//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: Preparing for War // Story: Equestria Under Siege // by Willfire //------------------------------// Chapter 9: Preparing for War It has been nearly two weeks since the meeting at the war room. The soldiers stationed at the Everfree base already knew about the upcoming battle and they looked forward to it eagerly. As the sun rose over walls Twilight looked down a row of uniformed soldiers, each of them soldiers under her command. Later she would do an inspection of units from the other bases but for now, she wanted to look over her own. First up the ground units. “1st Sergeant Sparkle, all personnel ready for Inspection.” Applejack told her with a smart salute, next to her stood Rarity and Pinkie Pie at attention. Twilight nodded at the three of them as she turned back to the troops. They were lined up in a large square formation, squad leaders in front with their squad members right behind them standing at a sharp attention with their weapons over their shoulder. “Corporal Scratch, your squad ready for action?” Twilight asked the first mare she came to and glanced at the odd weapon she held. She was a white horned folk with a two toned blue mane and tail. Wearing a weird pair of purple shades as a wicked grin crossed her face. “Ma’am, Beat Squad is ready to drop the BEAT MA’AM!” Twilight noticed she flinched like she was going to do something but held her stance. “Good to hear, and that weapon?” Twilight asked. “My own personal light show for the Quil.” She hefted the weapon and held it out for Twilight’s inspection. Twilight took a hold of the weapon, looking it over. The ‘business’ end of the weapon held two indentions on a flat surface both seemed to be a cross between what looked to be a speaker and lamp. Along the length of the weapon was a mini keyboard, slider knobs and no trigger. “Explain.” Twilight said simply as she passed the weapon back. “It allows me to play my wubs and drop Quil.” Scratch’s grin got bigger, if that was even possible, as she reached up and pulled her shades on top of her helmet over her horn. “Rest of Base squad is the same, even the beats of different music is ready to drop’em.” With a smile and a nod Twilight walked down the row. Despite Scratch’s words she could see that nearly all of the members of her squad had some form of weaponized musical weapon. The oddest being a gray earth folk mare, with a black mane and tail, right behind Scratch holding a cello. Her stance, while at attention, held a grace of a trained musician. As she walked back up she stopped in front of Corporal Scratch once again. “I got one more order for you Corporal. When we are in battle, I want you and your squad to play and play loud. I want the entire force to know you are there.” Twilight told her. Vinyl Scratch blinked then nodded as she lowered her shades. “You got it ma’am. Nice and loud, just how I like it.” Twilight nodded then went on to the next line. This wasn’t the first time she did an inspection and every time she did so something new or something else unique would surprise her. Something, she was quiet happy about, even if she didn’t like surprises, those she enjoyed. With each row Twilight walked down she praised the soldiers, gave them words of encouragement, or calmed fears. She could tell each of them looked up to her, and in a way, she was proud of the trust they put in her even if the very thought wanted to send her into a panicked breakdown. Once the first inspection was complete the soldiers were dismissed for breakfast, breakfast which Twilight so wanted herself. As commander, she could have chosen to take her meals in private or even in her office but instead she ate in the mess hall like any other soldier. As she sat down she pulled out a schedule to look over. After breakfast was the jeep units inspection, followed by the Winged Squads, then the medical personnel, lunch and finally the Dragon Riders. With only two riders that would be easy or so she hoped, it was Sunset Shimmer AND Trixie she was inspecting, so maybe it wouldn’t be easy. Glancing up saw the rest of her friends joining her at the table she sat at. “So Twi, what do you think so far?” Applejack asked her. “I only saw the foot troops but so far so good though. They are ready for action. Too bad we don’t have artillery for you Pinkie, I don’t like wasting your training like this.” Twilight told Pinkie. “Nah, don’t worry Twi twi. Artillery is good and all but remember I was trained for a soldier too so I will be there beside you, just tell me what you need.” Pinkie said with a smile. She sat there the calmest she has been in forever as she ate as she looked over a few forms she brought with her. “Um, Pinkie, I do have a request from the field hospital.” Fluttershy said quietly. Reaching into her jacket pocket she pulled out a sheet of paper and passed it over to Pinkie Pie. As Pinkie looked it over her smile grew to full force. “Oh I can get this no problem. I know a guy who knows a guy that can get that to us pretty quickly.” Pinkie suddenly grinned embarrassed at something. “Yeah, we were kinda rough during that last drill. I’ll get it here super quick for those who got hurt.” Everyone at the table rolled their eyes remembering the last drill pitted the troops versus the jeep squads. Pinkie got a little too creative in fending off an attack from the jeep squads and a few were hurt. At least the resulting lesson learned was worth the few laid up. Twilight shook her head as she looked at Applejack. “So AJ, how are the rest of the new troops coming along?” She asked. “New forces are settling in nicely. The changelings have taking shelter in the forest behind the castle. A 2nd Lieutenant has been staying in the castle using their weird ‘hive mind’ to keep us informed of their drills.” Applejack paused a moment. “Let me tell you Twi, getting a report from Queen Chrysalis is kinda weird.” “How so Darling? It should be like getting a report from General Celestia.” Rarity said to Applejack puzzled. “While she’s still in Canterlot?” Applejack said with a sigh. “Wait? She gave you a report while still in Canterlot? What a scroll or a magical relay?” Twilight asked puzzled or excited no one could tell. “Enope. That Lt came up to me in mah office, sat down and Ah saw his eyes go green. Went from solid blue to green with irises and ah completely new voice, surprised the hay out of me. The Queen told me that the last of her forces arrived and to give an update of what they would need. Ah told her thank you then the changeling’s eyes turned back to normal and he walked out without a word.” Applejack shook her head slowly. “We got nearly twenty-five squads of troops to supplement our nine squads, scattered in camps behind the castle.” “Good so far. Rainbow, how about the Winged squads? What’s their status?” “We got five squads that are chomping at the bit to get at the Quil and another dozen squads backing us up. Plus we got the Wonderbolts, I had to scramble to get them into a camp but they are here and ready to go.” She started to squeal as she bounced in her seat but stopped cold when she saw Applejack’s raised eyebrow under her hat and the smirk on her face. “Um, yeah. Anyway, the skies are ours.” “Good, I’ll be doing the inspections later today. Has anyone heard when General Celestia or General Luna will arrive?” Twilight asked. “None of us have heard anything yet Darling. Though I think you would have heard something before us. Though I have heard of a betting pool starting up as to when they will appear. Still I guess now would be a good time to bring up a new design I have been working on.” Rarity said with a small smile. “What’s that Rarity?” Fluttershy asked quietly from where she sat on the other side of the table. No one noticed the small blush on her face. “I was working on a design for the base, something for us. Notice how the soldiers from the other bases have some sort of mark or patch showing where they are from. The Wonderbolts, for example with their wing and lightning bolt symbol. Or Dash and Fluttershy’s Reaper Squad.” Rarity said pointing at the symbol of the Grim Reaper on Dash’s shoulder. “I got the inspiration from that strange tree from the base of the cliff under the castle.” She pulled out a small strip of cloth and held it out. It was a red cloth with a white tree in front of Twilight’s Cutie Mark. “Wow, that’s pretty Rarity….” Fluttershy