I woke up that morning, feeling something I hadn't felt in what seemed like years. I was sore. My whole body ached from the battle and before. I sat up and moved my rear hooves off the side of the bed, then my front hooves, and finally I tipped myself out of my rack into a standing position.

I started for the mess hall. I skipped eating last night and was paying for it now. My stomach was rumbling in anger at me, demanding food. I checked my watch. 06:30. I could still beat the crowd.

*** *** ***

I was “enjoying” the usual “food” they had in the morning, as usual. I really hope they had better food before the war.

“Sergeant Thunder,” I heard Flurrys cool voice say as he passed behind me. I didn’t regard him, as I was sure he would be taking a seat in front of me. Why do the brass always wanna talk to me?

Flurry moved around the table and sat down across from me. Called it.

“Well don’t rush to get up or anything.” He chuckled.

I kept my eyes on my food as I gave the most half assed salute I’d given throughout my military career.

“Anyways. I have somethings I needed to discuss with you. First and foremost, what you stopped.” He said as he slid a folder stamped “CLASSIFIED” towards me.

I raised an eyebrow and slid my food over to make room for it. I opened the file and scanned the page.

“An invasion of Equestria?” I had questions, but that was just natural. I really didn’t care. “So? Let the raiders and slavers have at ‘em.” I said as I slid the folder back over to him.

He gave a slight chuckle. “They knew of the Enclave. Our forces clashing was inevitable.”

“Forces?” You say that as if they've raised an army.” I pointed out amusingly.

The captain gave a strong laugh. “Thunder I admire your doubt in all but the Enclave,” He said with a smirk, “but they do have an army. A big one.”

One thing I couldn't stand was someone having doubt in the most powerful organization in the known world. Especially an officer in its own military. But he was an officer and I was enlisted. I stayed my tongue.

“How many?” I asked, a hint of anger in my voice that I tried not to show.

“From the documents we captured after the battle, around twenty thousand.” He said, holding that easygoing look on his face.

I swallowed any rash outburst most ponies would let out at the astonishing number. “Twenty thousand, Captain?” I asked, swallowing again.

He nodded again. “Its a rough estimate. Depending on how old these files are they could have more or less.”

“Sir, please tell me they’re sending more men.” We were gonna need it to fight a war on that scale.

To my relief he nodded. “The Nimbostratus in enroute. We have shotty maps of major encampments and a city called Aldorn. We’re not sure, but we think the city is their base of operations.”

I thought popped into my head. “Sir, what if they have more of those big guns?” The thought that they could pluck us from the sky with a single round was terrifying, even more when inside the prime target for them.

“They do.” He answered with a smirk. Bastard. “Their locations were in the files. The councils authorized the wonderbolts for a seek and destroy campaign.”

Now that was something. The wonderbolts. Best damned flyers in the Enclave. The only ponies that could reach the required speed to perform the Sonic Rainboom, in the entire Enclave. They were used to boost morale amongst the population, but the Council could utilize them as assassins in a sense. Somepony is doing wrong to the Enclave, or maybe a dashite with too much knowledge, send the wonderbolts and they won't be a problem much longer.

“The general wants all combat ready personnel on standby for deployment. We got more fighting to do. You’re gonna be…” He trailed away in my ears; as did the whole world.

One word rang through out my head. One terrifying word. More. More fighting. More of that living hell. That same hell that I had dreamt of so many nights when I was younger. I was so ignorant. I would give almost anything to forget all of this.

“Thunder! Thunder!” The captains frantic yelling broke through.

I was on my back. Laying down on the cold floor of the chow hall, but the back of my head felt warm.

“What the fuck happened?!” Flurry no longer wore that cool expression. it was replaced by a frantic, worried look. “Someone call a medic!” His voice was slightly muffled.

I looked over to my left and saw a pool of crimson crawling away from me.

Whats happening? Am I dying? This isn't so bad. I thought as the world began to fade away, and darkness began to creep back into my vision.

*** *** ***

I saw a small black colt standing amongst older ponies. I could recognize my mother next to me, wearing black, and hiding wet eyes behind a black veil. The minister was saying some final words as the troops in their black clad armor lined up, rifles crackling at their sides.

He finished his words of comfort and took the lid from the urn he held between his hooves. The soldiers commanding officer gave a deep, “Ready!” and the troops took a stance. “Aim!” He barked, and they turned their rifles to the air. “Fire!” He bellowed and the troops each fired a single beam from their rifles.

The minister flew up, and without a word, dumped the ashes into the wind. They were carried away in the current, far from us.

“Fire!” The officer barked again, and again the troops fired into the air.

My mother gave me a strong hug and began leading me away from the scene. As a young colt, she didn’t expect me to understand what happened, or why I would never see my father again, but I knew. And I knew that I would honor him, by serving in his hoofsteps.

From that day forward, I trained and waited. I waited for the one thing that would bring me honor and make him proud. War.

*** *** ***

Blurred figures moved about and muffled voices said things I couldn't understand. I was laying on something soft. The walls were passing by in one big blur. I looked to my left and saw a familiar white coated, pink maned officer. His sunglasses were up on his head, exposing his pansy-ass colored eyes. I wanted to laugh, but my body refused to let me do so. So I just smiled.

Flurry looked over at me. Panic flooding his eyes. “Hang on Thunder! You’re gonna be okay!”

