Beigh ran though his equipment list to make certain he had everything he needed. In addition to his armor and weapons, he was responsible for an extra bundle of medical supplies that would be needed. Lives would depend on him and his equipment functioning without any flaws, a fact of which he was well aware. The last thing he wanted was to forget something.
The Ponyville corps had become frenzied with activity as soon as the orders to mobilize had come down. Wild rumors were being told and retold, becoming more outlandish every time they swept through the ranks like an unchecked wild-fire. One told him that Manehattan was under attack. Another said that Cloudsdale had been destroyed. The most incredible tale was that the Crystal Empire had been seized. Beigh was now no stranger to these sorts of outrageous stories circulating before a battle. Though they made him nervous, he knew full well that most, if not all of them, lacked any truth.
"Hey," Duster called out as he approached.
The stallion was already geared up.
"Which column will you be in?" Duster asked.
"The third one, you?"
"First, on the far left," Duster replied.
"Well, maybe we'll run into each other," Beigh said nervously. The thought of battle was still frightening to him, but he at least knew what to expect.
"You'd better hope not," Duster said with a stern look. "If our lines get that tangled it'll be a wonder if any of us survive."
"Eh, well, yeah. I guess..."
Duster shook his head and slapped Beigh on the shoulder, "See you when we both get back."
Beigh nodded; a lump had formed in his throat. The final check of his own gear completed, he quickly joined up with his squad in time for a briefing. General Brax stood atop a small box to make himself seen by the two divisions that had been assembled.
“Good afternoon,” the general spoke with his back to sun, late in the day as it progressed toward the horizon. “Normally I would give more information than I’ll be able to today. Our mission objective is classified for the moment, but suffice it to say that any rumors you have heard about cities falling or massive attacks are false. We are going on the offensive tonight.”
Whispers shot through the ranks, and officers silenced their subordinates. Beigh said nothing, but wondered how much more they could push themselves than they had been. The round-the-clock attacks hadn’t stopped, and everypony had been on edge repelling them.
“I know you’re all tired,” General Brax continued, “but the fact that we are going on an offensive can only mean that we have an opportunity to deal a crippling blow to the enemy, perhaps for the first time since our princesses sacrificed themselves to destroy the Everfree Forest. I’m counting on each of you to give me everything you’ve got. Mount up to fly in five minutes. That is all.”
Talking burst out like a flood from a breached dam.
“You heard the stallion,” Sergeant Emerald Dream began, “Lock harnesses together and prepare for liftoff!”
“I am ready!” Starbright sang as a small shower of fireworks crackled from his horn, “Ready to kick some changeling tail!”
Beigh heard himself laugh nervously, but he felt weak and sick at the same time. He felt the clasp on his harness click together on his back.
“I’ve got you,” Ruby Red announced.
Beigh nodded in confirmation as she tugged against the harness, but he said nothing. He noticed his lieutenant, LD, mechanically shouting to his sergeants to confirm that the platoon was ready, a process echoed hundreds of times across both divisions. Unlike the other lieutenants, LD did it with absolutely no emotion.
Then came the order for liftoff.
As the ground fell away and the noise of tens of thousands of wings filled the air, Beigh felt himself go completely limp. Defending a town was one thing, but the thought of open combat had stolen the medic’s resolve. He tried to muster enough strength to at least hold a facade together, but Beigh was no longer convinced that he could make anypony else believe that he wasn't terrified.