Equestrian Air Guard

**Chapter Five:

Battle of Horseshoe Bay**

When Dash finally got to bed, it never felt softer. Five days of intense combat had basically worn her out. What was worse was she was sore, and it wasn’t because of being in the Reaper cockpit. The High G maneuvers, second by second adrenaline rush of combat, and constant alertness of having to scramble at a moment’s notice had taken their toll on the poor pilots body. In the past, Maggie usually avoided pain like this by taking naps wherever and whenever she could. Now that she was a part of the EAG in a time of war that was nearly impossible.

So Maggie lay there on her bed, taking in the softness as she tried stretching herself out to relieve the aches and pains. But no matter how much stretching, twisting, and turning she tired, they wouldn’t go away. Margret even took a stroll around her room, but it didn’t work. She was about to give up trying and just deal with it when her room’s phone rang. Before she complained, she glanced at the clock. It was still only eleven pm. So Dash turned on her lamp and picked up the phone, “Hello you’ve reached Wonderbolt Six.”

“Howdy Dash,” a familiar voice answered, “Ah figured Ah’d catch ya before yer went to bed.”

“AJ,” Maggie asked sitting upright in her bed, “How’d you get this number?”

“Mags you remember we got a friend in high places. It wasn’t hard for me.” AJ answered.

Maggie snickered, “I didn’t think Twilight would give it too you so easily.”

“Well she sealed it by saying, ‘If Ah can’t trust ye then Ah can’t trust anyone.’ Besides you know Ah’m the most dependable and reliable person in all’ov Ponyville.” AJ answered.

Dash laughed at that comment, “Well no arguments there, you may be stubborn AJ but you’re defiantly a friend to count on.”

“Well Maggie, forgive me for saying this, but no one’s as stubborn as you. Any who, how are you holding up?” AJ asked.

“I’m doing alright, I’m not dead yet.” Dash said somberly, “Though I’d rather be asking you that question. How’s Ponyville?”

“Little worse for wear, but if not for yer efforts today…” AJ started.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, how’d you know it was me?” Dash asked sounding shocked.

There was silence for a moment. “Did Ah just hear that right? Yer actually asking how’d ah found out about your achievements without you running around boasting about it.”

“Well, yah.” Dash answered.

“Who are you?” AJ laughed.

“I guess your lesson a year ago about humility worked better than you thought cowgirl.” Dash laughed.

The two friends laughed over the phone for a moment before AJ told her the answer, “Well Twilight wasn’t entirely quiet in name dropping you either. Though Ah tell you Diane had a strong feeling it was you just by seeing you fly overhead. Her and that damn ‘Pinkie’ sense.”

Margret chuckled again, “Hey that bomber didn’t hurt anyone did it?”

“Nah, it missed the town by a country mile. In fact that’s why Ah called ya about. Ah just wanted to say thank ye from all’ov us here back in Ponyville.” AJ said warmly.

Dash nodded. It really meant a lot to her that AJ actually said that. Now she felt that all the aches and pains she was complaining about earlier was actually worth it. She was protecting Equestrian lives with her actions. And that felt very good, “No problem AJ. Give my regards to everyone back home.”

“Will do Dash, will do Dash. Hey when this is all over, Ah owe you a mug of cider, on the family.” AJ said.

“I’ll hold you to that AJ, see ya.” Dash said. Then she heard the other end click indicating AJ had hung up. When Dash put down the receiver, she laid her head back onto the pillow before looking up at the ceiling. The warmth feeling of enjoyment filled her as she thought about all the lives at home that she saved today. She finally realized her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt, now she was using that dream to help others. There was no greater feeling than that.

With that in mind, Dash went off to sleep.

After a peaceful night, Maggie awoke the next morning with a smile and a visibly brighter complexion. A note that seemed to pass right over her teammates heads during showers.

Once again Ellen had done her part before them and was notably absent. However Dash herself finished early and headed off to breakfast feeling very good about herself. After getting herself a helping of pancakes and coffee she joined Ellen, Jon, and Alex at the table for breakfast.

“Where are the others?” Alex asked as she sat down.

“I finished early,” Maggie answered, “They’re probably just beginning to towel off. You know how we like to talk.”

