All Types of Rain [Original]

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 4 =

The Last Stepping Stone

Whitewing Airfield, Equestria

2 Miles North of Fort Stalliongrad

July 20, 1015

0900 Hours

"I guess we're finally leaving Equestria, huh?"

"Yeah... guess so."

It was the day. The true day. The actual day from which they were being sent off. A train had ferried all the graduated soldiers to Whitewing Airfield a couple hours prior. From here, they would board airships that would fly them down to the southeast, down to Valiant Air Base. They would be dropped off there to help adjust with the time zone change and wait for another flight to fly them into Gazelland-Vietnam.

In the meantime, two hours before they were scheduled to board the airships, ponies conversed amongst each other in the brisk summer morning air.

Twilight sighed. "I'm not sure how I feel about that."

"We knew it was coming, though," Rainbow replied.

"So, how'd all of you like bein' in military get-up?" Applejack changed the subject.

Rarity examined herself and her friends. "Well, I think it's pretty nice actually. The lines of the uniform are decent, but very practical. And all the equipment on us are like accessories that somehow accentuate the appearance. I kind of like it."

"Hey Twilight," Rainbow asked, "Why did you choose to use an M16? Last time I remember, you were one out of the eight ponies in our company with good enough aim to be issued an M14."

"Well Rainbow," Twilight answered, "I thought about some statistics and used some general math skills, and figured out that it would be better to carry an M16 due to its lighter weight and ability to carry more ammunition. If I have more bullets on me, it's a larger assurance of staying alive, right? Plus the full automatic mode may be useful."

"But Twi," Applejack interjected, "What good is a gun if you're usin' those tiny 5.56s? I'm proud and damn happy to be one out of the two earth ponies to have good aim and get an M14. Those good ol' rodeo skills still won't leave me. Back to the point though, why wouldn't you choose something with more buck to it?"

"If I've got good aim, do I need something with more power? A bullet's going to do the same thing no matter what the caliber if you aim it right."

"As perfect as our aim was," Rarity spoke, "It was in a calm environment. I remember back when Sweetie Belle was just a filly; I couldn't focus on my sewing with her running around. My point is, it's not going to be a calm environment down there, and it won't be as simple as pointing it in the right direction as it was back at the firing range."

"I know, I know, the drill sergeants told us that already. And that's why I chose the rifle with fully automatic capability."

"And what good is a fancy rifle if it'll just break down in the dirt?" Applejack questioned. "I remember the stuff they said 'bout those M16s. And I'm mighty familiar with machinery since of my farm. No good being all complex and that if it'll just break down with the slightest dust."

"And I remember that too. But come on, girls, it's me, Twilight! You know I can't pass up procedures and routines. And since that includes cleaning the rifle, I'm going to make sure this doesn't jam on me."

"Whatever you say, Twi."

"Yeah, cleaning's gonna get annoying," Rainbow stated. "I was never one for being tidy anyway. But I guess I'll have to live with it if it's gonna keep me alive."

"Yeah Dash, well, that's what you get for not takin' your time at the range," Applejack proclaimed.

"It's so hard! Calculating range and all that... ugh!"

"Well not everypony can be a natural as I am," Rarity teased. "Besides, maybe those feathers of yours can still be put to good use even if you can't fly too much."

"Shut up, Rarity."

"Come on, Dashie, give your M16 a chance," Pinkie said. "They told us that they'd be one of our best friends in Vietnam, and I'm making sure I'm great friends with my M16! Too bad I haven't named him yet..."

"Right... Well, does anypony know if we'll see Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked the group. As if on cue, the yellow pegasus in context appeared amongst the crowd.

"Fluttershy!" the five joyfully called out. Fluttershy turned her head at the sound of her name, and walked over with a smile plastered on her face as she saw her age-old companions.

"Oh hi there girls."

Rainbow started the conversation. "How was camp for you 'Shy?"

"It was alright, I guess. I mean, it was a lot of work, and really tiring, but it's for the better of other ponies, right? I can't help anypony unless I know how to, so I guess it was worth it," Fluttershy answered.

