//------------------------------//
// Chapter 25 
// Story: Ace Combat Equestria: Shattered Clouds 
// by Cpt Celti 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 25

"Attention!"
All of the AEGIS personnel in the room stood rigid upon the newcomers' entry. Headsets removed and all eyes on the doors. A unique sight, even for the palace command center of Canterlot, graced the eyes of everypony assembled in the room. The aged stallion was flanked by a pair of soldiers from his own battalion. But behind him was a sight that made everypony in the room pause and stare.
Three Gryphons.
A good number of Gryphons had already come into this area of the palace, especially when it came to matters concerning the now mostly disassembled Sky Breaker. The Gryphon Enclave was being occupied once more under the guard of Celestia's personal guards. Yet while these Ponies, Hippogriffs, Crystal Ponies, and Saddle Arabians had grown accustomed to seeing Gryphons come in and out at times, this was a completely new view for them. It was enough that nearly all operation had ceased.
"As you were!" General Black Forest cried. Slowly, the AEGIS personnel returned to their work. Regardless, a small group began to converse amongst themselves while glancing back at the trio of 'enemies'.
"You heard him! Back to your tasks!" a mare's voice called from the front of the room. A violet unicorn mare with a brightly colored uniform with the three stars of her station. Immediately, the group dispersed and the room was once again filled with the sounds of keyboards being typed upon, quiet conversation concerning the battlefields beyond, and who was going to need more coffee; typical work for the Command Center of the Canterlot Palace.
Slowly, the trio of Gryphons made their way down the center of the aisle of work stations. They garnered a good number of wary glances. They were met with equal looks of wariness and more than once, the two Gryphons in the back let their claws drift to their side-arms. Thankfully, no one seemed tempted to start a firefight in the Palace. Still, for the occupants, the tension could have been cut by a butter knife.
"Even in their most secure room, they see us as a threat," the first Gryphon murmured.
"Can you blame them, Colonel?" The lead replied softly.
The young Gryphon officer clicked her beak before shaking her head. "No, your majesty."
The unicorn mare met General Black Forest at the bottom of the steps, giving him a crisp salute. "Sir. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are inside and are eager to hear from you and Prince Marcus."
Black Forest nodded and waved for the mare to be at ease. "Thank you, General." He waved for the three Gryphons behind him to enter first. Marcus and the two aides went inside swiftly, possibly not wanting to cause more of a disturbance than they were already causing. Black Forest looked towards the violet mare, catching her looking towards the top of the steps and throwing a wink. Following the wink, she saw an orange pegasus stallion with a blue mane at the top of the steps return the wink. He then caught Black Forest's gaze and swiftly left. Looking back at the mare, he could see her blushing. Ever the gentlecolt, Black Forest held the door open and said nothing.
"Prince Marcus!" Princess Celestia said with an even, motherly tone. Despite their differences of species and faction, Celestia embraced the Prince. It was reciprocated and he looked up into the Princess's eyes. "It has been far too long. You've grown too fast for me to catch up."
"Last I saw, you were giving me that gold cloak," Marcus replied with a small smile. "It's too bad I outgrew it. But I still keep it as a memento from the only ones who... who really threw me a birthday party." 
Celestia gave a laugh. "You can thank the now Colonel Pie for that. She was truly hoping you'd have a good time that day." She then frowned as she inspected the young Prince's face.
"Oh believe me. I did." Marcus then paused when he saw where she was looking.
"Your cheek," Luna remarked, suddenly stepping closer beside her sister.
Marcus reflected her frown and absently rubbed it. "My father." The two Princesses looked to the gryphon for explanation. "My order I gave to the Cider Valley forces were not necessarily under orders from the crown. My fa-" He paused, then suddenly hung his head. "King Sharpclaw exiled me. Stripped me of my station. I am... no longer royalty."
"You are still royalty by blood, Marcus," Luna remarked swiftly. "You still have a place amongst the rulers of nations."
General Sparkle suddenly cleared her throat. "Pardon me, but the others are still on hold, awaiting you to connect."
