Chrysalis's palace
May 18 2023
16:20 hours.
"Can't you idiots do anything right?" yelled Chrysalis.
"We did the best we could! They caught on to the drones and took them out! We don't have anymore now!" replied the military commander.
"Dammit they are a pain in the ass," she replied.
"Don't worry. Their ground forces won't make it over the pass," the commander replied nervously.
"I'll believe it when I see it," and she stormed off.
-----------------------------
Oured AFB
May 19 2023
08:00 hours.
Garuda had assembled for the mission briefing. Once again Slugger and Moonstone were there. Slugger spoke first.
"OK pilots. This is it. It's time to end the missile threat. We have identified the source. A giant airborne carrier called the Aigaion," and he brought up some images of it. "
It's in constant orbit over the western half of the Crystal Empire and Western edge of the Changeling Kingdom. With it are four smaller airships. Two, codename Kotos, handle ECM operations, and the other two, codename Gyges, handle air defense. The Aigaion itself has a substantial amount of anti aircraft weapons also. To discuss the plan, here is Moonstone." And she took over.
"At regular intervals, the Aigaion and it's support ships are refueled using a whopping two squadrons of tanker aircraft totaling 20 planes. Thanks to intel we received, we've discovered while it's being refueled, it's radar is cut to low power as it actually poses a hazard to the crew of the tankers otherwise. It's range is only a mile when it's lowered, which makes a frontal surprise attack possible. Also it's cloaking is deactivated along the front edge so the tanker crews can see what they're doing. The cloaking on the rear is dropped also when it's recovering aircraft." She brought up some more info on the screen.
"The first targets will be the support aircraft. Taking them out will make it a lot easier to attack the Aigaion. After they're brought down, you can start in on it, starting by disabling it's anti aircraft weapons, then taking it out once and for all. The Aigaion's fighters are one squadron of 20 SU-33's, by the name of Druid squadron. The Changeling Kingdom's top squadron. As for the attack: Air to air missiles aren't going to be enough for this, so we're going to bomb them. Garuda: Two of you will be carrying two GBU-28 bunker busters each. You will need to drop them here," she pointed to the screen "at both wing roots. This should break it's wings off and send it down."
Slugger cut in.
"Tornado, Heart Trob, you'll be the carriers."
"Wow we get the easy part, except those bombs won't do much for our maneuverability," replied Tornado.
"Druids? That's the squadron that shot down Diamondback One," Heart Throb said.
Moonstone spoke again.
"We need our best pilots for this mission, so we got them. The opening salvo of the attack will be by our Shadow squadron."
Maverick looked up in surprise. The Shadows were the New Lunar Republic's top squadron, led by none other than Rainbow Dash.
"They will use their stealth to approach, and fire a massive salvo of AMRAAMs to take out the tankers and any fighters flying with them, and cause general disruption. Garuda, you and our Mist squadron will handle any air threats, and attacks on the engines of the ships."
She brought up more info.
"Finally the airships themselves will be attacked using rockets and guided bombs to take out their cloaking and defenses, and bring them down. The attacks will be handled by the CEAF Hurricane squadron and our Lunar squadron."
Maverick almost choked on his Powerade.
"Mav' your old squadron!" Surprise said.
"Yep," replied Moonstone. "Them and the other squadrons will be in later on today."
Nightshade looked a bit nervous. "I think I'll go hide in the ammo bunker until they leave," she said.
"Wow. Are you sure this base can handle that many planes?" Tornado asked.
"Yeah we checked," replied Slugger. "If not, we can send one to Blue Mountain."
"So we get to see DJ Mystery?" Black Widow asked.
"More than likely," replied Moonstone.
"Woo hoo we'll have to make a party out of this!" replied Surprise.
"Wait: If it's flying over land, what happens if it heads toward a populated area on the way down? Nightshade asked.
"A good question," replied Moonstone.The Changelings have been flying it over unpopulated areas to avoid detection. One part of their route is over this mountain range here," she pointed to the range to the West of Los Alicornes. Nightshade gasped.
