Bonus Chapter: Omnia nam Honora
Midnight Dasher gawked as she and Echo trotted through the spacious lobby of Skyfall Headquarters. The establishment sat on the upper level of the new Royal Guard precinct, and looked as if it could be an addition to the castle instead of an office space. The floors, walls, and domed ceiling were made of pristine white marble that echoed the sounds of their hoofsteps as they crossed the floor.
In the middle of the floor lay a mosaic of the Skyfall insignia made out of colored stones. A set of double doors was the only way to proceed, and even those looked ornate and lavish. The wood was a rich, varnished mahogany. The princesses had clearly spared no expense on the new precinct. Considering the importance it carried, it was really no surprise. Above the doors, a single phrase was etched into the marble for all time.
Omnia nam honora.
With Echo by her side, Midnight pushed the doors open—and ducked as a paper airplane narrowly missed flying right into her face. What the…? she thought as she watched it float gently away and turned back to the sight before her. The room was a little larger than the lobby they had come through, though the floors were made of hardwood instead of stone. The walls were made of light gray granite, a noticeable contrast to the bright white that lay outside. Five desks sat spaciously arranged around the room, three of them occupied with ponies.
“See? I told you that you were gonna take somepony’s eye out!” a sandy pegasus snapped at a sheepishly grinning unicorn, then waved to the fillies. “Sorry about that, fillies. He can’t help himself sometimes.”
“You’re just jealous that mine went further than yours,” the unicorn said and stuck his tongue out at his friend.
Midnight smiled timidly and trotted with Echo about halfway into the room. She didn’t see Fleethoof anywhere—but he had told them to meet him and his unit’s commanding officer here. Where were they?
“Do you fillies need some help?” another unicorn asked, setting a book on botanical remedies down on his desk.
“Um, yes. We’re here to see whoever’s in charge here,” said Midnight, trying not to look too much like a fish out of water.
The unicorn furrowed his brow a bit. “What clearance do you have?”
Now Midnight felt very put on the spot and fell back to the only defense she knew held any merit. “Fleethoof told us to come here.”
All at once, the atmosphere in the room changed. The unicorn’s eyes lit up, and the other one holding a paper airplane leaned back in his chair and yelled, “Hey, boss! A couple cute fillies are here for you!”
Midnight heard the sound of hooves clopping coming from inside a vault at the back of the room. The largest pony Midnight had ever seen stepped out into view, towering over the rest of the room. Yet, despite his bulky appearance, the smile on his face was something reminiscent of a teddy bear. Just behind him, Fleethoof appeared and gave the two bat ponies a huge grin.
“Midnight, Echo! You’re right on time. Perfect, that’ll be important from now on.”
Midnight instantly felt her worries disappear when she saw his familiar face. “Well, you’re one of the few ponies I actually listen to.”
“I highly doubt that, since you don’t ever listen to me, but it’s the thought that counts.” He chuckled, and then motioned over to one of the empty desks. “Did you bring your papers?”
Without missing a beat, she pulled two files out of her saddlebags and set them on the desk Fleethoof had pointed out. She swept her eyes quickly over the personal effects on the surface, and read over the shiny gold nameplate. Captain Fleethoof. So this is Fleety’s desk…
“So where’s your CO?” she asked enthusiastically, practically bouncing on her hooves. “I’m all ready for my interview.”
“Oh, that’s me,” he said placidly as he double-checked all of the paperwork. “I’m in charge of Skyfall.”
A smirk crossed his face as he watched Midnight’s jaw hit the ground out of his peripheral vision. He had purposely led her astray just to see how prompt and serious she would take the job if she didn’t think he was in command. That, and he wanted to have a little fun with her. She did not disappoint. Now satisfied on both fronts, he shut the files and pushed it aside before looking over the next one.
“How are you doing, Echo?” he asked as he skimmed through her file.
Echo wore a small smile on her lips, standing upright and proud before the officer. “Never better, sir.”
“Been adapting to life well?”
“Yes, sir. I think I'm pretty comfortable with myself now, sir.”
“Well, everything seems to check out. Your records are in order, and you have all the proper authorization for the transfer. All that’s left is to put you two through the physical and mental assessments over the next couple of months and you’ll be good to go.”
Echo raised her hoof like a student in class. “Captain Fleethoof—what will we be ready to go for?”
“I am very glad you asked that, Echo,” he replied. “Skyfall Team is a Special Operations task force designed for the protection of Equestria and prevention of global devastation. Basically, if something threatens our safety, we go in. If a world war is about to break out, we go in. If a garrison somewhere needs reinforcing, we go in. If somepony needs to be removed from a position of power, we go in. We’re strictly top secret, and the missions we run are often black ops and kept off the record. The only ones who really know what we’re up to are ourselves, the princesses, and anypony else they deem necessary.”
