3. Unexpected Reminders
Dealing with civilian ponies can be tricky for some members of the military. When you’ve been in the Guard or Army long enough, you sort of forget that life outside of those organizations lacks all of the hierarchy.
You can yell at a civilian pony to follow your orders but she isn’t obligated to do so. She never swore an oath. This wasn’t really a lesson I’d learned so much as just gleaned from being married to Crystal Wishes and around her friends. They acted differently than I did.
Chief Steel Wings must have been basing my temperament on my reaction to Tranquil Dusk and Crimson Dawn. Either that or he simply didn’t want to deal with this problem.
I descended the various flights of stairs until I was in the depths of the Honor. This was where all of the systems that ran the ship's propulsion were maintained. For as much as I loved airships, I didn’t really understand how they worked. That was outside of my area of skill.
Outside of the bulkhead to the main engine room, I found two soldiers. They stood at attention as I walked past. Civilian ponies, even trusted ones, were not allowed to work unsupervised on military property.
I nodded at them. “At ease. Any progress?”
The soldier nearest me shook his head. “No, sir. I’m not sure they know what they’re doing.”
Great. “Thanks, I’ll see what I can do.”
Three ponies were on the other side of the bulkhead working on the various parts of the engine. They all wore light blue jump suits and seemed, more or less, interested in a particular set of pistons.
“Gentleponies, where are we at?” I asked and they all turned to me. For the most part, under the jumpsuits and goggles they all looked the same.
The first one’s mane was red and cream with a matching reddish-brown coat.
The second was grey and had contrasting aqua eyes that were very obvious through the goggles.
The third pony was— “Runic!”
The grey pegasus shook his head. “Runic? I’m not Runic Phial!”
My head tilted. “I never said Runic Phial.”
He quickly shook his head, the dark red mane shifting under the goggles. “Don’t be silly, Silent Knight, everypony knows Runic Phial. You didn’t have to say the whole name for me to make the connection.”
The other two ponies stared on in confusion while we pushed through our exchange.
“I never said my name, either.”
The pony that was, without a doubt, my cousin Runic cleared his throat. “Oh. Would you believe I’m a mind reader?”
“No.”
“Oh. Then smoke bomb!”
His hoof moved but nothing happened. We just stood there looking at each other.
“You… didn’t throw a smoke bomb,” I pointed out.
“Come on, Silent Knight, even I’m not crazy enough to throw a smoke bomb in the engine room of an airship.”
The other two ponies replied in unison, “Thank you!”
“Runic, we’re going to have to sort this out. For now, though, I have to get things moving.” I shifted my attention to them. “Are we anywhere near a solution?”
The reddish-brown stallion looked to me and pulled off his goggles, revealing red eyes. He shook his head. “She’s pretty old, sir. Most of these parts we don’t manufacture anymore. Our spares are limited and, to be honest, it is a testament to the design considering how well she’s has held up. This engine honestly needs to be rebuilt.”
That was not what I wanted to hear. I approached them and looked over what they were looking at. It made zero sense to me. I’d have to just take his word for it. “I understand, Mister…”
“Helical Gear,” he replied.
“Helical Gear. Is there anything that can be done? What are my options here? This ship needs to be in fighting condition.”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. If we could find another one of this model that has been decently kept, we could probably scrap it for parts and build up a few of the others. This one being the primary, of course. What do you think, Artie?”
The grey stallion—Artie, it seemed—nodded and smiled. “Absolutely! And, do you know what, if we took some of this apart, cleaned it up really well, and rebuilt it, that might work. We could potentially fabricate some of these parts ourselves. After all, an airship isn’t unlike a wind-up toy.”
A wind-up toy? I truly hoped it was different.
“You know what… you’re right. These ships were made mostly by hoof long before we started using unicorns and precision lines. If we could just get a week or so in port, we could make some serious gains,” Helical Gear replied.
“No kidding! That is assuming they’d let us take her down for a bit. She’s been running almost constantly since we got here. Could you imagine what would happen if we tried to do any of this underway?” Artie put in.
“Oh no, we’re definitely going to have to—”
I lightly tapped my hoof on the floor. “Stallions, if I may?”
They both turned to me.
“If I get you a week of downtime, you can fix this?”
Artie shook his head. “Oh no, sir, but she’ll run better than she does now! If we can scrap another one like Helical said, sure… sure… but that will take a while.”
