Author's Note

First foray into writing for a very long time, hope at least someone gets a kick out of this. Thanks for giving it a chance.

If there are any glaring grammar issues that are spotted, please let me know, I am a bit out of practice

(05/02/2021) :Went back and attempted to make some of the dialogue less stiff, and also fixed a few more errors.)

The Recruits

"The RTU is requested to clear out a small infestation of Twittermites... that could be serious, better follow up on that one."

The sound of quill on paper permeated the small room. Located in the lower tiers of the mountainside city of Canterlot, between an old bakery and a run down bookstore, it served as the main office of the Royal Tracking Unit, or the RTU. Although it was well lit by a large window, it seemed rather spartan.

"The RTU is needed to clear out some lost Breezies who have taken up residence in an old barn... That's a job for someone who can negotiate with them..."

There was little in the way of flair besides a framed photo of a stallion standing in front of an old house with a sibling and two older ponies. On a simple desk was a nameplate that read Lt. Quarry. Everything else seemed to be chosen for practicality rather than appearances.

"The RTU is called upon to perform one-on-one duels for entertainment...one hundred percent no..."

Sat on his haunches behind a desk was Lieutenant Quarry, a rather large earth pony who was currently muttering quietly, a bored look in his purple eyes as he rapidly scanned the words before him, but with each new page it was becoming more difficult to focus. His deep forest green coat furrowed around his brow in slight irritation.

Knock!

A sudden rapping on the door cleared the fog that threatened to consume his mind. Tearing his eyes away from the requisition form, he looked at the papers which had been sorted neatly into two piles, one for rejections and the other to sent for further proccessing.

Eyes wondering to the window, he spotted the golden spires of the castle which were visible from even from the lowest level of the city. Judging by the position of Celestia’s sun, he had already wasted his morning filing and checking reports. He wondered briefly if the pony behind the door had yet another delivery of paperwork and bureaucratic nonsense to be added to his already rather hefty pile.

Maybe I should just pretend I am not here... he briefly thought before shaking his head. He scolded himself for considering shirking his duties before deciding he should grant whoever was here to see him entry.

“Come in.” He barked out, the no nonsense tone his words carried letting whoever was interrupting him know they better have good reason. The door creaked open, and a familiar Pegasus greeted him, her light green eyes looking at him with sympathy when she spotted the pile of work that he was currently engaged in. Quarry seemed to relax when he saw it was only his Sargeant, Steel Wind.

“Hiya Quarry, nice pile of paperwork you have there.” Steel noted as she trotted into the room. As she made her way towards him, he noticed that she was holding several folders under her sky-blue wing. She approached the papers and picked one from the top. “What have we got here…?” she began reading aloud.

“The RTU has been formally requested to help clear the rodents out of the estate of…… bleagh.” Steel scrunched her face in disgust and tossed the paper to the declined section. “Ponies seem to think we are nothing but glorified rat catchers these days.”

“Don’t worry about it too much, all the work we do has to be sanctioned by one of the Princesses, and I doubt very much that they would send us out on a mission like that.” He grimaced at the offending papers once more. “We are unfortunately receiving an alarming number of requests of that calibre lately.”

“Well, I suppose we should be grateful that there are less and less troublesome creatures for us to track down, but it gets a tad boring sometimes.” Steel looked nowhere in particular, lost in a memory. “Wouldn’t mind if they sent us somewhere exotic again. That trip out to Yakyakistan was a blast.” She then snapped out of her daze and remembered why she was here, turning back to Quarry.

“But I have some good news, oh fearless leader, another delivery!” she grabbed the folders under her wing with a hoof and raised them dramatically, before she saw the unimpressed face he was wearing. “Hey, don’t give me that look. I’m just the messenger.”

Quarry let out a growl and shook his head. “If I didn't know any better, I would think that somepony is actively trying to keep me locked in this office until I lose my mind.” He motioned to the desk with a scarred foreleg before rising off his haunches. In his frustration, his usually unnoticeable settler pony accent was showing in his deep voice.