“So what, you’re basically super soldiers who are above the law?” Midnight asked. Fleethoof smirked again, and a couple others snickered.
“Not quite. Yes, we are given a lot more leniency with the law, but we still have to keep it quiet. We’re elite soldiers that do what the regular Guard cannot. We’re not untouchable, but we’re a step above the regular pony, understand?”
Midnight nodded her head.
“That said, we do take operations of... questionable legality and morality. If either of you have an issue with bending some civil and ethical laws to get the job done, I would not blame you for walking away now.”
Neither pony moved a muscle. Midnight was resolute in her decision. Echo was equally ready to continue to serve any way she could. Fleethoof smiled and nodded slowly.
“Good. Now, I’ll have Quarter Master come up and get you two outfitted for uniforms and vests, maybe get you some new equipment and weapons too. You won’t need to completely move to Canterlot, but for the next few months, you’ll have to stay here to complete your training. After that, you can go wherever you want, so long as we can get in touch with you when our call comes in.”
He turned towards the ponies across the room. “Let me introduce you to the team. Colts! When I call your name, please be friendly and at least say hi. Except you, Sharp. I don't want to know what's gonna come out of your mouth.”
The unicorn that had been throwing paper airplanes dramatically threw his hooves up in the air. “Oh, come on!”
“First, we have Valiant, the only other pegasus in the team. The two unicorns are Sharp Shot and Blue Shield, our sniper and medic. Lastly, we have Cupcake, our explosives and demolitions expert. Don't let his size intimidate you, he's as cuddly as a puppy and a kitten rolled into one. Isn't that right, big guy?”
“Da! Is pleasure to be meeting bat ponies!” Cupcake greeted with a jubilant grin.
“I'm excited to be getting new members!” said Valiant with equal enthusiasm. “Plus I think Sharp might have a crush on one of 'em.”
“Go fuck yourself, Val.” Sharp Shot then cleared his throat loudly. “Hey, boss? I thought we weren’t taking any more ponies after the Union incident?”
“Yes, I did, Sharp—but these two are an exception. I’ve been thinking of expanding our task force anyway. More ponies means we can do more,” he replied.
Sharp rolled his eyes and muttered, “It means less secrecy too…”
“This is my call, Sharp Shot.”
“Yeah, but…” Sharp Shot got to his hooves, stepping over to the three ponies. He examined the bat pony with a black bandana tied around her eyes. He waved a hoof in front of her face. “No offense, miss, but you’re blind, aren’t you?”
Echo’s ears flattened against her head as she nodded. “Yes… but I don't need eyes to know you're waving your hoof right in front of my nose.”
Midnight snickered, and Sharp Shot gave Fleethoof an exasperated look. “Boss, come on…”
Fleethoof was unmoved. “She’s going to be a valuable asset, Sharp—especially to you.”
“Oh yeah? How do you figure?”
“Try to hit her.”
For a moment, nopony moved or spoke. They scarcely breathed. Sharp Shot stared at Fleethoof, as if contemplating if his challenge was real or not. He just scoffed and shook his head.
“You must be out of your mind, Fleet.”
“No, go ahead. Try to hit her,” he said again with a roguish grin. “I bet you can’t.”
“I’m not going to hit a blind filly!”
“It’s okay, Captain Fleethoof. I expected ponies to be skeptical,” Echo said in her soft-toned voice. “Although if I’m fair, Sharp Shot does sound like a bit of a pansy.”
From across the room, Valiant and Cupcake made goading noises, teasing Sharp Shot as Echo burned him. The sniper felt his face go hot as he looked sharply at the blind bat. She was snickering quietly, an adorable little grin on her face.
“Look, miss, I'm not that stupid.”
Echo's grin widened a little. “Really? You could've fooled me.”
More laughter came from Valiant and Cupcake. Sharp Shot, for all his patience, was beginning to lose it.
“Miss Echo, I'm warning you—”
“It's okay if you're scared. I'd be pretty scared of a blind filly emasculating you in front of your friends too.”
“You want me to hit you so bad? Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Sharp Shot drew back, shifting his stance with a quick change of hooves. He brought his hoof down on Echo’s face—only he never made contact. The filly ducked beneath his swing and backed up a step, still grinning at where he was standing. Valiant and Cupcake cheered from the sidelines while Sharp just stared in shock and awe.
“H-How—?”