Jon snickered, “Not me and Alex; get in and get out fast. Don’t want to spend too much time looking at each other.”

“Damn right,” Alex agreed as he and Jon bumped fists.

Dash didn’t want to let the joke go by, “What’s a matter Alex, jealous of Jon’s package?”

“How do you know you’ve never seen it,” Ellen giggled.

“I have, there’s nothing to be jealous about.” Alex snickered.

“Hey I’m still your senior officer. Show some respect!” Jon said between chewing his eggs.

“I did,” Alex replied after taking a drink of coffee, “I didn’t describe it.”

Both Ellen and Maggie snickered at that comment but said nothing else. It was a good thing too, as Cassandra and the rest of the Wonderbolts walked up. “What’cha guys talking about,” Cassie asked.

“You don’t wanna know,” Alex answered quickly.

“Yea nothing important, just some small talk,” Maggie answered with a grin.

“Well that’s good to hear, cuz I’m still wondering how you finished before most of us when you clearly started at the same time we did?” Cassie asked.

“I know,” Alice added, “I was wondering who it was you were talking to last night.”

“An old friend of mine,” Dash answered evenly, “She wanted to thank me for saving Ponyville yesterday. And I only finished early because no one was talking Cassie, not my fault misses 'never shuts up'.”

That got the squadron laughing at Cassandra’s expense, who simply retorted by sticking out her tongue. The pilots continued to enjoy their breakfast as very little was said. That was until the General showed up with a stone face, “I’m going to have to ask you to wrap that up immediately and suit up.”

“Any clues as to why,” Jon asked.

“Yea, the Vertainians got lucky.” The general told them before raising his voice to talk to the crowd within the mess hall, “That goes for all of you! Finish you meals now and report to your command officers for briefing!”

No one had to be told twice as the crowd rose from their seats and began moving out of the mess hall. Maggie and Alice walked in step with Jon as the trio exited, the rest of the Wonderbolts trailing a few feet behind. “Any ideas Captain strategy,” Alice asked Jon.

“For once you got me.” Jon answered.

About ten minutes later, General Johnson began his briefing. “Alright quiet down and listen up, I’m sure you’re all concerned as to why I brought you here so quickly. It seems the Vertainians aren’t as dumb as we pegged them to be. They picked this invasion time much better than we had thought. For you see every seven years a massive storm cell forms over the Horseshoe River about twelve miles north of the bay. This storm makes it rain a lot in that part of Equestria, which could see the river rise from five to ten feet for a period of three days. Now this wouldn’t be a problem since our Merchant marines expected this and the ships that were sunk block the river to up to fifteen feet.

“However…Once every twenty years the hurricane storm cells from Vertania pass very close to Baltimare in what is called an El Nina. This rainstorm could flood the bay and its connecting river to up to twenty feet for five days. And very rarely do these two weather phenomenon sync up. So rare in fact, that our Commanders didn’t realize this until a weather reporter in Cloudsdale remembered this previously unknown fact.” The General continued, “When these two events sync up, the Horseshoe River can swell to up to thirty feet for a period of seven days. More than enough to allow the Vertainian Navy clearance to send their invasion force up the river. I’m sure you all know the ramifications if that were to happen. Our army is still massing outside of Baltimare to take it back, but if the fleet moves we’ll have no time to move them to defend Canterlot. Now I bet your wondering how soon this event will take place, well it will happen this weekend.”

That sobering fact struck home within the pilots. Ellen’s face turned pale as all the color was drained from it. Maggie didn’t break face but her eyes revealed a burning rage within them. They had been out guessed by the Vertainians for the second time. And now they only had two days to launch a proper offense or prepare a proper defense. Alice was equally enraged and stunned, but she did a poor job of hiding it. She was so mad that she snapped the pencil in her hand.

“That’s right, we got two days left before the rains come. There’s no more time to sit around and wait for the intelligence boys to find out the location of those burst missiles or the sharks.” The General said.

“How could we, after they missed something as big as this.” Tasha said softly.

