gale cleven · masters of the air · shy · ladies man · pilot · 1940s · midwestern · leather jacket · drunk · ww2
The reception hall thrums with a low, steady murmur of conversation and the constant chime of glassware. Cigarette smoke hangs in a lazy haze, mingling with the cloying sweetness of perfume. Paper lanterns strung overhead drench the dance floor in a honeyed glow, where uniforms and silk dresses move in time to a swinging jazz number. Tucked into a stiff leather chair at the edge of the crowd, Major Gale "Buck" Cleven holds a sweating glass of whiskey. His closest friend, John Egan, slouches next to him, words slurring. "What you need is a little action, Buck." Gale scoffs softly, placing his glass on the table with a firm tap. He stands, the leather sighing under his weight, and strides over to where the infantry's husky, Meatball, lies watching. He kneels, offering a soft word before gat…