The adventures of Sally Forth

Chapters

Night Duty
Family
Reunion

Night Duty

A cool breeze blew across the rolling fields of northern Equestria, whistling through the streets of Balk, a town surrounding one of the nation's most famous military and diplomacy outposts. The town built on national pride and peace treaties. Here species from across the globe have come to settle international disputes and commune on world matters. Urban and suburban areas filled with ponies, griffins, dragons and many other species, all surrounding a massive fortress where diplomatic matters and military business are held.

Standing atop the southern wall, shivering slightly in her uniform as she patrolled, was Captain Sally Forth. Though normally happy working night shift patrol, the bluish white unicorn couldn't help but grit her teeth at the winter night that chilled her deep purple armor. She stared out at the streets below her, and at Canterlot in the distance, as her braided, dark red mane danced in the wind. She stood deep in thought, reflecting back on a previous mission. Unfortunately for the pony sneaking up on her, she wasn't so lost in thought that she didn't notice him approaching. In one quick move Sally turned and grabbed the pony by the scruff of his neck, pulling him around quickly enough to knock him off his feet and onto his back in front of her, pinning him down with her hoof and staring down at the stalker. “Woah, Sally hold! It's me, it's Silver.”

Sally looked down at the bat pony pinned to the ground, Lieutenant Silver Lining. She took a step back, removing her hoof from his dark grey chest. Standing up and clearing his throat, he rubbed the sore spot on his chest as he stretched out his wings. “I've warned you before not to sneak up on me Silver,” Sally told him, “And today certainly isn't a good day to break that rule.”

Silver nodded, looking over at his comrade as she stared out at the town, taking a few careful steps forward. “Yeah, sorry. It's good to see you again though. It felt like that week off was going to last forever.”

“Not long enough.” Sally replied, shaking her head. “They take us off duty for a week and then slap a new rookie on us immediately, it pisses me off.”

“I know, I'd like a little more time to grieve too, but orders are orders. At least it's only night patrol, right?” Silver tried to give a reassuring smile, which seemed to go unnoticed. Leaning in slowly, he gave her a soft, caring kiss on the jaw. “Come on, flash me that pretty smile of yours, I haven't seen it for a while.”

The sullen unicorn shook her head, pushing away his affectionate kissing. “Silver, I've told you before not to mix business and pleasure. I'm sorry, but I still need some time, alright?”

Silver looked over at Sally with a disappointed look, nodding slowly. “Yeah, alright. But please, can you just say something, anything to me? I haven't seen you in a week Sally, didn't you miss me?”

Sally looked over at the bat pony before her, nodding softly as she leaned her head in close and gave him a loving, hypocritical kiss on his dark lips. Silver returned the kiss in kind, the two wrapped up in a passionate moment of reunion. It felt like an eternity to the pair before they broke the kiss, and Sally looked into Silver's eyes. “I missed you. I wanted you close to me so I could hold you and cry, to have you there to listen and help me.”

Emotion started to well up in Sally's eyes as she spoke. Silver wrapped a hoof around her as his lover buried her muzzle in his shoulder, rubbing her back. “Hey, it's alright baby. Everything's going to be okay.”

After a few moments of crying, Sally was able to take a deep breath and calm down, straightening up and wiping her eyes. “Thank you.” She gave Silver another soft kiss before she started toward the steps down to the courtyard. “Come on, Athens and the newbie are probably waiting for us by the gate.”

Silver smiled softly, giving her a nod as he stood behind for a moment. He couldn't resist taking a moment to watch the officer's flank, seeing her coat of arms cutie mark shake from side to side as she walked, starting to follow behind her down the stairs. “Yes ma'am.”

The courtyard could be a very intimidating place at night. In the light of the moon above, topiary and statues cast shadows across the ground. Unphased by the dark figures around him stood a blue and gold griffin clad in night shift armor and a medical bag, Lieutenant Athens. As he waited by the stairs, he finally heard the hoofsteps of his comrades making their way down to him. Athens smiled and gave Sally a salute as she came down. “Good to see you again Sally.”

Sally returned the salute before giving the griffin a hug and a soft kiss. “Same to you Athens.” She took a look around, seeing nopony else nearby. “Is the rookie running late?”

Athens shook his head, smiling as Silver next approached him and locked lips. “Left her waiting by the gate, wanted to see you guys alone first, give us a moment to catch up.”

Sally nodded, leading the trio toward the gate, a tan earth pony clad in night shift armor. As the three approached, the mare saluted, straightening up her neck. “Private Iron Sights reporting for duty Captain.”

“At ease rookie, no need to be so formal.” Sally told her, noticing an immediate change in posture as she told her this.

“Yes ma'am.” she replied, relaxing. “Nice to meet you Captain Sally Forth, Lieutenants Silver Lining and Athens, glad to be part of the team.”

The three nodded to her, following Sally as she made her way onto the streets of the town. The four patrolled together, keeping their eyes out for crime in the bustling night life of Balk. Sally led the pack as the three soldiers followed behind, Iron Sights in between her two senior officers. “So, where are you from rookie?” Silver asked.

“Appleloosa, but I trained at Fetlock military base near Baltimare.” She replied, smiling over at her superior. “What about you sir, where do, um, your people come from?”

Silver couldn't help but chuckle at the wording as he reminisced of home. “I came from a bat pony village in the forest surrounding Smokey Mountain, Eclipse. Studied here in Balk with Captain Sally.”

Iron nodded, looking down at her walking hooves. “So, is this the whole job? I was expecting...something more exciting.”

“Don't worry, there's plenty of excitement to the job.” Athens explained with a chuckle. “we're just on night duty for about a week or so, I'm sure they'll give us a nice, heart pounding mission in time.”

