The Jolly Rogers

by lockheed

10: Test Flights, Diamond Rings, and Corpses

A loud bang jolted me awake and I glanced over at the clock on the bedside table, two thirty in the morning. Thunderstreak was sitting up in bed next to me wide eyed.

“James, go see what that was.”

I opened the drawer on the nightstand and pulled out the .44. Sliding out of bed still in my underwear I crept into the hallway and looked down the stairs towards the lower floor where all was quiet. Going down the hallway towards the kid’s bedrooms I pushed open the first door where Typhoon was holding a ball bat, obviously awakened by the noise too. Continuing on I looked in Lancaster’s room and found him squeezing a teddy bear.

“If you’re scared kiddo ya can go in me and your mom’s room.”

Hopping out of bed he galloped the whole way and I heard him belly flop onto the bed. All that was left was the bathroom and Sabre’s room. Slowly pushing the bedroom door open I saw Sabre lying face down on the floor, still snoring.

“All good everyone! Just Sabre falling out of bed.”

There was annoyed groaning from the other bedrooms which told me this was an almost regular occurrence. Going back into our room I saw Lancaster still snuggled up to Thunderstreak with his teddy bear.

“Can I still sleep in here?”

“Sure buddy. Just as long as you don’t steal all the blankets.”

Climbing back into bed I put the gun back in the drawer as a couple of small legs wrapped around my neck.

“Thanks daddy!”

“Alright, lie down and go to sleep.”

Lancaster flopped down between Thunderstreak and me and curled up with his bear. Laying down I went back to sleep until my alarm went off

~~~~~
11:50 Hours
Sweet Apple Acres
Friday August 15, 1986
~~~~~

The princesses walked around the freshly painted Corsair and seemed impressed by its sleekness.

“So General Jones, what are the capabilities of this airplane?”

“That’s what I was hoping to test with this flight. If she performs like she should then she should be able to take on almost any fighter the enemy can throw at us.”

“Good because we sent in a special high speed, high altitude jet to get these photos.”

Celestia levitated a small stack of black and white recon photographs over to me. I looked at the first one which was of an airfield but primarily focused on the planes parked there. Setting the photo on the wing of the plane I looked harder at the silhouettes and saw more details, such as several more planes being assembled on the field.

“Well based off the fairly blunt wingtips I can say these are early model Messerschmitt 109’s. Looks like they got an early model 190 there too.”

“The griffin government has yet to announce the existence of the planes or the humans they have in their nation. We believe if they do they will do it by showing them off during the opening of the Equestria Games which are being held in Gryphus next month. We also have the file on the griffin pilot for you.”

The folder floated over and landed on the wing by the rest of the pictures.

“So what are the Equestria Games?”

“It’s an international sporting event that is held every two years in a different city.”

“Sounds about like the Olympics.”

“We were hoping you could do a fly over when the Equestrian team comes out into the stadium as well.”

“I don’t see why not.”

Looking down at my watch the hands showed the time to be five to noon.

“Alright everyone! I need y’all back away from the center of the clearing! Dash, be ready to take off with the camera so you can get some shots of the plane in flight.”

“Camera’s ready.”

I climbed up into the cockpit and was about to start the engine when I heard yelling for us to wait. We all looked to see Austin running towards the group, obviously just off the train from Canterlot.

“Umm, Austin, any particular reason you’re in a dress?”

“Oh, I got a part time job as a can-can dancer.”

“I’m fucking done.”

Trying to forget the haunting image of Austin in a dress I flipped the magnetos and the engine roared to life. Pushing the throttle forward the warbird slowly rolled forward and I taxied it to the end of the clearing. Shoving the throttle all the way the Corsair gained speed and the control column shook as the plane wanted to climb. Slowly pulling back on the stick the plane lifted off and Rainbow Dash was soon on my right wing snapping pictures. I raised the gear which made a thunk as the gear bay doors shut. Leveling out at around a hundred feet I banked left and headed for Ponyville. Coming in low and fast I saw several ponies dive for cover and a few just stand awestruck in the middle of the street. Buzzing the buildings around the town center I saw a small purple dragon drop the scrolls he was carrying as he dove for the ground. Pulling up into a strait up climb I waited until the plane was just above stall speed before applying full right rudder and spinning it around into a dive. Pulling up just above the roof tops I put it through a barrel roll and headed back towards the strip at Sweet Apple Acres. Flying a big circle around the clearing I lined up with the end of the strip and lowered the flaps and gear. Sliding the canopy back I put my free hand over my officer’s cap and leaned my head out into the August air. From the back cockpit I could see the main landing gear down and locked. Pulling the nose up above the horizon just before I touched down I saw the stall warning light up as I landed. Hitting the brakes the Corsair began to slow and I taxied it over by the shed. Shutting down the engine I jumped down to the ground where all the ponies and Austin.