Celestia suddenly gasped. "That's right. I had almost forgotten. Thank you, Twilight." The mare bowed her head at the Princess's recognition. Marcus looked to the Solar Monarch in question and tilted his head. "When Luna and I heard you were coming straight to Canterlot, our allies wished to speak as well. Princess Cadenza, King Kaubr, and even Prime Minister Ironbeak have wanted to speak since they heard the news."
Marcus chuckled. "Uncle Ironbeak... oh this will be difficult."
"Nonsense!" Luna exclaimed. "We believe Ironbeak will be overjoyed to see you are still well. Now come! Let us not keep them waiting. This will be an extensive meeting."


The sight was one not seen since the first formation of AEGIS.
"This is Canterlot News 13 live above the palace where an amazing sight is taking place," the mare said. "There are AEGIS troops all over the place down there." 
The camera panned down and scanned the ground. Outside, royal honor guards lines the halls and the doorways. Four from each nation, they stood as rigid statues as ponies stopped and stared. Many took pictures, only to be ushered away by the Canterlot palace's guards. Above, the Royal Canterlot Defense Squadron as well as a full wing of Wonderbolt reservist pilots flew patrols around the city and outlying areas. Even tanks were stationed outside the gates of the palace itself. Helicopter gunships flew by the towers, weaving through, eyeing any threat.
"Nothing like this has been seen in a very long time, and rumors suggest a gryphon official is inside as well. The leaders of Hibern, Saddle Arabia, and the Crystal Empire have joined the Royal Sisters in the palace to discuss – " She suddenly dropped her microphone and covered he ears as they swiveled back. The camera caught a jet flying by and the helicopter jerked violently as it tried to stay aloft. "Okay that was twice that happened! Are they trying to – "
"Civilian chopper! You will vacate the skies around the palace immediately! This has been designated a No-Fly zone."
"This is the biggest story of my career! I'm not leaving until – "
The rest of her voice was cut off as three of the helicopter gunships stopped just beyond the smaller news chopper. Every weapon was trained of them. "It'll be your last if you do not land that thing immediately!"


The news chopper was forced away and escorted to the ground by a pair of Equestrian helicopter gunships. No doubt the crew and the anchor were going to be detained for disregarding an official order from the military in the name of "The Big Story".
This was to be expected. Tight security was needed when six national leaders were in one room.
Celestia waved her horn over the room with a majestic wave of her head. The solid oaken doors flashed for a brief moment, as did the windows, as all outside noise diminished immediately. The Honor Guards outside still remained stock still, unmoving. Even those inside remained in their positions. Only the two Gryphon guards from the Gryphnian Enclave flinched at the flash. With a sigh, she looked back over the occupants of the room.
Luna sat regally on Celestia's right, legs crossed under a dark blue and midnight purple gown. Her torc and crown had been polished to a dark, obsidian sheen as she regarded her sister patiently with General Black Forest to her immediate right, out of his working uniform and in his dress blue uniform. 
Beside the General was their niece. Princess Cadence sat with slightly less patience, a red and magenta blouse and trouser pairing. Her gold and turquoise torc and crown almost seemed to glow of their own light. Her white-gloved hands softly drummed on the table with her free one on the pommel of her saber. She hated that saber, all of them knew, but it was tradition for Crystal Imperial rulers to wear their ceremonial saber to any gathering, and Cadence was always one for traditions. Beside her was her husband and military commander. The last time she had seen Shining Armor this tired, he was taking a small break from the frontlines of evacuating towns before the gryphons took hold of them. His mane was neatly brushed though and his dress uniform pressed neatly. His posture was strict though, showing he was ready to get this over with.
Across from Cadence and Prince-General Armor was Saddle Arabia's King as well as the Crown Prince and Military Supreme Commander. King Anu Kaubr sat almost more regal than Cadence, dressed in a neat olive green robe with a crisp keffiyeh that framed an age weathered face of deep brown. He had lost much in the war, but his face always kept its feature that calmed any adversary; the Saddle King's muzzle was always curved halfway into a smile. His son was in a deeply gilded green General's uniform with medals from the past war he had achieved; whilst his father was halfway to a smile, the son was halfway to a scowl. The younger Arabian's mane was slimly cut almost to the point of bald. But he maintained himself in a room full of ponies who were his superior in every way.
