//------------------------------// // For Good Ponies to do Nothing // Story: A World Apart (Old Version) // by Star Scraper //------------------------------// Guilt bit at Nurse Redheart's mind as she trudged through the snow alone, wearing Governor Spectrum's robes and the appearance-altering collar underneath. Yet, seeing her own hooves and mane cyan and rainbow gave her the impression that she had been somehow discharged from her Neophyte oath of peace, that she were an entirely different pony. A pony that had the blood of thousands on her hooves, who surely faced execution at Bastion. The team had decided to spare the Governor, to leave her to interrogation, judgment, and certain death at the Cerulean capitol. Her willingly-given insights had proven invaluable, a necessary asset to the team's survival. Perhaps she truly has repented?... But how can she be forgiven for so much innocent blood? She shook her head and refocused her thoughts on the task at hoof. She may also be leading us right into a trap. But how likely is that? She thought she’d be dead by the time we did this. Would she be vindictive enough to care about sending us into a trap after she’s already gone? And if what she said is true about capturing this aircraft... Surely, even if it's a trap, the risk is worth... My life. She looked down at her miscolored hooves, painfully aware that she may be a rat walking into a cat's jaws, but willingly taking the chance in case the bait was what it promised to be. Her heart panged with fear and anxiety, but was also at rest knowing that she was doing something so noble, a cause so worthy to die for. The more she thought of it, the deeper her dread grew, the more her courage faltered, and the smaller and weaker she felt in the snowy tundra. The dress was warm, but not as warm as what she was used to wearing; the cold wind stung her face and scratched her throat, carrying a faint smell of fuel from the base she approached. But it must be done! She took a chug from her canteen, then lifted her head and pressed forward with a renewed determination. We all die... But I will die for something worthwhile... If I die here. She felt painfully aware of the cold biting at her neck. She felt the uncomfortable lump of a concealed flare gun under her dress. But... Perhaps... Is this breaking my oath of non-aggression? The question pained her once more as the firearm grabbed her attention. I've never heard of a Neophyte being anything other than an unarmed medic. But being a spy?... She bit her lip. I mean, it's just a flare gun, not like it's an actual pistol or anything... It's just for a signal. Not hurting anypony. She visibly shrugged it off. Even if it's wrong... It will still have been worth it. They need me. Bastion needs me. The entire world may hinge on me doing my duty here... Her steps picked up a determined march once more, then immediately stopped. Her ears drooped, knees quivered, and pupils shrank. Out of the fog of the gentle snowfall, a gallows had appeared ahead of her, tended to by three Alliance soldiers. One had just finished tying a noose. Another leaped into the air, and charged at her on pegasus wings. “Governor!” The pegasus hailed in surprise, coming to a halt. “You're alive! Thank the heavens! Are you hurt? What are your orders? Corporal Whitewind at your service!” She quickly regained composure, and let loose a sigh of relief that the disguise had worked. Now please don't give me away, voice... “Take me to the base HQ, corporal. We must be swift!” “Yes m'am! Right this way!” He turned and led her to the gallows. For a brief moment, the nurse's limbs felt heavy as she eyed the suspended noose, only for a wave of warm relief to crash over her as they passed it and continued on. Immediately they came on a pair of guard towers at a gate. She nervously examined the guards tending the machinegun nests in them. They turned and saluted in response. Despite the acknowledgement of her stolen authority, Redheart couldn't calm her racing heart as she walked deeper into the hornets' nest. Although it was a refinery and airbase, to her lone self it felt like a fortress, with innumerable guards on patrol; fences, watchtowers, distilling towers and mazes of pipes that she passed as the soldier led her deeper into the base. Then a thought struck as she examined all the structures and facilities around her. “Corporal, why were you preparing a gallows?” “Two prisoners just arrived on train with execution orders, m'am. An incompetent slave from Rambling Rocks and one of your own servants. It's one of the most interesting things to happen in a while here. It'll be fun to watch them kick. They're even both pegasi, to boot! Maybe one of them will fly for a bit until her wings tire. It'll be quite the show. I kind of wish they'd just do the ol'bucket, though. It's great to see the look on their faces when the bucket gets kicked away and they can't stand on anything!” She felt a knot in her stomach. Looking for a change in topic, something useful came to mind. “What about the Special Operations hanger? Any news on it?” The soldier's levity vanished, “No ma'am. I haven't heard anything about it. You'll need to talk to command about that one. I'm just a sentry and GI... Here's the HQ, now.” He stopped and used his wing to point at a small industrial barrack as they kept walking. “Heads up, though, Governor, they