Night Patrol 2 Chapter 31
By Foxgear

A cold wind rattled the windows of the train car, the cold draft seeped through the cracks in the frame. Soldiers huddled close, rubbing their bodies to try and keep warm, even packed in like sardines in a can one hundred of them flank to flank they were cold. Their combined body heat should have made the cramped train car a furnace. Of course, the frozen north wasn’t called the frozen north for no reason. Many of them have spent a summer out in the warmer months of the frozen wasteland. And it was nearly autumn now, a whopping negative thirty degrees was the warmest it got out in this frozen hell this time of year and it would only get colder.

“Keep focused boys and girls; we’re almost there.” Their Commander, the red Rinin Fierce Fury told them as he flew overhead. He and the others of his kin were flying through the transports holding fire in their guts to raise their body temperature. The dragon ponies were probably a steaming two hundred degrees, but the radiating heat barely raised the frigid temperatures five degrees.

With the frozen thirty miles per hour winds and the train bolting across the snow-laden tracks at fifty miles per hour and the uninsulated walls of the transports, they might as well be in freezers.

Fury looked sympathetically at the shivering troops. It was going to be even worse when they stopped and faced the high winds directly outside. He turns up his body temperature as high as he could. A few ponies stop shivering as the room temperature spikes up to zero. Almost a laughable blessing compared to minus thirty.

Tapping the side of his helmet Fury brings up his rune map, checking their location. They were nearly there. They’d be passing the final cloud base in an hour or so.

For this mission the Pegasi under the command of Colonel Spitfire and Captain Fleetfoot would establish a series of cloud bases, using weather factory equipment from Cloudsdale to support artillery weapons and munitions. Rocketeers and Fliers equipped with HCB-16’s would act as air support along with the three wooden airships. Where Spitfire would be in command with Colonel Bridge, who would coordinate the ground forces with a sky eye view. A chain of smaller cloud bases reaching back to Celestia’s and Luna’s positions would filter supplies to the front, each base had two gem comm radios to quickly call for reinforcements should the need arrive. After they leave the train, it would go back and wait to bring in the next wave of ground troops while the Pegasi flew from the bases.

Rechecking the time Fury switched out with another rinin for furnace duty they really should have done more with these walls, but the station was only three hours away, it would be fine. Is what they thought at the moment. Bad move on their part.

“Platinum,” He grabbed the metal legged mare and pulled her side. “See about getting some pots of coffee made. These guys deserve something warm in their hooves before going out into that nut freezing cold.”

Platinum taps her helmet, checking their time. “Yeah, we should have enough time for that. I’ll get Cookie to start brewing. Have everypony get out their tin cups. Why don’t you go check on the civilians and the Princess? You are the Lead Commander right now.”

“Right, right, I’ll go check on the kiddies.” He mumbles heading toward the front car. He flies over the next huddled mass of troops, Gloves was on furnace duty. He nods to the Vice Commander and continues on through, rising his body heat as he passed. Some troopers sighed, only to begin groaning again as the heat quickly faded. He did the same in Trifecta’s car. The triplet looking haggard as he lands in the galley. One of the cook/medics levitates the both of them some MREs.

“Make sure to stay well-fed Commanders. You're burning up a lot of calories using your fire magic like that. We can’t have you passing out before the battle begins.” Cookie smiles. Cookie was a unicorn, the head combat cook, and one of the medics. It was decided way back that the two roles would be merged so the medics could maintain everyponies dietary health. At the time Celestia set up the funds for all the cooks and medics to learn herbal cooking or something like that.

Taking a bite off the bar of dried grains and vegetables and fruit extract Fury let a faint smile touch his face when the familiar crunch of gems filled his mouth. “Special treat for us, Cookie?”

Cookie smiled, “Of course, gems are a part of Rinin diet and help you replenish your magic quicker. It’s only natural I would have a few hundred on hand for you. FYI The MREs wrapped in green are the ones with the gems, in case you end up having to share in combat. Gems are good for Rinin, but a bit hard on a normal ponies digestive track.”

He pockets the extra bar in his saddle bag. “Thanks, Cookie.”

“No problem, You two want some coffee? I just got the first five pots filled.” Cookie stepped aside to reveal the industrial coffee maker behind her, already brewing another five pots.

