Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 3: HONOR

“Not bad,” Lieutenant Marble Falls stated. “The longer rifle suits you better.”

“Still slow to line up a shot,” Shadow said taking off his helmet.

“Its a precision weapon,” The Lieutenant explained. “The 76-2 is a battle rifle. It is a heavier, bigger round with more punch. It is designed to go through light cover and light armor. That is it's job and philosophy.”

“The combat armor?” Shadow asked.

“Light troopers wear what you were trained with. It will punch through, or on the off chance it does not, break bones. For a regular soldier, an armor piecing round will do the job. But the 55-6 model, even armor piecing will have to find the parts without a plate to punch through. Don't think that it won't hurt. Bullets don't bounce off without doing same damage. Even with power armor. We have armor piercing rounds for a reason.”

The Lieutenant was all business. All trainer. “Now I want to see what you can do with that EMG.”

Shadow put his helmet on. They had the laser training magazines, but they had been using live rounds. Sweep up the brass, but the lead down range would be cleaned up later.

Shadow cycled the machine gun and opened up. It was the first time he had fired this model or anything on his left. He was wild and high. Shadow tightened up and walked the shot pattern down to the first target. He ran out before he could continue and quickly changed mags. He was high again, but not as wild. He knocked out the next three targets in a nice sweep before he had to change magazines again.

Lieutenant Marble Falls soon switched up the target design. He had 5 to hit in and X design. The goal was to fire several shots and hit each target quickly, without walking the shot pattern to the next target. Accuracy was key. For starters, it conserved ammo.

Shadow had to slow down, but he soon saw the real value of a machine gun as he pounded each target with half a dozen rounds at once before shooting the next the same way. He would not have to shoot at full auto to easily dispatch or keep enemies pinned.

They stayed at the range all day until Shadow was mentally exhausted. Lieutenant Marble Falls still ran him through some aerial training exercises before she let him go for the evening.

He said final goodbyes in the barracks in the morning. He lost track of the time and dashed off to the range, arrive after 0930.

“I said don't be late, didn't I?” Lieutenant Marble Falls said annoyed.

“Sorry Ma'am. Poor choice. I lost track of time saying goodbyes. Not an excuse though. I will do better.”

It was light work with his guns before they moved back to explosives. This time they added the grenade launcher to the mix. The power armor helmet did a lot better job at blocking the loudness of the explosions.

Days blended with the barracks empty except for his bunk. Even Cardinal Spitfire had been moved to the Aerial Combat School Units.

For the flight to Las Pegasus, Shadow only wore his flight suits and had a dress uniform on hand.

“You know, I never got a good look at things below,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said as they flew. “But we did a lot of high quality flying at tough speeds. I am going to push you to those speeds. You need them for recon. Obviously, neither of us are wearing armor, which changes things. But we will still push. And power armor, once learned properly, can be as fast as no armor. Few can truly master it.”

They slowly built up their speed. Shadow was flying at least as fast as he did in Filly Foolers Squad. It never was a strait flight. Shifting and adjusting kept your mind awake so you didn't focus too much and get tunnel vision. They including rolls, dives, climbs and solo flying at times.

Night was spent at a hotel in a small town. Dinner, bed, up and then onto breakfast. All in the span in under 7 hours. Shadow was tired. The fast speed over the long distance was getting to him.

“See that flag?” Lieutenant Marble Falls said pointing. “Welcome to Nellie Air Force Base. We made great time. It still is a three hour flight to the main base where we will bunk for the night. And from there, its an hour out to Las Pegasus.”

“Some team will be intersecting with us shortly since we just came into their airspace. They are expecting us and it will be a simple check in like at the gates.”

“I am surprised,” Shadow said. “I was thinking we would arrive much later or early in the morning.”

“Nah, you are a hearty flier with good speed. Just what recon needs when it comes to aerial skills.”

“Have you been stationed here?” Shadow asked.

“Never. I have only been here a few times, for Wonderbolt shows. Most of my time was spent at Mareland Joint Operations Base. The scouts were based out of there until they were shut down. That is when we were moved to Fort Wind so I could train new recruits.”

“Are those Cloudships? Shadow asked about the big clouds mixed with metal.

“Yeah. I guess you never would have seen one where you live.”

“One probably landed at El Nino, but the Enclave flew chariots out to pick up the taxes from each farm. They paid close attention to the farm and what they thought it's yield should be for that year. They never really knew what they were talking about though,” Shadow said finishing with a chuckle.