might want to run a test or two for authenticity.” She froze at his words. She could feel the bucket being kicked out from under her already. She nervously shifted. Please have been honest, Governor. You seemed so sincere... I'm depending on you. They stopped at the door, and he opened it ahead of her. “Anything else I can do for you, m'am?” “No, Corporal. This is enough. Return to your post.” She bit her lip to keep the rest of her thoughts silent. I've spent so many years working with ponies on the edge of their mortality... Maybe that's why I'm able to act so calm now, despite how I feel? Get a hold of yourself, Redheart. This isn’t the first time I’ve faced these kinds of situations. That little event with the train was just yesterday, wasn’t it?... ...But this is the first time I’ve done this all by myself… Deep in the middle of an enemy base... “Yes ma'am.” She felt a rush of hot air as she stepped inside. The warm, yellow incandescent light was a welcome break from the dreary and freezing grays outside. A group of officers in impressive uniforms sat around a table inside. At the sound of the door opening and their precious heated air drafting outside, all heads turned to her. “Governor!” one of them exclaimed. They all took a bow. “Major Snowglade, commanding officer of East Shades Airbase awaiting orders!” The officer saluted, quickly followed by all of the others. Nurse Redheart stopped for a brief moment. She has the same name as our Snowglade... An odd realization came over her. She stored the thought for later. “As you were, officers. Major Snowglade, I have an important matter of business to cover immediately. I have an appointment with Commander Hurricane and need the Starbomber from the Special Operations hanger,” she recited. “Yes m'am. But first, we need to verify your identity. Lieutenant Vale, fetch the dye remover.” “Yes m'am!” A purple pegasus saluted and took off. The major turned to an earth pony stallion. “Captain Icebrook.” She nodded at the captain. Icebrook understood the order, left his seat and approached the medic. Redheart's hooves turned to ice. She fought to breathe normally. “As I'm sure you're aware, we will need to run through two quick tests before we can receive orders from you. First, the horn.” A tense silence spilled over the room, thick as the snow slush outside. “M'am?” the Captain asked. Every eye in the room was prying expectantly at her. It was painfully obvious that the question was purely a formality. Even if she refused, the tests would be done, and even more thoroughly. So she simply nodded. She quivered, and prayed that her fears weren't visible. The captain lifted a hoof to her forehead. “No horn, m'am.” He reported to the major. The purple pegasus returned with a bottle of white soapy liquid. “High-performance dye remover, m'am.” He reported to Major Snowglade. The Major then turned back to Icebrook. He nodded, took the bottle, poured a little in his hoof, then approached Redheart. The disguised nurse wanted to shout with joy and relief, and couldn't keep herself from grinning. “Go ahead.” She said. No, don’t grin! That’s suspicious! her mind automatically reacted. Nono, don’t fight the grin, either, that seems even more suspicious! Her legs went tense again. Oh please don’t let all these mixed emotions be visible! She silently begged to her body. The captain poured some of the liquid in his hoof, put it in a patch in her mane, then reached for her hoof. She obediently offered it, and he put a small pool of it there, before washing both patches off with water from his own canteen. He turned to Snowglade. “No signs, Major.” “What are the colors?” the Major asked. “Yellow on green,” Redheart replied confidently. “Governor, you are now the chief officer present.” Major Snowglade announced. “The base is at your command.” Everypony saluted. “Of course, some more thorough tests will be in order, and we'd love to hear how you escaped, but for now, I don't want to get in the way of a meeting with Commander Hurricane.” She grinned victoriously, elation rippling through her limbs. Haha! They’re more afraid of making me late for a meeting with Commander Hurricane than of me being a spy! This Alliance really is dysfunctional! Thank you, - She cut off the thought. Was I about to think; “thank you governor” to one of the most tyrannical, mass-murderers to ever live? She cleared her mind and continued;  “As you were, everypony. Now, as I said, the aircraft in the special operations hanger needs to be readied immediately. In a while, there will be a flare fired from the hanger; simply inform the soldiers and guards to ignore it, it's part of a classified exercise. Be sure to relay to the flight crew that it'll need to be heavily stocked on additional fuel, provisions, and medical supplies, it's a bit of a supply run. And one other thing... I wish for the two prisoners that are due to be executed to be brought to me immediately. I will be waiting outside the front of the hanger.” The Medic turned to leave. “I would be thrilled to accompany you, m'am.” The Major piped in. “An escort may be good measure, if the Ceruleans who originally attacked you are still alive.” She turned back to her, “No! - … Well, the Ceruleans are... Disposed of. An escort will not be necessary, return to your duties, the base needs to be... Fully operational.” Slight concern flashed across