I watch the sun rise over the academy as I sip my morning coffee, the natural shine of the sun reflects off the tarmac of the runway illuminating the entire academy as hopeful candidates who aim to join the Wonderbolts make their way out of their accommodations for morning drills.

Ever since the war in the Griffin Empire and the redeployment of the Everfree Rangers to the country, the Princesses have pressed for the development of current military units. The Solar Guard has developed a new weapon which allows anpony to use magic in combat in the form of a spear, the Crystal Guard is in the process of researching armour which has been said to be as strong as diamonds, and the Lunar Guard have John to regularly develop new pieces of equipment based on the technology he had in his home world.

The Wonderbolts have also been involved in attempting to 'modernise', as Princess Luna put it. Ever since the war, we have been working around the clock in an attempt to improve our combat efficiency. Reservists have been trained in order to serve, should they be required to do so, our regular forces have been carrying out more combat exercises, and we have been helping to train some Pegasi units within the regular Guard unit.

I understand that the Princesses trust John's input when it comes to military developments, but they seem to be focusing on it an awful lot lately. There's been talk amongst numerous officers that Princess Luna has taken to ensure that he remains... happy in his role as one of her Captains. They say that he is her favourite, that she'll happily throw money at his unit so that he can influence it as he sees fit. The Rangers are receiving a large amount of funding for only a single Company, that's enough to get officers talking.

With the other units researching new technologies and developing new equipment, it only made sense that the Wonderbolts followed their example and prepared for the future. I had requested for additional funds to be provided to the Wonderbolts in order to allow us to develop new methods to improve our effectiveness in combat. With weapons which can engage us at range, we need something that will allow us to maintain control of the skies and to safely engage the enemy. All I need to do is wait for the funds to be authorised and we can begin.

I'm torn away from my train of thought as a succession of knocks alert me to someponies presence outside. Turning around, I step alongside my desk, "Come in!" The door opens up, revealing Soarin as he steps into my office. Giving a quick salute he holds out a scroll with the royal seal on his outstretched wing. I return his salute and take hold of the scroll, "Is this the budget plans I requested?"

"I think so," Soarin states as he moves to the window to observe the recruits outside. "It arrived first thing this morning."

Breaking the seal, I unfurl the scroll and quickly scan over the contents. It contains two letters within, one being the monthly finance report which is issued to commanding officers in order to view changes in unit funding, the other letter seems to be a direct response from the Air Marshall. Reading the information provided, a frown quickly forms on my face as the Air Marshall states that funding has been restricted to all aerial units. "You can't be serious!?"

Soarin jumps in surprise from my sudden outburst, "W-what?"

"My request for extra funding has been denied. Apparently, they've 'frozen additional funding to ensure that vital projects are prioritised.' What the hay do they consider 'vital projects' to be?" Soarin only offers a weak shrug in response as he watches me. Throwing the scroll onto my desk, I begin to scan over the financial report to see where the funding is being prioritised.

As I look down the list, I notice that a significant number of units have had their financial support frozen. Although none have been reduced, a few have had significant increases to their finding. One is the Crystal Guard which is due to launch expeditions within the Frozen North in an attempt to discover strategic resources, the other is the Royal Castle's garrison which is due to be the first unit to receive the latest kit which is being developed by the Solar Guard and...

My eyes widen as I come across the Everfree Rangers. In the last month alone, it seems that Princess Luna has significantly increased their funding. Looking into the report in more detail, it seems that the funding has also been boosted by Princess Celestia in the last few days for 'research and development.' You've got to be bucking kidding me! Both Princesses are throwing money at him. Granted, Celestia has only recently provided a small increase in funding, but Luna has essentially doubled the funding that the Rangers are receiving.

I release a frustrated growl as I throw the report to the desk. Pacing around the office, I turn my head to Soarin, "Why are the Princesses throwing so much money at John, particularly Princess Luna? It doesn't make any sense."

"Maybe the rumours are true?" Soarin offers as he begins to scan the financial report. "Perhaps John really is just her favourite."

"But why? What's so special about the Rangers to throw money at a unit which contains only one Company?" Stopping on the spot, I rub my forehoof over my eyes. "Something just isn't right," Turning to the door I begin to step towards the exit, "I'm going to get to the bottom of this."