“All comments aside Wonderbolt Three,” Johnson snapped, “We’re preparing a massive strike upon Horseshoe Bay. Your orders are this, fly into the bay from the west at low altitude to ensure detection avoidance. Once you enter the bay, target these four radar ships indicated on the screen.” The General said, raising a pointer stick to four red dots positioned around the harbor. Once he pointed all four of them out he lowered his pointer, “When you’ve sunk the four ships, that’s when our main strike force will engage. The rest of the EAG will enter from the same ingress route and engage the rest of the navy. You’re role will be to support them in this endeavor. Be forewarned, Horseshoe bay is within range of those Burst Missiles. Thankfully Eagle Eye has determined how to track these weapons from data taken during Baltimare’s fall. Monitor your radar when strikes are inbound. One more thing, the defenses around Baltimare are rock solid and heavy. For the time being, passage over the city is prohibited, we can’t lose any more men and women over there. We’re loading your planes with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles and Type-Five torpedoes fitting under your bellies. You’ll get at least eighteen harpoons thanks to the regeneration magic, unfortunately that trick won’t apply to the torpedoes so you’ll only get two of them. Use them sparingly.”

“Are we going to run into the MiG-41s?” Jon asked.

“That and whatever plane the Vertainians throw against us. They’ll be protecting those ships as fiercely as we want them destroyed. But just remember the Ace’s law and you’ll be fine. Now get out there and destroy the ships. Dismissed,” The General Dismissed.

The pilots all got to their feet, saluted, and left. Dash walked out of the room and onto the ramp, her eyes locked on the changing room and a spring in her step as she walked towards it. Her good feeling was long gone by that point. Canterlot was at threat again, and so to were Ponyville and the rest of Equestria. But she was more pissed over the fact that the intelligence bureau had failed to foresee something as simple as a weather phenomenon. Back when she was in Ponyville, stuff like this would’ve gotten her in serious trouble but would’ve amounted to nothing more than a stern lecture and a slap on the wrist. This was something far different, Equestrian lives were at stake! She couldn’t fathom how no one, not even the Royal Family, could see this coming.

As she continued to rant to herself, Ellen caught up to her and asked, “Wait what is the Ace’s Law?”

“Good question Ellen, I don’t even know what it means,” Alice answered before Dash could speak.

Dash didn’t look back at either of them when she spoke, “The Ace’s will never give up!”

Ellen stopped in her tracks after Dash said that. Then after pondering it for a moment, she resumed walking with the same fierceness as her teammate.

After getting her gear on, Dash headed out to her Reaper. Albert and his crew had just finished prepping the aircraft for her. “Yer ready to take off Miss Dash,” he asked.

“Born fucking ready,” Dash answered as he lowered the step ladder to let her climb up, accessed the cockpit, and climbed in.

“Good to hear Miss Dash, give those fucking shape shifters some for us would ye?” Albert smiled as he climbed up after her.

“Gladly,” Dash said as she began to strap in, “How is she?”

“She’s loaded with full fuel, plus full complement of Blue Jays and Harpoons, the latter of whom give you an extra eleven hundred pounds apiece. Those Torps you got, about another thousand pounds.” Albert told her.

Dash wrote down the weight and did the calculations for weight and balance. When everything checked out, she nodded to Albert, “Alright I’m good.”

“Good luck Miss Dash.” Albert nodded patting her shoulder.

With this due vote of confidence, Dash put on her helmet and began the engine start up sequence. “May Celestia smile upon us,” She said to herself.

“This AWACS Eagle Eye to Wonderbolts, stay at low altitude and fly towards the Vertainian navy.” Eagle eye called in, “You are restricted from flying above one thousand feet, we can’t risk having our surprise attack detected.”

“Roger that AWACS.” Spitfire answered.

She and the seven other Wonderbolts were flying in loose formation down the Horseshoe River, each plane flying level at six hundred and forty feet to avoid detection. The tree line was still a few hundred feet below them, but the way Rainbow was looking at them; you’d think they’d be a lot closer. She wasn’t new to low level flying, but this was the first time she was operating an armed aircraft below one thousand feet. And it was a bit nerve racking.

“I’m getting chills, if our pre-mission data is correct that city’s gonna be brimming with anti-air defenses.” Cloud Kicker lamented.

“Not to mention we still have nothing on those burst missiles.” Rainbow added.

“Still it would be nice to finally kick some Vertainian tail.” Derpy said.

