Author's Notes:

BOOK 1: PART 4: COMMITMENT

“So, I hear there is some new hot shot gang starting up,” Dipper said loudly. “They call themselves the ACUs. Like some catchy acronym will make them any better fighters.”

All three of them laughed as they relaxed and waited for the squads to show themselves.

“I bet they are a bunch of wide eyed ponies who don't even know how to hold a gun properly, let alone shoot,” Arrow added, borrowing from Shadow's dictionary.

“I bet when they shoot they wet themselves,” Flags said rolling over to look at Dipper. He saw one without meaning to. “Probably like that one there.”

They looked where Flags was pointing and opened fire. They were not trying to be good shots, but they had a good spread.

“Think we got the shit head?” Dipper asked loudly.

“If we didn't, they won't be back,” Flags said just as loud. “And if they come back, we'll kill em.”

All three dodged as multiple targets popped out of the tree line. Cardinal Spitfire and Chocolate opened fire, forcing the unit to take cover.

“They just hide when a shot is taken,” Flags announced. “One shot and all six of them ducked.”

“Lets get around them and gut em,” Cardinal Spitfire said.

A snap off to their side alerted the entire area to that pegasi’s location and they acted accordingly, but loosely. Some fell back, others moved to directly combat.

“Ha! They have a few more than us, but they are piss poor shots!” Flags taunted.

They were forced to better cover as more had circled around.

“I bet this is now a two or three squad attack,” Cardinal Spitfire said over their coms.

“Yep,” Major Windstone confirmed. “Fall back to the tower or you will be caught. Can't make it this easy. They blasted us apart.”

They dashed back, bounding through the trees as fast as they could. Raiders didn't have wings so it was all on hooves.

Cardinal Spitfire slammed into one as he dropped in front on her. Neither expected the other. Cardinal Spitfire was up first and gave him a swift buck to keep him down before she dashed away.

“Hit twice,” Cardinal Spitfire informed them.

“You are all clear for emergency override,” The Major replied.

They all hit the override and took their positions. Arrow made sure they saw her dash into the building. They were cocky and began to move in foolishly. Flags lazily hit one before falling back with the others.

“Be careful, one is trapped in the building!”

Shadow put his gas mask on to encase him fully and waited another 30 seconds before walking out and putting on the light show. In a single sweep his minigun shot down half of them. Their shots were useless and more fell trying to retreat. Shadow walked out into the clearing more and looked around. His E.F.S. was not picking any up at the moment. They were small in numbers from the first attack.

A team came through the air strafing him and Shadow easily shot them down as they flew away. His E.F.S. was the reason he could hit all of them so easily.

“How are things looking?” Flags asked. “We still have not come back as reinforcements. We are waiting back on the edge.”

“I blew apart at least two units and most of third. Then a strafing. They were so slow, my E.F.S. picked them out. They fell for it. Arrow, how are things looking in there?”

“I have the back window well covered,” Arrow chuckled. “I love that it is only the front door and back window on the second floor.”

“Good,” Flags said. “They are probably going to circle. Lets huddle up in a closer pattern in cover like we are scared.”

SNAP!

“They need to learn subtlety,” Cardinal Spitfire said. “Badly.”

She stepped out from cover and shot the Pegasus with two perfect shots.

“That is what you get for giving away your position like that,” She yelled. “Stupid pegasi who don't know how to walk on their own hooves.”

Two teams strafed Shadow, crossing over him. His E.F.S. picked them up and he shot down one and half of the other before they were out of sight. More fire erupted behind him as teams began to converge on Unit 41's reserves. They quickly called out being shot and stayed down.

Shadow heard soft fire coming from inside the building.

“Idiots,” Arrow stated. “Just because you dash in with four doesn't mean you have the advantage.”

It quickly became evident that the units were being revived as Shadow cut more and more down. They had no idea what to do. They finally took out Arrow after losing 16 members inside the building. They could not revived those soldiers.

“Stay cool Shadow,” Major Windstone ordered over their coms. “Captain Nova is regrouping them. He is not happy about their tactics.”

“Understood,” Shadow replied. “This is fun. They can't secure the building with me standing in the middle of the clearing. All I have to do is walk back in and finish them off. Does Captain Nova actually know you are running me in power armor?”

“We didn't exactly tell him about that,” The Major laughed. “It is getting late. He is probably only going to have them give it another run before calling them off. Ideally, this would be a time when the ACU teams directly protected several heavy squads to face you in outright combat.”

This time the came in with more caution. Taking shots from behind cover. If Shadow hit them, they were staying down. Several shot him from behind in the building, so Shadow walked into it and their comrades watched as the room lit up with lights and then Shadow calmly walk back out.