“Oh, why are we on night duty? I mean, isn't that a job for the local police?”

Silver shook his head, tapping on his armor. “We are the local police kid, the town saves money splitting soldiers between military missions and local law enforcement.”

“As for why us-” Athens continued, a sorrowful look on his face.

“It's because we've got a rookie to get integrated into the team.” Sally spoke up, still looking ahead. “And because we lost a good soldier not long ago.”

The air became dreary as Sally finished, a sad look fell into Silver and Athens' eyes. Iron Sights looked around, shaking her head as she followed. “Well, I mean, isn't that just a hazard of the job?”

The group stopped in place. Sally grit her teeth, facing forward as the pair of guys looked disapprovingly at the private. “Excuse me?” Athens asked, trying to tame his frustration.

“Well, I mean,” Iron started, looking at the group around her. “We're soldiers right? We fight, we die. It's just to be expected.”

Silver opened his bat wings. Glaring at Iron, tense and ready to strike, his fangs bared. “You better shut your-”

“Stand down Silver.” Sally raised her voice, turning around and standing between the two. On command, Silver took a step back, still looking angry as Sally looked back at him. “I am the commanding officer here, I will handle this.”

Silver nodded as a look of relief washed over Iron Sights. “Thank you Captain, for a second there I-” Her thought was interrupted as Sally gave her a harsh slap across the face, hard enough to knock her off her hooves.

She winced on the ground as Sally approached, putting her foreleg against the private's chest. Her strength was astounding, able to keep her pinned without flexing a single muscle. “Listen carefully rookie, I don't repeat myself.” She told her, her icy eyes staring into her fearful ones. “Those comments may be acceptable at Fetlock, but here in Balk we show respect and admiration for our fallen comrades. The next time I hear you disrespect the dead I will take it upon myself to reprimand you, do I make myself clear Private?”

Iron Sights could only nod as Sally released her from the ground, brushing off her armor. Iron took a heavy breath and shook her head. “S-sorry Captain, I-”

“Help!” A mare screamed out from a nearby stall as a stallion ran off down the street, running through the crowd. “He stole my money pouch!”

The group began to run after the stallion. “Athens, Silver, take the skies, cut him off.” Sally commanded, galloping at top speed as the pair spread their wings. “Rookie, you're with me.”

“Yes ma'am” Iron replied as she galloped, doing her best to keep up with her commanding officer. Through various turns and side streets they gave chase, Silver and Athens keeping sights from the air, waiting for the perfect time to get ahead of the robber. Sally grit her teeth as her horn lit up on her head, taking aim she fired a bolt of magic from her horn, striking the thief. A wave of magic overcame the stallion, his legs went limp as his paralysed body tripped and rolled, landing him on his back. Sally slid to a stop in front of the criminal, levitating a set of four piece cuffs and affixing them his hooves. Iron Sights stared in awe at what she just witnessed as Athens and Silver landed and helped her stand their target up. A quick flash of magic relieved the paralysis, allowing the colt to stand on his own hooves while Sally picked up the money bag, making sure the bits were still inside. She nodded to the other three. “Silver, you and I will take the thief to lock up.” She ordered, tossing the cash bag to Athens. “Iron, Athens, take the money back to the booth he stole it from.”

Athens saluted, bringing Iron in tow as the group split up to their tasks. As the griffon and the rookie rounded the corner, Iron was clearly still in awe of what she just witnessed. “Wow, that was....I mean, Captain Sally has astounding magical power.”

“That she does.” Athens nodded, making his way back toward the robbed stall. “There isn't another Captain in the military I'd rather follow than her.”

It was a quick walk back to the stall, an appreciative mare ready to welcome them as Athens set the money down on the counter. “Oh thank you so much. Please, Have a couple of pears on the house.” she told them, sliding two pieces of fruit across the counter.

“Thank you very much.” Athens told her as he took his reward, Iron Sights taking her own. The two made their way down the street to a bench, sitting down to eat. “Well, I could certainly get used to this.” Iron told the griffin as she bit into her piece of fruit.

“I wouldn't if I were you.” Athens warned. “Don't expect a reward for every job well done.”

The private nodded, taking another bite of her pear. She stared down at it for a moment, the two soldiers sitting in silence as they ate. Finally, Iron broke the silence, turning to the griffin. “Hey, Captain Sally.....is she seeing anyone?”

Athens looked down at the girl, blushing like a filly with a crush, and couldn't help but chuckle. “Well, I'm not sure. I think she might be.”

Silver shut the door behind him as he stepped out of lock up behind Sally. “Well, that's another one behind bars.” he said, smiling.

“Yeah. Come on, we need to get back to Athens and the rookie.” Sally replied, starting down the road.

Silver grabbed her hoof, pulling her back toward him. “Sally, wait up a second.” he told her. “Can we talk?”

Sally froze for a moment, looking at the worried look on his face. “Alright, what's on your mind Silver?”

“Don't you think you went a little far?” he asked. “You know a paralysis spell isn't something you should use carelessly. One bad shot and you could have stopped his heart. Athens and I were ready to move in front of him, we could have corralled him into a dead end.”

“I knew what I was doing Silver!” she replied, defensiveness in her voice, tears welling up in her eyes. “I wasn't taking a risk on letting him get away. You remember what happened last time I didn't take every precaution!”

Silver was taken aback for a moment. Finally, he sighed and wiped the tears from his superior's eyes. “Sally, it wasn't your fault. You can't blame yourself for what happened to Spring, everything about the operation suggested they didn't have photographs, didn't know what the contact would look like. It was the intel-”

“The intel that I gathered. My contacts, my information, my seal of approval.”