Suddenly we entered a bright white room. We stopped and I felt myself being lifted up and set back down on a harder, but still soft surface. My head was gently turned to the side. I looked at the hoof on my cheek and followed it to the owner. I knew her face.

Nurse Steel Scalpel. Any time i’d come to the medbay she was here. Im not gonna lie, she was one nice piece of eye candy. I never really had the gut- I mean time, to talk to her. Devoting your life to the Enclave takes up most of your time ya know. I’d watched her work though, she cared. She wore the same look Flurry was. She slipped a mask over my snout and I felt a gas pumping through it. I took as deep a breath as I could, and my eyelids began to droop. They slowly closed as thoughts of a night with Nurse Steel played throughout my head and a smile spread across my muzzle.

*** *** ***

The first thing that I felt when I awoke was pain. I had a dull, heavy ache in the back of my head. I groaned as I opened my eyes. Captain Flurry was sitting in a chair next to my bed. His glasses were on his head and his eyes were closed, fast asleep. I went to check my watch, but I wasn't wearing it anymore. That slightly annoyed me, not being able to tell what time it was. I looked at the sides of my bed.

“Where the fuck?” I asked myself quietly.

Captain Flurry snorted himself awake and saw I was conscious. “Thunder you’re awake!” He said, almost jumping to his hooves to poke his head out from the curtain surrounding my bed. “Nurse, he’s awake!”

“Uh. Yeah.” Was all I could say. I still hadn't the damndest clues what happened or what exactly was going on.

The curtain parted and in walked Nurse Steel, sliding her head band on so her jet black mane stayed back. She swiftly walked around me and my eyes followed hers.

She came around to my right side and said, “Turn your head away please.”

I did so and just then realized I had a bandage wrapped around my head as I felt her move it a bit.

“Alright the wound didn’t re-open. That's a good sign.” She said and I quickly turned to look at her, cringing a bit in pain.

“Wound? What wound?!” I asked her a little more ecstatically then I should have.

“She gave me an almost baffled look and blinked. “Sergeant, you were shot in the back of the head.”

What!? I didnt want to think it, let alone ask him, but I turned to Flurry. “Did you shoot me in the fucking head?!” I tried to ask it under my breath, but it came out clearly audible.

His eyes widened a bit and he blinked. “What? No! It must have happened during the battle. It was a bullet, and your damned lucky or youre head would be a pile of goo or ash.” That made sense.

“Oh, sorry.” I sheepishly apologized and he tried to glare at me. But those pink eyes only made me laugh.

The captain gave a snort and put his glasses back on.

“I’m going to have to change those bandages though.” Steel said as I turned to look at her. She was bent over grabbing something from the bottom of a cabinet.

Huh, her cutie mark is a whip?

I couldn't help but stare, and not at her cutie mark.

She must have noticed how quiet we had become, because she lifted her head, and without turning to look at us, said, “Stop staring at my flank.” She didn’t sound offended or anything, so I kept on staring.

“Yes Captain, that's highly inappropriate…” I said as if in a trance.

Flurry gave a snort, “Oh go buck yourself Thunder.”

I was still staring when she turned around with a flat look on her face. I finally noticed it and tried to look as innocent as possible. “What?”

She rolled her eyes and motioned for me to turn my head. The bandages came off and new ones set in their place. That dull ache in the back of my head was still there, although at least now I know why.

“So how bad was it?” I asked.

“Nothing major. Just gave you a slight concussion. It was lodged in pretty good but was slowly slipping loose. Thats what cause it to happen all of a sudden. You lost a lot of blood, so you’ll need to remain here in the medbay for a few days.” Nurse Steel said as she finished my bandaging.

I gave a short dry laugh. “No way, a few more hours maybe. I have stuff to do.” I didn’t really have anything going on, but I couldn’t stand staying in the medbay. it was too boring.

She reached around and turned my head to face her. “Sorry soldier, doctors orders.” She then trotted out of my room.

I looked over at Flurry, who wore a smug grin. “The fuck are you smiling at? What time is it?” Hopefully I wasn’t out for too long.

He looked down at his watch. “23:20. Bed time.” He said as he yawned. “Well now that I know you’re awake and okay, I’m gonna hit my rack.”

I nodded. “Yeah. Thanks for looking out for me Captain.”

He gave a chuckle. “You say that as if you’d expect me not to.” And with that he left.

I sat there for a second, alone with my thoughts for a bit. I was shot. In the head. I don’t even remember feeling anything! I tried to replay the whole battle in my head, but most of it was blurred, like a high on adrenalin.

I shrugged it off and decided to get some sleep. Hopefully I could get out of this damned medical wing in the morning.

*** *** ***

I woke the next morning to the pleasant sight of a white coat and black maned pony. Nurse steel was swapping out my bandages again.

“Not even gonna take me out to dinner?” I asked with a smirk. I was rewarded with a slap to the face. “Ow, so you’re into the rough stuff huh?” Another slap.

“Are you done?” She asked, not amused.

“Eh maybe.” I chuckled. “So I can leave now right?”

“Nope.” She finished wrapping the bandages around my head just as the curtains spread open and Flurry walked in.

“Sergeant.” He greeted me. “You feelin solid?” He asked.

I slid off my bed and stood up, much to Nurse Steels dissatisfaction. “Yes sir.”

“He smiled. “Good. Report to the senior conference room in fifteen for a briefing.” He turned to walk away.

“Captain!” I called out. “Briefing for what?” I asked. What the fuck do they want now???

He smiled. “See you then Thunder.” He then turned and left.

