//------------------------------// // Set Your Rainbow in the Clouds // Story: Nearing the Edge // by Eagle //------------------------------// October 12th, 2005 0833 Hours Near Canterlot It had taken long enough, but most of the air bases within Equestria were now operational. The term ‘operational’ was used rather loosely, as some were declared such as soon as the runways were complete. Regardless, the expanding military forces made due, and most now shuffled off to their assigned bases after stopping at Everfree, which served as a sort of entry and introduction point for most units, going there first and staying a bit before heading out. For the Equestrians it was a matter of learning to fly their new machines, and for each member of the 7th Fighter Wing it meant something more. For Compass it was about constant improvement to prove himself. For Thunderlane it was about passing on wisdom to greener pilots like Compass to ensure they came home alive. For Wild Fire it was strictly about defeating the enemy. She and Star Hunter debated that often; he claimed his reason was strictly to win, something that seemingly went together well with besting the opponent, but he did not entirely see it that way. Hunter had made the claim that the opponent did not have to be totally defeated to gain victory. To Wild Fire the only way to gain total victory was the total destruction of the enemy. They argued over this for about ten minutes on the side of the runway after a training flight, with Midnight Strike watching from a distance. Strike usually did not worry herself much with the philosophical viewpoints like the others did. To her that only wasted time and brain power, she only wanted to focus on what was happening at the moment and the actions being taken. Simplification seemed best for her, and her only worry in the world at that time was trying to push the band to learn the 7th’s official march. One of the many movies the Americans had shown while she was in Ponyville was an old Western film, The Magnificent Seven. She took a liking to it, along with many other ponies, and upon learning of the new unit she would be assigned to during the restructuring, she felt like fate had poetically stated that the film’s theme deserved a place in the wing as it's march. Some of the other pilots were not too keen on a glorious, thundering orchestral piece being the official march, not the least because of it being from a film, and a foreign film at that. The rest, on the other hoof, seemed to agree, and with the satisfied approval of Captain Cole backing them, ‘The Magnificent Seventh’ became the first full fighter wing of the new Royal Equestrian Air Force. “Looks like they’re going at it again.” Compass’ voice captured Strike’s attention, before directing it to Hunter and Fire, who were, unsurprisingly, still debating over their usual topics. “Yea, I worry about them sometimes,” Midnight replied. “We need to be able to work together when we’re up there.” “You… don’t think they actually… well, hate each other, huh?” “I don’t think so; they’ve just got different ideas is all.” “I really hope you’re right,” Compass said with concern. “Oh, did you hear anything else about the air show this evening?” Strike shook her head lightly in the negative. “Sorry, we don’t get to be a part of it,” she answered, dashing the young pilot’s ideas for the event. “It’s restricted to the professionals mostly. I heard we’ll get front row seats though!” “So the other squadrons don’t get to go either?” he pressed. “None in the regular air force, the lineup is mostly those two American trick squadrons. Only ones that are flying with them are the Wonderbolts,” she explained. “There’s one exception that’s being made is for Rainbow’s squadron, considering the whole element status and everything. And the Eagles, the ones that fought those battles not too long ago? They’ll be there to, but it’ll just be for a single fly-by.” Two ambient voices from a short distance stopped Midnight from continuing. A short ways down the line, Star Hunter and Wild Fire were still arguing loudly, making for an awkward scene. The debates of the two were getting to be a common, and uncomfortable, sight. “They’re still going at it,” Strike sighed. “Didn’t even get off the runway.” “I should go make sure everything’s ok,” Compass said, taking off down the line and forgetting to say goodbye to his friend. The young pilot headed down the line, taking his time as he trotted along. In spite of his eagerness to go, he did not actually want to get involved in a fight. Despite the increasing number of arguments, the two were sensible and level-headed enough not to come to physical blows; the problem was that Compass never liked the idea of somepony hating him. He was always a little afraid of saying the wrong thing and making a new enemy, and there were enough of those with the war going on already. Instead he stopped as he neared them, listening to their conversation, which seemed to have cooled down in temperament. “I’ll admit the name you chose fits your style, dropping tradition so carelessly,” Hunter said, referring to the callsign she picked out for her squadron. “Tradition doesn’t mean a lot anymore when we’re in a world like this,” Wild Fire countered. “I’m telling you, you have