> Ace Combat: The Changeling War
>  by Lonewolf78
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Invasion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 It had been three years since the end of the war between the New Lunar Republic, Solar Empire, and Legion of Discord. As he planned, Maverick, the "Ace of Spades" returned to the Crystal Empire to assist in re-organizing the country's air force, and train new recruits. The empire rapidly rebuilt under the control of Princess Cadence, and in just two years the air force had been rebuilt. Once again Maverick was the squadron commander of Fighter Squadron 12 or Garuda squadron. Sadly only three of the original members rejoined. The rest had either got out of the military or were killed during Discord's rule. The rest were new recruits that Maverick trained personally. 

To their East; the Changeling Kingdom had also recovered rapidly from it's years under Discord's control, thanks to the country's vast natural resources. 
Chrysalis, who replaced her mom as queen after she had been killed by Discord, was aggressive in rebuilding the country's military forces. Their air force, known as the Changeling Kingdom Air Armada, had grown in size and technological advancement to where it compared to the United Equestria Air Force, the new banner for the combined forces of the Republic and Empire.

Things were going smoothly until an unforeseen national tragedy occurred three years later. A large asteroid suddenly appeared and drew it's bead on the Griffin Empire and Changeling Kingdom. Seeing it as a threat to the entire region, a summit was held by the four countries to figure out what to do. The Changelings had the technology to create a weapon for use against it but not enough money. Thanks to grants from the Griffin Empire and the other nations work started on a giant rail gun that could destroy it. They had a little over a year to finish it.

Unfortunately due to problems, it wasn't able to be finished in time. For the last ditch move, Equestria used the laser weapon on it's huge orbital spaceship known as the Arkbird on it. Though the asteroid was shattered, the remaining pieces fell down on the northern part of the Griffin Empire and the Changeling Kingdom, which took the brunt. One small city was destroyed by a large chunk. Another was destroyed when it was hit by a Tsunami caused by another large chunk falling into the ocean off of their Eastern coast. Thousands of Changelings were killed, cities and infrastructure were heavily damaged, and the economy left in ruins.

Aid was received from other nations, but the healing and repair process was still slow. Changelings were beginning to starve, and soon there was unrest. The citizens were starting to see Chrysalis as being weak after this event, and it appeared she might be on the way out. 

At a meeting with her cabinet, it was decided drastic action would be needed to keep a civilian uprising from happening. Fearing she would be ousted, Chrysalis decided to do the one thing the Changeling Kingdom was still capable of.


--------------------------------


Gracemareia
Capital of the Crystal Empire
May 9, 2023
08:31 hours.

"Have fun on your field trip!" A white unicorn with red mane said to a two tone blue earth filly.

"I will mommy!" she replied before getting on the bus. She continued to wave until the bus turned the corner and disappeared. She then went back inside the house.

A few minutes later the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey Moondancer it's Medley."

"Hey how you doing?" she replied as she sat down on the couch.

"Pretty good. The Shadowbolts are on a break for a month so I'm taking it easy," she replied. 

Medley was the captain of the Shadowbolts, the New Lunar Republic's flight demonstration team which remained together even after Equestria was united.

"How's Ember doing?"

"She's doing great. The school is having a day long field trip today so she was excited," replied the unicorn. " Their first stop is the bridge, then the museum, the palace, and finally the air base."

"Aww she get's to see her daddy at work," Medley replied.

Moondancer got up and headed to the kitchen. "Yeah she was so excited about it."

"Hopefully I can get up there and visit you guys before the break is over."

"Oh that would be great," replied Moonstone. "I know Toola roo....." she was cut of by a pair of jets screaming over the house.

"Damn I heard that here," Medley said.

"I bet. They must be...." then she heard an explosion.

"Was that an explosion?" Medley asked in a shocked voice.

"Yes, I'm going to check now," she replied as she headed for the front door. "It might be a crash."

Moondancer went outside, and what she saw made her freeze. Several smoke plumes were rising from the city. Jets were flying everywhere.

"What's going on?" Medley asked.

"I think we're being bombed! There's smoke rising from the city!" she yelled.

"WHAT? WHO WOULD BE BOMBING YOU?" the green pegasus yelled over the phone. About that time another jet flew over Moondancer's house. She looked up to see a charcoal and blue Flanker with a green Kanji symbol under it's wing.

"IT'S THE CHANGELINGS!" she replied.

"Son of a bitch! Why would they be doing this?"

"I don't know! But this is ser..." there was a distant explosion and Moondancer's phone went dead.

"Medley? Medley?" There was no response.

She watched as Crystal Empire planes began engaging the Changelings. Soon some were falling from the sky.

Then she saw a fighter approach the bridge and drop two bombs. Both hit the center and sent it into the river.

"EMBERRRRRRRRR!"


---------------------------


Gracemareia AFB
08:47 hours.

Alarms were sounding throughout the base. Pilots and crews were scrambling to get planes airborne.

"CEAF control to Gracemareia. We are being attacked by the Changeling Kingdom. There are bombings going on all over the country and we have received word of troops beginning to cross the border, with more being air dropped. you have two dozen bandits inbound to you right now. Scramble all aircraft!"

Out on the tarmac turbines were spooling up, and soon a parade of planes was heading to the base's two runways. B-52's and F/A-18E's in a two tone blue camouflage headed for one, and white and blue MiG-35's and F-15S/MTD's headed for the other. The fighters lined up in pairs for takeoff.

"This is Diamondback squadron ready for takeoff."

"Skylark squadron ready for takeoff."

"Drakee squadron ready for takeoff."

"Garuda squadron ready for takeoff."

"Roger all planes you're cleared for takeoff! Drakee squadron. Escort the bombers out of the area then return. "Garuda, Diamondback, bring down those bandits!" The squadron commanders acknowledged, and soon the planes were off.

"Sky eye to all planes: The first wave is almost here. There's a second wave of sixteen 30 miles behind them. Our SAM's are active so be careful up there. Garuda one you will take command."

"Roger Sky eye," he replied. "Let's go pilots!"

"Roger Spade!" replied a pink pegasus.

"Woo hoo let's do this!" A white pegasus with yellow mane yelled.

"I wasn't expecting my first taste of combat to happen so soon," a yellow earth pony said.

"Just remember your training Kiwi and you'll be fine," replied a blue stallion with white mane.

"So what the buck is they're problem all of a sudden? We gave them all of that aid and this is how they thank us for it. Pricks," exclaimed a gray pegasus stallion.

"I don't know. I'll ask one of them after we shoot them down," replied Maverick.

"Hell yeah I agree with that!" cracked a black unicorn.

"Well here they are so let's go. All planes engage!"

"Ditz engaging!."

"Flare engaging."

"Thor engaging."

"Reaper engaging!"

"Tempestra engaging."

All of the pilots in the two flights announced they were engaging.

"Armada lead to all planes: Engage the fighters, bomb when you can," the Changeling commander said. And soon the opening missile exchange happened. Two Changeling and one Diamondback plane were shot down.

"Diamondback five is down!" the commander yelled.

"DAMMIT" yelled Maverick. Make em' pay for it," and the fight was on.

-----------------------------

Meanwhile at the Crystal Palace ponies were scrambling to grab important items and load them into two Blackhawk choppers that had landed in front of it, and preparing to evacuate themselves. 

"Have you got everything you want?" a white unicorn asked a pink alicorn.

"Oh wait..." The alicorn ran over to a desk and grabbed a picture of her with a purple unicorn off of it.

"Yes, let's go," she replied.

Soon they were standing next to the literal heart of the empire with other members of the government.

"So what do we do about this?" An earth pony asked.

"We can't let this fall into Chrysalis's hooves. It could make the changelings unstoppable," the white unicorn replied.

"But if we take it, it will affect the entire country!" replied a pegasus.

"He's right. If we take it with us ,it would be the same as ripping the heart out of the ponies here, and could have ramifications for Equestria also," the alicorn replied.

"As you wish princess," replied the earth pony.

They then sprinted for the choppers.The commander of the air force was waiting next to the one they would take.

"We can't leave until the number of enemy aircraft is reduced," he said.

"Dammit. How many are there?" the unicorn asked.

"Over 30. two squadrons are engaging them as we speak," he replied. 

"We'll wait as long as we can, but may have to take off under fire," he replied.

Another member of the joint chiefs of staff ran up to the choppers with the last important items.

"Princess Cadence. Where will we be fleeing to?"

"Canterlot. Princess Celestia and Luna have already pledged their full support in this war. They have a squadron en route to meet us 30 miles inside our border. Our aircraft will escort us to that point," she replied.

--------------------------------

"Garuda Two fox two!" A missile flew off the rail of the Eagle and connected with a Changeling plane.

"Confirmed kill!" Sky eye announced.

"Mirage 2000's and SU-30's. Keep on your toes," Maverick announced.

"Garuda Seven on your six!" Thor yelled. 

"I dodged it!" he replied as the missile flew past.

"I'm on him," replied Tempestra.

"Someone get this one off of me!" Reaper yelled.

"I'm on it," replied Heartbreaker. She got behind the bandit and hit him with a sidewinder.

"Thanks Heart Throb!" he said.

"Don't let it happen again," she replied. 

11 minutes in to the battle, a total of six Changeling aircraft had been shot down. The 2nd wave of planes was fast approaching.

"Sky Eye to all planes: the second wave of the attack is almost here. Flight profile suggests bombers," he said.

"Roger. Thor, Reaper, you two intercept them. Diamondback send a couple also," Maverick announced.

"Roger Spade, Reaper replied, and they split off.

Soon Maverick was behind a bandit, and got a gun kill. Followed by Heart Throb and Tempestra. Then Kiwi got one.

"I did it! My first kill!" she yelled.

"Pat yourself on the back later. This isn't over," Tempestra replied.

"One bandit approaching the bridge!" A Diamondback pilot announced.

"I'm on it," Ditz replied. But before she could get there it dropped it's two bombs and destroyed the center of it.

"They took out the bridge!" a pilot yelled.

"Son of a bitch!" yelled Heart Throb.

"That's it I've had it with them," snarled Tempestra. She dived on a bandit and shot at the canopy, killing the pilot and sending the plane down.

"Take it easy Widow," Maverick said.

Thor and the others had the second group of planes in range.

"We've got six TU-160's and 6 transports escorted by four F-15's," Thor announced. "Focus on the bombers and transports."

"Roger Thor," replied a Diamondback plane. 

"Keep them away from the strike force!" A Changeling yelled. 

Reaper shot down a transport, but before he could get another the rest dropped their load.

"Thor to Sky Eye the transports have dropped troops and tanks to the North of the city!"

"Roger, focus on the bombers, we've got army helicopters en-route to them," he replied.

The Changelings failed to keep them away, and one by one the bombers were shot down, followed by the fighters and transports. 

"Good job ponies," Sky Eye said. "Now get back to the other battle."

"We're on the way," Thor replied.

"Sky Eye this is Drakee squadron, we have escorted the bombers out of the area and are returning," the flight leader said.

"Roger. Head back to Gracemareia and rejoin the battle," the AWACS controller replied.


-------------------------

In the sky near Prairie City, Gracemareia
09:45 hours


"We've taken heavy losses at Gracemareia," a Changeling said to a dark figure.

"Very well. Commence missile launch and send in Druid squadron," the figure replied.

"Yes sir." 

Soon several hatches began opening on top of a huge stingray shaped airship. Then several aircraft launched out of the belly of it.

"This is Druid One, we're off," the squadron leader said.

"Roger Druid One. Wait for the missiles to hit then mop up what's left," the controller replied. 

"Ready for launch," a Changeling said to the commander.

"Commence."

Soon six missiles flew out of the hatches and went on their way. 


---------------------------


A short time later the squadron had returned, and the Changelings were now far outnumbered.

"The number of enemy planes has dropped. Let's get out of here!" the air force commander said. Shining Armor jumped into the chopper with Cadence and a few others and soon they were off, flying almost at street level.

"Sky Eye to Drakee squadron: We need half of you to escort the football to the South. You'll meet up with Equestria aircraft who will take over. The rest of you continue to keep the enemy occupied."

"Roger," replied the Drakee commander. 

Ditz took out another Mirage, leaving only 6 Changeling planes left.

"Woo hoo I win again!" she yelled.

"Rack em' up Surprise!" replied Thor.

"HA! how do like that you piece of shit bugs?" Heart Throb yelled.

THe number had dropped to three when Sky Eye came on.

"All planes we have six cruise missiles inbound from the East!"

"What? Where did they come from?"

"We're not sure but be ready for them," he replied.

"Roger.Squadrons split up and hang at 3,000 and 9,000 feet. Let's see if we can hit them," Maverick announced. Him and his squadron climbed up, except for Garuda Seven who was engaging a bandit.

The missiles arrived before all of the planes were in position. They split apart and there were several huge explosions.

"What the hell was that!?" Kiwi yelled. Maverick knew because he had seen them before.

"Burst missiles! Everypony get above 5,000 feet!" he yelled. "Garuda Seven respond!" There was no answer.

The rest of Drakee squadron has been wiped out! I've lost four!" The Diamondback commander yelled.

"How did they get those! I thought the Lunar Republic was the only owner," Thor said.

"There's such a thing a espionage you know," replied Heart Throb.

"Sky Eye to all planes. We now have 15 bandits inbound from the East along with more missiles."

"Damn we're outnumbered again!" yelled Reaper.

"So what? we were before," Maverick said.

Then they heard an unbelievable statement on the radio.

"All planes this is Sky Eye. We're being ordered to give up Gracemareia."

"WHAT!?" Surprise yelled.

"Have you gone mad Ice Crystal? We can't do that!" Thor exclaimed.

"We're at a militarily disadvantage right now. We have to regroup," replied Sky Eye. 

"So where are we going to go?" Reaper asked.

"We're evacuating to three locations. Sibley is still under our control, and will soon be protected by the United Equestria Air Force. And we have been authorized to use Marestrom and Stalliongrad air Force Bases in the Solar Empire. You will head South to Stalliongrad." 

"There's no way I'm leaving my country," snapped Tempestra.

"It's only temporarily. We're gonna' reassemble our forces, then launch a counterattack, hopefully with the aid of Equestria's air forces," Ice Crystal replied.

"Come on guys. We don't have a choice," Maverick reluctantly said.

"Roger, Spade," Surprise said weakly. 

"Did the princess and them make it out?" Maverick asked.

"Yes. They're on there way to Canterlot," Ice replied.

"What about the Crystal Heart?" Heart Throb asked.

"They had no choice but to leave it. Hopefully they won't haul it back to the Changeling Kingdom."

"This is bullshit," Thor said.

"There's nothing we can do Tornado so don't dwell on it too much," replied Maverick. And the planes flew on to the safety of Equestrian airspace.
> Chapter 2: Torn Apart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stalliongrad AFB
Equestria
May 9 2023 13:22 hours.

"Well there it is. Our new home," Maverick said as the base came into view. 

"I just can't believe all of this. Forced from our own country," Heart Throb said.

"I just want to get back in there and kick flank," Black Widow exclaimed, hitting her hoof on the canopy.

"Just be patient," Maverick replied. "We need to get reorganized and figure out where our forces stand before we go back in. I'm sure we'll have help from Equestria also.

They were now flying over the base. Maverick looked down and could see planes in both Solar Empire and New Lunar Republic colors.

"The last time I looked down on this airbase I was dropping bombs," he said as he lowered his landing gear.

"Oh they're gonna' love you then," Tornado replied sarcastically. 

"I figured all of the planes would be one color now," Kiwi asked.

"Even though the two sides are together, the militaries are still separate entities. Except they have the United Equestria symbol on the tail now," replied Maverick.


The remnants of the Diamondback and Drakee squadrons landed first, followed by Maverick's.

"All planes head to the tarmac where you see the transport," the tower operator announced. Ground crewponies guided them to their spots, and the group shut down their planes and got out. The squadron walked over to a nearby hangar where several ponies were waiting along with the other squadrons. A bright green earth mare stepped forward to greet them.

"Welcome to Stalliongrad Air Force Base. I'm Colonel Citrina the base commander."

"Brigadier General Maverick. Commander of Crystal Empire fighter squadron 12," he replied as he shook her hoof.

"Hey you're the one who ended the last war!" Citrina yelled.

"Well it wasn't just me," he replied.

"He also bombed your base in that war,"  Surprise yelled, earning Maverick some shocked looks from the ponies from the base, and making his face turn red.

"Surprise how could you?" Kiwi replied.

"Doesn't surprise me. A couple of the pilots here did also," Citrina replied. The rest of the squadron introduced themselves. She seemed to be a little intimidated by Tempestra.

"What's your name?" Citrina asked.

"Staff sergeant Black Widow. Callsign Tempestra," she replied.

"How did you get a spider web cutie mark?" she asked . . Her horn started glowing, and she shot a beam at Tornado. In seconds he was wrapped up in spider web silk. 

"Why me?" He asked as some of the others giggled.

"Because I like you," she replied. Another blast freed him.

"Oh, ok. Well if you'll follow me to our conference room we'll fill you in on how things go around here, and what yours and our commanders are planning," Citrina said as she turned around.

"Sounds good," replied Maverick, and they walked off.


--------------------------------


Southern outskirts of Gracemareia
14:12 hours.

With Changeling forces closing in from the North an East, hundreds of ponies began fleeing the city on a road that headed Southwest. The railroad bridge over the river on the South side had been destroyed, so the residents were heading to the road bridge which was still intact. From there they would head to the tracks to catch a train that would take them to a refugee camp that had been set up in Equestria near the border. 

Among them was Moondancer who, like other ponies, had gathered up what personal belongings she could in a suitcase and some saddlebags. As she neared the bridge she could see smoke and a couple of APC's. A soldier was standing on top of one yelling at the citizens.

"Speed it up ponies! We've gotta blow this bridge so the enemy can't come further South!"

She then saw where the smoke was coming from. The wreckage of a plane was near the bridge. She recognized it as an F-15S. A bolt of fear went through her as she approached it. Her fears were confirmed. On the right side of the nose was her husband's cutie mark.

"No...No.... I...It can't...." She collapsed and started crying.She had lost her daughter, and her husband.

After a short time one of the soldiers came over.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She looked at the nose of the plane, and then started crying again.

"It..It..."

"Don't say anymore," he said. "Come on we've gotta' go," and he helped her up and across the bridge.

Several minutes later she was at the tracks with the other ponies. As they waited to board the train, they heard some jets approaching from the Southeast. Many began to panic, but a soldier told them not to worry. The sound turned into a formation of Typhoons in the colors of the former Solar Empire. They screamed overhead and continued Northwest.

"That's right folks. Equestria already has our back in this matter," the soldier said. A few ponies gave up a cheer before getting on the train. Soon they were on their way to Equestria. On the way to the border they passed two more trains waiting on side tracks to go North. Both were being escorted by apache gunships painted for the New Lunar Republic Army, and occasionally more jets could be heard overhead.

They finally crossed the border, and a few minutes later had arrived at the camp. Moondancer stepped off and looked around. There were already several large tents up, and more being assembled. Red Cross ponies were setting up a food line, and the United Equestria Army had a medical detachment there.She then headed for the registration tent. 

After registering her name was put on a large bulletin board with others who were there. She looked, but didn't see any names she recognized yet. More would be coming in though. 

"Guess I'll explore my new home," Moondancer thought to herself.


---------------------------------------------


Canterlot Castle
Equestria
16:30 hours.

Members of the armed forces and the joint chiefs of staff had gathered in the castle's chambers with both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Soon Cadence, Shining Armor, and the others who fled walked in. They were immediately greeted by a purple alicorn.

"Big brother!" she yelled.

"Twiley!" Armor replied, and they hugged.

"Don't forget about me."

"Cadence!" Twilight ran over and they did the usual dance before hugging also.

"I'm so glad you made it out of there," Twilight said.

"I have to thank our Air Force for that," Armor replied.

"Are you ready for this?" she asked Cadence.

"Yes. Let's do it," she replied, and they sat down at the table. Celestia was the first to speak.

"We have gathered here to discuss the sudden, and unwarranted invasion of the Crystal Empire by the Changeling Kingdom, and our plans to address it.

First off: Cadence. What is the status of the crystal heart?" 

"We were forced to leave it. We couldn't risk disturbing the magic there and here," she replied.

"But that could give the Changelings a huge amount of power. What if they take it back to their kingdom?" A white unicorn asked.

"Don't worry Rarity. It won't work outside of the castle," Twilight replied.

"Plus it would rob the Changelings of what they want," added Luna.

"We did engage the castle's steel doors and locks, so it will take them awhile to get in," Armor said.

"So how are you going to help us?" another member of the Crystal Empire government asked.

"You have been a loyal friend since even before the takeover by Discord. We are neutral to the Changelings so we will offer our full support in defending the remaining portion of the country under your control, and retaking it," Celestia replied.

Luna spoke up.

"Right now our military can't do much because we're still mobilizing. Your remaining air and ground forces have retreated to Sibley, plus more of your air forces are now at our Marestrom and Stalliongrad air bases. Our aircraft are providing cover over Sibley as we speak with more on the way. In addition two of our carriers and other ships will meet up with your navy there soon and launch more patrols and cruise missile attacks." 

"Do you know the status of Gracemareia?" Armor asked.

"Not yet. The Changelings have already moved in a sizable amount of anti aircraft weapons, plus there's still the threat of those burst missiles. Once our Arkbird is over the area again we can get some images, which should be in the next 20 hours," Twilight replied.

"Yeah how did they get those burst missiles?" snapped the commander of the CEAF.

"Obviously there's been some espionage on their part. We are looking into it," replied Luna. The burst missiles were invented by the New Lunar Republic shortly before the last war, and up until now were exclusive to Equestria.

"What will happen once all of the forces are mobilized?" another member of the Empire government asked.

"In a bit we will give Chrysalis an ultimatum to get out, or we will help you push her out. If she hasn't begun to pull out by that time, which should be around two PM tomorrow, we will start," replied Celestia.

"Do not worry Cadence. We will get your country back," replied Luna.

"We will be in debt to you forever," Cadence said.

"Celestia smiled. "It's nothing. Go ahead and get some rest."


---------------------------------

Village of Kurain
Southwest of Los Alicones, Crystal Empire
17:02 hours.


The normally peacefull village hidden in the woods was being rattled by the sounds of gunfire and explosions. A detachment of the Changeling Army was approaching the village from the East, though they were being held off by a few citizens, and members of a small militia that lived in and near it. 

"Dammit there's too many of them!" a unicorn yelled. 

"Keep at it or the village is doomed!" yelled another as he fired his M-16.

Suddenly a grenade landed near them. They tried to run but it was too late.

"We've got two down!," an earth pony shouted to the leader.

"DAMMIT," the purple pegasus cursed. "Split up and keep attacking. I'm gonna' evacuate the village to the safe haven!" 

"OK. In case we don't make it, it's been a nice one," he replied.

"Don't say that." And she ran off to the village. Her friend and other villagers were waiting.

"We've gotta' go to the cave now!" She yelled.

"I thought you were holding them off?" a stallion asked.

"We were, but they keep coming. We're outnumbered," she replied. "Now let's go!" And the villagers began running out of the village to a secluded cave only they knew about.

Her friend was the last to leave.

"Let's go!" the white earth pony said.

They started to run, but when she turned around, she saw the Changelings had entered the village, and one spotted them.

"Run Sundance!"

"No Nightshade! Come with us!" she replied.

"I can't they saw us! I've gotta lead them away! Now Go!" she yelled. And the Sundance ran off.

Nightshade threw a grenade at a couple of  approaching changelings, killing both. She ran to the West, and as planned the others chased after her. 

Knowing the area like the back of her hoof, she would stop at various spots where she could throw a grenade or shoot before running again. Soon she was out of grenades and low on ammo. Unbeknownst to her a changeling was flying above her above the tree canopy. When she entered a small clearing the changeling dived and tackled her. Within seconds the rest had caught up, and she was caught.

The squad leader stepped forward.

"Well. You and your rebel fffffriends put up a commendable fffffinght, but it's over now," he said.

"Go ahead and kill me because I'm not doing shit for you," she spat back.

"I would, but we're under orders to to capture assssss many ponies alive as posssssssible."

"The village is empty," another changeling said to him.

"Noble move, but we'll fffffind them ssssssooner or later," he said as they hauled her off.

They loaded her and one more pony in a truck and took them to Prairie City. There they were loaded on a train and taken to a prison camp that had been set up, at Gracemareia Air Force Base.

"Well imagine that. Never thought I'd step foot in this place again," she thought to herself as her and the other prisoners were marched to a hangar that was now a holding cell. The base was familliar to her because she had been there during her stint in the Legion of Discord Air Force. And before that, her time in the Garuda squadron. She knew all of the ins and outs of the base. And if she was lucky, it would aid her in her escape.


-------------------------------------


Stalliongrad AFB
20:15 hours.

Maverick and the others were watching news coverage of the event on the Equestria News Network when Citrina showed up.

"Well Equestria is about to give Chrysalis the ultimatum, so I hope you ponies will be ready for your first sortie," she said.

"I'm ready now," Black Widow replied.

"What are we doing?" Maverick asked.

"Nothing for a couple of days as we still need to regroup,"  she replied.

"God dammit," snapped Black Widow.

"Calm down," replied Maverick.

"There will be a briefing at 0700 tomorrow on what we are planning to do", Citrina said to them.

"Well we better get some sleep then," Maverick replied.

"See you tomorrow", replied Citrina, and she left.

Tomorrow would be the beginning of the liberation of the Empire.
> Chapter 3: First Blood
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Near the Equestria/Crystal Empire border
May 13, 2023 
07:12 hours.

Moondancer woke up from her cot to the smell of breakfast. She stretched and headed to the food tent to see what was being served. First she checked the bulletin board to see if any of her friends had shown up. Unfortunately none had, so she continued on.

After eating, she walked around some more, and came across a few ponies who were listening to a radio. She went over and listened. It was a changeling propaganda broadcast. They listened to the verbal diarrhea coming out of his mouth:

"... The citizzzzens here are ready for change. They want to get on wittttth their lives and live in peace. Excussse me little filly. What do you think?"
"Go dance with the angels!" and there was the sound of hooves connecting with the changeling. Moondancer gasped.
"EMBER!"

She had no choice. She had to go back to Gracemareia. She gathered up her things and left for the border.


-----------------------------------------


Stalliongrad AFB
10:23 hours.

The squadron was called to the conference room for the briefing on the day's mission. Slugger, commander of the Crystal Empire Air Force was waiting along with Citrina.

"Ok ponies. Due to recent movements by the Changeling army, the bombing mission has been postponed until tomorrow . In the meantime you will be flying Combat Air Patrol over the mountain range that seperates Sibley from the rest of the Empire. We have received intelligence the Changelings are planning a bombing raid today. You will be the first line of defense, the NLR Air Force's 7th Tac' fighter squadron will be the 2nd over Sibley itself."

"I'll take anything right now. Let's do it," Black Widow said.

"Settle down Widow," Maverick replied. "Any word on the burst missile threat?" he asked.

"We haven't heard any use of them since yesterday," Slugger replied. We'll definitely advise you if the situation changes. Have at it guys."

"Woo hoo let's go!" Surprise yelled. And they headed out to get suited up and ready.

Outside the ground crew had finished fueling and arming their planes. They jumped in, got strapped down, and fired the Eagles up. They taxied onto the runway. Lining up in pairs except for Maverick, who was ahead of the pack.

"Garuda squadron you are cleared for takeoff," the controller said.

"Roger, here we go ," replied Mav' , and the planes took off. 

45 minutes later they had taken up station over the mountains. about two hours later they got the call.

"Sky Eye to Garuda and Razor squadrons: We have eight bandits approaching from the East. Flight profile suggests four bombers escorted by four fighters."

"Roger Sky Eye. It's showtime!" replied Maverick. And they headed off on an intercept course.

"We've got bandits coming in. Protect the bombers," the lead Changeling pilot said as they accelerated ahead. Soon the fight was on.

"Tornado, Kiwi, go after the bombers. The rest of you engage those Fulcrums," Maverick said as he made a sharp turn to dodge a missile.

"Roger Spade," Tornado replied. And they turned to get on the bombers. Surprise and Heart Throb dived on two of the escorts, who then split off from each other to escape, leaving the bombers wide open.

"Oh you dumb motherbuckers", Tornado said as he locked up one of the TU-160's and fired a radar guided. Kiwi soon followed suit with the other, and the first two bombers were down.

Meanwhile Heart Throb had just got a lock on one MiG when she got a lock warning.

"Aw' damn," she said as she hit the breaks and made her tail overshoot. He became the lucky recipient of her Sidewinder. Suprise had better luck, getting a gun kill on her prey. Black Widow got the third by doing a loop, and finally Maverick caught up with the 4th MiG and shoved a Sidewinder up it's tailpipe.

"Sky Eye to Garuda team: First wave is down. The second is almost here. This time you have 12 altogether including 4 bombers." 

"Roger. Flare, Tempestra, Heartbreaker, go after the bombers. Everypony else get the fighters," Maverick announced.

"Got it," replied Kiwi. And they banked right and headed towards the approaching planes.

This time the squadron avoided a head on missile encounter by splitting and diving, and coming up behind the fighters. 

"MiG-35's. A little funner," Maverick announced. Soon him and Tornado were on the tail of a pair of them. Both failed to evade them and soon went down in a ball of fire. A MiG dropped in behind them, but soon had to break off when Surprise got on his tail. No sooner than she did the 4th got on her tail, only to have Stormy drop in behind him.

"I've got him distracted Ditz. Take care of yours," Stormy said.

"Already done," she replied as she fired an AMRAAM, taking out the MiG. Stormy then got his.

While this was going on, Maverick and Tornado had taken off after the remaining two MiGs, which were heading to protect the bombers. Kiwi had already shot one down when Maverick alerted them.

"You've got the last two heading for you, but we're on them," Maverick said.

"Keep em' off  us," replied Heart Throb as she locked up a bomber and fired a Sidewinder. The bomber dropped flares and dodged the missile though.

"Did you think it would be that easy?" she said as she fired a radar guided and took it down.

Then Sky Eye called in.

"All planes we have 5 bandits inbound at high speed from the Northeast!"

"Damn. Roger Sky Eye," Maverick replied. He fired his cannon and took down the 5th MiG. The 6th got a lock on Widow, forcing her to break off of a bomber.

"You ruined my shot," she sneered as she  did a loop and got behind the MiG, almost running into Tornado in the process.

"Damn Widow you almost hit me!" he yelled.

"Sorry," was all she said as she locked the last MiG up and brought it down. Soon all of them got lock warnings.

"Already?" Tornado yelled.

"What's the range on them Sky Eye?" Maverick asked.

"51 miles and closing."

"Definitely MiG-31's with R-37's. Start evading everypony!" he replied, and they began dodging them while trying to close in.

"How many of those missiles do they have?" Stormy asked.

"Six each ,plus 4 R-77's or 60's," Maverick replied.

"Terrific. What about the bombers?"

"Sky Eye get the NLR squadron on the bombers. We're tied up." 

"Roger Maverick, he replied. 

After  dodging two more volleys of missiles the squadron was close enough to the bandits to fire off some AMRAAMs. Not only did it disrupt them, Tornado's missile took one out.

"OK we've got em'," Maverick announced. By closing in the MiGs no longer had the advantage, and would be easy prey for the far more maneuverable F-15S's.

"See how you like it," Heart Throb said as she locked one up and fired, taking it down. Realizing they were outmatched the MiGs tried to use their speed to run away, but the group got them before they could. Tornado got the second, Kiwi the third, and Surprise the fourth. Maverick ended the engagement by running down the 5th MiG and firing  an AMRAAM and a Sidewinder.

"Sky Eye to all planes, the radar is clear. Great job on your first mission!"

"What about the bombers?" Maverick asked. 

"The NLR squadron just brought them down," he replied.

"Great. Let's go home ponies." And the squadron headed back for Stalliongrad.


--------------------------------------------


Train station
Gracemareia, Crystal Empire
14:25 hours.


A train from the Changeling Kingdom arrived at Gracemareia's depot. Among those who got off was an older changeling wearing officer's insignia and carrying pony saddle bags and a small briefcase. He walked instead of flew due to one of his wings being missing. He looked around at his surroundings. 

"So this is the Crystal Empire. The most love filled country in the world,"  he thought to himself. As he walked he noticed how all of the ponies he saw seemed to be in the dumps.

"Something isn't right. Changelings can sense love. Right now I'm hardly feeling any. It could be because of our invasion, but I'm not sure." 

While he was lost in his thoughts an earth pony ran up and grabbed his saddlebags.

"Go dance with the angels!" she yelled as she ran off.

"Seriously? Is that how bad it's become here? Well it looks like I'll have to get new provisions for my stay." 

Just then a Pegasus colt tried to grab his briefcase, but it was handcuffed to him.

"No diccccce colt," he said, and the pegasus flew off.

"You alright sir?" A voice said behind him. He turned around to see a changeling officer behind him.

"Ah Lieutenant Blue Wing  I presume?" he replied.

"Yes sir Colonel Kreiko", the younger changeling replied.

"Have they gained entry into the castle yet?" Kreiko asked.

"We could have been inside two hours ago, but our queen wanted to be there when the lock was cut," Blue replied. "She should be here in about 25 minutes so we better get over to the castle."

"Very well, lead the way." And they left the depot.

As they walked down the streets, Kreiko saw more ponies. Who, like the ones he saw before, seemed to be drained of any energy.