Silver froze up, trying to think of a reply to calm down the upset mare in front of him. With a sigh, he took her hoof in his, giving her cheek a soft kiss. “You didn't know, the contact was trustworthy, everyone was on board with the plan, everyone approved the intel, Spring even approved it. You can't blame yourself for what happened, It was my fault too, everyone's fault. Don't bear the burden alone.”

Sally looked up at the stallion in front of her, staring into his reassuring eyes. She buried her face into his chest, starting to cry. Silver said nothing as he held her close, letting her cry it out.

As the night winded down, the group returned to the barracks to strip out of their armor. “So rookie,” Athens asked, “How did you like your first night on the job?”

“well...it was a learning experience.” Iron replied, putting her armor away in her locker. “Pretty quiet though. Aside from that thief we chased all we really did was reprimand teenagers.”

“Yeah, patrol isn't the most exciting part of the job, but it's nice for relaxing after a rough mission.” Silver told her, walking around the corner to Sally's locker.

Sally slipped out of her armor, sealing it away in her locker. At the sound of hoofsteps nearby, she turned to look at Silver approaching. He smiled, walking up close and leaning against the lockers. “So, should we wait up for you at the gate while you report? I've got some hay pizza at my place, Athens and I were thinking about a nice reunion night.”

“Sorry, it's been a long, emotional night.” she replied, giving him a loving nuzzle. “I'm just going to report to the Colonel and go home to rest. I'll join you guys next time.”

Silver nodded, kissing her nose softly before walking away, meeting back up with the rest of the group to leave for home. Sally broke off from them in the halls and made her way to the military offices. She stopped at a door, knocking on it. “Come in.” came a voice from behind it.

She stepped into the well lit office, a blue unicorn with a black mane sat behind the desk in military attire, Colonel Semper Fi. “Not much to report tonight Colonel.” Sally told him. “One major arrest and some delinquent teenagers.”

Semper nodded, writing down some notes as she spoke. “Very good Captain. What are your impressions on Private Iron Sights?”

“She has potential sir, but she needs to earn a little more respect and admiration for the position.”

The Colonel nodded, smiling. “Sounds like someone else I knew when they were a rookie. And how have you been holding up Captain?”

“I'm fine Colonel. If that's all then I'd like to make my way home now.”

The Colonel stared across the room at Sally for a moment, noting the blank, professional look on her face before nodding. Sally saluted and made her way out, shutting the door behind her and making her way home.

Sally sorted through her keys at the door to her apartment on the east end of town, finally finding the one for her front door and unlocking it. As the door swung open she was met with the feel of tiny hooves wrapping around her own foreleg. Looking down, she saw a unicorn foal with a bright smile on her face, hugging her leg. “Mommy you're home!” the young foal said.

“That's right sweetheart.” she replied, picking up the foal and settling her down on her back. “Mommy's home, were you good for Auntie Scotch?”

“She was perfectly behaved.” came another voice from the direction of the couch. Sitting there was Sally's older sister Scotch Neat, greenish white with a punkish red mane, a rocks glass on her flank. “Just like her mommy used to be.”

Sally smiled, setting her daughter down on the ground. “Winter Breeze, sweetheart, mommy has to talk to Auntie Scotch. Would you please go play in your room?”

With a nod Winter made her way to her room, and Sally sat back on the couch with a sigh. “How are you doing sis?” Scotch asked.

“Tired, but otherwise fine.” she replied, rubbing her eyes. “Thanks again for babysitting, I can count on you for the rest of the week right?”

Scotch nodded, smiling as she stood up, walking with her sister to Sally's room. “Get some rest, I'll stick around while you're sleeping.”

Sally nodded, climbing into bed as Scotch shut the door. Staring up at the ceiling, she let her mind wander for a moment. Turning her head, she looked at a photo on her night stand, a photo of her team. Athens stood on the far left with a grin on his face, An arm extended over the back of Silver, who stood next to Sally in the center, holding hooves. On the far right side, with a friendly arm around Sally's back, was a pegasus pony with a sky blue coat and a cloudy, white mane. Sally stared at the pegasus for a little while, sighing and putting down the picture. “Spring Showers.” she said to herself, shutting her eyes. “I'm so sorry.”

Family

The moon hung high and visible in the night sky over Balk, silent save for the sound of hooves against brick as a unicorn stallion turns the corner into a straight alleyway. No older than a teenager, his saddlebags were filled with fruit. In intense pursuit behind the thief were Captain Sally and Silver Lining. Turning his head, he saw the two soldiers closing the gap, and tried to pick up speed. Using his magic, he lobbed some bananas to the ground behind him. Spotting the slick in front of him, Silver jumped, spreading his wings and avoiding the trap. Sally, however, wasn't so lucky. As her hooves stamped down on the fruit beneath her, she lost her traction and slammed her side onto the ground, sliding into a nearby trash pile. “Sally!” Silver yelled out, swooping over to her.

Climbing out of the trash pile, Sally winced as she put weight onto her right foreleg, looking up to the batpony. “I'm fine! Just get him!”

Gritting his teeth, Silver beat his wings vigorously, making up for the distance he had lost. Minutes later he had found his target. The unicorn looked shocked as he turned his head, levitating and lobbing apples behind him. Silver was quick to avoid the projectiles, closing in on the young unicorn. As he approached and got ready for the dive, the unicorn was tackled from an open alleyway in a flash of brown. Iron Sights rolled across the ground with the teen. Pinning him, the mare smirked down at him. “Got you punk”

Silver landed nearby, wiping sweat from his brow, still frustrated. “What did you do that for rookie? I had him!”

Athens stepped out from the alleyway behind them, stepping up at the start of the argument. “I was just doing my job, catching the bad guy.” Iron argued.

