Earlier…

Buzzard shuffled through the stream of notes, invitations, and inquiries with rote precision. She scanned, perused, and filed each item like a robot in a fabrication plant. A pile of letters in front of her, rivaling the pile behind her as she speedily noted each of them.

Fan letters. Royalty checks for marketing and merchandising. Request for photo shoots. Invitations for interviews. Sponsorship offers. More requests for photo shoots. Another request for a photo shoot. The contents went on and on but Buzzard found herself soured by the particular theme she noticed.

'More photo shoots of my sister Kestrel? That makes four more this week than the last. And they already have outfits ready?... Good Lord, they're becoming more inexplicable and depraved each day…'

She filtered through the letters with a deep frown. Nothing confounded her more than those requests from fashion studios A through Z, all vying to capture her sister's image for commercial purposes. Once a recognized darling of the stage and the silver screen, it seemed that everyone wanted a piece of the action, whether it was her singing or her looks, of which her measurements had more or less become a common industry knowledge. The depth of this rabbit hole made Buzzard shudder.

Of course, that was the price of fame and of the path Kestrel walked.

"Hey Buzzard."

The carrier spun around, half-surprised by the sudden appearance of the Gray Ghost standing behind her. "Oh, hello Enterprise." She quickly adjust her glasses to conceal her surprise. "How are you?"

"Wandering around on my day off," Enterprise replied with a friendly look. "I guess you can say I'm still looking for action." She paused as the mound of paper caught her eye. Glancing at it reminded her of secretary work, of the days when kansen had the responsibility of compiling reports, sifting through banal paperwork, or had the honor of giving the Commander his mail (among other things). Enterprise peered close but found the contents unlike what she expected.

"What's this?"

"It's… for my sister Kestrel." Buzzard tried not to wince as she tried to find a palpable way of explaining this to the Eagle Union veteran. "She gets a lot of letters thanks to her status as an idol singer and actress. Even when part-time, she's already accrued quite the popularity."

Enterprise studied the pile, plucking one item to bring to the light of day. She saw that it was a stylized art, of a familiar-looking silver-haired woman posed with a full-sized fighter jet in the background. A great white name emblazoned the head of the picture, stylized in bold white font that alluded to a brash and epic adventure.

"'Top Shots 2'?" Enterprise inquired.

Buzzard glanced up. "Ah yes, that. It was a movie that Kestrel recently starred in as a long-awaited sequel to the first film that she was also in. It came out weeks ago and it's still being talked about. Its release had put the spotlight firmly on my sister, and since then the letters have never ceased coming. It's gotten to the point where I must allocate more of my time sorting through it all… and finding all sorts of unusual requests."

The Gray Ghost turned to the promotional image with an astonished look, taken aback by the revelation that the star of the picture was indeed Kestrel. Even hearing about the "Silver Star Idol", Enterprise couldn't believe that she had nearly overlooked at seeing this side of the Federation carrier, the side of her outside war.

She examined her image with inquisitiveness. "So what's it about?"

"Best I can explain it to you, the first 'Top Shots' was about the journey of a well-meaning military maverick, the camaraderie of brothers and sisters in arms, and a very idealized life about naval aviation. The last part is what everyone seems to remember the most, thanks to Kestrel's specialty. The amount of emphasis the movie placed on ships and aircraft was nearly egregious, almost like an advertisement. That said, it has its personal moments thanks to charismatic characters and moments of tension.

"The next movie essentially borrows the same formula but exaggerates it. More action, more drama, more scenes of military hardware. In spite of that, it still pleased critics and audience, even surpassing its predecessor. Having seen it myself, it's actually not that bad; I quite enjoyed it."

Enterprise looked impressed. "I see. Perhaps I should give them a watch when I can." Setting the placard down, she then caught notice of another object of intrigue. A glimmering thumb drive, chained by a conspicuous tag inscribed in hasty black ink "Top Shots: Work Documentation".

"Hm? What's this?"

Buzzard looked up, swiftly recognizing the flash drive. "It's Kestrel's. It was for her work in the movies. She kept a record of her progress and effort for posterity's sake. A one-of-a-kind personal 'behind the scenes', if you will."

