//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: Situational Report // Story: Equestria Under Siege // by Willfire //------------------------------// Chapter 7: Situational Report Twilight looked down from her vantage point on Spike’s back as they scouted over what remained of the Ponyville district in the early dawn light. Like anywhere else the Quil had taken, there was no green or even any color, everything was dead and lifeless. “Don’t get too close to the center of town Spike, I’m sure we will get attacked if we do.” Twilight said, her eyes still scanning the ground below. “Right. Let’s not push our luck any more today than we have too.” Spike told her as he kept a weather eye out for any Quil, yet so far they were oddly absent. It had been nineteen hours since the fall of Ponyville and Twilight wanted to come back out. She told everyone it was to scout around but in reality she wanted to do an experiment. But first they needed to make sure they were safe, relatively speaking of course. With a mental question Spike told her everything was clear he pulled into hover, he eyes darting around as he kept watch. Twilight’s horn glowed as a small ball of purple energy appeared on the tip. Reaching up and pulling the ball down she looked at it. With the amount of magic in that ball it would take nearly five minutes for it to dissipate. If the pull of mana was constant then it would take around two and a half to dissipate. OF course she was in the air, she would need to do this a few more times at different points to make sure, but for now she needed to test the theory. Two minutes in and less than a third of the energy ball remained. It was enough for her to consider the test a success. What it meant was grim for her but at least it was a success. Wheeling Spike around the two of them went back to base. *********** Twilight came in for a landing on the newly revenavated hanger situated above the tree line just inside the castle walls on the south side. She looked around as Spike drifted over the newly settled base. Most of the population of Ponyville, having spent the last two years working to rebuilding the castle, were settled into the castle proper and the surrounding buildings. The castle walls were shored up and while they lacked the majesty they held when Celestia and Luna moved their capital to Caterlot but they held their former strength again. As members of the Irregulars manned the walls and perform drills on the grounds Twilight was impressed by how quickly the base took shape. With both the irregulars and the non combatants of Ponyville settled in the castle was alive again. As Spike touched down one of the flight hands waved for them to take one of the dragon berths in the back of the hanger. The two of them slowly made their way towards the back as Winged Folk moved around them to take flight for their own patrols. Once in the berth Twilight quickly returned her weapon and climbed out of the saddle. As she climbed down the latter she found Fluttershy waiting on her. “Um Twilight, General Celestia was looking for you. She’s in the war room right now and I’m thinking she may be getting ready to go to Canterlot for the defense there.” She shuffled her foot slightly. “Do you need me to take you there? I can if you need me to.” “That would be nice thank you Fluttershy.” Twilight said. She looked over at Spike and nodded at him. With a wicked grin Spike half trotted half walked towards the edge of the hanger and jumped off with a small shout of joy. “Um where is he going?” Fluttershy asked. “He didn’t want to change back so he’s flying a patrol himself. I’m constantly connected to him so if Spike sees anything I’ll know about it instantly.” “Oh, really. Amazing, is that something a Dragon Rider can do?” Fluttershy asked her as she led Twilight out of the hanger and to the stairs for the grounds. “Yes and no. You see the dragons are connected to their riders yes. But a good number of those dragons are full dragons while Spike is what the Dragon Queen called an Unborn.” Twilight explained as she stepped on to the stairs. “An Unborn?” Fluttershy asked confused. “Yes, a Dragon Egg that somehow or reason didn’t get enough mana to hatch on its own. Those eggs are sent to Celestia’s School for Gifted Horned Folk as a test. The test is to see if a young folk can hatch it with their magic. Unfortunately it is not a common test that folk can pass so the true number of Unborns are very low. It is those unborn that have a choice as to what form they want, like Spike. With a burst of my magic he can change his from his full dragon form to his real form. It is in his dragon form the mental link forms between us and we can talk to each other no matter where he is. For example right now Spike is chasing a bird around, excuse me a second.” Twilight paused halfway down the stairs and closed her eyes a moment. Then she opened them and looked at Fluttershy. “Sorry about that, no matter what Spike is still young, I can’t be mad at him for looking for a little joy out there. Where were we?” “Spike’s abiliites.” Fluttershy told her. Her mind was busy trying to process what Twilight was