"What'd they teach you there, Fluttershy?" Applejack asked.

"Well, mostly, they taught us medical procedures and all that, but there was also some combat and rifle training."

Rainbow studied her friend. "But you don't have to bring a rifle?"

"Well, I think I'm assigned to hospital duties, field hospitals of course. So I don't really need to bring one if I'm not going to fight."

"Makes sense, I guess," noted Twilight.

Before any other things could be said to Fluttershy, a voice was heard from behind Twilight.

"Hey, hey, hey! How's my favorite unicorn...s!"

"Smooth..." Rainbow teased.

"It's alright, Spike. You can still pick Rarity over me if you'd like."

"Fine. My favorite ponies. Better?"

The other six smiled, and scanned the dragon from head to tail. Spike was outfitted with the same accessories they had- olive drab colored apparel and a rifle.

"Say, where'd you get all your equipment anyways?" Twilight asked her long-time assistant.

"Oh, well apparently they make designs for species that walk on two legs. Like minotaurs. I heard that there's even some minor dragon mercenaries that cooperate with the coalition down in the southeast."

"I guess that means they didn't have to change the original design much, considering the many similarities with the bipedal body form. And your M16 is different too."

"Yeah. I got claws to work the small trigger. I remember hearing about these things a long time back. They were actually made like this."

As they talked, a large stallion walked up next to Applejack. "Hey there, sis. How're you doin'." He, too, appeared like the other ponies waiting in the field. With a wheat stalk hanging out his mouth, Big Macintosh still wore his calm and quiet demeanor.

"Big Mac!" the orange pony exclaimed in joy. "I'm glad to see you again! How was trainin'?"

The red stallion chuckled. "I think I gave them a run for their money. Still, I guess it was nice to find other stallions as big and strong as me."

"You're not carrying a rifle?"

"We were a special unit. Said they'll figure out a good job for us out in the field. Like carrying shells and powder for artillery batteries, or be a walking arsenal of heavy firepower. Whatever suits a large pony."

"Well I'm glad to see you anyways."

Whilst Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie were together, Fluttershy, Spike, and Big Macintosh were each separated from the rest. All in all, they had these last hours to share their experiences with their hooves on Equestrian soil. The next time they would touch ground, it would be all the way down in Zebrica, after the roughly two-day airship flight.

==+==

1100 Hours

"Okay, ponies, welcome aboard Airship 502. This'll be home for the next two days, like it or not," an airship crew member announced from the rear loading ramp.

It was time for the newly graduated soldiers to be herded onboard the large zeppelins that would fly them down to Valiant Air Base in the southeast. The airship was massive; the habitable quarters could house around 150 ponies. At the cost of carrying capacity, however, was comfort space. It wasn't cramped, but the airship wasn't a first-class liner either. There was a small sense of luxury, as the compartments were made to be utilitarian.

"It's very simple, ponies. Walk as far down as you can until you reach the 'Crew Only' marked door. From there, just start claiming a bunk. That'll be yours for the next two days."

Many ponies were awed by the engineering marvel. Balloons were a long-time sight in Equestria, but this one appeared a lot more advanced than the zeppelins in commercial use. Twilight and Rainbow in particular showed much curiosity.

"So what do you think of this airship, Rainbow?"

"They did have large zeppelins on the drawing board all the way back in 1013. But this is crazy."

"And those were steam powered. And a lot more leisurely. This one's propelled by newer gasoline combustion engines."

"Can't blame them for being practical though. Remember the luxury models docked in Cloudsdale? That was awesome."

"Why that liner was simply gorgeous," Rarity voiced her opinion. "I do admire how they maximized practicality on this though. Not exactly clean, per se, but it's the military, and I think I've gotten used to it."

"You better have. We're gonna be in the dirt for... hey, Twilight, how long are we out there anyway?"

"We're away a total of 18 months. Deployment is around 17 months. We already had our one month of basic. We'll be back home by Hearth's Warming Eve."

The rest of them smiled at that proclamation.

"I'd like that," Applejack said.