“Fuck.” Was all I could mumble as I sat back down on the bed.

“What’s that all about? I thought you were a Sergeant?” Steel asked.

I gave a slight laugh. “I might as well be a fucking council member.” I said with a hint of displeasure in my voice.

“No really. It says Sergeant on your paperwork. Do I need to get it corrected?” She asked looking over a clipboard. I laughed a bit at her cluelessness

“No, no, Sergeant is correct. I just… It’s hard to explain. I guess the best way to put it is, the brass has a hard on for me.” I couldn't help but crack up at the end of that.

She gave a cute little giggle. “Well, if the brass want you there’s nothing I can do to keep you.”

“Now that I think about it, I don’t feel so good.” I used my best dramatic sick voice as I fell back onto the bed.

“Right.” She said. “Well I have other patients to attend to. Good bye Sergeant.” She turned and walked out of the rom.

“Heh, maybe I’ll go and get shot again just to come back.” I said to myself with a smirk.

“What was that?” She asked as she poked her head back in with a smirk on her face.

I felt myself blush. “N-nothing.” I cleared my throat and stood. “Nothing at all.” I made my way from the room and out of the medbay.

*** *** ***

I entered the conference room and immediately noticed three ponies. Quick was standing on one side of the table, and on the other, Captain Flurry and General Lightning Arc. The Generals staff was standing at the far end of the room. I took my place next to Quick and stood at a attention.

“Sergeant Thunder. Glad you could make it.” The general said with that friendly smile he always wore. I nodded to him. “At ease boys.” He said. We adjusted to a parade rest in perfect unison. It was swift movements like that that I couldn't help but take pride in.

“Well, down to business.” The general continued. “Private Quick Flight, it brings me honor to promote you to the rank of Lance Corporal and present to you the Bronze Wing for showing valor in the line of duty.” He said as Captain Flurry stepped forward and placed the award around Quicks neck.

“Sergeant Thunder, it brings me honor to promote you to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and present to you the Silver Wing and, after being informed recently, the Velvet Heart for showing valor in the line of duty and sustaining injuries while doing so.” Flury stepped forward and put the two awards around my neck. “Gentlemen.” The general gave us a crisp salute, one that we both returned.

“Thank you, sir.” we said, almost as one.

“Misty has been promoted and will be informed when she’s feeling better.” The general informed us.

Fuck. I still haven't gone to visit her.

“Gentlemen. You are dismissed.” The general said, that smile never leaving his face.

We nodded and left the room.

“I cant wait to show my Ma this medal, shes gonna be so proud of me!” Quick said examining the bronze wing.

I smiled. “You earned it Quick. You did a damn fine job out there.” I gave him.

“Thanks Sarge. But if it wasn't for you I’d never made it out of those tunnels. And Misty…” He trailed off, a haunted look in his eyes. I knew that look. The look of “what if?” .

“Don’t think about it Quick. We made it out, and thats all that matters.” I did my best to help him forget the question for the time being.

He looked to me. “Sarge, what about Rod? He’s still out there.” I’d always admire his compassion for his comrades.

“I know Quick. And we’ll find him, I promise. I don’t know how, but we will.” My words seemed to reassure him, as his look brightened a bit. Honestly though, I had no idea how we were gonna find him.

“Thanks Sarge, I’m gonna go visit Misty.” He said as he turned to walk away.

“I haven't gotten around to seeing her yet, I'll head over too. You go ahead though, I'll meet you there.” I told him. He nodded and headed off.

I went the opposite way, heading for the barracks. I wanted to put my awards in my locker. As I walked I thought to myself. I wonder where we're heading next. That city Flurry mentioned? One of their camps? We never got around to discussing that. Fuck, when did I get shot? I had too many questions running through my mind.

Before I could answer any of them I arrived at my locker. I opened it up and slipped the medals from around my neck. I tossed them up on to the top shelf I had no other use for, then shut my locker. I appreciated the fact that the Enclave reward the troops for what they do, but I couldn't stomach to look at them, for the the actions I took, I shouldn't be rewarded, but punished. I made an about-face and started for the medical wing.

*** *** ***

I walked up to the door and looked through the window. Inside I saw Misty laying on the hospital bed, and sitting next to her, Quick. Her eyes were open and she was smiling. That was a good sign. She was listening to Quick talk about something, probably his medals. I didn’t see him as being immodest or anything, he was just proud of what he did, and he’d earned it.

I lightly knocked on the door and opened it. Misty tirely looked over at me and smiled.

“Hello Sergeant.” She said weakly.

I smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

She laid her head back down. “Better. The blast did a good amount of damage, but they patched me back up.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Did they say how long you’d be here?” I asked.

“No they didn’t. I figure a few more days.” It really did some damage, that blast. “So sergeant,’ She began. “I’m glad to see that bullet didn't do too much damage.”

I blinked, trying to think of what she meant, then realized it. “Oh, that, yeah. Didn’t do anything major. How did you find out about that?”

“Quick told me.” She said

I looked to Quick. “And how did you find out?”

“Captain Flurry came and told me after you woke up.” He gave me.

“Oh, that makes sense.” I should have thought of that.

A grin spread across quicks muzzle. “I heard you were enjoying the medbay scenery.” That got a light giggle from Misty.

I felt my face and the back of my neck warm up. I gave a slight scowl, but then a grin spread across my face. “And I heard you were gonna fly my laps with me.”

To my displeasure his grin didn’t leave his face. "Worth it.” was all he said.

