Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 3: HONOR

Shadow was stunned at what time it was when he woke up. He jumped out bead out of instinct before realizing he wasn't in the barracks. It woke up Cherry Tart and Early Blossom.

“Well, it isn't too early,” Early Blossom commented. “I was hoping for some more sleep.” She finished with a shrug.

“It is 0723,” Shadow said as he stretched. “This is late for the farm.”

“Not us right now,” Cherry Tart moaned. “It is really relaxed with little to do since we are a fledgling farm. But yes, you have a very good point.”

Shadow put his uniform on without thinking. The girls were not wearing anything. As they headed out, they noticed the envelope that was slid underneath their door. It was the photos. They were all good shots.

“I wish I could have seen her,” Shadow sighed. “But it is as it is. We will be heading to separate trainings after all. And the five of us formed a bond that will last for life.”

“I am sure you will meet up later,” Early Blossom smiled. “But now, breakfast.”

They were walking the streets after breakfast, stopping in at various shops that the girls wanted to.

“You think you can just stroll around, doing nothing?” A stallion said angrily as he came up to them.

Shadow didn't flinch or move when the pegasus got up close. He held his ground in a non confrontational way.

“Is that a sign sir?” Shadow asked.

“You going to take it from me?”

“No Sir,” Shadow said. “I assume you are demonstrating again today. I was not aware there was one today.”

“You have a problem with that?” He challenged.

“No Sir. I would never stop you from making sure your concerns are heard. But I am not somepegasus you should be talking to. I am not stationed here Sir, or familiar with anything here. I am on leave. I am sure I can help you find the proper pegasus to speak with.”

The pegasus backed up. “You are useless and all you do is take up food.”

“Hey!” Early Blossom barked. “Take that back!”

“Blossom, let it go,” Shadow said moving to block her. She was in an aggressive stance.

“You are not though,” She said softly to Shadow.

“What do you actually do to help the Pegasus Race?” The Stallion said still angry.

“I am training for a new roll,” Shadow said firmly. “But! I came from a farm. A hard working farm. And this is my sister and both of them are farmers. They work the clouds all year long to make sure everypegasus is fed.”

“That is all they want, and all I wanted before joining up. And it is what I will go back to doing once I serve my time as a soldier. Farm so you can eat. It is our duty and we love doing it despite the hard work. We take pride in helping to feed everypegasus. I understand that things are not optimal in places. Serving with the Enclave had opening my eyes to a lot of things. I am doing what I can to make sure we all survive, in the best way I can.”

“All three of us sympathize with you and are doing all we can,” Shadow said softly. “Go make your voice heard. It is already heard here.”

The pegasus walked away and met up with some others carrying signs.

“We should avoid the main plaza,” Shadow cautioned.

“The last shop I wanted to visit is there,” Early Blossom replied. “They are supposed to have designer bags.”

“Clothes?” Shadow asked.

“Yes.”

“Then lets go,” Shadow sighed. “I need to get a change of clothes. I never had any to bring from home like others and it feels weird without something proper on.”

The gathering was not that big when they got to the plaza.

“That is a lot of soldiers,” Cherry Tart said looking at them all lined up.

“Most of those are simple law enforcement,” Shadow said. “Not soldiers. A different training program after basic. They do not need many for this city.”

A pegasus in Enclave armor dropped down beside them. “What are you doing over here. Get back to your post.”

Before Shadow could answer another one dropped in front of them.

“Back off Tuff and damn it Filly Fooler!”

“Sorry Lieutenant. How could I know this was happening today?”

“You have no change of clothes, do you?”

“You are correct. We are heading there where I will grab something.”

“Better hurry or they will pull you and put you to work, even with you being on leave. Duty first like we all swore. Better yet, I will walk you to it. Better safe than sorry.”

“Is that a Wonderbolt insignia?” Cherry Tart asked.

“Yes,” Lieutenant Marble Falls sighed. “Along with training recruits, I am a Wonderbolt stationed at Fort Wind.”

“Is it that bad?”

“Simple farmers Tuff,” The Lieutenant said answering his question. “And no, it isn't bad. They just need some extra hooves today. Duty calls, no matter what position you hold. Fort Wind has always kept some Wonderbolts Squads stationed there. We have to be stationed somewhere, so we are there to perform at graduation ceremonies. But here is the shop.”