“That small one there is the Red Dawn. She is from the war. The oldest cloudship the Enclave has, and the fastest. Raptors are fast, but their armor and guns slow them down. They need them to take on dragons. But the Red Dawn was built as a troop transport. Mind you, She isn’t a Sky-tank like the Enclave transports. She is smaller and predates that class of cloudships.”

“Besides her is the Solar. That is a Raptor. She was just launched a year ago. We can’t make Cloudships easily. Putting those resources into one, and a Raptor at that is, an interesting power play. Typically, a ship is retrofitted or docked for repairs. Most of the recent builds are transports. The transports take a lot of abuse and can be armed quite well.”

“The Enclave doubled the Red Dawn’s guns in a retrofit, so she really packs a good punch, but it’s still not the same as a Raptors. They call her a Battle Cruiser now, despite playing a troop transport role. There is a good prestige to be her captain. A long, excellent service history.”

“The Red Dawn has a lot of rumors associated with it, specifically Unit 731. A secret unit supposedly based out of the Red Dawn itself. A unit being based out of a small ship rather than a base or a Thunderhead is unheard of. Hence the rumor.”

Shadow chuckled. “And what does this Unit 731 supposedly do?”

“That depends on who is telling the story,” Lieutenant Marble Falls chuckled. “I did some checking a while ago about her. I couldn’t find much about the ship outside of technical specs and crew. But it didn’t cover any units being based out of the ship or it’s job. The Fleet its assigned to a the 3rd Fleet. That Fleet has five other ships of odd categories in it, including what is called a corvette.”

“Regardless of what fleet she is in, I have always believed the rumors that she is a Wonderbolt cloudship. Or in some way works with the Wonderbolts.”

“Wouldn’t you know?” Shadow asked.

“There is a lot I don’t know,” Lieutenant Marble Falls replied. “I only get a small picture into all that the Wonderbolts do. It keeps things contained.”

The aerial squad intersected them, ending that conversation. They were checked in and cleared quickly.

Their beds were in the general bunk house. The grabbed bunks and changed into their dress uniforms. They left their bags in the lockers assigned to each bed. They wanted to keep them in case they needed them, as well as them changing back into their flight suits.

“Now the fun begins,” Shadow said. “Finding this address… in all this.”

Lieutenant Marble Falls laughed. “First time in a metropolis like this is staggering for anypegasus. Unless you come from here, New Cloudsdale or even Twin Clouds.”

“It is so loud,” Shadow said. He felt like his voice was ripped away from his mouth and tossed into the loud drum of city life.

Shadow had never seen Sky Chariots that were for transportation and was amazed at the whole other 'street' for flying.

Lieutenant Marble Falls hailed a chariot and had him head to the main Enclave office. They were dropped off a ways out because of the crowd.

“Is it what I think it is?” Shadow asked.

“Probably. Make sure to tighten up your tongue to pegasus.”

“Yes Ma'am.”

“I guess that was a formal order,” She said.

“Sorry Falls. It is a weird balance with you teaching me and being so… unorthodox.”

An enclave pegasus came running up. “Good! We need more hooves to keep them back.”

“We are on official business,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said.

“But Lieutenant, duty is calling and it is falling apart. The dissenters have been been pushing at our riot shields. Besides, your uniform says you are a Wonderbolt.”

“Lets go take a look Filly Fooler,” Lieutenant Marble Falls sighed.

“On your lead,” Shadow confirmed.

They got above and Shadow have never seen so many ponies in one place. The city hall was right besides the Grand Pegasus Enclave Headquarters. This was the Enclave here. Where it all happened.

“I always bring a whistle,” Lieutenant Marble Falls stated. “See that opening? It is time to try out the sky drop, without armor. And keep your wings tucked in no matter what. It reduces their chance of being pulled or hit. If you need to bug out, jump and then open them.”

They did a quick flip before pulling their wings in. Shadow was still getting used to it so he was forced to slid into a wide stance. He came up out of it watch Lieutenant Marble Falls blowing her whistle. Nopony knew where they came from.

“I shouldn't have to drop into the middle of you to shut you up!” She ordered. “I am a Wonderbolt. Back away and stay civil. It is your right to peaceful demonstrations. I did not see peaceful upon my arrival. I am not here because of you. I have official business and you should not be taking me away from that by losing your cool. I have had fresh recruits better than you. And no, I have no idea why you are gathered here. Knock it off!”