"That's near my village! We can't!" she yelled.
"They're not flying over it. They're skirting to the North. We've determined the best interception point will be just Northwest of the village. From there you'll have until it get's to Crystal Lake to bring it down. At that point they turn South towards Cantlin. If they don't turn and keep going, and you still haven't brought it down, the Arkbird will be in position to fry it before it could reach Manechester. Unfortunately due to the Arkbird's flight path we can't use it instead of you guys. You've got to get to the intercept point and bring it down as fast as possible."
Then Slugger spoke again.
"That's all for now. The train leaves at 10 tomorrow morning so enjoy the night off." And the meeting broke.
----------------------------------
Road to Gracemareia
12:15 hours.
Moondancer and Chrissy were now five miles from Gracemareia, but could proceed no further due to a checkpoint.
"Now what?" Moondancer asked Chrissy.
"I don't know. I don't think I can bluff our way past it this time," she replied. Moondancer looked around.
"Guess we'll have to try and go around it. It won't be easy though thanks to the terrain," she said.
After some searching, they found what appeared to be a trail used by animals and hunters, however it ran along the edge of a 200 foot gorge. Chrissy could fly, but Moondancer had to carefully walk along the narrow, crumbling path.
"Watch that spot," Chrissy said as the unicorn stepped over a thin spot. Suddenly the ground gave way under her left hooves, and she started to fall. Chrissy was able to grab her and help her get to safety. Moondancer was obviously shaken over the incident.
"I've gotta' stop for a bit," she said.
"Take as long as you want," replied Chrissy.
After Moondancer regained her composure, they continued on and ultimately found their way around the checkpoint, and continued down the road.
----------------------------
Oured AFB
14:31 hours.
"They're 40 miles out," Slugger announced to the Garudas, who were waiting outside near a hangar.
"Which ones?" asked Surprise.
"The Equestria ones. Ours just now left Sibley," he replied.
"Nervous Spade?" Nightshade asked.
"Why? Not like is anypony new," he replied.
"Well you just seemed to be acting a little funny."
"Says the one constantly biting her lip?" he replied.
Several minutes later the three formations of planes appeared to the South. They flew over the base before settling into landing patterns. The familiar three tone blue SU-37's with whitish grey wing tips brought back a flood of memories for Maverick. Behind them were the black and midnight blue Raptors of Shadow Squadron, and finally the sky camouflaged Gripens of Mist Squadron.
It took about 30 minutes for all of them to land and park in their spots. Soon the Tarmac was crowded with planes. Maverick and the others were waiting by the closest hangar to them. Finally all of the Equestria pilots assembled, and began walking towards the base, which would take them past the hangar. Lunar was leading the way.
"We've gotta' surprise them," Surprise said.
"I'll hide behind that maintenance cart and say something to them as they pass," replied Maverick. Meanwhile Nightshade had slipped behind a nearby fuel truck.
As they got closer, voices could be heard.
"...there's their planes, where are they?"
"Wow some way to greet guests."
They finally reached the spot where Maverick was.
"Imagine that. I've got to lead you misfits into battle again."
"MAVERICK!"
He was instantly dogpiled by 5 familiar ponies.
"Maybe I will, depending on how many ribs you just cracked." They got off of him.
"Damn it's good to see you again!" a pink pegasus with red mane said.
"There he is!" yelled another familiar voice. That of Rainbow Dash. Soon Slugger and the rest of the squadron, and the Diamondbacks appeared to greet them. Nightshade continued to hide though.
"To think a few years ago you gave me my first loss. Now we're flying together," Octavia said.
"Times change," replied Maverick.
"I've missed you Spade," a white unicorn said while giving him a hug.
"You too Glory," Maverick replied with a bit of a red face.
"Damn get a room you two," snapped a black and orange pegasus.
"Still snarky eh' Angel?" Maverick replied.
"It wouldn't be me otherwise," she replied.
"Been keeping them in line Whiteblaze?" Mav' asked him.
"Trying to. It's not easy considering who's in the wing now," he replied.