“What if you had missed? We would have slammed right into each other and he would've gotten away. You should have made your position clearer.”

“If I had done that he would've seen me.”

“Enough!” Sally screamed, glaring at the pair as she limped forward. “You're soldiers, not children.”

“Captain! Your leg!” Iron looked over at her with concern as Athens approached her, opening his medical bag and examining the mare's leg.

“I'm fine, I just slipped on some bananas.” she replied, scoffing as she held out her leg for the lieutenant.

“A little cliche, don't you think captain?” Athens joked, taking some bandages out and treating her leg. “Regardless, you've got a bad sprain, you're done for the night.”

Sally groaned, shaking her head as the teen was put into shackles. “I'll be fine Athens, just finish patching me up and we'll get this kid back to his parents.”

“I'm sorry captain, I've got to go over your head on this one. You're going home, even if I have to take you.”

“Fine.” Sally replied with a roll of her eyes. “But you go with Silver, I'm afraid those two might kill each other if they're left alone too long. Rookie, come with me.”

“I'll go with you captain, Athens can take the rookie.” Silver argued.

“And listen to your constant apologizing? I'll pass. Iron, let's go.”

“Yes ma'am.” Iron was quick to follow Sally, while Athens guided a sullen Silver and their delinquent captive.

It was a long walk, especially for Sally and her sprained leg, but they had made it into the captain's neighborhood, a suburban area just outside the main city. Iron followed alongside her captain, offering a hoof when she stumbles. “Jeez, that must have hurt. Lousy kid.”

“Well, there's nothing we can do about it now. His parents will take care of reprimanding him.” Sally replied, stepping up the walkway to her front porch.

“Yeah, well hopefully they'll tear into him as hard as Silver teared into me. I mean I caught the bad guy.”

Sally's horn lit up as she triggered the magic lock on the door, stepping inside. “He just got a little overprotective. He doesn't show it, but it's been rough on him since-”

“Mommy!” Sally's train of thought was interrupted as Winter Breeze galloped up to her mother, wrapping her young hooves around her healthy foreleg.

Sally smiled, wrapping her hoof carefully around the filly, while Iron Sights took a step back, staring down at the child. “Hello sweetie, were you good for Auntie Scotch?”

Winter nodded, smiling as she took a step back. “Uh huh, I drew you a picture.”

“Oh really?” Sally asked with a smile. “Well, you should go get it, I'd love to see it.”

The filly's face lit up as she rushed toward her room in the back hall. Sally's eyes followed her daughter as she left the room, turning her head over to the pale-faced Iron Sights. “What's wrong soldier? You can handle basic training but you cower at the sight of little kids?”

Iron shook her head, straightening herself with a soft blush on her face. “N-no ma'am, I'm just....not good around kids. I didn't know you were a mother, captain.”

“She's gotta keep up that tough soldier facade.” Scotch replied, stepping out of the kitchen. “You're home early.”

“Hurt my hoof, Athens made me come home.” Sally said, limping up to her sister.

“Good that he did, the only word with more authority than Princess Celestia is the word of her doctor.” Scotch looked over the hoof, peeking at it through the bandages. “Go get some painkillers from the first aid kit, I'll call the doctor and set up a house call.”

Sally nodded, making her way toward the back hallway. “Go ahead and make yourself at home Iron, I'll be back in a few minutes.”

Iron Sights stood awkwardly in the doorway for a moment, looking around at the decor. She certainly didn't expect such a normal, suburban house from her tough captain. Finally, she trotted into the main room, sitting down on the couch. “You're new.”

Iron gasped, jumping back on the couch. Looking down, she saw Winter Breezestaring up at her, a sheet of paper face down on her back. There was a moment of silence as the two just stared. “Um, y-yes ma'am.” Iron spoke up, saluting to the filly. “P-private Iron sights, under Captain Sa....your mother's command.”

Winter raised an eyebrow, looking up at the saluting soldier. “You're strange.”

“S-sorry.” Iron replied with a sigh, lowering her hoof.

“You're one of mommy's work friends?”

“Y-yeah, she's my commanding officer.”

“Have you met Auntie Spring? She hasn't visited in a while.”

Iron went silent, staring down at the curious filly. “I-I...”

“Winter,” Scotch stepped back into the room from the kitchen. “Don't bother the soldier, she's trying to relax. Come on, we'll make mommy a plate of fruit.”

“Okay.” Winter replied with a smile, making her way over to Scotch in the kitchen.

Iron sighed, leaning back and trying her best to loosen her stress. Sally stepped out a moment later with a smile, making her way over to the couch and sitting down. “You really are bad with kids.”

“Yeah, never been good with them.” Iron looked over to her commanding officer. “So, is her father a soldier too?”

Sally shook her head. “No, her father's a deadbeat, ran off before she could even remember him.”

“oh, sorry.”

“Don't be, I'm over it.” Sally smiled softly. “I'm glad to be rid of him.”

Iron nodded, looking around the room again. “I have to say, this is a bit different than I pictured where you live. I thought there'd be a punching bag and a bunch of weight training or something.”

“Oh? You think I'm some big gruff soldier man?” Sally giggled, patting the soldier's back.

Iron giggled back, smiling “I know, it sounds dumb to me now, too.” the two laughed for a few minutes, calming down as they smiled at each other. “You just always seemed like the tough as nails type, like a couple nights ago, when you caught that guy with the paralysis spell. You had a look in your eye that reminded me of my training officer back at boot camp.”

“I hope that's a compliment.” Sally replied.

“Well kind of,” she explained, “I had a bit of a thing for him, and we hooked up for a while. I was pretty star struck when I looked at you there.”

Sally raised an eyebrow, smiling at the private. “Well, I'll take that as a compliment then.”

