//------------------------------// // 9: Settling Down // Story: The Jolly Rogers // by lockheed //------------------------------// Quick note: the Swing Sisters lyrics are in red during this chapter. The performance is based off this. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “James, get up. Come on sweetie.” Opening my eyes I saw Thunderstreak nose to nose with me. “Good mornin’ beautiful. What Time is it?” “Six thirty. Celestia and Luna were feeling generous so they let tHe whole base sleep in.” “Well there is no one Else I would rather wake up with than you. Even if your mane looks like you peed in a wall outlet.” “Like yours is any better King Bedhead?” “Then you’re Queen Bedhead. Now, time for a nap.” “You just woke up.” “And your point is?” “You’re perfect for me.” Pulling the blanket up over our heads I planted a quick kiss on her nose before falling back asleep. Around eight the kids came over and woke us up by pulling the blanket off us. “You three have ten seconds to explain why you did that or to run for your lives. Choose wisely.” “Mom, we’re hungry.” “Hi hungry I’m mom. Now go away hungry, I’m trying to sleep.” “Hi trying to sleep, we’re hungry.” The three kids by the bed said in unison. A hoof came at my head as I chuckled at the kids. “What was that for?” “For encouraging them. Alright so what do you three want?” “Food.” They answered again in unison. “Keep being smartasses and you can go outside and eat sand for breakfast.” “The cooks in the mess hall are still cooking breakfast since most of the base slept in.” “Well what are they cooking?” “Biscuits and gravy. But they aren’t going to be ready for another half hour.” “So wait a half hour. Now give us the blanket back.” “Actually General Jones you need to get up.” Looking behind me I saw Celestia and Luna standing by the bunk with Luna trying not to laugh at me in my underwear. “Before my sister starts laughing will you please put on some pants?” “It’s before ten so pants are optional.” Sitting up I rubbed my eyes and Slid on the olive uniform pants that were on the floor. Looking around the barracks I saw most of the officers were still asleep. “So what the hell you got me up this early for?” “The base near Vanhoover. Remember?” “Oh yeah. Let me get washed up and dressed and are we Taking the train again?” “No, this time Miss Earhart and Lieutenant Allen will be flying us up there.” “Good. Trains take too long.” I said picking up the uniform jacket and putting it on and buttoning it up. “We also talked with the griffin you shot down yesterday. He gave us as much information as he could on the humans in the Griffin Kingdom, or Griffin Empire as they have renamed it. We also started a folder on the griffin air instructor. We should have it finished by the time you leave for Ponyville so you can look it over. Your father also told me you’re looking for a home in Ponyville?” “Yeah. Why would my wanting a house be of your concern?” “Well I like my subjects to live nicely so if you would accept it, I would like to give you three hundred thousand bits for you to buy a house.” “Yes!” “Thunderstreak hold on. There has to be more reason you would pay for my house. What else are you hiding?” “You’ve found the biggest secret we have general. I’m simply doing this out of the kindness of my heart.” “Ok, I’ll buy it for now. But don’t give me a handout again. If I can’t provide on my own then I’ll work harder.” “I can respect your decision general. Now, let’s go eat.” ~~~~~ 08:35 Hours Mess Hall Area 13 ~~~~~ Shoveling the last of the biscuits and gravy into my mouth with the fork I slid the plate away from me as a wave of nausea washed over me. “I shouldn’t eat that fast.” “Of course you shouldn’t. I’m in amazement you somehow managed to eat two plates with double helpings in five minutes.” “Thunderstreak, I love food. Nothing more to it.” Laying my head on the table I groaned as my stomach continued to churn. All of a sudden I felt more nauseous than before and ran for a trash can as fast as I could. Letting lose all the food I had eaten the muscles in my stomach ached as the food continued to come up. “Never tastes as good around the second time does it sweetie?” “Oh for fuck’s sakes, just get me a damn doctor!” ~~~~~ “Well Mr. Jones you have a temp of a hundred and one point five, severe nausea, and from what I understand you recently developed diarrhea.” “Yeah.” “Well it sounds like a stomach bug. Here’s some medicine for you to take. Take it twice a day every twelve