//------------------------------//
// First Week Cadet 
// Story: Unforgotten 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
//------------------------------//


I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic





With events preceding smoothly, an accord was finally made partaking to the new guard and who was to lead it. The changeling’s being made into the shadow guard would remain with the guard in Canterlot. Under Luna’s supervision and guidance she would have them conducting a few tasks to help the settle any lingering doubts between the two races.

Masquerade himself was going to be heading back with Spitfire as she returned back to the Wonderbolts. He would be set ‘under’ her command until the week was over and sent back home for a few days, before the next officer had a go at the infiltrator.

Twilight herself had finally gone back home herself, and was now in a chariot taking her to Ponyville, minus one changeling coltfriend. With his new line of work, the mare knew she would be seeing less of the stallion for a bit, and was a little sad at the fact.

She knew it was needed though, seeing as Masquerade was going to be key in the Princesses plans in training the new guard and making them an effective means when faced with undercover forces. She herself understood the logic behind it and the need for it until Equestria got caught up on changeling habits.

Opening her note book, Twilight began flipping through them and going over any-and-everything Intrusive taught her for the last few days partaking to changelings. She figured to ask more deeper questions to their habits, knowing she had about thirty of them back home to watch and deal with. Though, to their credit, they were more responsive to her than the ones she had to deal with for a few days.

When Ponyville finally came into sight, Twilight was happy to put her things up and wait for when they landed. She and so much to do when she got back into the library, mostly to the runes she was testing with, and cataloging the new information on changelings.

Oh mare, with all this information, I need to make an index! Twilight thought, partly giddy at the thought of taking her knowledge and putting it all in a binder for easy organization. She smiled and decided that would be the first thing when she got home, while the rune crafting would be something she could do with her coltfriend.

Jumping off as soon as the chariot touched down Twilight gave  parting thanks to the guard escorting her and ran inside the library. “Hi Spike!” She called to the small drake, rushing past quickly and missing the guests in the room as she continued to say, “I need you to pick up some things, I have a lot of work to do!” Rushing up to her room.

Watching the mare run about with energy, the four males in the room kept an eye on Twilight while Spike said, “Ooookay?” Looking back at Big Mac, Carmel and Thunderlane, all of whom were sitting at a table with him and comparing hoof-ball cards.

Rushing back into the main floor, Twilight dropped a list on the table, saying, “Go get these in town if you can, I—” Pausing for a moment to see the stallions in the room saying, “Oh… I’m sorry, I didn’t see you all here.” Calming down from her excitement.

“It’s alright.” Thunderlane seemed to wave off, his eyes darting about saying, “We were about to leave… Right Carmel?”

Nodding quickly, the stallion next to the pegasus agreed, “Yup, just about to leave!” Collecting his cards quickly and saying, “Thanks for having us over Spike, but— we got to run!” A rushing out Camel said, with a closely following Thunderlane that kept an eye over his shoulder.

Scratching her head at the two's abrupt rush out, Twilight said, “Wonder what was so important for them to run out like that?” Thinking for a few moments before shaking her head and turning to Big Mac smiling, “Macintosh, do you mind if I trouble you to send Ebony Gem and Ivory Gem over? I have some things I think I could use their help with.”

Rising a brow, Mac gave a single, “Eyup?” Watching as the lavender mare make her way to the basement door.

“Great! Tell them I’m compiling some notes on changelings. I’ll be downstairs cleaning some things up.” Twilight cheerfully told the two boys before going down to her lab to fix things up for later.

Passing looks to the other, Spike sighed, “So…I guess I’m not getting that Grey Barker card?”

Seeming to scrutinize the dragon for a moment, Mac replied, “Nope.” Taking up his cards and leaving out the door without another word.

Seeing the door close behind the large red stallion, Spike grumbled to himself and crossed his arms, muttering, “Almost… If Twilight didn’t come in, I’d have that card by now!” Taking up the list given to him while plotting out a new plan on how to get the hoof-ball card from Big Mac.





