> Fallout Equestria: War, war, war...
>  by RainbowSix0326
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Ship in the Sky
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“War,” I gave a dry chuckle. “, the thing that sent the world to hell so many years ago, and here we are preparing for it.” I thought to myself as I stowed my standard issue power armor in my locker next to my rack. The Grand Pegasus Enclave had finally used up the resources needed to sustain itself. Without any, it could last for one, maybe two decades at most. So here we were, loading troops, new and old, and sending them to find resources in the Griffin Kingdom, and annihilate anything that tries to stop us. 
I climbed into my bunk where my standard issue SAER-21b lay and began field stripping it to give the major parts a wipe down. When I was a young colt my father brought back a hunting rifle from his patrol. Before he had to turn it to the armory for deconstruction he took me out to fire it. I loved it. The laser tech we used  just didn’t deliver the sweet, satisfying kick it did. I never got to fire a conventional weapon again though, and by the time I enlisted they had banned retrieval of surface “contraband”. The closest thing I could get to it was the SAER-21; that’s why I enlisted for marksman duty. I finished my quick cleaning and reassembled the rifle and placed it in my locker next to my armor. 
“Make sure the Twister rendezvous with us at Thunderhead by tomorrow morning. The council doesn’t want this Operation held up.” I heard the distinctive voice of General Lightning Arc, our station commander, say as he passed the troops. They stood at attention and gave a crisp salute. As he drew close, I was no exception. I tightened my stance and brought my hoof to the edge of my brow, as I had done thousands of times. The only difference this time was that the general stopped to face me and returned my salute. “At ease sergeant.” He politely and casually said. I let my hoof come back to the floor and loosened my stance to come to a comfortable parade rest, but I was far from comfortable. The commanding officer of our ship was directly regarding me. What the hell did I do to get his attention, was all I could wonder as I tried my best not to sweat. 
“Sergeant could you please accompany me to my office?” He asked, still casual with a friendly smile on his face. 
“Yes sir.” I replied as he began walking off towards his office. I quickly followed suit. Neither of us said a thing while we walked; him because he had nothing to discuss until we arrived in his office and I out of fear. We finally came to the end of a hall in the logistics wing of the ship. On the door was his name and under it Commanding officer of the Victorious. 
We stepped inside and he closed the door behind me. His office was a comfortable space. Residing in the center was his desk. Sitting on it was his name plaque, a few framed pictures (of family I presume) and some paperwork for the brass. The large brown pegasus moved around behind his desk took a seat and motioned me to the comfortable lounger. “Have a seat sergeant.” He smoothed out a small crease on his uniform. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you in here?” He asked, still wearing that friendly smile. 
“Uh, yes sir.” I replied. He folded his hooves up on his desk. 
“Well I have a slight problem and I was hoping you could fix it.” I blinked and responded, 
“Ill help in anyway I can sir.” His smile grew. 
“I’m glad to hear it. The problem is Lieutenant Cloud Crusher was caught with surface contraband. Surface drugs to be exact. He’s been placed into holding until we reach Thunderhead. We haven’t informed his squad of the technicalities, and I’d like it to remain that way mind you.” I nodded in comply. “Anyways, we need someone to lead his squad in the initial landing to secure an area to set up the FOB. I would like you, sergeant, to lead them.”  The generals well groomed short, graying-blonde mane never seemed to lose its place.
I nodded. “I’ll lead them proudly sir.” 
“I’m glad to hear it sergeant!” He began writing on the form that sat at the top of the pile of papers on his desk. 
“Sir,” I asked, a slightly questioning look on my face, “Why me? If I may ask.” 
The general looked up from the paper, the casual grin still on his face. “Well sergeant, I’ve seen your record. Flawless. Every report you’ve ever filed on engagements while on patrol clearly show that you are capable of handling yourself on the ground. Not just physically but mentally.” He was right. I always thought of myself as a supreme soldier. I wouldn’t go as far as to say flawless, but damned better then the next guy. “Any more questions sergeant?” 
I snapped back and saluted. “No sir, thank you sir!” I turned and walked out of his office. I came back to my rack and climbed into it. After being scared near pissless by the general I needed some sleep. Tomorrow was gonna be an easy day, but I was tired none the less.

> Impatience 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I awoke at 0500 hours as I usually did. I got up and headed to the fitness wing. I always got up early to beat the rush. I did my usual routine, three miles on the trotmill, ten miles in the wind tunnel, fifty wing-ups, and wing pressed two hundred and twenty pounds. Afterwards I hit the showers. Then the chow hall. It was the usual sky slop, oatmeal made from the only grain us pegasi know, sky grain. With an apple and a glass of sky tea. The grain, apple, and tea leaves used to make the tea, all came from the Enclaves sky orchards. so naturally it all tasted like warm or cool piss, but I was used to it. Every one was. 
Once I finished up eating it was 0645 and the usual bustle of the ship was picking up. The Victorious would be docking with Thunderhead to refuel and pick up the Pyrocumulus. The Victorious would be flying with the Twister and the Nimbostratus in detail. We would be docking in a few hours and the troops on the Victorious will get six hours liberty. I bet the MPs will have some work to do later, I thought with a chuckle. I personally planned on staying on ship most of the time if not entirely. I wouldn’t have anything to do to begin with. 
I was heading back to my bunk to catch up on some reading when I was approached by another stallion. He looked to be about my age, and his coat was a smokey grey. His eyes were a hazel color and his mane was an off white, short with a part in the middle and allowed some to fall back a bit. 
“Sergeant Thunder Wing,” He began, “you’ve been requested by Captain Flurry to report to the conference room.” 
I raised an eyebrow. “What the fuck does he want?” I’d grown tired of the shit I got from most officers so I assume the worst when ones asking for me. 
“He wants you to get acquainted with the rest of the squad.” 
That was understandable. “Lead the way, uh…” 
He smiled and said, “Corporal Lightning Rod, sir!” He saluted. 
I chuckled and replied, “Don’t call me sir, I work for a living. But nice to meet you none the less.” He nodded with a grin and began towards the Logistics wing.  
*** *** ***
The conference room had a large oval table in the middle with sixteen seats surrounding it. Three of which were filled. At the head was Captain Flurry.He was a tall white pony with a ridiculously funny pink mane that he kept hidden under a cap. Always had his eyes hidden behind a thick pair of aviators too. I didn’t know him all too well, but from what I did know of him, he wasn’t an asshole and I could tolerate him. The other three ponies were a mystery to me. When you’re stationed on a ship carrying thousands of ponies, it gets hard to remember all of them. 
I gave a crisp salute to the captain and he returned it. “At ease sergeant. Now straight to business, “ He clearly had someplace to be. I didn’t know and I didn’t really care. “This is Lance Corporal Misty Haze.” He pointed to the only mare in the group. She was a peach color with a short brown mane that partially hung down over her right eye. “Private Quick Flight,” a very muscular stallion.Bigger than me, and I was larger than your average pegasus. He had a dusk blue coat and a charcoal mane. He had deep green eyes with freckles under them. He had nick in his ear as well. “and you’ve met Corporal Rod. I’ll let you all get acquainted!” He said with a smile as he left the room in a hurry. 
I looked back at the squad that was now under my command. They all glanced around each other and at me. It was awkward for us all. I gave a quick glance at their cutie marks. Rod had a telephone, Quick, a pitchfork, and Misty, a mixed drink? Oh well, questions for another time. “So, what are all your positions in the squad?” I asked, deciding to get things rolling. I wasn’t used to leading, but I had faith I could pick it up quickly. 
Rod answered first. “I’m the communications expert and a standard rifleman.” I nodded. 
Quick was next. “Heavy weapons and explosives.” He had a voice that was deep and had a slight drawl. 
Finally everyone looked at Misty. She looked up at me and pushed her mane away from her face before answering. 		 					 “Reconnaissance expert and squad sniper.” Go figure, the shy one was the one who could kill you from a mile away. 
I looked at the three and ultimately decided that I wasn’t completely and utterly fucked, and stuck with some butt fucking retards. That brought a slight smile to my muzzle. “Good to know.” I didn’t exactly know what to do now, again, still new to all this. “Uh, class dismissed?” I said with a stressed grin. Rod and Misty gave a small chuckle, but Quick gave out a thick laugh, as if he thought what I said was genuinely funny. 
All three began to exit but Rod spoke up, “Um si-” He stopped himself and started over. “Sergeant. What happened to the lieutenant?” The other two looked at me as well, all three clearly wanting an answer. 
I swallowed. “I’m not on terms to discuss that.” I kinda felt bad, not being able to tell them what happened to their commander. I’d want to know too, but I couldn’t disobey the general. 
“Please tell us..”  Misty quietly spoke. 
Quick spoke as well with his deep voice and low drawl. “Id really like to know too.” 
I looked at all of them then sighed. If I get caught, oh boy, I’ll be lucky to get the firing squad! I walked over and closed the door after making sure no one was near it. In a hushed tone I told them. “Cloud Crusher was caught with surface drugs on him. He’s being held in the brig, and will most likely get a court martial.” 
The three exchanged glances and Rod sighed. “So that’s the ‘Sensitive data’ he was collecting.” 
I felt bad. Losing a leader sucks in any way. “I’m sorry.” I quietly gave my condolences to the trio. 
Quick gave a snort. “Its fine, he was kind of a tight ass.” The three all began to chuckle at the fact. 
I blinked, surprised by how easily they seemed to move on. “Well now that’s settled,” I checked my watch. 1515. We would dock with thunderhead in forty five minutes. “Why don’t you all go get ready for liberty. Enjoy yourselves, tomorrow’s gonna be a long day. Don’t drink too much.” I gave a small chuckle. They all nodded in agreement and went on their way.

It was around 1630 and I was reading in my bunk. Id been working on the same book for over a year. When you devote your whole life to the military you don’t get a lot of down time. The book was Command Authorineigh by Tom Horsey. I was twelve chapters in. There were fifty. Rod, Quick and Misty were all passing by, heading for one of the ships access ports. 
They stopped and stood at the end of my bunk. After a few seconds of wondering what the fuck they were doing I looked up from my book. “Uh can I help you?” I asked. 
They all had a confused look across their faces. “Um Sergeant, are you ready?” Rod asked. 
I set my book down on my chest. “Ready? For what?” I had no clue what they were talking about. 
They exchanged glances and Rod replied, “Ready for liberty?” I gave a small chuckle and lifted by book back up. “I don’t do liberty.” I replied as I slightly shook my head. 
“What? Who doesn’t do liberty?” Rod questioned, disbelieving. 
“I don’t.” I didn’t look up from my book. 
Quick snorted, “Well now you do. C’mon, drinks are on me.” 
“I‘m reading.” Again, I didn’t look up from my book. 
“Well tonight you’re drinking.” Quick was nudging me out of my rack. 
“Hey! C’mon fuck off already!” I tried to protest but was ultimately shoved out of my bunk, much to the pleasure of Misty and Rod as I could hear their giggles of joy. I lay there on the cold floor. “Can you shove my blanket and book down?” I asked sincerely. 
“Come on sergeant, it’ll be fun!” Ron tried to encourage me. They won’t fucking stop will they? I facehoofed and climbed to my hooves. “Fine. But only for a few drinks.” I stated. 
Rod and Quick high hoofed in celebration at the breaking of my will to stay and read. Misty was wearing a short black dress, quite becoming of her I must say. Rod, Quick, and I were wearing the usual apparel, nothing. I never really cared for clothing like most ponies. We made our way to the bow most access hatch and flew out in search of a decent bar. 
After a few minutes of flying we found one that didn’t look so bad and decided we’d stop and get a drink. The Bucking Bronco was the name of the joint. We walked inside, found a table and took our seats, except for Quick, who went over to the bar to get our drinks. 
“So Sergeant” I looked regarding Rod. “What’s the game plan for tomorrow?” He looked a little nervous. Shit, it was probably the kids, no, all of their first op. 
I cleared my throat and began. “Well us and four other squads will be sent as a landing party. Once the eggheads in logistics see a spot on the ground they like, they’ll send us down to make sure there isn’t anything in the area that could cause trouble for the FOB.” Huh, I was surprised I even remembered that shit from the debrief file. 
He gave a strained laugh and said, “That doesn’t sound so tough.” Just in time, Quick returned with four beers and four glasses. I picked my beer up, ignoring the glass, and took a pull. I’m sure Rod could use his drink right about now too, poor bastard. I remember the first time I was sent below the cloud cover on patrol. I pissed myself the moment we dipped below it. And that was just a patrol, his first assignment is to invade a foreign country. How fucked up is that? 
I didn’t agree with the idea of invading another place that hasn’t done shit to us, but I also understood that our people would die off for sure if we didn’t. I came back from my mind and realized the whole table was in an awkward silence. Guess I’d have to be the one to break it...again. “So Misty, “ She quickly looked up from her glass, slightly startled at the sudden mention of her name. “How did a Shy mare like you end up in sniper school? If its alright in me asking.” 
She blinked then pushed her mane away from her eye. “Oh well I was selected for it actually. I was top shot in basics, ten out of ten targets hit every time.” I blinked. That was impressive that’s for sure. I averaged an eighty five percent through basics. “So they asked me if I’d like to go to sniper school. I thought it would be fun so I said yes.” 
I whistled. “What were you scoring there?” I wasn’t sure what I was expecting now. 
She blushed slightly and replied, “Ninety six percent.” My mouth dropped slightly. That was incredible, especially for a mare. Not that I would say that out loud. 
“Rod? Communications?” I looked over at him. He looked a lot more relaxed now. 
He swallowed what beer he had in his mouth and cleared his throat. “Well, I barely scraped by on my marksmanship in basics so I figured I should do something I’m good at. Long story short, after dabbling around I found communications, which I wasn’t bad at so I settled there.” 
I nodded in acknowledgment. “Quick?” 
He polished off his beer and set the empty glass down and gave a long deep belch, which received a giggle from Misty and wince from Rod. He began with that deep drawl of his. “Well when we went to the grenade course in basics, I found out how much I loved blowin’ shit up!” That got a good laugh from the three of us. Quick continued, “So I asked the platoon sergeant if there was any special courses I could take in blowin shit up. He had me transferred to a demolition and heavy weapons training outfit. 
“We did the sweetest shit there! Grenades, rocket launchers, and we even got to use an old grenade machine gun!” He seemed to really enjoy his explosives. I can relate, I enjoy my rifles just as much. I took a pull of my beer. “What about you sarge?” Quick asked. 
I set my drink down. It wasn’t much of a story but I’ll tell it nonetheless. “Nothing special in all honesty. My father was in the military and I wanted to follow in his hoof steps so I enlisted the day I could. Basic rifleman with some SERE and deep reconnaissance training on the side.” I picked my beer back up and took another pull from it, finishing it off. The front door opened and three dark grey pegasi walked in, all three baring the same colors, different eyes and mane styles though. 
“Oh great…” Rod said once he had glanced over his shoulder and saw them. 
“What?” I asked. 
He turned back to face me. “Those are the Stonehearts, three brothers that make up the Three Captains of the Thunderhead guard. They’re not to fond of Neighvarro troops.” 
I blinked, the name not ringing any bells. “Why’s that?” I asked. 
“Don’t know. I heard its something to do with politics,” He said as he finished off his drink as well. 
The next hour passed with casual conversation of what we thought Thunderhead used the massive, heaven bound, Shadowbolt tower for. Everything from research to the smuggling of ground contraband to the skies was thrown out there. We all had a few good laughs at one another throughout it. It was nice, some down time with ponies I could call acquaintances. I never made a lot of friends as a kid, and I didn’t have the time once I enlisted. So this was a welcomed change in pace, even if I was too proud to admit it. 
“Hey there hot stuff, what are you doing hanging out with a group of losers like these?” Just hearing the voice I could tell its owner was a smug bastard who needed to be knocked down a couple pegs. We all turned to look at the green eyed Stoneheart standing behind Misty with his two brothers standing a few feet behind him. 
She turned her head to look at him a little shocked from the sudden and slurred attempt at a compliment and insult. “Actually they’re my friends.” She said as she shrunk back a little. 
“Yeah, so if you’d be so kind as to buzz off, we’d appreciate it.” Quick clearly wasn’t going to take any shit from him. 
“Was I addressing you mule?” The green eyed one glared at Quick as he spoke. Quick stood up and got face to face with the Stoneheart, and his brothers took a readying step forward. I gave a soft sigh as I began to see how this night was going to end. 
Rod and I stood up at roughly the same time, ready to give Quick a hoof if shit hit the fan. I noticed other troops start standing up and some saying things to one another with scowls on their muzzles. 
Oh fuck… There was an uncanny ratio of Neighvarro and Thunderhead troops in this bar. A powder keg, and Quick and Stoneheart were the fuse. 
“Quick, don’t do anything too rash now…” Rod tried talking him down. 
The other two Stonehearts flanked their brother, Rod and I did the same to Quick. “Yeah why don’t you listen to your little friend over there.” The blue eyed Stoneheart in front of me said with a smug smirk on his lips. 
I wasn’t the best with my temper and so far they were running it short. “Why don’t you keep your shit head comments to yourself, bird brain.” I said in a low dangerous voice. The blue eyed one brought his muzzle inches from mine. Good, get pissed. I thought with a mental grin. 
He glared daggers at me. “What the fuck are you gonna do about it? Huh you son of a-” I brought my hoof up to meet with his chin, sending him stumbling backwards clutching it with a hoof. 
“That.” I replied with a slight scowl. Blood began to drip from his clenched teeth. The other two Stonehearts only took a slight moment more to process what just happened before the purple eyed one yelled “Bastard!” and they both moved to strike me, but not before Quick and Rod intercepted them. In one fluid motion they knocked both of them off their hooves and onto their sides. 
Now group by group, the bar became a fight club. Ponies throwing ponies through tables, beating on one another with their hooves, and some just shouting at one another. This was bad, but fun none the less. A smirk spread across my face as another pony came charging at me. I easily hooked my fetlock around his front right leg and placed my other hoof under him and flipped him with ease. The Stoneheart I had hit had gotten back up and grabbed an empty bottle in his mouth and broke the bottom against a table and began to stare me down. I grinned a wicked grin and shouted, “Show me what you got!” 
He charged me and I narrowly dodged him, receiving a shallow cut along my cheek. He shouted something but it was muffled due to the bottle neck in his mouth. He charged again but this time I gave a hard flap with my wings and flew up into the air. He ran under me and I dropped back down just as he hit the wall behind me at full speed with a satisfying ‘thump’. 
As I smirked at the sight of him laying unconscious on the ground I was tackled from the side by the purple eyed Stoneheart. We rolled to a stop with him standing on top of me. He punched me right in the nose, and again, and again. Finally I delivered a swift kick right between his legs. He gave a yelp and fell to the side, clutching his crotch in pain. 
As I stood I felt a warm substance start dripping down my muzzle. I wiped it away with a hoof and brought it down to see a smear on my hoof, the same color as my eyes. “You dick, look what you did!” I said with a slight smirk. My dad always said fighting was no fun. He was wrong. 
I looked over to see Quick getting pummeled by the last standing Stoneheart. I quickly began running over, dodging other fighters and tipped tables and chairs. Once I got to the duo I spun around on my front hooves and bucked the Stoneheart right in the ribs, I was rewarded with a crack and a howl of pain from him as he went falling off Quick. I helped him to his hooves. 
With a blood smeared muzzle, he smirked and said, “I had him right where I wanted him ya know?” 
I rolled my eyes and smirked. “Right. Lets find Rod and bounce before the Mps show up.” 
He nodded but then we stopped and looked back at Stoneheart as we heard him. “You fuckers aren’t going ANYWHERE!” He was standing, barely, and taking shallow breaths, proving I broke one if not a few of his ribs. In his mouth was a switch blade. Quick and I could have easily handled him, but we didn’t have to. A chair came down, hard, on his head and he hit the floor, out cold. Rod hovered there for a minute looking at him but quickly snapped back and rushed us to the door.
Once we got outside we found Misty waiting for us with a cigarette in her mouth. She saw us and made a muffled squeak and dropped the cancer stick and put it out under her hoof. “Shall we be off then?” She asked rhetorically. We all nodded and took off for the Victorious. 
Once we were on board Quick, Rod, and I said our goodnights to Misty and she headed back to the female troop quarters and us three to the male. 
“So how fucked are we for starting that fight sarge?” Quick asked. 
I laughed. “Hey, they started it.” Rod and Quick gave a chuckle and I continued. “Not sure. With the operation starting tomorrow they’ll need all the wing power they can get. We will just have to wait and see.” 
They nodded and Rod spoke. “I’m glad none of us got hurt.” Quick, with his blood smeared muzzle and I with my bloodied cheek and mouth, exchanged flat looks and continued walking. I checked my watch. 2113. 
“Well get yourselves some chow and a shower then hit the rack. I want everyone rested for tomorrow.” 
The both nodded and spoke in unison, “Sir, yes sir!” And then walked away. I went straight to the showers. After I got the blood washed out of my coat I got some chow. Same usual ‘food’. Then I hit my rack. I thought to read a bit but decided against it and went to bed. Tomorrow was gonna be a slow day.

> Long Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up at 0500 hours, as usual. Did my usual morning workout routine. Even after the scuffle at the bar last night I was feeling well rested and hadn’t heard anything of it. 
I was in the chow hall finishing my meal when I noticed a figure in my peripheral approaching me. I casually looked to see who it was and almost choked on my food when I saw it was General Lightning Arc, and his eyes were locked on mine. FUCK! I quickly stood and saluted him. “Good morning, sir!” 
He gave that friendly, casual smile of his. “At ease sergeant.” He sat opposite from me. I sat back down. “So sergeant, what happened to your cheek?” He asked with an all-knowing smile on his muzzle. “And did you have a good night out on the town last night?” 
I swallowed and began, “Sir I can explain.” 
He raised a hoof. “I don’t want to hear who started it sergeant. The fact of the matter is we need you out on the field. I’m giving you a pardon for you and your squads actions last night. I don’t want something like this happen again, are we clear?”
“Yes sir.” I replied 
He stood and I did the same. We exchanged a salute and he went on his way. I sat back down and checked my watch. 0622. I had briefing for all the squad leaders taking place in the initial landing in eight minutes. I took my tray to the washing window and set it down and started for the logistics wing.
*** *** ***
I entered the conference room. Inside was Captain Flurry and four Lieutenants that I didn’t know.
“So this is the sergeant leading Cloud Crushers unit. Poor bastards. He doesn’t look like he could lead a foals daycare.” One of them said and the other three laughed along with it. Your average Lieutenant, a tight ass prick who thinks he’s the commander in chief. 
“Sergeant Thunder, do you have anything to say to that?” Flurry asked. He actually wanted me to say something! He can bet his ass I’ll take the opportunity to put a cherry Lt in his place! 
“I can lead a hell of a lot better than you four can read a map and compass.” Their laughing came to a stop and Flurry couldn’t help but chuckle. 
I took my seat and Flurry began. “Anyways, Storm and Blue, you two and your squads will make up the right flank.” The two Lieutenants nodded. “Gust and Gale, you to will make up the left flank.” The other two nodded as well. “Thunder, you and your squad will form the spearhead of the force. I want all squads in a ‘V’ formation, except you Thunder, your squad will be flying in a diamond formation.” I gave a single nod in recognition as he continued. “Once you have secured a landing zone radio back to the ship and the raptors will land and unload one at a time.” 
Blue, a red stallion ironically enough and the one that tried to insult me earlier, raised his hoof. “Will we have support from the ships cannons or bombing chariots?” 
I personally wanted to know as well. 
“Negative. Megaspells hit Aldorna at the same time they hit Equestria. Logistics states the only resists you may encounter will be raiders and wastelanders of the same sort, any chances of engagement are miniscule to begin with.” Flurry stated. 
“I sure hope so.” Gust, I believe, said under his breath. 
“Well gentlemen it is,” Flurry checked his watch. “0651. You deploy in an hour. Go brief your squads and gear up. Fly true.”
We all stood and saluted and repeated in unison, “Fly true.” We all exited the conference room and headed for our gear.
*** *** ***
I opened my locker and slipped into my armor. Once it was all secure I pulled down my goggles then started up the spell matrix from the pip buck that was integrated into the forehoof. I watched my E.F.S.(Eyes Forward Sparkle) come to life in my goggles. It was pretty amazing how it could sense the presence of a sentient being or form of active robot. It could even indicate whether it was hostile to me or not. It also shows a marker or indicator of my current objective.  Crazy stuff, that’s why I don’t bother thinking about it. I hooked my rifles up to my battle saddle and gave a buck to load a fresh spark battery into it. My armor had a full supply of them, I could go days without having to refill my supply. Lastly I flexed and moved the scorpion like stinger that was attached to the back of the armor. I slipped the goggles back onto my head after seeing everything was operational. I made my way to the squad bay. 
*** *** ***
There were five squads in the squad bay. Gales, Gusts, Blues, Storms, and lastly mine. They each had one squad leader and four other squad mates. Except mine. There was me and these three. Ill have to ask why were short a troop, later that is. 
I started heading over to my squad when Hail Frost, the Quarter Master called me over to the wall where his window was. “Sergeant Thunder Wing! Come see me real quick!” 
I altered my course. The Armory was built next to the squad bay with a window in the wall. It was convenient for pre-mission armament. 
“Yes Hail?” I didn’t need ammo if that’s what he was going to offer me. 
“All squad leaders are to carry two Novasurge rifles in place of their standard issue weapons.” 
I blinked. I liked my SAER-21s.” Uh, is that necessary? I’ll be perfectly fine with the 21s.” 
He shook his head. Damn. “Sorry sergeant. Orders are orders. They’re relatively the same though, semi-auto, just has an amplified gem core to make the beam more powerful and they’re lighter.” He said as I placed my rifles on the counter. 
He took them over to a table and set them down. He then went into a large lock box and pulled out two Novasurge rifles. I’d never fired one before, but the way I look at it, you fire one energy weapon, you’ve fired ‘em all. I equipped the rifles and loaded a fresh pair of spark batteries and they hummed to life. “Thanks Hail.” I said as I began trotting back over to my squad. 
Quick gave a whistle as I came to the group. “Nice pair of rifles ya got there sarge. Real swanky.” He spoke with his deep drawl. I couldn’t help but look at the rocket launcher on his right side. With a rocket belt feeder that connected from the launcher to the ammo can on the left of his battle saddle. 
I looked over at Rod. He had a radio pack under his right wing and what I assumed was its battery or something under his left. He had a small energy pistol in a leg holster on his front right leg. 
Finally I looked at Mistys load out. It was similar to Quicks. She had a long barreled rifle with a scope on her right side with a belt feeder leading over to her right. I blinked. She had bullets and a conventional rifle. I almost fainted. I walked over and began touching the rifle. 
“Oh, um.” Misty quietly said. 
“You okay sarge?” Quick asked from behind me. 
“Yeah I’m fine. Its just. This fires bullets. Not lasers.” 
Misty blinked and slowly said, “yeah…” 
I realized how weird I was being and quickly composed myself. I cleared my throat and apologized. “Sorry, I didn’t know anyone in the Enclave got to use anything but energy weapons.”
“Hey Thunder!” 
I looked over to see Blue calling me over away from my squad. “I’ll be right back.” I said to them as I started walking over to him.
“Yeah?” I asked, a little annoyed.
“Listen and listen good. The brass has put you in the lead for the landing party, for what reason, Luna only knows! But I swear to Celestia if you fuck this up I will personally pluck your feathers! Got it?” He sure as shit didn’t seem to happy.
I rolled my eyes a little and replied, “Yeah I got it, cool your shit. The last thing I need is some inexperienced lieutenant shooting at his own shadow.” I turned and began walking away. I could feel how pissed he was at that comment, but he kept his mouth shut.
“What was that all about?” Rod asked as I returned to the group.
“Oh nothing, just wishing me luck.” I lied with a satisfying smile. “Okay final weapon and system checks?” 
We all checked our gear and weapons. I couldn’t help but take an extra moment to let my eyes linger on my new rifles. 
The speakers in the bay came to life. “Formation launch in T-minus sixty seconds.”
“Lets do this!” Quick hollered as we all fell into formation.
I stood in the front, closest to the door. To me right and back, Misty. To my left and back, Quick. Directly behind me, Rod. Gust and Gale and their squads formed their ‘V’ formations and formed up on my left flank. Storm and Blue did the same on my right.
“T-minus thirty seconds.” The speakers boomed and the red light came on throughout the bay.
I Brought my goggles down over my eyes and stretched my wings.
“T-minus ten seconds.”
I was ready. I had all my training and a damn fine squad. We would do our job and be back on the Victorious by noon.
“Five, Four, Three…”
I narrowed my eyes, as the bay doors opened and let the sunlight in. Even with the goggles it was still bright.
“Two, One, Launch!”
The light turned green and everyone of us gave a powerful flap at the same time propelling us through the open doors.

