Skybird's debacle at the Wonderbolts Academy had a terrible impact on Skybird. She had several nightmares the following night. She felt sad, powerless, guilty and worthless. She was so distraught that she even cried during her sleep.
The early light of sunrise entered her room window, waking her up. She felt very tired even though she had slept the whole night. She looked at the sun with one eye half closed and then fell back to sleep. It was noon and Skybird was still sleeping in her bed, filled with sadness. She didn't move a single muscle outside her bed for the rest of the day. When night came, Skybird slept even more deeply, struggling against those nightmares.
The nightmares were terrible. She dwelled on her failures, blaming herself for what happened in the past, how she wasn't the strong pony she had promised her mother, how she was the most scaredy pony in Equestria. She had failed her family and her friends. She wanted to save ponies, yet couldn't even save herself. Tears kept rolling down her cheeks the entire night. She hugged her pillow like if it was her mother, the mother that Skybird now feared had let down.
She ended up waking up when Dante went into Skybird's room and started to fly in circles above her, chirping loudly. Skybird still laid on her bed. Her mane was a complete mess, with hairs all over her face, leaving only a small space for her eyes to perceive Dante. She opened her eye very slowly and looked up the room. She noticed Dante for a second and closed it immediately. Dante insisted, chirping louder and louder for her to wake up. She opened her eye a second time.
"Will you shut up..." She scolded almost without any energy to speak.
But Dante didn't give up so easily and flew past her.
Skybird groaned. "What do you want?... Why can't you let me sleep?!" Skybird yelled aggressively as she sat up on her bed.
Dante hovered in mid-air in front of her and began chirping.
"You want to eat some more?? Oh, don't lie to me! You have food for a whole week!" She said annoyed, lying on her bed again.
Dante grabbed one of her wings with his claws and tried to push her out of her bed.
"Let me be!" Skybird yelled, flapping her wing at him.
Dante insisted and jumped on the bed, chirping aggressively.
"If I don't get out of bed you're gonna call Auntie? Ha! Like if she could understand you!" She said with arrogance.
Dante chirped interrogatively.
"No, I won't!" She insisted, turning herself and facing her pillow.
Then Dante flew away angrily.
"Ugh, finally!..." Skybird said, quickly falling asleep.
Skybird fell asleep once more. She began dreaming about herself and her mother in one of those flower fields back when she was a filly, playing and dancing together.
"I love you so much, Mommy!" said the young Skybird.
"I love you too, my little birdie," replied Sunflower, petting her daughter's head.
"Mommy! When I grow up, I want to become strong and help everypony, and also help you with your disease! I'll find a cure, I promise!"
Sunflower was smiling at her proudly, when all of the sudden dark, thunderous clouds covered the sky, heavy rain began to pour down.
"Come, little birdie, let’s find some shelter.”
Skybird followed her mother but everything got darker and darker. Then she saw a dove on the ground trembling with cold. Skybird picked her up with her wings and went to her mother.
"Look, mommy! I found this poor dove, she feels cold. Isn't she cute?"
Sunflower smiled at Skybird. "She's very cute, little birdie."
When Skybird looked back at the dove, instead of the dove there was a dagger covered in blood. Skybird was shocked! Amidst the shock, her ears caught her mother's voice filled with agony.
"Why you did this to me, Skybird?"
Skybird looked at her mother, she lied on the floor with a big cut on her stomach.
"I thought you loved me, little birdie! Why did you do this to me? Why did you kill me??"
Skybird dropped the dagger, paralysed in shock and fear. And...
And Skybird woke up panting as if she had just ran a dozen miles. It was just a nightmare, albeit a horrible one. She was shaken, her hooves trembled. When she finally realized it was a nightmare she burst into tears, biting her pillow as hard as she could in anguish.
Merry Berry burst into her room and saw Skybird in a terrible state.
"What's wrong, little birdie?!" Merry Berry rarely treated Skybird by "Little birdie", only when the situation was serious. She sat next to her and pet her messy mane to calm her down.
"I... I... I killed her!" Skybird was filled with guilt as she said those words, tears falling from her face. Merry Berry already knew what she was talking about.
"No, little birdie... You saved her," she said softly. "I mean it".
"I... I..."
Skybird couldn't say anything, the only thing she could do was sob even louder. Merry Berry hugged her and kept petting her until she calmed down. Skybird kept crying for half an hour. Only after Skybird had finally calmed down did Merry Berry decide to talk about why her nightmare.
"What happened, honey?"
"I'm... I'm a failure!" Skybird said, trying to wipe her eyes with her hoof.
"Skybird, you're not a failure. What makes you think that?"
"Well, there's Mom... I didn't save her in time. Every job that I've applied for ended in rejection, and the few jobs that I manage to get I end up screwing things up.... I've failed you all: You, Mom, Anna Belle, Fleur..." She couldn't take her sad eyes from looking down. "I... I don't think I deserve to live anymore..."
Merry Berry sighed, smiled and held Skybird's hoof. "Skybird, look at me. You didn't fail me. You didn't failed anypony." Her tone, however, changed quickly to stern. "And don't you ever say something like that again! You can't just throw your life away like that. Let the past stay in the past. One can't control every single aspect of his or her life, there are things that we can't just control." Her tone eased again. "It's like they say: stuff happens."
"But I screwed up at the postal service and at the Wonderbolts academy, I was in control of both situations..."
"Well, if you ask me, I believe that you, as you put it, 'screwed up' solely because of the situation itself, not because of some negligent decision or because of mean-spirited behaviour from your part." Merry Berry brushed Skybird's mane with her hoof. "I've always known you as a sweet and kind pony with a heart of gold, not some mean pony that harmed others for her own benefit." She paused. "Now will you please get out of this bed?"
"I... I just can't, Auntie," Skybird replied, avoiding Merry Berry's gaze.
"How long have you been in bed?"
"I... don't remember...." Skybird said, feeling ashamed.
"Have you eaten properly at least?" Merry Berry asked with her serious tone.
"Yes... well, kinda..."
Merry Berry was getting upset. "Skybird!... Look me in the eyes: have you or have you not eaten yesterday?"
Skybird looked at Merry Berry in fear. She finally confessed in one quick exhaling. "No, I haven't..."
Merry Berry sighed, worried about Skybird's health. "You wait here, I'm gonna make you a nice bowl of soup. You'll like it, you'll see."
"Auntie, you don't have to..."
Merry Berry was getting angry. "Skybird! You haven't eaten a whole day! You need to eat something!" She dashed to the kitchen and fixed something for Skybird.
Another couple of days passed. Skybird remained in her bed, looking pensive most of the time, always staring at her bedroom window. She looked at it wishing things changed somehow, even though she didn't really know what she wanted. And even after the talk Merry Berry had had with her, she still felt worthless.
Merry Berry was very worried about her; she had never seen her like this before. She looked so depressed… Sunflower never had such problems. A number of questions raced through Merry Berry’s mind. What could have affected Skybird so deeply? Did Captain Spitfire go too hard on her? Did something happen that got her expelled from the Wonderbolts Academy? Not even Skybird herself knew what was wrong with her.
Skybird heard a knock at the window. When she turned her head she was surprised to see Fleur right outside the window. She immediately opened the window and let her friend inside.
"So... rumor has that some mare is dealing with some serious problems,” Fleur said half joking.
"I... I'm..." Skybird coughed. "I'm sorry, Fleur... I’ve let you down..." she said with a sad voice. Her gaze never left her bed. “I have failed you. I've been kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy because of things I said out on a whim and..."
"Shh-shh-shh…" Fleur softly interrupted her, gently putting a hoof in Skybird’s mouth. "You didn’t fail anypony. The Wonderbolts were my fillyhood dream, not yours. I'm the one who should apologize."
"Uh?" Skybird was perplexed by her friend's statement.
"I put too much pressure on you. I forced you into doing something you’d never do on your own. Whatever happened at the Academy, I bet you did the right thing... Unless, of course, you've traumatized another city or something similar…" Fleur said as she chuckled. Skybird returned a small smile. "Now come on, let's go! We have to get you out of that bed.”
"But where are we going?" Skybird asked, feeling confused and startled at the sudden change of events.
"I know a place where you can relax and get your mind off things!”
"The only place I’ll be able to rest is at the graveyard…" Skybird said in a very grim tone.
Fleur gulped at such a grim response, but she insisted. "Holy hoof! Aren’t we pessimist today? Come on, trust me, it will be fun!" She then took Skybird by her hoof.
“I can’t… I’m too scared to go outside! And I don't want to!" Skybird protested.
"Come on! Nopony’s going to hurt you! And if they do, consider me your bodyguard for the day," Fleur said winking at Skybird and putting her hoof on her chest.
Skybird sighed. "Fine, I’ll go…"
Fleur squealed in utter excitement. “Awesome! Now let’s go! It's not far from here!"
Skybird closed her eyes, took a deep breath and followed her friend. She felt weird and powerless as she left her house.
They headed to Ponyville and began strolling down the street. Skybird failed to pay any attention to what Fleur was saying. Her mind was somewhere else until something terrifying caught her eye: dark, dense smoke rising from somewhere not far from their location.
"Sweet Celestia!” Skybird shouted in distress “Look, there’s a fire nearby! We have to do something!"
Fleur widened her eyes in astonishment. "Darn hooves, Skybird, how long you have you been locked up in that room? Aren’t you aware of recent events?”
Skybird put her hoof on her head. "Argh, I can’t even remember how long I’ve been in bed… But… You mean it’s not a fire?”
Fleur let out a laugh. "No, silly! That’s not wildfire smoke, it’s from a train!” She then gave Skybird a mischievous look. “Let me ask you this: how much do you know about trains?"
"What?" Skybird raised an eyebrow at such a basic question. "That’s common knowledge: the train locomotive is pulled by six machinists on railway tracks."
"Well, it certainly used to be like that.” Fleur couldn’t contain her excitement. “But there has been a technological innovation: trains are no longer moved by strong horses, they’re moved by a STEAM ENGINE!"
"A steam engine??” Skybird was baffled. “What on Equestria is that?!”
"Well... erm... How to explain it... You see, you throw wood or coal into this metallic chamber, ignite them, the fire then heats the boiler and the surrounding water, the water turns into steam… Which then moves… the train...” Fleur looked at Skybird, who was even more baffled than before. “Look, I'm not an expert. What matters is that trains can now move by themselves! And that smoke you just saw originates from the train’s exhaust chimney. Although I’m not sure if it's smoke or just steam… Anyway you got the point! Come!"
"Is there anything else that happened while I was at home?"
"Well... Let me see... There's some crazy hooves happening at Canterlot lately, something about politics, but I'm not sure what.” Fleur took Skybird's hoof. “Now come, let's take good care of you."
They finally reached their destination, but it didn’t look relaxing at all to Skybird, like she suspected from the start. Fleur had taken her to Ponyville's Day Spa, one of the places where she had gone for a job application. Skybird felt really uncomfortable and stopped on her tracks.
"I don't think I can go in there, Fleur..."
"Why not?" Fleur was surprised by Skybird’s reaction.
"I... I’ve been here before. Not long ago I came here to apply for a job offer, but they never called me back. I feel... uncomfortable," Skybird said, feeling very embarrassed.
Fleur, positive as always, smiled at her. "I, for one, I think this is a good opportunity to face your fears. You can either live in fear or choose to face them. Don’t tell me we came this far only for you to give up at the finish line without even trying?!”
Skybird felt ashamed at letting fear take control of her, just like it had always been her whole life. But Fleur wasn’t going to give up on her friend so easily.
“You don't have to go through it all by yourself. I'll be there for you," Fleur reassured Skybird as she offered her hoof. Skybird looked in her eyes and realized how serious Fleur was, she really meant it. Skybird agreed and took her hoof, both entering the Spa.
The twins from the Spa joyfully greeted them. "Welcome to Ponyville Day Spa! What can we do for you toda-“ Their expressions suddenly turning serious when they realized Skybird was with Fleur. “Oh, it is you..."
"Now hold on a minute!" Fleur raised her voice in anger. "Is that how you treat your customers?! She's with me! If you have any problems with her, you'll have to deal with me!"
The twins immediately stepped back. "Oh, Miss Fleur! We're truly sorry. We didn't realize this mare was with you. Please accept our deepest apologies."
In a rare, brief moment of bravery, Skybird decided to speak to the twins.
"I’d like to take this opportunity and ask you about my job application. I’m still waiting for an answer.” Fleur was gladly surprised at her friend’s assertiveness.
The twins looked at each other troubled at the situation. The blue twin spoke first. “Ehm... Well, you see, we've been very busy lately and our staff has been seriously overworked. But it’s only temporary, our current staff is sufficient the moment.”
Skybird was not impressed with that explanation and glared at them. "If I remember correctly, this new staff of yours wasn’t here last time..."
"Oh!... That’s because they were... on vacation! Yes, that’s it! They were on vacation..." said the pink twin with a fake smile, hoping her excuse would stick.
Skybird wasn’t fooled by the pink twin’s lame excuse, yet she remained silent as she gave her the stink eye.
The blue twin turned to Fleur. "So, Miss Fleur, what can we do for you today? The usual, I suppose?"
"Hoof right! We'll start with the sauna," Fleur exclaimed enthusiastically.
"By all means,” the blue twin said in relief, “the sauna is available right now. I'll go get you some towels."
A few minutes later, Fleur and Skybird were in the sauna. Fleur was sitting in her typical chilling fashion. Skybird, on the other hoof, was too uncomfortable with the extreme heat, flapping her wings like a folding fan to cool herself.
"Ponies actually pay for this?" Skybird asked in disbelief, wondering why ponies would like to submit themselves to such extreme conditions.
"It's your first sauna, you'll get used to it. You’ll grow to like it, you’ll see,” Fleur replied in complete relaxation.
"I don’t think so. I don't like feeling this light-headed from all this heat… Uff... I can't even breathe properly. Not to mention it kinda smells in here…”
"Smell? It’s the natural scent of the sauna: the smell of wood and steam!"
"How long do we have to stay in here?" Skybird said feeling impatient.
"But we've only been here for, like, two minutes!"
"And that’s more than enough for me."
"Alright, then. Five more minutes and we’ll leave..." Fleur replied feeling a bit disappointed.
"So why did you start going to the Spa? This obviously isn't your first time here."
“Well, there are no Spa’s in Cloudsdale, plus I needed to spend my bits somewhere…”
"How’s everything at Cloudsdale’s postal service?"
"Oh, just fine. There haven’t been any important changes. But we do now have new no-fly zones added to our routes, not only for us but for all Pegasi. If you’re caught flying on those zones you might even get arrested."
"Wow... That's sounds serious."
"Yeah... From what I've heard, since last week things have been a bit hectic all over Equestria, but I don’t know for sure. The only thing that matters to me is my mail delivery and nothing more.”
Skybird began to ponder to herself. “So many things have changed since the last time I was outside... How long has it actually been? Was it really four days? And how can so many things change in so little time?”
After the sauna, Fleur and Skybird went to the swimming pool.
"EEEEK!!" Skybird screeched as she tipped her hoof in the water. Fleur was already in the water.
"What is it now, Skybird?"
"The water... so cold!...” she said trembling with cold.
"For my hooves’ sake!” Fleur said extremely annoyed. Skybird was proving to be more than a handful to her. “The sauna is too hot, the pool water is too cold!... Is there any place where you actually feel comfortable?”
"Is there any place that doesn't change the temperature at all?" Skybird replied a bit embarrassed.
"Stop being such a wet blanket and enjoy yourself!" Fleur’s eyes glittered with the thought she just had. She grabbed Skybird’s hoof and pulled her into the water.
"EEEEEEEK!!” Skybird screeched even louder than before as she splashed into the water.
A few minutes later, outside the pool...
"I hate you, Fleur..." Skybird glared at Fleur, frowning and pouting in annoyance.
"Oh, come on!” Fleur giggled. “It was so much fun watching you splash into the water like that!” Skybird kept pouting. "Ok, now it's time for our massage! Are you ready?"
"No, I'm not!” Skybird said still feeling a bit sore at Fleur. “The last time I had a massage I almost got my bones cracked!"
"Don't worry! This won't hurt you, trust me. I've had several massages here before and I can assure you there’s no bone cracking involved,” Fleur said giving her friend her typical wink.
"I don't know if I should feel reassured or stupid for trusting you..." Skybird said feeling suspicious.
"You lazy hoof, you!" Fleur playfully said as she patted her friend’s back with enough force to almost knock her to the ground.
Just a few seconds later and Skybird was already in a massage room. She laid on the table facing down, feeling a little anxious. A masseuse entered the room and began Skybird’s massage. It felt really good, just like Anna Belle’s massage that other time. Skybird flinched when she thought the bone cracking part was imminent. However, the masseuse placed hot oval rocks on her back instead. Skybird began to feel relaxed as the masseuse started to massage her muscles. She was slowly changing her mind about massages and allowed the masseuse to continue.
After the massages came the final part of the session: the mud bath. Skybird and Fleur proceeded to a pool full of mud, something that didn’t look pleasant to Skybird.
"Is this another one of your fancy ways to kill me?" asked Skybird with a mix of perplexity and genuine fear.
Fleur giggled at her friend’s ingenuity. "Of course not, silly. It's just a mud bath..."
“It’s just that the last time I returned home covered in mud my auntie wasn't very happy about it... So why are we bathing in mud? Isn’t a bath supposed to be done with “clean” stuff?..."
Fleur rolled her eyes. She was starting to get annoyed at her friend.
"Skybird..."
"Yes?"
"Just be quiet,” Fleur said as they entered the mud pool.
At the end of the day, the two mares went heading back to Skybird's home alongside each other.
"So, did you like the spa?" Fleur asked.
Skybird gazed up. "Yeah, I guess… Apart from the sauna and the pool’s cold water.” Fleur held a laugh after hearing the last part. Skybird smiled. “But I actually really liked the massage."
"Well, at least you finally left your room.” Fleur looked at Skybird. “So, what are you going to do tomorrow? Are you going to stay in your room the whole day or are you actually planning to do something that’s actually interesting?"
"You know, I think I am going to do something outside. I need to find a new job and I need to know what happened here, not to mention I need to get up to date on recent events.”
"Now you’re talking!" Fleur said happily as she nudged her friend.
"Yeah... I guess it's all thanks to you, Fleur. I really mean it.”
"Don't mention it. What are friends for?"
Skybird stopped, feeling a bit shocked at what she had just heard. "Are we... friends?"
Fleur couldn’t tell if Skybird was messing with her or not. "Well, duh!"
"I... didn’t know that we were friends...” Skybird felt troubled after realizing what she just said. “I mean, not that I don’t want to be friends with you! It’s just that I'm not good when it comes to friendship and stuff…” Fleur was touched by her friend’s being so open for the first time. “Again, thank you, Fleur…"
"You silly bird!" Fleur said scratching Skybird's head with a wing while hugging her.
Skybird headed to her house. She opened the front door expecting Merry Berry to be sitting on the couch in the living room, but she wasn’t there. Skybird deduced she should be in the kitchen drinking some tea.
"Hi, Auntie!" Skybird greeted Merry Berry as she entered the kitchen. As expected, Merry Berry was having some tea.
"Hi, Skybird!” She said as she sipped her teacup, then placing it on the saucer. She was happy to see Skybird back on her hooves.
“So, how was your day with Fleur?"
"It was nice. We went to the Spa."
"Ooh! Such luxury!" Merry Berry reacted as she picked her teacup and sipped some more tea.
"Auntie, how long was I stuck in my room?" Skybird asked with a rather blank expression, getting straight to the point.
Merry Berry stored her tea after hearing such an unexpected question. “So much for the good mood”, she thought.
"Two weeks, honey…"
"WHAT!?" Skybird was shocked. "How was that possible? It only seemed like four days to me!..."
"You don’t have to tell me that… You just kept staring at the window without even blinking your eyes. I guess you lost track of time…” Merry sighed again, the sad feelings from those days coming back. “You seemed nonexistent… I had a hard time feeding you. Seeing you in that state every single day broke my heart. I was so worried about you…"
Skybird placed her hoof on Merry Berry’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Auntie.”
Merry Berry smiled a bit. “You don’t have to apologise, dear. These things happen. I’m just glad you’re feeling better.”
“Yeah, I have to thank Fleur for that. She showed me one of those novelties, like the new ‘strome’ train.”
Merry Berry chuckled. “It’s pronounced ‘steam’, dear. And yes, it was the headline of all major newspapers when it was inaugurated by the Mayor and Princess Celestia. I didn’t feel like going to the inauguration, though.”
“Princess Celestia was here in Ponyville?...” Skybird had mixed feelings. The suffering her mother endured during her last months alive made Skybird become skeptic towards anything that had to do with the realm of Equestria and, as a consequence, the Royal Family. As a result, the mere reference of Princess Celestia’s name or any other high authority figure crushed her soul and enraged her mind.
“Oh yes! According to her speech, the new railway connection between Ponyville and Canterlot is going to improve Ponyville’s economy and trade business. I have no opinion on that matter, though, I know nothing about economy…”
“Many things seem to be changing around here, huh…” Skybird wondered.
Indeed, Equestria was changing. Yet it was changing in a way Skybird could never have guessed. Deep within Equestria, something was going to change not only her life but also the lives of many other ponies as well.
Mere days before Skybird joined the Wonderbolts Academy, a new figure made its appearance in Equestria’s military and political stage; a personality that had changed the Equestrian military forever.
This figure wasn't a pony, though. He was a Diamond Dog, but he didn’t resemble one. He was tall and slim with white fur covered with black spots resembling a Dalmatian, contrasting with his black ears. He had a short black tail and had two deep, captivating blue eyes.
This charismatic figure was a great strategist and had a strong character. His presence troubled many of the Equestrian aristocracy: some feared him while others adored him. He was a creature with political alliances that had never been made before.
His name was Doggy Bonaparte, a name that sent shivers to his enemies, a name that was already a legend to his allies.
He had a private meeting with Princess Celestia that lasted for hours. The outcome of that meeting came to fruition a few days later, something nopony was expecting: the beginning of the Equestrian Military’s reformation under Bonaparte’s guidance. This represented a long needed modernization of the Equestrian Military, also known as Equestria’s Armed Forces.
Two new military branches were introduced: the Equestrian Army and the Equestrian Air Force. These new branches are separated from the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts as they serve the pony civilian population of Equestria, not the Royal Family exclusively.
Doggy Bonaparte was ranked as General of Equestria; his task was to coordinate all the military branches and maintain their unity. The leaders of each branch have the highest rank of Colonel; every single one of them only took orders from the General and the Royal Princesses.
The Royal Guard leader was Colonel Silver Armour, a veteran officer of the Royal Guard and the oldest leader of the Equestrian Armed Forces.
The Wonderbolts representative leader was Commander Wind Rider. His rank of Commander was only representative because he was not a Wonderbolts official member at the time; he was a replacement of the original leader, Commander Eye Storm.
The Equestrian Army leader was Colonel Sandy Stone, a veteran that served in the Royal Guard and was chosen by General Bonaparte himself.
The Equestrian Air Force leader was Colonel Walther, a close friend of Bonaparte and the youngest Colonel in Equestria history; his past was a mystery, any information regarding it was classified.
General Bonaparte also created a fifth, unofficial military branch: the General's Bodyguards, the elite guards of the Army, formed by specially selected veterans from the Royal Guard; Bonaparte usually called them “Old Guard”. These guards had the high privilege of being part of Equestria’s Elite, the most prestigious position a Royal Guard could ever aspire to. The most important requirement was being tall stallions. One major difference from the other branches wasn't only the higher salary but also the authorization to use lethal weapons like the musket. The General bodyguard’s uniform was composed of a blue coat, red piped white cuffs, white piped red lapels, blue piped red cuff flaps, red epaulets and brass buttons. The guards wore a tall bearskin cap with a brass plate stamped with the Imperial Eagle, with white cords and red plume and a red patch with a golden grenade on top of the bearskin.
A new tactical readiness system was implemented into every official branch of the Armed Forces: the TROTACON (Troops-Tactical-Condition). It prescribes five graduated levels of rules of engagement, from the least severe to the most severe: Code White is the least severe, where every military must cease fire immediately; Code Green authorizes non-lethal engagements only; Code Yellow authorizes lethal engagements only if an attack with lethal weapons occurs; Code Red authorizes lethal engagements in any circumstance; Code Black, the most severe level, authorizes the use of any non-conventional weapons at will.
Bonapart’s reforms also stated that all orders have their own levels of authorization. The Princesses' orders level of authorization is Classification Zero; the General’s orders level is Classification One; Colonel’s orders level is Classification Two; and so on, based on the ranks of each branch. Any officer below the rank of General cannot give orders to other military branches without an authorization level Classification One or Zero. Oral authorization is sufficient for routine orders within the same military branch; written authorization is needed in order to access restricted zones or to go against orders from other military branches. These orders have to be given only to military personnel; any orders given to a civilian are automatically considered invalid and, therefore, withdrawn.
After Bonaparte's first appearance, Equestria soon began to modernize itself technologically in a revolutionary way. The biggest novelty was arguably the steam engine train than enabled much faster long distance land transportation; airships took up to the skies, taking some of the sky supremacy from the Pegasi; telegraph and radio communication became part of the daily life. Rumors emerged that Bonaparte was the mastermind behind all of those innovations; he was just as good a scientist as he was a military genius. The General never confirmed or denied those rumors. But the fact was that everything in Equestria was changing.
The day after Skybird snapped out of her depressed condition she decided to go to Ponyville and look for a job. When Skybird began strolling down the street, she immediately noticed several, identical posters on almost every wall. She got closer to one of them in order to take a better look. It was a simple layout poster with a logo in the middle; on the top read "Join the Air Service!", the two last words red outlined and much larger than the rest; at the bottom was a captivating “Learn & Earn!” in large black, bold lettering; the logo itself was just a light blue circle with a star on its border and the official state logo at the center of the circle. Skybird was captivated by the rather simple poster, so much that she ripped one off to hang later on her bedroom wall. “I have to find out more information about this!” she thought, feeling excited.
Skybird was in luck: a large stage tent was set not far from the town center. It was being used for the Equestrian Air Force self-promoting press conference. The press gathered creatures from all over Equestria; the public also began to gather and form a very large crowd, from the curious one to the skeptic one, from the youngest to the eldest. Despite Skybird’s initial assumption that only Pegasi would attend the press conference, Earth ponies and Unicorns were also amongst the ever growing crowd, much to her surprise. Being a Pegasus herself, Skybird easily found a good spot to watch the conference.
A slide projector screen was placed on the stage. Equestrian flags stood on each side of the stage. Two stern military officers stood next to the flags without moving a muscle, securing the stage. They wore blue jackets, light blue shirts and dark blue ties. After a few minutes, another officer joined the stage. He asked the crowd to be silent for the oncoming conference. He promptly announced Colonel Walther, Equestrian Air Force’s commanding chief. Skybird had heard that name before.
Rumors about the Colonel being extremely severe with ponies around him gave him a menacing aura. He showed no emotion whatsoever. Not even his fellow officers had ever seen him smile.
Furthermore, his sudden appearance in the military stage was shrouded in mystery; no pony had ever seen him before, giving rise to even more rumors. Some believed he had returned from exile after having committed undisclosed crimes in the past, even though he was still very young for a Colonel.
The Colonel’s coat was blue like the sky; his mane was brown and long, quite unusual for a stallion, not to mention a high-ranked military officer. His atypical sized muzzle made him look like a mare rather than a stallion. The fact that he wore his sunglasses at all times - even at night - looked as if the Colonel was hiding his eyes in order to conceal his true gender. His cutie mark was a golden eagle wearing a crown, like one of the badges from his jacket.
Such characteristics only contributed to the already poor opinion local inhabitants had of him. Yet whenever he spoke it was always clear he was indeed a stallion to be feared; his deep, authoritarian voice was very intimidating.
The Colonel took his glasses off and cleaned them with a piece of cloth using his wings, putting them back on right afterwards.
"Good afternoon, fillies and gentlecolts. Thank you all for coming.” He made a short pause and quickly gazed at the crowd. “I am aware of recent events and how they worry you regarding the future of Equestria and its military system. I know many of you have lots of questions in your minds, therefore I’ll make sure there will be time available to address as many questions as possible. But first let me address what is probably your biggest question: ‘what exactly is the Equestrian Air Force?’ Let me ask you this: do you feel safe?" He paused again and looked at the audience as if he was expecting a reply, but nopony did, just as he intended. "Do you actually believe the soldiers of the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts are concerned about the safety of this nation and the creatures that live in it? What I'm about to say might come as a shock to you, but according to the Constitution of both the Royal Guard and the Wonderbolts they have no obligations towards the Equestrian population. Their primary concern is not the safety of Equestria, only the safety of the Royal Family." The audience gasped in astonishment.
“If you don't believe me,” the Colonel continued, “you can check it in the Constitution by yourselves. From a Royal Guard or a Wonderbolt perspective, the loss of civilians is acceptable if it means the Royal Family is safe. This is the reason the Equestrian Air Force and the Equestrian Army were created: to provide order and security to the entire nation, as well as create new jobs for the population. The Equestrian Air Force is completely separate branch from the Wonderbolts. Our primary goal is to maintain airspace sovereignty. Our secondary goal is to provide Search & Rescue operations and meteorological services. In order to obtain this sovereignty we’re going to defend the national borders, maintain airspace surveillance and annihilate any air threats.” The crowd was getting uneasy after hearing such statements, yet the Colonel relentlessly carried on. “Along with other military operations, thanks to scientific research, the Air Force is by far the most technologically advanced branch in Equestria, especially regarding weapon development…. Equipment and supplies and providing logistic support to all the Equestrians military branches. The Air Force will commence civilian recruitment next week. I see that there are lots of different mares and stallions in the audience; I hope to see some of you as members of the Air Force in the near future. There are no limitations to recruitment applying. The Air Force is not exclusive of the Pegasi, all ponies are accepted; you don't need to have wings to become a part of the Air Force. Not every Pegasi will become pilots, however, for that requires a lot of training and work for everypony involved.” He made one last paused before finishing his speech. “That’ll be enough for now. We may start with the questions. Who's first? Raise your hooves." He drank his glass of water with one wing while adjusting his sunglasses with the other. He then pointed his right hoof to a mare journalist. One of the officers provided a microphone for her.
"Sir, you were talking about..."
The Colonel abruptly interrupted the journalist. “Excuse me, Miss, but are you by any chance a member of the Equestrian military?" He asked while looking at her suspiciously.
The mare blinked her eyes perplexed at the Colonel’s question. "No, sir..."
He gave her a stern reply while looking at her in the eye. "Then do not address me as ‘sir’. This is standard military discipline. I’m fed up of watching civilians acting like a soldier. You may address me as ‘colonel’ if you wish. Carry on with your question."
The mare hesitated at first. "Well… Colonel… you mentioned the branch at your command is the Air Force. Could you explain why the recruitment posters read ‘Air Service’? Was that intentional or was it a mistake?”
He replied without any hesitation. "It was due to legal reasons. At the moment the Air Force has little personnel available. Many of our current members are former Royal Guards or former Wonderbolts. Legally we're not yet allowed to name our branch ‘Air Force’. This is why we chose the temporary name ‘Air Service’; the logo shown in the posters is also temporary. We'll rename our branch to ‘Air Force’ as soon as all legal requirements are fulfilled.” He took a glance at the crowd. “Next question.”
Another journalist was given the word. "Good afternoon, Colonel. I'm Typewriter from the Manehattan Times. What’s the most important quality of the recruits? What's the soldiers’ motivation to kill an enemy of Equestria?”
"Let me begin by stating we are not cold-blooded murderers. We have orders from the General to respond to any attack with lethal or non-lethal engagements. We want to prevent as much collateral damage as possible. Wars are won by what is gained with battles, not by what is lost; this applies to both sides of any war. So, what is that which can make ponies surpass their own limitations, and, if necessary, even kill? Love. A true soldier is guided by an unyielding sense of love: love for ponies, love for his or her homeland, love for justice and love for truth. A true soldier without this quality is something impossible. Next question."
"When will the Equestrian Air Force become fully operational?" Asked a mare while writing something down on her notebook.
"After our new officers’ graduation six months from now. Next question."
This time the microphone was handed to a slim stallion. Nopony was really sure if he was actually a journalist.
"Colonel Walther,” he began with extreme confidence, “the ponies that will soon be under your command may very well be a close friend of ours or even a close relative. I must say it’s somewhat sad to see that the pony in command has such a young age; his lack of commanding experience will surely result in incompetent leadership against an actual enemy. How could the Equestrian military high command think it’d be a good idea to put somepony as inexperienced as yourself in charge? Perhaps you could tell us what you have been doing for the last, say, ten years?"
Everypony in the conference tent was stunned by that question. Whispers from the audience could be heard such was the silence that had taken over the conference. The Colonel himself was silent as well. "Ouch...!" Somepony from the crowd said.
As emotionless as ever, the Colonel took a few more seconds before staring directly at the stallion's eyes. He was going to make sure that stallion wouldn’t shake him. The Colonel would never flee without a fight, a fight made of words. He walked a few steps on the stage towards the stallion, his gaze never leaving the stallion’s eyes, lowering his eyebrows as he quickly prepared his answer on his mind.
"I perfectly understand the nature of your question, and I thank you for bringing it up because it gives me the opportunity to emphasize even more my determination and dedication towards my duties. I warn everypony not to be fooled by my young age, it has no impact on my decision-making abilities. My short yet stellar career has allowed me to develop my skills and master my profession. There is no equal to me in the entire Armed Forces. Therefore, it is with great restrain on my part that I allow you to continue the discussion of my achievements as long as indigent or futile discourses cease immediately. Next question."
Later that evening, at Merry Berry’s house, Skybird and Merry Berry were having dinner. The living room was in near perfect silence as they ate their soups without saying a word.
"I think I'm gonna join the Equestrian Air Force," Skybird said all of the sudden in her typical nonchalant way in order to break the silence.
Merry Berry almost choked with her soup. "You WHAT??" She said with a reproachful tone.
"I’ve been at the Air Force press conference today, they’re looking for new recruits. They seemed rather nice. Plus if I join them I could do something that I actually want to do: help other ponies! I think this is the opportunity of a lifetime!" Skybird said enthusiastically.
Merry Berry, on the other hoof, did not agree at all. "No way! I’m not letting you do something so foolish!"
Skybird was confused at her auntie's reaction. "But why, Auntie? You've always told me to follow my own path in life, and now you’re against it?!”
“I know that. But I also know that there are good paths and bad paths to take. You should ponder about this before making rash decisions.“
Skybird crossed her arms in a defiant pose. “Well, I’m sorry, Auntie,” Skybird declared, “but I’m a grown mare now, and I don’t have to listen to anypony else’s opinions.”
Merry Berry got very angry after seeing such a defiant stance from Skybird, she was caught by surprise. "First of all, young lady, you don't know what that ‘Air Force’ really is. Nopony knows, for that matter! Second, I would rather see you as a member of the Royal Guard rather than joining one of those new military branches. Third, how the hay could you possibly think fighting wars is the same as helping other ponies! Violence begets more violence!"
"You’re just afraid of what is new, Auntie!” Skybird argued, raising her voice. “You don't want anything to change because you're afraid of the unknown! Have you ever seen a mare Royal guard before? Because I haven't. To keep the peace of a nation doesn’t necessarily mean violence! You know that!"
"ENOUGH!!" Merry Berry shouted, slamming the table with her hoofs. "You're not going to join those crazy ponies! End of discussion!"
Skybird was furious. Seeing Merry Berry resuming her dinner as if nothing had happened only made her even more furious.
"YOU'RE NOT MY MOTHER!” Skybird shouted. “You can't tell me what to do! And you most surely can't hold me forever!"
"If it means to keep you from doing something as foolish as that, YES, I CAN!” She looked away. “Joining the Air Force... Tsk! How could you possibly think such a thing?...”
Skybird was seeing red. She couldn't believe those words were coming from her Auntie. She tried to speak with all her strength, tears forming in her eyes.
"I-I... I HATE YOU!!" She yelled as she left the table and ran off Merry Berry's house, dashing straight to her bedroom. After hearing those words, Merry Berry felt really bad, almost guilty. She followed Skybird into her room and knocked on the door.
"Leave me alone!" Skybird was sobbing and holding her pillow really tight.
"Please, Skybird, don't act like that. You're a grown mare!" Said Merry Berry as she entered the room anyway.
"So?!” Skybird raised her head from the pillow, tears cascading down her face. “Grown Ups aren’t allowed to have feelings?!"
Merry Berry sighed. "Look, Skybird..." She sat next to Skybird. "I have a strong reason for not wanting you to join the Air Force. Think of the nasty things that could happen to you! Soldiers have a tough live that doesn't suit your innocence. I do want you to be happy, believe me. Yet I also don’t want to lose you..."
Skybird calmed down, almost ceasing her sobbing. Merry Berry continued. "Before your mother passed away...” She paused; thinking of her best friend released both warm and dreadful feelings that she have been bottling up. Her gaze met the floor. “You see, the last time I saw your mother alive at the hospital, she asked me to make a promise: that I would take care of you and never let you start potentially dangerous endeavors.” She looked at Skybird. “Skybird, you do understand that if you join the Air Force... you might end up getting killed. Serving in the military is a very dangerous job. I know that first hoof. I still have scars in my heart...” She paused once more, barely holding her tears. “I've lost my husband there... He was a soldier of the Royal Guard. One day… he didn’t return. I waited a few more days but he never came back. Can you imagine how I’d react if you also never returned? If your mother were still here with us, can you imagine how she’d feel if you were gone?” Merry Berry grabbed Skybird’s hoof. “Skybird, I’m begging you. Please don't join them..."
Skybird sat up, her sad face showing small traces of tears from her half-closed eyes. Her mane was messy. She looked at the floor with an absent expression. She grabbed Merry Berry's hoof and whispered to her Auntie something her mother once told her.
"I know you mean well, Auntie... but you have to realize that you can't hold on to something or somepony forever. One day you’ll have to let them go. It doesn't matter how much you love somepony, eventually comes the time when you have to show how much you love somepony... by letting them go... That's the greatest demonstration of love..."
Now it was Merry Berry's turn to cry. "If I can't stop you, at least promise me you'll be safe and you’ll write to me whenever possible so that I can stay at rest."
"I promise, Auntie. You know... before I join the Air Force I have to pass the selections first,” Skybird replied with a light smile.