“So you need me to find another airship and get you a week.”
“Yup!” they replied in unison.
“Okay…” Yeah, I’d get right on that. I hooked a hoof towards Runic. “So, is this stallion actually helping?”
Helical Gear idly rubbed one hoof against the other. “No… but he is really excited and hasn’t done any harm.”
Artie chimed in, “And honestly, our manes have never looked better since he started giving us shampoo.”
That was undeniable. On closer inspection, their manes did look excellent. I shook my head and turned to Runic. “You’re not an airship technician and this kingdom is at war. How did you even get here?”
Runic replied cheerfully, “I had a clipboard! Anypony will let you in if you had a clipboard.”
What? Was he serious? “Alright… well, I’m going to have to have a discussion with the commander of the Army G2 about that. You know you’ll have to go home. It isn’t safe and you’re not even supposed to be here.”
“Aww, at least let me stay until I fix the airship!”
“Can you fix the airship?”
“I don’t know; I haven’t tried yet.”
“Uh, maybe leave that to these two. They’re probably far more qualified. I hope.”
Helical Gear quickly nodded, “Oh, yes, sir. We’re both qualified airship technicians.”
Artie added, “And I make toys.”
“Okay, do what you can. I’m going to get you the time you need. Runic, come with me, we’re going to talk to Maya.”
“Aww… she’ll make me go home.”
“I’m making you go home!”
“Aww…”
Runic and I left the engine room and headed up two decks to the staff area. The Honor wasn’t exactly huge but there was at least enough space for the staff to do some work. Our destination was the G2 office. Those ponies handled intelligence and security.
The inside was basic enough. It was a square berth with two windows, four desks, and a makeshift office for the commanding officer.
We weren’t halfway through the door before Deputy Director Maya—or Val as I knew her—saw Runic, recognized him, and asked me, “Where did you find him?”
“Engine room, did you know he was here?”
“No, but I’m not surprised. Runic, you know it is dangerous here.”
Runic nodded. “I do, but not on the airship! I was just going to help them fix it and then go home.”
Maya rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Sure. Listen, we need to—”
“Everything alright out here?” came a voice from the makeshift office. It was Vice Colonel Penny.
“Yes, ma’am. We just have a little personnel issue. This technician is on the wrong ship. Captain Knight has him in custody, though,” Maya said in reply.
Vice Colonel Penny came out of her office with an amused smile on her face. “Oh yeah? Since when does operations take anypony into custody? I thought that was our job. Who is the technician?”
“My cousin, ma’am,” I replied before Maya could.
“Ah, I see. So our stowaway is family.”
“Yes, ma’am, he gets a bit excited about airships and I imagine he is missing me. I swear he means no harm, though. When we get back to Margull, I’ll put him on a ship bound for home.”
“Aww…” Runic said.
The vice colonel nodded. “Very well. He’s on you, though. Make sure he isn’t a spy.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I replied.
Once she was back in her office, I lowered my voice to say, “Okay, Runic, we can go hang out on the main deck for a little while until we get back, alright?”
“I guess… it sucks that I have to go home, though. I wanted to hang out with you two,” Runic muttered.
Maya came over and set a hoof on his nose. “Don’t worry, we’ll be home sooner than you think. I promise.”
“She’s right,” I put in.
Runic nodded and sighed. “I guess. I just missed you two and there were so many airships.”
I looped a forehoof around him and nodded. “I know, I know. This whole thing isn’t what we wanted. Come on, let’s go spend some time in the sky. We’ll worry about getting you home later.”
Runic’s expression lit up as he said, “That sounds good to me!”
☾
General Ironhoof had gotten his look at Rindaire and what the gryphons were up to. We’d flown by at full speed and from a very safe distance. Even still, the Sudramoar forces had taken a few shots at us with their bolt throwers. Nothing came of that but it was clear they didn’t like having us around.
That was fine by me. I didn’t like them being around. It also seemed like they weren’t too keen on staying where they were. In the areas beyond their new fortifications, we could see they were massing and preparing to march north. That was something we knew before. We just weren’t aware of how far along they were.
They were far further along than anticipated. As such, time was running out and if the Nordanver gryphons weren’t ready, they’d be in for a world of hurt.
The Honor had steamed for Margull at its best rate but it was quickly becoming obvious that that wasn’t good enough long term.