“Um sergeant?” Misty asked. “Is there any news about Rod?”

I looked down for a second. “No. Not yet, but don’t worry about that right now. You just worry about getting back on your feet.” I couldn’t bring myself to tell them I didn’t even know where to start looking. “Thats an order.” I gave with a slight smile.

She smiled back. “Yes, sir.” She gave a small salute.

The door opened and in strode Captain Flurry.

Misty lifted her head to see who it was. “Oh, Hello Captain.” She gave a weak smile. The little talking and moving shes done must be draining her.

“Corporal Haze. I’m hoping you’re feeling better.” He said with a friendly smile.

“Getting there, sir.” She laid her head back down.

“I’m glad to hear it.” He said. He walked over to me and whispered into my ear. “Thunder, we’ve got a situation developing on the bridge. I need you to come with me.”

I nodded. “Misty, Quick, I gotta run. Again, hope you feel better soon.” They both nodded, Misty to the best of her abilities, and Flurry and I departed.

As soon as the door shut behind us I began my questions. “Whats going on?”

The captain kept walking as he told me. “That bird we captured, the one you lost it on might I add, has broken free of his cell, attacked the bridge, and has secured himself inside.”

What? How? “Why? What purpo- Woah!” I narrowly dodged an injured soldier being wheeled down the hall. I hadn’t realized it at the time, but we had quite a few injured men from that battle. The Medical wing really had its work cut out for it.

“We don’t know. He won't say a word from within. He’s killed everyone on the bridge so we're cutting through the doors. As of now we have no control of the Victorious's weapon systems and we can’t pilot her.”

Why would he do that? It’s not simple revenge or anything. There has to be a purpose. “He can’t run us into the ground can he?” I asked.

“No, and by the time he even figures out how to steer we’ll have breached.”

So we can’t fly it and we can’t use its guns. So we can’t fly to a camp and attack it? My eyes widened in shock at my sudden realization. No. We can’t defend!

“Flurry! Get to the bridge and get those damned doors open! He’s keeping us from defending ourselves!” I yelled at him.

His eyes widened. “Oh fuck. Thunder, go get your gear on, yell for everyone to do the same, we can’t sound an alarm until we get into the bridge. Then haul flank over to the Security wing and alert them!”

I nodded and took off at a full gallop. I’d hit the chow hall first, then the barracks.

*** *** ***

I burst through the doors to the cafeteria. It was packed. Good.

“EVERYPONY GET YOUR FUCKING GEAR ON!” I hollard at the top of my lungs.

They all stopped and looked at me. Fucking morons.

“WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!”

That seemed to light a fire under their flanks. They all began running for the doors. I did the same.

*** *** ***

I stormed into the barrack, my throat already sore from the constant yelling, and rushed to my locker to grab my gear. By now I didn’t need to yell, the other troops were doing it for me.

I slipped into my light armor and set the goggles back onto my head. Then I attached my four Novasurge rifles and made sure they were loaded. After I ensured they were all in place I turned to bolt for the large, open, courtyard-like area at the center top of the ship. I ran muzzle first into another pony.

“Sarge, what the fuck's going on?”

It was Quick. He helped me get to my feet and I looked him over.

“You have your gear on, good, follow me.” I said as I pushed past him and began to gallop for the doors. “Shit's gonna hit the fan, we have no defense for a while so get ready for a fight.”

“Yes sir!” He called from behind. Sir… ugh

I called over the comms. “Security! Security come in!” Nothing. Fuck the bird must be jamming comms.

We ran through the doors into the open top of the ship. It had four wings on it. The Barracks, Medical, Logistics, and Security. All other wings were down below and lacked external exits. Directly across from us and the barracks was the Security wing. I took off full blast towards it.

As I neared it I could see something splashed across the glass door and a pool of it from behind the wall. Thats when they opened, and three griffins came running out.

They stopped once they noticed me and Quick. All of our eyes wide in shock.

“FIRE!” I yelled, and bit down on my mouthpiece sending four orange beams at the bastards. All but one missed, and the one that hit was absorbed by his armor, but didn’t tickle I could tell.

A missile streaked past me, too close for comfort, and struck the ground in between the three. It exploded in a ball of fire. It was a bit too close and I had to shield my eyes from the intense light. Once it died down and I could look again, all that remained were three, mangled, mutilated, charred corpses

“Stand watch.” I told Quick as I charged into the building.

I pushed open the doors and immediately slipped. I rolled over to my hooves and saw the scarlet dripping from me. The thick scent of copper was in the air. I looked around. Slain ponies laid about the front room. I moved into to the hallway, searching for the rest of the security force. I heard yelling from deeper within the wing. I picked up my pace and came into the armory.

It was packed with explosives. “Oh fuck me…” I could still hear the shouts for help from deeper within, but I would have to dig through the bombs to get past them. I picked one up to move it, thats when i noticed the timer.

10… 9… 8..

“Fuck!” I dropped it and bolted for the exit. I hated the idea of leaving the security ponies to die, but there was no reason for me to die in vain.

I charged through the hallway and out through the door. “MOVE!” I yelled at Quick, who took off back towards the barracks.

2… 1.. 0.

I felt and heard the massive blast at about the same time. The shockwave threw me from my hooves and a good ten feet forward.