> A Hornets Nest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We flew out of the squad bay with speed and accuracy that would make Rainbow Dash proud. Not that I could say so outside of my head. We flew under the Victorious, as the squad bay was located under her. On her flanks were the Pyrocumulious and the Twister. The Raptors were big and packed a lot of firepower, but nothing compared to a Thunderhead class ship. Thunderheads are mobile siege platforms. Like a whole base but mobile. 
We flew out from under the ship and got a good look at the sky. Patchy.  The cloud cover was scarce and patchy. Once you pass the S.P.P.s range the cloud cover gives way to the natural pattern. It was a sight I had only heard of. The land was blasted and lifeless, just like Equestria. The only difference being was the land had more color to it. It got sunlight due to the lack of a forced cloud cover. You could even see some small patches of green up in the mountains. I wondered if Equestria would look like this in a few decades if we removed the clouds we so anxiously sealed up the sky with. We began flying away from the Victorious to secure a location marked on our E.F.S.
It was a very short flight. two minutes at the most. We scouted a 5000 meter perimeter around the dead woods surrounding the open field the logistic nerds had picked out. It was all clear with no signs of life to the naked eye or one E.F.S.
“Rod, radio the victorious and give her the green light.” in a few hours this open field would be filled with bustle of an F.O.B. (Forward Operating Base). From it we would send multiple different kinds of teams and equipment to start harvesting resources.
“Yes sir.” He said as he pressed a button on the radio set and then put a hoof to his helmet, pressing the button on the side. “Foxtrot to Victorious, do you copy? over.” a moment of his silence then he gave the green. “LZ is clear, you are a go.” He withdrew his hoof and gave me a nod. 
I placed my hoof on the side of my head piece now, broadcasting to all the squads here. “Okay lets head back. Stay in formation.” 
We began our flight back. Gaining altitude to get level with the Victorious. The Twister was already pulling towards the landing zone. It was a pretty awesome sight, all that firepower in one spot. 
There was a flash from the ground, towards the mountains, followed by a boom that murdered the silence. The boom was followed by a mixed sound of screeching metal and a massive explosion. I chose the wrong moment to blink. 
When my eyes opened a split second later the Twister had a gaping hole, clean and straight through her. Flames billowed out of the great wound as her nose dropped, her thrusters visibly losing power. The whole formation hovered in place, awestruck at the sight of a mighty war machine turned into a flaming hunk of metal, by what seemed to be only a single blow. 
Do something! Assault the position of the attacker! My years of military training kicked in. I brought my hoof up and pressed the call button on the headset. “Stay in formation and move with me! Were attacking that position!” I called over it and began towards it.
“Fuck you Thunder! If any of you want to live, retreat!” Blue called over an open channel.
I looked over my shoulder and saw him and his squad heading for the Victorious. Cowards. 
Then something below caught my eye. I watched as five winged silhouettes flew up from the woods directly beneath Blue and his squadron. They had talons outstretched and flew up, in between, and past them. I watched in horror as their heads seemed to roll off their bodies with ease. 
“Contact below!” I heard someone call over the comm channel, snapping me out of my trance. I looked down just in time to see a griffin flying at me with speed and murder in his eyes. I flapped hard and back flipped just enough to allow him to soar past me. I gave a hard flap and fell in behind him, this fucker wasn't getting away! I tightened my jaw around the mouthpiece, just waiting for him and my crosshairs to match up. He started to bank left for a turn, right into my sights. I bit down, sending two orange beams at him. He flew right into them, resulting in him becoming outlined in a orange hue and, in the blink of an eye, turned to ash. I smiled triumphantly. 
I had a lot of adrenalin pumping through my veins, I think that's why I hadn't notice the new sound in the air. Gunfire. I turned and gazed at the scene in front of me. More attackers had shown up, from below I presumed. The scene before me portrait ponies and griffins flying through the air, choreographing the deadliest dance to be done, war. 
I turned to look at the area where I thought to have seen the flash come from. I thought I saw some piece of large machinery, but it only lasted for a second, as the Victorious opened fire with her energy cannons. They weren't very loud, especially compared to what ever took out the Twister, but they still made a more than audible discharge. They continued the bombardment for a few seconds, taking precautions to prevent the loss of another, irreplaceable ship.  The main guns turned the area I was looking at into a singed , barren, rock face. It was an awesome display of firepower.
I snapped back to reality and turned back to face the battle. I saw one soldier being chased by two griffins and knew he wouldn't last much longer without any help. I sped after them. 
I was firing rapidly, but not widely, at the griffins. I hit one and was rewarded with him glowing for a split second, then turning to ash. I was closing in on the last one, he wasn't near fast enough to outrun me. I was a couple feet away now, I bit down on my mouthpiece. Nothing. “FUCK!” I forgot to reload. I collided with him and we began to spin around in the air. He had some sort of gauntlet on, with what seemed even sharper talons! He slashed across my face. I tried to duck but it only avoided getting my eyes slashed out, gifting me a deep cut above my right eye.  I drove a hoof into the side of his beak, rewarding me with a loud crack and him screaming in pain. I gave a hard flap and spun around. I bucked him as hard as I could in his chest, reloading my rifles and feeling a deep crack where my hooves hit him. I propelled myself forward, wiping the flowing blood from my eyes and towards. the next group of these winged bastards. 
I saw a group of six griffins chasing Quick, helmet off and thin streaks of blood along his cheek, signaling a close call with an enemy. 
He went into a nose dive, the griffins following, speeding up without the drag of armor. 
He then flipped around in mid air, still falling but now facing his assailants. He fired a rocket right at them. Before they could break away it collided with one of them, detonating upon impact. His buddies weren't lucky either, they were well within the blast radius. I watched as five limp, smoking bodies, and some chunks of another, fell to the earth. 
I flew over to him, yelling so I could be heard, “Quick!”
He turned to face me. “Sarge! Wheres Misty? Rod?” He was scared. Not for himself, but for them. I admired that.
“I dont know! We gotta find them, follow me!” I wasn't used to giving too many orders, but at at a time like this I needed to. 
He nodded and we took off towards the cluster fuck in the sky.
I saw one soldier being chased by four griffins and started for them. I motioned for Quick to engage and he nodded in compliance. I was a few feet behind him ready to follow his rockets up with rakes from my rifles. 
That was until I was blind sided by a large, feathery object. He had his talons around my throat as we hovered there in place. He had a deep, bleeding crack in his beak and a fire burning in his eyes. Fuck, I should have made sure he was dead! 
A darkness was creeping in around my eye sight. In an advanced hoof to hoof combat lesson I took they described what it was like to be suffocated. They described it spot on. 	The sounds around me were becoming muffled and the world was giving away to black. The only thing I could see now was his face. That too only lasted for a split second more as it jerked to the side and then disappeared, covering my face in a warm wetness. I began falling, I was too oxygen deprived to catch myself. 
Something halted my decent and slowly I regained full consciousness. I looked up and saw Quick. “Sarge? You alright? Sarge?” 
I flapped my wings and held myself up. “Yeah.” I gave a cough to clear my throat. “Thanks for the save Quick, I owe you.”
“Ah, it ain't nothin. You’d have done the same.” He said with a gracious smile. 
I looked around and saw that our forces, though lost a few, had started evening the numbers. Where the fuck is the cavalry? They should have sent some sort of reinforcements!
I looked back to Quick. “What happened?” I wanted to know just what saved my tail.
He gave a snort and said, “She happened.” He gave a nod in a direction and I turned my head to look over at Misty, quickly flying up to us.
“S-sergeant, are you okay? I didn't nick you did I?” She seemed genuinely worried that she'd might have hit me. Part of me thanked her for her kindness, and a part of me worried that the trained sniper was worried she might have hit the wrong guy.
I gave a small chuckle and replied, “No im fine. Thanks. That bird brain would have finished me off if it wasn't for you..” 
She nodded then looked around. “Wheres Rod?”
“Shit!” Quick exclaimed behind me. “I haven't seen him since the battle started!” His voice trembled slightly from panic and fear. . 
“Calm down, we’ll find him.” I looked to Misty. “Use your scope to search for him, me and Quick will fly around and look.”
“Oh, okay I can do th-” She was cut short by something flying up and wrapping around her and dragging her down to the ground. 
“MISTY!” Quick yelled as he took off after her, me not far behind. 
Once we arrived in the small clearing in the woods Misty landed in we saw what caught her. It was a net with weights on it. Quick began trying to bite the net.
“Please get me out of here.” Misty pleaded. She didn't seem scared as much as she did annoyed. 
“Shoot it off sarge!” Quick had terror painted all over his face.
“I can't shoot it, it would hit her!” I explained. “we need to cut it! Find som-” i was cut off as I heard a muffled ‘whump’ and a second later something throwing me into Quick, and throwing us both to the ground.
It was a net, just like Misty’s. “What the fuck!?” I yelled out. Now I was pissed. 
From the woodline came three griffons. One carrying a launcher of some sort. The lead one spoke.
“You sky hoarders think you can come to our already ravaged land, and steal what little things we have?” He was an all gray griffin with a scar running down the length of his neck and he spoke with deep, but almost sinister voice. “You will suffer for yours and your leaders actions.” 
“Fuck you bird brain!” I spat at him through clenched teeth. 
“I’ll fucking geld you all! You mother fucking abominations!” Quick screamed, clearly pissed. He was thrashing about, trying to break the bindings of the rope. 
A couple more griffins came out of the woods. The lead griffin nodded to them and two came over to us, rifles in their talons. 
“Oh fucking Cele-” I was silenced with the butt of a rifle.
> Justified 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Everything was foggy. I couldn't move at all, trying to open my eyes was a tough task all on its own at this point. They must have drugged me. It would take a lot more than the butt of a rifle to paralyze me like this. 
I was being dragged along the ground. It was dark too, I think we were in a cave or tunnel or something. I could barely make out the shape of a griffin walking next to me, a gray one. It must of been that bastard from the woods. 
“What should we do with them?” I heard a scratchy voice ask from behind me. 
“Take the males down to General Whip Crack and the females to his holding pen.” The scarred griffin spoke. 
“Right awa-” The world faded to black once again
*** *** *** 
“Wake the FUCK UP!” I awoke to being struck in the face. My eyes snapped open and locked on to the assaulter. A tall griffin. But thats not what stood out about him. He had spots on him where his feathers and down and fallen out. His eyes were pinpricks, he was clearly strung out on chems.
I was spread eagle up against the wall, iron cuffs keeping me in place around my front hooves.
He gave a blood curdling laugh of pure insanity. “Good! Gooodd! You’re awake! We have some fun things to do today!” He gave another laugh. His voice was high pitched and it alone hurt my ears after being so abruptly awoken from a drug induced slumber. 
I could still feel it too, my limbs ached. I felt sluggish. Damn them! What the fuck did they stick me with!? 
“I hope you like pain pony! Cause I sure do!” He began cackling again.  
I looked around the room and saw Quick in the same position as I was, and next to him, five more soldiers. They were probably from the landing team.
Then I recognized the last pony along the wall. It was Lieutenant Gale. He had a mixed look in his eyes. A mix of fear, and pure, unending hatred. 
“You son of a mule! You’re going to pay!” He yelled at the griffin  who turned towards him.
“Now Lieutenant, I outrank you. You must be punished for such insubordination.” He said calmly as he walked over to Gale. 
Gale spit right at the griffin, whom I was guessing as General Whip Crack. 
A smile spread across the generals beak, and in one swing, sliced open Gales throat. 
Gale began coughing blood up through his mouth and nose as a river of it began to flow from the gash in his throat.
The blood began dripping off of his rear hooves, pooling under him. 
The general gave a maddening cackle and jammed two of his talons into the Lieutenant's throat, and pulled his tongue out through the slash. 
“The Columbeighian bow tie suits you Lieutenant!” Another episode of cackling and twitching. 
Two of the soldiers against the wall threw up. Their helmets were removed, but all of our armor was still on our bodies. That was a good sign. I also noticed all our stinger tails had been cut off. These griffins were playing it safe. 
After the Lieutenant stopped coughing and flailing the General turned to look at Quick.
I looked over to him, pure rage in his eyes. 
“I saw that lovely mare you two were dragged in with, ” He said, a sadistic smile on his face. “I cant wait to play a few games with her later.” 
Quick began thrashing against his restraints, to no avail. He stopped and leaned in as close as he could, breathing heavily, and said in a low, dangerous tone, “ If you touch a single hair in her mane, I will rip your wings off with my bare goddess damned hooves!” His voice rising to a shout at the end. 
“Oh no I think we shall start the night with dinner…” The general began.
I tuned him out as I noticed the bolts holding my right hoof restraints were very weak. I looked back over to him to make sure he was occupied.
“... I’ll take that eye socket and…” The general still had a madmans smile and Quick was in a hell, a furious hell.
Sorry Quick, i’m working on getting us outta here! Was all I could think as I jiggled my right hoof around hoping for the restraint to pop loose.
Just as the general let out yet another mind searing laugh the iron shackle came free, luckily the general remained unaware. 
He kept picking at the soft spot he had found in Quicks heart. I began using both hooves to try and free my left hoof.
It only took a few strong tugs till it came free. Again, the general was oblivious. 
It came loose a second too soon however, for as it detached from the wall the general quickly slashed his talons across the five remaining soldiers, flinging the blood onto Quicks face.
I gave a hard flap a launched myself at him, slamming into him and wrapping one hoof around his neck and the other around my fetlock. 
I began squeezing as hard as I could. 
He tried to claw into my legs and hooves but my armor was too thick. So, he went for my unarmored spot, my face. 
He lunged his talons at me, one striking home. I felt it tear through my cheek and into my mouth. As I howled in pain I did the only offensive thing I could do, I bit down.
I already had the metalic taste of blood in my mouth, now came a deep crunch. He tried to scream in pain, but my headlock hadn't eased up any. 
He tried flying up and smashing me into the roof but my armor took the blow entirely, and sent us back down to the floor. 
Finally my lower teeth met the upper as I heard a final crunch. I could feel the scream of pain he was trying to get out but I only tightened my grip. 
He began to slow, his gasps for air becoming farther and farther apart. Starting to sink to the floor. 
Once he stopped moving as much I gave a sharp jerk and heard and felt the snap. I dropped his limp body and spit his severed talon out, along with a large pool of blood. 
“Luna damned, sarge, remind me to never piss you off.” He gave his best at a joke in the situation, but I didn't laugh.
“Yeah, right.” I said quite dryly. I walked over to a small desk in the corner and opened the drawers. Nothing. I walked back over to the general and searches the pockets on his blood soaked apron. 
I pulled out a key ring with two keys on it. I assumed one was for the shackles here and one for the pens I had heard about on our way in. 
I walked up to quick and slipped a key into the lock. It came open with a click and his hoof dropped. I repeated the process on his other hoof. He dropped down onto all fours, and as soon as he did I grabbed his shoulders and looked right at him, “Where is Rod?”
He shook his head innocently, as if I were accusing him of a crime, and responded, “He wasn't in here when I woke up. It… it was me and six other guys. Lieutenant Gust and Night were with me too. H-he killed them all sarge! All of em!” He was shaking. After the adrenaline runs out it's common for this to happen. 
“Quick, calm down. We have to get Misty and Rod and get back to the Victorious. god knows what's happened since we've been out.” 
He was still shaking a bit but nodded in compliance. 
I looked around for anything we could use as a weapon, there would most likely be more griffins guarding the rest of the prisoners. 
I looked down at the floor, spotting the only thing that would make for a decent weapon. I REALLY didn't want to use it, but it was necessary.
I reached my head down and picked up the generals severed finger in my mouth. I spit out the blood that began to pool. 
Quick grimaced from the gruesome sight. “You do what you have to huh sarge?”
I nodded and began walking down the tunnel. We were obviously underground. The supports holding up the ground above us gave it away. 
We silently crept along the dark tunnel. It was pitch black, the illumination of the torches from the torture chamber far behind. 
We came to a split in the tunnel. To the left, darkness, to the right, we could see the faint glow of a torch and the mouth of the cave. 
I looked back to the left, we couldn't leave without Misty and Rod. 
I gave a hoof signal that we were moving down the left path. Quick gave a nod and we started down the dark shaft. 
We’d been creeping down the dark corridor when we heard a mares terrified scream. We took off full blast down the tunnel. Damn it for being so small, or we could have flown.
The tunnel made a sharp right turn. As soon as we rounded it we came to a large underground dome. We were scanning the area below and found Misty, she was sitting alone, back towards us, in the large cage in the center of the dome floor. Thats when we heard another scream from above us, and it was getting closer. Before we could step out of the tunnel onto the lip of it, the screaming came to a stop. It stopped when the mare they had thrown down had her neck snapped by the rope around it. She was moving with such force that the sturdy rope tore her head off at the sudden halt of movement. 
I heard Quick draw a breath in, in terror. I swung around and pressed a forehoof over his mouth to silence his howl of horror. I brought the tip of my hoof up to my lips, signaling him to be quiet. he nodded. Once I let him down he turned and ran a few yards into the tunnel. I could hear him throwing up. 
I looked back at the body, a pool of crimson forming around it. Then I looked at the bloody stubs where her wing had been so cruelly severed. I looked around the room, eight mares lay around it, lifeless and un-moving, all mutilated in some way.I was mad. So mad I could scream. But something kept me from doing so. Laughter. I could hear the bastards laughing up above. That's what sent me over the edge. 
Without a word I launched myself into the air and out of the cave. As soon as I was clear of the ceiling I gave all the energy I had into flapping upward. They didn't even see me coming.
I streaked past the two, the talon cutting through the ones throat with ease. I kept going past them, quickly turning around before I hit the top of the dome, and coming back down full force. 
I slammed all four hooves into the injured birds neck, feeling a sharp snap. Without missing a beat I sent the talon, still clenched in between my teeth, right into the eye of the second winged son of a mule. 
He screamed in pain and tried to fly away. But I wasn't letting him live. 
I gave a strong flap and launched myself at him. I pushed the talon deep into his head, killing him. Maybe it was painless, I hope not. 
He began dropping just like his buddy did a few seconds ago. I remained in the air hovering, starring as the bodies hit the top of the cage, letting my anger burn out. I gave one final scream of rage at the still, bloodied bodies.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and spun around, ready to kill whomever it was.
It was Quick, and I had my hooves wrapped around his throat, a sharp twist away from breaking it. 
My eyes went wide in horror as I realized what I had almost done. I let my hooves drop down to my sides. 
The look on his face wasn't of anger or fear, but understanding.
He placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Its okay sarge, they’re dead. You got ‘em. We gotta get down there and get Misty out of that cage okay?”
I was awestruck. partially from the fact that I had almost killed my teammate and one of the few ponies I could call a friend, but mostly because he was calm and collected the entire time. If it were me, I would have lost my shit and near killed who ever put his hands on me like that, accidental or not. 
I nodded and gave a quiet, “Okay.” and he flew down to the cage. I just kept hovering in the air. Soaking in what I almost did. 
“I need a hoof sarge!” I heard Quick from below. I snapped out of my trance and flew down to him.
I slid the key into the lock and it clicked. Quick swung the door open and ran over to Misty.
“Misty! Misty, are you okay? They didn't hurt you did they?” He was worried, just like during the battle. 
That got me thinking. What the fuck happened? Where were our reinforcements? Who attacked us? What the fuck took out the Twister? I had a million and one questions running through my head when Quicks voice broke through them.
“Sarge! C’mon we need to get the fuck out of here!” 
I looked over. Misty was looking at the ground, but she was up on her hooves.
“Is she okay?” I asked.
Quick looked back at her then back at me. “I think so. She doesn't seem to be visibly hurt.”
“Let me check the guards for anything of use.” I told him as I began walking towards the corpses.
I looked down them, disgusted just at the carcasses existence, and check them for any weapons. Nothing. 
I shook my head  and began up the thin ramp leading back to the tunnel we came out off. 
We began creeping back down the tunnel. No one made a noise. I was worried about Misty, she was different. Sure she was quiet but not this quiet. 
We came back to the fork. This time, after making sure it was clear, we took the path leading to the mouth of the cave. 
It wasn't a far walk. Six hundred feet maybe. Once we reached the opening I stopped us fifteen or so feet short of being clear. I signaled for them to hold and I crept forward.
Sure enough there was a guard right next to the opening. His eyes were closed and he was laying down. My eyes locked on a particular piece of equipment. A large knife in its sheath attached to his chest barding. 
I wanted it. I just did. We didn’t train much with knives in the Enclave and I didn't know much about them, but there was something about this blade, like it was beckoning me to take it. 
I looked at it harder. Its sheath wasn't buttoned. Perfect. 
I crept over him and began drawing the knife from the sheath. 
His eyes popped wide, feeling the weight being removed. I was ready for him though, I slashed the blade across his neck, severing both arteries. I clamped both hooves onto his beak then plunged the blade into his head. 
His body went completely limp and I withdrew the blade from his skull. 
I dragged his body into a nearby cluster of rocks. No one would find him there for at least a few days. I removed the sheath from his barding and attached it to my armor. 
I moved back to the cave entrance and motioned for Quick and Misty to follow. Once they were out I looked towards the hill. We were facing north, I could tell from the position of the moon.
“C’mon sarge we need to get the hell out of here! Lets just fly back to the Victorious!” He protested in a whisper. 
I placed the knife in its sheath. “Negative. We don’t leave without Rod, and if we can’t free him I at least want to know where they're keeping him so we can come back. Plus they probably have scouts in the air, they'd see us if we flew.” I was, how I always was when on a mission. Professional. “And we need to get our gear back. We can’t let the enemy get a hold of Enclave equipment.”
“I think they’re keeping it in a large metal building in the camp.”
We quickly turned back to see Misty, eyes still on the ground and barely audible. 
“Wheres the camp?” I asked. 
She meekly nodded towards the top of the hill we were climbing. 
I turned and walked to the peak, motioning for Quick and her to stay.
What I saw wasn't a small village, or a small camp. What I saw was something bigger than our raptors. What I saw was an entire army. There had to be hundreds of them down there! I saw the big metal building she described, it looked to have been made of sheet metal. It had a large antenna on top as well, that was a good sign. I moved back down the hill.
“Misty.” She looked over at me. “I thought you said it was a village? Cause that sure looks like a whole damned town.” My voice starting to rise. 
“Whoa sarge cool it.” Quick easily said. 
I was about to explode on him, but then I remembered what I almost did earlier. I took a deep breath. “Im sorry Misty. I didnt mean to yell.” I thought she said ‘its okay’ but she was being too quiet.
“Anyways. I saw the building she was talking about. Its not far in the camp if we enter from the east.” I said as I pointed in the mentioned direction. 
Quick nodded and Misty a half nod. I nodded back and began walking into the woods with them following. It was an odd sight, trees with leaves. I wasn't sure if it was from the unrestricted sunlight, or maybe because Aldorna didn't get hit as hard as Equestria did so many years ago. It didn't matter either way. The flames of war would sadly but surely engulf the scenery around me. I had a mission to do, and damn it, it was going to get done.
*** *** ***
Under the cover of the night we moved in between the trees towards the eastern edge of the camp. I had my knife drawn and firmly held between my teeth. We came to the treeline and I peeked out. It was clear as far as I could see. I motioned for the pair to continue following me as we moved closer to a large, burlap tent. One in the wall of them that lined the eastern perimeter. 
Once we came to the rear of it I signaled for them to wait. I silently entered the tent. It was dark inside so it took my eyes a minute to adjust. Once it did I could clearly see what this tent was used for. Troop housing. Ten, occupied, cots were in the tent. Five on each side. Each One occupied by a sleeping griffin. I had a bad feeling that shit was on a collision course with the fan for this mission. If anyone raised an alarm, these guys would wake up and come to kill us. I knew what I had to do. 
One by one, I quietly crept up to each cot. Swiftly but silently I thrusted the blade into the soft spot on the side of their heads. 				After a few minutes, the only heartbeat in the room was my own. 
I walked out of the tent, a hollow look in my eyes as I slid my knife back into its sheath. Quick looked over to me.
“Sarge? Everything all right?” He had that worried look on his face again
“Yeah.” I lied. “ Listen, both of you.” Now misty brought her eyes up from the ground to look at me. “When we go in there… keep your eyes in front of you. Don't look around, just keep your eyes on me.” I told them. Now Quick looked real worried. 
“Y-yes sir.” He finally worked out. 
I nodded and headed into the  tent. They followed, and hopefully obeyed my order. We made our way to the front of the tent. I moved the flap a little so I could see in front of it. Perfect, the armory was only about a hundred or so feet away. I turned my head around to look at the two. 
“Stay on my ass. We’re just gonna dash across and right into the place. On three.” They both nodded. 
“One...Two…” We all tightened our stance and I unsheathed my knife. “Three!” I said around the handle of the knife. 
We all ran as fast as we could out of the tent into the building, crashing right through the door. I rolled to my hooves, knife ready. Luckily the bottom floor was empty of griffins. I flew up the stairs to check for any others. None. 
I came back downstairs and let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. 
“Sarge?” Quick asked, breathing heavily, not from exertion, but from the rush.
“Yes?” I replied
“What if the door was locked?” He asked as he closed the door we just barreled through.
I gave a chuckle, “It wasn't. Be glad. I didn't have a plan if it was.” I said with a smirk.
Quick chuckled nervously and just nodded.
I looked around and saw weapons everywhere. Of every kind. Grenade launchers, rifles, everything. They hung on racks against the walls and in crates on the floor. Nothing near as good a condition as our stuff however. I spotted a large open crate. I walked over to it and looked inside. Sure enough, My rifles, along with the other Lieutenants, Quicks missile launcher. And finally Mistys big ass rifle. 
We got all our gear situated and hooked up. No ammo though. I saw all kinds of different ammo upstairs, I figured it would be there. I hooked my two Novasure rifles up to my armor and headed for stairs. 
“Um. Sergeant?” I heard Mistys quiet voice call. 
“Hm?” I turned to face her.
“Um. Your armor is capable of holding four Novasure rifles. I just figured you could take two of theirs and use them as well.” She said while lightly pointing to the crate. 
I blinked. I didnt know that. I walked over to the crate.
“Really?” I was pretty surprised.
"Yes. I can hook it up for you if you'd like.” She asked. There was just something off about her voice. I couldn't put my hoof on it though. 
“Sure, thanks.” I turned to the side as she began hooking them up. 
Quick came downstairs, I hadn't realized he left. He had a crate balanced on his back and wings.
“Here ya go.” He said as he lightly let it slide off his back. Inside were large bullets, for Mistys gun no doubt, and Spark batteries for mine. I dumped them in my ammo pockets and let the suit do the rest. It was pretty cool how it organized the ammo, ready to be loaded. 
Quick already had his missiles loaded up and Misty was loading a fresh magazine into her rifle. We were almost set. 
I walked back upstairs and over to the door. I tried opening it, but it was locked. I thought for a second and ultimately decided my rifles were quiet enough. I fired at the door, sending four orange beams at it. It disintegrated almost immediately, giving me access to the room behind it.

