Fly to the Stars and Back (Redone)

It had been two weeks since they were rotated out of the fortress as Blitz was waiting with Silver and Lightning. “So they are expanding our unit, huh?” Blitz asks for confirmation.

Silver sighs as he nods “Yes, because of our success and some are asking to be transferred to ours.”

“Meaning more officers and more soldiers,” Blitz says.

“We are also getting two airships for our unit.” Silver says.

“Airships you say?” Blitz asks thinking out loud.

Silver nods. “Yep, our illustrious army graced us with two cutter class airships. Fully loaded of course.”

“So two scouting ships huh?” Blitz asks.

Silver nods. “Oh yes, I’m sure you can come up with many things.”

“That means we will be assigned to patrol somewhere very soon. So any news on your old academy college who deserted?” Blitz asks.

Silver sighs. “Gone. We haven’t seen him for a long time. None of the troops have seen him.”

“So he has run out of the country itself, huh?” Blitz asks.

Silver shrugs. “Who knows? He might be somewhere else where he can visit some family or friends safely. Most want that before being chopped off.”

“Then again, could have been captured by the dogs,” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “It’s just thoughts at the moment. You know, I heard of you visiting a certain professor when you came here one time. Why don’t you visit him? We ship out in two days.”

“Who are you talking about?” Blitz asks.

Silver chuckles. “You kidding? Word has gone around of how Southern Cross with Daring Do, found the ancient temple and the professor of the group found an ancient staff.”

“Oh yeah. The professor we let have the staff of Tifus.” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “Yeah, why don’t you see him? Maybe give him time since it’s been a while. After all, he’s hoping to find more adventures like that.”

“Naw, those kinds of adventures, I don’t look for,” Blitz says

Silver sighs. “At least give him some time. He’s an old bird. It might be good to see an old friend.”

“Very well, I will go see him. Surge, keep the soldiers in line, and don’t take any crap from the new officers.” Blitz instructs.

Lightning salutes him. “Yes sir.” She said as he walks off to the college.

Blitz sighs as he sips away at his drink. “So how’s the staff?” He asks while in the office of the professor.

The professor shrugs. “Lockdown in the museum here. We also have declared the temple an important landmark and only those with clearance can get in.”

“I see you have been busy these last few years,” Blitz says.

The professor chuckles as he looks around. “Yes, many adventures till these old bones of mine got me.” He said eyeing the new artifacts.

“Well good to see you aren’t sitting idle,” Blitz says.

The professor nods. “Yes, after all, this old bird has to keep moving and experience as much as he can.”

“While this stallion took the third member our original party and made her his wife,” Blitz says.

The professors clap his talons. “Not bad. Heard of the great Cross marrying a lot of mares. Have any hatchlings yet?”

“One with two more on the way. Unfortunately, Daring isn’t one of them.” Blitz says.

The professor smirks. “Not yet.”

“They keep trying.” Blitz jokes.

The professor laughs. “Let me guess, trying to gain a great time in bed with you?”

“No, try to get pregnant. I keep telling them lesbian sex won’t do it.” Blitz jokes.

The professor keeps laughing. “Not bad, not bad. So how’s the war?”

“I’m serving under commander Silver Claw as a knight captain,” Blitz says.

The professor smiled. “That’s great. What about this other one I’m hearing about?”

Blitz smiled. “Oh, she’s a hooful, but manageable and able to reel in easier since I’m married,” Blitz says before turning serious. “So what is the gossip about my unit?”

The professor sighs. “Strange things at times, but good. Able to hold and be like a wall. Then there is the ghost unit in your team.”

“Ah, those me and Surge are training personally. So what about our unit killing two of the twenty-six war chiefs amongst the dogs?” Blitz asks.

The professor smiled. “Very good things. None of the other units were able to get even close to any war chief.”

“I see, well what do you think? Do you think we broke even or are we in the advantage of killing two war chiefs and they destroying one of our forts?” Blitz asks.

The professor sighs as he opens one of his drawers. “You like games?” He asks trying to find something.

“Depends on the game,” Blitz says.

The professor nods and brings out a box before opening it and placing out a board and some army pieces on it and starts arranging them. “Let’s see, two are out.” He said knocking down two silver pieces. “One fort down.” He said making a gold fort piece in half. “I say your chances are good.”

“But take into account that most of the army has limited to no combat experience while the dogs have constantly been fighting with each other. In that case, my opinion says.” Blitz says and knocks over several units filling his line full of holes.

The professor nods and starts making the silver pieces move forward. “Yes, brutish as it were. But the fact that they don’t have that much technology that we have. Like airships and such.” He said bringing out blimp pieces and placing them around on the edge of control. “Then you have long rangers and now ghost teams.” He said reaching into another drawer and pulling out a statue of a creature before placing it on the side of the line of silver pieces.

“What’s that?” Blitz asks, eyeing the statue that looks like a flying creature, but with long sharp claws for arms and tentacles for legs that seem to float.

The professor looks at the piece. “No real name. Just called the wraith for how it moves across the land and able to sneak attack successfully. Need a good team of hunters to make it out of that one alive.”

“Ah, I never heard of this before. So why is it here?” Blitz asks.

The professor shrugs. “Found it in a temple that was next to a crater. Records show it was long ago. So if it was real, it’s probably long since dead.”

“Doubtful. Creatures like that have long lifespans.” Blitz says.

The professor smirks. “Maybe you’ll meet it if I remember your profession. Now then.” He said before moving a few more pieces closer together.

“Something’s bugging me. Why would the dogs invade now? What benefit or advantage do they have now that they didn’t before?” Blitz asks.

The professor shrugs. “Don’t know. Maybe they are losing theirs and are desperate now.” He said making the armies move closer together. “Of course, this is a full-scale clash.” He said before making each piece each other from both sides until he stops at a certain point. “The question remains, who falls first?”