I stood back up. My head felt like it was splitting apart, and I had the worst ringing in my ears. I could feel a burning sensation on my cheek and something warm flowing from the wound. I looked to the barracks, soldiers in the dozens were pouring our, all in their black-clad armor of multiple variants. I looked back at the building. It was a flaming ruin. AThen a thought struck me. The medbay!

I took off for the medical wing, using my wings to propel me as fast as I could go.

I didn’t waste a single second. I crashed through the glass door, not even bothering to open it. I rolled up and looked around at the small crowd of medical staff, probably wondering what the loud noise was and what I was doing.

“Did anyone see a griffin come in here?” I could feel myself asking, but couldn't hear it. Alls I could hear was that goddess awful ringing. I watched heads as they all shook ‘no’.

I gave a quick look around. checking behind desks and in rooms. nothing. I walked back to the entrance and turned to face all the ponies.

“Get everyone to the back of the wing and stay there!” I ordered. I was slightly impressed by how quickly the staff began to work.

My hearing started to come back, and thats when I heard the firefight outside. I quickly turned to see the next bloody chapter in this war.

There were so many of them. Hundreds, maybe even a thousand griffins flew above and fought on the deck.

I looked up in time to see fifteen or so of the winged monstrosities flying straight for me. Or for the medical wing. I opened up with everything I had on the wing of attackers. I put volley after volley of orange beams into the group, killing several within a few seconds. They broke up to become harder targets. I did my best to keep them at bay, but there were just too many coming.

Thats when I realized they were going for an easy target. All the wounded troops and medical staff in here wouldn’t last a minute.

“They’re going the medical wing! Cover it!” I called over the comms.

Within a few seconds Quick was at my side. There was no way he would let them near Misty, I already knew. More troops were flying over to reinforce my position.

“All balefire troops, cover the logistics wing!” I called over again.

The heavy armored, plasma toting juggernauts started making there way for their defense position. Firing their green plasma into the throngs of griffins.

I had about fifty soldiers with me defending the medical wing. I was damn appreciative too, not only would have their numbers swallowed me, but I would have run my ammo dry in a few minutes.

We stood there there in the open, giving the enemy hell and worse. But not without casualties. We were losing men, and at this rate, we would lose more than we did from the first battle. “Hey Sarge, “ Quick called next to me as he sent two rockets straight into the enemies ranks. “Try not to get your head blown off!”

Despite being in the heat of battle, that got a good laugh from me. “Back at you!” I gave a buck to reload.

Thats when I heard the a purring noise, followed by an unbroken symphony of gunfire from a single weapon. Some fat bastard had a minigun!

I heard the screams over the comms from the guys down the line to my left. He was mowing them down with ease.

“Quick, take that son of a mule out!” I ordered. He turned and fired a rocket at him.

The griffin stopped firing and took to the air, avoiding the rocket and its blast entirely. Quick took off after him

“There’s to many of them damn it!” I heard a pony call over the comm.

There were too many of them. We were out manned and out gunned. I didn’t know how long we could hold out. But damn it, if i had to die, I was gonna die fighting.

I started pouring on the fire at anything with wings that wasn’t wearing Enclave armor. I looked over towards the logistics wing. One Balefire trooper lay on the ground, dead I presumed. Next, to the barracks. A few dozen of our boys laid in bloody clumps. and only ten or so still stood fighting. Our line only had fifteen soldiers still standing to fight.

Something hit my armor. I looked down, and laying at my feet was a silver apple with a red band around it. Fuck!

I kicked the grenade as hard as I could, propelling it away from me, and under a griffin.

It exploded, the flames engulfing the attacker, frying him to a crisp.

“ Ten o'clock!” someone called over the radio and I turned to look. I saw the griffins coming in fast and low and opened up. With the combined fire from our defensive line they only lasted a few more seconds before they were turned to ash. Unfortunately they got one of the soldiers down the line.

“Stand by for station defenses!” I heard Captain Flurries voice over the comms.

Panels started sliding away from walls and roofs as turrets began popping up and immediately opening fire on the birds.

“Its about fucking time!” I cheered

Larger cannons on the top of the barracks and medical wings began frying the large cloud of assaulter above the Victorious. It was as if it was snowing now.

I heard whoops of joy from all around. But I could also hear the cries of agony. Some from the injured, some from those who had just lost their best friend.

The griffins began to retreat. There was no way they could keep up an assault with our defenses back online.

Quick landed next to me. ‘“You all good sarge?”

I nodded and pushed my goggles back.

“Thats a nasty gash you got there.” He pointed to my face with a hoof.

“Huh?” I felt my cheek and was rewarded with it stinging like a mule. “Ow, fuck! That, Right. Ill head to the medbay after mop up.”

He nodded. “Same. I wanna make sure Misty’s okay.”

I snorted. “You gonna ask her out anytime?”

He blushed. “H-hey I will. Just now’s not the best time.” He said defensively.

I chuckled. “Alright. Well I’m gonna head to the bridge and check on the situation.”

He nodded and I turned and headed for the logistics wing. It was the fastest way up to the bridge.

*** *** ***

I walked through the blasted open doors and onto the bridge. Inside was General Lightning Arc, Captain Flurry, and the generals security detail. The Captains uniform was stained with blood and had a gash in his front left forehoof. The general noticed me first.

“Sergeant Thunder, I need sitrep yesterday!” He sure as hell was worried.

I took a deep breath. “Sir, the Security wing and personnel have been wiped out. We held off the attackers from getting to the Medical wing or the Logistics wing. We suffered an estimate of seventy men killed and thirty wounded.” My own count, but it was as good as any.