“I’d say this calls for a celebration!”

There were shouts of agreement from everyone and Pinkie seemingly pulled a record player and dress from nowhere and started dancing with Austin.

“If we back away very quietly, they might not notice we left.”

“James! Just because the man got a job where he has to wear a dress doesn’t mean it’s weird.”

“It’s not that he’s in a dress. It’s the fact he’s got leg hair like a gorilla that makes me wanna puke.”

“Well, he’s not wrong.” Austin said lifting the dress just enough to gross everyone out.

“Miller put the damn dress down and let’s all go into town and get a drink.”

We all headed for the cars the princesses had brought down from the north and Thunderstreak, the kids, and I climbed into the back seat of the Lincoln convertible with the princesses in the seat in front of us. The car took off and we were in the center of town within fifteen minutes parked in front of an Itallion restaurant. Climbing out of the car we all piled into the restaurant where all the ponies inside looked in shock at the two princesses waiting with us to be seated. A young waitress who couldn’t have been older than fifteen came over with a stack of menus and nervously escorted over to a table made up of several other tables pushed together.

“Can I take your drink orders while you all look over the menus?” The young mare asked in a voice that reminded me of a slightly louder Fluttershy. We gave her our drink orders and all looked over the menus while chatting about the day’s events. All eyes suddenly turned to Rainbow Dash and Celestia however when the subject of her desired enlistment came up.

“So Miss Dash, I got a call from General Jones last night that you want to enlist in the air force. What are you hoping to do if you do join?”

“Well princess I want to be a pilot.”

“A fighter pilot?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Well normally mares cannot serve on the front lines, with the exception of nurses, but Lieutenant Day told me that blacks could not fly either until they formed the 99th Fighter Squadron. Rainbow Dash, how would you feel about helping to form an all mares fighter group?”

“It would be an honor your highness.”

“Oh, no need to be so formal with me. Just call me Tia.”

“So, Tia, will we be stationed in Ponyville too?”

“It is probably a good idea to start somewhere small like Ponyville. And while we’re talking about that I need to speak to the mayor about the location of the air field when we’re all done here.”

The waitress returned with our drinks and passed them out and took the orders which ended up with us ordering six extra-large pizzas which should have been enough for all of us. Thanks to Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, it wasn’t. The pizzas were gone within a half hour and we all decided it was time to go. Luna picked up the bill and even left the waitress a twenty bit tip. We all said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

~~~~~
14:00 Hours
1237 North Main Street
Ponyville
~~~~~

The grandfather clock in the corner chimed twice but I barely noticed as I had my face buried in a newspaper. My focus remained unbroken until I heard Thunderstreak talking to me from the other side of the paper.

“Oh, James.”

Lowering the paper I looked at her and saw her in a black silk nightgown.

“The kids are all out of the house. I thought, maybe we could do some, things.”

“Depends. Will there be cake?”

“There will be cake.”

~~~~~
Ten minutes later
~~~~~

I set the plate on the nightstand and pulled Thunderstreak over to me.

“Cake in bed and a TV in the bedroom? I knew there’s a reason I fell in love with you.”

“I’m amazed that cake didn’t spoil when they shipped the fridge here.” She replied as she nuzzled into my side.

“Spoiled or not it’s still cake. I’ll just scape the mold off.”

“All guys do.”

As we lied in bed the peace was suddenly shattered as the front door slammed shut and we heard someone trot inside.

“Mum?! Dad?! I’m home!”

“Shh, if we don’t make a sound maybe he’ll go play outside.”

“Are you guys upstairs?”

“Shit. Yes honey?!”

“Can I go to Miss Applejack’s?”

“Yes, just be home before dark.”

“But the crusaders were going to have a sleepover at the clubhouse.”

“Alright but I want you home in time for us to sign you up for school tomorrow.”