Dangling it before her, Enterprise examined the thumb drive with certain curiosity. Part of her was anxious to view one's personal information; another was gripped with interest, to discover what it contained that was worth cataloging. For future reference? For nostalgia, like photographs of old memories?

What more of Kestrel would she witness?

She took a quick peek at Buzzard who only answered with a passing glance of her own, as if expecting her to continue. Enterprise's grip on the drive tightened.

If Buzzard had no problem with her looking inside, then how bad could it be?

Approaching the nearest idling terminal, Enterprise plugged the flash drive in. Waking to life, the screen presented her with a window occupied by a grid of files. Unsure of the order, she proceeded with one item in a cluster that attracted her attention.

Fitness_regimen_4

"... Twenty-eight… twenty-nine… thirty!…"

Kestrel breathed heavily as she exerted herself, matching her sit-ups with her rhythmic breathing. She pushed herself to keep pace, holding steady like a metronome as she fought to maintain a brisk momentum. She kept the crunches going, panting her progress.

"... forty-three… forty-four… forty-five!"

With a triumphant grunt, the exercise was concluded. Kestrel was upright and remained so as her breathing slowly caught up. Sitting atop the fitness mat, the carrier rested as she sipped from her bottle, the lush taste proven with the satisfied sigh. Kestrel rested, breathing easy before she took notice of the camera.

"That's another set completed," she sighed as she took the device in her hand, the other brushing loose strands of her hair back. "Thirty was the established routine… but I think forty-five is manageable. Singing doesn't require this level of exercise, but I need to keep in shape… The competition will be fierce and I must be prepared to meet the tasks required of me in other fields."

She smiled as she gazed wistfully. "... To be honest, I actually enjoy this. It's hard work, but the results are speaking for themselves… I can't help but feel skittish whenever I look at a mirror. Just something about trim healthy bodies seem so appealing (I wonder what Vulture would think…). I shouldn't even have to worry about weight anymore," she finished with a light giggle.

"This concludes today's exercise log. This is Kestrel… signing off."

Enterprise held her tongue after the recording concluded, unsure of what to say from the myriad of conflicting confounding thoughts.

As if she could read her mind, Buzzard commented. "Hardly expected that, did you? Neither did I, to be honest. But it turns out a tuned voice is more than needed to be a singer, let alone to compete as an idol. The demands only intensified when she also had to take into account her other professions, especially acting. Heh… not even the fleet drills compare to what she goes through."

'So Kestrel actually takes training seriously, more so than I imagined,' Enterprise surmised. 'I suppose it makes sense to keep yourself in tip-top shape for such things…'

But then she paused. '... Wait. This is all just for her work in the movies. What else is there?'

Highway_to_the_Hazard_ 3

"Revvin' up your engine
Listen to her howlin' roar~
Metal under tension
Beggin' you to touch and go~

Sky~way to the
Hazard Zone~!
Ride in~to the
Hazard Zone~!"

Right as the song began, Enterprise immediately picked up Kestrel's singing voice. As she listened, Buzzard's head instantly popped up.

"Oh that song! It was written exclusively for the first 'Top Shots' and Kestrel auditioned for it. She actually wasn't sure if she wanted to act in that movie but she impressed the studio enough that they asked for her to be the lead role. Even had she not accepted the offer, that song still made record sales and catapulted into fame."

"That popular, is it," Enterprise murmured as the song continued. Guitars and percussion soared like takeoff, the lyrics giving the song wings as the tunes rode high and low like a high-speed bird on the attack. The key notes were recited, higher and more intense with each loop until the hype could be as high as the sky. What came up must come down but with this song, not even Enterprise was certain whether it could.

"... Sky~way to the Hazard Zone~."

A snort. "I guess even you found it catchy."

Enterprise jolted awake, realizing too late what had escaped from her mouth. She felt heat in her face as she scrambled to cut the music short.

Taking a breather, she looked over the file grid again. Finding another item whose name intrigued her, she made a move for it.

Simulation_Test

"All strapped in?"

Kestrel, having exchanged her brimmed hat with a safety helmet, nodded. "Ready when you are!"

Next to her, Vulture donned a cocky grin. "Okay. Here we go!"

