I walked in the door and recoiled slightly. The thick scent of cheap cologne hung in the air like tear gas. I coughed and fought back the tears welling in my eyes.

General Lightning Arc, Captain Flurry, and a pony I didn’t know stood around the table. The mystery pony had a brown coat and a gray mane, but what struck me most were his eyes. They were ruby red. I always thought of my eyes as subtle for their color, but his were vibrant, almost terrifying.

“Sergeant.” The generals friendly voice caught me.

I broke from my trance. “General, Captain.” I saluted them.

“Sergeant Thunder Wing, this is Colonel Shining Star, commander of the Altostratus.” The general nodded to the brown pony.

“Colonel.” I gave him a nod.

“We called you here to quickly give you a rundown of the plan. Seeing as you have the most experience on the ground we thought you should have a look beforehoof.” The general said, gesturing to the map on the table I failed to notice earlier. “Colonel Star will be personally leading a ground attack on an unguarded enemy munitions dump to the north of here. Captain Flurry will be leading you and your squad to aid in the attack.”

I studied the map a second. “Sir, the Victorious won’t be taking place in the assault?” I asked, noticing that only one Raptor, the Altostratus, was listed.

“No. Colonel Star insisted he need only his men for it. I’m sending your squad and Flurry to be my eyes.” the general said. I noticed the Colonel had a grin on his muzzle. One that I loathed. It was the smirk of a glory hound, and it made me sick.

I looked back to the general. “One more thing sir, Misty still isn’t combat ready.” I told him.

“I am aware. It will be just you three. Anything else sergeant?” The general asked me

“No sir.” I said with a salute.

“Good, go gear up, get your other man, and fly over to the Altostratus.” He said with that warm smile.

Captain Flurry walked over and opened the door as I nodded and left the room. He followed suit and shut the door behind us.

“Well Thunder it looks like i’m going to finally see your battlefield heroics for myself.” He said with a grin.

I gave a soft chuckle. “Yeah.” I said sarcastically.

*** *** ***

We arrived at my rack after a few minutes of walking. I slipped into my armor, attached my rifles and did the usual check on my systems.

“Thunder? You know you could get in some serious shit for bringing contraband back.” He said, eyeing my knife.

I followed his stare to the knife and back. “Call it a trophy.” I told him.

“Just dont let an officer who gives a buck catch you.” He said with a doubtful shake of his head.

“I wont. C’mon, let’s get to the launch bay.” I told him, heading for the doors.

*** *** ***

We entered the bay and I immediately saw Quick. I walked over to him.

“Quick.” I called over.

“Sarge? Whats going on?” He asked.

“You, the Captain, and I are heading over to the Altostratus to aid them in the assault. Come on I’ll explain along the way.

He nodded and with that we made for the hatch.

*** *** ***

We flew into the open hangar on the side of the Altostratus. It wasn’t much different from the Victorious' interior. Gray and black steel, everywhere you looked. The hangar was packed with black clad troops, ready to launch, even though the attack wouldn’t take place for an hour or so. They were all doing something to pass the time. Some talked, some checked their weapons. Some played cards, and some just simply slept.

Sleep. That sounded good to me.

“Wake me when its show time.” I said to Quick.

He nodded and with that I laid down. I saw through the open hangar doors, the Victorious passing behind as the Altostratus set course for where ever. I closed my eyes and let thoughts of what could have happened with Steel tonight if we were uninterrupted. With a grin, I drifted away into slumber.

*** *** ***

I was awoken by Flurry nudging me with his hoof. “C’mon Thunder, get up.”

I rose and stretched my legs. “Show time?” I asked with a yawn.

“Show time.” He nodded as he made sure his helmet was secured.

Colonel Star called out over the crowd. “Alright boys, are you ready to kick some griffin flank?” He stood atop a small stage at the wall of the hangar.

He was answered with whoops of excitement and anticipation. A roar of hooves stomping against the floor almost drowned the shouts out.