the Major's eyes. She hesitated before replying, “At least don't go unarmed, m'am.” She unstrapped her own pistol from her hoof and offered it. Redheart froze, fighting to keep dread and horror off her face as her heart sank, almost wishing the pistol had been pulled out against her, rather than for her. Redheart, if you turn this down... I'll cause too much suspicion. Don't hesitate! They're already on to you! GRAB IT! She took it. “Th-thank you, Major.” She immediately realized she had stuttered “- I wasn't expecting you to give up your own pistol!” “There are plenty in the armory.” Snowglade simply replied. The medic's nerves only grew more tense as long moments stretched on. She had inadvertently made a bit of a scene. She hurriedly strapped the pistol onto her hoof, surprising herself at how smoothly she managed it. “As you were, everypony.” She announced, and walked off into the snow, the pistol on her hoof burning her conscience with every step. I'm a medic... Not a spy! Not a soldier! I barely convinced myself a flare gun was okay, and now an actual pistol!? But as much as carrying the weapon distressed her, the thought of breaking cover terrified her even more.  * * * She wished again that she'd worn more warm clothes underneath. The thick fog only added longer fangs to the cold's bite. She stood only fifty yards from the front of the hanger, but could hardly see it through the frozen haze. She was unsure of how anypony could become comfortable with the feeling of a gun strapped to their hoof. Her hooves felt light and ready to eagerly tear the pistol off, yet she hadn't. Every moment she reconsidered the idea. Maybe now? No, no, I'm waiting for those ponies to show up with the prisoners. What if they show up right in the middle of me taking it off? Then I'll have to explain why. They're already suspicious of me, it seems. This could be what makes up their mind. But the lower-ranking soldiers don't seem to think too much on it. But what if officers come along with the escort? She sighed, looking at it. I guess you're staying here, for now. What would the abbess think of this? She looked up, worry crossing her face. Oh, abbess. I'll be home, soon... She returned to scanning the distance for the prisoners. If I keep justifying things like carrying this pistol, then soon enough I'll end up like Sergeant Light, breaking my promises and wishing I'd killed civilians for the greater good. She sighed again. Poor stallion. His words echoed in her mind; “I'm not going to sit by and lose another team!” He's been through too much. Maybe I should've temporarily relieved him of command on the basis of shell shock causing poor judgment. She shook her head and scuffed her hoof in the snow. No, I need to stay the one pony who's not against him. It will help him more to feel like somepony isn't fighting him. And he's practically lost his authority, anyways, after Flameheart sorted things out last night. Her ears perked and she was jerked out of thought by the sound of innocent giggles. She cocked an eyebrow. “Shut it up or we'll get some gags at the hanger!” A male voice snarled. Redheart galloped off towards the sound. “Now get up, and don't do anything stupid like that again!” another gruff voice added. She saw them in moments, two pegasi guards escorting two pegasi prisoners. Both the prisoners were in a heap in the snow, devoid of warm clothing, wings tied, and hooves fettered with rope, ears and snouts cherry red from the cold. The golden, pink-maned mare's eyes were tear-stained, as were the misaligned eyes of the gray and blonde-maned pony. Despite being in the heap in the snow, the guards still held leash ropes to pull the prisoners by. On seeing the disguised nurse, the two escorting soldiers snapped to attention with a salute; “Governor! The prisoners as requested,” one reported. The gold pony looked up at her and froze, murmuring quietly. “What was going on here?” Redheart asked. As she spoke, the pink-maned pony raised an eyebrow and flopped an ear in a confused gesture. A disapproving glare came over the guard's features; “They started playing like foals. Probably couldn't handle the stress of their imminent execution.” “G-Governor?...” the yellow one quietly begged. “Quiet!” the second guard yelled at her. “No, that's quite alright,” Redheart started, “I'll take custody of the prisoners from here, ponies.” She stated. The prisoners gave each other a quick glance, and started back up onto their hooves, struggling while the second guard yanked on their guide ropes. “Ehh, one problem, m'am. You can have 'Brighteyes', but Goldfeather is sentenced to death for high treason. We can't allow an exchange of custody without federal orders.” The pegasi prisoners cast worried glances at each other. The gray one leaned in on the other, in the best kind of embrace she could manage, bound as she was. She was dragged away as the silent guard pulled her to the governor. Redheart bit her tongue, Come on, I'm the governor! Not even the governor can save a pony from this arbitrary sentencing!? She cleared her throat. “Well, I'll be personally meeting Commander Hurricane in only a few minutes, so perhaps you could make an exception,” she stated. “Sorry, m'am, until we get orders from the Commander herself otherwise, Goldfeather's going to swing. We can hold off for forty-eight hours if an order is on its way, but