“Thanks mum!”

“Speaking of doing things before it gets dark I need to go into town for something.”

“What is it?”

“How did you put it when you wouldn’t let me see you in the dress? Oh, that’s right! Spoilers.”

“Don’t use my words against me mister.”

Buttoning up my jacket I put on my cap and went downstairs where I heard a noise in the kitchen. Looking in the kitchen I saw Lancaster holding a mountain of food in his hooves when he noticed me looking in. Shutting the fridge he backed out the side door.

“You didn’t see anything.”

Shrugging my shoulders I went out the front door and headed for the opposite side of town and Carousel Boutique. As I walked I passed the pool and saw Sabre still trying to win over the life guard, trying being the key word. Continuing on through town I had to take another side street to avoid Lyra who worked in a shop ahead. Finally reaching the boutique I stepped inside and the jingle of the bell got Rarity’s attention.

“Hello James. How are you?”

“Pretty good.”

“I heard you were a big hit at that one restaurant yesterday.”

“Yeah well don’t expect me to do anything like that again anytime soon.”

“So is there something you need darling?”

“I heard you’re pretty good with gems.”

“Indeed I am. Is there something you need? Necklace or something?”

“A necklace would be nice but I was thinking something a bit smaller.”

“A bracelet?”

“Smaller.”

“Oh my James, are you really asking for what I think you are?”

“Yes I am. I have forty thousand bits left after I bought the house so I want the nicest one you can make.”

“Oh James I can’t take your money for something so important! Think of it as an early gift from me.”

“I can’t let you do that Rarity. I’m paying for it weather you let me or not.”

“Well I have one already made that you can buy now.”

Rarity floated a small velvet box over to me and I pulled out a bag of bits.

“Rarity, you are doing me a huge favor.”

“It’s nothing dear. I’m still saying you let me give you the ring as a gift.”

“I get the whole generosity thing but I insist I pay. No but’s about it. I’m paying for the ring.”

“If you insist. The ring is two thousand bits.”

Opening up the bag I pulled out two stacks of hundred bit notes and set them on the desk in the room.

“There’s what I owe you, plus,” reaching back in the bag I pulled out another stack and set it down “plenty for a wedding dress.”

“I’ll make it the most beautiful dress anypony’s ever seen.”

“Thanks again Rarity. I’m gonna be the luckiest man in the universe.” I said as I slipped the velvet box into my pocket.

“And Thunderstreak the luckiest mare. Now go home and I want to see her with a diamond ring tomorrow when I sign up Sweetie Belle.”

“Will do Rarity.” I told her as I stepped out of the shop. “Will do.”

~~~~~
17:00 Hours
1237 North Main Street
~~~~~

Running up the stairs I went into the bedroom and flopped down on the bed next to Thunderstreak who looked over at me.

“So are you going to tell me what you needed in town now?”

“Nope. It’s a surprise. Say, let’s go do something.”

“Like what?”

“Put on the ritz and go have a picnic.”

“I’ll get some food and a blanket.”

“I’ll get my tux.”

“And make sure to get your bowtie. I like bowties. Bowties are cool.”

“Will do sweetheart. And you make sure to get that red dress I got ya.”

“Well what else would I wear sweetie?”

~~~~~
19:00 Hours
Ponyville Park
~~~~~

“This is really nice James.” Thunderstreak said as we sat looking at the sky changing its color from blue to a dull orange from our picnic blanket.

“Sure is.”

“You ever wonder what it’s like up there? All those stars and planets that nopony has ever seen. James?”

“Hmm?”

“What is your planet like?”

“It’s sorta like this one but the sun and moon move on their own. And a lack of talkin’ ponies too. Then there’s the cars and all that. It’s so similar yet so different from this place at the same time. It’s like I’m in a dream.”

“Well I know the princesses said they would send you back when everything blows over with the griffins and well, wherever you go, I go.”

She scooted over and pressed her head against my chest.

“Hey Thunderstreak?”

“Yeah?”

“What do you think is the ultimate step we could take?”

“As in us as a couple? I don’t know, maybe adopt another kid?”

“Sounds nice actually but there’s something else I was thinking of.”

“What’s that?”

Shifting to where she moved to face me I got up from sitting, onto one knee, and reached into my pocket.