to get over it. Especially when we’re up there. If not, you’re gonna be in big trouble.” “It’s more important than you think. Preferring to go up against more skillful enemies and giving them a chance isn’t ‘big trouble’.” “It is when we’re at war! This isn’t some competition to see who’s better. You go in and you beat the enemy in every way, they don’t get chances. That’s how you get better and that’s how you win a war, by destroying the enemy!” “Skill is what is necessary to help win battles, and you don’t get it by picking on pilots worse than yourself! You get better by flying against better pilots, that’s how it works,” he explained. “Not to mention the war ought to be ended sooner rather than later. There’s enough killing and destruction already and there’s no need to add to it when it’s unnecessary!” “Is that what that American pilot told you? Orion?” she asked, seeming more honest than anything. “The one you and the other space brains hang out with?” “No, actually; but where I learned it doesn’t matter. What matters are all the important aspects of that tradition and honor. Discipline, respect, trust… all those are important to making a good fighter and to winning a war without destroying your world in the process.” “There is no war you win without tearing apart the enemy, and I did learn that from an American pilot. That’s how you know it’s true!” “I think you’re putting too much faith in them, Fire.” “I think you’re being stubborn,” she replied, thrusting her wings to lift off the ground. “And we’ll talk some more when you stop being stubborn. See you.” Hunter watched her flap her wings and take off, leaving him there. Too many of their discussions were starting to end this way, with her storming off. Every time he hoped he could convince her of his point of view, and every time it ended the same way. “You know, I think you had a pretty good point,” he recognized Compass Star’ voice, turning to see the younger pegasus watching him. “You agree, Star?” “Kinda… I mean, I think the best thing to do is to win the fight... I guess you do that however you can,” Compass tried to explain. “Sometimes you might need to do one way, sometimes it might need the other. I… guess I’m kind of in the middle.” “You can’t always be in the middle, Compass.” The younger pegasus paused for a moment, not wanting to have this discussion again. “Right, yea, so… did you still want to go hang out with Ori- Lieutenant Hauser tonight? With the rest of the astronomy club?” “Sorry, I can’t this time. I have to help out a few pilots in my squadron who need more practice with night flying.” “Oh, alright, well… maybe the next day?” “Star, look, you…” Hunter paused a minute, wanting to find an appropriate way to convey his thoughts. “You have to stop trying to drag me into things. I know you look at me like some sort of big brother, but you need to… stop, ok?” “What? No! No, I’m… just thought you’d want to hang out.” “No, Star, you know what this is about. You’ve asked if we’re related a few times before and every time it’s been no,” Hunter responded, becoming a bit annoyed. “I know you want to find some kind of family, or anypony you’re related to, but I’m not one of them. Just because my first name and your last are the same does not make us some kind of distant kin.” “I don’t think… I’m not, ok!?” “Yes you are! You have to drop it Star, just… let it go, ok?” “That’s easy for you to say! You’ve got a family!” Compass shot back, angry over the topic being brought up. “I don’t have one! I’ve never had one! I hardly ever kept the friends I made because I kept moving around!” “And now you’ve got a squadron to lead. You remember what Lieutenant Hauser told us, we treat our comrades like family,” Hunter recounted for Star. “Real family or not you need to look after them and vice-versa. Last thing we need is for you to be all screwed up and down if war starts. You need to have a clear head when leading your pilots.” Compass Star wanted to retort then, but could not find the proper words. He wanted to shout that Hunter did not know what it was like but he felt like that would be redundant and lead to nothing. Another part of him felt like Hunter was trying to change the subject on him by bringing up his squadron, but he seemed sincere about it. Beyond that, Star knew he was right in the back of his mind about needing to take care of his wingponies. “Just try and focus on what’s most important, alright? I know it must hurt but there are a lot of ponies depending on you, on all of us. You don’t want to let them down do you?” “Of course not!” Star shot back, less out of determination and more out of irritation that Hunter would think he did not know this already. “Great, so just try and keep it off your mind. There are plenty of ponies that care about you Star, you just need to focus on them, alright? I’ll see you around.” Compass once more kept quiet as he watched Hunter move on before turning his attention elsewhere. He alternated his sight between the ground and sky and debated further on the issue, not feeling like anything had been resolved. He wanted to take his mind off of the issue but it was not as simple as Hunter put it. All he did was add more problems to worry about. Of course he knew he had to take care of his unit. Of course he knew