The Divide

Much of the Sky Navy has been deployed along the entire eastern coast, leaving the Guiding Light, the Flagship of Equestria, escorted by two cruisers; the Spear and the Manticore. The Spear was very much an offensive cruiser, its main gun placed at the prow of the ship to punch through the hull of enemy ships while the Manticore was more of a fortress-like ship, armed all around the ship to fend off attackers from all sides and to take a beating.

Sirens wailed through out the capital ship. Hooves thundered on the bulkheads. Within moments, the first wave of pegasi launched into the air to provide air cover, intercepting any enemy fliers. They quickly formed a wobbly line behind the mound of clouds as ordered Commander Swift. It has been years since Gryphus and Equestria crossed swords and Gryphus had been devestated by civil war, but Swift knew better than to underestimate her foes thus she opted for a more cautious approach.

But that wasn't their job, however. they'd been ordered to screen the airships. The airships were dangerously hiding behind the screen of clouds and while it did provide cover from the Griffon war birds, griffon fliers could easily ambush them by using the clouds. by the time they'd come into view, it would be too late to engage with the enemy with their ship's weaponry. Hence Swift stood firm on her decision to form a screening by pegasi to intercept the enemy in case this had happened.

Rainbow Dash waited impatiently behind the cover of the clouds. It was just one ship and they had three, one of which was the pride of the Equestrian Sky Navy.  if she'd be in charge, she would have ordered the airships to move into the clouds and get a jump on the Griffon war birds. Then again, Rainbow Dash also argued that the war bird may be cruising casually to trick them into thinking that they haven't noticed their airships, and just luring them out into a trap to be shredded in the open air. She gulped just thinking about that scenario, let alone being in combat itself. She had heard of how large the rounds on one of those autocannons can be and just imagining the cracking and thundering sounds against her ears alone made her change her mind.

She had all the reasons to be terribly afraid, whether she'd want to admit it or not. Not only was this her first combat mission but these colts and mares under her command were all from Ponyville, some even being from the same Wonderbolts Academy training months back. She was faster than the rest but she was forced to stay close to her team, so no lonewolfing this time, she told herself,

"Still out of range, ma'am."

And it's still heading towards Manehatten," Swift said, pondering on her next move. The warbird may be luring them out or just proceeding to probably bombard the city and they're totally unaware of the three airships lying in wait. Either way, Swift had to stop it, and it meant that they'd have to attack, trap or no trap.

"Officer, prepare to set a course for that warbird."

"Ma'am?"

"If we don't stop it, Manehatten will be sitting ducks. The last thing I want to see is another city burning in the night," she explained. "Relay this order to the Spear and the Manticore. I want our ship and the Spear to attack it, while the Manticore and fliers cover our left flank."

"Yes, ma'am." he saluted, proceeding to send the message by magic.

"We're taking that warbird out."

"Ma'am!" Swift turned about to the officer hailing her. "Multiple contacts incoming towards us. They