"Have you noticed anything about the ponies here?" he asked Blue.

"Like what?"

"How none of these ponies seem happy?"

"Well we did invade them you know," Blue replied as he looked at a couple of ponies across the street.

"I think there's more to it," Kreiko replied. 

Soon they were at the castle. Numerous soldiers and military brass were there. A changeling was next to the main door to the castle with a cutting torch.

As the two mingled, they heard the sound of a large chopper approaching.

"That's her," Blue said. Soon the chopper appeared, circled, and landed in the courtyard in front of the castle. The changelings lined up on both sides of the path.

"ATTEN-TION!" one yelled and all of them stood at attention. The door opened, and after some of her aids exited, Chrysalis stepped out onto the path and looked around. The changelings knelled.

"Welcome your majesty," the Changeling army commander said.

She said nothing, continuing to look around, her horn glowing a few times.

"Is something wrong your majesty?" the commander asked.

"Something isn't right. I'm not feeling the love," she replied.

"What do you mean your highness?" the changeling replied  with a stumped look.

"When I was here two years ago the feeling of love was almost overwhelming. I hardly feel any right now." She walked over to the castle door.

"Are you ready to open it?" she asked the changeling with the torch.

"Yes your majesty," he replied shaking a bit. And he fired it up and cut the last lock. The doors swung open.

"GASP!" 

Chrysalis's mouth dropped.

"The crystal heart! It's gone!" she yelled.

"WHAT? HOW? No one's been here but us!" The commander yelled.

"What does this mean?" another changeling asked.

"Without the crystal heart it means there is no love here anymore. What little there is will run out, and this country will be worthless!," she replied.

"Could the princess have taken it with her?" he asked.

"No. They know the ramifications of removing it from it's place. It must be some local do gooder who thought it would help," she replied as her horn glowed again.

"I can still feel it so it must be around somewhere. Search every nook and cranny of this place. I'm going to make myself at home," she said, turning to go inside the castle, followed by her aids.

"Well I guess you were right." Blue said to Kreiko.

"This is not good. If they can't find it this invasion was a giant waste of bits," he replied.

"Are you ready to go to the airbase?" Blue asked.

"Yes. We will start the prisoner interrogations as soon as possible," Kreiko replied, and they left for the base.


-------------------------


Stalliongrad AFB
15:40 hours.

The squadron was called into the conference room to discuss the plans for the next day. Slugger was waiting for them.

"Ok pilots, here's what's in store for tomorrow." He turned on a projector.

"A large force of the Changeling Army is working their way towards Sibley. They have yet to reach the mountains though, so our plan is to wait until they're at this choke point here," he pointed to a location on the map with a laser pointer, "we'll hit them with a massive bomber strike. Between there and the border though the Changelings have moved in some SAM units. Your mission is to escort the bombers and take out all air and ground threats to them. Some of you will be carrying HARM's for the SAMS. You only have to take out their control radar to make them useless."

"Wild weasel. Those are always fun missions," Tornado said.

"What does wild weasel mean?" Kiwi asked.

"We get the Changelings to shoot their sams at us, then we shoot our anti radiation missiles at them. If they don't shut off their radar our missiles will fly straight into them. And even if they do they could still get hit if the missile is already on it's final approach," he replied.

"We let them shoot missiles at us!?" she said with a stunned look.

"It's not as bad as you think," Maverick replied. "Just remember how to use your countermeasures."

"This train leaves at 0500 so get some rest," Slugger said, and they left.


---------------------------------

Crystal Castle
Gracemareia
16:04 hours.

After waiting for nearly an hour Princess Celestia was finally in contact with Chrysalis.

"Ah I was just about to contact you over your interference with our occupation of the Crystal Empire." 

Celestia replied sternly.

"That is correct. We fully condemn your unwarranted invasion of our ally and will be assisting them in taking back their country."

"What a foolish gesture," she replied. "We control the crystal heart now so if anything we have leverage over you and all other countries."

"No, you don't," Celestia replied with a little bit of anger. "We know the heart has gone missing so you don't have anything right now."

Chrysalis put her hoof over the receiver and turned to one of the military officers.

"I thought I said no mention of that over the radio?" she snarled.

"It wasn't us!" he replied. She turned back to the phone.

"So what? We'll find it. And it'd be a shame if something were to happen to it due to your actions."

"You're not going to do anything to it because that's the reason you're there," snapped Celestia. "You must think we're completely deaf dumb and blind."

Chrysalis was disgusted. "Hmph. Fine. Continue your little game. It might turn around and bite you though."

Celestia had had enough.

"Now you listen to me Chrysalis. And you listen good. If so much as one bullet of yours even strays into Equestria you and your country will feel the full power of our military, and that is something I don't think you want right now."

"Fine whatever. Don't expect us to treat your military any different than the empire's though," and she hung up. Another member of her cabnet came over.

"Shall I have plans for them readied?" he asked.

"No. As much as I would love to take over them also we're stretched too thin as it is," she replied. "Keep up the search for the heart."

"Yes your majesty," he replied.


-------------------------------



Gracemareia AFB
18:44 hours.

"Like I said I'm just a citizen defending her village."

"A citizen who knows combat and guerrilla warfare tactics?"

"Hey there are books and movies on the subject. What does it matter to you anyway you retarded insect?"

Nightshade found herself across from Kreiko in what was now a POW interrogation room at the airbase.

"A defiant one eh? So you're not going to say anything?" Kreiko had heard it before, but this was the first time a civilian had gave him this much trouble.

"Hey we've got a smart one here," she fired back. "If you're gonna' kill me or something do it now because I ain't helping you with shit."

"Well lucky for you our leader has ordered no executions of civilians for anything," he replied. "Take her to a cell below."

A couple of guards grabbed her and took her to the basement of the main building, which was the location of the brig and some other rooms suitable for holding prisoners. 

"What do you think?" Blue wing asked.

"She's definitely got a military background. Start digging around for any records of her," Kreiko replied.

"I noticed when we brought her here she seemed to know her way around this building," Blue said while looking out a window.

"Hmmm. Start looking here first then," he replied.

The actual brig cells were already full, so the guards threw Nightshade into one of the converted rooms. 

"Enjoy pony," snapped the changeling.

"Suck a dick cockroach,"  she replied.  She looked around at her new home. The first thing she was taught in survival training was look for an opportunity to escape first off. She scanned the room, and came up with something.

The ceiling of the room was taller than the door. Running lengthwise across it were a pair of pipes that were suspended slightly. It would hurt, but she could jump up and stick her wings behind the pipes to hoist herself over the door. When the guard looked in the small window and didn't see her he would come in, and she would land on him and snap his neck. 

With that she then needed to figure out the times the guard made his rounds. She knew they would try to find records of her, and that she was on borrowed time. Her days with the CEAF wasn't what she was worried about. If they found out she was in the military of the country that took over theirs, killed their original queen, and forced it's citizens into slave work, the decision to not kill civilians might get a reversal.

> Chapter 4: We Meet Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gracemareia AFB - Crystal Empire
May 14, 2023 
04:19 hours.

Nightshade pretended to be asleep every time the guard went by. It was obvious he made his round every hour at the same time, so she decided the time to make her exit was now.
She waited until she heard the sound of the door to the basement opening, then tried her plan. The first three tries she failed to get her wings behind the pipes. Finally with the guard almost there she made it. The strain on her wings was causing major pain, but she fought it off.

Just as she figured the guard looked in and gasped when he didn't see her. He immediately opened the door and stepped in. A loud crack was the only sound made as Nightshade landed squarely on the changeling and broke his neck. She grabbed the body, drug it into the cell, took his gun and knife, and left.


It wasn't over yet though. she now had to sneak, and slice her way out of the building. She used every part of her training to take out any guards she came across and get out of the building.
"Now how do I get out of here?" she thought. She made her way towards the hangars and soon heard something: The sound of turbines spooling up.  She peeked around the corner of a hangar and saw a pair of SU-27's getting ready to leave on patrol. The ground crews had finished their work and had returned to the hangar two down from where she was.

She hid behind the hangar as the planes taxied by. Suddenly the one nearest to her stopped, followed shortly by the other. She went up the side of the hangar and hid behind some barrels for a closer look. The pilot jumped out of the cockpit and ran into the hangar.
The purple Pegasus peeked in a window just in time to see him run into the bathroom. The hangar was empty, so she went in and stood by the door to the bathroom.  It was a long shot, but she would kill him when he came out, take his flight suit and helmet, and sprint to the Flanker, hoping the other pilot couldn't tell in the darkness (the base was blacked out except for the lights in the buildings).


It was soon obvious what the pilot's problem was thanks to the noises coming from within. She had to hold in a couple of giggles as it reminded her of the time in the Legion of Discord Air Force when she ate a spiced up burrito one of the pilots brought in just before a mission, and the same thing happened. The moment he stepped out Nightshade snapped his neck, then took his stuff. The suit was tight, but she needed it. 

At the same time a guard discovered what happened in the main building, and the search for her was under way.
"She couldn't have gone very far," the guard said to the others. And sirens began to wail.

She sprinted to the plane, jumped in, and closed the canopy. Soon the other pilot spoke over the radio.

"They're gonna' have to take your plane to a toxic wasssste facility after thissss," he cracked. She didn't say anything.

"You're sssstill mad at me over what happened? SSSSheesh fine then." The two of them then taxied out and took off. She made sure to stay in a spot where it would be hard for him to get a good look at her.

She had no idea where they were heading on their patrol, but it was West towards the area that was still under Crystal Empire control. This wasn't good for her though because obviously she couldn't fly in there without getting shot at by everypony. Her only chance was to break off and head to Equestria. The plane was fully loaded with air to air missiles, so she could fight her way out if needed.
"Guess I just have to be patient." She looked behind her and saw the first hint of light creeping up to the East. Hopefully it signaled a new beginning for her.


-----------------------------


Near the Equestria/Crystal Empire border
06:03 hours.


"Raider One to Garuda Squadron, we're coming up on your left." 

"Roger Raider One," replied Maverick. The B-52's of the CEAF Skylark and Raider Squadrons pulled up alongside the F-15's. 

"Sky Eye to all planes, you've crossed the fence. We're already picking up seven bandits inbound 45 miles out. Garuda Squadron Fly ahead and intercept them. Take out any SAM sites you find along the way".

"Roger SkyEye. Let's go ponies!" Maverick replied, and they hit the afterburners and sped off.

"Control to Onfir Three and Four: We have 19 bandits crossing the border from Equestria. Assist Drakeema Squadron. We have Droll Squadron en-route also," the Changeling controller said to the two planes.

"You heard him Sweet, let's go," the Changeling pilot said. Nightshade just rocked her wings and they banked and headed for the group.Meanwhile the first Changeling squadron had reached Maverick and them.

"Here they come! MiG-29's!" Tornado yelled as he locked one up.

"All planes engage!" Maverick said, and the AMRAAM's flew, taking out three of the bandits. The fight was on. 

It wasn't long before Maverick got on the tail of one. Despite his best efforts, the Changeling couldn't shake him, and he knocked him out of the sky with a sidewinder. Heart Throb did a downward roll and got behind another, taking it out with her cannon.

"Garuda Two, Three, and Four, start attacking the SAMs," Maverick announced.

"Roger Spade!" replied Black Widow, and they broke off to start clearing the SAM's. Them and Tornado were the only ones equipped with anti radar missiles.

"Let's nail em' you three," 

"We're on it," replied Tornado. They stuck together and got behind the last two bandits. One split off, but they continued to follow the other. That one tried to get behind them, which they were expecting.

"No surprise there Changeling!" Surprise said as she did a short loop and got behind him. In short order both were downed.

"Nice job. Let's catch back up with the group," Maverick said, and they sped off.

Meanwhile the other group had come across an SA-2 site in the bomber's path.

"I'm on it," Heart Throb announced, and she armed her missiles and started descending. Soon the missile had a lock on the radar and he fired. At the same time the SAM site launched two at them.

"Evade!" Heart Throb yelled. They banked hard and flew away from the site, then dropped chaff and split, causing the missiles to lose lock. Right afterwards the HARM found the radar and destroyed it, knocking the SAM site offline.

"OK let's finish it," Black Widow said, and they turned around, headed back to the site, and strafed it with cannon fire, destroying all of the missiles.

"Mind if we join in?"

"Welcome back Mav'," Kiwi said, and the squadron took up formation again. 

"I can't believe they got an SA-2 site set up that fast," Heart Throb said.

"They probably had everything ready  to go before the invasion," replied Maverick. Soon they got another radar spike.

"There's another," Tornado said.

"I'm on it," replied Black Widow, and she dived lower. Once she got a lock she fired.

"It must be an SA-4 because they haven't fired yet." She continued to fly towards it because if she turned, the operator might know what's up and shut down his radar. Finally one was shot off, and she broke away. The operator did realize what was happening and shut off, but it was too late as the missile was on it's final approach, and still hit the target.

"Nice!" Surprise said to her.

"Sky eye to Garuda Squadron. You have eight bandits approaching from the East and two from the North."

"Oh hell," Tornado said.

"Let's get em'. Sky Eye will there be any cover for the bombers?" Maverick asked.

"Yes. The Empire's Mist Squadron is near the target area," he replied.

"Blade One to control: Which should we go after?" the Changeling asked.

"Go after the flight of seven. The rest are obviously bombers and we have a squadron en' route to intercept them," he replied.

"Roger." and they headed after Garuda Squadron.

"Still silent Sweet?" he asked. Nightshade just grumbled in a low voice.

"Crap why so ssserious? It was just a joke. Don't let it impair your judgement," he said.

"I can't attack them," she thought. Instead she would use the opportunity to try and make a break for the border.

"Let's get it on!" Surprise yelled, and there was another small missile exchange. Only one CK plane got hit though.

"Uh oh J-10's. This won't be easy," Tornado said.

"Especially once those two other planes show up," added Kiwi. 

After ten minutes of twisting and turning, Maverick finally managed to shoot one down, but the squadron was doing more defense than offense.

"Damn those other two have arrived from the North," Heart Throb announced.

"Sweet stay on my tail," Blade One said, and she did. Soon they were both behind Kiwi.

"Get them off me!" she yelled.

"Almost got her," the Changeling said as he drew a bead. Nightshade had no choice.

"Sorry I can't let you do that," she said over the radio.

"WHAT? Wait you're not Sweet!"

"No shit," she replied, at which point she raked his plane with cannon fire, sending it down.

"WHAT THE HELL!?" The commander of the other CK squadron yelled.

"HUH?" Said a surprised Kiwi.

"Spade did you see that? One Flanker shot down the other!" an excited Surprise yelled into the radio.

"Time for some fun," Nightshade said to herself as she rolled in behind a J-10 and took it out with a heat seeker.

"Droll One to control, Blade Four has become a loose cannon. What's the order?" the commander asked.

"What else shoot him down!" The controller replied.

"It's a female not a male," he said back.

After a pause the controller said "Whatever still shoot her down!"

"Garuda One to Sky Eye. One of the CK planes has just taken out two of their own. Looks like a loose cannon situation."

"What the hell's going on Mav?" Heart Throb asked.

"I don't know but it's left them disorganized. Now's our chance!" he replied. And he was right. Soon Kiwi shot down one with a sidewinder, followed by Black Widow getting a gun kill on the squadron  leader. Maverick dropped in behind a J-10 that was on Nightshade's tail.

"I don't think so," she said. She hit the brakes and went into a Cobra, then rotated down to escape it.

"Th-that move..." he thought as he got a lock on the changeling who was stunned by the move.A radar guided took him down. 

Surprise used the AIM-9X Sidewinder's side looking capability to lock onto a bandit that was peeling away from her to the left. Black Widow got the last one with  a Sidewinder too, leaving just Nightshade's Flanker. Heart Throb got behind her, but she did the same maneuver and got away, but it put her behind Surprise. She immediately shut down her targeting system and peeled off.

"Hey guys. That 27 shut off it's radar and broke off of me," she announced.

"I'll just fly straight and slow." 

"Sky Eye to Garuda squadron: Are you still engaging the remaining bandit?"

"Not exactly," Maverick replied. "There's something about it." Now the whole squadron was behind her. 

"What now Spade?" Tornado asked.

"Lemme see," and he set his radio to the international call on frequency.

"Attention Changeling aircraft. This is Brigadier General Maverick of the Crystal Empire Air Force. Do you copy?"

Nightshade's heart almost flew out her mouth. "Maverick!?"  Now she didn't know what to do. Soon she was flanked by him and Surprise, and she got a good look at the aircraft markings. Those of her old squadron.

"What do I do?" She knew what the ramifications were with Maverick. If anymore of the original squadron members were there she might be dead before she hits the ground.

Maverick repeated his message.

"Well what choice do I have?" she thought, and she replied. "Yes I copy."

Changeling what is your intentions  over?"

"I'm... not a Changeling."

Suddenly Maverick was overwhelmed with the same feeling.

"It...It can't be..."  

"Then what are you?" Kiwi asked.

"A Pegasus."

"Yeah, maybe when you change into one," replied Tornado.

Nightshade recognized him. "You mean you don't recognize the voice, Tornado?"

"Hold on a second! How do you know who he is? Are you psychic?" Surprise yelled.

"NIGHTSHADE?"

"Hi Spade." 

Maverick was at a loss for words.

"THE Nightshade? As in the one who got booted out of this squadron and joined the LoD Air Force?" Heart Throb asked with a rising anger in her voice.

"long time no hear Heartbreaker," she replied. Immediately she got behind Nightshade for a shot, but Maverick cut in front of her.

"Maverick what the fuck?" she snapped.

"Before we shoot her down let's find out what's going on," he replied. "So what's going on Nightshade?"

"I was the leader of a small resistance group in the village of Kurain when the Changelings invaded, and we had to fight them off. All but me and one other were killed, and I had to cover the evacuation of the villagers to a safe haven we had. I pulled them away as best as I could, but they caught me."

She continued.

"They sent me to the prison camp they have set up at the Gracemareia base. I killed several guards and stole this plane to get out of here."

"You expect us to believe that?" Tornado said.

"I didn't think you ejected," added Maverick. "Where were you all this time?"

"I've been living at that village, which was near where you shot me down," she replied. 

"Why are you fleeing the country?" Kiwi asked.

"I want to go to Equestria so I can join someone's army or air force and get back into the fighting. There's a chance they've found the rest of the villagers, including a friend I thought was dead. I don't want to see this country suffer again. "

Heart Throb was disgusted. "Unbelievable. You betray our country by joining the LoD and now you want to rejoin? Maverick get out of the way so I can shoot her."

"Hey I've put all of that behind me!" Nightshade replied with a bit of rise in her voice.  I'm sorry for what I did. "

"Spade. My plane ejected me at almost the last second. I was severely injured by the ejection, and I might not have made it if a unicorn from that village hadn't found me and taken me in. While I was laying in that bed recovering, I thought about what you said during the dogfight. And what I did finally started to sink in."

It sounded like her voice was starting to break as she continued.

"Then I found out Sundance, my friend who I thought was killed in the explosion, had survived and was living there. We met  and I wound up telling her what I did. She forgave me. And soon the rest of the village found out also and they didn't hold it against me either. After that all of my hate for you disappeared. I saw what happened to this country under Discord's control, I don't want it repeated under Chrysalis." 

"What a crock of shit," Black widow said.

"Fine. If that's how it is.." she pulled up and ahead slightly.  "Go ahead and shoot me down. Shoot my canopy so you know I'm dead."

"Heart Throb and Black Widow started to fly up.

"ANY OF YOU DO IT WITHOUT MY SAY AND I'LL COURT MARSHALL YOU MYSELF!" screamed Maverick.

"What the fuck is wrong with you Mav?" snapped Tornado.

"I believe in forgiveness and giving ponies a second chance unlike you guys!" he replied.

Nightshade couldn't believe what Maverick said to his squadron.

"Spade you don't have to..."

He cut her off.

"No I do." He switched back to the main radio channel.

"Garuda One to Sky Eye. How is the bombing going?"

"The bombers are almost done with their runs, and Mist squadron has the Changeling squadron down to their last two planes," he replied.

"Good. We're going to be escorting a... resistance fighter who stole a Changeling plane back to Stalliongrad. Make sure they know,"

"Oh, OK. I wondered what was going on," sky Eye replied.

"Get in behind me Nightshade,"  Maverick said.

"I'm getting behind you just in case," added Heart Throb, and she got behind Nightshade, boxing her in.

"So am I going to be able to join again?" she asked.

"That's for our brass to decide," he replied. " You did save our flanks a bit so I'll try and help as much as possible. And I'm sure intelligence will find that prisoner camp interesting."

For the first time since getting captured she felt at ease.

"Thanks Spade." And they headed for home.

------------------

Bloodstone Pass
Crystal Empire
08:12 hours.

The mountain pass was a scene of chaos and destruction.  One group of bombers flew straight down the road, covering a five mile stretch with bombs. The other group bombed the rest of the Changeling Army that was still at the staging area at the start of the pass. Above them the  Solar Empire's Mist squadron had decimated the Changeling Fulcrums.

"Mist Two fox two!" A Sidewinder shot off the Gripen's rail and hit the MiG in the left engine, blowing it off.

"Aww yeah splash one! Where's the other?" Mist Two asked.

"He's running!" replied Mist Seven.

"He's not getting away." The squadron commander dived in behind him.

"Get him Sheba!"

No amount of maneuvering could shake her off his tail, and he went down in flames.

"Mist One to Sky Eye: All aircraft downed."

Raider One to Sky Eye we are done with our runs."

"Roger. Great job! Return to base. Mist escort the bombers back to Equestria airspace. Garuda is escorting a defector or something," he replied.

"Roger Sky Eye."

"What do you think that escort is about Tavi?" Mist Two asked.

"I don't know Vinyl but I'll definitely find out," she replied.

----------------------

Gracemareia AFB
08:31 hours.


Kreiko had only been in his office for a half hour when Blue Wing came in.

"Sir we found some info about this Nightshade." 

"What is it?" Kreiko replied with a blank face.

"We couldn't find any official records, but we found this." And he handed him a book with pages marked. Kreiko read it aloud.

"Deceit and Discord. The story of the war between the Empire and the Republic." He turned to the last bookmark.

"Turns out she was originally with the Crystal Empire Air Force. She was kicked out after an incident during the war with the Griffins they had. She then joined the Legion of Discord Air Force, and was subsequently shot down and presumed dead," described Blue Wing.

"Impressive work," he replied. "It doesn't matter now though."

"Why sir?"

"She broke out last night, killing seven guards." 

Blue Wing's jaw almost hit the floor. "Have you found her yet?"

"No. It looks like...."

Suddenly another Changeling busted though the door.

"SIR we know where she went!"

"where?"

"We just found a dead pilot in the bathroom of hangar one. Blade Four. Looks like she went on patrol with Blade Three in  his plane...." 

and he was interrupted by a third Changeling who handed him a paper, which made his jaw drop.

"And it looks like she just took out Blade Three, and assisted a CEAF squadron in their takedown of Droll squadron, then left with them. And a major bombing operation by the Empire just decimated our forces heading through Bloodstone Pass." The look on Blue Wing's face seemed to indicate his brain had blue screened.

Kreiko looked down at his coffee cup for a bit before speaking again.

"Yep. I was right. And I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of her. Thanks for the info. You're all dismissed," he said, and the others left. He started thinking about it.

"She has the heart of a Ursa Major. Individuals like her can change a war. If she is re-accepted by those she betrayed,she could be a huge morale booster for the Empire, and we will be in trouble."
> Chapter 5: Breakthrough
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

  North of the Equestrian border
May 14 2023
15:23 hours

Moondancer had been walking since morning, dodging enemy patrols and watching aircraft shooting across the sky. She finally reached the point where the road split. Going left took you to Sibley, and right over the mountains to Gracemareia. She was tired though and would have to find a nearby spot to spend the night. 
As she was sitting there facing towards Gracemareia, she thought about everything that had happened, and would she even be able to find Ember. She had heard reports of mistreatment by Changelings, and she worried maybe they'd think she was a spy if caught, and would be locked up.
She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't notice the vehicle pull up and stop behind her until it honked it's horn. She turned around fearing it was a patrol. It turned out to be a pale yellow earth pony with green mane driving a small car.

"What's wrong?" the pony asked Moondancer.

"I'm from the refugee camp. I'm trying to get to Gracemareia," she replied.

"Get in, I am too." So Moondancer put her stuff in the cramped back seat and got in, and they drove off.

"Thanks. My name is Moondancer."

"I'm Chrissy," the pony replied. "Why did you leave? It's safer there or in Sibley."

"I just found out my daughter is alive. I thought she died in the first attack on Gracemareia, until I heard her over a radio broadcast."

"Oh that girl?" Chrissy said surprised. "She's pretty much become a star in Free Crystal Empire. Everyone there is starting to use that line she said."

Moondancer couldn't believe a phrase her husband had coined up was popular.

"Why are you heading there?" Moondancer asked. Chrissy hesitated for a second before answering.

"I've been going to school in Sibley. I'm heading there to see if I can find some..pony."

"Who is it?" Moondancer didn't want to pry into another pony's life, but she was interested.

"Somepony I used to know," she replied. "I just hope my car can get us there. I've only used it for getting around Sibley. It's never been on long trips, much less one over the mountains."

"I know what that's like. The one I had as a teen was like that. Every odd noise I heard from it would scare me," the unicorn replied, trying to back away from the other subject. And they drove on.


------------------------------------


Stalliongrad AFB
12:45 hours.


The squadron landed in pairs, with Maverick and Nightshade as the last one. They taxied back to their spots on the tarmac, with Nightshade parking hers next to Maverick's. A couple of guards were waiting, and soon Maverick and the others were there also, and she jumped down from the cockpit.

"It's been three years Spade."

"Longer if you don't count that war," he replied.

"I see you three haven't changed much," she said looking towards Surprise, Heart Throb, and Tornado.

"Unlike you bitch," Heart throb muttered. Maverick hit his hoof on his helmet in disapproval of her comment.

"Who are they Spade?" Nightshade asked, looking a little nervous.

"That's Kiwi Tart, Black Widow, and Stormy, Maverick replied.

"There's no other original members?"

"No. They're either dead or retired," he replied in a slightly lower voice."

"No not Misty!" 

"Unfortunately yes," replied Tornado. "She joined the Solar Empire Air Force after the empire was taken over by Discord, and during the war she got shot down, by a LoD pilot."

Nightshade looked like she might start crying.

"Bullshit Tornado it was an NLR plane and you know it," snapped Maverick. He turned back towards Nightshade. "And Quarterback died in the invasion."

Nightshade didn't know what to say about what she just found out, so she just asked: "Now what?"

"Let's get inside. The brass have already assembled in the situation room." And he and the guards headed for the main building with her while the rest of the squadron returned to their barracks.

Maverick entered first, with Nightshade behind her. They walked up to the area in front of the table, and Mav' stepped aside. She was met with several looks of disapproval, including from the commander of the CEAF, General Slugger, who stated the meeting.

"So you're Nightshade. Former member of the Legion of Discord Air Force, and before that this air force?"

"Yes I am," she replied.

"Maverick. How did she get here?"

"Sir she was a prisoner at our Gracemareia base. She shot her way out and stole that Changeling Flanker out there to get out, and she wound up assisting us in shooting down the Changelings on the mission we just did," he replied.

The leader of the empire's intelligence agency spoke up.

"We just picked up some Changeling transmissions of that incident. You seriously killed eight of them?"

"Yep, that was me," she replied with a bit of pride.

"So why were you there?" The general of the Empire's army asked.

"I was the leader of a small Militia at the village of Kurain North of Prairie City. The Changelings invaded the village, and we made a stand against them. I was the only one who survived. I was captured and taken to the base," she replied, her yellow eyes looking straight into his.

Slugger stood up.

"So what makes you think you can just join us again, after how you treated your squadron, and your country?" She turned to him.

"I don't know if I can convince you or not, but I wanted to try," and she began. Unbeknownst to them, Tornado, Heart Throb, and Surprise were listening through the door.

"It's been three years since I was... "forced" out of the LoD Air Force. During that time I've been living peacefully at that village. I was severely injured after I crashed, and the ponies there took me in and nursed me back to health. They ultimately found out what I had done, because I came out and told them. All of them forgave me, especially one."

"Who was it?" Maverick asked.

"My friend Sundance, whom I though had died when the bomber crashed into Kiro. She was the only one who wasn't in the town at the time. Afterwards she fled to that village and has been there ever since."

"I don't believe it," Tornado whispered to Heart Throb. "That is nothing short of a miracle."

Nightshade continued, her eyes starting to get a little glassy.

"As I layed on that bed recovering, I finally realized what I had done, and after meeting my friend, any hate I had for the Empire, and Spade here, dissolved." She looked all of the brass in the eye when she talked.

"Now I may have lost my friend, and my village to the Changelings. I led them out of the village as they were closing in to a secret cave only we knew about, but they saw us and I had to lead the changees away from them. And that's when I was caught. I've seen what the Changelings do, and I don't want my friends and my country to suffer again, so I want to fight back in a way I couldn't do as a simple resistance fighter."

"Damn. I feel a little bad now," Heart Throb commented to the others. Now it looked like the interrogation was getting to Nightshade. 

"I can't excuse my previous actions. I can only say...I'm, sorry. If that's not enough, feel free to hang me for treason or whatever you have in mind."  

That statement made Maverick look at her in shock, and caused Surprise to start crying.

After a few minutes of conversing with the others, Slugger spoke up.

"Nightshade. Report here in a couple of hours for a refresher course on how things are running in this air force now. It's obvious you don't need any training."

Nightshade's eyes brightened up.

"Th-thank you sir." 

"Before you go, what's this POW camp they set up like?" the intelligence officer asked.

"It's huge. There's several tents in addition to the base's brig. There's a lot of civilians there in addition to military captives," she replied. 

"Sounds more like a damn internment camp," replied a member of the cabinet.

"OK you're dismissed," the general announced, and her and Maverick left the room. The other three had already left.

"Well welcome back," Mav' said to her.

"So will I be getting another super Eagle or am I stuck with that Flanker?" she inquired.

"We've got a couple on order, though they won't be here until next week, so yeah you are. We'll get it repainted for you though," he replied. Despite being exiled, through aid from Equestria the empire was able to get replacements for the planes they lost. Diamondback squadron would be getting replacements also.

They made their way to the barracks where the others were waiting.

"So how did it go?" Kiwi asked.

"Ask those three they we're listening through the door," Maverick replied with a wink. 

"What?... How...." Tornado was at a loss for words while the other two had stunned looks.

"My ears are better than you think," he replied. "Anyway she's in."

"Woo hoo!" Surprise yelled.

"Any idea when our first mission will be?" Nightshade asked.

"I'm pretty sure there will be one tomorrow. We'll know by tonight," he replied. 

"OK. I have a confession," Surprise said.

"What?" Heart Throb asked.

Surprise went over to her bag, and after digging around presented an old, folded in half picture.

"I've never been able to get rid of this." It was a snapshot of the original Garuda squadron. Taken before the Griffin war.

"I remember posing for that pic'," Nightshade said. "I wanted to be different." Though she remembered the good times, the bad ones kept surfacing in her mind, especially the worst one.

"Something wrong?" Maverick asked.

"No I was just thinking," she replied. "So have there been any changes to how we operate?"

"Nope. Same as before. Though since we're operating from a United Equestria airbase, we are subject to some of their rules," Mav' replied.

"I guess we can't mow the grass after a successful mission then eh'?" She was referring to the CEAF custom of flying just a few feet above the grass along the runway gear up.

"Uuuuh... You know, I've never asked about that." Maverick had forgotten about it.

"I know how we can find out," Tornado said, rubbing his hooves together.

"So what do they do here?" Black Widow asked.

"Not sure since this is an Empire base. In the Republic buzzing the airfield, or tower was the thing," he replied with a smile.

"Guilty as charged," Nightshade said, and they laughed.


------------------------

Stalliongrad AFB
16:30 hours.

The squadrons had gathered in the situation room  for the mission briefing, but for a change neither Slugger or Citrina was there.

"They're late to their own meeting? Unacceptable!" Tornado yelled.

"We'll have to grill them when they get in," replied Heart Throb. 

They finally showed up 6 minutes late. As soon as they stepped in, the commander of Diamondback squadron, who was previously a drill instructor, stood up.

"YOU'RE LATE! DROP AND GIVE ME TWENTY!" Which sent the room into a laughing fit.

"Sorry. We blame it on intel for getting us the info late," replied Citrina. And the briefing again with Slugger.

"OK pilots. Here's the story. After our success in decimating the Changeling Army at Bloodstone Pass, their remaining forces have hunkered down at Glacier Fortress towards the East. As you know this fortress protects this road over the mountains in case of an attack. Of course obviously it didn't work here."

Slugger pulled up images of the fortress and continued.

"Before we can launch our next operation, which is the  re-taking of Oured, we must regain control of it so our forces can pass."

"There will be two parts to this operation.Group A will soften up the Changeling defenses and armor, and provide cover for the ground units coming up from Sibley. Group B will provide air cover for them and electronic warfare planes."

Citrina then took over.

"As for the burst missile threat: The designers of the missile in the NLR Air Force have told us they are ineffective against ground targets in mountainous terrain. They still pose a threat to aircraft though so if the warning is given, climb to 5,000 feet above the mountains immediately. You will have help from our country in this mission." She then read the squadron assignments.

For Air Support we have the CEAF Garuda, NLR Black Diamonds, and Empire Starstreak squadrons.

