Author's Note

I would like to profusely thank everyone who read the first chapter, 70 views is a lot more than I would have expected to even have glance at the story, so for those who are sticking with it thank you again. And to Midnight Breeze who I have been bouncing idea's of and who has helping me proofread for nearly a month now, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This is the second of what I deem to be the introductory chapters, things should pick up steam soon, but all the same I hope they didn't drag.

You ever notice that sometimes you don't spot grammar mistakes until you upload something...cause I certainly do now. Once again if anything is spotted I am open to any and and all suggestions and criticism, or if any blaring character inconsistencies smack you across the head while you are reading, feel free to point that out as well.

-PeakieB

Who will hold the line?

One hour earlier, Canterlot Archives...

To say that Bluebell was getting frustrated would be an understatement.

Usually, the grey unicorn found great comfort in the towering bookshelves and magical artifacts that the Canterlot Archives offered, but for now the repository of information only contained dead ends. Muzzle deep in a tome, with many more lined up carefully on an old oaken table, he scanned the words at a lightning pace before letting out an annoyed grunt, closing the book and grabbing another with his magic.

Inhaling deeply, he tried to calm his slowly worsening mood. The familiar aroma of old paper and wax candles filled his senses, and the dim throbbing in the back of his head subsided slightly. He had spent the best part of the last week on this subject, and he was starting to think it fruitless.

Inspecting the title of his newest reading material, ‘Magisters guide to Mystical Artifacts’, he heard a noise amongst the usually still air. Twitching his ears, he tried to determine what it could be, noting that it was rhythmic but still fairly distant. “Hmm... it could almost be flapping. But everypony knows better than to fly around in the archives, well almost everypony...” He murmured to himself, a low sharp voice that resonated with the typical accent of a Canterlot commoner.

Gazing upward, he saw sunbeams shining through the dome above the giant golden hourglass that was the centrepiece of the Starswirl the Bearded wing. out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a flash of light blue and immediately knew who the culprit was.

Zipping between various rows of bookshelves was a familiar Pegasus, who was whipping her head around, seemingly on the hunt for something, or more likely, somepony. “Blast... there is only one reason she would come to the Starswirl wing...” He grumbled. That reason, he surmised, would be to find him.

Accepting his fate, he closed his book and trotted towards her, rather than waiting in the vain hope she would miss him. He knew her well enough to dismiss that idea; she was too sharp-eyed and meticulous for that. There was a reason she was such an efficient scout.

Believing he was close enough to be heard without shouting, which would incur the wrath of the librarian, he called out in a cutting whisper. “Steel Wind, I am down here. Cease your incessant flapping.” She snapped her head in his direction, her equally sharp hearing picking up his voice with ease.

“Aha! There you are, Bluebell! Been looking for you for a while.” Steel admitted, gesturing wildly with her front legs. “This place is gigantic! How do you find your way around here?” Bluebell cringed at the volume of her voice, gesturing for her to lower it. “Oops! Sorry, Haha... I guess I should come down.”

“I am set up by that desk, though I am sure you are about to cut this ‌particular study session short.” He gestured towards his research material, making his way back and sitting once again. Steel dipped into a careful hover, landing silently on a part of the table not occupied by various volumes. Bluebell went back to reading the book he had closed moments ago.

“Sooo... whatcha been reading?”. She asked in a singsong tone. Bluebell indicated to his left with a shift of his head. Steel tilted her head sideways, trying to read the various titles as they were stacked. “Well, it looks like magical theory, but I could have guessed at that already. That’s all you ever read.”

She poked at one tome that had been set aside from the others. “You ever try reading something exciting? A good mystery perhaps?” She turned eagerly to him. "I have a book called ‘ Peril at Horseshoe Bay', it's a ghost story, filled with high seas adventure! I am sure you would love it. "

“I appreciate the recommendation Steel, but I prefer my works to be Non-Fiction.” Bluebell replied, not looking away from his page. She shrugged, continuing looking at his books.

“What is this one... ‘Enhancing your magical potency’?” She looked towards him with an expression he had seen before, on the faces of many ponies. Pity. He hated it. “Oh Bluebell... you’re not still on this, are you?”

He loured and snatched the book away from her, his white magical glow surrounding it before he held it to his chest. “Still dealing with the one thing that has plagued me since I got this cutie mark, you mean.” He glowered at the source of his ire. On his flank was a representation of an open book, magic radiating off it. He then glared up at Steel Wind. “You have a reason for coming here, yes? Spit it out.”