“Yeah, I’ll take a cup to go. Gotta go check on the civilians.” Cookie’s nose scrunched up as she levitates him a hot cup. “What’s bugging you?” Cookie sighs, as does Trifecta, both looking at him with a ‘really’ look. He takes a gulp, downing half of the cup in an instant. “I know, I didn’t want them here either, but their here so deal with it.”

“But the troops are barely ready for this weather and what’s to come, those six mares… well… as a medical professional…”

“I know Cookie, believe me, I know.” He growls, some flames igniting on his coat. Cookie quickly calms up and backs away. He takes a breath; the flames die out. “Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry. I should know my place, it’s above you or me. We’re both just following orders. Still, I can’t believe Celestia allowed them… sigh… I’ll drop it. I would have thought she’s grown tired of doing this to her students.”

Trifecta laughed humorlessly. “Yeah, how many got killed doing this stuff like this with us? What was the point of it?”

“Tri,” Fury growled.

“What? It’s a valid question.”

“It’s our job to keep this one alive, simple as that, don’t need to know more than that.”

Trifecta snorts, “Oh yeah, that’ll be easy until she runs off on her own. They always do. Claiming to be chasing their destiny or some bullshit like that. Five bits says she’ll be on the ground crying with blood…”

“ENOUGH! Back to work, both of you breaks over!” Fury said with bite. Angerly he downs the last of his coffee, shoving the cup back in Cookie’s face. “Thanks. It was good.”

“Your welcome,” She replies meekly as Fury stomps away.

As he fumed Fury tried, really tried to keep from thinking back to those old days where Celestia was fully dedicated to finding the next chosen one or something like that. He didn’t know what the sun princess was actually looking for. But those few years many talented young ponies, mostly unicorns, had been thrown into their ranks. Trained by Celestia herself from her school. Always had a name relating to night or day strangely enough. Most of them were above average to possibility once in a generation kind of talent. A lot of them knew it too. Why else would the princess pick them?

He didn’t remember a lot of them. They passed through his life so quickly he didn’t even bother to know their names. Their own hubris bringing their bright futures to a quick and gruesome end.
He enters the VIP/Command car. Princess Cadence stood by the map with Shining Armor, Goodnight stood outside the door, Sweet Dreams inside by the Princesses side. On the benches to the right, the six civilians and dragon sat chatting like they weren’t on the way to a war zone. Ignorance was indeed bliss.

The first mare to stand out to him was Applejack’s and Allure’s descendants, Applejack the ninth and Rarity Belle. Both had an uncanny look in the fact they looked like their ancestors to a T. He kept his mouth shut as he passed them, less he called them the wrong name. Well one of them the wrong name.

Next, was a yellow and pink mare. One shivering in her seat, looking the most aware of their situation, the other was a Pie. And not the normal dull ones, but the crazy one that appears every other odd generation. She was chatting excitedly to the yellow one, who did seem vaguely familiar now that he thought about it. Maybe he met her ancestor once upon a time.

The final two was… he paused looking closely at the rainbow-maned mare. Rainbow hair, why did that seem so familiar? It seemed important too, but he couldn’t recall where he’d seen such hair before. Seemed like something he would remember too. Rainbow hair wasn’t all that common. He was about to pass her by only to double take.

“Why aren’t you wearing your armor.” He questioned the mare. Now she was wearing armor, but not the gray, noncombatant version, no she was wearing standard ‘I’m a soldier armor’ that basically says it’s ok to kill me armor. At least according to international law. Again, they were going to fight a thousand-year-old unicorn tyrant. So not relevant for this battle, but it does leave one nagging question. “Where did you get that.”

The rainbow maned mare shrugged, “Went to the bathroom and some mare wanted to trade. Didn’t think it was a big deal.”

Ouch, this is a different kind of stupidity or ignorance. Fury thought grinding his claws into his temple. He walked away to the corner of the room, switching his com to the commander line. “Commander Fierce Fury to Colonel Spitfire, Commander Fierce Fury to Colonel Spitfire, please respond.”

“Colonel Spitfire here, what do you need?”

“We have an issue here, we have a deserter, a mare more than likely. Swapped her armor for one of the civilians. She might have jumped off the train. Try and pick up her gem comm signal and see if she’s still alive. If so, get her ready for a court-martial, if she’s dead… well, that’s that I guess.”