Inside was the radio controls. Rod would have had a field day. I had basic radiomen training so I walked over and punched in the channel access code, placed the headset over my ears, and called over it.
“Foxtrot to Victorious, I repeat, Foxtrot to Victorious come in.” 
A second later  the headset came to life.
“Thunder!? Is that you?” It was General Arc.
“Affirmative sir.” I had so many questions, but those would have to wait. “We are at location Whiskey 4049 Echo 9291. Enemy strength in the hundreds. Requesting the Pyrocumulus to bring her cannons to bear. Over.”
The general came back through after a few seconds. “Negative Foxtrot. The council has ordered all Raptor and Thunderhead class vessels to stay behind the Victorious’s location. Any farther and we run the risk of losing another ship. We’ll be sending Vertabucks with troops. Foxtrot, buckle up for one hell of a shit storm. Reinforcements ETA, five minutes. Victorious over and out.” 
I set the headset down and quickly moved downstairs. 
“Get ready. Troops arrive in five mikes.” I told Quick and Misty.
“What? What about Rod? We gotta find him!” Quick protested.
I pulled my goggles down over my eyes. “He’s not here. If he wasn't in the tunnels with the rest of us, and not in the radio room, he’s not here.” 
Quick seemed to think that through then agree, as he nodded after. 
“Grab as much ammo as you can. After you're full bring all the rest down here and place it against the wall around the door.” I ordered. 
“Yes sir.” Quick said as he went upstairs, Misty in tow. 
I checked my ammo reserves. Full. I checked my stats. Everything was good, except for the stinger tipped tail, that was no longer there. 
Quick came back down, lugging a large box of ammo on his back. It had to weigh more than him! He set it down next to the door and went back up. Soon Misty came back down, slowly, carrying a large crate of ammo as well. It would have taken her an hour to get it down. 
I flew over and began to help her. Once we got it over by the door she thanked me and headed back upstairs. I flew up and began helping to speed up the process. We didn't have long.  

*** *** ***
Once we got all the ammo down and around the door I checked my pipbuck screen. We had a minute and forty-five seconds till the party started. Just enough time. 
“Alright lets go.” I said as I opened the door and checked to make sure the coast was clear. After I made sure it was I motioned for them to follow. We darted across the street back into the burlap tent. I stopped but they kept on going. 
I pulled the flaps back into the tent and tied them up. I repeated the process with the back flaps, giving a clear line of sight from the woodline to the door to the armory. 
I leapt into the treeline, landing next to Quick and Misty. 
I quickly jumped to my feet and spun to face Quick.
“Quick! Take aim at the armory door! Now!” I commanded.
His eyes went wide as he spun and took aim. I think he realized what my plan was, as a large smile spread across his muzzle. 
I checked the clock on my Pipbuck. Thirty seconds till reinforcements arrived. 
“Steady…” I calmly said as I watched the seconds go by.
Twenty seconds. ‘Ready and…”
Quick held a breath to steady himself.
Fifteen seconds. “Fire!” 
Quick bit his mouthpiece, sending a rocket speeding towards the door of the armory.
It smashed into the door and detonated. The blast was far bigger than a single rocket though. It exploded in a great wave of power, annihilating the building entirely. The tents in front of us, and anything inside them, were thrown at and past us. It was an awesome sight 
Then I heard the rhythmic beat of dozens of vertabucks flying at us. The cavalry had arrived, and from the sound of a klaxon from inside the camp, the enemy was aware. 
“You guys ready?” I asked as I turned to face them 
Mist seemed more aware, but something was still off. Maybe a side effect of a drug they gave her? She gave a firm nod. 
I looked to Quick next.
“After that blast sir, I’m ready kick some flank!”
I nodded and turned towards the camp. I wanted to smile, I was in my element. Or so I thought. That didn't matter now. I was a soldier and I had a duty to uphold. 
I stuck my hoof in the air, then let it fall ninety degrees forward, signaling an advance.
> Sins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I stood in the burning remains of the camp. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and ozone. The battle didn't last very long, hour, hour and a half at most. I watched as they loaded Misty onto a medical vertabuck to fly her back to the Victorious. I watched as Quick argued with the medics telling him he couldn't go with her. 
I walked up to one of the medics arguing with him. “Let him go, generals orders.” I lied. I didn't give a shit. They wouldn't ask the general if he gave that order over something like that anyways. 
Quick climbed aboard the vertabuck and a few moments later it lifted off into the air and flew away.
Dozens of troops milled about the wreckage, searching for any surviving friends or enemies. It was the after-battle mop up.
A shot rang out from a few feet away. 
I turned just in time to get a glimpse of the injured griffin aiming for me, a second before he was disintegrated by red beams of energy. At this point I just didn't give a shit.
The battle, though lasting no more than an hour and a half, seemed as if it lasted for days. 
“Thunder get your ass aboard!” I heard Flurrys voice call out from a vertabuck preparing for takeoff. 
I turned and walked towards it. Boarding it like a robot, zero emotion, of any kind.
I took the last seat as it began to lift into the air away from the charred area that used to be a camp. 
I sat there, thinking about the past hour, letting it replay in my mind like a film.
“I bagged me at least four birds!” I heard one soldier boast to another.
“Nice. I got three.” He responded, less ecstatic than his friend.
Me? I couldn't even remember how many I had killed today. The three in the tunnels, the cave entrance guard, the ten sleeping griffins. After that it was all a blurr. It was like breathing, or blinking, you did it so often you almost seem to forget you're doing it. 
“Thunder? Thunder! Snap out of it.” Flurry gave me a nudge to get my attention. 
“Yes sir?” I asked.
“First of all, you look like shit.” He gave a small chuckle. I didn't hold it against him. He didn't know what I went through or what I did. “Anyways, General Lightning Arc wants to talk to you after you get cleaned up and have some chow.”
I nodded in compliance. He wanted an after action briefing. I began preparing what parts I’d tell him and what I planned to take to the grave.
*** *** ***
Once we landed back on the Victorious I made my way to my rack and threw my armor in my locker. I’d clean it later. 
Next I made my way to the showers. Before I stepped under the water, I noticed myself in the mirror. My coat had blotches and streaks of color matching my yes. My mane was matted with it too. I hadn't noticed before, but my face was covered in blood. None of it mine. I wondered how much of it belonged to certain griffins, but ultimately gave up at the futile effort. I stepped under the steady, warm, fall of water, letting it wash away some of the blood, sweat, and dirt. I removed the soap from around my neck that II picked up from my locker and did my best to scrub away the sin.
After I finished with bathing I made my way to the medbay. I got my mouth patched up with a simple healing potion. It almost looked like nothing had ever happened except for a faint scar. Finally I made for the generals office. I skipped the chow hall, I didn't think I could stomach anything now anyways. 
I arrived and stopped a few inches from the door and knocked. “Come in.” I heard his voice call from behind the door. 
I opened the door, stepped inside, and let the door swing shut on its own.
“You wanted to see me sir?” I asked.
“Yes sergeant, I did. Have a seat.” He motioned with a hoof to the lounger in front of his desk. After I took my seat he began. “I want to know what happened Thunder.” He said plainly. 
I sat there for a moment, then began. “I awoke in a cave. A dungeon of somesort. Quick was in there with me. So was Lieutenant Gale and five other troops. Gale and the five were killed before I could free myself from my bindings. I got free and killed General Whiplash.”
“You killed one of their commanding officers?” The general asked intrigued
“I assume sir. They were ordered to take us to his chamber, and thats where we awoke.” I gave him.
“Go on.” he said.
“Total the general killed twelve men.”
*** *** ***
I told the general what happened, leaving out me killing ten sleeping soldiers and how they were killing the mares in the tunnels. 
“Well sergeant. Im sorry you had to witness such acts, but you did outstanding in the line of duty.” He tried to give me that as comfort, I felt. “I’m personally recommending your whole unit for a comendation.”
Its funny, I’d always wanted the medals and valor, but at this point I just didn't give a fuck. 
“Thank you sir. What are we going to do about Rod?” I asked.
“Well, we're listing him as MIA until something comes up.” He told me. I was going to find him, I would die trying. “Thunder. There is one more thing I’d like to ask you. A favor.”
What could he possibly want from me now? 
“We took a prisoner. We believe he’s a high ranker in their organization. I’d like you to interrogate him.” He looked me straight in the eyes the entire time he said that.
“Lead me to him sir.” I said without thinking of how to reply. I didn’t want to look at a griffin, let alone sit in a room and talk to him, but something answered for me.
The general hit a button on his intercom. “Captain, please take Sergeant Thunder to meet our guest.”
The door behind me opened after a few seconds and Captain Flurry stood there waiting for me.
I stood up and gave a salute to the general, which was returned, and left. 

*** *** ***

After a short walk from the logistics department to the corrections wing, we came to a door beside another door. I guessed one led to the interrogation room and the other to an observation room with a one way window. He unlocked the door on the left and my theories were confirmed. The griffin sitting in the chair across from the table I had never seen before. I heard the door lock behind me and I took my seat. I saw his talons had been filed down so he couldn't do much damage with them. And his arms were bound with a zip tie. 
I had a piece of paper with questions to ask him. “Name and rank?” I asked flatly. I didnt want to put up with any griffins shit right now. 
Silence.
“Oh for fucks sake, name and rank?” I repeated myself.
“Do I know you?” He asked. That scratchy voice ringing in my ears and my eyes widening. “Ah, now you remember.” he said with a smug smirk. “I quite enjoyed watching the boys have fun with your female troops...” Wrong choice of words mother fucker.
Real calmly I nodded, as if not caring. Suddenly, I swung towards the door and lodged the chair under the knob; that would buy me some time. I walked over to him, and without a second thought, drove my hoof into his throat.
He hit the floor gasping for air and gagging at the sudden jab. 
I moved around the chair. “What was that mother fucker?! You son of a mule!” I began stomping on him, hoping to break something. I wanted this to be painful.
By now I could hear the hooves against the door, trying to break in. I had a few more seconds left. A few seconds I wouldn’t waste. I grabbed his wing and held it outstretched. He tried to kick me to get me away but it didn't do more than annoy me.
I drove my hoof right into the joint of his wing, feeling and hearing an audible ‘pop’. He squawked in agony as the chair broke and the door was thrown open. Two MPs came storming in and tackled me into a wall. I didn't resist, but I kept screaming at the bird. “You’re dead you son of a mule! I swear to celestia! I WILL KILL YOU!” I screamed as they dragged me out of the room. 
They took me to another room down the hall and sat me in a chair. They left and a few seconds later Captain Flurry came in. He sat down next to me and took his glasses off. His eyes were pink, just like his mane. I had to do my best not to laugh.
“Thunder, what the hell was that?” He asked.
I took a deep breath. “I lost my shit captain. The shit I saw down there. The shit he did.” The anger dripped from my words like venom.
He nodded a bit and stood up. “Are you cool now?”
I nodded, it wasn't a complete lie.
“Then get out of here. Don’t worry about it. I’ll say the bastard attacked you. Go get some sleep Thunder.” He sounded like he generally understood what I went through, but that was impossible. Nothing like these crimes could have been committed in the Enclave.
I stood and saluted the captain, then made my way out.

*** *** ***

The captain told me to get some sleep. But I couldn't, so I went to the next best place to forget the days events. The Victorious's bar. If I couldn't sleep away my thoughts, I could drown them in whiskey. 

I entered and headed straight for the bar. 
As I neared I noticed a familiar large pegasus. I figured Quick would be with Misty, but I don't blame him for turning up here. I took a seat next to him. He was hunched forward over his drink. A steely, sunken look on his face.
“A shot of Wild P, please.” I ordered as I sat there, looking forward. All pride aside, I was scared to know how bad she was.
“Hows it goin’ Quick?” I asked as my drink arrived. I picked it up in between my hooves.
“Fuck off…” he said quietly as I downed my drink.
“What?” I asked, not sure if I heard him correctly.
“I said fuck off!” He said, his voice raised, as he turned to face me. 
I pulled back a bit from him suddenly turning on me like that.
“Quick, listen I’m here if you-” 
I was cut short by him smashing his beer bottle on the counter, sending glass and beer all over the bar and floor.
“SHE NEEDED YOU DAMN IT! Why didn’t you get there in time!” He exploded on me.
I backed out of my seat. “Quick just calmed down! What are you talking about?”
The only answer I got was a bar stool thrown at me. I ducked just in time to let it sail overhead and explode against the wall. 
Before I could recover he brought a hoof down onto my back, sending me sprawling on the floor. I tried to regain the breath I had just lost, but I was yanked into the air, and thrown across the room. I landed on a table, going right through it.
Damn he’s strong! I thought as I scrambled to my hooves. He wasn't on me quite yet, so I had a few seconds to ready myself. 		I didn’t want to hurt him, but I had to stop him. 
As he came barreling at me I sidestepped out of his way and brought my hoof under him, right into his sternum. 
I heard him wheeze as the breath left him from the hit.
As he fell to the floor, he began to do something I hadn’t expected. He began to cry. He said something inaudible through his blubbering. 
I kneeled down next to him. “Quick, what happened?”
He looked up at me, tears of agony in his eyes, and said, “They raped her sarge! Those bastards raped her!” He bowed his head and kept crying. I sat there, awestruck to the fact. It was hard to believe such monsters could exist to do such things. Well, not after today.
I did the only thing I could do. I held him. I held him for what felt like hours until he finally stopped crying. 
*** *** ***
After having a talk with the barmare, me and Quick left the bar, our wallets empty from some generous tipping. 
We went back to our barracks, and from there went to our separate bunks. We both needed the sleep after this particularly emotionally stressful day. 
I couldn't sleep just yet. I had to scrub my armor clean of all the blood im sure it was caked in. I opened my locker and pulled out a bucket for just the occasion and went to the bathrooms to fill it. 
I got back and set it down next to my locker. I pulled out the light armor, and sure enough, covered in it. I didn't bother thinking about whose blood it was. I simply cleaned it all off. I removed the knife from it and removed it from it sheath.
I carefully cleaned the blade and mouth piece. Admiring the fine steel blade. It was black with a straight edge, and 7 inches long.
Next, I cleaned off its sheath that wasn’t spared from spurts of blood. Once it was clean I could read what was on it. ‘Keigh Bar.’
I slid the blade back into the sheath, and attached it back onto my armor. I placed the whole thing in my locker and shut it. 
I decided i’d dump the water in the morning, I needed to sleep. I  slid the bucket under my bunk, then crawled up under the sheets. My eyes lids were growing heavy. Even though I feared what thoughts would plague my dreams, I still greeted sleep with open, tired arms. 

> Operation: Declaw
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up that morning, feeling something I hadn't felt in what seemed like years. I was sore. My whole body ached from the battle and before. I sat up and moved my rear hooves off the side of the bed, then my front hooves, and finally I tipped myself out of my rack into a standing position. 

I started for the mess hall. I skipped eating last night and was paying for it now. My stomach was rumbling in anger at me, demanding food. I checked my watch. 06:30. I could still beat the crowd. 
*** *** ***
I was “enjoying” the usual “food” they had in the morning, as usual. I really hope they had better food before the war.

“Sergeant Thunder,” I heard Flurrys cool voice say as he passed behind me. I didn’t regard him, as I was sure he would be taking a seat in front of me. Why do the brass always wanna talk to me? 

Flurry moved around the table and sat down across from me. Called it. 

“Well don’t rush to get up or anything.” He chuckled.

I kept my eyes on my food as I gave the most half assed salute I’d given throughout my military career. 

“Anyways. I have somethings I needed to discuss with you. First and foremost, what you stopped.” He said as he slid a folder stamped “CLASSIFIED” towards me. 

I raised an eyebrow and slid my food over to make room for it. I opened the file and scanned the page.

“An invasion of Equestria?” I had questions, but that was just natural. I really didn’t care. “So? Let the raiders and slavers have at ‘em.” I said as I slid the folder back over to him.

He gave a slight chuckle. “They knew of the Enclave. Our forces clashing was inevitable.”

“Forces?” You say that as if they've raised an army.” I pointed out amusingly.

The captain gave a strong laugh. “Thunder I admire your doubt in all but the Enclave,” He said with a smirk, “but they do have an army. A big one.”

One thing I couldn't stand was someone having doubt in the most powerful organization in the known world. Especially an officer in its own military. But he was an officer and I was enlisted. I stayed my tongue. 

“How many?” I asked, a hint of anger in my voice that I tried not to show. 

“From the documents we captured after the battle, around twenty thousand.” He said, holding that easygoing look on his face. 

I swallowed any rash outburst most ponies would let out at the astonishing number. “Twenty thousand, Captain?” I asked, swallowing again.

He nodded again. “Its a rough estimate. Depending on how old these files are they could have more or less.” 

“Sir, please tell me they’re sending more men.” We were gonna need it to fight a war on that scale. 

To my relief he nodded. “The Nimbostratus in enroute. We have shotty maps of major encampments and a city called Aldorn. We’re not sure, but we think the city is their base of operations.” 

I thought popped into my head. “Sir, what if they have more of those big guns?” The thought that they could pluck us from the sky with a single round was terrifying, even more when inside the prime target for them. 

“They do.” He answered with a smirk. Bastard. “Their locations were in the files. The councils authorized the wonderbolts for a seek and destroy campaign.”

Now that was something. The wonderbolts. Best damned flyers in the Enclave. The only ponies that could reach the required speed to perform the Sonic Rainboom, in the entire Enclave. They were used to boost morale amongst the population, but the Council could utilize them as assassins in a sense. Somepony is doing wrong to the Enclave, or maybe a dashite with too much knowledge, send the wonderbolts and they won't be a problem much longer. 

“The general wants all combat ready personnel on standby for deployment. We got more fighting to do. You’re gonna be…” He trailed away in my ears; as did the whole world. 

One word rang through out my head. One terrifying word. More. More fighting. More of that living hell. That same hell that I had dreamt of so many nights when I was younger. I was so ignorant. I would give almost anything to forget all of this.

“Thunder! Thunder!” The captains frantic yelling broke through. 

I was on my back. Laying down on the cold floor of the chow hall, but the back of my head felt warm. 

“What the fuck happened?!” Flurry no longer wore that cool expression. it was replaced by a frantic, worried look. “Someone call a medic!” His voice was slightly muffled. 

I looked over to my left and saw a pool of crimson crawling away from me. 

Whats happening? Am I dying? This isn't so bad. I thought as the world began to fade away, and darkness began to creep back into my vision. 

*** *** ***
I saw a small black colt standing amongst older ponies. I could recognize my mother next to me, wearing black, and hiding wet eyes behind a black veil. The minister was saying some final words as the troops in their black clad armor lined up, rifles crackling at their sides. 

He finished his words of comfort and took the lid from the urn he held between his hooves. The soldiers commanding officer gave a deep, “Ready!” and the troops took a stance. “Aim!” He barked, and they turned their rifles to the air. “Fire!” He bellowed and the troops each fired a single beam from their rifles. 

The minister flew up, and without a word, dumped the ashes into the wind. They were carried away in the current, far from us. 

“Fire!” The officer barked again, and again the troops fired into the air. 

My mother gave me a strong hug and began leading me away from the scene. As a young colt, she didn’t expect me to understand what happened, or why I would never see my father again, but I knew. And I knew that I would honor him, by serving in his hoofsteps. 

From that day forward, I trained and waited. I waited for the one thing that would bring me honor and make him proud. War. 

*** *** ***

Blurred figures moved about and muffled voices said things I couldn't understand. I was laying on something soft. The walls were passing by in one big blur. I looked to my left and saw a familiar white coated, pink maned officer. His sunglasses were up on his head, exposing his pansy-ass colored eyes. I wanted to laugh, but my body refused to let me do so. So I just smiled. 

Flurry looked over at me. Panic flooding his eyes. “Hang on Thunder! You’re gonna be okay!”

Suddenly we entered a bright white room. We stopped and I felt myself being lifted up and set back down on a harder, but still soft surface. My head was gently turned to the side. I looked at the hoof on my cheek and followed it to the owner. I knew her face. 

Nurse Steel Scalpel. Any time i’d come to the medbay she was here. Im not gonna lie, she was one nice piece of eye candy. I never really had the gut- I mean time, to talk to her. Devoting your life to the Enclave takes up most of your time ya know. I’d watched her work though, she cared. She wore the same look Flurry was. She slipped a mask over my snout and I felt a gas pumping through it. I took as deep a breath as I could, and my eyelids began to droop. They slowly closed as thoughts of a night with Nurse Steel played throughout my head and a smile spread across my muzzle. 

*** *** ***

The first thing that I felt when I awoke was pain. I had a dull, heavy ache in the back of my head. I groaned as I opened my eyes. Captain Flurry was sitting in a chair next to my bed. His glasses were on his head and his eyes were closed, fast asleep. I went to check my watch, but I wasn't wearing it anymore. That slightly annoyed me, not being able to tell what time it was. I looked at the sides of my bed. 

“Where the fuck?” I asked myself quietly. 

Captain Flurry snorted himself awake and saw I was conscious. “Thunder you’re awake!” He said, almost jumping to his hooves to poke his head out from the curtain surrounding my bed. “Nurse, he’s awake!”  

“Uh. Yeah.” Was all I could say. I still hadn't the damndest clues what happened or what exactly was going on.

The curtain parted and in walked Nurse Steel, sliding her head band on so her jet black mane stayed back. She swiftly walked around me and my eyes followed hers. 

She came around to my right side and said, “Turn your head away please.” 

I did so and just then realized I had a bandage wrapped around my head as I felt her move it a bit.

“Alright the wound didn’t re-open. That's a good sign.” She said and I quickly turned to look at her, cringing a bit in pain. 

“Wound? What wound?!” I asked her a little more ecstatically then I should have. 

“She gave me an almost baffled look and blinked. “Sergeant, you were shot in the back of the head.”

What!? I didnt want to think it, let alone ask him, but I turned to Flurry. “Did you shoot me in the fucking head?!” I tried to ask it under my breath, but it came out clearly audible. 

His eyes widened a bit and he blinked. “What? No! It must have happened during the battle. It was a bullet, and your damned lucky or youre head would be a pile of goo or ash.” That made sense. 

“Oh, sorry.” I sheepishly apologized and he tried to glare at me. But those pink eyes only made me laugh. 

The captain gave a snort and put his glasses back on. 

“I’m going to have to change those bandages though.” Steel said as I turned to look at her. She was bent over grabbing something from the bottom of a cabinet. 

Huh, her cutie mark is a whip? 

I couldn't help but stare, and not at her cutie mark.

She must have noticed how quiet we had become, because she lifted her head, and without turning to look at us, said, “Stop staring at my flank.” She didn’t sound offended or anything, so I kept on staring.

“Yes Captain, that's highly inappropriate…” I said as if in a trance. 

Flurry gave a snort, “Oh go buck yourself Thunder.”  

I was still staring when she turned around with a flat look on her face. I finally noticed it and tried to look as innocent as possible. “What?”

She rolled her eyes and motioned for me to turn my head. The bandages came off and new ones set in their place. That dull ache in the back of my head was still there, although at least now I know why. 

“So how bad was it?” I asked. 

“Nothing major. Just gave you a slight concussion. It was lodged in pretty good but was slowly slipping loose. Thats what cause it to happen all of a sudden. You lost a lot of blood, so you’ll need to remain here in the medbay for a few days.” Nurse Steel said as she finished my bandaging. 

I gave a short dry laugh. “No way, a few more hours maybe. I have stuff to do.” I didn’t really have anything going on, but I couldn’t stand staying in the medbay. it was too boring.

She reached around and turned my head to face her. “Sorry soldier, doctors orders.” She then trotted out of my room. 

I looked over at Flurry, who wore a smug grin. “The fuck are you smiling at? What time is it?” Hopefully I wasn’t out for too long. 

He looked down at his watch. “23:20. Bed time.” He said as he yawned. “Well now that I know you’re awake and okay, I’m gonna hit my rack.” 

I nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for looking out for me Captain.”

He gave a chuckle. “You say that as if you’d expect me not to.”  And with that he left.

I sat there for a second, alone with my thoughts for a bit. I was shot. In the head. I don’t even remember feeling anything! I tried to replay the whole battle in my head, but most of it was blurred, like a high on adrenalin. 

I shrugged it off and decided to get some sleep. Hopefully I could get out of this damned medical wing in the morning.

*** *** ***

I woke the next morning to the pleasant sight of a white coat and black maned pony. Nurse steel was swapping out my bandages again.

“Not even gonna take me out to dinner?” I asked with a smirk. I was rewarded with a slap to the face. “Ow, so you’re into the rough stuff huh?” Another slap. 

“Are you done?” She asked, not amused. 

“Eh maybe.” I chuckled. “So I can leave now right?” 

“Nope.” She finished wrapping the bandages around my head just as the curtains spread open and Flurry walked in. 

“Sergeant.” He greeted me. “You feelin solid?” He asked. 

I slid off my bed and stood up, much to Nurse Steels dissatisfaction. “Yes sir.”

“He smiled. “Good. Report to the senior conference room in fifteen for a briefing.” He turned to walk away.

“Captain!” I called out. “Briefing for what?” I asked. What the fuck do they want now??? 

He smiled. “See you then Thunder.” He then turned and left. 

“Fuck.” Was all I could mumble as I sat back down on the bed. 

“What’s that all about? I thought you were a Sergeant?” Steel asked. 

I gave a slight laugh. “I might as well be a fucking council member.” I said with a hint of displeasure in my voice. 

“No really. It says Sergeant on your paperwork. Do I need to get it corrected?” She asked looking over a clipboard. I laughed a bit at her cluelessness

“No, no, Sergeant is correct. I just… It’s hard to explain. I guess the best way to put it is, the brass has a hard on for me.” I couldn't help but crack up at the end of that. 

She gave a cute little giggle. “Well, if the brass want you there’s nothing I can do to keep you.”

“Now that I think about it, I don’t feel so good.” I used my best dramatic sick voice as I fell back onto the bed.

“Right.” She said. “Well I have other patients to attend to. Good bye Sergeant.” She turned and walked out of the rom. 

“Heh, maybe I’ll go and get shot again just to come back.” I said to myself with a smirk.

“What was that?” She asked as she poked her head back in with a smirk on her face.

I felt myself blush. “N-nothing.” I cleared my throat and stood. “Nothing at all.” I made my way from the room and out of the medbay.

*** *** ***

I entered the conference room and immediately noticed three ponies. Quick was standing on one side of the table, and on the other, Captain Flurry and General Lightning Arc. The Generals staff was standing at the far end of the room. I took my place next to Quick and stood at a attention. 

“Sergeant Thunder. Glad you could make it.” The general said with that friendly smile he always wore. I nodded to him. “At ease boys.” He said. We adjusted to a parade rest in perfect unison. It was swift movements like that that I couldn't help but take pride in. 

“Well, down to business.” The general continued. “Private Quick Flight, it brings me honor to promote you to the rank of Lance Corporal and present to you the Bronze Wing for showing valor in the line of duty.” He said as Captain Flurry stepped forward and placed the award around Quicks neck.

“Sergeant Thunder, it brings me honor to promote you to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and present to you the Silver Wing and, after being informed recently, the Velvet Heart for showing valor in the line of duty and sustaining injuries while doing so.” Flury stepped forward and put the two awards around my neck. “Gentlemen.” The general gave us a crisp salute, one that we both returned.

“Thank you, sir.” we said, almost as one.

“Misty has been promoted and will be informed when she’s feeling better.” The general informed us. 

Fuck. I still haven't gone to visit her. 

“Gentlemen. You are dismissed.” The general said, that smile never leaving his face.

We nodded and left the room. 

“I cant wait to show my Ma this medal, shes gonna be so proud of me!” Quick said examining the bronze wing.

I smiled. “You earned it Quick. You did a damn fine job out there.” I gave him.

“Thanks Sarge. But if it wasn't for you I’d never made it out of those tunnels. And Misty…” He trailed off, a haunted look in his eyes. I knew that look. The look of “what if?” . 

“Don’t think about it Quick. We made it out, and thats all that matters.” I did my best to help him forget the question for the time being. 

He looked to me. “Sarge, what about Rod? He’s still out there.” I’d always admire his compassion for his comrades. 

“I know Quick. And we’ll find him, I promise. I don’t know how, but we will.” My words seemed to reassure him, as his look brightened a bit. Honestly though, I had no idea how we were gonna find him.

“Thanks Sarge, I’m gonna go visit Misty.” He said as he turned to walk away.

“I haven't gotten around to seeing her yet, I'll head over too. You go ahead though, I'll meet you there.” I told him.  He nodded and headed off.

I went the opposite way, heading for the barracks. I wanted to put my awards in my locker. As I walked I thought to myself. I wonder where we're heading next. That city Flurry mentioned? One of their camps? We never got around to discussing that. Fuck, when did I get shot? I had too many questions running through my mind. 

Before I could answer any of them I arrived at my locker. I opened it up and slipped the medals from around my neck. I tossed them up on to the top shelf I had no other use for, then shut my locker. I appreciated the fact that the Enclave reward the troops for what they do, but I couldn't stomach to look at them, for the the actions I took, I shouldn't be rewarded, but punished. I made an about-face and started for the medical wing.

*** *** ***

I walked up to the door and looked through the window. Inside I saw Misty laying on the hospital bed, and sitting next to her, Quick. Her eyes were open and she was smiling. That was a good sign. She was listening to Quick talk about something, probably his medals. I didn’t see him as being immodest or anything, he was just proud of what he did, and he’d earned it. 

