Jason stood in the large antechamber, his eyes blank as his mind wandered to memories of the past few days.

The majority of the return trip had been spent in silence, the other stallions still attempting to get a grip on what exactly happened. Jason did what he could to counsel the Guards. His previous experiences in Afghanistan, as well as the time he spent helping Twilight recover, had given him a decent idea on how to handle the stallions in his charge.

The Captain made sure to speak to each stallion on a personal level, to better guage how they were taking the losses. Each Guard took it in their own unique ways.

Razor seemed to feel that he had failed in his assigned role as overwatch. He had been so focused on the hostages, and the guards running towards them, he failed to notice the guardians returning, and in turn didn't notify Jason of their reappearance. Despite the human's silent agreement to the pegasus' belief, Jason had to ensure that Razor didn't truly believe that, lest the stallion fall into the downward spiral of depression.

"None of us saw them coming, Razor. We were all so focused on what was happeneing in the canyon, we lost all situational awareness on everything outside of it. Without you, we would never have caught that final Guardian. You did good work today, don't beat yourself up over something that everyone else missed as well." Jason kept his voice calm, attempting to ease the stallion's mind.

Carbon had taken it much better than Jason had expected him to. The losses hurt, that much was obvious, but the unicorn understood there was nothing more he could have done. He wasn't strong enough with magic to stop the Guards, and he had done everything Jason had ordered him to do. If anything, the events in the canyon had set his resolve in their rapidly approaching campaign against the Guardians of the Sand.

Halberd was rather indifferent about the whole ordeal. He was obviously a little shaken by the deaths, however he had no personal stake in the ponies who were killed, and had little to do with the operation itself. His role as gearwatch proved redudndant as the Guardians didn't attempt to mess with their stuff. The earth pony didn't really know the stallions who were killed all that well, and was not deeply affected by their loss.

Copper, understandably, took it the hardest. It would take a cold, emotionless pony to be unmoved by the sudden and unexpected loss of a sibling. The unicorn had grown more cold and more distant as the carriage made it's return trip. Jason kept pressing, attempting to get the stallion to expose his true feelings, rather than letting him brood on his own dark and depressing thoughts.

Eventually, Jason's questions pushed the stallion over the edge. "Sir, with all due respect, leave me alone! You don't know what I'm going through! You've never lost a brother like that! How could you possibly know what it feels like!?" The unicorn shouted.

Jason's response was calm and even. He understood how the stallion's precarious state of mind was affecting his rational thought, and did his best not to further anger the emotionally unstable Guard.

"I know how you feel far better than you can imagine."

Copper raised an incredulous eyebrow toward the Captain.

"When I first arrived in Equestria, I was not alone. There were twenty-seven other Marines, just like me, riding in the vehicle that brought us here. I was thrown out and had to watch as the helicopter exploded, incinerating my Marines... My brothers. I couldn't do anything other than watch them burn. You see, we Marines may not be blood relatives, but our brotherhood is forged in the hellfires and torment of our shared experience. It all starts with boot camp, our Drill Instructors driving into us a deep sense of discipline and dedication to the Corps and our fellow Marines. After that, there's combat. You need to have absolute trust in the Marines around you. You need to know they have your back, as much as you have theirs. This level of trust cannot be achieved between anyone less than brothers."

Copper still seemed skeptical at Jason's description, yet he listened intently.

Jason let out a quick sigh. "Very well. If that's not enough for you, here's something that may hit a little closer to home." Jason looked Copper dead in the eyes. "I lost my mother to a terrorist attack. I saw her that morning. I gave her a kiss before I left for school. Next thing I know, every TV in the school has the news on and there's just video of two sky scrapers burning. I know the buildings, my mom worked in them. People were dying in those flames. They were so hot that people were jumping out of windows seven-hundred feet off the ground rather than succumb to the fire."

The unicorn's eyes widened in shock at Jason's revelation.

"So as you can see, I know what it's like to feel loss. In fact I'm one of the only people in this world who has experienced loss as you have." Jason let out a deep sigh. "Look, all I'm trying to say is that I'm here for you. If you need to talk, just let me know. I'll make time for you. I know what this is like, and nopony should have to face this kind of ordeal alone."

"A-Alright Sir... I'll make sure to remember that... But if you don't mind, I'd rather be alone right now... I need time to think." Copper said quietly.

