//------------------------------// // Operation Indigo // Story: Broken Sky // by Fyn16 //------------------------------// Operation Indigo “This is the future of aerial warfare.” Every cadet in the room had his or her eyes glued on Dusk Shine, who was holding something covered in a blue sheet. Dusk Shine seemed unusually cheerful today, probably due to the secret he was keeping. “When we fought the Griffons, we began to realize that in order to truly give us air superiority, we would need a weapon capable of reaching enemies outside of hoof-striking range. Our research into this particular weapon system was spurred on by the discovery that the Griffons are currently building a weapon very similar. It is this system which you will familiarize yourself with for the rest of this course.” Dusk Shine removed the sheet, revealing a grey flight suit. There was an obvious air of disappointment in the room. “So the future of aerial warfare rests in semi-stylish clothing?” Storm Runner whispered to Nimbus from behind, “yeah, we’re more screwed than I thought.” “This is the TA-4B Flight Suit. In two hours, when I release you cadets to the ponies in charge of Operation Indigo, you will be wearing these. What’s special about these suits is that they feature an over-the-shoulder CAL-2 Charged Air Launcher, which compresses and electrically charges the air around you into compressed pellets, firing at a rate of two thousand rounds per minute. The ones you will be using today, however, will not be production models. Your shots will be simulated and tracked using MADAR*. Keep in mind that this is not for a grade- it’s simply for you to get a taste of what actual combat is like.” Nimbus leaned back as Dusk Shine went on about the suit, getting ready for what would come next. At the moment, he and his fellow cadets were waiting to be transported out to an exercise area for the REAF’s annual Operation Indigo- a mock battle designed with the intent of measuring the Royal Equestrian Air Force’s operational capability. Nimbus had been approached the week previous by Dusk Shine with an offer to take charge of the cadets in the exercise. Hesitantly, Nimbus agreed. Dusk Shine had also mentioned that he wanted some original combat planning from him, and Nimbus had no intent of disappointing his commander. He’d studied up on battles flown in the early days of the REAF, noting how, in open air, superior numbers generally trumped even the most skilled flyers. Nimbus knew that even if numbers were even today, he and his teammates were at a strict disadvantage due to their lack of experience. He’d had a glance at a map of the area they’d be conducting the exercise in, and it was then that an idea dawned on him. As of yet, however, he’d revealed this idea to nopony. Nimbus’s thoughts drifted to Sun Blaze next. He still felt sorry for the mare- she’d grown up practically brainwashed to think friends were the worst thing in the world. He was glad that she was enjoying her new position on his training team. The first morning she’d showed up for practice, she took Nimbus through an aerial routine that even had Polaris’s eyes spinning for a brief time, and left Nimbus wondering how he’d ever managed to take her down during the cadets’ dogfight so many months ago. Now that she truly had two ponies she could call friends, Sun Blaze had opened up more, and from time to time, actually smiled at Nimbus and Storm Runner as they passed by during the day. Of course, Nimbus also wasn’t oblivious to what he saw as a kindling relationship between his roommate and his new dogfight technique instructor. Storm Runner and Sun Blaze were thick as thieves now, and Nimbus was just counting down the days until one would finally ask the other out. All in due time, he thought, smiling. “Cadet Nimbus.” Nimbus buried his thoughts and sat up, addressing Dusk Shine. “Yes sir?” “Major Topaz will be arriving in twenty minutes. You have until then to brief your classmates on the plan you devised. Good luck.” Without another word, Dusk Shine turned and left the room. Nimbus stood at the head of the room, eyeing his classmates nervously. “Who died and made you commander?” a voice called from the back of the room. “Shut the hay up, Moongrazer!” Storm Runner shot back, “Nimbus was up all night working on this. Let’s see what he’s got.” “Uh, thank you Storm Runner,” Nimbus said. He erased the remnants of a history lesson on the chalkboard behind him and grabbed a piece of chalk, drawing a chart of the area’s elevation viewed from above and from the side. “As I’m sure you all know,” Nimbus said, “we get smoked every year trying to accomplish a simple task. This mission is a simulated penetration, in which our job is to break through enemy air defenses in order to attack a ground unit behind them. In the past, our approach has always been the same- a head-on dogfight with a squadron of experienced Aviators. This year, things are going to be a bit different.” Nimbus drew a chalk line down