Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 4: COMMITMENT

It was just past lunch when Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow touched down at the main gate to Fort Wind to enter. In no time, they were back into the air and on their way to the aerial combat zone.

Nopony was in the sky, which could mean anything. Shadow was lazily in lead and had them circle around to make the proper approach and land on the flight deck. They pulled away without trying the approach. The flight deck was a mess.

It looked like Bull had brought some friends and were simulating an out of control crowd. The ACS squads were trying to keep them from surging the Squad Barracks which was probably simulating a city hall. From their view, it didn't look good. Chaos ruled.

Cardinal Spitfire backed off, allowing Shadow to land in front of Unit 41 first. Two landing off the flight deck could prove to be a problem if they didn't see somepony. With it clear, Cardinal Spitfire touched down.

“I can do a lot, but not that,” Cardinal Spitfire said shaking her head as a chill went down her spine.

“Lets just get inside and settled back in,” Shadow suggested. “For dinner, we will go in through the recruit side.”

“That is a good plan,” Cardinal Spitfire agreed.

Shadow put everything away and changed into a flight suit. It was foreign to have the necklace on. It was simple, flat and certainly didn't get in the way. But still foreign. The metal felt cold, despite being worn all day long and at a fast pace.

“Are you used to necklaces?” Shadow asked Cardinal Spitfire.

“No,” She replied. “I assume yours feels the same as mine, a cold, burning reminder. It will pass.”

“Yeah. Always present.”

“I never want to lose its presence though.”

“You should look at my locker,” Shadow said shifting topics. “It is actually getting full.”

They laughed and Shadow laid down beside Cardinal Spitfire on her bed. If the door opened before dinner, they never would see Shadow make the quick transition to his bed.

Cardinal Spitfire kissed him on the cheek while they talked about nothing in particular.

“Just felt like doing it. Felt right,” She explained after the kiss.

“Same,” Shadow sighed contently. “But it is late enough for an early dinner. And we didn't have lunch.”

Cardinal Spitfire shrugged and gave him another peck before she hopped off her bed and headed for the door. They avoided the mess like they planned and headed in through the back. As they entered, they ran into Captain Marble Falls in line for food.

“Ah, Filly Fooler, Cardinal Spitfire, glad you made it back safe,”The Captain greeted “And with great time. I trust you had fun?”

“The city scares me,” Shadow chuckled. “I do not know if I ever will get used to it.”

The Captain wordlessly joined them at the table.

“I fucking hate Bull,” She whispered. “I wish there was more of the trainees I could have removed from the course. And trust me, after you left, I made us all look. I am glad Captain Nova convinced me to give you leave.”

“We were all pissed we forgot you Filly Fooler and your background. After training and watching you so long, we should have seen your moves coming. Sorry about that. I am glad you did get away. It was horrible here. And I am a fucking Wonderbolt!”

“You are forgiven,” Shadow smiled. “I missed myself too.”

“So it was Captain Nova,” Cardinal Spitfire added. “There were a lot in the room.”

“Yeah,” Captain Marble Falls began. “When the fallout happened, General Red River was immediately on his way. And he had Master Wind come out since he helped train Shadow. That was a awful, painful discussion that lasted all day and then late into the night.”

“General Red River had us all write situation reports and told his superiors that he would begin flagging troops with conflict of interests to the situation. Doesn't make them any less loyal. I can not believe the resolve of Chocolate. As meek as he is, he won't back down.”

“I knew I caused a stir,” Shadow whispered back. “But that was more.”

“Keep it quiet though. I am speaking as a friend, not your trainer.”

“Understood,” Shadow nodded. “Thanks.”

“And one last thing you two, they were issued equipment and it will be in the barracks. I have no idea where they will put it, but it will be there.”

“I would say Shadows locker,” Cardinal Spitfire whispered. “But I took him clothes shopping.”

“I want to hear. But we do not need to whisper anymore.”

Shadow rolled his eyes and Cardinal Spitfire launched into the whole story.

“Well, plenty of new experiences,” Captain Marble Falls chuckled. “And now I have a really good story about a bad ass recruit who was top in everything, but had to have clothes tailed to his puny size.”

Shadow chuckled. “So long as you do not tell them about us switching up flight suits.”

“That will kill how bad ass you are,” She scoffed. “I could not let my reputation die with that admission.”

Cardinal Spitfire thought for a moment. “Shadow almost got us in trouble at the Cloudsdale Monument when he questioned the way the cloud looked. They don't like that apparently”

“Damn it Filly Fooler,” The Captain playfully growled. “I know it was leave, but I wish you had gotten in trouble. I could have used the break to knock some heads around.”