“Glad to hear it!” He continued once the room settled. “Remember your roles, secure the perimeter and my team and I will plant the explosives.”

Murmurs of comprehension passed through the crowd.

The colonel pressed a button behind him and the orange lights whirled to life. The speakers overhead crackled to life. “Launch, launch, launch!” Troops began flying out at break-neck speeds, dead set on completing the mission.

Captain Flurry, Quick, and I moved to the opening and, bathed in the moonlight, leapt out and began for our target.

We were virtually right over the target so it was a quick flight. Most of the troops had already set up their part of the of the line. We took our spot at an area we thought was appropriate. It was at the base of a mountain. Built right into the side were two large, and open oddly enough, steel doors led to a tunnel into the mountain.

We stood there, waiting, watching. Well, my squad that is. We knew of the dangers of this foreign land and enemy. The Altostratus troops leisurely played cards and talked. Some even slept.

“Hold the line boys, this will take a few minutes.” The Colonel shouted to the troops in general. With that he and his small squad entered the open steel doors.

I watched most of the troops disregarded what he said. They thought of this mission as a waste of time, I’m sure. They talked, slept, and everything else. I observed one group of loud troops. They were playing a card game and drinking, as if at a bar. I observed one win and enthusiastically take his winnings. I also watched as the image of them was soon replaced by a flash, bang, and cloud of dirt and smoke.

The troops stopped and simply stared at the smoking crater that was beneath the clearing smoke.

My eyes were wide in horror as I realized we were once again under a siege. “MOVE!” I shouted.

They seemed to shake the lead out and formed the defensive line once again. like a bad case of deja vu, the air was filled with the sound of gunfire and the scent of ozone. All the troops seemed to be shouting, asking for orders, help, mother, and everything inbetween.

I dove behind a small sandbag wall as another shell ripped the ground apart somewhere behind me. I stood and opened fire on a group of five or so griffins charging my position head on. I let out a barrage of orange lasers, cutting the griffins down and turning them to ash.

I felt something small slam into my left shoulder and turned to the direction I thought it came from. I looked around, but failed to see any enemy. I felt something hit me again and looked upward, this time seeing the bird with a rifle aimed right at me. I was lucky it was a small caliber, or it could have done some serious damage. I flew up and began chasing him through the sky, firing streams of orange at him. Eventually I ran dry and gave a buck to reload.

Before I could train my weapon on him again I was side swiped by another griffin. We went tumbling through the air. He was clawing at every part of me, and to no avail. I tucked my head in to shield my snout, but felt it bump against something. It was the Keigh-Bar. I bit down on the handle and, in one swift motion, drew the blade and sliced right across the birds neck and cheek. I pulled back then gave a hard flap, sending me forwards at him. I plunged the blade into his chest. He gave a squawk of pain, then went limp and began falling to the ground. I followed him. Last time I thought I killed one, he came back and nearly strangled me.

I landed next to his body and gave it a hard buck. I heard a loud crack from something inside him, but no movement or noise. Good.

I happened to notice a group of griffins charging our flank. I turned to engage, but was halted by a warmth to my left, then I was in the air, and just as quick back on the ground. My vision swam. I was on my back, and felt a pair of hooves grab my sides and roll me over.

“Thunder!” I could hear the Captains muffled voice call to me.

I lazily looked over towards him. Things were still blurry, so I gave my head a good shake, trying to clear my vision and fix the ringing in my ears.

“The have artillery!” The captain yelled.

I vaguely knew what that was. I knew it launched a projectile, generally up and over, at your targets with an explosive force. The Enclave had none, seeing as how we could just fly above a target.

“They went in after the Colonel!” Flurrys voice broke through again. “C’mon we gotta back him up!”

“What?” I shouted back to him.

“Six or so of those winged bastards flew through the doors after the Colonel, we need to move in and back him up!” He hollered back.