Exiting the room and giving a small groan, Spitfire could only run a hoof down her face with some level of exhaustion. After hearing how most of the nobility wanted Shining Armor replaced with a new Caption of the guard, with mentioned stallion telling them his selected candidates, Spitfire was decidedly a little tired.

She, and the others, had agreed that he was the best one to hold the position, regardless of what the nobility felt of his new princely position. They however, did see his point in that sooner or later, Cadence would be taking up more responsibility soon, and that she will be needing her own personal guard, much like Celestia or Luna does. With him as a prince, he could fit the role quite well of it’s leading officer.

The only argument they could put up to stall such a notion was that he was currently the best to keep their little group in line, unlike those he had named. Though the options were nice and thought through, Spitfire still felt Shining Armor was needed for a good while before he thought of having another take his place.

Shaking her head, the pegasus made her way to her room of stay and planed to get packing. She and a fairly long flight back to the floating island that was the Wonderbolts Academy, and wanted to get there before night started to fall. All she needed to do after packing was find the changeling that would be with her.

“Give’s me a headache going over all the official things in that room.” Spitfire grumbled, still a little put off by what was expected to change in the ranks regarding Equestia’s military.

“Tell me about it!” Masquerade seems to pop out of nowhere, making the yellow pegasus jump away from where he was with open wings. “The decisions, the votes, the needs and overall need-to-know stuff— very tiring.” The stallion ended his fast rant with a calm shake of his head.

Taking a moment to wait for her heart to stop pounding, Spitfire looked the now grinning black pony up and down asking, “How long were you following me?” Aiming a glare through her shades.

Grinning, Masquerade said, “Since you left the room. I figured to pack my things and wait for you there.” Gesturing to his cloak over his back.

Giving a sigh, Spitfire replayed a few thought thought her mind, mostly with how her new charge acted. Looking to the mentioned pony in mind, Spitfire said, “You’re going to be skulking around my Academy, aren’t you?” Keeping her eyes narrowed at the infiltrator.

With a easy smile, Mask waved off, “Don’t worry, I won't be skulking around.” Spotting a doubtful look from the pegasus, “I only do skulking when I’m about to do something malicious. What I plan to do is creep, spy or stalk about. Completely different, I assure you!”

Staring at the pony-impostor a bit longer, Spitfire sighed, “This is going to be a long week…” Hoping against hope that Fleet Foot would have something to counteract their new guest.

Smiling, Masquerade continued to follow next to Spitfire, keeping himself completely silent for the mare’s sake. As fun as it was to press other ponies buttons with next to no concern, he knew that doing so might make things worse. Spitfire was going to be responsible for him, and was going to judge him fit or not for his new position. It was with this that Mask knew he had to play things just right, being a big enough fool to make him seem incompetent, but clever enough to show that his previous actions were a mask.

Spitfire herself was trying to figure out what to do when she got back with her new charge. From what little she had to work with, she knew the changeling was an effective infiltration specialist of sorts, and has shown the previous day that he has no trouble breaking into highly secure rooms. Admittedly, the Wonderbolts did not bother with such low-key tasks, so such skills were most likely going to be wasted
She didn’t really know how well of a flier Masquerade was, but she was determined to know how good, seeing only the best fliers were even allowed to try for Wonderbolt. He would have to be at least rookie material if he was going to fly with them on any missions that needed them. She had no doubt he would play ball with them, the real question was if he was willing to play it on her terms.





A pair or deep rose eyes watched with high expectancy as flights of pegasi did fast and sharp laps around a flight course, some slowing up or eating dirt after a small tumble. With a scowl, Fleet Foot took her whistle and blew it before letting it drop and yelling, “Keep it up slowpokes! What is this, a flight of flamingos? Pick it up before I decide to add three more laps!”