“Running my ID solved things,” Shadow stated. “They did not like how we could pick them out, coming in behind us in case things got out of control. I almost did go after their lieutenant. We would have kicked their ass if the pushed any longer. And then calmly walk to the nearest post to call you.”

“That is a good Filly Fooler,” Captain Marble Falls smiled. “You may only be a Sergeant, but you are untouchable in recon. And only a recon would look close enough at the cloud to question it.”

“I wanted to file a report,” Cardinal Spitfire continued. “Shadow talked me out of it. It was over and done. And like you said, only recon or scout would question it.”

“Best choice,” The Captain agreed. “Since they let you go, you let it go.”

“I enjoyed the Weather Factory,” Shadow added. “The weather teams just shove things our way we are so far out. But it was really cool and educational. I learned a lot.”

“Please tell me you both slept in.”

“We did,” Cardinal Spitfire chuckled. “Had some heart attacks when we saw the time in the morning, but we got through it.”

“Well, they are filing in, I am done and heading to do mindless paperwork,” Captain Marble Falls said standing up and walking away.

“Let's stick to just the factory, clothes, massages and shopping,” Shadow quickly said. “We never planned stories out.”

“Deal. But we both are done, lets wait for them in the Unit.”

“Yes,” Shadow nodded.

“I never considered barracks wear,” Cardinal Spitfire said as she turned to Shadow. “The necklaces-”

“Only a little. We can play it off if we need to,” Shadow replied. “Shopping on the first full day. Only ones they had and we have been together side by side from the beginning of training.”

Cardinal Spitfire took a deep breath in and let it out. “Okay.”

“If we forget it's there, they won't notice. We notice because we know. They don't show that much. And my forelegs can't hold more ribbons.”

Cardinal Spitfire giggled. “I forget you have them on. Even last night.”

“So do I, but they are always with me and always will be until my service is up. Unless I can not get them removed.”

“Oh, I have the papers,” Cardinal Spitfire pipped up. “Who should-”

“You,” Shadow decided. “I could disappear right as we finish and not have time.”

“Good point.”

The Unit door opened.

“Hey! You are back,” Flags said. He was loaded down with gear.

“Made it back around mid afternoon,” Shadow replied.

“You made good time,” Flags stated.

“Any good stories?” Arrow asked. She was tired and looking for a distraction. “I mean, 6 days, 4 without travel. Something good had to happen. Nothing good happened here. Fucking Bull.”

“Yeah, the gear...” Flags hesitated.

“Stays,” Shadow replied. “We were warned when we got in. If we didn't buy me clothes, I would say put it in mine, but not an option anymore.”

Cardinal Spitfire was chuckling. “Department stores didn't carry anything in his size. Had to hit a boutique. They took good care of us and had the alterations done before we left.”

“Was it a mare's boutique?” Arrow poked.

“Mixed,” Shadow laughed. “Mostly mare, but a large enough stallion section thankfully.”

“How much did that hurt?” Dipper asked.

“Plenty,” Shadow said shaking his head. “To be honest, I do not get my back account. I got an payment in halfway through the week. It has been happening for the past eleven weeks.”

“Recon training,” Flags informed them. “They bumped you up to a sergeant and they are paying you extra for training. Not uncommon. I went to learn heavy weapons for a week and got an extra boost for the training. You are a more valuable soldier and they reward it. I knew about the extra payment going in though.”

“I still know very little,” Shadow admitted.

“That was a boring story,” Arrow groaned. “Please, something that will get my mind off this shit so I can fall asleep with good dreams.”

“Shadow likes shopping,” Cardinal Spitfire offered.

Shadow launched into what shopping meant to him, and then all the different things that caught his eye like window gardens. The gardens got a good laugh. They all agreed his presents were a good choice.

Despite the others not going, they felt like they had and slept well.

Captain Marble Falls kicked open their door with a bullhorn. “Finally back to aerial combat!”

She set the loudspeaker down. “0800 formation at the flight deck so eat first.”

“That was new,” Shadow groaned as he rolled out of bed. “I didn't expect her to be that happy.”

“If she is that happy, we are in trouble,” Cardinal Spitfire moaned as she pulled the blanket over her head.

“Out!” Arrow said pulling the covers off of Cardinal Spitfire's bed.

“I'm up. I'm up,” Cardinal Spitfire said rolling out of bed. She fell right to the floor.