there were a lot of ponies depending on him. Of course he knew one had to keep a clear and level mind in vital situations like combat. But how could he keep a clear mind when the only other pony that was involved brushed off the issue and left him alone with it? Feeling totally abandoned in the world was not something he could simply ignore as Hunter suggested, and he felt a drop of ire at him for treating his problem like a foal with a tantrum. Squadron and friends or not, Star had always felt totally alone, and he would have to go through life’s troubles alone too. “Hey, everything alright, Compass?” he heard another, more familiar voice call out. “I overheard the chat you two were having. You ok?” Star wanted to say no, because he did not feel alright of course, but a feeling of guilt held him back. The new idea of saying no and brushing it off, as he had done plenty of times before, entered into the pony’s mind. Though Compass had his troubles, it seemed a bit rude to dump them on him, considering his were far worse. Of all the ponies he knew, Thunderlane had probably changed the most from the war. He still looked the same, but his personality had evolved so much that when Star first met him again, he worried that Thunderlane was a Changeling. Thunderlane had been one of the first ponies in Ponyville, and Equestria in general, to sign up for the war. He did not tell anypony why before he left or after he got back, and he only talked about his more harrowing experiences on few occasions. All of what he had been through in the early stages of the war had transformed the dark grey pegasus. Though still possessing the ability and vigor of a young stallion, the way he talked and conducted himself was quite a different from what he was before, the experience he had gained now had him coming off as if he were far older than he actually was. “Yea, I’m gonna be fine,” Compass lied, more to himself than to Thunderlane. “Thanks for asking.” “You aren’t ok. I can tell, you aren’t even looking at me, you’re just staring at the ground,” Thunderlane stated rather directly as he ran a hoof over his long, light blue mohawk. “Hunter is right about needing to have a clear head to work well, but I’ll admit he should’ve helped you instead of avoiding you. So I’m going to help you.” Compass took a minute to think on how he should respond, while Thunderlane waited in patient silence. “How can you help me with… this kind of problem?” he asked. “Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s not a problem I’ve had to deal with, or ever helped anypony with. I can’t exactly find you a family, but I can help look for some kind of solution. I am a big brother myself, you know, so I’ve got experience with that at least.” “Well, I’m going to go watch a science-fiction show with the rest of the astronomy club tonight. We kinda do that every now and then. You can tag along if you want,” Star offered halfheartedly. “The American lieutenant that shows them to us said we’d be watching Star Trek tonight… he called it the ‘original one’, whatever that means.” “Alright, sounds like fun. I’ve actually heard of that a few times, so I’m a little curious to see what it’s like.” “Really? What’d you hear?” Star asked, wanting to test if Thunderlane was being sincere. “It's just a name that’s popped up now and then when human shows and movies are brought up. One pony in my squadron rants about it a lot; though I’ll l admit I usually tune him out. But he mentions parts like ‘Mirror, Mirror’ plenty from being his favorite episode, so I know that a least.” “Alright, well… I’ll… let you know when we’ll meet I guess.” “I’ll be looking forward to it Star.” “How do you do this?” the Private wondered. “How in the Hell do you this?” “How do you pull this off, Sir?” Private Hugo asked. “How do you kill the battery on a tank? Did you leave the lights on?” “That’s a need-to-know question, Private,” Lieutenant Fitzroy responded. “And just so we’re clear, you don’tneed to know.” “Yes sir,” Hugo agreed as the tank’s gunner fiddled with the jumper cables. The young infantryman sighed; annoyed this was cutting into his leave time. Being one of the few soldiers in Equestria to own a car had plenty of advantages, but it had its downsides as well. Other than being constantly asked to take friends on drives or make runs to the city, he now found himself helping in an attempt to jumpstart an Abrams tank with an old sedan. The gunner called out to the driver to start the tank again. Hugo did not know very much about cars or engines, and he was half worried that jumpstarting such a large engine would drain his battery. As was often the case for troops of his low rank, he would have to go along with the plan regardless. Once the Abrams came to life once more and the cables were unhooked his fears dissipated. “Thanks for the help Private!” the tank commander shouted, barely audible over the roaring Honywell engine. “We need to get to gunnery practice! See you later!” The tank started moving slowly, traversing through the mostly empty parking lot and out towards the street. The private did not see why they would move so slowly, as there was not much to hit in the parking lot or on the street in terms of traffic due to the low number of automobiles in Equestria. However, he