The Lieutenant looked at Shadow and they launched off, stunning the crowd at their speed.

“That ought to help for a little bit,” She groaned as they walked into the Headquarters.

“I think they mistook me for a Wonderbolt,” Shadow said concerned.

“That is what I was counting on,” She smiled at him.

They approached the front desk. The pegasus saluted them.

“Lieutenant Marble Falls with Sergeant Shadow Flare.”

“Yes Ma’am. Follow me.”

They were taken into the back where there were a lot of rooms. Most of them were for some officer or anther.

'Doctor Stitches' was on the door they were shown to.

“Ah, glad you could make,” He said standing up. “It is a pleasure to have you join us here. I hope things were not too crazy.”

“We had to drop in and yell at them,” Lieutenant Marble Falls stated. “But they are not used to a Wonderbolt's idea of coming in for a landing. It should help for a while.”

“We will head out the back way,” The Doctor said. “I trust your flight all the way was good.”

“Yes Sir,” The Lieutenant said. “And he could keep up.”

“Keep up?”

“I am not a Wonderbolt if that is what you are assuming,” Shadow said.

“I was,” He replied. “It has been busy and complicated at the hospital. I skimmed the orders and must have missed that. What are you doing with a Wonderbolt?”

“Specialized training,” Shadow replied. “Just graduated from Basic. But I am waiting for more permanent orders to whatever recon wants me to do. Right now its just more weapons training.”

“I see. I have never met a recon soldier. It is a pleasure to meet you. And you as well Lieutenant. I am a bit turned around these past few months from multiple things happening and seem to be dropping the niceties and proper manors.”

“Understandable,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said.

“Let me grab my coat and lets go. Oh... I am wearing it.”

They all chuckled and they were led out a rear exit into an alley.

“General Red River sent me a message about how important this procedure actually is,” The Doctor said. “Invetro fertilization is not new. It was develop pre-war to help ponies who were having trouble conceiving for various reason. It is completely safe for both parties.”

“That is the first time I have heard it name,” Shadow chuckled. “My sister is rather quiet about their situation as a whole.”

“That also was an observation General Red River sent me,” The Doctor said. “And for your home, it makes sense.”

“We are so thankful he was able to make it work this early,” Shadow replied. “Thankful to every pegasus.”

“I was kind of hoping you would say pony,” The Doctor chuckled. “I have never heard that said. Read it from war and pre-war texts, but I have never heard it said naturally.”

“With the way things are currently around here, I am paying attention. I do not want to end up causing more problems while I am here.”

“It is the smartest move,” The Doctor replied.

They had reached a major road. The Doctor mumbled to himself for a moment before he figured out where they had come out at. They hailed a chariot to save their wings for the flight back.

New Life Family Planning and Clinic

“Family Planning?” Shadow asked as they walked in.

“A fancy way to say getting pregnant,” The Doctor explained. “And care during pregnancy and for birth. But I get the feeling you never have had anything but home births.”

“Usually in the barn,” Shadow said marveling at the sterile environment they tried to make warm and inviting. “It is the only covered place big enough to make things comfortable, yet private. And allow for the local healers and a few other mares to help out. My Dad of all ponies couldn't handle being there after Lunar Harvest, the first, was born. We rarely have a problem with births.”

The Doctor led them past the front desk and to an elevator. Shadow hesitated.

“I get in and it goes up?” He asked taking a closer look at the space in between both floors.

Lieutenant Marble Falls was laughing and the Doctor had no idea what to say. Shadow gingerly stepped into the elevator.

“I do not like this!” He declared as they went up. “It feels unnatural. This should not be.”

“This is not new technology,” The Doctor stated. “It was old technology when the war broke out.”

“You certainly know a lot about pre-war,” Shadow commented.

“Mostly medical,” He replied. “It fits with the job description. We Enclave Doctors have to take care of the Pegasus Race, and that means learning from our predecessors, no matter what race they were. You and your community are almost carbon copies of the farming Earth Ponies.”

Shadow was first off the elevator. He jumped out quickly.

“I do not like that,” He said again as the others chuckled.

“Shadow!” Early Blossom exclaimed from where she was sitting.

They all hugged and then introductions were made. Lieutenant Marble Falls didn't remember their names.