started but was cut off by a resounding no. The five of them looked at Twilight as she stared at the design. “Rarity, I’m honored, I truly am. But…no. I’m sorry, just don’t do it, yet.” Twilight said to them. “But Darling, why?” Rarity asked shocked at Twilight’s outburst. “This fight, will be a critical battle, I will be there on the front lines with everyone else here. I know everyone looks up to me and I strive daily to be deserving of that honor but know this. If it takes my life so that we will succeed at this mission, I will pay that price a thousand times over.” Twilight started, but failed to notice that everyone in the mess hall went silent at her outburst and was now listening to her every word. “Rarity, the fact that you designed our symbol with my cutie mark is an honor I cannot repay. But if something happens to me, I want everyone to be able to carry on without a reminder of what they may feel will be a failure by not protecting me. If it is my fate, to die for everyone to live, I don’t want anyone thinking they could have done more or they should have been there to take my place. I worked hard to make this base work and I want that team work, that sense of belonging to continue. What we here at the Everfree have, is more than just Brother or Sister-in-arms, much more.” She failed to see her friends looking over her shoulder at something right behind her but she did see Applejack’s smile. Before she could question it Applejack spoke up looking her dead in the eyes. “Let me tell you Sugarcube, and this here is the Honest truth. No matter what happened, we of Ponyville and those that have fought beside you, hold you in the highest respect. There is not a single folk here that won’t gladly lay down their lives to keep you safe or to make this mission succeed, mahself included, take it from an Apple. You have become important to us and to this base.” Applejack told her. “Yeah, hate to agree with Applejack here…ah who am I kidding.” Rainbow said with an eyeroll then she grinned as she slapped Applejack on the shoulder playfully. “I completely and gladly agree with AJ here, though I would have said it twenty percent cooler. While we here, myself included, are Loyal to you we will carry on if needed. But we are loyal to you because you EARNED it Egghead. Understand?” “Agreeing with the Rainbowed ruffian here.” Rarity said with a smile at Rainbow who playfully thumped her shoulder. “She’s right, you earned the honor and the praise everyone here gives you.” “Oh yes. Many of those in the hospital feel safe here because they know you are watching out for them.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “Yep, the Foals and even many of the Soldiers are able to Laugh and be happy because of you Twilight. All the effort you put into keeping everyone safe. Like it or not Twi, you are making this base work.” Pinkie Pie told her bouncing in her seat holding the design. Rarity blinked and looked at her empty hand then back to Pinkie Pie. “Don’t worry Twi twi, because like it or not you got a legacy that I doubt anyone can live up to.” Twilight’s head hit the table with a thud. After a moment she looked up and smiled, a weak smile but a genuine smile. “Thanks girls…where is Pinkie?” Twilight turned to see Pinkie showing the design to a group of soldiers that were standing behind Twilight. “PINKIE!” “Too late Twilight, I’ll have this on everyfolk’s uniforms after inspections. Though I have to say I like the phrase Twilight’s Rangers. We can run it long the top, Rarity think you can put something in for that?” “Wait what?!” Twilight half shouted as she stood up from her chair. “Who said that?” “Sorry Twilight, just came to mind.” Twilight turned to see Spike and seven other dragons sitting at another table waving at her with a smirk. “Et tu Spike?” Twilight asked and he nodded at her. With a groan she fell back into her seat and dropped her head to the table with a muffled ‘ow’ and faint chuckling from her friends. ********************* After breakfast Twilight found herself in the maintance bay for another inspection. This time with the jeep crews. The Jeep crews were a vital part of the defense of the base and the assaults to Quil positions. Fast and light weight a jeep can carry troops into battle and out of it if necessary, and what the Everfree troops have called ‘Fire Fighters’. Able to quickly get to an area to suppress the enemy until the rest of the troops can get there. Many of the jeep crews have taking to calling themselves ‘Smokies’, which has become the jeep crew’s call signs. She walked up to Big Mac, while he no longer wore the uniform of the Armed Forces he was still an active member at Sergeant, who was in charge of the Maintance Bay. The crews didn’t call him by rank but by the title they dubbed him with, Chief. Something Twilight thought was fitting for the large stallion. “How does everything stand Chief?” Twilight asked. Big Mac looked around at the jeeps behind him in their bays and their crews standing at attention. Looking back he grinned at her. Twilight nodded having long gotten use to his ‘as few words as possible’ form of speech. “Good. Let’s begin.” Like the ground troops before she went down the bays praising where she needed to, pointing out corrections as needed and informing the crews of how proud she was at them. She noted, with a trace of humor, that many of the crews have taken to naming their vehicle. Names like: Wheeled Angle, Quil Killer, Raging Rubber were just a few that stood out in her mind. Then she came to one bay, this bay held a jeep like any other, but this one had a blue CMC painted on the doors and on the front bumper, again in blue paint, were the words Crusader’s Pride. Twilight looked at the bumper then up to the three fillies standing at attention. {I may have to stop thinking of these three as simple fillies. They have done so much.} She thought to herself. Twilight glanced between the three of them then back to the words on the bumper. she seemed to be having an internal argument with herself. After a moment, Twilight sighed having come to a conclusion. She pulled out a small notebook and a pen. She quickly wrote a note and tore it out. Her horn lit up as she pulled the torn paper in her aura and put away the pad and pen. Then a moment later the paper vanished in a small flash. “Which of you three is the squad commander? Step forward!” Twilight asked sharply. Without hesitation Applebloom stepped forward. Twilight stood in front of her and looked Applebloom in the eye. She didn’t glare, she didn’t stare she just looked Applebloom in the eye. For her part, Applebloom refused to blink though the pressure of Twilight’s calm gaze made her wonder what she was up to. “Applebloom.” Twilight started. “It has come to my attention that a few things you and your crew has done have not been…dealt with.” She watched as Applebloom visibly gulp. {That isn’t helping your case Applebloom} Twilight thought but continued as Pinkie Pie seemed to appear next to her. Twilight took a deep breath. “Your actions in Ponyville, saving Sergeant Big Mac and your Granny Smith, your actions in combat both here and abroad, your dedication to duty. I even hear that Smokie 3-1 has one of the best kill counts of all the Smokies due to your unflinching bravery in the face of danger.” Pinkie held out a small box and Twilight grabbed it in her magic aura. No one noticed Pinkie Pie skip away and disappear around the entrance of the bay. “And finally, the fact you have done this without any cause or need to since none of you are Armed Forces.” Twilight reached into the box and pulled out a rank pin for Corporal. “With the power invested in me, in recognition of your bravery and loyalty to the Everfree Base, I hear by field promote you AppleBloom to the rank of Corporal with full rights, duties and privileges there in.” She pinned the bars to AppleBloom’s collar as she stood there wide eyed, her jaw doing its best to meet the ground. “Step back Corporal.” It took a moment for AppleBloom to shake herself out of her stupor and step back. Twilight then looked at the other two standing beside AppleBloom. “There is no ‘I’ in team. No matter how good a commanding officer may be, they cannot do it alone. Behind every good commander is a equally good squad to back them up. Sweetie Belle, step forward.” Sweetie could only look at her stunned when AppleBloom quickly elbowed Sweetie