“Thunderstreak, you are the light of my life. You are my reason for living. You are the most beautiful, kindest, and wonderful mare in the world. My life didn’t feel complete until I went to the gala with you. Basically what I’m trying to say is,” I pulled the small box from my pocket and she put her hooves up to her mouth is shock “Thunderstreak, will you marry me?”

“Yes, yes, YES!”

I stood up and threw my hands up in victory.

“She said yes! I’m the luckiest man ever!”

Several ponies in the park looked in our direction and smiled when they saw what was going on.

“So where are going to go for the honeymoon? Haywaii maybe?”

“That sounds nice. Or Prance. I hear that’s romantic.”

“You make enough that we can go anywhere. Where are we getting married?”

“I hear Canterlot has some nice areas for weddings.”

“And my dress. What about my dress?”

“I already paid for it at Rarity’s. You can talk to her about it tomorrow when we’re at the school sign up.”

“I never thought I would ever get married again but here you went and swept me off my hooves.”

“I can do that.”

Scooping her up in my arms she let out a surprised sqee before turning beat red as I carried her home. We ignored the looks from the ponies out and about and when we got home I opened the door and carried her inside. The kids all looked at us from the couch in confusion at our sudden happiness.

“What’s got you two so happy?”

I pulled the ring box back out and the kid’s eyes went wide.

“You proposed?!”

“Sure did.”

“And she said yes?!”

“We wouldn’t be grinnin’ is she’d said no now would we?”

Typhoon shot up from the couch and pulled Thunderstreak away from me into a hug.

“Mom I’m so happy for you! And James, you’re obviously insane to join this family. You’ll fit right in.”

“I figured I would. Now, I have just the thing for this occasion.”

Walking into the kitchen I pulled a bottle of wine out of one of the cabinets and some wine glasses.

“Four wine glasses? Sweetie, we can’t let them drink. They’re minors.”

“Well I figure for all the shit of mine they’re going to have to put up with they at least deserve a glass of wine with us. And literal shit is included in that. I’ve managed to plug one of them industrial strength shitters at a hospital before so imagine here.”

“Dear heavens James. Way too much information. But I will take that glass of wine.”

“See? Typhoon’s got the spirit. Now let’s drink.”

“Fine. So when are we going to announce the engagement to everypony?”

“Tomorrow I guess? I don’t know how that all works.” I replied as I poured the wine.

The phone started ringing, and since I was the closest, I answered it and an excited voice began shooting me rapid fire questions.

“Did she say yes? Did she? Did she? Did she?”

“Yes Rarity, she said yes.”

“Oh I’m so happy for you! When and where’s the wedding?”

“We haven’t figured that out yet but we’ll let ya know as soon as we do.”

“Can I please call and tell the others?”

“Hold on. Thunderstreak, is it ok if Rarity tells the others about us?” Thunderstreak nodded yes and I told Rarity who immediately hung up to make the calls. Sitting down at the table I downed my wine in one go before looking over at Thunderstreak and then the kids.

“Tell ya what kids, here’s twenty bits for each of you. Go into town for a couple of hours and have fun.”

The kids grabbed the money but Sabre seemed suspicious of my intentions.

“What’s this for?”

Typhoon smacked him upside the head and he began rubbing the back of his head.

“They’re going to do the do you dunce.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah so if you two could go that would be great.”

They hurried out and I scooped up Thunderstreak in my arms and carried her upstairs.

“You really know how to treat a lady don’t you?”

“I know how to treat my lady cause if she ain’t happy then ain’t nobody happy.”

Going into the bedroom I set her down on the bed and shut the door.

~~~~~
10:20 Hours
Ponyville Primary School
~~~~~

Ms. Cheerily smiled as I gave her the filed out form that was needed to enroll Lancaster in school. Stepping outside I saw Lancaster playing with the Crusaders and a few other kids outside by a swing set. When he saw me he hurried over to my side and we headed out the gate for the small high school towards the center of town.

“Why do I have to go to school?”

“You don’t like school?”

“I like seeing my friends but I don’t like the homework. It’s not really a challenge for me.”

“Well just do it cause it ain’t worth the hassle of not doing it.”

“I know. Can I hang out with you today?”

“Sure kiddo but I doubt I’m doin’ anythin’ today.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you do or not as long as I get to be with my new dad.”