Steel looked at him apologetically, not meaning to salt the Unicorn’s wounds. “Well, Quarry is summoning us. The unit is assembling on the hour in the barracks.”. She informed him. He grunted, acknowledging that he had gotten the message, and continued reading. Steel looked at the clock and surmised that they still had time before they would have to head out.

Continuing to read the titles of his books, she noted they all seemed to be related to magical enhancement in one way or another. “You have to be incredibly careful with this stuff, Bluebell. Especially meddling with magical artifacts.” She warned him. “I could name several unicorns in recent times who walked this path, and it always bit them in the flank in the end.”

“I know that! Who is the arcane historian here, Steel?”. He asked rhetorically and huffed in annoyance. “I am well aware of the damage these esoteric objects can cause when used irresponsibly.” Pointing to the book about magical artifacts. “What I am looking for is a connection between them. A root spell that could have been applied to them in their creation.”

“That also seems like a dangerous thing to tamper with. Have you tried writing to some other magical experts?” Steel suggested as she looked thoughtful. “Starswirl, maybe Princess Twilight? That seems like...” She was cut off by Bluebell as he slammed the publication shut, startling her.

“No, it needs to be me! It can’t be somepony else!” He snapped. In a lower voice he muttered and looked at the wooden floor. “Especially not her...” Several of the other occupants of the area turned their heads and looked in their direction, more than a few glares aimed at him and his outburst.

Across from him, Steel had her mouth pursed into a thin line, her ears drooping, and eyes filled with worry. He sighed and ran his hoof through his mane. “Look, I know you are just trying to help, but this is important to me. It is something I need to solve on my own.” He then decided he wanted to change the subject before he had to reveal more than he wanted to. “So, why is it we are gathering?” he inquired.

Steel seemed to hesitate, not sure if she wanted to drop the subject. He is probably not in the mood to reveal more now, and Bluebell doesn’t respond well to being probed for answers. Best to drop it. Mark my words Bluebell, we will talk about this later. She decided before responding with her usual cheer.

“We are gathering to meet some new members of the unit! Give them the RTU history rundown, introduce ourselves, you know, the usual. Surely that’s worth leaving the archives for a bit, isn’t it?” She answered, looking at him eagerly. The deadpan stare she got in return wasn’t what she was hoping for. “Oh, come on, Bluebell! It’s not like I’m asking you to dress up and do the Polka.” She cried out in exasperation.

“Why bother? We have done this song and dance several times in the last few months. What makes you think they are not just going to ask for re-assignment like the last lot?” Shaking his head when she didn’t offer an answer, he returned to his reading. “That’s what I figured. I think I would rather stay here with my books.”

She frowned and clopped her hoof on the table to get him to look at her. “I know that’s what you would rather do, but unfortunately for you this is mandatory. Direct orders from Quarry.” She let a mischievous smirk find its way onto her face. “And if you don’t come, he is going to have your archives pass revoked!”

That got the reaction she was looking for. Bluebell’s head jolted upright; his eyes wide and ears standing at attention. “He wouldn’t do that! I need access to the archives for our missions and my magical threat identification duties! He must be bluffing!” He cried out, trying to seem sure of himself. Steel however could see how rattled he was at the prospect of being barred from where he spent most of his free time.

“Are you willing to take that risk? Quarry rarely says something he doesn’t mean. Besides, it will be good for you and the squad’s unity. You might even make a friend.” She flapped her wings before hovering over and playfully poked him in the side. “You know what a friend is, yeah? I can explain the concept if you’d like.”

Bluebell batted her away with one of his books, and she let out a chuckle before dodging out of the way of the literature turned weapon.

“I have a friend for your information. One who doesn’t constantly pester me to make more.” He encompassed the books he wasn’t interested in keeping in a telekinetic grip. “I suppose if I must attend, we better get moving. We still have to don our barding before the hour is up.” He said without enthusiasm.

Steel was intrigued, hovering around him as he carefully placed back one tome at a time to their proper places. “Oooh, tell me! What is this lucky pony’s name? I would love to meet them!” she rubbed her forehooves together eagerly.