"Alright, Copper. Just let me know if you want to talk."

Jason's mind was brought back to the present as the large door leading to the throne room slowly creaked open. Halberd walked through the wooden portal, his normal indifferent expression present on his face. He looked to the Captain before speaking.

"They wish to speak with you again, Sir. They didn't really tell me why, they just said to send you in." The stallion looked toward Jason apologetically.

"It's fine, Halberd. I needed to speak with them as well. Do you remember where I told you to meet with the others?"

"Yes Sir, the fountain directly outside the palace."

"Good, meet with the other Guards there and wait for me. Once I get a chance to speak with the Princesses, I'll meet you and let you know what's going to happen."

"Yes Sir, we'll be there."

Jason nodded toward the stallion, who shortly thereafter turned and left the building. Jason inhaled deeply and braced himself before stepping through the double doors and into the throne room.

This was the second time Jason had found himself in the room today. They had arrived fairly early that morning and wasted no time in briefing the Princesses as to the outcome of the operation.

The two alicorns had not been pleased with what Jason told them. He had spent quite some time detailing the plan he had devised, the roles of each stallion, and the exact moment when things went wrong and the events that transpired as a result.

Jason didn't withhold any details. He explained to the best of his ability exactly what happened, including the deaths of the ambassador and her assistants, as well as the three Guards under his command. He described the Guardians he had killed, along with how he did it, including the one he had executed.

The Princesses, understandably, were shocked at his retelling of events. They wanted to speak privately with each of the Guards who participated in the operation so that they may get a better, unbiased view on what had transpired in the desert. They spoke with Razor first, followed by Carbon, then Copper and finally Halberd. Jason waited patiently in the antechamber until his time arrived.

He strode through the large room, moving quickly to cover the distance in as little time as possible. Before long, he found himself before the small flight of stairs that led up to the twin thrones, before which each of the Princesses stood. He came to attention at the bottom of the stairs, staring straight ahead at the steps before him.

"Captain Sinder reporting as ordered, Your Highnesses." Jason said quickly.

"At ease, Jason. We're not here to interrogate you." Princess Celestia's voice was calm. Controlled even. Yet the tone of her voice still sent a shiver down his spine. He assumed a relaxed parade rest and looked up toward the royal sisters.

They returned his gaze, each bearing an expression of sad determination upon their faces. Princess Luna was the first to speak.

"Jason, as you know we have spent quite a bit of time debriefing the remaining members of your team of the events that occurred within the Stoneshod Wastes. The first thing we have come to realize is that the deaths of the ambassador and your Guards is by no means your fault."

Princess Celestia continued for her sister. "Indeed. We understand you did everything within your power, short of taking extreme measures, to attempt to stop the Guards from approaching the ambassador and her assistants. It has become clear to us that the Guardians of the Sand had planned on murdering the hostages whether we cooperated or not. It is fortunate you were there and able to make them... Understand... The error of their ways. Also, since you were able to recover the fake Ember, we do not need to worry about them using it in the future."

"Now then, about the Guards you were placed in charge of..." Princess Luna said, her voice becoming slightly darker. "You warned us... When we first met you, you warned us that our Guard force lacked discipline, and bearing. You demonstrated this before our very eyes, yet we did nothing to remedy the situation. As I understand it, the emotions that Iron, Pike and Blackhoof felt towards the ambassador led them to disregard your orders and in turn got them killed. This is not a situation we wish to repeat..."

"When we met, you offered to provide training to strengthen these traits. After seeing what happens when they aren't where they need to be, we have decided to take you up on your offer. You will train a new branch of our Guard force. you will be responsible for instilling within these stallions a warrior ethos, and the skills they will need to completely eradicate our enemies."

Jason blinked. He had been thinking about this the entire trip back, and had been hoping the Princesses would allow him to do this. He had been willing to beg, if need be, to get the stallions the training they would need to survive a war. What he hadn't expected was them bringing up the idea first.

"When would you like me to begin, Your Majesty?" Jason asked.

"That's entirely up to you, Captain. Of course sooner would be preferable, but we understand it will take you some time to get everything ready to conduct the training. You will have time to speak with our military advisors, but if you have any ideas ready, please tell us now so we can get the ball rolling on this." Princess Celestia said.

Jason thought for a moment, running several ideas through his mind. He set aside the minor ones and arranged the major ones so they would be presentable.