His eyes boiled with anger. “Goddess damn it all!” he slammed his hoof down on a control panel.

I looked to the pilots seat. I knew the Pony. Not personally, but I knew of her. Captain Strong Hull. She sat there, her throat slit wide open, eyes froze in shock at the moment of her death. Ten or so more bodies laid around the room. The bridge personnel no doubt. One feathered figure I recognized. The griffin with the scratchy voice lay on the ground, feathers matted around his throat and his tongue hanging out of his beak.

“What happened to Captain Flurry?” I asked the general.

“I led a team onto the bridge... Bastard cut me deep, but I got him.” Captain flurry gave me weakly. I didn't know a white pony could look pale.

“Sir, i’ll take him to the medbay.” I told the general as I moved over towards Flurry.

“Thank you sergeant. He refused to do so himself until everything was secure.” The general gave me. “Stubborn mule lost a lot of blood for it.”

I wrapped the captains uninjured arm around my neck and helped him to his feet. Once he was up and I knew he could walk with help, we began for the medical wing.

*** *** ***

We entered the Medbay, the thick scent of copper hung heavily in the air as medical staff did the best they could to help all the injured.

“C’mon Thunder… Lets take a seat over by the wall.” Captain Flurry gave me weakly.

“Sir, you need help.” I told him.

“I fuckin know that, sergeant, but most of these men need it more. Now lets take a seat, thats an order.” He said, his eyes closed in an effort to conserve his energy.

Stubborn prick. I thought to myself with a smirk as I took him to a seat against the wall. I sat and watched the scene before me. I’d never seen a medical wing used so much in my life. I never considered war to be this bloody. Sure, we’d been taught about the Great War, but hearing about it and seeing it first hoof makes all the difference. Soon someone took a seat next to me.

I looked over and was greeted by Misty with a worried look, one that I returned equally.

“Misty? What are you doing up?” I asked.

“I tried to stop her.” Quick’s deep voice came from the seat next to her.

“I can walk. Someone else will need that bed. Are you okay?” She asked. Her eyes widened as she looked around as saw Flurry. “Captain! Is he okay?!”

“Im fine…” The captain weakly said, his eyes still closed. “Just a little scratch.”

“What happened sergeant? To the both of you?” She asked.

“I’ll explain everything later. Everything will be fine though.” I reassured her.

I noticed a certain white figure walking past us. She stopped and gave a slight glare at me. One I returned with a questioning look. She walked over and turned my head so she could get a good look at the cut.

“Uh, can I help you?” Was all I could ask, wondering what the hell she was doing.

“Just making sure you didn’t do this to yourself to get back in here.” She said nonchalantly.

Flurry gave a half unconscious snort.

I rolled my eyes. “Shrapnel from the blast.”

“Mhmm” Was all she said. “Captain, come with me and we’ll get you taken care of.” She motioned for a pair of stallions to come and help him. They picked him up and carried him away. She followed after them.

Again I couldn’t help but stare.

“Oh, um, Sergeant, I don’t think she wants you doing that.” Misty quietly said.

I didn’t look away. “Nonsense my dear, you're hallucinating from your meds.”

“Oh, um. Okay.” She said as she dismissed any protest.

Quick laughed. Once she was out of view, and I had nothing to really watch, I realized how tired I felt after the adrenaline wore off.

“Hey, i’m gonna shut my eyes for a bit. Wake me if anything happens.” I said to the two. They both nodded. And with that, I closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep.

*** *** ***

A awoke to the strange feeling of breath on my cheek. I opened my eyes and saw white in my peripherals. My cheek was numb, but I could still feel it being moved slightly.

“We really have to stop meeting like this.” I said with a smirk.

“Then stop getting hurt.” She said plainly.

“Oh but I do so love the medical wings scenery.” My smirk only grew wider.

“Is this you trying to be charming?” She asked unimpressed.

“Trying? I’m offended!” I said dramatically. “I could have swore my natural charm would have one your heart by now.” I suppressed a laugh.

“Sorry, not working.” She said as she finished up the stitching.

“Oh well, i’ll just have to keep trying.” I said with a wink, which I was rewarded with a roll of her eyes. I noticed Quick and Misty were no longer sitting beside me. “Where are my friends?”

“The big guy and the mare? She said she was tired and the big guy carried her to her barracks.” I smirked and raised an eyebrow. “I thought the same thing.” She said. “But shes too weak right now for a tumble in the hay.”

“I hope Quick understands that.” I said as I started to laugh, and was soon joined by Nurse Steel.

She sat down next to me as her laughter resided. “He said he’d be back for you. Until then he asked I watch you.”

“Oh great, i'm a child.” I said with a roll of my eyes. At least my babysitter's a fine piece of flank. I sighed. “So, what are the numbers?”

She glanced down. A saddened look running across her face. “Sixty-eight killed and twenty-one injured.”

“Damn that winged bastard! It was a ploy all along.” I said to myself.

She put a hoof on my shoulder. “That was a responsible thing to do by the way, having everyone move to the back of the building during the attack.” She had a thankful look in her eyes.

I gave a snort. “No. No it wasn't, I was just doing my job.”

“You’re soldier, your job is to fight. That wasn’t fighting.” She had reassurance in her voice and damn it, it was working.

I gave her a smile. “Thanks.”

“So what happened with the Security wing?” She asked me.