hours.” A pill bottle floated over to me from the brown unicorn in the medic’s uniform. “Thanks doc.” The medical officer trotted away out of the barracks where Thunderstreak had brought me a few minutes earlier. “So is there anything I can do for you sweetie?” “Yeah, never get sick. I can barely take care of myself let alone the love of my life.” “I’m sure you’d do just fine if I got sick. Now pop one of those pills and get ready for a train ride, we’re going to Ponyville to look for a house and I don’t care whether or not you’re sick, I want you there to help me decide.” “Alright, let me try to get as cleaned up as I can.” Getting up I grabbed a rag off a rack by the small sink in the barracks and ran it under the water from the faucet. Wiping my face off I looked in the mirror at my face which was a pale green. I noticed a blue pegasus behind me in the mirror looking at me. “You look like shit.” “Gee thanks Typhoon. That was very, truthful.” “I do tend to be brutally honest.” “So I can tell. Your mom tell you the news?” “About looking for a house in Ponyville? Yeah, she did.” Turning around I sat down in a chair near her and looked at her. “So what do you think about it?” “Well, I’ve never really seen my mom so happy about someone before. When she came home after you took her to the gala she was so happy. She was smiling and couldn’t stop talking about you. She showed off the dress you bought for her too. As long as you make my mom happy I’m happy.” “That’s good,” I waved for her to come towards me which she did “cause just between you and me I’m not really sick. I had this planned out. Between the infirmary and here last night I ran into that medic from earlier and paid him fifty bits to give me some sugar pills with a fake label. Then I made sure I ate fast so I would puke, he used a fake thermometer, and I made sure to take a laxative when no one was looking.” “Why?” “Because there is something I need to do in Ponyville beside buy a house.” “What is it?” “It’s a surprise for all of you. Now, twenty bits and you keep this a secret.” “Thirty bits.” “Deal. I would have gone up to fifty by the way.” “Damn it!” Trotting away mad that she could have gotten fifty bits Typhoon checked to be sure her bags were packed. As she did I felt a hoof on my shoulder. Turning I saw Thunderstreak behind me smiling softly. “Did you talk with her about the move?” “Yeah. She said as long as you’re happy she’s happy.” “That’s my girl. So what did you whisper to her?” “Nothing important. I’m gonna pop one of those pills and pack my shit.” Getting up I grabbed a paper cup and went over to the faucet and took one of the disguised sugar pills. “Now, let’s get crackin’.” ~~~~~ 12:00 Hours Ponyville, Equestria Ponyville Train Station ~~~~~ Stepping down from the train onto the platform I was turning to help Thunderstreak and the kids with their luggage when a pink blur knocked me to the wood platform. “OhmygoshJamesIjustrememberedIdidn’tthrowawelcometoEquestriapartyforyou!” “Pinkie?” “Yeah?” “Please get off me. I’m not feeling very good so get off before I puke.” “Sorry. So what about the party?” “Pinkie, I have more pressing matters than a party you want to throw.” Pinky climbed off me as the other six arrived, along with some others, arrived to greet us. “Hello James.” “Hey Twilight. How have things been in Ponyville since you guys left the base?” “Fairly quiet.” “Good. When do the kids have to be signed up for school here?” “August 16th. Two days from now.” “Perfect cause Thunderstreak and I were thinking of buying a house here in town.” “Oh that’s wonderful, but isn’t it all a bit fast for you two?” “A bit but we’re comfortable with it. It’s what we want and the kids are fine with it.” “Well then welcome to Ponyville.” “Thanks Twilight. And Pinky if you want you can throw a party once we get Moved in.” “Yay!” As Thunderstreak went over struck up a conversation with the mares in front of us I felt a small hoof tugging at my pant leg. Looking down I saw Lancaster looking up at me and pointing at the three fillies that accompanied the six mares to the train station. “You can go play as long as you stay out of trouble.” “Thanks dad!” I smiled as he ran towards the three fillies as it sank in what he said. ‘Dad. He called me dad. I’m someone’s dad.’ “James, sweetie, what’s got you smiling?” “It’s, it’s nothing big but Lancaster just called me dad.” “Oh sweetie that’s so wonderful!” “Yeah, it is. Guess he really thinks we’re gonna get married huh?” “Well you are pretty good with the kids and rather handsome so you would be a good catch. I am one lucky mare.” “Damn right you are.” “Can I have a kiss?” “But I’m sick.” “Oh bullshit. I know you were faking to get out of going to that base.” “How’d you know?” “Guys are always whiners when they’re sick and you’ve barely complained.” “Alright ya caught me.” Flying up to my eye level Thunderstreak turned her head and I planted a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you. Now, let’s find a house so I can call a moving company to ship all our shit from Manehattan.” “Alright. So, girls, know any houses for sale here?” ~~~~~ 14:21Hours 1237 North Main Street Ponyville ~~~~~ “Now this house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a family room, and a furnished basement.” The white real-estate pony said as she led us through the two story house. “Well of the five houses that would fit us all inside this one certainly is the nicest. How much is it?” “Two hundred fifty thousand bits.” “We’ll take it.” “Alright, let’s fill out the paperwork.” Leading us into the kitchen the earth pony mare lied out the paperwork we needed to fill out and sign. After several minutes of filling out the forms we put the last signatures on the papers. “Congratulations you two. You just bought a house.” The real-estate pony packed up her papers and left The house to us. “Alright, I’m going to call a moving company in Manehattan and have them start shipping our things then I have to call to have the mail forwarded here.” “Alright honey. While you do that I’m gonna go get us some lunch since we didn’t eat on the train.” “Make sure to get me a cupcake from that bakery we saw earlier!” “Yes dear!” Walking out the door I pulled it shut and noticed a male zebra putting an envelope in the mail box. “Hey, what are you doing?!” The zebra looked at me and ran off as fast as he could. Opening the mailbox I reached in and grabbed the envelope with Thunderstreak’s name on it. ‘Do I open it and read it or do I take it in to her?’ Deciding on the latter I took the letter inside and set it on the coffee table the previous owners had left in the living room. Heading back out I worried slightly at how fast the zebra had run away when I yelled at him. As I walked through town I looked for the bakery that we had seen and it wasn’t long before the bright colors of Sugar Cube Corner caught my eye. Going inside I ordered a dozen cupcakes From the mare behind the counter and hurried out as fast as I could before Pinkie Pie noticed I was there. As I left the bakery I noticed Thunderstreak sneaking into the library. ‘What are you up to?’ Stealthily as possible I went over to the library and looked in a window. Inside a teary Thunderstreak was writing something on a piece of paper before folding it up with the envelope that had her name on it and giving it to Spike who sent it away in a puff of green fire. ~~~~~ Five minutes earlier ~~~~~ Thunderstreak trotted into the living room after finishing all the calls she had to make. “Ahh, I’m so happy we finally got this done and over with.” Flopping down on the floor she looked around the room at the light yellow walls and the few things still in there from the last owners. Among the things she noticed was the letter I had set on the coffee table. Picking up the envelope she opened it up and read the note that was inside. Eyes widening in horror she took the envelope and note and took off out the door for the library. “Please let Twilight know what to do!” Flying into the library Thunderstreak almost crashed into the ladder Spike was on. “Twilight!” Galloping into the room Twilight skidded to a stop in front Thunderstreak who tears streaming down her cheeks and looked at her. “Thunderstreak, what’s wrong?” Thunderstreak held up the letter and Twilight took it with her magic and read over the two sentences on the paper before looking up at Thunderstreak with a terrified look on her face. “We need to tell the princesses about this at once.” “I’ll get a quill and some paper!” Running around the library they finally found the things they needed, after Spike told them where, and began writing a letter to the royal sisters. As Thunderstreak finished writing the letter she folded the note and envelope inside it and gave it to Spike who sent it away to Canterlot. ~~~~~ Outside the Golden Oaks Library ~~~~~ I ducked behind a bush as Thunderstreak trotted out of the library and flew off towards the house. Once she was a good distance away I got up and