“I am surprised an Enclave Doctor is involved,” Cherry Tart said shocked.

“We all our Enclave Doctors,” Doctor Stitches replied. “We work for the Council and are trained by their standards. But don't be embarrassed. I know you don't have a doctor near you.”

“They had us all set up,” Early Blossom stated. “We had the basics covered, but now I get why the rest was all ready for us.”

“When the Enclave puts its mind to something, it happens fast,” Doctor Stitches said. “Sometimes that does takes time to make up the mind.”

Shadow was taken back to donate. It was something he was not familiar with at all. After, they brought him to the room with Early Blossom and Cherry tart. It was just the three of them and Cherry Tart was up on the exam table.

“Hello Cherry family. I am Doctor Melody Song,” She said coming in and closing the door.

“I understand that you are Early Blossom's brother, Shadow Flare?”

“Yes Ma'am.”

“Well you should be proud, your donation was more than enough and of high count. You are certainly a very healthy and strong stallion. For you, you should have no problem with natural conception when that time comes.”

Shadow just nodded and rolled with it. He understood enough to have no idea what to say.

“We can try multiple times,” She continued. “And you Shadow Flare should not have to come back. Even if they wish to have two foals and do not want to use another donor.”

Shadow was a bit uncomfortable sitting there with his sister discussing conception. They had never been taught all this medical and biological stuff about conception and pregnancy. They had stages and charts for everything, including a sheet on what the foal would look like and have grown at the end of each week.

“Are you okay?” Early Blossom asked Shadow.

“I can drop out of the sky, strait down from a hundred feet, but all this science behind pregnancy and birth...”

Cherry Tart started laughing. “I know. They take it so seriously in the city. Out on the farm, it will be nice to get back to reality, where what matters in right there in front of you and clear. When you can hear the cry of a newborn foal for miles. Such a sweet sound.”

“Where are you from?” Doctor Melody Song asked now very confused.

“The far side of the Northern Farming District,” Early Blossom replied.

“I am not familiar with that district. What doctors are out there?”

“Largest district in the Enclave,” Shadow said. “Head north all the way, and then a tad west. We are far out there and there are no doctors near us. Only healers. This is an expensive trip and they had to leave their farm, which can not take care of itself. A farm out there can not survive without help, including that of foals. The more hooves, the easier the work is the more we can produce and that means the more we can feed others. That is our duty.”

“Okay,” The Doctor said scratching her heard. “I guess we can skip coming back for routine check ups. How do you give birth?”

“At home, with help from others,” Early Blossom explained. “I helped give birth to Dream Catcher. Mom made me and Spice help, even though dad could not handle being in there.”

“Wait? Spice? Dream Catcher?”

“Oh, yeah,” Shadow chuckled. “Early Blossom is third, I am fourth, and then a few years later, Dream Cather came along. The Enclave doesn't care about the population limits where we are. We are that far out. So long as we provide sufficient enough food per farm, that is what matters. It is still growing out there as some families from the area set up a new farm every few years. Starting a new farm is a lot of work though and difficult to make it worth it.”

“I do not know if I am supposed to report this or what. You are already born, and this is your two's first. Right?”

“The Enclave knows,” Shadow added. “We had to get permission for my leave, which meant we had to talk talk to my superior, General Red River. And one of their head Doctors, Doctor Stitches, got us here today. They are out in the waiting room. Well, not the General. But a Wonderbolt Lieutenant who accompanied me here for this special leave. You may go speak with them.”

“I think I will,” The Doctor said slowly before stepping out.

“You got good at speaking,” Cherry Tart praised Shadow.

“I am smart,” Shadow chuckled. “No charisma, but I make up for it with my intelligence. We were worked hard and learned to out think problems and anticipate orders. We were top barracks for a reason.”

“And you were fourth,” Early Blossom reminded him.

Shadow shrugged. “Yeah. I guess. I care most about what we did and experienced as a unit. As friends.”

“I am still telling Dad,” Early Blossom stated. “And you need to write.”

“I will,” Shadow smiled. “As soon as I get to my next training, I will have the time. It was either work or sleeping, with some extended breaks before getting back to work. Specifically changing from day to night training.”

“How has your mini training been going?” Cherry Tart asked.

“Well… I can sit on our front porch and hit Black's house with a mortar, all on my own. Mortars are a meant to be a two pony weapon. One to both aim and shoot, one to tell them how to aim. It shoots up into an arch to come back down, not a straight line. A nice big explosive boom.”