“I will wear a dress if I have to,” Shadow smiled. “Thanks.”

“With the right dress, you would look amazing,” Lieutenant Marble Falls chuckled. She didn't disappear like usual, but just stood there talking to the one she called Tuff.

“Welcome too… am I in trouble?”

“No Ma'am,” Shadow said. “I am the one in a bind. I am on leave with no other clothing. I was not aware this would happen today.”

“Good,” She said finally breathing normally. “We can find you something easily and I know we can find something to your special somepony.”

“I am just a brother Ma'am. With family.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“No worries. But I guess it is getting tough to be a shop here?”

“Sadly it has slowed down business during their days off. But I am more than fine.”

It ended up fun, as Shadow modeled several sets of clothing for them. They paid for the one they chose and Shadow neatly folded his uniform before putting it in a bag.

“Have a wonderful day.”

“Thank you, we will,” Cherry Tart said.

“That got big,” Shadow said referencing the demonstration. “Lets go before this gets even more uncomfortable.”

“Definitely,” Early Blossom said picking her speed up.

They ate a later lunch than they had planned, quickly grabbed Shadow's duffel bag, and then took off back to Fort Wind.

Shadow had to wait past the gate for them to be approved. It was no problem for him since he was stationed here with his own ID. Their saddle bags had to be checked and then they were walked to the headquarters by one of the MPs.

They headed inside and approached the desk.

“DAMN IT FILLY FOOLER!” Lieutenant Marble Falls yelled behind them. “Every where I go today you are there! And there is no way you could be following me because I do not even know where I am going.”

“Are you alright Lieutenant?” General Red River asked from the top of the stairs. He had come out of his office at the yelling.

“No General,” She panted angrily. “And it has nothing to do with Filly Fooler there. The rally had to be ended early because some of the pegasi protesting the peaceful demonstrators got hostile. I had to drop in and pull one of them off another. Over a dozen arrests were made and there are half a dozen minor injuries. Strong medical care was provided. That is all I can report on. We left right after to report back.”

“Thank you Lieutenant,” General Red River replied. “But Filly Fooler, what brings you and your family here?”

“We wanted to make a request concerning Shadow,” Early Blossom hesitated. “A family request.”

“Farm troubles?” General Red River asked.

“No sir. Well indirectly?” Cherry Tart replied. “I am Cherry Tart and Early Blossom is my special somepony. Early Blossom is Shadow's sister. I want to have a foal, but we need a donor and the only place it can happen is Las Pegasus. We know it will take a while to work everything out.”

“Now it makes sense why you would leave your farms this long,” General Red River nodded.

“Nice pick,” Lieutenant Marble Falls interjected. “I know you didn't make it just because he is family. He is a real catch for any mare. Despite his size.”

“Lieutenant, your squadmates help with the Aerial Combat School correct?”

“Typically Sir. Not sure with the Captain being out, but typically. And with the changing situation…”

“All four of you come with me,” General Red River said turning to go back into his office.

Shadow shrugged and headed up the stairs first. The Lieutenant came in last.

“Lieutenant,” General Red River said as she closed the door. “The Major has headed off to take care of some other business.”

“I understand Sir,” Lieutenant Marble Falls replied.

“I don't,” Early Blossom whispered.

“You are not supposed to,” Shadow said. “Two different roads crossing and some you can't know.”

“Tell me, how long have you two thought about this?” The General asked.

“We have considered all the options since the beginning,” Cherry Tart said. “Last fall around harvest, we did discuss the options with Shadow. Just open chatting, but nothing specific.”

“You can relax,” The General said to Early Blossom. “I get the situation out where you come from. It is tough which is why I am immediately hearing it personally. Shadow really peaked my interest.”

“After Shadow left we thought more about it,” Early Blossom said more confidently.

“I was living with them and helping out for a while,” Shadow clarified.

“Yes. So without him, we explored the options again,” Cherry Tart explained. “ We needed to fill the void. We both are used to large families and ponies always over or being over with others... the quiet is okay for a little while. Two months ago we decide to do it and to ask Shadow. He embodies all the traits we want passed on and would make a great roll model for our foul to know about and hopefully find a hero to strive to be like.”

“Nopony back home found our favor,” Cherry Tart continued. “And being filly foolers is one thing, but being a donor is completely foreign to them, and us.”

