After dealing a heavy blow, Equestria calls for any help from the ponies residing in it. Darkstar unwillingly answers the call after putting in for his discharge papers and having them signed. Now pinned down, he begins to wonder how things got so messed up.

We go back in time to see all the choices that he had made leading up, and discover a shocking truth. Will Darkstar be able to live to see his retirement, or will he perish on the battlefield along with the other Marines pinned down.