Soarin lifts his head as he gives a single chuckle, "What are you going to do? Go to Ponyville and ask the Captain why he's getting so much funding?"

"That's exactly what I'm going to do." Stepping out of the office, I mumble to myself as I move through the hallway, "I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind."

I slowly awaken from my sleep as I release a shallow groan, despite having spent hours sleeping, my body feels exhausted. Every minor movement I make causes a mild ache to moves through my muscles, it seems that despite having only taken part in exercises during my dreams, my body is unable to discern between activities carried out between reality and the dream realm.

As I open my eyes, I can feel the heat of Luna's body as she continues to use my chest as a pillow. Needing to get out from underneath her, I cautiously place my hand underneath her head and keep her in position as I carefully shuffle free from underneath her. Lowering her down on the bed, I can feel the heat radiating from her body as she sleeps. Strange. She's awfully warm.

Without waking her up, I'm able to go through my usual morning routine. After taking a shower and having a fresh shave, I wander back into my bedroom with a towel wrapped around my waist. Looking down at Luna, I can see that she had finally moved from her position. She lightly stirs in bed as she mumbles softly, the blanket almost thrown entirely from her body as it only covers her hind legs and flank. As I walk past in order to reach my wardrobe, a slight musk scent hits my nostrils.

I quickly change into my uniform as Luna continues to shuffle slightly in bed, her hind leg fidgeting slightly underneath the quilt. What is going on with her? Fitting my utility belt and holster, I slowly walk over to Luna with my boots in hand. I sit on the side of the bed and watch her as I slip my boot on, the aroma becoming stronger as I sit near her.

Deciding to see if she's alright, I slowly lean closer and lightly rock her back and forth with my hand. "Luna? Wake up," I whisper to her in a soft tone. Slowly her eyes crack open. As she looks up at me, her eyes seem to regularly flick down to my lower body as a light shiver runs through her body. "Are you okay?"

Luna's body quickly shuffles closer as she nods her head, "Y-yes, I'm fine." Her eyes seem to frequently scan my body as a mild blush begins to form on her face.

"You're fine?" I ask sceptically. Luna nods her head as her breathing slowly becomes more ragged, her head slowly leaning closer to my body. "You don't seem it."

Luna's eyes seem to sparkle as they shift to my crotch, almost as though they've just laid eyes on a valuable treasure. "I'm fine. I'm just..." Luna trails off as she begins to slowly crawl towards my on the bed. Without warning, she pushes my onto my back as she lies on top of me.

"You're just..?" I ask her, hoping to get an answer.

She doesn't respond as she gradually inhales. After a brief pause, Luna quickly shakes her head as if to regain some of her senses. "It's just that start of... my cycle." I stare at her blankly until she releases a huff in annoyance, "Heat."

My eyes widen as I pull my head back as far as I can against the bed, "You're in heat? What about the suppressants, haven't you got them?"

"I have back at the castle," Luna responds as I feel her lower body slowly gyrating against my groin. "I took them yesterday morning after you left. But, it got me thinking."

"About?" I ask with a raised eyebrow as I feel an uncomfortable tightness in my trousers.

"Cadence told me that sex in heat feels so much better. I knew my cycle would begin today... but you can't get me pregnant." A cunning grin forms on Luna's muzzle as her horn glows. In seconds, my utility belt and holster are unfastened as Luna throws them across the room. "So, it's a win-win."

Luna's body shivers as she presses her chest against mine, her damp marehood soaking through my trousers. "W-what does this mean then?"

Luna rolls her eyes as she scowls, "Do I need to spell it out?" Luna's magic violently pulls my trousers down from underneath her, causing me to jump in surprise. Rolling to the side, we both fall onto the floor with Luna landing on top of me as I grunt from the impact. "I'm going to need relief... and you're the stallion who's going to do it."

With a final dive, I lower my position until my hooves finally come into contact with the floor below. Finally giving my wings a rest, I walk down the road to the large building which sits at the end. It didn't take me too long to make the flight into town, I only had to make a short detour from my office to my quarters to change into my flight suit before coming. Looking at the barracks, it stands taller than most of the buildings in Ponyville, the main building seems to be mostly secure with two guards stood at their post in front of the main door.

