Equestrian Air Guard

***Chapter One

The Two Newest Wonderbolts***

Margret Dash exited the cab just outside the entrance to Greenhill’s Air Field. Rucksack slung over her left shoulder, clipboard holding her credentials held in her right hand, sunglasses shading her eyes, and leather fighter jacket covering her torso, the Rainbow haired, tall, medium breast woman walked towards the gate. A security guard stopped her, but when he saw her credentials, he allowed her to enter in. Dash could do little to contain her enthusiasm as she walked across the ramp towards a series of Open hangers where the newest rookies were supposed to gather.

This was the culmination of her entire life’s work. Ever since she was young and watched the old Wonderbolts Air demonstration team, she always wanted to fly with the Equestrian Air Guard. Things looked began to up for her when the Wonderbolts were shifted from Air Demonstration to full time Air Combat squadron, now she could join them and fight if the need arises. Her parents had given her their total support paying for every one of her flight lessons and then finally being able to see her off to Military training.

The training part wasn’t without problems. Dash struggled at first as her brash personality and fearless mentality clashed with the strict rules that came with Military life. Even worse was her natural Rainbow hair, which initially gave her the un-dignifying nickname of “Skittles.” Things seemed to hit rock bottom when she was paired up with a reckless and equally fearless pilot named Alice “Lighting” Dust. Alice nearly got Dash killed twice until Margret finally spoke out.

Because of her speaking out, Alice was removed from training camp and Dash got new respect by her compatriots. That changed things for her and soon she began to excel at training, and even got her new callsign “Rainbow.” When she graduated last year, she left highest in her class and highest. She would’ve gone straight into the Guard had it not been for her best friend suddenly becoming a Princess coupled with Dash’s mom catching a bad fever.

But when her mom got better, Dash tried again and got in first attempt. Now she was walking her way to orientation. As she walked into the hanger, a crowd of eager recruits were there waiting for the field commander to address them. All around them were gleaming new F-95 Reaper fighters. Dash smirked when she saw them, they were the best fighters in the world, and she was the best pilot in the world.

She certainly felt that way as she heard an officer shout, “Okay everyone to your seats, briefing will begin shortly.”

As Dash took her seat, she spotted two of her old classmates also sitting down; Thomas “Thunderlane” Jones and Danielle “Blossomforth” Mgills. Seems like they finally got to this level as well, Dash wasn’t sure what squadrons they had requested to join, but she figured they probably also put down the Wonderbolts as well. Then someone shouted for the group to snap to attention and everyone stood up.

In no time at all, Dash found out why. A two star General had entered the hanger looking over a clipboard which probably held papers containing recruit’s information. Dash recognized him immediately. He was General Michael “Blaze” Johnson, former Squadron Leader of the Wonderbolts and now their commanding officer. To make things even sweeter for the star struck Dash, he had been Wonderbolt Number two when she first saw them as a kid and then Wonderbolt Number one when she became a regular attendant of their shows. He had also been a judge of Cloudsdale’s “Best Young Fliers” competition.

The General walked up to the podium and motioned for the recruits to take a seat. “Welcome to Greenhill Airbase Ladies and Gentlemen, as you probably may or may not know I am General Michael Johnson of the Wonderbolts. I am one of the five Generals stationed here at the base in command of one of the six present here. While you may or may not be answering to me during your stay here at Greenhill I promise you that you will see me and maybe get to know me. But first, welcome you young fliers to the Equestrian Air Guard. I’d also like to congratulate you as your admission to the EAG has given you your first promotion from Recruit to Private First class.” The General greeted, with his thick Manehattan accent.

“Now you may notice that all around you are gleaming new F-95 Reapers. For some of you, these planes in this hanger will be yours, for the rest you’ll be in other hangers.” The General joked, “But all kidding aside these are the aircraft that you have been training your whole lives to operate and fly. These planes are the reason that you have logged the minimum of one thousand, five hundred and twenty hours split between simulation and training aircraft to operate. I’m sure many of you still wonder why we asked you to fly for so long before even seeing one of these planes. Well if your instructors never told you, it is because these aircraft are completely unforgiving.

