//------------------------------//
// Chapter IV: We Few 
// Story: Nightmare Team: New Blade 
// by Ser_Galahad 
//------------------------------//

Oh my gosh!Oh my gosh!Oh my GOSH!	
Twilight was overjoyed. In fact she was practically giddy. She wanted to jump and dance, and as little as she cared for act, hug someone.  Her biggest dream and driving desire for the past 8 years had just been achieved. What else could she want to do? Ever since Shining Armor had come home all those years ago in his dress uniform she had wanted nothing more then to pin on her own set of officer ranks. To be counted among those honored heroes, to be given the responsibility to lead, to know that she was repaying her country for everything that she had been lucky enough to have. Now she had it.
Only her strength of will, the thoroughness of her training, and insurmountable desire to not make a fool of herself in front of a princess and a Captain of the Guard held her in place. It did, however, nothing to keep the manic grin from starting to grow on her face. The smile seemed to be infectious as Princess Luna reciprocated the expression.
"As the newest addition to my unit I believe that there are a few in processing actions that are necessary," Princess Luna began. "We need to have the captain here introduce you to the rest of the team. Then we need to get you to the armory so that we can get you some properly geared for missions. Then Captain Hunter can show you to your room so that you can settle in and move the rest of your belongings to the castle."
Captain Hunter nodded. "I would prefer to go to the armory first and get you changed into some Lunar Guard uniforms first, but the armory is towords the back of the facility and we are bound to run into the rest of the team between here and there."
The captain eyed Twilight and the Day Guard style cadet uniform that she was still wearing. "Admittedly, I want to get you changed because, as I have informed your brother multiple times, I think the Day Guard uniform looks ridiculous. So many flashy colors. To be honest I always felt ours looked sharper." He shrugged.
The princess looked to Twilight and gave a small roll of her eyes. "Ever since they were both promoted to Captain, both your brother and Midnight here have been in a foalish rivalry over who has the better unit."
This elicited a bit of a giggle from Twilight before she spoke up. "Fret not Captain Hunter! You have new reinforcements in this war with my brother."
Breaking into a grin of his own Captain Hunter cheered, "Outstanding! You'll fit right in." before facing his princess. "You do always have a knack for selecting the best fitting ponies for the team."
"In the name of my sister, what have I done. Apparently I have developed a team of highly trained foals," commented Luna with a bemused shake of the head. "Perhaps you should start the introductions while we search out the rest of the team," She stated looking at the captain and gesturing for the trio to start walking back down the hallway.
Stepping into stride, Captain Hunter began talking.
"Well Twilight, as you know I am Midnight Hunter, Captain of the Lunar Guard. I am also the field commander for Nightmare team. As you will learn all the members of the team use call signs in the field and often in casual conversation. Mine is 'Orion'."
Twilight's ears perked up at this. "Wait, you named yourself after the constellation? That's so cool!"
Captain Hunter turned his left shoulder to Twilight so that she could get a clear view of his constellation shaped personal crest. "Well, given the name and the crest I felt it was a fitting call sign to go by."
Making their way back into the main lobby Twilight asked, "So I know you are in command of the unit under Princess Luna, but other then that what do you do?"
"I'm the field commander for any ops we do. The position in the team is known as "Watchtower". Generally I will be flying above any zone of operation getting a god's eye view. From there I give communication relay, mission directives, and just generally control the flow of the unit. Also If need be I can provide some distance fire support with my riffle," Hunter explained.
"So you must be a pretty good shot?" Twilight asked.
"Best shot I've ever seen with a riffle," commented Princess Luna causing the captain to shake his head a little.
"I'll admit I'm above average, but most of that comes from being a sniper and aerial fire support for the team when It was still being commanded by Captain Nightshade before he was killed." Captain Hunter said. "Captain Nightshade was actually our former Shadow-walker, the position that you fill now."
Twilight had heard that position title earlier when Princess Luna had made her offer, but she still did not know what it fully meant.
"So what exactly does a Shadow-walker do?" she asked.
"I'll be able to explain it better latter after you are settled in and I can start to train you." replied Hunter.
The group made their way past the desk where Nights Watch sat. Taking notice that it looked like Twilight had accepted to join Nights watch gave her an approving nod that again made Twilight smile.