Belle in the side causing her to step forward as Twilight reached into the box again and pulled out a Lance Corporal rank pin. “Sweetie Belle in recognition of your actions, I hear by field promote you to the rank of Lance Corporal with all rights, duties and privileges there in.” Once she pinned the bars on to Sweetie’s shoulder she reached into the box and pulled out a small medal of a purple heart with Celestia’s face in profile. “In recognition of you nearly sacrificing your life to save your friends and family. I award you Lance Corporal Sweetie Belle the Purple Heart for your injury in combat. Namely the mana burn that nearly claimed your life.” She pinned the small medal to Sweetie’s chest and nodded for her to step back. With shaking limbs Sweetie Belle did just that, tears streaming down her face as she resumed the at attention stance, her stance just a little straighter, her head held just a little higher. “Scootaloo, step forward.” Scootaloo quickly stepped forward, her eagerness barely contained as she fought to keep a smile of her face but the light in her eyes couldn’t be mistaken for anything but pure joy. Twilight couldn’t help but to smile as she pulled out another Lance Corporal rank pin. “Scootaloo, In recognition of your actions, I hear by field promote you to the rank of Lance Corporal with all rights, duties and privileges there in.” She nodded for Scootaloo to step back and she almost ran to comply. “Welcome to the Armed Forces you three. Since you are a little behind its time you got put through the basics. Rainbow Dash will be putting you through an abridged form of Basic and you will need to go over military protocols and forms. There is a lot to being a soldier and you are going to learn it from the ground up inside out. First up, saluting a superior officer.” The three fillies before her suddenly snapped a sharp salute that made her blink then smile as she saluted them back. “I want you three ready for action when we reclaim Ponyville understand?” Twilight asked them. “Yes Ma’am!” All three shouted at once. “Good, I want to hear good reports about you three. Do us all proud. Once Inspections are over with Report to Sgt Pie she will outfit you with some proper uniforms.” She saluted them once again then turned to walk to the next bay. {Assuming their sisters don’t KILL ME!} Twilight thought as she looked over the few remaining bays. It wasn’t long before she stood before the hanger doors and spun on her heel to look over the crews she just inspected as a slow smile spread across her face. “Dismissed!” Twilight paused a moment, many of the Smokies calling out congratulations to the CMC on their promotions as the three of them did as they were ordered and rushed past her towards Pinkie’s office. Promoting the CMC was something she originally fought against but watching the three of them race into battle along with the other smokies, each of them ignoring the fact they were not full Armed Forces as they fought the Quil. Yet they acted like they were, fighting along with the rest obeying orders and when needed giving them as well. IT took her a week to figure out what rank to promote them to. They had experience, driving through the Quil to rescue Big Mac and Granny Smith took guts. Guts they continued to display in each battle afterwards too. AppleBloom quickly grew into a competent commanding officer from her spot on the rear gun. Sweetie, growing skilled in both rifle and shields gave them an edge most crews didn’t have and Scootaloo’s driving skills sometimes scared Twilight as she sped though Quil, weaving in and out of places with a skill that was nearing unreal, like a Rainbow Dash on the ground. Many crews naturally followed the CMC like a beacon in the dark. After a few minutes of watching the crews before her she looked at Big Mac and motioned for him to follow her to his office. Once Big Mac closed the door she turned to face him. “Ok Big Mac, now is your chance to yell at me.” Twilight told him. “You planned this?” He simply asked. “Since last week. The three of them have done everything without any recognition for anything they have done. IF you are going to kill me Big Mac, make it quick. Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are not going to be as nice.” Twilight grimaced. “Enope. While Ah’m mighty proud of AB, she’s mah sister.” Big Mac paused as he considered his next words. “She’s old enough to make the choice. Ah might not like it, but Ah won’t argue it. You are right Miss Twilight.” Twilight smiled. Big Mac was the only one on base who didn’t use Ranks though was respectful about it. “Thank you. Now to go face the music of their sisters soon.” She opened the door but paused and looked at Big Mac. “If you got time I want you to teach the three of them protocol. Contact Pinkie for the hand books and such to help you along. Once I’m done today I’ll open a file on the three of them and send them to Canterlot for an update.” Big Mac nodded at her and she smiled. “Thanks for not killing me Big Mac.” “Eeyep. Good day Miss Twilight.” Twilight closed the office door and turned to head for the grounds around the hanger for the Winged Squad inspection when she ran into a folk causing her to bounce back wards and into the door. “I’m sorry, you ok?” Twilight looked up to see Cheerilee standing before her wearing an Irregular uniform. “Miss Cheerilee? What are you doing in that? I thought you were a non-combatant to watch all the foals.” “Normally yes you would be right.” Cheerilee said as she dusted herself off. Twilight noticed she also carried a tool box with her. “Today there is no school for the foals so on those days I spent my time here with Big Mac, volunteering at the motor pool. Just my way of helping out. I’m wearing this so everyone knows I’m not a school teacher today but a…how did they put it, a grease monkey.” Cheerilee laughed at the words. “I would believe it. Carry on then Miss Cheerilee, Big Mac is in his office. I need to head for the next inspection.” Twilight said as she pushed off the door and walked around Cheerilee with a small wave. Calling out a good luck Cheerilee opened the office door and walked in as Twilight made her way across the grounds. But if she was hoping to make it to the next inspection without any problems she was disappointed as a voice called to her half way across the grounds. “Yahoo, Darling! Twilight!” Twilight resisted the urge to face palm and turned to look at Rarity as she ran up to her. Twilight was slightly surprised to see a smile gracing her face. “There you are. Listen I just got out of Pinkie’s office and I have to say it was nice of you to recognized Sweetie Belle like that.” “You mean you are not mad I just turned your sister into a full fledge soldier with everything that entails?” Twilight asked puzzled and waiting for the other shoe to drop. She was tempted to see if the world was ending at that moment but resisted the urge to look up at the sun. “Darling, Sweetie Belle has been talking about her job all the time already. I got over the worry for her life part a long time ago. Granted I do still worry but the dear has proven she can take care of herself. Oh my little sister is growing up so fast. While I wish this dreadful war never happened to cause her to become a soldier, fillies like her should be able to run and play for a while, she has shown me she can take it.” Rarity fell into step with Twilight when she gestured for her to follow. “I’m just glad you are not mad, though I suspect that Applejack and Rainbow Dash might not be so understanding.” Twilight told her. “Don’t be so sure Darling, if Sweetie talked my ear off about it, I’m sure Applebloom and Scootaloo did the same to them. They may not like it but they will understand. Speaking of which, maybe I should go find Applejack and tell her what’s going on before Applebloom tells her. Rarity offered to Twilight. “IF you find her first I would be thankful. Try not to get her mad I don’t think I could survive more than two or three blows from Applejack, even WITH my shields. That mare is crazy strong.” Twilight said causing Rarity to laugh. “Don’t fret none Darling. I spent two years in the same squad as her so I know just how strong she truly is. You wouldn’t survive one if she was mad.” Twlight looked at her with wide eyes, her pupils shrinking to mere pinpricks. “But I won’t let her get that far and you will live to see the sunset. At least until Rainbow Dash finds out. She has taking quiet the shine to Scootaloo, though I don’t know about her mother. That might be a problem.” Rarity smiled at her then turned to look for Applejack. “Tootles Darling, I’ll catch you later.” Rarity told her with a smile and a wave over her shoulder causing Twilight to face palm. {How many times have I done that today?