A chorus of fearful and respectful, “Yes Ma’am!” Echoed from the trainees that continued to push themselves or get back into flight.

Fleet Foot gave a small snort and continued to stand in place, keeping an eye on the newest batch of recruits to hit their academy. Admittedly, only half looked right to make the cut, while the rest could just try for guard later on. Some of this batch already had dropped out weeks before, not able to keep up, leaving whatever left for her and Spitfire to chew out.

In the tacticians professional opinion, she would say that a few more will drop out in the next month before the next set of tryouts for the next trove of new recruits came in.

Speaking of which, when is the Captain getting back? Questioned the pegasus as she shook her head at some recruit messing up part of the lap. She knew it was due to some summons by Captain Armor, but not much after that. She wondered if it had to do something with the rouge blood caster that had been discovered in the castle up in Canterlot. Such a thought was troubling to her.

Fleet Foot was brought out of her thoughts when a loud shout sounded, “Commander Chief Master Sergeant Fleet Foot, are you slacking off!”

The blue mare huffed and slightly rolled her eyes as she crisply turned and saluted, “No, Captain Spitfire, ma’am!” Fully holding her military pose before the yellow mare in her military blues and another pegasus with a brown coat.

Spitfire looked at her and the trainees, watching as a few slow down or started getting sloppy from their long flight. Looking back to the brown stallion, the wonderbolt captain said, “Private Double Take, be ready to suite up and get ready for the worst day of your life.” Eyeing the fake pony for any reactions of worry.

With a grin, Double Take waved off, “Sure thing, but I need to be shown my place that I’m staying at.” He might have been an infiltrator, but that didn’t mean he knew the layout of things all the time. He never tried to enter into the academy before.

Right, he needs to be given a small tour around. Spitfire seemed to remind herself while turning to Fleet Foot, “Sergeant, this is one of our newest recruits and a temporary one, Private Double Take.”

Fleet Foot gave this Double Take a look over, the stallion giving a lazy grin and a more playful salute. She scrunched up her face some, trying to get a read on the pony, but was admittedly having trouble. That was until she thought about the name and a spark of recognition crossed her face before she placed her military mask back on and reached a hoof out, “Private, as you already know I am Sergeant Fleet Foot.”

Bumping it, Double Take continued to grin, “And might I say, it is an honor to meet one of the Wonderbolts that is part of Caption Spitfire’s Command?”

Spitfire cleared her voice some to get their attention before speaking, “The Private here is going to be here for a week. Part of a special program to oversee the different divisions. It’s mostly a trial run and also to test how much he can pick up.” Giving the cover story that was given to her, admittedly by Masqurade himself.

A week? Fleet Foot questioned herself in thought, knowing that was too short of a time for much training, but kept this to herself to say, “Understood Ma’am. I’ll be sure to whip him into shape.” Giving a knowing look to Double Take.

Giving a curt nod, Spitfire said, “Carry on then.” Turning and leaving with Double Take, planing to show him around. Though from the looks of it…

“Cadet.” Spoke the Caption in a strong voice, “You seemed… familiar with Sergeant Fleet Foot.” Giving a fleeting look to the brown stallion.

“I am. You could say that I know her like part of the family.” Smirked the fake pony, dropping the clue that he and her knew the other quite well through their family heritage. It really came as no surprise to him she figured him out with the fake name. Double Take was fairly well known false identity back in the clans that knew of him specifically. Though, he made sure to keep a few backup names. Double Take was merely the ‘open secret’ he purposely kept around for that reason.





The first day at the Academy was filled with the basic things one would expect from a school for elite military fliers. Such things were aerial maneuvers, combat, air-to-ground support, rescue, scouting, and dealing with rogue weather that would otherwise be a danger to other. There was plenty more to be sure, such as learning tactics, knowing how to properly coordinate an operation or discipline of one's self during stressful situations.