“Roger that, I’ll get a flier team ready. Gods dammit, dealing with this shit…” The comms goes quiet, he chuckled, certain that last part wasn’t supposed to be broadcast. Spitfire would take care of the deserter. It was a waste of resources and a distraction, but rules are rules.

He stepped back from the corner surprised to find Princess Cadence standing behind him. “Is everything alright, Commander Fury?” She asked looked worried. She should really learn how to get that under control. Leaders can’t look worried in front of others.

“Everything’s fine, just a… minor complication.” Cadence followed his gaze to the rainbow-maned mare. A spark of realization glinted in the princess’s eyes. Softly Cadence cursed under the breath. He found that amusing.

“I’m sorry, I should have noticed sooner, I’m just so…”

“Drop it,” Fury told her sternly. “It’s below your pay grade. Have you been reviewing the plan with them?” Them being the six civilians. In particular, his eyes fell on Celestia’s latest pupil. Twilight Sparkle. She was looking rather reclusive sitting away from her friends. That didn’t seem like a good sign. Not that he was going to anything about it right now. She didn’t look to be in a state of mind that would be open to advise.

Cadence looked forlorn. Her shoulders sagging heavily. “I’ve tried several times, but maybe half of them take it seriously. I don’t think they understand just what we’re doing.”

And why the hell would they, it’s not like they were at the half-dozen meetings held in the last week! Fury seethed, growling silently at the six. Sometimes he really wonders if Celestia realizes how much of bother it was when she just throws curb balls into their plans at the last minute. She had to. She wasn’t stupid. But she did have an almost blind faith about her methods that were extremely annoying. (Well, might as try and set things on track.)

“Alright, kiddies,” The six-look perplexed at him. “Yes, I mean you six, and the dragon. Come here.” He brings up the map of the Crystal Empire. “Doubtless, Princess Cadence has overlaid the operation plan. We will be reviewing it again.”

A collective reply of groans and disinterest was his response. Great.

“Our arrival point will be here at the train station. We will deploy our forces there. You six, will and I repeat. Will stay with Princess Cadence and her Commando escort. Please denote the ponies in the black and gray armor with skull and sword emblem, Lieutenant Goodnight and Lieutenant Sweet Dreams and Private Shining Armor.”

“Private!” Interrupted Twilight, looking completely outraged. “My brother is Captain of the Royal guard!”

He blinked. He was absolutely astonished. Where in the hell had this pony been for the last month? Had she not read a freaking newspaper? Also, a few of her friends were looking nervous right now. Two in particular. Seems they actually read the news. “You have to be fucking with me right now.” Fury said his filter officially off.

Shining Armor stepped forward, “Commander if I may,” Fury chewed his lip but allowed him to speak. “Listen Twily, things have changed. It’s not a big deal so just drop it.”

“But your dream! All your years of hard work!” She protested.

Shining Armor to his credit, took a deep breath and calmly addressed his little sister. “Twilight, it’s fine. I had to take responsibility.”

“Responsibility for what? The invasion? There was nothing…”

“There was a lot I could have done,” Shining barked, his voice rising, starling Twilight and Cadence as well. Neither mare probably thought he’d ever do that. Shining hung his head. “I could have done so many things differently. I could have been less blinded by my own self-pity and arrogance and saw the trap laid before me. But I didn’t. Besides.” He said smiling and ruffling Twilight’s mane. “Dreams change, but my purpose in life doesn’t, I’m still protecting what’s important to me. Just in a different way, a more effective way than before. And plus, it’s nice to be away from that stupid desk.”

“Shining…”

Fury coughed. “Right, heartwarming crap aside. You six, stay with Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, if you don’t your lives are in your own hooves. Now after we deploy you six along with Princess Cadence will remain in your transports. By transports, I am referring to the tanks. We’ll divide you up so the ponies that are actually doing something aren’t smooshed against the walls. You will sit in the corner, you will remain silent unless spoken to or if you notice something of importance. Which will be nothing because you’ll be inside a windowless metal box. Any questions so far? Good. Now we will approach the Crystal Empire which is in a currently unknown situation. Once there we will examine the situation and if it is deemed safe, you will be allowed to leave your transports, following which will establish a FOB and staging point to retake the city. That is if we don’t encounter the enemy before then. So far, our scouts haven’t spotted any hostiles. Your helmet has a gem on the side, touch it and it’ll show you your position in the scouted area and nearby friendlies. It will also show you spotted enemies for a time. Any questions?”