Gripping the wheel, the car's engine roared alive. The sudden motion knocked both occupants against the seat as through the windows, the scenery whipped by. The background soon vanished in a nonsensical blur as Vulture turned and churned the wheel around. Inertia and momentum began to jostle Kestrel around. Lights and shadows danced around as their world became naught but a leaf in a blender that was Vulture's driving.

"Weeeeeeeeee!" Vulture laughed.

Kestrel gripped her seat, rooting herself as best she could as the motions lurched her to and fro, threatening to dislodge her. Her body shifted from side to side, her hair tossing about as the car was thrown left, right, forwards, backwards, even upside down. Amid the hoots and cheers of her driver, nary a grunt escaped from Kestrel who restrained her fear tight behind her clenched jaw. Her pupils shrank from suspense but her gaze held as firm as she could.

The wild ride did its best to rattle its passenger, to wring the fear of God out of her. But in the end, Kestrel endured.

The nightmarish rodeo waned to a close as Vulture finally granted the car a merciful stop. Her laughter slowed down to a chuckle as she cut the engine. "Still with us, sis?"

Kestrel let go of her taut breath as she allowed herself to relax. "... Yes."

"Way to go! So what'd you think?"

"... Exhilarating! I think the director will be pleased to hear from my personal experience!"

As Kestrel beamed, so too did Vulture. "Heh. Lemme know if you want to go from two dimensions to three. I'm sure I can find one to rent…"

Enterprise shuddered when the video finally ended, glad to see the crazy experience end even though she was only a detached viewer. Even when watching she had felt a swell of nausea, and the thought that Kestrel willingly underwent the ordeal horrified her even more, even if she managed to resist the terror.

Buzzard let out a hum as she remembered. "Oh right. I had mentioned that the 'Top Shots' series were about aviation. But what I didn't mention was that the effects - the planes and the shots of people inside - were nearly all practical. The director was enamored with the idea of having his leading roles experience real flying and he was rather adamant about it. Kestrel enlisted Vulture's help so that she would get a better grasp on what it would be like (heaven forbid that she conduct unauthorized flights for the sake of increasing the authenticity…)."

A bead of sweat trickled as Enterprise nodded. "I-I see…" She privately shared her condolences to the Silver Star Idol for experiencing Vulture's driving before moving on, finding another file of interest.

Motorcycle_Scene_Rehearsal

Kestrel adjusted her grip on the handlebars as she balanced the motorbike, a silver "Kawasikorsky" stamped on the rear bumper. She glanced over the instruments and her stance, only nodding to herself when she was satisfied with her security. Then she procured a key before slotting it in the ignition.

The motorcycle sputtered to life, the engine giving a pitched roar as it awoke. Confirming again that she was situated comfortably on the leather seat, Kestrel gave a slight twist to the accelerator. The bike rolled off and once she found her balance she entrusted it to the two wheels to carry her.

Starting slow, she tested the bike. A disembodied voice called out to her.

"Alright, how's it feel?"

"Not bad," Kestrel replied aloud over the cyclic sputter of the engine. "It's just what my sister said… like riding a bicycle."

She continued testing her ride with care, but with growing confidence. The more she rode, the more it became a part of her.

Content with the initial results, Kestrel moved to the next stage. Twisting the handle even more, the motorcycle engine roared louder. She could at last feel the breeze running through her hair.

The voice expressed a pleased hum. "Okay. Now the script says that you'll be driving after an airplane on take-off. I don't how that scene will turn out; if necessary we'll cut it out or hand it to the special effects department so-"

A shape darted by, too fast to be caught clearly. The voice ceased in surprise, the camera recoiling in turn. The howl of an engine filled the air as the same shape crossed the field of vision in the distance. Echoes of squealing tires followed after it as the motorbike zoomed around the open lot. So fast it was that the camera barely caught a good look at it before it vanished in a blur.

But it was quick enough that it could catch Kestrel's upbeat smile as she raced around the field. All presumptions of her inexperience vanished, left in the dust as she tore around the lot on all cylinders. Even she couldn't resist letting out a loud whoop.