Though it was a chore to do, Masquerade went at it like the good infiltrator he was. Acting the part of a lowly cadet that was selected for this new program of ‘testing’ for results. As he was apart of the other members, a few of them spoke out while taking laps. “By Celestia! You would think we would get a small break, am I right?” joked a cadet.

“Cut the chatter, we got more laps.” Scolded another.

“If only  these lap were smaller, we’d be Wonderbolts sooner!” Slightly groused a stallion, as mare raised her brow at his proclamation.

“And how do you expect to be the best with that audited?” Rhetorically asked the mare as she went on, trying to keep her attention forwards, “That’s why you’re here, right, to be the best?”

A few of them chuckled. “Well, yeah!” Called out a stallion that had previously wished for the shorter laps, “I just wish these laps weren't murder!”

“Well you better try actually working for it than complaining about it!” A mare smirked as she shakes her head. “Not much of a Wonderbolt if you can’t handle a few laps, am I right?” 

There was a dismissive snort as the stallion responded, “Oh, you think I can’t? Just watch me Swath!” Puming his wings to go a bit faster to push ahead of them.

Another mare gave a slight smirk and spoke. “I believe that stallion has an ego.” Getting a few laughs before Fleet Foot shouted out to them in warning.

“I don’t see those wings flapping!” Almost instantly, every pony began to try going a bit more faster, not wanting to incur the wrath of the Chief Master Sargent that was Fleet Foot. “And if I see any of you clucking any more like a bunch of Hens, than I'm adding ten more laps!” This more or less persuaded the group of rookies to not talk any further, getting an idea of what might happen.

Fleet Foot in question, watched the cadets move, keeping track of them with their now local Infiltrator, ‘Double Take’, staying either in the middle or lagging. She figured he was making it easier to later explain why he would be transferred out in a week-- by being an unable body to perform in their elite group. A smart move to hide himself. When five more laps were done, she blew her whistle waiting for them to line up before shouting, “Alright you flock of geese, that was a fair enough run. But I expect better from you in the next season. Am I understood?”

“Ma’am, yes Ma’am!” They responded as one.

“Dismissed!” Fleet Foot called out, moving aside to look at her clipboard while the rest broke for rest or a quick meal. Though as she looked it all over, she flicked her ear at the sound of somepony close to her. Glancing to the side, she could see Double Take looking over her shoulder with a hint of curiosity.

Typical Masquerade. Thought the mare with just the barest tinge of amusement. Always needs to be nosy in other's business. Outwardly, Fleeting addressed him with, “Yes, what is it Cadet?” Keeping in mind to keep his cover around the academy.

With a grin and a slightly hidden edge in his eyes, the brown pegasus asked, “So... I have to ask.” Giving a believable look of interest and almost naive act. “Why'd you actually join the Wonderbolts? For fame or something, or do you have a few relatives that happen to be part of the Wonderbolts?”

It took a moment for the tactical mare to figure out what Double Take was asking. What he was really asking of her. “Well, you could say it was a family thing.” She said with a slight nod, though her real reasoning was more to do with the hidden meaning she was sending back in return to his own hidden question. “And I have a some family around visiting. Just not often.”

There was a spark of understanding in the stallions eye, and he gave another customary grin before saying, "Cool... cool..." Nodding along before glancing around and saying, “And... they visit only so often, or they stick around for a bit?”

Curiously, Fleet Foot lowered her clipboard and told, “Not too often, but I know my brothers send someone up with a letter.” Then began to move telling, “How about we go check up if any messages came in. Put that back of yours to work.” Though, internally wondering why the Infiltrator was interested in knowing how much the Lue Clan was planted inside the academy. Was it possible that he had felt a few changelings in the adepts and rookie ranks and wanted to confirm they were a threat or not?

I will admit... that would be a problem. As much as Fleet Foot had shared a... few details with her commanding officer and friend-- there were some things she still kept somewhat hidden. Such as Clan Secrets. But over all, Captain Spitfire knew a good deal of the Lue clan being around the academy like watchdogs and a few changeling tactics to be carful of.