Next to the Saddle monarchy was the only one who was not truly royalty. Prime Minister Ironbeak was the fifth Prime Minister since Hibern's civil war for independence during the First Continental War. Nearly seventy years ago, Equestria, Gryphnia, Saddle Arabia, and the Minotaur Principality waged a relentless war to bring down the fascist Hippogriff leader who promised a relentless campaign to turn Equis into a paradise for his people. Now, Hibern stands as Equestria's closest ally, even more so than the Crystal Empire and even Saddle Arabia.
Ironbeak was a graying buck of a Hippogriff, yet the feathers on his head were still as full as they were when Celestia first congratulated him on his election into office. His deep blue suit was pressed neatly with a deep red tie around his throat. On his collar was Hibern's Coat of Arms, a pair of rampant dragons looking towards a sword. His beak, almost the color of iron, was tightly closed as he awaited for the meeting to get underway. Out of all of the occupants of the room, Celestia mused, poor Ironbeak was the only one not laden with medals and other decorations. A military man, he still preferred to be more subdued in appearance than his peers. While not of royal blood, Ironbeak is still considered on equal footing to the other leaders.
Beside him was a tall female hippogriff. She sat up straight in her seat, wings folded tightly with her arms folded. Her uniform was not gaudy like the others', but she was a soldier who had seen action more than once. Still, she appeared to be about Cadence's age despite the experience Celestia knew she had seen. A bright red, decorated uniform complimented her snow white coat and light gray feathers.
"This meeting will take a while, so let us not delay any further," Celestia informed them. She promptly sat and clasped her hands. "Now... we all know that this can really only end one way..."
Ironbeak swiftly replied, his accent akin to a Trottingham pony as usual with hippogriffs, "Fyrick's surrender. Or Sharpclaw's death."
"The last one won't be decisive," Marcus interjected. "There're still plenty of my people loyal to him even in death. He could be assassinated and they'd only follow his word. If he dies without giving an order to surrender, they'll fight to the last feather. It'll all be ruins before they can be convinced to stop."
Cadence folded her arms beneath her chest. "Then we really have no choice but to invade and lay siege, if he won't give up peacefully."
Kaubr nodded sullenly. "I've known Sharpclaw many years. He is a warrior until the end, even before his saber-rattling grew to a fevered pitch in a drunken haze. Fyrick would be burned to cinders around him and he'd remain in his palace giving orders to fight."
"But would a siege truly be necessary? Strategic bombings? A full scale assault on the city would be a massive undertaking," Cadence added, apprehension dripping in her tone.
Luna shook her head and turned to her niece with a stern gaze. "Sharpclaw and his kingdom are beyond redemption by now. He will not surrender and he knows we know that is true." The lunar princess leaned back in her seat. "There is no other choice but a full scale invasion of Fyrick and strike hard and swift at military targets."
Ironbeak drummed his talons on the table. "I agree we need to be swift about this, but what of the civilian population? We're going into the heart of Gryphnia with guns blazing. We're going to be throwing the entire city into a chaos not seen for centuries." He turned his golden eyes to the young prince who had been mostly quiet as the leaders of AEGIS decided his city's fate. "What about you, Prince? Anything to add?"
Marcus turned to all the faces at the table. He hardly spoke to any of them, Celestia could see that struggle, because Marcus was rarely permitted to engage in political discussions. She could also feel his tension build as he regarded the tactical map of Fyrick behind her. It already had lines marked of latest intelligence depicting troop movements and strategic targets. Marcus didn't know how to act or what to say in situations like this. Sharpclaw had truly kept his youngest son out of any and all political decisions, and especially military ones. But she could see he was trying to come up with something as everypony waited patiently for him to speak.
Finally, he swallowed and nodded. "Princess Luna is right. My father won't be merciful nor peaceful. In times like this, during past conflicts, my grandfathers would call on civilian conscripts to do battle. He won't be any different this time. Not to mention, over two hundred years ago when..." he made a soft, and yet almost timid gaze towards Ironbeak. "When the... hippogriffs invaded Gryphnia to conquer it, during the battle of Fyrick, civilian loyalists took up arms, old, weak, young, all of them grabbed a weapon and fought back. It's primarily how we were able to hold the city."