"Where is she anyway?" a yellow pegasus said.
"Sorry guys, I couldn't unbuckle my belts." A pink pony hopped up to them.
"Pinkie?" Mav said with a shocked look.
"PINKIE?" yelled Surprise.
"Surprise?" she replied.
"HOW YOU DOIN!?" they said at the same time.
"When did you join the air force?" Surprise said while flying upside down.
"Two years, six months, and five days ago," she replied.
"After seeing her fly, they decided the Terminator was the best plane for her," Dash said.
"Are you still doing USO stuff?" Maverick asked.
"Of course! I could never give up doing that! Being a pilot just puts me closer to the troops," she replied.
"Knowing you'll be there to give them close air support would be a huge morale booster," Tornado said.
"So where's Nightshade?" Vinyl asked.
"DJ Mystery eh?" asked Black Widow.
"DJ Mystery, who's that? I don't know a DJ Mystery," she replied with a wink.
"Where is she anyway? I haven't seen her for over ten minutes now," Heart Throb asked.
A minute later a crewpony got into the fuel truck and drove it away, revealing her.
"There she is!" Surprise said.
"you've been hiding this whole time?" Kiwi asked as Nightshade slowly walked over.
"Well I...."
"I think she was worried some of you would have it in for her," replied Maverick.
"Seriously? We know you've changed," Glory said.
"You do?" Nightshade said surprised.
"Well duh!" replied Dash. "I doubt there isn't a single pony in the Equestria air forces that doesn't know your story. Gotta' admit: Stealing one of their planes and using it against them is pretty awesome."
"Not to mention your little call to that Krunk idiot was heard all over Equestria and as far as the Griffin Empire and Dragon Kingdom," added Vinyl.
"I was on the floor from it myself," Tiger Angel said.
"I'm looking forward to not being in your sights for a change," Whiteblaze said.
"Oh yeah. I shot you down didn't I?" replied Nightshade.
"Well don't worry about it. We're all in this together this time," he replied.
"OK pilots, let's go inside and get you settled in and briefed on tomorrow's event. Afterwards feel free to go out and have some fun." Slugger said.
"WOO HOO FUN!" Pinkie ans Surprise said together while jumping.
"That's the wrong thing to say around her," Dahlia said.
"I guess I'm up for it," replied Maverick. And they headed into the headquarters.
------------------------------
Gracemareia AFB
15:23 hours.
"Go dance with the angels cockroach!"
"Take her away."
Once again Kreiko's attempt at interrogating a POW failed. All of the prisoners brought in the last few days were the same way.
"They just aren't cooperating anymore are they?" his helper asked.
"Nope. And it's only going to get worse," he replied.
"Maybe we should switch tactics? I know someone who worked for Discord as a ....." Kreiko cut him off.
"We're not employing any tactics forbidden by the Gryphus Convention," he snapped. "Even one instance of that would damage our reputation among the world forever."
His helper left.
"With the capture of Manechester, the Empire now controls over half of the country. If we don't turn the tide soon, we stand a good chance of losing this war. The citizens and troops of the Empire have been emboldened by the string of victories, which means less cooperation from them, and the rise of more resistance groups. There are dark days ahead for us."
--------------------------------
Dew Drop Inn
Oured, Crystal Empire
17:45 hours.
The largest inn in Oured was packed with members of the squadrons. The main group consisted of Garuda and Maverick's former Lunar wingponies, Pinkie, Dash, Vinyl, and Octavia.
"Guess it's been too long since we've had a chance to relax," Maverick said.
"Tell me about it. This is our first real night off since this war started," replied Heart Throb.
"Hopefully it won't end like that one time in Las Pegasus," cracked Angel.
"What happened?" Nightshade asked.
"Oh it was nothing," replied Maverick.
"You call beating the pants off of a couple of crooked card sharks, then kicking their asses in a giant brawl nothing?" asked Dash.
"It was a total knock down drag out between NLR Air Force and Navy pilots," added Sunfire. "We all came out battered in that one."
Nightshade laughed. "I was in a situation like that while in the LoD."