what appeared to be a river on the map. “This year, we’re going to attack from underneath. Storm Runner and I will take two Pegasi at an altitude of around ten feet above ground level, following the river. The rest of you will follow Sun Blaze, and conduct a dogfight as usual. The idea here is that you’ll be able to draw away the majority of the defending force, enabling the rest of us to get through. Sun Blaze will be taking you up above the cloud layer, and you’ll be diving on the enemy from above. This’ll take timing and endurance above all, but let’s be honest- are we not the best class REAC has ever seen?” Nimbus was greeted by a loud “hooah!” from his classmates, and he smiled. “Awesome. That’s exactly the enthusiasm we should take into this. Now before we start volunteering for positions, consider the conditions my team will be facing above the river. We’ve got fog forecast, which means our visibility is expected to be around fifty feet. If you can’t handle those conditions, join up with the air battle group. On the other hoof, if you’re experienced and would like to get into a dogfight today, consider joining my group. We need two experienced flyers, and odds are there’ll still be some action left when we’re done with the ground targets.” The room was quiet. Nimbus had expected this. No future Aviator worth his salt would volunteer for a terrain-hugging ground strike in place of a dogfight, but his plan depended on somepony stepping up to the plate. Finally, Nimbus saw Coriolis stand up. He’d remember the Pegasus’s red coat anywhere. “I’m in,” he said, “let’s just wrap this up quickly so we can kick some flank in the air, too.” Following Coriolis’s example, a second Pegasus, North Star, stood next to Nimbus. “Right, we’re set,” Nimbus said, “everyone else, follow Sun Blaze and listen to her instructions. I think we can pull this off today!” Coriolis, Storm Runner, and North Star gathered around Nimbus as the rest of the class circled Sun Blaze. Nimbus was already plotting some points on a map he’d brought along. “So we’re flying ten feet above the ground through fog?” Coriolis said, “Nimbus, I’d like to graduate in one piece, if that’s okay with you.” Nimbus smiled. “Relax. These TA-4B suits have some pretty fancy stuff, including airspeed indicators and timers. We need both to pull this off.” Nimbus shifted his attention back to the map, pointing to a dot he’d set at the entrance to the river they’d be flying over. “This is our entry point, marked by a fork in the river. Once we get there, we set our timers. We’ll be flying at about two hundred knots, maintaining our entry heading. By the time we hit our second checkpoint, our timers should read about two minutes, thirty-six seconds. At that point, we turn to our next heading and reset the clocks. It’s that simple. We reset at every checkpoint. Any top cover the other guys might have would be stupid to follow us in there.” “Flying blind,” North Star said, gulping, “you know… maybe I didn’t join the right group…” “Aw, whaddaya got to worry about?” Storm Runner said, patting North Star on the back, “you’re in our team. We’ll watch out for you.” The door to the classroom opened, and a pony walked in wearing Major ranks. The room was called to attention and the pony responded by putting the cadets at ease rapidly. “Cadets, I’m Major Topaz. You have been briefed by now about the day’s events. I am here to give you the scenario. Once I’ve done so, you are dismissed. Board the carriage outside, and you will be taken to the practice area. Good luck today.” The pony flipped through a few notecards he was carrying until he settled on one in particular. “Last night, a Griffon unit was sighted near Razortooth Ravine, about forty miles west of Canterlot. The unit contained a large contingent of ground troops, and a formidable aerial force. Your task is to engage the enemy and eliminate them. The primary focus is the Griffon camp, where the enemy has stockpiled their weapons and provisions. Without them, the Griffon aerial force will have no choice but to withdraw. Your team commanders have already discussed their plans. If there are any personal questions, or if anypony feels unable to participate in this exercise, stay back with me. Otherwise, board the carriage outside.” Nimbus nodded to his team and led them out the door to the carriage. North Star took a hesitant glance back at Major Topaz, but stuck with the group, despite his obvious fright; the stallion was shaking like a leaf in a tornado. Nimbus’s confidence was high. North Star had a reputation as the class’s scaredy-cat, and if he was willing to trust him, then perhaps this plan actually stood a chance after all… … Storm Runner slid on his suit and adjusted his helmet. They’d been dropped off on a cliff after flying for a half hour, and the mission was scheduled to begin in ten minutes. Sun Blaze had her group of eager dogfighters corralled and was giving them a pep talk, while Coriolis was helping North Star