She then began to softly sing a song that Merry Berry hadn't heard in a long time.
"Sunshine, Sunshine,
You are my shine.
Your smile makes you lighter
In this sky of mine.
Your light is brighter,
You are my divine.
Don't cry for what you lost,
Everything will be fine.
Hope has no cost,
Your tears are not pretty.
Don't let your smile frost.
Your eyes won't be sweaty
With the ones you love the most,
My little birdie..."
Merry Berry’s eyes widened. "That's!..." She said as she wiped her tears with her hoof. "That's the song your mother used to sing whenever you cried!"
"Yes, Auntie." Skybird replied with a smile.
"You have a beautiful voice, Skybird. Just like your mother."
"Thanks, Auntie."
Merry Berry chuckled. "You know, after all these years I still don't know who between the two of you is the most stubborn..." They both laughed and hugged each other. Even after their argument both understood each other is the only family left; a family not related by blood, but by feelings.
But even though Merry Berry was laughing, Skybird noticed she still felt nervous.
"Don’t worry, Auntie. I'll be fine. My story is only just beginning."
"How can you be so sure that somepony will write about you?" Merry Berry laughed.
"I'm not, but I think it’s something to strive for. Auntie, you were one who insisted I looked for new jobs and opportunities. I can't just give up due solely to fear of the unknown that surrounds this career. Besides, I promised mom."
"Just don't throw yourself into the front line, alright?" Merry Berry said, still worried.
"I promise.” Skybird smiled. “And even if I do, I’ll make sure they won't get me that easily.”
Next morning, Skybird went to an Air Force recruitment office. She was immediately intimidated but at the same time awestruck by the large number of soldiers patrolling the site; over thirty soldiers patrolled the perimeter and ten others patrolled outside the main entrance.
Inside was no different. The place was filled with patrol soldiers, to the point one would think if that space was ever designed to accommodate ponies other than soldiers. They were everywhere: at the main entrance, in the hall, next to every door, every inch was under surveillance. It was very intimating, almost daunting. The Air Force wanted to make a point: they weren’t fooling around. Skybird wondered if that was the right impression they should convey.
“Shouldn’t this feel like a safe place without the intimidating atmosphere?” she thought.
Skybird joined the rest of the candidate ponies. Many, many ponies. Although overcrowded, the place was still tidy and clean. When Skybird's turn came, she was pointed to a recruiting desk. The recruiter was a stallion wearing the Air Force’s blue uniform.
"Greetings, ma'am. What brings you here?" He asked, shaking her hoof.
"I was interested in joining the Air Force," Skybird replied with a hint of shyness.
The recruiter sat down on his desk and took a paper and a pen. "Your name, please?"
"S-Skybird."
"Do you have any medical condition?"
"No, sir."
“What is your marital status?”
"I-I'm single, sir." Skybird blushed a bit at the question.
"Your height and weight?"
"I'm thirteen hand high and I weigh 270 kg."
"Have you ever used drugs or alcohol?"
"No, sir, never."
"Please write your address and ZIP code. We'll mail you the presentation letter containing the date and location for you to present for the screening process. Keep in mind that all female candidates must bring the original or a certified copy of the pregnancy test report with a negative result; the state of pregnancy constitutes a temporary impediment to the verification of the suitability for military service. It must be issued by a public, military or private health facility accredited by the National Health Service on a date not earlier than five business days prior to the visit."
"But, sir..." Skybird blushed again and whispered to the recruiter. "I… I'm still... erm... a virgin." She was almost ashamed of saying that.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but I cannot take your word for granted. The Air Force requires a scientific proof. If you have the time you may visit our doctor here for the pregnancy test, and we'll send you the results along with the presentation letter."
Skybird was nervous but eventually agreed with the recruiter’s suggestion. She was taken to the health department where she waited for the examination. Skybird was experiencing some anxiety since she had never done a pregnancy test before; she was afraid what the doctors could ask her to do. When her turn came, she went to a visit room where an old unicorn stallion wearing a medical white coat and the Air Force uniform underneath was sitting on a chair holding a clipboard, awaiting Skybird. He got up and greeted her.
"You're candidate Skybird, right?" He asked while reading her file on the clipboard.
"Yes, sir." Skybird replied feeling worried.
"So you're here for the pregnancy test... I’m Doctor Stethos. Please have a seat.” Realizing her anxiety he gave her a smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t bite.”
Skybird sat in the patient's chair. She felt extremely anxious.
"Doctor... If I may say so…” She confessed with a very soft voice. “I a bit worried about this… You see, I’ve never done a pregnancy test before... and frankly I'm rather scared."
The doctor put on his rubber gloves. "Don't be afraid, miss, it’s nothing you’ve never done before. You'll only feel a tiny nip. It will be alright. Now please take a deep breath and look up at the ceiling."
Skybird did as she was told to. A few seconds later she felt a sting on her neck.
"All done,” the doctor promptly said, “you’re good to go.”
Skybird was confused; she thought the examination hadn’t start yet.
"Already? What happened?"
"I took a blood sample from your jugular vein, that's all.” The doctor smiled again. “You thought the examination would involve a more invasive exam, didn't you?"
"Well... yes, I have to admit. But why do you need a blood sample?"
"We need it in order to check your level of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin, or ECG in your bloodstream; it's a gonadotropic hormone produced in the chorion of pregnant mares. We'll run the analysis in the labs to get the results. Do you have any more questions?"
Skybird was very interested in his explanation. "Actually, yes, I do, doctor: how did you became a doctor at the Air Force, if you don't mind me asking?"
"The Air Force was looking for medical doctors. I was offered to join after they gave me a military orientation, and here I am!"
She sighed in relief. "Thank you for your time, doctor.”
"I wish you good luck for your application. I hope to see you wearing the blue uniform next time we meet," he said as he waved her off. Skybird left the health facility much more relieved and headed back home.
Later that evening, Skybird and Merry Berry were having a quiet dinner of ravioli.
"So how was... ahm... the recruitment? If I may call it that." Merry Berry asked feeling impatient.
"Let’s see... they made me a lot of questions... about my height, if I ever used drugs and if I was…” Skybird blushed. “... single..."
Merry Berry was surprised at such a thorough examination. "Well, that's… weird.” She gave Skybird a naughty look trying to mess with her. “And you’re going to be single forever if you don’t go out there and meet some stallions..."
"Auntie!!" Skybird replied extremely annoyed, holding her tail with her hooves, her face turning red.
"Oh my... you're so susceptible, Skybird!... So, what happened next?"
"I had a pregnancy test..." Skybird said as she pouted, still blushing.
Merry Berry spit her tea after hearing those words. “You WHAT??"
"The recruiter told me that pregnancy was cause for impediment to be considered suitable for military service... so they gave me the chance of doing the exam in their medical facility, which I accepted. They just took a blood sample from my neck. And… that’s it."
Merry Berry was still pale and needed a few moments to pull herself together.
"Those new branches are filled with paranoid ponies, if you ask me.” Merry Berry resumed her dinner. “So, what happens now?"
Skybird sighed. "Now, we wait..."
Merry Berry had assumed they had declined her application. "Again? They didn’t give you any explanation?"
"They said they’ll inform me by mail whether I'm suitable or not to enter the screening process. I don't think they’re going to reject me, at least not based on what I told you just now, Auntie."
"I don't know… I have a bad feeling about this…"
Skybird smirked. "Oh, Auntie, what could possibly go wrong?"
"You’re forgetting your family medical history.” Skybird’s smirk quickly turned into a worried expression. “Second, how are you going to explain them your little “desertion” from the Wonderbolts? They won't go easy on you.”
"I'm not asking them to go easy on me. I want to be treated like any other pony. If I was able to join the Wonderbolts reserves, why shouldn’t I be able to join the Air Force?"
Merry Berry was unable to reply to that. She just sighed and remained silent the rest of dinnertime...
A week passed. Skybird was playing with her sparrow, cuddling him and hugging him.
"Who's a good bird? Yes, you are! Yes, you are!" Skybird said with a silly voice.
Suddenly she heard a sound that she had been waiting for a long time: her mailbox being opened. She quickly left Dante on the couch and went outside. The bird looked around himself in confusion of what just happened.
Skybird recognized the mailmare. "I’ve been expecting you, Fleur!"
Fleur was very busy and her looks showed it: she had letters popping out all over her uniform, including her hat; her mane was very messy due to her stress. She looked very distressed.
"Wah, what?..." Her mind was elsewhere.
"Is everything alright, Fleur? You don't look so good."
"You can't even imagine: I had to deliver 500 letters this morning and I still need to deliver 300 letters here in Ponyville and then 700 more at Canterlot. And it’s not even noon!”
"Wow, that's a lot of letters!... Is the postal service overloading you?"
"Oh, yeah! All because of those two new military branches that everypony’s talking about!"
"Why? Is there something wrong with them?"
"They literally dumped all their mail onto us yesterday! Something about the ‘recruiting process’. And do you know what the best part is? We have to deliver all of it within three days!! As if we had little mail to begin with! Oh, before I forget, here's your letter. Don’t tell me you’re joining those freaks at the Air Force too?!"
"Why are you saying that? Is there something wrong with the Air Force?"
Fleur lowered her eyebrows as she hovered in mid-air.
"Well, first there are the new no-fly zones. Then there’s this insane amount of mail. Finally, they have plans for all mail carriers from now on to carry a... ‘transponder’. What the flying hoof is a transponder, anyway?? Those guys show up from nowhere and decide to disrupt my job! No wonder I have a terrible opinion of them! Not to mention I heard rumors about them being absolutely ruthless. So, to answer your question: no, I do not like them one bit!"
"Maybe you're wrong about them. I don’t think they’re doing those things because they’re mean, but because they want to increase the safety of mail carriers."
Fleur got mad and pointed her hoof at Skybird. “Oh yeah? Let’s see if you still think that after the Air Force kicks your flank out of the screening process for no apparent reason, or when they start to impose crazy stuff on you!”
Skybird didn’t know what to say. It was obvious her friend wasn't going to change her mind; if she insisted it would only make her even angrier. So she decided to let Fleur go on her business and went inside to read the letter.
Skybird opened the envelope on the couch with Dante on her shoulder, looking at the letter with curiosity. It said Skybird’s application was accepted and she had to present herself in two weeks for the general exam, as well as its time and place. Attached to the letter were the results of her pregnancy test, which came out negative, to Skybird’s delight.
Two extremely dull weeks later, Skybird went to her appointed exam location, a huge military compound surrounded by barbed wire not far from Ponyville, specially arranged for the exams. Approximately thirty two thousand ponies from all over Equestria gathered at the compound. In order for the Air Force to exam everypony, they announced the maximum quota would be four thousand ponies per day during the next eight days. Each day the exams would be taken in four separate sessions, the candidates being divided into four groups of one thousand ponies.
Skybird's session was the third of the day, meaning she’d have to present herself at five past twelve. She arrived ten minutes earlier to have her lunch. In her saddlebag was the lunch Merry Berry had prepared for her: a sandwich, an apple and a bottle of water as well as a few napkins.
She entered the compound with the rest of the ponies. The candidates were asked to form a queue to hand over their personal belongings to an officer. Skybird proceeded to join the queue along with the other ponies.
The stallion if front of Skybird was very nervous. He searched his backpack frantically looking for something. All of a sudden he took out his hooves, holding his right hoof in pain as he looked left and right extremely worried. Skybird, sharp-eyed as usual, noticed he was bleeding.
"Are you alright?” Skybird asked the stallion.
"I cut myself trying to get my pen out of by backpack."
Skybird offered her one of her napkins. “Here, take this. It’s not much but it might help stop your bleeding.”
"Thank Celestia, it’s just what I needed! Thank you so much!”
Skybird handed her saddle bag to the officer and headed to the reception station where they collected information from the candidates. In normal circumstances it’d be a slow process, but thanks to the high number of soldiers present the queue advanced rather quickly.
When Skybird's turn came, she proceeded to a desk where a stressed-out mare soldier was working. It was obvious she was seriously overworked: sorting almost four thousand different files per day was no joke. Skybird felt sorry for her and decided to give quick answers in order to accelerate the reception process and not to further disrupt the mare’s work.
"Papers, please," asked the mare.
Skybird handed her ID, her pregnancy test results and her curriculum to the mare.
"The curriculum is not required, ma’am, you can have it back," the mare said while she wrote down the ID's information onto a device.
Skybird was confused. "Uh? But how are you going to check my previous works without it?"
"We have tests that tells us what we need to know. Also, we only need require your name and our database will show us everything we need to know."
"What's a database?" Asked Skybird even more confused.
"Oh, uhm,” the officer said, looking very troubled at her lapse. “I've shouldn't have told you that, just forget I said anything." Then, as the mare looked to a monitor, she noticed something. "Hold on... this must be an error. It says here you began working at Ponyville's hospital on the same year of your high school graduation.
"That's correct."
The mare was surprised at that answer. "So you worked at a medical facility without any medical degree? Is that correct?"
Skybird, on the other hoof, was getting worried. "Y... Yes," she replied. A dark thought crossed her mind. “Please don't say ‘we'll consider your job application and we'll contact you in the future if we ever need your assistance,” she thought to herself.
"Is it also true that you had a punitive discharge from the Wonderbolts for indiscipline?" The mare asked being suspicious of Skybird.
Skybird was on the verge of panicking. “This is it,” she thought. However, despite what was at stake, she preferred to tell the truth rather than lying.
"Yes..." Skybird sighed, "I was..."
The mare got up from her chair. Skybird was absolutely sure it was the end of the road for her. Yet the mare said: "Please follow me, Miss. You'll have to discuss this with one of my superiors."
Skybird was trembling like a needle to the pole. You don't usually bring stuff like that to your superiors when everything is alright. Skybird followed the mare who brought her to a senior soldier; he was an auxiliary. Skybird had heard about them: ponies from other military branches like the Royal Guard or the Wonderbolts with military experience who would act as supervisors for the two new branches. They were fairly to recognize: they had a red letter ‘A’ in place of the Air Force insignia. Many came to the new branches seeking fortune and glory. Furthermore, being an auxiliary was considered a privilege and being the most experienced of that branch gave them the power to lead other ponies how they wanted. What they didn’t know was that being an auxiliary wasn't a privilege at all; if anything, it could put their military careers in jeopardy.
"Sir,” the mare said as she saluted the auxiliary, “there's a problem with this mare’s professional experience. I believe she requires your attention."
"What makes you think there’s a problem, private?” The auxiliary asked very annoyed.
“She worked in a medical facility without any medical degree and had a punitive discharge from the Wonderbolts, sir."
The stallion looked at Skybird and at her files.
"Very well. Please come with me, Miss Skybird."
Skybird was getting increasingly worried about how things were turning out for her. She followed the stallion into a room with a desk and two seats.
"Please take a sit, Miss," the Auxiliary said as he sat on the other chair facing Skybird. "So, how do you explain your job at the medical facility without any medical degree?" He asked her as if she was being interrogated.
Skybird took a deep breath. "Sir, my mother was ill and she was hospitalized at Ponyville's hospital. I was finishing my studies and I didn't know how to pay her medical fees since my mother had been fired from her job even though she was sick. A friend of mine then proposed me to work at the hospital and I accepted. I knew it wasn’t exactly the most correct thing to do... but please, sir, the only thing I wanted was from my mother to fully recover from her illness."
"And what about your discharge from the Wonderbolts?"
"There was this mare that injured her wing during one of the tests; she was being forced by the Captain of the Wonderbolts to fly again despite serious injuries to her left wing. It was clear to me that if that mare had flown in that condition she probably would have ended up dead. When I realized nopony was supporting her, I stood up for her. All my attempts to convince the Captain she had serious injuries were to no avail. Fortunately I managed to convince the mare to be checked by a doctor. The Captain, however, took my actions as insubordination. She was even denied medical care. I did what needed to be done even if nopony else had the fortitude to do it.
The stallion crossed his arms. "How can we be sure you won’t disobey our orders, Miss?"
"I... I won't, sir. Only if it is a matter of life or death.”
"I don't think you understand how serious your situation is, Miss Skybird. This is the military. There will be many other times when the life of soldiers hangs in the balance due to the orders they receive. How can I expect you to follow orders in those situations?"
Skybird gulped. "I... I don't know, sir, but I will only refuse if those orders are harmful to any civilians. And, in case I or anypony else gets injured during training, I’d like to have medical staff ready to examine their injuries before resuming his, or her, exercise. I'm not here to disobey orders, sir. I just want to help ponies. If you think I won't stand up for anypony in danger solely because of orders, you’re wrong. We must protect our fellow ponies, not kill them."
The stallion sighed. "I cannot allow somepony like you to join the Air Force without further examination. Unfortunately we don't have the time for it. I will let you take the tests. However, Miss Skybird, never forget this: insubordination will not be tolerated. Maybe a drill sergeant can bring you back to the right path. Now go!"
Skybird's eyes were filled with joy, her grin growing incredibly large. "Thank you so much, sir! You won't regret it, I promise!"
Skybird left the room and proceeded to her first military test: the ‘general test’, as it was called. She was taken to the examination room, a large room of the compound which was set up for an academic test filled with school tables aligned and separate from each other; each table had a number assigned to it. Facing the examinees tables were the four test committee tables with a tall tribune in the middle for the test supervisors.
A mare soldier approached Skybird. "Take this pen. Your seat is number 644."
Skybird looked at the paper with her seat number and headed to her seat. Only after sitting down she did realize just how big the examination room was. She had never seen so many ponies in a single room before. A couple of soldiers passed by the seats, issuing minor instructions about the test to every candidate, such as not forgetting to write down the candidate’s name, sign a module before starting or to not make mistakes.
One of the committee officers addressed the candidates.
"The test evaluation is as follows: for every correct answer you’re attributed one point, for every wrong answer you’re attributed negative 0,25 points and if you don’t answer zero points are attributed. Read the questions carefully before answering and only answer when you are absolutely sure. Answer the questions by ticking the boxes with the pen provided to you. Your pens contain a special ink which is connected to a device that will analyze your answers and grade your tests in real time. Make sure you don’t make any mistakes or change your mind because once you tick a box you cannot undo or rectify your answer. If more than one box is ticked in a single question in the question are marked two or more box you’re attributed one negative point. You have thirteen minutes to answer all sixty questions. Anypony caught doing the test past the designated time will have his or her test nullified. If you wish to use the bathroom I suggest you do it now while we wait for the rest of the candidates, otherwise you’ll have to wait for the entire duration of the test.”
Skybird found the rules to be rather strict. “First all those patrol soldiers, now this… Don’t mess with the military, indeed,” she thought.
She then realized it’d be better for her to take the committee officer’s advice and go to the bathroom. As she searched the bathroom she bumped into a committee officer, his glasses flying off his face. He was a white Pegasus with a black mane and brown eyes. Skybird was mortified, and picked up the officer’s glasses with her trembling hooves.
"I-I'm so sorry, sir! I d-didn't see you coming!" Skybird was very agitated, her voice trembling a lot.
The officer, on the other hoof, was very calm; with great composure he put back on his glasses. "It's alright, candidate. Tell me, where are you going? The test is going to take place done in this room," said the officer.
"I-I was looking for the bathroom, mom... I mean, marshal!" She covered her mouth with her hooves in utter embarrassment after unintentionally addressing the officer as ‘mom’. She was so nervous she kept spewing words at random.
The stallion sighed and smiled, he was sympathetic towards her situation. "It's Lieutenant, actually. Second Lieutenant Rhumb Line. The bathrooms are on your right just outside the examination room."
"Thank you, Lieutenant!"
By the time Skybird returned to her seat almost every candidate had arrived. The committee had already sat; one of the committee officers was the lieutenant Skybird had bumped into. Once everypony sat down and awaited the test, the head of the committee, who was an auxiliary officer, addressed the candidates from his center tribune.
"Good afternoon, fillies and gentlecolts and welcome to the general test. The goal of this test is to ascertain your level of general knowledge. Let me remind you that for every correct answer you’re attributed one point, for every wrong answer you’re attributed negative 0,25 points and if you don’t answer zero points are attributed. Please open the envelope in front of you containing the sample test and read it so you may have an idea of what to expect. I will review the instructions once more."
The head of the committee then reviewed the instructions in conjunction with the sample test in order not to harm those who had arrived after the first instructions.
"There are five different examination papers with the letters A,B,C,D and E. I’m going to call one of you at random and have him or her choose the examination. Whichever he chooses shall be the one everypony will have as the general test. Let us begin: number 597, please come forward and pick up your test.”
The pony with the number 597 paper came forward as told and picked the examination paper with the letter ‘E’.
"The general test will be the ‘E’ test," said the Auxiliary officer.
The committee ordered the soldiers to hand over the envelopes containing the tests. Each test had a seat number attached to it, along with a barcode.
“Do not open until we tell you so,” is what soldiers distributing the tests told each candidate. The test could only commence once all candidates had their tests and only after a display above the committee desk started the countdown.
The head of the committee gave the start when the clock above the display showed half past noon. “You may start the test… now.” Everypony started the test in a whirlpool of flipping examination papers.
Skybird looked at her examination paper; some of its questions were:
- “This is ____ snowboard I've ever bought.” A) the expensivest; B); the more expensive; C) very expensive; D) the most expensive; E) most expensive.
- "I ___ this in Bond Street." "How much ___ for it?" "I ___ 100 Bits." A) have bought, have you paid, have paid; B) bought, did you pay, paid; C) have bought, did you pay, have paid; D) have bought, did you pay, paid; E) bought, have you paid, paid.
- “I'm sure ____ our new house.” A) you like; B) you're liking; C) you would be going to like; D); you will like; E) you're going to like.
- “The base of rectangle A is twice its height. If its area is 32 cm², what is the value of its perimeter?” A) 36 cm; B) 72 cm; C) 18 cm; D) 24 cm; E) 28 cm.
- “Replace the dotted line with the correct relative integer in order to verify the following inequality: (...) + (+25) + (-40) + (-17) > +5.” A) 40; B) 35; C) -6; D) 0; E) -40.
- “Three iron slabs have a combined mass of 380 kg. If the mass of the first slab is 50 kg more than the second slab’s and the second slab’s mass is 30 kg more than the third slab, what is the respective mass of the three plates?” A) 200 kg, 150 kg and 120 kg; B) 160 kg, 110 kg and 80 kg; C) 190 kg, 140 kg and 100 kg; D) 150 kg, 100 kg and 90 kg; E) 170 kg, 120 kg e 90 kg;
- “Which sea bathes Vanhoover?” A) Celestiial Sea; B) North Luna Ocean; C) South Luna Ocean D); Luna Bay; E) Horseshoes bay.
- “Yaket Range:” A) represents the natural border between Equestria and Yakyakystan; B) is located in the central-northern part of the Crystal Mountains; C) represents a corridor between the Crystal Mountains and the Crystal Empire; D) is the highest pass of the Everhoof massif; E) is the most southern pass of the Frozen North.
- “What is the location of the city of Trottingham?” A) Bug Bear Territory; B) Galloping Gorge; C) Tall Tale; D) Griffish Isles; E) Arimaspi Territory.
Skybird wasn't ready at all for those questions. She took a deep breath and started her test.
Time flew for Skybird as she tried to answer all questions. Each question required a lot of attention in spite of the recommended time spent at each question was thirty second, which was not enough for Skybird. The designated test watchers observed the candidates, watching out for any attempt to cheat.
The countdown display buzzed when it reached zero and the head of the committee ordered the candidates to stop their tests immediately. Skybird was startled at the buzzer noise, almost jumping out off her seat.
After the test, Skybird waited a few minutes for her test score. The paper charts didn’t show the scores, only those who had not passed the test: and Skybird had miraculously passed the test.
A couple of days later, Skybird was convened to present herself to a military facility for her mandatory general medical examination along with the rest of the candidates that passed the general test.
She felt nervous; many years had passed since her last medical examination. Moreover, the memories of her mother kept haunting Skybird, resulting in her guilt and remorse resurfacing for the deepest scar of her soul.
Anna Belle also preyed her mind. Skybird wanted to be there for her, to tell her everything would be alright. She missed her friend deeply, but the mere thought of seeing her at the hospital where her mother had been hospitalized was too much for her to handle.
Skybird was brought back to reality when a doctor called her for the medical examination. Inside the examination room, the Pegasus mare put on rubber gloves on her front hooves. Another doctor entered the room, a unicorn that, for some reason, looked very familiar to Skybird.
"Candidate Skybird, right?"
Skybird was surprised; it was the doctor who had performed her pregnancy test. "Doctor Stethos!” You remembered my name!"
"Of course I remember you,” he said with a smile. He then turned to the mare doctor. “Doctor Swirl, meet the mare that never had her blood drawn before."
The mare doctor was surprised. "Is that for real?"
Doctor Stethos was troubled at Swirl’s remark.
"Ah! Worry not, Miss Skybird, we're all doctors here. We still uphold the doctor-patient confidentiality. That particular fact of yours won't leave this room," he reassured her as he blinked an eye.”
"Indeed," Doctor Swirl confirmed.
"Well then, let’s get started,” doctor Stethos said as he pointed the medical marquise to Skybird. “Do you have any medical issue?”
"None," Skybird quickly replied.
“Do you feel any physical pain at the moment?"
"Not at all.”
"Do you smoke or use drugs?"
"No..." Skybird replied, not liking where the conversation was going.
"What can you tell me about you family medical condition?"
Skybird gulped. That was a question she didn't want to hear at all.
"My family has a history of genetic diseases."
"On your mother’s side or on your father’s side?"
"On my mother's side..."
"Do you know the cause of death of any your relatives?"
"I never got acquainted with anypony from my family apart from my mother. She died last year at Ponyville's hospital..." She paused melancholically, past memories flooding her mind, a sense of melancholy filled her soul.
"Are you alright, Miss?" The mare doctor asked kindly.
"Oh!” Skybird said snapping out of her sad thoughts. “Sorry, doctor. I’m alright now."
"Let’s continue, then,“ said doctor Stethos. “What was the cause of her death?"
"The death certificate reads ‘unknown cause’."
The doctor was perplexed. "Unknown cause? That's very odd." He put on rubber gloves. "So, Doctor Swirl, shall we begin the cadet’s examination?"
"Yes, doctor," she quickly replied.
"Let's start by measuring her wingspan, and the length and thickness of her wings. Please spread your wings, Miss Skybird."
Doctor Stethos got a measuring tape out of his medical jacket and measured each wing; then, with the help of doctor Swirl, he measured Skybird's wingspan. He then used his stethoscope to listen to her heartbeat while Doctor Swirl examined Skybird's gums.
"Her heartbeat is within normal parameters. How's her mouth, Doctor Swirl?"
"It’s fine, doctor."
"Alright, then. Check her hooves. Miss Skybird, please open your mouth once more and hold this thermometer."
"Is this examination important?" Skybird was getting worried again.
"You have no idea..." Doctor Swirl said smiling at her. The stallion doctor checked her eyes. The examination ended in a couple of minutes.
"The preliminary test is satisfactory,” the unicorn doctor said. Doctor Swirl brought more medical equipment into the room.
"I’m going to perform an electrocardiogram of your heart,” Doctor Swirl said, “an eye examination and an ENT visit with an audiometric examination."
"And how long it will take?" Skybird asked.
"Oh, dear. We’ve only just started," said doctor Stethos.
To Skybird’s annoyance, the exams took several minutes.
"Well, Miss Skybird,” said Doctor Swirl, “so far, according to the medical exams, you're as healthy as a fish. You were lucky to have no sign of any diseases considering your family medical history. You may go now.”
Skybird was about to leave when Doctor Stethos remembered something.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Before you leave, Miss Skybird, I recommend you book your psychology test. That is the last step to pass the medical examination. I’m not going to lie, it is one of the most difficult tests because you can't lie your way out of it. Well, technically you could, but the test is structured in such a way that they'll know when you’re lying. It gives the creeps to even the toughest candidate. If you want my advice... you must get over your mother's death. I know it’s hard, but you won't pass the psychological test if those psychologists freaks notice any slight struggle from you."
Skybird widened her eyes. "How did you know that...?"
“That you haven't accepted your mother's death yet?” The doctor continued. “Miss, I’ve been a medical doctor for many years. I can recognize a post-traumatic stress disorder from miles away. Did you really think we didn’t notice when you hesitated regarding your mother's death? It would be sad for a young mare like you to ruin a possible brilliant career because of a brief, dark moment from her past... When you enter the psychology test room, you must be at peace with your mother's death."
Skybird didn't know what to say. She knew the doctor was trying to help her. Furthermore, it proved her wrong about Medicine; not all doctors were like the ones that let her mother to die. These doctors were actually nice to her. She had focused so much on being nice to patients that she didn’t realize kindness can also originate from others because she had never been a patient before.
"Th-Thank you doctor…”
“Regarding the confidentiality of this information, you have nothing to worry about. Even if our superior officers request this information from us, nopony else will have access to it.”
“That’s good to hear.” Skybird paused. “I have one last question, if it’s okay with you.”
“Ask away." Doctor Stethos looked at his pocket watch.
"I noticed your wings are smaller than normal. How did that happen?
Doctor Swirl wasn’t expecting such a question; it caused her a lot of embarrassment.
"Well.. you see…"
"She was born with tiny wings!..." She rolled her eyes even though the stallion doctor came to her colleague’s rescue with that teasing joke. He peeked at his watch once more. "Do you have any other important questions? I apologize for being rude, but we’re expecting many more candidates."
"No, that would be all," Skybird replied.
Later that day, Skybird returned home. She dashed into the kitchen, startling Merry Berry.
"Hey, Auntie! I need your help with something.”
"Skybird! You startled me!” She finished mixing her ingredients in a pot. “I’m making dinner, dear. What happened?
"You see, Auntie,” Skybird asked, sitting at the kitchen table holding her head with her hooves, “remember when you told me that in order for me to overcome my mother's death I needed to let her go?... What did you exactly mean by that?" She asked as if it was the most natural thing on the world.
Merry Berry sighed. "You have to get your mother off your mind. I know it's hard, but it’s the only way for you to get over her death and move on."
"But what if my memories of her keep flashing in my mind even when I don't want to?"
"Then perhaps you should consider the option of seeing a psychologist. They can help you a lot more than I can, sweetie."
"I don't have time for that..." Skybird was beginning to lose hope.
"Why?” Merry Berry was confused. “What's the rush?"
Skybird sighed. "It's for my military test. I have to undergo a psychological exam and I'm afraid I won’t pass it because of what happened to me. I really don’t not want to come to the conclusion that I'm nothing more than a depressed pony who can’t get over her mother’s death..."
"I'm really sorry, Skybird, but there's not much I can do for you. Perhaps you could try to tell the truth without mentioning your recent mental breakdown and that’s just hard for you to accept your mother's death. Besides, I can’t even imagine how I’d react if I were in your place; you were raised solely by your mother, you never had a father to look up to or to take care of you, or even any other relative… It’s devastating when you lose the only pony you ever loved very much.”
Merry Berry got closer to Skybird and put a hoof on her shoulder. “If those psychologists somehow discover your issues, just tell them the whole truth. Maybe they'll understand what you've been through. Few ponies manage to deal with that kind of issues and even fewer manage to talk about it. But don’t forget this: you never gave up. So keep your chin up and show them you're stronger than what everypony else thinks."
Skybird was very relieved and hugged Merry Berry. "Thanks, Auntie."
"One last thing about your mother: she was one tough mare. She raised you all by herself and she made great personal sacrifices for your sake. She was the most selfless pony I’ve ever met. You’re just like her, in fact; you love your mother more than anything else in the world, more than even yourself; your mother also loved you the most, even more than herself. However, she never gave up her goals; she’d rather persevere until she accomplished her goals. I honestly believe you can do the same. It’s your turn to show them your skills."
"Is dinner ready yet?" Skybird changed the subject feeling hungry and impatient.
"Almost done!” Merry Berry checked her cooking. “Go set the table."
"What are we having tonight?"
"Stewed herbs seasoned with straw. You'll like it."
Skybird stuck her tongue out. "Blargh... not stewed herbs!"
"Don't be so squeamish. You haven't even tasted it yet."
They had a good laugh and Merry Berry served dinner. During dinner Merry Berry brought a newspaper to Skybird.
"Have you read the newspapers recently?"
"Oh, Auntie... You know I only read the newspaper when I’m looking for job applications."
"Well, I think you should start reading them more often. I've read this article about Bonaparte and that Walther pony coming out of nowhere and immediately arranging a meeting with Princess Celestia to discuss the Equestrian military. They managed to obtain an authorization from her to modernize the military! Has the Princess gone mad?! Nopony in their right mind would ever trust two perfect strangers and then nominate them for high profile positions like if it was nothing?"
Skybird shrugged. "I don’t really care, Auntie. It’s her decision and we just have to deal with it. I never really cared about what her and Luna do.” She started to get upset. ”It’s all about politics. They rule the nation and let everypony else left to die."
Merry Berry rolled her eyes to Skybird’s childish reaction. "Whatever. But if you want my advice, don’t ever cross Colonel Walther’s path; the media describes him as ruthless and emotionless. That stallion gives me the chills."
Skybird was exasperated. "Isn't that how a high-ranked officer is supposed to be like? If you want my opinion, I believe it’s because he’s a young pony instead of an old stallion like the rest of our armed forces that everypony lashes out at him and exaggerate his traits. I say give him a chance. Ever since he became known in the military I keep hearing ponies slandering him.” Skybird sighed in annoyance. “Could we please change the subject? I don't want to talk about my future boss."
The dreadful day of Skybird’s psychological exam came quickly. Skybird flew once more to the huge compound where she underwent her medical examination. This time she was called into a studio filled with books and antique objects. The room clearly had been built recently and had a modern architecture that contrasted with the antique furniture. In the middle of the room was an old desk with an elegant chair. On top of the desk were an oil lamp, a few old pens and an inkwell, with several documents carefully gathered on one side of the desk table. On the other side of the desk was another chair, only much less elegant than the desk chair.
Skybird was asked to wait inside for the doctor. She looked at the furniture in a mix of astonishment and nervousness. For the last few days Skybird had been trying to not think about her mother. She anxiously waited standing up and trying to stay perfectly still.
When the doctor finally arrived, Skybird gulped and for a few seconds almost forgot to breath. The doctor was an old stallion with a white beard, dark brown eyes, and an angry expression; his methods were earnest and cold as ice.
"Good morning, candidate,” the doctor greeted as he strutted to his desk. “I'm Doctor S."
"Good morning, sir,” Skybird replied shyly, something the doctor immediately noticed.
"How do you feel today?" He asked as he sat at his desk.
"A bit nervous... sir," she replied still standing, wondering why the doctor didn’t ask her to sit down.
"Why is that? There's nothing to be worried about. We’re just going to have a nice conversation. I won't bite. I’m sure you’re a sincere pony…”
Something about that last sentence sent shivers down her spine.
"You may sit down, candidate."
"Thank you, sir."
"I have been told to talk to you about your insubordination at the Wonderbolts Academy. Would you be so kind to explain why you acted the way you did?"
Skybird gulped hard; she took a few seconds before speaking. "I know it may sound like a misbehavior action, but I just did what I felt was necessary under the circumstances, sir."
"And what was that circumstance, candidate?"
"I had to make a choice: either disobey my instructor or let an injured colleague face a life-threatening situation. A mare broke her wing during the flag competition. The instructor ignored her injuries and threatened her with expulsion from the academy if she didn’t resume her flight. Nopony helped her, so I stood up for her even if I knew it was wrong. I would rather disobey an order if it meant to help somepony needing urgent medical attention. I used to be a nurse, my intuition was based on professional experience."
"If you knew it was wrong, why did you do it? It was clearly her choice to either give up or keep flying. Why do you believe your intervention was needed?"
"Because she would never have chosen to quit. She’d rather dismiss the severity of her injuries and carry on with the exercise, fearing to be expelled. The threat was real, doctor. I joined the Wonderbolts Academy to help other ponies, not to watch them die."
"Changing subjects: why do you want to join the Air Force?"
"For the same reason I joined the Wonderbolts Academy: to help other ponies."
"You do realize this is a military career, right? If you wanted to be a good Samaritan, there are plenty of other jobs. How are you supposed to help other ponies at the Air Force?"
"By defending this nation, sir. Even with my own life if it's necessary," Skybird replied with a tremendous sense of pride.
"What does your family think about you wearing the uniform of the military?"
Skybird looked down, her mind shifting to unpleasant thoughts. "I... All of my family is gone. The only pony I currently consider as family is an old friend of my mother."
"What’s her opinion, then?"
"She's worried about the possibility of me getting killed in the line of duty. She lost her husband who was a member of the Royal Guard, and she doesn't wish to go through all of that suffering again."
"What is your opinion of yourself? How much time do you spend on taking care of your body?"
"I don’t consider myself to be special; I’m just a mare like any other. When I worked at the Cloudsdale postal office I took care of my body daily because of its strict dress code. I might have gotten sloppy since I quit that job, but I’m always clean and ready for any occasion.
"Tell me about your strengths and your weaknesses."
"I'm a stubborn mare, which can be considered a strength when I pursue a personal goal. On the other hoof it can be a weakness when I don’t realize I’m actually wrong about something."
"Have you ever had any problems during your school years?"
"Frankly, yes. I was bullied by my classmates and my teachers never bothered to help me with my problems at school; not even to help me clarify my questions after class. I didn’t understand what was wrong with me to make my classmates act the way they did towards me. In the end I was merely the weakest link, a punching bag for everyone to beat up. But I’m not like that anymore.”
"What did you obtain from your professional experience?"
"When I was a nurse I learned to be cheerful to every patient. I also learned that Medicine wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. At the Cloudsdale postal service I learned to have a smiling face all day, as well as always showing professionalism, even when I had to meet ponies I really disliked. At the Wonderbolts I learned that we must take a firm stance whenever we witness an injustice without worrying about the consequences."
"How do you think about your friends? Tell me about your hobbies."
"My friends?" She snorted and smirked at the question. “They mean a lot to me. I wouldn't be here today without them. They helped me on my darkest hour and I'm very grateful to them. As for my hobbies, I like to take care of birds in my spare time and take naps when I’m exhausted.”
"Do you like working with other ponies?"
"Of course I do! It's always better to do something together rather than alone."
"How do you deem your sexual behavior? What do you think about homosexual relationships? Do they turn you on? For instance, do you relish the opportunity of seeing two mares kissing?"
Skybird gulped and blushed deeply at that question; she wasn’t expecting such a thing. She mustered all of her courage and answered the doctor.
