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.

Author's Note

I can't tell you guys how sorry I am for not writing for so long. It was a mix of writers block, personal responsibilities, and laziness. I'm trying to write a lot more now and I hope I can deliver to your expectations. I'd like to thank all my editors as well and all those who read this and gave me feed back. I'm always open for constructive criticism and any ideas you might have. Thanks for reading!