Lancaster moved closer to me and before long we were at the high school. Going inside we found Thunderstreak filling out the forms for Typhoon but the forms for Sabre untouched.

“Need some help?”

“Yeah. Could you fill out Sabre’s form?”

“Sure. Sabre, I may need your help with this.”

Sitting down in a chair I was joined by Sabre and we began going over the forms.

“Allergies?”

“Bullshit, bullets, and bitching.”

“No allergies. Special talent?”

“Sword fighting.”

“Have you now or ever been in any special ed programs?”

“Nope.”

Looking over the packet of paperwork I made sure it was totally filled out and handed it over to mare at the junior class table and went to the door where Thunderstreak, Typhoon, and Lancaster were waiting for us. Heading out the door we were all headed home when I had an idea.

“Hey, why don’t we all go swimming?”

There were sounds of agreement, especially from Sabre. When we got home I ran upstairs to change into the shorts I had ordered a few days before and grabbed towels for us.

“Alright let’s go.”

Going outside we headed back towards the center of town where the pool was. When we got to the pool I saw one of the lifeguards turn her nose up at Sabre.

“That the girl you like?”

“Yeah.”

“She looks like the kind that would be hard to impress. Singin’ didn’t work?”

“Nope. She shoved me off the diving board over there.”

“How’d she manage that?”

“She led me up there then got me turned around and backed me out onto the board. Then she just shoved me off.”

“And you couldn’t impress her before that either?”

“No. She’s just too dull.”

“There’s no one who truly is dull. Ya just gotta find what gets ‘em excited.”

“Like what?”

“Well normally just find out what they like. You said she likes art?”

“Yeah. She’s an artist.”

“There’s supposed to be an art show coming to town in a few weeks. Ask her to go with you.”

“But art doesn’t excite me.”

“No but it might her, so get over it because relationships are about compromise. It’s all about give and take.”

Getting a running start I cannonballed into the pool and went almost to the bottom of the deep end. Swimming back up to the surface I brushed my hair out of my eyes in time to see Thunderstreak and Typhoon dive in with Lancaster not far behind them. Swimming over to me, we all began to float lazily around in the deep end and I could feel my skin getting warm from the sun. A hoof wrapped around my arm and I saw Thunderstreak holding onto me and we floated together in the pool. Suddenly a voice got my attention and I looked over to see an air force sergeant standing by the pool.

“Can I help ya?”

“General, the princesses have asked that you report to Canterlot immediately.”

“For what?”

“A very important matter.”

“Very well.”

I climbed out of the pool and grabbed a towel.

“Come on Lancaster.”

“Why?”

“I said you could spend the day with me and I intend to keep my word.”

Lancaster scrambled out of the pool and grabbed a towel.

“So where are we going?”

“Canterlot.”

~~~~~
13:35 Hours
Downtown Canterlot
~~~~~

Glass crunched under my boot as I stepped into the destroyed room.

“Lancaster, be careful. I don’t need you getting cut. So princess happened?”

Celestia walked over to my side as we surveyed the damage.

“We believe a bomb by the level of carnage.”

Lancaster cleared his throat and we looked down at him.

“If I may. This most certainly was a bomb but there are things you lot have yet to notice. The glass, it would have been blown out by an ordinary bomb. And, what is the one thing you never think to look for in a bomb blast?” We shrugged and he pointed to a hole in the wall. “A bullet hole.”

“How did the forensics team miss that?”

“Common mistake assuming that a bomb blast in the home of an air force captain is just a normal bomb blast. Now, I recommend you have your team go back over this room. Oh, and have them look at that rooftop across the street because based on the angle that the bullet is lodged in the wall it deflected off the interior of the captain’s skull after being fired from that rooftop.”

“Do all people with accents like that just have detective skills or what?”

“I saw quite a few murders back in the Crystal Empire when I was younger so I have learned to recognize the small details. Can we go get ice cream now?”

“Sure buddy. We’ll be going princess. I’ll make sure to run back by here before we head home.”

“Thank you general.”

“Come on dad, let’s go!” Lancaster scolded me as he pulled on my pant leg.

“Alright, alright. I’m coming.”

I walked out of the house with Lancaster and had to climb over the police tape. We walked for several blocks when we spotted an ice cream shop. Going inside the stallion behind the counter smiled warmly at us.

“What do ya want bud?”

“Cookies and cream.”

“Two cookies and cream please.”