“Her name is Snow Step, a noble in Canterlot. I haven’t seen her since I joined up with the guard. We send letters.” He revealed, before cantering towards the counter to check out the books he was taking with him. “Now let’s get this meeting over with so I can go back to studying.” He didn’t look back towards Steel Wind, but if he did, he would have seen her looking slightly shocked, but and with a wide cheshire grin.

“Oh, this is gonna be golden.” Quickly looking at the clock, she noticed that they would have to hurry to make it on time. Not that she minded, with what she had just learned, the assembly at the barracks promised to be interesting.

∞

Back in the present...

“Hey Bluey, long time no see.”

The silence between the assembled members of the RTU was palpable. A wind blew through the barracks, the scorching afternoon sun beating down on them. Crimson Cross privately thought all that was missing from this standoff was for a tumbleweed to roll on through.

As Bluebell continued to stare at Snow Step like she had grown a second head, Nimbus seemed slightly puzzled, Quarry watched impassively, and Steel Wind looked about ready to explode in excitement.

Her grin transforming into a soft smirk, Snow Step was clearly quite pleased with Bluebell’s reaction. “Why Bluebell, speechless? How unlike you.”

“So, you two are already acquainted?” Quarry asked. His words seemed to wake Bluebell from his stupor, though he seemed to have trouble finding his usually extensive vocabulary. Steel found this quite amusing, her face radiating mirth. It wasn’t often she got to see him flustered twice in a day.

“Uh, yes, Lieutenant. We have known each other for some time, we attended Celestia’s school of gifted unicorns together.” He answered, talking quite fast and sweating slightly, though whether this was from feeling uncomfortable or if he was still recovering from running to the barracks was up for debate. He seemed to be desperately trying to downplay the fact that he had been caught completely off guard.

Snow Step, clearly not satisfied with this answer, let out a dramatic gasp. “Oh Bluey, you wound me! We have known each other since we were foals! We did much more than just...” she then attempted to imitate Bluebell’s voice. “Attend Princess Celestia’s School at the same time.” As she said this, she moved forward and wrapped her hoof around Bluebell’s withers and gave a friendly hug. The grey Unicorn’s face took a shade of red. “We practically grew up together!”

Ruffling his mane, which earned her a scowl, she released him and turned to Quarry. “But I believe our reunion can wait for the time being. We have some official matters to take care of, no?” Bluebell stood as still as a statue.

Steel Wind’s mirth had transformed into interest. She had known Bluebell for some time now, and he was not a pony fond of close physical contact. Had anyone else attempted to embrace him they would have been on the receiving end of the nearest blunt object, but apparently Snow Step was the exception. “Hmm... close friends indeed.” She whispered.

“Uh... Yes! I believe we should get to the matter at hoof!” Bluebell agreed rather quickly, obviously quite uncomfortable with being the centre of attention. He noticed Crimson hiding a grin behind his hoof and Nimbus watching him intently. The Pegasus’ unblinking stare unnerving him slightly.

Satisfied that this slight distraction was out of the way, Quarry stomped his hoof. The sharp noise of a horseshoe on cobblestone drew their gaze, and they all stood stiffly at attention, barring Steel Wind, who maintained her relaxed stance. “Now that we are all gathered, I would ask that the newest additions to the RTU introduce themselves formally.” His booming voice had their complete focus. “Step forward and state your name and designation.”

Unsurprisingly, Snow Step was first up. “Private First class, Snow Step! Combat mage, ice magic specialist!” She announced with flair, giving a very formal and confident salute before stepping back alongside her fellow recruits.

Next up was Crimson Cross, moving up and puffing his chest out, readying himself. “Private First class, Crimson Cross! Combat medic. Pleased to meet y’all.” His salute was not as practiced and precise as Snow Steps, it being slightly more rigid. Quarry gave him a nod before looking at the last of the inductees.

Nimbus simply stepped forward, and without the volume or enthusiasm of the last two plainly stated, “Private First class, Nimbus. Scout and Crossbow pony.” He gave a brief salute and stepped back.

Quarry looked satisfied, and then he introduced the others. “Very well, as you have likely guessed, standing before you are your remaining unit mates.” He held his hoof towards Steel Wind. “To my left is your Sargent, Steel Wind. Specialising in scouting, negotiations, and Equestrian history. She is also my Adjutant and second in command.”