Steel let out a laugh. “Your great sacrifice for the ponies of the RTU will go down in our annals.” She then looked up at him, as she was significantly shorter with him standing at full height. “This is something you are going to like, though. These are the dossiers of our new batch of recruits!”

Quarry's eyes widened slightly, his interest piqued. They had been understaffed as of late, with several Guardponies either diverted to other stations or otherwise indisposed. Steel deposited the folders on the table and took a seat on one of the wooden chairs nearby.

Quarry slid them to his side of the desk with his hoof, giving them a critical look. “Are they reassignments?” He asked Steel. As his adjutant, he was sure that she would have looked at them all before delivering them to him.

“Nah, green as the grasses of Ponyville, all just completed boot camp.” Steel relaxed into the chair, one foreleg resting on the back of it as she reclined, it giving a painful creak of protest. In the back of his mind, Quarry wondered if any other guard unit leaders had their Sargent act so casually around them.

He could stamp it out if he saw the need, but Steel was at her best when not being forced into the rigid mannerisms of the Royal Guard. She locked eyes with him and gave a grin. “Very interesting group, from several different parts of Equestria. A settler pony medic, a shady Manehatten Pegasus, and a graduate from Princess Celestia’s School of gifted unicorns. I can't wait to meet them personally, should be entertaining.”

Quarry nodded and moved to look at the first of the three, one labelled with the name Snow Step. The picture on display showed a unicorn, her alabaster white coat and icy blue eyes immediately drew attention and her spiky Tri-coloured mane that transitioned from a deep blue to a sharp grey was equally striking. She sported a self-assured expression seemed to seep out of the picture, and although it was hard to tell from it, she seemed to have a rather slight frame.

The second report, regarding the Earth Pony Crimson Cross, showed a nervous-looking stallion; his red eyes looking away from the camera and a frown on his maroon face. His long red mane was parted to either side of his forehead, with a bolt of purple streaking down the centre. About average in build, he didn’t look particularly remarkable in terms of sheer size.

The last of the reports was noticeably missing a picture. Quarry raised an eyebrow at this and looked at Steel. “Yeah, I thought that was odd as well, but Private Nimbus has a knack for remaining inconspicuous, apparently.” Her bubbly voice stated with enthusiasm. “There was a picture for that file, but it seems to have been misplaced.”

“Anything of particular note?” Queried Quarry. He had learned that Steel Wind had a much easier time getting a read on ponies than he did, and thus trusted her thoughts regarding red flags.

“Well, without having actually met them it is hard to say, but there are a few quirks.” Steel leaned forward and picked up Snow Step’s Folder. “Private Snow Step is apparently an ice magic savant and according to the notes of her trainers has the ego to go with it. Nothing we can’t stamp out in time, however, and she doesn’t have a problem following orders.”

“Nobility, I presume?” Quarry interjected dryly.

“Hah! It’s not nice to assume Quarry, but correct. She is part of a minor house that apparently hosts absolutely fantastic garden parties.” She zoned out momentarily. “Wouldn’t mind going to one of those actually, would be lots of interesting things I could trade for….”

“Focus Sergeant.”

“Ah yes, sorry Lieutenant.” Steel attempted to regain her train of thought. "Anyway…. Crimson Cross is from a frontier town, not too far from the Smokey mountain. Quite the medic, if this report is accurate. Well versed in treating poisons and healing..." she used her hooves to show quotation marks. "...‘the sometimes-malicious wounds created by the creatures of the San Palomino Desert.’ ” She let out a shudder. “Not the most habitable place, from what I have heard."

Quarry nodded in understanding. Being from south of the Smokey Mountain himself, he had encountered quite a few vicious creatures himself growing up. “Sand Swimmers come to mind, fast and vicious with powerful jaws.”