"At least he didn't neglect your history lessons," Ironbeak commented. Celestia could cut the bitterness in his tone with a knife. Yet that paled to the suppressed surprise she felt at Marcus's sudden strength in voice.
Marcus paid it no mind, however, and continued. "We have plenty of loyalists in Fyrick now more than we did then. Only now they're more organized. The Inner City Guard, or the ICG as we commonly call it, are just as well equipped and trained as the standard army, so they'll be difficult to take on."
"And the civilians?" Cadence asked softly.
Marcus turned to her and slowly nodded. "They'll be willing to fight as well. Sharpclaw allows his people to own guns for hunting and personal safety. Plenty of them would be willing to fight as well. They aren't as organized, though."
Kaubr grunted. "That would make them even more dangerous. If they're willing to shoot at our soldiers, they're a threat."
"But they shouldn't be held accountable, at least not totally," Marcus added swiftly. "I've walked the streets. Times are hard and they're desperate. If they fight you, it'll be because they're not understanding how their king could let it happen. He's been preaching to them that AEGIS will never reach Fyrick, but I knew that you would. They're more than likely to fight back, but it'll be because they're scared. AEGIS is invading their city, and they'll be too scared to think. They're only thought will be to defend their homes. And that includes the city police forces; they'll be fighting you as well."
"But you understand our soldiers will need to defend themselves if armed civilians open fire on them?" Luna asked firmly.
Slowly, the Gryphon prince nodded. "Yes. My only request is that they do so with restraint. They're going to be scared and they won't understand what's happening. If they can be spared, I ask it be done."
The female hippogriff beside Ironbeak suddenly raised her hand, speaking for the first time since the meeting began. "Our armor can be equipped with tear gas launchers. I can send an order for them to be placed on."
"Ours can be outfitted as well," Kaubr's son commented also speaking for the first time. "We can set up task forces to control civilian fighters and only engage those that fight back. Tear gas, flash grenades, non-lethal ordinance. Restrain and corral belligerents."
Marcus nodded and turned to Princess Celestia. "The ICG will also be reinforced with my father's elite guard and all remaining army forces he has. Our fleet was also pulled back to the bay, and the bulk of our air force has taken over the airport. You can deal with them as you see fit. Something I should also mention; Fyrick's four bridges can be retracted inward to prevent invasion, and the roads into the city can be defended well. When it was founded, my grandfathers thought about the location with 'defendable' in mind. That still holds true, and there are plenty of strong points your armor will have to break through in order to get in and fight inside the city itself. I can give you the best routes to send in teams to secure the gate houses to the bridges.
"There is also a series of breaks in the radar any stealth planes you have can break through and conduct preliminary air strikes. I've toured those as well and my Colonel can hand over anything else you'll need to know for the attack, including where to strike first." 
"And Sharpclaw?" Cadence asked carefully. "He's your father; how do you want him handled?"
All eyes returned to the prince, who turned deathly silent, absently caressing his scarred cheek. He frowned deeply and swallowed. Celestia also turned sad as she saw his eyes welling up. Finally, the prince's beak curled back in a scowl. His voiced dropped low, and he said simply with a shake of his head, "That drunken wreck is not the father I know and love. He died long ago when this war first started." Marcus gazed at all the leaders in the room. "I'll handle him myself."
Celestia, blanched, knowing exactly what he intended; she knew Gryphon's and their methods for succession. She quickly stood up. "Absolutely not," she said sternly, pounding a fist to the table. "Right now you're the only viable claim to Gryphnia's throne, and we can't lose you in combat."
"Princess Celestia," Marcus stood swiftly, wings flared. It was nowhere near as impressive as Celestia's aura of control, but it was enough to show he wasn't going to sit back down and be quiet. "I just gave you everything you needed to besiege the city I love the most. It's my home, the only home I've ever known and I'm handing over all the information you need to attack it. That in of itself is the worst kind of treason. But by order of my crown, you have permission to attack my city, pacify my people, and bring my father's regime to the ground. I am aware I will be taking over in his place. But note that even though my father coddled me and often kept me sequestered from executive decisions, I can still handle myself in a fight. I had teachers."