Steel took off her helmet, holding it under her foreleg. Her cerulean mane was slightly flattened out, the white tips drooping towards the floor. She gave the recruits an enthusiastic wave and a beaming smile. “Come and talk to me about any concerns you have! If I had an office, I would say the door is always open!”

Quarry nodded in affirmation before gesturing to his right. “And this is Specialist Bluebell, our generalist magic user and Arcane expert.”

“If you have any magical related maladies or queries, please come and see me. But please do not waste my time with trivialities.” He affirmed, hopeful that he had given the recruits the message that his time was not to be wasted. He then saw Snow Step, who seemed to be still smirking at him. Well, most of the recruits probably got the message...

“And I am Lieutenant Quarry, as I stated earlier. Besides overseeing this squad and its missions, I am trained in tracking and general combat.” He declared before straightening to his full height and looking pointedly at his unit. “I don’t expect perfect regimental discipline, but what do I expect is that you, from this day forward, give your all in making sure that we succeed at any assignment we are entrusted with, no matter how mundane or trivial it may seem.”

Relaxing his stance slightly, he continued, “But, I imagine you are curious about what kind of tasks this unit undertakes.” He then gestured to the other side of the barracks courtyard behind the sparring area. There was a tunnel entrance etched into the wall that seemed to lead underground. “That will be explained shortly. For now, we are relocating to a room that has been set aside for us. Sargent, if you will.”

“Ok Recruits, fall in behind me. We are on the move!” Steel placed her helmet back on her head and gestured for the rest to follow. As the rest of them advanced, Nimbus looked nervously at the poorly lit doorway, his feet firmly planted. The dim interior caused him to seize up momentarily. Quarry walked up and stood beside the petrified pegasus.

“Something troubling you , Private?” Quarry Questioned, raising an eyebrow at him.

“No sir, all under control, sir.” Nimbus stiffly replied. Before forcing himself forward rigidly and catching up to Crimson, who was at the tail of the procession following Steel Wind. Quarry watched the Pegasus for a few more seconds, noting his hesitation to enter the doorway as something to discuss with Steel later. He then made his own way towards the entrance to the barracks underground.

∞

Several minutes later, Canterlot Barracks sub level 1, meeting room.

The meeting room was lit by candelabras from the walls in six separate locations evenly spaced around it, casting it in a yellow hue.

The room seated a fairly large number of ponies, but as of right now only four of the twenty chairs in the room were taken. Bluebell, Crimson Cross and Snow Step were in the front row, but Nimbus had situated himself two rows back, as close to a light source as he could be. Crimson looked over his shoulder at the pegasus, his strange behaviors seemingly never ceasing.

Turning back around, he looked toward the front of the room where Quarry and Steel were both standing. A piece of equipment recognised as a projector was in front of them, Steel fiddling with it and inserting wires. He was eagerly awaiting whatever they had to say.

To his left, Snow Step whispered to Bluebell. “The lighting in this room reminds me of the time we went to that raunchy stand-up comedy night.” She looked towards Steel Wind. “The Sargent seems like the type of pony who would know a few splendid jokes I imagine.”

Bluebell simply rubbed his hoof against his face. “You have no idea, Snow...” He was recalling a rather poor joke that involved a skeleton walking into a bar. He let out an involuntary groan at recollection.

Quarry cleared his throat to get their attention, apparently satisfied that Steel had gotten the projector working.
She Inserted a slide onto the device and flicked a switch. A screen behind them lit up, the letters RTU above an emblem projected on it.

"Continuing where I left off, the broad assignment of the RTU is to track down and eliminate or otherwise neutralise the natural threats across Equestria that may endanger pony lives and livelihoods. This can include anything from monster incursions to assisting with natural disaster rescue." He pointed a hoof over his shoulder at the projector screen. “For those who cannot help themselves, ponies wearing that emblem are the first and sometimes only line of defence.”

“Oh! Quite elegant!” Snow Step noted excitedly as she sat forward in her chair to get a closer look. Shaped like a round shield with spikes around its edge, the green emblem displayed the silhouette of an old, withered tree, its leaves having long since deserted it. The deadened trunk sported the EUP star, alluding to their greater affiliation to the overarching guard forces. A simple design to be sure, but one that held a deeper meaning to the RTU’s history.

