Crystal Snow, former commander of Sombra’s Eastern Imperial Army, now stood before a small trial where princesses Cadence and Twilight tried to figure out what to do. They couldn’t just hand her back, but keeping the Major was easier said than done. She was an enemy commander, so the prisoners of war would no doubt rally behind her if she asked them to.
The two finally came to a decision. “Major Snow, if we were to request that you join our own ranks as comrade, friend, and family,-” Twilight glanced at Crimson, who stood to the side- “would you be willing to accept? Considering that the ponies you and those under your command told us of Sombra’s mining operations, we are willing to make it one of our priorities in an offensive campaign to relieve the families affected by it.” Cadence asked.
The Crystal Earth pony was taken slightly aback by the offer. Becoming a turncoat? There was no honor whatsoever in a traitor’s words, no matter the situation, the assurance, the truth in their eyes. It was an issue that she swore never to come across. But, in the light of the Princess of Friendship’s eyes, Cadence’s voice, and the concern spread across her cousin’s face, she knew it would difficult, if not impossible, to make this decision.
“If you would allow me, Princesses, I would prefer a couple days to consider your offer. Changing sides is a grave matter.”
“Very well.” Twilight’s voice was almost full of relief. Relief that the mare actually took things like this seriously. “We’ll give you until this Thursday. Remember, there is no dishonor in turning down the offer.”
“Thank you, Princess. Rest assured that I will have the answer you seek by then.” Crystal Snow walked out of the Ponyville Town Hall escorted by two Equestrian soldiers. Looking sideways at their faces, she could’ve sworn these guys were the same one that originally took her prisoner.
In the building, Crimson didn’t believe she would accept. No member of the Crystal Army would turn coat if they wanted their families to live. Twilight agreed with him, and so did Cadence, but they wanted her to have the option anyway. But if Crystal Snow did join them, they would hold to their promise of bringing her family out of the Crystal Empire.
Afterwards, it was off to some pretty slice-of-life stuff, at least when compared to being under siege. Cider season was coming to a close over at Sweet Apple Acres, and Applejack had reserved quite a few barrels for the Equestrian army. She originally planned on sending them to Manehattan, but kept the cider when she learned that the army was coming to town. Applejack would hoof it over when they arrived. Also, Rainbow Dash was recruiting a few local Pegasi to be Wonderbolts. Crimson smiled when he remembered only Celestia had the authority to authorize something like that, but Rainbow was a Wonderbolt.
Among those recruited was a grey wall-eyed mare. The mailpony didn’t start with high coordination, but steadily improved over time. That made sense; practice makes perfect, and the mare, nicknamed Derpy, had joined Rainbow last week. Still, watching her be coached by the blue Pegasus proved to be quite entertaining. The successful sessions, which were next to none, gave Rainbow that glimmer of hope she needed to continue training Derpy.
Today’s training was over Sweet Apple Acres. It was quite convenient timing as well, considering Crimson and Twilight arrived right as it was beginning. The colonel resisted the urge to show off his own flying skills, acquired from battle against the Dominion. But after Twilight’s friendly teasing, he placed his saddlepack on the ground using his robotic left wing and took off.
Crimson was at Rainbow and Derpy’s height in less than six seconds. He had flapped his wings only twice, reaching the low altitude of thirty meters. His speed impressed even Rainbow, and she instantly challenged him to a race right then, from there to Twilight’s castle. Crimson accepted.
Soon, the two were in front of the barn. Crimson was still on the ground, donning his gear, which Rainbow thought was completely unnecessary. He didn’t have to make it so that she would easily. But as he finished and flew to her, just over the barn, Crimson’s eyes shot open wider than somepony who just woke up from a nightmare.