Hostile Skies

Chapters

In the Navy...
The Lavender Express
Air Combat Training

In the Navy...

"Step up! Give your name assigned from birth! And your serial number!" A drill sarge yelled.

"Cloudy Skies! Serial number 8679342 Sir!" I responded with no thought at all.

"Take your papers and meet the CAG at the hangar entrance! Move out, NO TALKING!" The sarge affirmed with might.

I took the papers on the desk in front of me and ran over to the Commander of the Air Group just as he told. Because in the military you do What your told, When your told to do it. No one asks questions, your there to do a job. I enlisted to do a job for Princess Celestia, That job is flying planes for her Navy. I'm Proud that I was chosen. So I do what I'm told.

"Alright listen up. I'm formally known as High Range, but you will call me Glory.."

"Yes sir!" I said as I piped in with the rest of the 20 or so ponies around me.

"...As you see I have hoof selected all of you for my Air Group. My Air Group Is, will, and ALWAYS will be the best. You all know why you are here gentlecolts... To kill the virus that calls Itself 'The Lunar Empire'. These scourges to Celestia's green earth are reason I personally can't sleep at night. These abominations will stop at NOTHING to kill your mom, dad, brother and rape your sister! Look all across the Pacific. Their cancer is spreading. Almost to our lands even. You all read the papers. Mare Harbor, the largest, most deadly attack on Equestrian soil ever. Our battleship fleet as we speak is wrecked. But Celestia knows better than to let that phase us. She appointed me to lead you stallions in once and for all exterminating them. I plan on Nightmare Moon tasting the four .30 caliber guns of my F4F Wildcat, and I hope you make it your goal as well. Today marks your new lives as Airmen of the U.S.S. Ponyville CV-5. The world's most advanced aircraft carrier. The Lunar Empire throws together these abominations that they pass for 'aircraft carriers' together with tacky designs and no pride. We will destroy them decisively, and quickly. I will teach you tactics on how to fight against the Empire and win every time. You each will be issued a F4F Wildcat fighter, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 331 miles per hour, with a wingspan measuring 38 feet when fully extended. She has an armament of four .30 caliber machine guns, two on each wing. Your plane will be standard issue blue with the United Solar States' Symbol. Gentlecolts do not take this lightly! This is the same symbol that adorns your Princesses flank! fly it with pride! Each F4F wildcat will be personalized to his pilot respectively. You shall put your name on your plane. You shall Name your plane. You will paint a pretty picture on the nose of your plane that corresponds with the name of your plane. I want you to be creative! Love your plane! Your days of getting down and dirty with the mare next door are over! Your plane is your mare now, treat her well and she will treat you well are we understood?"

"SIR YES SIR!" I shouted with pride.

"Good... We might even give the Lunars a run for their money after all..." Glory said in a much more quieted tone.

"This concludes our initial meeting. Until the Ponyville is ready for us, this base is our home. You will take leave for the rest of the evening, but you will meet here with me at EXACTLY 7 A.M. ... Dismissed!" Glory thundered then walked away.

Glory had made an impression on me that day that... he was a rather tall colt, taller than most of the Air Group, myself included. He had a short, black, government issued mane and tail. Deep brown eyes. And no tolerance for failure. But he seemed to have a soft side to him because he gave us the rest of the day off. ...Maybe I shouldn't say soft spot more like a respect for our well being.

It's 1942 in Equestria. We all knew this war was coming. Nightmare Moon made a return to political power in Japan and declared herself empress four years prior. Another pony came to power in Germany named Adolf Hitler. Hitler scrapped the crumbling German economy and replaced it with his own model which he called "Nazism", or the Nazis. Both factions worship their leaders and their quest for world domination. It all started with Germany invading Poland, and nightmare Moon battling China. After success in their first campaigns, they both kept aggressively expanding. The Empire holds pretty much over half of the islands in the Pacific, and the Nazis control most of Europe. Princess Celestia was apprehensive to go to war with either nation, but after Mare Harbor... she was forced into this world war. Two days after Mare Harbor, the Nazis declared war on us to. The United Solar States is the most successful nation to date, the companies started up in our nation not only last... they become wealthy. This is something Germany, and the Empire will never know... Happiness.

