Call Back {Top Gun Maverick - Completed}

26: Home

By the time the carrier returned to North Island, Maneater was partially recovered. She was awake and laying in the bottom of a bunk, zoning out. Mickey, Evelyn, Rebecca, and Maverick were the main ones that stayed beside her. Hennessey ended up getting twelve stitches in her side and received blood to make up for what she lost.

"Knock, knock," Regina called out quietly, catching Hennessey's attention. Hennessey straightened up, trying to sit up in the bed. Regina gently pushed the girl's shoulder, signaling that she could relax.

"At ease, at ease. I wanted to come help you pack your things. It's time to leave and return to base," Regina explained.

Hennessey nodded silently, carefully trying to get out of bed to stand. Regina, relucent at first, helped the young aviator up.

"I only have a few toiletries, shirts, and..." Hennessey trailed off, pulling a small leather covered book from under her pillows, "This."

Regina grabbed the duffel bag that remained at the foot of the bed, opening it. She walked quietly around, gathering the last of Hennessey's belongings. Henne neatly packed the last things away.

"Thank you, Admiral," Hennessey stated, getting a nod in return.

《~~○~~》

From the moment everyone stepped off the ship, they had three weeks off. Hennssey, however, had four weeks so that she could heal up more. Everyone was due to return to the bases or ships they were at before the mission. Maverick was due to be honorably discharged, as of Cyclone's orders. Bambi and Slider had returned to their home in Miramar.

Maverick and Hennessey started their vacation off by walking into the Hard Deck, looking for Penny. Mav took off his aviators, looking around at the unusually silent bar. The last time he had been in the bar, and it was this empty, Henne, Evelyn, and Amelia were sitting around or behind the bar. This time it was only Jimmy coming out from the back room, carrying a box of supplies.

"Hey, Mav. Hey Henne," Jimmy greeted. 

"Hey Jimmy," Hennessey gave him a small smile.

"Jimmy," Maverick awkwardly looked around at the empty bar, "Is, uh... Is Penny around?"

"Uh, she took Amelia on a sailing trip," Jimmy replied.

Hennessey nodded in understanding; she had found herself in this situation multiple times. Where she would return from deployment and her mother and sister would be out sailing or Penny would be working a busy night behind the bar.

"Did she say when she'd be back?"

"You know, she didn't," Jimmy realized, "Can I get you two anything?"

"I'm okay, Jimmy. Thanks though," Henne replied. 

In honesty, Maverick and Hennessey probably should be getting ready to go. Bradley, Rebecca, Brandie, and Jake were waiting in Bradley's bronco. While Mickey was waiting in Henne's two toned Ford Ranger. They were all going to go to Maverick's hangar out in the desert.

"Well if you see her or Lia, can you just tell one of them to text me?" Hennessey asked, Maverick and her heading towards the main door.

"Yeah, I will. It was good seeing you again, Henne," Jimmy replied, waving.

"You too!" Hennessey waved before leaving.

《~~○~~》

To say that the group of seven were in for a long trip was an understatement. Before the group left town, they had all filled up on gas and Jake thought it would be a good idea to get some walkie talkies. Maverick denied one, which Hennessey later wished she had done the same. Mickey and Hennessey had sung 'Take On Me' by A-ha, immediately followed by Hennessey screaming 'Head Over Heels' by Tears for Fears. Maverick had made it to the meeting spot first, as he was in the lead and later been informed that Bradley had broken down about a mile and a half down the highway.