“Hold the chatter commencing communications black out shortly. Maintain radio silence until you take out those Radar boats.” Eagle eye ordered.

“So long Eagle Eye!” Derpy said cheerfully.

“We’ll catch you on the flip side.” Lightning chipped in before the radios went silent.

Rainbow flipped off her radio and the sound of a record vinyl being scratched was heard. She focused on the path ahead of her. The river wasn’t a straight run towards Horseshoe Bay, the river curved and twisted making easy flight impossible. Worse yet precision flight was out of the question with the radio silence. This meant the Wonderbolts were going to have to steer their planes alone and hope their wingmates didn’t slam into each other. The one good thing they had going for them was the Wonderbolts were not going that fast. They were cruising at three hundred knots. As they reached the first of three turns, Rainbow eased the plane over into a shallow right bank to allow the Reaper to cruise through the turn.

As she did, she glanced over at her comrades. Thankfully all of them were easing their planes over quite nicely. Rolling out of the turn, the Wonderbolts began their run towards the next turn. All the while, Rainbow continued scanning the shore line and sky above for any patrols that might spot them. Fortunately none could be seen. The next turn was a left bank. Entering the turn, Rainbow held the throttle back to slide in behind Cloud Kicker and stay in formation. Glancing back only once, she saw Lightning and Derpy preforming the same trick.

Once the eight planes were through the turn, Rainbow added power back in to keep the formation together. She wasn’t sweating, her heart wasn’t pounding, and her breathing was even labored. Rainbow was used to this, and by now she had flown her Reaper enough to anticipate her moves. Rainbow was no longer flying it, she was flying with it. As they approached the third and final turn, Rainbow switched her weapons control online and activated the Torpedo tracker.

It wasn’t a standard device on the Reaper, since the aircraft wasn’t actually meant to carry torpedoes into battle, so the ground crew jury rigged the device from the aircrafts IFR (Instrument Flight Regulations) landing system. Apparently once she got the plane low enough and slow enough, the two bars, one vertical and one horizontal, that usually helped pilots line up centerline on the runway during less than perfect days for landing would line up and allow the torpedo to be deployed. Rainbow wasn’t exactly sure how that was going to work, but the Merchant Marine force had given it their blessings after they sunk their own ships blocking the river.

Soon enough, the turn came and the pilots eased over in a shallow right bank. As they passed through the final turn, the wrecks of the Merchant marine ships were visible. Some of the small fishing vessels, cargo transports, and one warship could be made out through the clear water of the Horseshoe River. As she rolled wings level Rainbow looked back at Lightning, who took a little longer to roll out. She obviously was saying good bye to her ex-lover. Rainbow couldn’t blame her, but right now there was no time for that. If they didn’t succeed, those men and women would’ve died for nothing.

Then the harbor came into view. At least eighty ships were moored within it, Battleships to Carriers, Cruisers and Destroyers, and of course landing craft and river vessels for the invasion. None of them seemed to be on alert as the Wonderbolts glided into the bay. Rainbow smiled to herself as she hooked up her mask, they had no clue they were coming.  Once they entered the harbor, the squadron split up into four teams of two instead of their usual teams. Before they had arrived within the combat zone, Spitfire had divided the initial strike package up into four teams that would attack the four ships. She and Soarin comprised the first team and would hit the north eastern ship. Fleetfoot and Fire Streak made up team two and had the Northwestern ship. Cloud Kicker and Rainbow took up the third team and would hit the south eastern vessel. That left Lightning and Derpy to take the final, south west vessel.

Rainbow stuck close to Cloud Kicker’s Starboard wing as they flew at low level towards the boat. As they drew closer, the two birds lowered their altitude to wave top level. The horizontal bar, that subbed in for altitude level, went to dead even in the middle of Rainbow’s Head’s up display. Soon she began to lower the speed as the horizontal bar crept its way towards the middle of the horizontal bar. It was a balancing act like no other, as if she was trying to balance herself on the edge of a knife with everything working against her.