“If you make a mistake or handle these babies wrong they will bite you. However if you are the pros I hope all of you are, these aircraft will treat you with the same respect you ask of them. But all that darkness aside it is time for the information you all have been waiting for, Squadron Assignments.” The General informed with a smile.

This got a small applause from the group while the rest simply gasped and squealed excitedly. Dash tried to keep herself stoic, but even she was beaming ear to ear. She had put down only one squadron on her request form; they had to give it to her.

The General nodded with a smile, “Well thankfully you won’t have to listen to me rattle off names and make you bored out of your minds. The squadron assignment information is posted on the billboard located right over there.” He pointed to a board near the door he had entered near the far side of the hanger. However no one moved as the General had yet dismissed the group. “However I do have several special assignments to give out. Private Allison Marrow will report to General Kleet Thomas of the 338th. Private Morain Andy, General Carson would like to see you in his office as soon as I am finished. Privates Marissa and Julie Jones please report to AWACS commander Elisa Lee. And will Private Margret Dash please see me shortly. The rest of you are dismissed and Good Luck wherever your careers take you.” The General said looking at his clipboard.

Dash’s heart began to beat with excitement as the crowd got up and began to move. She stayed behind until the crowd had thinned before making her way over to the General. As she approached the man that essentially was her hero for much of her youth, Dash noticed that she began to shake. She steeled herself enough just as she reached the General. General Johnson was discussing something with an officer regarding some information on the clip board when he noticed Dash.

“E….Excuse me General S…Sir,” Dash stuttered as she attempted to salute.

“Ah Private Dash,” The General greeted glancing up from his work, “One moment please.” He continued to work over the sheets of paper before nodding to the lieutenant and giving her the clipboard. Then the General turned to Dash and returned her salute. He stood just a few inches shorter than Dash but was none the less an imposing figure. After he finished saluting, he asked, “Your credentials please.”

Dash nodded and handing him the clipboard she held in her right hand before he began to walk out of the hanger. Dash hung close to the General as he walked out of the hanger and down the ramp towards another that was five buildings down. When Dash figured out the one she was going to, she spotted the Wonderbolts insignia on its doors as well as a big number 5 Painted in blue. However the General made a sharp turn before reaching the hanger doors. He led Dash towards the main buildings which were located behind the Hangers. Once inside, Dash noticed the interior was a plain white with hard oak finishing that resembled the interior of a school.

After walking through an office area, the General opened his office door and motioned for Dash to walk in. Dash took a seat in front from his desk while General Johnson sat behind it. Dash set her rucksack between her legs and placed her sunglasses on her collar.

“Alright before I go over your credentials I have a few questions. My first you said you were born in Cloudsdale but your city of residence is Ponyville is that correct?” He asked getting himself comfortable in the seat.

“Yes Sir, I moved to Ponyville when I was fifteen because I got an offer to work at the weather facility there.” Margret answered.

“And how many years were you in Ponyville?” he asked.

“Five sir,” Dash answered.

The General smiled, “Alright Margret this is the EAG not boot camp, you don’t gotta call me ‘sir’ every five minutes.”

“I’m sorry, force of habit.” She answered.

“Now you did not go straight into the EAG last year when you graduated, do you have a reason you can specify?” he asked.

“My mom got sick and…” Dash started tilting her head, “My best friend got coroneted.”

“I see.” The General nodded. He obviously knew this already, considering he was present at Princess Twilight’s coronation. But Dash was put off as to why he was asking these questions as they were on her credentials. “Alright well let me take a look over your records and credentials.” He said picking up her clipboard, “And excuse my talking, I read better when I do it aloud.”

“No problem sir, I do the same.” Dash blushed.

Then he began to read aloud her records, “Okay let’s see, Margret Firefly Dash: age Twenty one, height six foot two, one ninety seven pounds…you actually put in your breast measurements too?”

Dash nodded, blushing bright red.