Shadow bounded over her bed and was first to her side.

“I'm fine,” She said as he pulled her up. “See, I can stand.”

When Cardinal Spitfire joined them for breakfast she looked herself.

“What happened?” Chocolate asked.

“Night wasn't too restful,” Cardinal Spitfire explained. “I blame the hotel's beds. They enveloped you.”

“We will will be watching,” Flags declared. “As squadmates and more importantly, friends. A bad night's sleep is never good. We have your back.”

They were lined up by 0745.

“I love timely recruits,” Captain Marble Falls said as she came right up to them.

They gathered around at her insistence.

“Listen up,” The Captain whispered. “Your direct test is today. The rest of the week you will be giving the other squads hell as you simulate enemy forces. They will be testing you on that to a degree so do not make it easy. More details about that aspect tomorrow as I learn. Good luck. I am needed as score keeper elsewhere.”

Captain Nova walked down the line handing out files.

“Unit 41. Here are your mission objectives and parameters. Get it done.”

Flags opened the file.

TO: Unit 41

From: Scout Command

Objective: Scout and report on location 456.74 on map 123. Do not engage hostiles unless necessary.

“Scout Command?” Chocolate asked.

Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow looked at each other.

“Right, they are tailoring the first to you two,” Flags nodded.

“No,” Shadow said shaking his head.

“Now you have me confused,” Cardinal Spitfire said raising and eyebrow.

“Scouts were discontinued over five years ago,” Shadow explained. “Scout Command doesn't exist. Recon has one team and only one team until after our mission. They are rebuilding it all. That is why we ran that cityscape. That is scout, not aerial combat. It wasn't just for me, it was for all of us.”

“How many Aerial Combat Units are there?” Shadow asked.

Nopony knew.

“There are 120 Units here,” Shadow continued. “We are Unit 41. The other trainees are in random numbered units. They will be recalling all the Units here. Probably set to arrive just as we finish. They are shifting things.”

“Okay,” Cardinal Spitfire said bringing them back around. “That will be then, this is now.”

“We get it done,” Shadow concluded. “No other teams have left. So that means they are not going to be facing us. I do not know who it will be, but not them.”

“Could be the other Units,” Dipper pointed out.

“Good chance,” Shadow acknowledged. “But on point. We have to scout and report. Lets not get shot down and only give them what we can ascertain safely.”

“That is playing it very cautious,” Flags replied. “We are not known for caution.”

“We never have had any orders like this,” Shadow smiled. “We can not survey if we are under fire. Flags, take lead. Card and I will get a shot from the air and cover you if needed.”

“Suddenly, I think we need different rifles,” Chocolate gulped.

“Maybe,” Shadow replied. “I have gotten the feeling that only few heavy automatics are running around. Our rifles will cover that easily. We have two and you know how fast semi automatics can be fired. Same fate of fire, just depends on if your can pull the trigger fast enough.”

They were the first off the flight deck and headed towards the destination.

“Suggestions on approach vector?” Flags asked.

“Straight in,” Shadow suggested. “It won't matter and will give them less time to see us. Speed is our friend. And keep an eye out for air teams. These are new orders, but they will probably try to cover them up.”

“Like the team coming up on our right?” Dipper asked.

“Team Filly Foolers break off and deal with them,” Flags ordered. “I know you can catch up.”

Shadow banked left and Cardinal Spitfire followed suit. Shadow took lead and turned towards the team coming at them.

Shadow put them into a dive for speed and then pulled up. Their quarry adjusted to them. It was four on two. Shadow and Cardinal Spitfire separated. Shadow went low, Cardinal Spitfire went high. The other team was good, but they were outmatched and carved to bits. Shadow's EMG carved up three of them. Two had stayed together making them an easy target.

Cardinal Spitfire came up on Shadow's wing and they kicked it into high gear. They soon caught up as the rest of the squad touched down behind cover. They were lit up with fire right away, including simulated explosives that tossed up clouds.

Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow split again and moved to give them cover. They came at them from either side firing with everything they had. Their squadmates took off and into individual evasive maneuvers like they had been taught.

They formed up at a safe height.

“I got nothing,” Flags admitted.

“You got a lot more than you think,” Shadow assured him. “I will explain for the report. I have a good idea on what to do. Keep your eyes peeled for incoming enemies. And good job all.”

When they landed, Shadow took the orders and a pen. Together, they began to map out what they saw and who was where. It was limited, but together they painted a small picture of what to expect.