On her display, she could see her targeting computer register kills on two of the four other boats in quick succession. Then as they were getting closer to their target, Rainbow spotted Spitfire and Soarin claiming their kill. Finally the two bars lined up perfectly. Rainbow put pressure on the left rudder petal to align with the ships stern and pulled the trigger. Cloud Kicker released her torpedo at the same time Rainbow did and the two fish began racing towards the boat. Instantly the two Reapers pulled up and over the Radar boat. Once they cleared it, their torpedoes hit. The boat’s bow blew clean off the ship while the stern erupted in fire. A third explosion happened moments later destroying the last Radar boat.

As they pulled out, Rainbow clicked her radio on and the same vinyl needle scratching sound was heard. Instantly following it was Eagle Eye screaming, “Enemy vessels sunk! All planes begin your attacks now!”

Just then a massive aluminum cloud descended upon the bay. It was the mass of Reapers and attack aircraft that made up most of the remaining Equestrian Air Guard. All the planes were armed with Anti-ship weapons hoping to take out the enemy vessels. Each of the pilots was gunning for a chance to get back at the Vertainians.

“There’s the counter attack signal, I’ve been waiting a long time for this day.” One of them said.

“This an important step if we want to take back Baltimare, failure is not an option.” Another added.

With due haste and furious vengeance, the force descended upon the bay, and the Battle for Horseshoe Bay began.

Rainbow kicked her aircraft over and swung around to reengage. Quickly diving back to wave top level, she saw the entire harbor erupt as anti-aircraft fire filled the sky. Her main goal was getting the second torpedo off of her, and she swooped in on an Ageis Missile Cruiser sending a barrage of missiles skyward. Lining up the crosshairs right on the ship’s bow, Rainbow pulled the trigger and released the fish. Instantly she pushed her throttle to maximum and roared over the vessel.

“This is Wonderbolt Six,” she said through a flurry of radio chatter, “Last torpedo away!” Instantly she switched her weapons control over to the Harpoons and automatically got good tones on a landing craft. She pulled the trigger and a missile went flying towards the boat.

“Enemy planes, all men scramble to defense stations, this is not a drill, repeat this is not a drill!” the Admiral of the fleet shouted, “All aircraft scramble to get airborne immediately!”

“All attacking aircraft, we’ve got fighters inbound from Baltimare International Airport and from those carriers.” Eagle Eye called in.

“Nothing we can do about the airport, but we can take out those carriers!” Spitfire shouted as she tore back into the fray.

All around the harbor, the Equestrian Air Guard strike force dove in from the west. All their guns, missiles, rockets, and torpedoes were gunning for the ships. Down below, the naval guns opened up at anything that flew in the sky and planes on the carriers decks launched the moment they reached the catapults to get airborne. Rainbow recognized these planes as the Sukhois and MiGs that had been a part of the initial engagement over Baltimare. Zooming in from the Northeast were the MiG-41s. As the battle progressed, Lightning and Derpy found it difficult to link up with Rainbow, who was diving and attacking any and all ships within the harbor. But after she blew the island tower off of a Carrier, her pull out allowed the two pilots to link up easier.

“Dash you don’t think you fly a little bit easier?” Lightning shouted as the trio rocketed over the bay.

“With all that’s at stake Lightning, you should keep up!” Derpy answered for Rainbow.

“I agree.” Rainbow said as she rolled inverted and dove back into battle.

“Attention all aircraft, more than thirty percent of Enemy fleet sunk, keep up the pressure they’ll fold soon.” Eagle Eye answered.

“What no outside help?” Fire Streak shouted as he bagged several aircraft.

Rainbow pulled out of her dive and sent a barrage of Harpoons towards a Battleship that was filling the sky with lead. After pulling up to avoid a collision, she spotted a MiG-29 flying past her trying to engage a Reaper from another Squadron. Rainbow quickly winged over and got on the Reapers tail. Derpy and Lightning hung in with her, but stayed a little ways back to allow any would be vengeful craft to jump in before they’d bag him.

Switching her system over to the Blue Jays, Rainbow waited until she got good tone. When that happened, she pulled the trigger and fired a Blue Jay. The missile struck the plane right in the tail section tearing it right off. Rainbow rocketed past her kill as a MiG-41 raced into her crosshairs. She was too close for the Blue Jays to be effective, so Rainbow switched to guns. Once she got her pipper right on the Shark, she squeezed the trigger and sent rounds into the back of the plane. Bullets and Cannon slugs tore through the aircraft, impacting the cockpit and killing the pilot. The plane nosed over and slammed into the sea causing a massive fireball. Rainbow would’ve admired the kill, but gun fire from a nearby boat forced her to climb away. Fire and smoke filled the harbor along with missile trails and gunfire. Oil and flame blanketed the sea as the attack continued.