went into the library where Twilight was sitting trying to process whatever had happened moments earlier. “Twilight, what’s going on?” “It’s nothing James.” “Allow me to explain why that’s bullshit. I saw Thunderstreak come in here crying and her sending a letter to Canterlot along with that piece of mail she got. What did the letter say?” “Nothing.” “Bullshit. Twilight, whatever it is has my marefriend more upset than I could imagine so I need to know.” “It’s what the note said.” “What did it say?” ~~~~~ “Signed S.W.” Celestia lowered the letter and looked over at Luna. “S.W.? As in the same S.W. we have been trying to take down for months?” “I am afraid so my dear sister.” “If this is the case than we must cancel the parade.” “Luna, we cannot cancel the parade. The best we can do is take all the security measures we can to make sure they are all safe.” “Very well. But please rethink my suggestion.” “I will Luna, I will.” Luna slowly trotted out of the throne room towards her bedroom while Celestia looked over the letter again and again. “Where are you S.W.? Where are you?” She whispered to herself as she stared at the signature as though it would give some sort of answer. ~~~~~ My mind raced as I walked along the cobblestone streets of Ponyville. ‘What the hell did it say?! It must not be good for Twilight to flat out lie and say nothing.’ From my lack of paying attention I crashed into something and both of us made an oof sound as we hit the ground. “Hey buddy! Why don’t you watch where you’re- oh sorry James.” The rainbow maned pegasus quickly apologized. “Hey Dash. Sorry ‘bout running into you. Kinda lost in my thoughts right now.” “I was reading the new Daring Do book.” She replied as she scooped the book up off the ground. “I wouldn’t take you to be a reader Dash. Say, if y’all happen to visit the library today or tomorrow see if you can get some info out of Twilight about a note Thunderstreak got in the mail.” “Ok. Any idea on what it might be?” “Dash, if I knew I wouldn’t be asking you to get info for me about it.” “Oh, right. Well I’ve gotta go. See ya later!” Rainbow Dash quickly put her things in her saddle bags and took off into the blue sky. I picked myself up and dusted myself off before heading for the house. As I walked up the small path up to the house I could see Thunderstreak on the phone in the kitchen. Opening the door I called out that I was home and wandered into the kitchen. “Hello sweetie. How are you? Did you get the cupcakes?” “Shit! I must have dropped them when I ran into Rainbow Dash. Why don’t we go down to the market, get things to make dinner, and pick up some fresh not smashed cupcakes on the way back?” “Alright, any suggestions on what we should have so I know what to get?” “Pizza.” “Alright so we’re going to need dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and some toppings.” “Okay, let’s get going.” Walking outside I wrapped my arm around Thunderstreak’s as she flew up to eye level with me. “Alright the market should be around the center of town.” Going through town the sky suddenly got cloudy and it seemed that a storm was moving in. “James, did you hear anything about them scheduling a storm for this afternoon?” “No but then again I don’t hear much.” A flash of lightning darted across the sky and a crack of thunder followed close behind making me jump slightly. “Why don’t we just go inside that little restaurant, get lunch there, and call around to see where the kids are before it starts pouring?” “Sounds good to me.” The first few drops of rain began to fall as we stepped inside where the smell of food made my stomach growl. Taking off my officer’s cap I put it on the hat rack by the door as a waiter approached us with two menus. “Hello folks, table for two?” “Yes please.” Leading us to a table over by a small stage for musicians the waiter sat us down and took our drink orders before heading for the kitchen. “Sweetie, while we’re just sitting here why don’t you call around and see if the kids are with any of the girls?” “Alright. If the waiter comes back I want the hayburger and fries with a cup of ranch dressing on the side.” “Ranch dressing? For what?” “My fries. I like to dip my fries in ranch. I actually prefer it to ketchup.” “Has anyone ever told you you’re weird?” “They never really stop.” Closing my menu I got up and went over to the phone booths by the restrooms. “Let’s see here, police public call box? No. Ah, telephone.” Stepping into the small oak phone booth I picked up the