//------------------------------//
// The Send Off 
// Story: Royalty And Family 
// by Uber_Shy 
//------------------------------//

	Shining Armor stood in front of a mirror in the royal chamber. He adjusted his officer’s uniform so it was perfectly straight. He admired how the crystal armor gleamed with an unmatched luster. He had a custom fitted Field Commander’s helmet on the floor next to him. Once he was satisfied with his armor’s fit he affixed the helmet to his head. He rather liked the Crystal Officer helmets for their excellent field of view. His peripherals were not obstructed at all, unlike his old Canterlot armor. 
Cadence soon appeared in the corner of the mirror. Shining Armor turned to face her. She walked up to him, their new daughter hung at chest level in a sling suspended from her neck.
“How are you doing,” Shining Armor asked her as she approached. She kissed him softly and smiled.
“Better,” she replied. “You look good in that armor.”
“Thanks. How is she,” Shining asked, gesturing to the baby.
“A little restless, but this sling keeps her calm,” Cadence said and looked down at her daughter. “You know,” she remarked, “with all this changeling drama, we have neglected to name her.”
“Well she is a crystal princess,” Shining Armor began, “how about Gem?”
“Nooo,” Cadence said playfully and rested her head against his neck. Shining returned the gesture and thought for a moment.
“My father once said we should name the baby Gemini if it was a girl,” Shining remarked.
“I’m asking what YOU want to name her,” Cadence said back.
Another brief pause ensued.
“I always liked the name Starlight,” he said softly.
Cadence broke contact to look down at the baby. “Yes. I think I do too,” she cooed.
“It’s settled then,” Shining confirmed.
They both looked at their new daughter Starlight. Cadence turned looked with concern at Shining.
“Please be careful,” she said.
“Don’t worry, if we run into any real trouble our numbers are small enough to make a quick escape.”
“Even if that means she will stay like this forever?”
“No matter what she is she will always be our daughter. Come on now, they are waiting at the train station for us.”
“I’ll walk you to the train.”
Shining Armor lead cadence out of the room and down the hall. They walked in silence as sun began to set on the horizon.

***

When Cadence and Shining Armor reached the train platform, they found Sergeant Wrath and the other soldiers assembled there. There were four stallions and one mare in the lineup. Sergeant Wrath saluted them as they drew nearer.
“Team, at attention!” he yelled at the line. The ponies straightened up and froze at attention. Sergeant Wrath then turned back to Shining Armor
“Five of our best as requested sir,” He reported
Shining Armor nodded and stepped forward to inspect his troops. He started at the far left of the line with a rather muscular crystal pony.
“Sound off soldier,” Shining Armor said.
“Stonewall, vanguard on duty sir,” the pony replied.
Shining Armor walked down the line as the rest of the ponies sounded off.
“Fletch, Archer on duty sir.”
“Facet, scout on duty sir.”
“Good Vibe, master at arms on duty sir.”
“Flash Sentry, field officer on duty sir.”
“Hello again Shining.”
Shining Armor looked over at Doctor Applecart with a perplexed expression. She was standing next to Flash Sentry. She smiled and nodded to Cadence, and then him.
“What are you doing here,” Shining asked.
“Thought I’d come along. You’re going to need me,” Applecart replied curtly.
“This is no mission for civilians. We could be in great danger,” Shining retorted.
“All the more reason,” Applecart, “you’re going to need me in case one of you gets hurt. Besides, last time I checked I’m the only one around here who knows how to feed an infant changeling. Unless of course you’d rather ask a changeling for instruction while you’re there.”
Shining Armor looked at his daughter, still nestled against Cadence.
“Do you really know how to do that?” Cadence asked. Applecart nodded in response. “Then she should go with you.”
“Cadence, I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” Shining cautioned, “She could be the one who gets hurt.”
“I had a bit of a wild streak in college. I’m no stranger to life threatening situations,” Applecart commented, “Besides, aren’t you bringing an infant along? Are you saying I’m more helpless than a child?”
“No… I didn’t say that,” Shining armor stammered. 
“Then it’s settled. Shall we?” Applecart said as she strode into the train car.
Shining armor looked at Cadence, who was laughing.
“What?” he asked indignantly.
“Nothing. Here, take her,” Cadence said. She used her magic to lift the sling off of her neck and transfer it to Shining Armor. Shining Armor gave her a parting kiss before turning to the assembled soldiers.
“Move them out sergeant,” he said to Wrath.
“You heard ‘em. Move it out,” Wrath yelled.
The ponies turned and filed into the train car in a single file line. Sergeant Wrath saluted Shining Armor before following them. Shining walked to the train car door and turned around. Cadence was still standing there. He waved to her, and she waved back. Now that he was about to embark, he couldn’t help this sinking feeling in his stomach. He turned and stepped into the car. All of the soldiers were already seated. There was an open seat next to Doctor Applecart in the front row. He sat down next to her and adjusted the sling around his neck. Seconds later, the train lurched forward.
“It’ll be nice to get out and see the world outside of Equestira again,” Applecart remarked. 
“Again?” Shining Armor questioned.
“Remember that wild streak I was talking about,” Applecart asked
Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “Yes.”
“It took me to some interesting places.”
Shining Armor was about to question her further when she yawned.
“I’m beat,” she said, “if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to get some sleep. I’m currently at the end of a very long and interesting day.”
“Sure thing,” Shining replied. 
Applecart leaned over and rested her head on the glass window, closed her eyes, and drifted off to sleep. She had an inherent grace about her that seemed to persist no matter what she did. Her long wavy mane swayed elegantly with the rocking of the train car. Shining caught himself staring and looked forward. He soon found himself wanting sleep. He decided to lean back and close his eyes for a few hours. Who knew what the next day would hold for them.