I debate what to do with the rest of the day off as I give my papers to the designated secretary. I think I might wright a few letters. I finally decided in my mind. I make my way back to my bunk, in squadron 3. The base In San Fillycisco was rather large, it can hold two entire carrier groups, that's about 340 ponies, and 220 planes. It was the Air Crews of both the U.S.S. Ponytown and U.S.S. Celestia CV-6. Ponies were making their ways about the base, some were throwing a football, others walking with intent. Only by looking around did I really capture the magnitude of the station, about 50 hangars all full of planes were sitting parallel to the three runways. One of the three runways was a simulated aircraft carrier deck, with an arestor cable, Length markers, and even a number 4 painted on it like it was a carrier.

"Hey there Cloudy Skies!" a familiar voice called out.

"How's the High Roller doin'!?" I called back at him as I walked by.

"Ya' know skies, no women here, no worries am I right!?" He laughs as he continues fixing the engine of a Texan trainer.

I let out a laugh and responded "Biff, I've got the rest of the day off so I'll catch up later!" I shout as I walk off.

That was "High Roller Biff", A mechanic who somehow got around really well. Biff knew all the scuttlebutt before everyone else, could fix any engine better than everyone else, and could charm any mare better than everyone else. He was assigned to the Ponytown as well.

I haven't written my mom in forever... I'll write her first. I got up to the 3rd squadron barracks and saw that a few other people had my same idea. I took out my notepad and proceeded to write.

Dear Mother,

I finally arrived at the Naval Air Station. I'm doing well, and quite like it here. Today I met the CAG (Commander of the Air Group). He gave us a general briefing of the situation, and said we will be assigned to the latest class of Horsetown aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Ponytown. I'll be in the 3rd fighter group and will have my own F4F Wildcat! Remember that was the plane I wanted to fly really badly! After the briefing he gave us the rest of the day off, so that's why I'm writing you so soon. I hope Dad is doing well, also Lavender too. I'll write her separately, but if you see her, tell her I miss and love her. Love you and Dad much!

-Cloudy Skies
With that being written, I made out the rest of the letter and addressed the envelope. I wonder how IS lavender doing? She took the news rather hard that I was going into the Navy. Lavender is my marefriend back at home. She recently moved to ponyville, and I'm kinda moving there too... But this Ponyville is 25,000 tons and the deadliest weapon we have in our arsenal. I gave Lavender my promise that I was going to be safe, and come back alive and I intend on doing so.

"Now what to do with the rest of my day off?"

Let's pay Biff a visit. It would do me good to get caught up on the news. If the CO (commanding officer) was around the "news" was a more suitable word than what it really was... gossip. I made my way over to the hangar closest to the barracks, the maintenance hangar. The sounds of wrenches accompanied by loud music intensified as I approached. The Texan Trainer plane that Biff had been working on was now getting "The Works" as he liked to call it. Every piece and part of the plane was getting checked out, all to the sound of big band radio. The swing craze was in full effect across the nation. Composers like Benny Hoofman and Glenn Miller were common in the list of favorites.

"He hay! look who it is! Mr. Skies can I do anything for you? Biff boomed over the radio.

"Howdy Biff! i just wanted to stop by and 'read the news' you know."

"Ah I see... You know the word around the base is that the Ponytown is going to be the most spacious carrier in the fleet! I hear you can sit up in the bunks and not hit your head." The High Roller remarked as he wiped some grease from his fur.

"Something to look forward to then he heh." I commented slyly "Hey High Roller, I need to start thinking of a name for my plane."

"Let me guess, orders of the CAG?"

"How do you know?.... Wait actually, I don't."

"Smart man. how about something with lavender? Your gal back home."

"I was thinking that actually... Any more suggestions?"

"The Lavender Express?"

"She does want me to come home soon hah!" I laughed to myself as thought the name over intently. "I didn't think the first one would be such a winner..."

"Hey that's why I'm the High Roller baby! Biff exclaimed with a devilish smile on his face.

"Well I'm out'a here, Ring-A-Ding baby!" And with that I left the busy hangar.