Jason inhaled through his nose, preparing to speak.

"Okay, Your Majesties. First off, I will not be able to train a large number of ponies alone. Before I can begin training the general populace, I will need to teach a few instructors who will then be able to assist me. I will only need around three of them, and they will receive specialized individual training to become prime examples. I already have an idea of a few stallions who may be willing to take these positions."

"Also, I am aware that you were assembling a unit for me. I would like this disbanded. If these stallions are placed in the unit by their former Captains with little or no choice in the matter, I do not want them here. The only ponies I want to teach are those willing to receive the training. If they are there against their will, they will only spread dissent among their peers. Volunteers are better to work with, as they actually want to be there, and will take the training far more seriously. I would like there to be a wide scale recruiting drive, both within the established Guard forces as well as the civilian populace. There are many citizens who were angered by these attacks, and I'm sure it will be easy to find some who are willing to join up."

The Princesses nodded in agreement. "Understood, Captain. We will begin looking for stallions willing to join. Is there anything else?" Princess Luna asked.

"Yes. The new unit will need to be equipped differently. The armor and weapons the current Guard forces are issued is ineffective as true battle gear. I would recommend special uniforms be created for them, much like the one I'm wearing now. The camouflage will offer a greater range of motion while concealing them much better than the shiny armor they wear now. I understand that without the metal plate, they are a little more exposed, which brings me to my next point. They will need weapons that will allow them to maintain distance from the explosive-using Guardians. I will leave my rifle with you, so that you or your researchers can disassemble it, study it, and reproduce it. Modifications will need to be made so that non-unicorn stallions will be able to wield them. The rifles will increase their lethality, while giving them the ability to maintain distance from their targets."

The Princesses seemed a little disheartened at the prospect of producing the weapons, yet they seemed to understand the necessity of it. Eventually, they nodded in agreement. "Alright, Jason." Princess Celestia said. "We will begin preparing the new equipment. I have one more question. Do you know where you would like to set up this training camp? Equestria is a large country, however there are few places that would be appropriate."

A half grin appeared on Jason's face. The Princesses were slightly taken aback by the look.

"Indeed I do, Your Majesty. The stallions will be training in one of the most hostile environments in all of Equestria. They will need to be constantly alert and aware of their surroundings, lest they be attacked by some wild monster and have to fight to survive. This will teach them teamwork, and ensure they understand the importance of keeping their eyes open for anything that may be considered a threat."

The Princesses' eyes widened in shock. They knew exactly where he planned to put the camp.

His grin widened a little further. "That's right, Your Highnesses. Camp Sandblast will be located in the very heart of the Everfree Forest."

Jason stepped out of the large doors at the front of the palace, drinking in the afternoon sun as he looked around the large courtyard. Directly in front of him he saw the large fountain. The four Guards stood together, patiently awaiting Jason's arrival.

He had spoken with the Princesses for nearly an hour, detailing his various plans for the training and everything they would require to move forward.

Jason was surprised at the amount of support the Princesses were giving him in this endeavor. They were essentially writing him a blank check, and promised to provide him with anything and everything her required.

Before he left, he discussed one final thing with the Princesses. The stallions he had led in this last mission. Before Jason could even consider moving forward with this training, he had to ensure the stallions he already had under his command were taken care of. He requested from them personal discretion, based on the Guards' own choices, about how their careers would continue. He didn't know if any of them wanted to leave the Guard as a result of the failed mission, but he would like to give them the option so they would be able to get the help they needed.

Jason made his way down the stairs and began walking toward the fountain. Razor picked up his head and saw the Captain. He spoke to the other Guards quickly and they all turned their attention to the officer walking toward him. Before long, Jason found himself before the Guards. They looked to him, determined anticipation present on all of their faces.

Jason cleared his throat quickly before speaking. "Alright, gents. The Princesses have given me personal discretion in terms of your service to the Guard. Now, I've spoken with each of you extensively over the past few days, and have gotten to know you fairly well. I understand that the...Outcome... Of this last mission is a lot for anypony to take. We all had connections with the fallen, and we all feel their loss. I understand that some of you may feel quite a bit of... Personal turmoil over the whole situation, and so I give each of you three options. First, You can be honorably discharged from military service, in order to get the help you need. Trust me, there is no shame in looking for help. Some of the greatest men that I know have gone through things like this themselves, and benefited greatly from therapy and support groups. Your second option is to return to your former units. Go back to the primary guard force and remain there for the rest of your careers." He looked to each stallion in turn, ensuring they understood their options before continuing. "Or, your third option, stay under my command and continue taking the fight to the Guardians. Now, before you make your decision, you have to understand what this means."

