My fate is decided.

I left the office of one Captain Spitfire, commander of the Wonderbolt Demonstration Squadron, having turned in my badge and uniform, alongside a notice of my departure.

I had no intention of staying here, not after that eventful day.

To be honest, I’ve had doubts since before day one. My family always had a place in military life.

My father, Brigadier General Blitzschlag, Equestrian Royal Air Force, recently promoted, well decorated.

My uncle, First Lieutenant Strom, Equestrian Royal Army, prior enlistee, held the rank of First Sergeant. Rough around the edges, but highly respected.

My older cousin, Sergeant Static, also Equestrian Royal Army Reserve, loving husband, won the heart of a Canterlot noblemare and the ire of her father.

My younger cousin, Petty Officer Third Class Plasma, Equestrian Royal Navy, air traffic controller, kind of timid but well organized.

And me? I’m the youngest of the family, only child. A Wonderbolt, a demonstration detachment of the Air Force. Or more specifically, a cadet within the academy. Or at least I was before resigning. Compared to most of my family, I haven’t accomplished anything special yet. Even my mother Khaki Clouds and aunt Gale have served our country in some form or another without actually serving in the armed forces. It was time I start my career. Sure, I could’ve just settled with just being a wife, having a few kids, and maybe working a more mundane job. And indeed, I do intend to start a family eventually. But in this turbulent time of my life, my early adulthood, I still haven’t found myself yet. What is my purpose in life? Certainly not being a performer.

No, I want to mature. I want to make something of my life. But what would I do?

My question was still brewing as I came home to my parent’s house, quietly sitting on the sofa next to my mother who greeted me as she surfed the programs on the television set. My father had his decorations and photos of his achievements on a wall in the living room, the framed photo of shaking hooves with Princess Celestia, the commander-in-chief herself, being the most prominent among them. It was a source of pride for him and inspiration for my cousins and I.

I might come as no surprise at this point to whomever is reading this that I am what you might call a military brat. Growing up, it was common for us to travel as my father and uncle were reassigned to different posts. I got to learn different languages and immerse myself in many different cultures, some not even Equestrian. However as a result of moving frequently, I had trouble forming relationships, having only had my cousins as permanent friends, and I think that contributed to my impersonal behavior. From the beginning of adolescence I had trouble empathizing with others, failed to understand how my actions would affect them… In a sense, that led to the events that happened last week at the academy.

Nevertheless, I had always wanted to follow the family’s military tradition. It was a lifestyle I enjoyed and I wanted to make something of myself. But as previously stated, I just haven’t found my place yet. My experience in the Wonderbolt Academy taught me I still have much growing up to do. That humble pie back there was the kick in the pants I needed to realize that. A few friends of mine had shown me what loyalty truly was. And in hindsight, I probably deserved the disciplinary action I got. I don’t know what I was thinking. Perhaps I wasn’t.

And yet I can’t shake this feeling. It’s been bothering me since I met her, but it seems she knew more about what I wanted than I did. Who was I? As good a friend as she was, it became increasingly clear I didn’t belong there. The others had forgiven me, I served my probation, repaid my debts, but the Wonderbolts just didn’t seem me the more I thought.

So I left.

Facing my father for not following through with the training wasn’t something I was looking forward to, but after the initial speech of his he helped me look through my options.

Air Force? Well, it’s always been a respectable service. Father always loves to tell his stories of service and the challenges he had to overcome to become a flag officer. I met many great airmen, but after the Wonderbolts, I think I’m going to pass.

Navy? Plasma shares his experience constantly. Naval aviation is certainly an option, as is the marine infantry. So many things to do, it’s certainly an adventure. But I can’t guarantee I’d get the job I wanted. I don’t know if simply maintaining a ship’s engines or the like would be my dream job.

Army? Both Uncle Strom and Cousin Static talk about it and love it. It’s hard and the road will be filled with obstacles, but I can certainly take it. I know I can.

The Army it is.

After speaking with the recruiter in Canterlot and enlisting, I showed up for basic training at Fort Mustang, an Army base located outside Las Pegasus. As I expected, those 10 weeks were some of the most grueling of my life. Everything from physical fitness to keeping my uniform maintained to even just getting marches and saluting perfect, every day was filled with orders, fatigue, blood, sweat, and tears. From the beginning, the drill instructor seemed to hound me in particular, subjecting me to increasingly challenging tasks. Not even fitness related, simple things like cooking, cleaning out the offices, and washing the windows five stories high. I could tell though, he saw potential in me. I gained a new reputation, along with a new nickname.

Airheart.

I became known by this name during my time in basic training. Everypony called me that, drill instructor, fellow recruits, and officers. I became Private Airheart. I didn’t complain. It was exhilarating. I was becoming someone. And I truly did become someone upon graduating from training. I was a fully christened soldier, and my first assignment had me placed on scouting duty in an archipelago in the western sea. Flying high above the sea on a joint mission with the marines, my squad blending in with the black night sky, with only a rifle, a radio, and a pair of night vision goggles to aid us.

No doubt about it, I will make something of myself starting from this point.

I am Private Lightning Dust the Airheart.

And my fate is decided.

Author's Notes:

For those who served our country, we salute you and express our gratitude to you.
Happy Veterans Day.