"Isn't the Black Diamonds that Wyvern squadron?" Nightshade asked Maverick.

"Yeah. That's the first front line squadron they've assigned to this," he replied. 

"For ground support we have the CEAF Diamondback, Quartz, and Tornado squadrons. Radar suppression and ECM will be courtesy of the NLR's Enchanter squadron and your Striker squadron. Enjoy your new Hornets Diamondback." Through United Equestria, the Crystal Empire was able to get replacements for aircraft they lost. Diamondback being one of the first.

"Wah and I'm still stuck with the Flanker," Nightshade said.

"Don't worry, we're repainting it as we speak. It'll be ready tomorrow," Slugger replied. "And that's it. The party starts at 11:00 tomorrow." 


---------------------------


Stalliongrad AFB
May 15 2023
10:02 hours.

The squadrons had finished putting their flight suits on and were heading out to their planes. It didn't take long to notice the anomaly in the Garuda flight line.

"There it is," Maverick said. Nightshade's flanker was now in the number seven spot in the line. Instead of Changeling gray it was now white and light blue camouflage like the F-15's. The group went over to it.

"Is it me or is the blue a little off?" Heart Throb asked.

"Well we don't exactly have your paint here so we had to use Solar Empire light blue," a ground crewpony replied. The SEAF blue was a little darker than the Crystal Empire blue.
The plane now had the Gracemareia/Garuda data on the tail now, and something extra: The Changeling symbol on both tails was left, with a red "X" sprayed over it.

"Ha ha haaa I like it," Nightshade said.

"Couldn't miss an opportunity to rub it in the changee's faces," replied the ground crewpony.

"It'll do until your super Eagle gets here," added Maverick. Nightshade wondered if she even wanted it though. After all that plane is what got her out of the Changeling's clutches, and she had a bit of a bond to it.

"Let's go!" Surprise yelled. And soon the squadrons were airborne.


------------------------

Just north of the Equestria border
11:56 hours.

The squadrons had arrived at the rendezvous point, and after refueling they entered holding patterns while waiting for the other squadrons to show up.

"Now the boring part," Stormy said.

"Anything we can do until then?" Kiwi asked. 

"Well we're not supposed to, but let's see what BS the changeees are saying," replied Sky Eye. And he tuned into the Gracemareia radio station that had been taken over by the Changelings.

"...the more they bomb, the slower the country will recover. Why prolong it? Our interview crews will soon be going around to get pony's  statements on how Equestria and the remaining exiled Crystal Empire forces should end this war..."

"ARE YOU SHITTING ME?" snapped Heart Throb.

"How much of those wouldn't be forced statements?" added Tornado.

"Mark my words... When we get back to Gracemareia I'm gonna' hunt down that little bastard and stomp a mudhole in his ass," Nightshade said while clinching her teeth.

"I'll cocoon him first then we both can, and hang his body from a light pole afterwards," added Black Widow.

"Easy you two," Maverick commented, though he was just as angry. "Put that anger towards the mission."

"Not a problem," replied Black Widow.

The broadcast continued.
"...If you come down here you'll see we've repaired and re-opened the library so ponies w..l ha...a......." the radio deteriorated into static.

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNIN' GRACEMAREIAAAAAAAA! This is DJ Mystery here and we have taken over these airwaves from the repulsive little insects!  From now on this station is only broadcasting positive stuff about the Empire and allied forces working to boot these insects out of the country! Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah! Just don't ask us how we did it because if we told ya' we'd have to kill ya'!"


"HAHAHAHAHAHHAH!" Nightshade burst into laughter along with everyone else.

"I absolutely can't believe what I'm hearing," commented Sky Eye.

"DJ Mystery my flank I know who that is!" Surprise said. The others did too.

"I thought she was in that one Solar Empire squadron Spade?" Heart Throb asked. "What's she doing in our country when it's been invaded?" 

"She is. I think I know what's going on, but I won't mention it over the radio in case the Changees are listening. But suffice it to say she isn't in Gracemareia."


C-130 flying along the Equestrian border
North of Stalliongrad


"And don't worry about the Changees finding me cause' they can't see me. I'm a ghost on the airwaves. Only when Gracemareia is liberated will I appear with you to help celebrate. Meanwhile it's music time!" And the DJ got off the air.

"Vinyl you really want to go into Gracemareia?" a purple alicorn asked her.

"Oh yeah Twi. I'm not afraid. I mean I've been going over there shooting them down so what's the difference?" she replied. "Besides. As long as they don't figure out how we're using their repeater to do this we're good here."

"OK. I'll get with special forces and have them draw up plans to get you in there once the Empire has reclaimed it."


Meanwhile the squadrons were still talking about it when Sky Eye came on.

"Sky Eye to all planes: The rest of the gang is here."

"Garuda and Diamondback this is Black Diamond lead, we're coming up on your left and right." They watched as the NLR X-02 Wyverns and SE MiG-29K's pulled up on their left, and the CEAF A-7P's and A-10C's on the right. The EF-111's of the Enchanter and F-4G's of the Striker squadron pulled in behind Garuda and Diamondback.

"Roger Black Diamond. I'll be taking the lead on our side," replied Maverick. "Let's go ponies! Ground support head lower, air support stay at this level." And the two groups split apart and headed for the target.


---------------------------

Near Prairie City, Crystal Empire

"Sir. We are getting reports of an assault on the base in the mountains, a Changeling said to their commander."

"Air or ground?" the shadowy figure said.

"Looks like both. Do we launch missiles? We're just in range."

"They would only be good on the aircraft in that terrain. Let's see how our air armada does first," he replied.

"Yes sir."



Back at Glacier Fortress, the battle had started. The electronic warfare squadrons flew ahead and fired their HARM's at whatever radar had the misfortune of locking onto them. Then the ground attack squadrons began picking off the remaining defenses and armor around and in the fortress with Mavericks and small bombs. A pair of Hinds tried to take off, but were promptly shot down by the Diamondbacks.
Unfortunately the Changelings had shoulder fired SAMs also, and only eight minutes in an A-7 was shot down.

"Quartz 5 is down! Watch it everypony they have shoulder fireds down there!" yelled Diamondback One. Then Sky Eye came on.

"Sky Eye to all planes:  we've got two waves of bandits totaling 20 inbound from the East 50 miles out at angels 8."

"Roger Sky Eye. Starstreak follow us out to intercept them. Black Diamonds: Hang around here and use your missiles to keep them away," Maverick replied. The squadrons acknowledged.

"How do we handle them Garuda One?" Starstreak One asked.

"We'll head down to 8,000 to meet them. Head up to 25,000 and we'll try a pincher on them," Mav' replied.

"Roger. Let's go!" And they split off towards the approaching bandits.

"Flight lead to all planes: Let'ssssssss get these coming at us fffffirst. Then go after the others." and the Changeling planes hit their afterburners. It wasn't long before Garuda started getting radar spikes.

"It worked. We aren't getting any spikes," Starstreak One said. Right after that Garuda got missile warnings.

"Fire and break!" Maverick yelled, and they fired their AMRAAM's and began evasive maneuvers. It didn't take long for them to lose the Changeling's lock.

"Definitely semi active missiles," Tornado announced.

"Yep. And I think I might know what they are," added Nightshade as she leveled out.

"Well there they are so engage!" replied Mav'. It was now seven to eight as three of Garuda's eight missiles found their targets. Nightshade ID'd the planes.

"I was right. C-Eagles," she said.

"Oooh this will be easy," Kiwi commented.

"Don't get cocky about it. They may not be as maneuverable as these, but they're just as fast," replied Maverick.

"Sky Eye to Garuda: Second wave is closing in."

"Roger. You know what to do Starstreak."

"Indeed we do Spade," replied the flight lead, and they continued on.

Stormy rolled in behind one of the Changelings and fired a sidewinder, the pilot popped flares a little too late and paid for it. Then one tried getting on Nightshade's tail.

"Try following me cockroach," and she performed a cobra and got behind him. He tried to shake her but she was on him like an owl on a mouse, and got a gun kill on him.

"That was too easy," she said.

"Smooth one Nightshade, or should i say... Venom?" Heart Throb said. Nightshade had completely forgotten that was her old callsign in the CEAF. During her stint with the Legion of Discord it was Dragon.

"What if I told you I completely forgot about my old callsign?" she replied slightly embarrassed.

"No comment," the pink Pegasus replied as she hit a third Changeling with a sidewinder.

The second wave of planes was now within firing range, but before they could get a lock the Fulcrums of Starstreak squadron dropped in behind them.

"Surprise!" Starstreak One yelled.

"Hey that's my line!" replied Surprise.

"Shit where did they come from? Break!" the Changeling leader yelled.

"That was beautiful," commented Tornado. "What are they?"

"J-15's. No big deal," she replied, as she drew a bead on one and fired an R-73, taking it down. Soon both squadrons were helping each other. At 11 to 18 it wasn't looking good for the Changelings, and they started dropping like flies.

The battle had worked it's way back towards the fortress. Two J-15's made a break for the fortress attackers, only to get shot down by the Wyverns 19 miles from it.

"Absolutely stupid," commented Black Widow.

"Sky Eye to all planes: We're picking up some mountain skimmers coming through the canyon to the East. Hard to tell how many there are due to the terrain."

"Probably attack aircraft," Maverick replied. 

"Keep them off us. We're less than three miles from the fortress," the army commander announced. The attack aircraft had decimated the Changeling forces in and around the base. They were now just providing covering fire whenever the Army needed it. The electronic warfare planes had already left for home.

"Roger. We've only got five to go here so..." Sky Eye cut him off.

"Sky Eye to Black Diamond. We have six bandits heading towards Sibley! Flight profile suggests bombers. Intercept!"

"Roger. We've gotta' go fellas. Good luck," replied the squadron commander.

A Changeling got on the tail of a Starstreak plane, so Surprise got on his.

"Starstreak Three break!" she yelled. she did, and Surprise raked the J-15 with cannon fire. 

Kiwi got one, and the remaining three tried to bug out, with Nightshade, Black Widow, Tornado, and two Starstreak planes on their tail.

"Who get's what?" Black Widow asked.

"I got mine, so take your pick," replied Nightshade.

"Same here. Have at it you guys," replied Tornado. And so Black Widow and the Empire pilots fired, bringing the three planes down at almost the same time.

"We're done here Sky Eye. Going after the others," Maverick announced.

"Roger. They're 24 miles out. It looks like eight to ten aircraft," Sky Eye replied.

"Roger," and they turned towards the canyon. A few minutes later they spotted them.

"Looks like ten Frogfoots.Let's pounce on them. Starstreak cover us," Tornado said. And they rolled over and dived down, getting in behind the attack planes.

Suddenly they got lock warnings. 

"What the hell?" Tornado yelled.

"Those aren't Frogfoots. Break!" yelled Maverick. They pulled up, dropped countermeasures, and split.

"Starstreak One to Garuda there's ten J-20's behind you!"

"Ngggh. Well played Changee scum," replied Black Widow.

"Venom. any info on those?" Maverick asked since she had experience in them.

"Yeah. Stay out of their twelve," she replied.

"Starstreak One to Garuda. Keep after the Frogfoots. We'll get them."

"I'm sending you three anyway. Venom, Thor, Flare, help them out,"

"Roger Spade," they replied. And They split up. The Frogfoots were already over the battlefield, but they didn't realize both the Hornets and Warthogs were armed with Sidewinders, and soon there was a report.

"Tornado Two splash one frog!"

"Ha hah. A hog shooting down a bandit, commented Surprise. This was soon  soured by another call.

"Starstreak Four is down!" Yelled the flight lead.

"Dammit," growled Maverick. Meanwhile Nightshade and Widow were on the tail of the one who shot him down.

"Fire a heat Tempestra. I'll fire a radar," Nightshade said.

"Roger. On your mark," she replied.

They got good tone on the bandit and fired.

"Garuda Seven fox three!"

"Garuda Four fox two."

As planned the Changeling pilot picked up the radar guided and dropped chaff to lose it, but collected the sidewinder in the process. The plane spiraled down and hit the side of a mountain.

"Nice. Thanks Venom," Widow said.

"I think we found a new tactic. You hear that guys?" Nightshade said. Several pilots agreed. And so pairs were formed. Each one would get a lock on the same bandit, and fire one of each missile. It soon paid off as another was dropped by two Starstreak planes, followed by Tornado and Starstreak One getting another. 

One J-20 managed to slip through and was heading for Maverick and them. A Frogfoot had just launched a rocket attack on the Army, causing some casualties and damage. Diamondback One was on him when the J-20 locked him up.

"I need help!" he yelled. 

"I'm on the way," replied Maverick, and he rolled down to get behind it. Soon DB1 was no longer locked up.

"Thanks Spade," he said.

"It... Wasn't me," replied Maverick.

"Di.....Did I just shoot down a J-20?" A stunned Tornado Three said. He was able to roll in behind the bandit before Maverick was able to.

"And that is why the hog is one of the best planes ever," commented Stormy.

Meanwhile Nightshade was guarding Tornado's six as he shot down the 5th J-20. The plane burned all the way to the ground. Suddenly Nightshade's brain was filled with the vision of the bomber crashing into her old village. After it hit, she heard radio chatter.

"Venom break."  She continued to be stunned.

"VENOM BREAK!"

She suddenly snapped out of it and instinctively made a hard right and dropped countermeasures, dodging a missile from a J-20 that got on her tail. It also allowed Heart Throb to shoot him down.

"Damn Venom what happened?" she asked.

"Oh...My... Radio cut out a bit," she sheepishly replied.

Stormy got the last Frogfoot, leaving the four remaining J-20's, who were now hopelessly outnumbered.

"Lancer One to Big Bird. We're outnumbered!" 

"Roger. Return to base. We'll cover you," the controller replied.

"They're running Spade!" yelled Tornado.

"Let's run em' down," added Starstreak One.

"Roger. Don't let them escape," Maverick replied.

Both squadrons ran after them and fired one round of missiles, but they dodged them. They were just about to fire a second round when Sky Eye came on.

"All planes four high speed bandits approaching from the East at angels nine!"

"Oh shit. All planes get above 14,000 now!" yelled Maverick.

"Burst missiles?" Kiwi asked.

"Yes. Hurry everypony!," he replied. And everypony gunned it and started climbing.

"Garuda clear!"

"Starstreak clear!"

"30 miles out and closing!"

"Hurry you guys!" yelled Nightshade. The remaining planes continued to climb as fast as they could.

"Diamondback clear."

"Tornado clear!"

"17 miles!"

It was down to Quartz squadron.

"Who's left?" Maverick asked.

"Quartz Three Five and Six are still below the level," replied their flight lead.

"HURRY!" Heart Throb yelled. The A-7's had far less power than the other planes though and couldn't climb any faster.

"Brace for impact!"

The missiles arrived and detonated. Quartz Five just made it above the limit. Three and Six were close enough to get severely damaged, and went down.

"We're hit! Ejecting!"

"DAMN," cursed Sky Eye. "Any other casualties?"

"No, everypony else made it," replied Maverick.

"Ground command to Sky Eye: We're OK down here, and have captured the fortress."

"Roger. Great job! All planes return to base. Rescue choppers are en route for those who ejected," he replied.

"Who will be covering them Sky Eye?" Maverick asked.

"The Diamonds intercepted the bombers and are on their way back. Two more squadrons are on the way to take over."

"Roger," he replied. All of the planes fell back into formation.

"Looks like you still have it Nightshade," Heart Throb said.

"Except for that radio derp," Tornado added.

"Thanks guys. At least this Flanker performed pretty good," she replied.

"Oh you were awesome with it. Can't wait to see what you can do in the Super Eagle again," commented Surprise.

"I wish we knew where those missiles were coming from. Surely intel has found something by now," Diamondback One said.

"We'll find out sooner or later," replied Maverick.
 

> Chapter 6: The Taking of Oured 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Road to Gracemareia
May 15 2023
18:32 hours.

"Try it", Chrissy said to Moondancer. She turned the car's ignition, but it failed to start.

"Dammit," she replied. Moondancer got out of the car.

"I'll push it while you try to start it," she said. They didn't have anything to lose so they tried it. Even though it was a small one, it wasn't easy for Moondancer to get it rolling alone. After around a hundred feet of pushing it started.

"Yes!" Chrissy yelled. And Moondancer got back in and they drove on. It wouldn't be for long though.

"We need to find a place to stay for the night," Chrissy said. Both of them kept their eyes open for anything that might work.

"Over there," Moondancer said, pointing to an old rundown barn a short distance from the road. They opened it and only found a few old farm implements inside, so they drove the car in and closed the doors. Hopefully it would start again in the morning.

"Well I guess that's our beds," Chrissy said, looking at some piles of hay. And soon they were asleep.


----------------------------


Bloodstone Fortress
19:02 hours.

The Crystal Empire Army was busy getting the fortress back in shape, clearing debris and removing dead changelings.
While some did that, others were working on their tanks and other weapons, getting them ready for the next push. One tank commander was a little bored though.

"Well here we are. Finally making a push against the Changees. After losing our old tank at that bridge and being forced to evacuate, we're finally kicking their asses. Though the air force has been getting most of the credit so far. Sure they're taking out the airborne and ground threats to us, but we're the ones who rout the little bastards out of their hiding places.

We've got a long boring road ahead of us, unless Mosley over there isn't making that story up. Supposedly before he joined the army he was running with a group of thieves, and he discovered there were numerous secret tunnels under and around the castle that only a scant few ponies knew about. Apparently one came within a few feet of the National Bank's vaults. The tunnels had long been sealed, but Mosley and his crew managed to access one, and they started digging towards the vault.  Then two of them got busted on other thefts, and the group disbanded.

If there is a tunnel to the vaults, we need to get out of here and get it before the Changees get their hooves on it. We will be breaking out of here towards Oured soon, and we might just have to take a detour to Gracemareia once they're been pushed back further." 


----------------------------

Chrysalis's palace
Changeling Kingdom
19:11 hours.

With no sign of the crystal heart, Chrysalis returned to her palace in the Changeling Kingdom.  Her forces still hadn't found it.

A single changeling entered Chrysalis's  throne room.

"I have a sit rep for you your highness," he said.

"What's the damage?" she replied.

"Not good. We've lost control of Bloodstone fortress and the pass, and over 30 aircraft," he replied.

"Shit," she replied while hitting her hoof on her throne. "how good is their air cover anyway?"

"With the aid from Equestria it's good, and as we speak they're getting the Empire replacement planes also." 

Chrysalis was disgusted. "I guess we need to get more missiles in there. So do we know what their next move is?"

The changeling grabbed a map. "With that pass under their control, they could try attacking Gracemareia from the North, but since we control Oured and the surrounding area I don't think they'd try it. If they try to take Oured they'll be within range of both of the missile launchers."

"Very well. Keep me updated." 

"Yes your highness," and he left.

----------------------------------------

Stalliongrad AFB
Situation room
May 16, 2023
09:00 hours.

The squadrons had gathered in the situation room for the briefing of the days mission. Slugger took the stand.

"OK pilots. This is the first major push of the war. With the capture of Bloodstone pass, our forces are ready to come up North from there to take Oured. What they don't know is a second larger combined force of Equestrian and Crystal Empire army and marines will land Northwest of the city. This landing force will be supported by two battle groups consisting of warships from both countries. Battle group A will be led by the NLR carrier LRS Aurora and Battle group B by the  Solar Empire carrier HSMS Spirit. The ships will provide air and missile strikes, and long range bombardment."

Citrina then took over.

" We're expecting a lot of air resistance so be ready. The navy and air forces will be providing SAM suppression for the operation. If there is a burst missile attack, we will  have a nasty little surprise waiting for them high above you."

"Woo hoo I love surprises!" Surprise yelled, getting laughs from everypony. After it died down Slugger listed the assignments.

"This is going to be a MASSIVE air campaign involving six branches among both countries. They are as follows: 
For ground support CEAF squadrons Tornado, Golden Eagle, Lightning, Diamondback, and Skylark, NLRAF Thunderbolt, Razorback, and Poltergeist, NLR Navy 11th, and 13th fighter squadrons, Empire Navy 3rd and 4th, and NLR Marine squadrons 6 and 10.
SAM suppression will be CEAF Striker, NLRAF Night Owl and Mage, NLR Navy 10th, and SEAF Raider squadrons."

Slugger took a drink of water before continuing.

"Finally air cover will be CEAF Garuda, Redler, Pteras, and Shadow Knight, NLRAF  Nightmare, Ocelot, and Warpony, NLR Navy 9th and 12th, and Empire Mist and Ruby. In addition the NLR Air Force will provide their Hologram squadron for defense against missiles, and the Navies anti submarine warfare since we haven't seen much out of the Changeling's naval forces.

"Why didn't you just say we're sending everything but the kitchen sink?" cracked Heart Throb, earning a few chuckles. Citrina just shook her head while looking up.

"That's all we've got. Good luck everypony," Slugger said, and the pilots headed out to suit up. This mission had some meaning to Maverick as Oured was his hometown.

"This mission sounds like fun," Black Widow said.

"As long as they keep the burst missiles away," Replied Kiwi.

"So what is this "surprise" over us, and the Hologram squadron?" Nightshade asked Maverick.

"Pretty sure the surprise is the Arkbird. It's laser is fully capable of taking out the missiles, and the Hologram squadron is made up of the last plane you flew," he replied.

"Wait what? You've got the Falken now?" she asked with a surprised look.

"Yep. It was a NLR idea you know. Discord just borrowed it," he replied.

"So why hasn't Equestria just been using the Arkbird to deal with the Changees? Stormy asked.

"It's an orbiting spacecraft which means it can't stay in one place for very long," Maverick replied. "Also the laser can only be fired so many times before more supplies have to be sent up to replenish it."

"Well at least it will be with us on this run," commented Tornado.


------------------------

East of Sibley, Crystal Empire
13:23 hours.


The  various squadrons had refueled and taken up their holding patterns near Sibley, and the landing force was ready off the coast to the Northwest of Oured. All were waiting for the signal to start the attack.

"Come on Ice we're chomping at the bit here," Black Widow said.

"Hey I'm waiting for the go ahead just like you," he replied. 

"Hey Mist Two. How's the new job working out?" Heart Throb asked Vinyl, who had returned to Mist squadron for this battle.

"Job? What other job? This is my job right here," she replied, as the pink pegasus expected.

"It's nice not having to babysit her as much," replied Mist One.

"Har har Sheba," Vinyl replied. 

A few minutes later they finally got the call.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Jump the river."

"Roger. Let's go everypony!" Maverick replied, and the planes headed for the targets. The SAM suppression aircraft flew ahead to take care of them. At the same time dozens of cruise missiles launched from the battle groups, and battleships from the New Lunar Republic Navy began bombarding shore and inland positions. LCAC's and landing craft streamed from the amphibious ships towards shore guarded by the NLR Navy's Pegasus class hydrafoils. Meanwhile columns of tanks, artillery, APC's, IFV's and mobile air defense platforms were streaming up from the South. Chrysalis soon got the news.

"Your highness! The enemy is launching a massive attack on our forces around Oured!"

"Land, sea, or air?" she asked.

"All three!" he replied.

"GRRRR. And I'm sure Equestria is helping them," she said slamming a glass on the floor. "See what our main forces can do first. If we start losing order missile attacks."

"But it could damage our troops and the city too."

"We have to take that risk," she replied.

"Sky Eye to all planes: You don't want to know how many reds are coming from the Northeast."

"Three dozen?" Maverick asked. 

"Close. 28 at angels 8."

"Roger. Ground support aircraft start your runs. Hologram stay over the advancing troops and wait for any missile attacks. Nightmare, Ocelot, Mist, follow us," Maverick said, and they sped off to the intercept.

13 minutes later they picked up the bandits on radar.

"Tally ho on 34 bandits," Tornado said.

"Oh shit more showed up," commented Black Widow.

"Roger, replied Maverick. "Muffin Hunter your squadron's up first. Flip em' the birds."

"Roger Garuda One," she replied, and the Ocelots locked their Phoenix missiles onto the entire group. Each tomcat had four.

"Oooooh this is going to be awesome!" Surprise yelled.

"We've got them locked," Ocelot One said. 

"Open fire!" replied Maverick, and missile after missile flew from the planes. Their smoke trails almost turning into a solid cloud.

"So... Awesome..." Vinyl said.

The missiles headed out to their targets. Plane after plane exploded. The result was 17 BVR kills for the Ocelots. Every pilot got at least one.

"WOO HOOOOO NOW THAT'S A PARTY!" Surprise yelled. She then did a barrel roll.

"Holly shit! I've never seen a BVR shoot that successful before!" Nightshade commented.

"It's a good thing I don't have wings," added Octavia.

"What'd they do? Send some pilots straight out of flight school?" Replied Nightmare One.

"Who knows," replied Maverick. "Now it's close in time for the others." And the battle was on. He flew past and reversed his turn to identify the bandits.

"Fulcrums, J-10's, and Viggens." He got behind a MiG, and after a few minutes of rolling and turning got a lock and fired, taking it down.

Heart Throb had trouble shaking a J-10 off her tail, so Nightshade took care of it for her with a Sidewinder.

"Thanks Venom," she said.

"No prob," she replied. And she peeled off to find another target.

Derpy got a Viggen, followed by Black Widow, Vinyl, and Nightmare Three clearing out the rest of the MiG's.

Meanwhile the landings had begun. Troops and armor began pouring onto the beaches, and the ground forces from the South were well on their way to Oured and had already encountered some resistance. Air and missile strikes had wiped out the air defenses and radars, and were decimating ground targets. A flight of J-10's and SU-34's came up from the Southeast, but were quickly brought down by the other air defense squadrons.

Back at the furball, Kiwi was on the tail of the last bandit, with Nightshade and Black Widow covering her.

"Come on, stay still," she said as she tried to get a sidewinder locked on. Finally the growling lock tone sounded.

"Thank you," she said as the pulled the trigger. The missile found it's mark and sent it down.

"Sky Eye to all planes, scope is clear. Superb job. Especially you Ocelots."

"No more planes? Hmmmm that sounds too easy," Maverick said. "Be alert for missile attacks everypony."

And it wasn't long before his suspicions came true.

"Sky Eye to all planes! Three missiles inbound from the East, get above 5,000!"

Many were already heading for the safe zone after hearing Maverick's comment, so It didn't take long. Then Sky Eye called out two more coming from more to the northeast.

"Wait... From two different directions? There's two launchers?" Tornado asked.

"We're not sure," replied Sky Eye.

"We'll we're ready," Maverick announced.

"First pair 15 miles out and closing." Shortly after that a huge laser shot from the sky and destroyed all three missiles.

"Woah! Was that the Arkbird?" Nightshade asked.

"Yep. Our defense is here," replied Sky Eye.

"Awesome!" replied Kiwi.

The other two missiles made it to within 10 miles of the group at which point they were destroyed by smaller lasers shooting horizontally.

"And that would be the Falkens," Tornado said.

"Scope is clear. Get back in it everypony!" announced Sky Eye.

The Changeling commander got word of the failed attack.

"Are you kidding? DAMMIT!" he yelled.

"What do we do sir?"

"Tell them to keep firing. Swamp them with missiles!"

The ground attack planes were back in full swing, decimating troops and armor around the city. A few squadrons had expended their weapons and returned to  Sibley or the carriers for re-arming. The landing force was now fully on the beach and heading inward, and the Southern force half way to Oured, where they would wait until the landing forces reached it.

Then another group of bandits appeared.

"Sky Eye to all planes: We've got eight more bandits approaching from the East. Looks like aircraft."

"Roger, we're on the way," replied Maverick.

"Need any help? Nightmare one asked.

"We should be able to handle it. Stay around here in case they try sneaking more in from another way," he replied. And they headed after the bandits. Several minutes later they appeared on their radars.

"They've seen us. Six of them are charging ahead which means the other two are bombers," Maverick announced. "Do a five three split," which meant five of them would go after the fighters, and three after the bombers. Nightshade, Stormy, and Heart Throb were the three.

"They've got missiles off Evade!" yelled Tornado.  And they split into the two groups. The bomber interceptors dived low under the approaching fighters.

"Trancer 5 and 6, go after those heading for the bombers!" the Changeling flight lead said. Unfortunately for them this gave Garuda the upper hand.

"That was pretty smart," Black Widow said sarcastically.They soon had an ID on the planes. More Flankers. Kiwi got on the tail of one.It only took  about four minutes for her to lock it up and down it with a radar guided. 

At the same time the other group had reached the bombers, but first had to deal with their tails.

"Oh that's smart.  Send two after three," Nightshade said. She pulled a cobra and made him overshoot. As he flashed by she saw him look at the tail of her plane.

"That's right cockroach. This used to be one of yours," she said as she nosed over and got a sidewinder locked onto him.He tried to evade, but the missile's all aspect capability allowed her to keep the lock, and he went down. 

"Nice. Pick off the bombers, we'll take care of this one," Heart Throb said to her.

Though her R-77M already had tone, she closed to within a mile of the two TU-160's before firing to reduce their evasion time. 

"Gotcha." She fired, blowing the tail off of it and sending it down. She locked up the next one with a heat seeker. The bomber dodged the first one with flares, and the second hit it in the right engines, sending it down. Suddenly the image of the burning bomber triggered the flashback again. She saw it heading for her village.

"NO!" She yelled. she dived after it, but it suddenly exploded right in front of her. She snapped out of it in time to pull up and avoid hitting the wreckage.

"Venom what the hell was that about?" Stormy asked. 

"Oh. Nothing," she replied.

Heart Throb took out the other fighter, so they formed up and headed back to the main battle. Maverick and them already had the Changelings down to two planes though.

Then Sky Eye came on.

"All planes, Missiles inbound 50 miles out!"

"Do they even care about their own pilots?" Tornado said.

"Sky Eye how many?" Maverick asked.

"Three... no wait...four, five, six from two different directions!" 

"All planes climb to safety. Nightshade we'll get the last two," he announced.

"Roger let's go!" And they dived after them. Maverick got a gun kill on the first one. Then he tried for the second, but it did a cobra and got behind him. Nightshade was there to shoot him off his tail. The missiles were now ten miles out.

"Gun it up!" He yelled, and they hit the afterburners and climbed almost straight up, quickly getting above five thousand. No sooner than they did the lasers started firing. All but one were brought down.

"Brace for impact!" Sky Eye announced. The missile exploded, but there was no damage.

"OK back to it," Maverick announced, but then Sky Eye came on with some info.

"All planes and ground units: The missiles are coming from two different locations. One towards the East, and one towards the Northeast."

"They do have  two launchers," Tornado asked.

"Definitely. But that would put the Northeast launcher out to sea," he replied.

"Sky Eye this is NLR Navy S-3's Hunter One and Two. We are in the area and heading towards there to check."

"Roger. Let us know what you find. Garuda, Diamondback, and Ocelot: Head out that way in case backup is needed. Garuda One you're in charge."

"We're on the way," Mav' replied, and they were off. 

Soon another wave of fighters and bombers appeared, but they were quickly taken care of by Mist and Ruby squadrons. The ground forces were converging on Oured when the third round of missiles appeared.

"All planes, more missiles from both directions! It- It... Oh crap. 12 MISSILES INBOUND! Three are heading for the battle groups!" Obviously there was no way the Arkbird and Falkens could handle that many.

"Arkbird to Hologram Squadron: We'll take the ones going for the battle groups," the commander said.

"they won't be able to get all of them," Nightshade said to Maverick.

"I know. We may be in trouble this time," he replied. 

Then there was an unusual call.

"Mist Two to Sky Eye: Does the army have drones flying around this area?" 

"I don't know. Ground forces commander do you?" Sky Eye asked.

"We've got one, but we just landed it to refuel."

"Why Mist One?"

"I'm tailgating one right now. Come to think of it it doesn't look like one we have."

"Hmmm," Ice thought about it for a moment. 

"Sky Eye to Mist Two, take it out."

"Consider it done!" And with that Vinyl fired a cannon burst at it, destroying it.

Meanwhile the five Falkens had closed to within firing range of the 9 missiles heading for Oured. They fired, hitting five of them. They then turned around and fired at the others before they got away, but they only hit two. Both exploded just North of the city, taking out a few ground forces and choppers, and causing damage to the city's North side.

"DAMN THEM!" yelled Mist One. Now the other three missiles were approaching the battle groups. The Arkbird was now in range.

"Target acquired."

"Fire!"

The laser fired, striking the first one. It was then moved slightly to hit the second, but ran out of power before it could hit the third.

"Third one miss!" the Arkbird commander yelled. The last hope was a Solar Empire cruiser that had locked onto it with it's Sea Dart missiles.

"Open fire!" the XO said, and two were launched. Unfortunately by the time the missiles reached it, the warheads had separated, and the battle group took some hits.

"Battle group B has been hit!" Diamondback One yelled.

"Son of a bitch! Battle group B commander what's the damage!?" Sky Eye yelled.

"We've got two ships sinking and three on fire! And we've lost twelve aircraft!"

Then there was a call.

"Hunter One to Sky Eye: We have located the Northeast source of the missiles. Looks like a sub. We will identify and then try dropping depth bombs."

"Roger. Maverick get your squadrons in there," replied Ice. Five minutes later they were in the target area.

"Garuda One to Hunter One: What's the status?"

"Our depth bombs failed. It appears to be a very large sub. It almost reminds me of something."

"Arkbird to Hunter One, requesting sonobuoy data link."

"Oh, roger, stand by," he replied surprised.