He looked to Carbon and Razor. They held his gaze, their jaws set and their eyes shining. "Carbon, Razor... You have seen what I am capable of. If you remain under command, you will become tougher. Both mentally and physically. You will become killers, because that will be our mission. Our sole purpose will be to kill the Guardians of the Sand." Their eyes widened slightly at the revelation.

Jason looked over the group as a whole. "I have given you your choices. If you know what you want to do, let me know. If you need time to think, I will be leaving for Ponyville tomorrow morning. Let me know before then. Do any of you know what you want to do?"

"Screw that!" Halberd spoke up, his eyes shaking from apprehension. "I'm not getting myself blown up! Send me back to my unit, Sir. I'll gladly finish out my tour in the normal ranks."

Jason nodded. He was expecting this choice from the earth pony. "Very well, Halberd. I will send word to Captain Steadfast and inform him that you will be returning to your command." He looked over the remaining Guards standing before him. "Anypony else?"

Carbon and Razor glanced towards each other before looking back toward their Captain. Carbon spoke up, talking for the both of them. "We're with you, Sir. We understand what we may need to do in the future, but we also understand the necessity of it. We've seen first hand what these ponies are capable of. If we won't take care of them who else will?"

Jason nodded, the touch of a grin gracing his lips. He had been hoping for this. These stallions were ones he could rely on. They had followed his orders as he gave them, and they trusted his judgement. They had seen the monster Jason could become, and yet still wanted to follow his leadership.

Jason looked to Copper. The unicorn was staring at the ground, seemingly lost in thought. "Copper? Do you know what you want to do?"

The stallion picked up his head and looked at Jason, a cold determination in his eyes. "You said that you were going after the Guardians?" His voice was even.

Jason blinked. The pure hatred that emanated from the stallion surprised him. "Yes... That's right... Eventually."

"Then I'm with you, Sir. I'm going to make them pay for taking my brother from me."

Jason frowned. He had hoped the stallion would leave the service. He could really benefit from some professional help due to his loss, but Jason could understand his emotions.

Jason paused for a moment, before nodding. "Very well..." He turned his attention to Halberd. "Halberd, you are dismissed. Go ahead and gather up your gear. You'll report back to your unit first thing tomorrow morning."

The stallion saluted. "Yes Sir. It's been a pleasure."

Jason returned the salute. "Likewise. Fair wind and following seas, Guard." They broke their salutes and Halberd walked away.

Jason returned his attention to the remaining stallions. "Alright. You three will be accompanying me to Ponyville tomorrow. I'll give you a more in depth briefing while we travel, but in short we will be training an elite unit of fighters. As the only stallions in the Guard force with anything close to combat experience, you will assist me as instructors. Over the next couple of months, I will be personally teaching you everything I know about combat and warfare. Once I have passed on everything I can, you will assist me in training our elite unit. We will be the most effective fighting force in Equestrian history. The training will be hard, both mentally and physically. You will be strong. You will be fast. And you will be deadly. You have the night to rest, and prepare for the move. We will be in Ponyville for a while, so pack everything you can carry. Any questions?"

Their eyes were set. They were nervous about what he had just told them, yet no less motivated to do their best. They responded with silence. Jason gave them a quick grin. "Good. Before I dismiss you, let me say that I look forward to teaching you. You stallions show outstanding potential, and I couldn't think of anypony else more suited to this training. Now, we leave at zero-eight hundred tomorrow morning from platform three at the train depot. I want you there no later than zero-seven thirty. If there are no further questions, you are dismissed for the night."

The three stallions came to attention and saluted. "Yes Sir!" They responded in chorus. Jason returned their salute before the trio turned to their own personal matters. Jason watched them for a moment before letting out a sigh.

This is going to be an interesting few months... He thought to himself quickly as he glanced around the courtyard. Ponies moved throughout the yard, walking between various shops and kiosks scattered around the edges of the courtyard. Jason couldn't help but shake his head at his observations. Life goes on... He thought to himself as he exited the yard. He began searching for a hotel where he could stay for the evening. His clothes stank, and the touches of fatigue were playing at the edges of his mind. I need a shower... A shower and a bed...