was not a tank driver, but an average rifleman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Regiment in the 94th Infantry Division. According to the brass it was his sworn duty to defend the northern half of the Papa Line from the evil Griffon invaders, should they ever actually invade to begin with. Of course there was some truth to the whole thing in how important their position was. As with most of the major Equestrian cities, the city he currently in was not too far from the Papa Line. Manehattan, beyond carrying all the important factors of big cities, was also developing into a large and important port for all allied units in the northern sector of operations on the continent. Having lost a good deal of his time to the tank crew, Hugo set back out to the street in search of the squadmate he had driven into the city with. They had only come for a quick lunch, hoping to find some food of a different quality than what was being served at camp, and to pick up a few random items on the request of their friends. He was hoping the trip would give him a brief break from the military, if only for a few hours. Those hopes had been killed when he was pulled aside by the tank crew, and now he only wished to retrieve Corporal Roth and return to the base. He started making his way down the street towards the café he had left Roth at. It was a short and straight walk from the parking lot, and as soon as he walked onto the street he could see the Corporal happily talking with a group of ponies. Roth was a bit of a showman at times, but his biggest quality was the annoyingly infectious joy he displayed when happy. Considering how much he enjoyed being in Equestria, he was rather joyful most of the time. “Hey Hugo!” he called out, waving and standing up from his chair. “You were able to help out that tank crew, I see.” “What made you think that? Was it the big tank that rolled by?” Hugo responded as he approached. “Everypony this is Private Todd Hugo,” Roth said, turning to the ponies. “Todd, these are my new friends.” “Friends huh?” he asked, looking down at the group of five. “You all got to know each-other that quick?” “Yea! Mr. Roth is really nice! He taught us some American songs to sing!” a young unicorn answered happily. “Songs huh?” Hugo winced, knowing his friend’s history with music. “What kind of songs?” “I’m glad you asked!” Roth beamed, pointing his fingers at the ponies. “Hey, you guys want to show him what you’ve learned?” The ponies all gleefully agreed in unison, making Hugo wish he had not asked the question. Roth went over the process that with each gesture a pony would reply with a specific phrase followed by him singing his own parts. He started the number off, pointing to a pegasus who jumped up to shout his line. “I got!” “Rhythm!” “I got!” “Music!” “I got!” “My girl, who could ask for anything more!?” “Aw Christ no,” the private groaned as his comrade pointed to another pony. “I got!” “Daisies, in green pastures!” “I got!” “My girl, who could ask for anything more!?” “Alright, that’s enough of a demonstration,” Hugo interrupted, grabbing the man by the shoulder. “You won’t be doing a musical while I’m around.” “What? You sure? I mean we didn’t get a lot of time to practice, but-” “It sounds fine, I just want to get back to the base.” “Really? We’ve still got plenty of time before we have to head back.” “Yes, I’m sure,” Hugo confirmed, still not releasing his shoulder. “Come on, we can chat on the way back.” “Alright, alright… jeez, hang on!” Roth replied, yanking his shoulder free and knelt down to the ponies. “I need to go now guys, but just remember what I taught you and we’ll do some more next time I’m here. Sound good?” The ponies all nodded, allowing the two soldiers to head off once Roth had said his goodbyes. He seemed a little annoyed at being forced to leave early, but not to an outrageous degree, especially considering he only got to come to the city through Hugo’s ride. He was smiling again by the time the two reached the car, leaning back in the seat and recalling the memories from a few moments before. “I don’t get why you’re so down to be here,” he said to Hugo as he cranked the engine. “This place is a wonderland! The natives are all pretty friendly and happy. You saw that back there? You know how hard it would be to get some random people on the streets of South Range to sing musicals with me?” “I don’t like it because I miss all the stuff from back home. On leave you could go to the city and get real American food, go on dates with real women, have normal conversations, get good drinks,” the Private rattled off. “Not to mention things in general were easier. We were in our home country, not some weird foreign land where we have to be on alert all the time for an invasion that won’t come.” “Who’s to say it won’t come?” “The books. America and Russia spent years aiming at each-other only for nothing to happen. Once the two got to a point of being about equally strong neither wanted to attack. The same goes for today with the U.S. and China, and all those freaky evil monsters across the border.” “Oh yea? I’d bet you ten bucks the war will start.” Hugo simply grunted, more to himself than his friend’s offer. “Why you want to get back so quickly anyways?” “I just do alright?” "Fair