phone and had the operator connect me to Applejack’s. A few seconds later Applejack answered but not how I figured she would. “Apple family whore house. You got the dough, we got the ho. How can Ah help ya?” “I get times are bad AJ but not this bad.” “Oh, sorry James. We get so many of them over the phone salesponies callin’ us now a day’s we gotta find a way to try and discourage ‘em.” “Makes sense. So I was calling to see if Lancaster was out there since he took off with Applebloom and them.” “Yeah he’s here. Made sure they was inside ‘fore the storm started so he’s fine.” “Alright, thanks AJ.” Hitting the disconnect I was talking to the operator again and had her connect me to the library. “Golden Oaks Library, how can I help you?” Hey Twilight it’s James. Are Sabre or Typhoon there?” “Yeah they’re both here actually. I guess they were out with some other ponies they met and came in here when it started raining.” “Alright, well tell them to go home when the rain’s over.” “I will.” “Thanks Twilight.” Hanging up the phone I walked towards the table and brushed away the thought when I realized the police box was missing. Sitting down at the table I took a sip of my drink. “The waiter come back yet?” “Yeah. Food should be out in a bit.” We sat and chatted as the band set up their equipment and talked with who looked like the manager. I could tell Thunderstreak was listening to their conversation so I decided to sit and listen too. “I thought you said the singer was going to be here.” “He was supposed to be.” “If he isn’t here in the next five minutes you’re fired.” Looking over at Thunderstreak I saw a devilish grin on her face and I realized what she was thinking. “No. No. I’m not doing what you’re thinking.” “Oh come on James. Please? For me?” “I don’t even know what songs they can play.” “Well let’s find out shall we?” Waving a hoof at the musician that had been talking to the manager she had him come over to the table. “I’m sorry but we couldn’t help but hear your predicament. What kind of music do you play?” “Mostly romance and jazzy songs.” The light blue earth pony replied. “Perfect because I have a guy here who apparently can sing.” “Him?” The stallion asked looking at me. “Hey, are you doubtin’ my singin’ skills?” “No it’s just you don’t look like the singing type to me sir.” “Give me one of your books and let me see what y’all play.” Trotting back to the stage he grabbed a song book off the piano and brought it back to the table. Taking the book from him and flipped through it for a song I might know. “Ah ha, here we go. I know this one like the back of my hand.” Looking over at the book he smiled. “That’s one of our most requested songs.” Getting up the stallion smiled at the manager and told the ponies on stage what song. “Alright, fellas. Get me a mike and let’s do this.” Hoofing over a 1950’s style microphone they all took their places. I cleared my throat to get the attention of the patrons as the butterflies in my stomach went wild. The customers all looked over at the stage and me. “Hello everyone. I know it’s not a very sunny day so a few of you just ducked in here to get out of the rain. Anyways, this is the first time I’ve sang in front of a crowd since high school so I might be a bit rusty, but this song is for the most wonderful mare in the world.” I pointed at Thunderstreak and saw her face turn bright red. The band started up and I felt the butterflies disappear as the music relaxed me. “L is for the way you look at me O is for the only one I see V is very, very extraordinary E is even more than anyone that you adore and "Love is all that I can give to you Love is more than just a game for two Two in love can make it Take my heart and please don't break it Love was made for me and you “L is for the way you look at me O is for the only one I see V is very, very extraordinary E is even more than anyone that you adore and “Love is all that I can give to you Love is more than just a game for two Two in love can make it Take my heart and please don't break it Love was made for me and you “Love was made for me and you Love was made for me and you” The crowd applauded and Thunderstreak looked like she was on the verge of tears. As I stood smiling at all the applauding ponies one of them yelled for more and most of the others followed suit. “Alright but my food’s waiting so let me eat it ‘fore it gets cold and I’ll be back.” Stepping off the stage I sat down at the table where Thunderstreak smiled at me. “That was beautiful