He walked among the oblivious citizens, none of them understanding the storm that lingered upon the horizon.

Jason's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the large gathering of ponies crowding the platform of the Ponyville train station. Many of them held banners with various welcome home messages painted across them in bright colors. He saw Rainbow, Twilight and the other Element Bearers at the forefront of the group. He felt a slight bitterness growing in his mouth.

The train slowly came to a halt at the station. Jason and the Guards waited for the other passengers to depart before gathering up their own belongings and stepping from the car. The crowd erupted into cheers as the Guards stepped onto the platform, and Jason felt the bitterness within him swell. He didn't look at any of the ponies within the crowd, instead trying to remove himself from the gathering as quickly as possible.

He didn't stop walking until he reached the outside of the train station. Carbon, Razor and Copper were close on his heels. Jason waited outside the building, giving the stallions time to set down their duffels and get a quick look around the town. None of them had been to Ponyville before, so today was going to consist of a quick tour and allow them time to settle before training began.

Before long, Twilight, Rainbow and their friends found them outside the station.

"Why the long face, Jacey?" Pinkie asked in her usual tone. "I thought that greeting party would have made you a lot happier!" She looked at him with a little concern.

Twi and Rain moved themselves beside him, leaning against either side of him.

"We're happy you're home safe, Jason." Twi said warmly.

"Yeah..." Rainbow added. "We tried to talk Pinkie out of that greeting, but she had already told everypony you were coming home and they already had plans for you. I'm sorry."

Jason let out a quick sigh before kneeling down and embracing his partners. He had written them a few times on the way back from the desert, and they knew of the outcome of his mission. He could see they had heavy hearts, yet they did their best to console him in his failure.

Jason looked up and could see the confused faces on the remaining mares gathered around them. They looked at him somewhat expectantly. "You didn't tell them?" He asked his partners quietly.

Twilight shook her head. "No... We thought it would be best if they heard it from you..."

Jason blinked. It felt as though someone had just dropped a lead brick into his stomach. He didn't like telling the tale of his failure, although he had to agree that it would be better if he told it rather than someone else. He glanced quickly to the stallions who had accompanied him home. They looked at him briefly, and he could have sworn he saw borderline jealousy in their eyes before they turned and spoke amongst themselves.

Jason let out a quick sigh before speaking. "We... Failed. We lost the ambassador and her assistants. The exchange went well enough, but the Guardians had their own plans. We never saw the attack coming." He gritted his teeth slightly, steeling himself for the next part. "I lost three Guards."

The group was silent, letting his words sink in. Even Pinkie was serious, fully understanding the weight of what he said.

"I'm sorry, Jason. If I knew, I wouldn't have tried to celebrate that..." Jason watched as Pinkie's hair lost it's normal crazy poof and hang straight over her shoulders.

"It's not your fault, Pinkie. I know your heart was in the right place, just like it always is." Jason tried to give her a smile. "I really do appreciate the thought, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again. Given more appropriate circumstances. Don't take it too hard... Really."

"So now what? What's the next step?" Rainbow asked.

"That, is what they're here for." Jason said, using a hand to gesture to the stallions. They heard their Captain talking about them and they took a few steps toward the group. The mares turned and looked at the Guards who had accompanied him.

"Ladies, meet Carbon, Razor and Copper." The stallions nodded as Jason said their names. "Over the next couple of months, I will be teaching them everything I know. They are going to be the first Marine trained Guards in Equestrian history. Once they have completed their training, they will assist me in training a larger group." Jason returned his attention to the mares around him. "The Princesses have given me permission to train a special unit. Our sole purpose will be to fight the Guardians. She has designated this branch of the military as the Corps of Protectors."

Twilight's eyes widened. "The Corps of Protectors?" She seemed shocked at the revelation. "There haven't been Protectors in Equestria since before the royal sisters gained the throne over a thousand years ago!"

"Your memory serves true, Twilight..." Jason let out a sigh. "They have seen fit to reestablish the position because of the very real and very serious threat the Guardians are to Equestria."

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Rainbow asked, a serious expression on her face.