“Captain Sir!” Flags said approaching Captain Nova. “We have our report for Scout Command.”

“I am Scout Command today,” Captain Nova informed him. “Report.”

“Sir, on our flight there, a group confronted us in the air coming in from the East. Easily taken care of. We hit heavy resistance upon landing at the location. There was adequate cover cover for us to land. Squad members Shadow Flare and Cardinal Spitfire were able to get some air cover for us to move back. This is what we could decipher of the surrounding area.”

“This is all you can tell me?” Captain Nova asked. “This is nothing.”

“It is all we could do considering the odds and that the orders were to not engage unless necessary. A larger, better equipped team will be needed to take the area and fully map it.”

“You are not equipped enough?” Captain Nova said annoyed.

“Not to confront that many hostiles in such a confined area.”

Captain Nova pulled out another file and looked at both.

“Good job Unit 41. Here is your next set of order.”

TO: Unit 23

From: Scout Command

Objective: Scout and report on location 874.25 on map 93. Do not engage hostiles unless necessary.

“Wrong orders Sir,” Flags said. “This is to Unit 23.”

“Whoops,” Captain Nova said digging out the proper one.

TO: Unit 41

From: Scout Command

Objective: We believe a piece of vital equipment is at location 423.71 on map 123. Retrieve if possible.

“Chocolate, its your lead,” Flags said.

“Mine? On the test?” Chocolate said wiping his brow to pull away the arriving sweat.

“You got this,” Cardinal Spitfire said encouraging him. “We will hit these quickly. They will have at least 6 for us to do. One per lead.”

Chocolate made his plans and they took off. There was no intercept team as they came in.

“Teams, drop back,” Chocolate ordered. “Filly Fooler take the rear. I want you in the back and I want this to look like a two Pegasus movement. Keep them guessing.”

“I don't like this,” Dipper said after a few minutes. “I don't like no contact.”

“We have to probe where technology would be,” Shadow added. “But is entirely possible our enemy has no idea we are coming.”

“I see some bits of something that is not trees off to my left,” Arrow informed them.

“Hold in defensive positions and slid up there Arrow and Flags,” Chocolate ordered.

“Yeah, I got a pod here,” Arrow said. “But it is big.”

“Can you get the whole thing?” Chocolate questioned her.

“It is heavy,” Arrow grunted. “ But I found a hatch.”

“I have no idea what I am looking at,” Flags said a few minutes later.

“Can the entire thing be recovered?”

“Maybe by Shadow,” Arrow suggested. “But he would need to be covered well. It will be at least twice his length.”

“Coming,” Shadow said.

Shadow slipped over to them, crouched all the way down and they rolled it onto his back.

“I think I can,” Shadow grunted. “Gas masks for straps.”

They did it, Cardinal Spitfire launched for primary cover. Shadow didn't get the air he wanted when he jumped but he got up and began to fly. It was tough work. There was no gliding. He had to push every stoke. If he had his power armor, that would help. But it didn't work with the vests.

They tried to help by lifting from the front and rear, but it caused balance problems for him. They settled with giving him the best draft they could with Cardinal Spitfire on watch.

Shadow's landing wasn't the smoothest, but the object didn't fall off. They undid it and Captain Nova looked at them.

“Commendable, but not what we were looking for,” He stated. “But what did you find?”

Arrow opened the hatch.

“I have no idea what you found,” He said after a minute. “Good enough. Tech down there gets confusing without knowing exactly what you are supposed to retrieve. I will call a team to find out what this is.”

Dipper took the next set of orders from Captain Nova.

TO: Unit 41

From: Combat Training Command

Objective: A scout team went missing. The second in the area. Find out what happened. Eliminate any hostiles necessary. Coordinates 476.31 on map 123

An actual combat one,” Dipper smiled. “We need to keep a team back. Filly Foolers will be on point. I want to use Shadow's EMG and his E.F.S. mod to it's full potential.”

“No E.F.S. with this gear,” Shadow reminded him. “But I can handle it.”

Dipper may have been keeping Flags and Arrow in reserve, but he was not subtle. He chose heavy and combat came quickly.

Shadow was bounding around and opening up without giving a thought to ammo. He was clearing a way through the enemy. His E.F.S. would have been a big help, but he was handling things just fine.

They found combat gear and helmets in a pile. Shadow took a break while Cardinal Spitfire quickly checked them out.

“How many?” Dipper asked.

“Six,” Cardinal Spitfire responded. “I recovered their ID's. Let's go!”