“Yeesh. Well, I pray to Celestia that I won’t meet one of them anytime soon.” Steel said with a grimace and then raised her hoof to her chin and looked thoughtful. “Are we supposed to still invoke Ce
lestia and Luna, I wonder? Now that they are retired, and Princess Twilight is on the throne?”

“Sergeant…” Quarry tried to get her attention.

“I don’t know though, maybe it’s just years of using the old one, but ‘By Twilight!’ doesn’t have the same ring to it.” She rambled.

“Steel Wind!” Quarry raised his voice and leant forward, not quite yelling but causing her to jump back and chuckle nervously.

“Oops! Sorry Lieutenant” Steel bashfully apologised. "Got a little side-tracked there."

“It’s all right, Steel, just try to remain focused.” Quarry leant back from the desk and waited for her to continue.

Steel nodded and then looked at the last of the folders, motioning to it with a wave of her wing. “And then there is our newest enigma. Nimbus is from Manehattan and has done some time in the prison system. Other than that, there is extraordinarily little to go on. Either he has a very mundane past or is exceptionally good at keeping it secret, Even his prison records are vague.”

“Are his crimes listed?” Quarry inquired. He was more than a bit concerned about the lack of information about this recruit.

“Seems to be several charges of petty theft and breaking and entering. Three-year sentence, I believe. Arrested alongside several members of a Manehattan street gang. They were caught in a botched weather factory robbery."

"What went wrong?" Quarry asked, imagining many the many disasters that could have been started from such a facility. The early arrival of Winter in Ponyville a few years ago came to mind.

Well apparently letting all the thunderclouds free and nearly blowing the entire block to smithereens wasn't part of the plan. They were stopped just before the situation got completely out of hand.” Steel opened the folder and smirked. “Seems that almost immediately after his time was served, he was recommended to the guard by one of the town watchmen of all ponies.”

Quarry leant over and turned the folder around and looked at it himself. Several things immediately stood out to him, no mention of parents or former residences. In fact, it seems before Private Nimbus joined up with this gang, the ‘Blue Bulls’, he may as well have not existed.

There were of course the observations made by the training instructors, which stated that he often attempted to blend into the background, wanting to appear bland and uninteresting. He did however apparently have a competitive streak, when challenged he would forgo his attempt to be inconspicuous completely.

Nimbus' list of skills also drew Quarry’s attention, which stated that he was quite suited to scouting. Stealthy movement and flight, and the had ability to manipulate lightning to a higher degree than normal Pegasi. He had also apparently also developed an aptitude for crossbow marksmanship.. “The lightning manipulation would explain his cutie mark…” He mumbled to himself, looking at the one piece of identification they had gotten from the mysterious Pegasus. A bolt of lightning held within what appeared to be a bottle.

"I wonder..." He began to ponder if the supposed 'mishap' during the robbery had anything to do with him gaining his mark. Maybe I will send a letter to the pony who recommended him.

His train of thought was interrupted as Steel jumped off her chair and flapped so she could hover over Quarry’s shoulder, where she pointed excitedly at the hobbies section of the file which had only one word in it. “It says here that he has an interest in Horology! Funny how they could get that out of him and nothing about his upbringing.” She looked at Quarry inquisitively. “What is Horology anyway?”

“Tartarus if I have any idea, but it’s something we can ask him about.” Quarry looked quite interested in that piece of information himself. His father had always said A worldly pony is a prosperous pony, meaning that if there was an opportunity to learn something new, jump on it. He tapped his hoof a few times and his mouth formed a straight line, a habit he had developed when he was thinking. Steel picked up on it almost immediately.

“What are you thinking about, Quarry? I know that face.” She tilted her head slightly as she asked the question.

Quarry nodded to himself, seeming to have decided something. “This paperwork can wait, I want to meet our recruits and get a read on them myself. What is their status?”