After ten good minutes of combat, half the fleet was either sunk or burning. “Where’s the god damn Harvenger!” the Admiral shouted.

Rainbow, Lightning, and Derpy were racing out of the bay after knocking out the fighter and boat. Rainbow looked back to admire the combat, “Wonderbolt Six to Eagle eye, the ship are burning nicely.”

“Wonderbolt Six don’t underestimate the Vertainians; they’ll do whatever it takes to protect their fleet!” Eagle Eye said.

“Harvenger to Fleet command, sat-link acquired, stand by for Odo missiles. ETA seven minutes,” Another Vertainian voice came over the Radio.

Just then, Rainbow’s missile alerts began to blare. She looked around and could see no inbound missiles. She looked back at her Radar to see no lines that would indicate missiles on approach. “What the hell is this, my missile alerts are going off!” she shouted.

“Mine too!” called another pilot.

“Hold on! Enemy cruise missiles are in bound to the bay. They’re the burst missiles!” Eagle eye shouted, “I don’t know how their setting off your missile warnings but you’d better head them. Give me a few seconds and I’ll upload impact data’s to you.”

“We don’t have a few minutes!” Spitfire shouted as she and Soarin raced through AA fire trying to take out a MiG-29M.

After a nail-biting minute of radio silence, Eagle Eye came through. “Alright I’ve got the impact points; they’re marked by orange circles on your Radar. Either Exit the circles or stay below two hundred feet to terrain mask!” he shouted.

Rainbow looked at her Radar; seven circles appeared around the bay. And she was in one. Thinking quickly, Rainbow slammed the throttle forward to race out of the circle. Lightning and Derpy were already ahead of her as they had made the same move. Once the trio was safe and clear, Rainbow looked back.

“Missile’s impact in 5….4….3….2….1…Impact now!” Eagle eye called.

Sure enough a silver cruise missile flew into the bay. When it reached the middle of where the orange circle was on the map, it seemed to twinkle and jettison several streaks of light that rained down. It seemed like a twinkling star, or a firework about to go off. Rainbow thought it looked pretty. But within seconds those streaks of light became massive explosions that shook the harbor. Six more of those went off rocking the harbor, but thanks to Eagle Eye’s calculations, no EAG planes were caught in the explosions.

“What the fuck! Harvenger you didn’t get them!” the Admiral called out.

“Stand by more missiles inbound.” The Harvenger called back.

“Confirmed, more missiles on approach, expect seven minutes to missile impact.” Eagle Eye reported.

“Seven minutes? More than enough time come on girls!” Lightning said snap rolling back into combat.

Rainbow couldn’t complain nor did she try to stop Lightning. So she and Derpy mimicked Lightning’s turn and headed back into the battle. The rest of the EAG pilots figured the same thing. Missiles and bullets raced up towards them from the fleet below and from the city. But it did little to deter the pilots as they fired away at the enemy vessels. After another wave of missiles impacted the ships, only seven command ships and five landing craft were left. Most of the Vertainian Navy was either burning or at the bottom of the bay.

Survivors were floating in the sea with the oil, fire, debris, and the dead. The sky above became a blood bath as Vertainian planes became easy prey for the EAG. And when the Odo missiles did come, once again they were ineffective against Eagle Eye’s radar reports.

“Enemy threat level has dropped to under ten percent, well done pilots.” Eagle Eye called out.

Rainbow and her team linked up with the rest of the Wonderbolts as they soared over the harbor. Smoke nearly blocked out half of it, but it was a welcome sight. “Looks like it a job well done pilots.” Spitfire said.

Rainbow couldn’t help but pump her fist within the cockpit. Her mask covered the biggest grin she had had since the day she joined the Wonderbolts. Then twelve new blimps appeared on Radar from the East.

“Harvenger this is Dominion One, looks like your attacks were too soon too late. Our invasion fleet has been crushed.” A Vertainian Command pilot said.