Rainbow Dash raised her leg.

“Yes, what is it.”

“When do we get to rumble!” The pegasus mare flew out of her seat doing some mock strikes in the air. Not a bad form, clearly, she’s gone under some teaching. “The future Wonderbolt and Element of loyalty Rainbow Dash is ready for action!”

For a brief moment, he found her ramblings amusing. “Well you’re not a Wonderbolt nor is Element of harmony an official rank, so you will not be partaking in any battle. Despite your current uniform. That being said, you are free to defend yourselves while we recon the city. However, should any fighting break out, I expect you all to return to the FOB and get an escort back to the rear guard.”

“And what if we don’t want to? We’re not military ponies so you can’t order us around!” Rainbow Dash rebuked with the same amount of snark he would expect from a pony her age. It made him grin.

“Say that again when you’re in a Canterlot dungeon cell after I throw you in it for interfering in a military operation.” A look of horror passed through the group. “Sorry ladies, but you suspended your rights when you chose to stay on this train. Now we’ll be arriving at our destination soon, I suggest you all get ready.”

With those words, Fury left the six to stew. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to rile them up, but it would be bad if they were to roam around freely. Who knows what could happen. Better they understand this wasn’t going to be like their previous adventures. He read the reports. He was amazed they survived. No, they didn’t survive per se, they were toyed with, viewed as non-threats and they gained the advantage for that leniency.

If Luna had been taking them seriously, they would have been found dead on the ground, elements or no. He remembered the battle between Emerald Cutter and Luna, yeah if Luna had been using even a quarter of her full power, they would be talking to Emerald in that great pasture in the sky right now. The same with Discord. Granted Discord never took any pony seriously. Or so Luna stated. He and his brethren have never had the chance to do battle with the Lord of Chaos. Sad to say they probably won’t be much help in that battle. But this was their bread and butter, they knew war, and they new Sombra.

“Could you have not been kinder to them?” Princess Cadence asked joining him in the hall outside. Goodnight stood with indifference and closed the door to give them privacy.

“Their tagalongs. We’ve prepared for this, they have not. They jump into adventure blindly and have twice conquered foes beyond their levels. They need some humbling. Firing a magical rainbow isn’t going to solve this. The elements probably wouldn’t even work here anyway, if they did, I’m sure Celestia would have brought them.”

Cadence nodded, “Yes, that true. The artifact we need here is the Crystal Heart. Auntie Celestia already gave me all the reading material she had on it. It wasn’t much mind you, but our main goal is to capture it. With it, we can take control of the city with ease.”

“Sombra won’t just leave it out in the open,” Fury pointed out. “He may have even found a way to weaponize it against us. None the less it is our ultimate goal. Have you prepared your weapons princess?”

“Yes, I have.” Cadence levitated what looked like a knife from the holster on her saddle bag, only for the weapon to extend into a spear. A small heart-shaped shield companied the weapon. “I wish ponies would stop putting hearts on everything when it comes to me!” She vented finding the shield a bit over the top and an embarrassing. Even the spear blade was heart shaped. Vaguely, but it was still there.

Fury gave the shield a tap with his claw. “It looks ridiculous, but it will work fine. It’s sturdy at least. So, you chose the lance then?”

Cadence blushed, “Yes, Celestia’s axes were too heavy for me lift easily with my magic, and Luna’s star blades were too hard to control, and swords didn’t suit me either.” She held the lance in front of her. “I made a makeshift spear when I escaped from the changelings, it was crude and a spur of the moment thing, but I find myself… comforted by them. I don’t know maybe I just have an affinity for spears. Or maybe I just wanted to be different from Celestia and Luna.”

“Just use what works for you, Princess. Everypony is inclined to a certain weapon or tool or no tool, for obvious and not so obvious reasons. It makes about as much sense as mark magic really.” He chuckled glancing at his former number brand which was now vigil of a phoenix.

Cadence laughed with him. “I suppose I should take the advice of a veteran such as yourself to heart then.” Her laughter puttered and she sighed. “I must be an open book to all of you and a poor substitute for my aunts.”

“That’s yet to be seen, Princess. We were all inexperienced once.” The train began to slow, joisting them slightly as the brakes were applied. The steam whistle blew signaling they arrived at their destination. “And now it’s time to be tested. Not just you, but all of them too.” Fury pointed to the line of cars before them, filled to the brim with untested troops, excited, worried, and afraid. He presents Cadence a gem com, one tied into the General line so all would hear what was said. “Now give the order, Princess Cadence.”