"What do you think they're up to?" Heart Throb asked.

"I have no idea," replied Maverick.

7 minutes later it became clear.

"Arkbird to all aircraft: Stay out of the target area." then two minutes later: "firing in 3-2-1-firing." The Arkbird shot it's laser into the water.

"No freaking way," Black Widow said.

"Arkbird this is hunter One: Enemy sub has been hit. It's surfacing!"

"Garuda One to all planes, get ready to pounce," announced Maverick.

"There it is!" yelled Tornado.

The sub slowly surfaced. What they saw shocked them.

"That's the Sea Demon!" Hunter Two yelled.

"No it's the Changee's ripoff of it," replied Maverick.

"God damn Luna and Celestia better find out who's leaking that shit to them," snapped Nightshade. Soon there was radar lock warnings and aircraft launching.

"Yaks? Seriously?" Diamondback One said.

"Forget them look at those drones," added Surprise.

Diamondback Two tried firing a Maverick at the sub, but it got taken out by it's defenses.

"I haven't seen any SAMs come out of the missile tubes. Looks like it's just burst missiles there," Derpy said.

"This is Hunter One and Two: If you can take out their defenses we can try launching our Harpoons at it."

"Roger. Diamondback: Take out their defenses from directly above. We'll take care of the planes and drones," Mav' announced.

"Roger we're on it," Diamondback One replied.

So while Diamondback took care of the sub's defenses, Ocelot and Garuda took on the planes and drones. Heart Throb tried to get behind a drone and get a lock, but it was hard.

"Try evading bullets," she said as she hit it with cannon fire.

Diamondback Three succeeded in destroying a gun mount with a maverick, then Black Widow, Surprise, and Ocelot Five each took out a Yak. Then Nightshade and Black Widow  came in low and strafed the defenses on one side of the sub and their radar, taking them out.

"Nice you two!" Tornado said. 

The XO of the sub gave the news to the captain.

"Sir! We've lost almost all of our aircraft and defenses!"

"Fire some missiles!" he replied.

"But we could get damaged!"

"We don't have a choice. Fire!" And missiles began shooting out of the launchers at the back. Altogether they had eleven remaining.

"Missiles!" yelled Kiwi.

"They're nuts! It'll damage them!" replied Tornado.

"Start climbing everypony!" Maverick yelled.

"Impact in 2 min.... Nevermind," Sky Eye said as the Arkbird destroyed them.

"They destroyed them. Launch the remaining missiles!"

"Garuda One to Hunter squadron now's your chance!"

"Roger," Hunter one Replied. And they launched their four Harpoons at the sub.

"Seven more missiles!" Hunter One announced.

"Come on, hit," Maverick said to himself. All four hit the port side of the sub, blowing several holes in it.

"Aww yeah!" Derpy yelled.

"Arkbird to all planes: We're firing again." The planes got out of the way and they fired again. The laser struck the conning tower and moved down to the missile silos, which hadn't completely emptied yet. The resulting explosion ripped the back of the sub off.

"WOO HOO!" yelled Surprise.

"Garuda One to Sky Eye it's going down!" Maverick announced. "Now back above five thousand guys!"

"This is Hologram Squadron, we have arrived and have the missiles locked." And with that they fired, hitting five of them. The other two exploded, damaging the sub a little more before it slipped beneath the waves.

"And good riddance," snapped Nightshade.

"Sky Eye to all planes: No more missiles have been launched from the East. The scope is clear for now. Super job!"

Then came more good news.

"Ground command to Sky Eye: We have taken Oured." Cheers erupted over the radio.

"Sweet! This is a major accomplishment!," commented Heart Throb.

"Well looks like I've got something to do when I get back home," Vinyl said.

Then Sky Eye came back on.

" All planes low on ammo or fuel you may return to base. Garuda and Diamondback: This may be the last tme you return to Stalliongrad now that we have another airbase to use."

"And hopefully we'll be back home soon," added Tornado.

Then there was a call.

"Hologram One to Sky Eye:" We just picked up a weak transmission from a Blue Mountain Air Force Base. Apparently the base and Stallionshire is still under Crystal Empire control, though the forces have been cut off by the Changelings at the pass."

"Woah really? The Changees must have been jamming the signals from there," replied Sky Eye.

"This is ground command. We can confirm the destruction of a jamming center East of Oured."

"Roger. We'll get someone in there to check."

"Did you hear that Spade?" Nightshade asked him.

"Yes. If we can free them that could be a huge boost on our push to take back Manechester," he replied. 

-----------------------------

Road to Gracemareia
14:34 hours.

Moondancer and Chrissy were suddenly forced to stop on their trip. Ahead of them was a Changeling checkpoint.

"We're sunk," Moondancer said.

Chrissy paused for a bit, then spoke.

"No we're not."

"What can we possibly do?" the unicorn replied with a scared look.

"There's one thing you don't know about me yet. If you want to get to Gracemareia don't freak out on me."

"What is it?"

Suddenly Chrissy disappeared in a green cloud. It cleared to reveal a changeling in the driver's seat now. Moondancer gasped loudly.

"Wh...Wh..."

"I moved to the empire for a change of scenery and to go to a better college. I'm disgusted with what my country has done to this one. I still can't believe our queen would do this."

"An-and this pony you're trying to find?" Moondancer asked in a shaky voice.

"He's a changeling also. In the air force." Both of them sat in silence for a bit until Chrissy spoke again.

"There's some rope in the back seat. Can you tie yourself up?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"I'll say you're a prisoner. That should get us by."

"OK." And so Moondancer tied her front hooves up, and they got back onto the road and headed to the checkpoint. It worked, and the guards let her go by. Once they were out of sight she removed the rope.

"It worked," Moondancer said with a sigh of relief

"It probably won't be the last time so get ready to do it again at the drop of a hat," replied the changeling.

It was then the unicorn realized Chrissy really was a friend now.
> Chapter 7: Breakout
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis's Palace
May 16 2023
21:10 hours.

"WHAT? DAMMIT!" Chrysalis threw a vase, almost hitting the Changeling who came in to tell her about the loss of both Oured and their missile sub.

"How could you idiots be so incompetent?"

"Your highness we did our best!" he replied in a bit of a panicky voice. "Their forces are stronger than we thought. Namely this one CEAF squadron called Garuda. Plus Equestria used their orbital laser to destroy the missiles and finish it off. Not to mention they also brought in a squadron of planes equipped with lasers to take down the missiles. We did cause them damage including to a few ships."

Chrysalis was disgusted. "Guess we should've invaded Equestria also," she replied. "So now what?"

"They'll no doubt try to take Manechester, which is well within range of our remaining missile platform. We are re-supplying it with missiles as we speak."

Chrysalis sighed. "Very well. Keep me informed. Perhaps send in Druid squadron instead of missiles."

"Yes your highness."


----------------------------------

Stalliongrad AFB Equestria
May 17 2023
06:35 hours.

Nightshade was tossing and turning in her sleep. She was having the same nightmare about her old village getting destroyed by the bomber. She woke up with a jump, and realized she had been dreaming again.

"You OK?", asked Tornado, who was walking by her door when she woke up.

"Oh yeah. Just a dream," she replied. She tried to doze off until seven, but couldn't, so she went ahead and got up.

After the squadron ate breakfast, it was time for the briefing for the day's mission. Slugger and Citrina entered the room.

"OK pilots here's the mission. Only now have we discovered Stallionshire and the Blue Mountain army and air force bases are still under our control. A large amount of troops, armor, and aircraft are still held up there, unable to move out  because the only pass to the city is heavily occupied by Changeling forces. Recon suggests they may be getting ready to try and take the city as the number of troops at the West end of the pass has increased in the last couple of days. The Changelings were jamming the area, so we couldn't hear any transmissions there until we destroyed the jamming station that was located East of Oured."

"Any idea of how many of our troops are there?" Maverick asked.

"There's around five thousand, plus around 90 tanks and other armor, and 40 to 50 planes and helicopters, including one of our stealth squadrons," replied Slugger.

"Your mission is to destroy the Changeling forces in and around the pass and city. Doing this will free up the troops for the push to Manechester, and give us another air base to use. Though we're not certain, there's still the risk of another missile attack, so be on alert."

Slugger then picked up the squadron assignment paper.

"Squadron assignments will be Garuda and Diamondback for air defense, Adder, Tornado, NLR Timberwolf and Empire Silver for ground attack."

Then Citrina spoke.

"This will also be your last sortie from this base. After you return you will be packing up and heading to Oured. It's been a pleasure helping you out."

"Aaaaw just when I was getting settled in," Nightshade replied, getting a few giggles from the others. And the squadrons left for the hangars.


------------------------------------

Gracemareia AFB
10:14 hours.

Kreiko found himself interrogating another CEAF pilot who had been shot down.

"So how many planes are in your squadron?" He asked.

"One less than before," the pilot replied.

"Yes but how many?"

"All I'm gonna' say is, go dance with the angels stink bug!"

"Another defiant one eh?" replied Kreiko in a disgusted tone.

"You actually figured that out?" cracked the pilot.

"Take him away," Kreiko said to the guards. As the pilot was led out, he thought to himself:

"The number of CEAF pilots and troops that are this defiant is growing, and it all has to do with a squadron called Garuda, and two pilots. One named the Ace of Spades, and the other... the one who broke out of here. 
As I figured, she is proving to be a morale booster for the Empire. It's only going to get tougher for us from here on out."


---------------------------

North of Manechester
12:45 hours.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Commence operation. Garuda and Diamondback: We have six bandits inbound 60 miles out at angels 11."
"Roger. Diamondback stay with the others. We'll  handle them," replied Maverick. And they sped off.

"Not a very big force is it?" Kiwi said.

"That's what I was thinking," replied Nightshade. "Just keep your eyes peeled in case another group tries to sneak up or they have stealths."

A short time later they were within firing range.

"Let's get in close. Save our long range missiles," Maverick said.

"That's funner anyway," replied Black Widow. So after dodging the Changeling's missile salvo, they got behind them and the fight began.

"J-10's again," Tornado said as he performed a split S and got behind one. The pilot put up a fight, but made a mistake and Tornado rewarded him with a sidewinder.

Then Nightshade got behind one and got a gun kill, and immediately had to dodge a missile from a third. Black Widow got behind it took it out.

"Damn that was close. Thanks Tempestra."

"Anytime", the black unicorn replied.

Meanwhile at the pass, the bombing was underway. The huge F/A-29B's of the NLR's Timberwolf squadron led the charge. Dropping their laser guided bombs on bunkers and command and control facilities. The Solar Empire Silver squadron fired their anti radiation missiles at SAMs and anything else emitting radar waves. The warthogs of Tornado squadron dropped clusters on the troops, and Adder's fired Mavericks at armor.

Above them Diamondback squadron took care of helicopters while providing cover from any aircraft that might sneak in.

"Diamondback Three evade!" yelled Diamondback One as a shoulder fired SAM streaked towards him. A few flares easily threw it off.

Back at the air battle, Kiwi got the fourth J-10, and the other two tried to run. Maverick and Heart Throb caught up to them though and used radar guideds to take them out.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Scope is clear."

"Borrrr-ring", replied Surprise.

"There's gotta' be more," added Stormy.

Several minutes later Sky Eye came back on.

"All planes: Now picking up 14 bandits inbound 53 miles out. Flight profile suggests fighters."

"Roger," replied Maverick. "Diamondback we need some help."

"We're on the way," Diamondback One replied.

"They must have been flying low," Kiwi said.

"Yeah, it happens," replied Maverick.

13 minutes later Diamondback had caught up with Garuda, and both were within missile range.

"BVR this time," Maverick said. All of Garuda and four of Diamondback locked them up and fired. It looked like it would be good, but all of the bandits managed to dodge them.

"DAMN," He yelled. "All planes engage at close range!" And the squadrons made a head on encounter with them, and the fight was on.

"SU-33's. That's new," Tornado said.

"I wonder if the druid on the nose means anything?" Heart Throb said.

"Those are carrier based. The Changelings don't have a carrier," replied Surprise.

"Maybe they got a deal on them. The LoD had a few," added Nightshade.

It was soon apparent this dogfight wasn't going to be like the others.

"This squadron is good. Keep on your toes," Maverick said after he tried to get behind one, only to get thrown off by a air brake move. 

Nightshade tried to lose one by doing a cobra, but the Changeling did it also, so she dived and kept trying to lose him.

"Damn you're worse than a blowfly." She sped into a dive, hit the brakes, and did a somersault while firing her cannon like Maverick did to her. It worked, and she got the kill, but she briefly lost control due to the weaker mobility of the SU-27.

"Stealing my moves eh?" Maverick said.

"It's the most sincere form of flattery," she replied.

Maverick then managed to get behind one long enough to get a heat seeker locked on. The 33 was agile, but not enough to throw off the "X" sidewinder.

Then there was a radio call.

"This is Diamondback One, I need some help." The commander of the Changeling squadron was on his tail.

"Hang on we're coming," replied Tornado, and him and Stormy went after them. But after getting behind him Stormy had to break off to lose another. Before Tornado could do anything the commander fired his cannon, shredding the rear of  Diamondback One's plane.

"I'm hit! I'm losing control!"

"Get out!" Yelled Diamondback Two, who was still tied up with another Changeling. And he ejected.

"Cocksucker!" Yelled Tornado as he fired a radar guided and a sidewinder. The commander dodged the radar guided, but couldn't react in time for the sidewinder, and got hit, destroying his plane. 

"The commander is down!" A changeling yelled.

"This is Druid Two I'm taking over," replied the commander's wing Changeling.

Meanwhile Kiwi and Surprise had pulled the one off of stormy and took him out.

The Diamondbacks seemed to be a little disorganized after losing their commander, constantly making mistakes.

"Pull it together or you guys will join him," Maverick said. The message seemed to work, and Diamondback Five got one with a gun kill.

"Somepony get this one off of me," Black Widow announced.

"I'm on him," replied Nightshade. she dived behind him for a lock, yet he continued to try and get a lock on Widow. Neither could due to the amount of twisting and turning.

"On my mark do a cobra," Nightshade said to her, and Tempestra got ready.

"NOW!" Widow did the cobra, which threw off the Changeling enough for her to get a gun kill.

Maverick then found himself behind the commander's wing Changeling, who was now the squadron commander.  

"Damn he's good," the Changeling thought as he tried to shake him. He succeeded by pulling a back flip.

"Not gonna' work," Maverick said as he hit the breaks and did a sharp split S and dived under him. Once again Maverick was on his tail. Maverick fired a Sidewinder, but he dodged it.

"Niccccce try pony," the Changeling said to himself. He pulled another cobra to get behind him again, but Maverick was ready. He hit his breaks and fired his cannon, striking it dead center. The plane lost both of it's engines and tumbled straight down.

"Now Druid Two is down!" another Changeling yelled. "Control what do we do?"

"Retreat!" the controller replied, and the squadron hit the afterburners and headed back towards the East.

"Oh no you don't!" Black Widow said as she fired a pair of radar guides at one. The pilot dodged the first, but not the second. The rest were now too far ahead to mess with chasing.

"WOOHOO we win again!" yelled Surprise.

"Sky Eye to Garuda and Diamondback: Nice job! Your replacement squadrons are almost here so you can return to base." 

"What's the status of Diamondback One Ice?" Maverick asked.

"Search and rescue is already out. We did pick up his beacon," he replied.

"How's the battle on the ground?" asked Nightshade.

"We've already taken out over half of their troops. The next squadrons will finish the job."

"Sweet," she replied. 21 minutes later their relief had arrived, and they headed back to Stalliongrad for the last time.

------------------------

Chrysalis's palace
17:45 hours.

"YOU'VE GOTTA BE SHITTING ME? Dammit we should've used the missiles!" screamed Chrysalis. "How the hell could Druid squadron get that beat up?"

"It was that Garuda squadron again. They took out six of the seven including the commander," replied her aid.

"Get the squadron rebuilt. I'll get another commander," she said.

"I suggest Colonel Silver," a dark voice said. "And if he fails, I'll take over."

"Sir are you sure?" the aid asked.

"Yes. I know how to deal with pests like that squadron."

" Good. Nice to see you're willing to get your hooves dirty in this war. It was your idea after all," replied Chrysalis.


-------------------------

Stalliongrad AFB
17:48 hours.

The CEAF squadrons had finished packing up their gear and belongings, and had loaded them into two C-5's along with some aircraft support equipment they bought while there.

"Thanks for the home Citrina," Slugger said as he shook her hoof.

"Anytime. It's gonna' be a little boring around here now," she replied. "Hopefully your next home after Oured is Gracemareia."

"Don't worry. It will be," replied Maverick.

"See ya!" yelled Surprise.  And with that the squadrons got into their planes and took off for their new home.




 
> Chapter 8: Road to Manechester
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Road to Gracemareia
May 17 2023
11:25 hours.


Moondancer and Chrissy were just entering the mountain range when they saw a roadblock ahead. This time it turned out to be ponies guarding it.

"Now what's this?" Moondancer said.

"I don't know but I better change," replied Chrissy. And she turned into a pony again.

Earth ponies with guns forced them to stop and get out. They turned out to be a small rebel force.

"Where are you heading?" the leader asked.

"Gracemareia," replied Moondancer.

"Why? They're under siege and aren't letting ponies in," replied another one of them. The statement made her heart sink.

"We'll get in somehow," replied Chrissy. The rebels started to view them with suspicion.

"You aren't Changelings are you?" the leader asked.

"Why would we be Changelings?" replied the white unicorn.

"Why else would you say you'll get into Gracemareia?"

Then a unicorn hit Moondancer with a beam of magic.

"OW you son of a...."

"She's a pony," the unicorn announced.

"Check her just in case," the leader replied, pointing to Chrissy.

"NO!" Moondancer yelled, but it was too late, and the magic caused her to turn back into a Changeling.

"I knew it!" yelled one of the rebels, and they pointed their guns at them.

"Damn traitor," the leader said to Moondancer as he aimed his rifle at her.

Just when they thought it was over, the sound of jets interrupted them.

"Where is it?" the unicorn said. A few seconds later a Changeling SU-25 popped up over the hill to the South and flew over the group. The rebels got the 50 caliber machine guns in the back of their two trucks ready, but a second Frogfoot appeared and strafed one of them, blowing it up. Moondancer took the opportunity to pick up a large rock and throw it at the leader, hitting him in the head and allowing them to get back in the car and escape.

Before the rebels cold turn around and fire on them, the Frogfoots returned and finished them off with a rocket attack. Chrissy drove under some trees in case the planes tried to target them. After several minutes the sound of the jets disappeared.

"Damn that was close," Chrissy said.

"Th-They were one of us. Why?" Moondancer said in a shaky voice.

"It happens during war," Chrissy replied. And they backed out and continued on.


-------------------------------


Oured AFB
Oured, Crystal Empire
0:720 hours.

The squadron woke up and headed for the mess hall. Along the way they passed ponies busy undoing any changes the Changelings made, and getting the place back in shape.

"Crap it's been awhile since I've been here," Maverick said.

"Were you stationed here at one point?" asked Kiwi.

"Not stationed, but I did spend some time here while training back in the day," he replied.

"Wow Mav' you're turning into an old fart," cracked Nightshade.

"Huh? What's that you darn whippersnappers?" he replied in an elderly voice, getting some laughs from the group.

After breakfast, they headed for the situation room for the briefing on the day's mission. Slugger was already there. Noticeably missing was the leader of Diamondback.

"OK folks. It's time for your first mission from this base," Slugger announced.

"Thanks to you freeing our forces that were trapped at Stallionshire, we now have enough strength to take Manechester and the pass that leads to Cantlin. Our troops have been moving through the night, and are ready to attack the enemy positions in these areas," and he pointed to locations on the map.

"Your job will be to provide support for the troops.Once again the burst missiles will be a threat, so get ready to jump above  five thousand when the alert is given. Garuda and Diamondback: Your job will be to suppress radars and any air threats. The NLR Firebird squadron will also handle air defense. Finally CEAF Tornado and Hurricane, and Empire Flare squadrons will handle ground support."

"What's the status of our leader?" Diamondback Two asked.

"He's out of the war due to his injuries. Possibly permanently," replied Slugger. "You will be squadron leader until then".

"I'll do my best," he replied.

"Oh and Nightshade, your new ride is here and ready."

"Oh really? Sweet!" she replied.

"Hope you remember how to fly it," Tornado said.

"Let's see: Pushing the throttle makes it go faster, right?" she replied. And everyone laughed.

"OK get to it," Slugger said, and the group went to get ready, then they went outside.

Outside Garuda's flight line was now unbroken by the Flanker, which was in a nearby hangar now.

"So what about it?" Nightshade asked.

"We'll keep it ready in case you lose this one," replied a ground crewpony.

"What you don't trust me?" she replied.

They went over to look at it. It was painted in the correct CEAF colors, and again had her cutie mark on the nose. Her previous kills in the Flanker were noted as gray stars on the side.

"Hopefully you'll get some red stars on it today," Maverick said.

"I plan on it," she replied as she flew up and got in. The crewpony strapped her in, and she looked around.  Everything looked the same as she last remembered it.

After the pre flight checks it was time to go.


------------------------------

Near Manechester, Crystal Empire
10:45 hours.

All of the planes had assembled at the starting point, and were waiting for the order to go in.

"How's it flying Venom?" Heart Throb asked. 

"The controls are faster than the Flankers, but I got adjusted to it," she replied. Though it had been awhile, she quickly remembered how to handle the 15S, and felt right back at home.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Commence operation."

"All planes: Split and head towards your targets," replied Maverick. 

Garuda charged ahead towards Manechester. Not even seven minutes later they got radar spikes.

"Got one," Maverick announced.

"I'm picking up a second off to the right," added Surprise.

"Roger let's get them," he replied. And they split off and headed for the sources. Maverick was the first to get locked onto, and get a lock. He fired his HARM and broke to avoid the SA-6's that were now heading towards him.  It was the same story for Surprise. Both of their missiles connected and destroyed the SAMs.

At the same time the others picked up a third and a search radar.

"Who get's these?" Heart Throb asked.

"I'll get the SAM," replied Nightshade.

"And I'll get the search," replied Kiwi.

Then Sky Eye came on.

"All planes: Ten bandits inbound from the Southeast!"

"Roger. Tempestra, Heartbreaker, escort Flare and Venom to their targets. The rest of you let's go," Maverick announced.

"Got it Spade," replied Black Widow.

Soon Kiwi had the search radar locked up. She fired, but continued straight for a short time before turning, and flew right into some triple A.

"DAMN!" she yelled as she tried to dodge it.

"I'm on it," replied Heart Throb. She dived below her and strafed the gun positions, silencing them.

"Thanks Heartbreaker," she said.

Meanwhile Nightshade had the SAM locked up. She fired, and was fired upon.

"Sorry," she said as she turned and dropped chaff.

Then Sky Eye announced some more bad news.

"All planes: 10 more bandits from the South!"

"Roger. Firebird and half of Diamondback deal with them. The rest of you come with us," replied Maverick. Both groups sped off to the intercepts. Garuda reached theirs first, and the fight was on.

"SU-35's. Be on your toes," Maverick announced as him and tornado engaged one. Black Widow was the first to get a kill. Then Diamondback Four shot one off the tail of his wingpony. Nightshade got a lock on one, only to have it do a cobra and get behind her.

"Nice try." she performed one, then rotated into a split S, then gunned it towards him, making him overshoot badly. She reversed her turn and got behind him again. This time he couldn't shake her, and she got him with a Sidewinder.

"What do you call that move?" Stormy asked.

"I'll think about it and get back to you," she replied.

Maverick finally took his out in time to dodge gunfire from another that got on his tail. Tornado gave that one some of his own. 

"Got one on me," announced Heart Throb. 

"I'm on it," replied Maverick.

"I've got your six," Nightshade said as she got behind him, and they dived for them. Soon both were behind the 35.

"Heartbreaker do a Cobra... Now!" Maverick yelled. She did, and fell behind her tail and the others. Suddenly another one zoomed in behind them just as Maverick hit the other one with a missile. It went down in a trail of fire, and suddenly Nightshade had another flashback, and she froze.

"Venom on your six!" yelled Heart Throb. She got tone on the bandit and fired, but before her missile hit the Flanker got one off at nightshade.

"Venom missile break!"  She finally snapped out of it, but before she could react Maverick cut in between and pulled the missile off of her. He dropped flares and lost it.

"Nightshade what the hell?" yelled Heart Throb.

"I... Uh...."

"Forget about it, we've still got more bandits," Maverick said. In short order Him, Diamondback Three, and and Stormy got the last ones.

"Garuda one to Sky Eye: Any more?"

"Nope. Firebird just took out the last of their batch. Go back to ground support," he replied. And they headed for Manechester, where the ground forces were well into engaging the Changelings.

"Ground force Bravo to Garuda squadron: Do you have any HARMs left?"

"Yes. What do you need?" replied Maverick.

"We've got some ZSU's in pits that are giving our helicopters and ground units trouble. Can you lock onto them?"

"We'll try. Send the coordinates." After getting them they headed for the area.

"I'm picking up something," Nightshade said.

"Yep there they are. I'm getting four spikes," replied Maverick. Him, Nightshade, Tornado, and Surprise dived down, got tone, and fired. Striking all four of them.

Then some NLR Marines requested a strafing run on some trees. Stormy and Black Widow obliged. As Stormy climbed out, he almost struck a drone that was flying by.

"Reaper to Sky Eye, I almost hit a drone down here. Can you tell the Army to keep them on the ground for now?"

"Roger. I'll tell...." Ice was cut off.

"This is ground command, we do not have any drones in the air."

"What?" replied Stormy.

"This is Tornado Seven. I just saw one too."

"Well we don't have any airborne," the ground commander replied.

Then the message they dreaded came over the radio.

"Sky Eye to all forces: Three inbound missiles! Get above five thousand!"

"Wait... You don't think..." Tornado said.

"They're Changeling spotting drones!" replied Maverick.

"All planes; take them out when you can," replied Sky Eye.

The missiles arrived. Two exploded at the usual height. One exploded above the level, taking out three planes from Hurricane and Flare squadrons.

"WHAT? HOW?" yelled Nightshade.

"It must be the drones. They're guiding them!," replied Tornado.

"We'll handle them. All other planes be ready to dodge," announced Maverick.

"All planes: Two more inbound!" We'll tell you where you need to be."

Getting behind the smaller, more maneuverable drones was hard, but Maverick finally got behind one and took it out.

"All planes: Get below 2,000 or above 8,000!" Everyone did, and the missiles missed.

"Back into it," Maverick said. Kiwi and Tornado got two more before the next alert.

"Get above 10,000 or below 4,000!" Again the early warning worked, and the missiles missed.

"I'm picking up three more drones and that's it," Maverick said.

"I'm on the first," Heart Throb said. Stormy and Surprise got after the other two.

"Slippery little shit aren't you?" she said as she tried for a gun kill as missiles were too hard to lock on the small targets. Her rounds finally connected and sent it down. 

"Two more missiles inbound. Get above 6,000!"

Stormy finally got enough rounds into his to send it down. He then climbed to safety. 

"Double time Surprise!" Tornado yelled.

"Come on you're mine!" she said as she started firing short cannon bursts at it. Finally she got it and climbed to safely mere seconds before the missiles arrived.

"Sky Eye to all planes: I'm not picking up any more missiles or drones."

"So you think the drones are for targeting the missiles?" Heart Throb asked Maverick.

"Yes. In fact the missiles may be targeting the drones themselves. All they have to do is fly them to where the action is and start launching," replied Maverick.

"The ground forces are starting an operation to gather up missile and drone parts. Hopefully we can get some info from them," Ice said.

After shooting down a couple of SU-24's that tried to sneak in, the squadron returned to base to refuel and rearm for the next day's mission.

After the squadron parked their planes and got out, went over to Nightshade. It was time to confront her about her problem.

"What the hell happened up there Nightshade?" Heart Throb  asked.

"What? Nothing happened," she replied.

"Freezing up and almost getting shot down is nothing?" replied Tornado. She was starting to look a little nervous.

"I just didn't see him that's all."

"Nightshade come on," Maverick said. "It's not the first time it's happened. Not to mention those times you wake up at night. What's bugging you?"

She looked around a bit before speaking.

"Nothing's wrong," she snapped before she walked off.

"Something is definitely bugging her," Tornado said.

"Like what?" Surprise asked.

"You know: It did seem like it happened whenever she saw a plane going down on fire," commented Black Widow.

Then it hit Maverick.

"It's something to do with that incident that destroyed her village," he said.

"If it keeps bugging her she's gonna' wind up dead," replied Heart Throb.

"So what do we do?" asked Kiwi.

"I've got an idea. Time to call in a favor," replied Maverick.


--------------------------------


Road to Gracemareia
16:25 hours.

"It's dead," Chrissy said to Moondancer.

"Oh no. Are you sure?" replied Moondancer.

"Yep. It's thrown a rod," she replied.

"Guess we're on foot then." They gathered their belongings and started walking.

About 20 minutes later an air battle broke out over them. Some Changeling MiGs had encountered some NLR Sukhois. Moondancer noticed these NLR planes had a different paint job than the others she had seen. They watched as the MiGs began dropping like flies. One crashed into the side of a peak, making Chrissy cringe. Moondancer noticed it seemed to be bugging her.

Then one got hit, and the pilot ejected. His chute didn't open completely before he hit the ground. They ran over to the now unconscious Changeling. He had stopped breathing so Chrissy started performing CPR on him.After several tries the pilot still wasn't breathing.

"Stand back," Moondancer said to her as she charged up her magic. She knelt down and touched her horn to his chest, giving him a jolt of electricity.

"what are you...." Chrissy stopped talking when the unicorn gave him a second jolt. The pilot started breathing, leaving Chrissy flabbergasted. 

"How did you do that?" she asked.

"I'm an ER nurse at Gracemareia hospital," she replied.

The air battle had subsided, and a chopper could be heard. The pilot was still stunned, but alert, so they gave him some water and ran off to hide. Moondancer then realized something.

It's obvious now. The Changeling she's looking for is a pilot, she thought to hersrelf.


--------------------------


Chrysalis's palace
Gracemareia
17:35 hours.


Chrysalis's aid entered her chamber to give her a status report.

"So what's the story on Manechester?" she asked.

"The ponies have made their way to within five miles of the city, but we're holding them there," he replied.

"Good. Were the missiles effective?"

"Unfortunately no. It appears they've figured out what the drones are for as they shot them down," he said while looking at a report paper.

"Drat. We'll keep it up. They'll crack sooner or later. Get more drones ready, replied the Changeling queen.


-------------------------------


Oured AFB
18:07 hours.

The squadrons were hanging out in the lounge listening to the radio and watching TV.

"Let's see what that idiot Krunk is up to," Black Widow said, and they tuned into the Gracemareia station. It had been a couple of days since Vinyl's last takeover.

"....That's right I want to hear from you. Dial me up at 646 555 4869 and tell us what you think about the Crystal Empire trying to enslave you again."

"Rat bastard," growled Nightshade, almost spilling her pop on Kiwi. Someone called in, but it was obvious it was a Changeling.

"More propaganda," Maverick said.

"Hello caller, you're on the air."

"Hey Krunk let's have a three way with Chrysalis in a tub of jelly. It'd be totally legit. Ohh myyyyyyyy."

"W-W-Wha... who the hel... trace that call!" yelled Krunk. "Well set it up so we can!" There was the sound of something being thrown in the studio, followed by the sound of Nightshade choking on her pop, Surprise gasping for air on the floor, and uncontrollable laughter from the room and everywhere else on the base that had a radio. It was obvious who made the call.

"Vinyl you sick fuck!"Heart Throb said while continuing to laugh.

"Good Celestia Vinyl you kiss your mum with that mouth?" 

"Sure Tavi. I mean she's said worse when she's mad." Vinyl had called in from Stalliongrad AFB.

Krunk got the show back on track, and the number of callers began to increase. But it wasn't long before prank calls outnumbered the staged ones. It became clear what subjects he was sensitive to, and ponies began to attack him on those points. 

One called in and told him to suck a certain body part over and over. Others said some dirty stuff about Chrysalis. And one who many later swore was Princess Celestia called in and said something that had to do with bananas and his grandmother, which infuriated him.

"That's it let me at him," Nightshade yelled.

"Try this phone," replied Slugger, who had shown up. She did, and was able to get through

"Hello caller," Krunk said in an unenthusiastic voice. Nightshade crunched a cheese puff next to the phone and said "oops".

"Oops what?" he replied.

"I just stepped on your cockroach mom and killed her. " 

*CRUNCH*

"And your dad."

"You piece of!.... Don't talk about my family!"

She crushed another.

"And that was your grandma."

"YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" We've got your phone number and we're gonna' find out where you're at!"

"Tell you what cockroach I'll save you the trouble and tell you. I'm at Oured Air Force Base which is solidly back under control of the Crystal Empire. And being a pilot for the Crystal Empire Air Force, I'm proud to say I've shot down maybe a couple dozen of your pilots so far."

Krunk was clearly pissed. 

"We'll don't worry because we've got some missiles for you and your wingmates."

"HA. You've already shot lots of them at me, and I dodge them every time. Get some better equipment," she replied.

"Who are you anyway? We'll get you!"

"That's for me to know and you to find out. Don't worry we're coming to take back what is ours, and when we get into Gracemareia I'll find you and tell you my name, then stomp a mudhole in your ass. Aw heck with it. The name's Nightshade and you already had me once in the little internment camp you have set up there. I broke out, killed several of your troops, stole a fighter jet, then rejoined the CEAF and started using your own plane against you."