"But should something happen to you – "
Marcus raised his hand, silencing the Solar Monarch. The other leaders tensed, knowing how much guts it would take to silence the mare who controls an orb of searing heat that she had no problems using as a weapon, especially in ages past. "That is why I have a plan for the castle itself. That's the only other thing I have to say. Regardless of the outcome, or who I'm fighting alongside, I am doing this for the safety and preservation of Gryphnia."
Marcus leaned forward on the table, his anger ebbing away and replaced with a pleading gaze. "Princess... my brothers left to fight for Gryphnia. When I wanted to do the same, I was denied because I was the last son to claim the throne should something happen to my father and brothers.  He outright has kept me from fighting for my people and my nation. Denied me the privilege of becoming a warrior for my people. It's an insult to deny any Gryphon willing to fight. Don't do the same, please."
Celestia regarded the prince sternly, but Marcus refused to back down. His gaze was not nearly as strong, but his point was making it across and still holding. The other leaders eyed the two, before finally the white alicorn closed her eyes and exhaled heavily. "You are indeed your mother's son; ever the fighter, not wanting to be left out when the safety of gryphons is involved."
"Sister, is this wise?" Luna asked softly.
"The wise decision? Not at all." She gave an almost motherly smile. "The right decision? Absolutely. And I know just the team to put him with."
Marcus gave his first true smile to her since he arrived in Canterlot. But he suddenly cleared his throat. "With the castle still in mind, there is one thing I need to tell you, also. It concerns the dungeons..."


"Can't believe it," Sprig muttered as she prodded her breakfast. "Fyrick is just a few days away. AEGIS is even calling in reservists and conscripts to battle. This is the newest largest battle in the war."
"And this time it'll be the one to win them all," Mythic added. "We take Fyrick, we end the war."
Rhapsody didn't find herself smiling at the prospect of the war ending. She was pleased it was going to end, but she didn't find her mind easing with her body. She was a combat pilot, an aerial warrior, ever since she left the Fillydelphia orchestra, she'd only known flying, fighting, shooting down Equestria's enemies. She didn't feel like she had a right to go back to the orchestra; Rhapsody hadn't taken up her harp in over a year. The only instrument she had played was her own lips, whistling tunes when she was bored. That didn't really have orchestra qualifications written on it.
"What do you guys plan to do when it's over?" she asked suddenly.
Spring and Mythic stopped their own conversation. Spitfire sat down beside the sea green mare, opposite of Amethyst who was digging into her oatmeal, hardly listening. When that mare had a bowl of oatmeal it'd take nothing short of a nuclear bomb to get her away from it. Still, she stopped eating when things got really quiet. Spitfire dipped one of her toast sticks in her syrup and took a bite. 
"I'll be heading back to the Crystal Empire, I guess, and probably apply for a flight instructor's job." Rhapsody and Mythic turned to the young mare, who blushed a bright purple, though barely visible through her namesake coat. "Too ambitious?"
"Not at all!" Spitfire commented. Amethyst smiled and seemed to almost glow that the Wonderbolts Major approved. "The Empire could use some good instructors. And one who flew in Ghost Wing would probably be a first pick."
"Without a doubt," Mythic commented, giving her a light elbow then promptly took a swig of his juice.
Amethyst blushed again and scratched the back of her mane. "How about you, Mythic? Any plans?"
Mythic suppressed a belch and beat his chest. He then began fiddling with his cup of orange juice. Rhapsody caught a shadow drape over his face, but whatever she thought it was, it disappeared quickly. "Well, my mother's still sick in Canterlot. I'll be heading there immediately after the war's over. Most of my bits are heading that way anyway."
"Right, cancer," Sprig murmured, her beak curling into a frown as her eyes turned down. "Almost forgotten... how's she doing by the way?"
The grey stallion smirked and lifted his cup for a drink. "Doctors are saying she's responding well. Her mane's gone, so's her tail, but she's getting much better. I got a letter saying her mane is slowly growing back, too. Looks like peach fuzz, right now. It's adorable."
Rhapsody smiled and raised her cup of grape juice. "Good to hear. I wanna see this 'peach fuzz' when she's cleared." 