“I believe they are waiting in the bunkrooms. They arrived from the training grounds earlier this week.” Steel answered, flying back to the chair and moving it back into its place. “Want me to have them meet us somewhere? I can send courier ponies with a message if you like.”

“Yes, have them and Specialist Bluebell gather in the Barracks. He should have his nose buried in some Tome or another at the archives, so he shouldn't be too hard to find. If he calls it a waste of time, tell him I will have his pass revoked.” Quarry snorted to himself, imagining the reaction that their resident magical expert and historian would have to that.

“With pleasure! Hopefully, he won't need to be convinced that way, but the look on his face will be priceless if I have to!” Steel let out a laugh before moving for the door. She gave a lazy salute of her wing and made for the exit before poking her head back and adding with a grin, “And read those files, never know what could come in useful!”

With a wave of a hoof, Quarry looked back at the paper on the top of his files, vowing to at least finish one more before reading the dossiers in detail. “Reports into the unexplained activity near the Everfree Forest….” He quirked his brow “Maybe something less mundane for a change.”

∞

The sun was now lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the fashion district of Canterlot.

The city was abuzz with activity, a seemingly never-ending stream of bodies and voices approaching from all directions that threatened to swallow up anypony who was not moving with the crowd. One such pony, Private Crimson Cross, looked around somewhat frantically for his destination.

As he tried to remember the instructions he had been given, Ponies and other creatures rushed past and occasionally bumped into him. Ok, think. I turned left at that fancy boutique about a hundred meters back, so I should come up on some embassies right about now…

He scanned the many windows and storefronts surrounding him, their opulent appearance all seeming to blend in his eyes that were more accustomed to the simple structures that occupied his hometown. Sweat formed on his coat as he looked for anything resembling an embassy. Each unfamiliar sight only exacerbating his slowly growing panic. The cacophony of many hooves and claws on the pavement became more and more deafening to his ears with each second.

As his eyes darted around for anything that could get him back on track, he attempted to halt his spiral into what his sister had once affectionately called a ‘panic tornado’, in which he managed to not only make himself manic but also spread his mania to other ponies through the sheer scale of his anxiety.

Luckily, his time at the basic training had helped him out with ways to calm down. Ok, deep breaths Crimson…and calm…

“Need help?” a slightly monotone voice asked.

“Ah!” He jumped in shock, not expecting to be addressed. Sharply turning his head, red eyes wide and slightly dilated, he looked for the speaker. “All good here! Just uh…” He replied, his voice containing a certain drawl. He took another long breath to calm himself again and focused on the stranger who had spoken to him.

A young-looking Pegasus stallion stood before him, below average in stature, with his pale yellow coat brightly contrasting with his wild looking and vivid aquamarine mane. In contrast to his attention drawing colour scheme, his green eyes were half lidded and unfocused. The stallion looked at Crimson and waited patiently for him to continue.

“I’m just a little lost.” Crimson admitted. “Don't suppose you know where the Canterlot Guard Barracks is located?” Crimson Cross asked, shifting his legs nervously.

The Stallion nodded and pointed upwards, above the rooftops of the various buildings. Crimson followed the outstretched leg, which was pointed in the vague direction of the recently rebuilt Canterlot castle.

“It is near the castle, find that and you can’t miss it.” The stallion’s voice struck Crimson as odd, seeming to be completely lacking any distinguishable traits such as accent or emphasis on certain words. But putting that aside, he now had a clear heading.

“Whew, that is a load offa my mind. Thank…” He turned to his new acquaintance, but as he looked back he saw the Pegasus had already disappeared into the crowd. “Huh… bit of an odd fella, but helpful enough.”

With his new heading in mind, he focused his attention on the slightly distant Canterlot Castle. Like most ponies in Equestria, he was familiar with what the castle looked like, or more accurately what it had looked like before it was destroyed. The new castle mimicked its predecessor, with some additional spires and new wings to accommodate the many foreign dignitaries Princess Twilight liked to invite as guests.

