//------------------------------// // Chapter 74- Flying Material // Story: Reformed Unicorn Group Podcast // by Quoterific //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash few back home in lightning speed, dodging clouds and birds as she flew. She wasn't called Rainbow Dash for nothing as she flew effortlessly back to her cloud house. turning towards the living room, she tuned into the Reformed Unicorn Podcast. The reason for this mad dash was because a special guest was on today's show. Something she couldn't afford to miss. Turning it on, she luckily found out that it was just starting. "Welcome back to the show, every creature," Tempest introduced every creature back to the R.U.G., "And today we are honoured to have a special guest on our show. She was willing to take time off blowing her whistle and shouting orders at everypony's faces." "So without further ado, please welcome the Captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire!" Starlight welcomed the Wonderbolts' Captain to their show. Everypony in the studio clapped their hooves together in welcoming her on. Spitfire gave a strong salute, wearing her usual office uniform rather than her Wonderbolts suit for the occasion. "Happy to be here," She thanked as the clapping died down, "And yes, I do love my job. Nothing beats yelling at the newbies, asking them if they really have what it takes to be a member of the most elite flying squad in Equestria." She gave a happy sigh at that, causing the others to look uneasy at what she said. "Anyway," Trixie tried to move on from there, "What is the history behind the Wonderbolts?" "That is part of a test you need to pass in order to qualify as an official member of the Wonderbolts, reserve or fully fledged member," Spitfire explained, "Rainbow Dash would know." "Yeah, it took a while, but it turns out my awesome scanning-while-flying skills paid off," Rainbow talked to herself proudly. "To sum it up, after Nightmare Moon's banishment, the E.U.P., that's the earth pony, unicorn, pegasus guard, was formed under Princess Celestia in order to keep the peace. At the celebration of the first celestial year of peace, an elite team of aerial performers was chosen to help commemorate the occasion. The performance was so charged with energy, magical lightning showered the crowd below. The ponies were so filled with amazement and wonder that General Firefly the general of the aerial squadron at the time, named them the Wonderbolts," Spitfire went on a lengthy, proud explanation, "One of the later captains, General Flash's hat, is on display with the motto we still use today." "Altius volantis! Soaring higher!" Rainbow Dash squeed like a proper fangirl. She was lucky no pony was around to see her like this. Wonderbolts and Daring Do seem to be her triggering words. In the corner of the living room, Tank smiled slowly. "So now that we know the history," Sunset pressed on, "What do you need to do to be a fully fledged member." "First you need an application approved," Spitfire explained in steps, "Once you've passed that first step, you go to the academy for a few days of training, learning things from recovery landings, weather clearance, maneuvers and other pegasi related things. We pick from those who have the potential to really fly high! Rainbow Dash showed us that in a different way." "And how's that?" Starlight asked. "Being the best isn't just about pushing yourself as hard as you can, it's about pushing yourself in the right direction and way. She wasn't just a flyer, she was an example leader," Spitfire smiled knowingly, "She was paired with this reckless pegasus called Lightning Dust, somepony who pushed herself without thinking of those around her." "What can I say?" Rainbow Dash gestured at Tank, "I'm pretty awesome at what I do." Tanks nodded his head slowly as well. "During your time as a reservist as well , we give them a quiz about the history of the Wonderbolts as well. It's more than just a basic fly-through. It involves knowing about our history like the back of your hoof," Spitfire firmly described, "You need to know our captains, maneuvers, scenarios and everything that requires every pegasus to be the best flyer they can be." "Sounds seriously," Trixie muttered. "IT IS SERIOUS!" Spitfire roared in Trixie's face, as well as blowing her whistle, "Now get down there and give me thirty!" "But-" "Did I stutter?" Spitfire asked. Trixie sighed, got on the floor, and started doing press ups. Starlight chuckled, but a glare from Spitfire and Trixie told her to probably stay quiet. "Then finally, if there is an opening space available, you are officially a member. You get signed in, practice all the moves you are briefed about for our show and then it's show time!" Spitfire gave another salute. The others gave mock ones in return, except Trixie. "Well, thank you for your time for coming in and telling us all the about the Wonderbolts, Spitfire. We are going to take a short break for now, but we will be back for more talks and fun!" "You think you got what it takes to be a Wonderbolts?" Spitfire asked down the microphone, "The Wonderbolts are recruiting now!" "Classic Spitfire," Rainbow laughed as she switched off the radio for the day. A nice fluffy cloud was calling her name.