The stallion scooped the ice cream onto the cones and gave them to us. Walking outside we sat down at a small table outside the shop.

“So how could you tell all that just by looking at the room?”

“I see everything in the room. It’s like I play it out in my head.”

“What else did you see?”

“Well based on the size of the body on the floor under the sheet and the blood spatter, the captain was standing approximately two feet away from the wall when he was shot. Also based on the location of the bullet and the height of the captain the bullet was fired by either a tall stallion or something the size of a griffin from the rooftop across the street.”

“That’s incredible. You’re like a little Sherlock Holmes.”

“Who?”

“Oh right. It’s a story where I’m from and this man is a genius when it came to crime scenes and what not. I have the books back home. If I ever manage to get back there you’ll have to read it. They’re fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.”

“Sounds like it. I do like a good crime story.”

We finished off our ice cream and walked down the busy street when I spotted a toy store.

“Hey, you want a toy or two while we’re here?”

“Toys? Yay!”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

He took off for the toy store and I had to run to keep up with him. Running into the toy store I saw Lancaster already playing with toys that had been scattered about by other children. As I looked around I found the ultimate source of entertainment, a swivel chair. Plopping down in the chair I began spinning and the room turned into a blur.

“Dad, what are you doing?”

“Spinning in a chair.”

“Why?”

“Because growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.”

“Greatest thing I have ever heard from an adult in a swivel chair.”

I stopped spinning and waited for the room too as well. When everything was still again I saw Lancaster standing in front of me with a couple of toys in his hooves. We walked to the counter and he gave them to the cashier to ring up.

“Your total is seven bits. Would you like a bag sir?”

“Yes please.”

The teenage colt behind the counter gave Lancaster the bag and I placed the seven bits on the counter. We walked outside and we headed back for the crime scene a few blocks away. As we walked the ground suddenly shook with a tremendous roar and there was an unbearable heat on my back. Spinning around I saw an enormous fireball rising into the sky from a nearby building. Scooping Lancaster up in my arms I began running with the rest of the crowd. As we ran there were easily a dozen royal guards running the opposite direction. When we reached the crime scene I ran in with Lancaster still in my arms. Setting him down, I ran out the door back towards the new bomb blast.

“Keep an eye on him Tia!”

The biggest part of the crowd was gone with a few ponies still wandering in shock. I reached the blast area and saw guards, police, and medics running around trying to do as much as they could.

“General! Come give us a hand here!”

I found myself running to help, my body functioning on autopilot.

“Keep pressure on this wound while I go get some supplies.”

My hand pressed on the open wound on a pony’s leg. The stallion let out a deafening scream out of agony and my hand was soon covered in blood.

“Stay with me. What’s your name?”

“Musket.”

“What do you do Musket?”

“I’m a soldier.” He replied just before he attempted to move his leg and let out another scream.

“Ya need to hold still for me Musket. What branch you with?”

“Army.”

“Nice branch. Had a friend back home join the army. Alright, here comes the medic. I need you to keep calm for him. Alright?”

“Yes sir.”

The medic crouched next to him and gave him a quick shot of morphine to reduce the pain. He took over for me and I hurried to help with more injured. The next one that I was told to help with was obviously a lost cause from the injury he had sustained.

“He’s got shrapnel in the side of his neck, severed curated artery, he’s gotten morphine but it’s not doing much.”

My hand quickly replaced the hoof on the side of the pony’s neck but blood continued gush from the wound.

“He’s still losing blood!”

A dark red pool formed around my feet and knees as I kneeled in the street over the dying pony. The other medic came back and looked at the stallion. He shook his head and waved for me to back away. I stood up and looked down at my blood soaked pants and hand. Wiping my hand onto my pants I walked away from the dead and dying. My insides felt twisted as I listened to the screams of them and dared not look back where my bloody boot prints lead from. My mind was still numb as I walked up the path for the home where Lancaster and Celestia were.

“Come on Lancaster. We have to go home.”

“But dad…”

“NOW!!!”

He slunk down and followed me towards the train station. The ride home was silent as the screams echoed in my mind.

~~~~~
01:19 Hours
1237 North Main Street
August 17
~~~~~

The static of the TV was nothing more than back ground noise as I tipped the beer bottle back and finished off the contents. Hoofsteps on the stairs suddenly got my attention and I looked behind me and saw Thunderstreak descending the staircase.

