Today's Drabble: Top Gun: Maverick
The Dagger Squad grumbled amongst themselves as they stood outside the museum. Waiting, impatiently, for Pete to arrive. He had insisted, no threatened, the entire Squad go with him to see the latest exhibit at the museum. Apparently, it was opening day.
"Why are we here again?" Javy groaned, leaning against the railing. Bradley glanced over his shoulder at the full parking lot in search of Pete's bike.
"Because Maverick said so." He sighed. Still no sign of him. "Come on, let's just head inside." They shuffled in through the doors, approaching the desk where a young woman stood quietly waiting.
"Welcome, are you here for the new exhibit?" She asked softly. Far too soft and gentle for any normal exhibit. Like she was softening a blow they didn't know was coming. They murmured their confirmation, exchanging cautious glances. "Great. That'll be $25--"
"Each?!" Nat loudly interrupted. The young woman was startled, her smile faltering.
"Yes... a portion of the funds go to--"
"That's ridiculous." Mickey muttered.
"I'll cover it." Pete called as he strolled up to the counter. "Eight tickets, please." He passed out his card without any hesitation. The woman instantly relaxed and was quick to process the transaction before returning the card to him with a small stack of tickets.
"Down the hall and to the left. You'll find a group already waiting." She pointed in the general direction before quietly adding. "They'll be cutting the ribbon shortly." Pete made sure to thank her before guiding the group of unimpressed pilots down the hall.
"What the fuck is this about Mav?" Jake angrily whispered while plucking the offered ticket from Pete's hand. "This is supposed to be our day off."
"Trust me, you're going to want to see this." Was all Pete offered as he rounded the corner. Several groans and a few swears followed as the group kept pace with him. Soon they came upon the aforementioned group.
"These are all..." Bradley trailed off.
"Pilots." Pete confirmed before shushing them. An older gentleman stepped to the front and called for everyone's attention before giving a short speech. He was soft spoken, and not very commanding, so most of his words didn't reach the back of the crowd. But the soft murmurs from those gathered conveyed a sense of pride. The sharp sound of scissors cut through the air and then the group was moving forward as one, murmuring softly as they passed through the entry.
"Guardians of the Sky" were painted in large iridescent shades over the entryway. Stars were painted along the edges. It was almost nostalgic. Almost. Pete led the group through the entry and into the dimly lit space. Pictures of all sizes were displayed on the walls. Two rows of low glass cabinets sat a distance from one wall, displaying various metals and patches. Two beat up planes sat at the far end of the room, roped off from the public. A large sculpture of nine pilots sat directly between them.
The large group of pilots spread out to fill the space, murmuring softly as they observed the preserved items. Those that stood in front of the statues took a moment to remove their hats and bow their heads. Pay their respects to the pilots that were lost. That were memorialized within this exhibit.
"What is all this?" Nat asked as she approached the nearest wall of photos. The lights shining on the wall illuminated the pictures despite the overall dim lighting in the room. Some of the pictures were grainy, others were crisp. The details almost haunting.
"Is that..." Javy asked as he looked over Nat's shoulder. His fingers traced the edge of the photo, following the order of names. It was a squadron photo. Nine pilots posed between two planes. And right there in the middle...
"Kate "Laika" Kazansky..." Bob whispered. Suddenly the group was so quiet you could hear a pin drop between them. The reality slamming into them like a ton of bricks.
"She... she's dead?" Bradley whispered as he approached the photo.
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