I lightly knocked on the door and opened it. Misty tirely looked over at me and smiled. 

“Hello Sergeant.” She said weakly. 

I smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

She laid her head back down. “Better. The blast did a good amount of damage, but they patched me back up.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Did they say how long you’d be here?” I asked.

“No they didn’t. I figure a few more days.” It really did some damage, that blast. “So sergeant,’ She began. “I’m glad to see that bullet didn't do too much damage.” 

I blinked, trying to think of what she meant, then realized it. “Oh, that, yeah. Didn’t do anything major. How did you find out about that?” 

“Quick told me.” She said 

I looked to Quick. “And how did you find out?”

“Captain Flurry came and told me after you woke up.” He gave me.

“Oh, that makes sense.” I should have thought of that.

A grin spread across quicks muzzle. “I heard you were enjoying the medbay scenery.” That got a light giggle from Misty. 

I felt my face and the back of my neck warm up. I gave a slight scowl, but then a grin spread across my face. “And I heard you were gonna fly my laps with me.” 

To my displeasure his grin didn’t leave his face. "Worth it.” was all he said. 

“Um sergeant?” Misty asked. “Is there any news about Rod?”

I looked down for a second. “No. Not yet, but don’t worry about that right now. You just worry about getting back on your feet.” I couldn’t bring myself to tell them I didn’t even know where to start looking. “Thats an order.” I gave with a slight smile.

She smiled back. “Yes, sir.” She gave a small salute.

The door opened and in strode Captain Flurry.

Misty lifted her head to see who it was. “Oh, Hello Captain.” She gave a weak smile. The little talking and moving shes done must be draining her.

“Corporal Haze. I’m hoping you’re feeling better.” He said with a friendly smile. 

“Getting there, sir.” She laid her head back down.

“I’m glad to hear it.” He said. He walked over to me and whispered into my ear. “Thunder, we’ve got a situation developing on the bridge. I need you to come with me.” 

I nodded. “Misty, Quick, I gotta run. Again, hope you feel better soon.” They both nodded, Misty to the best of her abilities, and Flurry and I departed. 

As soon as the door shut behind us I began my questions. “Whats going on?”

The captain kept walking as he told me. “That bird we captured, the one you lost it on might I add, has broken free of his cell, attacked the bridge, and has secured himself inside.” 

What? How? “Why? What purpo- Woah!” I narrowly dodged an injured soldier being wheeled down the hall. I hadn’t realized it at the time, but we had quite a few injured men from that battle. The Medical wing really had its work cut out for it.  

“We don’t know. He won't say a word from within. He’s killed everyone on the bridge so we're cutting through the doors. As of now we have no control of the Victorious's weapon systems and we can’t pilot her.”

Why would he do that? It’s not simple revenge or anything. There has to be a purpose. “He can’t run us into the ground can he?” I asked.

“No, and by the time he even figures out how to steer we’ll have breached.”

So we can’t fly it and we can’t use its guns. So we can’t fly to a camp and attack it? My eyes widened in shock at my sudden realization. No. We can’t defend! 

“Flurry! Get to the bridge and get those damned doors open! He’s keeping us from defending ourselves!” I yelled at him.

His eyes widened. “Oh fuck. Thunder, go get your gear on, yell for everyone to do the same, we can’t sound an alarm until we get into the bridge. Then haul flank over to the Security wing and alert them!” 

I nodded and took off at a full gallop. I’d hit the chow hall first, then the barracks. 

*** *** ***

I burst through the doors to the cafeteria. It was packed. Good. 

“EVERYPONY GET YOUR FUCKING GEAR ON!” I hollard at the top of my lungs. 

They all stopped and looked at me. Fucking morons. 

“WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!” 

That seemed to light a fire under their flanks. They all began running for the doors. I did the same.

*** *** ***

I stormed into the barrack, my throat already sore from the constant yelling, and rushed to my locker to grab my gear. By now I didn’t need to yell, the other troops were doing it for me. 

I slipped into my light armor and set the goggles back onto my head. Then I attached my four Novasurge rifles and made sure they were loaded. After I ensured they were all in place I turned to bolt for the large, open, courtyard-like area at the center top of the ship. I ran muzzle first into another pony. 

“Sarge, what the fuck's going on?” 

It was Quick. He helped me get to my feet and I looked him over.

“You have your gear on, good, follow me.” I said as I pushed past him and began to gallop for the doors. “Shit's gonna hit the fan, we have no defense for a while so get ready for a fight.”

“Yes sir!” He called from behind. Sir… ugh

I called over the comms. “Security! Security come in!” Nothing. Fuck the bird must be jamming comms.

We ran through the doors into the open top of the ship. It had four wings on it. The Barracks, Medical, Logistics, and Security. All other wings were down below and lacked external exits. Directly across from us and the barracks was the Security wing. I took off full blast towards it. 

As I neared it I could see something splashed across the glass door and a pool of it from behind the wall. Thats when they opened, and three griffins came running out. 

They stopped once they noticed me and Quick. All of our eyes wide in shock.

“FIRE!” I yelled, and bit down on my mouthpiece sending four orange beams at the bastards. All but one missed, and the one that hit was absorbed by his armor, but didn’t tickle I could tell. 

A missile streaked past me, too close for comfort, and struck the ground in between the three. It exploded in a ball of fire. It was a bit too close and I had to shield my eyes from the intense light. Once it died down and I could look again, all that remained were three, mangled, mutilated, charred corpses

“Stand watch.” I told Quick as I charged into the building.

I pushed open the doors and immediately slipped. I rolled over to my hooves and saw the scarlet dripping from me. The thick scent of copper was in the air. I looked around. Slain ponies laid about the front room. I moved into to the hallway, searching for the rest of the security force. I heard yelling from deeper within the wing. I picked up my pace and came into the armory. 

It was packed with explosives. “Oh fuck me…” I could still hear the shouts for help from deeper within, but I would have to dig through the bombs to get past them. I picked one up to move it, thats when i noticed the timer. 

10… 9… 8..

“Fuck!” I dropped it and bolted for the exit. I hated the idea of leaving the security ponies to die, but there was no reason for me to die in vain. 

I charged through the hallway and out through the door. “MOVE!” I yelled at Quick, who took off back towards the barracks.

2… 1.. 0.

I felt and heard the massive blast at about the same time. The shockwave threw me from my hooves and a good ten feet forward. 

I stood back up. My head felt like it was splitting apart, and I had the worst ringing in my ears. I could feel a burning sensation on my cheek and something warm flowing from the wound. I looked to the barracks, soldiers in the dozens were pouring our, all in their black-clad armor of multiple variants.  I looked back at the building. It was a flaming ruin. AThen a thought struck me. The medbay! 

I took off for the medical wing, using my wings to propel me as fast as I could go. 

I didn’t waste a single second. I crashed through the glass door, not even bothering to open it. I rolled up and looked around at the small crowd of medical staff, probably wondering what the loud noise was and what I was doing. 

“Did anyone see a griffin come in here?” I could feel myself asking, but couldn't hear it. Alls I could hear was that goddess awful ringing. I watched heads as they all shook ‘no’. 

I gave a quick look around. checking behind desks and in rooms. nothing. I walked back to the entrance and turned to face all the ponies.

“Get everyone to the back of the wing and stay there!” I ordered. I was slightly impressed by how quickly the staff began to work. 

My hearing started to come back, and thats when I heard the firefight outside. I quickly turned to see the next bloody chapter in this war. 

There were so many of them. Hundreds, maybe even a thousand griffins flew above and fought on the deck. 

I looked up in time to see fifteen or so of the winged monstrosities flying straight for me. Or for the medical wing. I opened up with everything I had on the wing of attackers. I put volley after volley of orange beams into the group, killing several within a few seconds. They broke up to become harder targets. I did my best to keep them at bay, but there were just too many coming. 

Thats when I realized they were going for an easy target. All the wounded troops and medical staff in here wouldn’t last a minute. 

“They’re going the medical wing! Cover it!” I called over the comms. 

Within a few seconds Quick was at my side. There was no way he would let them near Misty, I already knew. More troops were flying over to reinforce my position. 

“All balefire troops, cover the logistics wing!” I called over again. 

The heavy armored, plasma toting juggernauts started making there way for their defense position. Firing their green plasma into the throngs of griffins. 

I had about fifty soldiers with me defending the medical wing. I was damn appreciative too, not only would have their numbers swallowed me, but I would have run my ammo dry in a few minutes.  

We stood there there in the open, giving the enemy hell and worse. But not without casualties. We were losing men, and at this rate, we would lose more than we did from the first battle. “Hey Sarge, “ Quick called next to me as he sent two rockets straight into the enemies ranks.  “Try not to get your head blown off!” 

Despite being in the heat of battle, that got a good laugh from me. “Back at you!” I gave a buck to reload. 

Thats when I heard the a purring noise, followed by an unbroken symphony of gunfire from a single weapon. Some fat bastard had a minigun! 

I heard the screams over the comms from the guys down the line to my left. He was mowing them down with ease. 

“Quick, take that son of a mule out!” I ordered. He turned and fired a rocket at him. 

The griffin stopped firing and took to the air, avoiding the rocket and its blast entirely. Quick took off after him

“There’s to many of them damn it!” I heard a pony call over the comm.

There were too many of them. We were out manned and out gunned.  I didn’t know how long we could hold out. But damn it, if i had to die, I was gonna die fighting.

I started pouring on the fire at anything with wings that wasn’t wearing Enclave armor. I looked over towards the logistics wing. One Balefire trooper lay on the ground, dead I presumed. Next, to the barracks. A few dozen of our boys laid in bloody clumps. and only ten or so still stood fighting. Our line only had fifteen soldiers still standing to fight. 

Something hit my armor. I looked down, and laying at my feet was a silver apple with a red band around it. Fuck!

I kicked the grenade as hard as I could, propelling it away from me, and under a griffin. 

It exploded, the flames engulfing the attacker, frying him to a crisp. 

“ Ten o'clock!” someone called over the radio and I turned to look. I saw the griffins coming in fast and low and opened up. With the combined fire from our defensive line they only lasted a few more seconds before they were turned to ash. Unfortunately they got one of the soldiers down the line. 

“Stand by for station defenses!” I heard Captain Flurries voice over the comms. 

Panels started sliding away from walls and roofs as turrets began popping up and immediately opening fire on the birds. 

“Its about fucking time!” I cheered

Larger cannons on the top of the barracks and medical wings began frying the large cloud of assaulter above the Victorious. It was as if it was snowing now. 

I heard whoops of joy from all around. But I could also hear the cries of agony. Some from the injured, some from those who had just lost their best friend.

The griffins began to retreat. There was no way they could keep up an assault with our defenses back online. 

Quick landed next to me. ‘“You all good sarge?” 

I nodded and pushed my goggles back.

“Thats a nasty gash you got there.” He pointed to my face with a hoof.

“Huh?” I felt my cheek and was rewarded with it stinging like a mule. “Ow, fuck! That, Right. Ill head to the medbay after mop up.” 

He nodded. “Same. I wanna make sure Misty’s okay.”

I snorted. “You gonna ask her out anytime?”

He blushed. “H-hey I will. Just now’s not the best time.” He said defensively. 

I chuckled. “Alright. Well I’m gonna head to the bridge and check on the situation.”

He nodded and I turned and headed for the logistics wing. It was the fastest way up to the bridge. 

*** *** ***

I walked through the blasted open doors and onto the bridge. Inside was General Lightning Arc, Captain Flurry, and the generals security detail. The Captains uniform was stained with blood and had a gash in his front left forehoof. The general noticed me first.

“Sergeant Thunder, I need sitrep yesterday!” He sure as hell was worried.

I took a deep breath. “Sir, the Security wing and personnel have been wiped out. We held off the attackers from getting to the Medical wing or the Logistics wing. We suffered an estimate of seventy men killed and thirty wounded.” My own count, but it was as good as any.

His eyes boiled with anger. “Goddess damn it all!” he slammed his hoof down on a control panel. 

I looked to the pilots seat. I knew the Pony. Not personally, but I knew of her. Captain Strong Hull. She sat there, her throat slit wide open, eyes froze in shock at the moment of her death. Ten or so more bodies laid around the room. The bridge personnel no doubt. One feathered figure I recognized. The griffin with the scratchy voice lay on the ground, feathers matted around his throat and his tongue hanging out of his beak. 

“What happened to Captain Flurry?” I asked the general.

“I led a team onto the bridge... Bastard cut me deep, but I got him.” Captain flurry gave me weakly. I didn't know a white pony could look pale. 

“Sir, i’ll take him to the medbay.” I told the general as I moved over towards Flurry.

“Thank you sergeant. He refused to do so himself until everything was secure.” The general gave me. “Stubborn mule lost a lot of blood for it.” 

I wrapped the captains uninjured arm around my neck and helped him to his feet. Once he was up and I knew he could walk with help, we began for the medical wing.

*** *** ***

We entered the Medbay, the thick scent of copper hung heavily in the air as medical staff did the best they could to help all the injured.

“C’mon Thunder… Lets take a seat over by the wall.” Captain Flurry gave me weakly. 

“Sir, you need help.” I told him.

“I fuckin know that, sergeant, but most of these men need it more. Now lets take a seat, thats an order.” He said, his eyes closed in an effort to conserve his energy. 

Stubborn prick.  I thought to myself with a smirk as I took him to a seat against the wall. I sat and watched the scene before me. I’d never seen a medical wing used so much in my life. I never considered war to be this bloody. Sure, we’d been taught about the Great War, but hearing about it and seeing it first hoof makes all the difference. Soon someone took a seat next to me.

I looked over and was greeted by Misty with a worried look, one that I returned equally. 

“Misty? What are you doing up?” I asked.

“I tried to stop her.” Quick’s deep voice came from the seat next to her. 

“I can walk. Someone else will need that bed. Are you okay?” She asked. Her eyes widened as she looked around as saw Flurry. “Captain! Is he okay?!” 

“Im fine…” The captain weakly said, his eyes still closed. “Just a little scratch.”

“What happened sergeant? To the both of you?” She asked.

“I’ll explain everything later. Everything will be fine though.” I reassured her. 

I noticed a certain white figure walking past us. She stopped and gave a slight glare at me. One I returned with a questioning look. She walked over and turned my head so she could get a good look at the cut.

“Uh, can I help you?” Was all I could ask, wondering what the hell she was doing.

“Just making sure you didn’t do this to yourself to get back in here.” She said nonchalantly. 

Flurry gave a half unconscious snort.

I rolled my eyes. “Shrapnel from the blast.”

“Mhmm” Was all she said. “Captain, come with me and we’ll get you taken care of.” She motioned for a pair of stallions to come and help him. They picked him up and carried him away. She followed after them.

Again I couldn’t help but stare.

“Oh, um, Sergeant, I don’t think she wants you doing that.” Misty quietly said.

I didn’t look away. “Nonsense my dear, you're hallucinating from your meds.”

“Oh, um. Okay.” She said as she dismissed any protest.  

Quick laughed. Once she was out of view, and I had nothing to really watch, I realized how tired I felt after the adrenaline wore off. 

“Hey, i’m gonna shut my eyes for a bit. Wake me if anything happens.” I said to the two. They both nodded.  And with that, I closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep. 

*** *** ***

A awoke to the strange feeling of breath on my cheek. I opened my eyes and saw white in my peripherals. My cheek was numb, but I could still feel it being moved slightly. 

“We really have to stop meeting like this.” I said with a smirk.

“Then stop getting hurt.” She said plainly. 

“Oh but I do so love the medical wings scenery.” My smirk only grew wider. 

“Is this you trying to be charming?” She asked unimpressed. 

“Trying? I’m offended!” I said dramatically. “I could have swore my natural charm would have one your heart by now.” I suppressed a laugh.

“Sorry, not working.” She said as she finished up the stitching. 

“Oh well, i’ll just have to keep trying.” I said with a wink, which I was rewarded with a roll of her eyes. I noticed Quick and Misty were no longer sitting beside me. “Where are my friends?”

“The big guy and the mare? She said she was tired and the big guy carried her to her barracks.” I smirked and raised an eyebrow. “I thought the same thing.” She said. “But shes too weak right now for a tumble in the hay.”

“I hope Quick understands that.” I said as I started to laugh, and was soon joined by Nurse Steel.

She sat down next to me as her laughter resided. “He said he’d be back for you. Until then he asked I watch you.”

“Oh great, i'm a child.” I said with a roll of my eyes. At least my babysitter's a fine piece of flank.  I sighed. “So, what are the numbers?” 

She glanced down. A saddened look running across her face. “Sixty-eight killed and twenty-one injured.”

“Damn that winged bastard! It was a ploy all along.” I said to myself.

She put a hoof on my shoulder. “That was a responsible thing to do by the way, having everyone move to the back of the building during the attack.” She had a thankful look in her eyes.

I gave a snort. “No. No it wasn't, I was just doing my job.”

“You’re soldier, your job is to fight. That wasn’t fighting.” She had reassurance in her voice and damn it, it was working. 

I gave her a smile. “Thanks.”

“So what happened with the Security wing?” She asked me.

Noises of the bustling wing were drowned out as the screams for help echoed throughout my mind. I swallowed as the memories threatened to choke me. “The griffins took it out to try and cripple our defenses further.” I tried to give a short and final answer.

“I saw you run in there.” She said and I swallowed again. “How could three griffins take out forty or so guards and then destroy the whole place? Where there more inside?”

I didn’t want to lie to her. I couldn’t lie to her.

“I...I…” My voice was quivering.

“What? What happened?”

“I went in and… I could hear them. The security ponies, screaming for help.” I looked down. “They were farther in the building. I never got to them though… There were so many explosives. I started digging, but the first one I picked up… it had a timer on it.” I sniffed. “Ten seconds left.” I watched as small, clear droplets hit the floor and chair under me. “I left them, Steel. I left them to die!” I wasn’t even bothering trying to hold back the tears. 

She threw her hooves around me and drew me into a close embrace. “If you would have died in there many more ponies wouldn’t have made it. You saved more lives than anyone else out there today.” 

I returned the embrace and let it all out. Everypony has their breaking point, and i'd reached mine. So I sat there and let her hold me as I sobbed into her shoulder like a little filly.

*** *** *** 
After about thirty minutes I finally calmed down. “Thanks Steel. Hey uh, don’t mention this to anyone, okay?”

She gave me a smirk. “Don’t want others to find out the big war hero cries?” I opened my mouth to protest the title but she spoke instead. “I’m kidding sergeant. I won’t tell anyone.” She had a smile that could melt an ice cap.

“Thanks.” I said with a smile. I took a deep breath. “So, are you doing anything tonight?”

Her smile turned to a smirk. “Are you using what just happened as leverage?” 

I tried my best to look offended. “No!” Yes…

She rolled her eyes, stood up and gave a sigh. “My shift ends at eight.”

I was grinning from ear to ear as Quick walked over. “Hey sarge, you’re awake.” He looked to Nurse Steel. “He didn’t give you any trouble did he?” He asked her with a grin. One I returned with a roll of my eyes.

She giggled. “No, not yet at least.” And with that she walked away. 

“What does she mean by that?” He asked.

“She means I got a date tonight!” I said as I lightly punched him in the shoulder. 

Quick laughed. “Congrats sarge.” He extended his hoof, which I bumped with mine. “Uh sarge, your cheeks bleeding again

I reached a hoof up and felt it. When I looked back at it there was some scarlet smears on it. 

“Ah its just from all the smiling, i’ll be fine. Lets get out of here.” I said nodding towards the door. Quick nodded and followed next to me.

“So hows Misty?” I asked.

“She’s feeling better she said. She went to sleep once she got back to her barracks.” He told me in that calm deep voice. 

“Good. She needs her rest.” I told him.

“You think we’re gonna see some action anytime soon?” He asked.

“Yeah, as soon as the Altostratus comes to reinforce us.” I told him, not thinking of anything out of the usual. 

“Good. I want to get back down there and give these sons a mules what they got coming to ‘em.” His tone was no longer that deep cheerful, but a low and dangerous.  

I stopped and looked at him. “Quick, you can’t let your anger get to you like that. Especially when it comes to combat. It’ll get you killed.”

“Sarge I saw the rage in your eyes in those tunnels, and I saw what you did in that tent. How can you say that?” He asked in an almost hurt tone. 

My jaw hung slightly open, my eyes wide and images I’d hoped to forget flashing back in my mind. Anger began to rise. “Yeah. In the tunnels, I was mad, furious even. But I still regret my actions. I should have planned an attack and executed it with precise actions. Instead I charged in, blinded by my rage, and got lucky. And the tent had nothing to do with rage. It was what I had to do, and even then, I still regret it! But whether I do or not, it had to be done!” I was thankful that we were alone and outside, because my voice had raised significantly. I had’nt realized i was shouting. We stood there in silence. “I’m sorry Quick. I didn’t mean to explode like that.”

“No I deserved it sarge, I shouldn't have brought any of that up. And you’re right, I need to keep my head in the game. It’s just so hard. What those bastards did to her… I just wanna tear them apart.” Quicks face displayed conflicting emotions.

I put a hoof on his shoulder. “It’s alright Quick. Shit happens that we all wished hadn’t. The only thing we can do is try to prevent it from happening again.”

He nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. thanks sarge.”

“Any time.” I offered with a comforting smile. I checked my watch, it was 18:13. “Well i’m gonna go shower up and try and make myself look presentable.”

“Alright. See you around sarge.” Quick said with a nod, and with that I headed for the barracks. 

*** *** ***

After I showered I made my way to the medical wing. I felt a little foolish, I ultimately decided to slick my mane back with gel. She seemed like the kind of mare that would like that. Right?

As I drew closer to the front doors, they opened and out walked a mare. I almost didn’t recognize Steel. She no longer doned her headband, instead she had her hair curled, light scarlet lipstick on, and was wearing eyeliner that made her look like something i’d asked for last Hearth’s Warming.

“Well, pick up your jaw and lets get going.” She said with a giggle. 

I closed my mouth, not realizing i’d let it drop in the first place, and trotted to her.

She still wore that cute little smirk. “So, where are we going?”

I sighed heavily. “Well, there seems to be a lack of restaurants and clubs on the Victorious.” I said with a smirk. “So hows the SNCO club sound?”

She blinked at me flatley. ‘I’m not an senior NCO sweetie.”

My smirk only grew. “Well, I don’t think anyones going to stop me from bringing you in.”

“Oh? Playing the war hero angle now?” She asked with an amused smile. 

“Eh, it’s nicer than the bar so, fuck it, i’ll play the role.”  I said honestly. 

She moved closer to me. “That’s sweet of you.”

I could feel my cheeks and neck warming up. “It’s the least I can do, you did patch me up twice.”

She gave me a peck on the cheek. “You do your job and I do mine.” 

I could feel the blood rushing to my face. 

“And you can change color! A pony of many trades I see.” She said with a wink and a smirk. 

“And we’re walking!” I quickly said as I started towards the SNCO club. I’d never been in it surprisingly. I’d been a sergeant for two years and never bothered to go. The usual bar was plenty good for me. I told her that it was nicer off of hope and expectation. 

*** *** ***
As we stepped into the club I was relieved to see it wasn’t the typical bar scene. I could smell alcohol that wasn’t cheap. No soldiers getting hammered. Twenty, maybe thirty stallions with their dates. It seems I wasn’t the only one bent on bringing an unqualified guest.  I led steel over to a table. I slid her chair out for her.

“Thanks.” She said with a smile as she sat down and I slid her towards the table. 

I took my seat across from her. It only took a few seconds before a waitress came over.

“What can I get you two?” she asked in a cheery tone, brushing her lime green hair from in front of her eye.

I looked to Steel for her to go first.

“I’ll have an appletini.” She told the waitress. I bit my cheek to keep from laughing. 

“And for you sir?” She looked to me. 

I cleared my throat. “Uh, you have any Wild Pegasus?” I asked her.

“No i’m sorry we don’t.” She said.

Damn… “Ah, then just give me whatever whiskey you have.”

She gave a nod and trotted away towards the bar. 

As soon as she was far enough away I planted my face firmly on the table and did my best to muffle my laughter.

“What? What’s so funny?” Stell asked me.

“Appletini!” I cried.

She simply rolled her eyes and gave that cute smirk. “I like them.”

My laughter was slowly dying down. “I’m sure you do.”

“What? You’ve never had one?” She asked accusingly

I almost started laughing again. “No sweetie, no. Not a salt licks chance in a barn. I’ll stick to my Wild P and the sorts.”

“You’re lucky it was so popular before the war or you wouldn’t get a drop.” She said with a smug smirk.

“Yeah, well atleast I know they had something decent tasting before the war.” Was my only reply.

The waitress came back over, a tray balanced on her back and wings carrying our drinks. “Here you two go. If you need anything just ask.” She said in her cheery tone. 

“Will do.” I said as she sat our drinks down. With that she trotted off.

I picked up my glass and took a sip. “Mmmm. Thats pretty good. I still prefer my Wild P though.” I took a bigger drink.

“So,” Steel took a drink. “ I don’t want to drown you in questions, but, being in the medical wing I don’t get many details.” I really hoped she wasn’t gonna ask what I thought she was gonna ask. “I was just wondering, whats it like down there?” 

Whew.

“Well. Honestly its kinda nice. Well, without the fighting it would be nice. Trees have green leaves on them! Everything has a color thats not just gray. It sure is different from the Equestrian wastes. But i’m sure it has its poisons all the same.” I told her.

“You sound like you wish things were different.” She said, making me look up a bit surprised at her understanding tone.

I gave a slight snort. “Don’t get me wrong I love the Enclave. Without it we’d have to live in the hell beneath us. But i've read enough to know that the Great War should have never happened. And even if it did the Pegasi shouldn’t have ran away, tails between their legs after Cloudsdale got hit. That was pure cowardice and disgraceful.” I had always had a strong opinion of the past, I just couldn’t speak of it aloud. I took a big swig of my drink.

“What do you think of Rainbow Dash?” She asked me abrupt but calmly and quietly. 

I looked her in the eyes as I swallowed my drink. I’d never shared my opinion of Rainbow with anyone. But I felt the strangest feeling of utmost trust, sitting here with her. It could have been the booze, or maybe not. 

“I admire her. She stood as a prime example as how all Pagasi should have been, and always be.” I told her in a confident but slightly hushed voice. 

She just nodded with a mixed look of understanding and respect in her eyes.

The front doors swung open and two MPs walked in, followed by Captain Flurry.

“All troops go gear up and head to your assigned bays, and has anyone seen Staff Sergeant Thunder Wing?” He spoke loudly to all of the stallions in the club. 

This was the worst time he could possibly need me. 

“Fuck!” I called out, and purposely. 

Flurry turned to look at me and smiled. “Ah, just the stallion I was looking for. Thunder, senior conference room, now, please.” With that he turned and left. 

Fuck you Flurry, fuck you, fuck you, fuck you...

I stood up and looked at Steel, placing a small pouch of bits on the table, that smirk still on her lips. “I’m sorry, I-”

“It’s fine.” She stood up. “Just stay safe and come back in one piece.” She pulled me in and pressed her lips to mine. My eyes shot wide, but soon closed as the euphoria set in. 

When we parted i was left with a goofy smile and a little disoriented.

“Well get going!” I snapped out of my fog once she spoke.

“Y-yeah. Right. Right!” I cleared my throat. “I’ll see you when i get back.” I said with a smile. With that I left the club and made my way to the senior conference room, yet again. 
> Insubordination
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I walked in the door and recoiled slightly. The thick scent of cheap cologne hung in the air like tear gas. I coughed and fought back the tears welling in my eyes. 

General Lightning Arc, Captain Flurry, and a pony I didn’t know stood around the table. The mystery pony had a brown coat and a gray mane, but what struck me most were his eyes. They were ruby red. I always thought of my eyes as subtle for their color, but his were vibrant, almost terrifying. 

“Sergeant.” The generals friendly voice caught me. 

I broke from my trance. “General, Captain.” I saluted them. 

“Sergeant Thunder Wing, this is Colonel Shining Star, commander of the Altostratus.” The general nodded to the brown pony.

“Colonel.” I gave him a nod. 