Quarry inclined his head towards Steel Wind, who at this signal stepped forward. She had taken on a more serious demeanour; her face etched into a thin frown and her eyes sharp. He knew that look, often reserving it for situations like this. She was focusing, ready to enthrall ponies with a tale. I really should watch one of her recitals at some point. I bet she has the audience eating out of her hoof.

Indeed, she was focusing, deep in thought. Ok, show time. Make these ponies proud to be one of us. Quarry wants to show the importance of our work, and I will do my best to convey that! She stood in silence, and once she was sure all eyes were on her, she began.

“The Royal Tracking Unit has a long and proud heritage dating back to the early Celestial era, with it only recently having been re-established. The tree etched onto our emblem shows a significant moment in our history.” Steel paused for dramatic effect, her love of storytelling taking hold, passion in evident in her every syllable.

“Back when wild and magical beasts still roamed freely throughout pony lands, the RTU was created when a coalition of Guardponies gathered to repel an invasion of Ophiotaruses. They had their sights set on the fledgeling town where Vanhoover now stands. A local Pegasus by the name of Sight Seeker was the first to identify the threat and the one who rallied the forces.”

She was gesturing with her forelegs as she continued, her voice rising with defiance as she told of the gathering of the guard. Crimson Cross, wide eyed, looked positively taken, Steel’s way with words resonating with him. Nimbus watched on with his usual passiveness. Snow Step, who was a fan of theatrics, was also quite enjoying Steel Wind's enthusiasm.

As the three recruits listened intently to the tale, Bluebell and Quarry watched on. The latter, though he outwardly kept on his mask of stoicism, was enjoying Steel Winds retelling. You have a love of the dramatic Sargent, and you draw ponies into a story like I could only dream.

“They gathered at the edge of the Galloping Gorge, east of the Bearberry Brush. An old dead tree, still standing despite the abuse of weather and time, was where they organised a rendezvous. That same tree is what we wear proudly on our badge to commemorate the occasion.” She proclaimed, emphasising her words by pointing proudly to her own badge, fastened to her barding.

“Did they manage to hold those bull snake varmints back?!” Crimson Cross blurted out, his red orbs gleaming with worry. Bluebell rolled his eyes, having heard this story many times before, and it had lost some of its impact for him. Just you wait till you see what most of our work is like. He thought sourly.

Steel Wind nodded, but soberly continued. “They did, but it cost a fair number of lives. Of the 30 guards that stood their ground that day, half perished, including Sight Seeker.”

Crimson gulped, the thought of death made him squeamish, but he held his nerve. There was a reason he had joined the guard, and his own thoughts on his mortality would not hold him back. Ponies were counting on him.

“The horde of Ophiotaruses numbered in the hundreds, but the Guardponies held the line until backup arrived.” She was hovering without noticing, so caught up she was in her retelling. “Without those brave founding members of the RTU laying everything on the line, Vanhoover may never have survived to become the city it is today!”

As Crimson and Snow Step continued to take in Steel Winds’ tale, Nimbus could not help but wonder something. Not one to sugar-coat his words, he raised his concerns rather bluntly. “Those gathered here make up the combined ranks of the unit correct?” The question made Steel look towards him, the wind taken out of her sails, so to speak.

“Yes, Nimbus. Why do you ask?”. She responded, curious about what brought on the question.

“If our duties were like those described in your account, surely we are horrendously understaffed.” He stated.

Quarry cleared his throat, wanting to be the one to address Nimbus’ query. “An accurate observation, Nimbus. The duties we undertake currently do not require a large force. The days of coordinated attacks from vast hordes of monsters are mostly behind us. We deal with isolated incidents for the time being.” He explained. “Should we be needed in a larger capacity, we would be allocated more recruits.”

Snow Step was about to add her two bits to the discussion, but Nimbus beat her to the punch. “So, the RTU is a shadow of its former self then?” There was no malice in the words, just what he saw as facts.

Steel Wind stopped hovering immediately, taken aback by the tactless statement. Bluebell let out a guffaw and Crimson Cross wondered if the Pegasus always spoke his mind so clearly. Snow Step simply looked annoyed at being interrupted.

Quarry, having expected this from reading about Nimbus’ mannerisms in his portfolio, simply kept his expression neutral and simply responded. “A rather blunt way of putting it. But yes.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Nimbus said, nodding his appreciation, seemingly happy enough with how the question had been addressed.