Mythic clinked his cup with hers before setting it down and turning to Sprig. "What about you, featherhead?" Sprig huffed as her feathers on her neck and head puffed out a little. Rhapsody gave a small snicker; she always found that flustered hippogriff display somewhat adorable. Still, the hippogriff mare took another bite of her sausage and rapped her talons together.
"Don't know, to be honest," she answered simply. "Might head back to the farm. Mum's been having some troubles with the fields again and told me I have that magic touch that helps the trees grow and produce more fruit."
Mythic grinned at the hippogriff. "I'd like to know more about this magic touch, of yours." Sprig seemed to tense up a little through her smile before her left leg came up and then snapped downwards. Mythic gave a squeak as he dropped his fork and pancakes halfway to his mouth. Reaching down, he rubbed his hoof. "That was mean."
"I learned from the best," Sprig said low.
Amethyst groaned. "Oh would you two just kiss and get it over with?"
Rhapsody covered her muzzle before she spat her juice. Making sure it had gone down her throat, she choked a laugh and beat her chest, then let the laughter ebb down. Finally, she turned to Spitfire. "How about you, Major? Anything?"
"I never planned anything," she said almost negligently. Ghost Wing's eyes suddenly turned to their Wonderbolt member. Spitfire hardly skipped a beat in eating, adding, "What?"
"Never?" Rhapsody asked.
"Not once."
"Nothing to do?" Sprig chimed in.
"Not really. Never saw a need."
Amethyst swallowed her mouthful of oatmeal and wiped her mouth with her napkin. "But we won't be flying in the war for much longer. We'll be invading Fyrick soon. There's got to be something you want to do when it's over. The war I mean."
Spitfire simply shrugged. "If anything, I planned on still being sent back to Canterlot and sit back behind my desk, handle the General's paperwork he doesn't want to do himself, stare out the window as the planes fly by, and dream of being up there again." She added another shrug. "Air Force things."
Rhapsody huffed and shook her head. "Well... any reason why you haven't made any other plans?"
Spitfire stopped eating as she regarded her (new) wing mates. "I'm not trying to be a downer here, Ghosts," she started slowly, "But our profession is a dangerous one. We're combat pilots, and we fight to the death in the skies. Don't get me wrong, you're all good, incredibly so, Wonderbolt good. But even Wonderbolts have their mistakes. And mistakes can get ponies killed." Ghost Wing had turned silent as they listened to the Major. "Anything can go wrong up there. A wrong turn, a chance shot by your opponent. The wrong choice and you're a memory. Why make plans when you probably won't get to act on them before it's all over? See what I'm saying?"
Silence engulfed Ghost Wing as the levity began to fade. Spitfire sighed and shook her head, shoving the rest of her toast stick into her muzzle. "I just try to think realistically, alright? I don't make plans until it's over. Just how I am." Silent nods were her answer before a frown graced her lips.
"It's alright, Major," Rhapsody assured her. "I... really hadn't had anything planned either. I just wanted to wait to see what happened afterwards before I try to make anything happen."
"Thought about a stallion, lately?" Amethyst asked suddenly. Rhapsody blinked as a subtle hint of pink graced her cheeks and turned to the mare, who seemed to shrink down. "Too soon?"
Before the sea green mare could respond, a finger tapped her shoulder. She turned, thankfully her blush going down, to see an earth pony stallion with a crisp salute. Rhapsody swiftly returned it, "At ease Tech Sergeant. What do you need?"
The pony stood stock still as he replied, "Ma'am, I was sent to retrieve Ghost Wing members Wraith One and Bolt One and bring them to the hangars, ma'am. I was then ordered to gather the rest of the wing leaders and tell them that Major Soarin requests their presence in the briefing room, ma'am."
Rhapsody and Spitfire blinked at each other before shrugging and standing. "Thank you. Tell Soarin we'll be there soon." The Tech Sergeant swiftly saluted before turning on his hoof and rushing out of the mess hall. The pegasus mare frowned softly at the display; she could appreciate discipline and military bearing, but sometimes, ponies took it to extremes. It could have been her reputation, or it could have been that the stallion was raised that way. She didn't rightly know, nor did she wish to dwell on it.
She wanted to know what was in the hangar that was so important that her waffles needed to wait.