Maverick whispered something to her.

"Oh and the rest of my squadron including the Ace of Spades has something to say," and she held the receiver up.

"GO DANCE WITH THE ANGELS ASSHOLE!"

"DAMMIT GET THEM OFF!" screamed Krunk as he started throwing stuff. 

"That's it. We're done. End the show!"

"Rage quit!" yelled Surprise, and everypony laughed.

"Well I'll see you at the briefing tomorrow," Slugger said as he left.

"Yeah we need to get to bed," replied Maverick.

"Do you have some aspirin? My sides are literally hurting from laughing," asked Black Widow.

"See you tomorrow," Nightshade said. She then left too.

"So what about your plan Maverick?" Heart Throb asked.

"It's already in action," he replied.
> Chapter 9: Discovery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oured AFB
May 18 2023 
01:23 hours.

As usual the dream had hit Nightshade again, but this time it would be a little different.

As before, the bomber hit her village, and the planes formed back up. She yelled at Maverick, who replied:

"Nightshade, I had no..." suddenly his plane exploded.

"Maverick?" she said.

"All planes 12 bandits have arrived, break!" All of them did except for Nightshade. Almost instantly Misty and Tornado got hit.

"Misty! Tornado!" She tried to turn around, but she kept heading for her village, which seemed to be staying the same distance from her.

"Nightshade help us!" Surprise yelled.

"I can't shake him!" yelled somepony else.

"Sundance? What are you doing...."

"Nightshade help me!" she replied.

"B-But..." she continued to fly towards the village.

"They got Tempestra! Nightshade hurry up there's only two of us left!" yelled Heart Throb.

"I can't! I've gotta see... Surprise? Sundance?" 

The radio was dead.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Your wingponies and friend are dead." said a mysterious voice on the radio.

"Who are you?" Nightshade asked.

"Is this how you want it to end?"

"What end?" she asked.

"What will happen if you continue to let that bomber incident haunt you." Suddenly a giant aircraft appeared next to her. She had never seen it before. It looked like a pair of B-2's connected together in a double wing arrangement. She didn't recognize the paint scheme, but she did recognize the cutie mark on it.

"P-Princess..."

"Luna. Yes it's me," the voice replied.

"H-How did you... what's going on?" stuttered Nightshade.

"I am the princess of the night. Therefore it is my duty to watch over ponies while they sleep, including looking into their dreams. I've seldom had to cover the Crystal Empire, so you may not have been aware of this," she replied.

"Nightshade started crying. 

"Please get those memories out of my mind," she said. 

"I cannot remove what is in your mind. You must overcome it yourself," replied Luna.

"How?"

"Think about your previous time in the CEAF. Even your time in the LoD. You have the strength to overcome it. Especially if you open up about it to others."

The dream began to disintegrate, and Luna peeled off from her.

"You can do it. Your wingmates, friend, and village are depending on it!" was Luna's last words before she woke up. She sat up in bed quickly, and looked at the time. It was a little after 7AM. She got up and headed to the mess hall. She found the others already there.

"How was your sleep?" Surprise asked. Nightshade sighed and sat down.

"Care to share your dream with us?" asked Maverick. Her eyes got big.

"How did you know?" she asked him.

"Who do you think got Luna to pay you a visit? And I knew it had to be something to do with that incident," he replied. She bowed her head.

"I'll tell you," she replied. And she spent breakfast talking to them about it.

"So why didn't you have those flashbacks while you were with the LoD?" Tornado asked.

"I don't know. After the first time I met Maverick again I did have a couple, and it happened a few other times while living in the village, but it wasn't until I got back in the saddle again they started hitting me hard," she replied." 

"You put everything with the LoD behind you. You can do it for that also," Maverick said.

"I'll... try," she replied.


-----------------------------------

Oured AFB
08:00 hours.

The squadrons had settled in for the mission briefing.

"OK folks. This is a repeat of yesterday, though half of you Garuda will be assisting in the bombing of ground targets. You'll be loaded with 500 pound GBU's and Sidewinders. The burst missiles are again a threat, and you are to shoot down any drones on sight."

"Now speaking of the missiles and drones: We have secured the wreckage of some, and with help from the Equestria Intelligence Agency are examining them." Slugger's tone of voice changed.

"But that's not the biggest thing: We have found the source of the missiles, and it's a doozy." 

The crowd stirred a bit over the news.

"To help me explain  it, we've brought in the member of the EIA who has been assigned to this development. Moonstone." and the rainbow maned unicorn walked in, much to Maverick's surprise.

"Hey," was all he could say.

"Hi Mav'!. Looks like I'll be giving you intel again," she replied as she got set up

"You know her?" asked Nightshade.

"Yep. She was the head of the NLR intel agency. She gave all of our briefings during the war," he replied.

Moonstone began.

"During your raids yesterday, one of our satellites was over this area of the Empire..." She pointed to the area on the map with a laser pointer. "when we noticed something just East of Prairie City.  We determined the missiles were coming from this area, but.didn't see anything until this image was captured," and she brought up the photo. 

"The missiles seem to be coming out of nowhere, but look closer at the ground. You can see five triangle shadows directly underneath the missiles. The one in the middle is three times as large as the others. We couldn't figure it out until we caught a missile launch." She brought up the next photo and everyone gasped. The image showed part of what looked like a giant stingray shaped airship.

"We have our agents working overtime to get more info on whatever this is. All we know is it's an airship that launches missiles, and has a cloaking device. Plus it's escorted by four smaller ships."

The crowd stirred again.

"Their Changelings are starving, yet the have the money for that?" snapped Diamondback Two.

Slugger spoke again.

"As soon as we get enough info on it, we'll plan an attack. By capturing the Manechester air base, we'll have a better hoof in the door for the attack. We'll keep you informed."

As the squadron left the briefing, they talked about the development.

"Think of how much food the bits spent on those could've bought?" Surprise said.

"I'm pretty sure they had it finished before that incident. You can't make something like that overnight," replied Maverick.

"So how do you shoot something you can't see?" Stormy asked.

"It doesn't matter how much cloaking and stealth you have, you're still going to have radar and heat signatures. Especially on something that big," replied Maverick.

"That would be a huge blow to those cockroaches," added Nightshade.


-------------------------

Near Manechester
10:41 hours.

"All planes, begin operation." 

The aircraft split apart and headed for their target areas. Maverick would lead Tornado, Kiwi, and Stormy in the ground attacks along with Diamondback and Tornado Squadrons. Nightshade would lead the other three in the air defense along with the CEAF Redler and Sunfire squadrons.

"Sky Eye to all planes: eight bandits 50 miles East and closing."

"Roger. Keep them off us Venom," Maverick said.

"My pleasure," she replied.

Maverick and the others began orbiting over the land battle, using their paveways, clusters, mavericks, and guns on bunkers and tanks around the city.

"I'm enjoying this," Stormy said.

"More than shooting down fighters?" Kiwi inquired.

"What if I said yes?" he replied.

"Then you're in the wrong wing," Tornado replied.

"Hey. Fighter pilots make movies, bomber pilots make history!" a member of Tornado squadron said.

"Come on guys focus," Maverick announced.

Meanwhile Nightshade and the others plus Redler squadron had engaged the bandits. More SU-27's.

"I'm on their lead," Nightshade announced.

"I've got your back," replied Black Widow. At 8 to 14 the odds were obviously in their favor.

"OK everypony, pair up and swat em'," Nightshade said. Widow paired up with her while Heart Throb went with Surprise.

Heart Throb drew first blood with a gun kill. Then Redler Five got one. Nightshade was about to get a lock on one when it pulled an air brake stop. She overshot, but Widow was there with a Sidewinder for him.

"Sorry Venom, it was wide open" she said.

"No problem. I'm not a bandit hog," she replied.

Just as Redler Seven downed the last bandit, Sky Eye came on.

"All planes: 8 bandits inbound at high speed from the East at 100 miles. Flight profile suggests missiles."

"I haven't seen any drones," Tornado said.

"Me neither," replied Redler One.

"Ice what level are they at?" Maverick asked.

"6200 like most of you," he replied.

"All planes get above eleven thousand," he announced. And they started climbing.

"Wait a minute:" Sky Eye said. "The missiles are climbing too!"

"What?" Maverick said. Everyone began looking for drones.

"I don't see anything," announced Nightshade.

"Split up to two levels!" yelled Maverick. They did, and the missiles split up too.

"This is bullshit!" yelled Ice.

About that time Black Widow looked up, and saw a faint glint high above them. She suddenly remembered something.

"Tempestra to all planes with litening pods. Invert," she announced.

"What?" Tornado replied.

"Do it!"

The four members of Garuda who were bombing did, and something odd happened.

"My Paveway just locked onto something up there! How?" yelled a stunned Tornado. Widow hit the afterburners and headed almost straight up.

"Everyone follow her, it's the drones!" yelled Maverick.

"How the hell did you know that?" Heart Throb asked Widow.

"I remember during training we were bombing ground targets illuminated by a pony with a laser on the ground.  One was pointed at me by accident and my bomb picked it up," she replied.

"Who'd have thunk it?" replied Surprise.

"So they're aiming lasers at us to get target info for the missiles. That's new," commented Diamondback Two.

"63 miles and closing!" announced Ice.

Soon they were within visual range.

"There's five of them. They're different from the last ones," commented Nightshade.

"High altitude ones no doubt. Take em' out!" replied Maverick. 

As soon as whoever was operating them saw they were spotted they tried evading, but there wasn't much they could do with the lumbering drones. Heart Throb got the first. Followed by Maverick, then Stormy and Nightshade. Black Widow got the last one.

"Sky Eye what's the missile status?" Maverick asked.

"They're between 18 and 24 34 miles out," he replied.

"To the deck everypony!" yelled Maverick, and everyone began  diving for safety. This time the missiles stayed on the same level. The last plane of Tornado squadron got clear just as the missiles arrived and exploded.

"Damn that was close," Heart Throb said.

"Are we clear Sky Eye?" Maverick asked.

"For now. Get back into it!" he replied.

"We're on the way," he replied. And they were back in the fight.

Not long after Maverick dropped his last bomb, the group got some news.

"All planes: 14 bandits from the East. Flight profile suggests bombers escorted by fighters," announced Ice.

"Roger we're on the way," replied Maverick.

"We're getting low on fuel so it's up to you guys," Redler One said.

"Roger. Catch you later," replied Maverick. They sped off, and a few minutes later they were within radar range.

"Split up and let's try a vertical pincher on them," Maverick announced. The move partially worked, though the changeling fighters saw it and reacted accordingly.

"Six TU-160's escorted by J-10's" Maverick announced. 

Nightshade started the battle with a head on encounter with a J-10, firing her missile at almost the same time he fired one at her.  His missed, her's didn't. Maverick got the next one by diving on it and getting a gun kill.

With it now six to eight, it was time to go after the bombers.

"Nightshade, Widow, get after them," Maverick said.

"Consider it done," replied Nightshade. They streaked off and soon caught up with the bombers, which were now flying in a line. Nightshade fired a heat seeker at the first, hitting it in the right engines and sending it down. Then one split off and Black Widow went after it, leaving her to get the next one with an AMRAAM. Widow fired one at hers, but it only damaged one engine. The bomber began a roll and headed for the ground, and a farm.

"Quick finish it off Widow!" yelled Nightshade. Before she could, a J-10 got behind her and locked her up.

"DAMN!" She broke off with the bandit behind her. Tornado dropped behind them and gave chase, leaving Nightshade to handle it.

"Suddenly the flashback hit again. Instead of a farm, the bomber was once again heading for her village.

"NO! Not this time!" She gunned it, got a lock, and fired her last two Sidewinders and an AMRAAM. The heat seekers finished off the engines, and the radar guided hit dead center. The bomber blew apart less than a mile from the farm, and she barely dodged the debris cloud.

"Yeah! Take that you piece of shit!" she yelled.

"You OK Venom?" Maverick asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied.

Meanwhile Tornado had shot down the bandit that got on Widow's tail, and Kiwi got a 4th bomber. Then Maverick took out their squadron leader. The last Two fighters got close to the battle, but were intercepted by the Diamondbacks, who were still hanging around.

The four remaining J-10's tried to make a run for it.

"You're not getting away!" yelled Heart Throb, and one by one they fell from the sky. Heart Throb got the first, followed by Stormy, Surprise, and finally Maverick.

"Sky Eye to all planes: scope is clear."

"Garuda One to Sky Eye: We're almost bingo fuel and ammo. OK to leave station?," Maverick announced.

"Affirmative, you can return to base. The ground forces have captured Manechester. Great job!" And there were cheers.

"One step closer,"Tornado said.

"Now we need to take care of those airships," added Heart Throb.

"Well hopefully that will be the next mission," replied Maverick.

"Hey DJ Mystery is on," announced Surprise. And they tuned in.

"... That's right folks. Manechester is back under Crystal Empire control! All thanks to our armed forces and allies! And while I'm on I've gotta' give a shoutout to the CEAF pilot Nightshade. Nice job with Krunky last night!"

"Well imagine that," Nightshade said, blushing a little.

"Hey you're famous," replied Maverick. And the squadron returned home.
> Chapter 11: Takedown
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
> Chapter 11: Cornered At The Pass 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis's palace
Changeling Kingdom
May 20 2023
17:32 hours.

"GRRRAAAAAAAAAAAH!" *CRASH*

The sound of Chrysalis flipping a table and throwing it at a military advisor echoed throughout the chambers.

"HOW COULD YOU RETARDED INSECTS LET THAT HAPPEN?"

"W-W-We tried everything! They threw their best squadrons at us!" the advisor replied.

"Like who? What squadrons could possibly take down all five airships?" she asked.

"Three of Equestria's best and two of theirs including that Garuda one!" Chrysalis was furious.

"I'm gonna' be sick. Without the Aigaion we have no effective way to hold them back."

"We still have our final measure," he replied.

"And what good would that do us right now, other than get half of the world pissed off at us?" she snapped. The advisor just looked around. The queen had had enough.

"SOMBRA!"

The dark gray unicorn appeared from a black cloud of magic.

"Yes my queen?"

"Send in that Silver pilot you were talking about and deal with the problem."

"Consider it done," he replied. "And if that doesn't work, I've got something else to keep them at bay." 

"I just got done telling him that was a bad idea," she replied.

"Not that, something else." he said as he turned to leave.

"Well if it works then use it."


---------------------------


Oured AFB
08:30 hours,


The squadrons had gathered for the day's mission. Lunar and the other squadrons had already left for home. 

"Think you'll see Glory again?" Nightshade asked Maverick.

"Probably not  for awhile. She did mention something about a plan before she left," he replied.

"And gave you that big kiss," cracked Black Widow, which made him blush a bit. Slugger walked in and interrupted their chat.

"OK pilots. With the Changeling airship a smoldering pile of crap, we can finally take North Star pass and fortress. Our ground forces are ready to advance, and by retaking it they can move on to Cantlin. Your mission will be to suppress air and ground forces in the area.
To start: You'll need to take out these two substations for the fortress," and he pointed at them. "This will cut power to the fortress, which will then have to rely on it's backup generator, which only has enough power to keep vital systems running, which will significantly weaken it's defenses.
Second on the to do list is these two tunnels that lead under the base. The Changelings have erected walls to block them off. We need the walls gone so our troops can get into the base from underneath. With these two things taken care of we can retake the fortress, and the pass.
Diamondback, Garuda, you will handle both air and ground attacks including the substations. Tornado and Hurricane will take care of the walls and other ground attacks around the base and pass. Finally the Equestria Ocelot squadron will provide air cover."

"Oh boy," Maverick said.

"Isn't their commander the one that parked a Tom on it's tail?" asked Nightshade.

"Sure is. She's proven she's a good pilot in the past. They wanted to move her up to the Berkut, but she likes the toms."

"Good taste," replied Tornado.

"Well get to it ponies!"


------------------------

Gracemareia train station
May 21 2023 
09:35 hours.

A train from the Changeling Kingdom stopped at the platform. Among those that got off was a middle aged changeling with silver tinged wings. Kreiko was there to greet them.

"Colonel Silver I presume?" Kreiko asked with a salute.

"Ah Krike, it's ben awhile," he replied. "Shall we find a better place to talk?"

"Yes I've got a spot," he replied, and they left for a small street cafe near the station. Silver put his bags next to his chair and sat down.

"I'd put them on the table if I was you. Things that get set on the pavement tend to disappear."

"There's thieves here?" Silver asked.

"Yes. By foals no less," he replied.

Silver looked around. Viewing what few ponies were out and about.

"I thought this place was suppose to be full of love and joy?"

"The Crystal Heart has disappeared. It seems to be having a negative effect on them in addition to our occupation," he replied.

After a bit more talk about the city, they got onto the subject.

"So what's the plan for the third leader of the Druids?" Kreiko asked.

"I'm here to deal with the Ace of Spades and his squadron," Silver replied.

"I trust you all about him and that other pilot?"

"Yes. I've read up on everything. It sounds like him and that Nightshade would be fun to play with alone." He took a sip of his coffee.

"So how long before the squadron get's here?" Kreiko asked after he finished his coffee.

"They should be here pretty quick," Silver replied. Just a few minutes later as they were walking from the cafe, there was the sound of jets approaching. It materialized into a squadron of ten Flankers. They flew over the city in preparation to land at the Gracemareia base.

"No more 33's?" Kreiko asked.

"Nope. The better 35BM," Silver replied.

"This changeling is going to step into the world I was once in. My days of fighting the enemy above the earth are over. The bitter taste of loneliness is all I have left."

-------------------------

Outside Gracemareia
12:15 hours.

"Just a little further," Moondancer said.

"I want to make a cafe our first stop," Chrissy replied.

They got to the top of the final hill before Gracemareia and froze.

"W-What have they done?" Moondancer stuttered out.

The perimeter of the city was now surrounded with fortifications and artillery. It's walls were lined with razor wire, gun towers and anti aircraft weapons. More anti aircraft artillery was perched on the top of some buildings. It was clear they weren't getting in without being stopped by the Changeling forces. Moondancer dropped to the ground.

"We were so close," she said to Chrissy.

"There has to be a way in they didn't block. Let's walk the perimeter a bit," she replied. She helped her up, and they headed into the woods to try and find another spot.

------------------

North Star pass
13:37 hours.

"All planes begin operation. Ocelots: Ten bandits approaching from the East at angels nine."

"Roger, we're on them," replied Ocelot One.

"OK Diamond back Two to Five: Take out any SAMs and radars. Diamondback Six to Eight: Hit the Eastern substation. Garuda take the Western one."

"roger Sky Eye, we're gone," replied Maverick. And they headed for it.

Once again the four Diamondback planes began searching for SAM sites and radars. When they found one they would launch a HARM and destroy the radars, followed by strafing the SAMs themselves. It didn't take them long to finish them.

"Diamondback Two to Sky Eye, SAMs are cleared."

"Roger. Ground attack squadrons get in there!"

Garuda was approaching the substation when they got locked onto.

"You missed a couple Diamondback," Tornado said.

"I think they're guns," replied Maverick. Sure enough they could just make them out on the Maverick's TV screen. Kiwi and Heart Throb fired theirs, and took both out.

"Let's go Venom," Maverick said. They climbed up and dropped their four paveways, guiding them to the key points of the substation. The two thousand pound bombs made quick work of them. 

"Nice one you two," Surprise said.

"We've lost the Eastern substation!" A Changeling yelled in the fortress's control room.

"Bring those damn ponies down!" yelled the commander.

Meanwhile the other half of the Diamondbacks had reached the Western one. They too dropped their paveways and destroyed it.

"Diamondback Two to Sky Eye: The Western one is down."

"Roger! OK everyone focus on the pass and fortress now."

Then there was a call from the ground forces commander.

"Ground force command to aircraft: We need some pillboxes taken out on the North approach."

"This is Garuda. We're on the way," replied Maverick. They headed towards the the area, and could see the tracer fire even before they got there. There was four of them.

"Tempestra you've got the small paveways. Take em' out."

"They're dead Spade," she replied.She climbed up and trained the designator on the first one, then dropped the bomb, destroying it. She orbited around the site, destroying the others the same way. Before she even leveled out from her turn to head back towards the fortress, a shoulder fired SAM locked onto her.

"Oops," she said. She dropped flares and did a diving turn to the right, losing it.

"All aircraft be advised they have shoulder fireds down there," she announced.

While that was going on, the Ocelots were down to the last two bandits when Sky Eye came on.

"Sky Eye to Ocelots. We've got 18 more approaching from the East!"

"Roger. We'll need some help," replied Ocelot One.

"This is Garuda we're on the way," Mav' replied.

"Wow we're doing a little of everything," Surprise said.

"Fine by me," replied Nightshade. And they gunned it towards the Ocelot's location.

"How do we grease em' Mav?" Stormy asked.

"Garuda One to Ocelot One: How many long rangers does your squadron have left?"

"Only have AMRAAMs this time. About two dozen," she replied.

"OK go ahead and do a long range attack, then close in," Maverick replied. When the bandits got in range they did, and dropped six of them.

"18 to 12. That's better," Kiwi said.

Both squadrons engage the J-10's. Stormy took the first kill. Black Widow rolled in behind one, and after a short chase,knocked it out of the sky with a Sidewinder. 

Surprise dived in behind one that was on Ocelot Five's tail. Not paying attention she got a lock and fired, only then realizing she fired a Maverick instead of a Sidewinder. Amazingly the missile found it's target anyway.

"How the hell...." Tornado said.

"Beats me," she replied.

"You definitely have some Pinkie in you," cracked Maverick.

"On your six Muffin Hunter!" yelled Heart Throb. She pulled an air brake move and got behind the bandit, and shot him down.

"Sky Eye to Garuda: We've got some attack choppers approaching the fortress from the South."

"We're still tied up here," replied Maverick. "Tornado squadron are you armed with Sidewinders?"

"Tornado One to Spade,: Yes we have them."

"OK get on them if you can."

"No problem. Hurricane has destroyed the walls and we've just been mopping up," he replied.

Maverick then got a gun kill on a J-10, and Surprise and Nightshade got the next two, dropping the aircraft remaining to five. At the same time the Warthogs of Tornado squadron began downing the Hinds with missiles and cannon fire. 

"Ground force command to Sky Eye, we're going in. Cover us."

"Roger. You heard him pilots," he replied.

Black Widow and Muffin Hunter took out two more bandits, at which point the rest ran for it.

"OK. Ocelots keep patrolling. Garuda let's support the troops," Maverick announced. 

"The enemy has made it into the tunnel! We're trapped!" A Changeling yelled.

"Where's all of our air support?" the commander asked.

"Gone! They shot all of them down!" The commander just sighed.

For the next 27 minutes the air forces continued to support the ground forces, taking out any armor or emplacements that remained. Then came the message.

"Ground forces command to Sky Eye: The enemy has surrendered, the fortress is ours."

"Oh yeah!" Yelled Nightshade.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Great job. Relief patrol squadrons are on the way. Once they get there you can return to base."

"Next is Cantlin," Heart Throb said.

"Then Gracemareia," replied Black Widow.


------------------------


Gracemareia AFB
13:45 hours

A changeling with a sack flew over to a chair underneath a Flanker and sat down. He pulled an apple out of the sack and started eating it.

"Well here I am, at my new home. Quite a change from the base I was stationed at back in my kingdom. 
And this is my new bird. My previous squadron had the older Flanker B. This one promises more power and maneuverability. It's like a sibling to me."

"Hey Nertz! Toss me one of those!" another Changeling yelled. He pulled one out and threw it to him.

"And there's my new leader. Colonel Silver. Some say he has a heart of stone, but I think it's just for his opponents. I've actually known him for longer. He has a soft spot for the poor and downtrodden, even the ponies here. Possibly because that was his life before he joined the air armada. "

He tuned on the radio to the local station, which had yet again been taken over by DJ Mystery.

"Vinyl Scratch. I'm probably one of the few Changelings who recognized the voice. She says stuff to try and get the morale of the citizens up,, but looking around here it doesn't seem to be working. The ponies are saddened by the loss of the Crystal Heart.
That's why we're here. By putting a stop to the aggression of the Crystal Empire and it's allies, we can put all of those troops towards finding the heart. 
You have to wonder where it disappeared to."

"Hey have you tried to find a girl yet?" Silver said to him, interrupting his thoughts.

"Have you?" he replied. And Silver laughed.

"Look for a girlfriend? How when all of the girls here are ponies? Besides: My heart already lies with one. If she's still around, I wonder if she still feels the same way about me? Last I knew she was going to school somewhere in the Empire. I never found out where though."

> Chapter 12: Cut and Run
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oured AFB
Crystal Empire
May 22 2023
08:30 hours.

It was time for the day's mission. As usual Slugger walked in and started.

"OK pilots, this is a big one. It's time to take Cantlin. Our ground forces have made it to the bottom of the pass, and are ready to proceed. Your job will be to pound the heck out of the Changeling forces around the City. The plan has been to 'cut it off and kill it'. If we can take Cantlin, the first half of that will be done. The Changeling forces in Gracemareia will have nowhere to run or get supplies.
Ground attack will be handled by Diamondback, Tornado, Skylark, and Lightning squadrons. The Equestria Skylancer squadron will provide SEAD, and Garuda, Redler, and Equestria Emerald squadrons will provide air cover."

"wow, for a change someone else get's SAMs shot at them," commented Diamondback One.

"Hey SEAD builds character," replied Maverick.

"So close. I'll be able to go home soon," Nightshade said.

"That is all. Get up there and kick some ass."


-----------------


Chrysalis's Palace
08:46 hours.


"Why did we lose North Star pass? I thought you said they would take care of that squadron?" Chrysalis said to Sombra.

"They had just arrived and were still getting settled in. Plus we didn't know they were coming," he replied.

"So how can you tell when they will be at a battle?" she asked.

"So far they have been at every major operation by the Empire. With the pass under their control we are sure they will be attacking Cantlin next, so this time we will be waiting."

"What about your backup plan?" 

"It's almost ready. If they do attack Cantlin I'm going to go ahead and send the word out, along with sending Druid in. I'll keep you informed." And Sombra left.

"He never did tell me what that plan is, which has me just a little bit worried," she thought.


----------------------

North Star Pass
13:04 hours.

"Sky Eye to all planes..." 

"We know, begin operation" cracked Tornado.

"Har har," replied Sky Eye. "air defense squadrons: we're already picking up 20 bandits over the city."

"Roger. Let's get it on ponies! Skylancer clear the way," replied Maverick. 

"Roger Garuda," replied their flight lead. The blue camouflaged Hornets sped off with Garuda and the others right behind them. It didn't take long for them to find some SAMs and radars, and the anti radiation missiles started flying. At the same time Garuda and the others began engaging the bandits: J-15's and MiG-29M's. The Redlers opened up with their Phoenix missiles, bringing down five of them. 

"Damn leave some for us!" cracked Tornado. 

Soon it was a typical furball. Most of the Changeling pilots were obviously noobs, because several made mistakes that cost them. Nightshade rolled in behind a MiG and fired a radar guided. Instead of dropping chaff, the Changeling dropped flares, with a predictable outcome.

"Seriously? Where were you when they were passing out brains?" she said.

Maverick got the next one with a gun kill, followed by Redler One who got the MiG commander with a Sidewinder. Emerald Four and Kiwi had just taken out a couple of J-15's when Sky Eye came on.

"Sky Eye to air cover: We've got five bandits heading towards our troops from the Northwest."

"Roger. Emerald squadron take care of them," replied Maverick, And the former Solar Empire squadron peeled off and headed for them.

The odds were still in the allies favor as Black Widow faced off with a J-15and took it out. Soon six more were downed by Garuda and Redler, including a double kill when Nightshade Picked off a MiG that was on Stormy's tail, then hit the brakes and got behind one that got on hers.

"Smooth operator!" commented Redler One.

"You better be referring to that one White Zombie song and not that crappy pop one," she replied, and Redler One laughed.

The remaining three bandits tried to run, but the Redlers ran them down. While that was going on Emerald had engaged the other bandits: A flight of MiG-27H's. The ground attack aircraft stood little chance against the MiG-35's, and went down before even reaching the troops.

"Garuda One to Sky Eye: All bandits down."

"Emerald One to Sky Eye: Threat to troops neutralized."

"Roger! "Skylancer what's your status?"

"We've finished off most, but a few radars shut down before we could get a lock so we'll stay on station. Any aircraft coming in be on the alert."

"Roger. All planes commence attack!" replied Sky Eye.

Skylark went in first, dropping JDAMs on bunkers and any other hardened or large targets. A SAM site suddenly came online and started targeting the B-52's, but a Skylancer plane was waiting and quickly took it out.

Tornado squadron again focused on armor and defenses, doing strafing runs and firing Mavericks. Lightning flew in low and used clusters on troops, and JP-233's on larger concentrations. Finally Diamondback dropped laser guideds on anything the others missed, and took out some choppers that snuck in under the radar. Things were looking up.

"Man this is a blast!" Stormy said.

"If we keep the pressure on they'll crack soon," added Heart Throb.

Emerald had just returned from intercepting the MiG's when Sky Eye came on.

"All planes: we've got 15 bandits approaching from the West.

"Bring em'!" yelled Black Widow.

A couple of minutes later Sky Eye made an announcement that shocked everypony.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Terminate operation and return to base!"

"what? Say again Ice," replied Maverick.

"Return to base. The mission has been scrubbed."

"Why?"

"They didn't say, just return."

"WHAT THE HELL! We've got them on the ropes!" yelled Nightshade.

"15 bandits is nothing!" added Redler One.

"It's a direct order from the higher in command. We have no choice."

"Roger. This is Tornado squadron returning to base." The other squadrons announced it and turned for home also. Garuda brought up the rear.

"This is BULLSHIT! We're close to ending this war! What idiot gave that order?" yelled Nightshade.

"Calm down Venom, We'll figure it out when we get back," replied Maverick. Nightshade thought about it for a bit before making her next move.

"Fuck this shit." She pulled up into a split S and headed for the approaching aircraft, which were almost over the battle area.

"Venom what are you doing? Come back!" yelled Surprise.

"Sky Eye to Garuda Seven, you are disobeying a direct order. Change course for Oured!"

"Take your direct order and shove it, RIGHT UP YOUR ASS!" she replied.

"She's dead. No one can take on 15 at once," Tornado said.

"Maybe I was wrong about her. She still has a bit of disrespect left in her," added Heart Throb.

"What do we do Maverick?" Surprise asked.

"Return to base," he replied.

Heart Throb sighed. "Ok."

"You guys anyway." Maverick banked left and head after Nightshade.

"MAVERICK!"

"Maverick no!" yelled Sky Eye.

"Druid Four to Druid One: Am I seeing things or do we have a single contact heading for us?"

"No you're not Nertz. Consider it a bogey until..." 

They suddenly got lock warnings.

"EVADE!" The planes split and dropped chaff, but for one it was too late.

"Druid 11 is down!"

"anyone have an ID on it?" Silver asked.

"This is Druid six, it's an F-15S." Silver's mouth dropped.

"did you see a cutie mark on it?" he asked.

"Yes. It looked like a flower and moon," he replied. 

"All planes: It's Nightshade from Garuda! Watch for the rest of the squadron and take her out!" announced Silver. Just then she got behind Druid Six and got a gun kill on him.

"Druid Six is down!" yelled Nertz.

"This is Druid 12, me and Druid Two are on her."

"Come and get me you fuckin' cockroaches!" She did her best to evade them, but two aces was too much for her, and soon they had tone.

"Dammit." she said to herself.

Suddenly Druid 12's plane was raked by cannon fire, blowing up right in front of Druid Two.

"Huh?" Nightshade said as she looked back.

"Let's make this a little fairer."

"Spade!"

"Silver there's a second one now. It has a spade on the side."

He suddenly got a huge surge in adrenaline.

"All planes: Take care of Nightshade. The Ace of Spades is mine!"

"Druid Two is down!" yelled another pilot.

"GRRRRRR." He turned and headed after them.

Nightshade and Maverick took turns watching each others backs. One tried to pounce on her, and ran into his cannon fire. Another dropped in behind him, but he did a backflip and stuck to him like glue. A Sidewinder finished him off.

"We've lost Druid 15 and Nine!" yelled Nertz.

"I'm on him," replied Silver.

Maverick then had two on his tail. Nightshade got behind them and hit one with her cannon, then quickly switched and fired a Sidewinder at the other, sending both of them down. 

"Druid Five and three are down!"

Nertz dropped in behind her, forcing her to peel off of Maverick, and Silver got on his tail.

"Let's see what you're made of," Silver said to himself. Maverick pulled a cobra and got behind him, but he caught on to it, and a short time later did a short roll and got behind him again.

"This one's good," Maverick thought as he pulled another evasive maneuver.

"You're good, but not good enough," Silver said as he fired his cannon. A couple of rounds hit Maverick's plane as he banked to avoid it.

Meanwhile Nightshade had got behind Nertz and was dogging him, when Druid 13 got behind her.

"Damn you little pests." She hit the brakes, and rotated down into a dive to get away, and she suddenly found herself diving on Maverick and Silver. She lined him up and fired her cannon. Several rounds hit Silver's plane and it started trailing smoke.

"Dammit! How can that be?" he said. 

Maverick soon found Druid 13 and took him out, prompting Nertz to get on the radio.

"Druid Four to lead we've lost another! What's your orders?"