Winter Breeze and Scotch returned to the room, Scotch set down a plate of fruit next to the mare, the young filly standing in front of her with a smile. “Mommy, we got some fruit for you.”

“Well, thank you, that's very thoughtful.” Sally picked up a piece of fruit with her magic, sampling it with a smile.

“And look, it's the picture I made you.” Winter picked up the drawing from her back, setting the crude crayon portrait in front of Sally. “It's you, and Uncle Silver, and Uncle Athens, and Auntie Spring.”

Sally smiled down at the picture, a couple tears welling up in her eyes as she looked it over. “Well thank you sweetheart, it's beautiful. Why don't you go put it on the fridge. Private Iron Sights will help you.” Sally turned her attention to the private. “If you wouldn't mind, Iron.”

“N-not at all ma'am” Iron replied, standing up and looking down at Winter. “L-let's go.”

With a smile, Winter took the picture and walked to the kitchen with the private. Sally smiled as she watched the two leave, and Scotch Neat replaced Iron on the couch. “So, is she a new playmate of yours?”

“No, just the replacement soldier for my team.” Sally explained. “I've only known her a couple of days.”

“And what do you think of her so far?”

“She's young, not very disciplined. But she has the makings of a good soldier, if she puts her mind to it.”

Scotch nodded, sitting back and smiling. “We gonna be seeing more of her around the house?”

Sally thought for a while, silent save for the echo of Winter talking in the kitchen. “I don't know yet.”

Athens smiled as he shook the unicorn's hand, his son glowering next to him. “Always happy to help, you folks have a good night.”

The griffin stepped way as the father took his son into the apartment, Silver was waiting nearby, a frustrated look on his face. “Damn kid, should have taken him to lockup instead.”

Athens shook his head, walking out of the apartment with his batpony companion. “You know the laws, juveniles are put back into the custody of their parents. You need to get over it, Sally's going to be fine.”

“She shouldn't have been hurt in the first place, I should've protected her.”

“You can't blame yourself for that either.”

Silver stopped, stamping his hoof on the ground, making a loud 'clop' against the stone. “I can't blame the kid, I can't blame myself, who is it okay to blame?!”

Athens stopped, staring down at the colt. Silver's breathing was heavy and frustrated, tears started to well up in his eyes. “You haven't spoken a word about it until now, it's not healthy to keep bottled up.” Athens put a talon on Silver's back. “You can talk to me about Spring.”

“No, I can't Athens.” Silver said, gritting his teeth as he cried. “I have to be the strong one, I have to be the rock that people lean against. I can't....I can't break down. I'm the support beam.”

“You're putting too much pressure on yourself. You need to take some time for your own feelings too.”

“There's no time for me.” Silver wiped his eyes, continuing to walk. “Sally, you, everyone needs me to be the strong one. Otherwise everything breaks down, people break up, and you're just left alone!”

The sobbing batpony only made it a few more steps before he stumbled and broke down, sitting against a wall. Athens walked over, wrapping a wing around his comrade, letting him cry it out.

Iron Sights waved back to sally as she left, making her way back to the barracks. After a long trek back, she stepped into the locker rooms, taking off her armor. Nearby, she heard the sound of the showers running. Athens and Silver must have gotten back first. After putting away her equipment, she took out a towel to go join them. Stopping at the shower door, she heard the two talking inside.

“Yeah, we can go by tomorrow, we'll bring her some flowers or something.” Silver replied, rinsing the shampoo from his mane.

“Yeah, I know a good florist in the area.” Athens told him. “Still up for date night at the end of the week? I was thinking we'd hit up the Golden Orchard.”

“I don't know, lately it's been just the two of us. I'll ask Sally if she wants to join us.” Silver smirked. “I'm getting a little tired of playing bottom for you, my tailhole is still sore from a couple days ago. I've been dying to bury myself in Sally's-”

“L-lieutenant?” The room went silent, The two guys looked over, staring at Iron Sights. Iron stared back, a deep blush on her face.

Sally sighed as she sat back on the couch. A day's rest may not seem like a lot to a regular pony, but for a mare like Sally every minute not spent doing something was frustrating. Even so, it was doctor's orders. The silence of the house was broken as a knock came to the door. Sally made a move to get up, but her sister stepped out from the kitchen. “You stay there, I've got it.”

Opening the door, Scotch smiled as she saw the griffin and batpony at the door, each holding flowers. “Well, long time no see boys.” she said, stepping aside to let them in. “Sally, your boy toys are here.”

The guys blushed as the walked in, presenting the flowers and a kiss. Sally smiled, giving them each a loving kiss as a blush went over her face. “Thanks guys, the doctor says I should be up and about tomorrow, just in time for our last day of night shift.”

“Good to hear.” Silver said with a smile. “And sorry about the way I overreacted last night.”

“It's alright, it was good to see you expressing your feelings.”

“I'm afraid we can't stay for long, we're both pretty tired.” Athens told her.

“That's alright, thanks for the flowers and the good intentions.”

“No problem.” Silver rubbed the bags under his eyes. “We also wanted to know if you were up for a date night tomorrow after work.”

Sally nodded. “that sounds great, I've missed dates with you guys.”

The two nodded and gave her another kiss before they stepped away, rubbing at the bags under their eyes. Silver was the first to step out, while Athens lingered for a moment. “Oh, by the way.” he began quickly. “Iron Sights knows, She overheard Silver's loud mouth in the shower.”

Quickly as he'd spoken Athens was out the door. Sally sat there for a moment, gathering her thoughts as she processed the griffin's statement. Scotch walked up to her with a smile, she loved conflict. “You can't yell, you'll wake up Winter.” she told her.

“I know, I won't yell. I'm just going to sit here and contemplate murder for a while.” she said, sitting back with a hard stare in her eyes.

Reunion

The doors to the changing room swung open as Sally and company made their way in after a tiring night shift. “Jeez, why did all the criminals decide to come out tonight?” Iron asked, her head hanging from dreariness. “Six in one night? That's more than we've bagged all week.”

“Well, at least that's the last night of night shift for us.” Silver responded, practically ripping off his armor and tossing it in his locker.

Sally nodded as she rounded the corner to her own locker, starting to strip. “Yeah, at ease soldiers. Two days off, a training day, then we get our next assignment, so enjoy your beds while you can.”

There was an echoing cheer from the group as they thought forward to their coming days off, relaxation after a straight week of work, it sounded great. Sally shut her locker, ready to make her way off to the Colonel's office, but stopped as she felt a hoof tap on her shoulder. Turning, she saw Iron Sights standing there with a nervous blush. “Hey, with you recovering and the busy night, we haven't had a chance to talk about what I heard. I already told Athens and Silver I wouldn't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me.”

Sally looked up at her, Her eyes showed honesty behind all that nervousness. She nodded to the nervous mare with a smile. “Thank you, I'm glad I can count on you.”

The private nodded with a smile, rubbing the back of her head. “I gotta say, I was pretty shocked and curious when I heard the lieutenants talking, I've never met a polyamorous group before.”

“Well, Why don't you stop by at the Golden Orchard tonight and join us on our date.” Sally replied.

“P-pardon?”

“Not like that,” Sally said, giggling at the blushing mare, “So you can ask some questions, you said you were curious.”

“Oh, of course.” Iron smiled, clearing the blush from her cheeks. “Alright, I'll meet up with you guys later.”

Iron waved as she stepped away from her commanding officer, Sally once again splitting off to report the nights events.

Sally made her way down the street toward downtown. Stopping as she approached her destination, she looked up at the sign. Her sister's bar, The Golden Orchard, practically the only bar not frequented by military personnel. It was always a relief to stop by and relax when she could. Walking inside, her gaze turned immediately to her usual table, where her two favorite guys in the world were sitting close, holding hooves as they talked. Sally approached with a smile on her face, though the back of her head reminded her that there was someone missing from that table. Once she was nearby, the two caught sight of her and smiled, getting up out of the booth to greet her. “Sally, I'm so glad you could make it.” Silver said, pressing his lips to hers.

“Yeah, well, I was starting to feel left out, you boys and your movie nights and whatnot.” she said as the kiss broke, turning to Athens to kiss him next before sitting down. “It's nice, the three of us together again on a date. I'm already enjoying myself.”

“Yeah, we've missed you a lot, it's way more boring when it's just the two of us.” Silver agreed, leaning back in the booth.

“And Silver was getting tired of playing the bottom” Athens added with a chuckle.

The three laughed and caught up with each other, sharing stories and discussing work as they burned away the evening. For the first time in more than a week, it seemed like the trio were completely happy, without a care in the world. The drinks came and the words flew, laughter erupted as Athens dropped the punch line to a joke. “Hey guys, what's so funny?” came a familiar voice.

The laughing stopped, The boys' hearts each skipped a beat as the three turned and saw Iron Sights standing there, a smile on her face “Come on, let me in on the joke.”

“Iron Sights? What are you doing here?” Silver asked, a bit shocked by her sudden appearance.

“Sally told me to come here.”

And, suddenly, all eyes turned to Sally, who had a wide grin on her face. “Well, she was curious about us. And, like a good Captain, I always do damage control for those under my command.” Her eyes were directly on Silver as she finished speaking. “Have a seat, Iron. Ask away.”

Iron slid into the booth next to a blushing Silver, who stared down into his drink. “Well, I guess my first question would by why you guys are keeping it a secret? Equestria is a free love country.”

“They won't mind that we're in a relationship,” Athens explained, “But the official standing of the military is that soldiers must be unbiased toward those under their command. If anyone in the military base found out, and it leaked to our commanding officer, Sally would be reassigned to another squad, she may even be relocated to a different base.”

“So, I'll remind you,” Sally added, “You cannot tell anyone that we're dating. Understood, private?”

Iron nodded, blushing a bit as she thought about the consequences. “I understand, I'll keep your secret for you guys. How does it work, anyway? Like, how do you guys make decisions and decide who gets the join you guys?”

“Well it was easy for us at first,” Silver explained, “Initially, it was the four of us on the squad, so it wasn't that difficult for us to get along. When it comes to decisions about us as a whole, we vote on it and discuss it together, all of us. We've never really had to decide on adding someone to the group before, but we agreed that we'd all have to approve of them first.”

“I see. And how does, um, intimacy work?”

“There'll be times when we go out together, like tonight.” Athens spoke up. “Otherwise, we'll go on dates in pairs or who ever's available. As for bedroom antics, that's a bit too personal to go into with you, private.”

They continued on in fashion for a while, Iron asking and the group answering, getting more and more interested as the time went by. “Wow, you guys have a lot of this figured out.” Iron said, mind racing with curiosity. “Alright, one last question. How did you all start? How did you decide to date each other?”

There was a pause again, the three looking around at each other, debating whether or not to reveal the story. Sally nodded slowly, smiling softly as she thought back to it. “It was a while back.” She explained. “We were still a fairly new squad, only about six months together at the time, on a reconnaissance mission to gather some intel on possible smugglers.”

Sally wiped a bead of sweat from her brow as she stared down the binoculars, watching closely the building hidden below the thicket of trees. Athens and Silver stood guard in the trees while Spring Showers was busy at work on some lunch, humming the same tune as usual, a lullaby from her childhood. “movement.” Sally finally said, and the three turned and looked at her. “It looks like they're emptying the store room, but why? They aren't supposed to deliver the goods until tomorrow.”