I don't even acknowledge the guards who stand at attention as I make my way inside, my irritation with the Princesses denying my funding and shifting it all to the Rangers hasn't exactly put me in the mood for formalities. Stepping into the main lobby, I can hear the idle conversation of guards in the canteen next door as they enjoy their breakfast. Scanning over the guards, I recognise John's Sergeant as he sits with his wing wrapped around one of the Corporals.

Entering the Canteen, one of the Guards shouts for everypony to come to attention in the presence of an officer. Everypony quickly jumps out of their seats and stands at attention as they all stare forward. Well, at least that irritating human had managed to give his unit some discipline. Coming to a stop in front of his Sergeant, Chaser is I remember correctly, I quickly survey the room for any sign of John. "Where is John?"

Chaser lowers his gaze to meet mine as he remains at attention, "He should still be in his quarters, ma'am. He's normally awake by now, but we haven't seen him out and about."

"He'd better be up there," I respond in an irritated tone. "I've got a bone to pick with him."

"W-why? What has he done now?" Chaser asks with a smug grin.

Opening my saddlebag, I take a hold of the financial report and press it against Chaser's chest. "For some reason, he's getting the funding I requested."

Chaser looks at me sceptically before taking a hold of the report. Scanning through the pages, his expression changes to one of surprise as he finally looks to the Everfree Rangers. "Buck me! We're minted!"

I hear a scoff behind me as a male calls out, "How are we minted?" Stepping into view, I watch as the Griffin moves alongside Chaser and looks at the report. He remains silent as his eyes flick back and forth from the report to my annoyed expression. "T-thats a lot of zeros."

"I guess our toys don't come cheap." Chaser passes the report back to me which I quickly tuck underneath my wing. Lifting his hoof, he points to a door at the side of the lobby. "Head upstairs to the next floor. Follow the hallway all the way to the end until you come across the door with his name and the engraving of his old flag. He'll either be in his office or likely still in bed."

As I stomp off towards the doorway in question, I hear the Griffin whispering to Chaser. "Why did you give her directions to John's room."

"I was bored. Besides, it'll be funny to see his face when he gets shouted at." I move through the doorway and corridor as I pass a number of guards who are going about their morning duties. None of them stop to ask me where I'm going or why I'm moving through the main section of the barracks, they must be able to see from my expression that I'm not in the greatest of moods. Following Chaser's directions, I come across the door in question.

Forcing the door open, I look around the office space for John. He isn't in here, scattered across his desk is various pieces of paperwork along with personal letters and reports. In the corner of his office sits a display mannequin designed to resemble a human body, his breastplate and a new set of armour for his arms and legs sits on the display. He must still be asleep. Well, he's in for a rude awakening.

Luna keeps my body pinned on the floor as her forehooves remain locked on my chest, her tongue brushing against mine in an aggressive kiss as she moans softly. Raising my arms, I slowly run my hands down the side of her body and lightly swat her cutie mark, this earns a soft moan as she pulls back from the kiss. As she looks down at me with her seductive eyes, I can feel her magic pulling on my pants as she attempts to pull them down.

Lifting my head, I place my lips against hers as her forehooves move down my chest towards my groin. As our tongues once again dance together, the door to my bedroom is suddenly pushed open causing us both to freeze on the spot. Coming back to her senses, Luna finally pulls away from the kiss and looks towards my door with the brightest shade of crimson on her cheeks. Following her gaze, I find Spitfire staring at the two of us in a mixture of disbelief and shock as we remain on the floor.

Snapping out of her trance, Spitfire shakes her head as she looks on in shock. "Wh-what in the name of Celestia is going on here!?"

Luna remains frozen as she remains on top of me, her eyes locked on Spitfire as she seems unable to respond. Adjusting my head, I lock eyes with Spitfire. "S-Spitfire? Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Well..." Spitfire averts her gaze as to look away from the two of us. "I-I was coming here to confront you."

I stammer slightly as I briefly look to Luna before refocusing my attention on our unwanted guest, "J-just go in my office and give me a minute." Spitfire mindlessly nods her head before backing up into my office and closing the door behind her. I can feel my heart racing as I close my eyes and lean my head against the floor. Releasing a deep breath, I reopen my eyes to find that Luna is still frozen above me. "Luna, you can get off me now."