"Retreat," he replied.

"Are you sure?" asked a surprised Nertz.

"Yes. We need to regroup," he replied.

"Roger!" They broke off and headed back for Gracemareia. 

"They're running!" Nightshade yelled.

"Well imagine that, Let's get home," he replied. And they turned for Oured.

"thanks for coming to help."

"You know I couldn't leave a wingpony to die," he replied. 

"We're in trouble though right?"

Maverick laughed a bit. "Yeah it's safe to say we are."

"You've got that right," commented Sky Eye, who was listening. "You've made a major mistake. Nightshade I can understand, but you Maverick?"


---------------------

Chrysalis's palace
16:23 hours.

"What is it Sombra?" she said as he walked into her chambers.

"My plan worked. The threat has forced them to stop," he replied.

"I guess that's good, but I do NOT, support actually using it. That's a good way to get this kingdom leveled."

"I would never go against your wishes," he replied before leaving.

"Sure you wouldn't," she thought.


---------------------


Oured AFB
15:10 hours.

Maverick and Nightshade landed and taxied to their spots on the tarmac. The rest of the squadron was already back. No sooner than they got out of their planes and started walking, several MP's met them almost halfway.

"Slugger and some others are waiting for you in the situation room," one said.

"Gee I wonder what for?" replied Nightshade, and they were escorted into the headquarters. There was no sign of the others.

When they got there, Slugger, and two members of the air force brass were waiting. 

"I'm sure you know why you are here, but for the record, it's because of violating a direct order to withdraw from the battle," Slugger said. "I can't believe you would do something like this, especially you Maverick.

"I couldn't leave a member of my squadron to die, sir," he replied. One of the brass turned to Nightshade.

"What about you? Why did you do this?"

"We were winning, and just like that we're told to quit, after all of the progress we made," she replied.

"So you think not getting told a reason is grounds for violating a direct order?" the other brass said.

"Well... OK maybe I lost my cool, but put yourself in my shoes and what I've been through. You would've done it too."

"So what was the reason?" Maverick asked.

"During the mission, we received a threat from the Changelings. They threatened to unleash chemical weapons on Gracemareia if we continued to attack. We have confirmed they have the materials for this weapon," replied Slugger. The two of them were shocked. Rage began building in Maverick.

"Well if that was the case... WHY THE FUCK DIDN'T YOU TELL US THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

Maverick's outburst and lunge made all three of them jump.

"Are you serious? Holly shit you're idiots!" added Nightshade. "If you had said that in the first place I wouldn't have done that!"

"Well ok in hindsight we should have done that, but at the time it was determined not to be in our best interests," replied the second brass pony.

"Then that's your fault. What if everyone had disobeyed instead of just us?" replied Maverick. There was no response.

"Whatever the case, you two are suspended from flying until further notice. In addition you will be restricted to the barracks and HQ," the other brass said.

"Tornado will be the new commander until you return," added Slugger. And the two left the room.

The rest of the squadron was waiting for them at the barracks.

"So what's the verdict?" Tornado asked.

"We're grounded and restricted to here until further notice," Maverick replied.

"We should've went with you," Kiwi said.

"No I'm glad you did. Especially now that we know why they did it. The last thing we need in this war is for an entire squadron to be grounded," he replied.

"They wouldn't dare use chemical weapons," Black Widow said. "According to the Gryphus Convention, if they used them, the use of WMD's on them in retaliation would be allowed."

"did they say when you'd be going up again?" Heart Throb asked.

"Nope.It kind of worries me," he replied.

"Come on Maverick they can't take you out. You got this air force back on track after the end of Discord. And look at all of the things you and Nightshade have accomplished in this squadron?" commented Surprise.

"Well you know how brass are," replied Nightshade.

"We'll just have to wait and see," Maverick said.

> Chapter 13: Redemption 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cafe near Gracemareia station
May 23 2023
8:32 hours.

Kreiko had finished eating his breakfast, and was drinking his coffee while going over the latest battle news.

"Well it looks like the Ace of Spades and Nightshade have gotten themselves in trouble. I guess not even heroes are immune from mistakes. I might find joy in this development, but I'm too disgusted to. Our government has threatened to use chemical weapons on this city. A direct violation of the Gryphus Convention. I suspect Sombra has given this order. Our queen knows the ramifications of using these weapons."

Kreiko finished his coffee, then got up and stretched, forgetting he had uncuffed his other saddle bag from himself. Immediately a unicorn filly snatched it and ran off.

"And suddenly I feel like what Nightshade called me earlier after what I told Silver." He gave chase as best as he could.

The chase took him into an underground passage near the castle. When he got down there, the tunnels seemed to go everywhere. A few torches allowed him to see where he was going, and what route the filly might have taken. He followed the hoofprints in the mostly dirt floor.

"So this is how those foals manage to appear and disappear. These must be old escape tunnels or something."

Suddenly he heard an explosion in the distance, above ground.

"That's right. Today some of the old Gracemareia fortifications are being removed." Then he saw a colt peeking around a corner, and he continued pursuit.

"He's coming!" he heard him yell.

He rounded the corner and came face to face with the entire group of foals. Some armed with bats and boards.

"Give me the saddle bags and I'll leave," he said.

"Don't let him escape!" yelled a pegasus colt.

Then there was an explosion almost over them. A large iron gate dropped down behind Kreiko, and another further ahead started to close.

"Run for it!" a purple filly yelled. They ran off towards the closing gate. The earth colt tripped and fell almost under the closing gate. Kreiko grabbed his bat and wedged it under the door as a unicorn came to help him up. With Kreiko's help they pulled him clear just in time.


-----------------------


Oured AFB
09:00 hours.


The squadron was watching a speech by Princess Celestia on TV.

"... Make no mistake about it. If the Changeling Kingdom uses these chemical weapons anywhere, a consensus has been reached between us, the exiled Crystal Empire government, the Dragon Kingdom, and the Griffin Empire, that a retaliatory strike on the Changeling Kingdom's capital WILL be carried out....

"Now you're talking!" Nightshade yelled.

"How would they do it? Carpet bombing or the Arkbird?" Kiwi asked.

"The New Lunar Republic was working on a new weapon towards the end of the war, and last I knew it had finally been perfected. It's a large thermobaric warhead that can level an entire military base in one shot," replied Maverick. "It'd only take 3 or 4 to completely level their capital."

"Dammit  Chrysalis doesn't give two shits a fuck and a rats ass about her subjects," snapped Black Widow.

"You ponies get a chance to eliminate the weapons beforehand."

Everyone turned around to see Slugger.

"Meet me in the situation room in 15 minutes."

"We'll be there," replied Maverick. 15 minutes later they were there, and Slugger began.

"OK first off, you two have been temporarily restored to duty. Now then: We have a mission just for you ponies. Through intel we have discovered the location of the chemical weapons, or actually the two locations. It turns out this particular chemical weapon is two parts: The base, and a catalyst. The base is already at this army base outside Gracemareia. The catalyst is being moved by truck from the Changeling Kingdom. Your mission is to intercept and destroy the trucks as they come up the pass. Alone the two chemicals don't pose a threat, so it's safe to bomb them. You'll stop the trucks with Mavericks, then drop napalm on them to ensure all of it is destroyed.
To do this: You'll fly up the river to the bridge East of Gracemareia, then follow the road East until you find them. You must stay below the rim of the mountains to beat the radar which means minimal maneuvering room, and you have to finish the job in one pass. Destroy any watch towers or gunboats you see along the way.
Once you destroy them, fly to the end of the pass and head North. Once you exit you'll be picked up on radar, so hightail it. We can't give you any support until you get North of Cantlin."

"So we're in this alone?" Heart Throb asked.

"Yes. Not even our allies know we're doing this in case there's a snitch somewhere. Once the job is done, we will immediately go back to bombing the remaining Changeling forces around Cantlin. We're assembling a strike force near Manechester as we speak," replied Slugger.

"So what's to keep them from bringing more catalyst in?" Kiwi asked. Slugger smiled.

"The Equestria Intelligence Agency found the factories where it and the base are made. As we speak they're getting ready to launch a secret cruise missile and mercenary attack on them," he replied.

"Nice," replied Nightshade.

"So Mav', Nightshade, Tornado, Heart Throb: You will be carrying the Mavericks. The rest of you will be carrying the napalm. The train leaves in three hours."

"Let's do this!," yelled Stormy.

--------------------------

Gracemareia AFB
09:45 hours.

"So what's the status?" Nertz asked Silver.

"Twelve and Five are dead, and Six and Fifteen are out of commission. The others will be returning today," he replied

"How can two pilots take out 2/3 of a squadron?" he asked.

"They're better than both me and Sombra thought. And I'm sure the rest of them are the same way," Silver replied.

Nertz looked to the side for a moment before turning back to talk.

"So what now?"

"Replacement planes and pilots are already on their way here. They're also sending a plane just for me."

"Something special?"

"Yep. Something they will have trouble dodging." Silver turned and walked away.

"Lucky you," replied Nertz.


--------------------------

East of Breaconary, Griffin Empire
May 24 2023
05:00 hours.

A New Lunar Republic Los Angeles class sub was sitting just East of the city, readying the missile strike.

"We're ready sir"

"Commence firing!"

Eight Tomahawks shot out of it's vertical launch tubes and sped off into the Changeling Kingdom. Around the same time a group of mercenary pilots was flying towards the other. 45 minutes later both factory complexes were destroyed.


---------------------------


South of Manechester
05:10 hours.

The squadrons prepared to enter the canyon at North Star Pass.

"OKlet's get down there. Stay single file and a mile apart," Maverick announced. And they headed down the river.

"We're going to be pretty close to Gracemareia," commented Kiwi.

"Yes, which is why we have to stay down here because they'll easily pick us up. And their defense network is largely untouched," replied Maverick.

A while later they spotted something.

"Is that a gunboat up there?" asked Nightshade, who was behind Maverick.

"Yes, I've got it," he replied. He locked a Maverick on to it and fired, destroying it.

"Hopefully they didn't have time to alert someone," Tornado said.

They finally reached the bridge, and made a hard left to fly down the road.

"Keep it slow. We won't have much time," Maverick said. It wasn't long before they saw objects on the road ahead.

"There they are, get them!" he yelled. He locked up the lead APC and a ZSU and fired, taking them out. He then locked up the third truck in the line of six, taking it out before flying past.

Nightshade was next. She locked up and destroyed the two front trucks. Tornado took out the fourth and another ZSU, and Heart Throb took out the remaining truck and APC. Then one by one the others dropped their BLU-27's on the line, incinerating everything.

"Wow, so that's what the highway to Hell looks like," commented Black Widow, who was last in the line before she contributed her two napalm bombs to it.

"Tempestra to Spade: All of them have been destroyed."

"Roger," he replied. "Sky Eye how's it looking?"

"You've got eighteen bandits approaching from the East and ten from the West. Get out of there!" he replied.

"We're gone," replied Maverick. The group hit the afterburners and turned North back towards North Star Pass.

"Damn the Western ones are here already!" yelled Surprise.

"Engage!" replied Maverick, and they engaged the SU-33's.

"I've got this one," Kiwi said as she slid in behind it. After some maneuvering she got a gun kill.

"Getting double teamed here," announced Surprise.

"I'm on them," replied Nightshade. She got behind one and fired her cannon, though it only damaged him and made him break off.

"Break Ditz!" Nightshade yelled. she did, and she fired a sidewinder, bringing the bandit down.

"Spade the other planes are almost here!" Heart Throb yelled.

"Ice where's our support?" Maverick asked.

"Ghost Squadron is 150 miles out. Hang in there!"

"Sure," replied Tornado.

Black Widow shot one off of Kiwi's tail, then had Stormy shoot one off of hers. Then the other group of bandits arrived.

"Now we've got J-10's, nice," Tornado said sarcastically. 

"There's too many!" yelled Kiwi.

"Keep at it and don't stay in one spot too long," replied Maverick. It paid off as none of the bandits were able to get a lock on them. Kiwi managed to get a J-10, then Nightshade hit another with a sidewinder. Maverick and Black Widow got the next two, then the radio came to life.

"This is Ghost One. Garuda dive on my mark."

"Roger, you heard her ponies!" replied Maverick.

"3-2-1- DIVE!"

The squadron headed for the ground, they looked up and saw a wave of AMRAAMS fly in and hit the Changelings, taking out 11 of them.

"Where did those come from? I'm  not picking up any other planes!" a changeling yelled to his commander.

"They must be stealths. Retreat!" And the remaining planes split and returned to their bases.

"That's it. Scatter like the cockroaches you are!" yelled Nightshade.

"Nice shooting Ghost," Maverick said. The formation of eight KF-X-201's pulled up alongside Garuda.

"Our pleasure," Ghost One replied. "did you get the trucks?"

"Yep. We turned that road into the highway to hell," replied Black Widow.

"Sweet. Wish we could have been there," she replied.

"Sky Eye to Garuda. Excellent job! Looks like you two have redeemed yourselves. With that threat gone we can continue on to Cantlin, and finally Gracemareia! You can go rest though. You'll need it for tomorrow."

"Roger that," replied Tornado.

As they got over North Star Pass, they saw wave after wave of aircraft heading the other direction towards Cantlin.

"I'd love to join them, but I actually am tired," Nightshade said.

"Tomorrow will be better anyway," replied Maverick.


------------------------


Chrysalis's palace
08:42 hours.

"You called my queen?"

"I've got something to show you," and she handed him a picture of vehicles burning.

"What's special about it?" Sombra asked.

"That's the eastern road to Gracemareia. And those were the trucks carrying your precious catalyst." She then presented another pair of pictures.

"And those are the factories that make the two chemicals."

Sombra almost exploded.

"Those damn pests!" he yelled.

"Oh and it was that Garuda squadron that took out the trucks. So much for that Silver Changeling you are a fanboy of. Oh and didn't he lose 2/3 of his squadron to them yesterday?"

That statement made him snap. "He will take care of that fucking squadron," he replied.

"I'll believe it when I see the wreckage," she replied. "If we lose Gracemareia this war is over."

Sombra turned to leave.

"And we're not using that other thing if we do," added Chrysalis.

"That's what you think," he said under his breath.


--------------------------------

Oured AFB
10:00 hours.

The squadron was relaxing in the lounge when Slugger came in.

"OK I've got a brief update on the situation."

"How's it goin'?" Tornado asked.

"First off: you two have had your suspensions lifted. You're back in it full time."

"That's good to hear," replied Nightshade. 

"How's the attack going?" Maverick inquired. 

"We are pounding the shit out of them," he replied. "The ground forces have already reached the city. And our ground forces on the West and North sides of Gracemareia are ready to advance. It looks like we end this tomorrow." The statement resulted in some cheers.

"The briefing will be at 08:00 tomorrow. The squadrons that will be involved in the attack are already on their way, or are ready, so when the time comes, it'll be a total blitz," Slugger replied.

"I am so ready for this," Nightshade said.

"Get some sleep. You'll need it," replied Slugger.


-----------------------


Under Gracemareia
18:54 hours.

Kreiko found himself trapped with the foals in a large chamber, with no apparent way out. It was their home. In one corner was a shortwave radio. In another was some boxes of obviously stolen army rations.

"We are trapped in this room. With no way out."

He watched a unicorn colt playing with a toy fighter jet.

" That is Radar. He's pretending he's a fighter pilot, repeating stuff he heard Empire pilots announce over the radio. His parents owned a restaurant South of the castle. It was destroyed, and his parents killed by our initial air raids."

He suddenly remembered a chocolate bar he had in his saddle bag, which the foals had returned to them.

"Hey kid! Catch!" and he threw it to the earth colt, who was sitting at the table. He shared it with the others.

A short time later, the purple earth mare, who was their leader, started singing the Crystal Empire's anthem, and soon the others joined in.

"I thought of these foals as symbols of strife and despair, caused by the war. They're not. Though  they are lonely, they're still proud of their country, and proud of their military, that is trying to take it back. There is no despair here at all. In fact, I feel something for the first time: Love. It's almost overwhelming."

He wandered into the smaller chamber next to the big one, and couldn't believe what he saw. In it were the missing artifacts from the Castle, but more importantly, just above a pair of candles, the Crystal Heart.

"And now it's all explained. The children have been protecting the heart... from us."
> Chapter 14: Liberation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oured AFB
May 25, 2023
08:00 hours.

It was time for the briefing of the mission everyone had been waiting for.

"This is it folks," Slugger said. "The ground forces have Gracemareia surrounded on all three sides. There is no where for the Changelings to run. Garuda: Your mission will be provide air superiority along with the Night Rider and Redler squadrons, plus the NLR Firebird Squadron. Diamondback: You will provide ground support along with Tornado, Raven, Hurricane, and Lightning squadrons. 
At the same time the rest of our air force will attack whatever pockets of troops remain between Cantlin and the border. It's time to reclaim our homeland and end this war once and for all."

"I've been waiting for this day for so long," Nightshade said.

"We all have," replied Heart Throb.

"It's happening in two hours, so get ready," Slugger said.

--------------------------

Outskirts of Gracemareia
09:23 hours.

Moondancer and Chrissy had made their way to the northern side of the city last night, and were forced to find a place a mile from the gate to spend the night. They sat there wondering what to do. There was no way in without being stopped.

Suddenly they heard something coming up the road.

"Quick hide!" Moondancer said, and they hid behind a bush. The noise transformed into a tank, with a pony crew.

"W-What?" Moondancer said. Suddenly the tank turned right towards them and they had to come out from behind.

"Got a couple of mares," the commander said to the driver, and the tank stopped by them.

"What are you two doing out here?" the commander asked.

"We're trying to get into Gracemareia," replied Chrissy.

"Well stick with us for a bit because that's where we're going," he replied.

"What? You mean..." Moondancer said.

"That's right. We've got the place surrounded and we're taking it back today. You don't have a radio?" the gunner asked. Moondancer's face lit up.

"Our radio was my car one, which we had to abandon," replied Chrissy.

"Well hang with us, we know a secret way into the city, and once the shit starts flying we're going in," replied the commander. So they jumped on the tank, and they headed into the woods.

-------------------------

North of Gracemareia
12:23 hours.

All of the planes had assembled in the airspace near Manechester, and were ready for the attack.

"Garuda One to Sky Eye: Are the ground units ready?"

"Yes, they're waiting for you to start the party," Sky Eye replied.

"Roger. We're ready here," Maverick replied.

"Very well. All planes, we're going to take back Gracemareia!" There was cheering on the radio as the planes split and went into the attack.

Diamondback went first, taking out anything emitting a radar signal. It didn't take long to blind the Changelings, and force them to aim their AA manually. Almost instantly there was a call.

"Sky Eye to all planes: 40 bandits from the East at angels eight!"

"Roger. Let's get em'!" Maverick said. And the air defense squadrons headed off.

The other squadrons began picking off ground targets and the remaining defenses, which was hard as some had been placed on top of buildings. Careful use of Mavericks and other guided weapons ensured as little collateral damage as possible. Any ground forces outside of the city got hit with clusters and guided bombs. Tornado One reported in.

"Tornado One to Sky Eye: The ground units are clear to come in. Air cover be advised the only planes at the Gracemareia base are damaged ones."

"Roger Tornado One," Maverick replied.

"What do you think it means Maverick? Isn't that Druid squadron based there now?" Heart Throb asked.

"They may have went out on patrol. We'll find out when we reach that group," he replied. "Speaking of which: Lock em' up and fire!"

The Redlers opened up with their Phoenixes, followed by AMRAAMs from the others, resulting in 17 kills. Unfortunately one Redler got hit in the exchange.

"Redler Seven is down!" Yelled Redler One.

"Dammit. Take them out," replied Maverick. And the battle was on.

It was a mix of SU and MiG-35's, and J-10's. Maverick drew first blood by sliding in behind a MiG and taking it out with a sidewinder. 

"Suck on this a one tiiiiime..." Surprise yelled as she fired one and brought down a Dragon.

"Yikes!" Kiwi was so focused on the MiG in front of her she didn't notice the Flanker come behind her  until it started firing it's cannon. She banked hard to the right and after leveling out pulled a cobra, making him overshoot. A radar guided sealed his fate.

Far below the air battle, the ground one had started. Tanks and armor escorted by attack choppers were streaming up the three roads towards the city, taking out anything that fired at them. 

"OK there it is," Mosley said. Pointing to a boarded up tunnel shrouded by bushes.

"What is it?" Moondancer asked.

Gracemareia has an old network of escape and access tunnels in case of a battle or if the princess needed to escape," replied Mosley. "This is the main one. It'll take us into the heart of Gracemareia. There are several access points to above ground that for the most part can only be opened from the inside."

"Wow. And hear I thought I knew everything about the city," she replied.

"OK you two stand back," the commander said to them. They got off and the tank backed up, and they turned the turret backwards.

"Rrrrrrrramming speed  Mr. Christian!" he said to the driver, who gunned it.  The Abrams made quick work of the boards. They backed out, and spun the turret forward again.

"Let's go ladies!" The two mares got back on the tank, and they headed in.

Meanwhile the Changelings were down to 12 planes, and some tried to run for it.

"Where do you think you're going?" Black Widow said as she ran one down and got a gun kill.

Redler Four then got one, followed by Tornado, Firebird One, Night Rider Six, and Stormy.

Back on the ground, the remaining Changeling forces were being decimated. IFV's had already arrived from the North and West, and started taking out bunkers and gun emplacements with their guns and TOW missiles. The tanks arrived a short time later and blew open the gates, and several holes in the wall, allowing the forces to pour into the city.

"Ground command to Sky Eye; we're going in. Keep us covered!"

"Roger. Give em' hell!" replied Ice Crystal.

Nightshade shot down the last bandit, and suddenly everything was calm.

"Garuda One to Sky Eye: Any contacts?"

"Nope. Scope is clear," he replied.

"Roger. Any squadron need to refuel?" Maverick asked. 

"Firebird One here. My squadron does."

"This is Night Rider One. We're low, but not bingo yet."

"Go ahead and refuel," he replied. And the two squadrons headed for the tankers.

"So where's that Druid squadron?" Kiwi asked.

"Maybe they chickened out and went back to their land," replied Tornado.

"I doubt it. Keep on alert," Maverick said.

Then ground command came on again.

"Ground command to Sky Eye: we are inside Gracemareia. Still encountering resistance though,"

"It's almost over. I can go back home soon, Nightshade said.

"Easy ponies. The battle isn't over until you're home," replied Maverick.

Sure enough, about five minutes later Sky Eye came back on.

"All planes" 11 bandits approaching from the West at angels 10."

"Oops we jinxed it," Surprise said.

"I bet it's them," Heart Throb said.

"You know it," replied Nightshade.

"Let's go!" replied Maverick, and they headed for them.

Ahead the aircraft continued towards Garuda.

"I don't believe it. They took it!" one Changeling yelled.

Another looked down at a picture and said something to it.

"Forgive me Chrissy. I failed to bring you happiness."

"Pilots. I don't believe a single female Changeling on this planet would be able to resist us now," the flight leader said.

"So what's the plan sir?" the other asked.

Druid One to all planes: Change course to 180 and return to our kingdom. I'll handle Garuda."

" Eight to one? Surely you can't be serious?" 

"I am serious Nertz. And don't call me Shirley. Your deaths will achieve nothing. You must live to ensure the future of our nation. Besides: Half of the female population is awaiting your return."

"Wait you can't!"

"I'm turning off comms. Break formation now!"

All of the others turned back for home while Silver continued on.

"What? All but one are turning back!" Tornado said.

"Wait what? Any ideas Spade?" Nightshade said.

"Hmmm. OK keep..." He was interrupted by a lock warning. Everyone else got one too.

"EVADE!" yelled Maverick

Everyone started evading as they saw a swarm of missiles headed for them. Unfortunately 2 members of Redler were hit.

"Spade. That looked familiar," Nightshade said. "Was that..."

"Yes it was. More tech they stole from Equestria.," he replied.

"This is between me and you Garuda," Silver said over their radio. Maverick knew it would be risky to have more planes there.

"All other planes fall back. Let's get him Garuda!"

Maverick's fears were confirmed when they passed Silver.

"Yep it's a Nosferatu. Dammit I'll personally rip that spy's spine out. And I'm not even from Equestria," exclaimed Nightshade.

Maverick, Nightshade, and Tornado tried to get behind him, but he launched another salvo of missiles, and all of them had to evade.

"All planes switch to Winchester backup," Maverick said. And everyone switched to the emergency radio frequency.

"How many more shots does he have?" Heart Throb asked.

"Sixteen shots of twelve," replied Maverick.

"how do we get close to him when we have to constantly dodge missiles?" Kiwi asked. Maverick pondered it for a bit.

"Nightshade, let's dance. The rest of you fall back."

"Are you sure?" Tornado asked.

"Yes. Two have a better chance than eight. Plus the missiles can't lock on if you're within a thousand feet of the plane," he replied.

"Roger. Good luck you two," replied Tornado. And they peeled off and left, with another group of missiles behind them. After dodging those, Nightshade took off towards him while Maverick split off on a flanking maneuver.

"HA! Cowards!" Silver said. He then saw Nightshade approaching from the left.

"Far from it cockroach. I've got your number," she snapped.

"Oh really? he said as he turned towards her and launched a full salvo.

"Come on Nightshade. You've done this before," she thought to herself as she began to dodge the missiles the same way she did when Maverick shot them at her. 

"Impressive," Silver said. As he was about to lock on again he got a lock warning.

"Nice try." He pulled a cobra and got behind Maverick.

"Try hitting me without those missiles," Maverick said.

"I will, after I use them up," he replied. He then launched a full salvo on Maverick. 

Meanwhile the rest of the Druids were still leaving the area, until one broke away and headed back towards the battle.

"Nertz come back!" Druid Three yelled.

"I've gotta' help him!" he replied.

"Now where's the other one?" Silver said.

"Behind you cocksucker," she replied as she got a lock and fired an AMRAAM. He easily dodged it, then did a loop and got behind her again.

"How quaint," he said as he drew a bead on Nightshade. Then he got another lock warning.

"Nice try Ace of Spades," he said as he fired another burst and got behind the plane.

"I'm not Spade, I'm Thor." It was Tornado.

"HUH?" Silver said.

"I'm Spade," replied Maverick as he got behind him. Silver growled and got behind him again and launched a salvo on both of them.

"This is Tempestra, disobeying orders," Black Widow said as she got on his six.

"Where are they coming from?" he thought as he  did another cobra and got behind her and Kiwi, who had snuck up behind also, and fired another round of missiles.

"This is Ditz and I'm disobeying orders too!" He now had another tail.


"Damn you little pesssssts!" he yelled as he pulled another evasive move and got behind her. He got a lock and fired, just as another plane came up behind Surprise. It was Nertz. He switched to his frequency to warn him.  

"Nertz get away from her!" he yelled.

"I've got her sir!" he replied.

"No I've launched some missiles at her already!" Nertz realized it.

"AAAAAH!" he broke off, but some of the missiles locked onto him. He dodged a few, but two got him.

"NERTZ!"

"Sorry Silver," and the Flanker went down. Then Silver made a mistake: He let his emotions take over.

"You bastards will pay for that!" he yelled as he fired a salvo at whoever was in front of him. He then dived on Surprise again to fire another batch at her. He got behind her, but the move put him right in front of Nightshade, who was coming to the aid of Surprise.

"Smooth move Exlax," she said as she drew a bead and emptied her cannon towards him. It was too late for him to dodge, and his plane was crippled.

"Now burn in hell!" she said as she launched her last two sidewinders.

"I guess you ponies were the best," was his last words before the missiles hit and blew him apart.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Scope is clear. Return to the mission," he said.

"Guess we were a bad influence on the rest of you," Nightshade said.

"Bad in a good way," replied Surprise.

"Who do you think that was Spade?" Heart Throb asked.

"Obviously their top pilot. The one who came charging in, I don't know," he replied.

"An idiot is what he was," commented Black Widow.

Then the ultimate message came from the ground.

"Ground command to Garuda: You put on a hell of a show. All of the downed pilots have been rescued,"

"Great to hear," replied Maverick.

"Oh and you and the other forces can stand down, because the remaining Changeling forces have surrendered, and Gracemareia is ours!"

The radio became completely garbled by cheers. Planes everywhere were doing barrel rolls.

"WOOOOOHOOOOO!" screamed Surprise as she pulled up into a loop.

At Canterlot Castle the word came down.

"EVERYPONY!" Twilight came charging into the castle's chambers where the princesses, Shining Armor, and other government ponies were. 

"They did it! They've taken back Gracemareia!" she yelled. She did a backflip followed by Luna doing one. Celestia showed calm enthusiasm, while Cadance and Armor embraced each other.

"Get Vinyl in there immediately," Celestia said.

"They've been waiting so consider it done," Twilight replied.

Back over Gracemareia everypony was still celebrating.

"So now what?" Stormy asked.

"Return to base," replied Sky Eye.

"Roger. We'll be back," replied Maverick.

"I don't mean Oured, I mean Gracemareia. They've cleared the base."

"What about our stuff back at Oured?" Kiwi asked.

"Don't worry we'll get it for you," he replied.

"Very well. Garuda Squadron prepare to land," Maverick said. As they flew over the base, they saw the tents of the POW camp that was set up there. They could see ground forces freeing ponies from the site, and sending them to the tarmac. 

"Many of them don't look like military ponies," Heart Throb said.

"Many aren't. I saw a lot of civilians when I was there, replied Nightshade.

The aircraft landed in pairs, and taxied up to their original spots on the tarmac, which wasn't far from where the freed ponies were. Diamondback squadron begin landing behind them as they shut down and got out of the planes in front of the crowd. After looking around, Maverick raised a hoof in the air, and the others followed suit, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.

Underground the tank crew had dropped off Moondancer and Chrissy at an exit out of the tunnel, and received word of the surrender.

"Hot damn!" the commander yelled.

"We're here!" Mosley said.

"Well the war's over, but let's get it anyway. Lock and load!" the commander replied as he ducked back into the tank.

Meanwhile in the room where Kreiko was trapped, the foals were celebrating the victory too.

"Ha ha you lost," an earth colt said to him.

"It may be over, but we should be concerned with how we're going to get out of here," he thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a rumbling noise that grew louder.

"What's that?" a unicorn asked.

Everyone looked around for the source, which seemed to be coming from behind the wall. Then there was a huge explosion in the other room. Dust and debris flew everywhere. 

"We're in!" Mosley said as the three got out and stepped inside. Dust filled the air, but they could see stuff glistening in the tank's lights and their flashlights.

"Good job," the commander said.

Then they heard something to their left. The sound of hooves. They turned and watched several foals come out from the dust cloud.

"WHAT?" the commander said.

"You saved us!" yelled Ember. Soon the rest appeared, and the ponies saw what was glistening.

"Wait this isn't the vault," Mosley said.

"Well I'll be. So this is where it and the other items ran off to," the commander said. Then Kreiko appeared in the entrance to the other room.

"what's going on here?" the tank driver asked. Mosley pointed his rifle at him.

"We got trapped in here with him," replied Ember.

"Don't shoot him, he saved me!" replied the foal that almost got crushed. They looked at him and he just nodded.

"Well it's over for your forces anyway. Might as well come with us," the commander replied. "Bring the heart foals!" And they all climbed onto the tank and made their way out. Mosley knew of another main entrance that would take them out into the city.

"So it ends. We've failed," Kreiko thought to himself.

------------------

Above ground, Moondancer and Chrissy had come out of the tunnels, and started making their way towards the castle. All of the ponies they saw appeared to be happy, and were also heading for it. 

"I think it's over," Chrissy said.

"Yes it is!" yelled a pegasus who heard her.

They made it to the castle's courtyard, and were mingling when everyone heard a tank approaching. The tank was covered with foals, and it stopped in front of the castle. The commander spoke up.

"Fellow crystal ponies. You have no doubt been wondering what happened to the crystal heart. Well it was underneath you the whole time thanks to these foals," and he held up a unicorn one, who was holding it with her magic. The ponies gasped.

The commander put her down and they walked into the castle with it as the crowd drew in closer. She put it back in it's holder, and it started to spin and glow.. Suddenly ribbons of light shot from the tip of the castle and spread out, and the crowd cheered. The empire was back.

The foals got down from the tank, and Moondancer's quest came to an end.

"EMBER!"

"MOMMY!"

They ran up to each other and hugged. The crowd began cheering, then started to sing the Empire's national anthem.

While the ponies celebrated, Kreiko had slipped away in pony form. Once he was in the clear he changed back.

"The mandate in this bag was to be opened if we lost. It was signed off on by Sombra himself. I guess now is the time."

He unlocked and opened up the case that was in the bag. Inside was a laptop. He fired it up and brought up the mandate. What he saw left his mouth hanging open.

"That bastard."
> Chapter 15 - Not Over Yet
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis's palace
Changeling Kingdom
May 25 2023
20:02 hours.

"Your highness. Princess Celestia is on the phone. They want our surrender." 

Chrysalis looked like she was going to puke.

"Let's get it over with," she replied to the changeling.

"Not yet."

"And what exactly can we do Sombra? All of your ideas have failed. This whole war failed!" She started walking towards the door.

"I'm done listening to you," she said before walking out.

"I'm not done though," he said under his breath. He turned to his aid.

"Are they ready?"

"Yes. They are ready for the first test fire," the aid replied.

"Good. They are cleared to do it."

--------------------

North of Dunlap, 
Changeling Kingdom
20:15 hours.