Silver glided down from the tree and took a look for himself through the binoculars, scanning the scene below. It was true, it looked like everything they had stored was being emptied into a pair of carts. The group remained in position as they watched the carts gallop away. “That doesn't make any sense though, what are they doing?” Silver asked.

“Let's go find out.” Sally replied, packing up the binoculars. “group up team, we're moving in to investigate. No telling how long they'll be gone for, so don't waste any time.”

The group left the camp unpacked save for a small survival pack each. Carrying their supplies down into the thicket, they wandered into the now abandoned factory. As they suspected, it was empty, save for some tables and chairs left over. As the group looked around, they tried to figure out what caused them to flee. “Bomb!” Athens yelled, spotting a small explosive in the corner of the building.

“Under the tables!” Sally said through gritted teeth, making a dive. They had been discovered, it was a trap.

Everyone made it under the tables just in time for the fireworks to fly. The rocks crumbled and fell, thankfully missing the soldiers under the tables. As the explosions subsided, the group climbed out from under the tables, looking around with a bit of shock. The entire building had collapsed into a dome, they were trapped. At the top, a single ray of sunlight shot through a hole in the ceiling. Silver Lining flew up to investigate, shaking his head. “No good, too small for a pony to fit through. Making it bigger will probably collapse the dome. But at least we won't suffocate.”

“So we're trapped?” Spring asked, looking concerned.

“We'll be fine Spring.” Sally reassured her, pulling a beacon from her pack and activating it, producing a continuous beep every three seconds. “They'll get a fix on our location and come rescue us. Could take a little bit of time. Silver, it's not big enough to fly, but see if you can fit your hoof through and toss this out. It won't broadcast well through these rocks.”

Silver was quick to obey the order, his hoof barely fit through the hole as he tossed out the beacon. “Alright, it'll be nightfall soon, and the temperature is going to drop. Athens, help me get started on a fire. Spring and Silver, gather up the survival packs and do a ration count.”

The group worked like a well oiled machine, both pairs working hard on their job. By nightfall, everything was prepared. Spirits were still low, however, as the wood proved difficult to burn, only a small fire was produced. The food situation wasn't much better, even rationed properly they would only have enough for one more day. The four sat in silence around the fire, until Spring finally spoke up. “Permission to speak captain.”

Sally looked up at her, as concerned eyes looked back. “Granted.”

“I just wanted to say, I....I love all three of you.” she began. “If we don't make it out of this situation, I just wanted you all to know.”

“Yeah, we love you too Spring.” Silver said.

“I mean it, in the most intimate way.” Spring continued. “I love all of you, I'm attracted to all of you. I'm sorry, if it seems dramatic, but....I really wanted it to be said, just in case.”

The three looked between each other, shocked. Equestria was, of course, a free love empire, there were no rules to love. Even so, the group had hardly seen anyone come out to three people at once. Everyone sat in silence for a while, until Silver spoke up. “You know, I kind of like you guys too. Like, beyond friends, every one of you.”

“I'm not gonna lie, I've definitely thought about all of you before.” Athens said with a smile. “Though, never at the same time.”

All eyes turned to Sally as she looked around at the group, the room silent save for the crackling of the fire. She thought for a long time, eyes darting between her team mates a dozen times. “I don't really have a lot of good experience with love.” she started. “My relationships tend to crash and burn often. But, I'd be happy to share a bed with just one of you, let alone all of you.”

It was silent again, the group sat and thought about what had just been said, what it meant. They were silent for a good hour, nothing but the sound of a crackling fire. Finally, Spring stood up. She walked around the fire to Sally, who stood to meet her. The two stared at each other for a time before Spring spoke up. “Captain, average rescue time for a pinned unit in these deep, forested conditions is four days.” she started. “We haven't eaten since breakfast, and the rations will only last us another day. Before we're exhausted, before we don't have the energy....in case this is our last conversation, I just wanted to do this.”

Without a moment's pause, Spring leaned her head in to Sally's, pressing her lips against the captain's. The two men stared at the pair for a moment, blushing. After the initial shock, Sally returned the kiss, shutting her eyes. The two broke the kiss with a deep blush on each of their cheeks, a small strand of saliva breaking between them.

Breaking eye contact, Spring moved on to Athens, she looked up at him as he stood tall, his head looming above hers. With a smile, he lowered his beak, and the two shared their own kiss. Silver was once again staring when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning his head, his lips were suddenly assaulted by those of his commanding officer, shutting his eyes and sharing the kiss.

Spring and Sally caught each others eyes as they were kissing with the boys, and exchanged a wordless agreement. Guiding the two boys by their lips, they guided their lips together, pulling away and tricking the boys into a kiss. The watched with a smile as the two opened their eyes and made eye contact with a deep blush. They must have decided they liked it, because they both shut their eyes again.

Their kiss was interrupted as Silver gasped and jumped away from the griffin. He looked down, thinking he had felt something. Spring was there, her head leaning down, formerly between his legs, a blush between her cheeks as she raised her head up. “I-I'm sorry, was that too far?” she asked.

Silver looked down under him to his flared member, hanging erect. He paused for a moment, smiling as he continued to blush. “N-no, not at all” he told her, lifting a foreleg with a smile.

Spring smiled, trotting over to him and hanging her head under his belly, licking slowly across his stallionhood. Biting his lip, he leaned himself back and fell onto his back, giving her full access to his underbelly and his erection. Spring continued her delicate work, covering him in a coat of saliva. Sally and Athens stood, watching the pair before turning to each other, a deep blush covering Sally's face. “D-did you want-” she stuttered out.

