who constantly warns Hangman about being reckless and self-focused. Still, she has an appreciation for what he brings to the team in terms of his willingness to push the boundaries of the rules and flying. Like Iceman, Phoenix is the one entrusted with the final mission and like Maverick, Hangman is the wild card whose arc brings him in line with the team, who shows up as the wingman when it's most needed. Rooster has neither Maverick's confidence (but plenty of his arrogance) nor Iceman's cool head. He might warn Hangman about the dangers of the way he flies, but Rooster can be just as self-driven and reckless. Phoenix is constantly knocking one or the other upside the head for the stunts they pull. Rooster is, instead, neither Iceman nor Maverick but Goose. From the very obvious nod of taking the RIO seat in the F-14 to his dad's lines like "Come on, Mav, do some of that pilot shit," Rooster's arc is restoring the forgiveness and trust broken by Goose's death.

Okay, getting back on track to Phoenix. It is refreshing to see a woman portrayed as a dynamic, confident leader who is self-actualized through her own actions. Rather than emulating what has typically distinguished men as leaders, she is allowed to lead quietly and in a way that is inherent and natural to her strengths as a person. Those traits are portrayed as valued and critical to the plot and character arcs of the film. And finally, she is implied as single without every male character (or really any) hitting on her or needing to acknowledge or explain her relationship status in any way. Her career is her primary focus without that being portrayed as a conflict or detriment. And her confidence and drive to be selected for the mission come from within rather than through an external motivating factor. She is a tough and strong woman softened through her love for what she has dedicated her life to and the people she's serving with.

Thank you, Monica!!

Tag list: @melodiousoblivionao3

Ode to Phoenix Masterlist

Why Phoenix Isn't a Wayfinder by @reiverreturns - Please read this awesome essay!!

[curiousconch]

Chase You / Chase Me (Pt. 3)

Part 3: Remember when everything was different

Catch up here: Series Masterlist

Chapter Summary: Aislinn, Gigi and Alex find friendship in the midst of the competition. One discussion led to another, pushing Alex to take a trip down memory lane, revealing the moment in her past where she and Gabe's paths crossed for the first time.

Book/Pairing: Choices - Laws of Attraction / Gabe Ricci x MC (Alex Keating)

Words: 1.7k+

Rating/Warnings: Mature (16+) / alcohol consumption, language. Scenes/themes may trigger trauma for some, reader discretion advised.

Disclaimer: Most of the characters as well as some dialogue belong to Pixelberry. I am merely borrowing them.

Sunday, downtown New York

"Wait, can you back up for a moment," Aislinn said across Alex, who was scooping the remains of her melted banana split. Gigi was sipping her ice-cold mimosa, their brunch table full of plates with scrapes of leftovers. The sun was out and so were they, dining al fresco under the shade of a huge white parasol and the gentle breeze cooling them every now and then. It was a perfect day so far.

The trio has agreed to meet up that Sunday to discuss what went down with the Rothswell case as well as to prep for the conference Sadie had invited them to. They were on some kind of a peace pact, all of them sharing the view that pitting women against women in the corporate world is just shitty business.

Alex has enjoyed their company. They exchanged imaginary one-liners that would have made Martin frown his heart out or Beau McGraw chortle his head off. And speaking of McGraw, they all concluded that the best strategic course of action was to let Beau enjoy his moment in the sun. One day, Alex would make sure to remind him that he tried to rain on her parade.

It was a refreshing and enlightening discussion, though she will forever be traumatized with how many swears Gigi can cram in a single sentence. But the sight of a flustered Aislinn while Alex and Gigi engaged in a battle of pick-up lines with their waiter was a strong second contender.

As their drinks flowed, the conversation naturally led to rhetorical questions, now settling at why they became a lawyer. Aislinn shared first, surprisingly, stating that her knack for analysis was just a natural fit to the demands of a career in law. Gigi's answer was simple - she can leverage her eidetic memory to earn herself some serious dough, allowing her to live it up and take impromptu vacations to Bali.