I nodded and noticed two things. The first, Quick was no where to be seen, and the second, wy wasn't the Altostratus firing on on the enemy?

“Wheres Quick?” I called to the captain.

“No idea, he’ll be fine though!” He yelled back.

“Sir, wheres our support from the Altostratus?” We could really use those big guns right now. They had artillery for crying out loud!

“No clue, c’mon move your flank!” He motioned for me to follow. I nodded and started after him.

I tapped the comms button on my head set. It was mostly static, but I could make out a few words from the ship.

“all weapon sy-*static* -ffline! *static*-elp! *Static*” This plan was going to shit, and fast.

I followed the captain down the large tunnel into a massive room, filled with crates and munitions of all sorts.

Celestia’s horn…

There was so much old world tech it made my head spin. Or maybe it was just from nearly being blasted to hell?

“Hold it!” I heard the captain shout. I looked to see him aiming at the six griffins surrounding the Colonel and his two dead squadmates. “I’ll blow your bucking head off!”

The lead griffin I noticed him. The gray feathers, the scars running down the side of his neck.

“You…” I whispered to myself as I took aim.

The gray griffin smiled and began to draw his weapon.

I fired.

I was the best shot of my class, and the best shot in my platoon to this day. But some how that bird moved out of the way! He was a lot faster then I’d have ever expected. The consequence was far worse then him getting a shot off at one of us though.

My orange beam struck a large shell of some sort. Only one word flashed through my mind before I was blinded and deafened by the apocalyptic blast that fallowed.

BUCK!

*** *** ***

“Now squeeze the trigger, nice and easy.” My father quietly said into my ear as my jaw tightened around the mouthpiece of the rifle.

I pulled the trigger and was rewarded with a bang and a force that knocked me to my flank.

My father picked me and smiled as I couldn't help but laugh a bit.

He and I both looked to the cloud target I had been aiming at. We both focused on the small hole that was left through it, dead in the center.

“Amazing Thunder. You did good.” He looked to me with a smile. I felt the utmost pride and happiness in making my father proud of me. That day I knew that I would do my best my entire life to make him proud, no matter what.

“Can I shoot some more dad?” I asked with pleading eyes and a wide smile.

He chuckled. “Of course you can son, but only for an hour or so more. I have to take it in.”

I leapt and ruffled my wings in delight. “Yes! Thanks dad!”

“Any time son.” He always wore that smile that made me feel safe and secure.

*** *** ***

I tried to move, but found myself unable. I could feel an almost unbearable weight across my body and legs. I was sore too. All over. I could barely breathe, not only from the mass on my body, but from the weight on my muzzle as well. I tried to open my eyes, but only the left one did so. I tried to say something, but only felt pain. I could taste copper, and feel my wounds burning in my mouth.

I noticed movement ahead of me, and could hear grunting. I could see a pink mane and white coat moving about in the rubble.

Moonlight poured in through a gaping hole in the ceiling, and through the mountain above it.

Flurry was trying to push a large rock that had pinned him down. His efforts seemed to be of no use, as the rock didn't budge.

I heard a deep chuckle. From outside my vision I heard the colonels voice. “Well captain, looks like you're really in between a rock and a hard place.” he laughed far too much at his own joke.

“Yeah, I could use a hand!” The captain choked out.

Again the colonel chuckled as he walked over to the struggling pegasus. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

Flurry stopped struggling against the rock as he looked up at the colonel.

“You see captain,” He began. “These enemies of ours are very… willing… to stop this usles bloodshed. Alls we have to do is surrender, hand over a few hundred civilians to work in the mines, and formally submit to their rule.”

Captain Flurry remained silent, but I’m sure his eyes burned with rage, as did mine. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

You traitorous bastard! I tried to yell, but the rubble over my muzzle prevented me from doing so.

“Don’t look at me like that captain, that's an order.” He gave a sadistic chuckle. “Its not so bad. Then again, I get to live like a king amongst them!” He began to cackle.