“She’s blind, Sharp, not deaf. She senses tremors in the ground, disturbances in the air, and perceives sound waves much, much more sensitively than any of us ever could. She can emit a sound like the snap of her tongue and track everything in the room. Imagine she has an internal sonar. Hell, I bet she could hear a pin drop downstairs through the stone floor in a room filled with rowdy soldiers.”
“Wanna try again, big boy?” Echo teased with a light giggle.
Again, Sharp Shot swung at her with a growl—and again, Echo sidestepped out of the way with ease. He swung and missed again, and again, and again. The two twirled back and forth on the floor, Echo dancing around Sharp like a ballerina while he swung wildly like a drunken boxer.
“Do you wanna take back what you said, Sergeant?” Fleethoof called out to the winded sniper.
“Little bat pony is like wizard!” Cupcake declared with a boisterous laugh. “I like her! She must come live with Skyfall!”
Breathing hard, Sharp Shot turned to the beaming bat pony as he looked over her with a vindictive look. “This isn’t over, Echo. I'll get you somehow.”
“Aww, you sound so cute when you’re making empty threats.” Echo giggled and sauntered back over to Fleethoof and Midnight. Sharp Shot felt his face burn beneath his skin as the others continued to snicker.
“So, now that Echo has beaten my sniper into a winded mess, I’d like to officially bring you both in as the first mares ever inducted. It's going to be a hard job, with some pretty grueling work involved, but I have faith in both of you.” Fleethoof smiled proudly as he stamped an approval seal across both of their files, marking the covers with the insignia of Skyfall. “Welcome to Skyfall training, fillies. Let's get started.”
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By popular demand, enjoy!
PLEASE tell me this is going to be a sequel.
3195304
If you mean Midnight and Echo's new jobs, then yes, absolutely! Just keep following the Skyfall series for more lovely bat ponies, action, and danger! I've actually got their first job in the works, and about 2,000 words done.
If you mean another horror/thriller...
3195318
Actually I haven't read Skyfall yet. Everfree was my first of your stories.
I'm gonna fix that.
Yay another excellent story I can't wait for the next installment.
also dose Tenebris a Lucem. mean "out of the darkness into light" or something like that
3195411
Yep. The literal translation is "From darkness to light", but you hit the nail square on the head.
Gah!!!
Dammit, Dusk, stop with the phantom updates!
This.... DJSHFPOIGGHEFSJLKDSJSKHFD;LVESDFBVDSNLK!!!!!! I am so 3excited! Echo as Sharp's spotter, maybe? Oh, and what will Middy be doing? How will their lives in the Shades factor in? What does this mean for Fleet and Middy's blossoming relationship, if it's even there? What does... how can.... where... will...
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3195436
SPARKS FLY EVERYWHERE INSIDE FROM MY,
DOUBLE BARREL, TWELVE GUAGE!
CAN'T LOCK ME IN YOU CAGE!!
Oh, uh... sorry.
3195556
I had someone else pre-read these, just for the sole purpose of surprising all of you. That's how much I love you all.
That's a lot of Pinkie Pies, Sergeant. Are you getting nervouscited much?
i1.ytimg.com/vi/mHHJsrXEQvY/maxresdefault.jpg
I'd be on the same track as Daemon...
Fic: "Oh, I'm the captain of Skyfall."
Me: "...THE CAPTAIN OF SKYFALL!?"
...after reading the first half of Memoirs.
3196478
Oh, right. SPOILER: Fleethoof is the captain of Skyfall.
3195754
God Damn you brilliant bastard! I love you.
I was just getting home from a color guard mission and before going to sleep I flip on FimFic and see and update for Everfree. and like: derpicdn.net/img/view/2013/5/27/335036.gif
Weeee!
I liked where you ended the story, however I did enjoy this little snippet. It almost feels like a sneak peak. 
Makes me wonder what you've got planned for the future...which means two things. First thing is I'm pulling out that map you sent me and taking a look, trying to anticipate where you'll move next. The second thing of course is inspiration. Seeing you write makes me want to write. 
That was fun.
Skyfall's up to seven eh? This next one should be interesting.
3195560
Pantera?
Silver out!
Kinda saw this coming but never the less, another job well done my friend
finally back from my Op. great ending bro
I'm kinda late to the party and all, but I just read through this entire series in a little over a week, pesky things like my job and video games got in the way, and have to say.... it's pretty damn good. It's well written, all of them have a good plot, the characters are awesomely portrayed and likable. There were a few grammar mistakes but honestly when aren't there. Other than that this story was a genuine good read that a lot of other stories can't really compare to. Thanks for a good read and I can't wait for the next one.