Princess Luna pointed to the stairs that led down below and spoke up, "So down there is where the contingency of Lunar Guard intel analyst work. They are our eyes and ears staying alert to try and warn us when something big looks like it's developing."
"So then what happened with Canterlot? Why did you not know that was going to happen?" Twilight asked perhaps a little harsher then she intend, but the events were still raw in her mind.
The princess did not shy away from the pointed questions. "We are still trying to figure that out, we knew something was coming and it was going to be Canterlot. Short of that we were in the dark as well, and that bothers both me and the boys downstairs quite a lot." 
Twilight looked away slightly ashamed. "Sorry Princess. I didn't mean to accuse you of being derelict of duty. I just get so angry when I think of that day and how many people I failed to save."
A midnight wing reached out and wrapped itself around Twilight. "I take no insult from you Ms. Sparkle. It would be incorrect for you to not feel for those that have fallen," the princess stated in a hushed tone. "It means that there is good in your heart. Do not let it fade."
Twilight looked into the face of the taller alicorn and nodded.
Captain Hunter respectfully cleared his throat in an attempt to get the tour back onto its intended course.
"Yes Captain Hunter you are correct we should continue. By your lead." Princess Luna stepped back into stride with the field commander.
Hunter walked to the set of doors located under the large unit crest. After holding the door open for the Twilight and the princess to pass through, he followed suit. 
They had entered into what Twilight could only assume was a lounge or common area. There were various scattered lounge chairs and couches.  On the left hand side was a poker table, and a clearly well used pool table with a rack of ques lined up. A portable whiteboard still had the marks of what looked like a running count of wins between "Honesty" and "Rainboom" with "Rainboom" ahead by two wins. To her right was a rather large and elaborate looking chess board. It was the size of a dinner table and much to large for it to played normally. It also had no pieces upon it, only two gems on either side. One was white amethyst and the other was black obsidian. Likely it was powered by magic. Down the center was a set of bookshelves, one side full of military manuals, tactics books, combat history texts, and mechanical reports. The other side was brimming with fiction ranging from Science-Fiction to tales of Dareing Doo.
Not what I would call a proper library but at least they have books. I'll need to add a section for magical theory.
Twilight then took notice of a set of doors that lined the walls. Two to the left, two to the right, and another set of double doors on the far side across from her.
Twilight's examination of the room however was cut slightly short as the Lunar Captain growled and crossed his arms. He then started to make his way towards a cyan mass garbed in an olive drab flight suit. The mass was sprawled out on a plush couch, fast asleep, an empty cider bottle clutched in its hand.
Walking quitly to the sleeping mare that the mass turned out to be, the captain leaned down close to one of the pony's ears. He lifted a section of rainbow streaked mane so that he could be heard clearly before he started a loud whisper.
"Oh Sergeant Dash, wakey wakey."
The blue mare started to stir a little to the voice in her ear, groaning about 5 more minutes.
The captain continued his whisper, "Now Sergeant, it's time to wake and..." the captain suddenly shifted from a whispered tone to a full yell that would have made the most stone-hearted Drill Instructor smile with appreciation, "EXPLAIN TO MY WHY IN ALL SMOLDERING HELL YOU ARE DRUNKENLY PASSED PUT IN MY COMMON LOUNGE!"
"Bwah!" was all verbal response given as the mare jolted awake and took flight into the air. The cyan pegasus with the rainbow mane suddenly seem to take accord to what was going on and rushed back to the ground to land at the position of attention. 
"Captain Hunter, permission to speak freely. I would like to explain," Sergeant Dash spoke hastily. 
"Go on. This one had best be good, or at least better then the one you gave me last week," The captain replied with a smoldering glare and crossed arms.
"Sir, I was not drunk. I mearly was enjoying the one bottle of cider that I won from Honesty in our last game. I then fell asleep because I was tired from running close air support for the 501st out on the Dragon Lines all day," the Mare stated with some steel to her voice.
"Be that as it may, Why were you passed out in my lounge?" replied the none too pleased commander.
The chastisement went on for about a minute. Twilight looked on trying to comprehend the situation. Luna however crossed her arms and only let out a small chuckle and a bemused shake of her head.