Blitz moves one piece. “Checkmate.”

The professor smiled as he sees he moved the pieces back into play.

“Unlike this game, war is not so simple,” Blitz says.

The professor nods. “Yes, this a set game, with rules and barriers. War is actually about the mind believe it or not. It always starts out in the mind.”

“Yes, but there is a flaw in the advantages you said earlier,” Blitz says.

The professor raises an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“How much experience do your rangers have and can they stand a face to face fight with some elite dog warriors?” Blitz asks.

The professor smiled. “Simple, try living in the desert and the mountains for a long time. We never let them out without experience because they might be stuck in one spot for a long time.”

“Now the question is, have they become complacent, and to what standard have they been held to in this time of peace?” Blitz asks making the professor go quiet and pondering the question.

The professor sighs. “Many civilizations have many versions of living. Some more dangerous than others, but in other eyes, simple and good to live. The thing is, what mind are you in?”

“The mind of a general,” Blitz says.

The professor chuckles. “Just then, the line has been drawn, ready to strike to where it has been marked.” He recited.

“Professor, can I tell you something that won’t leave this room?” Blitz asks.

The professor crosses his arms. “Depends, how classified?”

“Not classified, but my personal opinion,” Blitz says.

The professor shirts. “Go ahead.”

“I think the dogs are being supplied by something,” Blitz says.

The professor leans forward. “And what would that be?”

“I don’t know, but I found a very powerful and advanced firearm in a dog camp I raided,” Blitz says putting a revolver on the table.

The professor eyes the revolver. “Yes, I guess that’s something. What are you doing to do?”

“Going to bring this to the attention of the king, his generals, and my commanding officer. If this is true, then we lose the technological edge and they may gain it.” Blitz says.

The professor nods. “Then you better get going. The faster, the better.”

“I am currently off duty. It would look strange if I meet with them right now. That is why I left Surge to tell my commanding officer in private since she is currently on duty.” Blitz says.

The professor shrugs. “Hey, your own time and place. After all, maybe something will happen to who is really pulling the strings.”

“If they are then I must move with discretion and not give myself away,” Blitz says.

The professor nods. “Yes, move quickly and quietly. After all, the only ones who gain from this war are the ones who started it.”

“True. In the end, those who truly started this might be looking to soften up the kingdom so they can invade and conquer.” Blitz says.

The professor nods. “Yes, but that’s the problem.” He said before taking out some cookies, one chocolate, and the other oatmeal, and places them between the pieces. “All the resources will be used up. Whether food or materials.” He said grabbing the chocolate and eating it. “When they make their own staging area, the area will be so used up, they can’t hold for so long. So why here? Why put it in a spot that has to be used other than just a landing position? Wouldn’t it be smart to make an attack somewhere else? Somewhere more vulnerable than a war-torn country ready for another fight.”

“If they aren’t conquered by the dogs,” Blitz adds.

The professor reaches into another drawer and takes out a slightly curved dagger and grips it hard. “Yes, maybe watching another direction.”

“But whom? The federation to our northeast, the zebras south of us, or some unknown organization?” Blitz asks.

The professor chuckles. “Yes, watch as the two or more armies duke it out. Then watch as they calm down, but are ready for another strike just in case. Of course, the enemy just could come to the one watching as they are flourishing and full of everything you need. Just reach around,” He said moving the dagger in a certain way. “And swipe the newspaper and the flesh from a direction to which they have reason to defend.” He said giving a swipe before stabbing the dagger into the table.

“Typical bureaucrat then.” Blitz joked.

The professor shakes his head. “No, just that another nation watching the war from afar, might not suspect one that attacks them like an owl to a mouse.”

“Trying to lighten the mood,” Blitz says taking back the revolver.

The professor sighs and takes the dagger out of the desk before putting it back. “Watch it Cross. This outside force might attack somewhere else while you watch only in one direction.”

“Who says I am only watching one direction? Not all my eyes are in my head.” Blitz says.

The professor chuckles. “Yes, but does anypony else in your home country?”

“I have no true home country. Just where I chose to reside at that given time.” Blitz says.

The professor leans forward. “Then why did I mention that country?”

“Because you amuse me and that is dangerous to me,” Blitz says.

The professor grins. “I know. Though you already knew these kinds of tactics, right?” He asks leaning back.

“Yes, I do all too well. Now let us get back to our game.” Blitz says.

The professor chuckles as he gives the last cookie to him and sets the pieces. “Your move.”

Blitz nods and moves a single piece forwards.

Blitz leaned against the edge of the airship as it flew forward to the mountain fort that was to be their temporary base. “Still got another day till we reach it,” Blitz says out loud.

Silver nods as he leans against the rails and looks ahead by him. “Yeah, so how was the professor?” He asks looking at him.

Blitz waves him off. “Eh, he’s fine.”

Silver nods. “Glad to see that old bird is doing fine. Especially since his wife is a little away for the war.”

“So, still a little shocked by the ramifications of that little meeting?” Blitz asks.

Silver sighs. “How could I not? A possible outside force that can devastate us in an instant? It would be better to attack a country like Equestria.”

“Then griffon pride and honor would demand you go to their aid and smash the ones who did this to you.” Blitz reminds.

Silver nods. “Yes, they started it on our turf and we want it to stop so we wouldn’t have to deal with it.”

“Now including me, there are four captains and only two knight captains,” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “Yeah.” He said looking back at the group. “They are all acting the same. Except for a few, especially that one.” He said pointing to a more slender griffon. “Notice anything?”

“By the type. We’ve already met. The only other knight captain beside me.” Blitz says annoyed.

Silver groans a bit. “Yes, I may get to her hate her too, but she’s part of the squad. We have to live with it.”

“At least she respects seniority,” Blitz says.