Doing his best to keep pace with the flow of traffic, he continued onwards, eyes locked on the castle and occasionally looking down to make sure he would not trot into anypony. The closer he got to it, the more and more in awe he became as its majestic form dominated the skyline.

Crimson muttered to himself in wonder. “They must have a different breed of craftponies living here to have that place rebuilt so quickly.” He subconsciously came to a stop to stare at the marvellous structure before being rather rudely shoved from behind.

“Little pony is holding up traffic! Yak will not stomp pony in accordance to Yaks important role as an ambassador, but pony must move or Yak will file an official complaint!” The Yak bellowed, dwarfing Crimson and casting him in shadows and a bit of spittle.

“Ah, sorry sir, just a tad caught up in the size of this here city.” He apologised quickly, leaning back in trepidation before getting out of the large bovine’s path. Luckily, the crowd had thinned enough for him to do this, but it made him wonder why the yak simply had not walked around. Best not to ask him though, I get the feelin’ that would end badly. The Yak harrumphed and continued on his way as Crimson tried to regather himself.

Eventually, after a few more minuets of travel he spotted his destination, a large building that was situated just on the border of the castle grounds. He also recognised the insignia of the EUP guard, a golden star on a blue shield, as It waved proudly in the harsh winds of the higher tiers from a flagpole near the main gatehouse. Crimson gave a soft smile before trotting forward.

It was a rather impressive structure, reminiscent of a small fort complete with battlements, loopholes and other defensive positions. It was constructed with the same pearly white stone employed throughout the city and thus rather harshly reflected the sunlight. It was constantly patrolled by several of the Royal Guardponies who made their way along the walls as they watched, eagle eyed, for any threats that may appear on the horizon.

The Barracks was a recent addition to Canterlot, one that Princess Twilight had deemed necessary after the ever-increasing attacks on Equestria’s capitol in the last couple of years. If the now seemingly distant changeling invasion had been a wake-up call, the attack of the Villainous trio of Chrysalis, Cozy Glow and Tirek had been a Klaxon alarm at midnight.

The Barracks had been a top priority in the reconstruction after the disastrous attack, second only to Canterlot Castle itself. It was both a training ground and gathering place for the combined EUP guard.

Moving onto the cobblestone path to the main gate, Crimson spotted two Earth Pony guardsmen armed with spears waiting to challenge any who approached. He steeled himself and slowed his pace as he neared. He took in the intricacies of their armour, having not seen actual Royal Guard gear up close. It was breath-taking in the quality of its construction. Much better than what he had previously worn, having only been permitted to wear inexpensive training gear during his time at boot camp.

“Name, rank and business.” The first of the two guards commanded, a neutral look on his face as his partner watched for anything suspicious. As part of the city-stationed Royal Guard force their coats and eyes matched because of the magical enchantment that was imbued into their gear.

“Private Crimson Cross, Combat medic. I was instructed to meet up with my unit.” He replied, trying to keep his voice strong and sure as he stood at attention, awaiting the approval of the gatekeepers.

The first guardsmen looked towards the second, unsaid words seeming to pass between them. After what seemed like an eternity, the guard who had addressed him nodded. Some third member of the entourage must have seen this as with a thunk the gate slowly creaked open. "You may proceed."

As he passed through the gatehouse, the main courtyard of the barracks came into view. The several other Guardponies were dispersed around the area, the majority running exercises with squad mates but a few either lingering around looking unsure or standing at attention.

It was a rather varied space. A mustering area was positioned near the gate along with a grassed area on the eastern wall which was lined with racks of various training weapons. Several ponies were making use of them in fenced off makeshift arenas, the resounding clang of weapons clashing rang out periodically. The western wall was occupied with both Unicorns firing magic at targets and Pegasi wielding crossbows. The schwip of bolts being launched and arcane humming of spells filled the area. The combined noise gave the area a very lively feel.