Colonel Hammer stood beside me on the foredeck, watching the horizon speed by. “So, you want me to tell the deputy commanding general that we need to take the general’s flagship out of the sky for a week and find another ship to scrap?”
“That is what the technicians told me, sir. As far as me wanting you to, I consider that a privilege of rank. I tell the G3 commander, he tells you, you tell the deputy CG, and the DCG tells the general.”
“Privilege is supposed to work the other way around. How did I get caught like this? Also, you missed a step there.”
“Such is the life of the deputy chief of staff. Actually, now that you bring that up, when are we getting a commander for the G3?” I asked.
The colonel shrugged. “No idea. We never replaced the last one once he retired. I’ve been handling it directly for almost two years now. If it becomes an issue, we’ll see about filling it. Otherwise, I don’t have an issue with you and the others reporting to me.”
He sighed. “Alright, I’m going to go try and explain that on the eve of battle, we’ve got to shelve one of the few military airships in existence. Hurray.”
Better him than me. I waited until he was gone before settling against the railing. We were almost to Margull. An hour or two out at this point. I’d waited to bring up what the technicians had told me until now to keep everypony focused on the reconnaissance we were doing.
If I’d spoken up sooner, the brass may have spent the whole time arguing over what to do instead of looking. That happens sometimes. One problem eclipses another.
After giving the horizon one more glance, I headed down to the small quarters I was sharing with three other junior officers and, temporarily, Runic. He was back in the engine room with the technicians. I’d had work to do and the soldiers down there could keep an eye on him for me. That was privilege of rank.
It was time to handle a little personal business before everything became chaos. We were in the calm before the storm and I’d put this off long enough. There was a letter from Crystal in my saddlebag. The response to the last I’d sent. It frightened me some. Would she wait? Should she?
With a careful hoof, I cracked the seal and pulled the paper free. It smelled of roses… just like her. How I missed that smell. My eyes fell to the perfect pen strokes.
My Dearest Silent Knight,
No written words can begin to tell you how happy I am to receive your letter. I know that there is no place for you there where your safety is guaranteed, but if you tell me that you are safe, then that puts my mind at ease.
Your grandfather? I suppose it speaks volumes to his character that I would have believed you if you had ever said he passed some time ago. Fences broken for so long are hard to mend; I more than understand that. My whole life, I had never met my mother's parents. They had no kind words to share about either of my parents when I finally did, and yet they came to the wedding, where they shook hooves and hugged as if it had only been a few months of animosity.
Of course, with that said, I could never tell you to seek a relationship with your grandfather. Given the one I have with my own mother, that would make me an awful hypocrite, don't you think?
At this moment, I am lying on our bed, where I miss you the most. It's hard to sleep without you. This house is lonely without you. But I will manage. I will soldier on. Because I know you'll come home to me. And when you do, I will love you in every way, as much as it takes until neither of us can remember these days we're apart.
On nights when the distance between us seems too far, if you are able, look at the stars. Before I go to bed, I will send my love to each and every one so that when you look at the night sky, you can see how the stars dance with my love for you, and perhaps you might feel a little less lonely.
Yours, always and forever,
Crystal Wishes
My wife was an amazing pony. She had an ability with words unlike any other. They’d filled me with warmth knowing that if she said she’d look at the stars and wish, she actually would. It was all the more reason to get back to her.
By comparison my letters were crude and simple. Despite that, I very much believed that they would be as important to her as hers were to me.
I pulled a pencil from my kit and settled down to respond.
To the Rose Princess
The smell of your letter has reminded me more of what I’ve left behind and what I now fight to return to. Each day will be easier now, however, knowing that when I get through it I will be rewarded. I can look up at the stars and share a moment alone with you.
It will be our moment. Our pea—
“Captain Knight?”
Did ponies just know when I was trying to write a letter? There was a soldier in the doorway.
“Yes?”
“The brigadier is looking for you, sir.”
As I stood and put my letter away I asked, “Which one?”
“Deputy CG, and he looked a bit upset, too. You may want to hurry, sir.”
Of course he was. I was the poor pony that had found out the flagship was in bad shape. I guess yelling at Hammer wasn’t going to be enough. Such was life, though. “Alright, thank you. Dismissed.”
The soldier nodded and hurried off. I did the same. Keeping any general officer waiting was a bad idea. Keeping the deputy commanding general waiting was a monumentally stupid one.