“We called you here to quickly give you a rundown of the plan. Seeing as you have the most experience on the ground we thought you should have a look beforehoof.” The general said, gesturing to the map on the table I failed to notice earlier. “Colonel Star will be personally leading a ground attack on an unguarded enemy munitions dump to the north of here. Captain Flurry will be leading you and your squad to aid in the attack.”

I studied the map a second. “Sir, the Victorious won’t be taking place in the assault?” I asked, noticing that only one Raptor, the Altostratus, was listed.

“No. Colonel Star insisted he need only his men for it. I’m sending your squad and Flurry to be my eyes.” the general said. I noticed the Colonel had a grin on his muzzle. One that I loathed. It was the smirk of a glory hound, and it made me sick.

I looked  back to the general. “One more thing sir, Misty still isn’t combat ready.” I told him.

“I am aware. It will be just you three. Anything else sergeant?” The general asked me

“No sir.” I said with a salute.

“Good, go gear up, get your other man, and fly over to the Altostratus.” He said with that warm smile.

Captain Flurry walked over and opened the door as I nodded and left the room. He followed suit and shut the door behind us.

“Well Thunder it looks like i’m going to finally see your battlefield heroics for myself.” He said with a grin.

I gave a soft chuckle. “Yeah.” I said sarcastically. 

*** *** ***

We arrived at my rack after a few minutes of walking. I slipped into my armor, attached my rifles and did the usual check on my systems. 

“Thunder? You know you could get in some serious shit for bringing contraband back.” He said, eyeing my knife. 

I followed his stare to the knife and back. “Call it a trophy.” I told him.

“Just dont let an officer who gives a buck catch you.” He said with a doubtful shake of his head. 

“I wont. C’mon, let’s get to the launch bay.” I told him, heading for the doors.

*** *** ***

We entered the bay and I immediately saw Quick. I walked over to him.

“Quick.” I called over.

“Sarge? Whats going on?” He asked.

“You, the Captain, and I are heading over to the Altostratus to aid them in the assault. Come on I’ll explain along the way. 

He nodded and with that we made for the hatch.

*** *** ***

We flew into the open hangar on the side of the Altostratus. It wasn’t much different from the Victorious' interior. Gray and black steel, everywhere you looked. The hangar was packed with black clad troops, ready to launch, even though the attack wouldn’t take place for an hour or so. They were all doing something to pass the time. Some talked, some checked their weapons. Some played cards, and some just simply slept. 

Sleep. That sounded good to me. 

“Wake me when its show time.” I said to Quick.

He nodded and with that I laid down. I saw through the open hangar doors, the Victorious passing behind as the Altostratus set course for where ever. I closed my eyes and let thoughts of what could have happened with Steel tonight if we were uninterrupted. With a grin, I drifted away into slumber.

*** *** ***

I was awoken by Flurry nudging me with his hoof. “C’mon Thunder, get up.”

I rose and stretched my legs. “Show time?” I asked with a yawn.

“Show time.” He nodded as he made sure his helmet was secured.

Colonel Star called out over the crowd. “Alright boys, are you ready to kick some griffin flank?” He stood atop a small stage at the wall of the hangar. 

He was answered with whoops of excitement and anticipation. A roar of hooves stomping against the floor almost drowned the shouts out. 

“Glad to hear it!” He continued once the room settled. “Remember your roles, secure the perimeter and my team and I will plant the explosives.”

Murmurs of comprehension passed through the crowd. 

The colonel pressed a button behind him and the orange lights whirled to life. The speakers overhead crackled to life. “Launch, launch, launch!” Troops began flying out at break-neck speeds, dead set on completing the mission. 

Captain Flurry, Quick, and I moved to the opening and, bathed in the moonlight, leapt out and began for our target. 

We were virtually right over the target so it was a quick flight. Most of the troops had already set up their part of the of the line. We took our spot at an area we thought was appropriate. It was at the base of a mountain. Built right into the side were two large, and open oddly enough, steel doors led to a tunnel into the mountain. 

We stood there, waiting, watching. Well, my squad that is. We knew of the dangers of this foreign land and enemy. The Altostratus troops leisurely played cards and talked. Some even slept. 

“Hold the line boys, this will take a few minutes.” The Colonel shouted to the troops in general. With that he and his small squad entered the open steel doors.

I watched most of the troops disregarded what he said. They thought of this mission as a waste of time, I’m sure. They talked, slept, and everything else. I observed one group of loud troops. They were playing a card game and drinking, as if at a bar. I observed one win and enthusiastically take his winnings. I also watched as the image of them was soon replaced by a flash, bang, and cloud of dirt and smoke. 

The troops stopped and simply stared at the smoking crater that was beneath the clearing smoke. 

My eyes were wide in horror as I realized we were once again under a siege. “MOVE!” I shouted.

They seemed to shake the lead out and formed the defensive line once again. like a bad case of deja vu, the air was filled with the sound of gunfire and the scent of ozone. All the troops seemed to be shouting, asking for orders, help, mother, and everything inbetween. 

I dove behind a small sandbag wall as another shell ripped the ground apart somewhere behind me. I stood and opened fire on a group of five or so griffins charging my position head on. I let out a barrage of orange lasers, cutting the griffins down and turning them to ash. 

I felt something small slam into my left shoulder and turned to the direction I thought  it came from. I looked around, but failed to see any enemy. I felt something hit me again and looked upward, this time seeing the bird with a rifle aimed right at me. I was lucky it was a small caliber, or it could have done some serious damage. I flew up and began chasing him through the sky, firing streams of orange at him. Eventually I ran dry and gave a buck to reload. 

Before I could train my weapon on him again I was side swiped by another griffin. We went tumbling through the air. He was clawing at every part of me, and to no avail. I tucked my head in to shield my snout, but felt it bump against something. It was the Keigh-Bar. I bit down on the handle and, in one swift motion, drew the blade and sliced right across the birds neck and cheek. I pulled back then gave a hard flap, sending me forwards at him. I plunged the blade into his chest. He gave a squawk of pain, then went limp and began falling to the ground. I followed him. Last time I thought I killed one, he came back and nearly strangled me.

I landed next to his body and gave it a hard buck. I heard a loud crack from something inside him, but no movement or noise. Good.

I happened to notice a group of griffins charging our flank. I turned to engage, but was halted by a warmth to my left, then I was in the air, and just as quick back on the ground. My vision swam. I was on my back, and felt a pair of hooves grab my sides and roll me over.

“Thunder!” I could hear the Captains muffled voice call to me. 

I lazily looked over towards him. Things were still blurry, so I gave my head a good shake, trying to clear my vision and fix the ringing in my ears.

“The have artillery!” The captain yelled. 

I vaguely knew what that was. I knew it launched a projectile, generally up and over, at your targets with an explosive force. The Enclave had none, seeing as how we could just fly above a target. 

“They went in after the Colonel!” Flurrys voice broke through again. “C’mon we gotta back him up!” 

“What?” I shouted back to him. 

“Six or so of those winged bastards flew through the doors after the Colonel, we need to move in and back him up!” He hollered back.

I nodded and noticed two things. The first, Quick was no where to be seen, and the second, wy wasn't the Altostratus firing on on the enemy?

“Wheres Quick?” I called to the captain.

“No idea, he’ll be fine though!” He yelled back.

“Sir, wheres our support from the Altostratus?” We could really use those big guns right now. They had artillery for crying out loud!

“No clue, c’mon move your flank!” He motioned for me to follow. I nodded and started after him.

I tapped the comms button on my head set. It was mostly static, but I could make out a few words from the ship.

“all weapon sy-*static* -ffline! *static*-elp! *Static*”  This plan was going to shit, and fast.

I followed the captain down the large tunnel into a massive room, filled with crates and munitions of all sorts. 

Celestia’s horn…

There was so much old world tech it made my head spin. Or maybe it was just from nearly being blasted to hell?

“Hold it!” I heard the captain shout. I looked to see him aiming at the six griffins surrounding the Colonel and his two dead squadmates. “I’ll blow your bucking head off!”

The lead griffin I noticed him. The gray feathers, the scars running down the side of his neck.

“You…” I whispered to myself as I took aim.

The gray griffin smiled and began to draw his weapon. 

I fired.

I was the best shot of my class, and the best shot in my platoon to this day. But some how that bird moved out of the way! He was a lot faster then I’d have ever expected. The consequence was far worse then him getting a shot off at one of us though. 

My orange beam struck a large shell of some sort. Only one word flashed through my mind before I was blinded and deafened by the apocalyptic blast that fallowed.

BUCK!

*** *** ***

“Now squeeze the trigger, nice and easy.” My father quietly said into my ear as my jaw tightened around the mouthpiece of the rifle. 

I pulled the trigger and was rewarded with a bang and a force that knocked me to my flank. 

My father picked me and smiled as I couldn't help but laugh a bit. 

He and I both looked to the cloud target I had been aiming at. We both focused on the small hole that was left through it, dead in the center.

“Amazing Thunder. You did good.” He looked to me with a smile. I felt the utmost pride and happiness in making my father proud of me. That day I knew that I would do my best my entire life to make him proud, no matter what. 

“Can I shoot some more dad?” I asked with pleading eyes and a wide smile.

He chuckled. “Of course you can son, but only for an hour or so more. I have to take it in.” 

I leapt and ruffled my wings in delight. “Yes! Thanks dad!”

“Any time son.” He always wore that smile that made me feel safe and secure. 

*** *** ***

I tried to move, but found myself unable. I could feel an almost unbearable weight across my body and legs. I was sore too. All over.  I could barely breathe, not only from the mass on my body, but from the weight on my muzzle as well. I tried to open my eyes, but only the left one did so. I tried to say something, but only felt pain. I could taste copper, and feel my wounds burning in my mouth. 

I noticed movement ahead of me, and could hear grunting. I could see a pink mane and white coat moving about in the rubble. 

Moonlight poured in through a gaping hole in the ceiling, and through the mountain above it.

Flurry was trying to push a large rock that had pinned him down. His efforts seemed to be of no use, as the rock didn't budge. 

I heard a deep chuckle. From outside my vision I heard the colonels voice. “Well captain, looks like you're really in between a rock and a hard place.” he laughed far too much at his own joke. 

“Yeah, I could use a hand!” The captain choked out. 

Again the colonel chuckled as he walked over to the struggling pegasus. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

Flurry stopped struggling against the rock as he looked up at the colonel. 

“You see captain,” He began. “These enemies of ours are very… willing… to stop this usles bloodshed. Alls we have to do is surrender, hand over a few hundred civilians to work in the mines, and formally submit to their rule.”

Captain Flurry remained silent, but I’m sure his eyes burned with rage, as did mine. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

You traitorous bastard! I tried to yell, but the rubble over my muzzle prevented me from doing so.

“Don’t look at me like that captain, that's an order.” He gave a sadistic chuckle. “Its not so bad. Then again, I get to live like a king amongst them!” He began to cackle. 

A certain gray griffin flew down from the opening in the roof.

“Your ship has been secured.” He said to the colonel in his deep voice.

“Good. Dispose of all the crew but the bridge operators, and, may I see your pistol?” The colonel asked.

The griffin, without a second thought, handed the colonel his revolver strapped to his chest.  My eyes shot open in alarm. No...

“Bastard…” I heard the Captain breathlessly cough out.

The colonel took the pistol in his teeth and asked around it, “Any final words?” He chuckled again

The captain spit a thick glob of red right onto the colonels chest.

The colonel gave another sick chuckle, then fired the weapon. 

The bullet tore through the captains skull, killing him before his head hit the ground. I tried to scream in rage, but again the rubble kept me from doing it.

I’ll kill you, you son of a mule! I screamed in my head. I felt tears welling in my opened eye.

“Well commandant,” The colonel handed the revolver back. “Lets see this city of yours!” He asked with a cheery tone in his voice.

The commandant had an angered look in his eyes. “The whole arsenal has been destroyed! Your incompetence has cost us a great loss!” He exploded on him. 

The colonel kept that cheery tone. “Now commandant, the power my ship packs will more than make up for it, I assure you!” He said as he slung his hoof around the griffins neck. “Lets go take a looksy shall we?” He asked. 

The griffin nodded, and the two took to the skies. 

*** *** ***

I laid there for hours. I tried to move by my body refused to do so. After giving up any attempt to free myself, only one type of thought was going through my head. Killing. Killing that traitorous bastard. I thought of multiple ways to carry out the task, everything from my knife, to my bare hooves. 

Eventually I could hear the pitter of vertibucks moving towards me.

“Sarge?!” I heards Quicks voice call out, ragged and dry. “Sarge!”

I looked to the right as far as I could and saw Quick limping as fast as he could over to me. 

I tried to call out to him, but the ruble in and covering my mouth muffled it.

He reached me and began to shove the rocks and concrete off of me. “Thank Celestia you’re alive!” He gave a grunt and heaved away the large boulder atop me. 

I pulled myself from the rest, stood, and spit the pool of blood and a few teeth from my mouth. I stretched my wings, and received a jolt of pain in the right one. I yelped from the sudden feeling. I shook my head to clear myself of it and trotted over to the Captains pinned body.

I fell to my knees once I reached him. His eyes were still open, though not frozen in fear, but anger. I gently closed his eyes and bowed my head. Damn them all...

“How’d you find me? Where were you?” I asked Quick. 

“I saw your eye in the rubble Sarge. I got ambushed by a dozen of them outside when this place went up. I just woke up an hour or so ago. What happened in here?” He asked.

The vitibucks were landing at what used to be the defensive perimeter. I turned back and saw the tunnel was still standing and clear of debris. 

“I missed my target and hit the munitions.” I said dully.

“Shit.” Was all he said. 

I could hear the shouts of troops down the tunnels. They were drawing closer.

“What happened to the Captain? and the Colonel?” He asked.

“The colonel betrayed the Enclave, Quick. He killed Captain Flurry.” I told him bitterly. 

He remained silent. It was hard to believe, I knew, but I’d seen it with my own eyes. 

I heard the voices from the tunnels enter the room, and I turned to look at them. Five hellfire troops took spots on each side of the opening. A figure stepped from the tunnel. It was General Lightning Arc. The look on his face was a mix of Awe, horror, and fury. Then his eyes came to spot me and they shot wide. 

“Sergeant Thunder!” He trotted over to us, his escor only a few feet behind.  “What the buck happened here!? We felt the blast from...” His words died in his throat as did his pace as his eyes spotted the pink, and now red, mane behind me and Quick. His eyes were wide in horror as they came back up to me. 

“The colonel was a traitor sir. He shot and killed Captain Flurry.” I gave him emotionlessly. 

He worked his jaw, but no words came out. After a few seconds however he finally he spoke, “Go out and head to the medevac.” he looked to quick as he spoke. 

With a nod and a salute, Quick headed for the exit.  

The general looked back to the Captains corpse for a few seconds before looking back to me. “Sergeant, you're flying back with me. I want to hear everything from once you arrived on the Altostratus.” He said to me. I nodded and we headed for the exit as well. 

*** *** *** 
We sat opposite from each other in the generals personal vertabuck in silence. I told him everything there was to know.

“So it was a trap. They were waiting for you. It just doesn't make sense. Shining Star was always loyal to Enclave. Why would he betray us like this?” The general said.

“Power.” Was all i said.

“Most likely. And all this explains why we haven't been able to contact the Altostratus. I can't believe he would allow all those men to die!” The general was having a hard time adjusting to the situation. 

“How many survived?” I asked.

The general just stared at me for a second before answering. “Just you two.” He said quietly. 

My facial expression didn't change. I was out of anything other than rage, and I wasn't going to let that out in front of the general. 

“Well, I’ll have to contact the council. The colonel is a deadly asset, and can’t be left alive with the enemy. They’ll have to redirect the wonderbolts.” The general sighed.

“No.” I said. The general looked to me with a questioning look. “No. I’m gonna kill him sir, and no one else.”

The general chuckled. “Son, this isn't the movies, you cant just go all vigilante. Leave it to the bolts.”

I didn't protest. But I swore that Shining Stars blood would spill at my hooves. I owed the Captain that much. 

I felt the vertabuck slow down greatly, signaling we were landing.

“Thunder, head to the medbay and get that wing patched up.” The general said as he stood.

I nodded. “Yes sir.”

He nodded as the ramp lowered and he stepped out into the hangar. I stood and left the vertabuck as well. I headed for the medical wing. 

*** *** ***

I checked into the medical wing and they had me remove my armor and wait in a room. A doctor came in soon enough. He walked over the the bed I was sitting up in and began examining my wing. He tried to stretch it out, resulting in my hollering in pain. 

“Well, its broken alright. An easy fix really.” I sighed in relief. “You wont be able to fly for a week at most.”

That I had a slight problem with. I needed to get out and back into the fight as soon as possible. I had to find Shining Star and give him his do.

The doctor continued. “Besides the wing and a few lost teeth, otherwise you’re fine. You should rest up, you’ll need it to heal.” He said as he left the room. 

I sat there in silence, alone with my murderous thoughts. 

Stop. The more I thought about what had happened the angrier I got. I couldn't let my anger get the best of me, I needed a clear mind if I was going to track that son of a mule down. I wasn’t going to kill him with rage either, no, I was going to use cold hard calculation to do it. Swift and deadly. No matter how slow of a death he deserved, I would only grant him a quick, satisfying one. 

The door to my room opened and in walked a certain white maned mare. She had a worried look on her face. One that I couldn't stand. It hurt to see her in any type of pain. 

“Im okay.” I said quietly. 

She walked over and threw her arms around me and buried her face in my chest. She began to cry.

“I was so worried!” She sobbed, muffled by my chest.

I blinked. I didn't expect her to be this upset. Then again I wasnt used to having ponies care as much as she did. I held her close. Shushing her the best I could.

“Its okay, im fine. Just a broken wing and a few lost teeth.” I said with a smile. It was a good feeling to know someone cared about you, and it helped relieve some of the anger and sorrow over the loss of the captain. 

“I-I heard there were only two survivors a-and I was s-so worried you’d died!” She continued to sob.

“I didn't though, me and Quick made it out.” I was never any good with consoling others. 

She pulled her head back and wiped her eye. “The Captain?” 

My mouth opened to speak, but I only choked on my words. Just the thought of what happened brought too much emotion to handle. I just shook my head as tears welled in my eyes. 

She wiped her eye again. “I’m sorry.” She pulled me into a tight embrace and I returned it. 

“I am too.” Was all I could say as a tear slid down my cheek. 

“Im glad you’re alright though.” She said. She sniffed and pulled away from the hug.

I wiped my eyes and smirked at her. “What? You thought I couldn’t handle a few griffins?” I didn’t exactly like making a joke out of a terrible situation, but she smiled, and that made me smile. 

She pressed her lips to mine in a quick kiss. Once she pulled back she spoke. “I should kick your flank for scaring me like that.” She grinned.

I rolled my eyes and smirked. “Like I had a choice.” 

“Still scared me to death.” She said. 

“How about I make it up to you?” I asked “A night at the SNCO club? Uninterrupted for sure this time.” 

She grinned. “I don’t know, are you sure you’re not going to bail on me this time?” 

I rolled my eyes. “Right cause I totally wanted to leave.” Sarcasm dripped off my words. “Not to mention I can't exactly fight right now, ya know, broken wing and all?”

She gave me a peck on the cheek. “Eight o’clock?” 

I looked to the clock on the wall. It was 07:12. Plenty of time to get some sleep and take my gear back to my rack. 

“Sounds great.” I smiled at her.

“Okay. I’ll see you then.” She said as she walked to the door and looked back at me. I nodded and she opened the door and left the room.

I shook my head. “That flank…” With that I layed down and closed my eyes. Ready to confront any nightmares that may plague me during my sleep.

*** *** ***

I sat there at the bar alone. The bar was deserted entirely. The only company I had was a glass of wild P. I lifted it and took a sip, letting the cold bite of the drink slide down my throat. 

“Is this what you dream of? Moping?” I heard the cool voice of Flurry say next to me. 

I gave a chuckle. “That or sex.” I said

He gave a laugh and took a seat on the stool next to me. “Wild Pegasus? You’re dreaming and the best you can do is cheap whiskey?” I didn’t look at him, but I could feel the smirk he was wearing. 

I took another sip. “I could still wrap it in a paper bag.” I said with a smirk. We both gave a few small laughs, but it didn’t last. After a few second neither of us said anything. “Im sorry.” My eyes were still locked on my drink. I was afraid to look at him. Afraid that my mind might depict him bloodied and broken. That, and I couldn't look him in the eyes in any form. I failed him. I let him die. I shouldn't have missed.

He gave a snort. “What the hell are you sorry for? You didn’t kill me.”

“Bullshit.” I gave dryly. “I shouldn’t have missed that winged bastard. You should still be breathing.”

“You can’t think like that Thunder. I shouldn’t have charged in there with just you. Hell, I always knew something was up with the colonel, just never knew what exactly. I should have. Moping around over my death won’t do you any good. Coming to terms with it will.” I dared look at him now. He sat there with an easy smile, wearing his officers uniform, clean and crisp. His glasses were up on top of his pink fluffy mane. His cotton candy eyes had a serious look in them, almost betraying the smile on his snout. He looked over at me and the serious look in his eyes was replaced with a playful one. “And a little payback never hurts.”

I Chuckled and shook my head. “I dunno Captain. It’s just, why you? Why not me?”

“Because you’ve got more work to do. A life to live. Now stop with all the moping, thats an order Sergeant.” He said the last few words with a chuckle.

I couldn't help but break into a fit of laughter, that seemed to become contagious to Flurry. Once it died down a bit and I could catch my breath I said, “Yes sir.” And gave another half ass salute.

“Good, now,” He reached over and pushed my drink off the bar and onto the floor. “Lets have a real drink.” He reached behind the bar and pulled out two glasses and then a bottle of Silver Mane Scotch. He poured some in each glass and we wasted the endless night away drinking, bitching, laughing, and living it like it was our last. 
> Light Duty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up with a sad smile on my face, contempt with the words I had recieved in my dream, but still carrying the fact that the Captain was gone. I turned my head to look at the clock. It was 15:02. I had a little under five hours to get my gear back to the barracks, get cleaned up, and get Steel.

Before I could stand up the door opened. In walked Doctor Shin Splint. His eyes widened a bit in surprise, seeing me sitting up in my bed.

“Well look who's awake. We were beginning to worry.” He stated with a smirk.

I looked at the clock again. 15:04. I’d slept for almost eight hours, what was he talking about? “What?” I asked with a raised eyebrow. 

He gave a slight snort. “How long were you asleep?” He asked me.

“Uh, eight hours?” I said, starting to doubt my answer.

He gave a small chuckle. “Try thirty-two. We thought you had slipped into a coma” He walked over and sat next to my bed.

That didn't register with me right away. I sat there, like I did so many times in school during math, counting. “I slept through all of yesterday!?” I nearly shouted.

He looked at me flattley. “You should be dead sergeant. No one knows how you and the others weren't vaporized in the blast. It’s a Celestia given miracle.”

I hadn’t had the time to consider that. I was surrounded by ordinance. I should have been a pile of ash in the wind. I shook my head to clear it. I didn’t have time to think about any of that. There was too much on my list.

“So whats on the schedule doc?” I asked.

“Ah yes, today's main event: breaking your wing back into place.” He said.

I swallowed. I was lucky the first time. i was unconscious when it broke the first time. But now I was fully awake and aware. I was gonna feel every bit of pain this would bring. I swallowed again and nodded to the doctor.

“Lets begin. Lay on your side, facing away from me.” He motioned with his hoof to roll over. I did so and he place both hooves at the base of my wing, and grasped the mid section above the break with his teeth. Around my wing he began counting down. “One… two-” He wrenched the wing up and over, resulting in an inaudible but very physical pain screaming throughout my body. I never screamed so loud in my life.

After a few minutes of nearly passing out from the mind searing sensation of my wing being ripped from my body, I finally spit out a ‘thank you’.

“Would you like a painkiller?” I was about to beg for it, but then thought of what i needed to do. I shook my head and waved my hoof. “Well, let me attach the cast, and if you don’t need anything else, you’re free to leave sergeant.” With that, he placed the two halves of a wing cast on my wing, sealed it, then left the room.

I looked to the clock. 15:30. I stood up and walked to the locker at the wall. I opened it and inside lay all my gear. I quickly checked my armor. Good. The KeighBar was still there.

I began removing my gear and setting it on my back. I had four and a half hours to get my gear back to my rack, shower up, and surprise Steel.

I heard the door opened, and when I turned to look at it I saw Quick standing in the doorway. “Hows the wing?” He asked casually.

“Eh, a little sore.” I said with a smirk. “What about you? You don’t look any worse for wear?” I asked.

“Had a dislocated shoulder. They popped it back in, good as new.” He said with a shake of his front right leg. “Let me help you with that.” He walked over and shouldered my gear. 

“Thanks.” I gave with a nod. “Hows Misty?” I asked. Figuring he’d already been to see her.

“Great. All healed up. They even cleared her for combat.” He said as we left the room.

I rolled my eyes. “Just as I'm cut from it.” We both gave a slight chuckle and began the quick walk to the barracks.

*** *** ***

I gave my head a slight shake, trying to get the remaining water from my ears. I needed that shower, I thought as I trotted towards the medical wing. After an hour of scrubbing I finally got all the debris from my mane and coat. I felt a little uncomfortable wearing my service uniform, it was a bit too itchy for me, but decided to look my best.

I arrived outside the medical wing and checked my watch. 19:56. I took a seat on the bench next to the main doors. 

I looked over at the taped off ruins of what used to be the Security wing. Charred and blackened, it was now just the lower half of the building. A dead husk. There were no bodies to get out, I'm sure, as they were probably turned to ash in the blink of an eye. They only thing I could do is hope it was painless. They had to take troops from combat duty and give them guard shifts to patrol the Victorious. 

Combat duty… 

I looked back at my wing with a slight frown. I wouldn't be allowed back into the fight for at least a week. I gave a sigh. I needed to get back down there. I had to find Rod and kill Shining Star. I wasn’t mad. Well, I was, but I wasn’t letting it run the show. If I wanted to get to him, I had to have a clear head. I had to calculate my every move. He wasn’t suspecting it, but I still had to be careful none the less. 

I heard the doors open and looked to the left. Out stepped a white mare with her black mane pulled back into a messy ponytail. 

“Fancy seeing you here.” I said with a grin.

She turned around, eyes wide in surprise. “Thunder? What are you doing here?” She asked.

I slid off the bench and walked towards her. “Well I didn’t want to miss our date.” I said with a grin.

She looked slightly worried now. “Thunder, do you know how long you were out?”

I rolled my eyes in mock thought. “I know, but I'm not late by that much. Just a day.” 

Her worried look quickly vanished as she caught up with my game. “Right. Just a day, not late at all.” She wrapped her hooves around me. “We were starting to worry.” 

I returned the embrace. “I was just tired, thats all.” We released each other. “So, shall we head to the club?” I asked.

She blinked. “I hadn’t known you were coming so I didn’t do my hair or anything. I’m not very presentable.” She almost seemed to be pleading.

“I beg to differ.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I think you look great no matter what.” I gave a grin.

She gave me a flat, slightly amused look. “Well I can assure you, you’re the only one.”

My grin only grew. “good, cause my opinion's the only one that matters, c'mon.” I motioned for her to follow.

With a sigh of defeat she started walking with me. 

*** *** ***

I held the door to the SNCO club open and Steel walked in. After her I fallowed. As I stepped in the scent of food floated to my nostrils like a cloud. But it wasn’t the scent of the usual bland slop they served in the chow hall. No, it was the scent of something… well something better.

I led Steel over to, coincidently, the same table we’d sat at a few nights ago. I pulled her chair out.

“Glad to see the blast didn’t knock any of the gentlecolt out of you.” She said with a smirk as she took her seat. 

I gave a snort in return and took my seat across from her. 

Almost as soon as my flank hit the seat the waitress was over to take our orders. Surprisingly it was the same waitress from before as well. To my surprise yet again she set two menus down in front of us.

“What can I get you two to drink?” She asked, same song-bird tone as before.

Steel ordered while I nudged the menu open. “I’ll have an appletini.” I coughed to stifle my laugh.  

“And you sir?” She looked to me. 

I looked up from the menu and cleared my throat. “I’ll have what ever whi-” My words died in my mouth as a thought struck me and I changed my mind. 

“Sir?” She asked. A puzzled look on her face.

I snapped back to reality and smiled. ‘You wouldn’t happen to have any Silver Mane would you?” I asked her. 

Her cheery grin reappeared. “Yes we do.” 