} Twilight couldn’t help but to think as she continued on her way rubbing her forehead. ********************* Rainbow Dash paced in front of the five squads of Winged Folks. The grapevine was working over time telling everyone on the base what happened to the CMC during their inspection. On one hand she was proud of Scootaloo and her friends. She was wanting to join the Armed Forces, proclaiming many times her intent to do so since she was already active in the roster for guard duties and missions. On the other hand, she was now directly placing herself into danger. More so than before. Rainbow knew that the base’s opinion of Twilight could only go up for this, the CMC didn’t make it any secret they wanted to join and were quite vocal with their excitement of the promotion. In her mind was either praise Twilight or kick her flank. The toss up scared her slightly. “Are you ok ma’am?” One of the Squad commanders, Derpy, asked her. “Yeah, I’m good. Just…thinking.” Rainbow told her. Derpy nodded sagely at her. “Scootaloo right? I know. I would be in your shoes should that happen to my little muffin. Proud on one hand, worried on the other. Thankfully she is still way too young to even try to join unlike the CMC and I’m happy she is still my little muffin.” She placed her hand on Rainbow’s shoulder. “It will be ok, Scootaloo knows what she is getting into, put some faith in her.” “Your right Derpy, thanks for that.” Rainbow told her as she noticeably relaxed her shoulders. Rainbow glanced down the field and grinned with a nod to Derpy. Nodding back Derpy spun on a heel and walked back to her place where the rest of her squad idly stood by waiting for Twilight to show up. “ATTENTION, FALL IN FOR INSPECTION!” Rainbow shouted. Instantly every Winged folk present dived, slid, stepped and dove into position coming to a full attention on the field as Twilight stepped into view with a nod to Rainbow Dash. “I want to talk to you after inspection Dash so hang around.” Twilight told her quietly. “You got it.” Rainbow smirked back. Once Twilight turned around to look at the troops Rainbow opened her mouth again. “Commander on the Field!” Which sent every soldier present into a sharp salute. “At ease.” Twilight called out loud enough for everyone on the field to hear. Everyone present dropped their hands from their head and clasped them behind their back as they spread their feet apart in classic parade rest. The inspection went quick and easy. Many of the Winged folk, either by the nature of the Winged Folk or taking their cues from Rainbow Dash, were eager to get to the fighting and were more than prepared to pass her inspection. It brought to mind something she told Rainbow Dash a week or two ago from a list of ‘Murphy’s Combat Laws’ an informal rule set when in combat, many of which she found to be true. IN this case the rule was ‘No Combat ready Unit ever passed inspection and no Inspection ready unit ever passed Combat’. Trust Rainbow to do her best to prove that one wrong. Once the inspection was complete and the troops dismissed Twilight looked at Rainbow. “I take it you heard of what happened today?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, I’m of mixed feelings about it but I trust you Twi, I know you know what you are doing.” She rubbed her jaw. “Man that nearly threw out my jaw trying to get around all those ‘knows’.” Twilight couldn’t help but to giggle. “Yes, I know that the three of them have done so much with so little recognition. If I tried to keep them out of this fight they would have just went anyway. Figured might as well give them my blessing to do it. If we know they are there we can keep an eye on them.” “That is true. Did you hear that Scootaloo got her cutie mark too. A spinning wheel with fire coming out. Fitting for a dare devil like her on the ground.” Rainbow told her. The two of them started to walk towards the Hosptial. “No I didn’t hear that, then again I have been busy trying to get everything ready for the mission. I’m glad we got nearly a four week prep time for this. Two more weeks of drills then we can get started.” Twilight paused then looked at Rainbow causing her to stop too. “Start putting more wings on patrol. Use the loaned troops to do it. With this many folk here, I’m sure the Quil are starting to suspect something. Maybe we can get a few more massings along the lines to keep the Quil guessing where our real strike is coming from.” “Can do Twi.” Rainbow gave her a salute. “I’ll go start putting that list together.” “Include the Wonderbolts too, I’m sure they will start to feel left out if they don’t get a patrol or two. Spitfire struck me as a Action type of folk.” Twilight told her as she started to walk again. “Right, Wonderbolts too.” Rainbow started to do a little dance in place at the thought of flying with the Wonderbolts. Then with a powerful flap of her wings she was away to start her task. Twilight watched her leave with a smile as she went up to the Hospital where her smile turned into a frown. She didn’t like this inspection. She wasn’t trained in anyway in medical procedures or know how and felt like she was only trusting somefolk’s word. While the word she was trusting was Fluttershy, she still felt like she could do better. Before she could enter the doors she found herself face to face with Fluttershy herself as she came out of the Hospital. “Oh Twilight, so glad I found you here. Come with me, we are set up around the back.” FLuttershy told her. “Oookey…” Twilight said slowly as she followed Fluttershy puzzled at the strange request. Her puzzlement only increased when she called Rainbow over her radio telling her to start in five minutes. “So what is going on Fluttershy?” “I have noticed you are uncomfortable doing inspections here so I figured I would show you what we do.” She said quietly. “Show me?” “Yes.” Twilight waited a moment for Fluttershy to explain only she didn’t. Twilight rolled her eyes but kept quiet as well. Once they were around the back of the Hospital they saw six tents set up each with a squad of field medics inside. Outside the tents were nearly thirty folk from all three tribes idly chatting and just hanging out including the newly uniformed CMC. Many of the folk were armed. FLuttershy lead Twilight to an awning with two chairs placed underneath. Once Twilight took a seat and Fluttershy took the other did she speak. “Twilight, we have decided to run a drill to show you what we can do. You will see the medical folk in action and be able to judge them from there. I of course will be helping you out.” She told her. “But for this to work, I need you to do nothing no matter what happens, just let it happen.” “That is a unique suggestion. Ok, I can do that. What do you have planned?” Twiligth asked, her curiosity rising. Fluttershy simply smiled and called into her radio to start whenever they wanted to. Before Twilight could ponder the meaning of Fluttershy’s words it became apparent the moment all tartaurs broke loose over them. Two Winged Squads, led by Rainbow Dash, flew in rifle’s blazing as they strafed the collected folk outside the tents. Though she recognized the training bolts of energy that the weapons shot out she was still floored at the brazen attack by Rainbow. While a number of Folk were hit and on the ground unmoving, others were mustering a defense of the sudden attack. Returning fire and ducking for cover. From here seat she was half out of she saw Sweetie’s mulberry shield raise up protected a number of folk from injury. Horned folk passed their guns to those that had none then started to fire bolts at the attacking Winged squads as the few surviving Winged Folk quickly banded together to take the fight to the sky. On Rainbow’s second run a number of her folk went down, crashing into the ground with a bounce. Then it broke into a general fight as Winged folk dived against each other trying to get the upper hand. Earth folk rallied up and formed firing teams to pin down and shoot down their attackers as Horned folk formed shields and bolts to drop attackers. But despite all their efforts Rainbow Dash was like a monster. Diving in and out of the fray to break up the defenders attempt to fight off her squads until a small voice yelled out over the din in a challenge. “RAINBOW DASH!” The fighting paused as Scootaloo came racing out from her cover on a small scooter. In one hand she held a pistol while she steered with the other. No one could miss Rainbow Dash’s answering yell as she dived towards the filly who dared to challenge her in the air. But Scootaloo wasn’t challenging her in the air, she was challenging her as another speed demon and with Rainbow Dash out of the picture the defenders were able to rally back holding off the attacking Winged Squads. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo quickly found the other to be more than a match in their respective areas. Rainbow Dash was the undisputed master of the skys, but Scootaloo was unmatched on the ground with her scooter. Dives, turns, twists and skids came into play causing the other too miss widely. From where Twilight sat she could see, with a little magical help to watch the fight play out, that the both of them had huge grins on their faces. Rainbow worked with Scootaloo a lot during the last few weeks and Scootaloo found that many of the techniques and work outs Rainbow Dash taught her worked on her scooter as well. With a corkscrew dive Rainbow flew in, her rifle singing its song of death but Scootaloo simply hopped and spun away in mid hop away from Rainbow’s attack. Since Scootaloo only had a pistol she could only take single shots at Rainbow. Landing from the hop and roll Scootaloo pulled a sharp hair pin and fired a shot before racing off again, her wings buzzing furiously. Rainbow barrel rolled out of the way impressed at the little filly’s skill. The two continued to dive and dodge from each other’s attacks the grounds around the hospital pitted with tire spins and bolt holes. Scootaloo’s fearlessness allowed her to race through and over obstacles that others would avoid giving her many openings for shots at Rainbow while blocking Rainbow’s view of her. With a grimace Rainbow took to the skies flying high above the battlefield her only focus was Scootaloo who buzzed around the grounds below her. Rainbow fluttered aside as a bolt shot past her from Scootaloo. “Ok now it is on.” Rainbow said to herself with a grin spreading across her face and dived. Pulling her rifle up she signed down the sights as she took a bead on the zipping Scootaloo. Time seemed to slow down as Rainbow noticed what she was doing. It was a pattern Scootaloo was using as she zipped around. Aiming to the point where Scootaloo would zip by Rainbow fired. The bolt left her rifle and streaked towards its target as Scootaloo moved towards her fate. “Gotcha Scoots.” Rainbow muttered as her grin went wicked watching the scene below her. Suddenly her grin fell in surprise as Scootaloo kicked her scooter in a flip letting the scooter take the bolt instead. With practiced skill Scootaloo pulled her scooter back under her and skid to a halt her weapon up and pointed at Rainbow. “This ends now!” Scootaloo shouted as she fired. The bolt went wide when Rainbow Dash rolled aside but she was still flying towards the ground. As she flared her wings to pull out of the roll when another bolt caused her to fall back into her dive. Raising her rifle she started to pepper Scootaloo’s position with fire but every time she got close another bolt cause her to pull away. It was just a small miscalculation on Rainbow Dash’s part that sealed her fate. Relizing what Scootaloo was doing Rainbow took a risk and flipped around, her legs pointed downward as her wings flared out one more time. The moment her feet touched ground, where her agility was at its lowest point, Scootaloo fired hitting Rainbow Dash square in the chest her wings going limp. Rainbow’s eyes went wide as she stared at the spreading red spot on her chest as she sank to her knees then toppled over to her side unmoving. “I got Rainbow Dash! I got Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo shouted as she turned back to where the defenders held off the last few Winged Squads. The cheer that erupted from the defenders was deafening. As Scootaloo buzzed her wings to raced back to her team mates no one saw the last Winged Folk attacker zero in on her, Derpy. Landing on her feet she leveled her rifle as Applebloom spotted her. “SCOOTS! LOOK OUT!” Applebloom shouted as she brought up her own weapon aimed and fired at the same time as Derpy fired. Scootaloo never knew what hit her as she was knocked off her scooter by an impact to her head as Derpy went down from a shot in her back. Everyfolk that survived could only watch in shock and silence as Derpy toppled over. Suddenly a whistle blew from the awning where Fluttershy and Twilight sat. “Medical teams fall out.” Fluttershy said over the radio. As the medical teams moved out of the tents and into the carnage that was the battle before them Fluttershy led Twilight into the flurry of activity. She pointed out the actions of each team as they recovered bodies, helped the wounded and even field treated them on the fly. “Team A here has three dead set aside.” Fluttershy pointed to the three bodies of two Earth Folk and one Winged folk. “Three defenders being treated for minor injuries and two for major injuries.” Then she pointed at the other five in the test being worked on. “We are losing her, we need 50cc of…” The voice trailed off as one of the major injuries flat lined. “Code blue here I need a defib unit!” Twilight watched in horror as they tried to save the poor mare but after a few it was deemed a lost clause and the body was set out with the other three. “It happens in combat. NO matter how hard you try, sometimes they are not savable.” Fluttershy said sadly. “My goodness, I never knew just how hard you folk have it.” Twilight said as a tear came to her eye. Twilight looked around at the other tents many of them going better than Team A’s attempts but they still had many bodies lined up outside waiting for tagging. But by Team F’s tent she saw a sight that really hit her. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle crying over Scootaloo’s limp body as it lay outside the tent the large read splotch covered nearly her entire head. Twilight looked away as tears came to her eyes. Finally the medical teams finished saving those they could the squad commanders stood before a red eyed Twilight as they gave their report. “Of the twenty-two injured defenders we were able to save twelve of them with ten being KIA DOA. Seven of them had serious injuries that will put them in recovery for months but they will live. Of the attackers it was a total lost with injuries ranging from gunshots to impacts with the ground all KIA DOA. Total lost was ten defenders and twenty-nine attackers.” “DOA?” Twilight asked. “Dead on Arrival, meaning there was nothing we could do for them.” One of the squad commanders told her. “I see, Killed In Action, Dead On Arrival.” Twilight said then she turned to Fluttershy. “I see that the medical teams are quiet skilled and thank you for making a cliff notes version of this inspection. I say you pass.” “Thank you Twilight.” Fluttershy said with a shy smile. THens he pulled her whistle and blew it three times. “CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE, CEASE FIRE!” She called out surprising Twilight with the sheer volume of her voice. Suddenly, as they have with every other drill and exercise before, every soldier shouted Cease Fire in response three times. Those that were on the ground dead stood back up and wiped off the red paint like liquid from their bodies. “Oh yuck, and I had my mouth open and everything.” Scootaloo said as she spit the liquid from her mouth. “Oh you foal, at least you didn’t get it like Time Turner did during that one exercise.” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle as she wiped her eyes. “Isn’t he ah noncombatant?” Applebloom asked. “Yeah, one of the foal sitters when the Quil attack. He was playing a VIP for a squad to defend, who were doing quite a good job of it too. But as a last ditch effort of the attackers to drop him took aim and fired hitting him square in the nuts.” Sweetie Belle said through laugher as she remembered the medical teams trying to ‘save’ him after that event. “According to the medical teams they were able to save him but he would never be able to have kids again thanks to the medical training units giving a random complication.” “Ah remember that time. The day after Scootaloo gots her Cutie Mark for her crazy driving. Ah remember his wife, Derpy, lamenting no siblings for Dinky. He was walking with a limp for two days.” Applebloom said as she too rolled from laughing. Only to suddenly stop when a shadow fell over them. Looking up they saw Rainbow Dash looking down at Scootaloo with a huge grin on her face and a bright red spot on her chest. In the presence of a superior officer the three of them jumped to their feet and saluted. “At ease you three. I just want to tell Scootaloo here what a great job she did.” She looked at Scootaloo and slapped her on the shoulder. “Damn filly you got some skills glad to know I helped you develop them. But who was teaching you to shoot like that?” “That would be me.” A voice called out. Rainbow turned to see Derpy walking up to them as she tried to wipe off her wing. “She is quiet the sharpshooter with that pistol huh?” “You?! Man I’m impressed, impressed by a lot and that’s hard to do seeing as how I’m so awesome.” She turned and hoisted Scootaloo to her shoulder and turned to the rest of the folk around them. “Check it out everyfolk, here is the one who got me! Give her a cheer for her awesome skills!” Everyfolk around them gave a loud whoop as Scootaloo’s face turned red and not from the paint as she was set back on to her feet. “Next time though, try not to get shot after such a skillful fight you had.” Twilight said as she rubbed the top of Scootaloo’s head. “Yes ma’am!” Scootaloo told her with a sharp salute. ********************** Twilight sat down in the mess hall for lunch as she looked over some reports Applejack gave her about the other squads that came in. Most of them were standard reports about drills and other needs, while Applejack only grumbled a little bit about Applebloom’s promotion it seemed Rarity got to her already and thus it was a short conversation. “Ugh, back into the realm of paperwork. It was almost enough to make me hope that Sunset and Trixie try something during inspection just to relieve me of the boredom of paperwork.” Twilight said with a groan. It wasn’t much thanks to Mare and her admin team but it was enough. Lunch was simple for her at the moment as she poured over the reports as best she could. “Looking ah little rough there Twi, you ok?” Twilight looked up to see Applejack, tray in hand sitting across from her. Twilight grunted slight then slid a folder over to her. “See the latest casualty report?” Twilight asked her as she started on her lunch. Picking up the folder Applejack flipped through it catching the gist of what it said. “Total lost attackers, slightly over ah third of the defenders dead or wounded notable losses was Scootaloo after she dropped Rainbow? Oh Ah’m going to have fun rubbing this in her face. Let’s see…” Applejack paused a moment. “KIA DOA due to a head shot by Lt Derpy just before Applebloom could drop her. Damn Ah would’ve been embarrassed at that. Ta take out ya idol and get taken out by the last of her team. Then again well played on Derpy’s part.” “I know right, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle both were masters at the heartstrings when I saw them crying over her body. But then again it was drill they were just playing their parts.” Twilight told her. She looked at the clock on the wall and stood up. “Time for me to get to Sunset and Trixie. Thanks to this paper work I’m kinda hoping they pull something today, by tartarus I’ll even HELP them pull something at this rate. But once the Generals get here it won’t be long before combat operations begin. Find Pinkie and have her whip something together, low key but joyful. Soon a number of our people won’t be coming home.” “You got it Twi Twi.” Pinkie said from behind her. Only weeks of having Pinkie appear from nowhere kept her from screaming in fright at her sudden appearance but didn’t stop the jump. “Thanks Pinkie, but next time please don’t scare me like that. I need to find Rarity.” Shaking her head Twilight walked away from the table as Pinkie sat down for her lunch with Applejack. What she failed to notice that Pinkie Pie already had the new patch on her jacket. *********************** “So what are we going to do with the egghead today?” Sunset asked herself as she stood by Skylight in her dragon form. “Don’t know Shimmer but don’t get her too riled up, Spike feels to need to calm her down and well I think I like him around. At least its someone to talk to.” Skylight told her. “You like Spike?” Sunset asked with a raised eyebrow. “Not like that mom!” Skylight almost shouted as she lightly bopped Sunset upside her head with a wing. But Sunset couldn’t help but to grin at her blush. “Hey Trixie, check and see if Gypsy likes Spike or not?” Trixie looked up at Sunset’s call with a puzzled look on her face from where she sat on the grass. She looked at her dragon to see a blush crossing her face as well. “Trixie thinks we need to have a talk to Twilight.” Trixie muttered to herself. “Maybe but then again, they are getting to that age, what is Spike sixteen now? Skylight is seventeen and isn’t Gypsy fifteen or sixteen herself? Still young by Dragon standards but they grew up in a Folk world not a Dragon’s so maybe there is a difference. That or maybe because all three of them are Unborn.” Sunset Shimmer put a hand to her chin as she thought about it. Trixie hummed her agreement as she too paused to ponder that question. Trixie caught motion out of the corner of her eye and looked over. “Commander on the field!” She called causing both mares and dragons to come to attention. As Twilight and Rarity with her saddle bags hanging off her hips, approached there was a thud as Spike, in full dragon form, landed next to Skylight at full attention as well. “Nice timing Spike.” Skylight muttered to him. “Thanks.” Spike shot her a grin then his eyes went forward again. “Ladies, since I have been doing inspections all day I’m going to let Rarity conduct this one.” Twilight told those present. Then she stood before Spike at full attention as Rarity stepped up. “Each of you know me Darlings, I expect nothing short of perfection and I will get it, even if I have to do it myself.” The two saddle bags were surrounded by a light blue aura as her horn started to glow. The flaps were thrown open as all sorts of makeup and other mane care supplies floated out. “Now ladies…who’s first?” “LEG IT!” Sunset yelled in panic. With those words both Sunset and Trixie jumped on their dragons yelling for them to take off as fast as they could. Twilight and Spike held attention for a few moments longer then busted out laughing as Rarity put the supplies back into her bags but grabbed a pair of scissors from the air before they went back into the bags. “HAha, oh I, haha, needed that.” Twilight said between laughing fits as she rolled on the ground with Spike doing the same thing. “Glad I could help Darling, sure you don’t need a mane styling? I know all the latest trends.” Rarity sing songed as she snipped the scissors. “I’m good Rarity, thank you. But if I ever get the urge to change my style I’ll let you know.” Twilight told her as she stood up. “Oh I’m going to call it quits for the day.” She reached up to her radio and hit the switch. “CNC, Someone contact Sunset and Trixie and tell them they pass their inspection and they got the rest of the day off as an apology. I’m going to be meeting with Mare and her admin team here shortly if anyone needs me.” ”Copy that commander.” A voice called back. Twilight looked at Spike. “When they come back you can spend the day with your friends. Go have fun.” She told him as her horn glowed, reverting Spike to his normal form. Rarity pulled a set of cloths out of her saddlebags and gave them to Spike. “Thanks Twilight. I’ll keep in touch if you need me.” Spike told her as he got dressed. He walked off whistling to himself as he made for the mess hall. “Thanks Rarity, I got to get going but thanks for the idea.” Twilight told her. “NO problem Darling, just call me if you need anything else.” With that Rarity walked towards the barracks as Twilight made her way to the castle proper wondering what else they came up with. ********************* Twilight walked into the war room of the Everfree base where she