Everyone had a moment of empathy for Maverick

The bond between he and Goose was real, and clear to anyone with eyes.

They didn’t like him as a pilot, but it was never personal. He was viewed as an unsafe hotshot, but not a bad guy. And his skill and dedication weren’t really in question.

It’s been a minute since I’ve seen it, but I don’t recall Hollywood/Wolf having a particularly antagonistic relationship with Maverick.

Anyhow, I always saw the call as, this is a talented motherfucker who we need. His tactics might be frowned upon, but he makes for a formidable foe for any enemies.

Between that and the sheer empathy of the moment, he called to save Maverick from himself. It’s like you can up and tell the military “I quit” like that.

But I always saw Viper as the call, not Charlie. I’ll have to rewatch and focus on that part.