The General nodded with raised eyebrows, “Okay…32B…hair rainbow, obviously, Eye color Magenta, skin white. Flight time, one thousand seven hundred and fifty three hours within training camp, two thousand four hundred and one privately. Currently holds Private pilot license with instrument, high performance, multiengine, and sports qualification, not bad. One mother, one father, both reside in Cloudsdale. Skill set, second tier. Eye sight’s thirty one over thirty one non-corrected.

“Now here’s the good part, accomplishments and accolades. Cloudsdale’s Best Young Flyer for the year 2012…oh I remember that competition weren’t you the one who did the sonic boom demonstration?” He asked.

“Yes sir, I remember you were one of the Wonderbolt judges.” Dash answered proudly.

“Obviously you were a good pilot to win my vote.” The General smirked, “Anyway, accomplishments include seven hundred hours above the sound barrier, two altitude records set for Ponyville fliers, and Cloudsdale Speed record 1999, six hundred and two miles per hour. You were what seven the hell was you doing?”

Dash pondered over the question, “It’s a…long story sir.”

Surprisingly, the general nodded. Then he began again, “Okay you fit all the criteria for admission into the Seventh Air wing. But my final question to you is why did you put just them?”

Dash gulped but kept her resolve, “Well General, when I was very young my dad took me to see the Wonderbolts back when they were performers and ever since then it’s been my one dream to join the Wonderbolt squadron. I’ve pushed myself to the brink many times testing, training, and building my abilities just to give myself even the hope of joining the Wonderbolts. I’d be useless to the EAG in any other squadron.”

“A lot of Squadron’s here would benefit from a pilot of your class Private,” The General said.

“If I may boast sir, not like the Wonderbolts,” She said. She wasn’t pushing to usurp Wonderbolt One as Squadron commander; she was just trying to join them.

“So you think that because of your credentials and accolades, as well as personal recommendations from all four of the Princesses in Equestria, that you are the best if not one of the best here at Greenhill probably within the EAG? And because of that you deserve a spot within the Wonderbolt Squadron?” he said surprisingly evenly.

Dash said nothing as she sat there. Mentally she was screaming at herself for her brashness and boldness. If she had kept out the last part maybe the General would consider her to join them. Now it looked like that the General was going to throw her out of the best chance she had.

The General rested within his seat, “You know Margret Dash, its brashness like that that can get a pilot killed in battle. However it’s also brashness, boldness, and self-assurance that can keep another pilot alive, provided he or she can balance that out with a sense of humbleness and evenness. Now both your credentials and your four recommendation latters mentioned you had a brash streak but also stated you were the most loyalist, dependable, and reliable pilot within Equestria. You should know however that I don’t weigh a pilot’s mantel even if they are related to the Royal family.

“That being said, you also should know that a couple of months ago, Two Wonderbolts left the squadron to get married and start a family. A few hours ago I just accepted another pilot into the fold as Wonderbolt Seven, which leaves Wonderbolt Six still empty.” The General told her leaning forward, resting his elbows on his desk, and joined his hands, “I feel that is necessary to fill that seat with a capable pilot. You will report to hanger five and introduce yourself to your new Squadron as well as familiar yourself with your new aircraft.”

Dash’s eyes went wide with excitement as the General smiled. Her dream had come true, she was now a Wonderbolt! She was about to jump up and hug the General when her conscious stopped her. Instead she got to her feet, saluted General Johnson, and said, “Thank you sir, you have no idea what this means to me.”

“I can imagine.” He answered nodding. Dash turned around and was about to leave when the General stopped her, “Oh and Dash. You don’t have to check your brashness at the door; you’ll find that is a Wonderbolt Trademark for them to hold them a little higher than the rest. However I would like it that you balance that pride with a little humility. You’re now a role model, act like it.”

“Yes sir.” Dash nodded and left. With giddiness equal to a school child being released for summer break, Dash moved quickly through the building passing some old friends and classmates who wanted her attention. She simply said hello to them and raced off saying “I’m a Wonderbolt!” Soon Dash exited the building and headed towards Hanger Five. Both of its doors were open and its aircraft were gleaming in whatever sun was shining in. The moment Dash reached the Hanger; she was struck with awe at what she was seeing.