that's it.” I'll be in Bastion in forty-eight hours... “No, lieutenant, we need the prisoner right now. We don't have forty-eight hours. I'm ordering you to give me custody of the prisoner.” “Ma'am, we cannot interfere with the Commander's orders... You should know that.” He cast a suspicious look at her. “Now, unless you have anything more to add, you can have Brighteyes, but we'll be taking Goldfeather back to her cell. Her execution is in an hour, unless you want to delay it.” Brighteyes started crying. “I-it'll be okay, Brighteyes. I'll see you one day, in a place a lot warmer than this...” Fluttershy said with her soft voice. “B-but you're my one friend, Goldfeather! Please don't die without me!” The guards turned and started walking into the gray abyss, jerking Goldfeather along with them. She struggled against her ropes to face her friend as she was pulled away. “T-thank you for trying, governor! You're a good pony, Brighteyes!” “GOLDFEATHER!” Brighteyes wailed at her friend being torn away. Redheart's eyes stung as tears met the cold air. She clenched the pistol, her heart throbbing in her ears. Bu-but I can't use the pistol... I can't! Ten minutes ago I was... ugh! I can't! I made an oath of peace, of healing and care... “GOLDFEATHER!” Brighteyes wailed again, breaking into sobs. The nurse clenched her teeth. The pegasi's wails echoing in her ears. A lost sister, mother, or friend? She couldn't tell, But... Dammit, if I go to hell for this, so be it! “GOLDFEATHER!” the pegasi cried a third time, the word tapering off into uncontrollable sobbing. A look of steel determination colder than the snow came over Redheart's face. As the guards walked away, she lifted the armed hoof, and made sure to chamber a round as loudly as she could. “First pony to turn around gets shot. Now freeze.” “G-Governor!?” Everypony started, and as requested, the guards froze. Despite her iron expression, she shook with fear. The anxiety and cold air forced her breathing into cold-sweated shivers. It felt as though a noose was tightened around her heart and her neck, but she forced the words out with a stern growl, regardless, “Keep walking, leave Goldfeather behind. That's an order.” They remained still. “DO IT!” She barked the order, frustration and fear venting through her lips. “Any funny moves and you're dead! - I'll execute you before you have the chance to see my face!" she shouted. Psychological warfare - keep them too terrified to turn around! "NOW GO!” They started running, letting go of the ropes they'd been leading the prisoner by. She let out a long sigh as a small smile cracked onto her lips. The Order is run by fear. They keep them in control with cowardice. But not us... Not us. The smile vanished and her bowed, with her eyes gazing off past the snow and past eternity. Was I... Was I really willing to live up to what I said? Would I have actually shot one of them if they turned around? Have... Have I sunk this far? Was I willing to kill a pony just now? Her gaze drifted to the pistol on her hoof in horror. She wasn't too cold, yet she shivered anyways. What am I doing? The pistol felt like a venomous serpent wrapped around her limb, laughing and hissing at what it had made her do: What she had almost done. "G-Governor?..." Goldfeather tentatively called, stiff as ice. Redheart's eyes re-focused on the world around her as she lifted her head to the pegasus. “Come, Goldfeather...” She said, her voice softening. “...you can turn around.” Goldfeather turned, ears flat against her head, complete confusion and surprise plastering her features. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Her gaze went far beyond her rescuers; she stood still for several long moments. “Come on. Yes, you're actually safe now. That just happened.” Redheart said, patience and kindness in her voice. Tears immediately poured freely from the prisoner's eyes. “Governor!” She yelled, and ran towards her as fast as her tied hooves would allow. She threw herself on Redheart in a hug. Brighteyes blinked her wide, frozen, shocked eyes twice, before comprehending what had just happened. She hurled herself into the embrace, crying no less than her rescued friend. “Goldfeather!” She turned to the governor, “Y-you're saving us?!” she asked in-between shivers and sobs. “Of course she is!” Goldfeather answered. “I... I couldn't believe you'd just leave me like that, governor, I... I thought you'd come!” She snuggled in closer with her hug. Redheart's pained, anxious throbbing turned to a warmth she felt nothing could stop. “I-I... Yes, I'm here to take you two to a safe, good place.” She planned to break the hug off, but they clenched on to her as though afraid that their beacon of hope and savior might be pulled away from them again. So she allowed it for only a few more moments until their vice-like squeeze softened to a strong hug, then she pushed them apart. Looking straight into their eyes, Redheart spoke with the stern love of a mother giving life-saving instructions to her children; “We don't have much time because those two guards will probably raise an alarm or send military police – maybe both. We need to go to the hanger right now, and you two need to keep pretending to be prisoners so we don't make all the mechanics suspicious, okay?” “Mhmm,” they both replied and nodded. Her stern look softened to a comforting one. “You two are