Noises of the bustling wing were drowned out as the screams for help echoed throughout my mind. I swallowed as the memories threatened to choke me. “The griffins took it out to try and cripple our defenses further.” I tried to give a short and final answer.

“I saw you run in there.” She said and I swallowed again. “How could three griffins take out forty or so guards and then destroy the whole place? Where there more inside?”

I didn’t want to lie to her. I couldn’t lie to her.

“I...I…” My voice was quivering.

“What? What happened?”

“I went in and… I could hear them. The security ponies, screaming for help.” I looked down. “They were farther in the building. I never got to them though… There were so many explosives. I started digging, but the first one I picked up… it had a timer on it.” I sniffed. “Ten seconds left.” I watched as small, clear droplets hit the floor and chair under me. “I left them, Steel. I left them to die!” I wasn’t even bothering trying to hold back the tears.

She threw her hooves around me and drew me into a close embrace. “If you would have died in there many more ponies wouldn’t have made it. You saved more lives than anyone else out there today.”

I returned the embrace and let it all out. Everypony has their breaking point, and i'd reached mine. So I sat there and let her hold me as I sobbed into her shoulder like a little filly.

*** *** ***

After about thirty minutes I finally calmed down. “Thanks Steel. Hey uh, don’t mention this to anyone, okay?”

She gave me a smirk. “Don’t want others to find out the big war hero cries?” I opened my mouth to protest the title but she spoke instead. “I’m kidding sergeant. I won’t tell anyone.” She had a smile that could melt an ice cap.

“Thanks.” I said with a smile. I took a deep breath. “So, are you doing anything tonight?”

Her smile turned to a smirk. “Are you using what just happened as leverage?”

I tried my best to look offended. “No!” Yes…

She rolled her eyes, stood up and gave a sigh. “My shift ends at eight.”

I was grinning from ear to ear as Quick walked over. “Hey sarge, you’re awake.” He looked to Nurse Steel. “He didn’t give you any trouble did he?” He asked her with a grin. One I returned with a roll of my eyes.

She giggled. “No, not yet at least.” And with that she walked away.

“What does she mean by that?” He asked.

“She means I got a date tonight!” I said as I lightly punched him in the shoulder.

Quick laughed. “Congrats sarge.” He extended his hoof, which I bumped with mine. “Uh sarge, your cheeks bleeding again

I reached a hoof up and felt it. When I looked back at it there was some scarlet smears on it.

“Ah its just from all the smiling, i’ll be fine. Lets get out of here.” I said nodding towards the door. Quick nodded and followed next to me.

“So hows Misty?” I asked.

“She’s feeling better she said. She went to sleep once she got back to her barracks.” He told me in that calm deep voice.

“Good. She needs her rest.” I told him.

“You think we’re gonna see some action anytime soon?” He asked.

“Yeah, as soon as the Altostratus comes to reinforce us.” I told him, not thinking of anything out of the usual.

“Good. I want to get back down there and give these sons a mules what they got coming to ‘em.” His tone was no longer that deep cheerful, but a low and dangerous.

I stopped and looked at him. “Quick, you can’t let your anger get to you like that. Especially when it comes to combat. It’ll get you killed.”

“Sarge I saw the rage in your eyes in those tunnels, and I saw what you did in that tent. How can you say that?” He asked in an almost hurt tone.

My jaw hung slightly open, my eyes wide and images I’d hoped to forget flashing back in my mind. Anger began to rise. “Yeah. In the tunnels, I was mad, furious even. But I still regret my actions. I should have planned an attack and executed it with precise actions. Instead I charged in, blinded by my rage, and got lucky. And the tent had nothing to do with rage. It was what I had to do, and even then, I still regret it! But whether I do or not, it had to be done!” I was thankful that we were alone and outside, because my voice had raised significantly. I had’nt realized i was shouting. We stood there in silence. “I’m sorry Quick. I didn’t mean to explode like that.”

“No I deserved it sarge, I shouldn't have brought any of that up. And you’re right, I need to keep my head in the game. It’s just so hard. What those bastards did to her… I just wanna tear them apart.” Quicks face displayed conflicting emotions.

I put a hoof on his shoulder. “It’s alright Quick. Shit happens that we all wished hadn’t. The only thing we can do is try to prevent it from happening again.”

He nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. thanks sarge.”

“Any time.” I offered with a comforting smile. I checked my watch, it was 18:13. “Well i’m gonna go shower up and try and make myself look presentable.”

“Alright. See you around sarge.” Quick said with a nod, and with that I headed for the barracks.

*** *** ***

After I showered I made my way to the medical wing. I felt a little foolish, I ultimately decided to slick my mane back with gel. She seemed like the kind of mare that would like that. Right?

As I drew closer to the front doors, they opened and out walked a mare. I almost didn’t recognize Steel. She no longer doned her headband, instead she had her hair curled, light scarlet lipstick on, and was wearing eyeliner that made her look like something i’d asked for last Hearth’s Warming.

“Well, pick up your jaw and lets get going.” She said with a giggle.

I closed my mouth, not realizing i’d let it drop in the first place, and trotted to her.

She still wore that cute little smirk. “So, where are we going?”

I sighed heavily. “Well, there seems to be a lack of restaurants and clubs on the Victorious.” I said with a smirk. “So hows the SNCO club sound?”

She blinked at me flatley. ‘I’m not an senior NCO sweetie.”

My smirk only grew. “Well, I don’t think anyones going to stop me from bringing you in.”

“Oh? Playing the war hero angle now?” She asked with an amused smile.