“That is scary.” Early Blossom said nervously.

“Not as scary as a grenade. A hoof thrown explosive. But really, this is a lot of training above and beyond what I ever will need. Recon will never have the space to carry such a clunky, heavy weapon like a mortar into battle. And nopony else will need them. It is an old weapon that is still trained. In Basic, they gave us three rounds to try. That was all. It is pointless.”

“It is just scary thinking about the weapons you, they, have,” Early Blossom added.

“Always the worrier in the family,” Shadow replied. “They have had them for two hundred years and more. They have not had to turn them at anypony and won't have to. Besides, they need us, we don't need them. They are nothing to fear.”

“You are just letting all the nerves get to you,” Cherry Tart cooed.

“How can you be so calm?” Early Blossom asked.

“I am surprised I am not quaking in fear,” Cherry Tart replied. “This isn't normal, and its new and scary and we have no idea where we are and Shadow is here, no offense.”

“None taken,” Shadow said. “Its been odd with you two.”

“We want you here,” Early Blossom said quickly. “It really can't get any weirder, with or without you. And it would feel worse just having you leave. You are a special part this. All of this and our farm.”

“Thanks,” Shadow smiled.

“Okay,” Doctor Melody Song said coming back in. “Your chart and paperwork is updated. You can come here and have as many foals as you want. You might want to leave them all home. Coming in with two… it would complicate things around here. Even with the approval.”

“Good,” Early Blossom smiled. “Because we want more than two. Although I will probably be next. We can't use my brother then.”

“Yes,” The Doctor said concerning herself with the chart. “You will have to have another donor. We would catch that.”

“That definitely got weird,” Shadow said. “Crossed the weird line.” He chuckled. “Sorry, please go on.”

There wasn't much more to do. Shadow had to leave for the procedure, not that he even wanted to stay. Cheery Tart laughed at staying a few more days to have a pregnancy test. Doctor Stitches convinced her to stay the week it would take.

Shadow accessed his Enclave funds to help out. He wanted it to be successful, and if that meant them staying another week, then he was going to help however he could. He had never accessed his account and was shocked at the bits in it. They never thought to use it in New Heaven for his clothes. They didn't cost much, but it was the thought of not using his hard earned bits that bugged him.

It was lunch time when Shadow went to say his goodbyes.

“We made it in two days,” He said hugging them both. “So it won't take any time for us to make it back and continue my training.”

“Fuck it Filly Fooler,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said coming over. “I don't want to start today. Can you navigate back to the base?”

“Yes,” Shadow said. “I better be able to after the work you put into it.”

They chuckled.

“We leave at 0700. Breakfast will be 0630. Day off is yours, spend it wisely. I know I am not heading back to base yet and will dodge work if I can. Some days it sucks to be a Wonderbolt. When you get leave, pegasi still expect things.”

She took off, leaving them alone.

“The language,” Cherry Tart shivered.

“I know,” Shadow replied. “Kind of normal in the military. And she is on the civil end. One… Cardinal Spitfire and I were just put together as battle buddies, except we hated each other. We got smoked. Screaming all sorts of things while we did wing ups as punishment for our poor response. Turned out the to be the best thing for us. I try to keep my tongue from language like that…”

“We won't share that,” Cherry Tart said. “Your nickname, but not that. Buck is a really good pony. He has embraced us surprisingly well. Well past obligation and being Dad's married son. He will get a good laugh, and it is great that the name turned out to be so positive. And Black will too.”

Shadow just sighed with a smile on his face. “Some things I can not grow out of.”

“You will be well received once we tell them everything,” Early Blossom assured him.

Shadow got to spend a wonderful afternoon as the explored the city. Some of the buildings were so big and tall that the houses in their community could fit in them and still have room.

“I wish you could stay even for just an hour longer,” Early Blossom said as they finished dinner.

“I know,” Shadow admitted. “But I need a good night's sleep for the trip back. And if I navigate wrong, an extra hour will be nice to fix that.”

“Number four worrying about navigation?” Cherry Tart asked raising her eyebrow.

“Says the pony who couldn't find El Nino and ended up at our house she was so far off,” Shadow shot back. “The Lieutenant made sure we were really taught to always know where we are and how to get back where we came from.”

A pegasus cleared his throat. He was in an Enclave Peace Officer uniform. “You three need to come with us.”