“On the rocks please.” I said with a nod. 

“Alright! I’ll go get you your drinks while you two look over the menu!” She said then turned and trotted towards the bar.

I went to look back at my menu, but caught Steels questioning raised eyebrow. 

“What?” I asked with a slight grin.

“Scotch? Isn’t that for…” She seemed to ponder for the word. “Brass?”

I gave a slight snort. “I will, somehow, take that as a compliment.” I said as I looked back at the menu. 

“And I didn’t know they served food here.” She said.

“The Altostratus brought it for a prolonged stay and the general okayed some of it to be served in the clubs.” I didn’t really know, but I figured my educated guess was good enough.  

She shrugged and began scanning her menu. “Are you serious?” She almost shouted. “You can’t actually be serious about paying these prices.” 

I simply looked up at her with a flat look. After a few seconds of no response or outburst I looked back at my menu with a slight grin. I swear, if they charge this much and the foods no better than the usual chow, im gonna start throwing hoofs…

I noticed our waitress trotting back over, our drink on a tray, balanced on her back and wings. 

“Here you two go!” She said as she slid them of her back and onto the table. She reached into her aprons main pocket and pulled out a notepad. She set it down on the table and proceeded to pull out a pen. “Have you two decided on what to order?” 

I nodded to Steel to go first. 

She put on what I can only assume as her paying-to-much-for-this-shit smile and began to order. “I’ll take the carrot salad.” She hold her menu out for the waitress to take.

“Mmhm.” The waitress said as she jotted it down. She then set her pencil down and took the menu, placing it in her apron pocket. “And you sir?” She looked to me.

“I’ll have the hay burger and hay fries please,” I said and handed her my menu.

She stored everything back in her pocket and took our orders to the kitchen.

“So hows the wing?” She asked, then took a sip of her drink.

“Sore, but fixed.” I said as I looked over at it and moved it a bit.

She nodded a few times and took another drink. She looked a bit uneasy. 

“Everything alright Steel?” I asked her, a bit worried myself.

“Yeah, its just…” She stopped and seemed to think over her next words. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Well… What are the griffins like?” She asked carefully, as if the question would cause me to snap into a rage. 

My mouth hung slightly open as I leaned back in my chair. I gave a hearty laugh. “For a second you had me thinking something was wrong, but all you wanted to know was that?” I gave another laugh.

She looked almost offended now. ‘Well sorry. I didn't know how you would react to the subject.” She said defensively

I waved my hoof. “No, no. Its alright. Just had me worried. Anyways,” I began. “They’re mean bastards thats for sure. Sharp, deadly talons with beaks to match. Pretty big. Good fliers. Stubborn too. I try to avoid close quarters, but it doesn't always work out in my favor.” I pointed to the scar on my cheek and she winced. 

“How many have you killed?” She asked, but quickly covered her mouth. “Oh Celestia, I'm so sorry Thunder. I didn’t mean to ask that outloud.” 

“No, its alright.” I said. I stared at the table. Trying to get a tally. I didn’t want to remember these things, but I would for her. “Honestly,” I looked into her eyes. “I can’t remember. Too many.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s alright. Curiosity isn’t a crime.” I said with a smirk.

“Rude of me none the less.” She said. 

“Hey, rude can be sexy ya know.” I said with a sly grin. 

She rolled her eyes and took a sip of her drink. “Right, cause that was so sexy.”

“Well I sure think so.” The grin never leaving my muzzle, and the flat expression never leaving hers. 

Before I could say anything else the waitress arrived, carrying our food on her back again. “Here you fine folks go! Just call if you need anything!” She said with her cheery voice as she slid our food onto the table.

“Thank you.” Steel and I said in unison. 

With that we took our food and began eating. 

I took a bite into my burger and almost cried. Still tastes like shit. But at least seasoned shit. 

“Hows your salad?” I asked Steel after swallowing my food.

“Its the best salad I've ever had.” She said with a smile. 

I wasn’t sure if she was just saying that or not, but I believed her. “Good. Bits well spent then.” 

Over the next hour we ordered another few rounds of drinks and finished our food, casual conversation moving from topic to casual topic. By the end of our meal we were both a little tipsy.

“Check please!” I called over to the waitress, a little too loudly.

Steel giggled. “Shh! Too loud!” She whispered. 

I started laughing. “My bad!”

The waitress trotted over. “Here ya go!” She happily said as she set our bill onto the table. 

“Thank you. So much. This means a lot.” I said, my words slightly slurred. 

She gave a happy giggle and went back to work. I slid the bill over so I could read it. Well, try, to read it. All the lines were smudges and illegible. “Ah buck it.” I muttered. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a sack of bits and tossed it onto the table. “Shall we?” I asked Steel.

“Let's.” She said as she stood, fell back into her seat, and stood again as we giggled drunkenly. 

“Here, let me help.” I stood next to her, helping her stay balanced. 

“Thanks.” She let out a giggle again. 

We began making our way to the door. Each step slow and planned as to not fall over. we eventually reached the door and I pushed it open for us to walk out into the cold night air. 

“Mmm warm.” Steel said as she nuzzled my neck. 

I gave a chuckle. “C’mon lets *hiccup* get you back to your quarters.”

*** *** ***

After what seemed like a mile long walk through and under the medical wing, we arrived at the entrance to the medical staff quarters.

“I had fun tonight.” She said, eyelids half closed, most likely out of drunkeness. 

“Good, I would have hated to be the only one.” I said with a grin I hoped looked sly.

“You know something?” She asked, almost falling over.

“hm?”

“It’s a long walk back to your barracks.” She said with a smirk.

I looked back the way we had came. “Yeah, it is isn’t it?”

“And I have a room all to my lonely self.” She gave a pout. 

“Oh? Well it would be quite uncouth of me to leave you to be lonely.” I said with a smirk and chuckle. 

With that she gave me a peck on the lips and turned around. She began walking away, letting her tail flick under my jaw. I followed suit, grinning ear to ear.
> Happy Days
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	So thats how she got her cutie mark…

I thought to myself, with a grin plastered to my muzzle as I stepped outside into the morning sun. I looked to my hoof for my watch, but I had lost it sometime last night. Steel had to get ready for her morning shift, and I didn't want to overstay my welcome, so I left without searching for it.

I felt silly, trotting back to my barracks with such a radiant grin. But I didn’t care. I was happy, a lot happier than I’d been in a long time. Although, I was a little self conscious that I might have been walking funny. Talk about a flank spank…

“Hey sarge!” I heard Quicks deep voice call out from behind me.

I turned to see him and misty walking towards me.

“Quick. Misty.” I nodded with each of their names. “How are you two this morning?” 

“Fine. Thanks for asking sergeant.” Misty said in her timid, quiet voice. 

“I’m not gettin’ shot at, so its dandy!” Quick gave an enthusiastic nod. He was trying to hide a grin, and so was misty. “So, uh, Sarge. You hurt your leg in the blast? Ya seem to be walkin’ kinda funny.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly and cleared my throat. “Yes. Yes I did. Nothing major though.”

“Oh, so that’s why you’re leavin’ the medical wing so early this mornin’.” He said. He now wore an all knowing, smart ass smirk.

“Thats correct, Quick.” I said, my eyes still slightly narrowed. “Well if you two will excuse me, I have some things to attend to.”

They both nodded and began to giggle, and I turned to leave. But a thought suddenly struck me and a wicked smirk grew across my muzzle.

“And Quick, “ I began, his smirk leaving his face.. “Quit stalling.” I finished with a wink and started walking for the barracks. As I got farther away I heard Misty ask, “What's he mean by that?” 
I could only imagine the look on Quicks face.

*** *** ***

Once I got back to my rack and locker I stowed my uniform and hit the showers. I needed to wash the dried sweat from my coat. I carefully kept my broken wing out from under the water. I didn’t want to go back so soon to get a new cast after all. 

I finished washing up, turned the water off, and stepped out of the shower. I gave my body a slight shake, trying to get the majority of water off of me. I walked over to the towel rack and grabbed one and began drying off the rest of myself. I was finishing drying my mane when my stomach interrupted me with a loud growl. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was till now. So, with the smile that I’d worn all morning, I tossed my towel into the used bin, and set course for the chow hall.

As I walked through the halls I couldn’t help but feel at home.. A lot of troops, myself included, would typically complain about the grey. The grey walls, the grey doors, the grey ceilings, the gray floors, you name it. It was all grey. But after that first night on the surface, it was a comforting and welcome thing.

I turned a corner and saw the doors labeled “mess” and quickened my pace. I reached the double doors and my stomach growled in anticipation. I pushed the doors open to find the room packed. It was time for lunch, and most of the ships troops and crew were eating. I noticed Quick waving at me from a table him and Misty were sitting at. I gave him a nod and made my way to the line. 

After grabbing my food, I walked over and took a seat across from the two. Without a word I began shoveling the food I was too happy to complain about into my mouth. Late night activities sure can make a stallion hungry.

“Oh my.” Misty said at the sight of my feasting. “Slow down sergeant, you can choke.” 

“Buwsh I’m shwo hungwry.” I said, mouth full.

Quick gave a hearty laugh. “Now thats how ya chow!” he said with a thrust of his hoof into the air.

I don't think I’d ever enjoyed the food as much as I was right now. But hell, I was so happy I could enjoy dirt. It was a pretty great feeling, having somepony. I was always the type that said ‘If the Enclave wanted me to have a special somepony, they'd have issued me one.’, but what can I say, my hypocrisy knows no bounds. I couldn’t think of anything that made me this happy, having someone that cares for you. Quick, Misty, all my comrades did, but not on such an intimate level. My mother cared and worried for me, but she’s family. 

“I’d swallow that sarge, the General is headin’ right for us.”  Quick said in a hushed tone. 

I swallowed the food I had been chewing and prepared to stand and salute.

“Sergeant Thunder, Corporal Haze and Flight.” The general greeted us. “As you were, no need for the formalities.” He caught me as I was standing. I sat back down and the general took a seat next to me. “Thunder.” He said as he slid a small silver cloud cluster towards me. It was to stack upon my Silver Wing medal. “Congratulations on surviving that blast. The same goes for you Corporal Flight. We will need you boys for the campaign ahead of us.” He had slid Quick a Box containing the Velvet Heart. 

“Thank you sir.” We said in unison. 

“Miss Haze, how are you feeling?” He wore his trademark smile. 

“Fine sir, I’ve been cleared for combat duty. Thank you for asking.” She replied, easily.

He nodded in approval then turned to me. “I’m sorry to hear about your wing Sergeant. I do hope it heals up alright.”

“Thank you general, it’ll be fine soon enough.”

“Im glad to hear it. We need more soldiers like you out in the field. Anyways, Thunder, I have an assignment for you.” His smile became a bit more amused now.

“Anything I can do to help sir.” I replied. Does he want me to fly with the Wonderbolts to strike those big guns? I thought sarcastically. 

“As of now you have the most field experience out of anyone on the ship. We’ve had to promote quite a few NCOs to commissioned officers to fill the losses. I have them assembled in the senior conference room and I’d like you to talk with them about how things work down there.” He said, his smile growing wider. I think he just loved the idea of a Staff Sergeant teaching junior officers. 

“I’ll head there as soon as I finish eating sir.” I gave him a nod of confirmation.

“Carry on then.” With that he stood and started back towards the logistics wing. 

I looked back at Quick and Misty. “I’m still waiting for the brass to ask me to prom.”

This caused Quick to spit out the water he had been drinking and choke on the rapid inhalation for laughter. Soon all three of us were laughing. It took us a few minutes and a few side glances from other troops for us to calm down. 

“Whew.” I breathed, wiping a tear from my eye. “Alright, I should get going before the new guys try reading a map and compass.” I picked up my tray and stood.

“Go get em sarge.” Quick said with a nod.

“And have fun sergeant.” Misty added.

With a nod I took my tray to the disposal window and headed for the logistics wing. 

> Rec time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I opened the door to the senior conference room and was greeted by the stares of over twenty ponies whom I didn’t know. Some of them looked awkward, some looked eager, and some looked like they just didn't give a damn. I entered the room and shut the door behind me. I then proceeded to the head of the table to the only vacant seat.

What the buck do I say? I thought as I scanned over everypony. Each one wore a new, shiny, gold bar on their uniforms. I then realized I was the only one not wearing anything.  Better get this show on the road.

“I am Staff Sergeant Thunder Wing. General Lightning Arc has asked me to talk to you all about what to expect down there.” This caused most of them to nervously glance at one another. Something was telling me that the brass didn’t pick a single pony who had actually fought so far for the field promotions. “Lets start with the enemy. Griffins. Fast, tedious, and deadly. From what I’ve seen they all carry some form of old world conventional firearm, and some even carry blades. Even when they do not have a weapon, their claws are razor sharp and can easily decapitate a pony. They also have implemented grenades and even long range artillery.” Some of the new officers were writing this down, or something, on note pads. Others just listened. But not a single one of them wasn’t paying attention. “Next, surviving. The key to surviving down there is teamwork. You need to have your teams back, and they’ll have yours. Keep all your gear on, your armor will absorb most of their small arms. Just don’t let them get in close. They’re fast fliers too. Don’t try to outrun, I don’t care how fast you are, outmaneuver them. Get behind ‘em, and dust ‘em.” I took a deep breath and let it out. “Any questions.?”  A mint light yellow stallion with a sapphire blue mane raised his hoof. I nodded for him to ask.

“What do we do if we’re captured?” He asked in a worried tone that he tried to hide.

I blinked. The only thought that ran through my mind was ‘pray’. “I’m gonna be honest. Its gonna suck so bad you’ll wish you were dead. But don’t worry, we will find you, or die trying. I promise you that.” He seemed to process that. “Don’t get captured is my best advice on that. Kill ‘em all, or fight to the death.”

“What about artillery? What do we do about it?” This one was smokey gray with an electric blue spiked mane.

“My best guess is keep your heads down until an aerial recon team can spot it and wipe it out. Or call for ship support.” He jotted my words down onto his pad. I stood there for a couple of seconds in silence. “Anything else?” Silence. “Thats all gentlemen. Stay alert, and kill as many of them as you can.” They began standing and leaving. I waited till the last one left to exit myself.

I closed the door and turned around to walk back to my rack. I stopped just a few inches short of running into another stallion. “My bad.” I apologized.

“Staff Sergeant thunder Wing?” He asked me.

“Thats me.” I replied as I looked at him. He was my height with a dark blue coat and a mane and eyes to match.

“I’m Captain Spiral Flux. I’m, uh, filling in Captain Flurrys position.” He ended meekly. “I’m sorry for his loss.”

“Thank you Captain, we all miss him. What can I help you with?”

“The general would like to see you in his office when you get the chance.”

Why wasn’t I surprised? “Thank you Captain. I’ll head there right now.” I said with a nod.

He returned my nod and headed past me, farther down the hall. I started the short walk to the generals office. I also realized that captain hadn’t once requested a salute or gave me one.

He must be really green.

*** *** ***

I arrived at Lightning Arcs office and knocked on his door.

“Enter.” He called from inside.

I opened the door and entered the dark room. The only source of light was the lamp on his desk.

“You requested to see me sir?” I asked. The general didn’t wear his usual smile. Instead, he now wore a somber look over a glass, of what smelled like whiskey, on his desk.

“Yes I did Thunder. With all that has happened so quickly, we haven’t had time to take certain actions in light of events.” He took a swig from his glass. “Captain Flurry left his last will and testament in my care incase he were to die in battle. He didn’t have any family back home, and he didn’t have very many close friends. So upon reading his will. He left three things. Two things to you, and one to me.” I sat there, letting all this register as he reached into his desk. He brought up and set in front of me, Flurrys sunglasses. The aviators he always wore to cover his eyes. He went down again, and brought up the final item. He set down on his desk a Captains rank insignia.

I simply blinked at it. When I realized I had the power of speech, I simply asked, “Sir?”

He set his glass down. “Along with his glasses, Thunder, he left you his rank. I approved of the promotion. Congratulations.” He took another gulp.

I picked the rank up in my hooves and looked at it. I’d never been keen on the idea of being commissioned, but I couldn’t turn this down. I’d do it for the Captain. “Thank you sir.”

The general gave a snort. “Don’t thank me, Captain. Thank Flurry.”

“Sir, if I may ask, what did he leave you?” My curiosity got the best of me.
He raised his glass some. “His old bottle of Silver Mane.” He then got up and walked back behind to a small cabinet in the back of the room. He pulled down a glass and then filled it. He brought it back over and sat it down in front of me before returning to his seat.

“To you Captain.” He raised his glass.

“No,” I raised mine. “To the Captain.”

*** *** ***

I sat out in the open top of the Victorious, right outside of the medical wing, enjoying the late night breeze. I checked my watch. 19:48. After seeing the general I figured I’d put my new insignias on my uniform and wear it to take Steel out.

I heard the automatic doors slide open and my heart and I both leapt off the bench. Out walked the black maned beauty who almost immediately noticed me. My smile only grew as hers appeared and she walked over towards me. Though it had only been a day of not seeing her, it felt like an eternity.

“Thunder, dear, I think you might have, somehow, accidently put on somepony elses uniform.” She said with an amused smile.

I gave a slight chuckle. “No, I’m in the right one.” I watched her as she looked at me, then the insignias pinned upon my collar, then back to me.

“Why don’t I believe you?” She gave with a skeptical look I found oddly sexy.

“It’s true, i’m not lying.” I pawed at the ground. “Flurry left me his rank in his Will.” I said slightly sheepish. I felt the warm embrace of hooves.

“I don’t know what to say Thunder. I’m sorry, Captain Flurry was a good man.” She quietly said into my ear.

I returned the embrace. “I am too, and he was. He left me his sunglasses too, and the General his Scotch.”

We let go of each other. “You’ll make him proud, I know you will.”

I smiled and gave her a nod. “Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to head to the NCO club tonight?”

She gave a slight frown at this. “Sweety I wish I could, but I’ve been in operations all day and have more in the morning.”

My smile never faltered. “Thats fine, another time.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Let me walk you to your room?”

“And who says chivalry is dead?” She gave a little half smile, that again, I found oddly sexy.

*** *** ***

I sat there in my bunk, poking at the captains bars in my other hoof. Over the drinks, the General informed me that I wouldn't be taking over any new responsibilities, but if the needs we’re to arise I would.  We wouldn’t being seeing combat any time soon either.

The Victorious and the Pyrocumulus would hold over the ammo dump we assaulted and destroyed just a few days prior. Until we had a plan, we couldn't do much but wait. We weren’t getting another Raptor for support either. We we’re to take back the Nimbostratus, and the Colonel alive if possible.

I’d see to it that didn’t happen.

I climbed out of my rack and placed the bars into my locker, then climbed back into bed. I pulled the sheets up around me. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep. Who knew, maybe I’d have a pleasant dream.

*** *** ***


I woke up unusually late the next morning. I slid out of my bunk and gave a good stretch and yawn before I’d head to the chow hall. It was late as is, so I was skipping my morning workout. I gave a final shake to clear the mental fog that accompanied waking up, grabbed the aviators from my locker and put them on, and set course for the chow hall.
*** *** ***

I took a seat at an empty table and began eating. I had brought my book with me. I figured I could get some reading done, seeing as how I had no obligations to fulfill today. It saddened me that I had this book for months and have barely made a dent in it.

I leisurely read the page, finding it hard to find interest. I was almost as excited about the book as I was about the food I was eating.

Somepony sat down across from me and I looked up, only to lock eyes with the most beautiful mare. I smiled, forgetting about the book and food all at once.

“Isn’t it a bit late for breakfast?” She asked with that amused smile.

“My dear, I am far more refined than you think. This is brunch.” I said with a faux-unimpressed look, to which she simply maintained a smirk and rolled her eyes.

“Right. Anywho, I only had one surgery scheduled and that was earlier this morning, aside from that I have the rest of the day off... I figured we could spend the day together. If you wanted to that is!” She almost seemed nervous. It was adorable.

“I’ve got nothing to do but hurry up and wait.” I said. I was happier than I was letting on.

She smiled that heart melting smile. “Wonderful!” She seemed to be blushing slightly. “I need to take a shower first though, dear. You’re more than welcome to wait in my room while I do so.” She said as she stood and walked away.

I didn’t even bother to take my tray to the return station, I simply left it on the table as I grabbed my book and ran after her.

*** *** ***


“Feel free to make yourself at home while I freshen up.” Steel said as I closed her quarters door. She then proceeded into the bathroom.

I noticed a bookcase in the corner of the room, and couldn’t help but wonder what kind of material Steel would fancy. I set my book on her bed and walked over to begin looking at some of the numerous volumes on the shelves. I was almost surprised when I realized all these books were of a very mature nature. Fifty Shades of Hay? The Butler Door on The Barn? The last book to catch my attention was titled ‘Silver Covered Star’, written by one S. Strings.

“Ahem” I heard Steel clear her voice from the bathroom. I looked to the half shut door as the sound of the running shower reached my ears. “Thunder, dear, would you care to join me. I could use a hoof… in getting my back.” She called out, in such away that made any resistance I wouldn’t put up useless.

As a smile and warmth grew, and not wanting to be rude and keep her waiting, I drifted to the steaming bathroom.

*** *** ***

After a nice, long, hot shower, and a shorter, colder one after that, Steel and I left her quarters. “Well, that was quite the refreshing shower.” Steel gave with a sultry smirk.

“Yeah, but the sex was my favorite part.” I said. Resulting in her playfully nudging me with an almost-irritated glare.

We left the Staff Quarters and into the Medical Wing. We rounded a corner a bit too quickly and I ran head on into another stallion, sending the papers he was holding everywhere.

“Sorry!” We both seemed to say in unison. We both knelt down and started collecting the scattered papers. Once we stood I handed him what I collected and apologized once more.

“It’s alright, sir.” He seemed uneasy. “I wasn’t watching where I was walking.” From the gold bar on his starched uniform I could tell he was a new replacement Lieutenant. He adorned a nametag, a rare thing to do. It only showed how green he really was. It read Silver Strings.

Wait a minute… I raised an eyebrow. “Lieutenant,” He looked almost terrified. “You wouldn’t happen to be a writer would you?” A smirk starting to grow across my muzzle.

He visibly began to turn red in the face as he stammered. “M-maybe a l-little bit s-sir.” He spat out.

Satisfied with the answer, I nodded in approval. “You know where you're going son?.”

“I-Im a little l-lost sir.” He gave. “I’m looking f-for the logistics wing.”

“This is Medical, exit through the topside entrance and the building off to your right is it” I told him.

He nodded, still nervous as hell. “Thank you sir.” With that he departed.

I looked over at Steel, who had adopted bright red cheeks and a scrunched up nose. I simply lowered my glasses and winked at her.
*** *** ***

The sun warmed our fur as we walked around topside of the Victorious. Even the steel of the ship was heating up under the constant rays of light. No matter how warm we got, we stayed close together, Steel leaning against me. I could do this till the end of time.

“It’s so nice up here.” Steel said quietly.

“It is.” I replied, kissing the side of her head. “It’s pretty nice on the ground too. You know, when you’re not getting shot at.” I said with a smirk.

She nudged me slightly. “Speaking of that,” She started. “You need to quit being so reckless down there. You’ve had more holes in you than any one pony should!”

“I can’t have a hobby?” I tried being as innocent as possible, but alas, ended up breaking my poker face and laughing as Steel rolled her eyes.. Then an idea popped into my head. “Hey, I just thought of something. Lets head for the squad bays.” This’ll be great!
“The squad bays?” She certainly didn’t expect me to say that. “Honey, what could we possibly do down there? If you’re thinking what I think you are, I’m a bit sore from our shower.”

“That’s not the reason.” I said with a chuckle. “Although I’ll have to remember that one.” I winked at her, in vain I suppose a I had my glasses on. “Lets call it a surprise.”

She blinked slowly. “A surprise?” She questioned.

I nodded eagerly.

“Should I be excited or scared?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

I gave a snort as I rolled my eyes. “Just c’mon.” I motioned with my head and started walking.

*** *** ***

“Thunder, sweetheart, I’m not supposed to be down here. Are you sure we should be doing this?” Steel asked, for the sixth time in the past five minutes.

I rolled my eyes. “It’s fine, you’re with me. No one is gonna stop us.”

“So now that you have a commission you can do whatever you want, huh?” She asked playfully.

I snorted.


We branched off from the hall leading to the squad bays and followed another narrow corridor towards a place I didn’t visit enough. The firing range. I could hear the muffled pop of a traditional firearm from deep within the range. Steel could hear it too. “What is that?” She asked, her ears moving slightly to pick up the sound better.

“A rifle. A sniper must be at the range right now.” I replied.

She silently mouthed the word “oh” and we continued in. We were on the other side of the wall that had Hail Frost’s window. Hail Frost himself sat in a fairly large square space, separated from the rest of the room by a counter that formed the three sides of the square with chainlink rising up from the counter to the ceiling. The only break in the counter was a single door, opposite of his squad bay window.

Hail Frost noticed us walk in and trotted over the the counter nearest to us. “Sergeant Thunder Wing, what a surprise.” He didn’t sound to be kidding.

“Hail Frost,“ I said with a nod. “And its Captain now.” I motioned to my Captains bars with my nose.  

His eyes moved to them and his look seemed to sag for a moment. “I can assume how you got those. Captain Flurry will be missed dearly.” He snapped into a more joyful mood. “So whos this pretty filly?” He looked to Steel.

I looked to her as she smiled. “This is Steel. Steel, this is Hail Frost.”

“Its a pleasure to meet you.” She said.

“Please, the pleasure is all mine.” Hail replied. “So Thunder, I suppose the General will be sending me a statement approving of you bringing your marefriend down here?” He asked, eyebrow raised and a smug smirk if I’d ever seen one.

“Ya know, he gave me it to bring to you, but I must have dropped it. My word will do though,” I gave with a strained smile. I could feel the ‘I told you so’ glare of Steels burning into the back of my head.  

Hail rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Alright, so what’ll it be?”

“Just a laser pistol.” I replied. A rifle would require her having to put on a battle saddle, and a pistol would be fine. Like I said, you fire one, you’ve fired em all.

He turned towards another trunk on a table and unlocked it with the key around his neck. “Alright, one LAEP coming up!” He popped the lid up and reached in. When his head came back up he had a small, shiny, LAEP-19b in his mouth. It looked new, but Hail Frost took care of every weapon on the ship, and he didn’t half ass it.

Thats one job I’d hate. Having to clean the thousands of weapons in the armory. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy cleaning my rifles, but thats two, well, four, weapons. He cleans THOUSANDS. Buck. That.

He trotted over to a small open slot in the chain link and slid the pistol over to us. He then reached under the counter and slid some spark batteries to us as well. “Enjoy. Just hold off heading in till the snipers done. Don’t want you to get your eardrums blown out.” He chuckled.

We nodded and I picked up the pistol and spark batteries as steel went to take a seat along the wall. I trotted over and took a seat next to her. “You’re gonna love this, trust me.” I grinned.

“I don’t know. I’ve never used one, nor had I planned to.” She retorted.

My grin grew. “Good thing you met me then huh?” I nudged her side, getting a small squeak in response.

The door to the range opened and the sniper stepped out. The first thing I noticed was their target, which they were holding. Untouched except for the entire bullseye was missing. My jaw dropped slightly from such impressive shooting. They had to have fired at least thirty rounds since I could hear their shots.

The second thing I noticed, was the shooter. Misty. My jaw dropped even further.

“Thanks for keeping her clean Hail Frost.” She said, her voice timid as usual. She detached her rifle from her side and slid it through the slot. Then her now empty ammo box. She turned to head out the door, but her eyes caught mine, peeking over my aviators.

“Oh, hello sergeant, steel.” She nodded to us respectfully.

“Hi.” Steel greeted.

“Misty.” I nodded. “Impressive shooting. I complimented.

She looked down at her target, then back at me. “Oh, well its alright. The range only extends to 300 yards.” She said honestly.

“So modest.” I laughed.

She seemed to shrink a bit. “Oh I didn’t mean to seem brash or anything.”

I laughed again. “I’m just kidding Misty, carry on.”

“Alright sir. Oh, uhm, Sergeant. I think you’re wearing the wrong uniform.” She pointed out.

I blinked. “What? Oh, no, I was promoted.” I pawed at the ground. “Captain left me his rank in his will.”

“Oh.” She seemed to ponder that. “Well, congratulations, Captain.”