Nimbus was actually quite pleased with this information, though he kept his disinterested countenance. A smaller unit means less chance to draw attention. That also means I can remain under the radar and etch out a comfortable enough living. He looked around at the dim room once more and shuddered. I must also figure out how to avoid coming to these meetings if they are held underground.

“Well, that is slightly disappointing. I was hoping to give a manticore or two some frostbite...” Snow Step admitted. She had thought she was signing up for one of the more combat heavy assignments when she followed Bluebell into the unit. “Well, hopefully an opportunity will present itself. Say Lieutenant, what manner of beast gave you that impressive-looking scar?”

Crimson nearly choked at the audacity of the question. “You know it ain't real polite to ask someone about their scars, Snow Step. There could be all sorts of terrible memories mixed up in that!” He sputtered out. She merely shrugged indifferently before looking back towards Quarry, seeing if he would answer.

Bluebell let out a sigh, this line of conversation having been raised before. I wonder if Quarry and Steel will be as tight-lipped about it as when I asked the same question.

While the room was focused on Quarry, Steel Wind had frozen up. Her pupils shrank and her breathing picked up its pace dramatically. At the mention of Quarry’s scar and its origin, in her mind’s eye she saw a memory she wished desperately to forget. A predatory screech, her yelling in pain as her wings were crushed in a large talon. Quarry bleeding heavily from his foreleg as he carried her to safety. She ruffled her wings uncomfortably, the muscles remembering the wounds that she had received that day.

Quarry, quite attuned to the mannerisms of his Sargent noticed that Steel Wind was looking slightly distressed at where the conversation was headed. It was time to change subjects. “That is not a story I wish to tell currently. Perhaps under different circumstances.” Steel discretely breathed in deeply, calming herself and attempting to banish the memory to the void.

Snow Step grumbled but acceded to his wishes. “That is fair, I suppose. Though I am sure it was valiant and daring tale…” Quarry shook his head, and thought of something else he wanted to address. It also served as a good enough excuse to shift the discussion.

“Moving on, I would like to address one thing while combat is the topic at hand. We don’t go looking for unnecessary fights in this unit. Should something present itself as a threat that needs to be removed, we will act accordingly. However, there are many situations that can be solved without resorting to violence. Do I make myself clear?”. He gave a pointed look at Snow Step.

“Yes, Lieutenant.” They affirmed, though Snow Step seemed quite irked at being the obvious target of that statement.

Steel Wind gave him a subtle incline of her head, grateful that her lieutenant had avoided the touchy topic. Bluebell scowled, annoyed that once again the circumstances of Quarry and Steel’s apparently traumatic shared past had eluded him.

“Excellent. Steel Wind, please continue.” Quarry coaxed.

Steel was happy to continue, a welcome distraction from the vivid memories. As she began anew, Crimson noted that it lacked some of the ardour that was present before, though she still seemed to have her heart in it. Regardless, he was quite eager to hear the rest of her historic recital.

“After the incident at Bearberry Brush and Galloping Gorge, Celestia officially made the surviving ponies the first unit members of the RTU, officially making it a branch of the Royal Guard. The Cockatrice culling, the Rout of the fearsome Rompo and many more triumphs during this era are attributed to this group.” Her zeal seemed to fade away, foreshadowing the original dissolution of the RTU.

“As places where wild magic and dangerous beasts were rampant slowly faded away or were dealt with, there was less and less need for the unit, at least in the same capacity as before.” Her voice carried a certain melancholy tone to it. “Its numbers dwindled, either retiring or being reassigned until eventually the unit was disbanded. Small skirmishes with the occasional beast or natural hazard could be dealt with by the regular guard.” She bowed her head, winding the tale to its conclusion. "Eventually, it like many things from that time faded away, forgotten by all but a few. That is what became of the original RTU."

Now that it was clear the story had ended, Snow Step stomped her hooves in approval, Crimson joining in. “Bravo Sargent, I'm impressed. You have quite a talent for recounting history!” She frowned suddenly, realising a piece was missing from the tale. “That does however raise the question of what we are doing here now. What led to the re-establishment of this once defunct organisation?”

“Mighty fine tale, but I was wondering the same thing.” Crimson agreed. Nimbus offered a nod as well, confirming he shared the thoughts of his fellow recruits.