Once again, I headed up to the deck with all of the offices and made my way to the rear. That was where the most important ponies were. As I approached, I could already hear him, “A week? A week! In a week, the Sudramoar could be halfway to Equestria!”
Colonel Hammer was inside taking the brunt of the storm. I suppose now it was my turn, so I knocked on the doorframe.
Brigadier Gale turned, saw me, and narrowed his eyes. He took two steps towards the door, his wings twitching with agitation. “A week! Have you lost your mind?”
I stood to attention right where I was and faced forwards with a blank stare. “As reported by the Eminence Enterprizes technicians, sir.”
“Is this what we keep you here to do, Captain? To bring me insane ideas?”
Colonel Hammer cleared his throat. “Sir, Captain Knight is actually part of operations. Chief sent him down there to—”
“Are you serious? He is in operations? A pony that thinks we can mothball a command ship for a week during a war? What idiot put him there?”
“General Ironhoof,” Hammer replied.
The brigadier came to a dead stop… other than his twitching wings. He glared at Hammer, then me, then back at Hammer. “Get out of my office, both of you.”
“Yes, sir!” the colonel replied before saluting. I did the same.
Brigadier Gale returned a curt one and the two of us retreated.
Halfway down the hall, the colonel said, “Well, that went well.”
“Sir?”
“That went well,” he repeated.
“What does it look like when it goes poorly?”
“He throws a chair out of the window. If he doesn’t do that, he’ll actually consider what we just brought him, so I consider that a good thing.”
Passionate commanders weren’t my style, but if Ironhoof had picked him, there had to be a reason. I simply nodded and said, “Very good, then. Should I mention that we have a stowaway, too, or just keep that to myself?”
The colonel lightly snorted and rolled his eyes. “You’re not very good at jokes, Silent Knight. Leave that to other ponies.”
“Jokes… yes, sir.”
New goal: get Runic off this airship and back to Equestria as soon as possible.
When you're away from those you love you never know what is going to remind you of them. A simple scent or the appearance of a beloved cousin. It is hard to not be reminded of the cousin you miss when he shows up in a war zone.
If you are enjoying this story, please consider taking a look at Crystal and my's website QuillnBlade.com for extra content such as mini stories, an Ask Us form to submit questions, responses to said questions, and special rewards for the awesome folks who support our Patreon.
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Ah, Runic! Silent Knight has so much patience, I would have punched my cousin by now if they were like Runic.
Um why didn't they check the status of ships when war was seemingly likely?
7029401
Hah, you've never been in the military before. The motto seems to be (from where I've stood on the matter anyway), send it and hope for the best, then spend ridiculous amounts of money when inevitably they best doesn't come anywhere close to happening.
7029472 Considering the care our navy shows for ships will disagree with you. The Honor was likely mothballed or near so and this war wasn't a sudden thing. The Equesrtian military would have time to make sure all ships were ready. The workers said all they needed was a week for the engines to be in much better shape. imagine if the engines fail at a critcal point. hundred or so lives lost when just a weak in dock would prevent that.
The Equestrian army seems to have a mindset reminiscent of the French after the First World War. Stuck in its ways, overconfident, and with old equipment that used to be the best in the world. The amount of Old Guard officers that are effectively relics from the last war bodes poorly, in my opinion.
Also, I'm a sucker for letters like the one CW wrote. Almost makes me tear up.
Yes, that letter was most assuredly written by Crystal. And I had a good laugh at Runic being there, though that should've been expected
At least he's not doing any harm.
I may be missing something here, but isn't there an ocean in the wa —
... ok, so maybe it checks out....
7029309 ^_^ I think he is VERY good with jokes.
7029353 LOL Poor Runic ;D I thought he needed a moment in the sun!
7029401 I may have not conveyed it fully, but this war was not expected. The Sudramoar invaded with very little notice. The threats were made, sure, but they did not expect them to actually attack. Plus Celestia wasn't aware of what SK had done.
7029472 Yeah, I saw a lot of this too. They do their best with the limited resources they have!
7029503 This is an excellent comparison. I'd only slightly challenge on the overconfident part. My goal was along the lines of "we don't do this very often." Although I may not have totally hit the mark. Interesting story about the letters. It is slightly spoilerish so I'll hide it for people.