"I... I haven't experienced anything of the sort yet, and I do not want to make judgements about it. I believe I'll be ready when I find the love of my life… As for homosexuality, I don't mind it as long it doesn't involve me.
"Alright. The interview is complete. You may go for now, but we still need to make a few written tests. Don't worry, there are no "wrong answers". Just answer them as honestly as possible. My secretary will show you the rest."
"Thank you, Doctor S."
Skybird left the studio; the intense memory of Anna Belle kissing her lips suddenly resurfaced, and it didn’t want to leave Skybird’s mind, making her blush like a red tomato…
A few minutes later another mare sent Skybird to a room with a desk with a chair and a single chair.
"Please have a sit,” the mare asked, “you’ll be given the first test shortly; this test has a time limit which should be enough for you to answer all questions. After you finish your test you’ll take the next test and so on.” The mare extracted her pocket watch from her jacket. Any questions?"
"I have a question, Miss,” Skybird asked calmly despiste feeling getting very impatient; she knew that her behavior was being analyzed from the moment she entered the waiting room, so she wanted to give the appearance she had everything under control. “How many tests are left after this one? I’ve never had tests as different and as hard as these on previous job interviews."
"I understand your impatience, but this is the standard procedure. This is not like those jobs applications you find in newspapers. We must scrutinee our candidates in order to choose the best one of all. A candidate must be scrutinized in order to assess his worthiness, hence the several tests we require. Moreover, we have a long list of candidates; we're working as fast as we can, but it still takes time.” The mare handed Skybird the examination paper. “Mark true or false at each statement. You have thirty minutes. Good luck."
Some of the statements were the following:
The next test was a questionnaire with 132 statements. It was necessary to cross the alternative that seemed the more appropriate. The possible answers were ‘absolutely true’, ‘true enough’, ‘neither true nor false’, ‘quite false’ and ‘absolutely false’.
The following comprises some of the test’s statements:
The next test was composed of 400 questions with a time limit between 45 and 60 minutes; it was similar to the previous test, only this time there were four possible answers: ‘never’, ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ and ‘always’.
Here are some examples:
There were 133 statements on the penultimate test which had a time limit of 20 to 40 minutes. The possible answers were ‘not true for me’, ‘rarely true for me, ‘sometimes true’, ‘often true’ and ‘absolutely true for me’.
Some of the statements were the following:
Then came the final test, which was nothing like the previous ones, leaving Skybird flabbergasted and astounded.
The final test comprised fourteen lines with a series of characters for each line; each character is constructed from a letter, like D or P, marked with up to four small marks arranged above or below the same letters. Each candidate had to listen to the examiner's requests and cross out any letter "D" or “P” with two marks around, above or below it in any order, ignoring any external stimuli. When the operator says to change the line, the candidate is not obliged to finish his current line but still has to follow the instructions correctly. Skybird gave her best, nonetheless.
After the last test, she went downstairs to the vending machines to grab a bite. After her pseudo-lunch, the military personnel told Skybird to follow them to another room.
"Let me guess: another test?" Skybird asked with extreme annoyance to the military psychologist that accompanied her.
"Yes, indeed. This test is what we call a group interview: you'll be greeted by other candidates, we'll explain to you all your tasks, in the meantime introduce yourself to the group."
They entered the room where four ponies - two mares and two stallions - were sitting at a round table. One of the mares greeted Skybird from the table.
"Hi, there! What's your name? I'm Jolly Glove," greeted the pegasus mare.
"I'm... I'm Skybird, glad to meet you," she responded with a small trace of shyness, although much less shy than not so long ago; Skybird’s time at the Wonderbolts Academy allowed her to overcome her terrible fear of speaking to large groups or even crowds, even if only partially. The mere fact that she was speaking to them was an enormous personal accomplishment.
"I'm Waste Box," said one of the earth ponies.
"I'm Rosemare, if you're wondering," said the unicord mare smiling.
"And I'm Hammer Touch," said the big stallion, also an earth pony.
"So, Skybird,” Jolly Glove asked, “what brings you here?”
"Me? I want to help ponies. It has always been my dream.”
“A very honorable reason,” Waste Box nodded in approval while swinging on his chair.
"Yeah, if you knew what honor is..." Hammer Touch teased.
Skybird was almost unfazed at Hammer Touch’s remark and ignored him. "Why are you here, Jolly Grove?"
"My father is a member of the Royal Guard. I want to follow his hooves-steps by joining the military, plus I loved the idea of these two new branches being primarily focused on ponies instead of the royal family. I always found to be a complete nonsense the Royal Guard having to primarily defend the Princesses and the population being an afterthought."
"I needed a job for my family,” Waste Box joined the conversation grinning. “Lately it has become dramatically harder to get a job in all of Equestria. It also gave me the motivation to work hard at protecting my son and my wife at home."
"I've worked hard for years at construction sites, when all of the sudden they fired me with no explanation,” Hammer Touch spoke bitterly. “I never really liked to work there, anyway; my work colleagues were profoundly disrespectful. Therefore, I joined the military to bring order to our society."
Rosemare chuckled with a serious but obviously fake expression. "Me? I joined for the fancy uniform!" Everypony laughed at her crack. "But seriously, when I heard there was a new organization that seemed an improved version of the Wonderbolts that accepted every pony race, I wasted no time and joined."
Skybird twitched an eye after hearing the word Wonderbolt, her mood turned instantly sour. She mustered all of her courage and spoke to the group.
"Don't you believe for a second the Wonderbolts are any good. I joined the Wonderbolts Academy: if it wasn’t for me, a mare would probably be dead by now. Not only that, the day before I was lucky to meet the commander of the Wonderbolts; he was accused of something he didn't commit but had no way to prove his innocence. Yet I still trust him. He confided to me that there was something rotten at the core of the Wonderbots. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I do know firsthoof that their top brass is comprised of callous ponies who have no regard for their cadets’ well-being or possibly their own! Being the best flyer shouldn’t mean being careless, quite the contrary."
"Wait, you met Commander Eye Storm?” Rosemare reacted surprised. “That stallion is a living legend! I thought he was retired. The media said he had voluntarily resigned."
Jolly Glove rudely interrupted the conversation. "Hey, guys! What do you think of these tests?"
"Boring..." Rosemare quickly replied.
"One word: endless,” Hammer Touch commented. “Tons of tests and so much time waiting. I’ve never been to a job that required these many tests. I even heard that this test is not the last one!"
"It’s true,” confirmed Waste Box, “we still have to take a physical test. If we pass it, we're recruited."
"Another one!?” Rosemare cried in disbelief. “Great!... Like if we had few tests so far..."
"And just how did you know that?" Hammer Touch asked Waste Box suspecting him.
"A friend of mine that has been recruited two days ago had told me that the physical test is the final test.
A Psychologist mare in uniform stormed into the room surprising the group and joining them at the round table; she had brought a pen and a notepad.
"Now then,” she inquired the group. “I believe you’ve introduced yourselves to one another already?" They all nodded in agreement.
"Let us begin, shall we?” The psychologist took her notepad. “What is the most important quality a leader should possess?"
"Strength," quickly answered Hammer Touch. The psychologist wrote down her note about his answer.
"Empathy," said Rosemare. "A leader should understand how the group feels."
"A leader should be a good listener," replied Waste Box.
"Uhm... I would say kindness," said Jolly Glove.
"Kindness!?” The mare was astonished at that answer; she turned to Rosemare. “Please explain why a leader should be kind," she asked with curiosity.
"It’s my belief that leaders shouldn't be mean and heartless ponies; instead they should treat others like they treat themselves."
"And what about you, Miss Skybird?" The psychologist turned to her filled with curiosity like a small filly waiting for her Heart's Warming present.
Skybird hesitated. She never felt she was the kind of pony that other ponies could rely on, and she had never followed any leaders; she was a self-made mare.
Everypony at the table stared at Skybird awaiting her answer; this made her nervous, so she tried to quickly think of something. The only thing that came to her mind at that moment was the thoughts of her friends Anna Belle and Fleur and also her auntie Merry Berry; those were the ponies she "followed". Skybird tried to identify their good qualities: Anna Belle was cheerful and helpful; Fleur was methodical, always with a plan and a source of inspiration and motivation; Merry Berry was extensively patient and deeply loved Skybird.
At the end, after thinking for a few seconds that looked like several minutes to her, she finally answered.
"I think a leader should be somepony helpful at all times and always prepared for any eventuality. A leader should also be cheerful because everypony likes cheerful ponies and cheerfulness is contagious, the followers would also become enthusiastic. Last but not least, he or she should be a source of motivation and gifted with immense patience towards his followers."
After gathering all her notes, the psychologist addressed the group.
"I’m going to give each one of you a blank paper where you will write the name of the other participants and specify their leadership attributes. The options are: ‘notorious leadership’, ‘quite clear leadership’, ‘not very evident leadership’ and ‘absent leadership’."
Skybird did not know what to write about her fellow candidates’ leadership attributes, she had just met them for the first time. On the other hoof, she believed that anypony had the potential to become a leader. She decided to write ‘quite clear leadership’ for everypony else and returned her paper to the psychologist. The mare commented the results.
The psychologist then proposed another game.
"A mare that feels neglected by her husband and has an extramarital affair. Taking advantage of her husband's business trip, the mare arranges a romantic evening with her lover. During dinner, she receives a message from her husband warning he’d be coming home shortly. Agitated, the mare asks her lover to take her home, but he refuses. She then decided to go home on hoof. Along the way she is forced to cross a bridge on which there is a disabled, deranged pony that kills anypony who crosses the bridge. Frightened, the mare decides to cross the river by boat and walks towards a ferry-pony who services the crossing upon payment. Since the mare does not have enough money, she decides to ask a friend who lives near the bridge. The friend refuses to lend her money and instead tries to persuade the mare to confess her marital betrayal to her husband. She leaves and decides to cross the bridge despite the deranged pony, who proceeds to kill her immediately.”
Everypony was captivated at the story.
“To whom do you attribute the responsibility of killing: the mare, the husband, the lover, the ferry-pony, the friend, or the deranged pony?"
Everypony at the table was utterly confused; they never expected such a question.
"It's the mare's fault," Rosemare gambled. "She's the one who betrayed her husband; she could have just admitted her betrayal to her husband, but instead she decided to cross the bridge and got killed knowing the risks. She knew what she was doing; therefore she's the only one to blame for her own death."
"I don’t think so," Waste Box interrupted. "Even if she did know what she was doing, she is not liable for her death. It was the mad pony that killed her, and since he was mentally incapacitated, he wasn’t at fault either because the mentally incapacitated are considered innocent by law. But more importantly, what was he doing on that bridge all by himself in the first place? Why wasn’t he supervised or something like that? Why didn't the mare report him to the local authority?"
"It must be the husband's fault," said Hammer sarcastically Touch with a smug on his face. "If he didn't neglect her wife none of that would have happened. Oh, and let’s not forget he’s also to blame for getting home too early," he chuckled.
The psychologist noticed Jolly Glove’s gaze kept meeting the table; she seemed rather sad.
“Is everything alright, Miss Jolly Glove?"
“I'm fine..." she replied with a sad tone. Skybird got worried; less than a minute ago that mare was smiling and happy and almost instantly became sad, like if something was bothering her.
"Then could you please give us your answer?"
Jolly Glove sighed. "I believe it’s the mare's fault..."
"Would you care to elaborate?"
"No," Jolly Glove quickly responded.
"Moving along,” the psychologist continued indifferent to Jolly Grove’s condition. ”Miss Skybird, what is your opinion?"
Skybird hesitated before answering. "I think... that considering how the story is structured, I am able to say that everypony had their share of the blame. The husband neglected the mare which prompted her into having an affair with a lover; the lover shouldn't have left the mare alone. The ferrypony should have been merciful and let the mare cross the river for free. The friend is not a real friend; friends are supposed to help their friends overcome their ordeals. The deranged pony, despite being disabled and mentally incapacitated, is the one who actually killed her yet can’t be criminally charged. Everypony is partially responsible for the mare ending up dead, including herself."
The psychologist got up from her seat. "That’s all for today. You may go home as soon as you check out at the reception. Let me remind you there’s still one test remaining: the physical exam. You’ll be informed about all the necessary details regarding the time and place of the exam."
As soon as she finished her sentence, everypony had cleared the room in a blink of an eye. Skybird, tired of the long session, headed to a vending machine to get a soda. After a refreshing drink, she headed to the reception desk. Skybird took a glance at the checking-out list on the desk and noticed everypony from last session had already signed; she looked around and concluded they had already exited the building. As she was signing out, she glimpsed an Air Force stallion rushing towards a mare with the same uniform as his and taking off his hat. Skybird immediately put her second special talent to good use: the ability to eavesdrop from far away. She began to sign her name as slow as a snail...
"You're late... again!" The mare said extremely annoyed.
"I'm sorry!” The stallion apologized. “It wasn't my fault this time! What would you do if you had to abide to twenty different orders in a single hour, some of them being the complete opposite of the orders you had previously given me?!
"Is it because of one of those auxiliaries?"
"More like all of them!” The stallion sighed, trying to calm himself. “Every single order I received came from an auxiliary, and, as you’d expect, they don’t communicate with each other when assigning orders, resulting in frustrating contradictions that they couldn’t possibly care less. Frankly, I don’t like those auxiliaries. They behave like they’re better than everypony else and command like babies. Why do we even need them, anyway?"
"The general said it was necessary to make up the numbers within the Air Force and the Equestrian Army. But I agree with you. Colonel Walther has already scolded them heavily for their selfish and careless actions."
The stallion widened his eyes. "Wait a minute... Are you trying to tell me that the colonel is not a bad pony?"
"Think whatever you want, I'm just stating facts. Now hurry up before anypony takes notice of your tardiness."
The two soldiers went on their business. Skybird had been so focused at listening to their conversation that she didn't notice another mare was standing behind her, waiting for her turn to sign the list.
"Excuse me, Miss, but you only have to write down your signature, not your biography," the annoyed mare complained after having waited for so long..
Skybird’s hooves were trembling. "Oh! I-I'm sorry. I... I..." she mumbled.
"Just finish signing already," the mare interrupted with a sympathetic smile.
"I’d already signed it. It’s all yours. Please accept my apologies."
"Apologies accepted, but you really should simplify your signature in the future," the mare added, apparently not suspecting a thing.
"I will," Skybird replied still embarrassed about the whole thing.
A couple of days later, Skybird flew to the assigned place the military had informed her via letter; it was an athletic field surrounded by a long, wide horse track. Inside the field there were lots of equipment set up for the candidates’ physical efficiency tests (PET) - gymnastic exercises. The PET consisted of: an endurance gallop run on the horse track; an agility contest of dressage; obstacles jumping where candidates had to jump over oxers; abdominal flexions; pull ups and push ups for everypony and wing push ups for Pegasi.
Each test had their own evaluation criteria which took into account the strengths and weaknesses of each ponies, as well as the pony gender, in order to grant everypony a fair assessment. Therefore, Earth ponies, being the physically strongest ponies, were mostly subjected to endurance tests; pegasi were mostly tested for their wing resistance; lastly, Unicorns were only subjected to longer medical exams related to their magic.
Skybird was overwhelmed at the amount of different exercise apparatuses; she could have never imagined she’d have to go through all of those tests. Fortunately, Skybird was moderately fit after her time at the Wonderbolts Academy, so she didn’t give up and pushed herself over her limit. Even though the PET wasn’t a competition between the candidates, one could feel the intense competitive atmosphere. Every single test was exhausting; the candidates were given a five minute break from the supervisors to regain their energy as much as possible.
There were many supervisors present at the PET event. At the running tests, there were five timekeeper soldiers timing only one candidate, each one with a different kind of chronometer. The candidate would be attributed the most favorable time after the timekeepers had discussed between themselves the five different timekeeping revisions.
At the end of the day, Skybird wasn’t sure if she had been successful or not; the only thing she was absolutely certain was that she was completely exhausted. As soon as she got home after meeting Merry Berry she went straight to bed and immediately fell asleep.
The following day, Skybird received a letter for the Equestrian Air Force: she had successfully passed every test and was eligible for recruiting! As soon as she finished reading the letter, she rushed to Merry Berry and then Fleur to give them the big news, feeling absolutely ecstatic.
The next day at dusk, Skybird and Merry Berry were heading towards a compound - this time a military base - that had been installed a long distance from Ponyville; its construction only took a couple of days. The base was 1,3x2,5 miles long, enclosed with barbed wire fencing with signs reading "Restricted Area/Authorized Personnel Only".
Skybird and Merry Berry weren't the only ponies heading to the base; several other ponies also shared their destination, ponies accompanied by their families and friends. Many looked happy and proud of the new recruit in the family, others seemed sad, knowing they wouldn’t see their loved ones for a long time.
"So, how long before I see you again, exactly?" Merry Berry asked Skybird feeling confused.
"Basic military training will take three months,” she replied without taking her eyes of the base front gates. “I’m not sure what happens afterwards. Maybe we’ll be able to meet again, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you.”
The two mares finally arrived at the front gates, the furthest that unauthorized personnel could go.
“I'll let you know as soon as I find out about it," Skybird said turning to her auntie.
"Don’t forget to write." Merry Berry was already feeling worried for Skybird.
"Auntie... You see, from what I've heard there won’t be much free time at the military. I'll write when or if I have the time.”
"Promise?" Merry Berry asked Skybird with that tone mothers use to send their children on a guilt trip.
Skybird sighed in defeat. "Fine... I'll promise, Auntie."
Skybird glanced at the front gates one more time; a new phase of her life was about to begin. She looked back to Merry Berry. "Take care of Dante for me while I'm gone. Don’t forget to let him stretch his wings on the yard at least three times every day."
"Yes, ma'am!" Merry Berry replied with the most serious tone she could produce as she imitated a military salute; yet a couple of seconds later she began to snort, she couldn’t contain her laughter any longer, with Skybird following suit.
A familiar face unexpectedly appeared in the distance. It was Fleur flying as fast as an eagle, much to Skybird’s surprise. She stopped abruptly right in front of her friend and Merry Berry.
"I made it, and just in time for the look of things," she said as she hoovered with her wings.
"Fleur? Aren't you supposed to be at work right now?"
"Pfft! Hoof that! I won't be seeing my friend for the next three months, how could I miss this last opportunity to say goodbye?"
Skybird was touched. "Thanks, Fleur, it means a lot to me..."
Fleur glanced around. "Now I see why you chose the Air Force, Skybird."
"Skybird was puzzled. “Uh?”
"You joined them because of those pretty stallions. I can see you have good taste," she said nudging and winking at her friend who immediately blushed, while Merry Berry giggled at Fleur’s friendly teasing.
"No, it’s not that!... I…!” Skybird was so embarrassed she had trouble speaking. ”How could you imagine such a thing?! I'm... not..."
"Relax, filly, it’s all in good fun. By the way, I also came for another reason: there's something I must give back to you." Fleur opened her mail saddle bag, took out a letter and gave it to Skybird. "This is the letter you asked me to deliver to that friend of yours, Anna Belle, at the hospital. I asked the receptionist about her and she told me that your friend had returned to Canterlot because of her studies or something like that... And you know the postal standard procedure: if the address or the pony cannot be found, the letter must be returned to the sender."
Skybird observed Fleur’s expression and perceived a bit of jealousy. Fleur realized it and tried to act like she didn't care about Anna Belle. Skybird gave her a look that demanded honesty from her friend, yet Fleur just averted her eyes and looked away.
"Take care of you,” said Merry Berry. “And don't you dare die, is that clear, young lady?" She declared with a strong, yet sweet voice.
Skybird saluted back. "Loud and clear!... Mommy," she finished with a soft voice.
Merry Berry sighed. "Now that you mention her, if she found out about me letting you join the military, she’d probably want my head served on a silver plate!”
But Merry Berry was too moved to continue that train of thought. “Oh, Celestia…” she said, almost choking, “you grew up so fast!" She began to brush Skybird's mane with her hoof, making Skybird very uncomfortable. She glanced at Fleur, who got the message and signalled back with her eyes that she was going for a fly around.
"Do you remember that time when you fell and scraped your knees? You cried so much for your mother even though she was at work; and you didn’t even want my help, only your mother’s..."
Skybird blushed once more, looking away from Merry Berry. "Yes... I remember a little…” She looked back at her. “But, Auntie, do we really have talk about this right now?"
Nonetheless Merry Berry carried on. "And that night you wet your bed? Your mother wasn't at home again, and you went for me downstairs. And your first flight, when you crashed into Mr Thompson's house? That old stallion couldn’t believe you’d smashed his window AND his special glasses collection…” Tears were forming on Merry Berry’s eyes. “Oh, my dear Skybird, what I would give to see you as a filly once again. After all... you were always your mother’s ‘little birdie’. Now, fly on your own. The time has come for me, for us, to finally let you go."
Merry Berry, now with tears flowing all over her face, gave Skybird a deep hug. "Please, Skybird, get back in one piece; if not for me, do it for your mother."
Skybird was also shedding many tears. "I... I will, Auntie…” Skybird let go of Merry Berry’s hug and, after taking a deep breath, clearing her tears, she stood up and with the most serious look and the clearest voice she could make, she said: “I promise."
One of the military officers present at the front gate ordered the recruits to come inside. “The time for goodbyes is over,” he coldly added. Fleur rejoined to Skybird just in time.
Skybird took another deep breath. "This is it.” Skybird gave one last hug to Merry Berry. “Take care while I'm gone. You too, Fleur. See you in three months!”
"We'll miss you, sweetie," Merry Berry replied with a tear dropping out from her left eye.
"Show them what you’ve got!" Fleur cheered, raising a hoof to the sky.
Skybird accompanied the officer who was getting impatient. Skybird vanished into the crowd of recruits passing the front gates.
"We love you!" Shouted Merry Berry.
"I love you, too!" Skybird shouted back loud enough to be heard by Merry Berry and Fleur.
Skybird was about to embark on a whole new stage of her life; she, however, couldn’t possibly imagine how hard things would be for her, nor the bizarre things she was about to witness. For Skybird, joining the Air Force wasn't like getting a common, regular job; for her it meant the start of a new life, a life without doubts, a life without the pain of her mother’s loss. She was going to forget her painful past and create a happier, brighter future. But, as we all know, life is unpredictable and full of surprises, its paths don’t necessarily lead ponies to where they’d want to go. If only Skybird knew what the future had in store for her; perhaps she would have come sooner to the realization that this wasn't the end of her pain, but only the beginning...
Skybird and the other recruits were rushed to the registration process, a legitimation of their military status: getting their pictures and hoofprints taken and signing legal documentation. Some recruits were asked to take blood samples; Skybird didn't have to because the Air Force medical facility had already given her a full medical examination. Everypony who wanted to join the Air Force or the Army was given a mandatory vaccine.
Time slipped by quickly. By the time the registration process was over, it was already dark. Skybird was at a loss as to where she should go next. She decided to ask a soldier holding a clipboard for information.
"Um... excuse me,” she shyly asked, “I’ve finished my registration. Where should I go now? I think I'm... lost."
"Name?" The stallion quickly inquired.
"Skybird."
"Proceed to the fourth barrack on the left. There you'll see a large outdoor field on your right with yellow spots on the ground. Wait there with the rest of the recruits. Your drill sergeant will be there shortly."
"T-Thank you."
Skybird did as she was told. When she reached the designated area, all the recruits were already there, standing straight like poles, without moving a muscle and absolutely silent. She duly took her yellow spot. Despite not being the talkative type, she tried to start a conversation with the recruit next to her. It wasn’t one of her most clever ideas.
"So..."
"Silence!" A soldier who had been staring at Skybird immediately ordered; she recognized him, it was the soldier from whom she had asked for information a few moments earlier.
"From this moment forth you speak when you're spoken to! Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir!!" Everypony else responded. Only then did Skybird realize all the recruits were mares.
A couple of minutes later, every recruit was present. Then a mare came out of the shadows; she had a white coat and a blue mane, resembling a Royal Guard, and wore the Air Force blue jacket and a female drill sergeant hat. Two drill sergeants - one a stallion and the other a mare - stood by each one of her sides; they were there one that day as assistants only to the main drill sergeant.
"So what do we have here? Some fresh meat?" Said the drill sergeant with a sweet yet sinister voice as she headed to the stallion soldier in charge of the recruits. He handed over his clipboard and a pen to the drill sergeant.
"Just sign here and I hand you all of these trainees."
She signed the clipboard and the officer left the area. The drill sergeant took her place in front of the platoon. A few mares turned their heads to the sergeant to have a better look at her. That was a terrible idea, though, as the drill sergeant glimpsed them peeking at her and quickly marched towards one of them, stopping just a few inches from her.
"WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING AT??” The unsuspecting mare startled at such a loud shouting; no longer would the recruits hear that sweet voice again for a long, long time. “DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU TO STOP MOVING OR CAN’T THAT TINY BRAIN OF YOURS COMPREHEND YOU MUST STAY STILL?! IS THAT TOO HARD FOR YOU?! DO YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY FIDGET LIKE A RETARD?!"
The drill sergeant then turned to the rest of the platoon. "LISTEN UP, EVERYPONY!! When you are in this position, I want every single one you to keep your eyes forward without ever, and I repeat, EVER moving your head until I order otherwise!"
The drill sergeant marched back to her previous position in front of the platoon. She had made quite an impression on everypony, especially Skybird. She had trouble figuring out every word the sergeant spoke for she talked much too fast, but Skybird managed to at least get the gist of it.
"I'm major sergeant chief Honor Star, your drill sergeant! From this moment forth, you'll address me by ‘ma'am’! From now on you'll speak only when you’re spoken to! You and your soft little flanks now belong to me, which means everything I tell you to do, you do it, no matter HOW I tell you to do it! IS THAT CLEAR?!"
"YES, MA’AM!!” Everypony replied.
"Any deviation will only make you look dumb because that would mean you CHOSE to disobey me. However, if somepony calls you stupid, it's not because you're actually stupid but instead because you're doing SOMETHING stupid. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!"
"YES, MA’AM!!”
"FIRST LINE, FOLLOW ME!" The first line of the platoon walked towards her.
"NOW GO BACK IN LINE!" The Sergeant ordered after the trainees had just moved a couple of steps forward.
"FIRST LINE, FOLLOW ME!" The mares felt confused. They did do as they were told; just a few more steps forward and...
"GO BACK IN LINE!" The first line returned to their position. "This is what i want to see every time i give you an order; no hesitation, no questions, just straight execution of the order! UNDERSTOOD?!"
"YES, MA’AM!!”
"Never forget this: I'M YOUR QUEEN, AND YOU'RE MY LITTLE SLAVES, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!"
She ceased her speech and looked at a recruit that had a smirk on her face after hearing that. "ONCE YOU'RE DONE MOVING AROUND AND STOP SMILING, ‘PRINCESS’, I'M GONNA HAVE FUN WITH YOU BY MAKING YOU RUN UNTIL EVERY SINGLE MUSCLE IN YOUR BODY BURNS LIKE AN OVEN AND EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE IS A CONSTANT AGONIZING PAIN!"
The drill sergeant suddenly stopped and the recruit’s smugness instantly changed to worry.
"Do not move when you're on formation or awaiting orders: no talking, no turning heads! You must become perfect statues, even if it rains or insects are eating you alive! UNDERSTOOD?!"
"YES, MA’AM!!”
"From now on you can forget your personal rights! you all joined the Equestrian Air Force voluntarily. To those who thought this would be just a walk in the park: WHAT IN THE FLYING FEATHER ARE YOU EVEN HERE FOR?! Forget about going to the toilet at your leisure; this also applies for everything else. If you lazy ladies are thinking about outsmarting me or believe you are the best of the Air Force, therefore considering yourselves better than anypony, let me remind you that you mean nothing here, either to me or to anypony else. You're nothing more than DIRT! If you want to become the best you must follow my orders to the letter, otherwise I’ll make you life as miserable as possible! Do you maggots understand that?"
"Yes, ma'am," the loudness of their voices lowering at such awful future prospects.
"NOW MOVE YOUR LAZY FLANKS AND PROCEED TO THE BARRACK ON YOUR LEFT! MOOOOOVE!!!"
The recruits galloped towards the barracks, continuing under fire from the drill sergeant and her assistants officers.
"MOVE IT, YOU LITTLE SNAILS! MY OWN GRANDMOTHER CAN GALLOP FASTER THAT YOU! AND SHE’S ALREADY DEAD!"
The recruits were asked – more like yelled at – to face their respective locker after entering the assigned barrack. Each locker had a number at the top, with two different lockers on each side of a steel-framed bunk bed. The barrack where Skybird's platoon was going to live was divided into two sections; each section could accommodate fifty recruits.
The barrack itself was a structure built in concrete with a bland, colorless design; yet the smell of steel was omnipresent. Everything in that section – or “rooms”, as the officers called - was excessively clean and tidy, everything was in impeccable order. The rooms were cold, with a few small, squared windows, but were mostly illuminated by the strong ceiling lights. The cementitious floor was shiny and clean, every step echoed in the whole room.
Skybird was scared, her hooves shake like a leaf. She feared her drill sergeant, Honor Star; she truly disliked being yelled at, just like the rest of the one hundred recruits. Incidentally, only at that precise moment Skybird realized the number of recruits of her platoon.
Skybird was so lost in her own thoughts that she completely forgot about the orders given by the drill sergeant just a few moments ago. When the drill sergeant noticed Skybird’s absent-minded look, she dashed right next to her.
"CAN’T YOU FIND YOUR LOCKER NUMBER, GENIUS? I DON'T THINK SO, YOU KEEP STARING AT THE LOCKER! THE NUMBER IS ON THE TOP, YOU IMBECILE!! ARE YOU RETARDED, TRAINEE!?"
"No, sir, I..." Skybird shyly replied.
"NO??" Honor Star interrupted Skybird with apparent surprise.
"No..."
"HOW ABOUT ‘NO, MA'AM’? YOU TWIT!"
Honor Star proceeded to address the mare next to her. "AND WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? WILL YOU STOP MOVING ABOUT??"
The extremely nervous mare kept searching something. “Drill sarge, I've lost my... my..."
"WHAT HAVE YOU LOST BESIDES YOUR MIND?! STOP LOOKING FOR IT AND DO AS I SAY! LOOK AT THE DAMN NUMBER OVER THERE!! IS THERE ANY OTHER PONY WHO DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FIND A FLYING DAMN NUMBER?! WHO'S THE NEXT RETARD?!" She paused as she gazed around the cadets. "SWEET CELESTIA, CAN WE FINALLY MOVE ON?? THANK YOU SO FLYING MUCH!!”
The drill sergeant continued her vociferous speech, albeit slightly milder.
“Memorize that number, for it will be your locker for the remainder of your training! The number is also associated with your beds; if, for instance, you’re number four, you sleep on bed number four. The number of the bed is located near the bed mattress number. Even numbers designate bottom mattress of your bunk bed and odd numbers the top mattress.”
Everypony glanced at each other uneasily.
“NOW GET READY FOR DINNER, LADIES! Meanwhile i’m going to inspect the rest of the recruits! You're relieved of duty. Five minutes! Present yourselves to your teammate. You and your teammate compose a squad; those with the top mattress are the designated squad leaders! I want no further interruptions from any of you while I’m in the next room! IS THAT CLEAR?!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Everypony replied loudly.
As soon as the sergeant left the room everypony sighed in relief. That day was turning out to be extremely stressful – and it was just the beginning. Skybird’s mattress number was twenty-two; she wasn’t pleased with that, memories of the Wonderbolt Academy flooding her mind even though she wanted to completely forget about them. She met her squad leader as she approached her designated bed: a yellow-eyed white mare Pegasus slightly taller than herself; her white mane displayed a thin light blue line. Skybird was instantly surprised when she noticed her teammate was staring at her with her mouth open, the same look of an older sister when meeting her younger sister for the first time.
"Hi...” Skybird said, feeling rather awkward. “Do I know you?..."
The white mare took two more seconds before noticing the expression on her face. "Oh! I'm sorry, what a crazy night... No, I don’t think we’ve ever met before. I'm Wind Shear. And you are?..."
"I'm Skybird. Nice to meet you," she greeted as she shook her teammate hoof.
"My pleasure."
"Where are you from?" Skybird asked noticing Wind Shear's accent.
"I'm from Manehattan. And you?"
"Wow! Manehattan? That’s very far from here. I'm from Ponyville, not too far from here. I have to ask: how's Manehattan? Is it really the city that never sleeps?"
"Yeah, mostly... Actually, there's really nothing much to do there, if you ask me. It's overcrowded and… that’s it. I felt bored living there: no paddock to trot around, no space for a walk. The rich rule the streets, almost the entire city. No offense, but I don't really like to talk about it..."
"Don’t worry, I understand," Skybird said with a smile; the two mares looked into each other’s eyes for a brief moment.
Skybird and Wind Shear headed to the mess hall. To say things weren’t as everypony imagined was an understatement. Two drill sergeants kept shouting orders like ‘get going’ and ’hurry up’ even though the recruits were carrying their lunch tray. Everypony was given the same lunch: one apple, one large carrot, a bowl of hay and a glass of water. The drill sergeants, in their usual vociferous fashion, also kept telling the cadets how to sit properly, how to eat properly and how to move around the tables properly, at least from the military’s point of view. The most jarring orders involved not being able to leave the seat while chewing and not talking while eating.
Skybird sat down at the table with other mares. Since she they couldn't talk, she started an eye-conversation: talking using only one’s eyes. “This is a nightmare’. One of them looked at Skybird. "Indeed..." she told Skybird with her eyes.
One of the mares joined the eye-conversation. "There’s nothing we can do, is there? We're all in the same situation as you. Just try to take it easy, even if it’s hard. What do you think, girls?" The mare at the other end of table looked at them with and interrogative look, wondering how in Equestria could that mare engage in such an articulated and verbose eye-conversation.
After dinner, back at the barrack, all one hundred recruits gathered inside the bathroom as per Honor Star's order. Fifty mares were ordered to take a shower while the other half were ordered to brush their teeth, then switching places. The mares had to do those things as a group: privacy and personal space just disappeared. Skybird felt very embarrassed showering in front of other mares. Fortunately for her, she was used to brush the end of her long mane, it relieved her stress; it helped her momentarily forget about the situation she was in and finish her shower without feeling too much embarrassed.
Fifty mares massing in front of the same small mirror trying to brush their teeth was another matter altogether, though. At first, unicorns had their magic as an advantage and pegasus could fly over the other mares. The drill sergeants, however, would put an end to those attempts at getting the upper hand: they put the pegasus back on the floor and ordered the unicorns not to use their magic. Honor Star didn't explain why the prohibition was so strict, leaving every mare wondering why they couldn’t use their races’ acknowledged advantages.
Once everypony was in bed, Honor Star shouted "LIGHTS OUT! SWEET DREAMS, MAGGOTS!" switched off the room lights and left.
Skybird felt exhausted even though there hadn’t been any physical activities that day. She closed her eyes and in a few minutes she was sound asleep.
A few hours later that seemed like a mere few minutes to Skybird, her sweet dreams were interrupted by the bugle wake up call. She slowly opened her eyes while a trumpet outside the barracks played the réveille and drill sergeant Honor Star switched on the lights. Skybird got dizzy by the strong lights. The also strong voice of the drill sergeant inducing every recruit to wake up.
"ON YOUR HOOVES, MAGGOTS! YOU HAVE EXACTLY FIVE SECONDS TO STAND UP IN FRONT OF YOUR BEDS: ONE!... TWO!...” Everypony rushed to stand in front of their beds standing at attention. “THREE!... FOUR!... FIVE!!” The drill sergeant checked everypony.
“Hmph! You were lucky... Today you'll receive your physical training uniform and the basic recruit uniform. It's not like the uniform i wore yesterday, the one with the tie, that's called the service uniform, and you won't have one until your graduation as an airpony... IF you ever get there! Instead, you'll get a shirt like the one I'm wearing today. You'll have to take proper care of your uniforms: they must be clean and be worn properly, no folds no stains! Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"This morning you will learn how to march. Tomorrow morning we'll commence the PT. In case anypony of you doesn't know what PT means due to your crappy brains, let me clarify: PT stands for ‘physical training’! It’s that time were you move your lazy flanks about, otherwise I'll get you moving you by kicking your precious flanks! NOW LET’S GET MOVING, THERE'S A LOT TO BE DONE! I WANT TO SEE ALL OF YOU OUTSIDE IN FORMATION! MOVE IT, YOU DIRTBAGS! MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT!!!"
Every mare obeyed without hesitation; into the cold dawn they went. Nopony was given any time to prepare or even to use the bathroom. Many mares, included Skybird, were desperate to pee. But who would dare to go against the drill sergeant’s orders?
"Right, then! It is very important everypony marches on the same rhythm! When I give the marching order from the halt position, the first step forward is made with the left hoof! The rhythm in which you shall march is set by the drums, id est, your left hoof touches the ground according to the drum beat! Also, while marching, you move your left hooves forward followed by your right hooves! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!"
"Is it like trotting, ma'am?" A recruit naively asked.
"NO, YOU NUMBSKULL!! Trotting means you bring your front left hoof and your back right hoof forward at the same time! It’s the complete opposite of marching: front left hoof and left back hoof move forwards at the same time and vice-versa! ARE WE NOW CLEAR?!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Military orders have two commands. The first part is the ‘preparatory command’, which tells you when to acknowledge the order you’re about to execute; the second command is the ‘execution command’, by the end of which you have to execute the order given! for example, if I wish you march forward I'll say 'FORWARD-MARCH'; ‘forward’ is the preparatory command and ‘march’ is the executive command! then we have others marching orders like 'MARK TIME-MARCH' in which you have to march without moving forward! At the order 'HALF STEP-MARCH' you shorten the marching distance; basically you march a half step slower! At the order 'CHANGE STEP-MARCH’, to put it as simple as possible, you have to change the rhythm of your steps! At the command 'MARCH' you put the forward moving hoof behind your stopping hoof! For example, if you're moving your left hooves forward, instead of bringing it forward you bring it close to the right side hooves; once the left side has touches the ground you bring forward the right side. If drums are played, the command ‘MARCH’ will no longer indicate when you have to land your left hoof but your right hoof instead!”
Skybird was increasingly confused by the complexity of what she was hearing, almost dazed.