going to be alright, now, okay? Just do what I say, and we'll go somewhere safe and nice.” She started walking and signaled for them to move in front. They both obeyed, but Brighteyes turned to their savior. “W-why?” she asked. “What do you mean?” She stopped, casting a confused glance back at her, one ear flopping down. “Why did you save us? You're going to get in so much trouble.” Redheart smiled knowingly. Of course they think I'm the actual governor and will get in trouble for this- The smile vanished in an instant. But, I'm a neophyte. I took a vow never to harm another being, but I just pointed a gun at them and almost killed one of them... I... I almost killed somepony. "Is something wrong? I-I'm sorry, maybe you should've just left us... It... It wasn't worth getting you in trouble..." Goldfeather piped in, her head bowing as she spoke. She scuffed her hoof in the snow. "No!" The word flew out of Redheart's lips. "It... It's okay... I..." Am I?... She smiled. Yes. "I'm glad I did it. I just couldn't sit back and do nothing... I guess... I guess it was just the right thing to do.” A pulse of warmth in her chest took her by surprise. She felt tears form on her eyes as she said it. “You two don't deserve to die. I've never seen The Alliance hang a pony who deserved it. I don't even know what pony that would be. I'm glad you two are okay, now... Whatever I had to do to make that happen.” “...The Alliance?” Goldfeather echoed. The moment was lost as she shot back to attention. Ah! That's right, they call themselves 'The Order!' Get your head in the game, medic! Her voice picked up urgency again, “We'll talk later, we have to get going now, though. Remember to act like scared, confused prisoners.” They both nodded. She started leading them towards the hanger again. The enormous sloped roof was covered in snow. As they approached, the sound of a loud generator echoed through the opening of the hanger like a roaring monster. Inside sat the enormous, boxy aircraft, its open top more reminiscent of an enormous open boat with wings than an airplane. Surrounded by mechanics, it looked like an ant's nest being maintained by its busy inhabitants. A stallion standing a ways off overseeing the work crews saw the governor and approached. “Governor!” he started, yelling over the noisy generator, “Good to see you well! You gave the Ceruleans a good run for their money, I assume?” “Yes. We haven't much time though, what is the status of the aircraft?” “It's almost completely ready, now. Engines in good shape, primed up and ready for ignition, all the controls and avionics check out, oiled, engines warmed, guns armed and readied, internal waste dumped, extra fuel cans stored up, internal supplies stocked,  – including the particulars you requested – and almost done fueling. All we need to do is top off the tanks and she's ready to fly.” “Good,” she simply answered. The fear returned. I'm going to have a heart attack if this keeps up... She sighed, calming herself down. Just a few more minutes and we're scot-free...“Just the fuelling, you say?” “Yes ma'am.” “Then gather everypony from the entire hanger together immediately, I have an announcement that needs to be made this minute.” “Yes ma'am!” He sprinted off, yelling out to various mechanics and guards. “Wh-what are you doing?” Brighteyes asked through shivers. “Oh – and go fetch two very large coats!... And a big knife!” Redheart shouted out to the leader as he entered the hanger's back-rooms. “Yes ma'am!” He replied from across the noisy hanger floor, then disappeared into a doorway. She turned back to her rescued charges; “Trust me, and stay quiet until we're alone.” The medic whispered to the pegasi. They both gave small nods in reply, picking up on her urgency. The soldiers and technicians gathered expectantly in front of her. By the minute's end, a crowd of the hanger's staff and guard had assembled. The team leader came in behind an officer, two thick coats on his back.“That's everypony.” He reported as he approached the governor, “and the two coats you requested, along with the blade,” he signaled to a bulge in one of the coat pockets. “Good. Thank you.” She took the coats and set them on her own back before facing the crowd of mechanics and officer. “Everypony, listen up! Due to some classified circumstances, you must all report to the base's security office immediately! Go, go, go, post-haste!” Expressions of surprise washed across the hanger, but they all immediately obeyed, except the leader, who turned to her with genuine concern. “Ma'am, we still need to release the fuel line before she can fly, but first you requested the tanks be filled.” “Don't worry, I'll handle it. What does it take? In detail.” “At the base of the line, by the pump,” he pointed to the generator in the corner of the hanger, “there's a flow rate gauge. When that hits zero, the tanks are completely full. You'll also see the pressure go up. Use the fuel internal hatch control right next to the inlet on the aircraft to shut it, then drain the line, then disconnect it and then you can close the external latch.” “Got it, now go.” “Yes ma'am!” He quickly joined the crowd. She turned slightly towards her liberated captives, “Hold still... Just until they're out of sight...” She whispered. “This should keep the security office distracted for a bit.” She grinned mischievously. “Oh!” Redheart's