"Oh, yes, that be nice," Fluttershy whispered.

Suddenly, the sound of the boarding ramp whirred inside as it closed, and the airship took off with a full load of ponies, transporting them down to southeastern Zebrica.

Over the course of the next two days, the ponies were kept busy by conversations, staring out the portholes, and, more importantly, more rifle disassembly drills. All of the ponies were occupied for at least a couple hours just stripping their weapons. For those such as Applejack and Rarity, all they had to do was work by memory, and didn't have to do it as often as the others. The majority of the ponies, however, were re-taught how to take apart their rifles for cleaning, mainly because they only worked on M14s at basic training. The ponies were still generally unfamiliar with the different M16 rifle they were issued, and needed to be instructed on how they worked.

Another important part of the flight was the seminars given to further explain the aspects of the military they would encounter and were not able to be taught at camp. There were descriptions of all types of equipment, from field radios to helicopters. Depending on the complexity and importance of the item in question, time spent on a certain subject varied for each different one. There was also a quick run-down of rank structure and more complicated procedures, terms and tactics. With these last bits of knowledge, the ponies would have a generally clear view on how they would operate in the field.

==+==

Valiant Air Base

Gazelland-Zebrica Border

July 22, 1015 A.B.

1300 Local Time

The airship finally landed after the 50 hour trip down from Equestria. They were now at Valiant Air Base, the command post and ferry point in the rear lines, behind the Gazelland Mountain Range. It was a well-sized installation, capable of docking twenty zeppelins the size of the transport, along with many, many other miscellaneous vehicles. An young stallion officer welcomed the ponies as they stepped onto the tarmac of Valiant.

"Welcome to Valiant Air Base, everypony. This is Equestria's main operating base in the southeast. Everything from Equestria or elsewhere north comes through Valiant before going into 'Nam. It's the same installation as the original research establishment. However, five years back, because of the attack, it was transformed into a full-blown military base. It used to be called Camp Valiant for a little bit after that, but the name was changed ever since most, if not all, operations in and out of Valiant are flights. The main operating base is secure from any hostiles; we're too far in the rear for them to reach. That's why this is also a command post along with being the ferry point." He explained a little bit more about the outpost and pointed out areas of importance. The small tour ended at their sleeping quarters.

"And here's the sleeping quarters. There's no schedule or anything during your stay here. Just general rules of do's and don'ts. So feel free to just crash on a bunk, take a stroll outside, grab a bite to eat, and all that. Treasure these few days of leisure, because after that, it's off into the fire. You may now go about on your own accord." With that, the stallion left them.

The Ponyvillians turned to Twilight. "We could go to the mess hall. It's an hour past noon according to local time, and we weren't served lunch on board."

"Good enough for me. I don't got anythin' else better to do," Applejack agreed. "I'm pretty sure the same goes for the rest of ya."

They all nodded.

"Well, lead the way, Twi."

Twilight took that as her cue, and started walking towards the complex's mess hall. They noticed all types of ponies just wandering around. There were the clean and fresh recruits such as themselves, but also many others that looked worn down and tired. It was blatantly clear to them that these were among those that returned. And there was a good number of veterans, too. Of course, a good number of them also displayed varying degrees of bandages, and occasionally, there was an unfortunate disabled pony that had to be helped by his compatriots.

After a short time of wandering around the main complexes of Valiant, the Ponyvillians arrived at the cafeteria. They got in line, received their meals, and grouped at one of the tables. Rainbow initiated some conversation.

"Say, Twilight, now that we're here and all, I'm wondering... how we're here. I mean, how did this place hold up against that first gazelle attack? I didn't think we had an army ready for intense combat."

"You'd be surprised. And with a brother who is part of Equestria's military, I should know. Now, here's why and how. Equestria is peaceful, right?"

Her companions nodded.

"Well, Princess Celestia reasoned that even if it's a good front for our country, it would most definitely be unfortunate if one were to take advantage of that and invade the country. So, the sensible solution to that is to maintain a strong and skilled military force. The Royal Guard may have ceremonial duties, but they are as well-trained as the other less known branches of the Equestrian military. Even the Wonderbolts are trained Equestrian military members."