The F-95 Reaper was a magnificent aircraft within its own right. Forward swept wings, canards located near the nose, v-twin tail fins, and small horizontal stabilizers near the rear angled downward, the Aircraft screamed stealth, speed, and power. The canopy was a long, bubble canopy that could allow for clear vision and the twin Ferrari A2116 Engines were purpose built to thrust the aircraft to Mach 6.

The cockpit was built into a slender “turtle neck” shaped front end that was connected to a larger, more brick shaped fuselage that held the engines, intakes, and supported the wings. The neck and nose cone housed the planes X-Radar sensors, GPS computers, fly-by-wire network hub, terrain following radar, as well as a fifty caliber Machine gun on the port side and a 20 mm cannon on the starboard. At the exhaust ports of the engines, horizontal slits were there to not only dampen heat exhaust, but also help vector the thrust

As Dash approached the Reaper with the number six painted on it, she marveled at the traditional Wonderbolt pain scheme. Aquamarine base covered the entirety of the plane. On the belly was a long thunderbolt that ran from the intakes towards the tail of the plane. The top of the plane had a smaller lightning bolt that only went down a third of the way down the back of the plane with two small azure wings spread off the bolt. Dash began to walk around the number six plane. On both sides of the canopy, just under the cockpit, as well as on the two tails was the number six; emblazoned in gold.

Dash took it all in as she examined the plane. As she walked around the plane, her hand ran across the hull. The plane felt warm to the touch, and she felt like she was meeting a friend for the first time. As she walked around, she noticed the three weapon racks on the port side wings. These racks would hold the planes missile armaments and the extra fuel tanks while hard points under the belly would carry the bombs or any long ranged missiles. The Reaper wasn’t just designed for air to air combat, but could also fit roles in Air to ground and air to sea missions. Surprisingly enough, this would denote the aircraft with an F/A marking to denote her attack role. But Celestia felt that F/A-95 was a mouth full and kept it F-95.

When she reached the nose of the plane, Dash was so stunned and in awe that she simply whispered, “Wow.”

“Amazing isn’t it?” a female voice rung through.

Dash spun around to see a tan skinned, short fire red hair, and tall female pilot walking over to her. She was dressed in a Wonderbolts flight suit that matched the plane’s color scheme. Cept the front carried the long lightning bolt that ran from her crotch to her neck. On her wrist cuffs were three thin bolt that ringed the sleeve, which denoted her as a Captain. Above her breast was her name, which read Capt. Rodriguez.

Dash snapped to attention and saluted, “Mam, Private Margret Dash reporting.”

The captain smiled and laughed, “As you were Private, no need to do that with me, now that we’re on the same team. I’m Captain Cassandra Rodriguez, callsign Spitfire, Wonderbolt Number one. But you can call me Cassie on the ground.”

“Oh, hi,” Dash greeted a little embarrassed, “I’m Margret Dash, callsign Rainbow. I’m the new Wonderbolt Six.”

“I know, Blaze just told me,” Cassandra smiled sticking out her hand, “Let me be the second to welcome you to the Seventh air Wing, Wonderbolt Squadron.”

“Oh thank you,” Dash stammered shaking her hand.

“No problem, so you like your new plane?” Spitfire asked after she released her hand.

“Oh yes, she’s beautiful.” Dash answered.

“Wanna try her on?” Spitfire asked.

Dash looked at her with wide eyes. Spitfire laughed as she walked over to the starboard side of the cockpit. She pulled open two hatches and the pulled out the step ladder before motioning to Dash for her to join her. Dash stood there gazing at the moment before walking gingerly over. Then, equally gingerly, she climbed up the short ladder towards the cockpit. When she reached the top, Dash opened up the flip panel to access the cockpit. To make sure no one can steal the Reaper, all aircraft came with thumb ID scanners to verify the aircraft belonged to the pilot or to the chief mechanic.