“Fucking… Thanks for the report Dominion One; your orders are to get some payback on those pilots. Show them the error in messing with us.” The Harvenger commander responded.

“This is Dominion One roger that.” The pilot said.

The twelve aircraft came into view over the ocean; they were Twelve Black MiG-41 Sharks. Their background color was black, and on their backs they had a blue paint color that was similar to armor. Rainbow got a bad feeling in her stomach as she saw them approach.

“AWACS, what’s the drop on these guys?” Soarin asked.

“Not a clue,” Eagle Eye responded.

“AWACS this is Tango Five of the Kresper Squadron.” An EAG pilot chimed in.

“Go ahead Tango Five.” Eagle Eye responded.

“I remember hearing reports about an Ace Squadron within the Vertainian military, better than the rest of the Air Force. I believe their name was in fact Dominion.” He answered.

The Twelve MiGs were now closer to the main strike force, many had turned to meet them in battle.

“If that’s the case, we’re not going to be able to hold our own against them.” Tango Five added.

“Coward,” Lightning shouted.

“He’s got a point,” Soarin called, “We’re low on fuel and Ammo, it’d be suicide to engage.”

“Agreed, Eagle Eye to all aircraft Disengage and RTB, head West immediately.” Eagle eye called out.

“All Dominion planes; target the Equestrian Air Guard, pair up and take them down. Do not engage them single ship.” The Dominion squad leader called out.

“You heard AWACS team, pull out.” Spitfire said reversing course.

Rainbow took a quick moment to think about it as she watched the Dominion open fire on the EAG planes and take a few out with relative ease. Her ego commanded her to stay, but her common sense convinced her to go. Without hesitation, she banked left and spun the Reaper around. Putting the throttle to maximum, she and the rest of the Wonderbolts pulled out of the battle zone.

“I can’t believe we’re putting our tails to these guys!” Lightning said.

“Lightning,” Rainbow called in, “There will be another day. Right now let’s just get home safely.”

“She’s right, you’re not gonna help my family by flying into your own death.” Derpy answered.

“What about the rest of Baltimare?” Lightning asked.

“Same for that sweetie,” Fleetfoot answered.

Soon enough, the eight Wonderbolts as well as thirty of the rest of the attackers were over the mainland and racing up the coast. The Dominion squadron didn’t peruse them any farther than the coast.

“You’re out of the Danger Zone, Wonderbolts great work.” Eagle Eye called in.

With the mission a success, the Wonderbolts broke back for home.

By the time they got back, Alice was still fuming over the fact that they had left the battle so soon.

“We still could’ve had a shot to take out those Ace’s!” she shouted to Cassandra within the changing room.

“With what weapons huh? What fuel? Alice our job was to protect Canterlot and the rest of Equestria from that naval force and we did. I don’t remember the briefing including dealing a blow to the Vertainian air force just so we can have bragging rights.” Cassandra shot back.

“Does it matter?!” Alice shouted.

“ALRIGHT ENOUGH!” Jon roared, “Alice it’s a damn good thing you listened to command. Our orders were to evacuate after we took out those ships that’s it.”

Alice seemed defeated. And she proved it by turning to Maggie, “Come on Mags, I can bet even you are sore over turning away.”

Maggie had to give that one to her, she was sore they allowed the Dominion Squadron that victory. But Cassandra and Jon were right; combatting them would’ve been a very bad idea. Even the brash young Margret Dash knew when it was time to pull out. And because of that, Maggie said nothing.

Alice looked hurt as she gaped at Dash for not backing her up. Then after biting her lower lip, Alice slammed her helmet into her locker and said, “Thanks for the backup Wingmate!”

With a huff, Alice stormed out. Maggie lowered her head in a defeated sigh; this one wasn’t going to end well. After a moment of silence, she silently rose to her feet and walked out.

Ellen watched her go. And with a lamented sigh she said, “I don’t think Muffins will save this one.

Later on that night, Dash couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t aches and pains this time; it was her fight with Alice. Moreover it was her self-doubt. She was hatting herself for turning tail and bugging out with the best squadron in the Vertainian military staring them down. Her ego wasn’t about to let it die. Moreover, her loyalty towards Alice was making her cringe and regret not stepping to Alice’s side during her feud with Cassandra and Jon. Jon had rushed to Cassie’s defense during the fight, why hadn’t she?

