Equestria At War - In the Shadow of the Sun

Flick...Light...Flick...Light...Flick...Light...Flick...Light.

As she sat on the float of her seaplane, the batpony mare played with her zip lighter; despite not having touched a single cigarette in her young life. She sat with her hind-legs adorned in a special, packed waterproof material, so that the metal would not rust as she dipped them in the water, relying on phantom pains alone to perhaps once again feel the waters adorning her once-organic legs.

She looked at the singular cabin in the distance, humming a tune softly.

Sliding the door of the seaplane open, Cipher descended upon the float to sit beside the batpony.

"Yo, Cipher." She smiled. "Still waiting on the signal, huh? I don't really get why we can't just go in there immediately. Thought the SIB had eyes on this plot of land."

"We need to be thorough. Colton says it's important that there isn't a single opening for infiltrators. They've ordered several squads of the New Mareland Defense Force to comb the surrounding area, and joined in too." Cipher explained. "A single sniper hidden in the foliage can destroy all hope we have left, or a single well-placed bomb. Can't be too careful."

"Soooo, why are you still in the seaplane with me? Not that I mind the company, I just thought your sense of situational awareness could help 'em."

"Colton's orders. Since the Princess requested to see me...He wants to make sure I'm not a target."

"Heh." The batpony grinned. "On the bright side, you get the company of yours truly. And her coffee. If we weren't on mission, I'd bust out some of my mango drinks."

"Eh, sorry Raz - your mango wine gives me heartburn. And the mango cider gives me the shits. I'll stick to the coffee - even though I'm not sure how much having a coffee machine in your plane affects its aerodynamic capability..."

The batpony giggled. "More for me then!"

"Besides..." Cipher muttered. "Kind of a weird juxtaposition - don't you get most of that stuff from your homeland - the alcohol I mean?"

"The Mediolano islands, in West Wingbardy? Yeah, what's the matter?"

"Raz - I get a lot of wine and cider is made in Wingbardy, but I don't think it has the climate for growing mangoes or the other tropical fruit you have. So, how does that work...? Is that why it messes up my stomach?"

"Oh please, it's not that bad." Raz huffed. "Bit of Mediolano islander wisdom for ya; don't look a gift pony in the mouth."

"...That makes no sense."

"Oup, you looked it in the mouth! What're'ya, a dentist?"

Cipher rolled his eyes, sitting by her side. As he did, she noticed his metallic hoof, and looked into his eyes. "So, tell me - what's it like?"

"..." Cipher tilted his head. "The mare who has two prosthetic legs is asking a stallion with a prosthetic hoof what it's like having a prosthetic hoof?"

"They're not just prosthetics." Raz humphed, folding her hooves. "They are specialized codename Rockbell designs that are designed to give me perfect control over aircraft. What good would the prosthetics be if I can't operate the rudder? It's operated by pedals, y'know, while remaining so lightweight that it does not impact the aerodynamic potential an ace omnipilot like me needs."

"Not to mention, the lack of legs limits your blood flow and allows you to be more resistant to g-force fluctuations."
"Not to mention, the lack of legs limits my blood flow and allows me to be more resistant to g-force fluctuations."

Cipher grinned, having spoken at the same time as her, predicting her words in their entire as it was far from the first time he heard them. Realizing what had happened, the thestral gave a dissatisfied humph.

"Question about the whole omnipilot thing, though." Cipher quizzed her.

"Hm?"

"Considering that you've been trained to fly every class of aircraft that exists - more or less - what's the view on that by the creatures of the Mediolano islands? I assumed it's only accepted to fly seaplanes."

"Death penalty for being seen flying anything other than a seaplane."

"W-Wait, really?"

"Of course not, doofus. It's just that there is no reason to fly anything but a seaplane in Mediolano islands. Helicopters aren't practical and neither are planes that can't float. I learned to fly helicopters though because I was commissioned as a rescue pilot a bit deeper into the mainland, and jet-based aircraft came with the military."

"Still, you learned to fly so many different types of aircraft at such a young age?" Cipher quizzed.

"Why not? Pilots usually stick to not just one type of aircraft, but one model of aircraft specifically, because it's ultimately not about memorizing controls or the like, but it's more about being able to have the muscle memory and internal adjustment for different weights and aerodynamic properties of different aircraft. I've even felt how different it is to fly the same jet model, but manufactured in different countries. You not only have to be ready to adjust to the different weapons you may be equipped for a sortie, but also how the jet will handle after delivering its payloads and becoming lighter and more aerodynamic as a result." She said.

"So, with what you've said, it leads to me to believe it's even less possible." Cipher said.

"Not at all! I'm really good at adjusting to that kinda stuff. Besides - ever since losing my legs, as you know, it made g-force a minimal issue for me. I've so many hours flying that it's not a concern."

"I'm not gonna ask how many hours you've flown--"

"12,527 hours." She said, taking a quick lean to peek at a log book in her cabin.

"...Right - but when did you even start?" Cipher asked. "I'm gonna guess perhaps when you were 18, or 17 at most. Would be weird to imagine someone letting a teen, let alone a child pilot a--"

"My first unsupervised flight was at the age of eleven." She grinned.