Silver huffs. “Yeah, you. Not me. I’m still young by her standards. At least she still follows, but I can hear that telltale grumbling in her voice when she walks away.”

“I meant seniority in the unit and we can’t be called a squad anymore, too big,” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles a bit before stopping. “She tries to see me as a bit lesser. We went to school together. She got better grades and ranks out of it. I only got by with some haphazard plans and my father liked that. She’s…”

“A perfectionist,” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “Yes, she gets her plans from a book. A history book. Not really a thinker in a sense.”

“We best review the plan then. Hey, knight captain, Wind Shear.” Blitz calls.

Wind looks up and sees the two high rankers looking at her. She sighs and closes her book before going over to them. “Yes?”

“Gather the two other captains and meet in the captains quarters, we are going to review what has happened and our orders and make a plan.” Blitz calls getting up.

Wind nods and walks back to the others. “Let’s hope she doesn’t make a ruckus.” Silver said gathering his things.

“You kidding, she will lecture anything that does,” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles. “I’m just hoping she sticks to the play, not impede.”

“By the book remember and one of the rules says obey a commanding officer, which is you.” Blitz reminds.

Silver nods. “Good, at least she will listen to age and rank the most. But I’m half of that. At least you made it so she will listen.”

“Half the problem is you need to be more confident around her and act like a commander like back at the fort,” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “That was when we under the threat of an attack. I wanted them to be safer.”

“Keep that state of mind and command respect. If you don’t, some of them will die needlessly.” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “Yeah, just need a good enough state of mind. Let’s get to the cabin.” He said walking off.

Blitz shakes his head a bit. ‘He’s got a long way to go, but he is young.’ Blitz thinks.

Silver sighs as he looks to the leaders in the room as Blitz stands by him and a table with maps between them. “Alright, this is what’s going on. After having their vanguard demolished and losing two war chiefs, the dogs have not launched an offensive like the vanguard yet. They have been doing hit and run attacks along with the northern and southern eastern border defenses. Cross believes they are probing for a weak point or looking for an unguarded point to send warriors into and at this point, I must agree.” Silver says.

Blitz sighs as he places some pieces onto the map. “We are staying here.” As he places the pieces somewhere in the mountains. “This the mountain pass and are so tough to get to that we need these airships to get there. There are a few paths and some more that are somewhat hidden that we need to defend. There is a base there that will serve as a staging post, but after that, it’s just a watchhouse. So if dogs come, launch the arrow flares.”

“We have also been ordered to do a probing raid ourselves from the mountain as well.” Silver adds.

Blitz adds. “That’s the most of it, but there may be more as time goes on. So watch out and be ready.” Blitz says finishing placing the figurines. “We will also be launching a scouting mission not long after arriving with the ghost squad as the public and enemy have dubbed us,” Blitz says.

Everyone just chuckles while Wind just raises an eyebrow.

“Did someone make a joke?” Blitz asks.

They just quiet down now as Wind smiles a little. “We won’t be arriving until tomorrow, but don’t let down your guard.” Silver said.

They just all nod and start to head off. “You think this plan would work?” Blitz asks.

“Depends on the execution of it.” Silver says before sighing.

Blitz looks to him. “Something wrong?”

“Just still trying to take it all in.” Silver says, a talon over his face.

Blitz shrugs. “And it might get worse so be ready.”

“I know.” Silver says.

Blitz keeps watching the others file out. “Shall we get ready for a landing commander?” He asks with a bit of a smirk.

“Not till tomorrow.” Silver reminds.

Blitz shrugs. “Doesn’t hurt to be prepared early you know,” Blitz says walking out.

Blitz looks around on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. The moon was one of his only companions on this watch. He sighs as he finally sits down after the last look and tries to shake his armor to get rid of that itch on his neck. “Damn tags.” He said before sitting up again till he hears some talons hitting the steps to his lookout.

“Though I would find you here.” Wind said while carrying a book.

“Of course, I am on duty,” Blitz says not turning to look at her.

Wind sighs as she goes over to a crate and sits down before opening the book. “So anything out of the ordinary?”

“Nothing, besides that flying whale that seems to follow us,” Blitz says eyeing the large whale creature that bends its whole body to fly as it flies behind them and makes echoing coo noises from time to time.

Wind shrugs. “Like seagulls, they like to travel with ships. It seems to like the company, almost like us. Strange that tales tell of you as a loner.” She said already going past two pages.

“So why are you here?” Blitz asks.

Wind smirks. “Couldn’t sleep. Usually grab a book and head to a quiet place to read, preferably with a view.”

“He will do better when we get into action,” Blitz says.

Wind scoffs. “Let’s hope so because right now he’s broken at least fifty rules.”

“Look, take it from one who is been through the fires of war than I can count. Those rules can’t hold up in it.” Blitz says looking to her now.

Wind looks up at him and closes the book with her talons. “Finally got your attention. I know the part of ‘once in battle, rules are out the window.’ At least he has to try to keep some rules secure here.”

“And yet he is more qualified and has more experience than you. That’s right, I have read all of the other captains’ file.” Blitz says.

Wind huffs. “And yet he lost his soldiers to something that should have been obvious.”

“Clarify,” Blitz says.

Wind leans forward. “The rumor that he set off an obvious trap and knocked some of his soldiers in a coma.”

“I do not speak of that and you shouldn’t either. To level said so.” Blitz says.

Wind frowns. “Yet what does that tell of our illustrious commander?”

“You weren’t there so don’t talk like you were,” Blitz says looking back out.

Wind keeps looking at him before leaning back and opening her book again. “Have you heard the rumors?”

“Clarify,” Blitz says again says zooming his visor, thinking he spotted something.

Wind smiled a bit. “The rumor about where we’re going. There is a little town there and still alive and well, thank goodness. But what makes them famous, rumors, of course, is the fact they act like birds and monkeys, always moving around, not like us or ponies.”