"Umm, Princess? What exactly is going on?" Twilight asked turning with a confused look to face Luna.
Another chuckle escaped Luna's lips. "Oh this is a weekly occurrence. Sergeant Dash here is an outstanding combat flyer, but when she is away from battle she tends to fall a bit on the more lackadaisical side. This is much to the irking of our dear captain as he does tend to love his military discipline and she is supposed to be his aerial partner on missions. Even with her having a bit of a maverick side she is a pure iceman when the bullets fly. I also know that despite how much he chastises her,  Midnight would want no other pony in the teams Topgun role."
"I see," replied Twilight in a manner that didn't even convince herself. She turned back to the captain and the flyer.
"...now you will polish all of the gear in the armory tonight. Is that understood?" huffed the disgruntled officer.
"Yes, Sir!" replied the duly chastised mare.
Captain Hunter returned to his normal calmer tone. "Good. Now I would like you to come here and meet our new team member."
Sgt. Dash blinked a few times before looking over and finally registering that there were other ponies in the room as well.
"Wait! You mean that I'm not the FNG anymore? Outstanding!" she exclaimed.
"Correct, but she still outranks you. Sgt Dash meet Lt. Sparkle."
"Psh. Figures,"Dash harrumphed. 
Dash walked up to Twilight and stuck out a hand. Up close Twilight was able to take in the mare in front of her. She was much shorter then Twilight making her well below average, even for mares. She was also quite thin, not scrawny, but lean and streamlined. Like the mare that had pulled the revolver on her above, Dash also wore aviator sunglasses. These however had reflective lenses and were tinted to the same color blue as the coat of the mare that wore them. A velcro patch of the Nightmare team crest was affixed to her left shoulder, and on her left was a personal crest of a rainbow lightning bolt striking from a cloud
"Hows it going L.T.?" Dash asked with a lopsided grin. "The name's Sgt. Rainbow Dash, but I go by the call sign Rainboom."
Shaking the proffered hand , Twilight introduced herself as well.
"So, I've been told you're a good flyer and the team's Topgun. What does that position do?" Twilight asked.
"You were told wrong." Rainboom replied quickly.
"But how? I was told that by Princess Luna here," Twilight inquired.
"I'm not a good flyer. I'm the best flyer. I suggest you remember that." Rainbow's grin grew sideways smile grew a little more smug. 
A bit cocky if you ask me.
"As for being Topgun, I'm the main air support for the team. Need enemy air taken care of, an LZ cleared, or a strafing run, it's me that does it. I also perform the quick extraction maneuvers if we need to."
"Well I guess that makes sense. If your part of the Nightmares why were you flying support for the 501st? Aren't they a regular Day Guard infantry unit?" asked Twilight.
"They got some good flyers in the Day Guard, but the Wonderbolts can only do so much. Princess Luna sometimes loans me out when we arn't running an op here. So you the new Shadow-walker? You better not try anything shady, I'll be watching you."
What the hell does that mean?
Dash either missed Twilight's perplexed look, or just chose to ignore it.
"I guess I better got the armory before Orion blows another gasket on me," Rainbow Dash said with a glance over her shoulder at the captain.
With that Twilight watched Rainboom turn around and walk through the set of double doors on the far wall. A concerned look of confusion marred Twilight's face. She looked between the two other ponies still in the room with her. A shadow had crossed over their eyes.
It was Captain Hunter that spoke up first.
"We had a previous member, that we thought could be trusted turn on us, it's probably what has led to both the outbursts from Dash and Shimmer. Unfortunately you might have an upward fight to be fully accepted by everyone."
Well that's less then desirable.
Twilight cast a dejected look. "Well I guess I should meet the rest of the team so that I can start weathering the storm now before we have to work a mission together."
"I concur," Princess Luna replied. "The rest of the team is probably further into the base. Let's proceed."
The trio set off again passing through the common room following the previous path of Sgt. Dash through the double doors.