telling her. “Ah, yeah. Nothing much more to tell about Spike. His dragon form gives him access to some magic that his real form doesn’t have. It’s odd how that works and I have not had a chance to really test as to why that is.” Twilight said more to herself than anyone else as Fluttershy opened the door leading to the castle grounds and stepped out followed by Twilight. Fluttershy paused as they walked across the grounds, looking at the medical wing that was rebuilt to handle the injured of the Irregulars. “I wonder if Sweetie Bell is ok?” Fluttershy asked quietly. Twilight couldn’t help but to nod at that. “Let’s find out, I want to check on Rarity as well. We need to get her out of there. The hospital is by the west wall so I’ll send her up to do a guard rotation. That way she can be easily found and is still near her sister.” ********************* Twilight and Fluttershy walked up to the reception desk and looked around. The medical folk of the newly filled hospital worked to save those whose injuries might still carry them off and help those that were sick and injured. “So you are posted here, where are the two we are looking for?” Twilight asked Fluttershy. “Third floor, room 312.” Fluttershy told her as she started for lift pausing long enough to grab a patient folder with Twilight right behind her. “So what is the official cause of Sweetie’s collapse?” “According to the file the doctors are calling it a critical case of mana burn.” Fluttershy told her as Twilight hit the button for the lift. “Mana burn? Sweetie burned out her body’s reserve of mana and started to burn her own life force?!” Twilight asked in shock. “Yes. From what we got from Rarity, Sweetie never really used her magic enough to really build up a large reserve before she pumped so much into that shield that protected her and the rest of the CMC along with Big Mac and Granny Smith. She’s the reason they are alive Twilight.” Twilight nodded at that as the two of them continued to walk in silence. When they reached room 312 they found the door opened and Rarity staring at the bed of her sleeping sister. She looked up as the two of them walked in. “Oh Twilight, Fluttershy Darlings welcome. Forgive me for not standing but I’m just so worried about Sweetie Bell. She hasn’t even twitched since she was brought in. I’m so proud of her yet so worried.” Rarity told her as she looked towards her sister. Twilight looked at her friend and saw the worry in her eyes, but at the same time she saw a hint of pride. Then after a second Rarity’s eyes lit up as she looked at the two of them. “I saw something amazing when I came in.” Rarity reached over and moved sheet aside then lifted Sweetie’s robe slightly showing something on Sweetie’s hip. It was a spread winged dove flying in front of a bright silver shield, her Cutie Mark. “Wow, what she did was worth her Cutie Mark.” Fluttershy said with a small smile. She felt happy for Sweetie Bell but at the same time sorry that she nearly killed herself to get it. “A Dove and a Shield. A symbol of peace and a symbol of defense, Sweetie Bell more than likely has a strong talent for shields though I can’t help but to wonder what her Cutie Mark would be if this war didn’t happen.” Twilight said. “Wha ever do you mean?” “It’s simple, this war has gone on for over four years. In that how many fillies and colts would have found their Cutie Marks?” Twilight looked at the puzzled faces of her friends. “A lot, and as we know a cutie mark is a mark of one’s destiny. So how many of those fillies and colts had their destinies shaped by this war? How many will never find their destiny because their destiny has been made moot? Look at us for Celestia’s sake. Fluttershy according to your Cutie Mark you should be an animal care taker, helping folks find the right pet for their home and taking care of those animals unable to care for themselves. Rarity, you should be a Fashionista. Yet look at us, we are here fighting in a war that is the farthest from our destines as can be. Why don’t our Cutie Marks change or even just fade out?” “I don’t know Darling, that’s…that’s a little beyond me right now. But that is a pretty morbid thought.” Rarity told her. “I know it is and I don’t like it.” Twilight sighed slightly then looked at Rarity. “There’s a reason why we came here. You need to rest. You can go willingly or I can make it an order, which do you want?” Rarity looked between Twilight and her sister. She knew Twilight was right, but she couldn’t leave her sister’s side yet. But after a moment she looked back up to Twilight and nodded. “I’ll go find a bunk in the barracks and take a nap.” Rarity told her. “Good, after your nap you are up for a round on the west wall. Its the closest to the hospital so if Sweetie Bell does waken they can find you pretty easily. Once your shift is up feel free to come back here, just be sure to rest. We are going to need you at your best before long.” “I promise I will.” Rarity said with a salute. “Oh Fluttershy, how is Ditzy and Dinkie?” “Both are in good health and out of the hospital, Ditzy just had a bump on the head that knocked her out. How about you?” “Cleared