"Oooh do tell," Pinkie said.
"My squadron went to this one bar in the Griffin Empire capital, and there was another squadron of Changelings and Griffins in it. Many didn't like the idea of ponies being in the LoD military, especially as a squadron commander, and that group was no exception. Long story short; push came to shove with a Griffin and I knocked his teeth down his throat, which started a brawl. My squadron backed me up, but I did most of the ass kicking."
"Awesome. I knew there was a reason I liked you," replied Black widow.
"Well you definitely don't sound like the princess type," Angel said.
"Oh hell no. You'll never catch me in a gown," she replied, taking a big gulp of cider afterwards.
"Right on Nightshade! There's more than one way to be a mare," replied Vinyl.
"And hear I thought you were the only tomcolt around," Octavia said to vinyl.
"So there were other ponies in the LoD?" Dash asked Nightshade.
"A few. There was one I knew who was a pilot. Don't know what happened to her after the final battle though," she replied.
A few minutes later the bar owner announced it was karaoke time.
"No thanks. My singing will get us lynched," Angel said.
"I will not take part in it, as it would be unfair to everypony else," announced Octavia.
"how about you spade?" Glory asked him.
"No thanks. I'm in the same boat as Angel. I'll just watch them make fools of themselves," he replied.
Dash was the first to try it with the fighter pilot's anthem, which got a lot of cheers. Next Stormy did a metal one, that he seemed to be aiming at Black Widow. Her and Nightshade upped him by teaming up on another metal song.
"You two need to get a recording contract. The music world is in desperate need of mares like you," Vinyl said to them when they returned.
"I was in a band during high school. Dropped it when I went into the military though," replied Nightshade.
Then Pinkie produced an accordion out of nowhere, got on stage, and goes into one of her favorite parody songs, filling the bar with laughter.
To the surprise of some in the group, Glory got on stage and started singing an older country song. She constantly looked straight at Maverick while singing it. It wasn't long before his face was red enough to lock a heat seeker onto it. Nightshade noticed the development.
"You didn't tell me you had a special somepony," she said.
"Oh... well... it's not that, we just became close during the war," he replied.
"Earth to Spade. I've seen how's she been sticking with you since she's been here. It's clear she's got it for you."
Ice overheard them.
"Not to mention the kiss she gave you before you left for Gracemareia back then," he said. And Maverick's face turned even redder.
"I knew it. I just knew it," replied Nightshade.
"Woah. Dude that is love if she's waited for you this long," added Dash.
Maverick's face returned to normal by the time Glory came back to the table. Before Nightshade was sitting between Glory and Maverick. Unfortunately for him she moved over, which forced Glory to sit next to him, turning his face red again.
"Hey you took my spot," she said to them.
"Oh sorry. We though you might like to be 'closer'," she said with a wink.
"I had no idea you had a singing voice," Whiteblaze said from the table next to them.
"Well it's nothing I flaunt. I'm not that good," she replied.
"Don't be so conservative. You've definitely got what it takes," added Octavia.
Tornado went into an old blues song, and succeeded in getting dirty looks from Tavi, Heart Throb, and several other mares, which marked the end of the karaoke session. Vinyl then did a brief round of DJ'ing before the group decided it was time to head back to base.
"We'll it's time to hit the road," announced Maverick. "Tomorrow we swat some mousquitos out of the sky."
"And piss on their remains," added Nightshade.
"I think somepony's getting their flank kicked tonight," Kiwi said to Tornado. "That was the wrong thing to sing with this group."
"Bring it," he replied.
As they walked back to base, Maverick fell behind the rest of the squadron a bit, and soon Glory was next to him.
"Shouldn't you be leading them?" she asked.
"Well I had a feeling you wanted to talk to me, so I came back here," he replied, surprising her.
"I wish we had more time to get caught up," she said as they continued to walk.
"Have you seriously been waiting for me?" he asked, which caught her off guard.
"Well...I... guess I kind of have," she replied.
Meanwhile a few of the others took notice of them.