3374476
And they all lived happily ever after!
This is the new official ending to the story.
3586206
You, good sir, have earned a Dusk Quill point for using a fantastic Bond reference, song included!
I try to keep some semblance of a timeline with the show canon. I had received requests to do a Skyfall story with Discord, but after a lot of thought and research into it, I realized it wasn't feasible. Discord was a god that only the most powerful magic could bring down. It's why the normal Guard weren't even seen doing anything in the show. They literally could not. It was the Elements or nothing (also hence public knowledge of them and Ponyville).
If you're looking for a general idea, this story takes place sometime between The Return of Harmony and Sweet and Elite.
3586388
Or I'm an evil, twisted little man who builds up this relationship between Fleethoof and Midnight, only to tear it out from under her and break her heart when he ends up in the hooves of Cadence. Or vice versa! You never really know with me...
3590897
It's where I get inspiration for my convoluted story plots.
3590900
42. But FiMFiction doesn't have the appropriate tags.
This was a really good story. I really like the blend of genres. It starts off military fiction. Then it's like a zombie movie. Then it's kind of like a slasher movie with the monsters inside the house. And it's a little like a science-fantasy mad scientist thing with Silence's experiments. I thought to myself once that the only thing that would make "Story of the Blanks" better would be would be a bunch of guys with guns. I also like the revelation of how the Story of the Blanks came to be. And you proved that handily. The only problem though is I felt the end at the helicopter was just a tad anticlimactic. You seem to set up a final battle with the Sunny Town zombies, and then you don't do it. And you seem to indicate that Grey Hoof and Sunny Town will be back in the future. Still, I liked the end at the Gala with Midnight Dasher. And now Midnight Dasher and Echo are going to be part of Skyfall. Kind of screws up my thought that the Skyfall team parallels the Elements of Harmony. I look forward to seeing Midnight as a member of Skyfall. I also like how this fits in with the series overall by including Silence. Overall, I really liked it. Keep up the good work.
3586437 So I was kind of right about the when.
Hi! Me again, with the Good Grammar Directory. This story has also been approved and added to our folders.
This is my favorite story in the series.
Suspense, Suspense Everywhere
3594972
They kinda can't do a final battle. They got little to no ammo, and a melee is just asking to die with all the kids around.
4004891
Wait for the other hoof to drop. There's so much more to this story, and this is just its origin.
Also, who said Silence is trapped, or still alive at all? That was all done hundreds of years ago, after all.
I laughed so hard when Echo and Skyfall were egging Sharp Shot on.
That... got out of hand quickly.
A fantastic end to a remarkable story.
And now I get to start reading Overture...
4052633
You already have a flaming bayonet.. Though you can always just tie a knife on the end.
4185489
My sick, twisted imagination, mostly.
4247485
Both questions are answered the same way: ponies' hooves are prehensile and bendable. If they weren't, situations like these wouldn't be possible:
img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120626071914/mlp/images/e/e4/Applejack_and_Rainbow_Dash_hoof_wrestling_S1E03.png
img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111205180944/mlp/images/8/8b/Fluttershy_cleaning_Twilight%27s_library_S01E03.png
img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130119012954/mlp/images/1/18/Daisy_%27I%27ll_do_your_gardening%21%27_S1E3.png
img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120201001146/mlp/images/3/37/Pinkie_Pie_drinking_cider_S2E15.png
img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120305103924/mlp/images/b/b6/Fluttershy_box_S02E19.png
img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140107232415/mlp/images/f/ff/Rarity_on_lamp_post_S4E08.png
The cider example is the best one for how they can hold guns. Once you realize that it isn't as farfetched as it seems, it becomes easy to believe.
4248882 Well then the trigger guard thingy would have to be big enough to accommodate their hoof right.
Granted no Mitta or Ruby, but one very pissed Grey Hoof and company, but how will the princesses react? Further more you linked it all up so nicely to the existing plot. Tomorrow will be quite illuminating
So what does omnia nam honora mean?
4764465
"All for honor".
I hope the next story has some mid and fleet shipping... Driving me crazy... I mean the whole thing with the stinger dude...
What happened to Blackjack? He came back as a monster, does that mean that during the day he's sane like the other townfolk? But stuck in the forest?
I was going to post a comment on the story, but let me give you a link to a blogpost about it instead.
Here you go.
5743863
I appreciate all the reviews you've been doing for my work so far! It really helps me get the perspective of the audience and lets me know what to look for moving forward. Thanks again, my friend!
5551100 Bullet to the temple. He ain't coming back.
T