Twilight surveyed the new room she was in. It was another large open room but unlike the previous room that was clearly meant for relaxing, This was set up for physical training. All around the edges were racks for free weights, calisthenics equipment, and muscle training machines. In the center of it all was a large sparring ring. The training room was no where near as large as the one that Twilight had used so often with her brother, but for the size of the unit stationed here, it was more then adequate. To the right was a set of doors labeled as "Engineering Lab", another set across the room from Twilight proclaimed the room beyond was used for "Live Fire Training", and a final set of doors held the label of "Staging Area".
The sound of grunting drew Twilight's attention to an earth pony working over a heavy bag. The stallion was dressed in a gray t-shirt with the unit crest on the back and a pair of running shorts, but Twilight could see he was the same dark blue shade as the captain that stood to her right. He was also well muscled and he wore his jet black mane cut short and slicked back. Twilight had never been enraptured with stallions, unlike many of her class mates had been in her younger years, but she had to admit that he was an impressive specimen.
The stallion stopped his workout when he noticed that he was no longer alone. Pulling off his gloves he made his way around the equipment to where Twilight and the other two stood. 
"Good evening Princess, you look lovely as always. Good evening Captain. And a special good evening to you miss! My name is Bulwark. To whom do I owe this lovely honor?" Bulwarks works came out as smooth and as suave as fresh silk. He reached out a hand to Twilight. 
"I'm Twilight Sparkle. I guess it's Lt. Twilight Sparkle now." Twilight replied a bit of a hitched to her speech.
When she went to shake Bulwark's extended hand she found that he raised her hand up to his lips and kissed it like in the fairy tale books she had read as a filly. Her ears started to burn a little and she felt a bit of a blush creep along her cheeks.
Is he really the chivalrous type or just a smooth talker?
"Alright Warrant Officer you can stand down," Captain Hunter interjected. "Despite the uniform she is currently wearing, Lt. Sparkle is not some liaison from the Day Guard for you to woo. She is our new Shadow-walker."
I guess I can add play boy to his potential monikers.
"Ah, Wonderful! Welcome to the team. I guess if you're going to be one of us you can call me Lazarus. It's my field call sign but around here we tend to use our call signs just as often as our real names. I'm the teams "Lifeline" or field medic when we go on group missions."	
Twilight was about to speak again before the doors to the Engineering Lab burst open. The hinges seemed to strain to counter the force that had thrust open the doors. This burst of action was followed by the sound of a voice roared out.
"Lazarus, you no-good bootlicker! Did you go stealin' mah damn copper tubin' again?!
The voice emanated from a rather tall, blond maned, orange coated, green eyed, earth pony mare. She marched down the walkway to the muscled stallion with the fury of a country storm. Stopping directly in front of him and fixed him with a furious stare. 
Even compared with the bulk of the stallion in front of her, this new mare also appeared to have well developed muscle tone. Unlike the stallion dressed in work out attire, the mare was dressed in a dark blue mechanics jumpsuit with a series of oil stains on it. A tan stetson hat sat atop her head the Nightmare crest was stitched into the the front.
Bulwark turned to face the furious mare with a charmer's smile plastered on his face. 
"And if I did? What would you do about it Honesty?"
The orange earth pony jabbed a finger into his face. "Normally Ah'd say Ah'd beat the pretty out of your face, but you ain't got much to spare!"
The stallion just chuckled and rubbed a hand through his hair. "Oh just relax will you. If you must know I took it to finish my still. Besides you know I'll pay you back sooner or later. Besides Hotlips, I might even invite you to the Med Bay for a drink when it's finished."
So, smooth talking playboy it is.
At the name "Hotlips" a fire caught light deep in Honesty's eyes. Captain Hunter face-palmed as Princess Luna simultaneously started to rub the bridge of her nose between two fingers like a frustrated mother.
The orange mare thrust her thumb over her shoulder towards the sparring ring.
"Get yer ass in there now," she growled at Lazarus.
"I see I stepped over the line again," Bulwark said with a sigh as he started to walking to the ring and stretching his arms.
The mare took her hat and placed on a bench near the ring before un-zipping her jumpsuit half-way to reveal a white undershirt that was also spotted with oil. She tied the sleeves around her waist to hold the suit in place then steeped into the ring as well.
"You know, If you wanted to wrestle with me this bad you could have just invited me into that lab of yours and we could have done this in private." Lazarus said with a sly wink.
The captain, face still in his hand, started to shake his head and uttered, "Boy, you really are just playing with fire."
