Air Raid had one priority and that was Darkstar.

Traveling to Ponyville to find a doctor that would help her instead of locking her up was part of that priority. A short visit to Princess Twilight's castle to follow up on Darkstar's attack led to a discovery. Namely that she should remember to add herself to the list of priorities.

Discovering Appleglow was for her to find some happiness in Ponyville.

The sequel can be found here; I Might Call You Back