Pirates of Equestria

6: Hunt

Shining Armor enters the guard outpost which is now beginning to look like a fully functional base of operations. Several Wonderbolts as well as some new pegasi Royal Guards fly in. Soarin flies ahead to meet with the Wonderbolts and make preparations for the coming operation. Though Wonderbolts are normally an aerial acrobatics group, their skills in the air have made them a key asset to the Royal Guard. The group that Soarin brought with him are all a part of a classified section of the Wonderbolts that operate as an elite aerial strike force. With nearly double the speed and agility as the pegasi from the Royal Guard, the Wonderbolt strike team is an enormous asset for the prince.

Shining looks over the newly arrived unicorn officers to see that the request he made was fulfilled in full. As he makes a head count of his troops, he notes the air of distain from the guards as he walks through the base. Though the troops give all respect to the crown prince, their looks of despise are directed to the settler pony who keeps close. Braeburn hardly notices the looks from his new fellow soldiers and gives each a naïve smile and greeting. Shining tries to ignore the attitude of his troops, trying to attribute it to their unwillingness to work with a new, untrained pony such as Braeburn.

“They’ll warm up to him eventually,” Shining says to himself. “I hope.”

Shining contemplates his next step. He needs to inform his troops about the situation and how they will be going about accomplishing the task of bringing Sky Runner to justice. He signals Soarin to join him a moment.

“Gather the troops together in the center of the base. I have some important things to discuss.”

“You got it boss.” Soarin salutes and flies off, making his way around the outpost.

Shining heads to the center with Braeburn in tow. He gathers together several crates to form a makeshift stand. He waits for several minutes as the guards and Wonderbolts gather together for the prince’s briefing. Once the troops are gathered Shining climbs to the top of his stand and looks the crowd over. Many of them are anxious for action while a few are still reeling from the assassination event. The prince pushes his own worry aside and begins.

“As you all know, an assassination attempt was made on Princess Celestia. The prime suspect is a former member of the Canterlot Royal Guard named Sky Runner. He was captured during the event but has since escaped. It is known that he killed eight guards during his escape and currently remains at large.”

The crowd starts to murmur hearing the reminder of the assassination attempt. Some scowl while others are filled with dread. Shining recognizes some of the guards from his first arrival. Fear and worry cover their faces at the simple fact that one pony was able to out match several squads of elite guards and even kill eight members all alone. Despite that, each seems more confident now that they have help and the leadership of the prince of the Crystal Empire.

Shining continues his speech. “Whether he acted alone during the assassination attempt or not still remains unknown. Currently, Sky Runner is believed to be alone but he is to be considered highly dangerous. His recent actions aside, he is a former member of the Elite Royal Guard and was next in line to receive promotion to Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Shining notices several scowls when he mentions the last piece of information. Some belong to the same ponies that scowled at Braeburn earlier. They are also the same who scowled earlier in the speech. The prince once again pushes his worry aside. He has no time to deal with the personal thoughts or grudges of these ponies.

“As a former member of the royal guard,” the prince continues, “Sky Runner is highly trained in combat and has always had an extraordinary skill in fighting. He has adapted himself to be able to utilize all parts of his body in a fight. As such he is highly skilled in using his wings during combat, making him far more lethal and unpredictable. He also possesses a keen strategic mindset, allowing him to outsmart even several opponents as he has demonstrated. He is not to be taken lightly.

“Our primary objective is to find and capture Sky Runner. The unit will divided up into small pursuit squads with unicorns searching by land and pegasi searching by air. The current mission is to find Sky Runner. Given his skill and lethality, all squads are advised to keep a distance and not to engage unless absolutely necessary. Once he has been located, you will relay the information so that all squads may converge and work together to bring him down. The task will be to capture. Elimination of the target is a last resort only.

“There is still a great deal we don’t know about the attempt on Princess Celestia’s life and information is necessary. Once Sky Runner has been captured, he will be interrogated regarding the assassination attempt and brought to trial for his actions. You will all now report to Lieutenant Soarin for your squad assignments. DISMISSED!”

The unit breaks off and heads over to Soarin while Shining climbs down from his stage. Braeburn wanders over with a confused look.

“Uh, Mister Prince Shinin’ Armor sir?”

“Yes?”

“What group am I supposed ta be with?”

Shining smiles at the settler pony. “Actually, you will be with me. You and I will be a squad.”

“Are you sure that is a good idea?” Shining looks over to see Soarin making his way over. “I mean it will just be you and him and, frankly, he’s not much of a fighter. You know that.”

Shining looks out at the rest of the troops as they search for their squad mates. “I have a better chance of handling Sky than three of these squads put together. Not only because of my skill but because I know him.” He looks at Braeburn, “As long as you make sure to stay with me at all times unless we have to fight Sky. Keep your distance from him you’ll be fine.”

Braeburn smiles and gives the best military salute he can. “You can count on me Mister Prince Shinin’ Armor, Sir!”

The prince smiles at the settler pony, reminded of Soarin back in the day. While Braeburn possesses the heart and courage to meet the challenge, he still lacked the skill. No level of determination will grant him the physical needs. Plus he is far more naïve than Soarin ever was. Worry sets in as Shining starts thinking that he didn’t push Big Macintosh hard enough to join. He could use the work horse’s guidance right now. Big Mac had always been wise beyond his years.

Once each of the squads had finally gathered, Soarin gives the signal to move out and takes off with his squad. Shining watches each squad move out, waiting until everyone had left before leaving himself. With Braeburn in tow, the prince heads off to begin his search. He hopes he can find his old friend before any other squad does. It will be the only way to settle things right and find the truth behind his actions.