As part of the Trials/Hopes project Crystal and I are writing letters to each other from the respective protagonists. There is no collaboration on them either. Silent Knight wrote a whole letter (which I only show part of in Trials) and thus I sent it to Crystal. Crystal Wishes responded back so we see the whole one. SK's letters will appear in Hopes. It is something we're trying and has come across very authentic in my opinion. They're not being crafted to suit the stories. The stories are being modified to suit the letters.
7029520 It was a very flowery letter for sure! Romantic and all!
7029533 I think the brigadier is just over reacting a bit ;D Although that video also sums it up!
7029553 but they did notice the tensions. just some common snese says to check equipment during this time.
WW1 happen suddenly but the troops and equipment were ready because of the tensions.
They might consider hiring Runic on the principle of seeing if he can get into "secure" locations but not giving him the authorization in order to test their security.
I have to request random Runic side stories. Self contained chapters that you put out when you are in the mood. His eccentricities almost demand it.
Silent's work is only getting started. And what an interesting way to learn that the request to repair the Honor is actually being considered.
7029553 That is freaking adorable with the letters. I can't wait til we get Crystal's side.
Helical Gear... Helical Gear... now where did I hear that name recently? [/poorly hidden comedic sarcasm]
Also, Runic. No. Just... no. I agree, you can get almost anywhere if you're just carrying something official-looking and walking like you know what you're doing and where you're going, but... no.
Will be interested to see where this goes. Why do I get the bad feeling that Runic is going to see action?
7029494
The war was sudden and completely unexpected. They had little to no warning, previous tensions or not. They had a month at best before being sent out, and they were hoping it wasn't coming to that; Celestia and Luna knew he was up to something, but not what. They didn't have time to fully check out everything, or the belief they needed too. They're too optimistic like that.
The Honor is old; old enough that the parts aren't manufactured anymore, and there's no spares on hand. It was old in the previous conflict. At the time the war started, it was being used as a symbol and nothing else; pretty on the outside, bare minimum maintenance on the inside. They sent the Honor out anyway because it was in running condition, not combat condition. It can run (mostly) fine in its current condition.
7029561
He said after WWI, not before. And I get the sense that there is always tension between the two griffin kingdoms. The escalation in tension was so fast they were unprepared.
And the military is not know for its common sense. It has none; you follow orders, no matter how idiotic. I've heard horror stories of just how bad it can get.
7029561
My Minute-Research does not fully support that claim.
In fact, the situation here mirrors WWI in some aspects, particularly with respect to the officers we've seen: At the start of the war, many of the officers sent to France by the UK were pulled out of retirement and were even over 60, simply because there were not enough active command staff.
And in any case, maintaining military equipment takes money. Money that can be spent elsewhere, and in peacetime, it's difficult to justify large military expenditures that aren't perceived as necessary. Never mind that building military equipment uses manufacturing capacity that could be used for civilian equipment instead. As far as business concerns go, civilian purchases always outpace military purchases, so if there's no war actually happening and the assembly lines aren't purpose-built for only one thing, the factory will always turn out automobiles instead of tanks; it's more profitable.
Of course a clipboard works like that! Don't you know anything about science?
Oh, sweet Lady of the Night, not this again...
You... actually got me with this one, Anzel (if you did not actually let your lovely Crystal write that bit). This reminds me so much of the talks I had with my bygone love that I caught myself tearing up a bit...
7029722 Not talking full gear but basic military maintance. The UK maintain a large fleet.
USS Texas as meant to be scrapped after WW1 and replaced with a new ship. But with treaties being enacted the repalcement was scrapped and Texas upgraded. She went on to be the only ship to serve in all theaters in WW2.
Sounds like the Honor was in dock not used for years before beiong brought out to this. And considering events of the past few years noone in the military thought of checking her condition and what she might need should she need to serve again. Rebuilding an engine not a vessel. The man hours would likely be the most expensive.
Okay! So, bear with me. This whole series is secretly a retelling of the Lego Movie.
Silent is Batman.
Iridesence is Wyldstyle.
Runic is Spaceship Guy.
Azurite is Unikitty.
Ferrel is Vitruvius.
Silent's father and/or grandfather are Lord Business.
And the Brigadier is Bad Cop.
If Winterspear was more like Emmet, the analogy would be pretty much perfect.