“Please, allow me” He replied with a bow, leaning his head behind her and between her legs, his thin griffin tongue tender licking the captain's damp folds. Sally moaned gently, tensing her back at the initial lick before calming down. Lowering her head to the ground, she lifted her tail out of the way and raised her flanks.

Moans echoed around the dome, Spring had moved on from her delicate licking to sucking, her head bobbing up and down, her mane bouncing as she sucked Silver's arousal. Sally was across the room with her back hooves spread, Athens was hard at work on her entrance, his sharp beak carefully teasing her love button, causing her to cry out in ecstasy.

Feeling his shaft throb in her throat, Spring slipped slowly off his cock, letting every inch of Silver's hot flesh feel her lips against it as she released him from her maw. Licking her lips, the taste of pre surrounded her tongue. Looking up and panting, Silver watched as Sally walked away, approaching the other two soldiers. Climbing back onto his hooves, he had a feeling he knew where this was going.

Sally's hooves were shaking with pleasure as her griffin comrade continued his work on her nethers. Her moans were interrupted by the tongue suddenly invading her mouth. Snapping her eyes open, she saw Spring Showers, head down and presenting much like her. She broke the kiss with a smile “hey there, having fun?” Spring asked with a smile.

Sally nodded with a smile, and the two stared into each others eyes. Their gaze was broken a moment later as Spring shut her eyes and gasped. Above her, Silver had taken her invitation, his hooves on her flanks as his shaft found it's way into her waiting entrance. Sally stared at her comrade with a deep blush on her face, watching her eyes roll back as Silver found his rhythm. Leaning in, she caught the mare's moans with a deep kiss.

She felt the passion of the kiss as the mares explored each others mouths. Sally was so focused in on the kiss, she hadn't realized the absence of griffin tongue between her back legs. She was quickly made aware of that fact as she felt Athens' pointed prick penetrating her. Her body tensed up, feeling every inch of his griffin erection.

The four stuck in their position, the two mares kissing deeply as their male comrades caught their rhythm, pounding into them with vigor. Silver's paces increased as his stallionhood throbbed deeply in Spring's marehood, her folds were lubricated, she had already cum twice from the intense pounding. With the last of his wits Silver pulled out from her entrance, moaning as he shot his load onto the ground between the mare's legs.

Athens wasn't far behind, his body tensing as he felt himself grow close. Sally moaned and grinded her hips beneath him as he thrusted, her tongue hanging out as she felt the full length of his dick deep inside her damp entrance. As he approached climax, his thrusts became more erratic, until finally he released, his full load of griffin cum painting the inner walls of his commanding officer. As he pulled away, Sally's weakened hooves finally gave up on her, and she collapsed on the ground, aroused and sensitive.

She panted, catching her breath as she stared up at the ceiling of the dome, the other three soldiers standing amongst her. With a smile, spring drew close, laying down and cuddling up to Sally. Silver and Athens followed, and the four held each other close, cuddling and spooning each other until they passed out and slept.

Colonel Semper Fi looked down at his tracker, wiping some sweat from his brow. Humid days, freezing nights, he hated the dense jungles of Equestria. The beeping continued, the beacon had been detected two days before, but no radio contact was getting through. A squad of seven unicorns followed behind the Colonel, until they came across their destination. In a grove amongst the thicket, they saw the large, rocky dome. The rescue team was quick to get into position, half of the group minding to the structure's integrity, making sure the dome didn't collapse in on itself. The other half were beginning to dig with their magic, creating an exit to the prison. As the rocks rolled back and light filled the room, the rescue team was met with the sight of four soldiers, huddled together under their armor, laying close to preserve their body heat.

As the light cascaded over them, the team turned their attention to the source, seeing their rescuers. The four stood up weakly, happy to see the unicorns as they guided them out, giving them food, water, and blankets. Following a brief medical examination, checking for injuries and making sure their vital signs were stable, they began their trek back to the main military encampment. As they walked, the four exchanged blushing glances with each other.

“For a while after that we pretty much went about our business,” Silver added, “We went on missions like we normally would, and tried to ignore the aching question in everyone's mind. A couple weeks later we did finally sit down and talk about it.”

“We first acknowledged that the events of those days were escalated by our fear that we were going to die, but we also acknowledged we had feelings for each other, and we began dating in secret.” Athens continued. “We eventually worked our way back around to a physical relationship, but we didn't want the military to separate us. So, out of a desire to be close to each other, we kept our relationship under wraps.”

“That day was a year and a half ago, and we've become so very close since then.” Sally said, looking straight at Iron Sights. “We're a family. We're there when it's easy or when it's hard, and we give each other the support we need.”

The table was silent for a few moments, Iron Sights sat in awe at the story she had just heard. “Wow, you guys I promise your secret is safe with me, I swear I won't out you. That was an amazing, romantic story.”

The three smiled, it was a relief to see the mare smiling, to know that someone outside themselves understood their situation so well. “thank you, Iron sights.” Sally said with a smile.

Iron nodded, turning her head to the clock on the wall. “Well, I'd better get going, sorry for commandeering your date. See you all at work.”

With a wave, Iron left, and the three watched her as she trotted off. After a moment, Sally stood up as well, and the other two climbed out of the booth along with her. “We should get going, too.” Sally said, taking Athens' talon with a smile. “Come on, let's go to your place.”

“I'll meet you guys outside, it's my turn to pay the tab.” Silver told them.

“Oh, you aren't invited Silver.” Sally told him, putting on a parental tone. “I think you need some time to work on your inside voice.”

Sally stuck her tongue out playfully at the bat colt as she and Athens left the bar, leaving a shocked Silver to stand there and watch. With a sigh, he put some bits on the table and walked home.