adjust his equipment. Nimbus, meanwhile, was gazing out over the fog-covered ravine ahead. “Nervous?” Storm Runner asked, trotting up beside his friend. Nimbus snorted. “Nervous? You kidding? I’m terrified. This is a seriously risky plan, and you, Coriolis, and North Star seem to trust it completely. I just hope we don’t screw this up.” “Well, if it’s any consolation,” Storm Runner said, “if we do screw up, at least we’ll screw up doing something nopony else has tried before.” Nimbus frowned at his friend. “Is that supposed to make me feel better?” “Not really,” Storm Runner admitted, putting his helmet on, “but hey- I trust you. We’ll get through this.” A whistle blew, its shrill screech echoing through the air- the signal to form up. Storm Runner followed Nimbus to the launch area, but broke off to walk next to Sun Blaze. “Good day for flank kicking, isn’t it?” he asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible. “Okay, flycolt, what’s on your mind?” Sun Blaze teased, “I can see right through you, you know. Out with it.” Storm Runner sighed, grinning. “Okay, then. So… you want to meet me in the cafeteria for dinner tonight?” Sun Blaze took a long, serious look at Storm Runner, then broke out laughing. “Is this supposed to be a date? It is, isn’t it? And you chose the cafeteria?!” Sun Blaze could hardly contain herself. Storm Runner winced. “Well, it’s not like there’s anywhere else to go,” he said. “I know,” Sun Blaze said, giving Storm Runner a hearty slap on the back, “I was just messin’ with you. Why don’t you meet me after this is done and we’ll discuss it further?” “Yeah? Okay, sure!” Storm Runner turned around, pumping his hoof in the air. Nimbus was standing nearby, laughing into his hoof. “Snap out of it, lovercolt,” Nimbus said, “we’ve got a mission to do.” “Wait,” Coriolis said, looking from Storm Runner to Sun Blaze, “you and Sun Blaze…?” “Yeah,” Nimbus said, “it’s a long story. Masks on, guys. It’s showtime.” Storm Runner slipped on his muzzle mask and lowered his visor. His face was now completely protected from the elements, and his radio was activated. A moment later, Nimbus’s voice came through loud and clear. “Iceberg One to Iceberg flight, radio check.” “Iceberg Two, loud and clear,” Storm Runner responded, using the callsign they’d decided on for their group on the ride over. He could hear Sun Blaze’s group- Harpy Flight- performing their radio checks. In front of him, his Heads-Up Display was already adjusting itself to his current altitude. Supposedly most of the systems, including the CAL-2 Charged Air Launcher, were thought-controlled. Storm Runner didn’t even bother asking how they worked. Such things were better left to smarter ponies. Once Iceberg flight finished their radio checks, they formed up in a line alongside Harpy flight on the cliff’s edge. “Iceberg and Harpy,” Major Topaz’s voice came through over the radio, “you are cleared for takeoff. Mission begins now.” Storm Runner launched himself into the air alongside Nimbus. The sight of the entire cadet squadron taking off at the same time was a sight to behold, and it gave Storm Runner goosebumps. This was as close to war as anypony could get without real hostilities. “Iceberg, break formation,” Nimbus said, “descend to ten feet AGL and stay on my tail.” Here we go, Storm Runner thought to himself, diving and staying just off Nimbus’s right wing as they plunged into the dense fog below. … “Harpy flight, climb to fifteen thousand feet,” Sun Blaze ordered as the four ponies below disappeared from view. As her flight began to climb, Sun Blaze brought up her onscreen MADAR display. So far, the airspace in front of them was clear, but she knew that somewhere out there, there was a group of experienced Aviators just waiting to chalk up a few more downed cadets for their own enjoyment. “Harpy One to all Pegasi,” Sun Blaze said, “check your MADAR and keep your heads on a swivel. Expect some action soon.” Sun Blaze punched through the cloud layer at top speed, leveling off at fifteen thousand feet. She was about to order a slight course change when Storm Runner came through over her channel. “Hey, Harpy One- Iceberg Two here. How about dinner at nineteen hundred tonight?” “Iceberg Two,” Sun Blaze snapped, “your flight is supposed to be under radio silence with us. The more you talk, the less appealing that date sounds.” “Right,” Storm Runner replied, “Iceberg Two shutting up.” Sun Blaze shook her head, then glanced at her map in surprise. A cluster of white dots was headed straight for them, and she was willing to bet they weren’t friendly. “Harpy Four,” a pony called, beating her to the punch, “radar contact on hostiles.” “Roger, Harpy Four,” Sun Blaze said, “descend and attack in one minute. Arm weapons. Iceberg Flight, we have MADAR contact with the enemy. Switch frequencies.” Sun Blaze switched on her CAL-2 and began sweeping the sky for any sign of approaching trouble. In a few moments, things would be going from routine to exciting