“You have given plenty of thought to this then,” General Red River stated. “And it is a big honor for you Shadow Flare. What does it require him to do?”

“A quick semen donate at the facility,” Cherry Tart stated. “That is it. But it is a five day flight from here. I know it is a lot to ask.”

“I have done some digging into your district,” General Red River said. “I have gotten to know Sergeant Sky Breaker, the recruiter for the district. He has a wonderful plan and is working hard to be the best image of the Enclave he can be. He is working as hard as if he was home, farming.

“And I know he helps out sometimes. I actually prefer that. Recruiters fall under my control. If a recruiter in his location and with his background, heads home for a bit to help with planting and harvest, that is fine for me so long as he is representing the Enclave proper. It looks good to the community. We all have our duty to do, but I do want to improve relations so that together, we can do more.”

“Lieutenant, how fast can you two make the trip?”

“Round trip to Las Pegasus? Five days tops.”

“Lets get Shadow's family back to New Heaven and then on their way to Las Pegasus. You two will meet up with them in seven days. This will be family emergency leave. Your farm can not survive without producing foals. I assume you two have the finances worked out.”

“Yes Sir,” Cherry Tart replied. “Early Blossom's Family, and Shadow's, has been able to save a good amount over the years. Including enough to cover this.”

“Yes, I saw the legal document connected to your homestead,” General Red River said. “Shadow Flare really peaked my interest on the first day. Then it is settled. Let's get you two on your way. And they will meet you in seven days. Plenty of time for you two to make it there.”

One of the Lieutenant's squadmates was tasked with leading them back to New Heaven since it would be dark soon. The General needed to talk with Lieutenant Marble Falls and Shadow, otherwise Shadow would have flown them back.

“Lieutenant, Shadow is aware of your past mission,” General Red River said as he closed the door. “I would like you to pass on what you can while you make that trip.”

“Yes Sir,” The Lieutenant replied.

“Shadow Flare, that means 0900 be at the range to start weapons training.”

“Thank you Sir!” Shadow said. “Thank you so much Sir. My whole family appreciates it.”

“I have seen thousands of recruits. None have ever peaked my interest like you have. That has little to do with you going recon. Your family and community has been interesting to get to know, from what I can. But you are the real gem. Cardinal Spitfire may have placed first, but you are the most interesting recruit I have ever met. And interesting as in you will go places and do great things others can't even dream of. Including me.”

“I want to help you do that in any way I can. Making sure your family is safe and secure will only calm you mind and help you train better. And I say that because I care, not because I want a better number on my next report to the counsel.”

“Thank you Sir!” Shadow said again.

“Now, I am going to retire for the night soon,” General Red River said dismissing them.

General Red River left out the part that his care for Shadow meant he needed him grounded and happy. It was not fair to rip what Shadow cared about from him. It was the very reason he was so good, but the very thing that would destroy him if he lost hope in his family.

“Well that was interesting,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said as they walked down the stairs. “I never saw any of that coming. I do look forward to our upcoming flight. That is what I wanted to ask you about the other day concerning your comment about learning from me. I wanted to confirm that you had been told what happened.”

“I look forward too Ma'am,” Shadow smiled. “And yes. I had just learned about it. I had asked about Captain Nova, and it led there. I wish we could of known as we began training with you. I think we would have learned better and worked harder.

“Nah,” Lieutenant Marble Falls scoffed. “You guys had me on the tip of my hooves at times. I made sure you were more than ready for below. And Filly Fooler, you can call me Falls.”

“Alright Falls,” Shadow said. “And I love the nickname Filly Fooler.”

“That is the best damn nickname this Fort has ever seen. Mind you, I am still your superior.”

“Of course Falls. And if you can, I would love to learn how to drop in out no nowhere like you do and disappear into thin air as well.”

“I can teach you that. It will be an invaluable skill for you. But off to bed. 0900 may be later, but you definitely need the sleep. Your whole body shows how much you need.”

Shadow didn't notice which beds were occupied and which were empty. He found the recruit photo book on his bed and flipped through it.

It had a letter from the General, the heads over training and then the history of the Enclave. After it was a dozen pages from different times all around the Fort. He had no idea that some of those pictures were being taken. The other Barracks had some downtime photos, but not black.