"What are they doing?" Kiwi asked.
"Getting caught up as 'friends'," replied Night shade with a wink
"Maverick and Glory, sitting in a tree.." cracked Dash.
"Well maybe after this war is over I can find the time to visit Las Pegasus," he said. And she nuzzled him.
"Uh oh," Stormy said.
"Hook line and sucker," replied Tornado, at which point Heart Throb smacked him in the back of the head.
"That didn't hurt," he said.
"Well let's see here," she replied, and he jumed away from her.
--------------------------
Southwest of Stallionshire
May 20, 2023
12:35 hours.
It was time. The squadrons had assembled in a spot Southwest of Stallionshire near the mountain range. With peaks as high as 14,000 feet, the squadrons were able to orbit behind them in case a Changeling radar plane happened to spot them.
"Sky Eye to all planes: The bird is approaching the nest. Head out," meaning the Aigaion was nearing the intercept point.
"Roger Ice," replied Maverick "Let's go everyone".
"Ice, what? Why'd you say that to me?" Ice asked.
"OK we've got two Ice's here now. Ice of Lunar Squadron, and Ice Crystal the AWACS pony," replied Maverick.
"Ooooh ok," he replied.
"Use our callsigns to reference us from now on," replied Sky Eye.
"Anyway lead the way Shadow squadron," Maverick said.
"Roger Spade," Dash replied. And they got out ahead of the others.
"Oooh I'm so nervouscited," Pinkie said.
"Nervouscited? where'd you get that word?" Kiwi asked.
"I made it up. It's when your....." Sky Eye cut her off.
"Radio silence until contact is made everypony, except for vital communications."
"Oh bummer. Guess I'll talk to myself," replied Pinkie.
Further to the East, the five ship formation was beginning the refueling process. At the same time a flight of the Druid squadron SU-33's were returning from patrol.
"Druid One to Stinger, requesting permission to land."
"Roger, runway is clear. Watch our jet wash as you approach."
What was invisible suddenly became visible to the pilots from the rear so the pilots could see where to land, and one by one they landed.
Meanwhile on the bridge, the Changelings were keeping track of the refueling efforts.
"Has the enemy done anything today?" The Commander asked the intelligence officer.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. There's some bombing going on at North Star pass, but nothing major," he replied.
"Once refueling is done we'll launch a couple of missiles that way," he replied.
The group was now 43 miles from it and closing.
"Multiple contacts on radar. Definitely the targets," Dash announced.
"Roger. Close to within fifteen miles and lock them up," replied Maverick.
As they got to the fifteen mile mark, they locked up the targets. By sharing targeting data between them they ensured no target got more than one missile. At nine miles Dash gave the command.
"FIRE!" And nearly three dozen AMRAAMS dropped from the F-22's and sped off. Suddenly the Changeling aircraft were ringing with lock warnings.
"Incoming missiles!" A Changeling yelled.
"What? Where?" the commander asked.
"Dead ahead!"
"Command this is the tankers we're locked up and cant' do...."
The missiles arrived, destroying the tankers and several escort fighters. The wreckage of three of the tankers hit the Aigaion, damaging it and causing part of the cloaking device to fail.
"We've taken damage. Front Cloaking control failure!" the XO yelled."
"Get Druid airborne! Intercept those planes!"
"There it is!" Surprise yelled.
"All planes engage!" yelled Sky Eye.
"Attack the support ships with heat seekers. It should make their cloaks falter," Maverick announced. "Mist handle that. Lunar, Hurricane, get on them as soon as they become visible. Shadow help us with the air targets." And the battle began.
The Aigaion and support ships opened up with their SAMs and AA guns, but the squadrons dodged them and began to take them out. Octavia's squadron squadron got behind them, and though the smaller airships were invisible, their sidewinders still picked up the engines. They fired, and though some were thrown off by flares, enough found their mark to damage several engines, and the cloaking devices failed.
Next Hurricane squadron targeted their radars with anti radiation missiles, blinding them and forcing the AA guns to be fired manually.