“Uh-huh?” Blitz says as his helmet scanned.

Wind nods and looks to him. “You really think I’m reading the rule book?” She said showing the book slightly and shows the information on the town and its culture. “I already know that thing by heart and what are you doing?” Seeing him lean over some more.

Blitz lifts the cover next to him and pushes a button and a siren started to sound. “All hands on deck, unknown airship off the port side!” Blitz yells.

Wind finally stands up and packs the book away and looks to where he was looking and sees a cruder airship with a lot more armor plates than either airship. “How the heck did the dogs gain such an airship? We’re one of the toughest militaries around and we have the latest war machines, next to ponies. No offense.”

“Talk later, get to your battle station.” Blitz orders.

Wind growls a little before screeching that actually almost busted Blitz’s ears before she left. “That girl can screech.” He said holding a hoof to his ear on his helmet in an attempt to lessen the pain. “Surge,” Blitz says.

The static soon clears with metal clanging and footsteps in the background. “Sir?” Lightning asks as she grabs her weapons and checks to see if it’s loaded.

“Time for going ghost,” Blitz says.

He swears she’s smirking now. “Got it, I’ll the best of the team together. The rest will be sent to you. Surge out.” She said.

“Take only those with wings when you go to the ship,” Blitz says.

Lightning sighs as she looks to her small, but a good team. “Wings only, rest of you, Cross, go.” She said before running in one direction with the small group while the others went topside.

Blitz narrows his eyes at the airship as it approaches them. “Surely they know we have two. We could easily decimate them with cannon fire. So why one?” He asks himself.

“You fire the swivel gun at them.” Blitz orders a nearby soldier.

“But sir, it won’t do much without cannons penetrating the armor first.” The soldier says.

“I know, this is just an experiment,” Blitz says.

The soldier looks at him for a few before firing and everyone watches as the small cannonball flies through the air and gets close before it seems to bounce off something and soon a hexagonal shape shield appeared where the cannonball was and soon a wave of them spread out and they saw it covered the airship like a spherical shield.

“What the fuck is…?” The soldier could only say.

“Commander, the ship has a shield!” Blitz calls.

Silver could only watch as the shield spreads itself out before shutting down and only the ship itself appeared. “Got something for that?!” Silver calls back.

“Not yet, but it looks like our cannons will be useless. So I suggest we take a page from pirates and board the ship and take it for ourselves.” Blitz says.

Mary was tickling Azure’s stomach, causing him to giggle. “Coochi, coochie, co. Coochi, coochie, co.” She said as Azure giggles and laughs.

Twilight was trying to scarf down the slime again. “Ponyfeathers, I hate this, but down the hatch.” She said eating more.

Suddenly Mary rises and a tear flows down her face.

The others look to her. “What’s wrong? You hurt?” Applejack asks.

“No I…I just feel incredibly proud of my son all of a sudden,” Mary says.

Twilight and everypony smiles. “Wonder what’s he doing?” Twilight asks.

“Surge, get the generator offline. All cannons trained on the ship, hold your fire until we get it down. All hands, get the grapples, and slide down. We got ourselves a new generation of privateering.” Blitz orders.

“Aye!” The crew calls as they made haste to do the things he called out.

“Commander, is it ok for him to take charge?” Wind asks.

“Yes, he is currently an acting deck officer.” Silver says taking the helm as another nearby soldier uses flags to signal what they were to do.

Blitz smiles as he sees the griffins throws the hooks. “Get ready, there will be opposition.” He calls out as he grabs a ready rope from the banister and pulls out a blaster. As they prepare the other airship comes up beside the dog’s ship and throws hooks as well.

When the ships come close enough do some of the griffons jump to the other ship or swing onto it using the ropes. ‘Why do I feel like mom is feeling this thing?’ Blitz thinks to himself as he swung and shot a few dogs.

“The fact you are going pirate style makes it pretty obvious.” Lightning said as if reading his mind.

“Surge, take the ghosts, and take control of their engineering deck. I want to know where they got this from.” Blitz orders.

Lightning smirks and Blitz sees a few dogs get pulled over the railing as his answer. “Not bad.” He said landing and immediately shoots the dog next to him.

“All soldiers, secure this deck!” Blitz orders withdrawing his claws and cuts through a dog warrior.

Blitz cuts through another one before he feels some heavy thuds and sees a large dog come out of the captain’s quarters. “You, you will die now!” He said pointing to him as he brandished his large cleaver.

“Judging by your demeanor, you’re a war chief, correct?” Blitz asks.

The war chief gives a brutal laugh. “What gave you that idea?” He asks before slamming the cleaver into the deck.

“Very well. Give us the room, I will make the third war chief kill for the unit.” Blitz orders.

The griffons and some of the dogs back off as the far off one’s fight. “You’re just a pony in metal. What can you do?” The war chief asks as they start circling each other.

“Funny, that is what the last two said before they got on their paws and knees and begged for their lives. They showed what all you war chiefs are. A bunch of bitches.” Blitz mocks.

The war chief growls before swinging the cleaver behind him and then swinging back toward Blitz and smashes it into the deck. “Oh Spiky.” Blitz called from his side and looks to him just sitting there. “Missed me.” Blitz mocked while holstering his blaster pistol and withdrawing his other claw afterwards.

The war chief growls and brings the cleaver up and swings it towards him. Blitz just raises an eyebrow before ducking. “Try aiming lower.” He said as the war chief brings the blade to a stop on the deck.

Blitz smirks and rushes past the cleaver and behind him. “You missed.” The war chief says.

“Oh, did I?” Blitz asks showing him his claw with fresh blood.

The war chief looks confused and looks down to see one of his hindpaw bleeding from the back of it. “Bitch.” He growled before lifting the cleaver up and only yells in pain before dropping it and lands on his side while trying to keep his paw still.