Next was the page of the top ten recruits. Each recruit had a big picture, which they pulled from their group photo. Cardinal Spitfire had the largest one. Their name and next school was below. Shadow's said Reconnaissance.

Black Barracks had three pages of random pictures of just them in training and then each recruit and their name was on a separate page. There was a picture of the five of them doing some activity together and a picture of Filly Fooler Squad in mid flight, from above and off to their side. The camera crew was really good at not being seen.

Shadow flipped through the other Barracks. They were in order of overall placement. Red was last, not yellow, and Green was in the middle. Each Barracks had the same organizational system like Black did and with their own personal highlights.

Shadow finally set it aside and laid down to sleep. His back was to the rest of the Barracks.

In the morning, Shadow did a light PT workout before breakfast and gearing up. He landed at the range at 0845. There was only one Pegasus there who's back was to him.

“0845, right on time,” Lieutenant Marble Falls smiled.

He didn't recognize her at first because she was wearing her Wonderbolt Armor. He had only seen her in it yesterday, and never seen the Wonderbolts before that.

“I spoke with General Red River this morning. If I am going to teach you what little I can during the flight, I might as well take care of your weapons training. I am well versed in them all and hopefully can pass on more than I realized I learned and experienced. After all, I am the only active duty soldier who has gone below.”

“Wow,” Shadow said shocked. “Makes sense. But don't you have to prepare to train more recruits? I know that there is already in full session. Black Barracks B.”

“Typically, this time is spent with some training for my squad and boring, useless paperwork. But, I excused myself from training. Our Captain is out medically for an unknown amount of time. I am the current leader. With things potentially heating up in New Heaven, I decided it was best for me to not be tied down with training recruits.”

Lieutenant Marble Falls chuckled. “Lieutenant Razzleberry is not happy. He wants revenge. But for now, it is what is best. And he knows that.”

“Now, enough time has been wasted. You are going to learn it all, but the training is technically Heavy Weapons School, personalized. We are starting with explosives. After, we will get you a modular set up for the real guns.”

“Don't get me wrong, what you are packing is what a typical light trooper carries and it does a really good job, standing the test of time since before the clouds were sealed up. But you will have different system. Major Winters Breath is doing something new and special, but I doubt that will be a main weapon. We have better.”

The ammo was unlimited and they didn't have to worry about clean up. Lieutenant Marble Falls put Shadow to work learning how to really shoot a rocket launcher. It was a different model. It was lighter and compact, the opposite they were introduced to. It wasn't long before he could quickly load, find his target and then hit it.

He was then taken to grenades. They tossed some live ones to make sure he could time them really well and didn't jump out of his armor each time one went out. Then became the important training, tactics and accuracy.

Lieutenant Marble Falls was working Shadow through flushing out enemies behind cover and forcing enemy combatants to move where he wanted them to. Accuracy was key and it wasn't all about killing. They also tossed a lot into bunkers, through holes in walls, and into trenches. Strategic placements, not just some behind a wall. Almost all of the grenades were training dummies, but the Lieutenant had a box filled with a mix. It was luck of the draw and Shadow was not allowed to check the stamp on the bottom.

“Using a mortar alone is the toughest weapon,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said introducing it to him. “It isn't designed to be used solo and you have to have an exposed line of sight. I am sure you remember training and how you typically want to fire blind from behind cover like rubble, a hole, or a hill.”

When the Lieutenant felt Shadow was trained enough on the philosophy she put him behind the mortar. They used a lot of blank warheads, but the training was not about being spot on, but generalized and fast. Shadow learned how to aim and judge the distance without a spotter giving him the coordinates and adjustments.

“Lets grab lunch and then switch out your gear,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said bored. “Then we will work on some flying. I actually have a reason to fly with one of the Filly Foolers Squad without looking too favorable.”

“You did a good job,” Shadow assured her. “It wasn't easily juggling us with the others. Despite how good all of our squads were. In the end, we all learned what we needed and more.”

“Thanks,” The Lieutenant smiled.

Lunch was different only in his mind. The cooks knew them at least by face and congratulated Shadow on graduating. Sitting with the Lieutenant was odd in his mind. He was a soldier sitting with another one. That was all. She just happened to be his special instructor and a Wonderbolt.

The quartermaster office had a line.

“Lieutenant, we will be right with you.”

