The Blue and the Gray

by CoyoteXray


I Go Through

The group quietly made its way down the path to the classroom, conversing as it went. Misty followed along behind, accompanied by Deep Dive. Misty was satisfied so far. The questions had been pretty general and everyone had been on their best behavior so far. As the group entered the classroom, they immediately moved among the rows of chairs, and found what seemed like acceptable seats. Misty herself then moved to the podium and began to speak.

“Well,” Misty began, “I hope that everyone was satisfied with the tour. It was a bit improvised, but I think that we’ve given all of you a good idea of how we do things here. So, does anyone have any questions?”

“Thank you flight leader,” one of the members responded, “I appreciate the effort that you and your team have obviously made to accommodate us on such short notice. I certainly hope that we’re not throwing you and the team off schedule.”

“Not at all sir,” Misty answered, “And you don’t have to call me flight leader. You can even limit it to Misty if you want to. We are certainly willing to make time for you. I’m glad we got to do all this for you.”

“I do have a question…uh, Misty” came the voice of a prominent M.P. , “I am concerned about this leadership issue. Why was there not a defined replacement for Spitfire, especially given the hazardous nature of what your team does?”

Thankfully Deep Dive stood up from his seat and answered, “If I may ma’am, it’s not unheard of to have a vacancy in the role of designated second. It’s a much more informal system than one would encounter in say the military, more of an understanding than a defined position. That said, Misty was being groomed for the role following her performance during the invasion…but admittedly Spitfire’s injury forced our hoof.”

The questioner settled back in his chair, apparently satisfied, but the response seemed to stir others in the audience. Several members turned to each other and conversed among themselves. Misty just stood there and watched, trying to somehow guess what was next. Finally, another member spoke up and asked, “What performance exactly?” That doesn’t sound right. I thought that the team was captured? ”

Misty’s head tilted and she raised an eyebrow. She thought about it for a moment and said, “Uh…that’s true, to a certain extent. Several members were captured, including Spitfire. But it certainly wasn’t the whole team. We were active during the entire invasion, as I wrote about in the incident report that I sent in afterward....all twenty pages of it. Umm…didn’t any pony read it? I know that it was sent it in to guys. Spit made sure of that.”

Neighsay groaned and rolled his eyes, and said, “Well…it would appear that some in our company have been somewhat lax in the performance of their duties. Perhaps this wouldn’t be such an issue if this group would actually meet on a more regular basis.” He paused and gave the offending member a intense glare, causing her to recoil back, before turning again to the podium and continuing, “Since you have mentioned your ‘incident’ report,” he paused and magically a packet of papers that all assumed to be that very report appeared. He took a moment and flipped through the pages with his magic before settling on a particular one and continuing, “I do want to ask you about something that concerns me, in particular your team’s participation in the activity known as ‘Operation Eagle Claw’”

“Yes, what do want to know about it sir?” Misty asked with a nervous smile.

“Why…for starters?” Neighsay answered.

“Well, because we were asked,” was Misty’s reply, choosing her words carefully, “because it was a rescue mission…for Minister Cloudhopper, and Twilight Sparkle’s personal protégé Starlight Glimmer. They needed a recovery team and we had the speed and the skill to help get it done.”

“Hmmmph…” Neighsay snorted, “all to rescue a statue…at the cost of how many lives? And how much risk to your team were you willing to take on exactly?”

“Sir, we needed to rescue Starlight Glimmer, statue or not,” Misty replied, “and I did consider the risk, and I felt that with certain precautions it was acceptable, and as I reported, though there were casualties for the Royal Guard, we did not lose any team member. As is stated in the charter," she continued, tapping her hoof on the podium for emphasis "the Wonderbolts are not just a flight demonstration team. We are empowered to assist ponies in times of emergency….” she paused, and then quoted, “….strictly at the discretion of the team leader.”