“Thanks Misty.”

With that she picked up her target and left. I turned to Steel. “Shall we?”

She looked to the door, then back at me. “I guess.” She said nervously.

I stood up, pistol and spark batteries in my pockets, and trotted to the door. “Mares first.” I grinned as I opened the door.

“Such a charmer.” She said as she walked into the range. I followed suit.

We walked to the first stall and I set the equipment on the small countertop. I pressed the screen on the stall wall with a hoof and it came to life, giving me two options. Laser, or conventional. I clicked laser and a score of target options appeared. I chose the simple rings and bullseye. Next was the option for range. I clicked 10 yards. With the final options chosen, the magical energy target appeared in the stall. It glowed with a blue hue and illuminated the darkness between us and it. Then I looked to Steel.

“Alright, load your weapon.” I motioned to her.

She looked at the pistol, then at me blankly. “How do I do that?”

“Oh, right. Press that little button on the side there.” I pointed with a hoof.

She seemed reluctant at first, but pressed the small flat button with the tip of her hoof, causing the small battery hatch to open. “I broke it!” She jumped.

I almost lost my composure there. “No you didn’t, now you just gotta slide your spark battery in.” I said with a grin that was starting to hurt.

She picked up a spark battery and slid it into the chamber. “Like this?”

“Perfect.” I replied, earning me a smile she was trying to hide. Alright now pick it up, line up the little needle in the front and the ring closest to your eye.” She did so. “Now line those up with the center of the target.”

“The center small ring?” She asked around the mouthpiece.

I chuckled. “Yeah, the small ring in the middle. Now once you line it up, control your breathing, don’t shake any. Take in a deep breath, exhale half of it, then squeeze the trigger.”

After a couple of seconds of breathing, she did as instructed. A bolt of red hit the target in the blink of an eye. Dead center.

“I-is that good?” She asked, setting the pistol on the counter.

“Very good, you hit it dead on!” I nuzzled her neck then gave her a kiss under her ear. “Now do it again.”

“Alright.” She seemed far more comfortable now. She picked up the pistol and took aim.

*** *** ***

When we left the sun was nearly set and the stars were coming out. We’d spent a good amount of time, and not to mention a good amount of Hails ammo, inside the range.

“It’s so beautiful out tonight.” Steel said, gazing at the sky.

Personally I’d never really taken a liking to the stellar beauty of the night sky as others had. But I wasn’t looking at the sky. I was looking at Steel. “Yeah, it is.”

She caught me out of the corner of her eye and blushed. “Oh stop.”

I moved closer and gave her a quick kiss. “No.” I protested, wrapping my hooves around her in a warm hug.

“Aren’t you just such a charmer?” We both gave a small laugh, finding comfort in the warmth of our embrace. Closing our eyes and enjoying the moment.

“Steel?” I quietly asked her.

“Hm?” She almost seemed asleep.

“I just want you to know, I love you.” I could feel her hooves tighten around me.

She opened her eyes and looked at me for a long moment. She closed the distance and we shared a passionate kiss. Once we broke it she laid her head against my chest. “I love you too, Thunder.”
> Mess With the Bull...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My eyes opened slowly and I let out a small yawn. Stretching my legs I noticed the lights were still dimmed.

“What time is it?” I mumbled, trying to wipe the sleep out of my eyes with one hoof, raising my other to check the time. 03:20. Why?

I laid back down. I still had a few hours to sleep.

Whumph

My eyes opened. What was that?

The silence was once again murdered with the agonizing scream of metal tearing, followed by an explosion that threw my rack and its inhabitants to the side. The racks head end was stopped by my locker next to it. I continued for a few more inches till my head smashed off the side of said locker, the weight of my lower body taking me to the floor after it.

Then something fell ontop of me. I rolled it off and stood, trying to shake away the pain in my skull. Once my vision cleared and the ringing in my ears died down I could hear the emergency alarm amongst the shouts and screams of the entire barracks. I looked down to see what had fell on me. His name was Down Pour I think. There was a large hunk of metal embedded in the back of his skull.

I looked up and saw the flames and bodies laying amongst the carnage. Something tore a hole through the wall and took plenty of the rooms inhabitants with it. Men were scrambling to get their gear and weapons on. The emergency lighting was on and the alarms were active.

I felt a hoof strike me across the face. I snapped to see who hit me and locked eyes with Quick.

“SARGE!” He screamed in my face.

“Im good! I’m good!” I yelled back. I turned and tried to lift my rack off my locker. The other racks had fallen like dominoes and I couldn't move them. Quick stepped up and lifted it up just enough for me to open my locker.

I grabbed my armor and began suiting up as Quick let the racks fall back. I think I might have broke a record for how fast I got in that thing. Snapped my rifles into place and slid my goggles over my eyes. All systems were good. “Lets roll!”

We started running down the main aisle towards the exit when a griffon flew in through the wound in the ship. He had some kind of belt fed machine gun and began spraying down groups of ponies with it. I slid to a stop to take aim, but the bird was thrown towards us after I heard the ‘fwoosh’ of Quick’s rocket launcher firing. The missile detonated right behind the bird. When his body rolled to a stop he was still gripping the machine gun. I was half tempted to pick it up, but deciding nothing other than my own enjoyment would come from it.

Drifting in through the gaping hole in the wall was the sound of gunfire and scent of ozone, signaling a battle was ensuing.

“C’mon Quick, we’re taking a different route!” I yelled over the commotion.

Quick gave a nod and I leapt into the air, flying out of the hole and into the early morning air. As soon as I was free of the ship I felt an intense heat on my right side. One of the ships main cannons was situated next to the barracks and was engaging a target. It spat massive bolts of red energy at a… Raptor?

“Enemy troops are being launched from the Nimbostratus! All units, intercept and engage!” The generals voice boomed in my headset. 

Son of a bitch! I looked to Quick. “You ready?” I shouted over always present sound of battle. 

He nodded in approval and I returned the gesture. I gave a hard flap and sent myself upward and away from him and the ship, turning to face the enemy ship. I’m coming for you traitor.

I sped towards the Nimbostratus and the hard to see cloud of enemies that were spewing from her launch bays and ports and one of my worst fears were confirmed. There were pegasi in black clad power armor of different variants. He had turned some of his own soldiers against the rest of the Enclave. I’d never wanted to have to kill one of my brothers. But we don’t always get what we want. 

Small flashes came from the cloud, and just as quickly arrived the lasers and bullets that the flashes signaled. All missed, save for a few small caliber rounds that merely slammed into my armor and stopped there. 

I was only a few seconds away from engaging the slew of enemies in close quarters. I craned my neck back to get a look behind me. I first noticed Quick, following close behind. Then I noticed the hundreds of troops flying in squad formations following close to us. I almost forgot I was heading into battle as I gazed upon such a powerful sight. 

I turned back to face the rapidly approaching enemy. I bit down on my mouthpiece, sending four orange lasers into the masses. They each missed, and the swarm began to break away and separate into smaller cells. 

I keyed my earpiece. “Unit on unit. We outnumber them so stack up on a single cell.” I heard a few affirmations, but I didn’t care. I was dead set on killing the enemy. The sooner I could get them out of the way, the quicker I could get to the ship, and the Colonel. 

“Capt’n, on our six.” I heard Quick say cooly. 

“Get behind ‘em, I’ll lead them.” I ordered, checking over my shoulder to spot the two heavily armored griffons tailing us. “Just don’t miss for Celestias sake!”

I spun around so my back was to the ground and drew my wings in close. I began to fall head first through the black night. I watched as the two griffons tried to catch up. I could see the fire in their eyes. So blood thirsty, and knowing one of them couldn’t take me alone, they both followed me, even after Quick broke away. Too bad for them.

I watched as Quick lined up his shot. The sudden plume of smoke next to him indicating a launch. I watched as the missile sped at the clueless pair of winged heretics. One of them, the one on the left, must have noticed something was off. Cause he turned around and spotted Quick and the missile. The latter too late. It hit him under his left wing, detonating against the thick barding he was wearing. Both birds were engulfed in a flash of flame, and after it died down, they weren't flying anymore. 

I spun around and saw the ground rushing up to meet me. I opened my wings and jerked in the air, my decent slowing greatly. I began flapping hard to regain my altitude and join back in on the fight. 

Red beams zipped past me as I went higher. I looked back to find a single trooper following me and Quick. He was wearing the same, standard issue recon gear as me. He was fairly new too, his shots were wild and he was approaching us way too fast. Thats why it was so easy for me to slow down and let him pass me up. Before he could break away to re-engage, my orange beams had already struck home, three of four hitting his back and wings. He disappeared with the wind. 

I had just killed a brother. But he was trying to kill me. There was only one way it was going to end.

I looked up to the battlescape that the sky in between the two warships and saw mostly the flashes of lasers. It was brother versus brother. It was a horrifying thought, that such a thing could ever happen. 

“Sar- er, Capt’n, look at that.” Quick hovered next to me and pointed at the back of the Nimbostratus, which was holding its position and we had flown up behind it unknowingly. 

I could see the red light of the interior of a squad bay which had its doors open. “Good eye Quick, lets go get that son of a mule.”

He nodded and we sped off towards the opening.


*** *** ***

We briskly landed inside the squad bay, weapons ready to put down any opposition inside. Quick was on point, he had the heavy ordinance after all, and in a small squad bay would kill me if I were in front. 

“Clear.” He said in a hushed tone, keeping an eye on the doors in the back. 

“Taking point.” I moved towards the doors. 

They slid open and I jumped into the hallway, ready to zap anything that moved. The hall was empty, though I expected there to be little to no resistance, seeing as how the ship should have launched every available fighter to take on the whole Victorious. 

We silently moved down the hallway, deeper into the ship. I didn’t really know where I was going, seeing as how I had been stationed on a Thunderhead my entire career, never a Raptor. My instinct was to keep pushing till we found the bridge. How hard could it be? 


*** *** ***

Turns out its pretty damn hard to find the bridge. We spent at least ten minutes searching rooms and corridors alike. We even started galloping. Seeing no enemies, we figured we were safe. We found absolutely nothing. No bridge, and all the rooms had been gutted of all electronics and equipment. 

On an irregular pattern, you could feel the ship vibrate from a large cannon on the exterior of the hull. Some modification made to the ship recently, no doubt. 

“Psst! Sarge-fuck! Capt’n, ” Quick hissed, “I found a stairwell goin’ up.” He was holding a door open. Next to it, on the wall, was a label that read “stairs”

I rolled my eyes and chuckled slightly. “Quick you can still call me ‘Sarge’, I sure as hell don’t have a problem with it.”

“Nuh uh, I gotta respect the rank.” He replied.

I gave a quiet snort and started up the short flight of stairs, Quick following suit. 	

We got up to the landing at the top and stacked up to go through the door. A sign next to my face read “To bridge”. Quick was behind me against the wall, and I was on point to enter first.

I opened the door. It lead to a catwalk that lead to another door, which I assumed lead to the bridge. The only problem was the heavily armored Balefire troop in front of the door, and he was looking right at us. His helmet was off, and his blue eyes locked on to mine. 

“Fuck back!” I yelled as I threw myself back into Quick and back behind the wall. Just in time too, as a thick bolt of green plasma hit the door, melting it to goo. “Fuck us!” 

“Come out and die with some dignity!” I heard the rough voice of the plasma slugging ass hole call over to us. 

“Eat shit!” I yelled as I hopped out to get a few shots off. I jumped right back as I saw the green glow coming towards me. Thank Celestia plasma was slow!

We could hear his heavy hooffalls coming closer down the walkway.

“Shit, Let him come through the door. I’ll kill us all.” I heared Quick growl. 

My mind was racing. How was I going to make it out of here? I couldn’t die. Not until the Colonel breathed his last at least. 

“No, Quick, his heads exposed. Let him walk through and I’ll bag ‘em.” I said quietly. He nodded and I bit down on the handle of my Keigh Bar and drew it from its sheath. I widened my stance a bit and tightened my grip on the knife. I had my eyes locked on the space I expected his head to be once he passed the doorway. 

Closer… Closer… I could hear he was almost at the door.

“Fine, lets do this the hard way, I’ll enjoy it eve-” His rough voice was cut off my the loud crack of a rifle and a split second later something heavy hitting the floor.

Quick and I stood there, frozen in stance, still waiting for the large pony to walk through.

“Quick? Captain?” We heard the meek voice of Misty call from outside the doorway. 

I blinked. “Misty?” Quick ran past me and out the door way. It only took me a second more to do the same. As I stepped out I noticed the Balefire troop slumped down against the wall, crimson decorating the wall level with where his head used to be and pooling around his body.

I looked to my left to see Misty flying from another catwalk across from the one we were on. Then my eyes snapped to the door to the bridge. “We can all catch up after this is all over! Lets roll!” I shouted as I bound past Quick and charged the door.

The door was just open enough by the time I got to it that I could fit through. I obviously surprised the pony manning the controls as he was still sitting down when I came to a halt.

“Don’t-” I went to order a surrender but he drew his weapon. My orange lasers turned him to a pile of ash before he could even fully get from his seat.

I scanned the rest of the open bridge for the Colonel and any other hostiles, but found nothing. Shining Star was no where to be found.

I turned as I heard Quick and Misty enter. “Misty! Did you see anypony else in here? Brown coat, red eyes, gray mane!?” I asked spasticity. 

Misty shrunk back. “N-no sir. No one but the big guy I shot.”

He wasn’t here. He probably never was. I sat down hard on my rump. Staring off, comprehending that simple fact. “Fuck…” Was all I whispered. I stood up and walked to the other end of the bridge. “Fuck. FUCK!” I spun and bucked the wall hard enough to hurt, but the rage coursing through me was enough to block out the pain. “Damn you!” I spat to the Colonel, wherever he was.

“Capt’n!” Quicks hooves gripped my shoulders. “We’ll get him. Not here, not today. But we will get him.” He tried to calm me down. It didn’t make the anger go away, but it helped bury it for now. 

“Alright. Thanks Quick.” I sat back down as he nodded. I covered my eyes with my hooves for a minute before pushing the comms button on my headset. “Captain Thunder to Victorious, Captain thunder to Victorious. Victorious, do you copy?” 

“We hear you Captain, go ahead.” The bridge called back. 

“Nimbostratus is secure. I repeat, Nimbostratus is under our control. No sign of Colonel Shining Star. How copy?” 

“We copy Captain. Wait one.” The comms officer was silent for a few second, most likely giving General Lightning Arc the information. “Captain, the General wants you and your unit to hold position until Salvage and Support units arrived to relieve you. How copy?”

“Solid copy Victorious. Captain Thunder, out.” With that I severed the link and breathed in relief. I looked over to Misty and Quick, who were sitting there awaiting my orders. “We hold here for a few.” They both nodded and seemed to relax a bit. 

“Hey Misty?” I called over to her.

“Hm?” She turned to face me.

“Thanks for saving our asses back there. Quick was getting ready to kill us all.” I said with a smirk. 

She seemed a bit shocked at that and turned to Quick, who tried to look innocent. He then shrugged and said, “It was the heat of the moment I guess.”  Misty gave him a look. I don’t exactly know what kind of look, but Quick seemed to acknowledge it. “Hey, the Capt’n was ready to take that big bastard on with a knife!” He tried to defend. 

Misty rolled her eyes and turned to me. “Your welcome Captain. That puts me at another headshot to tally on my rifle.” She said glancing at the single tally on her rifle. “All thanks to you.” She finished. 

We all had a small laugh at that. 

“How’d you get in here anyway?” Quick asked.

She blinked and looked from Quick to me then back. “Oh, I saw you two fly into a launch bay and followed you. But I lost you two when you started running around the place. I happened to find a set of stairs and I followed them up. Before I could get out onto the catwalk I heard the other pony yell for you guys, then I heard the Captain yell his usual profanity, so I quietly opened up the door, lined up the shot, and took it.”

“Well, you saved our asses. Once we get back to the ship, drinks are on me.” I laughed. 

“Gonna take us to that fancy officers club?” Quick said between laughs. We all fell into a fit of laughter now. It was little moments like these that made it all bearable, honestly.

After I wiped the last tear from my eye, I asked a question. “Well, I honestly thought we might have died in there, so really Misty, thanks.” I was being honest.

“Shit, “Quick interjected. “Ain’t no way he was gonna get us. Ol’ Capt’n Thunder Wing had his knife out and ready to dance. You’re pretty handy with that thing Capt’n, I think we’d been fine.”

I gave a snort. “Well I’m glad I didn’t have to prove it.” Misty and Quick shared a hushed laugh. “Alright, seal up the doors until our relief arrives. I don’t want any unexpected guests barging in. 


*** *** ***


After nearly forty minutes of absolutely nothing, our relief arrived and called over the radio.

“Captain Thunder Wing, ” A female’s voice came over the frequency. “Bridge support. Open up please.”

Misty stood across the bridge, rifle zeroed on the door incase our guests weren't friendly.

I grinned at tapped my earpiece. “Well, since you said please.” I said, trotting to the door controls and unsealing it. 

The door hissed open and an orange mare walked in. She stopped and gave me a salute, which I returned. 

“You can stand down Misty.” I said looking over my shoulder. I then looked back to the orange mare. “Who all did they send over?” I asked her. 

“A salvage detachment, two security detachments, and us.” She said, moving past me. “You three are relieved and free to return to the Victorious.”

I nodded slightly. “Alright, we’ll be out of your way then.” I turned to Quick and Misty. “Lets go.”

We trotted across the walkway, and past the blood stain on the floor and wall. The body of the balefire troop seemed to had been removed. 

We continued through the charred and melted doorway, down the stairs, and back into the hallway below. Farther down the corridor I noticed a familiar author. I trotted over to him, and upon noticing me, he snapped to a salute. 

I returned it. “At ease lieutenant. Who’s in charge of the security operations right now?”

“I am sir.” He replied. He seemed far more comfortable now. 

I nodded. “How can we help.”

He almost seemed to be taken back at that. “Uh, well.” He had to think a moment. “We haven’t sent a team down to the brig. I doubt we’ll find anything,  but we have orders to check every inch of the ship.”

I nodded again. “And which way should we head to get there?”

He motioned to the doors behind him. Next to it was a sign that read ‘Brig’. I rolled my eyes and walked past him.

The automatic doors to a secure elevator opened up and we stepped in.


*** *** ***


Once we reached the bottom and stepped out we all took a few moments to breathe. The elevator was never meant to hold three fully armored and armed troops. Not to mention Quick was almost the size of two ponies. 

“Alright, “ I breathed, “Lets get going.” I was still gasping for air.

Quick and Misty both gave a weak nod and started down the hall with me

The hall was pitch black, all the lights ceasing to work. The only light came at the end of the narrow hallway, from the main room of the brig. The only thing my mind could focus on though, was the coppery odor that hug in the air. 

“Capt’n, you smell that right?” Quicks asked in a hushed voice. 

We drew closer and closer to the main rooms. “Yeah, Quick. I smell it.”

“Misty, “ Quick started, I stopped before we reached the brig.. “Mind, staying back in the hall here and cover the elevator?” 

She almost looked put off by that, but then nodded and turned around to aim down the narrow corridor. 

Quick looked to me, as if to try and get an explanation across, but I turned away, not needing one. I understood. We continued into the brightly lit room.

Once our eyes adjusted, we could see the room was plain. Everything was in order, though there wasn’t much really to be out of it. 

A simple desk towards the wall. Upon it a log book, quill, and an inkwell. To the left of it was the door leading to the one large cell that held all the detainees. To our left was the door that lead to an observation room with a one way mirror leading to the cell. 

“Quick, get the door.” I aimed my rifles towards it as Quick walked behind the desk. 

He pressed the button underneath it and the door gave a wretched sound like metal being torn. He tried two more times, being met with the same, terrible sound. “I can blow it open?” He offered. 

“Negative. If anyone is inside, it would kill them.” I tuned and walked through the observation rooms doors. 

The lights were dead in here as well. I removed my goggles and pressed my muzzle to the glass, trying to see if anything was in the cell, but the lights were off in there as well. After a few seconds of feeling around with my hooves, I found the buttons below the mirror. 

I pressed the button and the lights came on. Quick threw up behind me. The only thing that kept me from doing the same was the lack of food in my stomach. 

“Are you two okay?” Mistys worried voices called from the hall.

“Fine!” Quicks gasped. “Just stay out!” He pleaded. 

I’d seen things I wished I could have forgotten back in General Whip Lashes cave. But this, this was far worse than even the sickest things my mind could conjure. It wasn’t the piles of bodies lining the room. It wasn’t the way their bodies were ripped and desecrated. It wasn’t the hardening gore that painted every inch of visible wall, ceiling, and door. It wasn’t even the flayed pony whose guts had been carefully lead out of him and bolted to the opposing wall. No, it was the fact that the pony was looking at me. Lungs visibly, though shakily, filling with and releasing air. His lips dripped bloody froth, indicating they had given him plenty of drugs to keep him alive till somepony found him. 

I bit down as hard as I could, feeling enamel crack, drowning out my screams of rage with the crackle of my rifles, and sending orange beams in a flurry at the mirror. After a few seconds the ammo went dry the flow of energy stopped, so I stood there, eyes shut tight, teeth still clenched against the bridle of my battle saddle. I could feel the blood seeping from my gums. I finally sat down and opened my moist eyes, unlocked my jaw, and stared through the melted hole in the glass. 

Freshly glowing ashes now sat, mixing with a pool of hardening gore. 
> For Dramatic Effect...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I stood back in the bridge of the Nimbostratus. At General Lightning Arcs request, I came back up from the brig, stopping only to inform Lieutenant Strings of the bodies. I didn’t mention the one that we found breathing. I wouldn’t mention it to anyone. Quick agreed with my decision, and vowed to do the same.

The General turned from his staff and walked over to me. “Captain. First off I would like to congratulate you and your team on infiltration the Raptor and securing it. My staff estimates that Shining Star only retains one-third his fighting force now. We now have the Nimbostratus, though stripped of most of her components, back in our hooves, thanks to you Captain.”

“I was just doing my duty sir, and I couldn’t have taken it without the others winning the battle outside.”

Lightning arc gave a smirk. “Still, you played a more than appreciated part, and thats not limited to this battle. Throughout this entire campaign you have proven yourself to be more than resourceful. Captain Flurry would be proud.”

That struck something in me. “I can only hope so sir.” I said, a bit quieter than intended. 

He stood there, quiet for a moment. As if he understood how I was feeling. Thats what I liked about the General. He wasn’t your run-of-the-mill officers. He gave a buck about his troops. “Well, keep it up Captain, you’ll be playing a major part in the upcoming operation. But right now, I would like you to view a message, left by Shining Star.” With that he nodded over to another officer by the controls. The officer nodded and pressed a button on the console. 

A hologram appeared above the main console, on it was Shining Star. He wore an easy, smug grin. But something was off. I couldn’t put my hoof on it. 

“Hello Lighty!” He said sardonically.. “Whelp, if you’re watching this then you must have taken my ship. No matter, I didn’t need it!” He gave a snort. “Say, have you seen the brig? It was so bland! So I had it redone. These griffons sure know modern decor.” His lips curled up into a sickening grin as I felt my jaw tighten. “Now, Lighty, hear me out. You have the guns, sure, but you don’t have THE gun. So just turn the fleet back around and head for home. There’s not an earth ponies chance in the sky that you can win this. If you really care about your men, you’ll listen.” 

With that the video died. I turned to the general. “Sir, you’re not considering abandoning the war are you?” 

“No, captain, I am not. We will take a couple of days to prepare, then we will start our offensive campaign. I will send for you sometime soon. I want your input and experience for planning reasons. Until then, captain, relax a bit, and that goes for the rest of your team as well.” He gave a slight smile at the end.

“Yes sir.” I saluted and walked away.

I stepped through the doors and spotted Misty and Quick sitting over near the stairwell. I trotted over to them and nodded for them to follow me out. 

*** *** ***

I let out a sigh of relief as I set the shot glass down on the table. I was getting some strange glances from the other bar patrons. Even the bartender had seemed a bit offset at seeing an officer -blech- in the open bar. I didn’t feel like going to the officers club, and I wanted to drink with my friends.

The welcome warmth of whisky was spreading through me, and that elicited another relaxed sigh. 

“Gee Capn’, it’s as if you aint had a drink in years.” Quick drawled with a smirk.

“Honestly Quick, its been too long.” I retorted. 

Misty took a casual sip of her wine. Since when did they have wine in this joint? I thought, but didn’t say. 

“How is Nurse Steel doing?” She asked

I smiled at the thought of such a beautiful mare. “Great, just great.”

“What color is her room?” Quick asked with a wry grin. 

“A light blue why- Damn booze!” I swore under my breath, too late to stop myself.

Quick and Misty both started to laugh, the former tearing up and the latter just shaking her head. 

“Hey misty, theres a Lieutenant I’d love for you to meet! Good guy, hansom- ow!” I yelled as Quiks hoof met my leg. I rubbed it with a triumphant grin.  

“He sounds lovely captain, but I’m already involved with another stallion.” She said with a grin, looking to Quick. 

“Oh yeah? What’s his name? Ow! Damn it! Quick, cut that shit out!” I ordered as I rubbed my leg again and the two began to laugh. 

*** *** ***

“Ow! Sorry!” I hissed as I smacked my hoof of the edge of another rack. I made my way back to my barracks, only stumbling a few times. Now I just had to make it to my rack. It proved a slight challenge as I seemed to be bumping in to every other one. I stepped to what I assumed was my bunk and saw a smaller stallion scrubbing at the floor. He glanced over and noticed me as well. He snapped to a salute. 

“Sorry sir! Just getting the blood of the floor.” He apologized. 

I placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Thank you, kind sir. I truly appreciate it.”

“No trouble sir, just following orders.”

“No really. Thank you so much.”

He gave me a curious glance then sniffed the air. “Sir? Are you drunk?”

“As a skunk!” I said loudly. 

“Shuddup will ya? I’m tryin’ to sleep!” Someone called out from the dim room.

“Oh, sorry! As a skunk!” I whispered. “Well, g’nite!” I said, patting the sober pony on the back as I flopped into my bunk. 

I gave a content sigh as I felt the embrace of sleep take hold
> Get The Horns: Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I woke up with the familiar, dull, pain that liked to linger in my skull after a night of hard drinking. I sat up, clenching my aching head.

Bad idea! I thought, as my gut threatened to expel its contents. 

I leapt from my rack and into the air, flying as fast as I could to the bathrooms. 


I sat down in front of the toilet, feeling as empty as I was after a constant ten minutes of vomiting. 

“This is gonna be a great day.” I said sarcastically. 

“Sure is Cap’n, ” Quick said with his usual easygoing drawl, startling me a bit. “It’s our day off!”

“Morning Quick.” I deadpanned. 

“Cap’n.” 

I stood and opened the stall door. “How was Mistys’ bunk?” I asked with as best a smirk I could put on. 

“Now what kind of gentlecolt would I be if I spoke of it?”

“Oh, I see, you didn’t go back to her bunk.”

“I don’t think that’s something I should be discussion with a superior officer.” Quick replied.

I could only laugh. 

Before hitting the chow hall, Quick and I decided to stop in at the gym, neither of us had been recently. Then again, combat was one hell of a workout. 

“Getting tired already Quick?” I smirked at him, both of us doing wingups in unison. Though he was showing strain continuing. Pushing that much muscle has to wear you down. 

“Oof!” Quicks wings gave out and he flopped onto his stomach. I kept going, wearing a triumphant grin. “Yeah, alright, you win that one you show off.” 

I was still going.

“Sorry i don’t do my wingups every night before bed.” he said with a roll of his eyes. 

I set my hooves on the ground and let my wings rest. “You should be, I noticed you’ve been a bit slow in formation.” Despite how this day started out, I was smiling a lot. 

Quick gave a snort. “You try flyin’ with a couple hundred pounds ah’ gear.” 


“I’ll pass. Besides, I don’t think anypony enjoys firing that launcher as much as you do Quick.”

“Yer damn right! No one fires it better either!” Quick gave a strong nod. 

I twisted my head, rewarding myself with a relieving ‘pop’. “Well, let’s grab some chow.”

“Copy that, sir.” 

Once we arrived in the chow hall, we got our food and took our seat at our usual spot. Misty had already eaten, I assumed due to the lack of chow in front of her. 

“Morning Misty.” I Greeted.

“Morning Captain. Morning Quick.” She gave him a peck on the cheek. 