“Then there’s the turns! There are two different turns, and no, I don’t mean left or right! When moving in formation, the whole formation must turn! The first kinds of turn are ‘FLANK TURN’ and ‘COLUMN TURN’. In the ‘flank turn’ every single one of you must rotate in a ninety-degree angle! The ‘column turn’, however, is a formation turn, meaning that the formation components must turn while still facing forward like the rest of the soldiers in that formation! Then there's 'TO THE REAR-MARCH'! When ordered, each soldier has to make a one hundred and eighty degree turn to the right side.”
Skybird was feeling some anxiety at the prospect of failing to properly execute the orders. That feeling was shared by the vast majority of her platoon.
“Some of theses orders will be trained during PT! UNDERSTOOD?!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"ALRIGHT, LET'S SEE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED SO FAR! LEFT FLANK: MARCH!!"
About an hour and a half later, after the marching session, the recruits were "free" to use the bathroom and to have breakfast in the mess hall like the night before. The food quality, however, got increasingly worse every time the recruits got their meals. Honor Star explained that every soldier must adapt to any situation wherever they are and surviving by eating what nature has to offer. She also added that MREs (Meal Ready-to Eat) consumed during battles weren't the tastiest thing. Therefore, the meals at the mess hall were bad on purpose so the recruits could become accustomed to it.
After breakfast and a after a few more minutes of marching came the fateful moment: the military mane barber. Its main purpose was to cut long manes. Even though everypony else had a short mane, a small cut was still required since it was the only way ponies could stave off the flies. Recruits would have their manes and tails cut, being able to let them grow back only after their graduation, making it look like an award.
Skybird’s mane was cut to nearly the same size of Anna Belle’s manecut as a nurse, the only difference being that scissors were involved this time. This was an emotional disaster for Skybird. Every hair sliced was another slice into her heart, she really cared for her mane and was emotionally attached to it; she was almost heartbroken of being forced to be separated from her beautiful long mane.
Then, just when Skybird thought she was done with scissors for the day, the barber proceeded to clip some feathers of her wings, being careful not to clip the flight feathers. She could hardly believe what they did to her, she even cried a little. Skybird desperately asked the barber the reason behind all of those cuts and trimming. Fortunately for her, the barber was very knowledgeable regarding the reasons behind those procedures. While he finished clipping the feathers, he explained to Skybird that the Air Force felt all recruits must be as equal as possible. The barber calmed Skybird down when he told her the clipping wasn't permanent because the clipped feathers would eventually grow back. He added that the wings could only be allowed to grow back again to pilots starting their pilot training in order to be able to fly; by the time of their pilot graduation the wings would become full once again. The pilot's wing badge was their license to carry their wings within the New Armed Forces; those that wanted to become pilots still had to graduate from the officers’ academy. Enlisted personnel could be pilots as well, but only as reserves and only after undergoing special training.
Skybird felt tiny without her long mane, her long tail and her big wings; she almost felt naked. On that regard, every recruit of her platoon were directed to the tailor to receive their recruit uniform and their PT uniform, the latter consisting of a white shirt with a light blue line in the middle that said "Air Force" in blue colour and blue shorts.
After a brief explanation on how to handle and wear the uniforms, the platoon had lunch at the mess hall. The platoon was lined up afterwards outside of the training ground: it was time for a close uniform inspection. Sergeant Honor Star conducted the inspection, looking for any sign of imperfection on the recruit's uniforms.
"CLEAN THAT DIRT UNDER YOUR COLLAR! STRETCH THAT LINE ON YOUR SHOULDER!"
A few adjustments later, still walking back and forth, she addressed everypony in a serious tone.
"ATTENTION, MAGGOTS!! You must work hard, and you have to show it with your body, your spirit and your mind! Be proud of yourself and that uniform you wear. Your appearance in uniform is an important part of the military image! Judgment on what is the proper image differs in and out of the military. It is most important for every airponies to maintain a high standard of dress and personal appearance! The Air Force has five elements for its standards: neatness, cleanliness, safety, uniformity and military image. The first four are absolute, objective criteria needed for the efficiency and well-being of the Air Force. The fifth, military image, is subjective but necessary. That uniform is more than just mere clothing; it defines you and identifies you. Yesterday you could wear whatever you felt like, but from now on you'll have to wear that uniform all the time! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"If any of you wears your uniform improperly you’ll be not only disrespecting yourselves but your teammates, your platoon and the whole Air Force as well. From this moment forth, any flaws on your uniform will be severely punished. You now have three minutes to return to the barracks and change into your PT uniform and come back here in line. NOW MOVE IT!"
The mares rushed into the barracks, changed into their uniforms as fast as possible and returned back in formation. Some latecomers were reprimanded – rather yelled at – by the drill sergeant, and Skybird was one of them. There was an addition to training this time: a new officer.
"LISTEN UP, LADIES! If I ask you to do pushups at this stage of your training, you most certainly would do them in an appalling way, not because you’re dumb but because you don’t know the correct method yet. That is why today we have sergeant Wildfire here with us; he’s going to show you the proper way of doing push ups. There are three steps for a proper push up: first, position your body with your front hooves straight out, shoulder width apart, abs tight, hold your body in a plank position. Second, lower your body to one inch above the floor, knees pulling back in a 45 degree angle. Third, push your torso away from the ground until your front hooves lock, then repeat. Inhale on the way down and exhale on the way up. I don't want to see anypony choking to death because you forgot to breath! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"THEN GET SET!! Begin your pushups and don’t stop until I tell you to. One... Two... OH, FOR THE LOVE OF LUNA, DON'T TELL ME YOU CAN'T DO ONE SINGLE PUSH UP!! Come on, keep it up! Everypony gimme the third one... Very good, we're finally starting to see some progress… Four... Five... HEY!! YOU GET BACK UP AND RESUME YOUR PUSH UPS, YOU LAZY TWIT!! Six... Seven... Eight... Are you making any effort to keep going or you're just showing off, nine... HEY, DON’T THINK I DIDN’T SEE YOU!! GIMME ANOTHER!! Go all the way down, your muzzle has to touch the floor. Ten... Eleven... Twelve... Thirteen... ARE YOU GIVING UP, TRAINEE?! KEEP GOING UNTIL I TELL YOU TO STOP!! Fourteen... Fifteen... AND STOP!! STAND UP, YOU LETHARGIC MEATBAGS! We're going to do push ups until every single one of you completely master how to do push ups! GET SET!!... One... Two... Three... "
The push up training last for an hour and half; by then every single mare was completely exhausted. Skybird's muscles hurt a lot, that exercise was extenuating, and it was only the beginning. Honor Star ordered the platoon to trot in formation along the perimeter of the base.
Two hours later, even the tough mares experienced several muscle pain, some of them already had lots of lactic acid in their muscles. The sergeant gave them a couple of minutes to rest. Every recruit laid on the ground breathing heavily. Skybird crawled to Wind Shear with the small energy she still had and sat next to her; Wind Shear lied her back on the ground, her front hooves were stretched horizontally as she gasped for air. Skybird sat next to her quietly a bit shyly.
"So... feeling tired?" Skybird said, trying to start a conversation.
"No… I’m just checking the colour of the sky… What do you think?!" Replied Wind Shear in a mix of sarcasm and annoyance.
"I-I... I'm sorry..." Said Skybird feeling ashamed.
"Ah!” Wind Shear realized her blunt words while getting back up. “No, I mean, it's alright, really... My… uhm… My father did use to say I was a hothead."
Skybird sighed in relief. But before the two could resume their conversation, loud shouts came from the general direction of the drill instructor.
"WHAT THE HAY DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING, YOU WORTHLESS DIRTBAGS?! GET BACK UP IMMEDIATELY!! YOU, LAZY PONY! IS YOUR FLANK SO HEAVY IT FORCES YOU TO SIT DOWN?! GET BACK IN FORMATION!!"
The mares rushed into formation without hesitation; some were still exhausted, while some others’ hooves hurt a lot. Honor Star sighed in disappointment at that sight, so she decided it was time for a small pep talk in order to lift their spirits and give them more time to recover their energy.
"The time for rest and sloth ended the minute you joined this military institution; therefore, all of you, with no exception, must adapt to any real life combat situations in order to overcome any adversities. By the end of your training you'll have become stronger and better soldiers. I want all of you to start giving me your best shot in order to keep up with me, your teammates, the air force, the military and Equestria. It's time to become a true soldier, not by tomorrow, not by next week, not even by next month, but right now! Will it be hard? Yes… but only if you let your minds think that. You must focus on your objectives, OUR objectives. The Basic Military Training, or BMT, is merely the first step in becoming a good soldier. After that you may choose what you can become. But until your graduation, I want everypony to strive to obtain better results each day. DID I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR, LADIES?!"
"YES, MA’AM!" The reinvigorated platoon responded.
"No more excuses from now on! PLATOON! RIGHT FLANK!... MARCH!!"
Later that night, the only thing that helped the recruits with their aching muscles pain was a hot shower, the hot water had a relaxing effect on the tendons. Skybird, however, wasn't relaxed at all, she was lost in her own thoughts instead. She felt discombobulated due to the loss of her precious long mane and fluffy wings. Under the warm water that flowed around her body, Skybird reminisced those days when her mother used to brush her long mane or preened her wings. They both used to laugh and smile. Her mother really liked her daughter's mane, she told Skybird many times how to take proper care of it.
While thinking of her memories, Skybird failed to notice that she was still doing the gesture of brushing her long mane, she was now effectively brushing the air; some of her teammates looked at her like she was crazy, especially two mares that were right behind her.
After drying herself up, Skybird laid in her bed, with some of her muscles aching less than before but still aching nonetheless. Wind Shear joined her afterwards with a towel around her neck while preparing to go to bed.
"Hey, Wind Shear!" Skybird called as she tried to gain her attention.
"Uh?" She answered feeling confused for a brief moment, remembering Skybird like she was a far relative that she hadn't seen for a very long time. "What is it, Skybird?"
"Well..." Her expression quickly became sad. "How do you feel... about our..." She took a deep breath, even though that didn’t prevent her voice from becoming almost inaudible. "... wing loss?"
"It's not a big deal, really,” Wind Shear replied pragmatically. “We wouldn’t be allowed to use our wings even if we had them back. What can I say? Rules are rules, even if some are meant to be broken... Anyway, I think it’d be best you don’t dwell on it. You must overcome that sadness. It’s like the sarge said, you have to adapt, there's no other way.”
Skybird looked away feeling even sadder than before. Wind Shear felt bad for being so direct to her teammate; she tried to say something more agreeable.
“I’m sorry, I should have chosen better words… What I'm saying is that it's not the end of the world. Our wings are not forever gone, but while we’re in the military we just have to get used to it; besides, we couldn’t use them anyway, at least not during the training. You can’t let this get to you; be positive! I don't know what else to say... All I know is that now is not the time to let ourselves dwell on such emotional matters.” Skybird still looked away from her. “Come on, it's time to get some sleep. Only Luna knows what we’re going to face tomorrow.” Wind Shear climbed the bunk and got into her bed. “Good night, Skybird."
"Good night, Wind Shear," she said without looking at her.
The next morning, the wake up was even more disastrous than anypony could imagine. The lactic acid from the day before had mostly fully formed through the night, making everypony’s awakening terribly painful. Any kind of movement meant pure agony, yet they all had to stand up for the drill sergeant.
However, Honor Star already knew that morning was going to be an ordeal to for her recruits; she entered carrying in her mouth a fire hose, gushing with water every recruit that didn’t get out of bed fast enough. As a result, almost everypony got soaked, including Skybird and Wind Shear. The water jet was so strong that it pushed some of the recruits straight out of their beds.
"RISE AND SHINE, LITTLE WORMS!" Shouted Honor Star. "Today's cleaning day! I want this barrack so clean and shiny I could eat my lunch on the floor. Since your beds are now soaking wet you may begin cleaning the latrines. I want them so sanitary clean that even Celestia herself would be proud to use them!"
"Yes, ma'am," everypony replied rather miffed at the drill sergeant.
"When you’re done with the latrines, I want you to come back here and clean this barrack. I do not want to see even the smallest trace of dirt. Move your beds and your lockers in order to clean underneath them. I want the windows so clean and transparent as if there wasn’t any glass at all. And after that, I want you to be in your uniforms and at the ready. WAS THIS CLEAR ENOUGH FOR THOSE DROWSY MINDS OF YOURS?!"
"Yes, ma'am…"
"WELL? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? MOVE THOSE FLACCID FLANKS OF YOURS, PRINCESSES!"
It took the whole morning to clean the barrack, yet Honor Star remained with them, teaching how to clean in teams and with efficiency. With everypony collaborating with one another, it took much less time to clean the whole barrack. They didn't make it in time for breakfast, however, and so they skipped it. Everypony exited the barrack and formed a line for a general inspection of their uniforms.
"FIX THAT COLLAR!! WHAT IS THAT OIL STAIN ON YOUR UNIFORM, TRAINEE?!"
"I accidentally got my uniform dirty while cleaning the barrack, ma'am!"
"What the hay happened? Did you use your uniform as a cleaning cloth?!"
"No, ma'am."
"THEN GET BACK IN THAT BARRACK AND CHANGE YOUR UNIFORM!! MOVE IT!!!"
After the yellow mare left the formation, somepony sneezed.
"WHAT THE HAY WAS THAT??" Honor Star searched the recruit who sneezed with an infuriated expression. She headed to the recruit once she located her and stopped right in front of her to begin her dressing down.
"YOU BUCKET FACE!! DID I GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO SNEEZE??"
"N-No, ma'am," said the terrified mare.
"THEN YOU HOLD IT IN! OTHERWISE I'LL MAKE SURE THE NEXT TIME YOU WALK AGAIN IS ON THE MOON SURFACE!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
"Yes, ma'am," she said desperately wanting to dig up a hole and hide.
"WHAT IS YOUR NAME, ANYWAY?"
"Honey Cake, ma'am."
"That sounds like a baker’s name. Are you a baker, trainee Honey Cake?"
"No, ma'am."
"Well, it so happens that I DON'T LIKE THAT NAME!! ONLY GLUTINOUS CANDY HOARDERS AND ALOOF BAKERS ARE CALLED HONEY CAKE!! FROM NOW ON YOU SHALL BE KNOWN AS ‘BUCKET FACE’!! UNDERSTOOD?!"
"Yes, ma'am…" Said a demoralized Honey Cake feeling awful for earning such a nickname so soon.
But fate was against the recruit that day: the unicorn accidentally sneezed again right in front of her drill sergeant, dirtying her uniform. Honor Star looked down in disbelief and saw red, yet she kept her composure like a true professional, trying to clean the spit on her uniform with her hoof.
"Well, well, well… It looks like we’ve got a sick mare here, don't you think, trainee Bucket Face?"
"N-No, ma'am!" The unicorn mare replied trying to keep her composure even though she just wanted to run away as fast as possible.
"SO YOU DID THIS ON PURPOSE??" Honor Star shouted even louder than usual.
"No, ma'am!!" Honey Cake was about to cry.
"ON THE FLOOR! GIMME FIFTY PUSH UPS! NEXT TIME YOU'LL THINK TWICE BEFORE SNEEZING IN FRONT OF YOUR SUPERIORS!” Honor Star glimpsed the trainee with the dirty uniform returning from the barrack. “AND YOU!! YOU SURE TOOK YOUR TIME!! WHAT THE HAY WERE YOU DOING IN THERE?! DOES IT TAKE SO MUCH TIME TO CHANGE A SHIRT?!"
The whole platoon then started another PT session, upsetting everypony because they all had to switch to their PT uniforms.
After lunch at the mess hall, everypony was sent to the tailor once more to get the camouflage uniform with vegetation pattern: a mottled pattern of chocolate brown, russet & olive green shapes on a khaki base, along with a cap with of the same camouflage, or ‘camo’; it was going to be required for the next exercise: the obstacle course for field operations.
The obstacle course was structured from the very basic jumping over obstacles to more advanced ones that required quick dodging, climbing with the help of other teammates and crawling under wires, all of that while getting dirty with mud.
There were other sections of the obstacle course: crossing using a horizontal ladder with their front hooves only without touching the floor; climbing a vertical rope to the top and then slowly climbing down by pressing the back hooves hard on the rope; crossing a small water pond using a suspended horizontal rope like a bridge and then using a vertical rope like a liana, never falling into the pond; crossing a giant wooden ladder where the recruits had to climb to the top, cross its horizontal top and climb down the other side safely; crawling inside tunnels as quickly as possible; crossing an obstacle comprised of two horizontal logs at different heights, where the recruits had to mount the lower log and jump onto the higher log, pressing their bellies onto the wooden log.
The highest difficulty obstacle was the three stage equilibrium obstacle test. The first section consisted of two inclined logs placed over a fence in which the recruits had to walk up on one inclined log and down to reach the other side without running. The second section had a single suspended log which the recruits had to cross without falling down into the water below – it was easy to accidentally rotate the log and fall down. The third and final section involved jumping over tree stumps without touching the ground in order to reach the other side.
The drill sergeant motivated her trainees in her usual fashion.
"COME ON, YOU SLOTHS!! HURRY THE FLY UP!! MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT!!! You have less than ten seconds, I repeat, ten flying seconds to complete this obstacle! Nopony of this platoon will graduate unless everypony completes the obstacle in less than ten seconds. OH, SWEET CELESTIA!... ARE YOU ALL TRYING TO WIN THE WORLD RECORD OF SLOWEST PERFORMANCE?!"
Skybird fell down from some of the obstacles along with other mares, but it was part of the learning process. Skybird had mud her uniform from the obstacle course and dirt after crawling on the ground under the wires; she also had a few cuts under her hooves when she grabbed the rope in the wrong way; her feathers were all messy at the end of the training. Yet she did not complain at all, instead she kept going, always reminding herself ‘it could be worse’, like that unicorn who was targeted by the drill sergeant.
"GET YOUR FAT FLANK OVER THERE, TRAINEE BUCKET FACE!! ARE YOU EVEN TRYING?! FINE, MAKE NO EFFORT WHATSOEVER AT ANYTHING YOU DO! IF CELESTIA WANTED YOU UP THERE SHE WOULD HAVE JUST TURNED YOU INTO A PEGASUS, RIGHT?!"
"Yes, ma'am…" said Honey Cake.
"WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?! DO I MAKE YOU NERVOUS, TRAINEE BUCKET?! DO YOU WANT YOUR MOMMY?!"
However, even Skybird wasn't exempt of Honor Star’s words of encouragement.
"GET UP HERE, YOU SKINNY HORSE!! CLIMB UP QUICKLY!! YOU CLIMB LIKE A DYING SQUIRREL!! Whatever you do, make sure you don't fall down, blood is a pain to remove from the uniforms. WELL?! WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! WE DON’T HAVE THE WHOLE DAY!! CLIMB UP, TRAINEE!!"
Later that night, every cadet carefully cleaned their camo uniform and began the night time march. Everypony carried a heavy backpack and a PT belt that was used as a reflector to give their positions to the rest of the troops in the middle of the night. To simulate heavy equipment, the backpacks were filled with real rocks - everypony carried the exact same number of rocks, their weight being checked before and after the night march. Heavy equipment was also simulated with gallons of water and heavy logs that required over five mares to carry them. Teamwork was essential to the success of the march.
The march was very hard and exhausting, and it was a cold night to boot. Everypony marched for five miles into a forest area just outside the base, and another five miles to head back. Honor Star accompanied her platoon at all times in spite of not carrying any backpack.
The drill sergeant would occasionally pick a random mare from the platoon and order her to feign death so that the rest of the platoon were forced to carry her, sometimes switching the roles; the drill sergeant would also pick the team leaders to feign death in order to check the platoon response to the loss of their leader. It was funny and hard at the same time to everypony. Skybird was among the ones being congratulated with playing dead and being carried away almost like a princess; at least she had some rest, even though not enough to fell asleep.
After the long night march, everypony was exhausted. Skybird, however, found it to be a rather nice and funny experience. Oddly enough, even the drill sergeant seemed pleased, smirking at the sight of her tired but intact trainees returning to the barracks. Honor Star switched off the lights after everypony had gotten into bed; Skybird fell asleep instantly.
However her sleep didn't last as long as she had hoped: she was awakened not by the drill sergeant, not by the reveille trumpet, but instead by an odd metal clunking noise from above her bed. Skybird decided to check if Wind Shear was also awakened by that noise. When she looked at her squad leader, however, Skybird was shocked: Wind Shear was trembling like a leaf, her front hooves grabbing her shoulders.
"Wind Shear!” Skybird whispered trying to not get caught by the night watch and to not wake up the rest of her teammates. “Is there something wrong?"
"I-I-I'm... I'm so c-c-cold..." Wind Shear could hardly speak.
Skybird placed her hoof on Wind Shear’s forehead to check for a fever.
"It looks like you have a fever. Maybe it’s due to the cold temperature here at the barrack. You should go to the infirmary."
"Forget about it. I'm don’t want to explain the drill sarge why I was awaken in the middle of the night."
"But you’re cold. Surely they’ll understand..."
"Thanks, Skybird, but no thanks. I’m not going to waste my time arguing with the night watch about letting me go to the infirmary. And don’t call me Shirley…”
Skybird looked at her teammate as if she had gone delirious all of a sudden. "Alright... Can you make some physical exercise to keep you warm?"
"It's literally the only thing we’ve been constantly doing since we joined the military... Do you think there’s any chance the night watch would notice me when he checks the barrack? I don't want to get spotted. Do you have any other ideas?"
"I’m afraid I don’t. But..."
"But what?"
Skybird couldn't believe the crazy idea that had just crossed her mind. She even blushed at the mere thought, but it could be the only option left. "Well… Since you’re cold and you need to stay warm, maybe you could... you know… sleep with me?" Skybird felt ashamed from uttering such words.
"WHAT?? Are you crazy?! You weirdo!"
Skybird was getting annoyed at her teammates’ stubbornness. "Look, you have to stay warm. If I sleep in your bed with you I can exchange some of my body temperature and make you warmer. I admit it may not be the most orthodox idea, but at least nopony will notice us... So, you can either go to the infirmary on your own, do some exercise or sleep with me and stay warm. You decide."
Wind Shear took a few moments to think it over. "Ok... But if I sleep with you, we literally just sleep and nothing else. Understood?"
"Of course! That's exactly what I had planned from the start," Skybird cheerfully said, to Wind Shear’s relief.
Wind Shear climbed down the bunk bed, pulled the blanket and got into Skybird’s bed. They had to sleep very close to each other because of the narrow sized bed. Skybird hugged her teammate to keep her warm and they both fell asleep a few minutes later.
Wind Shear had agreed to Skybird’s plan providing she would sleep in Skybird’s bed just for a few hours and return to her own bed in order to not get caught by the wake up call of the drill sergeant. Unfortunately for Wind Shear, though, that morning’s wake up call had been scheduled earlier than usual.
"WAKE UP, LADIES!!” Shouted Honor Star. “There’s a lot to be done today…” She gazed at the bunks only to find two mares sharing the same bed. Skybird and Wind Shear woke up and slowly rubbed their eyes before the drill sergeant’s voice sent shivers down their spines.
“Oh, my flying Celestia...” Honor Star whispered to herself in horror at what she had just seen. “WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU TWO DOING SHARING THE SAME BED?? Don’t answer that, I don’t want to know!…”
Skybird was horrified at the misunderstanding caused by their situation. Wind Shear was calmer but worried nonetheless.
“So...” Honor Star took a deep breath in order to restrain herself from beating the hay crap out of them. “It seems we have two mares already in heat that cannot control their desires. It’s strange given that it’s not mating season yet…”
"Wait!” Skybird abruptly interrupted as she put on her uniform, willing to clarify the misunderstanding. “It’s not what you’re thinking!"
"SILENCE!!” Honor Star shouted in fury after that seemingly insubordinate interruption. “DID I GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO SPEAK, TRAINEE?!"
"No, ma'am," Skybird replied extremely frightened.
"SO!... IF I MAY BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE!..." Honor Star shouted sarcastically. Everypony else at the barrack woke up after that commotion. The drill sergeant turned to them. “What these two have done is a direct violation of article 13 of the Air Force’s code. I regret not having informed you about such rules beforehoof, but I can’t take personal care of each one of you as if you were babies” She turned back to Wind Shear and Skybird. “And yet, here I am stuck with these two stupid mares without any self-restraint. I'd be ashamed if I were you. NOW THEN! FACE THE GROUND AND GIVE ME SEVENTY PUSH UPS!!"
"Ma’am, no, ma'am," interrupted Wind Shear.
Honor Star couldn’t believe what she had just heard, neither could the rest of the trainees. "What did you say, trainee?..."
"Ma’am, the recruit said ‘no’, ma'am. The recruit also believes that punishment is not warranted. The drill sergeant has misunderstood the situation by jumping to conclusions rather than obtaining substantial evidence."
Honor Star squinted her eyes; she was livid at that trainee’s insubordination yet impressed by her bravery. "Alright, I’ll play along. Were you or were you not sleeping in the same bed, trainee?"
"Yes, ma'am..."
"That looks like a substantial evidence, don't you think? I’m not interested in the sordid details of your night together, but sleeping with another mare in the same bed doesn’t seem like normal behavior, wouldn’t you say?" The drill sergeant paused. “Wait a minute. What is your name, trainee?"
"Recruit Wind Shear, ma'am."
"I remember you. I checked your file: I know who you are, why you are here and what your real intentions are. Scum like you does not belong here!” A smirk formed in Honor Star’s face. “It's only a matter of time before you quit..."
"No, ma'am. I will never quit, ma'am."
"Keep telling yourself that... You don't care about your teammates, you only care about yourself. Isn't that true, trainee?"
"No, ma'am!"
Skybird was shaken and befuddled. Why was the drill sergeant talking like that to her squad leader? What could Wind Shear be hiding? Was she that much of a bad pony as she led others to believe? All those convoluted thoughts didn’t last long as Honor Star turned to Skybird immediately after dealing with Wind Shear.
"What's YOUR excuse, trainee?" Honor Star asked raising an eyebrow.
Skybird nearly froze with fear. "Well, ma'am... Last night, Wind Shear had a fever and felt cold. I told her to go to the infirmary but she refused to go, claiming that would have been a waste of time. I used to be a nurse and I know it is my duty to help anypony who is sick in the best way possible. So I suggested my squad leader to join me in my bed in order to keep warm. Nothing else happened, ma’am, really. We just slept…"
Honor Star burst into a laugh. "That must be the most absurd excuse I’ve ever heard!! You only wanted to keep her 'warm', you say?" She kept laughing out loud, her face suddenly lighting up. “Oh! I got the perfect nickname for you, trainee. From now on you'll be known as 'Heater'. Do you like it, trainee?..."
"Um... No, not really, ma'am," Skybird answered in shame, blushing a little.
"Well, you’ll just have to deal with it! As for your teammate, or should I say ‘marefriend’, her nickname shall be 'Ice Jolly'. Heater and Ice Jolly, what a cute couple… Consider yourselves lucky I’m not going to report this incident to my superiors.” Honor Star was going to leave, but stopped immediately and turned to Wind Shear. “Oh, one more thing: trainee Ice Jolly, you're relieved of duty. Trainee Heater is promoted to squad leader.” Honor Start turned to the rest of the trainees. “TRAINEE BUCKET FACE!!"
The yellow unicorn rushed from the other section of the barrack. "Trainee Bucket Face reporting as ordered, ma'am."
"Trainee Bucket, from now on, trainee Heater will become your new squad leader; you will bunk with her. She’s going to be your superior from now on.”
"Yes, ma'am."
Honor Star turned her head to Wind Shear, who remained still during her humiliating punishment. "This will teach you not to engage in such depraved behavior ever again.” She turned back to Skybird. “Don't worry, trainee Heater, your marefriend is simply going to be relocated to the next section of the barrack. She won’t be far from you... pervert…"
Honor Star walked away. The three mares just stood on their places like statues for what seemed a whole minute. Honey Cake peeked at Skybird in sorrow with her head down. Wind Shear, on the other hand, glared at Skybird, making her very uncomfortable and guilty. She then began packing her belongings and left her bunk, but not before giving Skybird a cold look.
Honey Cake approached Skybird with a yellow smile. "Look on the bright side: now you have the upper bed!" Unfortunately her attempt at cheering up Skybird failed, for she didn’t even reply; she kept standing still with a heavy breath, shocked at how horribly things turned out. A few moments later, however, she resumed her duties like nothing had happened.
The morning routine was another session of PT and obstacle course. After dinner, Skybird’s platoon gathered for a small but important speech from Honor Star.
"Listen up, ladies! We may have played and had some laughs so far.” Everypony glanced at each other wondering what the hay she was talking about, as they didn't quite agree with that statement. “But today I want every single one of you at your best, for today we're having an important visit from an Army instructor that came here specially for you. I want you to make a good impression. Composure is the key word…” She turned to Skybird, who happened to be at the front, and smirked. “Right, trainee Heater?”
"Yes, ma'am…" Skybird replied, still frustrated for being called by that annoying nickname.
"Good. Although the instructor is of the same rank as I am, I want you all to address him as a high rank officer. In fact, always show the proper respect to any soldier that has a higher rank than you. You are nothing at the moment, which means you have to respect everypony you meet, including your own teammates. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," the platoon replied.
"Very well. FORWARD… MARCH!!"
The platoon headed to an open space surrounded by trees. The site had many wooden crates, with a big wooden blackboard at the center. Awaiting them was the Army's drill instructor, a gray stallion wearing a grey camo comprised of three different shades of grey.
"HALT!" Honor Star ordered after bringing her platoon to the front of the drill sergeant. “PLATOON... ATTENTION!"
The platoon assumed the stance of attention.
"At ease,” the stallion ordered. He then turned to Honor Star. “You must be sergeant Honor Star, am I correct?"
"Actually, it's Major Sergeant Chief Honor Star."
"My apologies.” He glanced at her platoon. “Is this your entire platoon?"
"Yes, sir. All of my trainees are here: one hundred in total."
The stallion gulped as he widened his eyes. "One hundred? And you’re their only drill instructor? How do you manage?"
"A bit of fire under your flank and some good ol' willpower. We're not as lazy as the Army, you know… Besides, I'm not your average drill sergeant: I’m worth six drill sergeants of yours."
The stallion smiled. “Fair enough.” He then addressed the platoon. “Good afternoon, recruits."
"Good afternoon, ma'am!..." It took a few seconds for the platoon to realize the magnitude of the mistake they had just made. Honor Star couldn't believe her ears, making a facehoof in disbelief.
The stallion chuckled. "Don’t worry, sergeant. I guess it’s the first time these mares addressed a higher ranked stallion. The same thing happens to stallions as well.” He turned back at the platoon.
“Good afternoon, ladies. I'm Sergeant First Class Beretta, your weapons instructor for the next month; a short time compared to your training. The Army has been short on staff while trying to do its best to properly train our troops. The fact is nopony was prepared to raise an army from scratch in only a couple of months. For this reason I’m afraid I might be absent for a few days; my superiors will require my services now and then.” He paused briefly. “Well then, enough with the chit-chat and let's get started. Do any of you know why you have a weapons instructor from the Army instead of the Air Force?"
The recruits remained silent.
"Alright, I’ll give you the answer. The reason is that the Equestrian Army is the sole responsible for the Equestrian Armed Forces firearms production. I myself am a weapon engineer: I design, develop and supervise the quality control of firearms.
The recruits now looked confused, wondering what in Equestria was a firearm.
“Judging by the look on your faces, I assume that none of you knows what a firearm is, which is only natural. The standard definition of a firearm is as follows: it’s a portable barreled ranged weapon that inflicts damage on targets by launching a projectile driven rapidly expanding high-pressure gas produced chemically by exothermic combustion, or deflagration, of propellant within the case of an ammunition cartridge, or round, as we call it in the military.” Everypony was perplexed at those words, a reaction the sergeant was used to. “To put it simple, it’s a device with which you aim, press a trigger and shoot down a target.”
Sergeant Beretta reached one of the wooden crates close to him, grabbed one of the devices inside and showed it to the recruits.
“This is a rifle, a long-range weapon." He then extracted a grey curved container from the rifle. "This component is called 'magazine'; it stores several rounds in a repeating firearm for loading into the chamber. It’s comprised of a spring and a follower that feeds the rounds into the chamber of a firearm." He took a single round from the magazine to show the recruits. "This tiny piece is the round, a packaging of the propellant, the primer, or ignition device, the projectile, or bullet. Notice this tiny part on the tip of the round: it is the bullet that I mentioned before. It’s the part that is fired with lightning speed towards any target, the main purpose of these weapons. The propellant used is gunpowder, like the gunpowder used in fireworks.”
Everypony was fascinated at the rifle, although unaware of its destructive power. The sergeant continued his lesson.
“The Equestrian Army has created three different types of bullets. First: the lethal bullet in which the projectile’s material is lead. Second: the taser bullet, where tow pins emerge from the top intended to puncture the skin and remain attached to the target, delivering an electric current that disrupts muscle control, causing temporary 'neuromuscular incapacitation'. These should be used against adult ponies or horses. And finally: the tranquilizer bullet. This bullet is filled with a tranquilizer drug that can be sedative, comatosing or paralytic. On the tip of this bullet lies a hypodermic needle that injects the drug inside the target. Once injected it will temporarily impair the target's physical function and allow approach without offering resistance. These should be used primarily against with an anatomy different from ponies. One small note: tazer bullets do not assure the non-lethality and the survival of the target. Both the tazer and the tranquilizer bullets have less gunpowder inside the round case which results in a modified velocity, penetration force and the range of the bullet. Remember this when you handle these types of bullets."
At this point the minds of several recruits began to wander, but the sergeant continued nonetheless. He reached his belt and took out three different magazines.
"To quickly identify the type of rounds you wish to use on the battlefield, the magazines are painted with different colours to better distinguish the type of ammo. Lethal rounds magazines display a red line at the bottom. Tranquilizer rounds magazines are marked with a purple line on the bottom. The yellow magazines with a blue line on the bottom are the ones with tazer rounds. The yellow coloration is only used for urban operation, warning the population of the danger of electrocution. Tazer magazines for field operation distinguish themselves from those for urban operation by having a single blue line at the bottom. Keep in mind that if you shoot an attacker who had noticed the round colour scheme yet failed to surrender, you are not responsible for his or her death. Take your time to absorb the information. My main objective for this month is for everypony to become technically proficient with firearms. Are there any questions?"
A mare raised her hoof and awaited permission to speak before proceeding with her question.
"Excuse me, sir, I have a question. You said that tazers and tranquiliser rounds contain less gunpowder inside their cases which affects their respective bullet’s range and target penetration. Does that mean those bullets can be lethal?"
"That is a very good question, I’m glad you ask. I might have used an improper term: instead of 'penetration' I should have said 'stopping power', which is the ability of a bullet to incapacitate and, thus, neutralize a target. This adds another matter to consider: given than bullets are shot out of the chamber at high pressure, the produced kinetic energy must be high enough for the bullet to travel a sufficient distance; this applies to any bullets. Bear in mind that you must never fire a rifle at close range; the amount of kinetic energy of the bullet on short distances is enormous, resulting in the bullet trespassing the target rather than just incapacitating it. For close range shooting you use a sidearm, which is specifically designed for short and medium shooting distances. Any more questions?” The recruits remained silent, probably with lots of questions on their minds. “No? Then I’ll show you how to handle a rifle.”
Sergeant Beretta stood on his hind legs and held the rifle with his front hooves. "This is the standard shooting position which must be used every time you fire your weapon. It may look strange to you, even annoying at first, but in time and with practice you'll get used to the upright stance. Since my two front hooves are not touching the ground, the firing position prevents me from walking despite mobility being the key to a successful battle. Therefore, in order to move freely and not feel constrained by the rifle when it’s not being used, we have this sling. This string of cotton is what separates you from life and death; the quicker you get your weapon, the quicker your response to a sudden enemy attack will become.”
The sergeant began his demonstration; he got back on four hooves, walked two steps forward, two steps back and returned to the shooting position.
"In order to reload a rifle you can’t just swap magazines, you must also check the condition of your weapon. These are very important questions you must ask yourselves while in the field: ‘Are there any rounds left inside the chamber? How can I tell? Can I just eject the round and eliminate all doubts?’ First, check the chamber is indeed empty; then pull the charging handle, insert the new magazine in the rifle, tap it and tug on it to make sure the magazine is properly inserted; the latter is of paramount importance, otherwise the magazine may fall off the rifle during combat, and that’s the last thing you want to happen. Never forget: tug on the magazine! Any questions so far?”
Everypony was fascinated at such state-of-the-art technology despite not showing it due to everypony being in formation. One mare was about to raise her hoof but decided against it at the last second.
“Moving on. After properly inserting the magazine, you must press this little button which enables the insertion of the round into the chamber. When changing magazines, do not throw the empty ones away like garbage; you must store them inside your ammo pouch, and you must do so with the brass to the grass, as in the side of the magazine showing the rounds must face the ground, and, therefore, opposite to your body. If you’re carrying the ammo pouch on your belt, the magazines must face your rear. When picking up a new magazine you don't have to peek into your pouch; however, before inserting it in your rifle, you must check the magazine is the appropriate one so you don’t fire the wrong type of bullet or even an empty magazine by mistake. I can’t stress this enough: always check your magazine before loading your weapon! Remember the markings on the magazines, they are a valuable aid, but don’t rely solely on them; mistakes can happen, and who knows when you load a magazine with the wrong rounds inside, for instance, loading a tazer with lethal rounds! Always inspect your magazine when reloading your weapon. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir."
Sergeant Beretta suspected the recruits were not being completely honest with him and gave them a few more seconds in order to encourage them to ask questions. Everypony remained silent, though. He shrugged and resumed his lesson.
"The rifles used in the Equestrian Army have three different firing modes: burst, semi-automatic and fully automatic. The burst mode enables the shooter to fire a set number of rounds, usually three rounds. In semi-automatic mode only a single round is fired each time you push the trigger. Finally, the fully automatic mode, also known as 'full auto', continuously fires rounds for as long as the trigger is pressed or held and until you deplete your magazine. Now let’s get on to firing the weapon. First of all, let’s not forget Equestrian military is comprised solely of ponies. Unlike other species, we do not possess hands or claws, hence we’re unable to use normal triggers. Therefore, our weapons possess a different kind of trigger, like the one used in this rifle. To fire your weapon you must push the trigger which is located under the lower receiver and in front of the pistol grip; use the grip to leverage your hoof and push it up against the trigger while holding it with the pistol grip. We'll begin the lesson on how to fire your weapon next time. Today I’d like you to first familiarize yourselves with your rifle. Sergeant Honor Star will present you your rifles from those wooden crates next to her, so form a line and pick them up one at a time. They are dummy rifles, however; they’re unable to fire, therefore fit for training purposes only. Nevertheless, never forget that you are the sole responsible for the handling and the maintenance of your weapons. Now go and get your weapons."