“I just cut your achilles tendon. It’s doubtful you will ever be able to support using that cleaver again.” Blitz says.

“What happened to the griffon kingdom fighting fair?” The war chief asks.

“Who ever said Southern Cross fought fair?” Blitz asks.

The dogs immediately backs up before being grabbed by the griffons and put to the ground as they tie them up. “Well, this night is turning out nicely. So, will you do me the favor of telling me where you got that shield?” Blitz asks pressing his claw to the bottom of the dog’s chin. The dog then did something that surprised everyone and threw his throat onto the claw. After a few moments, the life faded from the dog’s eyes. Blitz withdrew the claw and turned away. “Such cowardness. Taking the easy way out.” Blitz says walking away.

“Cross. We found the generator. It’s busted.” Lightning called over.

“I see. The war chief committed suicide as well. All of you secure the rest of the ship.” Blitz orders.

Lightning sighs. “Looks like whatever was powering this thing was volatile. Just needed a knock and boom.”

“Crispy corpse nearby?” Blitz asks as the soldiers started flooding into the lower decks.

“That and how the metal’s bent outward.” Lightning replied.

“Yeah, at least we got ourselves a new ship. A little modification and overhaul a few things as we have a heavy airship for our unit.” Blitz says.

Lightning stayed a bit silent. “We can’t repair this thing. We need the Darkline and a few months for that.”

“I know, but we don’t need it to use the ship itself.” Blitz says as the words ‘Don’t talk about those things out in the open.’ appear on her visor.

Lightning stayed silent before he hears the line cut off.

Blitz walks over to her. “When we get to the base we will talk alone,” Blitz whispers to her.

Lightning doesn’t say anything and just stares at the destroyed machine.

“I know. It’s too advanced for this planet.” Blitz whispers.

Lightning just pushes him away. Blitz stares at her before grabbing her collar and pulls her away to the cargo area and brings them to the back and then pushes her against the large tall boxes. Blitz sighs as he pulls off her helmet before pulling off his. “What’s wrong?”

Lightning just stares at him before bringing a hoof up and starts to stroke his cheek. “You.”

“You want more attention instead of pretending that our only relationship is professional?” Blitz asks.

Lightning leans her head back. “That and to stop with the ridiculous messages I get. A simple quiet would do.”

“I’m actually using pre-made messages to save time and picking the closest ones to what I want to say…what I’m not that fast at typing.” Blitz says.

Lightning frowns a bit. “I hate you treating me like that.”

“That’s why I said we will have some private time alone,” Blitz says starting to pet her mane.

Lightning leans into his petting. “Blitz…I meant how those messages sound like to me. Like I’m a know-nothing soldier.”

“I know, which is why I’m going to reprogram some new messages,” Blitz says wrapping his tails around hers.

Lightning leans forward a bit. “You better. I hate being treated like this. Like nothing.”

“You are not nothing. You’re a sexy Mandalorian.” Blitz whispers into her ear.

Lightning smiled a bit before they hear the door open behind the crates. “Cross, I need to speak to you privately soon.” She said with a small smirk.

“Roger that,” Blitz says as he puts their helmets on them and untangles themselves.

Lightning grabs his hoof before Blitz feels her tail running along with him before she lets go and walks off, leaving him in the room.

Blitz smiles as he eyes her flank as she walks away. “Yep, sexy as always.” Almost as if Lightning heard him, she gives a few extra shakes to her flank as she kept walking before he heads out.

Silver looks to him as he exits onto the deck. “What happened to you? You disappeared for a bit.”

“Just checking on something. Looks like more of the weapons I showed the king.” Blitz says eyeing a few rifles stored around.

Silver nods and eyed him carefully. “You going to let us use it?”

“No way to avoid them seeing the weapons now,” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “I’ll let the ghost team have them. Better since we got one who at least knows the tech for them and could help if needed.”

“Too many for just my squad and too loud for that. Think of them as swivels that are carried around everywhere.” Blitz says.

Silver shrugs. “Then I’ll guess I’ll have the squads watching the line have them when we get there.”

“Could be looking at the next standard weapon issued to all the army,” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles. “Yeah, now we just need to be careful. Because knowing the dogs, it could explode right in our face and not the enemy.”

“They can if you don’t maintain them properly,” Blitz says as he sends a manual program of the muskets to Lightning.

Silver sighs and picks one up. “So how far away is this stuff to yours?”

“Energy-based, so I would say centuries away,” Blitz says.

Silver shakes his head. “Oh well, it’s something at least.”

“And we now have the third ship in our unit,” Blitz says.

Silver smirks. “Think they would let us keep it?”

“Don’t see why not,” Blitz says.

Silver chuckles. “Maybe soon we would have to send it back to let them find out how far they come.”

“The king already knows. I would be surprised if he isn’t taking steps to counter it.” Blitz says.

Silver shrugs. “Maybe a heavier attack for cannons and explosives.”

“We shall see soon enough. By the way, when we get to the mountain base, I will need to be alone with Surge for a while.” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “I’ll see if I can get a tent set up for you.”

“I was thinking inside the base built into the mountain.” Blitz clarifies.

Silver smirks. “Really now?” He asks, knowing the sound doesn’t reach much around inside.

“We are also going to need maps of the outlining area to study,” Blitz says.

Silver searches his bags and gives him a few scrolls. “The guard posts, the topography, the regular map that travelers would get, and the town nearby, just in case.”

“Those will do perfectly for our operation,” Blitz says.

Silver nods. “I made sure to get every information just in case of something bad.” He said taking a wrapper out and opens it before eating what was inside it. “Chocolate?” He asks with his mouth full and holding out another.

“Oh, some dog was planning on poisoning another,” Blitz says.