in no time at all, and the last thing she wanted to be was surprised. … Nimbus switched his frequency over on Sun Blaze’s command, and the rest of his flight did the same. They were flying low and fast over the river; so low, in fact, that each one of them was kicking up a fantail of water. The green numbers on Nimbus’s HUD timer flashed by, counting up to the next turning point. “Left thirty degrees in twenty seconds,” Nimbus said, keeping an eye on his airspeed and altitude, “and mark!” Nimbus banked left, and the others behind him did the same. The fog was thicker than his mother’s famous tomato soup, and visibility had actually dropped a few feet. Fortunately, they only had two more checkpoints to go. The suit he wore protected him from the elements, but nevertheless, Nimbus could feel a chill in the air. Winter wasn’t letting go easily this year, it seemed. “Harpy flight, engage bandits!” Nimbus’s ears perked up at the sound of Sun Blaze’s voice and he brought up his MADAR display. Harpy flight was tangling with a group of Pegasi, by the looks of it. Maintaining the plan was critical now. “Turn in five, four, three, two, one- mark!” Nimbus wrenched himself to the right, flying directly under a tree that had fallen across the river. He glanced back at the rest of his flight, shaken but still flying. “How are you holding up, guys?” he asked. “All good,” Coriolis said, nodding, “just get us to the target.” “This is Harpy four, I’m hit!” a voice called out over the radio. This was followed by a call from Harpy Seven and Harpy three shortly after. “Sweet Celestia, they’re getting pounded up there!” Coriolis said. “We can’t do anything about it,” Nimbus said, “Sun Blaze will handle the situation.” “Harpy Flight, reassemble formation.” Sun Blaze’s voice was calm, and unworried. The other Pegasus chatter went silent as she gave her orders. “Nopony leaves another defenseless. Take two on one and divide the attackers. Their strength is in their formation flying.” “Harpy One, we don’t have enough flyers for two on one!” “Harpy Two,” Sun Blaze replied, “that’s not your concern. Follow my orders and leave the stragglers to me.” Storm Runner whistled in awe over the frequency. “Wow, now that’s what I call calm in the face of battle.” “Iceberg Two, tree!” North Star called out. Storm Runner dropped his altitude just in time to avoid a tangle of branches. “Whew, thanks for the save, Iceberg Four,” he called back. Nimbus listened to the radio chatter going on around him, not daring to stray from his course. The ravine was supposed to narrow ahead, making flight challenging even in conditions were the ponies could see in front of themselves. Today, flying the gap would be like threading a needle blindfolded. Nimbus eyed the location he’d estimated the smallest gap to be, waiting for it. “Tight formation,” he ordered, and within seconds he began to feel buffeting as both Storm Runner’s and Coriolis’s wingwash blended with his own. “Keep an eye out for the ravine walls,” Nimbus said. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, two towering dark masses appeared on either side of them, emerging from the mists like great, mythical beasts. Nimbus recognized them as the ravine walls, and as they passed by, Nimbus felt the disturbed airflow around them, finally realizing just how close they were to hitting them. “Woohoo!” North Star whooped, “that’s the last big obstacle out of the way!” “One more turn,” Nimbus said, smiling as the fog began to clear and the ravine widened. This time, they didn’t even need to use the timers. They simply turned once the river’s bend was in sight. “Target’s dead ahead,” Nimbus said, “arm CAL-2s.” Moments later, the camp appeared out of what was left of the fog. Nimbus was so awestruck that he almost forgot to arm his weapon. The ponies in charge of setting up the scenario had clearly spared no expenses. Rows of tents lined an open field, and in the middle was a small, portable radio antenna. Nimbus glanced at his MADAR. There were two hits converging on their position, but they were still far off. Most likely, the defending force had only left two Aviators to defend the camp. Their mistake. “I have the tower,” Nimbus said, “climb and form up into a line for max coverage. Shoot everything.” The four ponies pulled up, finally gaining maneuvering room, and formed a line on either side of Nimbus. They dove down towards the camp, “firing” their mock weapons. MADAR registered any hits which struck targets. Nimbus lined himself up and strafed the radio tower, flipping sideways to avoid it as he blew past. He could scarcely believe his ears when he heard the next voice on the radio. “Aagh!” Dusk Shine called, clearly simulating the Griffon ground forces, “they’re burning it down! We’re being pounded! Communications- failing- help!” Nimbus shook his head as he cleared the field. Dusk Shine was obviously taking his part very seriously. He couldn’t help but sense a touch of enthusiasm in his voice as