“Sweetie, are you alright?”

“No. Those screams are still in my head. Every time I close my eyes I see them just lying there, dying. The TV said that seven died. I saw one bleed out right there in front of me.”

Thunderstreak sat down on the couch with me and laid a hoof on my shoulder. I looked over at her and into her blue eyes. They seemed to look into my soul, and they looked, sad.

“James, let me tell you a story. When I had got out of the training in the medical division I was assigned to a base in Fillydelphia. My second day there, there was an accident in the munition stores. A few dozen ponies were killed and almost two hundred were wounded by the explosion. I saw more ponies die in one day than I thought I would in my entire career. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about that day. You learn to move on, to block it out the best you can. There is nothing that will ever truly make you forget, but remember one thing. I am always here for you. If you need to talk about it, I’m here.”

“Thank you.”

“James, you’re crying.”

My hand wiped under my eye and I looked at the tears on my fingers.

“Guess I am. Last time I cried I was thirteen.”

“It’s normal sweetie. Just let it out. Let all those emotions out.”

We leaned on each other and my body shook as I began sobbing. A hoof rubbed up and down my back and Thunderstreak whispered kind words to me. Seconds, minutes, hours, I don’t know how long we sat there holding each other. The sky was still dark when we went upstairs and climbed into bed.

“James?”

“Yes?”

“It gets better. I promise.”

For the second time I allowed myself to look into her eyes and this time I saw happiness. The same happiness when she would see me walk in the same room as her. The same happiness that had been in her eyes Friday in the park.

“Thunderstreak, thank you for that downstairs.”

“It was nothing. I know what you’ve been through.”

I laid down and shut my eyes, and for the first time since the explosion, I didn’t see corpses. The grief and terror of the day had dispersed but I knew it would return. But as I learned later, those few dead would be nothing compared to what was in store.

Author's Note:

The next chapter jumps forward a bit and (Spoilers) a wee bit of a bombshell at the end of the next one.

Comments

[Nightshade Dawn]

Lancaster cleared his throat and we looked down at him.
“If I may. This most certainly was a bomb but there are things you lot have yet to notice. The glass, it would have been blown out by an ordinary bomb. And, what is the one thing you never think to look for in a bomb blast?” We shrugged and he pointed to a hole in the wall. “A bullet hole.”
“How did the forensics team miss that?”
“Common mistake assuming that a bomb blast in the home of an air force captain is just a normal bomb blast. Now, I recommend you have your team go back over this room. Oh, and have them look at that rooftop across the street because based on the angle that the bullet is lodged in the wall it deflected off the interior of the captain’s skull after being fired from that rooftop.”
“Do all people with accents like that just have detective skills or what?”
“I saw quite a few murders back in the Crystal Empire when I was younger so I have learned to recognize the small details. Can we go get ice cream now?”
“Sure buddy. We’ll be going princess. I’ll make sure to run back by here before we head home.”
“Thank you general.”
“Come on dad, let’s go!” Lancaster scolded me as he pulled on my pant leg.
“Alright, alright. I’m coming.”
I walked out of the house with Lancaster and had to climb over the police tape. We walked for several blocks when we spotted an ice cream shop. Going inside the stallion behind the counter smiled warmly at us.
“What do ya want bud?”
“Cookies and cream.”
“Two cookies and cream please.”
The stallion scooped the ice cream onto the cones and gave them to us. Walking outside we sat down at a small table outside the shop.
“So how could you tell all that just by looking at the room?”
“I see everything in the room. It’s like I play it out in my head.”
“What else did you see?”
“Well based on the size of the body on the floor under the sheet and the blood spatter, the captain was standing approximately two feet away from the wall when he was shot. Also based on the location of the bullet and the height of the captain the bullet was fired by either a tall stallion or something the size of a griffin from the rooftop across the street.”
“That’s incredible. You’re like a little Sherlock Holmes.”

I was just about to say the Lancaster was like Sherlock Holmes

[FLUTTERGUY411]

“Oh, I got a part time job as a can-can dancer.”

XD

[FLUTTERGUY411]

This chapter started to take a turn for the worst and then I remembered this quote.

“Because growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.”

And this made my day, I think I would engrave that quote into the side of my drill rifle for ROTC. I am hanging that quote on my wall anyway.