They began to retreat and Shadow took out several more with the minigun as they bounded through the trees.

“Nice job Shadow and Unit 41,” Major Windstone praised. “They called it off and are heading back to Captain Nova, defeated. Captain Nova is going to spend a few hours grilling them, but they did well until the final point. Come on back to the camp.”

“Then we really did our job,” Flags added. “Glad we could be here and help. It was getting boring on the other side.”

They laughed and talked about some the antics they did while running away or were hiding. How their taunts made the others react was a great laugh. A hard lesson for them to learn.

“Where did you set up Arrow?” Shadow asked.

“In the stairs, poking out. They never stood a chance because of the angle and I was really low. I was in the stairwell. Just eyes poking out until I had to come up to shoot. They hit me once on their third entry and one on the fifth. They the just had to lay there and just watch me shoot more and often get sat or stepped on. There was a good pile by the end.”

“Nova called them off early,” Captain Marble Falls said as they came into camp. “Well, more like they made quick work of the objectives and would not be able to take you out. I knew you worked fast, but they got it done today.”

“Good,” Flags smiled. “It wasn't just us rocking things.”

“Absolutely not,” Major Windstone said coming up. “The last time we did an Aerial Combat School was three years ago. And we only did three Units. With the Scouts shut down and transferred into ACUs, we didn't have to replenish many slots.”

“Three? Cardinal Spitfire asked shocked. “This isn't normal?”

“Nope,” The Major replied. “When it became evident that the new recruits who wanted aerial combat positions were up to the standards, we sent out the letters picking the others. We had over 300 applications to weed out. And we still have units that are opened or down some.”

“That will be sorted out over the next few days. Over the next two days all the ACUs will arrive. Shadow Flare was right about the Scout Command. Some will become scouts, all will still be ACUs. We will be opening up the school for more positions and do some heavy training. That is the state of things. What Shadow Flare will be doing, I have no idea.”

“That makes two of us,” Shadow chuckled.

“We will be staying here tonight,” Major Windstone continued. “But up before dawn. 0500, break the camp down, pack it into the chariots and then you guys will be flying out with Captain Marble Falls. As soon as you get back, its into uniforms and then line up for the small ceremony.”

“Yes Ma'am!” They replied.

Shadow went to get out of his armor and pack up his guns now. Cardinal Spitfire joined him.

“The day we feared is upon us,” She said quietly.

“One more night falling asleep looking at each other and waking up to see the other,” Shadow replied. “It will be a good night. Well worth it. We will get back and things will become right.”

Cardinal Spitfire sighed.

“Don't let fear get you,” Shadow said. He put his hoof on her chest where the necklace was.

Cardinal Spitfire smiled back. It conveyed everything she wanted to say, and more.

The morning was organized chaos. Unit 41 had looked at their tent the night before to see how to break it down. When that was done, they put it with the others on chariots and then began to move the crates of field rations and bottled water onto other prepared chariots.

They were in the sky by 0530 and the Captain picked up her speed to the fastest sustainable speed for them all. They made great time, touching down a bit before 1200.

“Get food fast, shower and change,” Captain Marble Falls ordered. “Now that we are back, 1300 ceremony.”

They rushed to follow orders. Lunch was much needed after no breakfast and the fast flight. Showers didn't even last two minutes and they were all into their dress uniforms quickly. They were the first team to line up at 1240. Pathetic since the other Units didn't have to worry about showering and should have been in their dress uniforms all day.

“It is so good to see you all,” Captain Nova began. “First, I see many golden crossed rifles from soldier units. Now you can replace them with the much better, the coveted silver wings. Congratulations all. You have earned your silver Aerial Combat Wings. Even if you go back to other units you get to wear your wings because you are Aerial Combat trained.”

Their Unit instructors came forward and pinned their wigs over their left breast and above their ribbon bars.

“I have no idea where you will go Filly Fooler,” The Captain said quietly. “But I doubt you will get another training occupation set like these wings. Only better is Wonderbolts and before, Reconnaissance was mostly aerial combatants with their wings.”

“Thank you Captain,” Shadow replied.

Captain Nova continued. “But we have absolutely no need to send you back to your previous posts. All of you are needed as Aerial Combat Units. In fact, Scout option will be opened up to you. Scouts are still ACU teams so do not fear the name, just specialized. More will come in a few days after the rest of the ACUs arrive.”

“I am reactivated as a fully active duty soldier and am the Colonel over the Scouts. Sorry Shadow Flare, Reconnaissance teams is not under my control, currently. However, I am told to officially announce you have been promoted. You are now Command Sergeant Major of Reconnaissance. The highest enlisted rank… with some special twists for Reconnaissance only.”