A certain gray griffin flew down from the opening in the roof.

“Your ship has been secured.” He said to the colonel in his deep voice.

“Good. Dispose of all the crew but the bridge operators, and, may I see your pistol?” The colonel asked.

The griffin, without a second thought, handed the colonel his revolver strapped to his chest. My eyes shot open in alarm. No...

“Bastard…” I heard the Captain breathlessly cough out.

The colonel took the pistol in his teeth and asked around it, “Any final words?” He chuckled again

The captain spit a thick glob of red right onto the colonels chest.

The colonel gave another sick chuckle, then fired the weapon.

The bullet tore through the captains skull, killing him before his head hit the ground. I tried to scream in rage, but again the rubble kept me from doing it.

I’ll kill you, you son of a mule! I screamed in my head. I felt tears welling in my opened eye.

“Well commandant,” The colonel handed the revolver back. “Lets see this city of yours!” He asked with a cheery tone in his voice.

The commandant had an angered look in his eyes. “The whole arsenal has been destroyed! Your incompetence has cost us a great loss!” He exploded on him.

The colonel kept that cheery tone. “Now commandant, the power my ship packs will more than make up for it, I assure you!” He said as he slung his hoof around the griffins neck. “Lets go take a looksy shall we?” He asked.

The griffin nodded, and the two took to the skies.

*** *** ***

I laid there for hours. I tried to move by my body refused to do so. After giving up any attempt to free myself, only one type of thought was going through my head. Killing. Killing that traitorous bastard. I thought of multiple ways to carry out the task, everything from my knife, to my bare hooves.

Eventually I could hear the pitter of vertibucks moving towards me.

“Sarge?!” I heards Quicks voice call out, ragged and dry. “Sarge!”

I looked to the right as far as I could and saw Quick limping as fast as he could over to me.

I tried to call out to him, but the ruble in and covering my mouth muffled it.

He reached me and began to shove the rocks and concrete off of me. “Thank Celestia you’re alive!” He gave a grunt and heaved away the large boulder atop me.

I pulled myself from the rest, stood, and spit the pool of blood and a few teeth from my mouth. I stretched my wings, and received a jolt of pain in the right one. I yelped from the sudden feeling. I shook my head to clear myself of it and trotted over to the Captains pinned body.

I fell to my knees once I reached him. His eyes were still open, though not frozen in fear, but anger. I gently closed his eyes and bowed my head. Damn them all...

“How’d you find me? Where were you?” I asked Quick.

“I saw your eye in the rubble Sarge. I got ambushed by a dozen of them outside when this place went up. I just woke up an hour or so ago. What happened in here?” He asked.

The vitibucks were landing at what used to be the defensive perimeter. I turned back and saw the tunnel was still standing and clear of debris.

“I missed my target and hit the munitions.” I said dully.

“Shit.” Was all he said.

I could hear the shouts of troops down the tunnels. They were drawing closer.

“What happened to the Captain? and the Colonel?” He asked.

“The colonel betrayed the Enclave, Quick. He killed Captain Flurry.” I told him bitterly.

He remained silent. It was hard to believe, I knew, but I’d seen it with my own eyes.

I heard the voices from the tunnels enter the room, and I turned to look at them. Five hellfire troops took spots on each side of the opening. A figure stepped from the tunnel. It was General Lightning Arc. The look on his face was a mix of Awe, horror, and fury. Then his eyes came to spot me and they shot wide.

“Sergeant Thunder!” He trotted over to us, his escor only a few feet behind. “What the buck happened here!? We felt the blast from...” His words died in his throat as did his pace as his eyes spotted the pink, and now red, mane behind me and Quick. His eyes were wide in horror as they came back up to me.

“The colonel was a traitor sir. He shot and killed Captain Flurry.” I gave him emotionlessly.