ears perked up, and she darted to the crowd, pulling aside a pony and looking him in the eyes, urgency written across her face; “I need you to report that the situation is 'glade 71', understand? It's vital that this message get through exactly.” He nodded, “Yes, ma'am! I will report that it's situation 'glade 71'!” As he yelled it, her eyes darted side to side uncomfortably, and the bulk of the mechanics left them behind. She tapped her hoof nervously. “Good. Major Snowglade needs to hear it herself. It's vital for the situation. Now go!” She walked back to her two rescued prisoners, mane somewhat disheveled. “That was a cra-azy idea. Hopefully it'll give us a little extra time, though...” “What did you do?” Goldfeather asked. Redheart briefly looked back to make sure the group of ponies were gone in the snowy haze before returning to the two pegasi. “I told them to report that it's situation 'glade 71', and that it was vital. I meant to tell another pony that it was situation 'glaive 17', and tell him it was vital.” She pulled out the knife and began cutting at the binds on Fluttershy's forehooves. “The confusion that would cause when they both report different vital things would buy us some time.” “What's 'glade 71' and 'glaive 17'?” One of Goldfeather's ears flopped down and she perked an eyebrow at the medic. Her front fetters fell off, cut free. Redheart circled and started cutting at the ropes on Goldfeather's hindlegs. She grinned and replied without looking up from her work. “I made them up. That's part of the confusion. They'll spend time trying to figure out what those codes mean, but they don't exist.” The ropes fell loose. “Think you can cut Brighteyes free?” She nodded. “Y-yes, Governor.” “Good. And make sure to put these coats on, I don't want you two freezing.” She dropped the two coats on the ground next to them. “Now, if you'll excuse me for just a moment, I've got to call some friends...” “Friends?” Goldfeather asked. The medic was already halfway outside and didn't respond to Goldfeather's query, so the gold pegasus set to work cutting Brighteyes free from her ropes. As soon as her hooves stopped clodding against the concrete of the hanger floor and fell into icy snow, Redheart stopped and quickly scanned left and right. There was nothing in sight. The familiar heavy weight of dread returned to her legs. She took in a long, deep breath. This will be the last time I feel this dread... Assuming we all make it out of here okay. Chaos, fighting, panic, fear, yes, all of that, but not this slow, heavy dread. She cracked a smile as she let out the breath with a sigh of relief. Soon, we'll all be back in Bastion. She pulled the flare gun out of her jacket, raised it in the air, and shot. With a poof and a sizzle, the bright red ball of fire launched into the dark sky, bathing the entire area with fiery, crimson light. She threw the flare gun back into her coat, turned, and sprinted into the hanger. “Alright!” She yelled as she ran in, “Let's get these engines started! Goldfeather, can you handle the fuel pump while I start the engines?!” “Uh-I don't know how!” Fluttershy called back over the roaring generator. “Don't worry, I'll guide you through it!” Redheart bit her lip as she threw the airplane's door open and jumped inside. He said the fuel line was pressurized... Close valve, release pressure... Drain line... She ran through the mental gymnastics as she climbed the crowded bomber's galley to its open-roofed cockpit. By the time she climbed into the pilot's position, Goldfeather's big eyes were looking up at her from next to the fuel line. “Go to the far end of the line! There should – no, wait – on the airplane, next to the port, there should be some switch that says something about closing a valve!” She yelled to make herself heard by the back of the airplane over hanger's generator. Redheart scanned her control panel for engines as Goldfeather scanned the side of the airplane for the latch. “Uhm... Anything I can do to help?” Brighteyes piped up from beside the wing. “Do you know how to start these engines or release the fuel line?” Her gray ears perked up and she gasped as she lifted a hoof. Then she paused for several long moments, then put a hoof on her chin. “Well?” Redheart asked again. “No, I've got nothing.” Brighteyes reported with a shrug. The medic groaned. “Get inside.” “Okay!” Brighteyes trotted to the aircraft. “I-I've found a hatch that says 'inlet', it's currently set to 'O.P.', and there's a 'C.L.'” Goldfeather called up. “Good! 'C.L.' it, then go to the far end of the line, turn off and close whatever you find there, then come back!” She yelled back to her. “Aye-aye!” She called back as she slammed a switch shut. “Go shut everything down at the generator then come back?” “Yes!” As the freed prisoner set to her task, Redheart turned back to the open hanger doors, and immediately saw the welcome sight bathed in the flare's red light; a thick wall of fog moving towards the hanger. Twilight's idea to use the wind and sneak in inside the thick fog seemed to have worked, and in this weather, not even aroused any suspicion. Sure enough, Flameheart shot out of the cloud and darted towards her, yelling out something she couldn't hear over the generator's restless roaring. The hanger suddenly went quiet as it shut down. “Are the engines primed!?” came Flameheart's voice as