"OK take out the ECM aircraft, then the defense ones," Maverick announced.
"We're on it," replied Hurricane One. The MiG 1.42's climbed up and dropped a pair of thousand pound guided bombs on one, blowing huge holes in it and sending them down. Then Dahlia and another member of Lunar squadron dived on the other one.
"Let em' rip," Dahlia said, and they emptied their rockets into them, sending them down.
"Nice job guys!" Maverick said.
"We've lost our ECM ships!"
"Dammit get on those pests!" the commander replied.
"Alright. Sanitize the air then it's time for the main event," Sky Eye announced.
Druid squadron had fully launched, and Garuda and Shadow were already engaging them. At the same time a group of MiG-29's had shown up from the South, and Mist was taking care of them.
Let's see how good you really are," Maverick said as he got behind one. The Changeling pilot was good, but he was better, and soon he shoved a sidewinder up his tailpipe.
Dash Had one dive in behind her, but it was a simple matter of making her Raptor do a Cobra to get behind him and bring him down.
Black Widow, Kiwi, and 2 members of the Shadows took out four more within 18 minutes. It was clear they were outgunned, but they kept fighting.
"They're persistent, I've gotta' give them that," Nightshade said as she drew a bead on one. She got tone, only to have to break off after the Aigaion launched a SAM at her.
"Piece of shit," she said.
"We're on it," Whiteblaze announced. Him, Lunar 15, and Angel lined up and dived on it, pelting the Aigaion's wings with rockets, finishing off the defenses, and destroying the cloaking once and for all. The full size of the gigantic aircraft could be seen now.
"Mother of Celestia," Octavia said.
"Instead of a war machine couldn't they have made it into something useful?" Kiwi said.
"Like what? There's not much else it could be used for," replied Tornado.
Meanwhile Pinkie had engaged a Druid plane. He managed to do an air brake stop and get behind her, but when he leveled out she was gone. Moments later he got a lock warning.
"You can't lose me that easy!" she said as she fired a heat seeker and took him down.
"How did you do that?" Nightshade asked.
"Rules one and two: Don't try to figure out Pinkie," replied Dash.
Then Ice and Glory launched a rocket attack on a defense airship. The damage was severe enough to send it down, but it managed to get a SAM off at Glory. She dropped flares, but it kept tracking her until Maverick dived between them and dumped chaff, which threw it off.
"Well you did it again," she said.
"At least we didn't get hit this time," he replied.
Nightshade got back on the tail of the one she lost. This time there was no SAM to interrupt her, and a burst of cannon fire took care of it.
"Enemy threat level has been reduced even further. Keep it up," sky Eye announced.
Next another pair of Hurricane MiG's dropped their 1500 pound guideds on the remaining defense ship, blowing it apart.
"All defense ships are down," Maverick announced.
Dash, Vinyl, Mist Five, and Surprise took out three more Druid planes, and one of the Fulcrums that showed up. On the Aigaion it was chaos.
"We've lost our defenses we're sitting ducks! What do we do?" the XO told the commander.
"Launch a missile attack," he replied much to the Changeling's shock.
"But they could take out our remaining planes and damage us!"
"Do it!" yelled the commander.
The group was getting ready for the final attack when a pair of burst missiles launched.
"WHAT?" Sky Eye yelled.
"I don't believe it. They're nuts!" commented Tornado.
"All planes get ready to dive!" Maverick said. The missiles went up a few miles, then came back down.
"Here they come!" Everypony dived, but two members of Hurricane and one each from Shadow and Mist, along with the remaining Druid fighters failed to make it and were hit.
"Sky Eye Hurricane Five and Seven, Mist Eight, and Shadow Nine are down!" yelled Maverick.
"Fuckin' rat bastards!" exclaimed Nightshade.
"What do we do?" Dash asked Maverick.
"Shadow, Lunar, Start targeting the missiles themselves. Get behind the Aigaion and wait for one to pop up in the launcher, then hit it," he replied.
Then Sky Eye came on with grim news.
"All planes: You have 35 miles to finish it before it's over populated areas!"