well. The Unicorn actually seemed excited that the Aviators were losing this fight. Nimbus pulled up inverted, then rolled out, flying back down at the field with his teammates for a final strafing pass. Any active targets were marked on his HUD, but very few actually remained. Destroying the remnants was almost too easy. “Go!” Nimbus heard Sun Blaze call, “Harpy flight, take them out while they’re distracted!” Evidently the main fighting force had been surprised by the sudden destruction of their camp, and Sun Blaze clearly wasn’t about to let the moment go to waste. “Contact one o’clock!” Coriolis shouted. Nimbus looked to his right and above. An Aviator was bearing down on him. He swiftly dove out of the way and whipped around, placing his boresight- the green mark which sighted his CAL-2- on his opponent. The pony tried to veer away, but Nimbus tracked his maneuver, downing him in seconds. “Another bogey inbound,” Storm Runner called, “Iceberg Three and Four, flank him.” North Star and Coriolis mercilessly closed in on the approaching Pegasus from the sides, while Nimbus blocked his descent. The only way out was up, and the stallion took it- right into Storm Runner’s sights. “That’s a confirmed kill,” Storm Runner said as the Aviator cursed and flew back to base. “Roger,” Nimbus said, “all ground targets destroyed as well. Let’s go finish up the aerial battle.” Nimbus and the rest of Iceberg flight climbed into the sky, leaving the camp behind them. The MADAR was still indicating an aerial battle where Harpy flight had made contact, but there were several less enemies indicated. “Harpy, Iceberg flight inbound,” Nimbus called. “Roger, Iceberg,” Sun Blaze replied, “we’re just wrapping this up.” As they drew closer, Nimbus watched as Sun Blaze drew an attacking Aviator into a series of sharp twists and flips, finishing by climbing straight out through a cloud. The Aviator followed her, but lost her the moment he exited. Suddenly, Sun Blaze came straight up from below him, taking him out. The poor stallion never had time to react. Coriolis, North Star, Storm Runner, and Nimbus dove into the fray, but by the time they actually started chasing down enemies, the battle was practically over. Nimbus set his sights on a bogey trying to retreat and gain distance to counterattack. The Pegasus dove for the ground, trying to shake him off, but Nimbus was relentless. Suddenly, his warning buzzer went off. Nimbus glanced back; another Aviator was diving on him, lining up for a shot. Sun Blaze took him from the side, popping Nimbus a sharp salute as she did so, leaving Nimbus to his task. The pony he was chasing pulled up between the ravine walls, and Nimbus stayed behind him, looking for a good shot. When the pony tried losing him behind a large tree, Nimbus saw his opportunity. The Aviator circled around the tree, and Nimbus wrenched his wings forward, braking and changing to an intercept course. As his opponent rounded the tree, Nimbus was there, marking hits on him. The pony turned, disgusted, and headed away from the practice area as Nimbus climbed and rejoined his flight. “Iceberg and Harpy,” Major Topaz said over the radio, “all targets confirmed neutralized. Return to base. Good job, cadets.” “Alright!” Nimbus yelled, beaming, “that’s what I’m talking about!” “Well done, Iceberg,” Sun Blaze said, “seems like the plan worked after all.” Storm Runner performed a quick victory roll and flew up next to Nimbus. Sun Blaze approached from the opposite side, and the three friends took up the point position of the formation of cadets. “Five kills,” Sun Blaze said, “you know what that means, Nimbus? You may have shot me down earlier this year, but I’m still the squadron’s ace.” “Yeah, don’t rub it in,” Nimbus chuckled, “congratulations, Sun Blaze. You earned this.” As the cadets approached their takeoff point, they could see Dusk Shine waiting for them. Landing, Nimbus took off his helmet and began to remove his flight gear while his classmates did the same. Dusk Shine addressed them as they did so. “Well, I’ve got to say, cadets- that was a first. I wasn’t expecting you to actually win that particular battle. The Aviators are ticked off, but they respect you a whole lot more now, I believe. Dividing into flights and attacking the targets separately was risky, but it clearly paid off. I originally had conditioning planned for when we get back to campus, but I think you’ve earned a day off.” Dusk Shine’s words were greeted with loud whoops and cheers as the Pegasi celebrated. Nimbus turned and high-hoofed both Storm Runner and Sun Blaze. As he did so, however, he noticed a pony run urgently up to Dusk Shine. After a quick exchange of words and some concerned glances, Dusk Shine nodded and dismissed the pony, turning once again to his cadets. “Cadets, listen up. Return to the carriage immediately. When we arrive back at the college, remain inside the Aviator Training School building.” “What the hay?” Storm Runner said. Nimbus shrugged, giving