As they launched, Arrow flew overhead and strafed an incoming enemy team. They were gone before they could launch a counter attack.

“Sweet job Shadow,” Dipper praised. “You sneak around but know when to lay it down. That was amazing job. Why do we keep you in the sky?”

“Cause I am with Cardinal and am very well skill in the air. I can knock a squad out of the sky with my EMG alone.”

“You are too good everywhere,” Dipper admitted.

“That is the point for me in recon,” Shadow chuckled.

They landed but had to wait in line. Four other Units were in front of them and move were arriving.

“Unit 41 reporting in on the missing scouts Sir. We recovered their IDs. I am afraid their armor and ID’s were all we found.”

“Did you search the surrounding area for signs they were alive?”

“No Sir,” Dipper said. “I did not make a proper sweep of the area.”

“I will have to send another team to see if there is anyplace they might be being held captive. Meanwhile you have another assignment.”

Dipper passed it to Arrow.

“Time to show you how it really is done!” She chirped. “Aw fuck. Can I trade?”

They laughed and looked at them.

TO: Unit 41

From: Scout Command

Objective: Earlier scout teams reported a large raider presence in the area 425.64 on map 123. Determine the strength of the force so we can send in enough soldiers to clear them out. Avoid engagement.

They chuckled.

“You have this,” Cardinal Spitfire said nudging her. “We have worked on you being subtle.”

“I wish I had Dipper's-”

“Shut up Arrow,” Flags ordered. “Lets get this done.”

Arrow took a few deep breaths.

“We can not fly in,” She began. “We need to split and probe. Stay with wing teams and out of formation.”

They took off, staying away from each other as they flew towards their location. Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow were going to head around to come in from behind. Cardinal Spitfire kicked them into higher gear to better time things.

“Filly Foolers touching down,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “We are in position.”

“I wish you had-”

“I don't Arrow,” Shadow cut her off. “Lets focus. I can't rely on it always. My eyes wont fail me… you know what I mean!”

Shadow had separated from Cardinal Spitfire and was crawling from building to building trying to get an eye on the situation. He heard somepegasus approaching and slid back. No engagement and he was screwed.

No, it was avoid. And I can stay silent with a choke hold, knocking them out.

Shadow jumped out and tacked the Pegasus. It was light's out in seconds with no harm done. Shadow tried to drag him away to hiding but was getting nowhere.

“Cardinal, to me! Fast!”

Cardinal Spitfire moved quickly and slid besides him.

“Avoid engagement,” She whispered.

“Avoid, not that we couldn't. And its quiet. Which counts!”

Cardinal Spitfire shrugged and dragged the body away to hiding.

Shadow heard something from where Cardinal Spitfire had gone.

“If you know what is good for you, stay down and out.”

Shadow pointed to the encampment he had spotted.

“I have 12 in my eyes, in the corner of a building with one in tact window,” Arrow announced.

“I have the same,” Chocolate replied.

“Chocolate and Dipper,” Cardinal Spitfire whispered. “Head behind you 50 yards, then head north for about 300 and you find an encampment. Shadow and I are working out way towards one off to your Northwest.”

“I got 14 in my eyes,” Shadow reported. “Plus one chocked out,”

“Of course you did Shadow,” Dipper said annoyed. “Almost at their camp.”

“Falling back. Find that last group and lets scram.”

Shadow and Cardinal Spitfire began to work their way back to safety.

“7,” Dipper reported.

“Shit! Run!” Chocolate called.

Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow Flare took off low and hot, working their way back around.

Fire erupted in the area where Dipper and Chocolate were.

“Free!” Dipper reported.

“Form up!” Arrow ordered.

They came together about halfway back.

“Sorry,” Chocolate said.

“Why?” Arrow asked. “You have the numbers and we all walked away. Our job is done.”

“Back already?” Captain Nova said shocked. “Wait in line.”

“What number are you turning in?” Arrow was asked.

“Four.”

“This is our first!”

“Well,” Arrow said looking at the sky. “It is late afternoon. Better pick up the pace.”

“How do you pick up the pace when trying to scout something out?”

“That one only took us an hour,” Arrow gloated. “We got what we could and got out under heavy fire.”

“Ignore Unit 41, lets see what you have for me,” Captain Nova ordered.

Arrow approached Captain Nova after he was done. “34 individuals in the area of 425.64 on map 123. Separated into three camps. Twelve were spotted in the south building. The northeast sector had 14 with one on the move totaling 15. The northwest camp had 7. All within a 500 yard radius.”

