Back aboard the Retribution, Governess Fluttershy called them and appeared onscreen to thank the Pony Marines some more.
"Commander Hammerheart, I am forever in your debt." She said, but her expression turned to confusion and frustration. "I cannot understand why Captain Pegalos and Captain Philosophies refused to aid us. But in our darkest times, against our most terrible foes, you stood with us. Galantius will never forget this. I will never forget."
The call ended, and the Retribution made its way to Arctika to deal with another important mission that would release the strain upon their anger. When they arrived, the one who had been calling them out since they first met began to yell at them through their vox channel.
"Blood Phoenixes, hear me!" the Discord Lord shouted. "I am Aroghent the Plunderer! Master of Hounds! The Lash of the Dark Legion! You and all your kind are cowards! Lowly lickspittles! You must be emulating that cobwebbed corpse you call an Empress! You are as dead and useless as her! I am destroying your worlds, Blood Phoenixes. Yet you do nothing! I see your precious craft, hanging above Arctika. I am here. Face me if you dare!"
Hammerheart grunted. "We must destroy this braggart!"
"I agree, Commander Hammerheart." said Applejack. "We cannot allow him to call us, and the Empress, cowards. When we strike at this madsteed, there can be no falling back or tactical withdrawals."
Hoovitus stomped his hoof in pure anger against the Plunderer. "Enough! I can no longer sit here in orbit while that treasonous filth lives. I swear I will deliver the deathblow myself."