The prospect of getting such a dreaded device sent shivers down Skybird’s spine; she had just come to the realization that her once peaceful life was suddenly gone. Those cold, black metal rifles had a menacing, even terrifying aura. She’d rather not even touch one of those things; she never thought joining the Equestrian military was going to involve using such lethal equipment. She had been led to believe that such equipment was a major technological advancement that represented tremendous progress. Yet Skybird couldn’t help but wonder if that progress was heading in the right direction: was it going forward or backwards? How was it going to affect the behavior and the conscious of ponies? She just couldn’t stop dwelling on it.
It was finally Skybird’s turn to receive her rifle. Once she held it she immediately noticed it was physically different from sergeant Beretta’s rifle, albeit only slightly. The stock and the hoofguard were painted in light blue, the marking of a dummy rifle.
Sergeant Beretta taught the recruits how to disassemble and reassemble their rifles. It was essential knowledge for every recruit; in the case a rifle stopped working or jammed in the middle of a battle, a soldier could circumvent the problem and repair the damaged components. It was too technical for Skybird, however, and as a result she didn't understand much of the sergeant’s explanation, getting even more confused that before the explanation!
Once back at the barracks, sergeant Honor Star gave her recruits half an hour to practice the assembling and disassembling of their rifles.
"Ladies, this rifle is your life. From now on, every single one of you must take care of your rifles like it was your own baby. This piece of metal is not a toy, do you hear me!?” She quickly turned to Skybird. “Am I clear, trainee Heater? I trust you won’t use it in an ‘improper’ manner, if you know what I mean…"
"No, ma'am…" Skybird replied, still frustrated at the mention of that name.
"The maintenance of your rifles is crucial. The lives of other ponies depend on how you treat your rifles. Understood?”
"Yes, ma'am," everypony replied.
"I want you all to use this time to practice rifle maintenance, so let’s make haste."
Every soldier had two minutes in a normal situation to disassemble their rifles. Skybird would have to work really hard in order to keep up with everypony else. The rifle lied on a mat in which were depicted the outlines of the rifle’s different parts after disassembling. She sat on her bed and stared at her rifle, almost like she could disassemble it with her mind. Yet Skybird couldn’t even figure out where to begin. She picked it up and tried to smashed it with her hoof, or trying to remove some of the pins by smashing the rifle with her hoof while grumbling to herself.
It was hard for Honey Cake not to notice her squad leader’s frustration, so she decided to check up on her.
"Hey, Skybird. What's up?"
"Argh! It’s this damn rifle! How am I supposed to disassemble this thing in just under two minutes?"
"Weren't you paying attention to the sarge's lesson?"
"I was.... It’s just that I lost track of the explanation halfway through. That guy used terms that are too technical for me."
Honey Cake giggled. "Maybe I can help you." She jumped onto Skybird's bed. "It's not that hard, trust me."
"Show me, then.”
"First, you remove the hoofguard, then you push the takedown pin, enabling you to separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver. Once the upper receiver is tilted up you can extract the bolt carrier and the charging handle. Then you remove the pivot pin and completely separate the upper receiver. Now, back to the bolt carrier. First, you remove the retaining pin, and only then you’re able to remove the firing pin and the cam pin. All that’s left is to remove the bolt. Simple, isn’t it?"
Skybird couldn’t help but be amazed at Honey Cake’s technical knowledge and prowess at both handling and disassembling the rifle. However, she was shocked when Honey Cake used her magic to highlight the components.
"What are you doing? You know you can't use your magic here!"
“I wasn't actually “using” magic, at least not to accomplish something. I just used it to highlight the various components for you to better understand. Besides, in case you didn’t know, unicorns are allowed to use their magic while off duty."
"That’s fine and all, but we’re ON duty at the moment! Stop using your magic before Honor Star notices you."
After dinner, the recruits went on another night march, only this time they got to carry their rifles along with the standard equipment. It wasn't a problem at first, but soon the mares realized how the rifles hindered their movements, especially when carrying extra equipment or when simulating the carrying of an injured mare. Picking up the injured recruit while carrying a rifle was dangerous, for not only the rifle could be fired unintentionally at the injured pony but also the weapon’s sling could choke her. Hence, the recruit responsible for carrying the backpack of the wounded pony had to add an extra rifle. Skybird was unlucky that night, for it was her turn to help the injured mare, having to carry two hefty backpacks and two rifles, a daunting task even for the strongest mare. The massive cargo slowed her down, but she pushed herself so that she could keep up with rest of the platoon.
"Dear Luna! Trainee Heater, why are you so damn slow?! MOVE IT, YOU PIECE OF GARBAGE! Are you making any effort to keep up with the platoon or what? Move those hooves like when you’re with your marefriend in bed!” Skybird was so dizzy she missed the drill sergeant’s insult. “Oh, are you dizzy? Are you going to faint? Are you going to freakin’ die, Heater?! Because if you are, do it now or move the fly up!!"
Back at the barracks, Skybird was exhausted. The only things she was looking forward to were a nice, hot shower and a good night sleep. Honey Cake, on the other hand, sat on her bed while cleaning her rifle and her camo uniform.
During her shower, a mare bumped into Skybird. "Sorry, Heater." While Skybird hated being called ‘Heater’, she didn’t feel particularly angry about it, probably because that was an easy way for the other recruits to remember her and acknowledge her presence. However, the bump had made her drop the soap on the shower floor. When she bent down to pick it up with her month, she heard a flirty whistle from one of the two mares standing behind her.
"No wonder they call you 'Heater'”, one of the mares remarked. “Just look at that round flank of yours!"
Skybird’s face turned red and she quickly covered her rear with her tail like a young filly and rushed out of the showers while the others laughed and made fun of her. She was at a loss on what to do about it; she felt back in school when all classmates made fun of her.
Skybird returned to her bunk bed careful enough to not show too much of her flank, trying her best to pretend it was nothing.
Honey Cake noticed Skybird's uneasy expression as she climbed to her bed. "Is everything alright, Skybird?"
"No… I mean, yes.” She made a yellow smile. “Everything’s fine…" When she reached her bed, she took a deep breath and hid herself under the sheets.
"Come on, Skybird," she thought to herself, "the day is already over. It can't get any worse than this.”
Almost on cue, no sooner had she finished that thought than Honor Star stormed into the bunker.
"Alright, listen up! For tonight's night watch the task is assigned, for her incompetence at marching to the trainee Heater."
Skybird cursed in an incredibly foul manner inside her head.
"Come on, ‘sweetheart’, get down from your bed. You have work to do."
Skybird had been assigned to night watch. Those who guarded the barracks had the difficult task of watching the barrack at all times and making sure nopony entered or left the barracks. The hardest part was by far being awake during the whole night, with only a meager fifteen minutes available to rest. Skybird's morale had hit rock bottom, in fact, it sat well below her own hooves.
But there was nothing Skybird could do about it. As she sat on her stool, she noticed the starry sky, causing her melancholy for her mother to rise. Skybird felt useless and dumb; she couldn't understand why everything she did would inevitably go wrong, no matter how hard she tried. A few tears trickled down her face.
"Mom, if you can hear me…” Skybird whispered, “I miss you so much… You probably wished for me to have a good job at the hospital and live a quiet, normal life. But please understand that I couldn't work in the same place where you passed away. I just couldn't. I know, I'm useless... I failed miserably at everything I did, just I failed to bring you back to life, my dear mom... This place where I am now is even worse than school: everypony thinks I'm a lesbian pervert despite not being true! Mom, please help me, I beg you. Please!... I wish I could have you back with me and Merry Berry. I miss you so very much…" She curled up on her stool.
Suddenly she heard something inside the barracks. She quickly jumped to her hooves and entered the barracks. She looked for anything unusual, yet the room was silent; everypony slept like little fillies. Skybird headed to where she thought the noise had originated.
"Psst... Hey, Heater!" Somepony whispered from the darkness, startling Skybird. "Are you looking for some fun?"
Never had Skybird blushed like that before. "What?! No!!" Skybird whispered back.
"Oh, come on, don't be shy. Everypony knows what you did with Wind Shear the other night."
"Nothing happened! Now go back and sleep. At least you have that choice…”
"Oh, come on, Heater, I need to have some 'fun'! I can't control myself! Help me, I beg you!... I know you'll like it."
"Why is every mare in this platoon so crazy?! No! I won’t say it again!”
"Fine, whatever... But what if tomorrow I were to tell the drill sergeant you tried to rape me?...”
"Are you threatening me?" Skybird asked with a worried tone.
"You're not as dumb as you look afterall. Are you ready for some fun or what?”
"Of course not! Besides, Honor Star would never believe you.”
"Why are you so sure of that? It's my word against yours, you know. Who do you think the sergeant will side up with? A horny mare like you, or a sweet, innocent mare who has never done anything wrong like myself?"
Skybird was defeated at the mare’s blackmail. She lowered her head and accepted her fate. "Alright... I'll do it." The mare grinned in delight as Skybird dragged her hooves to the mare’s bed.
Without warning, something hit the craving mare behind her head, knocking her unconscious. The mare was pulled under the blankets. A familiar silhouette formed under the pale moonlight inside the barrack: it was none other than Wind Shear.
"I hope this was the fun you were looking for, you bucking pervert," Wind Shear told the unconscious mare with a disgusted look.
Skybird was flabbergasted. "Wind Shear?! What are you doing?!"
"Saving your flank, perhaps?” Wind Shear retorted. “If you were so desperate for having a good time, you should have accepted her offer right from the start."
"I wasn’t! Anyway, you didn’t have to hit her!"
"Hey, it was either some mare with a bump on her head or your virginity."
Skybird was shocked. "How did you...?"
"You look too innocent and act too immature, attracting undesired perverts like bees to honey.”
Skybird blushed once more and smiled at her former squad leader. "Wind Shear... Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now return to your post before somepony else spots you inside the barrack.”
"Wait! Why did you help me?"
"I didn’t forget that time you helped me when I was ill. You took a good portion of the blame for me. This was a good opportunity to return you the favor."
Skybird smiled again. "Thank you…"
"Yeah, yeah, now stop making puppy eyes and go already!” Wind Shear face down on her pillow. “Let me have some sleep."
"Oh, right! Sorry…" Skybird was deeply grateful to Wind Shear; she now knew Wind Shear was somepony she could count on.
Next morning, the entire platoon was ready and set in formation with clean uniforms and dummy rifles to each one’s right with the stock touching the ground. All mares were ready to begin another arduous day… except for Skybird, who could barely stay awake.
Within the platoon's ranks circulated a rumor about Honor Star being a complete ignorant regarding weapons, to the point of the Army being forced to send a weapon’s expert. Sergeant Beretta was the first to stop the rumour, however. Before Honor Star’s weapon inspection, sergeant Beretta clarified the recruits that not only Honor Star had immediately shown her remarkable skills handling the new rifle but also that it was the Army which had felt the need to send weapon instructors to every platoon given the novelty of the new equipment that also happened to be manufactured by the Army.
In light of Beretta’s clarification, Sergeant Honor Star began her own briefing on weapon commands before the weapon inspection.
“All right, maggots, listen up! Today we will address military orders concerning weapons. Like the other orders you have learned so far, they are extremely important to any soldier for they are the indicators of your level of discipline and rigor. I won’t admit any mistakes! Understood?!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Let us begin. Weapons orders also have two commands. When you hear ‘PORT-ARMS', you grasp the rifle barrel with your right hoof and raise it diagonally across your body, holding the barrel with your left hoof. The rifle stock must still touch the ground. Then you quickly lower the right hoof down the rifle and grasp the hoofguard next to the sling, while at the same time lean the rifle on the left part of your body. When you hear 'ORDER-ARMS" you bring the rifle back to the attention position! Did you get that, dirtbags?! PRESENT-ARMS!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Honor start then initiated a close inspection of the recruits’ dummy rifles that morning. She walked in front of the platoon and glanced over the recruits. She stopped by Honey Cake.
"Port... ARMS!" Honor Star ordered Honey Cake.
The drill sergeant took the rifle from Honey Cake for a close inspection.
After her briefing, Honor Star began scrutinizing Honey Cake’s rifle, checking every single corner of her rifle looking for the smallest imperfection. "The iron sight is slightly dirty!" Honor Star remarked, even though the rest of the rifle was immaculate. She returned the rifle to Honey Cake. "Order... ARMS!"
Skybird, on the other hand, looked like a zombie: fifteen minutes of sleep were clearly insufficient to her. She slowly closed her eyes and was about to fall asleep when Honor Star opened her eyes by force.
"Trainee Heater, Port... ARMS!" Skybird did as ordered, even though her movements were much slower that Honey Cake’s due to her sleep deprivation. Honor Star was clearly unimpressed. Skybird handed her rifle to the drill sergeant, who looked in horror at its condition. “The pistol grip is dirty, the charging handle is also dirty and the hoofguard is greasy! What in the name of Celestia have you been doing to this rifle, trainee?!"
She awaited Skybird’s reply. “Trainee Heater?!" She repeated raising her voice. After another moment of silence from Skybird, the drill sergeant finally lost her patience. "TRAINEE HEATER, WAKE THE FLY UP BEFORE I KICK YOUR FLANK UP TO THE MOON!!”
Skybird snapped back to reality. "Sorry, ma'am."
"Aren’t we sleepy today…" Honor Star retorted.
"Yes, ma'am," Skybird replied not realizing the unusually smooth tone of the drill sergeant that sent shivers down the spines of the rest of the platoon.
"Don’t worry, I know just the thing to wake you up: GET ON THE GROUND AND GIMME FIFTY!!” She turned to the platoon. “Somepony get me my fire hose! We’re going to have fun today…”
About an hour and a half later, the platoon regrouped in front of the shooting range along with Honor Star. The recruits sat on the ground with their rifles next to them. Drill sergeant Beretta arrived shortly after.
"Good morning, class."
"Good morning, sir," the platoon replied.
"Oh? You didn’t address me as ‘ma’am’! Now that's what I call an improvement!" A giggle was heard from somewhere in the platoon. Sergeant Beretta walked in front of the platoon.
“Today we're in front of what is called a shooting range. Here you will spend many hours improving your shooting accuracy. Remember that shooting, like anything else, is a skill: it is improved with training. Basic training alone isn’t enough. If you don’t practice regularly, I can assure you your shooting abilities will get worse and worse. So, before we begin practice…” Sergeant Beretta stopped on his tracks rather surprised when he caught a glimpse of Skybird. He turned to their drill sergeant. "Um... Honor Star? Why does one of your recruits have a wet mane?"
"Oh, don't worry about her. She had trouble waking up this morning, so I gave her proper 'incentive'."
Skybird sulked. She wasn't pleased about having been washed down by her drill sergeant with the fire hose. Her mane and tail were so wet they still dripped, yet her uniform remained tidy, dry and clean. “More like, I had no time to sleep at all,” she wanted to say out loud.
Sergeant Beretta resumed his briefing. "As I was saying… Before you actually commence the shooting practice, it is very important that you always follow a few safety rules. Rule number one: treat any every weapon as if it were loaded. Rule number two: never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot. Rule number three: keep your hooves straight and off the trigger until you're ready to fire. And finally, rule number four: keep your weapons on safe until you intend to fire. These rules are of paramount important for the general safety around the shooting range. Did everypony understand this?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Feel free to interrupt if you have any questions regarding this matter. I can't stress enough how important it is for you to understand and absorb these simple rules. Is there anypony in need of any clarifications?" Nopony replied. "Very well, let us continue." He grabbed his rifle.
"Let's talk about the firing positions that you must assume. There are two kinds of firing position: the natural position and the kneeling position, the latter will be explained later on, whereas the former comprises of two positions: the standing position and the prone position. Let's begin with the standing position. When shooting while standing, make sure you assume an aggressive stance and firmly plant your hooves. Placing your hooves shoulder width apart and slightly forward and behind provides a stable shooting stance. Lean slightly forward onto the rifle in order to better absorb and control recoil under rapid and/or sustained fire. When gripping the rifle, place your support hoof as far out as possible, with a firm clamp around the hoofguard. This allows shooters to stabilize the rifle, control recoil and snap between multiple targets. Maintain firm, high grip with the shooting hoof. Pull the rifle’s stock deep into the shoulder pocket so you may prevent it from shifting and gain overall rifle stability. Now, let's say I want to change a target: to do so, do not twist your torso but instead rotate your torso in its entirety. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"That's how you get on target. Another thing: make a habit of placing the stock in the exact same spot every time you fire; that way it will become much easier to fire in the right position.”
“Now, on to the prone position. This is the safest and most stable position as it reduces the shooters profile to its lowest place. We like to teach getting into the prone position from the standing position. Take into consideration your left hoof, or the hoof with which you don’t shoot, it’s what we usually call the ‘non-firing hoof’. That hoof is holding the hoofguard in the standing position. To change to the prone position, first release the non-firing hoof from the hoofguard and and extend it to reach out to the ground; with the other hoof, keep the rifle on the pistol grip, sit down and then hop and extend the back hooves out, like when doing a burpee. To stand up, simply reverse the process. Just like in the standing position, the non-firing hoof should be fully extended under the hoofguard to manage recoil. Plant the non-firing hoof’s elbow into the ground for better support, while 'monopoding' with the rifle’s magazine. Placing weight on the magazine will not cause malfunction issues, that’s a common misconception. The firing hoof's elbow should also be placed on the ground to improve rifle support and stability. The standing and the prone positions are called 'natural' positions because they are the only positions that we ponies can assume at all times and without the use of any kind of support. When aiming, you must make sure the iron sight of your rifles is in the vertical position, otherwise you are rolling the rifle to the left or to the right and you’ll miss your target. Any questions so far?”
A mare at the back of the platoon raised her hoof but the sergeant missed it and continued his lesson.
“The kneeling position, however, is a whole different case. Due to our back hooves limitations we cannot remain crouched, or in a feral position, while aiming the rifle. It's like assuming our normal position but without our front hooves touching the ground. Why can’t we remain crouched?"
"Because we’d lose our balance, sir," a few mares answered.
"Correct! You’d lose your balance and you’d fall on the ground, in which case you’d be assuming a poor prone position. In order to be able to aim and fire while assuming the kneeling position, you must find a place with an artificial support for your rifle – a rock, a log, anything that is naturally stable. The hoofguard is placed on that support and the magazine touches the ground, enabling you to fire. Your back hooves can either be in a feral position or in a sitting position. I recommend the feral position if the place you chose is only temporary. If, however, you plan to stay in that position for a long period, I suggest you to sit in order to rest your hooves and stay in a much more relaxed position. Any questions?”
The sergeant paused for questions. The mare at the back persistently kept her hoof up and was about to verbally get the attention of sergeant Beretta – something the drill sergeant would definitely not like – when Beretta glimpsed her waving hoof. “Yes, recruit?”
“I know this may be an unrelated question, but what if our rifle stops working? What do we do then?”
“That is a most pertinent question,” the sergeant replied, pleased at the trainee’s perseverance. “It’s something I have mentioned before, but it’s always best to recall. Yes, it is possible for your rifle to suffer a malfunction, like jamming for no apparent reason. There are multiple reasons for that to occur, yet it’s not necessarily your fault. Sometimes it just happens. In reality, what happens is that when you fire a round, sometimes the rifle doesn't eject either the case or the entire round. In that case, you must take immediate action and fix the rifle stoppage without hesitation; quickly tap the magazine and pull the charging handle. You must do this in that particular order: first tap the magazine and only then you pull the charging handle. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"However, if, for some reason, you execute the standard anti-jamming procedure and the rifle remains jammed, then your rifle has suffered a serious mechanical malfunction. The internal components are either damaged or broken, or it could be something else entirely. In that case, make sure you take cover, then remove the receiver and check the rifle’s mechanical condition and replace any damaged parts with new ones. This is the reason we insist you know your weapon inside out, or, as we say, to be able to assemble and disassemble your rifle with your eyes closed.”
Most mares looked at each other in dismay at such a dreadful prospect.
“Another known malfunction is the ‘double feed’, when two rounds enter the chamber at the same time and get stuck. Both rounds won’t come out even if you pull the charging handle. In order to remove them, simply extract the magazine and pull the charging handle; if the bullets are still stuck inside the chamber, grab a stick or a clip and remove the rounds manually. The last major malfunction is the 'audio pop', characterized by a mild ‘pop’ when you fire instead of the usual loud ‘bang’ and the recoil is much weaker. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT fire another round because the projectile hasn't been ejected and it's stuck in the barrel; if you fire another round, your barrel will blow up in your faces. Do you understand that?"
“Yes, sir…" Some mares got a bit scared of that possibility.
"Alright, then. I want you to execute the firing positions I taught you with the help of Sergeant Honor Star. We will be checking your executions and afterwards we'll check your rifle disassembly and assembly prowess. Grab your rifles and assume the standing position.”
"You heard Sergeant Beretta!” Honor Star shouted in her usual fashion. “Stand the fly up, ladies!"
Approximately an hour and a half later, every single soldier was tested and corrected by the drill sergeants.
"Alright, listen up.” Beretta said. “We’re done for today. Next week you will use real weapons and commence your shooting training at the shooting range. While I’m gone, follow the instructions of your drill sergeant. Next time we meet I want you to see you handling your real rifles like real soldiers.” Beretta nodded to the platoon. “See you next week, ladies."
Most mares reacted in disappointment when they realized sergeant Beretta would be gone for an entire week. Following Honor's Star orders, the mares packed their stuff and left for their running in formation session.
After a quick change into their PT uniforms, the platoon started their running in formation with Honor Star calling out a ‘cadence’, the military term for correct beat or rhythm via a short chant. Those sessions keep the soldiers ‘dressed’, running as a unit at the drill sergeant’s cadence.
“We woke up early today,” chanted Honor Star.
“We woke up early today,” the platoon repeated using the same intonation.
“To serve our country loud, loud and proud!”
“To serve our country loud, loud and proud!”
“Listen to us or get out of our way…”
“Listen to us or get out of our way…”
“We are the Air Force and we move your cloud!”
“We are the Air Force and we move your cloud!”
“We make the enemy run away...”
“We make the enemy run away...”
“Into the sky we slay and make them pay!"
“Into the sky we slay and make them pay!"
Unlike male platoons, with their deep, rough and intimidating voices while calling the cadence, the mare’s chant sounded like a sweet melody that one couldn’t get enough of. Stallions looked in awe when a female platoon calling the cadence passed by. It was a show unseen in civilian life. It was also the only time that Honor Star's voice also sounded sweet and melodic, almost like a completely different pony from the rough and unpleasant drill sergeant everypony knew all too well.
Later on, the recruits began another weapon’s drill, this time a tactical movement drill with rifles. The drill involved two points, A and B, thirty meters from each other. A group of two mares would begin the exercise in point A assuming their firing positions. At the sergeant's signal, both mares would run to point B and resume their firing position there as quickly as possible.
After every mare in the platoon completed the exercise, points A and B would be fortified with sandbags, simulating guard posts manned by a squad of two recruits each. The rest of the platoon paid close attention to the exercise in silence, listening carefully to the drill sergeant’s instructions. Honor Star instructed the mares at point B to aim their rifles at a non-existing target.
"Now I want you two over here to shout 'security DFP2' as loud as you can. You two over there shout 'security DFP1',” instructed Honor Star. “Go!"
"SECURITY DFP2," reported the squad leader at point A.
"SECURITY DFP1," reported the squad leader at point B.
Honor Star turned to her platoon. "This means that the position known as point B is now ‘Defensive Firing Position One’ and that point A is now ‘Defensive Firing Position Two. Let's see how they change their positions.” She turned to the group at DFP2. “Now you two at DFP2: run up to DFP1 and relieve them. GO!"
The two mares moved to the next position and halted just behind the other two mares at DFP1.
"As soon as you arrive at the designated position, you say 'security here.' Got it?"
"SECURITY HERE!" Shouted the two mares.
"You two at the defending position, tap yourselves. The mare touched each other's shoulder with her hoof. "Now rotate and leave your position. Off you go! Now the security team comes in and takes your place assuming the kneeling position." Honor Star took a closer look at the recruits’ positions. "Get inside, will you?!” The mare moved one step closer to the sandbags. Honor Star glanced over the platoon. "Let's see... Bucket Face!"
Honey Cake ran to the sergeant carrying her rifle.
"Recruit Bucket Face reporting as ordered, ma'am!"
“Trainee Bucket Face, go and stand a couple of meters in front of the defending position. GO!” Honey Cake rushed as ordered. Honor Star turned to the defending mares. “The trainee will now simulate a transgressor. Your task is to make her surrender. To do so, you must load your weapon and say ‘halt, drop your weapon’.
The defending mares pulled the charging handle of their dummy rifles.
"Don't be afraid! Pull the handle, it won’t break!” She turned to Honey Cake. “Trainee Bucket, you will now move slowly forward and towards the defending position.”
"HALT! DROP YOUR WEAPON!" Shouted the defending position’s squad leader while aiming at Honey Cakes.
"You forgot to say 'raise your front hooves in the air and spread your back hooves clear where I can see them.'"
"RAISE YOUR FRONT HOOVES IN THE AIR AND SPREAD YOUR BACK HOOVES CLEAR WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!"
"After that you make sure the target is doing as you ordered, as well as check if the transgressor isn’t reaching for a concealed weapon. You must tell the transgressor to turn around and to slowly go towards you."
"Turn around-"
"Is that as loud and demanding as possible?..."
"TURN AROUND FROM MY VOICE!"
"What are you trying to do, trainee?! IT’S ‘TURN 180-DEGREES AROUND, FROM MY VOICE’! Then you order the transgressor to slowly lay down on the ground with their front hooves behind her head."
"LAY DOWN ON THE GROUND WITH-"
"I said slowly!”
"Sorry, ma'am. LAY DOWN ON THE GROUND SLOWLY WITH YOUR HOOVES BEHIND YOUR HEAD!"
"It’s the front hooves, trainee! Unless you’re playing at Twister with the transgressor…”
"… WITH YOUR FRONT HOOVES BEHIND YOUR HEAD!"
"Now call the security by saying 'security rear team."
"SECURITY REAR TEAM!"
"Alright. I want another squad manning DFP2. Come over here! I want you to do the same until everypony has done it at least once. NEXT SQUAD! MOVE IT!!"
After the tactical movement session came another PT session right after lunch. Then, Honor Star brought the platoon to a melee combat training with combat dummies.
"Before the existence of rifles, ponies like myself at the Royal Guard had to train themselves in close combat situations, the only type of combat that you can always rely on. In today’s training you'll learn how to fight unarmed, with bayonets and even with your rifles in extreme cases. Without this training experience you're not soldiers, instead you’re sitting ducks. Therefore it's very important that every single one of you pays close attention as if your life depended on it. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am."
It was an intense training. Honor Star made use of her expertise as a former Royal Guard and taught everything she knew: every move, every response to incoming attacks. As a result, every recruit gave their best shots. However, Skybird was never a good fighter despite her best efforts; in fact, she had never fought in her whole life. Ever since she joined the military she did everything as instructed, yet to translate that into fighting seemed impossible to her. Perhaps it was her kind, peaceful nature that prevented her from fighting, or maybe she was just scared. As expected, her difficulties left a bad impression on Honor Star.
"Come on, Heater! Is that the best you can do?! Put more energy into that punch! Don't be afraid to hit that dummy! You can strike how much you want at it will never feel pain."
"I'm trying, Sarge!"
"It’s not good enough! You’re punching like an old mare, for Celestia’s sake! You do realize that, Heater?!
"Yes, ma'am," Skybird replied with a sad tone, still punching the dummy weakly.
That reply succeeded in infuriating Honor Star, who began to shout at Skybird.
"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?! WHAT THE FLY DID I JUST TELL YOU TO DO, TRAINEE?! SPEAK OUT!!”
"To punch harder... ma'am..." Her voice trembled, she was about to cry.
"THEN WHY ARE YOU NOT DOING SO??"
"I..."
"Right, that’s it!” Honor Star approached Skybird with steam coming out of her ears. “Trainee Heater, you're the worst recruit I’ve ever trained!! As if not doing as told wasn’t bad enough, you’re not even trying!!"
"No, ma'am,” Skybird could hardly speak. ”I mean, this recruit is trying, ma'am..."
"It wasn’t enough, and that makes me mad! If I find you to be a handicap of this platoon, rest assured I'll make you pay for that! You either adapt yourself or you go back home! DO YOU UNDERSTAND, HEATER?!"
"Yes, ma'am…"
Honor Star’s eyes bulged. "DO YOU?!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Now get out! I want a trainee who actually makes an effort and is willing to make sacrifices, not some spineless weakling like yourself! DIDN’T YOU HEAR ME, HEATER?! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!"
Skybird left the session with her head down and her tail between her legs. And the day was far from over...
Despite Skybird’s best efforts, instead of improving the following exercises, she kept being a duffer at melee combat. She couldn’t understand why she was so bad at it. Honor Star was beginning to lose hope in Skybird; she’d check her progress regularly only to confirm her fears. Honor Star couldn’t help but give her a look of disappointment and sigh. How in Equestria could a former Royal Guard drill instructor not be able to train Skybird and improve her? It wasn't the first time she had to turn ponies who had never fought before into skilled fighters. Honor Star was having a hard time believing that even one of her ninety-nine recruits was such a disaster.
The training session involved fighting duels between each squad leader and her teammate. The final part of training consisted of a friendly one-on-one competition between every recruit. It was no wonder that everypony wanted Skybird as their adversary. However, it was not up to the recruits to choose their duelist, for they were randomly chosen by Honor Star.
The improvised arena was nothing more than a white circle painted on the ground. To win the match, a contestant had either to push her opponent outside the circle or throw her to the ground.
A few matches later, it was Skybird’s turn to fight whether she wanted or not.
"Alright,” announced Honor Star. “The next couple in the arena will be trainee Heater…"
"Here we go…" Skybird thought to herself.
“And... Trainee Ice Jolly. Uh! This is going to be interesting!"
Wind Shear was the exact opposite of Skybird when it came to fighting. She had proved to be very talented during her melee training exercises, almost like she was a martial arts expert.
Both entered the arena and stared at each other in silence. Skybird looked troubled while Wind Shear was extremely calm, looking almost emotionless. Honor Star started the fight with a "go". The two mares didn't throw themselves at each other, instead they began to pace around each other without attacking, still facing each other. Skybird didn’t want to fight Wind Shear, especially after being saved the night before by her. Wind Shear did not want to strike first as part of her fighting strategy. They kept walking close to the edge of the arena, testing everypony’s patience. Even the drill sergeant began instigating Skybird and Wind Shear to fight. Wind Shear signaled with her hoof to Skybird that she was going to let her strike first. And so she did: Skybird charged and tried to punch her face but Wind Shear, in a graceful display of fighting prowess, grabbed her hoof and, in a blink of an eye, threw her to the ground. Skybird was instantly knocked out, lying on the ground unconscious.
Later that night in the barrack, Honor Star was anything but pleased with Skybird's performance: she was becoming her worst recruit ever.
"Trainee Heater, would you care to explain how in Equestria can you be so incompetent? What must I do to keep you on track? Because I'm starting to get really annoyed!”
Skybird’s heart sank after hearing those words. "I'm sorry, ma'am…"
"You’d better be! How can I continue training you if you don’t show any sign of improvement whatsoever? I just don’t know what to do with you anymore…”
Honor Star interrupted her rant and looked away from Skybird. "Trainee Heater, you'd better square your flanks and start vomiting crystal horseshoes or consider yourself discharged from this platoon and from this military branch forever. Did I make myself clear, trainee Heater?..."
Skybird sobbed quietly. "Y-Yes, ma'am..."
"Trainee Bucket Face!” She hoofpalmed her face at what she was about to do. “I cannot believe I'm actually doing this... Trainee Bucket Face, you're promoted to squad leader." Honor Star turned to the rest of the platoon. "Body inspection will commence in ten minutes! When I return I want to see you all undressed and in line in front of your beds. Carry on!"
"Yes, ma'am," replied all the mares except for Skybird and Honey Cake. Both stared at each other’s eyes, waiting for the other to start a conversation.
"Now try to cheer me up after what just happened, why don’t you…" Skybird said.
Honey Cake hesitated, yet she hated seeing her squad leader like that. "Everything’s going to be alright, you'll see…"
Those were the almost exact same words the doctors that treated her mother kept telling Skybird. Listening to them once more, particularly after Honor Star’s dressing down, triggered something that had been bottled up deep inside her, unleashing a tremendous rage.
"NO, IT WON'T!” Skybird snapped. “Nothing good ever came out of those words! Everything just kept getting worse and worse… Anything that can go wrong WILL go wrong!”
Honey Cake made another desperate attempt to comfort Skybird despite being scared at her usually quiet squad leader. "Come on, Skybird. It's not like that..."
"SHUT UP!! I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD OUT OF YOU!!"
Skybird stormed off her bunk bed with her eyes closed to prevent her tears from falling off her face, hoping the other mares didn’t notice her weakness.
Later on, Honor Star returned to commence the body inspection accompanied by five other mare drill sergeants in order to streamline and accelerate the inspection process.
They checked the general appearance, the length of the manes and tails and they also looked for any sign of dirt on the mares. They also checked the pegasus’ wings: they had to be under a specified length threshold. The hooves’ condition was also important. To accelerate the process even further, the recruits had to raise one hoof at the time so the instructors could inspect the underside of the hooves. They started with the front hoof and then proceeded to the back hoof from the same side, then they passed behind the recruits’ rear end to check the closest hoof, the other rear hoof, and finally the lasting front hoof. This procedure made the transitions between each recruit quick and smooth.
Next day was like the previous days at the military, only this time without the morning lesson of Sergeant Beretta. The same old routine continued: Skybird’s melee training was miserable as usual and she kept being knocked out from one-on-one fights. She was dirtier from melee training than when she had finished crawling in the mud at the obstacle courses. It was clear that Skybird wasn't made for fighting. She even had to be administered first aids after getting punched in the muzzle really hard by accident, earning bandages to her face. Honor Star couldn’t bear Skybird’s ineptitude any longer, looking away from her. Even though she was ashamed of Skybird, she remained silent and continued the training.
Night came and it was time for yet another surprise inspection of the recruit's equipment in the barrack. It was mostly an overall inspection of the beds, rifles and the rest of the equipment in the lockers. If even the smallest thing was out of place, Honor Star would throw the lockers contents to the floor and the recruit would have to pick them all up and pack her locker. Two recruits had their lockers in perfect order but forgot to lock them, warranting Honor Star’s wrath. Even though she wasn’t the only pony to be swept by the drill sergeant’s locker rampage, Skybird suffered the same fate.
"Trainee Heater...” Honor Star sighed. “What am I going to do with you?..."
Yet Skybird remained silent.
"Your fighting skills are terrible, you can’t disassemble and reassemble your rifle fast enough, your weapon is always dirty - thank Celestia at least your uniform is clean - your running pace is appalling, today you accomplished only half of the push-ups and your locker is a complete mess...” She paused briefly. “Have you forgotten what I told you yesterday about you being discharged if things remained the same? Do you not understand the severity of your situation?" Honor Star sighed in disbelief and glared at Skybird. "Tomorrow I want you to give your best shot, otherwise you pack your belongings and go home. Is that understood?"
Skybird found herself backed into a corner. "Yes... ma'am..."
"After you've packed your locker, grab a mop and clean the floor…" Honor Star carried on with the inspection.
Skybird let out a heavy sigh and on the verge of crying. After packing her locker she started to mop the floor. Most of the recruits looked at her: some felt sorry for her while others looked at her as if she was nothing more than garbage, and others even made fun of her behind her back.
By the time Skybird finished mopping her section and moved to the next one, Honor Star had reached Wind Shear's bunk. Skybird made use of her second special talent once more and began eavesdropping any possible conversation between Honor Star and Wind Shear. She also positioned herself in a way she could have a clear line of sight to Wind Shear’s locker. When the drill sergeant opened the locker, she widened her eyes but was not shocked at what she saw. She glared at Wind Shear.
"In every class, there's always somepony who thinks she's smarter than me. Isn’t that right, Trainee Ice Jolly?" Amongst the things Honor Star threw out of her locker were contraband items like uniform duplicates, candy chips, a jar of honey, empty rifle magazines, reading magazines, MRE's tactical goggles and night vision goggles. Skybird couldn't believe her eyes. Nonetheless, Honor Star showed remarkable restraint even though she was boiling up in anger. All her life she had followed a path of principles and guided herself by a strict moral compass; she wasn't called ‘Honor Star’ for nothing. Such a profound disrespect of everything that she held so dearly was beyond hideous to her. She would never let Wind Shear get away with it. She looked Wind Shear in the eye with a look that could kill.
"Trainee Ice... I want you to quit this instant," Honor Star said clenching her teeth.
"No, ma'am,” Wind Shear responded emotionlessly. “I ain't gonna quit."
Honor Star approached Wind Shear and whispered to her ear something that only she and Skybird could hear. "By the end of the week, you will," Honor Star whispered with a threatening voice. She then strode to the middle of the room and began shouting loud enough to be heard from the other section of the barrack.
"Trainee Ice Jolly has dishonored herself and dishonored the platoon! I have tried to help all of you but I have failed! I have failed because you did not help me! You ladies have not given the proper motivation to your teammates! From now on, when any mare screws up, I will not punish her, I will punish all of you! Now get on your faces and give me two hundred push-ups. I don’t give a flying feather if it’s already dinner time because, and the way I see it, ladies, you don’t deserve ANY food at all!”
Later that night, Skybird had trouble sleeping. Her future in the military was at risk and she didn’t know what to do about it. Yet the rest of the platoon wasn’t exactly sleeping either, considering they were all hungry and suffering from lots of cramps for not being allowed dinner. Wind Shear, on the other hoof, had no trouble sleeping, much to the chagrin of those who could hear her snore. Eventually Skybird dozed off, only to be awakened shortly after by muffled voices.