Without moving her head, Luna slowly lifts her right legs allowing me to move from underneath her as I roll to the side. As I start to pull up my trousers and pants, Luna finally regains her speech. "Fuck... oh fuck. She knows about us."

Sitting up, I shuffle alongside Luna. "It'll be fine."

"Fine!?" Luna's head suddenly snaps to me. "The Captain of the Wonderbolts just caught us in the act! All it takes is for her to breathe a word of this to a single pony and everypony will know! We're supposed to be keeping this hidden. Everypony will talk. They'll assume the worse."

Raising my hand, I rest it on Luna's cheek and turn her head to look at me. "I'll talk to her. I'll make sure that no one else knows about us." I try to give Luna my best reassuring smile as I rise to my feet. "Wait here. I'll handle this." As Luna gives a slow nod, I move to the doorway and enter my office. Closing the door behind me, I look to Spitfire as she stands in the centre of my office. "About what you saw in there. Nobody, and I mean nobody, can find out."

Spitfire sighs as she shakes her head, "This just confirms all the suspicions."

I cock a brow as I start to tuck in my shirt, "What suspicions? What are you talking about?"

"A lot of the senior officers in a number of units think that the Princess is trying to keep her... pet close to her."

"Her pet? I'm not her pet."

Spitfire steps off to the side as she runs her muzzle with her wing. "A lot of officers think you are. You appear out of the blue, become a Captain in the Lunar Guard, get countless support from the Princess and even have your own Company to do with as you see fit. How could ponies think that you aren't being kept on a leash, or at least using her yourself?"

Scoffing, I pinch the bridge of my nose as I move over towards my liquor cabinet. "So, you think that Luna is doing all of this to make me happy? To have an officer with experience of war and an understanding of advanced technology at her side to support and enforce all of her decisions?"

"That's what they say. You've been bought so you'll remain loyal to her. Speaking of being bought, that's the reason why I'm here."

Reaching the cabinet, I select the bottle of absinthe Luna had gotten for me as a gift when the barracks first opened. Popping the cork, I take a quick swig and all the strong beverage to run down my throat. "What do you mean?"

"Well... a certain pet has received the funding that I requested. It's all been diverted to you."

Groaning, I slam the bottle on the shelf of the cabinet. "I didn't get your fucking funding! Both of the Princesses decide where it goes to. If you're not happy with where it's going, then take it up with them instead of me. Do I look like an accountant? Shall I wear a smart little suit and sit behind a desk all day?"

"Because I really want to speak to the Princess right after I caught her about to impale her nether regions on your cock," She states in a sarcastic tone. "It was only a matter of time until somepony brought these suspicions up to you, it just so happened to be me. Everypony won't be happy to see that you're getting all this funding, it'll likely be the last straw for a number of them." Rolling her eyes, she turns her body and heads towards the door to leave the office. "But I've found out what I need to know now. The Princesses play thing is getting favours. I'm sure the others will be pleased to hear this, it'll be your last few days once everypony knows."

"W-what do you... hold on-" I quickly run from around my desk towards the door. As Spitfire begins to open the door, I push past her and slam the door shut as I lean my body against it. "What the fuck do you mean 'last days'?"

Spitfire takes a step back from the door, "This... corruption isn't going to continue. You'll be removed from your post when everypony finds out about" -Lifting her hoof, she gestures to the bedroom door- "This."

"There is no corruption!"

"You're buying the Princess with sex to gain power and influence."

"For fuck sake, you're delusional!" I run my palms over my face as I release a stressed sigh, "I'm not winning her over with sex. A Princess could get anyone she wanted for sex."

"Then explain to me what the heck is going on, or I won't be the only officer learning about this fiasco."

"Luna and I are together."

Spitfire shakes her head as her eyes remain locked on mine, "What about Moon Glow? You and her were together last time I checked."

"Luna is Moon Glow. It was a transfiguration spell so nobody would notice it's her."

"How long has this been going on?"

I rest my hands on my hips as I step away from the door, "We started seeing one another after the Gala last year."

Spitfire releases an exhausted sigh as she looks away, "Nopony will like this when they find out."

"There's a reason we've been keeping our relationship hidden from everyone."

"I realise that," Spitfire states as she turns her back to me and looks to the bedroom door. "Why should I keep it hidden to myself?"