his flight equipment back to a pony who placed it in a carriage with several others. Outside, he tried his best to appear nonchalant about the situation, but internally, he felt uneasy. The look he’d seen on Dusk Shine’s face was one of worry, and if he knew his commander, there wasn’t much in the world capable of worrying him. As Nimbus climbed onto the carriage with Storm Runner and Sun Blaze, he looked back out at the practice area. Today had been a victory, but for some reason, now didn’t seem to be the time to celebrate. … Half an hour later, the carriage touched down outside the Aviator Training School building, and the cadets were hustled inside. Things had only gotten stranger on the ride over. Halfway back to the campus, several Aviators flew in to escort the carriages to their destination. A dead silence hung over the grounds. Inside the building, the cadets were instructed to take their usual seats. Dusk Shine stood at the head of the room, his face grim. “I was just informed that there was an attack on school grounds while we were away. Apparently, a student attempted to stab Polaris, one of our history professors.” Nimbus’s stomach dropped and his heart practically stopped. Polaris was attacked? “His injuries are mild. The student was detained and is being held in Canterlot as we speak. Our instructions are to wait here until the campus is cleared by security.” Nimbus’s breathing slowed, and he calmed down slightly when he heard that Polaris was fine. Still, nothing could change the fact that he’d narrowly missed an act of violence at his school. As he reflected on what could have possibly caused a pony to do something so drastic, the classroom’s television suddenly turned on. On the screen was a nondescript pony, wearing a black hood that obscured his face. Realization hit Nimbus with the force of a tidal wave. He’d seen this pony before on the news, speaking for the Awakening. “Greetings to the students and faculty of the Royal Equestrian Air College,” the pony began, “your school is well-known for its weather programs and quality of flight education,” he paused, smirking, “and its reputation for turning out Celestia’s own aerial slaves: the Aviators. It is this last group- the cadets- that I address now. One of you owes us her life. She is a traitor, and escaped our agent over Hearth’s Warming Eve. You will bring her to us, or your school will be leveled, and I will personally guarantee the death of everyone inside. I have made my offer clear. You have one month to consider it. After that, we have no choice. Time is running out, and Nightmare Moon’s return is nigh. Do not force us to attack this campus. Give us what we want, and spare yourselves. The cadet’s name is Sun Blaze. Good night.” The television flickered off and the entire class was silent. Sun Blaze simply stared at the screen, petrified. “Those spineless snakes,” Dusk Shine growled, turning to Sun Blaze. “Cadet Sun Blaze, you will not be turned over. I’ll make sure of that.” The stallion turned to the class. “Cadets, I’ve watched you grow over the course of this school year, and I fully expect that none of you will do anything rash. You’re better than that. This threat is probably hollow, and I fully expect you all to focus on your schoolwork instead of these events. You will be called upon to deal with threats like this in your own time, when you graduate. For now, concentrate on getting there. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if it’s safe for you to return to your dorms.” Dusk Shine turned and headed for the door, but stopped before leaving. Turning around, he addressed the class. “Cadets, if I haven’t made this clear enough already, I want you all to know that despite everything that’s happened, I won’t forget the outstanding performance you gave today. I want to see all of you graduate as Aviators, and from what I saw today, I have no doubts that that’s exactly what’s going to happen.” Nimbus, Sun Blaze, and Storm Runner all shared weak smiles, none of them sincere. Everypony was worried about the Awakening’s message. As the class started to chatter, Storm Runner scooted closer to Sun Blaze. “Uh… Sun Blaze?” he said, “if you’re not feeling up to dinner tonight, we can call it off.” “No, no,” Sun Blaze said, shaking her head and smiling at Storm Runner, “right now, I think I could really use that date.” And then and there, even in the face of impending danger, the three friends shared a laugh; a sincere laugh. Whether it was the laughter or not, nopony could say, but for some reason, the class quieted down after that, and by the time Dusk Shine returned and dismissed them, everypony headed back to their dorms, still nervous, but at the same time remembering the pride they felt. They’d been victorious that day- the first class to complete an Operation Indigo objective, and for that, despite their understandable uncertainty about what was to come, they felt unbeatable. *MADAR stands for MAgical Detection And Ranging.