Several changelings were busy running checks and typing on computers in a darkened room.

"Begin charging."

"Charging complete."

"Fire when ready."

A huge projectile trailing a beam of light shot from a huge barrel towards a mountain. When it hit it, the whole Northern side of the mountain was blasted away.

"Test a success!" a Changeling yelled.

"Very well. Time to head West. Prepare the gun and missiles for tomorrow."

--------------------

Gracemareia AFB
May 26 2013
09:30 hours.

For the first time in ages Garuda got to sleep in in their original barracks. They got up and went to the mess hall. Skylark squadron had returned too,  and everyone including Slugger was there.

"Good mornin' pilots!" Slugger said.

"Same to you," replied Maverick.

They sat down and listened to the radio. As promised Vinyl was doing a live feed from in front of the castle. Though the radio station was back under Empire control, the Changelings had trashed it before surrendering, so Equestria sent a mobile station unit with Vinyl.

"... Don't worry about them returning. Our forces have mopped up what's left, and now they're the ones in the prison camp at the airbase instead of ponies. I know a lot of you are wondering about Krunk. Well we didn't find him so either he's hiding or snuck out disguised as a pony."

"Dammit I wanted to meet him," commented Nightshade.

"So what's up for today?" Tornado asked Slugger.

"Not much. you'll be up in the air during tonight's celebrations. You'll be fully armed in case they try something," he replied.

"Aaah a nice relaxing patrol," Heart Throb said.

"We can just goof off," added Stormy.

"Not quite," replied Slugger. "You'll be flying in formation over the city. I'm sure a few simple stunts would be appreciated though."

"That's still better than what we've been doing," replied Kiwi.

---------------

Chrysalis's palace
13:30 hours.

The formal surrender papers had been received from Equestria, and Chrysalis had signed them. The war would finally end with the formal meeting with the Equestrian and Crystal Empire governments.

"Are they ready?" a member of the cabinet asked.

"Yes. Get them out of my sight and to Canterlot," she replied as she handed them over.

"Consider it done," he replied, and he walked out of her chambers.

Not long after exiting her chambers, he met Sombra.

"Is that them?" He asked.

"Yes. What do you want to do with them?" the aid asked.

"Put them in my top desk drawer." and the Changeling went off to Sombra's chambers.

"After this there won't be a country we can't take over," he thought.

--------------------

Over Gracemareia
20:00 hours.

The squadron was flying over the Southern part of the city when Sky Eye came on.

"OK Garuda. The celebration has started. From where you're at, fly clockwise around the city, over the various events, then make a couple of passes over the castle."

"Roger Ice," replied Maverick. Soon fireworks were shooting off all over the place.

"We can't get hit by those can we?" Kiwi asked.

"That's why we're flying above 2,000 feet. None of the fireworks will go higher than that," replied Maverick.

"Woohoo I love fireworks!" exclaimed Surprise.

"It's so strange to be flying above our capital again. It's almost like  we've never been here," Heart Throb said.

"I'm gonna' miss Krunk though,"  Black Widow said in an evil voice.

"No comment Venom?" tornado asked. There was no response.

"Nightshade?"

"Earth to Nightshade;" is your radio working?" Maverick asked.

"Yes it's working," she replied.

"Why so quiet? I figured you'd be talking non stop about this?"

"I... don't feel like it."

"What? You aren't coming down with the feather flu are you?" Surprise asked.

"Just before we left, I... got some news," Nightshade said. 

"My...My village has been, destroyed."

"WHAT?" yelled Surprise.

"They leveled it."

"What about the residents?"  Black Widow asked.

"They don't know. 

Nightshade: I don't know what to say, Maverick said .

"My village was the reason I fought. WHAT WAS THE POINT OF FIGHTING WHEN I FAILED?"

"Don't say that! Look at what you contributed. Hell if it wasn't for you we might have been shot down already!" replied Black Widow.

"She's right. How do you know your friend and villagers aren't stil safe?" Kiwi asked. There was silence for a bit.

"After we're done here I'm resigning," Nightshade said.

20 minutes later they finished their patrol by flying over the castle.

"OK let's take it home," Maverick said. "I wish you'd reconsider Nights...." Sky Eye cut him off.

"Sky Eye to Garuda: we're picking up six bandits 70 miles out from the Northeast."

"Are they flying in formation?" Maverick asked.

"Standby.... It looks like... all planes flight profile suggests missiles!"

"WHAAAAAT?" yelled Nightshade.

"I thought we were done with them?" Tornado said.

"Sky Eye get some others in here just in case," Maverick said.

"The closest is Sunfire Squadron, unless Diamondback can get in the air on the double," he replied.

"Roger. We're on them." And the planes sped off.

"Got them on radar," Heart Throb said.

"Lock em' up and fire," replied Maverick. And soon the missiles were on their way.

"Sky Eye to Garuda; six more 40 miles behind them!"

"DAMN! This is going to be hard," replied Tornado. Meanwhile Garuda's first missiles had found their targets, and destroyed all of them.

"OK same story on round two," Maverick announced. Again they locked up the missiles and fired. This time two missed though.

"Widow, Stormy, chase them down."

"Roger Spade," replied Widow. And they turned to go after the missiles.

"All planes: six more... Wait 12 more contacts! Flight profile suggests missiles AND fighters!"

"Dammit that's too many targets!" Heart Throb said.

"Focus on the missiles," replied Maverick.

"Apparently the bastards just want to destroy Gracemareia now," added Black Widow.

The rest of the squadron locked up a few of the missiles and fighters and fired, taking out four missiles and two fighters.

"We're outnumbered! We need help!" Kiwi yelled.

Sunfire is 40 miles out, and Diamondback is firing up their Hornets," replied Sky Eye. 

Widow and Stormy had intercepted the two missiles, and were now going after the other two from the 2nd group.

"OK engage the bandits until more missiles show up," announced Maverick. The bandits turned out to be Shindens.

"On your toes everyone. Those are good planes," Nightshade said. She had some flight time in them while in the Legion of Discord.

Maverick had just shot one down when Sky Eye announced six more missiles.

"Dammit. Heartbreaker, Thor, engage the bandits and keep them off of us," Maverick said.

"Will do Spade," replied Heart Throb.

The other six fired another long range shot, but only four missiles were hit.

"Damn! At this rate we're going to run out of ammo. Let's get them Venom. The rest of you cover us," and they went after the missiles that escaped. About the same time Kiwi and Stormy each got a bandit.

"All planes: Six more missiles!"

"Where are they coming from?" Maverick asked.

"They've all come from a point to the Northeast so far," replied Sky Eye.

Maverick and Nightshade had caught up with the missiles and destroyed them, and Tornado took out another Shinden. Then came some good news.

"This is Sunfire One. We are engaging."

"Roger. Welcome to the party," replied Maverick.

Surprise and Sunfire Two got the remaining two bandits. Then Sunfire launched a long range attack on the missiles, bringing all of them down.

"Sky Eye any more?" Maverick asked.

"Negative. Scope is clear. Stay on station though," he replied.

"Why do they want to destroy the place?" Kiwi asked.

"Definitely a scorched earth policy," replied Tornado.

"Hey Spade."

"Yes Nightshade?"

"Guess my retirement is going to have to wait a little longer." Maverick was glad to see her change in heart.

"Diamondback One to Garuda; we're airborne."

"Roger," replied Maverick. Sky Eye who else do you have en-route?"

"We've got two more squadrons en route," replied Ice.

"Contact Equestria and see if they can get their Nosferatu squadron in here. Their ADMM's would be perfect for this," he replied.

"Roger. I'll tell command." 

--------------

Tunnel entrance near Gracemareia
train station
21:13 hours.

Moondancer, Chrissy, Ember, and several others came out of the entrance to the tunnels after the all clear alert was given. Also in the tunnel was Kreiko, who didn't come out.

"Why did he stay down there?" Moondancer wondered.

"He's nice mom, but he's been quiet ever since he looked at the laptop in his bag," replied Ember. They went back down to him.

"Is something wrong?" Moondancer asked.

He just looked up, grabbed his bag, and went up. He sat down at the street cafe. 

After fumbling with it, he pulled some papers out of the bag, leaving the case with the laptop.

"We found this in the wreckage of a plane just outside town." He handed the stuff to her.Among it was a tattered and burned picture of her and Ember.

"I didn't realize until now that she was your daughter," he said.Moondancer's eyes welled up a bit at the sight of it.

"You must leave this city now," he said.

"Why? We've won," she replied, looking shocked.

"That case contains a mandate. If we were to lose this war, the plan was to level this city, and possibly others with a  giant new weapon." Everyone was shocked.

"Isn't there a way to stop them?" she asked.

"Though we have lost this war,as an officer in the Changeling military, I must keep to my sworn duty to protect any secrets or info," he replied before closing the bag.

"No one knew what to say, until Chrissy stepped forward.

"Colonel Kreiko."

The others couldn't believe she knew him.

"Yes. That is me. How did you know?"

Chrissy transformed back into a changeling, getting gasps from everyone except Moondancer.

"First Lieutenant Nertz was my boyfriend. He was one of your students. I met you several years ago at the graduation ceremony". 

She continued.

"Ever since this war started, I've been traveling with Moondancer here to get to this city, in hopes of finding Nertz. Along the way; we saved each other's lives a few times, and the life of a changeling pilot."

"Kreiko looked a bit shocked. "So that pilot wasn't making that up," he replied.

"It's obvious you don't want to see harm come to these ponies. Are you going to let your duty to protect an order for a pointless war, come before them?"

He just sat there looking down. After about a minute, he pulled the case out of the bag, opened up the laptop, and booted it up. He brought up the file as the others crowded behind him.

"This is the Lance of Hope. It is the giant floating rail gun us and a few other countries in this area made to destroy the asteroid. We were not able to finish it in time, and after the impacts work was stopped on it. Or so I thought. It turns out Sombra, Chrysalis's second in command,had work continue on it to turn it into the ultimate offensive weapon, including cruise missile launchers, and an airstrip. It's moving towards the Northern coast of this country. Once it reaches this point near Los Alicornes, they will use it to destroy this city, and possibly use it to destroy other places and blackmail  other countries."

No one could believe what they were seeing.

"There has to be a way to stop it!" Moondancer said.

"These plans show it's weak points, which are the cooling units. There are four, plus a backup one. I need you to get this information to your air force somehow," he replied.

After a pause, Ember spoke up.

"I have an idea!" She pulled her small radio out of her bag and turned it on. They heard Vinyl Scratch doing her live broadcast not far away.

"Let's go!" Yelled Moondancer.
> Chapter 16: The Final Dance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gracemareia AFB
Crystal Empire
May 26 2023
23:30 hours.


Garuda and Diamondback had gathered in the situation room for the briefing. Slugger walked in and it began.

"Sorry for the loss of sleep, but this can't wait.  We have found the source of the missiles." And he brought up a satellite image.

"this is the Lance of Hope. It is the giant floating rail gun the Changelings tried to build to destroy the the asteroid. As you know their work came up short, and they quit working on it. Or so we thought. It looks like they upgraded it to launch cruise missiles also, and put a small air base on it. It is unknown if any more work was done to the rail gun."

He brought up another image, then continued.

"Since this is the Changeling's last hurrah,, we're expecting heavy resistance. So we're throwing our best at it. Again failure is not an option. To ensure this, we have a backup plan. Equestria has perfected their Supernova cruise missile." He brought it up on the screen. "This huge stealth cruise missile has a thermobaric warhead with a yield of 90 tons. It is capable of leveling an entire military base or city. They will send one on an FA-29 for backup."

Slugger shut off the projector.

"This is the final battle. It's time to end this war for good."  

"I am so ready," Tornado said.

"Squadron assignments are as follows: Garuda, you will lead air defense with Harmony, Ghost, Redler, and White Dove squadrons. You will also be loaded with a pair of 2,000 pound Paveways to use on the target. Diamondback: you're on SEAD again, and will lead the attack group with Tornado, Cobra, and Coyote squadrons. The train leaves  an hour so get ready."


------------------


Northeast of Gracemareia
May 27 2023
02:01 hours.


The squadrons formed up, and began heading Northeast towards the last known location of the Lance.

"I should be sleeping right now, but it's worth it," Stormy said.

"It's bringing back some memories for me," replied Maverick.

"How so Spade?" Kiwi asked.

"At the end of the last war, my final mission with Lunar squadron happened in the early morning. I remember destroying the satellite that was heading for Manehattan, then enjoying the sunrise."

He changed the tone of his voice a bit.

"At least this time somepony won't be firing her laser at me."

"Shoop da whoop!" replied Nightshade, and everyone laughed.

Then the radio crackled to life.

"...anypony hear......"

"What was that?" Heart Throb asked.

"Can any of you pilots hear me?"

"Sky Eye to unidentified pony: Identify yourself."

"...have inform.... about the Lance .... Hope... it's weak points. This is Moondancer a civilian."

"What are you doing on this radio? This is for the military only!" snapped Sky Eye.

Then a smaller voice got on.

"You have to listen to her! There's only one way to destroy it!"

"I better contact command..." Tornado cut Sky Eye off.

"Wait a minute! Moondancer? Is this the Moondancer that was married to Quarterback?" Suddenly it hit everyone.

"Yes! I'm with my daughter Ember!" she replied.

"Maverick to Moondancer: So what info do you have?"

"The gun is active. They're going to use it on Gracemareia and possibly other places. It's weak points are the four cooling units at it's base. Destroy them and it will overheat and collapse," she replied.

"Don't forget about the 5th one behind the barrel!" added Ember.

"How did you get this info?" Nightshade asked.

"From a Changeling officer's laptop," replied Moondancer. "We can transmit the data to you."

"How?" asked sky Eye.

"This is Vinyl Scratch, sorry I didn't get on sooner. It's all true. I'm transmitting it to you now."

After a minute Ice got back on.

"Data received." He looked over it for a couple of minutes.

"Wait.. Are you serious?"

"Ice send us the data," Maverick said.

"On it's way," he replied.

"Whoa." Nightshade said.

"Why does it look like it has the measles?" Surprise asked.

"Those mark it's anti aircraft weapons," replied Maverick.

"We'll get ripped to shreds trying to get near it!" replied Tornado One.

"Diamondback Two  how many HARMs do you have?" Maverick asked.

"We've got 36 among us, but most of those don't look like radar guided guns and missiles," he replied.

"So what do we do Spade?" asked Heart Throb.

"We've got the 2,000 pound guideds, so it'll be up to us to take out the cooling units. Somepony needs to take out the six cruise missile launchers also. From the way it looks, you pretty much have to fly under the barrel's supports, and then it looks like you'll have to destroy the missiles as they pop up to jam the launchers. Finally you can bet the rest of the Druids and who knows how many other planes will be there to defend it so be ready. How does that sound Ice?"

"Sound fine to me," he replied.

"Then let's do it!" yelled Maverick, and the planes sped off.


----------------------

Near Los Alicornes, Crystal Empire
04:29 hours.


"Sky Eye to all planes: Drop down and let's see if we can sneak under their radar." 

All of the planes descended to a couple hundred feet. Everything was going fine until they got over the ocean and turned East. It wasn't long before they ran into a changeling Destroyer being used as a radar picket.

"DAMMIT get it!" yelled Maverick. Diamondback Two took out it's radar with a HARM, then Tornado One and Two fired some Mavericks, severely damaging it. The remaining squadrons strafed it and a few thousand pound bombs from Cobra squadron sent it to the bottom.

"Pretty sure our cover's blown," Nightshade said. And sure enough about ten minutes later Sky Eye got back on.

"All planes: 30 bandits 60 miles out, heading for you."

"That puts them about over the gun," Tornado said.

"We'll have to take them on here, or we'll be dodging SAMs right and left," replied Maverick. "Attack squadrons hold back until we sanitize the skies."

"Druid lead to all planes: It's time to avenge Silver and Nertz, and stop the Empire's aggression, or die trying!" and with that the opening missile exchange occurred, resulting in six Druid planes down.

"GET THEM!" yelled the new Druid One. And the fight was on.

"We're dealing with SU-33's and J-10's," Maverick announced. soon he was behind a Druid plane, and after some maneuvering brought it down with a sidewinder. Harmony One got the next one, followed by Heart Throb, Nightshade, and Redler Three.

Kiwi got behind a J-10, only to have it do a cobra on her. She caught on to it though and did one herself, which kept her behind it, and she got the kill.

"Hey it worked!" she said.

Stormy came to the aid of White Dove Seven, only to have one drop in behind him.

"Oh yeah?" He hit the brakes and made him overshoot. He got on him and got a missile kill. By the time he got caught up to the other, Harmony Two had already taken it out.

30 minutes later, only eight Changeling aircraft were left, but they kept fighting. Two Druid planes tried to double team Maverick, but they also got double teamed by Nightshade, Black Widow, and Ghost Four and Five. Nightshade and Ghost Five got the kills.

"They were loyal, I have to give them that," Nightshade said.

White Dove Four got a gun kill on the next one, then Ghost Two got a missile kill. The remaining Four grouped up, and managed to fire four missiles at Maverick before all of them got shot down almost instantly. Maverick dodged them like a pro.

"And here I thought I was the only one who could do that," commented Nightshade.

"Sky Eye to all planes: Scope is clear. Get to the target!"

Diamondback went first, firing their anti radiation missiles at everything emitting radar signals. Close behind them were the Warthogs of the Tornado and Cobra squadrons armed with Mavericks and thousand pound bombs.

"They're painting us. Let em' rip!" announced Diamondback Two, and the missiles began flying. In short order all of the search and anti aircraft radars had been taken out. The other attack squadrons then went in and began picking off the SAMs and guns one by one. 

The command center for the gun was in total chaos.

"We've lost our radar and most of our defenses!" a Changeling yelled.

"Start launching missiles!" replied the commander.

"Tornado Three to Sky Eye they're getting ready to launch a cruise missile!"

"Roger, someone get down there and get it!" replied Ice.

"This is Tempestra, I'm on it." And she dived down towards the spot. As she got close, she could see the top of the missile poking up from it's launcher. She lined up and fired her cannon at it. The warhead exploded, and left the first launcher unusable. She flew under the supports and made a hard left to escape.

"Nice one Widow!" yelled Maverick.

"We've lost a launcher!"

"Keep firing!" replied the commander.

"Another is getting ready to launch," Cobra One announced.

"I've got it," replied Nightshade. She did the same move Black Widow did and got it. Just as she flew over a third appeared.

"There's another!" she announced.

"I'm on it," replied Maverick. Instead of lining up for a strafing run, he lobbed a Paveway at it. In addition to hitting that launcher, it took out the one next to it also.

"Rock on Spade!" yelled Tornado.

"I've got the last one," Heart Throb said as she banked downwards towards it. Just as the missile started to launch she hit it, and the last launcher was destroyed.

"Garuda One to Sky Eye: All launchers have been destroyed."

"Excellent! Now for the big one!"

"We've lost the launchers and are almost out of aircraft!"

'DAMMIT! We won't go down without a fight!"

Then they heard a radio call.

"Sombra to command: Concentrate on loading and firing the gun. I'll take care of them."

"Y-Yes your majesty," he replied.

"OK everyone, take out the remaining AA, then...." Maverick was interrupted when several pulses of laser beam shot down from the sky, striking Harmony Two, Cobra Three, and Stormy.

"STORMY!" Heart Throb yelled.

"I'm hit! I'm going down!" 

"Eject!" yelled Maverick.

"Where did that come from?" Diamondback Two said.

"You ponies have meddled with my plans for the last time. Prepare to DIE!" a voice said over their radio. Several more laser bursts were fired from seemingly nowhere, striking two more planes.

"White Dove Three and Cobra Two are down!" a pony yelled.

"Maverick what do we do?" Heart Throb asked.

"All planes retreat!" he replied.

"What about you?" Nightshade asked.

"I'll deal with it, and don't argue with me, just leave," he replied. It was too dangerous to have so many planes in the area. They would be sitting ducks.

"Good luck Spade," she replied.

"I'll be more than happy to take you on Ace of Spades."

"Bring it you cockroach!" he replied.

"I'm no Changeling. The name is Sombra." Soon Maverick got locked onto, and narrowly missed a beam.

"Anypony do you see anything?" he asked

"It looked like the beam came out of mid air, like the plane is invisible," replied tornado.

"Sky Eye switch to Winchester," Maverick said. And he changed to the secure frequency.

"Go ahead Mav'."

"Contact Vinyl and see if that Changeling knows anything about an invisible plane with a laser cannon."

"I'm calling right now," he replied.

"Kreiko!" Moondancer yelled as they ran up to him.

"What is it?"

"There's some invisible plane shooting a laser at them over the gun. Do you know anything about it?" she asked. It seemed to ring a bell in his brain.

"Let me check." He went over and got on the laptop.and after a couple minutes of searching, found what he was looking for.

"I don't believe it. Sombra had it finished too!"

Meanwhile Maverick dodged some more pulses, and desperately tried to spot the plane.

"Quit being a chicken shit and show yourself!" he snapped.

"I'm not chicken, just cunning," Sombra replied.

"Mav' switch to Winchester," Sky Eye said. And he changed again.

"Go ahead."

"We've got the data on the aircraft. It's called the Geopelia . It's a giant twin wing stealth fighter with a pulse laser cannon and a cloaking system. Unfortunately it also has an advanced countermeasure system so the only way to kill it is with bullets."

The news was all too familiar to Maverick. He faced the same situation with Nightshade in the last war.

"Terrific." He switched back.

He did notice he got a lock warning  before the laser was fired, so he waited for the tone, then hit the brakes and did the move he used on her; doing a backflip while firing his cannon.

"ARGH!" Sombra yelled when he suddenly found himself on a collision course with Maverick. He dived, and like before Maverick's cannon rounds found their mark and ripped into his plane. Suddenly the plane became visible.

"Damn you,"  cursed Sombra.

"Now let's see how hot you are," replied Maverick. He got his first look at the plane, which resembled Princess Luna's X-49 Night Raven. 

"If it wasn't for stealing Equestria's tech you cockroaches wouldn't have anything," he said as he got behind Sombra's plane which, though nearly four times as large as the F-15, was just as maneuverable.

"As I said before I'm not a Changeling, I'm a unicorn!" snapped Sombra.

"A cockroach by any other name still needs to be squashed," replied Maverick, and he fired his cannon. Some rounds hit, but didn't do any major damage. And after a second attempt he was out of ammo.

"Shit. Now what?" he thought. Suddenly Sombra was behind him again, and he was back to dodging laser blasts. Made easier now that he could see him. 

He now had no idea what to do. He didn't want to risk anypony else getting shot down.

Then it came to him. It could mean his death also, but it was the only option left. He did another somersault and got behind Sombra again.

"Garuda One to Drakee One, switch to Winchester," which was the former NLR plane carrying the Supernova missile.

"Go ahead."

"Can that new missile lock onto targets?" Maverick inquired.

"Yes. It uses radar and GPS, but I already tried it and it won't lock onto that thing," she replied.

"I've turned off my IFF. Lock it onto me and fire it."

"What?" replied Drakee One.

"WHAT?" yelled Nightshade.

"Spade have you gone mad?" Sky Eye asked.

"Don't argue with me just do it!" he replied. Drakee One locked the missile onto him and pulled the trigger. The massive missile dropped from the Thunderhoof and sped off.

"OK it's coming!." she yelled. Maverick did a split S and sped away from Sombra towards the missile.

"Running also coward?" Sombra said as he turned to go after Maverick, who was already seven miles behind him. 

Soon Maverick could see the cruise missile. He reversed his course again as lock warnings sounded. He let it get to within a half mile of him before matching it's speed.

"Time to joust Sombra. I'm coming head on," he said.

"Oh but thou art such a fool," Sombra replied. 

The two planes closed in. Sombra started firing, and Maverick began a barrel roll and dodged the blasts. With just a couple of miles between them Maverick dropped chaff, and pulled back on the stick as hard as he could, sending the Eagle vertical. Sombra looked up at him, then looked forward in time to see the Supernova coming straight at him.

"NNNOOOOOOOOOO!" 

The missile hit him and exploded. The giant explosion was seen and felt by the other planes for miles. when it was over, all that was left was small pieces of the Geopelia falling from the sky.

But that wasn't all that was falling.

"Spade are you OK?" Heart Throb asked. There was no answer.

"Spade?" Nightshade said.

"Look!" yelled Kiwi. They looked up to see Maverick's plane slowly falling towards the water. His sudden maneuver caused him to black out. The F-15 continued straight up until it stalled, then came back down.

"Maverick wake up!" yelled Surprise.

The plane continued to fall. Just 2,000 feet from the water he finally came to, and started fighting to regain control. He finally did, hit the afterburners, and pulled back on the stick, leveling out just a couple hundred feet above the water, leaving a rooster tail in it.

"Spade are you OK?" Ice asked.

"Yeah I'm fine. Remind me not to try that again," he replied.

"You need to be reminded you crazy son of a bitch?" cracked Tornado.

"Now you know how I felt when I took him on," replied Nightshade.

"Sky Eye what's the status of Stormy and the others?" Maverick asked.

"We've picked up their beacons and have choppers en-route," he replied.

"OK everyone let's finish this!  " And the planes headed back for the Lance.

"Sombra's dead! They're coming back!" yelled the Changeling.

"Is the gun ready?" the commander asked.

"Not yet! We need a little more time!"

"Throw everything we've got at them!"

"Tornado and Cobra: Finish the guns. Garuda let's take out the cooling units," Maverick announced.

"Roger. Lead the way," replied Tornado.

Maverick dropped his remaining bomb on the shield of the first cooling unit, but it only damaged it. Nightshade came in and dropped her two bombs, destroying it.

"One down, five to go," she said.

"They destroyed a cooling unit!"

"How did they know?" the commander snarled.

"I'm on the next," Black Widow said.

"Sky Eye to all planes: 20 bandits from the Southeast. They must have snuck up on us while we were dealing with Sombra."

"Roger, keep them off of us," replied Maverick. Meanwhile Widow had dropped her two bombs, and destroyed a second cooling unit.

"Tempestra cover me," Heart Throb said.

"I'm there, she replied. She got to her just in time to shoot an SU-27 off of her tail.Heart Throb trained the laser on the third cooling unit and dropped her bombs, destroying it.

"Three down!" Tornado announced.

"We've lost three cooling units. It's starting to overheat!" 

"Dammit!"

"You're up Kiwi," Maverick said. She tried to line up on the fourth, but a shoulder fired SAM was launched and she had to dodge it. Afterwards she lined up again and succeeded in  destroying it.

"OK that's four. Now what about the fifth?" Maverick asked.

"It's actually under and behind it at the end of the channel that leads under the gun, but it doesn't show how to get to it or how to exit the channel, which is protected by AA guns. We need targeting data," replied Sky Eye.

"How do we find out without getting shredded?" Kiwi asked.

"I'll take a look," replied Nightshade.

"It's too dangerous! What if there's no way out?" replied Heart Throb.

"We don't have a choice. Sorry but it's time for me to dance with the angels!" and she dived for it.

"Cover her!" yelled Maverick.

She dived under the gun and entered the channel. Immediately she started taking AA fire, but she continued. She blindly fired the rest of her missiles and then saw an exit to the right. 

"Got it!" she said and she banked right through the opening, taking heavy AA fire. Her missiles blew open the door to the cooling unit.

"Sky Eye: Did... you get the... data?" she asked.

"Yes, now get out of there!" he replied. Unfortunately her plane had taken critical damage.

"I'm losing thrust. I can't make it up again." she laughed a bit. "Once again I'm in this situation.

"Eject Venom!" yelled Maverick. There was no response.

"NIGHTSHADE!"

"Sky Eye get S and R after her!" Maverick yelled. 

"Area is still too hot," he replied.

"I'm going in," Tornado said.

"Roger. At the end pull up slightly, drop your bombs, then bank through the opening. Attack units try and take out those guns," replied Maverick.

Tornado flew into the trench. He did as much maneuvering as possible to avoid the guns, and at the point, dropped his bombs and flew out through the opening. The bombs skipped and went into the cooling unit, destroying it.

"I got it!" he yelled.

"Alright. Now let's watch  it die!" replied Sky Eye.

"We've lost the five primary cooling units!" the Changeling said to the commander.

"Switch to the backup! Is the gun ready to fire?" he asked.

"Yes. We just have to load the round."

"It hasn't collapsed!" Diamondback Two yelled.

"It's barrel is opening," added Kiwi.

"Wait a minute..." Sky Eye said. 

"Dammit that was a 5th cooling unit. The backup is directly behind the barrel!"

"How do we get to it?" Maverick asked.

"You... have to fly down the barrel, then to escape fly out the vent hole at the top."

"Spade?" Heart Throb said.

"Say no more," he replied. And he banked towards the barrel. He slowed down as much as he could, then flew in.

"Round loaded! It's charged up!"

"Fire the gun in Five. Four..."

Maverick could see the glowing from it charging and the projectile. He sped up, fired all of his remaining missiles, and flew out the vent. The missiles detonated the projectile, destroying the breech and the cooling unit behind it.

"They destroyed it! We're finished!"

"Damn them," the commander said.

Explosions began ripping through the gun, and slowly it started to fall apart.

"Mav' got it! Mav' got it!" yelled Surprise.

"It's over! It's finally over!" yelled Sky Eye.

"Maverick do you have a copy?" Tornado asked.

"Go ahead," he replied.

"Well it looks like you did it again."

"We all did it," he replied.

"WOOHOOOO!" yelled Heart Throb.

"Sky Eye; any word on Stormy and Nightshade?" Maverick asked.

"Search and rescue is almost there. We've also picked up Nightshade's beacon," he replied. Maverick breathed a sigh of relief.

"All planes return home," he said.

The sun began to creep up over the horizon.

"It's a new beginning," Kiwi said.

"Best sunrise ever!" exclaimed Surprise.

"Is this how it felt for you before Spade?" Black Widow asked.

"It sure is, but this time... I know Nightshade is alive, he replied." And the planes headed back for Gracemareia.


----------------------

Canterlot Castle
06:43 hours.

"They did it! They did it!" Yelled Twilight as she jumped around. Cadence and Shining Armor embraced each other for the second time.

"Who dealt the final blow to that thing?" Celestia asked Twilight.

"It was Maverick, it was Maverick," she replied, while continuing to jump around.

"I should have known," she replied.

"I'm so glad he has always been on our side," commented Luna.

"We've got to do something special for him and his squadron," Armor said.

"Leave it to me and Cadence," replied Celestia.

"shall we ask Chrysalis if she's ready to give up now?" a white unicorn asked.

"Yes Rarity, by all means," replied Luna.

-------------------

Chrysalis's palace
06:55 hours.

"My queen," a changeling said.

"what is it?" Chrysalis asked.

"I'm afraid we have lost the lance, and Sombra," he replied. She was shocked.

"How did we lose them?" she inquired.

"Sombra died while trying to protect it from the empire."

"Why would they attack it if it hasn't done anything?"  she asked with a rise in her voice.

"Well you see..."

"That rat bastard was going to use it wasn't he?" she said angrily.

"Y-Yes," he weakly replied. 

Chrysalis paused for a moment before speaking again.

"Serves him right. Good riddance. Has the empire arranged for a surrender meeting yet?"

"Nothing. In fact they just called to see if we're finally ready to surrender."

"WHAT?" she snapped. "Mudlusk should've given it to their courier two days ago!"

"I thought I saw him give it to Sombra," a guard said. Chrysalis exploded with rage.

"WHERE IS THAT LITTLE BASTARD?" The Changelings in the room jumped from her outburst.

"Get another courier here!"

-------------------

Gracemareia AFB
08:15 hours.

Diamondback landed first, then it was time for Garuda to land.

"shall we mow the grass?" Tornado asked.

"Yeah. Kick it up a notch though," replied Maverick. And with that the remaining six paired up, and skimmed 50 feet above the runway just below the speed of sound. At the end they gunned it and pulled up, passing the sound barrier and rocking the base with sonic booms. Then they landed to hundreds of cheering military and civilian ponies. Slugger greeted them.

"you did it. The Changelings have nothing to fall back on now. We've won."

"What's the status of Nightshade and Stormy?" Maverick asked.

"All of the downed pilots have been rescued. Nightshade is injured though. They're all at the hospital in Los Alicornes," he replied.

"We want to go there," Heart Throb said.

"We'll get you debriefed, then get you on a transport to there," Slugger replied.

"Screw that just refuel our planes and we'll head there," Tornado said.

"I guess we can do that," he replied.

-------------

Chrysalis's palace

08:21 hours.

*THUD*

That was the sound heard when Chrysalis used her magic to slam Sombra's aid against a wall. she also used it to hold a sword to his neck.

"Tell me where it is Mudlusk, or your head is going to be filing a divorce with your body."

"It's in the top drawer of his desk!" he quickly said. she threw him to the floor in front of her guards.

"Get him out of my sight. And round up the rest of his henchlings also," she said. They took him out, and she went to Sombra's chamber. She got the surrender documents, and took them outside where a light green and yellow pegasus was waiting.

"Here it is. You would've gotten it sooner, but a few idiots decided they didn't like it and hid it," she told the courier.

"It'll be in Canterlot by noon," she said, and she zoomed off, leaving a trail of lightning.

After Chrysalis walked back inside, one of her aids ran up.

"Your highness! I have great news!" She was shocked.

"Don't tell me that pony made it back to Canterlot already?" she asked with a surprised look.

"No. Remember that mountain they used as a test subject for it?"

"Yeah, what about it?" Chrysalis asked.