Twilight turned to the Princess and asked, "Umm...should we do something to break them up?"
Luna just shook her head. 
"No, no. we just need to let them work it out themselves. Otherwise both my doctor and engineer just walk away worse off then If we don't interfere."
"But what if one of them gets hurt?" Twilight asked, slightly worried.
Captain Hunter finally raised his head from his hand and gave a little chuckle before he responded to Twilight's question.
"You don't need to worry about that. This is more an issue of a standing rivalry between the two. They booth grew up good friends in Appleoosa before Lazarus went off to Manehatten to go to medical school. That's where he picked up 'A no good city-slicker swagger' as Honesty puts it."
Twilight looked on as the two earth ponies traded a few blows. It looked no more intense then her training matches with Shining. In fact if she hadn't seen the argument that led to the bout Twilight would have just assumed it was a sparring match. A few minutes latter the fight was over with no real winner. Both walked out of the ring glistening with sweat and rubbing soar spots.
Donning her stetson again Honesty turned to Bulwark and started talking, "Now you best take that less'n to heart. And you best be using that still o' yours to make proper
cider this time and not that watery swill you call liquor or I'll need to bring you back here and give you another good whippin'." 
Bulwark grabbed a workout towel from a near-by bench and started to wipe his face down.
"Yeah, yeah what ever you say AJ, and my still makes real gin not that moonshine you take too. Anyways I'm heading to the shower." He made his way to the doors that led back to the common lounge. "Have a nice night ladies. Captain."
With that he was gone. Honesty then walked over to the group.
"Princess I'm sorry about starting that, but he had it coming. He's been pilfering small items from my shop to work on his little 'side project'."
"It's alright Apple Jack, but don't let this rivalry of yours effect field ops do you understand me?" the princess scolded.
" 'Course ma'am. We would never risk a mission over our petty problems." Honesty replied.
"Good. Now I would like you to meet Lt. Twilight Sparkle. She is going to be our replacement Shadow-walker.Twilight this is Warrant Officer Apple Jack. She is our the team's 'Sapper'," Luna introduced the two ponies.
Twilight stuck out her hand to shake. An action that Apple Jack reciprocated with a a rather firm grip.
"Good to meet ya' L.T. To be honest I'm glad we're finally gettin' back to full strength. Hard to run missions when you're down the main role. By the way, most ponies call me AJ, or use my call sign Honesty" Apple Jack said with a genuine smile.
"So you're a combat engineer? Why the full shop then?" asked Twilight.
"Well shake mah leg most ponies got no idea what a sapper is. As fer the lab Princess Luna gives be free rein to work on various projects that look to have benefit to the Guard,"  answered AJ. 
"Really? What kind of projects do you work on?" asked Twilight curious to have found another pony in the unit that might be into science and engineering like herself.
"Well at the moment Ah'm tryin' to develop an armored up cart that can move on its own with out needin' to be pushed. Only trouble is the current design is just too damn heavy to not just be a sittin' target in the field. It also handles like a stubborn mule." AJ said with some consternation.
Fascinating!
"You mean that big monster of a noise machine I see you pushing to and from outside the castle walls?" asked Captain Hunter with a raised eyebrow.
"Aye, Sir. The very same one." Honesty confirmed with a note of pride for her lumbering behemoth.
An idea struck Twilight. Well actually about a dozen had hit her after hearing about the problems with the design. This was the main one though that she had to follow first to carry out the other ones. 
"Would you mind if I came around the shop after I get settled to help you work out the kinks? I got my major in magical theory, but I also got a few minors in engineering and physics too," Twilight asked. She was actually a little giddy about the idea of working in an actual engineering lab and not just the old broom closet she had turned into a workstation back at the school.
Another smile crossed  Apple Jack's face.
"That actually sounds down right perfect. It's been mostly me with just a little bit o' help from Wolf. A second brain to bounce ideas off of would be just as useful as the second set o' hands. Speakin' o' which I should probably be making my way back there now. I left some tools on when Ah saw mah copper done skedaddled, but feel free to come around any time you can."
With that and a wave AJ made her way back to her workshop to go take care of her tools.