Any previous thoughts on proper military bearing and discipline and overdoing it flew out the window as both Rhapsody and Spitfire stood at attention, hands to their heads as they saluted the stallion in front of them.
And on a separate note, her waffles could indeed wait.
"At ease," General Iron Wing ordered. Both the mares regarded the General, Spitfire more so. Rhapsody recalled the Major telling the story of her taking her prized handgun and whacking this General in the face with it. There was a scar above the aged stallions left eye that was bearing the mark of the event. Still though, he did not seem to pay it any attention. The sea green mare was more intent on finding out why the General who had been relieved of frontline duty was sent here.
"Now, I trust you're wondering why I called you two specifically to meet me," he stated, his tail flicking. "First, I will admit that it was a shock that the Princesses asked that I return to front line services. Story for another time, though, as I wanted to make this quick so you can join myself and the Major for your briefing."
Rhapsody and Spitfire shared a look before turning back to the Pegasus General. The stallion waved the Lieutenant who seemed to be the General's aide. The mare nodded and waved her horn. The suitcase beside her floated up and snapped open when her magic put in the combination. Turning it to the General, the stallion reached in for a small bag. He approached the golden mare first.
The Major stood up straight once more. As the General approached her, Rhapsody could feel the tension between the two. She eyed the scar once more that Spitfire had given the General, but the two had no urge to bring up the moment. Iron Wing reached into the bag and retrieved the contents, holding them in his fist. "Your hand, Major," he ordered.
Spitfire slowly extended her hand, and Iron Wing held her wrist and placed his fist above her hand. "It was a miracle that Princess Celestia allowed me to command the air assault on Fyrick. She was prepared to strip me back down to a Second Lieutenant, but her protégé, remarkably, spoke on my behalf. My insight to air tactics was 'imperative and highly desirable for an air battle above an enemy city'. On the condition I..." Iron Wing paused and exhaled. "That I... take my position seriously, and... apologize to you for my... callousness. I felt this was the best way to do so."
Iron Wing opened his fist and let go of Spitfire's wrist. The gold mare's eyes widened as she stared at the contents. Rhapsody knew what they were; they were the lifeblood of pegasi, and the privilege of pilots everywhere.
Golden Wings. Co-pilots carried silver while Pilots were gold.
Not just any wings either. These were Wonderbolt flight wings with the signature lightning bolt down the middle. Spitfire flipped them over and, sure enough, the initials S.F. were etched into the back. Looking back at the General, she could barely suppress a smile. "When Gryphnia surrenders, I expect to see you in the skies." He looked back to his aide. "Second Lieutenant Wisp, if you please."
The unicorn mare saluted and waved to the door. "This way, ma'am."
Spitfire looked at Rhapsody, who smiled and jerked her head. The Wonderbolt Major saluted the General once more before moving towards the door the mare indicated. At last, Iron Wing turned to the Wraith herself. "Captain, I apologize for relieving you of your Flight Officer, but I believe this would be better for her," he stated. He looked towards the door; Rhapsody followed his eyes to see what he was looking at.
Her ears picked up a fainted conversation, but she smiled and figured it out when she heard the younger officer mare commenting that nothing had been changed on it, and then an almost filly-like squeal from the Major herself.
"I spoke with your former Flight Officer, Lieutenant Do," Iron Wing continued, breaking the sea green mare's mental regaling. "She's still in no position to fly, and the doctors have placed her critical care until further notice. The rounds did more damage than they had initially thought. She's collapsed more than once since her admittance, but she wanted me to tell you she's doing fine. She also sends this."
Iron Wing opened the bag again and produced a piece of paper. Rhapsody blinked and took the offered paper, slowly unfolding it. She smiled when it was revealed to be nothing more than a picture of Ditzy. Not in her hospital bed, but in her flight suit. An old picture, but it showed the bright and lively Ditzy instead of the wounded one. "I know that you cannot fly into combat of this size without a Flight Officer, as the rules say, but I am willing to look the other way for this one. She said for you to attach this to her seat."
Rhapsody blinked and wiped her eye, exhaling. "I will sir... thank you." She saluted.
Iron Wing smiled and returned the salute before waving to the hallway nearby. "Now, before we get any more late, let's join the rest of the wing leaders. We have much to discuss."