“Eh, it’s nicer than the bar so, fuck it, i’ll play the role.” I said honestly.

She moved closer to me. “That’s sweet of you.”

I could feel my cheeks and neck warming up. “It’s the least I can do, you did patch me up twice.”

She gave me a peck on the cheek. “You do your job and I do mine.”

I could feel the blood rushing to my face.

“And you can change color! A pony of many trades I see.” She said with a wink and a smirk.

“And we’re walking!” I quickly said as I started towards the SNCO club. I’d never been in it surprisingly. I’d been a sergeant for two years and never bothered to go. The usual bar was plenty good for me. I told her that it was nicer off of hope and expectation.

*** *** ***

As we stepped into the club I was relieved to see it wasn’t the typical bar scene. I could smell alcohol that wasn’t cheap. No soldiers getting hammered. Twenty, maybe thirty stallions with their dates. It seems I wasn’t the only one bent on bringing an unqualified guest. I led steel over to a table. I slid her chair out for her.

“Thanks.” She said with a smile as she sat down and I slid her towards the table.

I took my seat across from her. It only took a few seconds before a waitress came over.

“What can I get you two?” she asked in a cheery tone, brushing her lime green hair from in front of her eye.

I looked to Steel for her to go first.

“I’ll have an appletini.” She told the waitress. I bit my cheek to keep from laughing.

“And for you sir?” She looked to me.

I cleared my throat. “Uh, you have any Wild Pegasus?” I asked her.

“No i’m sorry we don’t.” She said.

Damn… “Ah, then just give me whatever whiskey you have.”

She gave a nod and trotted away towards the bar.

As soon as she was far enough away I planted my face firmly on the table and did my best to muffle my laughter.

“What? What’s so funny?” Stell asked me.

“Appletini!” I cried.

She simply rolled her eyes and gave that cute smirk. “I like them.”

My laughter was slowly dying down. “I’m sure you do.”

“What? You’ve never had one?” She asked accusingly

I almost started laughing again. “No sweetie, no. Not a salt licks chance in a barn. I’ll stick to my Wild P and the sorts.”

“You’re lucky it was so popular before the war or you wouldn’t get a drop.” She said with a smug smirk.

“Yeah, well atleast I know they had something decent tasting before the war.” Was my only reply.

The waitress came back over, a tray balanced on her back and wings carrying our drinks. “Here you two go. If you need anything just ask.” She said in her cheery tone.

“Will do.” I said as she sat our drinks down. With that she trotted off.

I picked up my glass and took a sip. “Mmmm. Thats pretty good. I still prefer my Wild P though.” I took a bigger drink.

“So,” Steel took a drink. “ I don’t want to drown you in questions, but, being in the medical wing I don’t get many details.” I really hoped she wasn’t gonna ask what I thought she was gonna ask. “I was just wondering, whats it like down there?”

Whew.

“Well. Honestly its kinda nice. Well, without the fighting it would be nice. Trees have green leaves on them! Everything has a color thats not just gray. It sure is different from the Equestrian wastes. But i’m sure it has its poisons all the same.” I told her.

“You sound like you wish things were different.” She said, making me look up a bit surprised at her understanding tone.

I gave a slight snort. “Don’t get me wrong I love the Enclave. Without it we’d have to live in the hell beneath us. But i've read enough to know that the Great War should have never happened. And even if it did the Pegasi shouldn’t have ran away, tails between their legs after Cloudsdale got hit. That was pure cowardice and disgraceful.” I had always had a strong opinion of the past, I just couldn’t speak of it aloud. I took a big swig of my drink.

“What do you think of Rainbow Dash?” She asked me abrupt but calmly and quietly.

I looked her in the eyes as I swallowed my drink. I’d never shared my opinion of Rainbow with anyone. But I felt the strangest feeling of utmost trust, sitting here with her. It could have been the booze, or maybe not.

“I admire her. She stood as a prime example as how all Pagasi should have been, and always be.” I told her in a confident but slightly hushed voice.

She just nodded with a mixed look of understanding and respect in her eyes.

The front doors swung open and two MPs walked in, followed by Captain Flurry.

“All troops go gear up and head to your assigned bays, and has anyone seen Staff Sergeant Thunder Wing?” He spoke loudly to all of the stallions in the club.

This was the worst time he could possibly need me.

“Fuck!” I called out, and purposely.

Flurry turned to look at me and smiled. “Ah, just the stallion I was looking for. Thunder, senior conference room, now, please.” With that he turned and left.

Fuck you Flurry, fuck you, fuck you, fuck you...

I stood up and looked at Steel, placing a small pouch of bits on the table, that smirk still on her lips. “I’m sorry, I-”

“It’s fine.” She stood up. “Just stay safe and come back in one piece.” She pulled me in and pressed her lips to mine. My eyes shot wide, but soon closed as the euphoria set in.

When we parted i was left with a goofy smile and a little disoriented.

“Well get going!” I snapped out of my fog once she spoke.

“Y-yeah. Right. Right!” I cleared my throat. “I’ll see you when i get back.” I said with a smile. With that I left the club and made my way to the senior conference room, yet again.

Author's Note

Sorry for taking so long to get this chapter out, and sorry for writing so much haha it's a long chapter. Again i'd like to thank Silver Strings for editing and Aerial Flux and many others for personal feed back. Although it was quite a lengthily chapter I still greatly enjoyed typing it, and I hope you all enjoy!