enough. You hoping to get some overtime hand-to-hand practice?" Roth asked. "You got to get used to those new moves they’re coming up with for the Griffons at some point." "Yea... fighting a flying monster with claws and talons… yea I can totally beat them with my fists." The colorful dusk signaled the finale events of military parade in Canterlot. The Equestrian capital had spent most of the day witnessing the parades and demonstrations of its newly reformed military, alongside those of America, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Some troops from the occupied nations of Arcaia joined, primarily those of the Crystal Empire, but the affair was dominantly Equestrian and human. The final part consisted of an air show, with which the Americans seemed to eagerly take up as a chance to display their two proud aerobatic squadrons, representing their Navy and Air Force. The Equestrian Wonderbolts, in spite of the painful fighting they faced in the past years and the hard work put in to adapt to flying machines, had successfully acquired the skills necessary for aerobatic feats with their new Super Hornet jets. In fact, one of their classic winged shows of the kind they would perform so routinely in the old world had been the opening act of the day, receiving ecstatic cheers and applause from the nostalgically pleased crowd of ponies who saw their old heroes flying by their birth-wings alone as they had done in a more pleasant past. They started it and they would be the ones finishing it, as per Celestia’s wish. The only other squadrons that would join would be the American volunteers and Rainbow Dash’s. The last detail reminded Celestia of the one missing friend of Twilight’s that was not with them. Save for a few ceremonial appearances and a speech or two, the royalty and the Elements had observed the show from the city’s castle on the high mountainside. Each of them seemed to be enjoying themselves to some degree or another, but Twilight herself seemed troubled. Now, towards the end of the day, she was starting to look downright depressed, moving away from the group on the balcony and looking out over the city through one of the stain glass windows nearby. Celestia trotted over to check on her, hoping that she was simply tired from the long day. “The amount of progress being made is incredible,” the princess stated, trying to start a discussion with her. “Yea it’s… very impressive, Princess,” the unicorn replied, only giving a glance to her before looking back out. “Something is bothering you?” “N-no… it’s nothing I should… bother you with,” she mumbled back before changing her mind, knowing Celestia would not leave her in her worried state. “I just feel… helpless. Before all… this happened, me and my friends… we could solve any problem. We could help all the ponies that were in trouble. After seeing all this it just makes me feel kind of useless. I… I don’t know… the kind of war they’re fighting… I can tell I’m not made for that. But… well we used to be able to save the day with magic… just me and my friends… and now we just can’t. I was always a little afraid of it and seeing how this world works now… magic and friendship feels like it’s…” “Replaced?” “Y-yes,” Twilight agreed with a small sniffle. “You’re not being replaced Twilight, nor is your talent or any of your friends,” Celestia comforted her; giving the calm, motherly look the unicorn was so familiar with. “Some ponies, and plenty of people, seem to think that, but from all my experience that is never quite the case. Things like these do not grow old, they simply change alongside the world around them, and in turn the role they play in that world.” “Change?” “Yes, in many ways,” the princess continued, recounting her thousand years of life. “If I must admit, I myself was a bit worried when the Elements were turned over to you and your friends. A part of me wished to retain control myself, to ensure they would not be so dispersed and I could retain control over situations that required them. But I placed my trust in you, and it was proven handsomely.” “I suppose so… but I still feel like I can’t do as much.” “Just because you can’t defeat an entire army here does not make your talent useless. I think you and your friends will be more important here than anypony realizes.” Far above the stain-colored light of the castle, a few miles away from the city itself, Cole and his flight were cruising comfortably at a somewhat low speed and altitude. Their presence for the event was for the undertaking of a ceremonial flight and nothing more. Both the U.S. and the Equestrians would provide two squadrons for a grand air show to serve as the parade’s finale. The Eagles were there mainly by virtue of their actions thus far on the continent. Cole wondered who had made the request for them, if it had been the Equestrians demanding it of the Air Force or if the humans wanted it themselves. Right after this, he tried to drop the idea of the two sides arguing. Maybe everyone in the Air Force did not see them as failures. Maybe the Equestrians had asked and the brass happily accepted without objection. Of course it could also be vice-versa, with the Americans asking for them to fly first. At any rate, they would not be present for too long. Their purpose