The soldiers came to attention and were going to salute the Lieutenant, but she called 'at ease' before they could.

“We can wait in line like everypegasus else,” The Lieutenant replied. “We are not in a hurry.”

“Hey Shadow,” Deke said as he looked up from signing paperwork. “Back and turning in gear already. When do you leave?”

“Unsure,” Shadow said. “You?”

“Tomorrow. Officer School is at Nellie Air Force Base and its marked as a four day flight. So what are you going to do, just stay in Black Barrack and wait?”

“No, they have me at the range with a lot of different guns. Lieutenant Marble Falls is my instructor. She is well versed in all weapons.”

“Really?” Deke said surprised. “Nothing against you Ma'am.”

“Deke, they are just having a familiar instructor training me,” Shadow stated.

“Why are you turning in your battle saddle if you are weapons training?”

“He needs a different one,” Lieutenant Marble Falls stated. “It is a standard battle saddle, the base model not just for training, but use. All of yours belong to the training here. Shadow needs a different saddle for the training he will be undergoing.”

“Like a real machine gun,” Deke grinned.

“Already was working on explosives again,” Shadow said. “There was no time to turn in or draw gear.”

“Like what booms?”

“I can accurately shoot a rocket launcher,” Shadow said. “And am learning to use a mortal alone.”

“No spotter?”

“Have to have direct line of sight, but yeah,” Shadow said.

“Recon doesn't mess around,” Deke chuckled.

“Yeah. But I told you all I know,” Shadow said. “Its ponies like you who will pick at me to get the classified stuff. I learn more after you leave.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Deke said chuckling as he walked out the door. “You already said that.”

“Let's get this gear in first,” The quartermaster said when they got to the cage.

It didn't take long. He was well prepare for the graduated recruits to turn their's in. Everything was neatly in the file cabinets behind him.

“What are you needing to take out?”

“Mark 4 Armor,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said. “And a GPER 76-2 Delta and a EMG 55-6 Delta. Five training mags for each.”

“Let me see if we have those in stock,” He said heading to the back.

“They will have it ready out back. Only Mark 4 we have,” He said returning. “Paperwork.”

“I will be checking it out,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said.

“Are you sure?” He asked.

“This is temporary training. Last thing we need is Shadow Flare being transferred with no warning and having to spend time turn in gear. I know you are fast, but a transfer might be faster. We just don’t know.”

“Alright.”

They picked up the gear around the back of the building. Shadow had to head into the building and put on a different suit to go under the armor.

“Nice job dealing with Deke,” The Lieutenant commended him. “He loves his questions.”

“Thanks,” Shadow replied. “Just enough to keep him quiet.”

Shadow's Legs were forced into something and his tail was pulled into position as they put everything on. His head bobbed as they slapped his helmet on. He had to adjust it so he could see.

“This feels weird. Heavy,” Shadow said moving his legs and wings.

“You will get used to it,” Lieutenant Marble Falls shrugged. “And you are missing the guns. Wings up again.”

The guns were snapped into place and then secured.

“Yes, you can fly in it,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said as she began to walk away. Shadow walked after her. She was forcing him to learn it on his own. Shadow could hear the armor work alongside his muscles.

He kept moving his wings in and out. A protective layer of armor was on top, but expanded like his feathers. The body was well plated for strong protection against weapons. This armor would be able to withstand return fire while doing a strafing run, same with surviving an attack from above. The tale was longer than Shadow was used to and had a shard blade at the tip. He had to try and keep it out of the way so he didn't trip.

“What exactly am I wearing?” Shadow asked when they were clear of ponies.

“It's pegasus power armor,” The Lieutenant answered. “An upgraded model from the war. This is what pegasi were being trained to fly in back then. It had proved to be very effective in combat. It saved a lot of pegasi lives but not enough. The war wasn't ours to fight or concern us.”

“Still, it proves very useful to protect the Pegasi even today. Even ones from the war are still in great condition and are fielded today. You were trained with combat armor, which his very effective. Power armor though, it does more than protect.”

“It is what allows me to drop out of the sky the way I do. Well how I learned. It accentuates your body, making every move more powerful and keeps your limbs safe. Even your unarmed combat attacks will become crippling, if not deadly with a single strike. It helps everything move better, faster.”