"Mist, target any missiles that make it out. Hurricane and anyone who get's low on ammo exit the area. You guys get ready for the final blow," Maverick said. A second volley of four missiles launched before they could even get ready.
"Dammit evade!" This time all of them made it to safety before the missiles hit.
"OK let's do this!" yelled Dash. The planes took up their positions, just in time for a third missile launch.
"Now!" Maverick yelled. They attacked the six launchers, destroying three missiles in their place which also destroyed the launchers. Those that escaped got brought down by Mist squadron.
"OK this is it. Fire your remaining heat seekers at the engines. Tornado, Heart Throb, time to finish it,"
"We're on it Spade," replied Heart Throb, and they climbed up and slightly ahead of the Aigaion.
"Thirteen miles, hurry up!" Sky Eye announced. The airship tried to launch two more missiles, but they got destroyed in place also, taking out the two remaining launchers.
"FIRE!" yelled Dash, and members of all of the squadrons unleashed a storm of Sidewinders and Archers, taking out all of the main engines.
"Switch to auxiliary engines!" yelled the Changeling commander.
"We're ready Mav'" Tornado said.
"Drop it!" he replied. The two of them pointed their designators at the wing root areas, and dropped the massive bombs. Both impacted within inches of the laser point, and penetrated a few feet into the Aigaion before exploding, ripping massive holes in it, and the wings began to bend upward.
"We did it! We did it!" yelled Kiwi.
"WOOHOOOOOOO" yelled Surprise and Pinkie as they did barrel rolls.
"Sir we're critically hit! what do we do?" The XO asked the commander.
"We die," he replied.
Slowly the wings broke off, and it headed down towards the mountains. The squadrons flew along side it as it dropped.
"That's it. Go rest high on that mountain. Your time on this planet, is done," Octavia said.
"Burn in hell!" added Nightshade.
The airship smashed into the side of the mountain, creating a fireball that reached high above the level they were flying at.
"Sky Eye to all planes: Scope is clear, downed pilots are being rescued. Return to base for your medals and cider."
"Is he serious?" Pinkie asked.
"We can count ob getting something," replied Maverick.
"Aww yeah! Let me at that cider!" yelled Dash.
"This is it. With the missile threat gone, there is nothing that can stop us," Nightshade said.
"Well Spade I guess we'll be parting ways again soon," Glory said.
"You won't be leaving until tomorrow so we've got time," he replied. And they headed back to Oured.
-------------------------------------
Oured AFB
15:24 hours.
One by one all of the planes landed and taxied to their spots. After they were down, there was a request from the controller for the lead planes from the Five squadrons to head to another spot.
"Would the lead squadron planes please proceed to hangar one?" he said, and Maverick, Octavia, Dash, Whiteblaze, and Hurricane One headed over to the spot. The planes parked in a fan arrangement with the CEAF squadrons on the left, NLR squadrons on the right, and Mist in the middle, facing an area in front of a podium. Soon all of the pilots were standing in the area in front.
Slugger and Moonstone were waiting along with others from the base, including the Diamondbacks, who had been assigned to another mission. Slugger started the speech.
"Congratulations pilots. You have dealt a massive blow to the Changeling's war machine. On behalf of Princess Cadance and the Crystal Empire air Force, I am proud to award unit commendations to the five squadrons that took part in this mission, and Moonstone passed out the medals to them.
"Well you did it again Mav'. Congrats," she said.
"We all did it," he replied.
"And we'll do it again," added Nightshade.
"OK you mutants it's photo time!" announced Slugger. A fancifully dressed pony already had a camera set up, and once everypony was in position the photos were taken.
"Hey how about a photo of us like my old one?" Surprise asked.
"Not a bad idea," replied Maverick, and in a flash she was back from the barracks with it.
"I get my old spot," Nightshade said,flying up and laying on top of the Eagle's air intake.
"Leave Quarterback's space open," Tornado said. Once they were ready Dash took the photo using Surprise's camera.
"Party time!" Yelled Pinkie, and they went inside.