found Mare, Bonbon and Lyra along with a few others pouring over reports. Mare looked up as Twilight took a seat at the map table. “Ah Twilight, welcome. Our R&D department came up with something new today and maybe it will help to spread out patrols and cut down on our blind time.” Mare told her with a smile. “Really? How so, we only have five Winged Squads and even if you add my Dragon squad to the mix it still leave a large gap to fill.” Twilight asked. “The caves below the castle, you know the one where that strange tree is? Well we found a number of large crystals there we were able to use in our own defenses and a few projects.” Lyra told her. “In fact the way some of those crystals came out so easily that maybe they were placed there for us.” Bonbon coughed into her fist as she glared at Lyra. “Yeah, conspiracy theories aside they were perfect for our projects and we want to go over them with you.” Twilight raised an eyebrow at the three of them but motioned for them to continue. “Basically, thanks to the deployment of the shield at Ponyville we were able to isolate and correct the deployment problems with the shield lattice.” Bonbon started. At points along the wall we have placed the crystals into the wall and linked them. It was completed two days ago but we have not tested it until we could get clearance from you.” “I remember the forms you three put on my desk about that.” Twilight commented causing the three of them to nod at her. “Another project we were working on is a way to keep our eyes in the sky at long ranges to ease the burden to the Winged Squads.” Mare started. “At the top of the castle we placed another crystal that has been enchanted to send an invisible energy wave with a very high frequency but doesn’t affect solid matter in anyway. The idea is that when it does hit solid matter it will bounce back giving us a clear picture of the area around us. Lyra came up with the idea after reading up on bat’s sonar.” “Any side effects?” Twilight asked, the idea intrigued her. “None that we can tell. It is just an energy wave so it doesn’t affect anything and it has a major blind spot. It can’t see below the tree canopy so ground patrols won’t change any. It does have an effective range of miles. In theory we can get a picture of what’s in the air over Ponyville from here.” Lyra told her. “I have tested it myself on small scale tests but then again I’m a Horned Folk so I might have some resistance to any side effects. Mare and Bonbon here tested as well and nothing on them. One of Mare’s admin team is a Winged one and he only felt funky from the waves bouncing off of him. Large scale, we are not sure. So we are asking for permission to fire up the sonar and give it a go.” “And where would we see what is going on?” Twilight asked. “Right here, along with placing figures and timing we can over lay the sonar display here for a real time update to the battlefield. The sonar goes about as far as this map does.” Mare told her. Twilight tapped a finger to her chin as she thought about it. “If we are going to test this might as well test it all over. I want a few Winged Folk in the air with some troops below them to catch them and at least one of the Dragons in air as well. Let’s see what happens. Let me get on the horn and ask for volunteers.” ************** IT took nearly an hour to get everyone in place and the safety nets ready just in case but once everything was ready Twilight gave the word and Lyra fired up the Sonar. Instantly a holographic image of the flyers around the castle appeared. The spell gave enough information to make a floating Winged Folk mare appear in air along with what looked to be Sunset Shimmer on her dragon. While the images were still they shifted around the map as they flew. “Fluttershy do either of them look to be having problems?” Twilight asked over her radio. ”Negative Twilight, they seem to be fine from where I’m standing.” The voice barely floated through the radio. “Speak up Fluttershy, I almost can’t hear you.” Twilight laughed into the radio causing a weak sorry to float back. “Ok lets try upping the range a bit. Push it to its max.” She looked back at the radio. “Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer, standby we are going to up the power and see what happens.” The two fired back their acknowledgements and Twilight nodded towards Lyra who turned up the power to increase the range. What they saw made them stare at the map in shock. It took Twilight a moment to pull herself together as she pulled the radio to her mouth. “Scramble all Winged Squads, put the base on red alert! Unknown contact coming from the north on an intercept course. Contact is massive and has numerous escorts.” Twilight called. Mare jumped to her feet and hit the alarm causing sirens to sound with flashing red lights. She looked at Lyra and Bonbon. “Guess we get to test that shield too. Once the winged squads are clear raise it. Did you solve the trapping of our forces on the outside?” “Not yet that was next to the project list. WE got a idea but not sure how to do it.” Lyra told her. She paused and looked at Twilight. “You need to get going ma’am. We got this part.” Twilight nodded at them then ran to the window her horn glowing. Once she had line of sight to the grounds she vanished in a flash of light and reappeared at the base of the hanger with Spike a other folk running up to her. “Twilight what’s going on?” Spike asked, he was shucking his shirt as he called out. “Unknown contact to the north and I’m praying that its only a Sonar glitch. I’ll gladly look like a fool for nothing because that thing looked big enough to wipe out the base in a single pass.” Twilight told him as the two of them ran up the stairs. Spike nodded and as soon as he hit the hanger deck he turned and went straight for his berth. Twilight saw Trixie and Gypsy already in their birth and gearing up, her flack cannon in a holster and a rifle in the other. “Trixie ready Twilight!” She called out as Spike changed into his dragon form and Twilight leapt to his back. “Good.” She yelled back then hit her comlink on her helmet that a hanger worker gave her. “This is First Sergeant Sparkle, Dragon wing deploying.” She called out as the same worker passed her rifle to her. ”Copy that. Muffin Squad and Freelancer Squad are in air. Reaper Squad, Storm Squad and Thunder Squad will be right behind you. Star’s speed commander.” Twilight waved for Trixie to follow her to the opening. Once they reached the edge the two dragons leapt off with powerful flaps of their wings sending them into the air where they were joined by Sunset Shimmer. Once they were clear forty two more Winged Folk threw themselves into the air and took flight behind them. Twilight saw the activity on the ground as ground troops manned the walls and the Jeeps deploying to points around the grounds to serve as heavy weapon back up. Once they were clear of the walls the shield went up. “This is Sparkle, everything looks good shield wise but somefolk get a spotter to double and triple check that.” Twilight called out over the radio then switched to the combat channel. “Ok everyone take up positions we are heading north. R&D came up with a new sonar spell and during testing we saw something heading our way. Its large and unidentifiable and we are going to intercept it any questions?” “NO MA’AM!” Seventy five voices shouted and as one body they flew forward. Twilight dead center flanked by Trixie and Shimmer. The Winged squads fanned out behind and above with Rainbow Dash center of them and Fluttershy right next to her. ”Going to leave us out of the party Sparkle?” A voice called over the comlink. Twilight looked over her shoulder to see a squad of Winged Folk with bright blue flight suits with a yellow lightning bolt running long their sides, rifles in hand. Spitfire and the Wonderbolts were hot on her heels, behind them were five more Winged squads long with half the changelings. “We got something large and unidentifiable heading our way from the north. I don’t know what it is or what it is capable of bad idea to send nearly our entire assault force after it. My wings and I will engage it first if it is hostile, you hang back and watch. If it turns out to be hostile use our actions to form an attack plan.” Twilight told her. ”Huh, cub’s got teeth and a brain behind those eyes. Ok Sparkle, we will do it your way. I’ll send a squad or two back just in case this goes south.” Spitfire told her. “Copy. Stay frosty back there.” It was only a few minutes before Rainbow Dash yelled out contact. In the distance a glinting could be seen. Not even with Spike enhancing her vision could she see what it was. Rainbow, with a foresight of minimizing loses spread her wings out for. Whatever that was heading for them they didn’t want the chance of getting taken out by a single attack. Twilight and her forces flew in silence as they approached whatever the unknown flying object was. ”Check weapons.” Some mare called out. Twilight couldn’t help but to make sure her weapon was loaded and safety off. She saw the object coming closer time to get everyone ready. “All squads report in.” Twilight called out. ”Muffin Squad standing by.” Derpy called out. ”Freelancer Squad standing by YEAH!” The large stallion with the small wings, Snowflake if Twilight remembered correctly, yelled over the radio. ”Reaper Squad has awesome on standby. Rainbow Dash said with a grin in her voice. Twilight couldn’t help but to roll her eyes. ”Thunder Squad standing by.” A Winged Folk stallion by the name of Thunderland called out. ”Storm is in the air and ready to break!” Another Winged mare called Cloudkicker called back. ”Dragon Riders on standby Twilight.” Shimmer called out. “Standard attack formation. Shimmer, Trixie spread out more let’s make them really think about what they shoot at first.” Twilight said as she gazed at the object. The glinting from the object got stronger. ”Its not Quil, nothing they got flashes like a nightclub.” Rainbow Dash’s voice floated over the radio. “Maybe…I’m seeing over one hundred escorts for whatever this is…wait a minute.” Everyone held their breath as Twilight stood up in her saddle and squinted at the object. “I think it’s an Airship!” ”An Airship?! There is only one active Airship in the entire Armed Forces and that one came from the Crystal Empire…” Spitfire called out showing she was listening in to their channel. “It has to be the HMS Crystal Heart! If it is then it is Generals Celestia and Luna on board along with the Royal Guard and the Nightmare Special forces.” “All squads hold position and stand by! I’m going in. Rainbow if it is them I want you and your squad to fly back to the base as fast as you can and tell Applejack to get the camps for the General’s forces ready.” Twilight said. As she shot ahead all squads held position except for Rainbow Dash who flew along side her. “Oh no you don’t. Until we know for certain it is General Celestia and Luna I’m not leaving your side.” Rainbow Dash said once she was close enough to not use the radio. Twilight rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. They flew in silence for another few minutes the Airship become clearer as they flew. “Yeah that’s an airship alright, or should I say warship. That thing is loaded.” Rainbow Dash whistled in amazement. “I heard that the Crystal Heart is only used on a rare occasion that Princess Cadence wants in on a fight, to show the crowns support to the war effort. I’m betting bits Cadence is on board as well.” “Please, sucker bet. I have known Cadence since she and Shining Armor starting dating nearly six years ago. She would jump at something like this. My problem is convincing her to stay at the Base instead of on board.” ”This is the Warship HMS Crystal Heart we have you on visual. Please identify yourselves.” A voice called over Twilight and Rainbow’s radio causing both to pull into a hover. “This is 1st Sergeant Twilight Sparkle and Staff Sergeant Rainbow Dash of the Everfree Base, we picked you up entering our air space can came to investigate. Permission to join the escorts.” Twilight called back. ”Copy that 1st Sergeant, permission granted, you two may join the escorts.” “HMS Crystal Heart, be advised that I have four Winged Squads and one Dragon Rider Squad on standby to join the escorts. They are hanging back five minutes to the south.” Twilight wanted to smile. The lookouts were only watching her and Rainbow Dash, not the spread out assault force behind them. ”Copy…copy that yes we see them now.” The voice sounded a little worried. Permission granted to join escort wing…is that another assault force behind yours? How did you muster that so fast?” Twilight laughed. “That is a secondary assault wing led by Colonel Spitfire consisting of nearly ten Winged Squads and six or so Changeling Squads. Whom they may wish to join the escort wings as well. They have been present at the Everfree Base for nearly two weeks now.” “Twilight, you are so mean to that guy.” Rainbow Dash snickered from where she hovered next to Twilight. “Maybe.” Twilight told her once she removed her hand from the switch on her radio. She had a grin on her face as she watched the Airship get closer when a new voice cut in. ”This is General Celestia, you have permission to join the escorts, all who wish it may join as well. Twilight, please dock as soon as you can.” Twilight nodded at the voice but didn’t respond. Instead she looked at Rainbow Dash. “Head on back, inform Spitfire she can her wings can join the escorts of the Crystal Heart if she wants to other wise she is cleared to return to base. Send Sunset to me along with the rest of the wings.” “Right, you can count on me.” Rainbow shot her a salute then turned and shot away, her rainbow contrail fading behind her. IT was only a few more minutes when Sunset, Trixie and the rest of the Winged Squads joined her all coming to a hover around her. Twilight glanced at the Airship which was still nearly three minutes from her position. “Shimmer, Lulamoon we will be taking an escort position about three hundred meters in front of the Heart, Storm and Thunder Squads will take position above and behind the Heart. I want Muffin and Freelancer will take behind and below. Keep your eyes peeled down there just in case. Once we are all in position I’ll break off and dock with the Heart. General Celestia requested my presence. Spitfire, if she wishes to join the escort, will position around us.” She looked around to see everyone nodding at her. “Ok fall out!” The five squads fanned out to their respective locations as they flew towards the ship. Twilight’s Dragons looked to collide in air as they met at the same point, only to push off into position of a wide wingmare pattern in front of the ship. The Winged Squads simply flew through their escort positions then banked into a hard one-eighty and pulled into position. Once there they radioed Twilight informing her they were in position Twilight broke formation by Spike flaring his wings causing them to slow down, Sunset and Trixie pulling together smoothly as she pulled out. As they hovered in place letting the Crystal Heart pass by Twilight got a good look at the ship. The smooth bow formed of crystal with four large enclosed orange crystals, two on the bow port and starboard side and two admidship on the port and starboard side giving lift. On the stern were two more orange enclosed crystals supplying thrust. Smaller crystals, all red, lined the sides of the ship that Twilight recognized as weapon emplacements. Along the balwalks were larger red crystals with seats attached them. Large weapon emplacements with stronger magical beams able to punch through quiet a number of Quil in a single shot. The Crystal Heart was truly a warship in every sense of the word. Twilight guided Spike to land on the deck. As soon as his claws touched down she climbed off his back and pulled her rifle to sling over her shoulder. Once she was set her horn lit up and Spike returned to his normal form. “If I known about this I would have brought at least a pair of pants.” Spike said as he walked up next to her. “Yeah, sorry about that.” Twilight told him. As a dragon Spike wasn’t exempt from the standard of clothing unless he was in his full dragon form. But exceptions could be made, at least for a moment. Twilight went to one knee and laid her rifle aside and pulled off her jacket, exposing her olive tank top, and gave it to Spike. “Thanks Twilight.” Spike said as he pulled on the jacket and buttoned it up. The jacket was long enough to go from his chin to his knees, the sleeves hung well past his hands but he couldn’t help but to smile as Twilight grabbed her rifle and stood back up. “No problem Spike.” She told him with a motherly smile as she rubbed his head. “Now let’s see what Celestia wants.”