Giving a glance to the somewhat quite stallion that was following beside her in a almost lazy and easygoing manner, Fleet Foot had a good feeling that he was going to this trouble for more than a little hunch. She wasn't going to guess what he was all up to, but it did mean something was going to happen. Albeit, subtly.





The cataloging of data and information in a nice neatly order book was a well kept practice to the mind of Twilight Sparkle. The ideal’s of keepings one books in a orderly fast ion to help keep well needed information on hoof, ready and easy to navigate on a moments notice. The more exciting aspects of making one of your own creation and refining older notes or chicken scratches into proper and neatly made pages filled with each corresponding bit of information was a whole other matter.

She had been working the day before to get the pages needed and orderly make each and every stack of her notes over the last few months ing changelings all ready to go. All she needed was a personal take on changeling in general from two local heirs, and she was more than ready to make a reference guide for beginners.

She was actually hopping that when she had a clear chance to go to the Lue clan, she could look through their books partaking on changelings and make any corrections to her notes and current information. To be truthful, despite all the information she had, she wasn’t sure how much of it was true and how much was false. It didn’t help that changelings were so secretive. I’m at the very least happy that those in Ponyville have been helping out on that. Slightly smiling at this.

That however made the mare slightly frown in thought as she finished up her preparations. Over the course of time, the changelings have been… acting strangely now that she thought about it. Not overly so, just a slight difference in their actions. Though she mostly supposed this was more to being more free to now roam about freely, not scared of being discovered much anymore.

Pleased with this line of thinking, Twilight smiled and nodded to herself, moving away for a moment to get a quill and a stack of blank pages, ink pots all lined up and ready for her work.

When a knock sounded at the door, Twilight got up and rather giddily moved to the front door, using her magic to open it and smile brightly, “Ebony, Ivory, it’s good to see you could make it today!” Moving aside to let the two in and— “Oh, hello Applejack. I didn’t expect to see you here too.” Twilight said in slight curiosity to her friend’s appearance.

Just outside the door as the two Gem Twins moved past, Applejack tipped her hat and smiled, “Twi, nice t’ see ya too.” Slightly shifting to the side to call over the lavender mare’s side, “Eb’, Ive’, ya sure ya’ll can get Bloom later on?”

With a couple of giggles, the sisters parted, Ivory coming back and assuring, “Don’t fret, Applejack, after we’re done here with Friend Twilight, we’ll be sure to get little Apple Bloom back home safe.”

With a stern nod, Applejack said, “Good. I know she meant nothin’ of it, bu’ my lill’ sis still on watch ‘till next week.” Mostly referring back to the crusaders little escapade to former home to Cinder Lock, the stallion later of which, had packed up and left as soon as he was able. His apparent first real experience with changelings having scared him off from Ponyville.

Turning her attention back to Twilight, Applejack soon said, “Ah mostly came t’ tell ya myself tha’ Rar’s gettin’ a day ready fee us back at the spa. Fluttershy popped on by with the news on her way home.”

Giving an appreciative nod and smile, Twilight asked, “Do you know what day it’s happening?” Rather curious if this was all that the apple rammer wanted to say.

With a shake of her head, Applejack said, “Naw, not set in stone or nothin’. Migh’ be a week or two off. What I hear, Rar’s mostly doin’ it ‘cuse Roma’s tryin’ t’ get her out an’ about some.”

Giving a understanding nod, Twilight soon said, “I’ll be sure to visit them later and see how Rarity’s doing.” Still slightly concerned over the white mare’s mental state, though she held complete confidence in Roma’s own caring eye. She and the others were pleasantly surprised by the changeling mare’s apparently tender nature when the situation called for it.

“I’m sure she’d like a visit.” The apple mare confirmed with a smile before turning away and giving a short wave of her hoof, “Take care now, I gotta ge’ back to the farm. Mac an’ I are pullin’ double work with the Twins here.” Setting a brisk pace to get back home.