with a clean bill of health. Just some cuts and bruising. Had a large purple bruise on my thigh that numbed out my leg for a while. Though I must admit that if it wasn’t for AJ and Pinkie Pie neither I nor Ditzy or Dinkie, would be here today.” Rarity said with a smile. “Anyway Darling I know you got something to do so I won’t keep you. I’ll report to the barracks in a moment.” “You do that Rarity and I hope Sweetie Bell gets better soon.” Twilight told her as she gave Rarity a hug. Then with a wave she and Fluttershy walked out of the room. The walk outside of the hospital was done in silence again. Fluttershy returned the patient folder back at the desk and joined Twilight outside in the morning air. As they walked towards the castle Twilight looked around at all the Irregulars along with the civilians working together to make the castle and its grounds more than just habitable but into another home. Ponyville may have fallen but somehow the spirit of Ponyville kept living. A soft bell rang out across the grounds sending many fillies and colts towards a small one room building that was converted into a school house some were even walked to school by their parents, one of which if not both were for the most part Irregulars. “Ponyville was and continues to be unique. Not even Canterlot could get this level of teamwork.” Twilight said. “Yes, I agree. Even Cloudsdale had those that didn’t want to work with the rest of the population.” Fluttershy said sadly. “But here, everyone works together in friendship. I hope it lasts things are going to get hard for these folk.” Twilight nodded in agreement as they approached the main gates to the castle where a few Irregulars stood guard along with a couple of the Royal Guard. Once inside the castle they spotted Applejack and her family sitting at a small table talking and catching up. Apple Bloom seemed to have latched on to her big brother and wasn’t going to let go anytime soon. Applejack waved at them with a smile as they passed. The grand hall was full of folk and sleeping pallets as folk were still trying to get everyone into a proper location but the area was rapidly clearing out as they headed for either the barracks or single/family dorms. It was methodical and simple process, one Twilight could appreciate. She herself spent the night in the barracks having been assigned a bunk by one of the Irregular’s Quartermasters. She liked that, she didn’t get any special treatment for being a full soldier or a Dragon Rider over any of the Irregulars who fought alongside her. As the two of them weaved their way through the dwindling crowd they saw the look of sadness in many around them but at the same time the fire of determination burned strong. They were knocked down but they were not out yet. “1st Sergeant Sparkle?” A voice asked as the two of them neared the stair case leading to the upper floors. The two of them turned to see one of the Royal Guard walking up to them. “Yes, who’s asking?” Twilight asked as Fluttershy stepped behind Twilight. “Corporal Skylight. I was sent by the general to bring you to her.” He glanced at Fluttershy half hiding behind Twilight. “Though I see Sergeant Fluttershy already found you I’ll escort the two of you there.” He motioned for them to follow him. The two of them followed the Corporal up the stairs to a meeting room that was converted into a war room and the new Everfree Command and Control or the ECNC for short. Inside a few Irregulars manned a radios connecting the new base with the rest of the Equestrian Armed Forces. In the middle a map of the Everfree and the surrounds including what was left of Ponyville laid on the massive table that dominated the room. Standing around the table stood Mayor Mare, her uniform missing and in its place she wore normal clothing, Lyra and Bon Bon both holding the sticks they used back in Ponyville to place their pieces, and General Celestia leaning over the table looking over reports being fed to her while she was there. As the door shut behind Fluttershy and Twilight, Celestia looked up and smiled wearily at the two of them. “Ah Twilight I’m glad you are here.” Celestia said as she straightened. “Come here we need to have a meeting and some decisions need to be made.” Twilight glanced at Fluttershy then back to Celestia. “Yes, yes ma’am.” Twilight glanced around and saw a number of chairs at the table. “Have a seat, you too Mare, we need to figure out what to do.” Celestia said as she waved around the table. Once everyone sat down Celestia looked at each of the ones at the table and crossed her hands in front of her chin. “We only need a few more here before we can truly begin but while we are waiting, Twilight you took a wide patrol over Ponyville this morning. I know you, you were testing something. Enlighten me as to what it is?” Twilight twitched slightly but sighed. There was no need for a panic just yet. She took a deep breath and looked at her mentor-now-commanding officer. “I believe I may have found something during the Quil attack. The patrol earlier was a test to see if it may be possible to reclaim ground. I didn’t want to say anything to keep from getting hopes up as I need to do a number of follow up tests to even begin to put a theory together. But maybe, it might be possible.” Fluttershy looked at Twilight in shock. Possible to maybe push the Quil back? “Twilight, if there is anything I can do to help, if you will let me, I would love to help.” She told Twilight with a small smile. “Thanks Fluttershy, not sure if there is something for you to do, but if there is I will tell you immediately.” Fluttershy nodded at Twilight’s words. Behind them the door opened again and Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walked in. “Sorry we’re late ma’am seems Rarity was given orders to rest by Twilight here. But after she spent so much time with her sister Ah can’t blame her really, she needed it.” Applejack said as she sat down. “I’m planning a ‘We made it out alive’ party for everyone. I’m sure it will help boost morale and put a smile on everyone’s faces.” Pinkie told everyone as she bounced in her seat. Celestia smiled at the group sitting in front of her. “Everyone, I called you here for a reason. I have talked to Mayor Mare here and while I have to admit the Ponyville Irregulars performed amazingly well during the attack on Ponyville and I will find no fault with how they acted and faced their fates without flinching. But with the fall of Ponyville and this breach in the line policy states that we put military personnel in charge of a new base such as this. Of course generally the Irregulars are nothing more than scattered remains after a fall. I cannot go against policy but I feel that to do such a move would insult the Irregulars who not only fought at Ponyville but those that died as well. The Ponyville Irregulars fought with skill that can put the Armed Forces to shame.” She closed her eyes a moment her hands going back to her chin again. “I talked it over with Mayor Mare here and she has agreed to the policy on two conditions. Condition one: the Irregulars will become full members of the Armed Forces. And condition two: I put the soldiers who fought so hard to keep Ponyville safe in charge. That is you Twilight, you and your five friends.” Five jaws decided at that time it was very important to take a quick and immediate trip to the table top. ************************* (Twenty Four Hours later) Twilight sat around her office in one of the towers of the Castle looking at the paper work before her as her jaw once again started its down ward trip. Here she was only three or four days out of the academy and she was already a base commander. {And Equestria may be on its last legs now unless I can get out there to do that experiment I need to do.} Twilight thought to herself as she stood up and went to a window. {But as it stands I’m spending more time signing reports than actually DOING anything. At least Pinkie’s party was a roaring success, even if a Quil probing attack came during the middle of it.} She slammed her fist into the stone beside the window with a sigh of frustration then leaned against it. “What am I going to do?” She asked herself as she watched the grounds below. Things were going well: everyone was placed somewhere, the supplies were enroute and patrol zones were drawn up. Even the monsters of the Everfree seemed to bother the Castle less and the Quil more. But even then if Twilight wasn’t on the ball the paperwork can and will get ahead of her. Even to fly a patrol she would need a way to either do the paperwork or have someone else do it. There was a knocking on the door behind her causing her to turn. “Enter.” The door opened and Mayor Mare walked in carrying a few folders in her arms. “Good morning Ma’am, a few more reports to sign and acquisition forms as well.” She dropped them on Twilight’s desk and looked at her. Her hand going to her chin to hide a small smile as Twilight turned back around and started to lightly thump her head against the stone with a small moan of agony. “Gah, if I was handed something like this a few years ago I would have been in a blind panic but lists and forms were right up my alley, I could do it. Today I got something important I need to get done and I can’t because of all of these maddening reports!” Her mane started to frazzle a bit as her eyes slowly took on a slightly wild look when she turned to look at Mare. “I sign and I sign but what does it do! I need to know exactly what is going on in order to make a decision I need to get facts and I need to do research. What does a base like this need short term and long term I need…” She was cut off by the sound of breaking glass and a splat to the back of her head. Reaching up she felt something gooey and with a puzzled look pulled some off to look at it. In her hand was the remains of a cupcake. Lifting an eyebrow she glanced out the window to see Pinkie Pie walking away whistling as she shouldered a baseball bat. “Hehe, thanks Pinkie.” Twilight looked back at Mare. “Mare you know the town better than I do, you know what we need and you know what we will need in order to keep everyone healthy and happy. Take those bleeding files and do what you can with them, if something is important then tell me. I’m going to be out there doing what I do best.” “And what that might be?” Mare asked her as she lowered a stop watch. That idea dawning on her went faster than she and Celestia predicted. “Research, and protecting those who depend on me.” Twilight told her as she made for the door. “I’ll be in here a few hours each day to make sure nothing important goes too long without my input, otherwise do what you do best.” With those words Twilight was out the door. {About time Twilight, about time.} Mare thought to herself as she looked at the desk. Twilight did a good job keeping up only a small stack of papers were left really. Mare picked up the folders and smiled. Most of them were empty. Grabbing those that still needed signatures she stepped out for her own office. She would need her admin team back, those that survived anyway and the sooner she got them back the sooner she could get back to work. ********************* Twilight burst through the main doors of the castle and looked around quickly spotting one of the Irregulars standing guard at the door wearing his new Armed forces uniform. “Private, I need you to find the rest of my squad and send them to the hanger. And while you are doing that find Spike and send him there as well tell him to prepare to hit air.” Twilight said, a smile forming on her face. Unlike the one in her office this smile was a happy smile. The Private saluted and dashed off to find those she asked for. Once he was gone Twilight vanished in a flash of light and reappeared in the hanger’s air traffic control startling the poor soldiers who worked there. With a shy smile Twilight quickly apologized for her sudden appearance then quickly explained what she wanted. “I’m going to take myself and about five winged folk on a quick run outside the Everfree. In fact I’m going to be going to three different places around Ponyville to test a theory.” She said as two of the three air traffic controllers joined her at a map. “One point will be here, to the south of Ponyville.” She pointed to what was now labeled as sector 25 south of Ponyville proper. “The next one will be here on sector 33 north of Ponyville. And the final point will be the most dangerous, here at sector 52.” She pointed to a spot completely on the other side of Ponyville. “That point will be the most dangerous for me and the patrol I’ll be taking. I’ll keep you posted on our movements so if needed you can send back up. Any official patrols heading there or there now?” “No ma’am, all patrols currently do not pass the border of the Everfree. But we have one patrol out now we can redirect to the border to act as a first responder in case you need back up.” One of the controllers told her. Twilight lifted her hand to her chin in thought. After a moment she nodded. “That’s a good idea, do it.” She glanced at the hanger floor from where they were and saw her friends starting to arrive. “I’ll be down there getting ready. Standby I plan on launching soon.” They saluted at her words and with a quick return salute she disappeared in a flash of purple light and quickly reappeared on the hanger floor. With a shout at her friends they joined her as she turned to look over one of the four dragon bays they had. The one she was standing before was assigned to her the other three blank. “What’s up Sugercube?” Applejack asked her. “I’m going out. But I’m going to need a squad. Right now, Applejack you need to stay here. As my second you will be in charge until I get back. Leave the paperwork with Mare but I’ll be back in a couple hours. Fluttershy, you are going to ride with me. Rainbow Dash, I need about five Winged Folk to fly escort with me and once you get that done I want the rest of the Winged Folk ready to scramble in a moment’s notice you will lead the wing. Rarity and Pinkie Pie get the rest of the ground forces on standby, hopefully it will be a quick mission and I won’t need to get my flank bailed out anytime soon but as we found out in this war…flack happens.” Each of them saluted with a smile. “Ah got your back Twi.” Applejack turned and started for the stair case as Spike came into the hanger. “I’ll have the five for your wing ready in ten minutes flat!” Rainbow ran for the edge and dropped off with a whoop. Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie simple nodded and scrambled to fulfill their own orders as Spike shucked his clothes with a practiced ease in mid step as he entered the bay. With a quick flash of her horn Spike was in his dragon form. “So what’s the plan Twilight?” Spike asked as Twilight walked up to him. “Fly to three points around Ponyville and to a quick magical test and get back in one piece. Once back I can put the information to use and see if we can’t counter the Quil superweapon.” Twilight gave him a hug around the neck. “And after that, if all goes well we go to battle over Ponyville one more time.” “And this time to take it back right?” Spike asked her hopefully. “If my research turns up something good, yes to take it back from the Quil. Something that hasn’t been done yet.” “Good let’s get out there and get this information you need. And I think these five need to talk to you.” Spike said pointing over Twilight’s shoulder. She turned to see five winged folk, three stallions and two mares looking at her. One of them was Ditzy. Each of them gave a sharp salute as they snapped to attention. “1st Sergeant Sparkle Escort Squad reporting for Duty!” One of the Stallions shouted at her. Twilight saw he had white skin, short cropped dirty blond mane and very, VERY bulky. Unlike the others, she couldn’t see his wings poking out slightly from behind him. Twilight smiled at them. “Thank you. Quick briefing.” She checked her watch, nine minutes and thirty seven minutes, Rainbow was good. “We are on a quick patrol for me to perform a couple of experiments inside QUil controlled Airspace. This mission can quickly become extremely dangerous but it needs to be done. WE will have backup standing by if the Quil with to make a fight out of this trip but priority remains on me getting those experiments done. Thus we will run first and fight only if we don’t have a choice. To expedite our passing I have a couple of remote spell trackers ready to go so we can get in and get out ASAP. Any questions?” “NO MA’AM!” The large white stallion shouted. The rest of the squad shook their heads. “Go, gear up we hit air in ten minutes.” Twilight said sharply. The squad before her saluted and ran for their gear. **************************** They were in air for twenty minutes and were approaching the first point Twilight needed. This one, at least would be done on the ground so with a brief landing and cast her spell. It took only two mintues for the readings to come back to her. A moment later with a powerful flap of his wings Spike took off for the most dangerous point on the trip. It was the farthest point from the base with the center of town between them and any help they would get. Twilight reached up and touched her ear piece. “Ok, everyone this one is the hot spot of this mission. So far we only have spotted a few Quil around the center of town so let’s not give them a reason to come after us. I’ll do this test in air so flying ring and keep your eyes open.” Five yes ma’ams shot back over the comms as they near the next test point. It was a brief stop in the air as she cast her spell. As she waited for the results Twilight glanced around at her escort, Ditzy was facing the center of town. Twilight knew from what Rarity told her that despite her eyes Ditzy had the best vision in the group and it why she was pointed in that direction. And as those thoughts ran through her mind she saw Ditzy stiffen, her combat rifle rising slowly. “Ditzy, report!” Twilight called out. Her spell still needed another minute for the report to return. “I got movement in the town below, nothing solid. Possible Quil ma’am.” Ditzy called over her shoulder. {Spike I need some vision help here.} Twilight thought as she looked at the ground below. Slowly her vision zoomed in almost like she was sitting only twenty feet in the air and not two hundred. As her gaze drifted through the town she spotted nearly two dozen Quil Soldiers slipping through town. That wouldn’t have been too bad if their glowing red eyes were pointed right at her. With a though to Spike the spell effect was canceled. She looked up at Ditzy who was still watching the ground like a hawk. “We have been spotted by Quil everyone stay frosty.” Twilight called. Forty seconds to go. “Contact, I got another Quil Soldiers below from the south eyeballing us.” The large white stallion called. Twilight still was amazed at how a large stallion with such tiny wings could still get air born and yet so agile. Thirty seconds to go. Twilight looked around as the rest of her group called contacts. More soldiers were watching them but with no hope to reach them they just stood on the ground and stared at them. Twenty more seconds passed as she looked around something was wrong very wrong. She looked at each of her squad, their attention to the ground. Then she gasped and threw a wide shield around the group of them as bodies started to dive bomb them from above. Her escorts pulled back closer to her at the sudden purple shield around them and the Quil Airborn bouncing off the shield. “It was a trap!” She yelled and looked up. The swarm above them, for it could only be called a swarm stopped their dive and watched them slowly spreading out trying to hem them in. “Ma’am, your orders?” One of the escorts asked. “Who here knows the town layout?” Twilight asked. They still had a mission to finish as the spell pinged in her mind it was complete. “I do.” Ditzy said glancing at her. “I use to be the mailmare here in town. I know the streets and back allies like the back of my hand.” “Good, we need to get to the last point don’t care the altitude or speed we just need to get there any ideas?.” Twilight asked her. “Just one ma’am, we dive towards the north. Thinner Quil there, hit the deck and weave through the buildings and hope we don’t run into any soldiers. Keep a tight form and move fast. The small alleys and streets can help keep them from hitting above us if you use your shields.” Ditzy told her. “Better than what I got. We are going with your plan Ditzy, you lead we will be right behind you. Once we reach the coordinates we need, don’t stop just make a bee line for the Everfree. Staff Sergeant Dash should be there with the other wings to bail us out. On your mark Ditzy.” Ditzy paused a moment, going over her plan. Her grip tightened on her weapon slightly as she planned her route. Once she was ready she nodded. “NOW!” Dropping her shield as the six of them dived in one motion, their weapons blazing carving a path through the Quil Airborn and the Soldiers on the ground below. Behind them the Quil dived after trying to cut them off but the five Winged Folk and one Dragon Rider proved to be too fast. As they reached the ground they pulled level and zipped up the street, their wing tips almost touching the ground they were so low. Suddenly Ditzy banked hard to the right into an alley followed by the rest of the squad causing Quil to slam into the ground where they were just seconds before. More Quil pulled in behind the fleeing soldiers as they weaved and dodged around rubble and damaged buildings. Ditzy was flying point as it was her plan followed by the other five Winged Folk with Twilight pulling up the rear. As the group reached the end of the alley Ditzy banked hard left almost skimming the building corner. Twilight ducked as Spike tried to take it too close but she didn’t complain. As long as they completed the mission it would be worth it. Ditzy banked hard right to cross the street as a Quil Soldier stepped out of another alley only to get shot by the third Winged folk in their line as she banked hard as well as Ditzy led them into another alley. About halfway down another alley pulled off to the left and Ditzy took it. She could hear the buzzing of the Quil above them the thuds as they hit either ground from their sudden turns or Twilight’s shields as she protected them from above. Ahead of them rubble blocked the path all the way up the side of both houses that formed the alley, something she failed to see from her view from above. With a grimace she pulled up to skim over the thatched roofs she needed to get them back down as they were too exposed up here. Ahead she saw a blown out house from the fighting before and took a chance. As she pulled over it her sharp eyes saw the way was unblocked to the street below. Without losing speed she banked hard right and down wards causing her to be able to look sky wards for just a moment. The sight that she saw shocked her, shocked to the point time seemed to slow down, but her years of training caused her to react despite the shock. A Quil Airborn had successfully figured out where she was going, its wings were not flapping as its bladed arms were crossed over its chest to cut her in half. Her weapon came up and she pulled the trigger just once sending three bullets into its glowing eye. She finished her spin and pulled out of the collapsed wall at street level almost on the point Twilight wanted. Ditzy obeyed her orders as she passed through the coordinates Twilight wanted she banked hard again and bee lined for the Everfree. As Twilight passed through she heard the sound of a spell firing off and calls of ‘keep going’ over the comms. Ditzy didn’t need a second bidding as she did just that. ************************* Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy watched the swarming Quil from where they hovered just inside the border of the Everfree. “Do you think they are ok?” Fluttershy asked. She wanted to go help them but Rainbow Dash held up her hand to forestall her. “Twilight knows what she is doing. Look she’s using the buildings as cover, making less space for her to shield as they run for it.” Rainbow told her. Then she reached for her radio in her helmet. “Stay frosty down there, as soon as Twilight and her group is clear give covering fire then fall back to the castle. No need for heroics today just get our folk home.” She glanced down at the jeeps waiting just inside the tree line and spotted the familiar orange and purple colors of Scootaloo driving one of the jeeps. She didn’t want to bring the filly along but she did prove herself last time and with Applebloom manning the rear gun she hoped they would be ok. What was she thinking? Of course they would be. Rarity was with them, replacing Sweetie Bell in the passenger seat, her sniper rifle replaced with a combat rifle. She looked back up at Twilight’s group as she pressed the button again. “Get ready, here they come.” Twilight and her group burst from an alley way and skimmed along the ground followed by Quil Airborn hot on their heels. With a shout Rainbow Dash started to fire at the Airborn to thin them out as the rest of the Winged Folk squads did the same. As Twlight and her escorts pulled up to skim the tree lines the hidden jeeps opened fire stunting the Quil advance. “Fall back, Fall back!” Rainbow called out the jeeps and the Winged Folk fell back still watching the reeling Quil. Once they were away the Quil turned and went back to Ponyville uncaring that their targets got away. As Rainbow turned and started to fly towards Twilight she couldn’t help but to think. {I hope this was worth it Twilight.}