"Oh yeah, that's right! I forgot about that! Come to think of it, there was a whole issue about them and their role in the military. Even came with a cool poster of them dressed in uniform."

"Anyways, because we haven't been in any major conflicts in so long, we've never been able to flaunt our fighting skills, which increased the idea that Equestria is nearly helpless when it comes to war. This effect even leaked to a good section of the public. Essentially, Equestria's had a strong military under everypony's muzzles. Also adding to the effect is that the army was very downscaled. Unlike the griffons that like to maintain their status as a fierce and aggressive race, us ponies never had that need. But in the end, though not great in numbers, we always had a modern and competent military. Celestia would do anything to ensure her subjects were protected and safe, and that included holding an army ready in case it ever came to that. Powerful as she is, she's not a one-pony army."

Applejack added in her two bits. "But even though we had a fine and dandy army, it was too small to keep up with an actual, all-out war, right?"

"That's right, Applejack. And so Princess Luna called for a draft."

Rarity had an objection. "Shame that it came to all this. I wonder what motivated those gazelles to take such cruel action and cause good ponies to be sent here."

"Well they suspected it was buried strains from the predatory nation to their north. They needed to get away; get space. And the only space was to their southwest. Which was Zebrica."

"Y'know, now that I think of it, I think I'm actually starting to feel good about being here," Dash proclaimed.

"Why would that be, Rainbow?" Applejack asked.

"Well, you remember when we first heard about the first attack, and Celestia didn't want to get involved in it?"

The others around the table nodded.

"Now that I think of it, why would she say that? Zebrica is a friendly neighboring nation. And she wanted us to just leave it alone? I'm glad Princess Luna was right in the head about that. Now we're here helping out others in need."

Twilight chuckled. "I suppose you have a point there Rainbow. In the bigger picture, it is a good thing. If you ignore the small picture that we're in of course. I guess it's a loyalty thing to you- you won't let anypony in need down."

"Yeah, I guess it is. I'm still the Element of Loyalty after all this time. Even if we don't mean all that much to Equestria, it's still something that matters. Princess Luna had the right idea- if there's a country in need, it's worth fighting for."

"Yeah!" Pinkie agreed. "And remember Zecora? She was a great zebra! Too bad she left when her country got attacked, and we haven't heard anything about her since."

By that time, they had all finished lunch, and stood to exit to the outside. Despite that last note on an old companion, Rainbow's revelation lifted all their moods. The war was following the morals that every Equestrian had, and their purpose and presence in Gazelland was a good one.

==+==

July 23, 1015

1201 Hours

It was their first morning waking up in Valiant Air Base, and would be their only full day here. It was a day they could treat like it was a day at home. And that meant they didn't wake up until 0800. Even better was that nopony was there to tell them not to. Valiant was one last chance to relax before 17 months of uncertain outcomes. A possibly last taste on how to be a normal pony living a normal life.

The six mares, one stallion, and dragon decided that after getting out of bed, it would be healthy to maintain a routine even on this one day, and took some laps around the base like many other ponies were doing. They settled down over some early lunch, and were now just exploring the compound. They saw all types of machinery, and obviously many were not of Equestrian origin. No, they were more ancient, and still more advanced.

"Oh, hey Twilight, with you being smart and all, can you tell us some stuff about all these machines and gadgets around us," Fluttershy asked the unicorn. "I'm wondering how it got into our hooves."

"Sure thing," Twilight replied. "I'm sure you remember how Valiant was actually the expedition base for the scientists a long time ago, right?"

"Well they actually dug some things like these up. Even if they were all rusted and heavily deteriorated, they could tell that it was technology more advance than our own. Then came the Gazelland Border attack. It wasn't an easy battle. We only won because we had some cannon emplacements here. Even then it was an achievement, because they used more advanced weapons than they had here. Of course, now, they have 'modern' cannons placed here; the cannons that were originally designed by the race called 'humans'."

"And they had appendages similar to claws," Spike added while wiggling his claws. "So they had to redesign a little to make it work with hooves."