Dash placed her thumb on the scanner and it registered her validity. By now, she assumed that General Johnson had already approved her as a member since Cassandra knew she was here. That was validated when the computer within the plane said, “Identity confirmed, welcome Margret “Rainbow” Dash.” Right near the scanner, to Dash’s right, her name appeared in black. The Canopy slid open allowing Dash to climb in.

The cockpit was very roomy. Dash sat in a somewhat comfortable ejection seat that was inclined back at a comfortable twenty degrees. As she gripped the flight controls, located at opposite sides of the cockpit but still within comfortable reach, she began to gently work them. The left joysticks was the aircraft’s flight control, which could allow the aircraft to climb, descended, and roll left or right. The right one was a split control system. Unlike the left one, which was moveable in all directions, this one was stationary because it held the weapons control. However this one could move as well, as the stick doubled as the planes throttle.

Many initially wondered how the feel would be with this very interesting design feature. When reports started coming back that it was surprisingly comfortable and ergonomic, the designers stuck with it. On the main control panel were three screens. The center one displayed the planes artificial horizon or attitude/altitude indicator. To its left was the display showing the aircraft’s weapons status, aircraft status, and fuel status. To the far right was the Radar display. All three screens were liquid crystal and designed to provide the pilot with easy readying and information input. There were still switches, toggles, and buttons that still held some vital functions: from aircraft and engine start up, to switching fuel tank and activating cross feed, to switching Radar displays from X-Radar to terrain following, to switching weapons, and finally activating any jamming equipment that might be loaded on.

Dash felt very comfortable within the cockpit, resting her feet upon the rudder pedals. She felt like she was putting on clothing, this plane fit that well. She turned to spitfire and said, “Wow this is amazing.”

“Get used to it quickly kid, you’re gonna be spending a lot of time in this cockpit.” Spitfire nodded, “Come on and climb outta there, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the squadron.” Then Spitfire clambered down.

Dash climbed out of the aircraft and was about to reach towards the canopy to close it when Spitfire told her, “Oh no don’t worry, it closes itself.”

“It does?” Dash asked. She got her answer when the canopy began to slide to a close.

“Yea you only have to close it when you’re inside the plane. But once you leave it closes itself after a moment.” Spitfire explained after Dash climbed down, “Didn’t they teach you that in basic?”

“Yea they did, but it’s been a while since I’ve been there.” Dash answered as Spitfire closed the ladder.

“Huh?” Spitfire asked confused, but she remembered before Maggie could answer, “Oh right you didn’t jump in right away. Come on kid follow me.”

Dash nodded and followed. Cassandra led the rookie pilot out of the hanger and towards the barracks, which were located next to the main building. They soon reached the one denoting the Wonderbolts barracks. When Dash walked in behind Spitfire, she was led into the main living room. a small room with a grey rug, black sofa’s that looked comfy, and one HD TV complete with PlayStation 4 console and cable box. There were four other pilots in the room, two female and two male, who Cassie introduced intern. All wore Wonderbolt Flight suits.

“Hey guys,” Cassandra started when the duo walked in, “This is our newest teammate, and the new Wonderbolt Six. Say hi kid.”

Dash smiled and blushed, “Hello everyone, I’m Private Margret Dash. My callsign is ‘Rainbow.’”

“No guesses as to why,” a silver hair female pilot laughed.

“Alright smart ass since you decided to speak first, you go first.” Cassandra snapped.

The girl rolled her eyes, “Fine, and sorry. My name is First Lieutenant Natasha Reyes, callsign Fleetfoot. I’m Wonderbolt Three.”

One of the boys got up; he had been sitting on a rocking chair on the far side of the room. “My name is First Lieutenant Alex Jamison, Callsign Fire Streak. I’m Wonderbolt Four.” said Alex. Alex looked a little like Cassandra, except his red hair was accented with white streaks rather than yellow.

The second girl, who was on the middle couch playing a video game on the console, paused her game and looked at Dash. She was platinum blonde and carried a warm smile. “I’m Lieutenant Second class Michelle Jackson, callsign Cloud Kicker, and I’m Wonderbolt Five.” She smiled.