"I do believe that you would have made a good fit for the Sapper position if it had been open," Luna commented.  "I also believe that we are about to hear twice the number of explosions and curses flying from that shop in the future." She shrugged.
"So you've met our Watchtower in myself, Rainboom our Topgun, Lazarus our Lifeline, and Honesty, our Sapper," listed off Captain Hunter. "The only one left is Wolf, our Gunslinger."
"I'm pretty sure I already met her. Or at least I got more intimate with the barrel of that Colt .45 revolver then I wanted to be," Twilight deflected.
At this Luna perked up. "You mean to tell me that Sunset pulled Eclipse on you? When?"
"Well, right when I showed up." Twilight said a little meekly.
The captain gave a little chuckle. "Wasn't just Eclipse. She whipped out Daydream too."
"And why pray-tell did my protegee feel the need to draw aim on Twilight?" Luna asked Midnight.
It however was Twilight that answered. "Well I was kind of just lurking around upstairs and I guess I just ran into her on patrol. I really can't blame her for not trusting my intentions."
Luna sighed. "Be that as it may, I still feel the need to talk to her about drawing iron first and asking questions later. At least on an individual in our sister services uniform."
At that moment a bat pony with a pair of glasses and a slightly lighter toned coat then Nights Watch's walked into the training room.
"Princess Luna, Captain Hunter, the boys and I think we may have finally pieced together some  information on what went down with Canterlot. Would you like a briefing?"
"Captain Hunter would you mind taking that. I would like to finish in processing Lt. Sparkle. I'll come by and get the information afterwords unless you think there is something important that needs to be brought up to the team then come get me," Luna said looking at Midnight. 
"Will do Princess," Captain Hunter replied. Then turning back to the other bat he said, "Alright Foresight let's go see what you all have managed to turn up."
With that the two bats walked back thorough the door that led to the common lounge, and likely off to the stairs that would take them to the intelligence monitoring section of the base.
Luna started to walk towards the door that would take them to the staging area and the armory. 
"If you would please follow me Twilight I would like to take you to the armory. Perhaps we will catch Sunset on her way in the back method, but in any case I have one last thing that I need to show you."
Twilight fell into step beside the princess and said, "If you don't mind me asking Princess what is it?"
Pushing through the doors Luna made here way to a pony sized vault style door that had the label "ARMORY" spray painted in bold red letters.
"What I have for you is in here," Luna said.
They entered the vault door. The armory looked like just that. An armory. Against one wall there were a set of lockers for each of team members with their call signs and positions labeled on them. Another wall had a supply of LDU's, a selection of body armors, and other various clothing items for use in the field. Finally there was a wall with racked firearms of various types, along with ammo for all of them. 
Twilight found that the armory was however, already occupied by two other ponies. The first was Rainboom in the process of buffing a set of LDU boots. The second was the flame haired mare from above, Shimmer. 
She was sitting on a bench in front of her locker stripping and cleaning her handguns. She at some point had removed her sunglasses and stored them in an inner pocket of her duster.
"Good evening Princess. I hope your night is well." Sunset said as she finished polishing her revolver.
"Ah, good. I was hoping to find you here Sunset and it is indeed. Sgt. Dash would you mind leaving. I will inform the captain that you completed your punishment. Next time you wish to nap simply go to your room."
With a bit of a blush Rainbow got up from where she had been polishing and walked in the direction of the door.
"Thank you ma'am." Then she was gone.
Luna looked back to Sunset. "I have been told that you two have met already."
Sunset lit her horn and reassembled her stripped 1911 faster then Twilight had ever seen done. Sunset then stood and holstered both guns beneath her duster.
"You are correct Princess. I found Ms. Sparkle here walking around upstairs before I found out who she was and what she was doing here. I assume that by the fact that she is still here and that you are showing her the armory that she has been offered and accepted a position."
"She has indeed. She will be our new Shadow-walker," confirmed Luna.
Sunset let out a low breath. "I see. Princess may I speak freely?"
"You know that you of all ponies always have that freedom with me." Luna answered.
With her permission Shimmer continued. "I mean no disrespect to you-" she nodded at Twilight,"-but I don't believe that she is ready."
"I know that I'm not as experienced, but what makes you think I can't handle this job? I have skills that I have honed for years even if they have only been battle tested once in anger."