"Of course that was much easier with the ones in which we found physical artifacts of. Other things, we just straight reverse-engineered as best we could from pictures and detailed documents and schematics we found. The job was made slightly easier through some really complicated spells applied to the papers, and so we were able to get them out of factories after a short while. With smaller things, like weapons, it was a lot simpler. Because they were small enough to be left and be buried, we found a good number of them. All scientists had to do was apply some time-reversal spells to one. Granted, it was only a temporary reversal, but they easily worked off of it." Twilight looked around and listened. She heard some radio communications from a building.

"And some things, we didn't even have to figure out because we already had it. Like radios. Actually, the technology difference varied at curious amounts. Sometimes they were years ahead, and sometimes, we were on par."

Applejack voiced her thoughts. "Like these rifles here? We already had gunpowder, and so we understood all that. I reckon cartridges are like small cannons themselves. And the way I see it, the whole thing's just like a really complicated, miniature, auto loading cannon."

"Yeah, that's a good way to put it," Twilight approved. "Now, once engineers figured out how a certain piece of technology worked, they had to convert it for pony use, like Spike said. Look at Spike's M16 and compare it to mine."

The others took notice of what Twilight said.

"The most noticeable difference here is the trigger. Whereas on his, it's unchanged from the very original design, ours is a trigger bar that we can operate. While Spike has claws able to use that design, we can't. But of course, Spike can easily use a pony model if need be. Other small differences are in the charging handle and safety switch, so that it can be used with our hooves.

"Actually, some of the things were so advanced, we haven't even finished figuring them out. Whether they'll ever see action again or not, nopony knows. I guess part of it depends on how long we hold out here."

For the rest of the day, the ponies enjoyed the last free-time they would get in full peace. Out in Vietnam, there was always a probable danger lurking around.

==+==

July 24, 1015

1000 Hours

The newly-arrived soldiers wouldn't stay any longer, as they were finally being sent to the front lines, and were directed to a field. There, in their metallic wonders, laid a number of interesting contraptions.

Helicopters, Rainbow and Twilight simultaneously remembered from training, that's what they're called.

They were, in fact, helicopters. Different types were spread around. Large twin rotorhead models were parked with an assortment of single rotor hub choppers. There were the large cargo helis, then the smaller troop transports. The group boarded the closest one, a good old UH-1 Huey. This one, though, was a pony reproduction model. They started rolling off of production lines three years ago, after Alliance engineers finished figuring out the mechanics and technology, and completed refitting the craft for pony and griffon use. Once the Ponyvillians all got on, a voice spoke up from the cockpit.

"Nice to see you again, Rainbow Dash! Or should I say, Private Dash?"

Rainbow and the others looked in the direction of the voice at the mention of her name. Rainbow was the first to respond.

"Derpy!" Rainbow exclaimed to the grey pegasus, who now sported an eye patch over one eye.

"That's Captain Ditzy Doo to you, Private."

Rainbow was slightly taken aback by the statement of the lazy-eyed pegasus, but brightened up when her demeanor lightened.

"... But that's alright! We can drop formalities for now," Ditzy spoke. The rest of the group smiled at meeting an old friend. "Never thought I'd see you all here! I don't know if that's good or bad, but I'm happy that I got to see you all again!"

"Hi there, Ditzy!" Pinkie greeted. "I know I'm happy to see you, and I know everypony else is, so I declare today a good day! If only I could set up a party..." Ditzy smiled. Pinkie Pie just gave her a taste of home that she missed.

"So Derpy..." Rainbow continued.

"You're never gonna stop calling me that nickname, are you Dash?" Ditzy interrupted in a playful manner.

"Well, I guess it kinda stuck with me. Force of habit I guess. Does it bother you?"

"Nah. Not at all. I got used to it a long time ago. It's even my official nickname around here. Heck, sometimes it's even my call sign! So what were you saying?"

"Right! So... this helicopter is yours?" Rainbow motioned towards the UH-1 they now sat inside of.

