I opened the door to the senior conference room and was greeted by the stares of over twenty ponies whom I didn’t know. Some of them looked awkward, some looked eager, and some looked like they just didn't give a damn. I entered the room and shut the door behind me. I then proceeded to the head of the table to the only vacant seat.

What the buck do I say? I thought as I scanned over everypony. Each one wore a new, shiny, gold bar on their uniforms. I then realized I was the only one not wearing anything. Better get this show on the road.

“I am Staff Sergeant Thunder Wing. General Lightning Arc has asked me to talk to you all about what to expect down there.” This caused most of them to nervously glance at one another. Something was telling me that the brass didn’t pick a single pony who had actually fought so far for the field promotions. “Lets start with the enemy. Griffins. Fast, tedious, and deadly. From what I’ve seen they all carry some form of old world conventional firearm, and some even carry blades. Even when they do not have a weapon, their claws are razor sharp and can easily decapitate a pony. They also have implemented grenades and even long range artillery.” Some of the new officers were writing this down, or something, on note pads. Others just listened. But not a single one of them wasn’t paying attention. “Next, surviving. The key to surviving down there is teamwork. You need to have your teams back, and they’ll have yours. Keep all your gear on, your armor will absorb most of their small arms. Just don’t let them get in close. They’re fast fliers too. Don’t try to outrun, I don’t care how fast you are, outmaneuver them. Get behind ‘em, and dust ‘em.” I took a deep breath and let it out. “Any questions.?” A mint light yellow stallion with a sapphire blue mane raised his hoof. I nodded for him to ask.

“What do we do if we’re captured?” He asked in a worried tone that he tried to hide.

I blinked. The only thought that ran through my mind was ‘pray’. “I’m gonna be honest. Its gonna suck so bad you’ll wish you were dead. But don’t worry, we will find you, or die trying. I promise you that.” He seemed to process that. “Don’t get captured is my best advice on that. Kill ‘em all, or fight to the death.”

“What about artillery? What do we do about it?” This one was smokey gray with an electric blue spiked mane.

“My best guess is keep your heads down until an aerial recon team can spot it and wipe it out. Or call for ship support.” He jotted my words down onto his pad. I stood there for a couple of seconds in silence. “Anything else?” Silence. “Thats all gentlemen. Stay alert, and kill as many of them as you can.” They began standing and leaving. I waited till the last one left to exit myself.

I closed the door and turned around to walk back to my rack. I stopped just a few inches short of running into another stallion. “My bad.” I apologized.

“Staff Sergeant thunder Wing?” He asked me.

“Thats me.” I replied as I looked at him. He was my height with a dark blue coat and a mane and eyes to match.

“I’m Captain Spiral Flux. I’m, uh, filling in Captain Flurrys position.” He ended meekly. “I’m sorry for his loss.”

“Thank you Captain, we all miss him. What can I help you with?”

“The general would like to see you in his office when you get the chance.”

Why wasn’t I surprised? “Thank you Captain. I’ll head there right now.” I said with a nod.

He returned my nod and headed past me, farther down the hall. I started the short walk to the generals office. I also realized that captain hadn’t once requested a salute or gave me one.

He must be really green.

*** *** ***

I arrived at Lightning Arcs office and knocked on his door.

“Enter.” He called from inside.

I opened the door and entered the dark room. The only source of light was the lamp on his desk.

“You requested to see me sir?” I asked. The general didn’t wear his usual smile. Instead, he now wore a somber look over a glass, of what smelled like whiskey, on his desk.

“Yes I did Thunder. With all that has happened so quickly, we haven’t had time to take certain actions in light of events.” He took a swig from his glass. “Captain Flurry left his last will and testament in my care incase he were to die in battle. He didn’t have any family back home, and he didn’t have very many close friends. So upon reading his will. He left three things. Two things to you, and one to me.” I sat there, letting all this register as he reached into his desk. He brought up and set in front of me, Flurrys sunglasses. The aviators he always wore to cover his eyes. He went down again, and brought up the final item. He set down on his desk a Captains rank insignia.

I simply blinked at it. When I realized I had the power of speech, I simply asked, “Sir?”