he flew into the hanger. “Yes!” Redheart called back. “Good! Let's get them started pronto!” He jumped in front of one of the engines, and heaved the propeller with his might. The enormous set of blades lurched forward, and with a click, roared to life as the engine started. “Pull the throttles all the way back!” Flameheart screamed over the noise. She merely nodded and pulled the four levers back. Well, I guess even these engines start like that. I guess I didn't know how to start these... Redheart's ears flopped to her head as she blushed a little. “Governor!?” the Medic perked back up as she turned to see Goldfeather standing next to the fuel line, calling up to her. The pegasi’s eyes were wide, pupils shrank to dots, a front hoof tentatively lifted, and ears back. “I-isn't that... A... Cerulean!?” Redheart's face drooped a little. Oh, Goldfeather, please don't do anything stupid... “Listen to me, Goldfeather! I'm risking my life to save you, and you know it! Will you trust me just a little longer?” she cried out to her. Flameheart looked at the slave, then at Redheart, then back to the slave, making sense of the situation. “B-but... They... They!-...” the terrified mare stammered. “Listen Goldfeather! I know your whole life you've been told all kinds of stories about us-THEM – them! But you have to trust me now! I just saved you from 'The Order'! Where else are you going to go!?” The small door down into the aircraft popped open in front of Redheart. Brighteyes' head poked out, eyebrows lowered with concern. “Whatever you say, Governor, you brought Goldfeather back,” she popped up and wrapped the medic in her hooves and wings, “I… I trust you.” Then she stepped back and glanced down at the gold pegasus. “Won't you trust her after what she did for us?” She was just looking up at them, still frozen, mouth wide. She slowly closed it and nodded. Another engine clicked. A roar soon followed, only to immediately die. “Hey! Disconnect that fuel line, NOW!” Flameheart yelled. “Do it!” Redheart echoed. Goldfeather hesitated, then grabbed the line and pulled with her weight. Nothing happened. Another click, sputter, and failed engine start. “Twist it counterclockwise, THEN pull!” The pilot yelled to the pegasus, then turned back to the engine again. Goldfeather twisted, then slid the line out; she yelped as a spray of fuel spouted out from the hose, peppering her with droplets of gasoline. Flameheart turned to her, fury across his face; “Didn't you drain the!?-” BANGBANGBANGBANGBANG Screams sounded from within the noise of the bangs. Brighteyes hugged Redheart again. All heads turned to the front of the hanger. Several thick clouds exploded into existence in the air, shaking the building. Redheart and Flameheart's panicked eyes darted to the rest of their team, just barely crossing into the hanger. “Brighteyes! Get back in there,” Redheart ordered, “and see if you can get further to the back of the bomber – it'll be safer there.” She nodded, then disappeared back through the small door, shutting it behind her. “We're okay!” the sergeant yelled, glancing over his squad. “Those must be gem rounds or we'd be dead! The screams were just our civvies getting scared -” he stole a glance at Rarity and Twilight. “Masks on, everypony!” He led the team inside. Twilight turned to Rarity; “Gem rounds?” “Yes – but don't worry, they may weaken magic but I think your wind spell is no longer necessary, anyways. Now put that rag on before you breathe in gem powder!” She nodded and slipped the bandana over her snout. “Squad – I've got two rescued prisoners, a grey-blonde and a yellow-pink pegasus – don't attack either!” The medic called out to the team. “Copy that!” The sergeant confirmed as he entered the hanger, leaving the cloud of fog behind. Flameheart pulled the propeller on the second engine again. With another sputter, it roared, spun, then died again. He cursed, “I'm going to the next engine, we'll start this one last!” He darted to the next engine. BANGBANGBANGBANGBANG Another series of clouds burst in front of the hanger, raising a green wall of dust. “EVERYONE INSIDE!” Sergeant Light screamed, then darted inside of the aircraft, pulling Governor Spectrum along. Spectrum’s eyes met Goldfeather - but her bonds forced her inside the aircraft, regardless of her will. Goldfeather froze at the sight, then turned back to Nurse Redheart in confusion. Snowglade ran inside after their sergeant. Rarity and Twilight froze at seeing Goldfeather. “Rarity, Twilight! Pull the chocks out from under the tires, then come inside! Snowglade, keep an eye on Spectrum,” The sergeant yelled from inside the aircraft. Metal clicks sounded as he worked a small door to the forward gun nest. Twilight turned to Rarity; “Go to Fluttershy, I’ll get the chocks!” Rarity nodded. Redheart's gaze met Goldfeather's; “Yes – she looked just like me! Like I said, just trust me for a minute, okay!?” The golden pegasus nodded again, this time with determination. “Good! You can come inside now! Don't let any gasoline in your mouth – it's toxic! I mean – don't worry about it, just get inside right now! Get inside! And don’t let any gasoline in your mouth!” she repeated. “Was that Goldfeather!? What was that about gasoline!?” The governor called out from below. The stench of the sprayed fuel was filling the area. “Don’t worry about it, she’ll be fine if she just