She tore around the lot at blistering speeds, burning rubber in her turns and even drifts that she managed with surprising grace and ease. She even dared to perform a wheelie once the new-found discovery of speed began to wear off.

The voice finally gave a chuckle. "... Looks like we'll have everything for that scene."

Another chuckle and Enterprise turned to see that it was from Buzzard. "Supposedly that scene in 'Top Shots' - where her character races against an aircraft - was meant to be performed by a stunt double, but Kestrel had asked if she could try it herself. I used to remember when she asked me how to ride one. I never rode one myself, so most I had to offer was that advice. I was worried she wouldn't learn in time before filming, but when she came back her face was nothing but smiles. She didn't just learn - she had fun with it. That's my little sister for you."

Enterprise said nothing but smiled back in understanding. Glancing back, she wondered what else there was to view, until at last she found an unviewed file. Its title piqued her attention upon reading it.

Beach_Volleyball_Album

Enterprise halted when she read the name. She gave her doubts one last second before she clicked the link. This time, instead of a video player, she was presented a slideshow of still images, the first displayed before her eyes.

In it, the Gray Ghost scrutinized a bright day, blazing in the tropical summer where the sand glowed just as bright as the golden sun. The dance of yellow haze was even captured on camera as Enterprise studied the picture further.

In it, a volleyball court was set up, its sandy surface rough and worn like dunes. Bleachers and palm trees rose tall around the court like mountain ridges, even encompassing a set of director's chairs and camera equipment. Among them she could make out a throng of khaki-clad and loose-shirted production staff, sound equipment and other filming instruments in hand.

Enterprise proceeded to the next image and this time she was caught off-guard by the appearance of Kestrel, her silvery hair loose and free but what caught her eyes was her outfit: an audacious two-piece bikini. She stood atop the sandy court, her expression indifferent despite the skimpy attire that left rather little to a viewer's imagination, a sentiment not helped by how tightly it seemed to cling to her damp and lotioned skin.

The Gray Ghost's mind raced. 'W-what is this…?!'

She moved to the next image, Kestrel again in her outfit from another angle. This time, she seemed to be reviewing a volleyball technique with a member of the staff, mimicking the motion for receiving the ball.

Another image, another shot of Kestrel from another angle. Now she raised the ball, whether ready to serve or preparing the technique, Enterprise was not quite sure.

Next image, another picture of the bikini-clad Kestrel, her gaze tilted upwards. Next image, Kestrel in motion to intercept the volleyball, film cameras in the blurry background. Next, more images of her playing volleyball, all capturing her in various moments in time: receiving, striking, diving upon the cloud of sand, dynamic leaps, presumed outtakes…

Enterprise slowly turned towards Buzzard who already hid her face behind her palm.

"You don't have to say anything…" she groaned. "Of all the things people remember about 'Top Shots', it was the egregious display of military aircraft and the infamous volleyball scene. I can't possibly imagine why…"

"I-I see…" Glancing back at the image album, Enterprise returned to the sight of said scene being filmed out as photographs, albeit all focused on the main star of the show (and her "supporting actresses" as she half-suspected based on where these shots were conveniently made).

The album went on, the passage of time apparent as the action appeared to reached its climax. Sand, dust, and sweat began to collect on Kestrel, her white long hair becoming frayed. But as intense and tiring the imitative game was, the black and white clapperboards soon snapped shut. Filming done, the scene was completed and Kestrel could breath easy.

The image that marked the tailend of the collection was the Silver Star Idol, tired and dirty. She then noticed the camera having focused on her throughout filming. Despite her weariness and exposure, Kestrel did not look ashamed. Rather, she found it within her to put on a friendly face and even a cheery gesture for the camera, allowing it to end the day and the memories on a happy note.

Enterprise raised an eyebrow. 'Does she… actually enjoy this?'

Buzzard sighed. "What I'd give to pretend my sister wasn't a part of it… But Kestrel doesn't seem to mind. Again, she told me she had fun. I suppose being a celebrity means she's already used to this sort of thing."

'Maybe too used to it,' Enterprise thought with worry. File concluded, she promptly backed out to return to the grid once more. The Eagle carrier considered one last thing to visit before concluding this excursion. She glossed over the host of content one last time, deliberating on what to view.