“Yes, that is technically true,” Neighsay replied, “but, I am concerned about the team taking on such risky adventures. While your intentions may have been noble, I do not approve of mixing this team up in endeavors involving the military. There is a strict separation between the two that must be maintained…without exception…to preserve the standing of the Wonderbolts in the eyes of the public,” he paused, and added with emphasis “….especially given certain past debacles.”

Misty slowly nodded. “I understand that sir,” she replied, “And let me assure you that that will always be the case.”

Neighsay glanced around the room, and then settled back down in his seat, as in the back another member raised her arm and asked, “Misty…how did the military recruit your team for that mission anyway? And are you sure that your own ties to the corps didn’t play a role in your decision to participate?” This question caused a stir among the group and Neighsay in particular leaned in to hear the response.

Misty took a deep breath, and answered, “I am wearing the uniform of the Royal Flying Corps, and I’m certainly not ashamed of doing so. I believe that my service is an honorable one, and I am proud to serve. But…right now, I am…first and foremost a Wonderbolt. And a Wonderbolt’s mission….above all things…is to serve their fellow ponies, and be an example to them. I could not, in good conscience, leave my team on the sidelines if I felt there was a way to help in a time of crisis.”

“Yes indeed, a very CORRECT response flight leader." Neighsay answered, and then continued, "And what about Dawn Rider? Why did Captain Spitfire chose such a controversial figure to advise you at a time like this? I cannot believe that there wasn't some pony out there more qualified for this role...some pony say actually experienced with this team and its traditions...say...Wind Rider for instance.”

Misty raised an eyebrow, but otherwise gave no visible response as she answered, “Sir, I am not directly familiar with the wing commander’s actions during the invasion, and what little I have heard doesn’t give me grounds to comment on them. As to the reason why she was chosen, I'm afraid you'll have to ask Spitfire herself, as it was her choice. That said, as of right now, I have had no problems with the advice and assistance she has given, and I've found her nothing but helpful. And...as to Wind Rider, as you should be able to recall from reports filed at the time, he was expelled from the Wonderbolts for honor code violations. As such, he has no official status or standing with this team, and given that factor, recalling him for such a serious occasion as this would have been….highly inappropriate.”

Neighsay scowled, looking like was going to respond, but instead he rocked back into his seat and another minister spoke up and said, “Thank you very much for your time Misty. Would it be alright if we speak to some of the team?”

“Uh…of course sir, feel free to,” Misty answered.

The commission members got up and slowly exited the building, a few pausing to say a quick word to Misty as they went. When the last one finally left the scene, Misty moved over to one of the chairs and plopped herself down , leaning back as far as she could.

“Oh brother…” Misty groaned, “That was about as much fun as your average dental appointment. And that Neighsay, what a pain in the ass.”

“Don’t say that too loud kid,” Deep Dive replied as he gathered up his paperwork, “he’s not THAT far away.”

“Yeah right,” Misty answered, “ and I'm not exactly going to deny it if he does hear me. And just what the heck is this crap about Dawn? What’s his issue with her anyway?”

“Well…for one thing, he’s not a fan of the military,” Deep Dive answered, “He considers the whole institution uncivilized.”

“Well yeah, of course. ‘Civilization’ and war never mix well,” Misty answered, air quotes included, “that's comes with a big 'well...duh'. And I will grant you and all others who may be listening that the strike she ordered may have cracked some of the plaster at the castle. But I had a chance to read the A.A.R. she filed afterward, and between the triple A support and the strike, it all seemed reasonable to me. It sure as hell wasn't some half ass case of 'pray and spray'. And when you consider that that before it was over, the Storm King ended up blowing the damn roof off the palace anyway, I mean...get real!”

“So…you just lied to Neighsay?” Deep Dive asked with a raised eyebrow.

Misty nodded. "What he don't know won't hurt me," she quipped

"Yeah right...famous last words," Deep Dive answered. He looked Misty in the eye and continued, “Don’t ever let him hear that kind of talk kid, He'll be on you like flies on stink. That stallion may not know the difference between a broadsword and a butter knife, but when it comes to his principles, he's a true believer. And in spite of appearances, he's got more than enough pull on that committee to make life for all of us a royal pain."

"Uh huh," Misty replied, "my only question is believer in what exactly? What did he think was the alternative? It was a war dammit, and we were down to our last princess, and she was in over her head. I mean, I'm not arguing in favor of violence, but like I say, what was the alternative?"

"Good question kid," Deep Dive answered, "instead of stonewalling him, maybe that's the conversation you should have had with Neighsay."

Misty thought about it, and then looked up and met Deep Dive's gaze and answered, "I hate it when you're right." Deep Dive smiled, and gestured towards the door. Misty took the hint, and proceeded to exit the building, with Deep following close behind.


Dawn Rider had spent the last few hours on her final report. The committee had not requested it yet, but Dawn knew, given Neighsay’s attitude, it was only a matter of time. And in the end, it didn’t matter too much anyway. She was getting due to report back to her regular job, and she knew she was wearing out her welcome, so putting it off was becoming pointless.

By eleven o’clock, she just had to take a break, as her jaw was starting to bother her, the taste of the graphite in her pencil was becoming overwhelming, and her coffee just couldn’t drown it out anymore. She moved outside and took a moment to stretch out her wings, and then she took to the air, heading in the direction of the Wonderbolt’s training grounds.

Upon landing, she slowly strolled about the grounds, her eyes panning over the various pieces of equipment, pausing occasionally to examine something closely. Dawn knew that most of what she saw actually was pretty much the same as what she was trained on for the corps, it was just that the turns were tighter, the machines a bit more elaborate, and the intensity taken up by at least a factor of four. She continued onward, smiling as she went.

That lasted until she heard a clearly audible whoosh for somewhere behind her. She turned towards the sound, and she saw the source. It appeared to be Vapor, taking on the obstacle course at what seemed to Dawn an almost impossible speed.

Dawn watched her as Vapor zigged through the hoops and roared through the pipes. She shook her head and sighed. “Wow,” she said, and then made her way over and planted herself at the fence to watch the spectacle.

It only took a few moments for Vapor to finish what she was doing, and she exited the course. She immediately spotted Dawn, and came around and landed.

“Hey you!” she called out, and went over to her friend. “How long have you been sitting there?”

“Oh, only a moment or two,” Dawn answered, her arm brushing back through her mane as she avoided eye contact, “just long enough to see you fly. Please tell me that what you just pulled off is some kind of a record.”

Vapor laughed and answered, “Oh no, not even close. I was just having some fun and killing time. I’m really not quite into the routine around here. I mean, she said to keep busy, but…how?”

Dawn laughed. “You find ways,” she answered, “It’s pretty much the same as in the corps. You don't have to BE busy, you just have to look that way to the casual observer. But, if you're anything like me, that stuff gets really old really quick.”

“Uh...I saw that Chancellor Neighsay spoke to you,” Vapor said with a note of concern, “he doesn’t like you, I’m guessing.”

“He was part of the special committee that investigated the whole “Storm King” debacle,” Dawn answered, “he didn’t like what I had to say.”

"Ah yeah," Vapor replied, not sure where to go next.

Dawn sensed it, and asked, "So, how are things between you and Sting?"

"Oh my," Vapor replied, obviously taken by surprise, "It's been great! I think that we're closer than ever."

"Really?," Dawn responded with a sly smile, "So...are you two still officially just friends, or are you finally going to admit the incredibly obvious."

Vapor's jaw fell open and her face instantly went beat red. She chuckled nervously and gave Dawn an uncertain smile. But just when it looked like she was ready to reply, Sting himself swooped in for a landing.

"Hey Vape!" he called out, only then noticing her companion. "Oh...hi Dawn," he added before continuing, "Come on partner. Word is that our esteemed guests want to talk to us about things."

"Really?" Dawn asked, "What is this? Why would they want to talk to you two?"

"Hey, don't worry about it Dawn," Sting replied, "it's not just us. They're interviewing the whole team, for whatever reason. Perfect opportunity to make a pitch for that whole "solo pair" idea I think. And I know just the two flyers perfectly qualified for that job." he said while giving Vapor a nudge.

"Uh yeah," Vapor answered irresolutely.

Dawn Rider reached over and patted her friend on the shoulder, and said, "Just play it straight kid. You'll be just fine."

"Yeah," Vapor answered with a smile. She then turned towards the direction Sting was facing, but looked back towards Dawn and said, "See you later." The pair then launched themselves into the air. As they climbed, Vapor looked back and waved. But she noticed that although Dawn waved back, she wasn't smiling anymore, but instead her expression was one of obvious concern.


“So what do you think that this is all about?” Vapor called out as she flew with Sting, trailing off to his right. She noticed the difference and quickly accelerated and came up alongside him. ‘Old habits die hard’, she thought.

“Ehh…who knows,” Sting answered, “whatever it is, everybody’s getting their turn. I don’t get the impression that that the commission spends much time around here. So, it's like they're playing a game of catch up. Shouldn't be a biggie as far as we're concerned. It’s not like there's been any complaints so far."

"Yeah I guess," Vapor answered, "I just have a bad feeling about this."

"Oh please Vape, don't say things like that," Sting answered as he looked back , "Your premonitions have a nasty habit of coming true. Think positive...you know...solo flyers...the roar of the crowd. Just follow my lead, o.k. I've got a pitch that will clinch it for us."

"Whatever you say Sting," Vapor answered as she shook her head and smiled.

The pair landed near the classroom and made their way over, noticing the other members of the team milling about nearby.

"What's up gang? Are they really going through this with everyone?" Sting inquired, "Wow...you'd think that half the team would be enough, right?"

"Your turn, right?" Fleetfoot asked.

"Oh yeah," Sting answered, "Looking forward to it!"

Fleetfoot shook his head. "Don't," he answered.

Sting stopped short and watched Fleet walk over to the others, and a conversation begin. He then glanced over to Vapor, whose expression showed her concern.

He raised an eyebrow, and snorted. "You and your premonitions," he said to her.

"Steady..." she said with a hopeful smile. He looked her in the eye and smiled as the pair got underway again and entered the building.

"Ah yes," came a voice from somewhere as they entered, "Flight Officer Trail and Flight Officer Stinger...please take a seat."

The pair paused and looked around. The commission members were scattered among the risers while the stage was taken up by nothing more than two chairs. They proceeded over and both sat down.

"Thanks for coming," one of the members said as they did, "there's just a couple of questions we wanted to ask you two."

"Great! And uh, just a quick note," Sting answered with a smile, "We're actually off duty....so you can, you know, just skip the formal stuff. We're just Sky and Vapor, just a couple of Wonderbolts. Uh, yeah...that's us."

"Indeed," Chancellor Neighsay answered, "That would be nice to believe. But, isn't your service part of why you're both here? I believe that you made that statement to your fellow Wonderbolts when you arrived; some advantage that you were promised?"

Both Sting and Vapor's mouths dropped open, and they sat in stunned silence for a moment before Sting answered. "Uh well, I'm not sure who told you that....that was part of a private conversation." He looked to Vapor then looked back and added, "But...uh well...yes, we were told something like that by the recruiter. But hey, you know how those guys are...prone to exaggeration when it works for them. I mean really, you wouldn't believe what they told us about hazardous duty pay, and then...PLEASE!?!"

"So, you don't think that you're special, that you earned this through your service?" another commission member asked before looking over to Neighsay.

"Well, I guess that depends on what you mean by special," Vapor replied, "we came because we were told we were needed, and because we were the best qualified. As for being special, well...I guess not every pony has earned the Silver Star Medal like Sting and I have. But it wouldn't have qualified us for this. And actually, I really doubt that most ponies even know that we got them, or really even care that much. We really don't talk about it much, and no pony asks."

"Indeed," Neighsay answered, "Well, I think that we can put that issue aside. I would not dream of questioning your service to her highnesses. But, by chance in your travels, have either of you, either through rumor or reading, heard of an incident referred to as the 'East Cape Massacre'?"

Sting and Vapor looked to each other, their confusion clearly evident. Finally though, Vapor met Neighsay's stare and asked, "Do you mean...the 'Battle of the East Cape'?"

"Oh indeed," Neighsay answered, "Is that what they're calling it these days. Hummph...so, have you?"

"Uh yeah," Vapor answered, "We had to read about it at O.C.S.. It's considered one of the corps biggest scandals. It's the whole reason why the Wonderbolts aren't part of the corps anymore. And, from what I read, it wasn't as lopsided as 'massacre' would imply actually. "

"And what did they tell you exactly?' another commission member asked.

"Uh well..." Sting replied, "happened between our Third Air Wing and a big batch of griffons that were following a new leader that was trying to reorganize the kingdom. But...that some pony failed to talk to some grif, and a certain air commodore thought the whole thing was an invasion, so he threw the whole wing out at them, including the Wonderbolts, who found out that it was bogus and refused to fight. And that when it was over, that certain air commodore tried to cover his but about the whole mess. But the Wonderbolt commander told the investigators the whole story, in spite of the whole wing being sworn to secrecy, the...uh 'blue wall of silence' as somepony called it. And that's why we don't have a Third Air Wing anymore. Did I miss anything?"

The room was silent for a moment or two, but finally one of the members spoke up and answered, "Uh...no. Your recollection is pretty much accurate. Does anypony else have a question?"

Nieghsay reared up from his seat, ignoring a few audible groans. He propped his front hoofs on the seat in front of him, and asked, "And yet...even after hearing of this atrocity...and the criminal level mendacity employed...you still accepted your commissions?"

Sky Stinger straightened up in his chair, and his expression hardened. He then looked over to Vapor, who was clearly also insulted by what was implied, and then looked back towards the chancellor and answered, "Yes sir."

"Why?" Neighsay continued.

Sky Stinger shook his head and smiled, and looking Neighsay straight in the eye answered, "Well...you've probably heard this particular answer before, but I think that actually it fits this occasion." He then leaned forward, never taking his eyes off his inquisitor, and stated with a noticeable growl, "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

The room went silent for a moment, as the two opponents stared each other down. But finally one of the members spoke up. "Uh yes...thank you both for coming. You can leave now."

With that, Sky and Vapor got off their chairs, and left the room.


Dawn Rider flew back to the office, landing on the grounds not far away. 'Back to the grind,' she thought as she made her way to the doorway. She trotted into the office and spotted Deep Dive working at his desk. "Hey Deep, have I missed much," she asked.

"Uh huh," he answered, before looking up from his work, "There's somepony looking for you."

"Oh really," she answered with zero enthusiasm, before a sound caught her ear from behind.

"AHHHHHH!!" came an unfamiliar cry, "I KNEW IT...I KNEW IT...I KNEW IT!!"

Dawn turned towards the door and spotted a small orange pegasus filly galloping towards her. Before she could react, the
young pegasus jumped up and grabbed her around her neck, pulling her down into range of a camera that she produced from somewhere, and quickly snapped a picture. She then let go, and Dawn sat down and rubbed her eyes, trying to get over the effect of the flash.

"This is so awesome! You are now officially my second world record holder! I am a HUGE fan of yours!" the filly blurted out, and then added, "Oh yeah...uh...my name is Scootaloo. I'm a friend of Rainbow's. Well...actually...president of her fan club...and friend."

Dawn Rider looked down and examined the filly in front of her. Apparently for a bit too long, as Scootaloo took a moment to clear her throat.

"Oh...oh my," Dawn finally answered when she finally recovered her wits , "Uh...sorry there kiddo. Had a case of brain freeze there. You just took me by surprise. I hope I haven't offended you."

"Nah...it's cool," Scoot replied.

"So, uh...how did you get here exactly?" Dawn asked, "This place isn't really open to just any pony."

"Uh well," came a voice from the other side of the room, "she actually came with me."

Dawn looked towards the sound, and saw Princess Twilight enter, followed by Rainbow Dash.

"Oh crap!" Dawn blurted out, before stopping herself and facehoofing, and then pasting on a smile. "Uh yes...I mean...uh...your highness," she continued, and then gave a respectful bow.

"Nice try," Rainbow said as she came up alongside, "but you can chill out. 'Princess of Friendship'...remember?"

"Uh...yeah kid," Dawn answered, as she came out of her bow, "easy for you to say."

"Well now," Twilight said with a smile as she approached, "Rainbow's told me so much about you, and Scoot here found out about your record, so I just thought that it would be a good time to meet you." She paused and extended her arm towards Dawn, obviously expecting a hoof shake.

Dawn stood there for a moment before cautiously extending her arm and completing the gesture. "Well...it's an honor to meet you your highness" she said with a smile. "What you accomplished during that last battle with the Storm King was very impressive."

"I just tried to be a friend," Twilight replied, "I'm just glad I was able to reach Tempest and convince her to help."

Dawn simply nodded before turning towards Scootaloo.

"So...you're a fan of MINE?" Dawn asked as she sat down in front of the young filly, "I'm frankly....uh...shocked actually. Most of my 'fans' these days are friends and family. I didn't think that anyone remembered that silly record."

"Oh come on," Scootaloo replied, "It's kinda hard to miss, especially when you're wearing the results right in the middle of that ribbon rack of yours."

"Uh, what are you talking about Scoots?" Rainbow asked as both her and Twilight suddenly took an interest in Dawn's uniform, much to her discomfort.

"It's this one," Scootaloo answered, pushing ahead of both Twilight and Rainbow and pointing to a specific ribbon on the large mare's chest, "right below those impressive command aviator wings...the blue, white, and red one. And that one can only be....THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS!!"

"Uh...well, you're right kid," Dawn said with a big smile, "I'm impressed!"

“Yeah, I got skills,” Scootaloo replied. “Soooo…” she continued, “What did you say when the princess pinned it on you. And why weren’t there any pictures of you two together? Believe me, I looked…practically everywhere.”

“Well…probably because it didn’t happen kiddo,” Dawn answered, looking over to the one member of royalty in the room. “You see, your friend, Princess Twilight, is the only royal I’ve ever met. I got the award from my squadron commander.”

“Aww…what a rip-off,” Scootaloo replied.

“Hey,” Dawn replied, lifting Scoot’s chin to look her in the eye, “I’ve still got the bragging rights, such as they are.”

"Aww come on," Scootaloo answered, "What do you mean? The whole thing had to be totally cool."

Dawn chuckled, "Only if you're a big fan of hypoxia. The whole thing was supposed to be part of an experiment, the award was almost an afterthought. Not that it didn't send my ego through the stratosphere of course."

"I see," Twilight answered, "I'm surprised that you're so...uh...casual about it. Did something happen?"

Dawn's smile faded, and she looked away, obviously uncomfortable about something. But, before she could answer, Vapor and Sting walked in, their facial expressions definitely sour.

"Vapor...Sting...hi there!" Twilight called out as soon as she saw them, immediately turning around and moving over to greet them.

"Oh...hi Twilight," Vapor answered with very little enthusiasm, "I didn't know you were here."

Twilight slowed her approach and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Yeah you might say that," Sky Stinger replied, his irritation clearly evident. "We just got grilled by our dear Chancellor Neighsay. Oh yeah...that guy's a real prince all right."

"Grilled about what?" Dawn asked.

"Oh, about why we didn't quit O.C.S. when we heard about war crimes actually," Sting answered, "Hummph...if I had to sit through a few more minutes of that garbage he was dumping on us, I would have given him an in-person demonstration of a damn war crime."

"Sting...I'm sure it's not that bad," Twilight replied, "He's an intellectual, but he does have certain prejudices. He probably would have said that to any service pony. Please try not to take it personally."

"That's not the worst of it," Vapor Trail continued, "We talked to some of the other Wonderbolts they talked to. They're saying that he's pushing to change the rules and prohibit R.F.C. and Guard flyers from even joining the Wonderbolts."

"WHAT!!!" Dawn shouted, obviously shocked, and growled "DAMMIT!" before dashing for the door, clearly infuriated.

"Oh no!" Twilight shouted, and the whole group immediately ran after her.


Dawn took to the air as soon as she was outside, and scanned the area in search of her nemesis. She spotted him, and the rest of his entourage assembled on the parade ground. They were huddled together, and even from a distance it was apparent they were arguing. She landed nearby.

"Chancellor," one of the M.P.s voiced up, "I don't know why we're still discussing this proposal of yours. I think that it's unnecessary and extreme. The whole point of the Wonderbolts is to be able to honor our best flyers. How in Equis does one do that if we exclude military flyers?"

"Oh please...they would not be excluded," Neighsay replied, "They would...simply have to resign."

"Oh really...and what would that accomplish?" another member asked, "Wonderbolts are prone to injury. Are we truly prepared to force these flyers to give up their chance for a military pension for what could be, and often is, a short tenure as a Wonderbolt?"

A few members standing behind Neighsay snorted and closed ranks with the chancellor.

"Chancellor!" Dawn called out as she approached after landing nearby, "What is the meaning of this?"

Neighsay looked towards Dawn and growled, "This is none of your concern!"

"Oh yeah right!" Dawn replied, "And all this DIDN"T start with my arrival here. Like hell!" She moved in and came up face to face with the chancellor and asked, "Allright chancellor...let's get it all out in the open. What exactly is your problem with me anyway!?!"

Neighsay turned to face her and answered, "You mean between your flippant attitude regarding the death and destruction that your use of force inflicted; or maybe your services flagrant misuse of the hallowed institution that is the Wonderbolts? Hummph...another perfect example of the situational ethics that's so pervasive in the armed forces. Or, by some odd chance do you actually remember the name of the innocent civilian that was killed in that strike of yours. Or is that just more collateral damage to be written off by a war lover like yourself?"

Everypony who heard that comment cringed, and looked to Dawn Rider, who appeared to struggle for moment to hold back her anger.

"Chancellor!" Twilight Sparkle called from the sidelines, "That comment was uncalled for!"

"This is not your concern princess!" Neighsay fired back.

Dawn Rider took several deep breaths, and then met Neighsay's gaze and replied, "Sir...as somepony who lost one of her best friends in that damn invasion...and caught a chunk of shrapnel in her ass from that strike, I regard your turn to name calling in regards to my service to be BENEATH CONTEMPT!! And...yes, I am all too aware of the innocent bystander lost that day. And I will not explain it away, or make some half ass attempt to justify it, if such a thing were even possible. Such is war chancellor! Precision weapons are never precise enough, but when magic fails, that's all we had left. That's reality...sir!" She then took another breath and continued, "So chancellor, since I assume that neither of us want this to get even uglier than it is already, and since I'm obviously the biggest problem here, I'm asking you, what can I do to end this...insanity."

Neighsay took a moment and looked around to the group of ponies around them. He then turned back to Dawn Rider and replied, "Leave!"

Dawn looked down and took a couple of deep breaths. She glanced over to the crowd, especially to Rainbow and Scoot, and then turned back to Neighsay and said, "Chancellor, that is something I AM prepared to do." She then turned away and took off, flying back towards the offices.

The group dispersed and Rainbow, Twilight, and Scootaloo looked towards each other.

"Well," Rainbow said, "THAT happened" as she shook her head.

"Yeah," Scootaloo replied, "but that sucked."