He set his glass down. “Along with his glasses, Thunder, he left you his rank. I approved of the promotion. Congratulations.” He took another gulp.

I picked the rank up in my hooves and looked at it. I’d never been keen on the idea of being commissioned, but I couldn’t turn this down. I’d do it for the Captain. “Thank you sir.”

The general gave a snort. “Don’t thank me, Captain. Thank Flurry.”

“Sir, if I may ask, what did he leave you?” My curiosity got the best of me.

He raised his glass some. “His old bottle of Silver Mane.” He then got up and walked back behind to a small cabinet in the back of the room. He pulled down a glass and then filled it. He brought it back over and sat it down in front of me before returning to his seat.

“To you Captain.” He raised his glass.

“No,” I raised mine. “To the Captain.”

*** *** ***

I sat out in the open top of the Victorious, right outside of the medical wing, enjoying the late night breeze. I checked my watch. 19:48. After seeing the general I figured I’d put my new insignias on my uniform and wear it to take Steel out.

I heard the automatic doors slide open and my heart and I both leapt off the bench. Out walked the black maned beauty who almost immediately noticed me. My smile only grew as hers appeared and she walked over towards me. Though it had only been a day of not seeing her, it felt like an eternity.

“Thunder, dear, I think you might have, somehow, accidently put on somepony elses uniform.” She said with an amused smile.

I gave a slight chuckle. “No, I’m in the right one.” I watched her as she looked at me, then the insignias pinned upon my collar, then back to me.

“Why don’t I believe you?” She gave with a skeptical look I found oddly sexy.

“It’s true, i’m not lying.” I pawed at the ground. “Flurry left me his rank in his Will.” I said slightly sheepish. I felt the warm embrace of hooves.

“I don’t know what to say Thunder. I’m sorry, Captain Flurry was a good man.” She quietly said into my ear.

I returned the embrace. “I am too, and he was. He left me his sunglasses too, and the General his Scotch.”

We let go of each other. “You’ll make him proud, I know you will.”

I smiled and gave her a nod. “Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to head to the NCO club tonight?”

She gave a slight frown at this. “Sweety I wish I could, but I’ve been in operations all day and have more in the morning.”

My smile never faltered. “Thats fine, another time.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Let me walk you to your room?”

“And who says chivalry is dead?” She gave a little half smile, that again, I found oddly sexy.

*** *** ***

I sat there in my bunk, poking at the captains bars in my other hoof. Over the drinks, the General informed me that I wouldn't be taking over any new responsibilities, but if the needs we’re to arise I would. We wouldn’t being seeing combat any time soon either.

The Victorious and the Pyrocumulus would hold over the ammo dump we assaulted and destroyed just a few days prior. Until we had a plan, we couldn't do much but wait. We weren’t getting another Raptor for support either. We we’re to take back the Nimbostratus, and the Colonel alive if possible.

I’d see to it that didn’t happen.

I climbed out of my rack and placed the bars into my locker, then climbed back into bed. I pulled the sheets up around me. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep. Who knew, maybe I’d have a pleasant dream.

*** *** ***

I woke up unusually late the next morning. I slid out of my bunk and gave a good stretch and yawn before I’d head to the chow hall. It was late as is, so I was skipping my morning workout. I gave a final shake to clear the mental fog that accompanied waking up, grabbed the aviators from my locker and put them on, and set course for the chow hall.

*** *** ***

I took a seat at an empty table and began eating. I had brought my book with me. I figured I could get some reading done, seeing as how I had no obligations to fulfill today. It saddened me that I had this book for months and have barely made a dent in it.

I leisurely read the page, finding it hard to find interest. I was almost as excited about the book as I was about the food I was eating.

Somepony sat down across from me and I looked up, only to lock eyes with the most beautiful mare. I smiled, forgetting about the book and food all at once.

“Isn’t it a bit late for breakfast?” She asked with that amused smile.

“My dear, I am far more refined than you think. This is brunch.” I said with a faux-unimpressed look, to which she simply maintained a smirk and rolled her eyes.

“Right. Anywho, I only had one surgery scheduled and that was earlier this morning, aside from that I have the rest of the day off... I figured we could spend the day together. If you wanted to that is!” She almost seemed nervous. It was adorable.

“I’ve got nothing to do but hurry up and wait.” I said. I was happier than I was letting on.

She smiled that heart melting smile. “Wonderful!” She seemed to be blushing slightly. “I need to take a shower first though, dear. You’re more than welcome to wait in my room while I do so.” She said as she stood and walked away.

I didn’t even bother to take my tray to the return station, I simply left it on the table as I grabbed my book and ran after her.

*** *** ***

“Feel free to make yourself at home while I freshen up.” Steel said as I closed her quarters door. She then proceeded into the bathroom.

I noticed a bookcase in the corner of the room, and couldn’t help but wonder what kind of material Steel would fancy. I set my book on her bed and walked over to begin looking at some of the numerous volumes on the shelves. I was almost surprised when I realized all these books were of a very mature nature. Fifty Shades of Hay? The Butler Door on The Barn? The last book to catch my attention was titled ‘Silver Covered Star’, written by one S. Strings.

“Ahem” I heard Steel clear her voice from the bathroom. I looked to the half shut door as the sound of the running shower reached my ears. “Thunder, dear, would you care to join me. I could use a hoof… in getting my back.” She called out, in such away that made any resistance I wouldn’t put up useless.

As a smile and warmth grew, and not wanting to be rude and keep her waiting, I drifted to the steaming bathroom.

*** *** ***

After a nice, long, hot shower, and a shorter, colder one after that, Steel and I left her quarters. “Well, that was quite the refreshing shower.” Steel gave with a sultry smirk.

“Yeah, but the sex was my favorite part.” I said. Resulting in her playfully nudging me with an almost-irritated glare.

We left the Staff Quarters and into the Medical Wing. We rounded a corner a bit too quickly and I ran head on into another stallion, sending the papers he was holding everywhere.

“Sorry!” We both seemed to say in unison. We both knelt down and started collecting the scattered papers. Once we stood I handed him what I collected and apologized once more.

“It’s alright, sir.” He seemed uneasy. “I wasn’t watching where I was walking.” From the gold bar on his starched uniform I could tell he was a new replacement Lieutenant. He adorned a nametag, a rare thing to do. It only showed how green he really was. It read Silver Strings.

Wait a minute… I raised an eyebrow. “Lieutenant,” He looked almost terrified. “You wouldn’t happen to be a writer would you?” A smirk starting to grow across my muzzle.

He visibly began to turn red in the face as he stammered. “M-maybe a l-little bit s-sir.” He spat out.

Satisfied with the answer, I nodded in approval. “You know where you're going son?.”

“I-Im a little l-lost sir.” He gave. “I’m looking f-for the logistics wing.”

“This is Medical, exit through the topside entrance and the building off to your right is it” I told him.

He nodded, still nervous as hell. “Thank you sir.” With that he departed.

I looked over at Steel, who had adopted bright red cheeks and a scrunched up nose. I simply lowered my glasses and winked at her.

*** *** ***

The sun warmed our fur as we walked around topside of the Victorious. Even the steel of the ship was heating up under the constant rays of light. No matter how warm we got, we stayed close together, Steel leaning against me. I could do this till the end of time.

“It’s so nice up here.” Steel said quietly.

“It is.” I replied, kissing the side of her head. “It’s pretty nice on the ground too. You know, when you’re not getting shot at.” I said with a smirk.

She nudged me slightly. “Speaking of that,” She started. “You need to quit being so reckless down there. You’ve had more holes in you than any one pony should!”

“I can’t have a hobby?” I tried being as innocent as possible, but alas, ended up breaking my poker face and laughing as Steel rolled her eyes.. Then an idea popped into my head. “Hey, I just thought of something. Lets head for the squad bays.” This’ll be great!

“The squad bays?” She certainly didn’t expect me to say that. “Honey, what could we possibly do down there? If you’re thinking what I think you are, I’m a bit sore from our shower.”

“That’s not the reason.” I said with a chuckle. “Although I’ll have to remember that one.” I winked at her, in vain I suppose a I had my glasses on. “Lets call it a surprise.”

She blinked slowly. “A surprise?” She questioned.

I nodded eagerly.

“Should I be excited or scared?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

I gave a snort as I rolled my eyes. “Just c’mon.” I motioned with my head and started walking.

*** *** ***

“Thunder, sweetheart, I’m not supposed to be down here. Are you sure we should be doing this?” Steel asked, for the sixth time in the past five minutes.

I rolled my eyes. “It’s fine, you’re with me. No one is gonna stop us.”

“So now that you have a commission you can do whatever you want, huh?” She asked playfully.

I snorted.

We branched off from the hall leading to the squad bays and followed another narrow corridor towards a place I didn’t visit enough. The firing range. I could hear the muffled pop of a traditional firearm from deep within the range. Steel could hear it too. “What is that?” She asked, her ears moving slightly to pick up the sound better.

“A rifle. A sniper must be at the range right now.” I replied.

She silently mouthed the word “oh” and we continued in. We were on the other side of the wall that had Hail Frost’s window. Hail Frost himself sat in a fairly large square space, separated from the rest of the room by a counter that formed the three sides of the square with chainlink rising up from the counter to the ceiling. The only break in the counter was a single door, opposite of his squad bay window.

Hail Frost noticed us walk in and trotted over the the counter nearest to us. “Sergeant Thunder Wing, what a surprise.” He didn’t sound to be kidding.

“Hail Frost,“ I said with a nod. “And its Captain now.” I motioned to my Captains bars with my nose.

His eyes moved to them and his look seemed to sag for a moment. “I can assume how you got those. Captain Flurry will be missed dearly.” He snapped into a more joyful mood. “So whos this pretty filly?” He looked to Steel.

I looked to her as she smiled. “This is Steel. Steel, this is Hail Frost.”

“Its a pleasure to meet you.” She said.

“Please, the pleasure is all mine.” Hail replied. “So Thunder, I suppose the General will be sending me a statement approving of you bringing your marefriend down here?” He asked, eyebrow raised and a smug smirk if I’d ever seen one.

“Ya know, he gave me it to bring to you, but I must have dropped it. My word will do though,” I gave with a strained smile. I could feel the ‘I told you so’ glare of Steels burning into the back of my head.

Hail rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Alright, so what’ll it be?”

“Just a laser pistol.” I replied. A rifle would require her having to put on a battle saddle, and a pistol would be fine. Like I said, you fire one, you’ve fired em all.

He turned towards another trunk on a table and unlocked it with the key around his neck. “Alright, one LAEP coming up!” He popped the lid up and reached in. When his head came back up he had a small, shiny, LAEP-19b in his mouth. It looked new, but Hail Frost took care of every weapon on the ship, and he didn’t half ass it.

Thats one job I’d hate. Having to clean the thousands of weapons in the armory. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy cleaning my rifles, but thats two, well, four, weapons. He cleans THOUSANDS. Buck. That.

He trotted over to a small open slot in the chain link and slid the pistol over to us. He then reached under the counter and slid some spark batteries to us as well. “Enjoy. Just hold off heading in till the snipers done. Don’t want you to get your eardrums blown out.” He chuckled.

We nodded and I picked up the pistol and spark batteries as steel went to take a seat along the wall. I trotted over and took a seat next to her. “You’re gonna love this, trust me.” I grinned.

“I don’t know. I’ve never used one, nor had I planned to.” She retorted.

My grin grew. “Good thing you met me then huh?” I nudged her side, getting a small squeak in response.

The door to the range opened and the sniper stepped out. The first thing I noticed was their target, which they were holding. Untouched except for the entire bullseye was missing. My jaw dropped slightly from such impressive shooting. They had to have fired at least thirty rounds since I could hear their shots.

The second thing I noticed, was the shooter. Misty. My jaw dropped even further.

“Thanks for keeping her clean Hail Frost.” She said, her voice timid as usual. She detached her rifle from her side and slid it through the slot. Then her now empty ammo box. She turned to head out the door, but her eyes caught mine, peeking over my aviators.

“Oh, hello sergeant, steel.” She nodded to us respectfully.

“Hi.” Steel greeted.

“Misty.” I nodded. “Impressive shooting. I complimented.

She looked down at her target, then back at me. “Oh, well its alright. The range only extends to 300 yards.” She said honestly.

“So modest.” I laughed.

She seemed to shrink a bit. “Oh I didn’t mean to seem brash or anything.”

I laughed again. “I’m just kidding Misty, carry on.”

“Alright sir. Oh, uhm, Sergeant. I think you’re wearing the wrong uniform.” She pointed out.

I blinked. “What? Oh, no, I was promoted.” I pawed at the ground. “Captain left me his rank in his will.”

“Oh.” She seemed to ponder that. “Well, congratulations, Captain.”

“Thanks Misty.”

With that she picked up her target and left. I turned to Steel. “Shall we?”

She looked to the door, then back at me. “I guess.” She said nervously.

I stood up, pistol and spark batteries in my pockets, and trotted to the door. “Mares first.” I grinned as I opened the door.

“Such a charmer.” She said as she walked into the range. I followed suit.

We walked to the first stall and I set the equipment on the small countertop. I pressed the screen on the stall wall with a hoof and it came to life, giving me two options. Laser, or conventional. I clicked laser and a score of target options appeared. I chose the simple rings and bullseye. Next was the option for range. I clicked 10 yards. With the final options chosen, the magical energy target appeared in the stall. It glowed with a blue hue and illuminated the darkness between us and it. Then I looked to Steel.

“Alright, load your weapon.” I motioned to her.

She looked at the pistol, then at me blankly. “How do I do that?”

“Oh, right. Press that little button on the side there.” I pointed with a hoof.

She seemed reluctant at first, but pressed the small flat button with the tip of her hoof, causing the small battery hatch to open. “I broke it!” She jumped.

I almost lost my composure there. “No you didn’t, now you just gotta slide your spark battery in.” I said with a grin that was starting to hurt.

She picked up a spark battery and slid it into the chamber. “Like this?”

“Perfect.” I replied, earning me a smile she was trying to hide. Alright now pick it up, line up the little needle in the front and the ring closest to your eye.” She did so. “Now line those up with the center of the target.”

“The center small ring?” She asked around the mouthpiece.

I chuckled. “Yeah, the small ring in the middle. Now once you line it up, control your breathing, don’t shake any. Take in a deep breath, exhale half of it, then squeeze the trigger.”

After a couple of seconds of breathing, she did as instructed. A bolt of red hit the target in the blink of an eye. Dead center.

“I-is that good?” She asked, setting the pistol on the counter.

“Very good, you hit it dead on!” I nuzzled her neck then gave her a kiss under her ear. “Now do it again.”

“Alright.” She seemed far more comfortable now. She picked up the pistol and took aim.

*** *** ***

When we left the sun was nearly set and the stars were coming out. We’d spent a good amount of time, and not to mention a good amount of Hails ammo, inside the range.

“It’s so beautiful out tonight.” Steel said, gazing at the sky.

Personally I’d never really taken a liking to the stellar beauty of the night sky as others had. But I wasn’t looking at the sky. I was looking at Steel. “Yeah, it is.”

She caught me out of the corner of her eye and blushed. “Oh stop.”

I moved closer and gave her a quick kiss. “No.” I protested, wrapping my hooves around her in a warm hug.

“Aren’t you just such a charmer?” We both gave a small laugh, finding comfort in the warmth of our embrace. Closing our eyes and enjoying the moment.

“Steel?” I quietly asked her.

“Hm?” She almost seemed asleep.

“I just want you to know, I love you.” I could feel her hooves tighten around me.

She opened her eyes and looked at me for a long moment. She closed the distance and we shared a passionate kiss. Once we broke it she laid her head against my chest. “I love you too, Thunder.”

Author's Note

Sorry again guys, it took the editors a bit longer to get to this after I finished it. I already have a lot done with the next chapter so it should be out soon, if that helps any. Again, thank you all for reading, I really appreciate it and any input you guys may have I would love to hear. I'd like to thank Silver, Flux, and others for their feedback and help so far. I 'll try to get more typing done guys I promise!