I walked back to the barracks feeling very euphoric at just the thought of my Lavender... Activities on the base calmed down since I took my trip to the maintenance hangar, the flights have seemed to die down as the sun began to set. I decided on taking a shower and getting to bed early so I can wake up earlier than the rest of the squadron. After i took a long shower, and dried my fur, I went to bed.

Author's Note

Hello All! It's LambofGod here with my latest war story. I've been wanting to write a story about naval aviation for a while, so here goes :rainbowkiss: This story will pull from historical events in the U.S. campaign in the Pacific, and I will use actual battles that took place... just ponified! Some chapters will deviate from the complete truth of the war so don't treat this as a history book haha. Thanks for the read, and stay tuned to see what all happens in the next chapter of Hostile Skies! :trollestia: Keep it cool Y'all - LambofGod

The Lavender Express

*Buzzzz* *Buzzzzzzz* I slapped the alarm clock off and rose from my bed. Time to beat the traffic I thought as I headed to the shower. 5:57 the time read... plenty of time to freshen up for the day. All throughout my shower I was prepping myself with the many scenarios of what may happen in the meeting with the CAG. I put all my fears to rest as brushed my teeth and mane. Spotless Skies....Spotless I reassured myself as took a glance at myself in the mirror. My flight suit with my name and Air Group waited on me, hung up right next to the sink. I fitted it on me and made sure that i was looking my best. The time now was 6:30. I made my way out of the barracks and looked at the sun rising over the bay, next to the base.

"Ahh today will be lovely!" I told myself under my breath.

I walked by the Maintenance Hangar towards the 3rd Air Group's Hangar with an intent on being the best pilot in the Navy. The sight that greeted me was worth remembering. About 20 F4F Wildcats were sitting, waiting for us to fly them. All the planes had their wings folded, and stared beautifully at me. The only pony in the hangar was the CAG, Glory. He turned and looked at me and smiled. He proceeded to stand waiting for my arrival.

"Good morning Lieutenant Skies." He said not breaking his grin.

"Good morning sir! How are you doing Sir?" I responded with a salute.

"Just fine, mind I ask what brings you so early?" Glory asked while returning the salute.

"Sir I make it a goal of mine to be punctual." I said with respect.

"Good it seems I was right about you yet, Ready to take the fight to the enemy."

I stood waiting for time to catch up to the two of us. As the time passed, the other pilots from Squadron 3 began to show up until the whole Squadron was present.

"Gentlecolts good morning! Today will be a day of finding yourselves. Until now you've been playing around with the Texan Trainer Aircraft, today that ends and another phase begins. Today is the day you will be receiving your F4F Wildcat. After our meeting is concluded you will find the plane with your name on it and get to know your new marefriend. I hope you have been thinking of a name for her! You! Second Lieutenant Hoofeildson! What is your name for your mare?

"Sir I am undecided! Sir! He replied nervously.

"Damn, you better be thinking pilot!" Glory said with an irritated tone. "Lieutenant Skies! What is your Marefriend's name?"

"Sir! Her name is the Lavender Express! Sir!" I exclaim as the emotion seeps through into my voice.

"DAMN RIGHT SHE IS!" Glory responds, feeling off my emotion. "Today we are just going to get a feel for her, and go on our first flight together. Tomorrow we will tattoo our mares respectively, today you will earn the pride of owning your F4F. You have 25 minutes to play around with her, then we will execute taxing and managing her folding wings... meet back here in 25, dismissed!" And with that we scrambled to see which plane was ours.

I frantically walked around the hangar looking for my plane. I started with the planes in the front row, trotting frantically and looking for the names inscribed right below the cockpits. I must have passed at least 4 planes before I noticed Leut. Cloudy Skies marked on the fuselage. Is this one really mine? I question as I check the name again. Cloudy Skies.

"Here you are! Even more beautiful up close.." I say to myself as I admire my government issued weapon.