Of course Runic finds a way to get over to Nordanver. I'm not going to be surprised if Pinkie somehow appears either.
7029553
Celestia damn that's cool
7029810
Oh, my, goodness. That is so perfect!
and accurate!
7029850 Thank you =D It is something we thought we'd try as part of our plan to change things up a bit. I really want Trials to feel differently than Secrets and Memoirs.
7029814 Few things can stop the Runic!
7029810 It wasn't planned that way but I'm appreciating the fact it does kind of line up!
7029768 Never underestimate the power of the clipboard.
That letter was, indeed, written by Crystal as Crystal Wishes. In hopes we'll see letters written by me as Silent Knight.
7029740 Clipboards are very, very powerful. Trust me ;D I've done the same thing!
7029718 He's just a cool pony with the skills to pay the bills when it comes to weapons and airships!
7029715 Me too ^_^ Very thrilled to see how they influence her.
7029600 Runic: Security Penetration tester!
Another awesome chapter, tho I feel sooner rather than later the shit will hit the fan and Silents going to be flank deep in trouble.
Also, while I believe I read this was to be the last of the set, I can't help but want another were Silent and Crystal have a couple foals. Father Silent would be funny I think, specially when his daughter starts likely colts (or fillies). Im sure he can make a crossbow as threatening as a shotgun lol.
7029867 Oh really? Do tell
The letter was beautiful...*sniffle*
And RUNIC?! What the HAY is he doing there?!?
I'm surprised SK hasn't thought to set Runic to making potions for the combat (ie: napalm, smoke, sticky acid, etc....).
Dammit Runic!
......I could never stay mad at you.
Is it just me or things feel like they are about to go horribly, horribly wrong? I mean, even though they are supposed to be at war, things seem to be quite calm. Sure, there are some logistical problems here and there, but that's nothing unexpected.
Either way, it's nice to see that some of Silent's friends have accompanied him to the gryphon lands and have brought along their eccentrics. Shame they all couldn't come, but someone has to stay back and look after Luna. Silent's friends will, no doubt, be very useful once a major problem comes along.
The brief recon flight did tell us that the "bad" gryphons are up to something. Not only that, but their preparations are ahead of the suspected schedule. Sure, everyone expects them to go after the "good" gryphons and leave Equestrians more or less out of the fight, but I am a suspicious guy. What if they decide to launch a surprise attack on the ponies? From what I understand, Silent and his friends are still in the process of setting up shop. A well executed strike could do a lot of damage. Then again, that's just speculation and we'll just have to wait and see what they are actually up to.
7029503 After WWI? I was under the impression France actually put a lot of effort into rebuilding after the war (Admittedly mostly along the German border). The Germans invaded earlier than anticipated through Belgium, which France had very little fortifications against.
Ah, Runic, how I love your zany shenanigans!
But seriously, what IS he doing in an airship engine room? The brass should have had him shuffled off to weapons R&D right off the bat! He's already invented bottled fire (Napalm, anyone?) And with things like Gluecid, he'd make an excellent Q for Equestria's version of James Bond (Donut Joe anyone?)
Maybe he'll finally figure out a way to turn clouds into stones! Then the Gryphons will get to play the role of chicken little!
7030409
It's not a perfect comparison by any means, and I'm on my phone so I can't go super in depth, but my thinking is that the French after WW1 were *generally* inflexible in their thinking and were preparing to fight a repeat of the last war, while their enemies invented a new type of war. My main point of comparison was the military mindset not really the political situation. Which was characterized by an older military command full of overly conservative officers and outdated equipment that there was not political will to upgrade.
Kind of a convoluted metaphor now that I look at it. Sorry about that.
7030506 Oh! Nothing to apologize for. But I do see your point.
Honestly if I were to make a comparison about wars I would use Russia's assult of Afghanistan. A large, foreign power trying to overpower a smaller nation (with a very large population of dug-in natives with a huge terrain advantage).
Basically Vietnam for the Russians. They couldn't 'win' because the enemies were strong enough to make peace impossible, but too scattered that destroying any one power base is essentially useless.
Again not a perfect comparrison. This was at the height of the cold war. But much of the Russian old guard were from WWII, and didn't really understand the advantages the new tech and tried to fight a ground war against aysimetrical fighters.