"Actually, yes..." Jason inhaled. "These stallions are going to need to be the very best at what they do. I can teach them about warfare, but there are things that only other ponies can teach them." He looked to Rainbow and Twilight. "If you are willing, I would like each of you to take them as your own personal students. Twilight, Can you teach Copper and Carbon how to better use their magic? I don't expect them to be nearly as strong as you, but they should have full control over their telekinesis, so they can maintain it despite various distractions."

Twilight nodded in understanding. "I can do that. I have quite a few exercises for them to strengthen their magic."

"Thanks, Twi." He turned his attention to Rainbow. "Rain..."

"I got it! You want me to teach Razor how to fly better!" She gave him a mischievous grin before turning to Razor. "Oh this ought to be fun."

Jason couldn't suppress his grin as Razor gulped in nervousness. He had no idea what he was getting into.

"Perfect. Thank you, girls." Jason turned his attention to Rarity. "Rarity, I have a favor to ask."

"Anything, dear. Just say the word." She waved a hoof.

"They're going to be wearing cammies like me. The normal armor the Guard wears is ineffective, so this unit will be wearing utilities." The unicorns eyes widened slightly. "Now don't worry, we're already establishing contracts with various factories to mass produce the uniforms, but it will be some time before production begins. I just need a few sets for these three."

Rarity sighed in relief. "Consider it done, Jason."

Jason shot her a smile. "Thanks Rarity. Just let me know how much it'll cost."

She waved a hoof dismissively. "I wouldn't dream of it, Jason. This is the least I could do for this cause."

Jason raised an eyebrow. He wondered exactly how much the uniforms would cost, but he didn't press. "I can't thank you enough, Rarity. Thank you."

She nodded.

Jason returned his attention to the group. "Now then, I need to make sure these Guards have a place to stay while they're here, and make sure they get settled in alright, so I'll go ahead and say my goodbyes." He looked to his herdmates. "I'll be home a bit later, don't worry."

"We'll be waiting, Jason. We can't tell you how happy we are that you're home safe." Twilight said, a loving warmth present in her voice.

Jason wrapped her and Rainbow into another loving embrace. "I'm happy to be back." He released his grip and stood before moving next to the Guards. The group split, Twilight and her friends moving in one direction while the Guards walked further into town.

Jason stood outside the small home the Mayor had leased to the Guards. They would share the small home throughout their training until Camp Sandblast was completed. The sun had set about twenty minutes ago, and the faint light of twilight still illuminated the city streets.

Jason knocked on the door and waited. Before long, Carbon answered.

"Sir? I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow." The stallion seemed a little nervous.

"Don't worry, your training doesn't start until tomorrow. There's just something I wanted to show you. Can you come with me?"

Carbon nodded. "Yes Sir. I was just hanging around right now anyway." He stepped out of the door, letting it close behind him.

Together they moved to the center of town. As they walked Jason told him about his upcoming training, trying to give him a better idea of what to expect. Before long, Jason could hear the familiar thumping of Vinyl's subwoofers echoing through the evening air.

As they moved closer to the source of the sound, Carbon became more and more uncomfortable. Eventually, it became to much for him. "What is that sound?" He asked as he raised a hoof to his still-healing ear.

Jason grinned. "That, is our destination."

Carbon was confused, and they finished their journey in silence. Jason stood before the door to the musicians' home. As he knocked, he could feel the vibrations of the speakers through the wood.

Eventually, Octavia opened the door. The usual wadding was stuffed into her ears and she looked up at Jason.

"Jason! It's so good to see you! I heard you were back in town." She stepped through the door and closed it behind her, muffling the racket her housemate was producing. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Jason smiled. "Hey, 'Tavi. Just passing by. I brought by one of my friends who was interested in seeing you." Jason turned and gestured to the Guard who stood beside him. Carbon still held a hoof to his ear, yet his face had become a mask of shock.

Octavia turned her attention to the Guard and her jaw dropped in surprise. "...Carbon?" She asked, her voice barely audible over the electronic music being pumped through the air.

"Octavia..." Carbon said after he was finally able to find his voice. Jason smiled as he looked between the two ponies.

"And with that, I'll be on my way. I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. Don't forget, Carbon. Be ready to begin training at zero-seven tomorrow morning."

"Yes Sir, zero-seven." He couldn't take his eyes off of Octavia.

Jason chuckled lightly before turning to his home, and the family who awaited him.

Author's Notes:

Merry Christmas, my friends.