Four mares suddenly came out of nowhere and grabbed Wind Shear’s hooves and held them onto her bed. Another mare tied Wind Shear to her bed with a rope made of towels tied between them. A sixth mare, a unicorn, put a napkin in Wind Shear’s mouth so that nopony could hear her. With the four mares holding her limbs, the sixth fifth mare began the torture. With a pair of tweezers she picked up a coin, heated it up using her magic and placed it on the sensitive part of the underside of her hooves, causing a serious burn and a deep scar; it smelled like burned chicken. After that, every single one of them punched her body in multiple places while switching hooves-grabbing positions. The sound that Skybird heard were none other than Wind Shear's cries of pain, but there was no way she could realize it.
Skybird glimpsed the figure of a pony in the darkness: it was another recruit that was peeking at the other section of the barrack from the corridor that divided the two sections. The mare noticed Skybird. "Hey, Heater," she whispered, “wanna see what they’re doing to your marefriend?" Fearing the worst, she quickly jumped from her bed and joined the recruit, only to be greeted by a horrible sight.
Skybird was about to go to Wind Shear’s rescue but she lacked the courage as well as the fighting skills to do so. Even if she did have fighting skills, she could defend herself from so many angry mares at the same time. If Honor Star got wind that she was involved in a fight she’d surely get a dishonorable discharge. Reporting the aggravated assault inflicted to her fellow recruit to the drill sergeant was pointless: nopony was going to corroborate Skybird’s version because all the other mares were mad at Wind Shear and were giving her what she deserved for all the troubles she had caused them.
Skybird ended up doing nothing, staring at the horrid spectacle. The mere sight of it almost turned her stomach. She returned to her bed feeling even more useless than usual. How could she let such a thing happen to Wind Shear? Yet, despite not being able to move after being beaten up and released, Wind Shear didn’t shed a single tear. However, for every tear Wind Shear didn’t shed, Skybird would shed in her place as she tried to sleep, covering her mouth with her hoof so nopony could hear her cry.
It was time to wake up, yet a void filled Skybird’s soul. The sound of the trumpet was muffled to her. Had it been a normal day at home, she would have stayed in bed the whole day. Fortunately for her, military life was slowly removing that habit from Skybird. Honor Star was also taciturn that morning, even more than usual. She glared at her recruits. A few moments later another drill sergeant appeared behind her.
"Today you'll be under Sergeant Blossom’s command,” Honor Star said with an upset tone. “She’ll take my place today. Do as she tells you. If anything happens while I’m gone, your punishment will be doubled. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Sergeant Blossom, I relinquish you the command. In the meantime, I have to go and force somepony out." That was her way of saying she had to overwork somepony in order to force that individual to resign. “Trainee Ice Jolly, follow me," she said as she passed right in front of Wind Shear.
Skybird gave one last look at Wind Shear before she walked away. She seemed to have recovered from what those mares had done to her. Either that or she was a master at hiding pain.
Sergeant Blossom was the typical drill instructor. Even though she was less provocative than Honor Star, she knew how to do her job: she shouted just like Honor Star and got angry whenever required. After a brief introduction, the drill sergeant ordered a formation outside the barrack, where the platoon could have a quick view of Wind Shear's humiliation: doing push-ups while a water jet from Honor Star's fire hose streamed right onto her. They headed to the mess hall for breakfast without her.
"Having fun, trainee Ice Jolly?" Honor Star shouted louder than the water stream.
"Yes, ma'am," Wind Shear quickly replied.
A few hours later, Wind Shear was still doing push-ups, only this time the muddy ground was soaking wet, forming a large puddle of mud beneath her. Honor Star took advantage of the situation.
"Get your face all the way down."
Wind Shear complied and continued the exercise as if it was nothing, burying her face in the mud between each push-up.
"Are you finally ready to quit?"
"No, ma'am."
"Alright, then: hurry up those push-ups! On the double!"
"Yes, ma'am."
And so she did. However, Wind Shear's perseverance only made Honor Star even more frustrated. After not getting the results she wanted, Honor Star decided to try another approach.
"Come on, Ice Jolly, we both know who you really are. You’re not going to change even if you wanted to. Deep down you're nothing more than a low-life thief. You can fool yourself into thinking you can change, but the reality is you won’t. Right?"
"No, ma'am."
"Balls of hay! You’re convinced you're better than anypony else!”
"No, ma'am."
"You only care about yourself. You abandon those around you. You don't care about them because they can’t understand what you've been through. Am I right, trainee Ice Jolly?"
Wind Shear stopped her push-ups immediately after hearing those words and breathed heavily.
"I said: am I right?!" Honor Star insisted.
"I... Yes, ma'am..."
"So why stay here and be treated like a slave? You know you don't belong here, it’s in your blood. Why you don't you just quit and return to your comfortable life? That way you'd be free, be able to get drunk again and not have to follow orders. You’d be your own boss. Don’t you find that tempting, trainee Ice Jolly? I know you really want to."
"No, ma'am," Wind Shear replied as she resumed the push-ups.
"Sweet Celestia, you're so stubborn! Fine... but I promise you’ll regret it. I'm offering you an opportunity to quit before things became even worse for you. Do you still wish to continue?"
"Yes, ma'am."
The push-ups continued until lunch time. Wind Shear was actually given the chance to have. But nopony sat next to her: Honor Star hadn’t given her permission to have a shower or change her dirty uniform. The foul stench of mud pushed away the appetite of anypony willing to sit next to her. Moreover, by the time she was allowed to have lunch, Skybird's platoon had already eaten, therefore unable to eat with Wind Shear.
But her exercises weren’t over yet. Honor Star had many ways to force somepony into quitting, like making the individual crawl through a real barbed wire field. That was the breaking point for most ponies. Those that tried usually end up screaming in pain and agony for help after just a few meters into the field.
"Now, trainee, crawl in there and reach the other side. Are you ready?"
"Negative, ma'am. I will not crawl in that!"
"Then I assume you're quitting?” Honor Star asked with a smirk appearing on her face.
Wind Shear said nothing for a few seconds, then she stared deeply into Honor Star's eyes.
"No, ma'am."
"Then go!"
Wind Shear started her crawl through the barbed wire without looking back. She slowly made her way in as the sharp blades of the barbed wire mangled Wind Shear's flesh, cutting her whole body. Yet no moans of pain were heard, instead she gritted her teeth and kept going; going through that field without shedding any tears, even though blood dripped from her wounds just like tears. The wounds Wind Shear suffered could have caused a serious infection with dramatic consequences if not treated immediately. Surprisingly, she managed to crawl through all the barbed wire. Honor Star was impressed, but not too much. It was already dark when Wind Shear completed the "exercise". She was relieved from duty and allowed to return to the barracks, or to the infirmary if she wished. Instead she refused, stating that those were nothing more than flesh wounds.
Skybird was shocked at Wind Shear's appearance when she entered her barrack.
“My word!! Wind Shear!!” Skybird hurried towards her. “What happened to you?!"
"It's nothing. Just a few cuts and scratches."
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I used to be a nurse and this is the first time I’ve seen so many cuts on a single pony. You must see a doctor!”
"I won't," Wind Shear insisted.
"You can't possibly mean that! You might get an infection which could cause a necrosis, leading to gangrene and ultimately death!"
"Would you stop being such a pain, Skybird? Can’t I decide what to do with my OWN freakin’ life?! Stop pretending you care about my health!"
"If you’re so determined not to go to the infirmary, at least let me heal you."
"I said no! You can't force me to be healed if I don't want. It is MY choice, MY body and mostly MY LIFE!!"
Skybird was getting mad at Wind Shear's stubbornness, but she knew she was right. The last thing she wanted was to inflict Wind Shear with a severe case of stubbornness.
"Alright, Wind Shear. Do as you want."
"Finally! Now leave me alone!"
Later that night, Wind Shear was awaken from her sleep with the distinct feeling something was grabbing her. And she was right: she realized her hooves were tied to the bed once again, only this time her mouth was free.
"Oh, not again!..." She said out loud. When her eyes adjusted to darkness, she saw and immediately recognized the mare who sat on top of her: it was Skybird. She held bandages and antiseptic with her hooves and mouth.
"Wait a minute... You?! What are you doing?!"
"Sometimes I can be even more stubborn than you, you know?" Skybird replied with a smirk.
One of the mares that was holding Wind Shear interrupted Skybird.
“Hey… Shouldn't we cover her mouth? You know... for when the antiseptic contacts her wounds."
Skybird thought about that for a couple seconds. "Yeah, I agree."
"Don't you dare!... mphmg!" Wind Shear protested when the other mares covered her mouth.
Skybird managed to take care of Wind Shear wounds, with a few screams here and there when the antiseptic touched the cuts. But when Skybird was about to wrap things up, a problem had arisen.
"Should we keep her like that?” Honey Cake wondered. “She might want to get rid of the patches as soon we release her."
"Hey! You can't just leave me here hanging like a sausage!!" Wind Shear protested as soon as her mouth was no longer covered.
"Yes, she should stay tied up,” Skybird said. “We can’t afford to waste our hard work."
"You can't just leave me here!! Untied me! NOW!!"
"Nighty night, Wind Shear!" Skybird cheerfully said to Wind Shear.
"I'm gonna kill you for this, Skybird!!" Wind Shear shouted furiously.
At the wake up call, Honor Star was surprised when she noticed that Wind Shear was tied to her bed.
"What the flock happened here? I always knew that you were into kinky stuff, trainee Ice Jolly…"
Wind Shear was frustrated at the situation rather than the drill sergeant's perverted comment.
"I was... healed against my will, ma'am."
"Uh? I see, that explains the bandages... Would somepony please untie her?"
Wind Shear’s squad leader immediately released her. "It appears you've made some friends, trainee Ice Jolly.”
"I guess so, ma'am."
Honor Star glanced at Skybird who was doing her best trying to pretend nothing had happened. Honor Star was unexpectedly not mad about the whole situation and carried on with Wind Shear.
"Trainee Ice Jolly, follow me."
"Yes, ma'am."
That morning, Wind Shear was tasked with pull-ups, only this time in a different way: instead of doing normal pull-ups with her front hooves, she had to stay upside down holding the bar with her back hooves and doing crunches while suspended upside down. But Wind Shear executed the exercise like if it was nothing. Honor Star was getting tired at Wind Shears’ resilience. She couldn't waste her time just to make a single recruit quit. She decided to give Wind Shear one last chance.
"Talk to me, trainee Ice Jolly. Why should a troublemaker like you sign off to this kind of abuse, anyway?"
"I want to be a pilot, ma'am," Wind Shear replied without interrupting her exercise.
"Tsk! Everypony wants to be a pilot, even unicorns! But you already have your wings."
"I want to be the fastest of them all, ma'am."
"I'm not talking about flying, I'm talking about CHARACTER!"
"I've changed since I joined the military, ma'am."
"The hay you did... You merely learned a little education, but the flaws remain. Now tell me what I want to hear: ‘I quit’."
"No, ma'am."
"I want you to quit, damn it!!"
"I ain't gonna quit."
"QUIT ALREADY!!"
"No, ma'am.” Wind Shear increased the speed of her pull-ups. “I ain't gonna quit!"
"If you won't quit on your own, then you can forget about being a pilot! You're OUT!!" Honor Star slowly walked away from Wind Shear.
"DON'T YOU DARE!!"
That was the very first time somepony shouted at a commanding officer. Nopony had ever dared to do such a thing. Yet Honor Star realized that shout wasn’t out of anger but out of desperation. As she turned back to Wind Shear, she noticed a few tears rolling down her face: even the strongest mares can be broken into tears.
"I... I have nowhere else to go..." Wind Shear said with a shaking voice still upside down on the exercise bar. "I have nothing left..." Tears covered all of her face, soaking up her mane before dripping to the ground. Honor Star walked towards her to check if she was lying, but she soon realized it wasn't a mere bluff. Before she started, she took a deep breath.
"Alright, Jolly. Get down from there. It’s about time you joined the others. But hear this: if I catch you breaking the rules again, I won’t go easy on you. There won’t be a second chance. Is that understood, trainee!?
"Yes... ma'am" She replied whipping out her tears from her face.
"You must be hungry. Go to the mess hall and tell them you I gave you permission to eat. If there’s any problem, just tell them you have a Classification Level 13 authorization. Now, off you go! I want you back here in one hour, and not a single minute more. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am! Thank you..."
"Quit the mawkishness and get some food."
Meanwhile, during the melee combat training, Skybird was having a discussion with her squad leader.
"What's wrong, Skybird?” Honey Cake asked, “Honor Star isn't here, there’s no pressure for you. It looks like you’re refusing to fight. I can understand your unwillingness to fight, but that’s something we have to do in the military. It’s what we’re training for. I don’t want to fight either, but we have no other option."
"I don't know… Maybe fighting just doesn't suit me."
"Then why are you even here? Why did you choose to join a military institution?"
Skybird didn’t know what to say. "I... I just want to help other ponies, you know..."
"Well, there are several other ways to help other ponies: becoming a Doctor, a firefighter, a policemare, an engineer, a handymare, a scientist, etc..."
"Those are not jobs that I actually wish to pursue, to be honest.”
"Then what are they??"
"I... I don't really know..."
Honey cake sighed in disbelief and brought her hoof on her face. But before she could say anything else, Honor Star appeared and Sergeant Blossom issued an order.
"Platoon! FALL IN!"
Every mare returned to formation and assumed the position of attention. Honor Star gazed at the recruits with her penetrating look as they rushed to formation. Skybird was shocked by not seeing Wind Shear in the platoon and assumed she had quit. Sergeant Blossom saluted Honor Star.
"The platoon is ready and awaiting your orders, ma'am."
"At ease, Sergeant.” Honor Star walked in front of the formation as she glanced at the recruits individually. “So, how’s the melee combat training going?"
"Everything’s fine, ma'am."
"Uh?" Honor Star halted abruptly. She couldn’t believe her eyes. "And what about this trainee here, Sergeant Blossom?" Honor Star pointed out as she stood right in front of Skybird.
The sergeant was almost speechless. “Well… You see, ma’am, this recruit had some difficulties with the fighting session. She seems unwilling to fight, ma'am."
Honor Star looked deep into Skybird's eyes without a word, her eyes narrowed and her eyebrows furrowed. Every muscle in Skybird’s body became tense. Could it mean she was going to be kicked out of the platoon? Honor Star’s silence was petrifying. Skybird couldn't help but sweat a couple of drops that rolled down the side of her head. Yet, without saying as much as a word, Honor Star resumed her walk.
About an hour later, the platoon rested inside the barrack. Skybird was more than glad to see Wind Shear back in the platoon, a welcoming surprise.
"Wind Shear!” Skybird cheered. “I thought you’d quit! I'm so happy to see you!"
Wind Shear was surprised at Skybird's excitement. "I’d never quit," she replied after being murderously hugged by Skybird.
"So, what's next? What will Honor Star throw at you before forcing you to quit?"
"I think she has given up on that. I don't think she'll try anything else from now on."
The conversation between the two mares was heard by some of the other mares, who either rolled their eyes or frowned at the cute couple. Rumours had it that Wind Shear and Skybird were indeed lovers. Some of the mares immediately began fantasizing.
However, Wind Shear was troubled by Skybird happiness of seeing her again. Questions popped in her mind. "Why is she happy to see me? Why did she hug me? What does she want from me?"
Later that day, before the night march, Honor Star entered the barrack carrying a big container, followed by other soldiers who carried similar containers inside the barrack.
"Ladies, tonight we'll go full throttle on the night march. You'll be wearing the complete combat suit along with your rifles and your backpack. Each one of you will take one helmet of your size and a tactical vest from the containers. Put them on now. After you've geared up, go outside and prepare the formation. I'll be waiting for you outside. Now MOVE IT, MOVE IT!! WE AIN'T GOT ALL NIGHT! PUT THOSE THINGS UP!!"
Skybird still dwelled about what Honey Cake had told her earlier about not being suited for the military, she couldn't get it out from her head. She then remembered Merry Berry's words of warning, why she never wanted Skybird to join the Air Force. Everything that she had done so far felt like wasted time and effort to her, like she was incapable of doing anything right. She began doubting her resolve and questioning her reasons to join the military. “Was it really to help other ponies,” was the first reason that came to her mind. Yet she knew deep down that the real reason was to prove her late mother that she was strong, that she was actually capable of doing something, but every time she looked back she saw nothing but failures. Only failures. Skybird quickly realized that she wasn't as strong as she wished. She believed she wasn't the mare that Sunflower was proud of. Instead she was a mare that her mother ought to be ashamed of.
Her gaze met the floor as she slowly geared up. Apart from wearing the new parts, in order to fully equip the combat suit for a mission, everymare was required to wear the pants that were provided when the recruits received their camo uniform. They also had to wear elbow pads as well as splint and tendon pads. Boots for the rear hooves and gloves for the front hooves were also required, the latter being specially designed to offer additional grip handling the rifle and to be light enough so it’d guarantee additional mobility along with improved protection to the hoof itself. The time spent to gear up varied from mare to mare, the full equipment proving to be not only rather counterintuitive to wear but also slightly uncomfortable to beginners.
Wind Shear suited up quickly. Just before she left the barrack, she noticed Skybird's grumpy face. Even though she had orders to fall back in formation outside, she decided to check on her.
"You’d better speed things up, Skybird, unless you want another rebuke from the drill sergeant."
But Skybird didn't give any answer, her expression unchanged.
"Is there something wrong?"
Skybird finally looked at Wind Shear with her watery eyes. Unable to hold the tears any longer, she fell into Wind Shears arms.
"I can't take it anymore...” Skybird stammered. “I can't go on like this. I'm not a soldier and I’ll probably never will. I quit."
Wind Shear was still shocked at Skybird falling into her arms. Hearing the word ‘quit’ only exacerbated that feeling.
"Wha... Why? Why would you do such thing?"
"I'm not like any of you! I'm neither soldier nor hero. I'm just a loser."
"A hero?? I can assure you there are no heroes here, only ponies. Heroes do not exist. Heroes are nothing more than a fairy tale, a myth. And nopony is asking you to be a hero. We're not even soldiers, or at least not yet. There are no losers here either. The only loser is that who quits, because you can't win if you quit. It’s not over until the war is won! But remember, Skybird, this is not a game, this is real life. You either adapt or you perish. If you give up, everything you’ve accomplished so far will be lost... forever. You won’t get another opportunity at the military for another year. Do as you wish, but by quitting you'll only hurt yourself, and deep down you already know that. This can go wrong, but if you quit you’ll never know what might have happened tomorrow, and the next day. And perhaps that particular day you’d miss out would be the day that enabled you to fight on and reach your goals.” Wind Shear paused, moved Skybird from her chest and looked at Skybird in the eye as she grabbed her shoulders. “You’re not as weak as you think, Skybird.”
Skybird sniffed. "Do you really think so?"
"I do, Skybird. Now come on, the day’s not over yet. No matter what Honor Star throws at you, as long as you can breathe, you can prevail!"
When they finally rushed out to the formation, Honor Star was more than impatient.
“Well, wouldn’t you know?... Of course the last two mares had to be Ice Jolly and Heater! What were you two doing all this time? Another ‘heating’ session, trainee Heater?"
"No, ma'am!" Skybird quickly and loudly replied with a determined tone, her voice conveying a strong sense of self-confidence. She felt reinvigorated and ready for her next assignment, this time with no fear.
"Alright, then... Platoon! Form a single line from the left... MARCH!"
The following day, the first lesson was about a topic Skybird was very familiar with: first aid care. The platoon was taught how to treat wounds, how to carry wounded ponies without the use of a stretcher, and so on. Honor Star quickly noticed Skybird's ability with the first aid kit.
"I'm surprised, Heater, there IS something you’re good at after all."
"I was a nurse before I've joined the Air Force, ma'am."
"Yeah, right... I bet you were one of those mares wearing sexy nurse uniforms," Skybird blushed a bit at that imagery.
"No, ma'am, I wasn’t."
"Sure, sure... Now carry on with your assignment, trainee."
"Yes, ma'am."
In the afternoon, the mares were glad to meet Sergeant Beretta once again after many days of absence.
"Good afternoon, class."
"Good afternoon, sir."
“I don’t think that wasn’t loud enough for a group of one hundred mares. Let’s start over. Good afternoon."
"Good afternoon, sir!" The platoon cheerfully replied.
"Ah, much better! Now then, let's see your progress after all this time without me. Pick up your dummy rifles and show me how you’d use it."
The beginning of the lesson was just a quick revision of what they had learned so far, from how to aim with the rifle to simple weapon inspections.
"Always bring the weapon up to you while aiming standing straight. Don’t let the weapon bend your backs.
"Yes, sir."
"Now that you’ve learned this, I will not tolerate any mishandling of the rifles. You have no excuses. With this shooting pose your movements become much smoother, and therefore faster, and in combat you want to be as smooth as possible. Never forget this! Not to mention it also makes the handling of the rifle a far more comfortable experience. Let’s review once more how to aim properly.”
The mares picked the rifles in front of them and pointed them just high enough so they’d miss the head of the mare in front.
"Remember to take deep breaths. Your aim is directly influenced not only by the wind and gravity but also by your breathing: the deeper you inhale and exhale, the more stable the rifle barrel will become."
After a few small pointers to those that still had trouble assuming the correct shooting pose, sergeant Beretta gave the floor to Honor Star.
"Now that you’ve learned the correct shooting pose, it is now time for you to learn a new command: the command for inspection, which is 'Inspection-arms'. After hearing this command you must bring up the weapon just like with 'port-arms', only this time, before giving your rifles, you must unlock the charging handle and pull it back. After doing so, push the charging handle forward and lock into position. Then twist the rifle so that the ejection port is facing skywards and visually inspect the receiver through the ejection port. That way you won’t be giving the inspection officer a loaded weapon. Now that you will begin training with real weapon, you’d better make this a habit. Otherwise I wouldn’t want to be in your hooves when you give a loaded weapon to a high rank officer. Is that understood, trainees?”
"Yes, ma'am."
"Let's start with you, trainee Whiskey Wix. Inspection... ARMS!"
Almost an hour later, the recruits were given real rifles, along with headphones and glasses for the shooting range. The time had come to use real guns. Skybird's first impression was that the real rifles were much heavier than dummy rifles. The black painting only made them even more frightening and soulless.
The first volley of shots was another weird sensation: the rifle’s recoil was so strong it forced Skybird's to take one step back with her right hoof. The sweat from her forehead and the sweat on her hooves was common for beginners due to the stress involved. The burning smell of gunpowder, the constant ticketing noise of the empty cases hitting the ground, the loud bangs... It was a horrible sensation for Skybird. Nothing good would ever come out of those rifle's muzzles.
By the end of the first shooting session, sergeant Beretta was pleased with the trainee’s performance. Everymare had respected all safety rules and no accidents had occurred.
"See you all tomorrow morning for your next rifle training lesson. Oh, and next time please try to actually hit the targets…”
Later on, during fighting session, Skybird actually tried to defend herself for the first time, even though she was knocked out as usual. But it was still an improvement from Skybird. Honor Star didn’t even have to make any remarks, just giving a slightly disappointed look.
Later that night, back in the barracks, Skybird had finally begun writing a long overdue letter to Merry Berry. But she had a hard time concentrating due to the gossip from the bunk next to her, where two mares sitting on the upper bead were chit chatting.
"And then... I went to him wearing my pink and white socks," said one of the mares.
"Oh my gosh! Pink and white socks? Honey, you'll never get a stallion wearing those! Two-colored socks are so out of fashion. You should try single color socks instead. Nothing can compete against a pair of good looking single color socks."
"I see… But which colour makes me sexier?"
"Uhm... You could try dark blue socks, or even light pink."
"Really? I thought dark blue socks made me look fat!"
"Trust me, dear: you'll look sexy."
"But what about green socks? I understand stallions are attracted to green socks the most."
The shallow conversation kept distracting Skybird.
"For my mother's sake!” She thought to herself. “These two mares are so annoying! Who cares if the color of the sock makes you look sexy or fat. Socks don't change your appeal and most certainly not your character! What’s wrong with them?"
All of the sudden, Wind Shear appeared in front of her.
"Come with me," Wind Shear told Skybird, who looked at her wondering what was going on. She did as she was told and followed Wind Shear. At least now she could be away from the ghastly gossip.
"Hey, did you see that?” Said one of the gossiping mares. “Where are those two going?"
"Oh, it’s just Heater and Jolly. They’ve probably gone to make love with one another."
"Should we follow them?"
"I wouldn't mind seeing the show, but I don’t want to be anywhere near them when Honor Star discovers them."
Once Wind Shear and Skybird were outside, they headed to a wide empty area where they wouldn't be seen by anypony for the time being. Wind Shear faced Skybird and looked deep into her eyes. Drops of sweat forming on Skybird’s forehead. The whole situation was rather awkward to her, reminding of something that had happened to her only once in her life…
"Show me what you’ve got," Wind Shear demanded.
"W-What do you mean?"
"Let's fight!” Wind Shear said preparing herself for combat. “After being defeated so many times, you can only improve from here."
"Why are you doing this?"
"First we fight. Then you ask the questions."
Skybird’s personal training started. Wind Shear’s fighting expertise would be most valuable to Skybird. Wind Shear taught her some new tricks that could give her an advantage on the field. They fought to exhaustion.
"Why did you join the military?” Wind Shear asked. “What drives you to keep going?"
"I... " Skybird sat down on the cold ground and looked up to the sky, with many shining stars illuminating the dark blue sky. Mixed emotions hit her: a few tears rolled down her face, yet this time she was smiling. "I'm doing this for my mother. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her… No other pony could compare to her. Her strength was amazing. She loved me and she trusted me. I won’t let her down."
"I'm glad you made the right choice. Now let's head back to the barrack or…"
"Wait! Why are YOU here, Wind Shear?"
"I... Sorry, I can’t tell you that."
"Does it have to do with your past?"
"I don’t want to talk about it."
"Why?"
"Look, Skybird, I didn't ask you about your past, so please don't ask about mine!"
"Okay… But then why did you help me with fighting? Why did you do that?"
"It seems very straightforward to me: you helped me with my injuries, even though it was against my will, so I returned the favour."
"Is it all just a matter of favours to you?..."
"What were you expecting?"
"Well...” Skybird rubbed her right leg with her left front hoof, her eyes pointing at the ground. “Maybe we could be friends?..."
Wind Shear stopped as if she had just suffered a heart attack. Something got her thinking, but then a couple of seconds later she resumed her walk. "You're not my friend, Skybird."
"Ow..."
Skybird felt incredibly awkward. She didn’t say another word to Wind Shear and followed her in silence.
The daily routine of the following days was mostly the same: shooting range after an early morning PT session, after lunch Honor Star would teach elements of the Air Force, units, ranks, radio communications, standard procedures and whatnot, everything that was required to know according to the Air Force manuals. By the time of graduation, the recruits had to know everything there was to know about the Air Force before they could be granted the rank of Airpony. The military was a complete separate world from the one Skybird was used to, with its rules for everything, and "discipline" being the key word.
At dusk, before dinner, the platoon would always receive new training that could not be learned from books or normal melee exercises. Skybird had been steadily improving, though; thanks to Wind Shear’s personal training, Skybird was no longer an inept at fighting - even though she would still lose the fights -, but not by knock-out. At night, before going to bed, the mares would either march, clean the barracks or fulfill secondary assignments.
Even at the shooting range, Skybird had been showing signs of improvement by the day, managing to hit every target from any distances. Sergeant Beretta an Honor Star couldn’t help but notice.
"Outstanding, recruit! Had you joined the Army instead of the Air Force, you’d be a sniper by now,” proudly declared Beretta.
"Thank you, sir," Skybird replied as she couldn’t prevent from blushing.
"Well,” Honor Star added seemingly unimpressed, “I think we finally found your calling at the Air Force…”
Everymare had gotten used to that regime: every movement had been improved, and the overall daily stress plummeted compared to the first days at the military. Allowing extra time to the recruits was another implemented measure; that way the recruits could relax, resume their hobbies or engage in conversation with their fellow recruits. Skybird could finally quick review the Air Force manuals and, most importantly, finish her letter to Merry Berry properly. Those manuals were written by the colonel himself – rumors had he had written them in just a couple of days.
The barrack was becoming more than just a barrack – it was becoming their home. The relationships between the mares were improving. Everymare realized there was more to other mares than just being Air Force teammates. Living together involved getting to know each other, getting to know each ones’ birthdays, helping each other... Sure enough, there were quarrels at times, but that was to be expected from the confined environment they lived in. A sense of unity was bringing everypony closer together. It wasn’t long before a friendly climate filled the barracks: mares laughed, joked around and made small pranks like little fillies. And the thing Skybird liked the most about it was the sense that she could rely on any of those mares in the battlefield, no matter what she faced – that was something most valuable, something Skybird knew she could never obtain on the civilian world.
"So, Skybird, after all this time, I think it’s about I asked you this: where are you from?" Honey Cake cheerfully asked Skybird.
"I live in the outskirts of Ponyville. And you?"
"I'm from Canterlot," Honey Cakes quickly replied.
Skybird whistled. "Ooh... The fancy capital of Equestria! How's life over there?"
"It's a pretty place."
"I wonder how it's like to live in Canterlot. Opening the window in the morning, basking in the sunlight and beholding the majestic scenery of the Royal Castle…”
"It might be impressive at first… but then the novelty wears off and you end up feeling annoyed at the realization that you can’t even enjoy the natural landscape covered by the Royal Castle. It gets kinda boring…”
"What was your occupation before joining the Air Force?"
"I used to work at my parent’s huge bakery shop in Canterlot. When I learned the Air Force was recruiting, I saw a chance to get away from all of that and start a new life."
"You didn't like it there?"
"Bakery is boring to me… I need to do something more exciting than just making pastes for the rest of my life. What about you? Why did you leave the hospital where you used to work?”
"Well, it’s not that I joined the Air Force because of having worked as a nurse. It's complicated… You see, I quit my job at the hospital because of... 'something' that happened there. After that, I worked at the Cloudsdale Postal Service for a short while where I met a colleague who was crazy for the Wonderbolts all the time - she was the one who convinced me to join the Wonderbolts reserves. Even though I liked to fly, I felt it wasn’t the right place for me. I have this need deep inside me to help other ponies. The Air Force seemed like the ideal opportunity for me. And here I am.”
"Wow, that was quite a ride! I could hardly keep up with you!” Honey Cake giggled. “Writing your biography would be no small task.”
"Hehe... yeah, maybe..." Skybird said nervously as she brought her hoof to the back of her head.
"So… sergeant Beretta will be leaving us in just a few days. What a shame…"
"Yeah, how unfortunate... He’ll be missed. He was the only one who treated me in a normal fashion.”
"Still having hard feelings for the drill sergeant, eh?"
"Am I not entitled to it? She threatened me and Wind Shear with discharge! She forced her to undertake incredibly hard challenges! Not to mention that stupid misunderstanding about me and Wind Shear…” Skybird blushed as she looked down and mumbled. “Giving me that horrible nickname… and you as well…” She paused briefly as she looked back up at Honey Cake. “Right, ‘Bucket Face’?..." Skybird said as she grinned mischievously.
"Uh? Oh, that,” Honey Cake said unfazed at Skybird’s remark. “From that point of view, you could argue she did the same to all of us. As for the threats, I believe it actually worked out for us in the end, don't you think?"
"Okay, sure, but let me remind about the times she hoses us down in the morning.”
"It's to spur us on."
Skybird scoffed at her friend’s remark. "Yeah, right…”
"Although, you have to admit... you do talk a lot about Wind Shear. It’s no wonder the rest of the platoon thinks you're a couple."
Skybird glared at Honey Cake before storming off the bunk bed.
"Oh, come on, Skybird!” Honey Cake said as she followed her. “Don't be like that! That’s exactly why everypony thinks the way they do about you! Your actions are what defines you."
Skybird stopped in her tracks, forcing Honey Cake to smash onto her flank: Honor Star had just entered the barrack and stood right before Skybird.
"Alright, listen up, sleepy ladies!" She strongly shouted, almost ringing Skybird's eardrums. "Gear up! I want to see you all at the training post Echo in ten minutes! Tonight you're going to have a lesson on night operations. Now MOVE!"
Post Echo was a large field with benches next to the base's perimeter where usually ponies were instructed on how to defend a base under attack; there was a big forest next to post Echo.
Skybird and the rest of her platoon were once again geared up in their combat uniforms, their weapons attached to the slings as they sat on the cold metal of the benches. Honor Star quickly started the lesson.
"Attacks can happen at any time. The best time to make an attack is at night due to the vision loss because of the darkness. However, we can’t afford to lose a battle just because we can’t see. Therefore, to overcome this issue, you have these night vision goggles, or NVGs, specially designed for night operations. NVGs, as you know, are required inside your lockers in in case there’s an attack during the night. “ Honor Star grabbed her own NVG.
“This fancy piece of equipment can be either binocular or monocular. You attach them onto the upper side of your helmets. When you're wearing these goggles you'll soon notice that everything has become green tinted. That's the result of the image signal amplification process which receives ambient light - like moonlight or starlight - and amplifies through an electrical and chemical process. Your goggles can also detect infrared energy emitted by creatures, ponies and objects. That enables the NVG to track targets even through smoke, fog or dust. The NVG also displays information on the target regarding if it's friend or foe. There’s also the highlight feature which highlights the outline of a soldier. This was possible by combining many different technologies together. Needless to say, this is an immensely expensive piece of equipment, so don’t you DARE break them! In addition, scientists have been working on an experimental video camera to be attached to your weapon, enabling a live video output from the point of view of your gun. Thanks to your goggles, you'll be able to see that video output through them. For instance, you can now look around a corner without the need to put yourselves at risk; all you have to do is to carefully place your weapon at the corner while you remain hidden. Another required add-on while operating your NVGs in night time condition is this infrared laser which enables you to highlight either the members of your squad or to better understand where and what you're aiming at. Any questions thus far?"
"What are the rules of engagement for bat-ponies, ma'am?" One of the mares asked after raising her hoof.
"Good question, recruit. Indeed, bat-ponies are able to see clearly at night. However, when engaging a Bat-pony, especially during infiltration missions, if you receive intelligence that an enemy bat-pony is in the area and you and your team are located in an area of poor visibility, like deep forests, and if the enemy is not far from you, you must cease everything you are doing; not only can they see you clearly at night, but they also rely a lot on their echolocation, id est, sonar. If you hear high pitched sounds or anything that reminds you of bats, stop all movements and try to find the closest place to hide by moving as little as possible; if possible, hid yourselves with your backs against a tree or a wall of a building whichever the case, that way you're considered as a single entity with that natural object. If the bat-pony reaches you, throw them a flashbang grenade; that will momentarily stun them. We'll talk more about flashbangs at your grenade training. Now everypony, come and take your night goggle."
Skybird got a monocular version of the night vision goggle. It fit the protective glass like a glove. On one hoof, it was an amazing experience to see more clearly at night, on the other hoof, it took a while for her to get used to seeing with only one eye, though.
During the rest of the night, the mares practiced shooting with their night vision goggles on. Skybird quickly discovered that even reloading became a problem while using the NVR: she couldn't see clearly what part of her magazines faced towards her. She ended up inserting the magazines by the wrong side. But she wasn’t the only one, for many other mares were having difficulty handling their weapons in the dark. Their movements became slower than normal, yet that was no excuse for Honor Star: every soldier should be able to reload their weapon as quickly as during the day.
The next morning, back at the firing range, sergeant Beretta had one last lesson for the mares.
"Good morning, class."
"’Morning, drill sarge!"
"Today will be our last lesson together. Last but not least, of course. We're going to look at sidearms firing training." He then took a pistol from a table. "This is the hoofgun which you're going to use: it's a 9mm caliber gun, with a muzzle velocity of 1,250 ft/s, an effective range of 50m and a maximum range of 100m. Fun fact: the one who has created this weapon... well, it was me." Most of the mares were surprised at that fact, some were even astonished. Sergeant Beretta put the pistol in the holster and stood up in two hooves.
"Now, unlike the rifle standing position, with any hoofgun you stand up on your hind legs and point yourselves straight at the target. Your weight must be on the base of your hooves for a good balanced stance. Now place your non-firing hoof on your belt and reach for the pistol’s grip with the other one. Take the pistol from the holster by moving your hoof as if it were a hook; that way you can pick it up from the holster. Do not worry about touching the trigger by accident, for as long as the hoofgun has the safety on you'll be fine. Hence why it is of utmost importance that you should NEVER put your pistol back into the holster with the safety off; everytime you’ve finished shooting with your sidearm, always, and I mean ALWAYS, put the safety on, even if you’re just going to lay it on a table, for instance. Now, on to the shooting positions: with this weapon you'll be able to shoot using natural positions only. Let's see who can remind us what the natural positions are?"
"The natural positions are the standing position and the prone position, sir," one of the recruits said.
"Correct. Because with this firearm you won’t be able to have a firm stance when shooting on the kneeling position. To aim with your pistol, you must extend your front hooves forward while holding the gun with both hooves. Use your firearm with both hooves whenever possible. I do not want to see smart alecks trying to impress others by firing with only one hoof all the time. Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," everymare replied.
"However, there are exceptions. For example, if you injured your hoof while carrying somepony on your backs. If you fire with one hoof you'll lose balance and therefore your aim will suffer. While holding the pistol, your front legs shouldn’t be fully stretched, bend your front knees slightly. Also, just like with a rifle, you bring the weapon up to you. Your head must not tilt down. Always assume a natural position. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Alright then. When should you use sidearms? They must be used if a target is close to you, approximately 100 meters if you're shooting lethal rounds or 50 meters with non-lethal rounds. Always keep in mind that your hoofgun should only be used as a last resource. Therefore, whenever you go on a mission, have your sidearm loaded with lethal rounds beforehoof. Why is that? Because there’s always time to load non-lethal rounds afterwards, whilst if a creature attacks you and you had loaded your hoofgun with non-lethal rounds – which will probably have little effect on the creature - you’ll be in deep trouble trying to load lethal rounds in a hurry. By the time you’ve finally loaded them, you’d most likely be dead. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Alright. Everypony pick up a pistol and show me what you've got on the shooting range."
Skybird noticed the pistol was by far much lighter than her rifle, although it still felt rather heavy for a small sidearm nonetheless. However she soon realized the pistol they were using was a completely different weapon from the rifle.
Three days later, as expected, Sergeant Beretta packed his stuff and headed back to the Equestrian Army headquarters, but not before being bombarded with hugs by the mares. Honor Star’s pouted face showed how much she was disgusted at such indiscipline, but since that was the last time the mares would be seeing sergeant Beretta, she gave them a pass. She looked down, probably realizing how much the mares preferred sergeant Beretta to her.