Observing his surroundings, Crimson thought to himself about his next move. Ok, now that I have made it, I think I was supposed to wait for a Lieutenant Quarry…. What did the messenger say he looked like again? He looked around at the ponies present and tried to spot anypony matching the description he had been given. “Dark forest green with a grey mane… I think.” He pondered out loud. “I may have gotten here a mite early.”

Not seeing a match, he instead focused on the others in the area. His attention fell on the sparring Guardponies, watching an Earth Pony armed with steel horseshoes attempted to subdue his opponent armed with a short sword. Hovering at a reasonable height, two Pegasai circled each other with spears, waiting for the other to make the first move. He cringed as a flail wielding guard landed a heavy hit on a unicorn wielding a shield with her magic. As the shield cracked and the Unicorn staggered, a voice to his left spoke.

“So, you made it.”

Crimson yelped, and the hairs on his withers stood on end. Facing the voice, he saw it was the same Pegasus that had given him directions earlier. “You gonna make a habit of appearing like that? Dang near jumped out of my coat…” he grumbled.

The Pegasus didn’t seem to have any discernible reaction to Crimsons question, seeming to want to appear as neutral as possible. “I’m Private Nimbus” Once again the peculiar manner of his voice stood out. The only actual sign of movement was the fact his eyes were not quite as lidded, though they seemed as dull as before.

“Uh… nice to meet you, I’m…” Crimson started before he was interrupted.

“Crimson Cross, combat medic” Nimbus interjected. This pony was putting Crimson on edge. The fact he already knew his name made him quite unsure of his motives. An awkward silence hung between them briefly.

“If ya don’t mind me askin’, how is it you know me already? Does it have something to do with why you helped me out earlier?” Crimson asked, trepidation creeping into his voice. If Nimbus noticed he was becoming uncomfortable, he didn't acknowledge it.

“I saw your name and picture when I was looking through the folders that they had prepared about us.” Nimbus answered plainly before pointing his head towards another pony in the courtyard. “Yours and hers, they were in the same section as mine. Had to see what they knew about me.” The slightest hint of emotion crept into his voice as he admitted that, but it had left as quickly as it appeared.

“So… you know me from snooping around. I guess it’s good to know, but I ain’t sure it makes me feel any better.” Crimson responded before something about what Nimbus had said clicked. “Wait, same section? Does that mean you have been assigned to the RTU as well?”.

“That is correct. Along with Private Snow Step, who is currently launching icy projectiles at that target with great zeal.” He looked at Crimson before turning towards the unicorn he referred to. “I believe we should acquaint ourselves with our fellow recruit before our ranking officer arrives.”

Crimson held a foreleg out to stop Nimbus from immediately marching over, the nonplussed Pegasus tilting his head slightly as if to ask why his progress had been impeded. “Just before you trot on over there, it might not be a bad idea to let her introduce herself first. Greeting ponies the way you did to me doesn't leave a good first impression usually.” He attempted to explain.

“From what I have read about her, I think she would react positively to such an introduction.” He turned and looked at Crimson. “She responds well to people paying attention to her and stroking her ego.”

“How could you know..." Crimson whipped his head around. "Wait a second, you did more than just spot our files while lookin’ for yours, didn’t you?” he accused, frowning at the seemingly undeterred Pegasus. “That ain’t right to do, you know? Snooping into stuff you ain’t supposed to have seen. Reading about the past of ponies you ain’t met yet.” He then pondered to himself about what they would have about his life in the files. There was a lot that he would not be comfortable with a stranger knowing.

“I have information that will help us. Does it matter how I obtained it? How do you think I found you lost in the fashion district instead of nearing your destination?” Nimbus argued, once again attempting to move past Crimson.

He offered no resistance this time, now thoroughly troubled about what specific bit of information had been gathered in the dossier that allowed the Pegasus to come to that conclusion. “What kind of information gathering experts do they have that could find that kinda stuff out?” He grumbled.

