“WHAT? That isn’t fair, Rainbow Dash.”
“Oh Cloud Kicker, don’t be so upset.” Rainbow Dash looked uncomfortably off to her left, out the office window. They were in the weather teams HQ, a small cloud office space floating a short flight east from Ponyville. “It’s only for a short time, and Thunderlane is more than happy to cover your shifts while you’re gone.”
Cloud Kicker was beyond upset. She was beyond mad. She was furious. She had thought that she was going to be getting good news, could have been the storms were dying down, perhaps Swift Greywing Flash, Dust Devil or Cloudchaser would be getting out of the hospital, or maybe even that she herself was getting a promotion. But no. She was going to have to play foal-sitter.
“Rainbow, come on. I’ve been working my flank off this month, what with the rise in the number of storms rolling out of Everfree and half the other storm chasers out of commission, plus the Summer Sun Festival just around the corner. Now suddenly I’ve been reassigned to escorting some rookies to Horseton for training. You can’t tell me that the chief actually believes this is an effective use of my time.”
“Look, Cloud. I offered to go instead of you, but the chief wants you to do it. He believes you would be the bes...” But she was cut off by Cloud Kicker thunder-stomping on the floor in frustration.
“It’s so insulting. I wouldn’t stand for leaving normally, but Thunderlane. Add salt to my wound why don’t you, That lazy windbag barely knows his cumulonimbus from generic cumulous. How’s he ever going to handle storm duty?”
“He’s more experienced then you give him credit for. Though he can be lazy, that’s why Starburst will be helping him. But, aside from that, I know you’ve been dying for a chance to show off for the rookies.”
“Hey I’ll admit I love to see rookies jaws drop, but we both know you are the showmare of us two. I don’t want them under hoof all day everyday. But, Thunderlane, he loves showing off more then the both of us. And the recruits seem to like him.”
Cloud Kicker could tell her logic was working on Rainbow Dash. After all, why else would Rainbow Dash put her hoof to her mouth. If she continued she might yet convince Rainbow to let her stay. Then lameo Thunderlane could take her place on that dumb mission. She was about to suggest as much when she was cut off by a raspy low voice.
“Enough, Cloud Kicker.” The voice belonged to a once-bright red pegasus with a wrinkly stern expression on his slightly leathery face.
“But Rain Barrel, I …” Cloud Kicker had protested without thinking. However Rain Barrel’s expression killed her protest. “Sorry chief”
Rain Barrel shook his head as his expression softened slightly, causing his mane to shift from side to side. His mane had more grey than yellow in it, as if under attack from youth rather than age and his wing feathers seemed sort of tattered. Despite this the barrel full of water on his flank was still very clear as if it had brightened with age.
“Now, what’s the hubbub, fillies?” Inquired Rain Barrel, as he sat stiffly.
Cloud Kicker stared at her hooves, unsure as what to say. Rainbow Dash, having no such qualms, spoke up for her.
“It seems that Cloud Kicker doesn’t want to take the rookies to Horseton.”
“I see,” Rain Barrel sighed. Cloud Kicker continued to examine her hooves.
“Rainbow Dash, please head out and begin putting Thunderlane and Starburst through a crash course for their temp positions. I’ll talk things over with miss stubborn here. “
Rainbow Dash saluted and flew off is a flash. This left Cloud Kicker alone with the chief. It was uncomfortably quiet. Why was this happening now?, pondered Cloud Kicker. Hadn’t she proved her worth? She was at least better than Thunderlane, wasn’t she? Stupid Thunderlane always getting in the way.
“You can stop muttering now miss Kicker.” Rain Barrel chuckled. Cloud Kicker blushed. “So you are not fond of your new assignment. Or so I’ve heard, as did half the rest of Equestria, I’d wager.”
“Sorry, chief.” Cloud Kicker’s blush was so bad that here normally lavender face was a decidedly dark purple hue. “I just don’t like the idea of being brushed off so casually to go foal-sit some rookies while a stuck up colt takes my place.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing?’
“Well, yes.” Cloud Kicker conceded. Rain Barrel began to laugh. It was a hearty laugh with years have practice, strong and free.
“I’m sorry, Miss Kicker. But do you have any idea how much I brag about you to the other district chiefs? Between Rainbow Dash, Cloudchaser and you, I’m never out of stories.”