I grinned again. “So Misty, who’s the stallion you mentioned of last night? Anyone i know?” 

Again, Quicks hoof met my shin, and too bad for me, his leg muscles out did his wing muscles. “Ow! Goddess damn it Quick!” I hissed, much to their enjoyment. Through the pain, and the minor hangover, I was still smiling. As horrible as yesterday ended, both Quick and I were still smiling, and for that I was grateful. No matter what, I couldn’t let this war beat me, or my friends.  

The pain in my leg was receding, and the rumbles in my stomach were growing. I looked down at the sky food on my tray. I still think food might taste better on the surface, but this will do. 


I sat back down after taking Quicks tray and my own up to the disposal window. “So, what are you two doing today?” 

“Probably linger up top for a bit. i dunno, whatever she feels like doing really.”

“He’s bigger than us both, yet I choose what we do.” Misty said with a humorous roll of her eyes. 

“Honestly, I think all that size is fat.” I said with a chuckle, earning a glare from Quick. 

Bang!  “Ow!” Quick yelped as his hoof struck the hard metal pole under my seat. 

“Ha! I expected it that time.” I laughed. I stood up from my seat. “Well, before Quick get ahold of me, I’m gonna go visit Steel.” 

“Yeah, that’d be-” Quick stopped as he looked to his right, then stood up. Misty started to rise as I looked over and saw Lightning Arc, with Captain Flux in tow, approaching us. 

“Thunder, Quick, Misty.” He greeted us with a salute, which we all returned. “i need you three to come with me immediately to my office.”

This is our day off! I thought. “What’s going on, Sir?” I really didn’t want anything to go wrong today. I just wanted to spend the day with Steel and relax. Just one day, thats all i wanted. “We were-”

“It’s about Corporal Rod. We have information that may lead us to the location of him and other POWs.” 

My words died in my throat as that news bounced around my head. I looked back at my teammates, and they wore the same shocked look. 
	
> Get The Horns: Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Quick, Misty, and I stood infront of General Lightning Arcs desk. The general had been giving the three of us a long look, and I was about ready to scream. 

“We’ve received intel. Good intel, of what appears to be a prison situated less than a klick east of one of those big guns that took out the Twister. What drew our interests was the fact that power armor-clad pegasi are guarding the damned thing. That gives us plenty of reason to believe that they’re holding any POWs they have, there.”

“Alright, so I’m guessing we won't be moving the Victorious or any of the raptors towards it, with that gun there at least. So what’s the plan?” I asked. I wanted- No, I needed, to get out there. 

“You’re right about that. That’s why we’re sending you and a special detachment to take out the gun and prison. Once that’s done, we’ll send the Pyrocumulus to pick you and the prisoners up.” 

“Special detachment, Sir?” I questioned, though I had no doubt he knew I’d ask. 

The general gave the slightest smirk as he pressed a button on his phone. “Send the captain in, please.” The resumed looking at us with that small smirk. 

A second later the door opened and I turned to see a stallion walking in. His coat was a deep, but off, blue. His mane was a mess of choppy cyan, and his eyes much the same color as Quicks. What struck me however, was his armor. A rich blue, engraved and complimented only by the gold the trimming. The bolt of lightning with a pair of wings was perfectly centered on his chest. 

No way. I thought. 

“This is Captain Rain Maker. Team leader of the Wonderbolts. You will be attached to his team for this mission. You leave immediately and will receive further instruction from him.” he nodded to the new pony. 

Rain Maker nodded back. “Thank you General, “ He spoke with a softer voice than I expected from a Wonderbolt. “I appreciate you lending be this team. If you three will follow me.” He headed out of the office, the three of us in tow. 

After we grabbed our gear we went straight to the squad bay, where four other blue-gold clad Wonderbolts were making final preparations for the mission. The only difference between them and Captain Rain, were they all had their helmets on, making them indistinguishable aside from the color of their muzzles. 

“Alright, this is how it’s gonna go down,” Captain Rain began. “My team will kick things off with a distraction. Once the enemy is caught up trying to get us, I want you three to hit the prison. The defense should be light, and from what the General told me, you three can tear through a whole battalion if you wanted to.” He gave a chuckle at that. Though I thought that a bit exaggerated, it still felt good to be thought of as such an efficient team. “Once my team and I blow that gun to ruble, we’ll reinforce you. That sound good?”

I looked back at my team, getting nods from both. “Sounds solid.” I said, turning back to the Captain. 

“Alright, if you need anything or have any problems out there, just raise me on comms.” With a nod, he turned to meet with his team. I did the same with mine.

“You two ready?”

“Yessir.” Quick said as gave one last look at his launcher. “Time to get Rod back.”

“You’re damn right it is.” I replied, sliding my goggles over my eyes and checking my novasurge rifles. I spotted the blade strapped to me and realized the Captain could have seen it. Shit. I hope that he either didn’t see it, or just didn’t care. “You ready Misty?”

“Yes captain.”

“Alright. Lets kick some flank. For Rod.” I said with a nod as I heard the bay doors his open. 

With nods of agreement from my team, I turned and fell in formation with the Wonerbolts. That still made me grin. Sure, I was flying into combat, and sure, I might die. But i’m flying with these great ponies! How cool is that?

“Thunder, comms check. You and your team good?” Rains voice spoke in my ear. 

“We’re good.” 

“You’re callsign Victory. Mine is Council. How copy?”

“Solid copy, Council. Victory out.” I finished.

“All units, launch!” The speakers barked as we sped off into the late night. 

The first thing I noticed was it was raining, and raining hard. If I didn’t have my EFS, I might not had been able to keep track of Rain and his men, let alone my own. 

We’d been flying for over an hour under radio silence. I was fine with long distance flight, though I could only imagine how tired Quick must have been. 

Soon enough Rains voice came over the comms. “Council to Victory. How copy?” 

“Victory copies. Go Council.” 

“Follow us in as we lower altitude rapidly. We will be landing, I repeat, we will be landing. How copy?” Rain didn’t sound tired the least bit either. 

“Solid copy Council. On your lead.” I replied. 

Almost immediately I saw the five hazy forms drop rapidly, and I followed suit, along with my team. I became worried at the high speed at which we were falling at, the EFS didn’t exactly give us our altitude either. 

I flared my wings outward just a mere second after the Wonderbolts in front of me did, narrowly avoiding a collision. 

Misty, flying behind me however, did not. I was nearly thrown into the elite flyers on point as she collided with my back. Misty was light, and I could have easily held both of us back. But with her armor on, she was just a bit too much. I began to rapidly approach the slowing Wonderbolts. 

I was just about to shout a warning to Council, but Misty was Quicker to think. She opened up her wings and relieved me of her weight, allowing me to halt my rapid descent mere inches from Council. 

I followed the descent, but turned my head to look at Misty, knowing she could feel the look I was giving her. 

“Uh, sorry Captain. I didn’t expect us to slow so Quickly.” She said quietly over our comms.

I gave her a nod, trying to maintain as much radio silence as possible. As I turned around I couldn’t help but grin. I found the idea that Quick had an easier time stopping amusing. 

The ground was now coming up to greet us, and we soon landed.

“We move out in five.” Rain said. 

“Copy.” I replied, then gave myself a good shake, trying to shake some of the water from my mane. The act was in vain, as the constant downpour wasn't giving any signs of letting up. I was fine with that. I turned to Misty and Quick. “How you guys holding up?” 

“I’m just fine.” Misty said. “Sorry about the flying.” 

“it’s fine.” i said with a laugh. “At least you pulled up at the last second.”

Quick and Misty both looked past my left shoulder and I turned as well. Rain was standing there. 

“Nice flying you three. I would have expected most ponies to crash into us with a rapid decrease of speed like that.” 

I chuckled. “Thank you Captain.” I could feel Misty blush out of embarrassment.

“Anyways, the gun and prison are five or so klicks from here. Us four will be hoffin’ it while the rest of my team flies at high altitude.”

I nodded in affirmation. 

Rain turned and gave his onlooking team a nod, and all four launched themselves into the sky like rockets, vanishing from view in seconds. He then looked back to us. “Alright. Diamond formation, I’ll take point. Lets get going.” 

We formed up. Quick taking the rear, Misty taking the left flank, I on the right, and Rain in the lead. The trek wasn’t going to be short. We had to move slowly and cautiously, as we were well deep in hostile territory. 

“So, the General tells me one of your teammates may be in that prison.” Rain spoke quietly, but enough to be heard by all three of us. 

“Affirmative. His names Rod. He’s our radioman.” I replied. 

“Well I hope you find him. Just keep your heads on a swivel when you’re in there. Nothing reckless.”

“We hear you. How long will you guys be busy with that gun?”

“Eh, shouldn't take us too long. Really, all’s were doing is loading it with a buck ton of explosives and turning it to scrap. The council didn’t need to call on us for the job, but they wanted a reason to show us off outside of a show.” Rain said, distaste obvious in his voice. “But we’re happy to help. Especially if it means freeing our ponies.”
“Thanks, the support is appreciated.” I said. We continued the rest of our hike in silence, the journey taking us over the mud slick terrain. Quick had the worst time, tripping twice, eliciting laughter from both Misty and I. Rain just smirking. 

We finally arrived at the top of a nearby hill, the large cannon taking up most of our view with how close we were. Though in the dim early morning light, I could also spot the small compound to the left of the gun. 

“That’s our target.” I informed my team. 

Quick stepped up beside me. “So, how we gonna do this?”

I gave the structure a long look. “Misty, “ Was it just me, or was her rifle a bit longer than usual?

“Hm?” She seemed to be distracted, but I didn’t have time to question her.

“I want you to stay up here. You have a prime firing position.”

“Yes sir.” 

“Quick, I want you blow any clumps of enemies away. Be careful, do not hit the building.” 

“Yessir!” he gave a heart salute. 

I turned to Rain. “So when do we begin?”

The captain smirked. He looked upwards. “We’re a go. Thirty seconds.” he said, obviously radioing his men. “Watch this.” His grin never faltering.

I counted down the seconds in my head, waiting to see what attack the Wonderbolts were about to perform. 

I saw three black dots far away in the sky, coming towards us. Where’s the last one? Is that even them? I wondered. 

9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 

I lost track of the numbers as a roar filled the silence, as if the very air around above us  had been destroyed. The boom was immediately followed only by an explosion of rainbow. Right above the gun, the circle of color expanded outwards. I barely registered the pops of gunfire that came from the compound. I could only watch the wave of red, greens, blues, and more passed overhead of us. I’d never seen something so magnificent. 


“Talk about daring tricks.” I mumbled, still awe struck. 

Rains voice snapped me out of my trance as he called to me over my headset. “Victory, pick up your jaw and get moving!” 

“C-copy! Council, Victory out!” I looked over at my team. “Lets get Rod out of there!”

I leapt into the air and sped towards the prison. I could see griffons and armored ponies alike moving towards and firing at the Wonderbolts at the gun. Attacking them now would cause chaos in our favor. This plan was flawless. 

Don’t jinx it Thunder…  I thought to myself.

I picked my target, a pegasi firing from a distance with his laser rifles. A traitor. He didn’t even see me coming as my own lasers turned him to ash.

I kept flying, turning right to engage my text enemy. I hadn’t been noticed amongst the current fighting, and that was good. I would retain my element of surprise for as long as I could. 

I began closing the distance with a light brown griffon, wielding a hunting rifle, to minimal effect from the way he widely fired. 

Before I even fired, I watched him jerk suddenly, a clear trail of crimson seeming to spray from his body, chasing the bullet out. 

I began to wonder who had shot him, as I didn’t hear the thunderous boom of Mistys’ rifle. No time to dwell on it though.

I felt the small impact of a low caliber round striking my leg. I looked over just as another round struck my chest. If it weren't for the armor, these rounds may have stung a bit. A single blonde feathered griffon hoverd with a small framed revolver in his hand. The anger that burnt in his eyes was far more frightening however. 

I lined up the shot and bit down, sending a streak of orange at him. Before I could see it make contact, I was sent spiraling away as a flurry of feathers hit me with full force. 

When I stabilized my self I narrowly had time to dodge the razor sharp talons that the large bird was throwing at me. I spotted an opening and rammed my rear hooves into his chest. He squawked in pain a backed of to catch his breath. It was then I realized how big he was. He had to have been four heads taller than me!

Before I knew it he was back on the offensive. His talons were slicing the air around me, narrowly missing my armor. 

He’s so fast! I thought as I just barely deflected one of his strikes with my armored leg.

The next strike I wasn’t so lucky with, however. His talons came across my unprotected muzzle. Though they only barely scraped me, the sharp bones still drew blood.

“Fuck!” I hissed through clenched and bloodied teeth. When I bit down, I hadn’t realized the bradle was still in my mouth, and my rifles went off. Lucky me, as the large griffon received two bolts to the chest. 

He gave another squawk of pain, this time far louder than the first. I’d hurt him, but he was still fighting! 

“Just die you feathered basta- “ I was cut off as the bird was disappeared into a flash, and I was splattered with warmth.

I wiped my goggled and said a silent thank you that my mouth was closed. I grunted as a pushed my goggles up, the blood not coming off but smearing.. I blink a few times, feeling the cool morning air against my bare eyes. 

I saw another explosion down on the ground, and a second after Quick flying low and slow.

I gave a strong flap and spun around, turning to face the prison. Another hard flap and I was flying straight at it. A griffon popped up, out of seemingly nowhere, and I instinctively fired, my beams killing him almost instantly. 

I wonder what it feels like when you’re turned to dust? I thought as I flew through my enemies falling ashes. I gave a shiver, not wanting to know, let alone think about it.  

I was nearing the prison, and could see the front door, however a glint from the roof caught my eyes.

As soon as I saw him on the roof I was suddenly jerked to the left by my battle saddle. The sudden force ripping me back knocked the wind out of me, and I began to fall. The sudden loss of altitude was a saving grace though, as I heard the thunderous roar of the snipers anti-machine rifle. 

“Misty! Sniper! Roof of the prison!” I shouted as I did my best to recover.

Another booming gunshot, the loud whistle passing to my left.
“Fuck!” I dove down some more, then began a rapid climb.

Boom.

The whistle passed just over my head, I could feel the overpressure of the air from the massive round passing so close. 

I started flying erratically, looping, rolling, dipping, and climbing. Doing my best to not make a pattern. 

Boom.

I dove down as fast as I could at hearing that shot. The difference between that one and the previous three was there was not white or overpressure. I did my best to break in the air, then shot to my left, doing whatever it took to avoid his crosshairs. 

“Sniper neutralized.” I heard Mistys’ quiet voice say.

Thank you, and thank the goddesses. I returned to my flight path, landing on the roof within a minute. 

The body of the sniper lay crumpled next to his massive weapon. A single hole was dripping blood underneath his front leg, a large pool of blood and bits of bone spreading from his other side. 

His rifle had to have been longer than he. An extra mag sat next to his corpse. I gave the large round a look. It was almost as long as my hoof! 

I realized what kind of damage that could do to flesh, and instinctively looked at my left side. 

The entire Novasure rifle had been twisted and torn. A good third of the thing was gone. Hail Frost wasn’t going to be a happy pony.

I shook my head and turned towards the stairs that lead down into the building. Why walk in the front, when I can creep down through the top? 

“This is Victory, I’m entering the prison.”
	
> Convalescence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Oh for bucks sake.” I mumbled to myself as lead slung past me. 

A single orange laser streaked from my side, cooking the defending bird. 

I’d made it down down a single floor before I was spotted. A traitor standing sentry fired too early, allowing me to dodge his red beams and send my own his way. 

The griffon that came after him was a bit more accurate, but the fully automatic weapon spat small bullets, barely denting my armor. 

Now I crept through the second floor, careful to listen for any hooffalls. Luckily most of the enemy had been drawn away to the battle outside. With the lack of resistance in the building It wasn’t long before I found the stairs to the ground floor. 

Venturing farther down, I was immediately greeted with the sight of a filthy pegasus, beaten and bloodied, sleeping in a cell. Looking both ways, the barred rooms stretched. 

He must have heard me, opening the eye that wasn’t swollen shut. “Please, no more.” He weakly pleaded. 

“No.” I whispered, keeping my anger at those responsible at bay. “I’m here to help. I’m gonna get you all out of here.” 

He closed his eye and remained silent. Not sure what to do with him at the moment, I began walking along the cells, glancing in cells and keeping an eye out for enemies. 

Cell after cell seemed to be filled with beaten pegasi, some even dead. Loyalists from the Nimbostratus no doubt. I knew there was no way they would all just readily betray the Enclave. 

Halting, I stared at a sight behind the bars that was new for me so far. A large, bigger than Quick, dirty white coated, earth pony. He stared back to me with a icy blue gaze. 

“Come back for more, feathered-fuck? What took you so long?” His voice was rough, his tone was eager. 

“I’m not one of them. I’m here to liberate this place. But intel didn’t say anything about a surface pony being in here?” 

He gave me a long look, as if he wasn’t completely sure I was being truthful. 

“Why are you in here?” I asked, letting my interest get the best of me. 

He looked at me for a second more. “Trespassing.” 

“That’s helpful.” I said sarcastically. 

He snorted. “You think these flying chickens just have a thing against you flyers? No. They don’t care for any of ponykind. My unit was sent here on a reconnaissance mission. We were ambushed, most of us taken prisoner, now I’m all that's left.” His purple eyes never broke mine. 

“Unit?” Then it clicked. “A ranger?” 

He remained silent. I don’t blame him. The Enclave weren't too fond of the Steel Rangers. I figured it was because we didn’t like any other ponies, let alone earth ponies, wearing power armor of any kind. 

“Listen, I don’t have any trouble with you or your group. Just clear on out of here when this is over with.” I began walking away. 

“Feather brain.” I heard him mumble as I continued walking the halls. 

Passing more cells, a pit began to form in my gut as I saw the conditions of these ponies only getting worse. Blood was visible in nearly every one. I tried to burn the pit away with anger, but it was a futile effort. I was starting to believe the worst had happened to Rod. 

Just as those horrid thoughts began to creep into my mind, I halted, my blood running cold. Inside another dark cell was an unmoving lump of gray, the off-white mane was messy and stained here and there with blood. 

I moved closer to the cell. “R-rod?” 

Nothing.

“Rod!” Again no response. “ROD!” I shouted, tears brimming in my eyes. 

It was then that the pony shifted, struggling to roll himself over to face me. After a few painful second, he was able to toss himself over, hazel eyes staring back at me. 

“Sergeant…” His voice was weak, and he was noticeably thinner, his ribs being visible under a stained blanket of skin. 

“Rod!” I held myself up against the bars of his cell. “Don’t worry bud, we’re here to get you out!” My head turned every which way, looking for anything to unlock the cell. Looking up, I could see the dirty windows that looked out over the first and second floors. 
“I’ll be right back.” I assured Rod as I spread my wings and shot from the ground, stopping myself in front of the semi-transparent glass. 

Inside, slumped against a small control panel, was a griffon, silently snoring away. Oblivious to the battle going on outside. The room had to be sound proof.

I flew to my right, skimming along the wall until it opened cut farther in, revealing a door. One of the catwalks from the second floor obviously used to lead here, but it looked as if it was removed long ago. 

I took a deep breath, running over a scenario in my head. Another deep breath and I spun in mid air, bucking the door, then spinning back to face the door.

After a few seconds, it opened, the griffon not fully awake. He didn’t get a chance to fully register what was happening, as my rifles turned him to dust. 

Dashing into the room, I set upon the control panel, looking at each button frantically. Where was the ‘Unlock everything’ button? My efforts to understand what buttons did what were in vain, as I started hitting every button I could. Lights flipped on and off, sirens engaged then died down, and finally, like a large wrench was dropped onto a steel floor, the resounding clang of the cells unlocking reached my ears. I was out the door and back down to Rods cell in less than three seconds. 

Throwing the door aside, I rushed in. “Rod, are you hurt? Rod!” I didn’t want to touch him just yet, in fear that if he was hurt, I would cause him more pain. 

He weakly shook his head. That was good enough for me. “Council, this is Victory, what’s the situation outside?”   

The burst of a bomb came through my radio, followed quickly by Rains voice. “More birds are coming at us! They must have got the word out, the Pyrocumulus is on its way. You find what you were looking for?”

I looked back down at Rod, he was barely conscious. “Affirmative Council, we’re oscar mike.” 

“Council copies Victory, Pyrocumulus is ten- TEN O’ CLOCK HIGH!” I burst from a couple of energy weapons. “Victory, you have at least a platoon of griffons moving into the prison, you need to exfil now!” I could hear the gunfire picking up on his end. 

“Copy Council, Victory out.” I looked down at Rod, trying to think of the best way to move him, but my train of thought was broken when the shouts of the enemy reached my ears. They were moving quick. 

I leapt from the cell, aiming down the corridor. Sure enough, at least five of them. I opened fire, and at the same time surveyed my surroundings some more. I had enough space to fly, but I didn’t want to leave rod. 

One bird was ash, two were burned pretty bad, and more were filling in behind them. Weather fire began to shatter the wall next to me as they found their target. I stepped back into the cell. 

“Quick, how copy?” I called over the radio. 

“Copy cap’n.”

“Anyway you can get in here and provide some close support?”

“Nope, the airs pretty tight out here, the only thing I could do for ya is bring the roof down.”

“Shit.” I mumbled to myself. “Copy, carry on.” 

“Sarge?” I heard a weak voice, barely over the explosions of gunfire outside. 

I spun around to face Rod. “Rod, stay still! I’m gonna get you outta here.”

He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could the wall outside exploded, peppering us with bits of concrete. 

When I reopened my eyes I was on the ground, and I could taste the distinct flavor of blood. I shakily stood up and glanced around to find Rod. He on his side still, looking up at me, the look of fear evident on his snout. His lips were moving, but all I could hear was a high pitch ringing. 

I noticed the shadow that fell on me, and turned to see what it was. 

I could make out the silhouette easily, it was a griffon, and behind him the concrete wall had been made a new in flame. He raised his talons, which were far longer than any i had seen before, as he took a step towards me. Why wasn’t I reacting to any of this? 

He began to spasm as the ground beneath him turned dark. I watched as he fell to the ground, continuing to spasm. He stopped as a pony stepped on him. This pony was big, clad in a slightly tarnished, gray power armor. 

The pony turned to me, his mounted minigun still spooling, his eyes hidden behind thick glass. He looked to his left as another pony trotted up, shoving him. 

I’d seen this pony. He had the same armor on, but without the helmet. He was the white pony I saw in the cell earlier. He was yelling something, but I couldn’t hear his words. Why couldn’t I- 

My head jerked to the right as he hit me, then to the left as he hit me again. 

“Hey feather brain! Wake the buck up! Snap out of it already!” He yelled at me. 

“He’s fried. Shoulda just let me waste him.” The other pony said, whom I could tell was a mare now from her voice. 

I shook my head. “Shit!” I spun to find Rod, lifting himself from the floor. “Rod!” 

“I’m alright Sergeant.” He obviously was not, as he winced with every step he took towards me. 

“Hey flyboy, get your flank in gear! If you want to make it out of here you better lend a rifle!” The white pony moved back out into the hallway. “Sheer, keep your mouth shut and your eyes open! Go find Straw and take him to clear us a path out the back.”

The minigun pony nodded and trotted off the way the griffons had come. 

“Are you good to move?”  asked Rod. 

“Yeah sergeant, but flying’s a no-go. They did a number on me.” He looked as if he had a thousand question, and he had good reason to have them. He kept silent, knowing we had to leave this place first. 

I nodded and stepped out into the hallway. The griffon that had been looming behind me was hardly recognizable as one of his kind now, the ranger had to have shot him over a hundred time. His talons was in a gauntlet of types, with even larger talons attached to it. I looked down the way he had came.

A dozen dead griffons lay scattered, and an intense battle could be heard going on further in. The large white ranger was waiting on us. We made our way down the hall, weapons ready.

“Thanks, by the way. For the save.” I said without looking at him, checking my EFS. 

He snorted, “I could say the same.”

“Captain Thunder, by the way.”

He sighed, obviously not caring to become too acquainted with somepony of the Enclave. “Paladin Steel Plow.” 

I didn’t really understand Ranger ranks, but I didn’t care enough to ask. 

“Wait, did you say, Captain?” Rod asked quizzically from behind us.   

I turned back towards him. “Yeah Rod. I’ll fill you in later.” He didn’t have a problem with that. At least not one he voiced. “So, Paladin, how many men do you have?”

“Three including me. Sheer and Straw. The rest of my platoon was killed before our capture.” He didn’t have an ounce of sorrow in his voice. 

“I’m sorry for you loss.” 

“They died fighting, that’s all that matters.” 

Better to go down swinging than pinned beneath a rock, shot like an animal, I thought. 

“LOOK OUT!” Rod shouted. 

I snapped to the right, instinctively biting down, however I wasn’t fast enough. The griffon had his talons around my neck, his momentum tossing me against the wall. He screamed in my face as he tried his damnedest to strangle me. He didn’t notice the scorpion-like tail rising up next to us. I doubt he felt it skewer his skull. 

I casually dropped to all fours and took my spot next to Plow. “Shall we carry on?” I motioned forward. 

“Well there’s something my armor can’t do.” He mumbled as we pushed on. 

Griffon and pony bodies littered the halls, some were former prisoners, just trying to escape as the griffons slaughtered anypony they saw. Poor bastards. The sounds of battle no longer echoed in the prison, only outside. 

We turned down a final hallway to see two power-armored ponies directing sickly looking prisoners out of the building. Paladin Plow turned to me. “Well flyboy, this is goodbye. were gonna take these ponies back to equestria, especially before anymore of you feathered freaks show up.”

I understood. Steel Rangers and the Enclave didn’t have the best political relations. “Good luck Paladin.” He gave me a nod and left to rejoin his rangers. 

I turned to Rod once more. “Let's bug out, the Pyrocumulus should be here any minute.” He nodded and we backtracked until we came upon a side hallway we had passed. 

Proceeding down, we made a series of turns that led us to a large hole in the building. The battle outside was in full swing, with ponies and griffons flying above. The large raptor, Pyrocumlus, was just arriving. 

I watched as red beamed from the ship, seeking to fry any flyer designated as an enemy. Bombing chariots and vertabucks began pouring from hangars. Immediately, the griffon forces began retreating, though the traitors stuck around to die with what little honor they thought they had. 

“Council, Victory. We’re done inside and awaiting transport.” 

“Council copies. The enemies runnin’, regroup with your team. A vertabuck is on its way.” 

I didn’t reply to him. “Quick, Misty, front of the building standing in a hole in the wall, regroup.” I received two ‘copies’.

In less than twenty seconds the two had landed nearby and were approaching. I took note of the vertabuck making a beeline for us. Rod hobbled to stand next to me. The moment Quick and Misty saw him they broke into a full gallop. I could have sworn Rod even worked up the energy to smile. 

“Rod! I knew ya were still kickin’!” Quick exclaimed as he scooped Rod up into a hug. 

“Ouch! Easy!” Rod exclaimed.

“Oh!” He quickly set him down. “Sorry bud, didn’t mean to hurt ya’.” 

“It’ fine.” 

“‘Im so happy to see you’re safe Rod.” Misty gave him a gingerly hug. 

I smiled at the scene. I caught the motion of the vertabucks doors open. “Quick, Misty, help him to the bird.” 

They were both eager to get him to safety. 

As they walked off I called over the radio. “Council, Victory. How copy?”

“I copy.” It was easier to hear him now, without having to strain over the sound of battle and both of us breathing heavily. 

“I just wanted to say thanks. It means a lot.”

“Don’t think anything of it. The council may not think anything of just one trooper, but us grunts know the value of life. I’ll see you around Victory. Council over and out.” 

I couldn’t have agreed more. As I took my seat and the vertabucks doors swung closed, I smiled at Rod. He was a little banged up, but he wasn’t dead. And that did us all good. He looked over at me and smiled back. I couldn’t imagine how happy he must have been to be safe.
> Dear Reader
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear reader, It's been some time since I've had time to come back to this site. My current duties and training as a Marine leave me with very little time for writing, and sadly caused me to fall out of touch with my own story. I apologize to all who have patiently kept up with this story, but do not despair, as my training comes to an end I fully intend of starting a new FoE. I hope you all will give it a chance, as I believe it will be far superior, and wholly more factual than this one.

Thank you once again for being a fan of this story, and may I hear from you all on my future work.