He worked his jaw, but no words came out. After a few seconds however he finally he spoke, “Go out and head to the medevac.” he looked to quick as he spoke.

With a nod and a salute, Quick headed for the exit.

The general looked back to the Captains corpse for a few seconds before looking back to me. “Sergeant, you're flying back with me. I want to hear everything from once you arrived on the Altostratus.” He said to me. I nodded and we headed for the exit as well.

*** *** ***

We sat opposite from each other in the generals personal vertabuck in silence. I told him everything there was to know.

“So it was a trap. They were waiting for you. It just doesn't make sense. Shining Star was always loyal to Enclave. Why would he betray us like this?” The general said.

“Power.” Was all i said.

“Most likely. And all this explains why we haven't been able to contact the Altostratus. I can't believe he would allow all those men to die!” The general was having a hard time adjusting to the situation.

“How many survived?” I asked.

The general just stared at me for a second before answering. “Just you two.” He said quietly.

My facial expression didn't change. I was out of anything other than rage, and I wasn't going to let that out in front of the general.

“Well, I’ll have to contact the council. The colonel is a deadly asset, and can’t be left alive with the enemy. They’ll have to redirect the wonderbolts.” The general sighed.

“No.” I said. The general looked to me with a questioning look. “No. I’m gonna kill him sir, and no one else.”

The general chuckled. “Son, this isn't the movies, you cant just go all vigilante. Leave it to the bolts.”

I didn't protest. But I swore that Shining Stars blood would spill at my hooves. I owed the Captain that much.

I felt the vertabuck slow down greatly, signaling we were landing.

“Thunder, head to the medbay and get that wing patched up.” The general said as he stood.

I nodded. “Yes sir.”

He nodded as the ramp lowered and he stepped out into the hangar. I stood and left the vertabuck as well. I headed for the medical wing.

*** *** ***

I checked into the medical wing and they had me remove my armor and wait in a room. A doctor came in soon enough. He walked over the the bed I was sitting up in and began examining my wing. He tried to stretch it out, resulting in my hollering in pain.

“Well, its broken alright. An easy fix really.” I sighed in relief. “You wont be able to fly for a week at most.”

That I had a slight problem with. I needed to get out and back into the fight as soon as possible. I had to find Shining Star and give him his do.

The doctor continued. “Besides the wing and a few lost teeth, otherwise you’re fine. You should rest up, you’ll need it to heal.” He said as he left the room.

I sat there in silence, alone with my murderous thoughts.

Stop. The more I thought about what had happened the angrier I got. I couldn't let my anger get the best of me, I needed a clear mind if I was going to track that son of a mule down. I wasn’t going to kill him with rage either, no, I was going to use cold hard calculation to do it. Swift and deadly. No matter how slow of a death he deserved, I would only grant him a quick, satisfying one.

The door to my room opened and in walked a certain white maned mare. She had a worried look on her face. One that I couldn't stand. It hurt to see her in any type of pain.

“Im okay.” I said quietly.

She walked over and threw her arms around me and buried her face in my chest. She began to cry.

“I was so worried!” She sobbed, muffled by my chest.

I blinked. I didn't expect her to be this upset. Then again I wasnt used to having ponies care as much as she did. I held her close. Shushing her the best I could.

“Its okay, im fine. Just a broken wing and a few lost teeth.” I said with a smile. It was a good feeling to know someone cared about you, and it helped relieve some of the anger and sorrow over the loss of the captain.

“I-I heard there were only two survivors a-and I was s-so worried you’d died!” She continued to sob.

“I didn't though, me and Quick made it out.” I was never any good with consoling others.

She pulled her head back and wiped her eye. “The Captain?”

My mouth opened to speak, but I only choked on my words. Just the thought of what happened brought too much emotion to handle. I just shook my head as tears welled in my eyes.

She wiped her eye again. “I’m sorry.” She pulled me into a tight embrace and I returned it.

“I am too.” Was all I could say as a tear slid down my cheek.

