The Brothers Don't

"Captain!"

Shining Armor helped the last of his unit off the train and turned around. Flash Sentry hovered above the Crystal Empire platform, saluting.

"Afternoon, Soldier," said Shining. He offered a brief salute in return. "At ease. How have you been?"

Flash landed and pattered his forehooves. "Uhhhh... fffffine. Ish."

Shining frowned. "What's wrong?"

Without making eye contact, Flash mumbled, "I don't think I should be the one to tell you that, Sir. It's requested that you join the princess and Team Harmony in the palace."

Shining raised an eyebrow. "What, now? I've assigned myself to this unit, Soldier, and we're headed out immediately. I'm sure the princess will understand, I wrote her about it in great detail." He glanced at Zephyr, blabbing to a mare down the platform and measuring locks of her mane.

"Bring them if you must, Sir," Flash said, taking flight, "but you're going to want to join us. Now."

He took off. Shining looked over his shoulder. Zephyr had moved on to another mare and woven three braids between her ears. The mares giggled and smiled.

Shining Armor shut his eyes and took a deep breath. "All right, everypony, listen up!" he shouted.

His companions formed a line and stood alert beside the steaming train.

"We'll stay in the city tonight, at the palace."

Some of them gasped and whispered to each other excitedly.

"I've been summoned to... a briefing of some kind," Shining continued. "First thing in the morning, we'll deploy to the northern barracks and prepare you for battle. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Sir!" they shouted in unison.

Zephyr beamed. "The Crystal Empire! Oh, I just know I'm gonna like the viiiibe of this place, yeah!" He bumped the train behind him with his hips. "I can already feel the inspiration, the motivation, the pizazz! Can you feel it, ladies?" He winked at the mares standing off to the side and puffed out his armored chest. They giggled. "Mmmm hmmm! Somethin' about the way the manes sparkle here, it's just—"

"Enough!" Shining Armor barked.

Zephyr winced. "Whaa-hat, Shiny? Can't a stallion appreciate the luscious locks of a crystal pony every now and again? Why, I betcha if we could see the flow of energy that their manes afford these lovely ponies, you might finally consider getting a decent mane-cut yourself." He pushed his lips to one side. "No offense, Cap'n."

With messy blue bangs in his eyes, Shining glared at Zephyr for a few long seconds. "Follow me," he finally said to his troop, then spun on his hooves and marched quickly toward the palace.