Then in the corner of her eye, tucked securely in an inconspicuous corner, Enterprise spotted a peculiar file name.

TS2_Preshow_Greetings_Txt

Interested, Enterprise opened the file. True to its type, a display opened not with a recording, but a silent scroll. Intrigued by what it contained, Enterprise began reading.

Hello to you all.

Summer is almost here, and so is the film you have all been waiting for: "Top Shots 2". Directed by the critically-acclaimed Lom Ruise, "Top Shots 2" is the long-awaited sequel to the original classic that some of you may remember.

I too remember when the film that started it all hit theaters. I remember the privilege given to be the among the talented cast, how humbled I was to join their ranks. I remember the wonderful people whom I have work with to make the first "Top Shots" a magical experience. I remember the dedication that went towards creating the modern art piece, with authentic stunts and dedicated performances.

I remember those who poured their hearts into that project and I see that same commitment here, even the same faces that once made it all happen.

I thank you for taking the time to hear my words. It means everything to me. To bring joy is an immense honor.

I am Kestrel, and I hope you all have a wonderful theater experience.

Enterprise stayed silent as she read the speech. Even without a voice, she could hear Kestrel's in the words.

Looking back, it now made sense to her. Why she did all of this. Why she even decided to make this personal "behind-the-scenes".

To bring joy is an immense honor.

Enterprise closed down the terminal, removing the flash drive from its port before promptly handing it over to Buzzard.

"All done?"

"Yes, I am," answered Enterprise. "I think I've seen enough. It's been a very enlightening experience."

Buzzard paused before she could accept the device. "Enlightening?"

"I don't mean to sound like I'm prying, but seeing Kestrel's personal logs have given me new insight into who she is." Enterprise's gaze remained fixed to the thumb drive as if she could see once more its contents. "I've known you and your sisters since I first stumbled into this world, but even then I suspected there was much more to learn. I had never expected this side of her, one past the quiet, solemn but kind-hearted warrior I'd see out at sea.

"I've now seen more of who she is, and more importantly what motivates her. I understand her… know her better now.

"... As such, I feel more respect and appreciation for her now."

Buzzard blinked in surprise but deftly recovered with a tender smile. "I see. Glad to hear of it, Enterprise.

"... Truth be told, even I had my own moment of enlightenment when I first heard of her work behind the scenes. Even I, her own family, had little idea of what Kestrel was capable of.

"What's more, this is the one of the rare times I've ever seen her smile so fondly. She's smiled before in comfort of friends and family, but never with so much energy, so much joy. That scene with the motorcycle? I know she was just acting but I've never seen her genuinely laugh."

Enterprise reciprocated her expression, just as how their words rang true together. Finally, Buzzard took the flash drive.

"… Mind if ask a favor?"

She looked back up. "Hm? What is it, Enterprise?"

Enterprise glanced back at the device in Buzzard's hand. "Please keep it in a secure place. It's Kestrel's so… she wouldn't want to lose it. I'm sure she wouldn't want her cherished memories misplaced."

Buzzard nodded in understanding. "Certainly."

Depositing the object into her pocket, Buzzard looked back at Enterprise, finding her already by the door. "Well, I think my day off has been well spent," said the Gray Ghost. "I should be heading back."

"Of course. Have a pleasant day, Enterprise."

"You too, Buzzard." And with that, she closed the door behind her. Free from the confines of the room, Enterprise gave her arms a much-needed stretch before she walked off, all refreshed and eager to report back to duty. The oceans awaited and soon she'll be back in the skies, her riding the tides while her birds soared the ocean breeze. High and fast, thundering over the world of blue; wings spread wide while riding the lightning…

"Sky~way to the Hazard Zone~... Ride in~to the Hazard Zone~..."

Enterprise walked on, oblivious to the humming that trickled out of her mouth.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

HistoricHippos:

A now a quick detour back to filler stuff. Part 3 of the Sisters' Requiem story arc was supposed to take place after the previous chapter but I had a sudden change of plans. Apologies for the deviation, but after having watched Top Gun: Maverick in theaters I felt I had to write this. Wouldn't feel right letting the chance to insert more Top Gun references go by after seeing the movie.