It was gnawing at Dash, eating her from the inside out. So much so she decided to get up and walk down to the living room to watch some TV. But when she got there, a light in the neighboring room had caught her attention. When she walked in, she saw a tall and well-built gentleman helping himself to a drink from a Coffee pot. Dash knocked on the door to get his attention, “Excuse me but I’m not sure you can be here.”

The man turned around and looked at Dash with brown eyes, “Oh I’m sorry did I wake you up? I didn’t think I was being that loud.”

“No you didn’t, I couldn’t sleep anyway.” Dash told him. His voice sounded familiar, very familiar. “Eagle eye?” she asked.

“Brian Allen on the ground, and I guess your Wonderbolt Six, Callsign Rainbow?” he asked with a warm smile.

“Margret Dash,” Maggie introduced walking in.

“The hair gave it away,” Brian nodded, “Well since your still up, would you like some hot chocolate?”

Maggie nodded as Brian pulled out another mug and poured her some, “Come here often?”

“Only when I can’t sleep, my barracks is right next door with the rest of the crew in my Sentry. What about you, I’ve never seen you around here I take it this is your first night?” Brian asked.

“Yea, it is,” Maggie answered taking a sip of the hot chocolate. It wasn’t as good as Mr. and Mrs. Cake’s hot chocolate, but it was good enough.

“Mind if I ask what’s bugging you?” Brian asked.

Dash nodded, “Well Alice, or Wonderbolt Seven, is a little peeved over the fact that we had to turn tail without giving those Dominion planes a piece of our game.”

Brian nodded, “I can see how that must be tough, being Wonderbolts and all.”

“I’m stunned your calm about it,” Maggie smiled, “I figured it be tougher on you having to order us away.”

“I never said it wasn’t. Frankly I’m stunned you guys did pull back. However I can’t blame you. So let me guess, you didn’t rush to her defense when she picked her bone with Spitfire?” Brian asked.

Maggie nodded, “That and I’m a little pissed myself that we can’t go give them a piece of our mind.”  Then she took another drink of the hot chocolate, “But enough about me, what’s keeping you up?”

“Those damn burst missiles.” Brian answered, “The fact that our command team can’t pin down what’s launching them is bugging me.”

Dash nodded for a moment. It seemed the two of them were at a crossroads. “If only you could figure out where they were coming from. I mean you do operate the Radar, you’re bound to have a few charts detailing the missile flight paths.” Maggie said.

Just then an idea struck her. An idea that Brian also got in his head, “You know it wouldn’t be that hard for me to get that information.”

“Put together a couple of maps of the Atlantic Oceans, maybe we could figure out where their coming from.” Maggie continued.

“And then present it to the General in the morning. That’s actually a good idea.” Brian said, “Can you set up some tables while I get the information?”

Maggie nodded with a smile. Brian smiled back and then raced out to get his end of the bargain. Just after he left, Dash then got another idea. If she was going to go back on her hypocrisy of earlier today, she was going to have to apologize and include Alice. Quick as a flash, she raced off to Alice’s room.

Once she got there, Maggie quickly knocked on her door. After a moment Alice didn’t answer. Maggie knocked again this time harder. She could hear someone stir within the room, but that person was taking a long time to move. Maggie pounded again. Finally the door opened and Alice appeared out of it. She was covering her nude body with a bed sheet and part of the door, “What!”

“Get dressed and meet me in the living room I got an idea!” Maggie whispered.

Alice scoffed, “Uh no, it’s late I’m gonna go back to sleep and newsflash I’m still mad at you.”

She was about to go back inside when Dash stopped her, “Look, you were right I did want to go back in and fight those Dominion. And not doing it is really bugging me. But I just got done talking with Brian….”

“Who…?” Alice asked.

“Eagle Eye,” Rainbow clarified, “Anyway, he thinks he’s got a way of tracking the launch point of those missiles. If we’re lucky we might even get some information for the Dominion’s home base. Now please help me!”

Alice stood there looking at Dash for a moment. Then she said, “Can I at least get dressed first.”

Maggie smiled, “Thanks wingmate.”