“It is similar to the Power Armor the Earth Ponies made for battle, except their models were heavier and with much bigger guns. Their invention was taken to make it suitable for pegasi. I do not know if we have speed over them, but they certainly have the stronger firepower and shielding.”

“The armor requires a power source, but those last a long time. Some of our war models are still using their original sources. It feels clunky to start, but soon you will have no problem flying with it.”

“So,” Shadow said beginning to grasp it all. “Better than combat armor, can take a lot more hits from all angles, can protect you from crushing blows while helping me deal my own, and light enough you still can fly really well.”

“And a few more things,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said. “Your helmet leaves your mouth open. On your right flank is a mask that seals that off like the gas mask you were trained to use. It's advantage is it doesn't constrict your breathing as much. And the power armor is built to help shield the wearer from radiation. Not stop it, but a good shield for the unexpected. The other thing is a stealthbuck mod. A device that, for a limited time, renders you pretty much invisible.”

“Your rifles. You probably noticed there was no actual battle saddle. On the Mark 4 model, these rifles lock onto the armor themselves. The other Power Armor models use different connection systems, including battle saddles, but most weapons can be used on a battle saddle or bolted onto something. We have standardized mounts for a reason.”

“The GPER 76-2, usually just called Jeeper, is a long gun battle rifle. As you can see, it is several inches longer than the one you trained on, and instead of the small caliber round, this one fires a 7.62 millimeter round. The EMG 55-6 is a box magazine fed light machine gun. You learned the belt fed, MG-42. They both fire the same 5.56 millimeter round.”

“What does the GPER, EMG and MG stand for?” Shadow asked. “I get the numbers now…”

“Grand Pegasus Enclave Rifle,” Lieutenant Marble Falls explained. “The first rifle the Enclave made alone, post war. It also comes in the 55-6 Model with Alpha being shorter and Bravo being the longer variants. EMG is Enclave Machine Gun. A newer development made as our MG, Machine Guns, from the war began to break down from the use over a hundred years.”

“And the Delta?” Shadow asked.

“The last goody of power armor. E.F.S. Mod. Eyes Forward Sparkle Spell. One of the few things from the unicorns I don't hate. It is an advanced system that helps you target enemies, even down to specific body parts. It has its limitations. It can be flat and lack depth perception, making you calculate the distance and then do the manual adjustments.”

“The Delta models are the first to connect the rifle and the E.F.S. system. They are brand new, only coming into play over the past ten years. They help compensate for the distance errors with minor maneuverability from their mounts.”

“For when you began to go below,” Shadow said.

“Exactly. The scouts had the hardest time since we were zooming through at high speeds. Our E.F.S. was useless on the mission. Ponies popping out of everywhere and often nowhere. Our shots we made were often blind, attempting to suppress targets ahead of us to get clear.”

“I don't know if it even did something, but it didn't feel like it. E.F.S. along with Delta mods still wont help when we fly at blistering speeds, but when we do slow down, they become useful. Regular soldiers do not have E.F.S. mods. Those few that do get them are taught to shoot without them, so if they are not helping or give out, they can compensate. Just like you will learn.”

“Don't rely too much on your technology,” Shadow said.

“Every advantage is an advantage,” The Lieutenant said. “You taught me to value even the littlest ones, but you have to know the limitations of those advantages and when they will stop being an advantage, or worse, if they become a disadvantage. Some of this is pre-war tech we are dealing with.”

“But enough chit chat! Lets fly!” The Lieutenant said before jumping straight up.

Shadow bent down a bit and jumped. The armor tossed him into the air. He heard the Lieutenant laughing as he spun out and had to gain control.

“Trust the armor like you naturally trust your wings,” She called out.

Shadow pulled his wings in and dove. Right before the ground he opened them up and skimmed across the ground. He had to suddenly roll to avoid a barracks marching back together. Shadow pulled up and back around to meet up with the Lieutenant.

She wasn't there. She pulled up alongside him a minute alter.

“Nice going. You figured it out, but I had to cover you ass for your close call. On my wing.”

Shadow followed Lieutenant Marble Falls as she broke him into flying with the armor. It wasn't long before she had him diving and rolling with her naturally. Her training on signals and non verbal commands came in very handy. Their speed wasn't great. They had plenty of time to work on that. He was here for weapons training right now, not flight.