Quarry took back the lead of the proceedings, communicating his thanks to Steel Wind for her efforts with a nod of approval. "I can answer that question. Several years ago, events I witnessed led me to believe that a section of the guard that specialised in a fast and efficient response to monster attacks was needed once again. It may not be as apparent in places such as Canterlot and towns close to it, but things are getting dangerous for ponykind once more."

Crimson grimaced, quite familiar with the hazardous nature of the frontier lands he called home. Although he admired the guard forces, they had often been too slow on the scene to save a pony in distress or had been ill-equipped to deal with the unfamiliar landscape and the challenges it presented. Part of the reason he had joined was to bring his knowledge of dealing with those conditions to the guard where it could be used for good.

“After gaining an audience with Princess Celestia and raising my concerns, she informed me of the former RTU. It seemed to fit the bill, so I along with several others sought to bring the unit back to active duty. Obviously, there is more to it than that, but that would require a much longer retelling and we are running out of sunlight today.” Quarry concluded. “Any other questions regarding our history?”

When the recruits responded with silence, he flipped the projector off and smirked. “Ok then, story time is over! Let’s get you fitted in your gear.” He stomped his hoof on the ground once again, the recruits quickly realising it meant it was time to stand at attention. They rose out of their seats.

“Bluebell, Steel Wind. You are dismissed, reconvene outside the bunkhouse at 0700 tomorrow. Recruits! Double time to the Quartermaster! Lets get a move on!”. Quarry ordered and set a steady pace as he exited the room, Crimson and Nimbus nodding farewell to Steel Wind and Bluebell as they pursued him.

Before Snow Step followed suit, Bluebell called out to her. “I will meet you at the bunkhouse in a few hours, we need to talk.”

“Looking forward to it Bluey, hopefully by then I will have something that matches your ensemble. Haha!” She said, inspecting his gear. “Quite fetching for guard armour, I must say. Although I think I would have looked dazzling in gold! Tah Tah!” she teased as she cantered away, giving him a dramatic wave of her hoof as she left the room.

Steel Wind stretched out her feathers and made her way beside him. “It always takes it out of me, telling that story.” she yawned. “But, what do you think of our recruits? Snow Step seemed happy to see you.”

“The only thing I am sure of after that ordeal is I need something hard to drink.” Bluebell moaned. The meeting with Snow Step had clearly left him drained. “It’s good to see Snow and all, but she can be a bit...” he searched for the words.

“Over the top?” Steel offered. Bluebell just shrugged. “Maybe now you can appreciate my subtle ways.” She smirked at him.

“You are about as subtle as a buffalo in a tap-dancing competition, Steel Wind.” Bluebell snarked. “Even I can spot what you are thinking from a mile away. You wear your heart on your sleeve, so to speak.”

Steel simply huffed. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing, Bluebell...”.

“I wouldn’t know , it's just an observation. As for the others, I'm no expert on pony psychology but the Pegasus, Nimbus… something is odd about him. Crimson Cross seems nice enough I suppose, if a bit nieve. Hard really make a judgement on ponies that I have known for less than a day though...” He pondered briefly before continuing. “As long as they don't insist on dragging me every which way and heed the advice I give out regarding magic, we should get along just dandy.”

Steel nodded, making a mental note of Bluebell's observations. It was part of her job to get a read on what the squad thought of each other after all. “Are you turning in early or heading back to the archives?” she asked.

“If I know Quarry, he will want to run the newbies ragged tomorrow. And that means we get to be a part of that misery. So logic dictates that I should have an early night. But like I said, I think I need a drink. I think I will visit that place by Donut Joe’s, The one run by High Spirits.” He nodded to Steel Wind and gave a salute. “See you presently, Sargent. If you need me, you know where I am”

Steel Wind saluted in return and watched him trot out of the room. Now alone, her thoughts returned to the events regarding Quarry’s scar and their mission in Dustmane Ridge about two years ago.

Come on, get a hold of yourself Steel. that was in the past. No way that feathered fiend is within 100 leagues of the city. Despite her attempt to reassure herself, she couldn't shake the memories. Unable to dismiss the painful recollections, she decided she would pay a visit to the lower levels of Canterlot before returning to the bunks.

I think l might steal Bluebell’s idea and have a drink at High Spirit’s place. Hopefully, that will calm me down a bit…She decided.

She shrugged to herself and laughed quietly. “And if nothing else, maybe I will be able to grill more information out of that bookworm. Find out what he really thinks about his old friend...”