It is the third year of the Crystal War, and Equestria’s future is in doubt. Maintaining air superiority is the difference between victory and death. But the war has taken a heavy tole on the Equestrian Air Corps, who are forced to send greener and greener fliers into combat. Many of these “new bloods” won’t survive their first battle.

Even the legendary Wonderbolts are forced to field fliers fresh out of Basic. When they arrive at the Front, it’s down to the veterans to get them ready for the horror that awaits them. Veterans like Master Sergeant Lightning Dust.

War has made Lightning Dust cynical, jaded. These bright-eyed recruits are the last thing she wants to see at the Front. But they need her to survive. And maybe, just maybe, she needs them too.

As this story contains graphic imagery of war in certain chapters, I am placing a link to the Veteran Crisis line here, as well as links to the national suicide prevention hotline and a list of international hotlines. There is no shame in needing help. In fact, it is courageous to ask.

This story takes place in the same canon as The Tab, but neither are required reading for each other.

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