James. Your dad was right about you being a wonderful singer.” I took a bite out of the hayburger and grinned. “Well, I grew up watching Martin, Presley, and Sinatra on TV so I just learned to copy them as best as I could.” “Well they were obviously good.” As I was about finished eating I felt a hoof on my right shoulder and saw Thunderstreak on the verge of hyperventilating. Turning around I saw three mares behind me, a blonde and two brunettes, each a different type of pony. “I gotta say general, you were very good up there.” “Thank you girls. My marefriend and I are big fans of yours.” “Oh well that’s sweet. How about you join our trio once you’re done and the four of us will do a number. “Then it’ll be a quart.” Wiping my mouth I stood up and got up on the stage again with the three mares following me up. The crowd in the restaurant saw us and began clapping their hooves. “Fillies and gentlecolts I present to you the Swing Sisters.” There was even louder approval from the crowd as the mares bowed before the band struck up the music. I snapped my fingers as the mares began singing. “The sweet, sweet the memories you gave to me Can’t beat the memories you gave to me” “Take one fresh and tender kiss Add one stolen night of bliss One girl, one boy Some grief, some joy Memories are made of this” The music suddenly changed and I picked up on what was happening. “The faucet she is dripping and the fence she’s fallen down” “My pocket needs some money so I can’t go into town” “His brother he ain’t workin’ and his sister she don’t care” “And the car she needs a motor so I can’t go anywhere Manana, manana, manana is soon enough for me” “Take back your samba” “Ay” “Your rumba” “Ay” “Your conga” “Ay yi yi” “Now maybe latins” “Hey” “In their middles” “Hey” “Are built stronger” “Ay yi yi” “But all this talkin’ to the quakin’ and this makin’ with the shakin’ leaves me achin’” “Olé!” “South America” “Take it away!” “If you ever go down Trinidad They make you feel so very glad Calypso sing and make up rhyme Guarantee you one real good fine time” “Drinkin’ rum and Coca~Cola” “Go down point Koomahnah Both mother and daughter Workin’ for the yankee dollar ” The music changed back to the original song and the mares picked up where it had left off. “Sweet, sweet the memories you gave to me You can’t beat the memories you gave to me” “Don’t forget a small moonbeam Fold in lightly with a dream Your lips and mine Two sips of wine Memories are made of this “Then add the wedding bells One house where lovers dwell” “Three little kids for the flavor” “Stir carefully through the days See how the flavor stays These are the dreams you will savor “With his blessings from above Serve it generously with love One man, one wife One love, through life Memories are made of this” “Sweet, sweet oh yeah!” The audience in the restaurant had swelled to over a hundred ponies that had heard the music on the street. The sound of ponies clapping their hooves was deafening as I took a quick bow and stepped down to pay the bill. Taking the bill off the table I took it over to the cashier and paid before grabbing my cap off the hat rack. I felt another hoof on my shoulder and Thunderstreak nuzzling me. Going outside the rain had stopped and the sun was shining down on Ponyville. As we started to walk away from the restaurant a feminine voice called out to us and we turned around to see the three mares that had joined me on stage. “Hey girls.” “Oh, we never did tell you our names did we? I’m Jazzy, and these are my sisters Scat and Ragtime.” “So swing is just a stage name?” “Pretty much.” There was a tugging at my shoulder and I looked to see Thunderstreak pointing at Sabre trotting towards home. “Hey Sabre! Come here a moment sweetie.” Sabre trotted over with a gigantic grin. “What’s got you so happy?” “I met the most amazing girl in the world.” “Oh really? What’s her name?” “Brush Stroke. She’s a life guard and swimming instructor at the pool here in town and an artist.” “Oh she sounds nice. How are you going to woo her?” “I hadn’t really thought of that.” Jazzy put a hoof over his shoulder and smiled. “Kid, if you want to impress a lady you’ve got to serenade her. Sing a song to her like James did for your mom.” “You’re right. I’ll go home and get my guitar.” Galloping away Sabre headed home and we were left standing there. “Now, General Jones, there is something we would like to discuss with you.” ~~~~~ 17:31 Hours 1237 North Main Street Ponyville ~~~~~ We were all sitting around