Silver shrugs. “Suit yourself. I just want to eat this now so I don’t come home to an angry nestmate. Why didn’t you finish what I gave you? Is it really that bad?” He asks in a higher pitch. “I swear, I can hear the blades being sharpened now.”

“What, she expecting an egg?” Blitz jokes.

Silver chuckles. “No, just to make a busted mattress when I get home.”

“I see, so did she like seeing you on leave?” Blitz asks.

Silver smiled. “What nestmate wouldn’t?”

“Is that why your officer bars were inverted?” Blitz asks.

Silver eyes his bars on his clothes. “Oh yeah. Forgot about setting them right because we had a bit of fun, a bit. I didn’t realize it until halfway to the launch site. Now that was for a search for a mirror.”

“Well, I will leave you be,” Blitz says walking away.

Silver hums as he kept eating and watching the others go through the new airship.

“So happy now?” Blitz asks as he holds Lightning.

Lightning sighs and nuzzles his chest. “Yeah. Thanks for this.”

Blitz just nuzzles her head. “No problem, after all, you are my mare. So you want to have fun?”

Lightning shakes her head. “No, only back home.”

“Ok, so want to stay like this?” Blitz asks as Lightning wraps her wings around him.

Lightning nods. “Yeah, just you and me and nothing else.”

“It would be better if we didn’t have to wear our armors for this,” Blitz says entwining their tails.

Lightning nods. “Yeah, I…I love you, Blitz.”

“I love you too. My Lightning.” Blitz says.

Lightning sighs and opens her eyes to see the maps laid out on the wall. “What’s with the city and why are the streets marked with red?” She asks seeing the streets all covered in red and a skull and crossbones.

“Those are plans for work. That is for later. Right now, it is just you and me and the meal.” Blitz says starting to pet her.

Lightning giggles and looks to the plate right next to them and she grabs a bit and holds it up to him. “Say ah.” She said playfully.

“How about I say that so I can spoil my mare?” Blitz says playfully.

Lightning sighs and nuzzles him before giving him some food. “Here.”

“Say ah, my beautiful mare,” Blitz says.

Lightning smiled and opens her mouth. “Ah.” She voiced.

Blitz chuckles and gives her the food and she eats it happily. “Like it?”

“The food is decent, considering we are at war, but the view isn’t half bad.” Lightning says.

Blitz gives a kiss on her nose. “Lucky mare. Right?” He asks giving another kiss on her nose.

Lightning sighs in relief as she lays her head down again. “Yeah, lucky.” She said now rubbing a hoof on his chest.

“Glad you approve. Also, it turns out that they are giving me another platoon to command. That means thirty more soldiers will be joining ghosts.” Blitz says.

Lightning shakes her head a bit. “Geez, what’s next? Parkouring citizens?” She asks humorously.

“If they have the skills. Also for our operation, we will have a squad of rangers joining us. Watch them.” Blitz says.

Lightning looks up at him and crawls a bit forward. “If you can not treat me any differently.”

“You’re my second in command here love, but I don’t want anyone to know you are my wife to keep you safe,” Blitz says.

Lightning nuzzles their noses together. “I meant when it’s private.”

“Oh, then heck no. You are my wife and I will never stop loving you.” Blitz says stroking her flank.

Lightning gives a small kiss to him. “Good. Because it really hurt me when you sent those messages.”

“Speaking of which, want to help create new pre-made messages?” Blitz asks.

Lightning smiled and nuzzles him again and leans her head into his neck. “Yeah, how many you got that needs to be remade?”

“Quite a few,” Blitz says linking his communicator to her omnitool.

Lightning looks at them. “Jeez, where did you get these? Military frontpage websites?” She asks humorously.

“No, the default program compiled them,” Blitz says.

Lightning shakes her head before messing with a few. “Let’s work on it.” She said now changing the words.

“Very well,” Blitz says before kissing the side of her face.

Silver sighs as he looks out the guard post and walls on the trails that lead through the mountain. “We got everything up?” He asks Blitz.

Biltz was looking over a list. “Yep, got the squads at the posts, got the ghost team watching a little farther away for anything, and then there’s the armory we gave the post team in case of an attack at close range. Told them to keep it close range and watch their eyes in case of misfire or explosion from being stuck. Gotta hate old weapons sometimes.”

Silver huffs. “Wish we could fix those up, but we need tools and material that we don’t have at the moment.”

“Sirs?” Wind asks behind them.

“Ah, knight captain Sheer. You finished deploying your troops?” Blitz asks.

Wind nods. “Yes sir. But the mayor of the nearby town wants to speak to the high ranking commanders. He also said to stay off the streets and watch the barb wires and use the rooftops to travel. Also, watch the other citizens as they move around.”

“Well knight captain, you go with the commander here as preparations for my ghosts are complete and was about to set out,” Blitz informs.

Wind eyes Silver warily. “Yes sir. Shall we?”

‘It is about time I stop holding your talons.’ Blitz thinks, leaving.

Silver sighs and walks with her. “Let’s go.” He said as they walk to the edge of the mountain area. “This is the town?” He asks seeing the rooftops level with the mountain ground.

Wind nods. “Yep, I was surprised too to see it like this.”

Silver peers over the edge and sees the space and what is supposed to be the street below, but sees only a green gas covering everything up to a story on a building. “Huh.” He said before looking to the buildings and sees ponies and griffons lounging about and running and jumping to get the next building. “This is definitely living.”

Wind huffs before jumping onto the building next to them. “Come on.” She said now running to the next. “Get exercise!” She calls out as Silver starts to go after her.

After a while, they finally stop in the middle of the city, and only then do they realize how many are on the rooftops. “Is the town up here?” Silver asks looking around at the many citizens.

“You bet your tailfeathers sonny.” A voice said from right next to them.