gets inside the aircraft!” Redheart replied. Goldfeather stopped, falling into a confused daze again at hearing the real governor’s voice. “Arg! Goldfeather! GET IN THE AIRPLANE!” Redheart yelled out. “DO IT!” the real governor echoed. Rarity, watching the scene, simply nodded at her. “You’ll be safe with us. We’re here to rescue you!” Goldfeather stared at Rarity, wide-eyed. “G-Governor… B-Both of you say this unicorn will help me? And Brighteyes? Everypony? I-I mean first the Ceruleans, now a unicorn!?” “YES!” Even the sergeant’s angry voice joined in with all the others. She snapped out of her daze and ran inside, followed closely by Rarity, then Twilight, who had just finished her job at the aircraft’s wheels. BANGBANGBANGBANGBANG “That's the third salvo!” The sergeant called out, clambering into position at the plane's forward machinegun nest. He loaded the machinegun's chamber. “They're about to hit hard!” Flameheart gave propeller three a shove. It sputtered, roared to life, hummed for a second... Then kept roaring. “CONTACT!” The sergeant yelled as he let loose a string of machinegun fire. The gunfire echoed in the hanger, slapping their faces with each bang of sound. A corner of the hanger's opening was blown apart and boiled with holes from the high caliber machinegun fire. “AND STAY THE BUCK AWAY FROM MY PONIES!” the sergeant yelled himself hoarse. Individual rifle shots cracked out across the hanger. The aircraft's frame rang as bullet holes appeared next to the cockpit and on the windshield. Redheart ducked instinctively. Twilight yelped in shock. Another spray of machinegun fire came from the aircraft's nose. “THAT GOES TO BOTH SIDES! THIS GUN CAN SWIVEL, YOU DIMWITS!” The sergeant kept furiously yelling, tearing apart the other side of the hanger's entryway in response to the gunshots. Redheart pulled the small door back open. The small navigator and bombedier's station was crammed with ponies and supplies, half of them huddling in terror. “Goldfreather, Twi, Rarity, get to the back of the aircraft and take some supplies with you – it'll be safer back there – and stay low!” Propeller four got its push. It coughed, sputtered, then roared to life. Flameheart darted out of the way of the air wash and stood triumphant next to it for only a moment. He zipped to the copilot's seat next to Redheart. “What about engine two?” She asked. “Don't worry about it. The other three are running. Sergeant! Is everypony inside!?” he glanced down through the small doorway. The civilians were obediently shuffling through a small hatch towards the back of the small room. “HIT IT!” The sergeant yelled back, before spraying another salvo at the entryway. The pilot put his hoof over the four levers and threw them all forward. “Get down, everypony!” He yelled as he and the nurse ducked as low as they could. Three of the engines roared to life. The aircraft began to lurch forward, rushing out of the hanger blind as its pilots took cover. A salvo of rifle shots cracked through the air. Metal pangs rang as rounds hit the hull. Glass shattered as the cockpit's windshield was hit again, and was sprinkled with red, a yelp ringing out from Redheart's mouth. Another shot ended with a meaty thunk, and a groan as the sergeant fell limp in his machinegun nest. Flameheart kept his eyes on the red-sprinkled gauges. As the plane rushed forward, the passing wind started turning the limp propeller. The indoor hanger lights quickly gave way to the dark, cloudy sky outside. Poking his head over the instrument panel and into the rushing, freezing wind, he saw lights hanging in the air dead ahead. Tower lights. He stomped on the right pedal, and the plane lurched right, lining up with the runway. He grinned. “Fastest taxi I've ever done.” Thank goodness the whole field here is pretty flat... he mentally added. He glanced to his left to make sure the controls weren’t pinned by a body - Redheart wasn't lying limp on any of them. A few more shots rang through the air from the now-distant hanger. He ducked again. The bomber roared down the runway, its fourth engine finally sputtering to life. He patiently kept it level, watching the airspeed indicator climb. I have no idea what your takeoff speed is... Runway end lights appeared in the distant haze ahead, rushing towards him. The airspeed was still steadily climbing. But this isn't it. He gently pulled on the stick, anyways. The plane hopped into the air. He clenched his teeth as the enormous wheels hopped over the lights, then the plane slowly dropped back towards the snow. Okay, I guess an open field works for a runway, too. Thank Celestia this snow isn't too loose. The plane lurched as its wheels landed on a thin layer of loose snow. He cursed under his breath. Thought too soon. It continued forward, pushing through the extra resistance. He gently kept the stick back, lightening the plane's weight on the wild snow – a slight release and it'd plow into the loose snow, any tighter and it'd stall and crash. Steadily the speed picked up, washing the wings with ever more life-saving lift. He gently pulled the stick further, hanging on the edge of the stall. The wheels finally left the ground, and the entire craft steadily rose into the cloudy sky, with Twilight, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Brighteyes, Snowglade, Redheart, Sergeant Light, and Flameheart all aboard.