“Grab chow,” She said when they finally landed. “We pick up with your rifles at 0900. I wish the range was closer. For now, 0900. I want a bit of a break from the early mornings too. But that doesn't mean I will be lax, tolerate tardiness, or let up on your training.”

Shadow went to the barracks first to leave his armor.

“What are you wearing?” Deke asked intrigued.

“Always with the questions,” Olive Pit said. “He has armor on, duh.”

“When do you leave Golden Dawn?” Shadow asked ignoring Deke.

“In two days. Heading to Mareland Joint Operations Base. It is near where Cloudsdale originally was. I will do Combat School, run with a unit for a year and then go to Officer School. The NCOs like officers who were first like them, non commissioned. You think differently. A very big difference between a combat unit, and cloudship officers or medics.”

“Deke said you are staying here?” Golden Dawn asked.

“Deke and his big mouth,” Shadow laughed. “He is the reason I do not know my full orders. They want me to train more on weapons while I wait. I will get orders once you guys are off to you schools.”

“Deke said what you were shooting earlier,” Olive Pit said, asking without asking. “Well he actually only said booms training.”

They chuckled.

“But we can see the guns you are carrying now,” Olive Pit continued.

“These?” Shadow said lifting his wings. “Some of the standard rifles the Enclave uses. Golden Dawn should be trained on both of these in Combat School.”

“But you have two,” Golden Dawn marveled.

“Yeah. So?” Shadow asked. “We wore one, why not one on each side?”

“I never thought of that,” Olive Pit said.

“Flying?” Deke asked.

“A bit different, but think about how different the change is between flying in a uniform and flying in combat armor. Small adjustments. But this probably would ground you Deke.”

They all laughed at Deke's 'weak' flying. There were no real weak fliers in Black.

“What are we laughing about?” Cardinal Spitfire said coming in wearing a dress.

“I never thought I would see you in a dress,” Golden Dawn said. “You look absolutely gorgeous. Dreamy.”

“Not a chance,” Cardinal Spitfire laughed. “But who is our visitor?”

“You don't recognize you battle buddy?” Shadow asked. His back had been towards her.

“Shadow… Wow…” Cardinal Spitfire stuttered. “I… that is a transformation. Is this your new gear?”

“For now,” Shadow said explaining his current, small assignment.

“And you would not believe who they picked to train him!” Deke jumped in. “Lieutenant Marble Falls!”

“Good choice,” Cardinal Spitfire replied. “When does the next aerial training start for the recruits?”

“Soon,” Shadow said. “For now, I am assigned to her. Or she is to me. Not sure which.”

“We all are here,” Deke said stating it like it was some big revelation. “Let's sign each other's books! Further cementing it into our lives.”

“They had a great shot with all five of us doing some task together,” Shadow said. Perfect place for the signatures.”

“Nah, I want to write more than just my name,” Deke said.

“You would write the whole book if you could!” Olive Pit said punching him in the arm.

“Maybe I will,” Deke smiled. “Maybe I will write a book about us later.”

Shadow ditched the armor so he could write better. It didn't fit in his locker, so he put it on the other side of his bed, along the wall.

“You got the pictures?” Cardinal Spitfire asked him.

“Yeah,” Shadow said. “They were amazing and so special. They will be with me on deployment. Same with my family seeds, a small Heritage book and if there is room, our picture book.”

“You are so sentimental,” Cardinal Spitfire chuckled.

“Remember where you came from. Your foundation. Keep it strong and your will be able to build a tall house, lose it and even a simple house will fall apart.”

“Write that in my book,” She said giving it to him along with a pen.

Shadow did, along with 'any advantage is an advantage.'

“You look stunning in that dress,” Shadow said. “Who knows where we will be in a year or two. I don't even know next week...” Shadow just ended with a chuckled.

Cardinal Spitfire smiled back at him and passed him his book back. They got the others to sign them, and all squad members of Filly Foolers signed each other's books. Shadow put the same wisdom in all of their books, but in Cardinal Spitfire's he wrote some more personal stuff about their friendship by the photo with the five of them.

“Dude, your writing is...” Deke gawked. “Like a young colt's. What? Did you drop out of school?”

They all looked at him.

“Oh, yeah. Duh,” He chuckled.

“I do not have an early morning, but I can not be late,” Shadow said walking back to his bed. “A lot to learn in a short time.”