They look over to see an old mare rocking in her chair. “Welcome to really the healthiest place in the country. Healthy enough for our own senior citizens to even jump and get around then just crawl.”

Wind was peeking over the edge and kicks a rock down below and only hits the pavement in the thick green fog below. “What’s wrong with the street?”

The mare chuckles. “No idea. They just told us to stay out of it and only get down using the interior of the buildings. We never heard from those that got curious though. May they rest in peace if need be.”

Silver looks around. “Where’s the mayor?” The mare just laughs before getting up so quick and jump in front of them, actually surprising them on how quick she is. “You’re the mayor?” The mare only shakes her head before rushing over to the door of a patio area nearby and knocks on the door. “Honey! There are some griffon soldiers to see ya!” The mare calls out before going back to her chair and keeps rocking and watches the others.

The door rattles a bit before it opens to another elder stallion. “Hey there. Well, welcome to our paradise where exercise is something we do with our eyes closed. Seriously, we have a competition on it.”

Silver and Wind just watch confused. “Umm…you called us. Here we are. So what do you need?” Silver asks.

The stallion just taps his chin. “What did I need? What did I…oh yeah! You aren’t going to destroy my town, are you?” He asks slightly glaring at them.

“You called us here to ask us that?” Silver asks.

The stallion huffs and walks back into the building. “Follow me, birdbrains.” He said making their feathers puff up a bit before they followed him. “There’s a reason we don’t want anypony down there. And here’s why.” He said going down a flight of stairs and they come to a metal boarded up window. “Take a look, but not too close.” Silver and Wind just look confused as they take a look and sees the green fog and then sees a large scythe move slowly out of the fog and then back down as if slicing the air.

“What is that?” Silver asks.

The stallion chuckles. “Our town guards and we don’t want our town destroyed and let them out. The world may regret it.”

“Where is that exactly?” Silver asks.

The stallion chuckles and they look behind them to see him already gone. “Welcome to the fabled and rumored horror town.” They heard him say before something smashed against the window. “Might want to run. They can know when others are near.”

“Knight captain, time to leave.” Silver says before he rushed up the stairs.

Wind follows and jumps past a hatch and the stallion quickly shuts it. “So now you see why we don’t this placed destroyed? We can hold our own, even me, but we need to stay and protect everypony out there from this.”

“I’m worried. If the ghosts enter, then…” Silver was cut off by a horrible pained scream.

Wind looks down the hatch. “What was that?”

The stallion smirks. “One of the guards. Our monster guards. Looks like they found one of their own in pain. If you excuse me, I have to deal with it. My wife will help you with anything else you need.” He said before opening the hatch again and goes down it before closing it and latching it behind him.

“You don’t think…?” Wind asks.

“Cross and his ghosts?” Silver asks.

Wind and Silver just stare at each other before heading out and sees a foal and a hatchling run past with either a pipe or a wrench on their backs. “What’s with the parts and tool?” Silver asks.

The mare smiled. “The way to get around on the wires. Anything that isn’t good to use on the building to hold it up, we use another way.”

Wind watches as the young ones take the parts off their backs and use to start sliding down a wire and heads toward the far end of town. “Huh. You better contact Cross.” She said.

“Where could he be…” Silver was cut off when he saw a torso nearby.

Wind holds her talons up to her mouth and tries to hold it in. “What…whose…?”

Silver walks over to it and saw it resembled a griffon’s torso. “That’s it. We got to get back.” He said turning away and heading back.

“Having fun Terran?” Blitz asks as Terran tears another in half. “Just throw down this time, not like the last one,” Blitz says blasting one in the face several times causing it to slump.

“Cross! Stop!” Silver yells as he flew overhead and Wind joins him a bit later.

“Good, it seems these things are starting to learn why to fear,” Blitz says as things start to back off.

Silver growls before landing straight in front of him. “Dang it, Cross! Do you do things without thinking it through or you just shoot things that are foreign to you?!” He yells as the creatures start to stay under the buildings and crawl into alleyways.

“No, they attacked me and I just started to pile corpses,” Blitz says as Terran rips a large bone out of one of the corpses and starts gnawing on it happily.

Silver frowns. “Cross, these things are the town guards and the lifestyle of the town. Yes, we can’t let them leave the town, but that doesn’t excuse killing them. You could have gotten out and never looked back, would you put that thing away!” He yells seeing him pointing the blaster at the ones peering around a corner.

“I may have, but not all my men,” Blitz says holstering it.

“Wait, you used yourself as a diversion?” Wind asks.

Blitz seems to be raising an eyebrow. “I had to get them out somehow.”

Silver sighs as he puts a talon to his face. “Dang, it, Cross. What am I going to do with you?”

“This is why we go on these missions. High risk and you can deny my actions if need be.” Blitz says walking away.

Silver sighs as he sees some of the creatures watch them carefully before both Wind and he take off after Blitz as they got out of town. “I want no one going there and try to steer their explosive fire away from there too.” He said after they get back to camp.

“You’re the commander. If you don’t want us there, then my ghosts will avoid it. We already scouted it though and located what they are guarding.” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “Care to enlighten me?”

“It’s not the town, it’s what it is built over,” Blitz says.

Silver looks to him. “And how do you know that?”

“I’m very good at my job, but if word gets out, it will be tough to keep the archaeologists away,” Blitz says.

Silver sighs. “Okay then. Let’s keep things quiet. But you know the dogs may find out soon.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that. We stumbled on those things tracking some dogs.” Blitz says.

Silver glares slightly. “I thought those things were stuck in the city?”

Blitz shrugs. “Looks like they built tunnels for themselves. It seems they have a preserved territory or are guarding the tomb.”

Silver stares at him. “Did you take anything?”

“No, I didn’t even let my own men enter. So the only ones who know about it are the three of us.” Blitz says.