The wings were locked in the folded position, which when looking at the plane, makes the wings look like that of a Pegasus... resting on its body. The body of the plane was a medium sea blue with a white underbelly, standard plane camouflage for the U.S.S.N. Close to the edge of the wing was the cutie mark of the United Solar States' Princess. we called it the "Heightened Sun" signifying Celestia's magnificence, and leadership. I took my time inspecting her... making sure no external part was out of order. I lifted the elevators, moved the rudder, checked the battery, and lastly tested the ailerons. With the external systems checked, I ducked under the restraining cables for the folded wings and climbed on the wing. The canopy slid back with ease, and I climbed in. The Grumman F4F isn't known to have the most comfortable seat, but I did not care one bit. This was My baby. More importantly this is what would lead me home to My Lavender.

Giving the canopy a tug forward, it closed and locked in the forward position. I observed the differences between the Texan, and the Wildcat.

"Manual Cowl Flaps! Manual gear extension! You're already killing me Lavender!" I say in dismay as I look at the cranks for the systems.

Cowl flaps allow the engine and the oil to cool on taxi and takeoff. when your pulling up to the runway you have them fully open, and bring them to half on takeoff. After you're airborne, and Rates Per Minute look stable, you bring them to a complete close. Other planes like the SBD dive bomber, have hydraulic cowl flaps AND gear extension/retraction. Taking time to crank these can be costly in a scramble, but I'm not complaining because shes my problem now.

The wheels retract into the nose of the plane, which is unique to this aircraft only. In the Training courses, we had to read the manual for the aircraft 5 times over... then they tested us on the knowledge. I didn't mind this because i wanted to know how it worked more than anything. I scoped out the switches and leavers and looked through the gun sight. I got a slight jolt of adrenaline at the thought of a Yaksabuchi A6M Zero passing through it, then being torn to shreds by the Wildcat's MGs. Looking to my right and left, I noticed the machine guns on the wings.

"One day soon you shall pounce..." I affirmed to my F4F with swelling pride.

I looked at my watch and noticed that i needed to reform with the squad and CAG. Unlocking and sliding the canopy back, I climb out of the cockpit and down the wing. I quickly trotted back to the rest of the squad, where they gathered around the CAG's plane.

"Alright Squadron 3 we are going to learn how to fold and unfold your planes. Watch closely! One day YOU might have to do this, but normally the stallions of the flight deck do this for you." Two ponies proceeded to take the wing and push it to the extended position. The third pony unlocked a hatch with a crank in it, then proceeded to crank until it was locked.

"There will be a red piece of metal on the wing if your wing is not locked correctly. DO NOT, I repeat... DO NOT FLY WITH YOUR WINGS UNLOCKED! That's a good way to getting a 21 gun salute!" Glory shouted at a short pony in the front.

"As I said, we will take her up for a quick spin, then land on the regular runway, carrier simulation begins tomorrow. get in your planes, wait to be pulled out of the hangar, then begin start up protocol. Wait for my command, Ill be in the Tower for this one." Glory seemed to feel very proud of each of us... like a father who had bought his little colt his first gun.

With that being said, I trotted back over to My plane... The Lavender Express. I climbed on the wing and then into the cockpit. Magnetos on, full position. *Click!* Battery on I flipped the switch to on. *Click* The avionics came to life and the artificial horizon leveled out. At that time I felt a jolt as my plane was being towed out of the hangar. Tailwheel unlocked I pulled the lever back and allowed the aircraft to be towed.

The plane stopped and the tow detached and drove off. I buckled in, strapping my parachute on, then my harness. I looked down to see my leather pilot cap and goggles on the stick. I grabbed it and put it on, plugging the headphones into the radio and waited. The ground crew began unfolding the wings. The right wing locked into place and the red flag receded into the wing. The left wing was given the same treatment and it succeeded as well. The ponies quickly began pushing the prop blades to force any stale oil out of the pistons. The ground crew leader signified everything was in accordance by saluting, which I returned. I pulled the "Engine Start" switch up and the propellers began to spin slowly.

*Grr Grrr Grr GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR* The engine poured out smoke started to purr, signifying that all was well. I switched the engine start to off, and waited. The smoke blew through the open cockpit and the fumes hit my face. Combustion... what a lovely smell.... I thought as I smelled the gas fumes.