Closing the door and turning around, Twilight smiled to both disguised changelings heirs and said, “So, I was thinking of getting started with the basic information of a changelings biology, followed up by their magic, matting behavour, then perhaps behavure in general.”

Both white and black mares watched Twilight begin separating out the piles and further explain, “I was thinking of setting the chantings actual biology separate from the more cultural and phycological aspects.” The unicorn paused a moment and said, “Maybe I should add in the types of spells they use for the later too, seeing as those are made according to each changeling clan too—”

Ebony and Ivory shared a look, slightly sighing and nodding to each other that this might be another long drawn time with Twilight. They had nothing against it, but personally, they were going to make sure that after she made those reference guides, not to share them much. Changelings did like to keep secrets after all, no need to give other clans a potential hoof up on them.





The following three days were more or less spent moving about the campus unseen. For an academy training cadets, it was rather tightly made. Patrols at random times, no real pattern made, and always watched from the clouds from the surrounding area, or those in a few towers on the lone floating island.

In terms of security of keeping others out and making sure none of the cadets did something stupid, it was fairly tight security. For a changeling Infiltrator, it was easy pickings. With the sperattic spread and paths, Mask could use a disguise of any guard to help hide himself easily with little question, seeing as there was no set groups or paths at all times.

Another glaring weakness in their defense were ironically one of their better defenses, the clouds. Since Pegasi could inherently stay on the fluffy bits of condensed water vapor, he could take a Airmen out and stuff him or her into a cloud, away from prying eyes. The only good side to this was the patrols would occasionally check said clouds.

It probably was not intentional, but they were also lax in their defenses. He didn’t doubt the reason why, there was not much reason to try and infiltrate an academy, seeing the only thing that one could gain were files on the cadets, which only helped in some situations.
As of right now, Maskquerade, still in his gauss of Double Take, was giving his finds to the Caption herself, whom was working over the rather detailed report with a critical eye… and a hint of disapproval with how apparently venerable the academy apparently was.

That was to say it's security was terrible, by all rights it was at the needed levels in not just times of peace, but it's overall location made it difficult for that many infiltrations to happen. And though it was an academy, most of the more delicate information or supplies were not here, but rather other places. In terms for most, the security in use would be hard to get past. For some trained changelings, it was apparently easy pickings.

Looking up, the yellow mare in her military blues held back the want to bark at the disguised Infiltrator to stand at attention, seeing him near lazily lean to one side and next to ignore everything in the room. She let out an internal sigh and calmed herself thinking, he’s just trying to get a rise from you. No need to give him the pleasure of getting under my skin Going back to reading.

After a few more details partaking to not just defenses of the academy, but of a few cadets that were being watched and were now labeled as ‘in need of mental evaluation’ —how the changeling knew this, the mare did not bother to ask— Spitfire placed the documents down and asked seriously, “You really think some changelings would bother to go to the trouble of replacing a Cadet and work up the ranks to accomplish a job?” Finding the idea rather hard to believe.

Rolling his eyes, but senses still on high alert, ‘Double Take’ continued to feel out for any hidden spies, only feeling the Caption, and the just slight hints of the guard now posted outside the close office door. “Sleeper agents, long term Infiltrators and patient Seekers.  It’s in their training to wait for the right opportunity when their targets least expect it.” Using a hoof to motion to the document, “Right there shows how you can be infiltrated and information used against you. Right now, I am in a prim position to not only take a file and study a cadet as a ‘target’ but also how to replace them.”

Tapping his hoof on the floor, the currently-pegasus-pony went on, “This place is a perfect place to take on a disguise and infiltrate military ranks. Not only can the spy get the files needed of their family and who they are, but also re mold how they act once they take on their forms, having a perfect excuse for a slight personality change.” Straightening up and speaking in a more military fashion, saluting as he said, “I joined the pride and joy that is the Wonderbolt’s, elite flight unite to Equestira’s defense, protection and aid, Ma’am! By the Celestial sisters authority, I will uphold any and all laws that I am given to uphold, Ma'am!” Doing a complete 180 from lazy, to crisp military soldier.