“Are you sure on those numbers?” Captain Nova asked.

“We maybe be a few short in the northwest location. They spotted a team and opened fire. We got away clean.”

“Interesting. You had eyes on them all at the same time?”

“Yes sir. Close enough to know they were not counted twice. Is there a problem Sir?”

“No. Not with you. With them. There were only supposed to be 21 in two camps. But here is your next set of orders.”

Arrow brought the orders over. “Filly Foolers, one of you is up.”

“Let's find out what it is,” Cardinal Spitfire smiled. “Not that either of us will have a problem.”

They all chuckled.

TO: Unit 41

From: Combat Training Command

Objective: A large number of non Enclave pegasi are on the move. Shoot them down. Numbers unknown. Any available teams are being diverted to intercept. They were at 569.86 on map 122 heading east by south east at a moderate pace.

“Card, its all yours,” Shadow said pushing it to her.

“Nah, I do all the flying ones.”

“It is your forte. I can do it well, but it is really enjoyable for you.”

Cardinal Spitfire chuckled. She already had vicious plan in mind.

“They won't be running formations,” She pointed out. “Our disadvantage. But I know we all can run solo.”

“Solo?” Chocolate asked concerned.

“You will do fine,” Cardinal Spitfire said, reassuring him. “If I wasn't sure I would not make the order. They will stay separated and focus on shooting while floating, like untrained pegasi would do.”

“Are you sure?” Flags asked.

“Shadow did a choke out, forcing me to drag the guy to hiding.”

They chuckled.

“He woke up,” She continued. “I made it clear he didn't want to 'wake up' during the exercise. He said it was as if Shadow had killed him with hand to hand. He didn't resist for a reason, and Shadow hadn't knocked him out. It wasn't their job to be soldiers, only simple raiders.”

“Lets fly!” Chocolate announced.

They took off in formation.

“A few key things,” Cardinal Spitfire added. “Stay fast. Do not force your hits. If we get reinforcements, then we will roll into our teams but stay lose in just our teams.”

They confirmed and Cardinal Spitfire kicked it up another gear.

“They there are,” Arrow reported. “On our 10.”

“Good spot, hold this height and formation,” Cardinal Spitfire ordered. “I want 5 more minutes to go by if we can. Then the light fades into twilight and our advantage.”

They got three when shouting happened and they were spotted. They never needed the order to break. Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow were the last pair to separate.

Shadow banked into five barrel rolls before cutting in a hard right and opening up with his guns. He was being shot at, but they were not good shots. Like Cardinal Spitfire called, they were staying still. Shadow zipped in between them all, shooting when he could. He cut it close with a barrel roll over one and came back around.

Several were following Chocolate. Shadow cut across and opened fire, dropping three. Cardinal Spitfire passed right in front of shadow with inches to spare. But her run had taken out two more. Arrow cut across and picked off a few more while Dipper finished the last two.

They made quick worked of them, did some flyovers to check for any hiding, and then formed up.

“Did anypegasus else see the looks on their faces?” Arrow asked.

“Yeah,” Shadow chuckled. “I recognized one or two. They were drill sergeant and not ready for our highly advanced flying.”

“Let's coast,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “I mean, if there is one for each of us, then we just have Shadow. No matter what, we will end up making it happen in the dark.”

Most of the Units were on the flight deck when they landed. Most were preparing to leave.

“Again?” Captain Nova said confused. He called out several Units told them to hold.

“Reporting into Combat Training Command,” Cardinal Spitfire began. “The enemy pegasi have been eradicated. 53 were downed. We performed several sweeps but found no survivors or any evidence some here hiding.

Captain Nova sighed. “All five before dark.”

He perked up into command position. “Units 12, 23 and 89 stand down and come back for new orders.”

Captain Nova walked over from the others he had been with. “Unit 41. All of your order for the day are done. Report bright and early at 0600 outside your Unit for further orders.”

They silently cheered for themselves and went into see if there was a chance dinner was still being served. The staff was gone but they had left oats and thermoses full of hot water to make oatmeal.

“Well, that was interesting,” Flags said breaking the silence. “I am surprised they only did five.”

“Captain Nova may have given up on giving us another,” Arrow suggested. “No losses and everything was done at least satisfactory. Our problems were we found the wrong tech and didn't do a good sweep for those scouts.”

“Scout and recon can only be so… perfect,” Shadow pointed out. “Information and small tasks, not outright combat. Sometimes that does mean they will not be able to make that extra sweep.”