Sunset looked into Twilight's eyes before responding
"I don't know if you have the mentality for this work. You heard the story from Princess Luna. Even with the help of a team to support you, the work we do taxes the soul. That is where I'm not sure you are ready."
"That is why you are her partner." the Princess replied. "Between Captain Hunter and yourself I was hoping that you could lead her down the correct path and assist her in avoiding the mistakes that I made in the past. There are no ponies that I trust more with this then you two."
"Very well. I will do what I can, but the stress of this life can get to anyone if you are not vigilant." With that Sunset walked up to Twilight and stuck out her hand.
"I suppose I should formally introduce myself in some manner other then down the barrel of Eclipse here," she said patting her side with her other hand.
Twilight, for the fourth time tonight, took the offered hand and shook it.
Sunset continued, "My name's Sunset Shimmer. I also go by the call sign Wolf. I'm our Gunslinger and your partner on all infiltration missions. So for the sake of my life I best get you up to speed on how we operate before our next mission comes in."
Twilight responded by introducing herself, "Twilight Sparkle. Don't have a call sign yet. I do although have a few questions for you."
"Shoot away," Sunset said.
"First why Wolf? Second why the sunglasses at night?" Twilight asked.
"The first one's personal and you haven't earned that yet. Second one I'll give you because most ponies don't stay that observant with a pair of .45's in their face. I love my glasses, but as you can guess, we operated mostly at night. So I enchanted them to enhance low level moon and starlight. Now when I wear them at night I get just as good of night vision as any bat pony or diamond dog."
Damn, that's actually a really smart idea.
Princess Luna spoke up at that point, "I'm glad that this is starting to work better for you two, but I do need to get Twilight her gift."
"Gift? What gift?" Twilight asked a bit confused. It wasn't a holiday as far as she could remember.
"Twilight, on top of basic equipment I give each member of the team a special item to aid them. Captain Hunter has his enhanced scope that operates beyond the bounds of a normal scope. Rainbow Dash has a flight helmet that enhances her visual processing allowing her to make full use of her speed. Bulwark was given a medic's kit that will never be depleted of the essentials.  Apple Jack was given her hat that reduces the effect of concussion waves as well as other adverse effects that comes with operating too close to live explosives. Sunset was given Eclipse. Now it is your turn."
Luna walked towards the stored clothing and withdrew a black and gray mottled cloak. On the left shoulder was Twilight's personal crest of stars and the right was the crest of the Nightmare team. The princess handed the cloak to Twilight.
"I know you are not one for physical weapons so I provide you with this. This is known as a shadow cloak. It is a combination of rare materials and a powerful enchantment. When you wear it normally it will look like any other black and gray cloak, but with a thought it can take the color and pattern of what ever surrounds you. With enough skill you can effectively hide in plain sight anywhere. However it works best in dark locations hence its name."
"OH WOW!" was Twilight's response. She could think of no better gift then this for working as part of a clandestine unit that operated at night.
"And now Twilight it is time to choose you're call sign," Luna said
"Choose wisely for this will be you're operational name for all missions," Sunset interjected before Twilight could respond.
Even with the warning Twilight knew there was only one name for her to choose. It was the name that defined how she fought, the things that she was proud of, and her relationship to her family.
"Spellblade," Twilight answered with confidence in her tone.
"Then it shall be," replied the princess, and with a wave of her midnight hand the name appeared under her name on the locker against the far wall.
It was then that Captain Hunter walked out of a shadow in the corner as if he had been there the entire time. Even for this being the third time that Twilight had seen a pony traverse shadows she could not tell how it was being done. The captain was not even a unicorn.
"You need to teach me how to do that!" Twilight exclaimed. 
He wore a grim expression on his face. It was cold and hard like he was suppressing the emotion that he wanted to unleash. 
"I will, but not now."
He looked to the Princess with that same cold look. 
"You said to inform you if the information I learned was important."
"I did," replied Luna.
His hands were slowly clenching into and out of fists as if he wanted to hit something. His lip had a slight twitch to it. A cold sweat seem to drip from his brow. His breathing seemed somehow hollow. 
"Would you classify the escape of Raven Cain as important?"