"Yeah, that's what I thou--...what?"

"Eleven." She blinked at him.

"...Somecreature - and I assume somegriffon..." Cipher looked at his hooves and did gestures to help him process the information. "Took you...Into a seaplane...And determined that...At eleven years old...You were capable of piloting a seaplane all by yourself, landing included...?"

"...Yeah?"

"...Do child protective services even exist in Wingbardia?"

"Not where I'm from." She grinned.

"Right." He sighed.

She blinked at him and humphed. "Your countries are weird. The only thing there should be an age limit for is sex and joining the army. Flying, driving, traveling, working, even drinking - what's the point of restricting it if you know how to do it and how to do it responsibly? You know that it's normal for children to have a - albeit - single glass of wine for dinner, right? It's a part of the culture; and wine is quite healthy."

"...Please don't tell me you've flown an airplane after drinking wine." He sighed.

"Huh!? Are you crazy?" She furrowed her brows at him.

"Phew, that's at-least nice to hear--"

"How else would I get home from Granny Gisella after dinner when we live like thirty kilometers apart!? Heellloooooo? You don't think I'm gonna SWIM back home, right?" She groaned. "And one glass isn't much! Try flying home after like, five, and then trying to land at night when you can't see the cliffs cause it's not a full moon and your spotlight's busted!" She snorted.

"...How did you end up as a pilot for any military, let alone, y'know, the Sunset Intelligence Bureau?"

"Cause I'm an ace even when drunk." She folded her hooves and gave a proud, snobbish grin.

On the horizon...Came flashing. It came in a pattern, and Raz cussed softly, hiding her zipper in her bomber jacket. "Just when I had fun talking about home. That's our cue, Ci. I'll swim ya closer to shore so you won't have to swim...too much. Just don't forget to put on the hoof sheathe, you do NOT wanna have to clean the rust off of a Rockbell." She said as she got back into the plane. Cipher opted to keep seated on the float, smiling softly - but returning to a frown as he disappeared from her line of sight.

It was time to face his fears, and regrets.

***

Cipher leaned against the door...He looked blankly forward, blinking uncertainly. He was the only pony in the building right now - except for those on the other side of the door. Silence passed for a minute, and from behind the door...came a voice.

"...You don't need to be afraid, you know..." Came a mare's voice.

"...I'm not afraid of looking at you, ma'am - please do not ever think that way...I'm afraid of other things entirely..." Sighed Cipher.

"...How are your hooves...?"

"Heh, funny you mention that...One of them is completely free of burns now...Only it's heavier, metallic, and detaches sometimes..."

"O-Oh...I'm so sorry to hear that, I-..."

"Don't be, ma'am. They're the risks I was made aware of when I joined the SIB." He softly smiled.

"...Cipher - you don't need to be ashamed. Whatever happened, it wasn't your fault. Please, don't blame yourself this much..."

"Princess...? Has...Has anypony actually survived something like what happened to me? I know you're powerful and it's not surprising that an alicorn such as yourself did, but..."

"Well, I...I don't think I've seen it happen m-much before, other than with Sombra...But...Well, it may depend on--"

"...Ma'am?"

"...No. I still don't know how it's possible - but all I know is that I'm glad you're alive. P-Please, open the door. Okay...? Mahogany is not a good conduit of sound...Heh..."

"...Would the others even want to see me, though? I--"

"My friends would never dare blame you for trying to help me back then, so please - just come in."

"Yeah!" Called out a scratchy, gruff mare's voice. "Lemme see that gnarly robo-hoof you're rockin' already! I bet it's a Rockbell, isn't it?"

With a sigh, Cipher opened the door...His frown at the sight of Twilight Sparkle deepened.

For the terrible burn scar on the left side of her face was a grim reminder of his failure.

But Twilight, instead smiled.

"It's been a while." Twilight softly spoke.

"Yeah..."

Rainbow Dash grinned, waving. "Yo, egghead." She said - the title that was infamously given oftentimes to Twilight instead meant to Cipher. "...Hah, called it." She said, looking at his prosthetic hoof, reflexively unfurling her wings; one also prosthetic, the other one the original and organic one.

"They're practically flawless - just heavy and painful to install." Cipher shrugged at her. He looked around the room, and smiled to the others.

"Hey!" Exclaimed a young male's voice. Cipher smiled as he looked at its source.

"Hey, Spike!" The earth pony responded. "How've you been?"

"Well, not great all things considered." The baby dragon sighed, approaching to stand next to Twilight. "But, at-least we're here, right?"

Cipher smiled and leaned down. "Here; I took this since I knew you were coming over. A promise is a promise, right?" He asked, hoofing him a small bag of something that made a glass-like clutter. Spike's eyes widened as he opened the bag and looked inside.

"No way!"

Cipher chuckled. "Maxixe, citrine, a bit jadeite and some rare sapphires I forgot the name of. Stuff that I researched to be somewhat more rare in Equestria. Enjoy."

"Aw man, sweet!" Spike grinned.