the kitchen table as the movers brought more things in. “How did they get all this stuff here so fast?” “They had pegasi fly it here from Manehattan in air trailers. Faster than shipping it by train.” I took another sip of my tea as the front door slammed shut. We all turned to see Sabre sopping wet from head to hooves. “So, how’d it go?” “She pushed me off the diving board into the pool.” There was a lot of suppressed snickering by us and even a few of the movers. The light green unicorn colt plopped down in one of the chairs at the table and floated a towel over and started drying himself off. “She’ll come around eventually kid. I’m sure she will.” “Yeah right. She embarrassed me in front of everypony there.” “Oh honey, that means she secretly does like you.” He groaned and slammed his head down on the table. “I think that girl broke him.” There was some laughter before Jazzy set down her coffee. “Alright Mr. Jones, my sisters and I heard you’re building up an air force to take on anyone who threatens Equestria. We would like to inquire about enlisting to fly or, if nothing else, perform for the troops.” “Well I don’t think mares can serve on the front lines unless they’re a nurse like Thunderstreak. Looks like you girls may be stuck singin’ and dancin’.” “If that’s what it takes to serve our nation then we’ll do it.” A knock at the door got out attention and I got up to answer it. Opening the door I looked down to see Rainbow Dash standing on the welcome mat. Stepping out I shut the door and she flew up to my level. “Sorry James. All I got out of her was that it was about you.” “I figured it probably was by the way it got her all worked up.” “Oh, while I’m here there are a couple of things I figured I’d do.” Pulling a newspaper out of her saddlebag she gave it to me and I unrolled it to see in big letters Canterlot-Gryphus Race Canceled. “Oh for fuck’s sake. I guess those Corsairs are gonna be the first R.E.A.F. fighters then.” “Since you brought that up, I was wondering about enlisting.” “What the hell is with everypony wanting to enlist all of a sudden?!” “So do I talk to you about that or what?” “Uh, yeah sure. Let me talk to Celestia first and I’ll try to work something out.” “Thanks James. See ya!” She shot off into the sky like a rocket and soon disappeared from sight. Stepping back inside I sat down at the table and chugged the rest of my tea. “Who was that sweetie?” “Rainbow Dash dropping off a paper for me saying the race to Gryphus is off. Probably cause of that prick they put in power.” “Oh I’m so sorry sweetheart. So what is going to happen to those planes you were having built?” “Well, probably have some guns put in the wings, a couple of hardpoints for drop tanks and what not under the fuselage, and then have ‘em painted up in olive and grey camo. And while we’re on that subject I’m gonna go see the planes. Who wants to come with me?” All four mares jumped up and hurried over to the door and stood by the door waiting for me to open it like a gentleman, which I happily did. ~~~~~ 16:13 Hours Sweet Apple Acres Ponyville ~~~~~ Hoping down from the wing of the first completed Corsair I ran my hand over the bare aluminum that shinned in the light of the descending sun outside the shed. “Well Fancy, your guys and the guys Celestia sent did a pretty good job. But the question before we can fly it is does it run?” “Well why don’t you climb in and test it general?” Putting my foot up in the step that pops down from the fuselage I hoisted myself up onto the wing and into the rear cockpit of the Corsair trainer. Looking around the cockpit I found the magnetos by my left knee and yelled “clear prop” before flipping the switch to start and watching the propeller spin as the engine tried to start. The engine whined as it spun the prop then suddenly roared to life. I pushed the throttle forward and held the brakes to see how high I could get the rpm’s as high as I could. As soon as the engine hit full power I chopped the throttle and shut down the engine. Climbing out of the plane I smiled at the fact that it had actually worked. “Ya did hear about the race right?” “Yes. It is a shame these aircraft cannot race but I am sure you’ll find a use for them general.” “I have actually. I need this one painted in olive drab and natural grey camo with the R.E.A.F. insignia painted on by noon tomorrow because I’m taking this thing on her maiden flight.” “I’m sure we can do that.” “And maybe a pirate flag on the side of the cowling.” “Yes sir.”