Spitfire felt taken back at the sudden change, ridged yet crisp stance and salute completely holding to the expectations she would have held for a proper soldier. Still, the mare did her best not to show this surprise and just set the folder aside, giving the infiltration specialist a long look as she said, “Then I’ll be sure to tighten things around here.” Pausing in thought for a moment and adding, “If at all possible, have you do an off-the-records test of our security here.”

A grin showed itself onto the faux pony’s face, relaxing from his military stance to say, “After this whole deal of me running around to show off like some super-model, I’ll be sure to do that.” Then thought about it and mused, “Maybe once things get up, have the Shadow Guard act as enemy spies, for both their practice and your practice.”

For another moment, the Wonderbolts captain wasn’t sure if this stallion was being serous, or treating it like some game. It was hard to take anything he said seriously with how laid-back he could be or playfully mocking of things. This was not mentioning his smart-aleck responses that honestly batted at her nerves. Placing one hoof to her head and using the other to wave him off, Spitfire told him, “Just get back to work, Cadet. You have four more days here before we kick you out to the next group.”

“It’s not my fault my wings cramp and I know how to enjoy a good joke.” Mock whined the stallion before smirking some as he poked a bit of fun at the pegasus, “But really, you all need to loosen up more often and not turn into a raging volcano every instance.” Then said in a absent manner, “Maybe a visit to a spa. Have some stud's around to cater to you? That's gotta be relaxing to a mare like you right?”

“Just get out of here, wise-guy!” Spitfire barked out, watching the stallion turn around quickly and making a number of whooping sounds as he rushed out the door. She gave a long sigh and hung her head, having a feeling he was again playing around with her. How anypony can deal with this jokester is beyond me. She internally groaned before getting back to work.

Though as she began to read the first line of the next document for allowing a new medical officer into the academy, Spitfire let her mind slightly wonder to what Masquerade had... reported to her. She wasn't completely oblivious to possible infiltrations to be done by changelings-- tartars, Fleet Foot had explicitly told her and warned her about the possibility to an extent. Only, not to the same extent as the faux stallion just had.

Though to be fair on the Sargent. Slightly amended the Captian of the elite fliers for Equestria. She isn't an Infiltration Specialist like Masquerade. The measures she had apparently taken to heart from the nasally Wonderbolt had apparently done little in impressing the fake cadet stalking around the academy's halls. With that in thought, she found herself thinking about how to bring up this matter with the other leading Equestrian Military overseers. She was sure the Captain of the Guard himself might have a suggestion to give out of all of this.





After his little shameful run in fright, Double Take made himself look rightfully embarrassed of making a fool of himself. Apparently a number of Cadets were passing by at the time and had a front row seat to him burst out the doors of the office in utter fear. Right now, he was standing in the tide of their laughter, though one of the mares remarked kindly enough, “Hey, it could be worse.” Patting the brown stallions back as she said, “At least you got out of there able to move, mot others sometimes go stiff as a statue at the captains intimidation.” The others laugh to that. 

“Like Discord? Pretty sure he got stoned by other means.” Joked another mare in the group, trying to likewise lighten the mood.
Unable to stop himself, a blue stallion pitched in, “I guess we take him too granite, after all we don’t want to be rumbled by his chaos.”

“Pretty sure he’s having a rocky relationship with the Princess’s.” A mare joked too, as they moved down the hall to grab a bit.
Looking up, Double Take said in a mock pleading tone, “Oh Celestia, kill me now before these bad puns do!” 

The others laughed at this, with the mare next to the infiltrator saying, “Oh come now buddy, they aren’t cracky.”