"They just got done assessing the damage. It was a dormant volcano. They've discovered huge gem deposits. Most are diamonds and fire rubies!"

She was shocked. "Exactly how much?"

"It appears the entire mountain is loaded. The low lands below probably are too, and there may even be gold deposits. they're going to check the other nearby mountains also."

Chrysalis suddenly brightened up for the first time in ages.

"Get the word out ASAP!" she said.

--------------------

Crystal Empire castle
Gracemareia
May 29 2023
11:50 hours.

With the signing of the cease fire documents by Queen Chrysalis and Cadence, the war was officially over. It was time for the ceremony commemorating it, and honoring the heroes of the war. In attendance besides Cadance and Shining Armor were Princesses Luna, Celestia, and Twilight, and many other ponies from both Equestria's and the Crystal Empire's government and military, including Garuda and Diamondback, who had been reunited with their leader. Like him, Nightshade also had to sit in a wheelchair due to her injuries.

"Well it looks like we get honored for our actions," Black Widow said.

"I should hope so," replied Stormy.

"Second time for you isn't it Maverick?" Tornado asked.

"Yep. Hopefully it'll be the last time," he replied.

"At the least I'll be getting a purple heart," Nightshade said. "Hope I've redeemed myself enough with that."

"I think it's safe to say you have," replied Heart Throb.

The music started, and the ceremony began. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor came out of the castle and onto the stage. Luna and the others from Equestria were on the right, and members of the Crystal Empire on the left. Cameras zoomed in as Cadance started to speak.

"Citizens of the Crystal Empire. It has been a hard two weeks for us, but perseverance has paid off. The war is over!" and the crowd roared.

"Not only are we hear to honor the occasion, but to honor our allies, who in no small amount contributed to our victory, and our military, who, despite being displaced, fought it's way back in. Together they liberated our country." There was more cheering.

As Cadance went down the list of service ponies, squadrons, and units that made major contributions, Nightshade had time to reflect on herself.

"Well here I am again. Grounded with a broken wing and leg. Was it worth it? This time it was. My country is free again. I still don't know the actual status of my village though. I won't be able to check until I heal enough. And I WILL be returning to the sky. Including in my own fighter: The one I stole from the Changelings. Shining Armor called it a symbol of the Empire's resolve. It will be kept in flying condition here. And I'm the only one who get's to fly it."

She heard Diamondback One get mentioned.

"Can't say that about Royal Riff though.His days as a pilot are over due to his injuries. No pilot wants to see a fellow one lose that ability. I feel bad for some reason. guess it's a bit of survivor's guilt. I did hear a replacement has already been found. Don't know who it is though but I guess they're here."

Then it was finally Garuda's turn.

"Garuda squadron. Step up." And the eight of them got on stage.

"Maverick.You and your squadron made the biggest contributions in this war, including dealing the final blow. All of you please accept these medals and raise in rank as a small token of our gratitude." And Cadance and Armor used their magic to put the medals on them.

"Nightshade. You may have betrayed your country in the last war, but you have proven that you do care for your country by your actions, and putting your life on the line to free it from evil. As of now, you are again a citizen of the Empire, and a member of the Air Force," and Cadance put her medals on including a purple heart, and the Medal of Heart, the Empire's highest civilian honor.

"Thank you princess," she replied. 

All of them turned towards the crowd and raised a hoof in the air, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.

At the same time the Empire ceremony was going on, Chrysalis was making a speech to her country.

"This war was foolish. I admit that. I put too much trust and power in Sombra and his supporters. Sombra is dead now and his henchlings rounded up. From now on I will be calling the shots."

Then her tone changed.

"With that out of the way: There was a silver lining to this war. The dormant volcano the lance was test fired on contains a vast amount of fire rubies and diamonds. Further study suggests the entire area could be loaded with them, and possibly gold also. It's too early to tell but this find could be worth billions of bits. With those bits we will rebuild this country the right way!" And the  crowd cheered.

Back at Gracemareia, the ceremony had ended, and the ponies were chatting amongst themselves.

"So what's your plans Nightshade, besides heal?" Tornado asked.

"I still need to find out what happened to my fellow villagers. Has anyone heard anything?" she asked.

"There's someone here with the answer," replied Maverick.

"And who's that?" she asked.

"Nightshade!"

"Sundance!?"

Her friend ran over and they hugged for almost a minute.

"Oh no you're injured again," Sundance said.

"What can I say? I guess it just comes natural to me," she replied. "What about the others?"

"They're all fine. The changelings did destroy the village though," she replied. A wave of relief washed over Nightshade.

"Wish I could have been there to stomp on those cockroaches."

"Don't worry. Someone did it for you," replied Sundance.

Nightshade was shocked. "What do you mean?"

"The army Changelings are who torched the town. And there were a couple of planes with bombs also. I think they might have bombed the woods with them, but before they could some mercenary pilot showed up and shot them down, and attacked the army Changelings"

"How do you know it was a mercenary?" Maverick asked.

"The plane was yellow with flame graphics , and the only ID marks were some suns kind of like Princess Celestia's cutie mark. It had to be."

"Wait a minute," Slugger said. "We received a few reports of a yellow plane in the Eastern part of the country from both our pilots and Changeling ones as we listened in on them." 

Nightshade had a shocked look on her face.

"Something ring a bell?" Slugger asked.

"Could it be? I wonder..." she replied.

"Well whatever the case, don't worry about how we're going to rebuild," Sundance said.

"Why"? asked Nightshade. Princess Cadance stepped forward.

"Word got out about this repulsive act the Changelings did. In addition to us, Equestria and the Griffin Empire have pledged aid. It shouldn't take long at all to rebuild it," she replied.

"So don't worry about trying to help. Get healed up first," added her friend.

"That news is going to make recovery a lot easier," replied Nightshade.

Then Diamondback Two popped in.

"Well our new commander finally showed up," he said.

"Where are they?" Maverick asked.

"Right here."

Maverick was more shocked than when Nightshade found out about her village.

"No way. You left them for the Diamondbacks?" 

"Yep. Had to pull a few strings. The princesses pulled the rest."

"There's a reason you did this right?" Maverick asked.

Tornado did his fishing pole and hook routine again, earning him another smack to the back of the head by Heart Throb.

------------------

Gracemareia AFB
May 30 2023
12:25 hours.

The Changeling POW's, including Kreiko, were getting ready to leave for their country on transport planes, but not before they went to a ceremony themselves. A wedding ceremony.

"So this is it. We're finally going home to a new beginning. Sombra is dead, and our queen had all members of his cabnet rounded up. It might not be pretty for some of them. Some view us as cowards because we gave up. We are not cowards for surviving."

The couple getting married started exchanging vows.

"The last thing I expected to happen here was be the best Changeling at a wedding, being held at what was left of the prison camp that held so many ponies, then for a short time,  us. Chrissy, the one who convinced me to to send the data about the lance to the empire, has found what she was looking for.Nertz, a member of the Druids, survived getting shot down in the battle between Silver and the Garuda squadron. I guess some good came from this war."

"Speaking of Garuda: From I heard, this won't be the last time wedding bells are heard at this base."

----------------------

Gracemareia AFB
July 13 2023
17:35 hours.

The tarmac in front of hangar one was crowded with ponies. A podium was set up with red carpet leading up to it. Behind the podium were a couple of aircraft; The flight leads of both Garuda and Diamondback squadrons. Both faced slightly towards  each other at an angle, pointing away from the podium with their canopies open. Behind them off to the sides sat the rest of the planes of both squadrons. Garuda on the left, Diamondback on the right, facing each other.

Off to the sides of the podium were the bridesmaids and groomsstallions. They consisted of pilots from Garuda and Lunar squadrons  (including Pinkie, who helped plan it), and Slugger. Among the crowd was members of Diamondback and Skylark squadrons, Rainbow Dash, Moonstone, Moondancer, and Ember, who was the flower girl. Noticeably missing was the best mare.

"Has Nightshade shown up yet?" Heart Throb asked.

"I don't think so. She should've been here by now," replied Surprise.

"Surely she wouldn't back out," commented Tiger Angel.

"I'm...Here."

They turned to look, and couldn't believe what they saw.

"I do believe hell has frozen over," Tornado said. Stormy did a wolf whistle.

"Shut up or you're going out of here on a stretcher!"

Nightshade was wearing a deep blue gown, and a disgruntled look.

"I didn't think you had it in you," commented Maverick.

"I don't. That fashion unicorn forced me to, stopping short of holding me at gunpoint," she replied.

"That would've put a new spin on the term 'shotgun wedding'," cracked Slugger. 

Nightshade growled. "Under different conditions I would've left, but since it's your wedding I couldn't let you down."

"I appreciate it. And you look good," replied Maverick.

Soon the music started, and the ceremony got under way. The bride walked out and up to the podium.

"Ready to make it permanent Glory?" 

"I have been for six years Maverick."

The usual words were exchanged, and a kiss sealed the deal. Instead of the usual music starting though, a different tune was used, much to the shock of the unicorn who planned the wedding. She turned to the DJ booth.

"Vinyl you little...!"

"Sorry Rarity. That song's too stuffy for what's about to happen," she replied.

"What do you mean by what's about to happen?" she replied. 

She soon found out. Maverick and Glory suddenly took off their outfits to reveal their flight suits. A weird yell came from Rarity.

"WHAT? They had their flight suits on under their outfits and I had to wear this!?" exclaimed Nightshade. She turned towards Rarity in time to see her faint. Suddenly she went from being angry to laughing.

The reason for the way the two planes were parked soon became clear as the couple walked towards them.

"Isn't this misuse of military property?" Tornado asked Slugger.

"Normally yes, but when the princess gives the OK it's hard to say no," he replied.

About that time Glory threw her bouquet. It headed straight for Nightshade.

"SHIT!" She dropped to the tarmac and it hit Tornado in the head, and landed in his hoof.

"Bwaaaah!" He threw it and Kiwi caught it. Heart Throb then did his fishing pole gesture to him with an evil grin. 

"OK. It was worth wearing this gown now," cracked Nightshade.

Maverick and Glory got into the planes and fired them up. Soon the canopies closed, and they saluted everypony, who did the same. The planes then taxied through the rows of planes to the runway, blasting everyone with jet wash.

"Best wedding EVER!." Rainbow Dash said, getting a dirty look from Rarity, who had finally recovered from the shock.

"Next to Cadance and Armor's that is," commented Rainbow Dash.

The two aircraft rocketed down the runway, and took off into the setting sun.

The end.


> Extra: Chapter 17: The Guardian
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Kurain Village
Crystal Empire
May 12 2023
17:21 hours.

The forces of the Changeling Kingdom had overrun the small, secluded village. The resistance group led by Nightshade had been defeated, and her and one other pony had been captured and taken away. She managed to pull the Changelings away long enough for her friend Sundance to escort the villagers to a hiding spot deep in the woods.

"Have you found them yet?" The Changeling commander asked another.

"No. They could be hiding anywhere in that forest," he replied. Another Changeling showed up.

"Sir do we burn the village?" he asked the commander.

"Yes proceed. And is bomber wing 14 still on standby?"

"Yes, no one has called them in yet."

"Well have them come here and bomb the two square miles West of this village. We'll try and kill the rest of them," he replied.

"Yes sir," and the other two Changelings left.

Ten minutes later the village was burning, and the Changeling army was getting ready to leave. A short distance away Sundance and a unicorn had snuck back and was watching from the woods. They watched one Changeling go over to another that was near them.

"Hey let's go they're going to bomb this entire area," he said to the other, and they left.

"What do we do? We can't move everyone that fast!" the unicorn said.

"I don't know Galaxy. I guess just hope they miss the cave," replied Sundance.

Twelve miles away a squadron of eight SU-25's armed with bombs and napalm was on the approach to the area.

"We are approaching the target. Fan out and prepare to drop. Use your clusters first," the wing commander announced.

Back on the ground the Changelings had gotten back onto some trucks and were ready to leave. Sundance and Galaxy could hear the jets approaching in the distance.One of the jets got louder.

"We're done for," Galaxy said.

Suddenly rockets rained down from the sky, striking the Changelings and killing most of them.

"What was that?" Galaxy said.

"WHAT WAS THAT?" a Changeling yelled to the commander.

"I don't know!" replied the commander. Just then the plane responsible for the attack flew overhead.

"Wasn't that that one..."

"FUCKIN' TURNCOAT!" the commander yelled.

"Destroying a village, then plotting to kill it's inhabitants. I don't know if it was you Chrissy or Sombra who gave the OK for that, but I will not stand for it!" yelled the unicorn piloting the SU-33 as she turned and fired her remaining rockets at the army, killing the rest of them. She then turned towards the approaching bombers and switched to her air to air missiles.

"Aircraft approaching from twelve o' clock," one of the pilots announced.

"Roger. It's one of our mercenaries," the commander replied. Almost instantly they got lock warnings.

"What the... EVADE!" 

The changeling pilots started maneuvering, but both missiles found their targets.

"Sidewinder Three and Eight are down!"

"What's going on?" one pilot asked.

"I'm stopping you from killing innocent civilians. That's what."

The commander's eyes got big.

"Sunset?"

"No shit Sherlock," she replied as she raked another with her cannon.

The Changeling squadron tried to run, but the Frogfoots were no match for the Flanker.

"Sidewinder One to control! We have a loose cannon situation! Sunset Shimmer is..AAAAAH!" the radio went dead.

One by one she picked off the bombers. Shortly after gunning the last one down, she got locked onto. A pair of MiG-29's had shown up.

"Not gonna' work," she said as she broke their lock and got behind one of them. His wing Changeling tried to help, but she got him with a heat seeker. She then hit the brakes and got behind the other.

"Why are you doing this Blaze?" the pilot asked.

"I didn't like the idea of this war to begin with, but I went along anyway because I needed the money. Now you decide to kill civilians and burn down their villages. I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT!" she yelled as she got a lock and fired her last heat seeker, bringing him down. 

She passed over the village again before turning for the Griffin Empire, where most mercenaries were based including her until she joined the Changeling Kingdom. AA changeling controller got on the radio.

"Sunset! You have betrayed us! You are hereby marked for death!"

"Like I give a rats ass," she replied. "Tell you what. Give this message to your two leaders. I don't know which of you two shits gave the order, but allowing your forces to willfully destroy civilians and their villages is a direct violation of the Gryphus Convention, and is absolutely despicable. Not only have you lost a mercenary, you've gained an enemy. And I will do my best to ruin your plans from now on. And if I hear about more villages being attacked, I will bomb your worthless asses personally!" and she changed frequencies.

She finally entered Griffin airspace and began to relax. She looked at a picture of her and another pony standing next to a red Legion of Discord J-20.

"I wish you were here to help me with this Venom."

Back at the village, Sundance and Galaxy were still shocked by what had happened. A few other villagers had shown up and were collecting whatever Changeling weapons hadn't been destroyed in the attack.

"What country was that plane with?" Galaxy asked.

"That wasn't from a country. It definitely looked like a mercenary," replied Sundance.

"Well whoever it was they saved us. So now what do we do? We're homeless."

"We'll rebuild. We still have the caves for now," replied Sundance. Galaxy asked one more thing.

"You think Nightshade will be OK?" 

"She'll be fine. She has more strength than anypony I've known." 

------------------------

Gryphus
Capital of the Griffin Empire 
May 29 2023
12:13 hours.

Sunset Shimmer was having lunch at a restaurant that had the ceremonies going on at the castle of the Crystal Empire. She watched knowing though it was a miniscule amount, she had helped bring the end of the war by foiling some Changeling attacks, and bombing some of thier infrastructure. At first her actions came out of her own pocket, but she soon found some other mercenaries who were receiving funding from Equestria and the displaced Crystal Empire to do clandestine operations, and joined them.

She was almost finished with her eggs when something on the TV caught her ear.

"Nightshade. You may have betrayed your country in......"

She turned suddenly and saw the live feed of Princess Cadance putting medals around the neck of a wheelchair bound Nightshade. She gasped and just watched.

After it was over she paid for her meal, leaving some of it behind, and sprinted out the door. She headed back to her apartment and proceeded to load some belongings in her saddle bag. She then headed for the the portion of the Griffin Empire's main airbase where her plane and those of other mercenaries were stationed. A few other mercenaries watched her put her bags in the plane and have a ground crew come over and prepare it for flight.

"What's the rush?" A Griffin mercenary asked.

"I just saw a ghost in the Crystal Empire, and I need to go meet her," she replied.

"Uh, OK," replied the Griffin.

20 minutes later she was airborne and headed for the Crystal Empire. She registered as a private civilian flight as per the rules for mercenaries. She again looked at the picture.

"I thought you were dead. Everyone did. How did you manage to rejoin their air force? Guess I'll find out soon."

--------------------

Main Hospital
Gracemareia
Crystal Empire
May 30 2023
14:25 hours 

Though her condition had improved, Nightshade was still staying at the hospital for a few more days, but would soon be moving to a house temporarily while she went through rehab. She had been visited by tons of ponies and others, ranging from friends to reporters and politicians. She had just got done visiting with Black Widow when the nurse announced another friend.

"Send them in," she said to the nurse. The pony walked in, and there was silence. Finally after a minute of staring one of them spoke.

"So you aren't a ghost."

"So that was you."

They stared for a few seconds, then Sunset smiled.

"Looks like we have a lot of catching up to do."
> Extra Chapter - #18 - Wolfpack
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gryphus AFB
Gryphus, Griffon Empire
May 15 2023
18:12 hours.

Sunset Shimmer had launched 2 different attacks on Changeling forces after she quit working for them over the incident with the village. She enjoyed doing it, but it was quickly draining her bank account.

Her plane was now parked in a hangar at one end of  the sprawling Gryphus airbase where the majority of mercenaries flying out of the Griffon Empire were stationed. She was busy stenciling two more kill stars on the side of her SU-33 when a Griffon mercenary walked over.

"Hey are you still set on fighting the Changelings by yourself?" he asked.

"Yes Redwing. Why?" 

"Well it looks like a chance to get paid for doing it has come up," he replied. Sunset was surprised.

"I'm listening."

Apparently the exiled Crystal Empire along with Equestria is looking for mercenary help in doing some clandestine ops inside the Changeling's country. There's a meeting tonight in hangar two. Me and several others are going."

"I am there," she replied as she finished with the stars.

-------------------

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
21:00 hours.

Sunset arrived and found Redwing there along with two more Griffons, a Pegasus, three dogs, and two bat ponies.

"Well well well if it isn't Blaze," one dog said. "Still flying for the insects?"

"Nope. They have me marked for death now," she replied.

"Oooooh you're the one who did that," an off white pegasus with light yellow mane said.

"Very noble of you. I can't believe they did such a blatant violation of our Gryphus Convention Treaty," a female Griffon said. 

"I can't either. I don't know if they were acting alone or under orders. Doesn't matter though because they're all dead," Sunset replied, opening a can of pop.

"Right on. I've got a brother somewhere in Gracemareia that I'm worried about," commented one of the bat ponies.

A short time later the door opened, and a pair of ponies walked in and went over to the table that was set up.

"Wow more than I expected," a pale green unicorn said. The other pony; a pale yellow earth one, then spoke.

"Greetings. We are with the Equestria Intelligence Agency. We can't give you our names, so call me 'Candymare' and her 'Harpy'. Anything discussed here cannot be disclosed to anyone outside of this group."

Harpy took over.

"I'm sure you know what's going on in the Crystal Empire, and as an ally we are aiding them in any way possible, including clandestine operations within the Changeling Kingdom. One thing our military can't do yet is launch visible attacks on the Changeling country itself. So we are turning to our special ops and mercenaries for this."

Candymare took over.

"Which is why we are here. We want to hire you to launch airstrikes inside their country, and disrupt their operations in the Crystal Empire. Though we're arranging it, it is them you are working for, which is what you will tell the Changelings should you get caught."

That comment caused a bit of stirring among the group. Harpy continued.

"We will cover the cost of all weapons, fuel, and repairs along with your pay. We will also arrange your weapons loadouts depending on your mission."

"So what is our pay?" Redwing asked.

"Twenty percent over the average rate," replied Candymare, which caused some more stirring.

"Count me in," the Pegasus said.

"Let's do it," replied one of the dogs. everyone else also agreed.

"Great.We'll take down your info and you'll bee good to go in a day," Harpy replied.

"By chance has any of you worked for the Changelings before?" the earth pony asked. Everyone turned to look at Sunset Shimmer, who had a sheepish smile on her face.

"I did up until a few days ago," she replied. "I did something that kiiiinda' pissed them off."

"You're the one who attacked the Changelings at Kurain?" Harpy asked.

"Yep. I did a couple of other self funded missions after that," she replied.

"Nice. Any intelligence about their operations you have would be valuable. And don't worry about using your own bits anymore, we've got you covered," replied Candymare. "Now what do you have for planes?" 

The group gave them the rundown. Sunset's  SU-33 was the newest. Redwing had a J-10, the female Griffon a Mirage 2000, and the third Griffon a Harrier. One dog had an F-4E, and the others older MiG's. The two bat ponies had F-16C's. Finally Helia had a Tomcat. 

"Wow that's gonna' be a fun group to get weapons for. If the worst happens and you lose your plane we have reserve ones we'll bring in," Harpy said.

"We also need a name for all of you that we can use," commented Candymare.

"How about the Wardogs?" the short dog said.

"There's already a couple of squadrons with that name," commented the other bat pony. "How about 'The Midnighters'?"

"Too bad Razgriz is already taken," the Pegasus said.

"I don't know. How about 'Wolfpack" since we are going to be hunting in a pack?" Sunset said.

"I like it," replied Redwing.

"No complaints here," replied the tallest dog. Everyone agreed it sounded good.

"Very well. You will be known as Wolfpack in communications and documents," replied Harpy. "We'll see you tomorrow." And they left.

"So how are we going to do this? Do we stay DE-centralized or pick a leader?" the other male Griffon said.

"We definitely need a leader. And I think Sunset fits the bill," the female Griffon said with a smile. Sunset was shocked.

"Whoa, Serana I don't think I'm leader material," she replied.

"I think you are.I mean look at what you did. You saw an injustice and acted on your own to correct it, then made your own plans to further deal with it. One pony going against an entire military, Serana replied." The others nodded their heads. Sunset was taken back by it. When she was with the Legion of Discord's air force she was always a wing pony. 

"O-Oh. Well if you want me to be one, then I guess I will," she replied. 

And with that the mercenary group "Wolfpack" was born.

----------------
Name-callsign-plane

Sunset - Blaze - SU-33
Helia - Blossom - F-14B
Redwing - Stryker - J-10
Serana - Siren - Mirage 2000-5 Mk. 2
Alvinar - Cobra - AV-8B
Rover -  K' Dog - F-4E
Fido - Cruncher - MiG-23MLD
Spot - Rot - MiG-21-97 
Shadow - Syxx - F-16C
Nightglider - Scanner - F-16C

------------------

Hangar 2
Gryphus AFB
May 17  2023
09:00 hours

The team showed up for their first mission briefing by Harpy. They sat down at a table in a side room of the hangar.

"OK pilots, here's your first mission." and Harpy turned on a laptop connected to a projector.

"The Changelings are getting ready to send a massive convoy of supplies into the Crystal Empire. They are currently staged about 20 miles from the border in the kingdom," and she pointed to the area on the map.

"Resistance should be fairly light since they aren't expecting any attacks. You will fly into the Crystal Empire Northeast of Prairie City, then turn Northeast to head into the Changeling Kingdom. You have to do it like this instead of going straight for it as mercenaries flying in from this country to attack would cause major problems for the Griffons. 
You will have to fly lower than 200 feet to beat their radar until you reach the target. Once you get picked up on radar you can bet the resistance won't be light anymore, so destroy your targets and get out of there, going back the same way you came in."

Harpy took a drink of water, then continued. 

" So here's your assignments. Sunset, Redwing, Serana, Spot; you will be set up for air to air for cover. The rest of you will handle the bombing with air to air engagements as secondary. Any questions?"

Fido spoke up.

"Couldn't we just bomb the bridge over the river and cut them off?" he asked.

"We considered it, but it would also prevent the Changelings from leaving the Empire should they choose to pull out so we have no plans to destroy it. Intel shows some anti aircraft installations around it so you'll want to stay away from it on the way in and out," she replied. 

"How about other anti aircraft installations?" Nightglider asked.

"There's not many around there because all mobile ones have been moved into the Empire. There are a couple of SA-2 sites North of the bridge so keep on alert," Harpy replied. "Any more questions?" No one spoke up so she ended the briefing.

"OK that's it. Good luck Wolfpack."

-------------------

West of Prairie City
Crystal Empire
13:32 hours.

"OK everyone drop below 200 and head into the Empire," Sunset announced.

"Are they sure there isn't any anti aircraft in that area?" Spot asked.

"Yeah there's nothing. Equestria has the top intelligence agency in the world," replied Sunset. "Just keep alert inside their country."

Soon they crossed the border into the Empire, and almost instantly got a radar spike.

"What's that?" Alvinar said in a startled voice.

"IFF is showing it's Equestrian," replied Redwing. Normally their IFF's would squak the codes for mercenaries, but they had been changed to Crystal Empire ones to show who they were working for.

"Lunar Republic fighter squadron 8 to Crystal Empire aircraft. State your intentions." 

"CE flight lead to Equestria Squadron: Wolfpack is on the prowl," replied Sunset. After a period of silence, the pilot came back on.

"Roger Wolfpack lead. Good hunting."

"I didn't think there were any Equestrian squadrons flying this far east yet," Helia said.

"The NLR 8th squadron is F-35's, so they're no doubt doing some strikes deep behind enemy lines," replied Redwing.

"So that's what we say when we get contacted by them? How do they know?" Spot asked.

"Yep. You think they wouldn't tell their own forces about us?" Sunset replied.

"Uh no I guess not," he replied.

"OK it's time to head Northeast," Sunset announced. And the group made a turn towards the  bridge, at which point they would fly straight East down the road.

"19 miles," she announced.

"I'm getting a faint radar spike,"  Redwing said.

"Hmmm. Let's jink South a bit. Might be a Crystal Empire SAM the changelings took over," Sunset replied. They changed their course and the spike disappeared. Their new course would take them to the road just East of the bridge.

"Eleven miles to the target. Split up and get ready," Sunset said, and they divided into their two groups and turned to head down the road.

"Look!" yelled Fido. In the distance they could see the convoy coming up the road.

"Dammit they're already moving," commented Nightglider.

"K Dog and Cruncher bomb them!" replied Sunset. The two dogs pulled ahead and got in a line. Rover dropped his bombs first followed by Fido, destroying 12 trucks and bringing the convoy to a grinding halt.

"Got Em'!" Rover exclaimed.

"They know we're here now so engage at will and get ready for air responses," replied Sunset.

Alvinar flew down the road too launching rocket after rocket, destroying even more trucks. Soon they were at the staging area where the rest of the trucks were still bottled up.

"Cluster time Nightglider," Sunset said.

"I'm going in," he replied. He had to break out of the dive though when some anti aircraft guns opened up on him.

"Watch out there's two ZSU's down there," he announced.

"I'm on them," replied Shadow. He locked onto them with his Mavericks and fired, taking both of them out.

Then there was more bad news.

"We've got ten bandits inbound from the East," announced Serana.

"OK Nightglider and the rest of you with bombs finish up, then come and join us," announced Sunset. And her and the others flew off to intercept the bandits. It didn't take long for them to get within missile range.

"Light em' up," Sunset said, and her Redwing and Serana locked their long range missiles onto the approaching planes. Spot's missiles had shorter a range so he had to wait. The mix of Adder, MICA, and  PL-12'sdropped from the planes and sped off. Spot finally fired his two Apex's when the aircraft got in range, leaving him with  Archers and Aphids. The group succeeded in shooting down four of them.

"Time to get up close and personal," Redwing said, and the four split up to engage the Changelings.

"MiG-29's. Shouldn't be too hard," Spot said as he turned to get on the tail of one.

"For us. It's a different story with you," replied Serana.  Despite the remark from her, he managed to stay on the tail of the Changeling long enough to lock an Archer onto him and fire. The MiG-dodged it with flares, but Spot launched another as soon as the flares stopped dropping from the plane, and the MiG wasn't able to dodge it.

"That's a kill for me!" Spot said happily.

Sunset got on the wing commander's six, and despite several Cobra and braking moves, she got him with an Archer also.

Redwing dived on a third in time to watch it shoot an Archer at Spot, who flew by to it's right.

"Yikes!" he yelled as he dropped flares and turned hard, shaking the heat seeker.

"Remember their Archers can look sideways like ours can," Redwing said. Shortly afterwards he got the MiG with his cannon.

The rest of the group showed up, and now the remaining three Changelings were hopelessly outnumbered.

"Turkey shoot!" Shadow yelled. The MiG's tried to run, but he got one With a Sidewinder, and shortly afterwards Serana and Rover ran the other two down, killing them with heat seekers.

"That looks like it. Let's blow this joint," Sunset announced. And they turned and headed for the Crystal Empire. Unfortunately because they changed position they were heading for a SAM site now.

"Shit SAMS!" Alvinar yelled. 

"Evade! Any of you still have bombs?" Sunset asked. 

"I have a couple left," replied Alvinar.

"And I've got two Mavericks I didn't need," replied Shadow.

"Get em' then," she replied. They dodged four of the SA-2's, and then pressed home the attack. Shadow took out the command center and radar with his Mavericks, and Alvinar dropped his last two  clusters on the site, destroying the two SA-2's that hadn't launched. The rest of the group strafed the remaining launchers.

"Nice one guys! Now let's get out of here," Sunset exclaimed. A short time later they crossed back into the Crystal Empire and turned Southwest, entering the Griffon Empire shortly afterwards.

"Crystal Empire aircraft state your business," a Griffon controller announced.

"This is Wolfpack returning to the den," replied Sunset.

"Roger. Welcome back," replied the controller. And the group returned to Gryphus.

------------------

Gryphus AFB Hangar 2 
Griffin Empire
19:00 hours.

The group assembled in the hangar for the debriefing by the two EIA mares. Harpy spoke first.

"We have assessed the damage. Congrats on taking out the convoy. This will definitely be a blow to them."

Candymane then spoke.

"Your performance was excellent. We will definitely have more missions for you soon. In the meantime your payments will be in your bank before sunset tomorrow," she said. After going over a few things the duo left.

"I think we've got something here," Shadow said.

"Yeah. I kind of like being in a group for a change," commented Rover.

"I don't think we could ever get up to the level of those other mercenary groups like the Razgriz and the Eighty Eights, but we could make a name for ourselves," added Alvinar.

"And I'd be the leader?" Sunset said with a smile.

"I think you proved you are with this mission," replied Redwing.

Sunset laughed. "Well just call me the alpha wolf then."

"Let's get out of here. The cider's on me," Helia said. 

---------------------

Main Hospital
Gracemareia
Crystal Empire
May 30 2023
21:22 hours. 

"And that's how I became the leader of a group of mercenaries," Sunset told Nightshade. "We did six more missions before they pulled the plug. Altogether we shot down around 42 aircraft and destroyed who knows how many vehicles and armor. It did a nice job of fattening our bank accounts."

"Nice. I knew you had it in you from what I saw while we were with the LoD," replied Nightshade. "So why did they stop it?"

"They were kind of forced to. As you probably know there were Changeling spies in Equestria including the EIA. And right after our last mission one found out about us and blabbed it to their leaders, including the fact we were flying out of the Griffon Empire. They threatened the Griffon president about it, but once he asked about the blatant violation of the Gryphus Convention Treaty they did they shut up pretty fast, and the Griffons told Equestria they didn't have to stop it," Sunset said. "They went ahead and shut down the operation though just in case, and because so much progress had been made in the war. That's also the reason I'm talking to you about it. It was a highly covert operation. The only ones who knew about it were us, the Equestrian and Crystal Empire governments, the Griffon president, and Equestria special ops."

"Wow. So did they find out who gave the order to destroy my village?" Nightshade asked.

"The Griffons and Equestria investigated it, and it looks like it was just a rouge commander. Further digging revealed he had a deep hatred of ponies. I still think Sombra was involved," replied Sunset.

"Well my wing commander took care of him. He became chum for sharks," Nightshade replied, taking a drink of water afterwards.

"Still have a way with words eh?" cracked Sunset.

"Wait til' I tell you about that Changeling radio show I called into," replied Nightshade. "So how did you get an SU-33? That's a pretty new plane for mercenaries."

"It's a former LoD one and well... Let's just say both LoD and Griffon records show it was shot down," she replied with a wink. "That's where most of the pilots in the group got their planes from too."

"So what are you going to do now?" Nightshade asked.

"Well it's safe to say we won't be doing any work for the Changelings. Both Equestria and the Crystal Empire have us on speed dial though, and that still leaves everywhere else. Saddle Arabia is starting to have trouble with one of it's neighbors so that's a possibility." Then Sunset asked a big question.

"Since you have your own plane now; I don't suppose you would be interested in joining would you?"

Nightshade thought about it for a few seconds.

"As much as I'd love to, I've pretty much have my entire family back now and I'm welcome in this country again, so I'm content with being in the air force," she replied.

"I figured you would be. The invitation will always be open if you change your mind."

It was time for Sunset to leave due to the hospital visitation hours being almost up.

"Once you are back to full health, I wouldn't mind doing a 1 V 1 to see if you still have it," Sunset said, giving Nightshade a hug.

"Anytime Blaze," replied Nightshade.