"Yup! It's my precious Huey. All pilots have a connection with their aircraft, actually. Down here, this is my filly, and I give it as much love as I gave my little Dinky. You take care of the machine, and the machine will take care of you."

"Wow... You actually got a position as a helicopter pilot?"

A stallion's head poked from the other side of the cockpit. He appeared to have a coat of lime-green, with a mane as black as night. He looked at his partner with keen gold eyes. "Hey- I was surprised too, when I saw what this mare looked like."

"Oh, right! This is my co-pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Sharp Stargazer, but we just call him Sharpie. And he's the best co-pilot I could ask for!" Ditzy turned back to the cabin. "And these ponies are some of my great friends back from Ponyville!"

"Well that's something, coming from one of Equestria's best helicopter pilots. Seriously, Derpy here has some of the best records for chopper pilots," Sharp complimented. "Nice to meet you lot. Always nice meeting any old acquaintances of friends. A nice touch of home, even if they weren't your friends."

"Anyways, it's not much different from my old job either. I'm still flying deliveries, except that the packages are a lot more precious. Ponies are really dependent on us chopper pilots you know. And it's a dangerous job, too. They tell you why you shouldn't fly in a firefight Rainbow?"

"Put bluntly- bullets. Yeah."

"Well I think you can see where I'm going from here..." Ditzy's audience looked a bit awed at what she just implied. "But just like back when I was a mailmare, when I vowed to deliver under all circumstances, whether it was rain, shine, or snow, there's no way in hell that any danger's going to stop me from doing my job."

"So I take it they made you wear an eye patch so your vision wouldn't impair you? Because Celestia knows the many unfortunate events that happened because of it."

"Yeah. But it's okay. It's really useful, so now I don't bump into things- oh right! I still have my eye patch on. Almost forgot!" Ditzy took it off her head, much to the confusion of the passengers. She turned her head back forward to the controls, and went through pre-flight procedures. A ground crew member signaled for lift off, and the twin rotor blades thumped as they increased in speed. "You ready to go?!"

Rainbow looked in fear. "You're flying without your eye patch?! Are you crazy?!"

Both pilots laughed. The former mailmare took a quick look back with her trademark lazy-eyes. "This is how I fly Private!"

The other ponies looked along with Rainbow in distress. "How?! Why?! I don't want to die!"

"You're such a silly pony, Rainbow Dash- I'm one of the Equestrian Military's top pilots for a reason, remember?" Ditzy returned to face out the windshield. She increased the throttle, and the Huey took off and started ascending into the sky. The grey pegasus spoke to her passengers once again.

"You'd be surprised to know that my special... trait actually helps me fly really well. With my eyesight, I can actually have one eye looking at where to fly while keeping the other one looking at the flight instruments."

The others visibly relaxed.

"I'll admit my CO wasn't initially comfortable with the idea-"

"You think the CO wasn't comfortable? How do you think I felt?" Sharp jeered.

His partner chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, Sharpie, I remember. You were shaking so much, I had to tell you to take your hooves off the yoke or you'd mess up our flight path! Anyways, it took a little bit of getting used to so much information going into my head at once, but once I did, I started rising up in the ranks. In fact, I received a lot of promotions because of my performance. That's why I'm a Captain after two and a half years in the Helicopter Corps."

"Yup, they don't just give out those promotions for nothin'. It didn't take long for my respect to build up. Soon, I easily trusted Ditzy here with my life. She could fly us out of anything. Saved a lot of ponies out in the field that way, too," Sharp added. "In fact, I'm wondering when she'll get promoted again. Major sounds like a really nice rank."

"Eh, it can wait. Ponies respect me as is, and that's fine by me. Rank doesn't matter much as long as I can do my job and help ponies."

"Sounds pretty noble of you," Applejack stated.

"Helping others is why we're here, right?"

"I guess so."

"Anyways, it's going to be a long ride 'til we get to where you're being dropped. You have breakfast yet?"

"Ugh. So that's what we forgot," Rainbow uttered.

"Maybe we would've remembered if somepony here woke up earlier," Twilight argued.

Rainbow grunted in response.