Later on, at the barrack, Honey Cake continued her efforts on improving her relationship with Skybird. From her upper bed she put her head down to look at Skybird who was busy writing something.
"So...” she asked Skybird with a low voice and a shy smile, “what’cha doin’, Skybird?"
"I'm writing a letter to my auntie," Skybird replied annoyed, writing with a pen in her mouth. "Aren’t you going to write home too?"
"Let’s just say that when I left the bakery to join the Air Force they weren't quite pleased with my decision. They always told me: 'you were born a baker and you'll die a baker'.” She let out a deep sigh. “Sweet Celestia, how much I hated that line."
"But that doesn't mean they don’t care about you. Haven’t you contacted them ever since?”
"They have more important things to do than waiting for a letter. I bet they didn’t even care about me being gone.”
"How can you be so sure?"
"I just am."
"I sincerely doubt it. A mother will always love her children, no matter what choices they make. I bet she’s worried sick about you at this very moment."
"Not my mother..." she said as her eyebrows scowled in anger.
"You can believe in whatever you want, Honey Cake. It’s not my job nor my place to force you into changing your mind about that… but have you ever considered the slight possibility that she might be actually desperate to hear from you again?"
Honey Cake didn't know what to say. She stared a few seconds at Skybird and then avoided her gaze.
"Any news about what we should expecting tomorrow, squad leader?" Skybird asked trying to bring her squad leader back to reality as well as changing the subject.
"Well…” Honey Cake answered trying to get the thought about her parents from her mind. “We have yet another PT session in the morning, followed by another session at the shooting range; then there’s a class at noon followed by... I didn't really quite catch that one... I think the drill sarge mentioned something about CCB training or something like that. And finally, night combat training in the evening.”
"I have a bad feeling about that CCB training. Did the sarge explain what’s it about?"
"No, nothing at all."
"That can only mean it’s going to be something bad..."
The mares were brought to a small building partially concealed by trees not far from the main quarters. It was a nice day with a few cold breezes, the pine trees rustling in the wind, the same wind that sent shivers down Skybird’s back. The more she wondered why they were brought to that place, the less she wanted to know the reason. Unfortunately for her, Honor Star was already set up for the next lesson and everymare was in line waiting for her instructions.
"Welcome to the CBRN defense training, ladies. CBRN stands for ‘Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear’. Today you'll experience the symptoms of chemical gas on living beings and to learn how to protect yourselves from it. I want all of you to wear these masks here on the table. Also, pick up these carrier bags where you can put the mask away. To do so, take the front part of the mask with one hoof and, with the other hoof, pull back the headband over your head and then let in snatch against the back of your head. After checking for air gaps on your masks, I want you to split into two large groups because the chamber cannot accommodate all of you at the same time. Then I want you to divide each of those two groups by your barrack's section in order to avoid sorting out and wasting time. Should you not know which section you belong to, you can always ask trainee Heater: she probably must have slept with every single one of you by now. Now take your gas mask and move it, MOVE IT!"
Putting on that mask was a strange and weird experience for Skybird, not only because of the way it felt on her coat, but also because of hearing the sound of her own breath that echoed inside her mask. There was also this strong smell of plastic. Skybird and her team were the first ones to enter the gas chamber, leaving Wind Shear waiting for her turn outside. The mares were ordered to stand up on two hooves against the walls of the chamber. Inside was Sergeant Honor Star, who was also wearing a gas mask, and a stallion instructor wearing his own mask. There was a furnace in the center of the chamber from where white gas smoke was being released. As soon as Skybird had entered the chamber, a terrifying burning sensation on her neck and ears overwhelmed her despite her not having inhaled any gas as all. Once everymare had stepped inside, the stallion instructor initiated the session.
"I'm sergeant White Glass, your gas chamber instructor. I asked your drill sergeant to join me today so she could provide me with her assistance. We're here to learn what CS gas is, the symptoms it causes on living beings and how it can be used as a deterrent. Before we begin, make sure your mask fits your face properly; to do so, move your head up and down three times." The mares did as told. "If your mask is properly fit, you should not feel anything on your face at this point. Is everypony alright?"
There was a weird aura in that chamber, and it wasn't because of the gas. Honor Star was eerily silent: she had been silent on past occasions during the lectures of other instructors, but this time she looked more like a prison warden ready to jump onto anypony who would not follow the instructor's orders.
The instructor’s voice was muffled and could be hard to hear at times, yet that was merely due to him using the mask on.
"Now I want you to gently open your mask slightly at the count of three,” the instructor continued, “that way your muzzles are exposed to the gas. When I give you the order you'll put the mask back on. Ready? One, two, THREE!"
Skybird pulled out her mask slightly just as ordered. She held her breath so she wouldn’t be exposed to too much gas. However, that burning sensation returned, this time on her lips and nostrils. She could hear a distant sound of galloping: it was Honor Star who strongly ordered any reluctant mares to comply. Her voice was considerably more terrifying than usual, inciting terror deep into the souls of every recruit in that chamber. As if that wasn’t enough other, hearing the breath of every single mare combined with the claustrophobic size of the chamber, tormented Skybird.
"Ok, everypony, put back your masks on!" The instructor said.
Skybird was finally able to put her mask back on, followed by deep breaths like if she had been underwater all that time. But her relief was brief.
"Now pay attention! Major Sergeant Chief Honor Star and I will pass by each one of you, starting with the mares closest to the exit doors and then all the way back here, and when we do, you'll take your mask off and say out loud your last two numbers of your service number. Only after everypony has done so, you'll all exit the chamber. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT scratch your eyes no matter what, you'll only make things worse! Once outside take deep breaths so you can expel the gas out of your lungs. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
Skybird couldn't stop wondering if everypony in that room had gone insane. The thought of inhaling the gas scared her to death. The instructors quickly began their inspection. Skybird and Honey Cake were one of the firsts to remove their masks.
Honey Cake’s turn was before Skybird; as Honor Star passed by her she took of her gas mask and said:
"Four-five, drill sarge!"
Then Skybird's turn came. She hesitated for a second before removing her mask. Suddenly her eyes and lungs felt like they had been set on fire.
"Zero-six... drill sarge..."
The urge to cough grabbed her throat, coughing immediately, and she couldn’t stop! A few moments later, mucus started to come out of her nostrils. Her cough got even worse, forcing Skybird to bring her hoof to her mouth and cover it while holding the gas mask with the other. Then she brought the hoof close to her belly. As she looked around in a horrible state, she somehow noticed things weren't that good for the rest of the mares neither. A few mares began spitting saliva almost as if they were vomiting. Soon the chamber was filled with the sounds of coughing. Tears formed on Skybird’s eyes due to the immense irritation and her vision became blurry, just like with everypony else.
After a couple of seconds that seemed to last forever, the instructor ordered them to exit through the back door. The mares put the masks back in their carrier bags and left the chamber one at the time.
Skybird took deep breaths as ordered, but as soon as she took a few steps forward she fell down on her front hooves. Honey Cake came back for her and quickly took her by one hoof and pulled Skybird from the ground.
"Come on, Sky!...” Honey Cake said as she coughed desperate for fresh air, “we have to keep going!" Skybird deeply appreciated that Honey Cake was there for her, in spite of not being able to verbally thank ever due to the coughs.
Two months passed since Skybird and her teammates had joined the Equestrian Air Force. Only two-thirds of her basic military training had been completed thus far and only a single month was left before their graduation. But that day was a momentous one for them: they were finally going to meet the commanding officer of their company for the very first time – the company formed by Skybird's platoon and another platoon of mares comprising a total of two hundred mares.
Honor Star was notoriously serious that day; she was going to make sure nothing would go wrong upon the commanding officer’s arrival.
"LISTEN UP, you sons of a mare! Today you'll meet your company’s commanding officer, therefore I do not want to make a bad impression. Everything’s going to go as planned as long as you do your part. If he asks you anything you WILL let me speak to him first! He is an auxiliary and a Royal Guard. I understand you might be a little excited at the prospect of his arrival… BUT CALM THE FLY UP! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Alright... Platoon, FORWARD!... MARCH!"
The designated meeting place was marginally far from the barracks, so, to kill some time and to ease the recruits’ minds, Honor Star decided to call a marching cadence.
"Mama, mama, can't you see?" Honor Star began.
"Mama, mama, can't you see?" The platoon followed.
"What the Air Force has done to me."
"What the Air Force has done to me."
"Mama, mama, can't you see?"
"Mama, mama, can't you see?"
"What the Air Force has done to me."
"What the Air Force has done to me."
"I was used to eat fresh hay."
"I was used to eat fresh hay."
"Now I'm marching everyday."
"Now I'm marching everyday."
"I used to run away."
"I used to run away."
"Now I'm marching everyday."
"Now I'm marching everyday."
"Hey, hey, everyday."
"Hey, hey, everyday."
"Air Force all the way."
"Air Force all the way."
"Hey, hey, everyday."
"Hey, hey, everyday."
"Air Force all the way."
"Air Force all the way."
The platoon quickly reached a large, empty concrete square surrounded by the officer’s barracks. In the middle of the square stood the pole bearing the waving Equestrian flag. On the far north of the square was the other platoon which stood in front of the auxiliaries awaiting for Skybird’s platoon, commanded by a red-coated, blond mane Earth pony head drill sergeant. Honor Star’s platoon platoon halted twenty meters away from the left side of the blonde drill sergeant’s platoon. An eerie silence had taken over the training base. The only sound that Skybird was going to hear all day was the sound of the platoon's marching hooves.
As she approached the commanding officer, Honor Star saluted him. The platoon didn’t have to salute in the formation they were in, only its leader, unless ordered to. The Pegasus stallion saluted Honor Star back and she resumed her position of attention.
"Good day. I'm the Auxiliary, commanding officer of the 27th mare's company..."
"Not for long!"
Skybird could have sworn she had heard the disruptive voice before. The auxiliary was shocked at that unexpected interruption and began to experience cold sweats like a frightened colt. Skybird glanced at Honor Star who was shocked as well, her jaw having almost fallen to the floor. She quickly regained her composure, though, and issued an order.
"Platoon, PRESENT... ARMS!"
Everymare, including Skybird, saluted with their hooves. Shortly after, hooves steps were heard moving towards the auxiliary. Skybird managed to peek through the small spaces between her teammates heads; she saw a squad of officers in front of the platoon, most of them auxiliaries – who looked more like bodyguards - who looked with disgust at their commanding officer.
Leading the squad was none other than colonel Walther himself, the most feared stallion within the Armed Forces. Many more soldiers were frightened by him; he projected an aura of fear that silenced everypony around him. Nopony dared to do or say anything when he was around. Skybird, on the other hoof, was oblivious as to why such a supposedly brave stallion was so terrified of the colonel. But she was going to find out first-hoof soon enough.
"Uh... Colonel Walther!...” the auxiliary murmured as his heart pounded inside his chest. “I wasn't informed of your visit, sir…" He then saluted the colonel.
"I was merely conducting a random inspection of the base Ponyville Air Force Base,” the stern colonel replied with an angry tone. “Do I have to give YOU a memo of my visit?"
"No, sir! I didn't mean that," the auxiliary nervously answered.
"Good. Now, on to you: I have been informed that you, in the two months since you were promoted to commanding officer of this company, have never presented yourself to these recruits before. Is that true, Auxiliary?"
The stallion looked increasingly troubled and adjusted the collar of his uniform.
"Uhm... I think there’s been some sort of mistake, sir..."
"Silence! There's only one way to find out.” He turned to Honor and the blond drill sergeant. “Sergeants! One step forward!" They complied; it was evident they also feared colonel Walther. “Has your platoon ever seen this Pegasus before? Answer yes or no."
"No, sir," they both replied.
"Recruits, do you agree with the statement of your drill sergeants?" He shouted so everypony could hear him.
"Yes, sir!"
He then turned back to the auxiliary with a look that could kill, yet his expression remained stern.
"I-I can explain..." The stallion looked as if he was about to beg for mercy.
"I do not want excuses, Auxiliary, I want FACTS!” The Pegasus cowered a little at the colonel’s chewing out. “However, considering these two mares here have shown more courage than you did, I'll give you one more chance: you’re going to be evaluated this very instant. Since I want to give you the benefit of the doubt, I'm sure a commander who has been together with his company would know by now the strengths and weaknesses of his soldiers, right? Sergeants, prepare your soldiers to march around the flagpole in ninety-degrees turns."
"But sir!" The auxiliary protested. “They are not ready yet!..."
The colonel raised his voice: "And just WHAT are they not ready for?! They have been through two months of training! I expect them to at least be able to march properly! Don't you agree, Auxiliary?"
Not a peep was heard from the Pegasus.
"Very well.” The colonel turned to Honor Star. “Sergeant, proceed."
Honor Star sighed but complied. "Platoon! To the rear... MARCH!"
Honor Star’s platoon rotated 180 degrees to the right and begin the march; step by step, they executed every single order from Honor. Skybird was nervous about being evaluated by a high rank officer without prior notice, but, like everypony else, she just focused on the task at hoof. The colonel attentively observed them in deep silence. He had always been a meticulous pony with zero tolerance for mistakes.
When the platoon returned to the starting point, Honor Star ordered them to stop. Skybird was relieved, thinking the worst has passed. But there still was more to come.
"Did you hear that?" Colonel Walther asked as he turned to the auxiliary.
Everypony was confused at his question: the base was dead silent, there was no wind blowing or birds chirping, only the heavy sound of hooves that had just marched on the concrete. Nopony spoke or even whispered; nopony dared. The auxiliary was the most confused of all.
"Sir... what exactly should I have heard?" The Pegasus asked sweating like a horse.
"If you were paying any attention, you would have heard that somepony was out of pace. Your task, Auxiliary, is to determine who that pony is."
The Pegasus stallion shook like a leaf; suddenly he looked like a colt during an oral exam to which he had studied nothing at all. It was clear to everypony that he didn’t even know where to start.
Skybird had a sudden and chilling realization: what if she was that pony? The fact was that she’d never been the best pony when it came to marching; or perhaps she’d stepped on a drain cover while marching. How could she know? She glanced at Honor Star, who she could have sworn she was swearing her head off to herself.
The colonel waited patiently. He took out his pocket watch and cleaned his sunglasses with a piece of cloth.
"There are many schools of thought,” Walther said as he cleaned his glasses, “on how officers should approach their subordinates regarding something bad a member of a group might have done. I have my way of approach, but I would never recommend it to any other officer since it has never worked out for them…” He turned his head back to the auxiliary. “Still nothing? Ugh… How about ASKING them?"
"Right away, sir!” The auxiliary turned to the platoon. “Listen up! Who’s the out of pace pony? Reveal yourself!" But nopony replied. "I'm your commanding officer and I'm ORDERING anypony of you to identify the pony who marched irregularly!" Yet nopony answered.
"Tsk...” the colonel said, “you do realize that authority alone won’t lead you anywhere? You’re supposed to be their commanding officer, their leader! Your soldiers expect you to make the decisions that are best for the company. Therefore, you must speak to your soldiers like a leader, not like an authoritarian boss! These are the first things that are taught in the Air Force academy! But enough of this buffoonery. I'm not here to teach you how you're supposed to command your own company. Still… observe how a real professional deal with these situations..."
The colonel immediately began walking back in forth in front of the platoon without saying a single word. He gazed the front line, then proceeded to look each pony in the eye. Even though Skybird was two lines behind, when the colonel met her gaze, his deep, penetrating stare scared her senseless, like a needle slowing penetrating her skin.
"I am truly aghast… To think you’ve spent two whole months training and you still can’t march properly! It's like not having yet learned to walk by the time you’re in second grade of school! Before I continue, would that recruit care to identify herself?” Nopony replied. “No?... Very well, then. Who knows, there’s the odd chance I could be mistaken. Platoon, mark time... MARCH!"
The mares began to march in place. About five seconds later, the colonel ordered the halt.
"No, my ears are just fine. We clearly have somepony who is not marching correctly. Whoever she is... this is your last chance." No answers were heard nonetheless. "Now, either you are deliberately marching out of pace and compromising yourself and your teammates, or... you don't even know that you're out of pace, which I'm afraid is even worse."
Honor Star’s heart nearly stopped; what in Equestria was happening to her platoon? The colonel observed the mares one more time. He stopped right in front of a mare who was younger than Skybird by a year or two. He stared at her like a predator who had just found his prey.
"Was it you, recruit?" He asked with an extremely calm voice. The mare did not answer him. "Your hooves are trembling." The mare could not believe he had been able to notice her slight tremble; ironically, her realization only intensified her trembling, which became much more noticeable to the others.
"It's okay, recruit,” the colonel reassured the recruit with a gentle, soft voice, “it's okay... Do you believe you were out of pace?"
The question only made the mare even more nervous, slightly lowering her head and avoiding the colonel’s magnetic gaze. She closed her eyes, trying her best to contain torrent tears that were on the verge of being shed. Colonel Walther was not amused.
"I'm up here, recruit. Where are you looking at?”
The mare immediately resumed her looking forward position.
"Do you think you were out of pace... recruit?” The colonel repeated far more serious than seconds ago.
The mare was scared to death; she sighed and answered the colonel with an almost inaudible voice that couldn’t hide the tremendous effort she was doing to burst into tears.
“Yes...” the recruit said.
"THEN WHY YOU DIDN'T YOU SAY SO IN THE FIRST PLACE?!" The colonel yelled. The mare couldn’t take it anymore: instead of answering the question, she just started to cry. "You're hereby expelled from this Air Force!” The colonel continued as he pointed his hoof to the barrack. “Pack your things and go home! NOW!!"
The mare broke the line and stormed straight to the barrack sobbing loudly. Skybird looked at the poor thing, her heart sank for the expelled mare. The colonel waited for the mare to disappear from view; he wasn't done yet.
"For the record,” the colonel declared with an almost inappropriate normal tone, “that mare wasn't out of pace: you were, lady with the green and purple mane,” he declared pointing his hoof at her, who was shocked at that pointing. “Don’t give me that surprised look, recruit. Being at the back of the platoon doesn't prevent me from seeing your hooves while you march... If there's something I despise are ponies like you who do not take responsibility for their actions. You’re expelled as well.”
The square was perplexed. Skybird couldn’t believe her ears. How could the colonel expel somepony who was innocent and had nothing to do with the guilty mare? Honor Star had her own worries as well: how could she have los two components of her platoon in less than a minute?
"As for you, Auxiliary, you have twenty-four hours to pack your belongings and leave," the colonel declared without even giving him the courtesy of looking at him. He started to slowly leave the square with his squad of officers who followed him like puppies.
"But, sir, the general said..."
"I do not give a flying feather about what the general said or said not! I am the commander in chief of the Equestrian Air Force and, therefore, it is my responsibility to assure the well-being of this armed force. I do not intend to hold on to ponies that are clearly incapable of performing simple tasks, even if it means me having to go against the general's orders. I do not want to see you in my Air Force ever again, Auxiliary."
There was an uproar later that night it the barracks. The mares were in disarray, arguing vociferously with one another about the colonel’s antics earlier that day. They couldn’t decide whether his behavior was bad or just plain awful. Even worse, they no longer knew not what to do anymore; if the Air Force’s standards were so high, nopony would ever graduate. Adding to that was the matter of the company having lost its commanding officer. What were they going to do?
At that moment, Honor Star was attending a meeting with her superiors to discuss the recent events and arrange new plans. Hence, the mares had been left without any supervision whatsoever. When she returned to the barracks, she was outraged at the maelstrom caused by the mares.
"Everypony calm the fly up!" Yet only a few mares stopped arguing. "I SAID: EVERYPONY CALM THE FLY UP!! OTHERWISE I'LL MAKE YOU MARCH ‘TILL NEXT MORNING!!"
Everymare instantly ceased quit the arguing and paid close attention to Honor Star.
"I've just spoken with the colonel about your commanding officer. He has decided that, since we’ve been able to do without one for the past two months, it’d be useless to assign anypony just for a single month. Therefore, there won’t be a new commanding officer in charge of this platoon anytime soon."
"That’s it?” An angry mare argued. “What about that mare he expelled without hesitation? I understand firing a commanding officer, but to do so to a mare who had done nothing wrong is fine with him?"
"Yeah,” another mare added. “If he did know who the out-of-pace pony was, why didn't he expel her instead?"
"And for what reason were both fired? Just because they were nervous?"
"The colonel deserves no respect at all!"
More and more mares joined the dispute and quickly resumed the previous bedlam of words.
"SILENCE!” Honor Star shouted and paused briefly. “I understand your concerns. But let me remind you that this is a military organization. Therefore you are NOT allowed to speak freely, even if it troubles you. Do not let this event become the root of prejudice towards the Air Force. The colonel is very... 'unique', if I may say so. True, he might have a bad temper… But he’s a very capable professional nonetheless. So hold your grudges and judgement for yourselves and let me give you the same advice my drill instructor gave me many years ago: 'during your time here at the Royal Guards, you will find somepony whom you do not like, and sometimes that pony might happen to be your superior. In that case, do not do be so foolish as to not salute him. Remember this: salute the rank, not the pony behind it.' Well, that's enough chit-chat for tonight. Now, as for the two expelled mares... who were their teammates?"
"We were, ma'am," two mares raising their hooves.
"Congratulations, now you'll bunk each other. As for the rest of you, I don't want to hear another peep out of you. Now go to sleep, all of you. There’s a lot to be done in the morning.”
Two days later, things seemed to have returned to normal, the only noticeable difference being the absence of the expelled mares. Every activity and training lessons proceeded as if nothing had happened.
The following afternoon, Honor Star took the mares to a grenade shooting range, where soldiers would learn how to throw grenades. Honor star brought the mares around a table on which were displayed several types of grenades. Everymare was standing up and looked with curiosity at the grenades, each with their own size and shape.
"Welcome to your grenade training lesson. Today were going to learn about all kinds of grenades and how to throw them properly. Firstly, let’s have a look at the ‘fragmentation grenade’. These metal balls are designed to disperse lethal fragments on detonation. If you happen to be within in a radius of five meters from this grenade, you will most certainly die; within the radius of fifteen meters you'll be seriously injured. Therefore, run away as quickly as possible whenever you see a fragmentation grenade coming towards you. The fuse time of this type of grenade lasts approximately five or four seconds before detonating, which means you have four or three seconds to run away from it. Next, we have the ‘flashbang grenade’, which is designed to produce a blinding flash of light accompanied by a loud noise without causing permanent injury; its purpose is to temporarily neutralize the combat effectiveness of the enemy by disorienting their senses.”
Honor Star paused as she paced in front of the table.
“This,” she continued, “is a ‘sting grenade’: instead of using a metal casing to produce shrapnel, they are built with hard rubber and are filled with up to one hundred rubber balls. On detonation, the rubber balls and shrapnel from the rubber casing explode outward in all directions as a form of less-lethal shrapnel. Sting grenades do not effectively incapacitate ponies, so they can put you in danger when facing armed subjects. They can cause severe physical injuries, especially the rubber shrapnel from the casing. So, to answer your question if it hurts: yes, it does hurt, a lot in some cases. You can lose a hoof or even an eye if you mishandle this type of grenade. That one is a ‘smoke grenade’; it can be used as a signaling device, a target or landing zone marking device, and to create a smoke-screen for concealment. Another similar grenade is the ‘CS grenade’ which releases CS gas... the same gas you’ve been subjected to in the gas chamber some days go. Then we have the ‘incendiary grenade’, which is self-explanatory, but to remove all doubts: it sets stuff on fire. And here is my favorite of them all - because it's the one that I'm allowed to use on silly unicorns who don’t respect the rules: the ‘magical incapacitant’. This device produces an electromagnetic charge calibrated to a certain frequency that disables the magical capacities of unicorns, and effectively stunning any innate offensive abilities. The duration of the stun varies between individuals; some ponies are incapacitated for as little as a few hours or days, while others are rendered weak like a foal or an elder pony, in which case there's the chance they lose the ability to cast spells permanently. That's why your horns were submitted to so many medical exams. Thanks to them, you will never lose your magical ability if a magical incapacitant grenade is thrown at you. This one here is called the ‘glue bomb’; this is an impact grenade which detonates on contact with any surface and immobilizes any individual within a range of ten meters with thick glue. If you ever find yourselves stuck in a glue trap, the good news is that, well, you’ll only remain stuck until the glue dissolves itself, which is approximately four hours. And last, but not least, is the ‘soporific grenade’ which essentially puts the enemy to sleep... literally. An advice: don't throw one of these by ‘mistake’ to gain a few hours of sleep, because for every extra hour you sleep, you'll have to repay them with extra work for the same amount of time… so never be a smart-flank and use it for personal gain. Is everything clear so far?"
"Yes, ma'am," everymare replied.
"To throw a grenade, you must stand up on your hind legs because you need the front two hooves in order to throw it." She then exemplified by standing on her hind legs while holding a dummy grenade on her hoof. “Now I’ll show you the overhoof method When the times comes to actually throw the grenade, you have to grip the grenade with your throwing hoof; then, with your mouth, pull the safety pin and hold the safety lever with your hoof so the striker can’t ignite the fuse and give you time to throw the grenade without it blowing on your face. Remember: always apply pressure on the lever until you throw the grenade. Look at your target, pull your hoof back, use the other hoof that is parallel to your helmet and throw the grenade over your head, slightly twisting your hip. Your hoof should pass next to your ear. This is the overhoof method that enables the desired arched trajectory. Using this throwing method will ensure the grenade lands near the target or hopefully directly in front of it. Let the grenade roll out as it leaves your hoof. Allow the motion of the throwing hoof to continue naturally once the grenade is released. This follow-through improves distance and accuracy and lessens the strain on the throwing hoof."
After Honor Star threw the dummy grenade, she grabbed a real one and took the mares brought the mares to a throwing range with a wooden barricade high enough to cover a pony from a grenade blast.
"Ok, let's now apply everything we’ve learned and throw a real grenade. Immediately after I throw the grenade, I want you all to get down on the ground. I don't want any casualties due to bounced back shrapnel. Ok... here we go..." Honor Star prepared to throw her grenade by pulling her hoof back as she had instructed only moments ago. Then she threw it.
What the mares weren’t expecting was seeing their drill sergeant hit the barricade with her grenade by less than an inch and drop it on the ground.
"Uh-oh..." was the only word uttered by Honor Star.
The mares screamed and ran like a bat out of hell to escape the impending explosion. Skybird tripped and fell to the ground for running too fast. She could only cover her ears and head with her hooves to try to protect from the loud blast.
A few seconds passed... and nothing. There was no sound at all. She raised her head from the ground and looked back, only to see Honor Star with a hoof over her mouth trying to refrain herself from bursting into laugh. Everypony else realized they had just been pranked by their own drill sergeant, they were not in danger at all. The platoon began laughing out loud at something so unexpected. They regrouped around the drill sergeant still laughing and playfully bantering with to one another.
"You're a monster, ma'am, I trusted you!..." one of the mares told Honor Star as a funny rebuke, to which Honor Star responded with a sincere grin.
Later that day, at dinner in the mess hall, Skybird was taking her tray to sit on the table when she saw Wind Shear sitting at a table all alone.
"Hey, Wind Shear, do you mind if I sit here?" She said as she sat down next to her.
"Well... You've already sat down..." Wind Shear replied, annoyed at Skybird.
"I was wondering..." Skybird began before being interrupted by Honey Cake who looked at them rather surprised.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't intend to disturb you two. I'll sit at another table," she said as she took her tray away.
"No, wait! Come sit with us! You won’t be disturbing anypony."
"Anypony else?..." Wind Shear muttered to herself.
"Uhm... Alright, if you insist."
Honey Cake sat down next to Skybird facing Wind Shear.
"So...” Skybird resumed, “As I was saying, do you have any friends back home, Wind Shear?"
"Why would you even care?"
"Well,” she said smiling, “for starters, you’re grumpy all the time and I’ve yet to see you make any friends.”
"First of all, I'm not 'grumpy' as you claim. Besides… we’re soldiers. We’re here to work, not to make friends."
"Although..." Honey Cake interrupted. "You two seem very close, and I’m not talking about the rumors concerning you being in an actual relationship.” She turned to Wind Shear as she began eating her yogurt. “Skybird has shown some interests for you, Wind Shear: she took care of you twice, and she always sticks up for you. But if that’s not being friends, then I don’t know what is…” Skybird blushed a bit.
"Oh, hey, Wind Shear,” said a blue mare named Copper, who happened to be her squad leader. “You've made new friends?"
"Ugh…” Wind Shear rolled her eyes. “They’re NOT my friends!!”
"So, if may ask..." Skybird continued unperturbed.
"No, don’t!..." Wind Shear said as she tried to stop her.
"What about your family in Manehattan? Do you also not write home like Honey Cake?"
Honey Cake coughed and nudged her teammate. "Skybird!..." But Skybird carried on.
"Like... you must have somepony outside, right?"
"It's not of your concern," Wind Shear said with a snort.
"It makes me wonder if you ever had any some friends your whole life…"
"Oh, naff off!" Wind Shear protested and stormed off the table.
An awkward silence enveloped the table. The mares finished their meals in silence.
Later that night, in the barracks, Honor Star had an announcement to make.
"Listen up, ladies! Today we've been challenged by those lazy flanks of the 21th Stallion platoon to a friendly competition in a melee next week. Ha! We’ll show them what a mare is capable to do to a stallion. We’ll crush them! And every mare who fails to beat her opponent will be punished with an entire day of PT. Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Prepare yourselves for next week. And Heater!"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"Try not to suck this time, ok?"
"I'll do my best, ma'am…"
"Very well... Tomorrow morning we'll do some field operation simulation, so pack your gear and your equipment to point Kilo. Good night, ladies."
"Good night, drill sarge," the platoon replied before Honor Star left the room.
Skybird headed to Wind Shear’s bunk. She was busy reading something in her bed.
"Hey, Windy!" Skybird cheerfully said.
"Uh? Why, you... Damn Celestia, you're really persistent... And don't ever call me 'Windy' again."
"I was wondering..." Skybird continued with her usual smile despite Wind Shear’s aggressive stance.
"If there was a day that when you weren’t wondering at all..."
"Why can't we be friends?"
"I... I don't need friends."
"Come on, Windy, who doesn't need friends?"
"I just don't... and I already told you to stop calling me Windy."
"Okay. But why?"
"Because I hate being called that, okay?"
Skybird sighed. “What I meant was why you don't need friends... “Everypony has friends whom they can rely on. Why not us? Besides, you have helped me too... many times, in fact. As you can see, you’re not as selfish as you think, or as least not as much as you want others to think of you. And... you still haven’t given me an answer about you having friends. It worries me that you have nopony who thinks of you, nopony who cares for you. What I'm trying to say is... that you can't be alone forever. I know that all too well. I didn’t have any friends ever since I was a young filly all the way to high school; only when I was about to graduate did I meet somepony who later became my friend. How about you? Do you really want to live and die alone? What’s there to be gained by staying all alone and pretending to be tough? I, on the other hoof, have learned a lot by spending time with my friends. It feels good to be with them. Even with you." Skybird said all of that always with the same smile.
Wind Shear was shocked by her words: she did not expect such a deep talk to come from her. "R-really?"
"Sure! Now about we go and do something fun? I wouldn't mind going over those fighting techniques you've taught me in order to prepare me for that upcoming competition. Come on, let's go!" Skybird grabbed Wind Shear’s hoof and took her out of bed.
A few minutes later, after a hard fighting training, the two mares sat down under the starry sky completely exhausted.
"So, Windy... Tell me, why don't you want to talk about your past?"
"It's complicated... and I thought I had told you to stop calling me that..."
"Why is it complicated? Are you afraid I’ll tell all about it to the rest of the platoon? I can assure you that I’d never do that to you. All I want is to get to know you better, that's all."
"Skybird... sigh... The thing is that I'm not very proud of my past, and I’d rather not talk about it."
"Maybe that's the reason you're so grumpy all the time! You keep bottling it inside of you. Have you ever tried to talk about it to somepony?"
"I don't think that anypony would be interested to hear about my past and my problems..."
"I would!"
"Ugh... Alright, fine. But if I ever find out that you’ve spread my story… I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life…”
"My lips are sealed!" Skybird said as she grinned.
"Very well... Where do I even begin? My life hasn't been an easy one. Since I was born I never had a chance to meet my real parents; I was abandoned in an orphanage in Manehattan. I hated that place... older ponies will always prefer the best fillies and colts, and the younger they are, the higher the chances were of those fillies and colts being chosen and live a normal life with a dad and a mom. But until that day ever came, the owner of the orphanage, an old, decrepit mare, treated us as slaves... I was sweeping floors at a very young age, as well as cleaning the chimney and preparing food. Unlike other foals out there, we had no recreation of any kind. We never had the chance to learn how to write or have any time to play with other foals. Every single day, every time we tripped and broke the teapot that we were carrying due to its heavy weight, the ‘old wicked witch’, as we were used to call that soulless mare, she would whip us seventeen times. Who cares that we were just foals? She’d just use her whisk whenever we misbehaved, or at least what she considered misbehaving... As you might understand, I faced many ordeals and gained many scars thanks to that witch. This one time I was punished with sixty-eight lashes on a single day on the sole ground that I was sick or weak, as she claimed. “
Skybird flinched just imagining the pain Wind Shear must have suffered.
“Despite that, the next day I was forced to work in the attic the whole day. I was really mad. Once again I was being punished for something I hadn’t done. I was so angry that day I couldn't even focus on my tasks. At the end of that day, I tripped and fell onto a pile of stuff, which dropped to the attic floor, making a big mess. It was then… that I noticed a couple of gas bottles that had been stored in the attic probably ages ago. There was an opening of the chimney from the attic, so I had an idea: to pick up those bottles and drop them down the chimney, which would cause a large explosion that would most definitely wake up the crazy witch from her slumber. But, as the foolish foal that I was, I hadn’t grasped the full consequences of executing such a plan. So I dropped them down the chimney… It didn't take too long before a loud explosion was heard and a huge fire started, setting the entire building ablaze. Thirty-three foals died that night, along with the old mare… I was lucky to escape the fire. As soon as I realized what I had done, I flew out the window. The screams of the other foals still haunt me to this day. There are no words to describe just how horrible it really was… I knew I couldn't stay there anymore, not after what I had done.
“Oh, my!...” Skybird muttered as her eyes widened, shocked at what she had just heard to the point of forgetting her personal grudge against Princess Celestia.
“I flew away and a few days later ended up joining a gang of thieves. They helped me; they taught me how to read and took care of me. It still wasn't the best place to be, but they started to become a family to me. Unfortunately, they also taught me how to steal without being noticed, along with other tricks of that ‘profession’. I stick with them for many years; until one day one of ours sold us all to the police. We were arrested, and that son of a mare flew away stealing all the stuff we had been collecting for so long. I was underage, so the police released after only one week. Although that turned out to be an even harsher punishment: I had nowhere to go and had nopony to rely on, so I tried to live in the suburbs of Manehattan. I was noticed by rival gangs who proceeded to beat the living daylights out of me, leaving me to die as I bleed out on the snow. With the few ounces of strength I still had, I managed to drag myself under a roof. I thought it was the end for me… when suddenly an old mare found me in the corner of the street and took me to her home. She took care of me and helped educating me; she taught me math, history and physics. She was very old and didn’t have much; to repay her, I stole a few things for her, even though I’d never told her about it… But it was still the only way I had found to repay her. She had given me a place to live; I knew I was in debt to her. Then one day, after I had gone to look for food, the rival gang from before discovered where I had been living. When I came back home, I found her body on the kitchen table with stabs all over her body… It was horrifying... That mare had been like a mother to me. I had lost somepony once more… I continued to live in that house as if it were my own.
Skybird covered her mouth in shock as a tear formed in her eye after that extremely sad story.
“During that time I planned my revenge and trained hard to fight the accursed gang. I worked out for almost a whole year. Then, when I finally felt ready, I left home and kicked my way through to the gang leader. I took a lot of punches and even some stabs, but I didn’t care. I was bloodthirsty: all I wanted was to exact my revenge. When I finally came to the leader, I was bleeding a lot, but you should have seen his face: he was scared senseless, like if he was looking at a mare that had returned from the dead. Then I stabbed him just like they had done to that old mare… The fool was bleeding like a chicken with its head cut off. The police came and arrested me, though, right at the best part, of course... the police arrested me. At that time I was an adult mare, so they sentenced me to prison for many years. But I was clever and manage to gain a parole in prison... Apparently being a spy and snitching on your prison mates helps you to get out of prison... I had only done half the time of my sentence. I went straight back to that old mare’s house, only to discover that the city had demolished it the year before... I had nowhere else to go... Then I saw one of those recruitment posters of the Air Force and I thought to myself that maybe it was worth the shot. And… here I am..."
"Oh, Wind Shear... I'm so sorry!... for all you’ve been through. I can't even imagine how it must have felt to you. I'm so sorry."
"Yeah... but I don't regret what I did. This is what I am. I hope you're happy..."
"Windy... if there's anything I can do for you, just let me know, okay?” Skybird touched Wind Shear's hoof. “No matter what you stand up against or whatever you go through, I'll always be on your side".
"Uh?" She replied in surprise. "For real?"
"Of course, my friend."
"Hey what are you two doing out here?" Honey Cake said coming out of nowhere.
"Having some fighting practice... Why?" Skybird said trying to be as calm as possible.
"Don't you two realize what time it is? Everymare’s asleep already!"
"And what are you doing here?" Wind Shear asked back at Honey Cake, narrowing her eyes.
"I'm the night watch for tonight. You two should go to bed right now before anypony notices you’re gone!"
"See, Windy, you have another friend who you can rely on!"
"Uh?" Said Honey Cake. "Yeah yeah, sure sure, but now you've got to go! Don't force me to report that I caught you out here! Come on!"
The next day, the platoon underwent the raid simulation. The task was simple: to eliminate hostile forces within an area comprised of buildings and open spaces. Such a simulation would immerse the mares into the heat of a battle first hoof. The enemy consisted of a dozen of wooden targets or actors playing the bad guys. Each squad was formed by four mares. Teamwork was essential to the squads overcoming any situations.
After the raid simulation, the mares had the entire afternoon to practice at the shooting range and at the evening some more melee practice.
That evening, after dinner, the mares went back to the barracks to change their uniforms and take a shower. What seemed uncomfortable during the first days at the military, over time showering together became something normal and even a pleasant part of the day: a chance for friendship bonding.