Cipher turned his attention to the rest of the room. Pinkie Pie watched him quietly - sitting at the tinted window sill.

"General Pie. It's good to see you."

The pink mare only nodded once - not producing a smile, but giving him a look of trust.

"Professor Fluttershy..."

"Cipher..." The pegasus softly said. "I-...I'm sorry about the hoof."

"Please, don't be...And, General Applejack?"

"..." Applejack looked at him, and sighed softly, folding her hooves.

"...President Jet Set told me." Cipher sighed. "I will persist in convincing the SIB to retrieve your family members, ma'am."

"...'Yer gonna carry the whole family farm overseas while 'yer at it?" She rose a brow.

"Applejack..." Fluttershy whispered.

"..." Cipher shook his head. "I don't do well with sarcasm, ma'am. A bit more and I might've gone and asked if we have a boat or plane big enough."

That at-least earned a smirk from Applejack, whether amused or instead, also sarcastic.

Cipher looked around the room once more, and turned to the Princess. "...Rarity...? Is she...?"

"N-No." Twilight firmly said. "No, not at all. She's alive. I know she is - and I can prove it." She said intensely. "But...She...She disappeared; on her own accord...By choice..."

"...Any idea why?"

"Only that when she was gone, it coincided with the fact that the radio in our safehouse had been set to a frequency that picked up transmissions from a Lunarist wavelength, forwarded from South Equus. I wrote down as much as I could. I have some more details, but...I need your help. The SIB's help."

Cipher nodded, but knew that there must've been something else to all this. "...Princess, why did you call me here? Why did you request to talk to me, and exclude my team - let alone the President?"

"...What was the mission that Jet Set assigned your team, Cipher?"

"...To remove Daybreaker from power. And if possible, return her as Princess Celestia."

"..." The Princess's lips quivered.

"...Ah." Cipher lowered his head. "..."If possible". That's...That's what you're not happy with."

Twilight furrowed her brows and raised her voice. "Yes! I'm not happy with the prospect that Jet Set isn't outraged with the idea of killing Celestia! My mentor! My...My--"

"Twilight..." A yellow hoof was put on her side softly. Twilight looked back, and sighed.

"...If I knew how to revert Daybreaker into Celestia - I would do it." Cipher said. "I studied this ever since, well...What happened on that day. The only possibility I know is the application of the elements of harmony, but...Well..."

"I know Jet Set intends to help us use the power of the elements, but..." Twilight took a step away towards the window, putting a hoof on Pinkie, who smiled back at her. "But...The Elements are not guaranteed to "save" her as they did with Luna after her first return as Nightmare Moon. It's a risk; what happened with Nightmare Moon was a factor I don't think we predicted or anticipated. I don't know if we can control it, and--..."

"...We don't need to solve this issue right now." Cipher said. "The mission is long. This mission might take months, maybe years. I don't think we even have the means to get close to her right now. What I can tell you is that right now, we need to get as much information as we can. Not to mention, I guess I learned the hard way that it's not easy to approach Daybreaker..."

"...So, what is going to happen now?" Asked Twilight.

"President Jet Set told me that he needed your presence and skill to help him on a few other matters that will help our operation. Particularly, helping secure alliances and assistance from our neighbors, especially those with pony populations. Your knowledge and close experience with Daybreaker - or Celestia - will be of help too."

"I feel like we're being used." Applejack groaned.

"...You are." Cipher simply said.

Applejack rose a brow at his remark.

"You look at the world as it is right now..." Muttered Cipher. "You stop feeling that locomotion is your own feat. Whether it's fate, machinations of the powerful, or whatever force you might think of, it puts you somewhere where it's necessary. I am put somewhere - as much as you are, because there's a purpose. I feel like Jet Set is just as a pawn as you make yourself to be - he's moved by the entire country to get his work done. The world is a cycle of movement we impose upon each other. The weak are moved by the powerful - but the desire to be powerful over the weak is what moves the powerful themselves."

"...Jeez." Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Was there a point to that odd little speech?"

Cipher chuckled. "If you asked me if you're being used, and I told you "No, not at all", is that kinda answer reassuring at all?"

Dash shrugged with her mixed wings. "Beats me."

Cipher turned to Twilight. "You do not need to trust Jet Set - or the SIB. At the end of the day, we're still clandestine operatives working for a goal that suits our country's interests - not the greater good." He told her. "But I ask you to trust me in that I have a personal stake in this. I knew it would come to this - so I didn't allow myself to die in Zebrica."

"Cipher..." Twilight frowned, stepping reaching a hoof out to him.

"..." Cipher looked her in the eyes - and allowed a single tear to escape.

"Princess...Please...Give me this chance to make things right. To correct my failure and my mistakes." He said with a soft whimper. "I will not let myself fail again as I did then - and if I do, I will not allow myself to cheat death again - especially not at the cost of someone else's life...P-Please...I--"

Twilight's hoof was positioned to his shoulder. He looked up at her - before having looked through her rather than at her.

Princess Twilight Sparkle softly sighed. "...I will trust you Cipher - and the SIB. We'll make things right." She smiled.

Slightly, Cipher nodded.