"Well since you forgot, here's some muffins in the meantime." Ditzy offered a box of muffins from the cockpit, much to the delight of the ones in the rear. "You can have 'em all if you want. I can find tons of boxes of them anywhere I go."

"Oh, Derpy, you and your muffins."

"I'm lucky it's actually one of the easiest foods to get down here. It's all about simplicity, you know. The more tasty stuff costs more."

"What if I make them?" Pinkie asked though the muffin in her mouth.

"I guess it could work. Just get the ingredients and you're set. I don't think there's any rules against making your own food. As long as it isn't counter-active to your field performance, that is."

The ponies seemed content with that answer and proceeded to eat a makeshift breakfast. Nopony else spoke much for a good while.

==+==

"Ugh, we haven't even landed and I'm already wondering about how we got here in the first place."

"Well dear, would you rather think of what had passed or what might come to be?"

"If it was possible, neither. Mulling over the past won't change it, and daydreaming about the future is… not pleasant, to say the least, considering where we ended up," Twilight answered. "In fact, thinking about what might happen is only going to help my dwindling mental health degrade more. Once this is all over, I hope I still have some fragments of sanity left."

"If you even make it out alive…" Rainbow duly stated.

"Rainbow! Don't you think we already have too much on our minds?" Rarity scolded.

"It's only a fact..."

"Rainbow, jus' lay off for now. It's all troubling us, alright?" Applejack said. Rainbow turned her head back to observing the passing landscape outside.

"I suppose it's better to think about memories set in stone than negative insights about the future," Rarity said to Twilight, returning to their conversation.

Twilight sighed and returned to the sanctuary of her mind as she slumped her face on the door window. While she mentally re-lived the past month, the others continued to talk.

It was Pinkie's turn to speak. "You know, I don't feel as scared about going off into a war zone anymore. I wonder why?"

"You're right, Pinkie. Though I'm still a tad fearful, I don't feel like I'm being led to my death anymore, like when I first got the draft notice. Perhaps it was all our training," Rarity offered. "It's taught us what we need to survive, and we should be fine as long as we follow it. So maybe there's hope from that."

"Hmmm... you do have a point Pinkie," Applejack said. "Maybe the time we spent back at Valiant also helped us adjust. I mean, we'd heard all kinds o' stuff from all the ponies that got back alive. How about you, Fluttershy?"

"I... I'm not sure. I guess I'm still really scared, but I think a little bit lesser than when we first left Ponyville."

"That's good to hear, 'Shy," Rainbow said. "I heard you survive better if you have some courage rather than just completely cowering down. And I guess it helps that you're in a hospital position."

"But what about all of you? You're the ones going in to do the fighting."

"Don't worry about us, Fluttershy dear," Rarity assured the pegasus. "We'll take care of each other."

"Yeah!" Rainbow agreed. "And we'll go right to you if we need help, right guys?"

Except for Twilight, lost in her thoughts, they all agreed.

"I really hope that you'll all stay alive for me to help you..."

"Say, what do we do while we're not doing anything down there anyways? It's not like our entire life is going to be trading bullets with the enemies," Rainbow wondered.

"From what I heard back at Valiant, they just relax and all that when off-duty," Applejack answered. "Or help around a little bit. Some target practice. It's not like there's anything else to do other than shoot the bad guys down there. It is what we're really getting sent to do."

"Does that mean I can throw parties?!" Pinkie happily asked.

"I guess so. I didn't hear much against it."

"I'm sure everypony would like to get their mind off of the war every now and then. Though you should probably ask if it's allowed within regulations," Rarity added.

"Yay!"

"Not everyday has to be a rainy day, right?" Rainbow said.

"Is that figuratively Dash? Because we are going into a jungle," Applejack stated.

For the rest of the flight, the ponies entertained themselves with more small conversations, with the noise of the engine and rotors in the background. Perhaps their future wasn't as dismal as it originally seemed. They were going to be surrounded by many other ponies such as them. Those that came from normal, tranquil lives, and joined or were drafted to fight. Truly, only time would tell.