Fans of Burn Notice will remember this line:
"[A] clipboard is as good as a skeleton key"
Runic just proved it again. Though I seriously hope this isn't prevalent in real life militaries. That would make me nervous
How unfortunate that Runic will be sent back to Canterlot.
Also, I'm glad that Crystal is being a faithful wife to Silent Knight.
It doesn't surprise me to see Runic here in all honesty. Its one of the major air ships soo of course he would be drawn to it like a moth to a flame, and smart enough to sneak on. And crystal does have a way with words. Anyway I loved the chapter and can't wait to read the next one.
7030363 Im in the same mind set as well. Would make a sensible tactical choice.
I loved the letters. Very heartwarming. Reminds me of my time in the service
Reminds me of my time in the Army. Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
Runic, I know you like airships and all, but there is a war coming and I'm pretty sure Silent Knight don't want you get mix up in war. Somepony need to put a tracker on that pegasus.
Ugh I've heard of what some higher ups react to things they don't like to hear. Its frustrating when you tell them what must be done and they throw a fit. I remember when we had to tell the Lt Col of some unserviceable vehicles that needed some extra downtime. He didn't like hearing that and expected us to fix it in half the time we requested. I remember him saying "well that's unacceptable," when he doesn't know what we had to go through, but we were just telling him like it was. That and what Silent Knight had to endure are both things that subordinates hate when having to deal the bad news to the commander.
7029810 Whoah, that actually works! Nice catch!
7032473 It certainly is a different leadership style. I've never been a big fan of it and have been yelled at on more than one occasion by a full bird. Of course at one point I also had a captain trying to throw his rank around on me which was just hilarious. I laughed. Still, not my style!
7031195 I don't think they've made a tracker that can keep up with Runic! :D
7031192 Hopefully in a good way!
7030841 The letters are going to be a big part of these two stories. They're extremely important and I think our plan for them is pretty fun :D
7030676 Runic does love his airships to the extreme. Moth and flame is a good analogy.
7030617 Crystal is a wonderful wife :D
7030581 I uh... well... as a military contractor I've done this. I'm afraid Burn Notice is very, very accurate.
7030465 That is certainly a good idea. Although good luck trying to wrangle Runic into focusing on one thing. If you want him to build a fan he'll end up with a bazooka. Build a bazooka? Bubble gum.
7030363 The gears are certainly in motion. I think that is more than fair to say. Where the machine they're running is going to take us is going to be all the more obvious soon :D
7030337
7030325 I think he fears ended up with something other than what he asked for. ;)
7030025 Thank you! It was all Crystal. We're doing letter swaps (details in a spoiler tag in one of my comments below). Plus Runic is a mystery! He goes where he wants.
7030015 Well, let's just say they got me into a few buildings on military installations that I was previously refused access to. Granted I was wrongly refused access but eh!
7029899 I'm glad you're enjoying. I'm REALLY loving Trials so far from a writing perspective. It is going to be an interesting ride!
7029494
7029805
Even if things are maintained there's no guarantee they'll work. Real experiance I've had through Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and now Cyprus with the bombing of Syria. The kit we use in the UK is being used until it dies, politicians cashing cheques the military can't honour due to under funding and under manning. We're barely skirting by and using technology that's massively out dated isn't helping. But I digress, I'm just here to enjoy Silent Knight.
7032685 Way to go, my friend, way to go!
*slow clap is slow*
I'll totally get that engine fixed! ....Where's my spanner!
Ever since the cockatrice incident, I've always had a feeling that Runic was a bit more than a quirky pony. Seems like he's had some training from some special groups of the government that allows him to find ways into places he shouldn't be. With Val never seeming to be surprised by him, I'm guessing they work in similar areas.
You know, I had a feeling right before Silent walked through that door that Runic was going to be on the other side.
The miracles never cease.
That is a lot of required and/or recommended service.
It's clearly a mass conspiracy designed to prevent Runic from having any fun.
That is kind of a problem. But hey, they do have that fancy new civilian designed ship to switch over to.
Yeah, you'd better get home safe and sound by the end of this, Silent.
Heh. Just goes to show, know who you are talking about before you spout off.
7033097 I do what I do!
7036193 Sonic screwdriver perhaps? That might help!
7041523 He does have a particular set of skills...
7042245
Yes, yes you should!
Runic, of course, is never allowed to have any fun. No smokebombs, no firebombs, no rockbombs, no bombrocks, or any combination of the prior!