"Gentlecolts, look next to your artificial horizon, there will be a number, that will be what I refer to you as when we begin taxing and through the flight." Glory's voice crackled through the radio.

4, I'm number 4. ok.

"1 and 2 taxi to runway 34... 3 and 4 Taxi to runway 12."

"Affirmative, 1 copies."

"Affirmative, 2 copies."

"Affirmative, 3 copies."

"Affirmative... 4 copies!" I say with a hint of enthusiasm as I let off the parking brake.

I followed behind the third plane in the row and taxied to the end of the airfield. Three broke off and turned left onto the runway and took the far right half of the pavement. I applied a little brake and turned to the left half of the runway. looking down, I grabbed the cowl flaps wheel and cranked to half open. my hands pushed forward the canopy and it snapped to the lock position.

"Flights 1 and 2 you are cleared for takeoff."

We saw the planes climb slowly off the runway and into the sky, eagerly awaiting our takeoff clearance.

"Flights 3 and 4 run em' up!" Glory beamed through the radio.

R.P.M. 100%, Throttle ease to full power. I pushed in the knob for the propeller rates and eased the throttle forward. The engine shook the whole plane, the propellers began to move faster around, and I started moving forward at a rapid pace. The stick felt comfortable in my hand... I gently pulled it towards me and I was off the ground. Quickly I turned the wheel retraction around and around until the gear lever would not budge. I pulled the R.P.M. lever out and the prop decreased in rotations, after I did I also adjusted the throttle.

Wow.. I'm really flying the F4F... Sweet Celestia....

Author's Note

Wow what a rush! Now that Cloudy Skies is flying, what is he in for next? will his training prepare him for combat? Stay tuned for the next chapter! :trollestia: Keep it real guys and thanks for reading! - Lambof God

Air Combat Training

The Aircraft let out a reactionary jerk as I slowly pulled the stick back.

This is really happening... I thought astounded that I am flying the plane of my dreams.

As I looked out of the right side of the canopy I see my wing pony number 3 just as exited as I was.

"Hey 3, she's a doll ain't she?" I say excitedly over the radio.

"You bet! say I don't know your name pal." My wingpony enthuses over the radio.

"Cloudy Skies partner... Yours is Orange Crisp?" I responded.

"Yeah, just call me Crispy! He responds still in the same cheerful tone.

"Have you gotten your gossip in ladies?! No excessive chat on the radio!" Glory cuts in. "Alright chatty! Lut. Skies! Your the leader of this flight, organize your Squadron!"

He isn't serious is he!? I panic in my own thoughts. Think Skies..... Form them up!

"Alright squadron 3! This is Cloudy Skies, I'm on heading course 83 west with number 3. Squadron report!" I beam with bind confedence.

"This is plane 1 reporting in, acknowledgeing last request!" The first pilot responds.

"Plane 2 checking in! Acknowledging request... forming up."

In less than a minute I spot the flight of two F4Fs forming on my left wing. Ok time to see if we can impress..."

"Carrier flight Squadron 3... This is San Fillycisco Naval Air Base Tower. change course to 134 east, and make a pass over runway 2 at 300 feet."

"San Fillycisco Tower, Acknowledging request, proceeding to lower altitude." I respond after the message passes. "Good news guys, time to make an impression... watch your airspeed indicators and keep tightly in formation."

Like clockwork, we pulled our air speeds down to 200 kilometers per hour and banked left to 134 east. Looking left and right, I noticed how efficient our 4 planes were... Each pilot doing his part to form a successful formation. The scenery of the bay grew increasingly larger as the formations' altitude descended. 700....600.....400.....300 the altimeter displayed as I realized just what we were about to do.

"Ok Squadron 3, hold altitude and formation for pass of the airfield." I calmed the eager stallions of the aircraft.

"Squadron three there are Y6M Zeros approaching at heading 134 West at 5,000 feet. Prepare to engage fighters." Glory calmly responded.

WHAT! YAKS IN THE STATES!? I panicked as my palms started to perspire coldly.

"Your guns are loaded, make me proud." Said Glory, still in a calm tone.