“Fuck,” Shadow said. “Here is my military ID.”

“A good fake,” He said pocketing it.

“What for?” Early Blossom protested.

“Treason against the Grand Pegasus Enclave.”

“Don't fight it Blossom,” Shadow said. “Lets comply and get it cleared up.”

They were cuffed and put on a Enclave Chariot. It took them to the headquarters, which made Shadow's heart calm down.

“I would like to speak with the commanding officer,” Shadow said. “They can confirm my status.”

“Likely story. To the jail for now. Bringing in three mares Sergeant.”

“Is Doctor Stitches here?” Shadow asked. “I was in to see him about a medical emergency procedure this morning.”

Nothing was said and Shadow shook his head to the other two so they would not say anything.

“What happened?” Early Blossom asked when they were alone in the cell. She was shaking and Cherry Tart was holding her.

Shadow gave them the quick run down of pony vs pegasus.

“I never thought to tell you two. I never expected somepegasus would be this harsh. The officers did not come on their own. A report had to have been made while we ate dinner. Lets just sit back, and wait. Worse case, Lieutenant Marble Falls will find out in the morning.”

“I can't believe it,” Early Blossom stammered. “This is insane.”

“Part of what we live in,” Shadow sighed. “Distant part, but part. It serves its purpose well, and so does ours for what we need. When they clash… That is how General Red River got interested in me. When I checked in wrong to the training. And Cardinal Spitfire got wrapped up into it and that is how we started hating each other for first six weeks.”

“Come with me,” A pegasus came and opened the cell.

They followed him to the front of the holding cells.

“I guess we are flying back together,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said as they came around the corner.

“Duty called?” Shadow asked.

“Yeah. I didn't get any time off before I was tracked down and asked to come here.”

“General, they still...”

“I am a fucking Wonderbolt,” The Lieutenant growled. “I will have all of your heads. Sergeant Shadow Flare can kick all of your asses from where he is standing. I already showed you the orders.”

The General was unsure what to do.

“I swear. If have to call my commanding officer…”

The General cracked and had them released. Cherry Tart and Early Blossom thanked them. Shadow gave the General an evil stare and Lieutenant Marble Falls was silent, letting her face do all the talking.

Once they exited she spoke. “Bastards. If I had the time, I would track down who made the call about 'evil, treasonous pegasi who are impersonating an Enclave officer and plotting to take the Enclave down from within.'”

Shadow chuckled. “They took it that far?”

“Idiots. The one time they pay attention and it had to be you three. Thank goodness I was here. I would have been in a worse mood if I had to fly here, especially if it was in the morning.”

“I think we learned our lesson, for outside home,” Cherry Tart said relieved.

“I wish you didn't learn it so hard,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said. She didn't even turn her head to look back at them.

“Alright Filly Fooler,” The Lieutenant said after a few deep breaths. “Let's escort them to their hotel and then head back. Ladies, the office has your clearance in case, for some horrible reason, it happens again. And I hated to, but I add Doctor Stitches and the Family Planning Clinic are attached to contact. Well, I only hated adding Doctor Stitches because he is so busy.”

The Lieutenant took off and Shadow took up the rear. They brought them all the way up to their hotel room and Lieutenant Marble Falls even checked the entire room she was so suspicious.

“We will be careful and not make any mistakes,” Early Blossom assured them.

“I know you will,” The Lieutenant replied. “Thank you. And thank you and all back home for all the work you do. I wish we lived in a world where it doesn't matter, but it has to matter. It got a lot of pegasi killed in the war because of it.”

“I should send the community a history textbook,” Shadow added.

“Textbook?” Early Blossom asked.

“Of course,” The Lieutenant said rolling her eyes.

Shadow laughed. “That has become a very typical response with everything for me.”

“And we never had a problem with whichever pegasus that came with you. I don't know his name. Everypegasus at Fort Wind knew your nickname and maybe your full name. But ladies, stay safe and stay yourselves. I really hope everything went as planned and you can get back home soon.”

“Thank you Lieutenant,” Cherry Tart said as she hugged Shadow.

“Always is an adventure with you,” Lieutenant Marble Falls said as they walked away. “Nothing is ever simple.”

“Comes with being recon?”

She chuckled. “No, it is just you. Just who you are. Yet you still wiggle out of everything.”

END OF BOOK 1: PART 3: HONOR