After be ridding of the stealthy monstrosity, Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes returned aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Commander Hammerheart, Galantius is in your debt again." said Fluttershy. "The death of this beast gives us hope that we may stand against these horrors. Thank you."
Hoovitus scowled at her words like they were profane. "This foolish Administrator clings to hope when there is very little."
"At least she stands with her world," Rainbow Dash stated, "unlike the governor."
"Your pathetic sentimentality for the faceless masses is getting tiring, Rainbow Dash." Hoovitus said, getting further annoyed.
"Those masses are the Empress's little Ponies!" Rainbow Dash yelled defensively. "You had best remember that!"
"Enough!" said Applejack, interjecting the two's argument. "You have your orders. Be true to the Chapter and obey."
Pinkie shook her head. "You are foolish to expect unquestioning obedience from them, Applejack."
"They are Pony Marines." said Applejack. "It is their duty to obey."
"Commander Hammerheart is due their obedience and he has it." said Pinkie. "But you are not their Commander, Applejack. You are their sibling in legs, but their elder sibling. A veteran of countless battles. They respect your service records and the Termineightor Honors you bear. But do they respect you? Do they even know you?"
Applejack raised an eyebrow. "And what of you, Pinkie Pie?" She asked. "Do you respect me?"
Pinkie gave her a little smirk. "Enough to be truthful to you, Applejack."
The Capital Spire started blinking again. Apparently the Paranids had not been fully dealt with yet. Hammerheart brought focus onto the area.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "we have a priority target. A rampaging Scorpnox is driving forward with a host of Paranid creatures. This Scorpnox is very powerful, Commander, but that also makes it valuable to the Hive Mind. These creatures require large amounts of biomass to create, and killing it will slow the Paranid infestation considerably. This will buy more time for the Stampede of Fury to make it to Arctika."