"Squadron three listen up! 2 form on 1, 3 sticks with me! climb to 2,000 feet slowly. Don't let them get a beat on you." I say as nerves stretch every part of my body.

We start the slow climb to 2,000 feet with the weight of responsibility on our shoulders.

"Remember the Yaks can turn, but they have no protection. We have the element of surprise just remember that gentlecolts."

I look over at Crispy and notice a look of intent burning in his face. The Yaks came into view, rapidly getting larger and larger.

"Ok 1 and 2 you will hit them after we make our pass. Fly ahead of us, turn 180 degrees left and climb." With the command in effect, the two sped past us and waited.

The Yaks were in firing range. White body, black nose, and red circles on the wings... It was most definitely a zero. Something seemed off... but I wasn't one to question orders.

Welcome to the States, Yakhole. I pulled the trigger back on the control stick. The wings responded in the form of fire throwing out .30 caliber bullets. Just as I started to open fire, I heard the sound of machine guns from Crispy's plane as well. Tracer rounds ripped through the first of three Yaks. In desperation, the others began to bank off separate ways.

YEAH! I got one! I screamed in my head as the first plane caught fire and spun out of control. Crispy shot up one of the banking planes causing it to smoke, but didn't destroy it. We past the Yaks and I felt a slight moment of regret as I looked over my shoulder at the remaining enemies. My moping was cut short by the sound of the other two F4Fs attacking the leftovers. BOOM! The two Yaks blew up in flames.

"Yeah! That's a fireworks display! Good job gents!" I exclaim over the radio.

"Great job Squadron 3, return to base, and meet me at the debriefing Colts." Said a seemingly impressed Glory.

I gazed my view over the right wing of the aircraft looking at a very relived and exited Crispy. Nodding in approval, I waved at him with my right hoof. He did kind of a relived salute at me and laughed. The sound of two more engines appeared out of no where as 1 and 2 formed on my left side.

"Seems to me that was a success, I will land last once we get to the airfield, everypony who Is not landing will circle the field until I give the order." I ordered as we approached the field.

"Aye Sir." The three ponies called in over the radio

Our flight was at about 2,000 feet and going 200 kph, too fast and too high for landing.

"Keep airspeed, descend to 1,000 feet. 4, land first." Our aircraft descended to 1,000 feet and we began circling the base. As I looked out the canopy I saw Crispy lowering flaps and landing gear. His approach was a little fast, but great for flying this model airplane for the first time. The wheels of his plane made contact with the runway and he slowed down and taxied off the runway. I ordered the rest of the pilots to land and they each had pretty good landings. Now It is my turn.

Ok flaps, 50%. Gear down. Rpm to landing position, throttle back. Canopy open. I aligned my aircraft with the runway and followed the checklist on my knee board. Keep her steady... easy. The F4F began to slow down rapidly as the runway kept increasing in size. Pulling the stick backwards, I fought the slowing plane for control. Three points of contact... I was so close to the ground I could make out wheel marks on the pavement below.

*Gerrrttttt*

The wheels screeched as I successfully bounced on the runway. Brakes in short amounts, cut throttle. I eased the brakes and pulled the throttle all the way back. The propeller slowed its hum as my plane slowed with it. The only thing that seemed to be out of the ordinary was my blood pressure. My heart had just now started to slow back to a normal pulse as I realized my hooves were really sweaty. I looked around and was relived to have landed safely. Now I must taxi back to the hangar and attend the debriefing.

Once back at the hangar I turned off the engine, completed the post flight checklist, and climbed out of my new plane.

"Hey Mr. Bigshot! Congrats on that flyin'." Biff said as he punched my left hoof.

"Thanks Biff! She's a rush!"

"Come on tell the High Roller somthin' he don't know!"

"I got to get to the debrief, give her a spa treatment for me eh?" I say as I start to trot towards the briefing room. The other pilots in the squadron were either preparing for their flights, or talking about the ones they had just been on. Everypony looked, acted, and felt so alive. It was good to see that we were finally able to start forming bonds over the planes. But come to think of it... I only really knew Crispy and I hoped Glory knew me.... With that realization turning in my mind I opened the door to the briefing room.