Alex tried to dodge the question. She had never needed to discuss her reason of leaving pre-med behind to attend law school. It wasn't a pleasant memory, and she doubted it will ever be.

The two ladies were quick to see her attempts of evasion. But together, they finally wore her down, Alex left laughing with their shenanigans as they cornered her to tell her story. So she told them that she knew Gabe Ricci. And that it was because of him why she was a lawyer. Alex decided that revealing the truth was worth it, seeing how their jaws just dropped to the floor.

"Girl, you have to explain yourself right now," Gigi demanded, to which Aislinn seconded.

Alex snorted as she went back to skimming what was left of her dessert. "It's a boring sob story, and I don't want to turn this lovely morning into a snooze fest."

"We're not going anywhere, right Gi?" Aislinn turned to Gigi beside her, who nodded whilst sipping another glass of cocktail.

"Fine, but only if you swear this won't leave this table," she said. The two held up their hands invoking a half-smiling Alex, sensing nothing but sincerity. So she drank down her glass of bloody mary and took a deep breath, composing her tale.

"Buckle up, ladies, you're in for a ride."

**

10 years ago, in a town near Boston

Alessandra Keating had never felt more alone than she did that day.

They said she needed to just move forward. But how can she, when every day since the crash, she felt nothing but emptiness? How can she feel alright, when the only life that she knew was suddenly taken away from her?

It wasn't long before she found out that the car accident was caused by someone being reckless, by someone who thought they were above the law. Then, she imploded. No way could she let her parent's deaths be forgotten. No fucking way.

For the past three years, she invested all of herself into this endeavor. Researching, studying, choosing the right counsel, even raising funds. It was what kept her breathing, what gave her purpose. Ultimately, it was what kept her sane.

From filing the lawsuit to attending mediations, to numerous settlement meetings and colliding with every legal roadblock possible - Alex made sure to see them through. Only for everything to be decided that day - the bench trial.

One sweltering summer morning in her hometown's courthouse, Alex sat on the side of the plaintiff, with her long brunette hair tangled in waves. She let her senses wander, taking in the dark wooden panels and pews, her sense of smell invaded by the scent of old mahogany. She sealed her lips into silence, hiding her nerves by straightening the bargain khaki suit that she borrowed.

She barely held it in as her eyes travelled to the table beside them, catching a glimpse of the man that caused her immeasurable pain. With jet black hair and looking as young as her, he sat with an almost mocking expression. He was wearing a crisper set of suit, creating an illusion of trustworthiness that Alex can easily see through.

Maximilian K. Cornell. The green-eyed teenager who swerved his sports car onto the same slippery road Alex and her parents were passing through. The very same boy who got out unharmed, but left Alex's family to die in the snow. Her opponent was a slithery snake who managed to screw the justice system so many times over, just because his parents had the grease to do so.

But after the crash, the town decided they can no longer turn the other cheek. Alex's decision to sue was propelled by the support of the countless friends and families whom her parents have helped in their hour of need. But that still proved not enough.

Her mind whirled back to the proceedings, and to how every strategy, every plan of attack was being thrown out. With every whip from the defense, she started to grow impatient. As another traffic expert from her camp was dismissed, Alex just snapped inside. She leaned to Mr. Leroy, a withering man on the brink of retirement who was her lawyer, asking for them to convene outside.

"I'm sorry Mr. Leroy, but your strategies were just scrutinized and torn into pieces," Alex said in a low voice the moment they stepped out into the hallway.

"Alex, I am doing my best here. We clearly don't have the upper hand, lacking the incriminating evidence that we need," the man replied, exasperated.

"Have we dug up his previous records? I mean, why on earth would he have a sealed history? Doesn't that mean something?" she continued.

She continued to dictate her litany of better-positioned moves, but even Alex knew she wasn't getting through. So she excused herself from the conversation, hoping a cup of iced coffee will somehow mitigate her frustrations.

As soon as she came back, she found Mr. Leroy convening with a much younger man in a dark navy suit. His aura screamed "big city hotshot", albeit the exhausted look in his brown eyes. Not wanting to interrupt, she held off from approaching. However, her curiosity didn't stop her from eavesdropping.

What she heard the charismatic man say was a legal precedent that would have opened the sealed records in question. And with all the mind-boggling legal jargon, that's just about what she understood.

"Gabriel Ricci? I'm looking for an attorney named Gabriel Ricci?" a female voice from a nearby window called out, which made the young man raise his head. She saw him end the conversation abruptly, where a flustered Mr. Leroy hastily thanked him. Alex took that as her queue to approach her lawyer.

"Alex, we might be able to turn things around," she heard Leroy say.

And by some miracle, things did turn around. With her lawyer using the precedent offered by the young attorney earlier, their side gained the needed momentum to tip the scales in their favor. By the end of the trial, the verdict was out - Cornell will never be able to drive another vehicle, along with paying her a hefty amount of damages and fees.

They won.

Alex had to pinch herself before the victory sunk in. When it did, she felt an immense burden lifted from her shoulders.

After a long, long time, Alex can finally breathe.

Broken free from her nightmares, she asked herself what's next? The answer came to her almost immediately. Right there and then, she decided what she wanted to be. Like that man from the courthouse, she will become a lawyer.

Fueled by this new sense of mission, she saw a future for herself. No longer held by the past, she finally was able to move forward.

Indeed, Alex became what she set out to do - a lawyer who took on hopeless, even impossible cases and won them. A lawyer her parents would be proud of.

A damn good lawyer, just like Gabriel Ricci.

**

Present Day, at a New York Penthouse

Gabe sat in his home office clad in nothing but his white bath robe, holding a worn manila folder.

Five years ago, Gabe saw this case as his opportunity to make Robbie proud. The defendant had all the parallels with his brother - a teenager, incarcerated young, where the punishment had presumed to be too harsh. He now knew it was rightfully just.

But at that time, he was blinded by passion and ambition. He wanted to prove to himself and to Sadie what he can do. Taking on this case that was practically unwinnable would give him more power, more control over the pro bono cases he wanted to take. Actually winning this though, that proved to be his fatal mistake.

Your cockiness got the better of you again, Ricci.

His mind went to Alex. That was the direction his every waking moment drifted to nowadays. Whether he liked it or not, he'd answer some other day.

He had to let her know. If he didn't, Alex would eventually find out herself. Once she discovers that he was the one who had set this man free, she would hate him.

Gabe can't bring himself to think of that happening, of losing that chance with her, or of losing Alex's trust.

Hell, I'm going to lose her entirely if she finds out.

These realizations devastated him.

But how can they both escape the looming shadows of the past unscathed? Even he couldn't figure that out.

Sighing, he rubbed his hand on his face, reeling at his lack of options. He then stood up, slamming the open folder on his desk as he turned to face the window, simmering in his own regrets. Papers slipped out to the carpeted floor, including a full-page mugshot of the defendant.

It was Maximilian Cornell.

Author's Notes: With Sadie being shady AF, I feel like we all need some dose of female friendship right? Also, this is my HC why Gabe constantly pulls away from MC, not only because of their working relationship. Did the reveal live up to the cliffhanger? Let me know in the comments! 👇👇👇

Tag list: @adiehardfan @pixelnutrookie @starryjieun @latinagiraffe @sarcastic01lily   @spookycolorpeanut @ophrookie @suitfer @thegreentwin @mkatschoicesblog @made-of-roses

@choicesficwriterscreations

Thank you for your continued reading!

Want to be added or removed to the tag list? No problem - just let me know 😊. Reblogs are also much appreciated! 💕