Skybird was washing herself when a big mare entered the showers and began to sing.
"She'll only come out at nights,
The lean and hungry type.
Nothing is new,
I've seen her here before,
Watching and waiting.
Ooh, she's sittin' with you,
But her eyes are on the door.
So many have paid to see,
What you think,
You're gettin' for free.
The mare is wild,
A she-cat tamed,
By the purr of a Jaguar.
Money's the matter,
If you're in it for love,
You ain't gonna get too far."
The mare started to walk around Skybird, brushing her body with her tail occasionally as she teased her. The rest of the mares soon caught on to what was happening.
"Oh-oh, here she comes…
Watch out girl,
She'll chew you up!
Oh-oh, here she comes,
She's a mareater!
Oh-oh, here she comes…
Watch out, filly,
She'll chew you up!
Oh-oh, here she comes,
She's a mareater!"
"Hey, that's not true!" Skybird protested in vain.
"I wouldn't if I were you.
I know what she can do,
She's a deadly filly,
And she could really rip your world apart.
Mind over matter,
Ooh, the beauty is there,
But a beast is in the heart.
Oh-oh, here she comes…
Watch out, filly,
She'll chew you up!
Oh-oh, here she comes…
She's a mareater!
Oh-oh, here she comes…
Watch out, filly,
She'll chew you up!
Oh-oh, here she comes…
She's a mareater!"
Skybird was visibly frustrated; she couldn’t help but blush at such a song.
"Quit it!"
"What, do you not liked my little tribute to you, Heater?" The big mare asked as she mockingly glanced at Skybird.
"I really don’t," she responded still blushing.
"Come on, Heater, we all know you're the kind of mare that’s always in heat?"
"Absolutely not!"
"Yeah, sure... Then would you care to tell us the reason you and your marefriend were the only ponies missing yesterday at bed time? Well?"
Skybird had no answer to the big mare’s question, clenching her teeth.
"Spending some time alone away from prying eyes… Perhaps someplace where the two of you could make some… love?"
Skybird’s blood boiled. That song unleashed a single but powerful emotion inside Skybird: pure rage. She had more than enough of that mare, of being called a pervert when in reality she was and always had been the complete opposite. Skybird was sick of that mare, sick of everypony who kept making fun of her. Lost memories of her being bullied back at school flooded her mind like a torrent. Things would never change if she did nothing about it as usual, and she knew it. The time had finally come to face her fears, otherwise she’d risk being bullied for the rest of her life.
"Stop it!” Skybird said with a dead serious look straight into the big mare’s eyes, yet maintaining somewhat her quiet and soft voice. The adrenaline rush was a novelty for her. “Or I'll... I’ll"
"Or what? Throw soap bubbles at me?" The mare provoked.
Skybird was livid but somehow she didn't do anything; instead, she assumed an attacking position - like a cat ready to jump at its prey - with her eyes looking down, clenching her teeth as hard as she could.
"Oh, what are you gonna do? Run back to your mommy and cry like a little filly? Tsk! How typical… I bet your mother is just as horny and pervert as you."
That was the final nail in the horseshoe. Nopony had dared to insult Skybird's mother before, the only thing that could make blind by rage. She was furious like she had never been before. Instinctively, Skybird darted at the big mare and punched her in the face with all her might, sending her to the floor yet without knocking her out.
A few moments later, when Skybird ‘s rush abated, she realized what she had just done. Inexplicably and involuntary she started to cry. Skybird was surprised as everypony well at her reaction, her chest filled with a suffocating turmoil of emotions.
"Why is she crying?" Some mares in the background asked.
No sooner had those mares asked that question than Honor Star arrived at the scene angrier than ever.
"What the flying flock is going on here?! Everypony OUT! NOW!! Dry yourselves, put on your uniforms and gather in the classroom. MOVE!! MOVE!!"
The classroom was empty at that time of the day, with the teacher's desk lying in the middle. The mares sat down on the cold floor. After class, everymare had their camo uniform put on and were ready for the night time training. Shortly after, the hooves of their drill sergeant could be heard from down the hallway and they were closing in, a sound that silenced everymare.
Honor Star entered the room carrying a pile of papers and a bottle of water and closed the door behind her with her hind leg; she looked anything but happy. The drill sergeant dropping everything onto the desk, sat on her chair and placed her hat on the desk.
"Before I go off on a tangent regarding what happened earlier, let's have a moment to talk about yourselves. If you have any guts, stand up immediately: you should be a big mare and put it on the table. Let's see how big you are now."
Nopony moved a muscle. Everypony looked at the sergeant fearing the worst. Skybird, however, cleaned her eyes, even though she was on the verge of crying again. Honey Cake and Wind Shear sat on each side of Skybird as bodyguards of physical and moral support.
Honor Star waited for somepony to stand up a hoof-full of seconds more. Yet it was clear that whatever she was going for had nothing to do with what had happened earlier in the showers; instead, it was something much more serious, a deep problem that had hit the entire platoon, and she was there to solve it no matter what.
"Some of you aren't as tough as you think you are, that's for sure... Trainee Heater, would you care to explain to the rest of us what in the name of Celestia happened to you in the showers?"
Skybird could hardly speak with her runny nose, she was about to cry again.
"I...” she said with a weak voice, “I was... sniff... picked on by that mare. She started singing this song about me being a pervert, which I'm not... sniff... Then I told her to stop, but she kept teasing and provoking me... and I... sniff... I couldn't take it any longer... so I punched her... ma'am..."
"And why did you punch her?"
"I... I don't know, sarge; it was an involuntary reaction. I guess I just couldn't take it any longer..."
Honor Star addressed the other mare.
"Is it true that you sang a song about her being a pervert, trainee?"
"Well, ma'am... I was only paying her a tribute. Besides, everypony knows how pervert she really is. She’s called 'Heater' for a reason..."
"But I'm not!" Skybird interrupted..
"SILENCE!" Honor Star silenced her as she hit her desk with her hoof. "You had your time to speak, trainee, now it's her time. You were saying?..."
"I was saying she's always hanging around with Ice Jolly, her marefriend, and..."
"So what?” Honor Star cut her. “Are you jealous of her because she has more friends than you, trainee?"
"No, ma'am!..."
"Trainee Heater, do you have anything to say?"
"Well... sniff, yes, I do... I’d like everypony to stop calling me 'Heater', ma'am. That nickname doesn't reflect who I really am."
"And you're so worried about your nickname because?..." Wind Shear raised her hoof to be given permission to speak but was soon silenced even if she hadn’t started speaking at all. "Just listen to me.” Honor Star told Wind Shear, who lowered her hoof.
“As I was saying… trainee Heater, “do you really think that I pick on you solely because I think you’re a pervert? Recruits: who in this class got herself a nickname for not being able to stay still?" Everymare raised their hooves. "Do you see, Heater? Every single one of them! Even she has a nickname.” Honor Star turned to the bully. “Go on, trainee. Tell us the nickname I gave you..."
"It's... Pansy Pants... ma'am..." The mare said as she lowered her head.
"Indeed, due to that time she wasn't able to put some pants on.” Honor Star turned back to Skybird. “You see, when you become a drill instructor, you'll realize that it’s incredibly hard to remember every single name of the trainees in their charge. There are one hundred of you, for Celestia's sake! It is impossible for me to remember all of your names, especially after having trained dozens and dozens of different classes throughout one’s career. You might not like your nickname, but that’s something you’ll just have to learn to deal with. When I was your age, even I had gotten a nickname that I didn’t like, but I learned to live with it. There are many other individuals that disagree with the way I address them and how I rebuke them when they do something wrong, all because you're so concerned about your 'feelings'."
She paused for a few seconds and looked to the rest of the class.
"It's not my job to make you feel good. My job is to train you so that when you go on missions you don't get somepony else killed."
The mare looked at Honor Star in silence and awe. A few other mares in the corner of the room looked at the floor troubled at something. Honor Star asked their opinion on what she had just told the platoon. It didn't take too long for her to ask for the opinions and the problems of everypony else. Many of them cried like little fillies when they finally confessed that their main reason to join the military was to make their parents proud; Honey Cake was sick and tired of everypony thinking she was the dumbest mare in the platoon, when in reality she was one of the smartest ones; Wind Shear hated the fact that the other mares treated her like some sort of monster. Most were relieved to say what they have bottle up for so long. Honor Star calmed everypony down, even dropping a joke here and there. A few moments later the mares were no longer crying tears of pain but of joy instead.
"By the way... Have I ever told you about my nickname? Mine was probably much worse than yours, Heater. It all happened one day when I was assigned to guard the entrance of the training base in Canterlot, not too far from the Royal Castle. Nothing special had been programmed for that day, so most of us just chilled and hung around. It was a hot summer day and I was desperate to have a drink. I headed to the bathroom, drank from the drinking fountain, and just when I was returning to my post, as I turned the corner there was Princess Celestia herself right in front of me. I was shocked to see her there,. I was certain she had noticed the front entrance post unattended. I thought I was doomed, so I took a few steps back while still looking at her. The thing was that right behind me there was this plant – I must add that we had a commander who was rather nuts about it because he believed plants during winter were not required and he wanted his base to always have these tiny house pines. Well, guess what he thought to be a great idea to have in a base during a hot summer? That's right! Cactuses!” Everypony gasped in shock.
“They were everywhere!” Honor Star continued. “Big and small, all around the base! I was unaware of the cactus behind me, so my rear was stabbed by one of it spines. You do realize that was probably the most inconvenient place to have your rear end stuck in a cactus, precisely when you’re facing the highest authority in Equestria. I just kept saluting her, but because of the pain I clenched my teeth in order not to scream in pain, but this only made me look like a dumb guard smiling at Princess Celestia for no flying reason. My eyes also betrayed me, due to a few tears that had formed because of the pain. Yet Princess Celestia showed genuine concern for my well-being and asked 'Why are you crying, recruit?' I could respond ‘you see, your Highness, I've my flank stuck in a cactus,' or 'Because I'm sooo happy to see you, Your Highness.' Of course I chose the latter, otherwise I probably would have been sent to the moon. She stared at me awkwardly and I just kept thinking 'please move your Royal flank out of my way?' Once she finally entered the base, I asked a bud of mine who was a stallion – before you ask: yes, in those days there was no separation between mares and stallions like nowadays - to help me remove the spines out of my flank. But wait, there’s more! Just when my bud was about to remove the last spine, my drill instructor entered the barracks looking for me really mad because I had left my spot unattended when the Princess showed up. He entered the barracks fast enough to glimpse my bud taking out the spine from my rear; and from that day on, my nickname was: Tasty Flanks." The mares burst out laughing, some even rolling on the floor.
"Alright, that’s all for now. When we walk past that door I want you be with your game mode on. Here in the classroom I can lose things a little bit, but not out there. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Good. One last thing: remember that out there there’s no such things as ‘only me’ or ‘only you': we're all the same, we're teammates, from the silly trainee to the high rank officers. We are not individuals, we are a group and only by sticking together we can work our way to the top. Out there there’s only one moot: one for all and all for one. I know that my fellow soldier will be there for me should I fail, to help me get up once more. We're all in this together, never forget that. Now let's go and show the world that nothing can stop us. MOVE IT!"
The following days saw arduous training from all the recruits, always striving to become better and better.
Then came the day of the melee competition: the platoon of stallions versus Skybird’s mare platoon. Every trainee fought with courage and valor. Skybird, who, up until then, used to be considered a weak point, fought her way up the competition and even won against a stallion far taller than her. The martial-arts fighter Wind Shear wasn't as lucky, though, and was badly defeated in a melee fight for the very first time; yet Honor Star reminded her that ‘in life you can’t always win, and with that in mind, you cannot always lose’. Unfortunately for her, the next day she had to put up with a full morning and afternoon of "losing" PT training under the command of sergeant Blossom.
The weeks passed and the mares were close to their graduations. The atmosphere was thick with nervousness from the recruit. All those mares would have the chance to rejoin their families not as mere trainees but as fully fledged Airponies, the first rank in the Equestrian Air Force hierarchy.
The same classroom where the mares had their chance to confide all their hardships and problems was now being used as a friendly meeting room with their drill sergeant; and in that room something special was about to take place.
"Drill sarge, we have a surprise for you,” Copper said. “We all feel guilty of the time you’ve spent with us. We saw your hard work, your dedication, especially when you came at the weekends. We saw the time that you've dedicated to us all when you could have just stayed at home with your family. So each one of us has decided to write you a letter thanking you for your dedication." Copper proceeded to hand out the ninety-eight letters to Honor Star.
"Uhm... you do realize it’s not over yet, right?" She said with her usual sarcasm and serious tone. She took one of the letters and began to read it out loud: "Your positive approach and your attention to detail makes a real difference in everything you do. 'Positive approach', huh? Is that how you call it these days?” The mares laughed. "Well, I have to sit down and read them all when I get the time. Wasn’t there something you were all supposed to be doing? Get back to work."
"Yes, drill sarge."
"Good news for tomorrow: we're going to make a practice run for the graduation ceremony. I want you to keep doing it until it's perfect. The good news is there's no PT scheduled for tomorrow. Adding to that, we have shopping to do tomorrow morning: you're going to receive your service uniform."
"YAAY!" the mares cheered.
Even Wind Shear seemed to have changed for the better: she actually smiled more often, even if it wasn’t a tremendous grin, but at least you knew that whenever she smiled, she was really being sincere.
Honey Cake finally began writing letters to her family; her parents had been worried sick all that time. She managed to reunite with her family and they promised that they would go see her on graduation day.
The following morning, the platoon headed to the tailor to receive the last part of their uniforms. Everypony was so excited, it felt like getting a birthday present. The service uniform - the "Air Force Blue", as it was called by the Air Force soldiers - included a light blue shirt -, the same color of the recruit's uniform shirt, the only difference being the longer sleeves -, two chest pockets, and a collar fit to accommodate a tie, the dark blue tie, and the blue jacket with four golden buttons.
The uniforms were individually tailored. Luckily there were a lot of uniforms of different sizes on stock at the storage, so that day the tailoring would be quick. There were holes on each side of the uniforms for pegasus where they could insert their wings. They also received their headgear: many received the mare's service cap that was also known as the "bucket cap", named after its unusual shape. The unicorns received a beret instead because their horns would compromise the cap. If there were any holes to accommodate their horns, they’d have to be made right where the Air Force's emblem was originally placed. Therefore, the unicorns wore a beret of the same color of the uniform, featuring the emblem on one side of the beret allowing to display the emblem despite of the unicorn's horn. For the sake of uniformity, they were all given a side cap exclusively for that particular day, when platoons have to be mixed - earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns all in the same platoon. Whenever a parade took place, the use of the side cap was no longer required since the soldiers would have been sorted into platoons of the same pony race.
"Okay, let me recap this one more time," Honor Star said while the mares were trying their uniforms in complete silence. "You must wear your headgear whenever you're outdoors. That, however, does not mean you have to wear it every single time you leave a building, like if you had to reach a facility very close to yours. Therefore, always put them on whenever you have to walk long distances. Tomorrow wear your side cap for the sake that we can be all together without being forced to divide the platoon between earth-pony, pegasi and unicorns. The uniform you’re wearing now - your recruit shirt, in case you didn't know – is not required to be returned to the military, It belongs to you. However, unless you do not intend to come back and become an instructor somewhere down the line, that shirt will no longer be needed. Dark blue gloves will also be given to you: you must wear them during winter along with your coat whenever you go outside and whenever the ceremonial uniform is issued. That is all. Just a quick reminder: anypony set to pull some stupid stunt during the ceremony tomorrow will have their flanks kicked up to the sky! Incurring in such punishment in front of your families would not only be extremely humiliating to you, but it would also mean you’d be sent back to the first day of BMT with the new trainees of next year. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
The next day was everypony's big day. After three months together, the mares earned their rank of airpony. There were many struggles, but they were overcome, and now those stallions and mares were ready to become real soldiers.
The base was open to the public that day. Families flocked inside to rejoin their loved ones after so long, even though they were too impatient to hug their relatives. The audience sat on a big stand where they could watch the ceremony. The event was placed in the large concrete square, enough to accommodate everypony. It was a beautiful day that morning: the sky was clear and a warm breeze set the tone for the perfect day that was the ceremony. It was an auspicious moment for the recruits. Skybird had received news that her auntie Merry Berry and her friend Fleur would come to see her. Fleur was as always over excited taking photos with her camera and Merry Berry was dying to hug Skybird once more.
The speaker greet the audience via the loudspeakers.
"Welcome, fillies and gentlecolts! Thank you all for coming to today's graduation ceremony of the mares and stallions of the basic military training of the Equestrian Air Force. When the platoons are being introduced, please hold your applause until the last platoon has been introduced."
Platoons of stallions and mares marched in line from the far entrance of the square to its the centre, right in front of the crowd. Everypony was wearing the service uniforms for the very first time, the only exception being the drill sergeants who wore their usual instructor caps. The drill sergeant marched on the left of the platoon. It was a bittersweet and even cold moment for the audience to see their loved ones marching in such a soulless manner. They’d soon realize it was all part of the job.
Along with Skybird's platoon also entered the rest of the platoons that had started the training process at the same time as Skybird. There was the platoon of their company, and the stallions whom they had a chance to fight for that friendly competition. There were a lot of recruits that day, but not solely those of the Air Force: a few weeks earlier other recruits also had their graduation in that very place.
"These ceremonies," continued the speaker, "are used to contribute to public morale by symbolically displaying the strength and unity of the military in support of the nation. The movements that will be performed today are known as 'drill'”.
The Air Force orchestra was playing for that special occasion. They began to play the Air Force march, an instrumental piece composed mostly of brass and percussion instruments. The band wore a slightly different uniform to distinguish them from the rest: light blue markings on the sleeves and a blue rectangular shape trim on both sides of the chest. As the platoons marched, the music played, and it only stopped when every platoon had reached the audience and everypony was in formation. The crowd cheered afterwards at such a formidable spectacle.
"Today we pay tribute to these stallions and mares who have successfully completed every graduation requirements and have demonstrated that they are ready to take their place as airponies in the world's greatest air force. It is on this day that their transition from trainees to airponies will be marked by presenting them the Air Force's stainless steel pocket watch. This ceremony celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of this graduating class. The future of our nation rests upon the dedication of this new class of warriors whom we honor today. Chief Warrant Severe Force, superintendent of the training process, will now say a few words."
The speaker handed his place at the microphone to an old bearded pony, whose name suggested his infamous reputation of being severe at all times. He had a deep, booming voice, his eyes were blue and his coat was grey.
“Good morning, thank you so much for coming. I know you can't wait to come down here into the drill pad and to embrace your loved once, and that time will come but first we've some business to take care of." He then addressed the platoons. "Trainees, it has been three months now, your Air Force has challenged you physically, mentally, emotionally. Your military training instructor has given you everything they have to ensure you have what it takes to serve in our Equestrian Air Force, and this morning they say you're ready, so in a moment that instructor will present you with the airpony's watch signifying your transition from recruit to airpony. Now it's a simple pocket watch, but it carries the heritage and the future history of our Air Force. I want you to let you know, that there are not shortcuts, or the one change that will make your dreams come true. I'm not an oracle, but I can tell you this: there isn't one thing or ten of things that will make you better, it isn't a quick path. Getting better isn't a hack or a trick or one change that you've to make; getting better is a campaign, it's a daily fight, an incessant fight that doesn't stop against weaknesses and laziness. It's a campaign of discipline, hard work and dedication, without this qualities there's no victory, no glory and no improvements that we can all hope for. I'm too old and decrepit to actually make changes for our nation's future, but you on the other hoof, you will be better and you will take us there. Trainees today you're joining a team of professionals dedicated to integrity, service and excellence. You joined a team rooted in dignity and respect. You're joining a team that now looks at you to define the character of our Air Force for years to come. We all have the utmost faith in you because every time you wear that uniform you proclaim that you will not fail. An we believe you. As your superintendent of basic military training, I hereby acknowledge your completion of training requirements. From this moment forth, you and I are teammates, you're my brother, you're my sister you are my wingpony and you're an airpony. Congratulations."
The crowd cheered loudly. Merry Berry even shed a few tears of joy, the same with Fleur who kept taking pictures of the speech and Skybird as best as she could.
A few sergeants came from the backstage carrying the pocket watches inside their wooden boxes. There were as many watches as the exact number of the ponies in the platoon; ninety-eight watches were assigned to Skybird’s platoon and the sergeant who carried them was none other than sergeant Blossom - it was nice to see her once more that day. Honor Star began handing the pocket watch to the recruits one at the time. The recruits had to raise their left hoof to receiving them; once the instructor handed it to the recruits, they would have to put the watch on the inside pocket of their jacket; after they had touched the ground, they would shake the hooves with their instructor with the other hoof. On the inside of the pocket watches cover was engraved the date of their graduation, as well as the motto of the Air Force.
After all the watches had been delivered, the superintendent began administer the oath of enlistment.
"Raise your right hoof and repeat after me." Every recruit raised their right hoof, Skybird did so as well. "I, state your name..."
"I , Skybird…" she said.
"Do solemnly swear (or affirm)..."
"Do solemnly swear…"
"That I will support and defend the ponies and creatures of Equestria..."
"That I will support and defend the ponies and creatures of Equestria…"
"Against all enemies, foreign and domestic…"
"Against all enemies, foreign and domestic…"
"And to fulfill with discipline and honor all of my duties…"
"And to fulfill with discipline and honor all of my duties…"
"With virtue, to the stars: Virtute, Siderum, Tenus…"
"With virtue, to the stars: Virtute, Siderum, Tenus…"
"Congratulations airponies, and welcome to the Equestrian Air Force."
The crowd cheered even louder this time, a true uproar of happiness and proudness.
"Thank you, Chief Warrant Severe Force," said the speaker. "Fillies and gentlecolts, please rise for the play of the Equestrian Air Force anthem directed by Chief Warrant Symphonic Legacy of the Equestrian Air Force Band."
The band started to play and a choir composed of stallion and mares sang the theme.
"Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder
At'em boys, Giv'er the fun!
Down we dive, showing our lives of wonder
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in shame. Hey!
Nothing can stop the Equestrian Air Force!
Minds of ponies ready to avoid any encumber
Sent it high into the blue"
The following line was sang only by stallions:
"Hooves of stallions set to commander
How they lived Luna only knew!"
The following line was sang only by the mares:
"Souls of mares dreaming of skies to conquer
Gave us wings, ever to soar!"
And then the both stallions and mares sang together:
"With scouts before And fighters anymore.
Nothing can stop the Equestrian Air Force!
Here's a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky,
To a friend we send a message of his brother pony who fly.
We drink to those who gave their all of old
Then down we roar to score the rainbow's pot of gold.
A toast to the host of ponies we boast, the Equestrian Air Force!
Off we go into the wild sky yonder,
Keep the wings level and true
If you'd live to be a grey-haired wonder
Keep the nose out of the blue!
Flying pegasi, guarding the nation's border,
we'll be there followed by more!
In echelon we carry on
Oh, nothing'll stop the Air Force!
Nothing'll stop the Equestrian Air Force!"
"Listen up, platoon!" Honor Star shouted as she broke formation and positioned herself in front of the platoon. "AT EASE! First of all, congratulations, everypony! You have earned the title of Airpony. You lucky sons of mares have the rest of the day off; you're free to go home with your families immediately if you wish so. Don’t forget to empty your lockers and take your belongings; the moment I discharge you today, you’ll no longer be under my command, which means it will be a goodbye. Don't worry, we'll meet again in the barracks for personal farewells, but this is the last time we’ll be together as a platoon. Remember everything that I've taught you and take care. Come back tomorrow morning for your next assignments, and don't be late! And now... I have one last surprise for you."
She looked away and signaled with her head for somepony to come in. "Today I managed to bring back somepony special."
The mares gasped in joy. Sergeant Beretta stopped next to Honor Star wearing his Army service uniform. It was similar to the Air Force blue, the only difference being with his jacket, which showed a predominant use of dark blue; so dark it was that it used to be considered black compared to the blue color of the Air Force service uniform. The Army uniform's sleeves were marked with a yellow line around each one of them. It suited sergeant Beretta extremely well.
"Hey, everypony!” Beretta cheered, he was glad to see them again. “How could I have missed the graduation ceremony of my girls? Congratulations, Airponies: you’ve earned it."
Honor Star turned to the platoon but smirked at Beretta. "On my mark, when I give you the command of 'dismissed', unleashed hell on him." He was confused by whatever Honor Star had meant with that. "PLATOON!!... DISMISSED!"
A torrent of infatuated mares raced towards Beretta to hug him; Honor Star was caught by the multiple hugging of her former trainees, a few tears forming on the eyes of everymare, even on Honor Star's, something never seen by her platoon.
After the ‘hugging ceremony’, the airponies were allowed to rejoin their families. But before doing so, Skybird, Honey Cake and Wind Shear had one final conversation.
"We did it, girls!" Skybird shouted in glee.
Wind Shear felt relieved and a rare smile formed on her face.
"Indeed!” Honey Cake cheered. “I couldn’t possibly have done it without the two of you.”
"Oh, don't be so modest!” Skybird joked with her friend. “Wind Shear and I wouldn't have made it too if it wasn’t for you, Honey.” She turned to Wind Shear. “So, Windy, what are you gonna do now?"
Wind Shear took a few seconds to think. "I’m not sure… I was thinking of checking for vacancies in the barracks to spend the night.”
"Oh no!" Skybird protested. “There’s no way you’re going to spend the rest of the day in here! I know: why don’t you come to my place and sleep with me?"
Wind Shear wasn’t expecting such an offer, especially with that phrasing. "I... I don't want to be a bother…" she said a bit shyly.
"Come on, now! You’re no bother! Besides, my auntie has business to take care of this afternoon, which means I’ll be alone all day."
"Alright, then... I'll spend the night with you…”
"Yay!" Skybird cheered.
"Hey, Skybird,” asked a familiar voice, “how much longer are you going to keep us waiting?
“Fleur!”
Skybird could hardly believe it. Her friend, impatient as usual, flew right up to her.
"It's so good to see you, Fleur! You have no idea how much I’ve missed you! Let me introduce you two of my teammates. The grumpy one is Wind Shear." Wind Shear was confused because that moment she wasn't grumpy at all. "And this is my squad leader, Honey Cake."
"Hi," Fleur said as she greeted the two mares. She looked somewhat jealous.
"Hey, Fleur,” said Skybird, “why don't you take a group photo of us?"
“Great idea!”
"Wait, what?" Wind Shear wasn't the kind of mare who enjoyed having her picture taken.
"Alright, everypony: say 'HAY'!"
"HAYYY!!"
Fleur took the picture and picked the still warm developed photo.
"Ugh!" Fleur grunted, “could you please tell your friend not to look so scared next time?" Indeed, while Skybird and Honey Cake looked good on the photo, Wind Shear looked like she had just seen a ghost.
Skybird giggled when she saw the photo. "I think it's perfect. Thank you, Fleur."
"Skybird, are you trying to kill your auntie by making her impatient? She’s literally dying to see you!"
"Oh, yeah, you're right! Bye, Honey! Have a good time with your parents!"
"Thank you, Sky! Have fun!"
Skybird followed Fleur and joined Merry Berry who was waiting for her with the rest of the families. Wind Shear, on the other hoof, headed to the barracks to get her belongings.
As soon as Merry Berry caught a glimpse of Skybird, she immediately gave her a deep hug. Tears that could not be held any longer rolled down her face.
"I missed you, Little Birdie...” she said sobbing, “I'm so proud of you!"
"I missed you too, auntie!"
"You know... If your mother was here, she’d be very proud of you as well."
"That or be mad at the two of us," Skybird said with a smile. Merry Berry giggled at that remark.
Skybird’s auntie released her and noticed her mane and wings. "What happened to your beautiful mane?! And your wings as well?!"
"They had to be cut auntie, it's the military regulations. Don't worry, now I can grow my mane back the way I like."
"But for what reason did they clip your wings?" Fleur asked.
"It's to unify all ponies, since not everypony can fly."
"But you're in the Air Force... which is all about 'flying', for Celestia's sake!!"
"To get your wings, you first have to be allowed to grow back your feathers; the meaning behind it is that you have to earn your wings in order to fly in the Air Force."
"Seems like a waste of time to me... By the way, speaking of Celestia, why were none of the princesses mentioned in the oath?"
"Because we don't have to swear to the princesses. Unlike the Wonderbolts or the Royal Guard, we are not under the direct command of the princesses; we are under the command of all the ponies in Equestria instead. That's what makes the new Armed Forces different from the old one."
"It doesn’t look very legitimate to me..."
"Look who's also here!" Interrupted Merry Berry while Dante landed on her shoulder.
"Dante!!" Skybird cheered and hugged him with her wings. “I'm so glad to see my favorite bird on the whole Equestria. "Let's go inside the barracks! I'll show you where I lived for the past three months!" she said filled with excitement.
Fleur and Merry Berry were amazed at how clean and tidy everything was in the barrack. Skybird brought them to her old bunk bed. Merry Berry glanced at her room a few more times and was moved at what she noticed.
"Oh, look!... After three long months, Skybird has finally learned to make her own bed and fold her clothes!"
"Auntie!..." Skybird protested whispering to her auntie while her face turned red like a tomato. “Not in front of everypony!..."
Skybird packed her bag with all the different uniforms she now owned. As she was leaving the barrack and head home, she saw Honor Star talking to Honey Cake and her family.
"It was an 'honor' having you as our instructor, ma'am," said Honey Cake.
"Ha! You smartass...” Honor Star replied with a smirk. “Take care!"
Skybird headed to the drill sergeant along with Fleur and Merry Berry.
"Well, well, look who we have here… Try your best and don’t screw things up in the future, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am. I won’t let you down, I promise."
"Alright, then… Take care of you... Skybird." Honor Star winked at her.
"Skybird??" Fleur interrupted. "I thought you were given a nickname like in the Wonderbolts!"
"The Wonderbolts??" Honor Star was triggered. "Where do you think you are, ‘Princess’? We're not like those lazy Wonderbolts who have nothing to do! They have their own captain as drill instructor for the reserves! Besides, if I ever were to start giving nicknames at random ponies, you could very well be the first one. Ain't that right, 'Quack Talk'?"
Skybird giggled and imitated a duck to make fun of a pouted Fleur.
"I'm positive I could get that ‘talking problem’ fixed in a week," Honor Star continued.
"No, thanks,” Fleur replied hoping Honor Star would let her go already. “I'll pass."
And so, Skybird, Fleur and Merry Berry finally left the barracks. However, just before they left, the superintendent entered the barracks and went straight to Honor Star.
"Sergeant! Good work! I always knew you’d be up to the task."
"Thank you, sir," she replied as she saluted him. "Maybe next time you could you give me a 'real' challenge? Like five hundred trainees?"
"You’re always looking for challenges, aren’t you? I bet you're trying to become an even better instructor than me, right, Tasty Flanks?"
"Oh, I believe I’ve always been better than you, sir. It is now a fact: the pupil has become the master."
"I guess you're right. Poor is the pupil that does not surpass his master."
Skybird overheard the entire conversation with her long ears; she was glad for Honor Star and left the barrack with a smile on her face. Wind Shear was waiting for her outside the base entrance to go to Skybird’s place. Just a few meters after leaving the base, Fleur flew said she had to return to work - she had taken half of the day off just to see her friend -, although Skybird felt she left out of jealousy of her new friends.
The trip back home turned out to be an excellent opportunity for Skybird to catch up on conversation. Wind Shear, Skybird and Merry Berry had very nice conversations. Wind Shear got the chance to know Skybird a little bit more, about her former jobs and about her mother. Then it was Wind Shear’s time to tell more about herself: she was adamant about not wanting to talk about such things in front of Merry Berry, but Skybird assured her friend that her story would be safe with her auntie. So, Wind Shear talked about her past and her time in the Air Force training with Skybird, yet avoiding talking about the ‘heating’ scene.
Unfortunately, Merry Berry had to leave as soon as they arrived home.
"Aww... Do you really have to leave, auntie?"
"Sorry, sweetie. My cousin's daughter is getting married today at Manehattan and I have to catch a train that’ll arrive shortly. By the way, when are you going to get married?"
"Auntie..."
"Alright, Miss 'I don't wanna fall in love'. Take care of yourself. I have to go now. Bye, sweetie!" She kissed Skybird's forehead. "I'm sorry that I haven’t prepared anything for you to eat today, you’ll just have to make your own food. I hope you learned how to cook at the Air Force during these three months. Bye, Skybird, let me know when you get back so I can make you a chocolate cake, your favorite. Oh, gosh, look at the time… Bye!"
"Bye, auntie..." Skybird said before Merry Berry headed to the train station. She was sad to see her auntie leaving that day.
"Hey, what did she mean by 'I hope you learned how to cook at the Air Force?’" Wind Shear asked snapping Skybird out of her gloominess.
Skybird had a cold sweat. "Oh... Well, uhm, you see, I don’t… really know how to… cook. You wouldn’t happen to know, would you?"
"I've lived on the streets for many years by eating raw food. The last time I tried to cook for that witch at the orphanage."
Skybird was very embarrassed. "So… what do we do now?
"Ugh... At least I was proactive and brought a few MRE's. It might be enough for the both of us."
"Wait a minute…" Skybird was suspicious of Wind Shear. “Where did you take those MRE's? Windy, you didn’t steal them, did you?"
"Who, me?! No, of course not! I just… borrowed them without asking..." she said as her eyes darted left and right.
"Yeah, right...” Skybird sighed. “Well, it's better than nothing… even if it tastes awful like Honor Star had told us."
"It is indeed always better than nothing."
"Yeah... You're right..."
"Also, these photos…“ Wind Shear wondered. "Are they all of your mother?"
That question stabbed Skybird’s heart like a sword. "Oh… Yes, it's her..."
"You look just like her…” Wind Shear glanced at Skybird and noticed her sad eyes. “So!... Where can I sleep tonight?"
"You can sleep with me.” Skybird said cheering up immediately. “You know, like a sleepover!"
Wind Shear looked frustrated. "Uhm... If you recall, it was precisely because we slept together in the same bed that night in the barrack that you got the reputation of being a pervert?"
"I know. But now it’s just you and me."
Wind Shear smirked. "I see what you're going for, 'heater'..."
Skybird’s wings opened unexpectedly and she blushed deeply. "Wha...? NO! Wind Shear, that’s… not what I meant at all!"
"Haha, I was joking!... And what about that bedroom over there?"
"Oh... That's my mother's bedroom... I left it the way it was; I really don't want nopony to enter that room."
"I see... Oh, what the heck: I've slept with you once, it won't hurt if I do it one more time."
Later that evening, at dinner, Skybird and Wind Shear sat down at the table and opened the MRE’s bags. Each bag contained a plastic wrapper with another bag inside it. That bag contained smaller bags of different kinds of food and drinks that required adding water: plain tortillas, dry bread, apple juice powder and blocks of hay. An accessory bag was also included and contained two small slat cubes, instant tea, sunflower oil sachet, sugar, a wet-nap and a toilet paper. Finally, a plastic spoon and a green bag with a cardboard sleeve. The reason for the plastic wrapping was the minimum shelf life of three years requirement.
Skybird was perplexed at so many different things displayed on the table. She recalled Honor Star saying something about MREs but she hadn’t paid much attention as usual and had almost forgotten all about it.
"Look, Skybird!” Wind Shear said “This green bag has your name on it!"
"No way!"
"Have a look!" She handed over the green bag and pointed with her hoof were her name was written. Skybird read it out loud.
"MRE (Meals-Ready-to-Eat)… Heater...” Wind Shear laughed out loud. “Ha, ha, very freakin’ funny… "How do we eat this?"
"You really don't remember, do you? Aside from the fact that the instructions are written on that green bag – which, by the way, Heater, is a flameless ration -, all you have to do is open it, put the main food bag along with the small bag that contains the blocks of hay inside the green bag, and pour some water. That way the chemical agents on the bottom of the bags heat the bag. You put the whole heater into this cardboard sleeve and you let it cook the food for a few minutes."
"That means there’s no magic heating the bag?" She asked while looking at the steam that came out from the bags before closing it.
"Nope! Only science!"
"I would have preferred magic..."
"While we wait, you go and bring two glasses, one for the tea powder and the other for the apple juice powder. All we have to do is add a bit of water and mix it with the spoon. If you're hungry, you can start eating the dry bread."
A few minutes passed and the meals were finally ready. Skybird opened the main bag which contained oats and barley. Each meal was designed to provide the amount of calories required by a military horse for a whole day. An oat provides the highest amounts of protein compared to other grains and is richer in fiber than most grain. Barley can provide the horse with a surplus of digestible energy: every kilogram of barley contains between 3300 to 3600 calories. The block of hay is a blend of quality grass and alfalfa hay that has been compressed into a convenient, lightweight block. It's good for quality forage and for proper hydration purposes.
Skybird tasted the bag of cereals first and was instantly overwhelmed by a plethora of delicious flavors.
"Oh, my! I thought this was hardly any good by the look of it, and yet, as soon as I tasted it… There are no words to describe how good this is!"
Wind Shear couldn’t help but smile at her friend: she looked like a newbie discovering something completely normal.
"Uhm, Windy? Why are you’re staring at your bag?"
"I just had a great idea. Now that the hay blocks have expanded into palatable, moist hay, I’ll put them inside the tortillas and wrap them up with the cereals."
"You must be crazy!"
"It doesn't taste that bad, really. Ii actually matches the rest of the food.” She tasted her crafted tortilla. “Hmm… you know what? I think I'll add some sunflower oil! That way it’ll taste even better!"
It was weird at first but both were very satisfied with the overall taste of the MRE. They had no idea as to why Honor Star ever said it tasted like the complete opposite. Perhaps she had the pleasurable honor - or the painfulness honor – of tasting the first prototypes of MRE which were nicknamed as ‘Meals Rejected by Everypony’, ‘Meals, Rarely Edible’, ‘Meals Rejected by the Enemy’ and ‘Meals Ready to Expel’.
The night fell and the two of them spent their time together making jokes and having fun like the two good friends they were becoming.
The hours flew quickly and they went to sleep, ready for the new life that awaited them in the Equestrian Air Force. It would be interesting what would Skybird do at that moment if she knew beforehoof about the pain, the struggles and the hard moments that were expecting her. Would she remain in the Equestria Air Force or would she leave?
Skybird's new life had only just begun.