"You serve the Princesses and you said it yourself, nobody will like it when they find out. If this gets out, then who knows what repercussions there will be for Luna and me."

"But I'm not okay with this," Spitfire turns sharply to face me. "And I certainly don't plan on keeping this corruption hidden.

I release a frustrated sigh as I lean back against the desk, "So what are you going to do? Run around shouting 'guess what Captain is with a certain Princess'?"

"Possibly... unless you can keep me from doing that."

I raise an eyebrow as I look at Spitfire in disbelief, "Really? You're playing that game, Blackmail."

"If it gets me my funding, then yes." Spitfire paces around my desk and idly picks up a number of scrolls. "Frankly, I think you're a good Captain, but I can't let your fraternisation with the Princess have an impact on the rest of the Equestrian Guard units."

"And how do you expect me to explain how the funding has suddenly disappeared with nothing to show for it? There's a reason the both Luna and Celestia sent me this funding. They're expecting results."

She stops to focus on me as she drops the scrolls back onto my desk, "Just transfer the funding to me. Tell Princess Celestia that you no longer need it."

I let out a sarcastic chuckle as I shake my head, "There's a reason I received it. I have to develop and research new equipment."

"There are only two ways that this issue is going to get resolved. Either you give me the funding I initially requested, or I alert the officers to exactly what is going on with the Princess and her Captain."

Lowering my head, I bury my face in my hands. Fuck... we need this funding, it'll be needed to develop our new weaponry and armour. I need that money, but I can't have my relationship with Luna becoming public like this. Spitfire has got me bent over the table with my pants around my ankles... I've got no choice. Sighing, I raise my head, "You'll get your funding. I'll tell Celestia to divert the funds she's sending me to the Wonderbolts."

A small grin forms on Spitfire's muzzle as she watches me take out a scroll and begin to scribble on the parchment. "Glad to hear it. So long as we get out funding, I'll make sure that nopony hears about you and the Princess from me."

As I finish writing the letter to Celestia, I scratch my signature onto the bottom of the parchment and drop the quill into the ink pot. Rolling the parchment up, I hold it out to Spitfire, "There's your funding. Deliver this to Celestia and forget everything you saw in here."

Giving a half-assed salute, Spitfire takes the scroll under her wing. "Glad to see that you saw it my way."

As she steps towards the door, I call out to her, "You hardly gave me a fucking choice." Closing the door behind her, I run my hand through my hair as I slowly pace around the room. I can't believe this... I've now gotten myself wrapped up in a potential fucking scandal. I've got officers thinking I'm Luna's personal pet, and they're bound to come sniffing around at some point.

Clearing my head, I pull the door to my bedroom open and step inside. Looking to my bed, I find Luna sitting on the covers as she stares out of the window overhead. Closing the door, I slowly stroll over to the bed and sit alongside Luna. Holding my arm out, I rest my hand on Luna's back. Her body shudders slightly from the contact as her wings give a soft flutter. Slowly she turns her head to me, "John, is everything... sorted?"

"I guess. I've had to give her the additional funding your sister was going to send me, but it isn't so bad."

"Isn't so bad!?" Luna repeats as her eyes narrow. "She knows about us!"

"Luna, she won't tell anyone so long as she gets that funding. As long as the money goes towards a Guard unit, then it will go to some good use." As I move my hand away from Luna's back, she seems to involuntarily lift her body in an attempt to keep the contact between us. "It isn't ideal, but she won't talk."

Luna runs her forehoof over her eyes, "I can't believe this has happened. We shouldn't have been caught."

"I know. Unfortunately, it has happened, there's nothing we can do about it now."

Luna nods her head as she slowly climbs off the bed to stand. As her body moves off my sheet, I can't help but notice a slight damp patch on my sheets where Luna's rump was sitting. Quickly levitating over her royal regalia, she fits all of the pieces to her body. "I can't think straight... not like this." As Luna's horn begins to glow, she looks to me with troubled eyes. "I'm sorry, John. I-I'll do what I can."

Before I can respond, Luna vanishes from sight as she likely returns to the castle in Canterlot. Releasing a shallow groan, I move towards my utility belt and holster which is still lying on the floor and retrieve them. Fitting my belt and holster to my body, I slump back onto the foot of my bed and take a few steady breaths.

I can't believe we got caught. Fuck my life.