would consist of presence and recognition, and their actions would be a simple fly over the city to start the air show. There would be no great stunts or tricks here from them, not that they were trained to do such things. It was not the entire squadron either, but a single group of six aircraft consisting of the squadron leader, the executive officer, and the four flight leads. “You ever wondered about joining the Thunderbirds, Captain?” he heard Runner’s voice ask over the radio. “No, not really. They’re a wonder but I’m more set to… direct action, I suppose. Got to try and help out,” Cole replied, looking off and making out the red, white, and blue F-16s of the Air Force’s aerobatic squadron. “I’m not exactly a good enough pilot either. Some of the moves they pull… never in a million years could I do that.” “That’s too bad; I was hoping to join a long time ago. Just didn’t turn out too well.” “You know ponies would call jets ‘thunderbirds’ when they first arrived?” the Bravo Flight lead asked. “I didn’t know that till today.” “No, but I do now.” Cole could make out the capital approaching, and the range between them decreased consistently until everything was easily viewable. He could make out the gleaming blue-yellow Hornets of the Blue Angels off to the west, who would be the first after them to perform, followed by Rainbow’s Squadron, then Thunderbirds, and finally the Wonderbolts. Dash’s Falcons were passed early and were a short ways behind them now, as well as the bright-blue Wonderbolts. It was sad that his own wing would not be able to linger to witness the stellar performance of such a line-up. “Alright, here we go. Remember keep it slow and steady; all we’re going to do is pass over the city and turn around,” Cole ordered, not needing to make any major changes in the flight path. “You sure you don’t want to pull any fancy moves lead?” Lieutenant Desser asked jocularly. “Nothing ridiculous, three, you don’t need any more applause for your ego,” Cole responded. “You can’t tell me you don’t like a good cheer.” “We don’t need to show off to get one. We’re fighters; people cheer for us before we even arrive.” “Always so humble, huh Captain?” The fighters remained at a constant speed, direction, and altitude. There was no need for change in any of it for the simple fly-by. Their altitude was low enough that they could be easily seen from the ground, but not in danger of striking any of the taller buildings in the city proper, and their speed kept relatively slow but still fast enough to come across as swift in a pass over the crowd. The Eagles began their flight over the city, their sky-white noses gleaming in the dusklight. Cole could see the large crowds of ponies gathered below, as well as some of the assorted military units and pieces that had been parading through the metropolis. It was near impossible to tell the exact reactions of the onlookers but they seemed to be rather excited, as their excited actions and gestures combined churned up the sea of spectators.  He did wish he could hear the cheers of the crowd, impossible to do so through the sealed cockpit. “Nice work, wing, we looked pretty good on that first pass,” he stated as they passed the edge of the city, still retaining their strict formation. “Now let’s about-face and deliver the second for the wrap-up.” The jets increased their speed slightly and broke their formation in simple, pre-planned movements. Cole and Walker both pulled up into an Immelman and leveled out heading the direction they had come from, reducing their altitude back to the appropriate level. The two aircraft on the left side of the formation broke off to the left and came around in stark, basic turn to form up with the lead aircraft, with the two on the right performing the same on their respective flank. The flight leveled out in their formation, going at a faster pace than their initial pass. It was not to any dangerous or disturbing level, but noticeable enough, and Cole elected to retain it in their second fly-over. There was nothing wrong, he figured, with making their closing movements more exciting than the first. The fighters roared in, slowly drowning out the continual cheering of the crowd. To those below, the jets shot by at a much faster speed that gave off far more power than during the first pass. Even with the massive crowd, all the voices were drowned for a second as they blasted by, coinciding with an explosion of jubilation. “Everfree, Eagle. Flight complete, permission to RTB over?” Cole called in to the tower back at their home base. “Affirmative Eagle, you are clear to RTB to Everfree, out.” “And that marks the end of our flight,” Cole said to the rest of his pilots. “Nice work gang.” “Now that, gentlemen, was pure class,” Keno commented, clearly pleased with their show. “Yep, now let’s get on back home,” Cowboy spoke up. “Don’t want to keep Cook and Orion waiting for their little movie.” The sun was in the closing minutes of going down as Cole watched the last of Rainbow’s fighters taxi back to the runway. He wanted to wait to watch them come home while most of the others had left for Lieutenant Hauser’s event. The only other pilot with him was Cook, the fourth man of Delta Flight, who was sitting on the bench in front of the hanger next to him