“Im glad you’re alright though.” She said. She sniffed and pulled away from the hug.

I wiped my eyes and smirked at her. “What? You thought I couldn’t handle a few griffins?” I didn’t exactly like making a joke out of a terrible situation, but she smiled, and that made me smile.

She pressed her lips to mine in a quick kiss. Once she pulled back she spoke. “I should kick your flank for scaring me like that.” She grinned.

I rolled my eyes and smirked. “Like I had a choice.”

“Still scared me to death.” She said.

“How about I make it up to you?” I asked “A night at the SNCO club? Uninterrupted for sure this time.”

She grinned. “I don’t know, are you sure you’re not going to bail on me this time?”

I rolled my eyes. “Right cause I totally wanted to leave.” Sarcasm dripped off my words. “Not to mention I can't exactly fight right now, ya know, broken wing and all?”

She gave me a peck on the cheek. “Eight o’clock?”

I looked to the clock on the wall. It was 07:12. Plenty of time to get some sleep and take my gear back to my rack.

“Sounds great.” I smiled at her.

“Okay. I’ll see you then.” She said as she walked to the door and looked back at me. I nodded and she opened the door and left the room.

I shook my head. “That flank…” With that I layed down and closed my eyes. Ready to confront any nightmares that may plague me during my sleep.

*** *** ***

I sat there at the bar alone. The bar was deserted entirely. The only company I had was a glass of wild P. I lifted it and took a sip, letting the cold bite of the drink slide down my throat.

“Is this what you dream of? Moping?” I heard the cool voice of Flurry say next to me.

I gave a chuckle. “That or sex.” I said

He gave a laugh and took a seat on the stool next to me. “Wild Pegasus? You’re dreaming and the best you can do is cheap whiskey?” I didn’t look at him, but I could feel the smirk he was wearing.

I took another sip. “I could still wrap it in a paper bag.” I said with a smirk. We both gave a few small laughs, but it didn’t last. After a few second neither of us said anything. “Im sorry.” My eyes were still locked on my drink. I was afraid to look at him. Afraid that my mind might depict him bloodied and broken. That, and I couldn't look him in the eyes in any form. I failed him. I let him die. I shouldn't have missed.

He gave a snort. “What the hell are you sorry for? You didn’t kill me.”

“Bullshit.” I gave dryly. “I shouldn’t have missed that winged bastard. You should still be breathing.”

“You can’t think like that Thunder. I shouldn’t have charged in there with just you. Hell, I always knew something was up with the colonel, just never knew what exactly. I should have. Moping around over my death won’t do you any good. Coming to terms with it will.” I dared look at him now. He sat there with an easy smile, wearing his officers uniform, clean and crisp. His glasses were up on top of his pink fluffy mane. His cotton candy eyes had a serious look in them, almost betraying the smile on his snout. He looked over at me and the serious look in his eyes was replaced with a playful one. “And a little payback never hurts.”

I Chuckled and shook my head. “I dunno Captain. It’s just, why you? Why not me?”

“Because you’ve got more work to do. A life to live. Now stop with all the moping, thats an order Sergeant.” He said the last few words with a chuckle.

I couldn't help but break into a fit of laughter, that seemed to become contagious to Flurry. Once it died down a bit and I could catch my breath I said, “Yes sir.” And gave another half ass salute.

“Good, now,” He reached over and pushed my drink off the bar and onto the floor. “Lets have a real drink.” He reached behind the bar and pulled out two glasses and then a bottle of Silver Mane Scotch. He poured some in each glass and we wasted the endless night away drinking, bitching, laughing, and living it like it was our last.

Author's Note

Sorry it has taken me so long to get this chapter finished and posted. I've had a lot to do lately and couldn't find the time to write. Well I hope you all enjoy it! Again, i'd like to thank Silver Strings for editing and numerous others for valued input! I'll try and get the next chapter started this week!