Now clear of impediments, Nimbus walked over to where Snow Step continued to impale a hay target with icicles. Crimson hesitated before deciding that he would rather not risk her getting the same blunt introduction from the seemingly tactless Pegasus that he had received. Stepping in front of Nimbus just as he was about to talk, he cleared his throat.

“Hey there ma’am. Mighty impressive display I must admit.” Crimson said with a forehoof pointed towards the thoroughly obliterated target. Nimbus simply raised an eyebrow but didn’t seem to be annoyed about being cut off, simply ruffling his feathers slightly and letting things play out.

The unicorn in question simply turned around and regarded the pair of them with a smug grin and let out a laugh that was haughty and light as a cool morning wind. “Well, it’s good to see that somepony around here appreciates fine spell work! I assure you that is but a fraction of what I can achieve.” She boasted, her silvery voice almost seeming to flow through the air, her icy blue eyes shining with pride. Then suddenly, they seemed to light up with a competitive fire, and she gave a challenging grin “What say we go a few rounds; let us have a bout and I will show you what I can really do!”

“Uh, no thanks ma’am, I don’t really fancy myself ending up like that target.” Crimson uttered nervously, waving his hoof in front of himself rapidly.

“Hmm. Well, if you don’t want to fight, you must have another reason for approaching me. Perhaps you are fans?” She asked hopefully. She struck a pose and swished her mane dramatically before proclaiming. “It has been quite a while since my last fight, but I am sure I left a lasting impression, no?”

Crimson was just about to clarify that he did not know what fights she was referring to before Nimbus interjected. “Yes, we are fans. That last match between you and Coal Volley was very impressive. I believe several of the nearby structures were significantly structurally weakened.”

Crimson wasn’t sure if what the odd Unicorn was trying to display was supposed to be enthusiasm, but he at least seemed to get the reaction out of the her he was hoping for. A sneer appeared on her face.Probably something else he read in her file. He thought.

“HAH! That fire slinging thug couldn’t be impressive if his life depended on it. One day I will get my revenge on that imbecile…” She seethed momentarily before regaining her composure. “Well, you both obviously know my name, but as a formality I suppose I better introduce myself. I am Snow Step, part of the Canterlot nobility and now a Guardpony. My designation is technically ice mage, but I prefer Ice magic prodigy. It has more panache, don't you agree!” she added with flair.

She emphasised this by summoning several small balls of ice, all perfectly circular, and angled them so that they sparkled in the light of now mid-afternoon sun, causing them to shimmer beautifully.

“Uh, yeah it sure does ma'am... I'm Crimson Cross, combat medic from the frontier town of Dusty Springs, pleasure to meet you, Snow Step. Loved your uh…fights” Crimson replied. He assumed he better go along with Nimbus’ assertion that they were admirers of Snow Steps forays into what he assumed were less than legal magical melees. He was also rather enraptured by Snow Step’s magical display.

“Nimbus, from Manehattan. Scouting specialist.” Nimbus added simply.

“Ah, fellow recruits! I don’t suppose you are here to meet up with your unit then?” She smiled and let the orbs dissipate. Crimson and Nimbus both nodded, the former quite happy that she figured that out herself rather than Nimbus bringing the topic up and probably offending her.

“Well, isn’t that fine news? If you are lucky enough to be assigned with me, I will have plenty of opportunities to show you the extent of my magical power!” she let out a confident cackle. Just as she was about to continue, a voice from across the yard bellowed.

“Privates Crimson Cross, Snow Step and Nimbus. Report to my position!” All three of the recruits turned their heads towards the source of the voice, Lieutenant Quarry.

He was standing by the gates, near the mustering area. Now equipped in his RTU battle Barding, he cut an imposing figure. Though lighter than the standard issue Guardpony Armor distributed to most of the troops, it still covered all the vital areas of importance. Instead of the attention drawing gold, it was an Earthen brown in colouration.