as he stood observing the jets. As the nickname implied, Cook was a culinary expert, at least he touted himself as one. He had no official schooling or training on the subject as far as anyone knew, but even if not he was able to back up his words in the mess. He loved cooking meals for the squadron, and they in turn adored a homemade menu over the usual dining hall food they received; at least as homemade as could be with the ingredients that were available to him. Still, he did an excellent job with it, saying that the adoration of his work by his wingmen was one of the most satisfying feelings he ever had. He also enjoyed drinking a good deal, like many fighter pilots. Usually he would reach for wine when it could be found, and it seemed to be increasingly common in Equestria. He would never get completely drunk though, usually only dazed and buzzed, and only ever on his free time when it would not cause trouble. “How are you feeling?” Cole asked him, continuing to direct his gaze across the base at the setting sun. "I feel... plump." "Plump eh?" "Like a grape," he affirmed, raising his arms out in front of him as if holding up some long log before bringing them down hard on his ribs. "Sounds you drank a little too merrily." “Nah, I’m fine Sir.” Cole sighed a bit, hanging his head down and stretching his muscles to ward of the tiredness. “Sorry to bring this up, but… well, do you think the war will actually start? Like actually start, not just little skirmishes like we’ve had.” Cook scratched his head a bit while pondering the question. “Maybe so, Captain. Why do you ask?” “I’m just a little… overly-worried about something I remembered.” “What’s that?” “Nothing, it’s nothing.” “Ah come on, you can vent a little to me,” the Nevadan assured him. “I probably won’t remember all of it tomorrow anyways at this rate.” “Alright, I just want to get it out of my head. Just don’t start calling me some religious nutjob,” Cole agreed. “God knows I’d never talk about this with Runner around, the poor paranoid guy.” “What, you’re some kinda fanatic or something?” “No, just paranoid myself I guess. Have you ever heard of the Three Secrets of Fátima?” “The… no… what are they?” “Back in Nineteen-Seventeen, three kids in Portugal said they were visited by the Virgin Mother Mary. A bunch of people witnessed a miracle involved with it and the kids were given three visions from her,” Cole explained. “The first was one describing Hell, and the second was about World War One and had a prediction about Russia and World War Two.” Cook continued to listen as he continued on, paying some attention but not as if anything was at great stake. “They held on to the last one for a while and didn’t tell anyone what it was. Back in Two-thousand the Vatican came out and said it was about the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II, but a lot of people say it pertains to something more…” “Apocalyptic?” “Y-yea, basically,” Cole caught up, wanting a less direct description for it. “So… you’re scared that… this vision thing was actually a warning about a war coming up?” “Considering some magical land fell onto the Earth out of nowhere in space and time, it kind of gets you wondering. Looking at everything… this pure little place and then things like the Shadows… your head just kind of wants an explanation, you know?” “Well I don’t think you’re a fanatical nutjob, just paranoid,” Cook answered. “There’s been plenty of wars since then and there’ll be plenty more. This one’s no… well it’s different but I doubt it will be the end of the world. We’ll fight it and win it and figure out what to do with this place afterwards.” “Still, even after all these years you don’t really get used to how weird this place is in just falling out of the sky. Though I guess the Europeans were pretty surprised when they got to the Americas too.” “I say just stick to church and we’ll be fine; it’s better to focus on fighting the bad guys.” “Yea, you’re right about that.” Cole took a relaxing breath before hearing Cook chuckling to himself slightly. “What’s up?” he asked. “Ah… it’s just funny… you think that’s a horseman of the apocalypse,” Cook said, pointing upwards to a cloud. Laying on top of that cloud was Dash, resting after giving her own performance above Canterlot. She had landed first and, rather tired from her presentation, had grabbed a nearby cloud and parked it a ways in front of the two humans. She was relaxing up there, taking a brief nap as the remainder of her squadron touched down. “Yea… that is kind of silly,” Cole admitted, walking forward a bit as the last of the planes were taken care of. “Hey Dash, they’re all done here!” He heard Rainbow yawn loudly and stretch out, flapping her wings and swinging her tail. She rolled over and blinked a few times, looking down at Cole with a tired but warm smile. After a few more flaps of the wings she jumped up and hovered down to just above his height. “You ready to head out?” “Oh yea, I’m always ready for a good movie!” “Well, it’s more of a television show than a movie this time,” Cole corrected her jokingly with a couple of movements with his hand. The pegasus yawned loudly, sticking her tongue out jokingly at the same time. “Yea, yea, let’s just get going before you make me fall asleep again.”