“Yeah lighten up, otherwise your mood will sink like a stone.” Smirked the other mare in their group, joking in agreement.

“Not to mention we need to get our rocks up, we have a long hardships to face.” Added the blue stallion with a grin.

As they joked more into the cafeteria, mare added. “Could be worse, you could be petrified stiff as a statue.” 

Looking at them all, the brown pegasus sighed, “Ok, now you’re just purposely trying to annoy me with horrible puns.” Looking between them as he hung his head, “I’m onto you all.” Shifting his gaze left and right.

They laughed to this while they moved to the line in the cafeteria, taking turns to grab their meals as kinder mare said. “Alright, we’ll stone with the puns….for now.” The others chuckling or giggling of the last pun. 

They gathered their food and made their ways to the tables, setting themselves up in four spots and cotinued their chatting, going over their time so far and betting who would reach what rank.

Placing his tray down, Double Take picked at his food with a almost suspicious look, slightly holding one of the spoons in his hoof to mess with the muck as he said, “You know, I have to ask…” Making a face as he lifting the spoon away, watching the brown muck they called food slowly slip off, “Does all food here have to be… grey muck? Or brown muck?” He looked back up to them all and asked, “Do they have Green muck too, but as special occasion?”

They chuckled as a mare said. “Don’t worry picky, this is standard vitamins all mush together to make it easy go down our throats. If it make you feel better, they do this to all people in the military when we’re on the move. Quantity over quality with food you can say. Have the most stuff of importance than the looks and tastes of it.”

Rolling his eyes, Double Take sarcastically said, “Lucky us.” Glancing at the goop and saying, “You know...if we have so much of this stuff, why don’t we use it for ammo too? I’m sure it would drive the enemy away faster than a stampeding group of cattle.”

They laughed to as a stallion said. “If we did that, then we would be feeding our enemy, not driving them away, as nice as it is to see them run away from this stuff...It’s more important to eat it.” he took a slop as he added. “Beside, what doesn’t kill us make us stronger. Right?” Everypony nodded their head to that. 

“Oh yes, because broken wings do help with the boost in strength.” The brown stallion said as he rolled his eye with another sarcastic quip. But soon shook his head, “But in all seriousness. What goes on around here?” Then snorted out in amusement, “Besides the five-star food they serve here or the volcano named Spitfire?”

They chuckled to that as a mare shrugged. “Honestly? Not much, beside some rumors of changelings joining Equestria guard, some of us think it might actually happen. Been big all around, from top to bottom...but there are speculations of are forming with us or fighting against us, so there isn’t much to go around.” She merely took another bite. “Still, if you think the Captain was anything special, you should hear the other groups. Don’t know if most of what we hear are true...But there’s lots of talks going around among the officers and some of the higher ranks. Us cadets think their rumors, considering how most of it was insane, I can’t blame them.”

Lifting a brow, the brown stallion could not help but ask, “Insane?” Thinking on it and saying, “Personally, I think things are pretty insane as it is. How can it get much worse?” Going to his slop as he added, “No, don’t answer that.” Rolling his eyes saying, “We do musical numbers at the drop of a hat. How much more crazy is that?” 

“Maybe someone causing musical numbers with a lute?” Suggested the blue stallion.

“And has a group of crazies as he leads them to world domination?” Added a mare. 

With a blank look, Double Take said, “I think you’re all nuts with that sort of talk.” He was met with snickers while one mare nudged him.
“Oh, and what about you? Going all snarky?” A teasing look on her muzzle as she asked this. “You can get sent to cleaning duty on that, and trust me, you do not want that job.” Shuddering some.

The stallion smirked to himself internally, musing that it could not be any worse than having to clean out some of his fillyfriends own messes in the lab. Smoldering or melted metal from over-magical-charges were not the most pleasant of smells.

“Eh, I think I can handle it.” Mask said confidently, before going back to his ‘meal’ and keeping a slight eye out for anything else that he felt was off.