Silver raises an eyebrow. “I’m not so sure about that. The mayor actually went down to deal with the problem you presented.”

“Outside the city.” Blitz clarifies.

Silver sighs. “Better. You got anything else…other than the town and those things?”

Blitz shakes his head. “Nope, just everyone in their positions.”

Silver shakes his head to clear it a bit. “Then let’s get ready for a march.”

“Oh wait, I did learn one other thing from a prisoner we captured. It turns out a war chief is running this area and he is waiting for a second one to arrive on his airship before attacking. Sound familiar?” Blitz asks.

Silver growls a bit. “Guess they will never get the chance. Think you can help run interception?”

“On one that is already dead?” Blitz asks.

Silver smirks. “I meant to meet up with the one coming in and maybe take him out before he gets too close.”

“We got a more pressing issue. According to the prisoner, they have six other airships at their current base.” Blitz says.

Silver sighs and looks ahead a bit. “How about we give them a show stopper.”

“Sir, if we are going to stop this, we have to do so yesterday,” Blitz says.

Silver smirks. “Then what are you still doing here?”

“Waiting for you to give the order,” Blitz says.

Silver shakes his head. “Go.”

“Roger. Knight captain Sheer come with me. I’m going to need your help with this.” Blitz says.

Wind eyes him. “Yes sir. Where do you want me to go?”

“Follow me. I will explain everything.” Blitz says.

Wind nods and follows him as he walks away and Silver watches them leave. “Good luck.” He said quietly.

Spike sat down on the couch as he thought heavily on what’s next. “Can’t be that way. Maybe the two maneuver.”

Slender walks up and sits down with him. “Still thinking on the next simulation, huh?” She asks while making her tail wrapped around him.

“Yep, they are getting harder and harder,” Spike says.

Slender hums. “Well, you are the best at this. I’m sure you will get it. Besides, I hear Mandalore will give you something if you win. And I know how your greed on that works so…enjoy.” She said while making her tail move up and down on him.

“Wait, all forces halt and pull back,” Spike says to the simulation.

Slender sighs and sits up. “I’ll let you work. Bye drake.” She said playfully as she walks away to the upstairs view box.

Spike blushes a bit before walking up the main system and zooms out in the large spherical room and shows the whole battlefield that looks too real. “Rocks, lots of rocks. Let’s try trickery.” He said to the Mandalorians below him who were piloting the fleet. “I want a squad of drones to go through that field and attack first and then move the whole fleet forward. Don’t have the drones fire unless there’s something in the way because they are going at full speed into them.”

Slender walks up to Mandalore who was watching from a booth. “I see you got him to focus fully on it again,” Mandalore says.

Slender seems to smirk. “He’s smart and tough. He has the mind of a dragon, but the personality of a pony. And therein lies the problem. No matter who or what you are, you always need someone there for you.” She said as they watch the fleet move and the enemy in a small frenzy.

“He recognized that the majority of the enemy fleet was bait,” Mandalore says.

Slender nods and hums a little tune as something sounding like an orchestra. “Just need to find that one ship.” She said before going back to her humming as Spike looks through every enemy ship before stopping on one and pointing.

They watch as the main gun of the capital ship fires and destroy it completely before the other ships stop their firing and shut down. Slender smiled a little as she watches Spike and the others cheer.

Mandalore held a thin line on his face as he watches them finally look to them before he turns to one of the operation personal. “On screen.” He said before they see the battleground again and the aftermath.

“Hey?! Why is this in the simulation?” Spike asks as the other Mandalorians with him sit back down and try to avert their eyes.

“You made it as real as possible I see.” Slender says “Even the debris.”

Spike looks to the simulation and zooms in on one of his ships moving close to the enemy ship and sees them boarding it. “This isn’t in the simulation. That I know. From all the battles I did. There was never a boarding option. What are these?!” Spike asks turning back to them.

Mandalore simply leans forward. “You stopped one of the deadliest blockades we have ever had to deal with. We have been locked in a stalemate for two years before you resolved it.” He said as Slender finally looks at him.

Spike finally stops pointing and lets his arms hang limp. “So…then I…what did I do?” He asks himself as he realized he just let drones of his, real drones, some may be piloted by real pilots, and one main ship that took major damage and possibly some life. Spike stares downward before he hears an explosion and sees the view room completely destroyed and some black tendrils coming out of it.

“Congratulations. You finally made a killer. You proud of making a child soldier?” Slender asks coldly as she held Mandalore up on the wall by stabbing a few tendrils through his shoulder.

“This was only a simulation. But this is to show what would happen in real life.” A voice on the speaker says.

Slender huffs. “Ah, Blitz. So glad you could make it. By the way, I doubt that he would let Spike live it down that wasn’t a simulation.”

“Blitz isn’t on the station. He is fighting a terrestrial war on his home planet.” Mandalore informed.

Slender growls at him. “Quiet.” She hissed as she drives the tendrils deeper. “Blitz, did you approve this? To make him a killer?”

“This is to see if he can handle being a commander,” Mandalore says.

Slender growls before retracting all the tendrils back to herself and lets him fall to the ground before going back to the elevator. “Just know you kill his childhood. He’s going to enter the time of pain and suffering when he should have been having fun.” She said before heading down and carefully walks to Spike as he sniffs a few times and lets him hug her. She just rests her head on his head and rubs his spines a bit.

“I knew ahead of time. They were upfront with me. I thought I was ready for such things.” Spike says.

Slender nuzzles his head. “Nobody is ready Spike. Not even those who do have nerves.”

“I can’t play fast and loose anymore and see them as just numbers on a screen,” Spike says.

Slender looks down at him. “No, you can’t. But…those same skills you have been using may save those same lives.”

Spike was silent as he considered her words. He was so into his thoughts, he didn’t see Slender messing with her own omnitool and calling up someone.