Then a tall, blue haired man, who was resting his back on the wall next to Dash, straightened himself out. “Pleasure to meet you I’m Captain Jonathan Sandberg, Callsign Soaring. I’m Wonderbolt two and you can call me Jon.” He said with a warm disposition.

“Jon and Tasha are my two wingmates; considering we have a team of seven it was inevitable we would have a three man team. Uh I think Michelle is Alex’s wingman."

Dash smiled, “Wow it’s really nice to know all of you.”

Then Cassie noticed something, “Wait a moment we’re down one pilot, anybody know where the other newbie is?”

“I think she’s upstairs,” Michelle answered.

“YO ALLIE, GET DOWN HERE!” Tasha shouted.

A distant, and all too familiar voice, shouted back “I’m on my way.”

“She’s up in the rooms, come on we’ll meet her half way.” Cassie motioned. Dash followed her through the living room and into a hallway. When they reached a set of steps, Spitfire took one side and Dash took the other. But there was no need as Wonderbolt Seven was at the top of the short flight.

Dash gasped when she saw her. Standing at the top of the steps was a tall, slender, orange and yellow hair, golden eye pilot Dash recognized. She was the very wingmate Dash got kicked from flight school, Alice “Lightning” Dust. And Alice recognized Dash with shock.

“You!” the two shouted at each other.

“You two know each other?” Cassie asked confused.

“I would say so; she was the one who kicked me out of flight training!” Dust said evenly.

“Mam why is she a Wonderbolt, this woman is reckless and dangerous. Her eagerness nearly got me and ten other pilots killed in training.” Dash accused looking between Cassie and Alice.

“I went back,” Alice said.

“Right, cuz you left a year,” Cassie nodded, “Well kid, Alice tried again last year. The instructors were initially hesitant, but Alice convinced them to give her another chance. During her second go around, she lost her over-competiveness and was more willing to work as a part of a team. She comes with just as much honors as you.”

“That’s right, I changed Skittles.” Dust said with amazing sincerity.

Dash wasn’t convinced as she glared at Alice. Not only was she angry that Alice was in the EAG and a Wonderbolt, but she was enraged that Dust was now her wingmate. However what calmed her down was the fact that now she was Alice’s team leader.

Cassie sensed this and smiled, “Well I’ll let you go find your room kid, I gotta talk with Blaze about our hop tomorrow.” And then Cassie walked away.

The two didn’t move for a moment, both glaring at each other. Dash could see Alice’s sincerity in her eyes, but she still didn’t like it. Finally she began to ascend up the steps, “Just because you got Spitfire’s approval doesn’t mean you got mine Lightning.”

“Oh come off it Skittles I’ve…” Dust started as Dash reached the top step.

“It’s Rainbow now.” Dash snapped, “Call me that again or up in the air and I will personally shoot you out of the sky.”

Dust nodded, “Fair game. Now look I’ve changed, I’m a better person and pilot now. Just give me another chance. Isn’t that what your element signifies, trust?”

“It’s Loyalty,” Dash corrected, “And I’ll give you one chance. Screw it, and I’ll personally see you out of this team.”

“What about the EAG?” Dust joked.

“That’ll depend on how badly you screw it. I’m your team leader now, you will listen to me this time not vice versa.” Dash shot back before walking towards her room.

“Yes Rainbow.” Dust nodded, “And Maggie, I’m sorry for what I put you through. For what it’s worth, you were right, I was reckless.”

Dash stopped, but didn’t acknowledge the comment. After a brief pause, she began walking again towards her room. She soon found it and walked in. It was a simple room, one memory foam bed and one dresser and closet. The closet held her flight suit and jacket. To Dash’s surprise, her rucksack was lying on her bed. Apparently she had forgotten it in the General's room.

As Dash walked into the room the gravity of the situation sunk in and she sat down on the bed. Tears welled in her eyes as she could barely contain herself. A big smile was beaming on her face and Dash never felt happier. Her hands found a telephone, which was resting on the night stand. Quickly, she dialed her home phone number. “Hello Mom?” she asked when the other line answered, “Yea I did. Guess what, I’m a Wonderbolt!”