The helmet similarly followed the same design of its more heavily armoured counterpart, a red plume adorning it marking Quarry as unit leader. A stern half-frown was plastered on his face as he looked towards the three of them, making it clear that he knew exactly whom he was seeking.

“Well, it looks like we are being summoned, and that answers the question of our assignments astutely.” Snow Step noted, looking at Quarry appraisingly. “Quite a large gentlecolt, yes? Commanding voice as well. Good show. I must ask him to spar in the future.” She began trotting over to their commanding officer’s position before turning back and waving them forward. “Come along, wouldn’t want to keep him waiting, no?”

Crimson looked nervously at Nimbus, who simply turned his head impassively towards Quarry before also trotting over. Steeling his nerves once again, he made to follow the other two. Once they had all arrived, they stood at attention, waiting for Quarry to address them.

“Welcome to the RTU recruits, My name is Lieutenant Quarry. In a moment, the other two ponies assigned to this unit will arrive, and I will brief you on what is expected of you while you are under my command and what this unit’s primary task is.” Quarry began. As he spoke, he also watched how they were reacting.

Much as he expected after reading about them in the last hour, Snow Step looked eager, Crimson Cross looked slightly pale if not determined, and Nimbus seemed to show no outward emotion in either direction, the embodiment of neutrality. “But, until Sergeant Steel Wing and Specialist Bluebell arrive, we will wait here, understood?” He ordered.

Quarry received a chorus of “Yes, Lieutenant!” from the three of them and nodded. He thought he saw Snow Step shift at the mention of the second name, but he passed it off as imagination for the moment.

Out of the corner of his vision, he spotted movement by the gatehouse, and a shadow of a smirk appeared on his muzzle. “Though we won’t be waiting for very long, it seems.” He spotted Steel Wind trotting through the gate cheerily, followed by a ragged unicorn, his dark grey form resting one hoof against the side of the wall. Both were also equipped in their Barding. The only distinguishable difference was the blue plume on the helmet they both wore contrasting Quarry's red.

“Come on Bluebell, we don’t want to keep them waiting, do we?” Steel Wind called back eagerly. Bluebell snarled at her in response, the evidence of how much he had been exerted clear by the shortness of his breathing and the droplets of sweat falling from his navy-blue mane.

He craned his neck towards the cheery Pegasus, who looked no worse for wear from what must have been a gallop to arrive on time. “This had better be worth the effort Steel, as if dragging me away from my studies wasn’t enough….” He inhaled deeply, slowly regaining his breath.

Steel fluttered towards him, encouraging the winded unicorn to keep moving. “What could be more exciting than meeting your new squad mates? Chin up, you want to make a good impression, don't you?”. His blue eyes glared daggers at her.

The recruits and Quarry watched from their position, not able to pick up on the words being spoken. Quarry noticed that Snow Step was paying particular attention to Bluebell. Now convinced that he hadn’t imagined something earlier, he kept an eye on her.

“ …there are countless many more interesting things. But it seems my hoof has been forced, so let’s get this over and done with.” Bluebell’s voice became discernible, the pair having walked over after he had caught his breath. “Lieutenant Quarry, Sir. Specialist Bluebell reporting.” He gave a salute to his officer, not having shifted to look at the recruits yet.

“Heya Quarry, dragged the grouch out of the archives!” She turned enthusiastically to the recruits after her lazy wing salute to Quarry, ignoring the hole Bluebell's death stare was now boring into the back of her skull. “Nice to meet you all.” Her demeanour seemed to brighten even more when she spotted Snow Step for some unknown reason.

Bluebell sighed and turned as well, not really looking enthusiastic about being roped into the meet and greet. “I suppose I should introduce myself as well…” Suddenly his eyes widened in shock. The rest of the assembled RTU wondered what might have earned the unicorn’s attention. Well, all but one, who was now giving Bluebell a toothy grin. “Snow Step?!”

“Hey Bluey! Long time no see.”