“But, then why have me leave?” Cloud Kicker inquired as Rain Barrel calmed down.
“Honestly, I believe you’re the best choice to take the rookies.They need someone who can help them through. I believe you lead well, when you keep your emotions in check.”
“Lead huh?” Cloud Kicker placed her hoof on her chin in though.” Leader sounded good. “Well which rookies are going?”
“Well most stated they wanted to stay and wait for Greywing Flash to get better.” Rain Barrel mused. “Though honestly we can’t really have may leave. I believe in the end only Spectrum and Sandstorm signed up. Though even with just two, those two will keep you busy.”
“Well, why not have Greywing Flash travel down with them.” Cloud Kicker posed. “I know his right wing is messed up, but he could catch a chariot. Then a few more rokies could go . Plus when he’s better he would make a better aid for them then I ever be, being the Swift and all.”
“No!” The stern expression had returned to the chief's face. He seemed to age along with its appearance, getting greyer everywhere. His wrinkles deepened with the tension in his face. Blinking back to reality, he sighed. “Sorry.”
“What’s the matter Rain Barrel? You look quite ill.
“I have bad news. I intended to tell you all as a group tomorrow during briefing.” Rain Barrel rubbed his eyes with his hooves. Cloud Kicker suddenly realized how very tired the chief looked today. There were large circles under his eyes and he swayed slightly even as he sat. “It seems that Greywing Flash is grounded. Permanently.”
“No.” Cloud Kicker gasped. “Sir I’m so sorry. He was your good friend.”
“No sympathy needed” Rain Barrel waved his hoof before him as he spoke. “I have not lost a friend. He is still around, and honestly he spoke of retiring soon anyway. Though it is a forced retirement now. That aside, Greywing is officially done. What do you suppose that means, Cloud Kicker?”
“Hmm” She thought for a moment. “No Swift I guess. Wait!”
“That’s right. We’ve lost our Swift. And without a certified Swift, all new recruits have to go to Horseton to receive advanced training.” Rain Barrel locked eyes with Cloud Kicker and an understanding passed between them. The chief’s brown eyes smiled when the message was received. “Now you understand why I’m sending you along.”
“But,” Cloud Kicker fought for an excuse. She didn’t want to go back. It was the real reason she had been so upset at the suggestion. “Um, I opted out of the Swift program to uh to come help with the Winter Wrap up that year.”
“And that’s why you are a perfect candidate. You have all the training and now several years of experience on top.”
“Um, but, the uh course material must have changed. Yeah, I’d have to start over.”
“No concerns there,” Rain Barrel smiled. “I’ve sent ahead for help, and they will let you have some time to catch up with changes before the exam.”
“But, catch up, that could be hard?”
“No worries young mare. They are providing a tutor to help you.”
“Tutor?”
“Yes, now where did I put that scroll?” Rain Barrel groaned and walked over to his desk.
As Rain Barrel rooted through his desk, Cloud Kicker began to fret. Things were looking bad. At this rate she would have no choice but to return. After all, she owed it to old Greywing for all the help he’d given her over the years. But school; in Horseton. The training had been rough, but fun. No the training was nothing. It was the shame. She would be going back after being the first drop out in Swift Academy history. What, if she ran into old, professors, or worse, old classmates.
“Ok, calm down girl.” Cloud Kicker was so nervous she didn’t realise she had begun talking out loud. “Everything will be fine. I can go back and pass the test no problem. No one who knew me before will still be around.”
“Ah here it is...” Rain barrel said, unrolling the missive onto his desk.
“Right,” She had begun feeling better, but was oblivious to the world. “ So I will do this. No matter…”
“Swift Chill Breeze.” Rain Barrel stated.
`... what.?..” Cloud Kicker had frozen at the sound of that name.
“He’ll be your tutor. Please pay attention.” Rain Barrel chuckled. “He even left you a special note on here.”
Cloud Kicker spun slowly, the color draining so much she seemed almost white. after an eternity of crossing the floor she took the letter and skimmed for the “special message”. She found it near the bottom of the page in easily recognisable wing script. A short simple message that made her faint dead away.
Hey thunder-flank ;D See you soon. Chilly.