She took the gem nervously and placed in the slot in her helmet. Took a breath and counted to three. “This is Princess Cadence, by my order we disembark! Prepare to march into battle!”

Troops filed out of the train cars, the side of the cars opened to allow them to jump into the snow on mass. The gathered into formations, bearing the cold they watched the tanks roar to life. The massive metal machines turned slowly pointing to the edge of their transports. Massive snow plows were equipped to the front of the war machines. The tracks of the tanks moved dropping the fifty-ton machines into the soft now. White mist filled the air as the tanks sunk. The order to stand back was given through their coms and they did so.

Overhead the rinin flew and breathed fire down, melting the huge swaths of snow in an instant. The tanks rolled forward and plunged into the arctic wasteland clearing a path for them. They traveled roughly a hundred yards ahead and stopped. As one they filed in behind the tanks in their units. Waiting for their next order.

The Princess and her companions flew overhead. She landed on the lead tank with Commander Fury while the six mares who had defeated Discord and Nightmare Moon were displaced into separate tanks. A sense of foreboding filled them. Wondering what dark force they would be facing if the Elements of harmony were to accompany as well.

Princess Cadence turned to them, the newly minted commandos flanking her as she began to speak. The wind drowned out her voice, but they could all still hear her through their helmet comms. It was a one-way communication for them. They were the grunts, after all, no pony of meaningful rank. That’s what their officers were for. Many of them wondered what the Princess had to say and wondered if would be important or not. It was only Princess Cadenza after all. The third wheel of their royal trinity. What could she possibly have to say?

“We march now to a great evil. One that my aunts failed to subdue well over a thousand years ago. It has already claimed one kingdom already, the Crystal Empire. We do not know what remains of it or it’s citizens, but know this! We are not going there to liberate a lost kingdom that none of us, including myself even knew existed until a week ago. If we find survivors and can save them that is a bonus, but not our main objective. No, we are going there to make sure that evil that has been buried in the ice for the last thousand years doesn’t escape this frozen hellhole and do the some to our home and our loved ones! We will put it down here and now! And I will stand by you until our goal is met and we are victorious!”

Something passed through them. Something warm, something burning, a fire. Yes, a fire has been lit within them! They cheered feeling the Princess’s words sink into their hearts, they felt the strength of the pony beside them and the ones waiting back home. The tanks roared to life and began the charge and they followed in their wake. Envigored and determined to see their mission through.

Right now, at this moment, they could walk through hell and not care.

“That was an amazing speech Princess! It gave me goosebumps!” Sweet Dreams clamored excitedly as the latch to the tank was closed. “Oh yeah, I feel pumped! This feels like the time I went into that old Nippon Castle with Luna! She didn’t really give a big speech, but you had the same presence.”

“Thank you, Sweet Dreams. Though I think riding outside or even walking with them would have helped show my dedication. Actions, over words and all that.”

Fury shook his head. “Not a chance. I know you don’t like hearing this, but your safety is above theirs. If not for the space restriction we would have all the commandos here, but this is the best we can do with our surprise guests.”

Currently, Shining Armor was with Twilight in another tank and Goodnight was with Applejack. The rest… well, they were protected, just not by commandos. Of course, all tanks crew were made up of Night Patrollers, Rinin and regular ponies, so they were just as protected. That being said, there was a hierarchy of who was more important. Those named being at the top the list.

“You did a good job inspiring the troops, you’ll have your chance in battle later to make good on your words with actions. For now, save your strength and keep a sharp eye out for the enemy. We may counter some resistance before reaching the city.”

Silence followed those words. All chatter was restricted to important conversation only. The comm lines were clear, only the occasion report from the other tank commanders broke the silence. Several times the wind would howl and Cadence would worry for the troops outside marching. Fury would ask of the overwatch, the rinin flying over the troop columns, how things were going. They’d report back not great, but not bad either. So, no pony had died yet.

At the second hour in their march to the city proper, Spitfire called Fury over the line, they found the deserters body. They found her without her armor following the tracks, dead not from the cold, but from wounds. The body was taken for a medical evaluation. Several ideas of what happened crossed the two commanders’ minds but the more pressing concern was did this mean the enemy was behind them?