"Commander on deck!" Somepony said while all the pilots in the room stood up and saluted me.

What the...? I stammered in my thoughts as I saluted back, caught off guard.

"Listen here." A familiar pony told the entire room. "You are now initiated into your first air combat experience. Please everypony sit." With Glory saying that I found a seat in the front of the room and listened. "Congratulations colts, we may be the best fighter Squadron in the Ponycific yet. Today, under the leadership of Lut. Skies, you successfully shot down three radio controlled Yak drones. These planes were not inhabited, but you did exceedingly well. Skies front and center!"

I scrambled out of my chair and posted at the front of the room.

"This Pony right here... you were lucky to have such a knowledgeable commander today. Not only did Skies utilize the strengths of the F4F, he preyed on the weaknesses of the Y6M. I pray to Celestia that you all show the same exceptional talents of Mr. Skies. Overall as a squadron we have not only achieved our mission for today, we beat the wildcat squadron for the U.S.S. Celestia. Poor Ponies couldn't even shoot down one training plane, let alone a real Y6M. We will be one of the greatest squadrons to ever hit the skies, by the way welcome to Squadron VF-3." Glory took a look around the room. "Get to know each other today, next briefing is after sundown. 7:00 P.M. Dismissed." He said as he walks out of the room with trademark swagger.

The briefing room went silent as Glory walked out of the room. The 30 ponies of VF-3 looked at me with amazement as they silently took in what they just heard the CAG say. Pilots began to slowly strike up conversations with each other to break the silence after the shocking news. What. I'm just another pony. I think as the room slowly takes their attention off me.

"So what do you guys want?" I ask with a cautious tone. One pony stood up and began to introduce himself.

"Hey my name is Donnie Hoofander, I'm number 2." The brown coated stallion said.

" Oh hi, nice to meet you. That was some flying, all I could see when I looked back were your planes cleaning up for us." I say complementing the colt for his valiant attack.

"Yeah, I was rather impressed with your commanding. Having a hammer attack conducted in the blind spot? I don't think It's ever been done before... super ingenious!" Donnie enthused as he takes a respectful look at me. "So yeah, what's it like to be Glory's poster child?"

"Um, I guess it's stressful, I mean I'm not worried. I'm not THAT good, I just did some reading up on Yak planes. That's it. I'm not God" I laugh as Donnie enjoyed the satirical remark as well. "Hey, have you met Crispy yet?"

"No, but you did say his name over the radio did you not?" Donnie asks.

"Yeah, Yeah. He's rather cool. We should all hang out sometime soon at the officer's club, grab a cider." I say casually. "I heard the mare workin' the counter is a real looker."

"Yeah that would be nice, but I've got a baby back in Neighbraska already. If she heard I was lookin' over at somepony else... that would be the end of Donnie Hoofander!" We both laughed at his statement.

"I got one back in Ponyvile, but got to at least see a few mares every now and then to keep from flyin' a rainbow, am I right? You know what they say about navy ponies..." My eyes tear up from laughter as we exchange various stories about our Marefriends and exes.

"Hey you want to head over to the post office, I'm expecting a few letters from my folks." Donnie asks as he looks at the clock on the wall.

"Yeah I'm looking for two myself, let's go." I say as I walk out of the now noisy briefing room with my new friend.

I gaze across the airfield at the three massive ships in the harbor. The Ponytown... The Celestia... and The Horneght. all sitting there, almost ready for war. Each loaded down with anti-aircraft guns, supplies, and soon planes. Their wooden flight decks have their corresponding number on them, virtually the only distinguishing factor between the identical ships. The sun had started to set in the sky, revealing a very serene setting. Sunlight beamed across the water, reflecting the slow color changing sky. I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of pony engineering, as well as the natural beauty that surrounded me.

"That looks amazing.." I say to Donnie as we near the base's post office.

"Yeah, too bad the next time we will see all of us together is when we start destroying Yaks."

"Too bad... Too bad..."

Author's Note

Here It is folks... the next chapter! If you are enjoying, give me some feedback below!

Stay chilly- LambofGod :moustache: