I stood back in the bridge of the Nimbostratus. At General Lightning Arcs request, I came back up from the brig, stopping only to inform Lieutenant Strings of the bodies. I didn’t mention the one that we found breathing. I wouldn’t mention it to anyone. Quick agreed with my decision, and vowed to do the same.

The General turned from his staff and walked over to me. “Captain. First off I would like to congratulate you and your team on infiltration the Raptor and securing it. My staff estimates that Shining Star only retains one-third his fighting force now. We now have the Nimbostratus, though stripped of most of her components, back in our hooves, thanks to you Captain.”

“I was just doing my duty sir, and I couldn’t have taken it without the others winning the battle outside.”

Lightning arc gave a smirk. “Still, you played a more than appreciated part, and thats not limited to this battle. Throughout this entire campaign you have proven yourself to be more than resourceful. Captain Flurry would be proud.”

That struck something in me. “I can only hope so sir.” I said, a bit quieter than intended.

He stood there, quiet for a moment. As if he understood how I was feeling. Thats what I liked about the General. He wasn’t your run-of-the-mill officers. He gave a buck about his troops. “Well, keep it up Captain, you’ll be playing a major part in the upcoming operation. But right now, I would like you to view a message, left by Shining Star.” With that he nodded over to another officer by the controls. The officer nodded and pressed a button on the console.

A hologram appeared above the main console, on it was Shining Star. He wore an easy, smug grin. But something was off. I couldn’t put my hoof on it.

“Hello Lighty!” He said sardonically.. “Whelp, if you’re watching this then you must have taken my ship. No matter, I didn’t need it!” He gave a snort. “Say, have you seen the brig? It was so bland! So I had it redone. These griffons sure know modern decor.” His lips curled up into a sickening grin as I felt my jaw tighten. “Now, Lighty, hear me out. You have the guns, sure, but you don’t have THE gun. So just turn the fleet back around and head for home. There’s not an earth ponies chance in the sky that you can win this. If you really care about your men, you’ll listen.”

With that the video died. I turned to the general. “Sir, you’re not considering abandoning the war are you?”

“No, captain, I am not. We will take a couple of days to prepare, then we will start our offensive campaign. I will send for you sometime soon. I want your input and experience for planning reasons. Until then, captain, relax a bit, and that goes for the rest of your team as well.” He gave a slight smile at the end.

“Yes sir.” I saluted and walked away.

I stepped through the doors and spotted Misty and Quick sitting over near the stairwell. I trotted over to them and nodded for them to follow me out.

*** *** ***

I let out a sigh of relief as I set the shot glass down on the table. I was getting some strange glances from the other bar patrons. Even the bartender had seemed a bit offset at seeing an officer -blech- in the open bar. I didn’t feel like going to the officers club, and I wanted to drink with my friends.

The welcome warmth of whisky was spreading through me, and that elicited another relaxed sigh.

“Gee Capn’, it’s as if you aint had a drink in years.” Quick drawled with a smirk.

“Honestly Quick, its been too long.” I retorted.

Misty took a casual sip of her wine. Since when did they have wine in this joint? I thought, but didn’t say.

“How is Nurse Steel doing?” She asked

I smiled at the thought of such a beautiful mare. “Great, just great.”

“What color is her room?” Quick asked with a wry grin.

“A light blue why- Damn booze!” I swore under my breath, too late to stop myself.

Quick and Misty both started to laugh, the former tearing up and the latter just shaking her head.

“Hey misty, theres a Lieutenant I’d love for you to meet! Good guy, hansom- ow!” I yelled as Quiks hoof met my leg. I rubbed it with a triumphant grin.

“He sounds lovely captain, but I’m already involved with another stallion.” She said with a grin, looking to Quick.

“Oh yeah? What’s his name? Ow! Damn it! Quick, cut that shit out!” I ordered as I rubbed my leg again and the two began to laugh.

*** *** ***

“Ow! Sorry!” I hissed as I smacked my hoof of the edge of another rack. I made my way back to my barracks, only stumbling a few times. Now I just had to make it to my rack. It proved a slight challenge as I seemed to be bumping in to every other one. I stepped to what I assumed was my bunk and saw a smaller stallion scrubbing at the floor. He glanced over and noticed me as well. He snapped to a salute.

“Sorry sir! Just getting the blood of the floor.” He apologized.

I placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Thank you, kind sir. I truly appreciate it.”

“No trouble sir, just following orders.”

“No really. Thank you so much.”

He gave me a curious glance then sniffed the air. “Sir? Are you drunk?”

“As a skunk!” I said loudly.

“Shuddup will ya? I’m tryin’ to sleep!” Someone called out from the dim room.

“Oh, sorry! As a skunk!” I whispered. “Well, g’nite!” I said, patting the sober pony on the back as I flopped into my bunk.

I gave a content sigh as I felt the embrace of sleep take hold

Author's Note

I know, it's a very short chapter. But I've been really busy lately and wanted to get SOMETHING out. I'll get started on chapter 14 later today. Enjoy!