Several tense minutes pass as Spitfire hailed her scouts, trying to figure if they missed anything. The snowstorm wasn’t making it easy to confirm, but to the best of the pegasi ability, they determined no enemy units, at least notice amounts of them were not behind them.

Another hour passed and they remained on high alert. The tanks slowed their speed so those trotting behind them could catch their breath. The navigators angrily checked their maps and the rune maps the pegasus was mapping out. Some of the navigators bickered over which way they were going. For several minutes it appeared they were lost.

And then they saw it.

Like a shining beacon in the darkness, they saw the bright glare of light reflection off the crystal palace in the distance. They adjusted their trajectory and moved forward with caution. No enemies were spotted. Soon the temperature began to rise, the snow and wind fell away and they were driving on grass. The tanks came to a stop. Fury stuck his head out of the hatch amazed by what he saw and distrusted every inch of it.

“It’s so pretty! WeeWee!” Already the Pink one was bouncing toward the city proper. Before she could get too far several Rinin grabbed her and dragged her back. Fury could only shake his head as the other civilian exited their tanks and were roaming around like tourists. Even Shining’s sister.

“Oh, gods I’m not being paid enough for this.” He sucked in some air and shouted. “If you lot don’t get the fuck back here right now, I’m chaining you to the tanks!” He wheels around to the ground troops as they finally finished filing through whatever force was keeping the winter out. “You keep your helmets on! We are in enemy territory! Be on alert and start prepping the FOB! Gloves call Fleetfoot and tell her to start bringing in her Pegasus squads! Let’s move ponies!”

He jumped down from the tank and observed the crystal city. Cadence and Sweet Dreams walked up behind him. “Nothing about this is right.” He said grimly.

“The city looks fine, isn’t that a good thing?” Sweet Dreams asked puzzled.

He scoffs, “I was here over one thousand years ago when this city was attacked. It was the furthest away from fine as it could get. Hell, there was hardly a building standing! Now it looks like the war never happened! Something stinks here. We need to do some recon. We’ll dispatch some squads, with rinin leaders, ten ponies to a squad. We need to figure out what’s going on here before the main force shows up and whatever trap this is, is sprung.”

Fury turned around, already thinking about who he wants leading the squads when he finds Twilight Sparkle in his way. “What do you want.”

“I’m going with you.”

“And so are we,” Her friends chimed in as well, though some looked more hesitant than others. Celestia’s student looked defiant standing before him, she probably wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Fine,” He replied, surprising her as she jolted back, clearly expecting a different answer. “Just don’t go running off on your own. Trifecta, Applejazz, Gloves!”

As Fury marched into the troops to organize the recon teams Twilight stood with her friends next to Cadence as they look over the city. It was so beautiful. What could possibly go wrong? Confident Twilight took a step forward only for Cadence to hold out her leg to stop her.

“Listen to Fury Twilight, no running off. That goes for all of you, Princess orders.”

Within thirty minutes, three squads of ten were formed. Led by Fury, Trifecta, and AppleJazz. Gloves would stay back to manage the FOB. Cadence with her commando escort would join Fury’s squad, along with Twilight, Spike, and Applejack. Rarity and Pinkie would go with Trifecta, and Fluttershy and Rainbow would go with Applejazz. One tank would be assigned as back up.

A final tally of their small force, Fury gave the order for them to move out and they stroll into the city proper. They encounter no resistance, no enemy scouts or lookouts. They roll peacefully over the grassy hill into the city gates and then down the cobbled stone streets. Everyponies fur on edge as they wait for something to happen.

The tank finally came to a stop in the city square just outside of the palace, in the heart of the city. Fury took one look around and his fears only worsened. There was no crystal heart on the pedestal, but the more disturbing part was the crystal ponies milling around. One, in particular, caught his eye and he jumped down from the tank to catch the pony in question and get a good look at his muzzle. What he saw should have been impossible.

“Capitan Shiny Stone?”

Author's Notes:

Alright chapter 31 done! Sorry for the long wait guys, but my works hours are final stable again so things should be much smoother. I'm really happy about this arc, because I can explore Fury's character a bit more. Sixes and Luna kind took the spot light, and Fury's last main arc was the crystal Empire back in Night Patrol 1, so kind of nice circle. He's also the only pony alive besides Luna, that was there from start finish. Everypony else showed up when the city was burning. So that's why's in command for this mission.