“Damn it,” Shadow swore.

“Not thrilled with the promotion?” Colonel Nova asked.

“Not even a year out of Basic,” Shadow began. “No actual leadership school and I am promoted past so many ranks? It is a lot of jumps that has no deserving accomplishments other than I am to join a recon team.”

“I do not make the rules young one. But you have shown incredible skill in leadership while training. Do not forget that.”

“Thank you Sir. I will not.”

“Well, your wings are on. We start up in three days. 0900.”

“Command Sergeant Major of Reconnaissance,” Major Winters Breath immediately said coming up. He had orders for Shadow. Unit 41 stayed to listen.

“You are to go turn in your gear. All of it except for your dress uniform. Every flight suit and barracks wear, no matter how clean or dirty. The quartermaster office knows you are coming and will have some basic equipment for you to check out. Permanently. I checked your locker and like I thought, you will have more than enough room.”

“You have tomorrow off, but the day after be at the front gate of Fort Wind by 0800. We have a long flight head of us. Dismissed.”

“We will help you get your gear back,” Flags immediately said. “Even with power armor, you can't carry it all.”

“Thanks,” Shadow smiled.

“Unit 41,” Captain Marbles said greeting them at their Unit. “I have leave slips if you want them. Filly Fooler, yours is marked the same time, but I know you have to head out a day early.”

They all thanked her.

“Got to turn in my gear. They are helping,” Shadow explained.

“Filly Fooler,” The Captain said. “Good luck. Although luck seems to favor you. It was a pleasure training you and becoming your friend. Until we meet again.”

“Until we meet again,” Shadow replied shaking her hoof.

They had a bit of trouble finding all of Shadow's gear from throwing it off and jumping into his power armor. He thought he was more accurate than he was. A boot was found behind a toilet. They distributed it and took off with Flags leading the way.

“Ah, Command Sergeant Major, we have everything ready,” The quartermaster said.

He had everything ready. Turning in gear took no time at all and then Shadow signed out permanently his new gear.

He was issued was two black flight suits with appropriate rank insignia, a set of black barracks ware, another dress uniform with the proper ranks, including his ribbons and a set of wings, the patches for his current dress uniform with a needle and thread, and large, heavy duty saddlebags.

“These hold a lot,” Shadow said before he put them on.

“Before you go Sir,” The quartermaster said. “I also have these for you.”

Shadow took the clear bag from him. It had all of his name patches from previous uniforms he had left on. Filly Fooler. It also had two name plates with Filly Fooler on them for his dress uniforms if he was so inclined.

“Thank you so much,” Shadow said beaming.

“We figured with the infamy of the name, you would love them.”

“I do,” Shadow said. “Very, very much so.”

They flew back to their Unit and began to pack for leave.

“Arrow and I are heading out,” Dipper said. “Not sure where we are staying yet. Neither of us are familiar with New Heaven.”

“Don't be stupid,” Cardinal Spitfire warned. “I was advised about… fun that backfires with an unexpected foul.”

Arrow blushed and Dipper didn't know what to do.

“Look, there is a place on main street, Pixels'. Lunch, twelve sharp,” Cardinal Spitfire said not caring.

“Agreed,” Dipper replied.

“I'll fly out and meet you tomorrow,” Flags informed them. “I am not single like the rest of you. My family is still back at the base and needs most of it. I guess they will be moving here soon. Or something. I want Scout.”

“Don't worry,” Chocolate said. “I am still single. We will get a room with two beds and I'll cover my squadmate. This is not up negotiation.”

They all chuckled and Flags went to packed a few things. Shadow and Cardinal Spitfire were going to have to head out with them after calling out Arrow and Dipper, making things complicated.

“Shadow?” Colonel Nova asked cautiously opening the door.

“Come on in Sir,” Shadow replied. “What do you need?”

“I would like to see you briefly in my officer.”

“Of course,” Shadow said following him out. “Don't wait for me. Or well at least let Cardinal Spitfire set up dinner plans so we can meet you there.”

Shadow followed him all the way to the third floor where his office was. It was a mess. The chairs had piles of papers on them.

“Sorry,” Colonel Nova said. “This is all work from my time below and lesson planning. Things like that. I obviously need to clean. This won't be long. You have heard everything I can pass on. I just want you to have this.”

Colonel Nova took an small orb off of his shelf.

“I found this on the last mission my hooves touched the soil,” He explained. “I never had a chance to learn more. We had been dodging some blood thirsty ponies for a while and were slipping in a break. Or tried to. It is something important from what I saw around us. This probably requires unicorn magic or shaped magic to access it. Perhaps it can give you some edge. As you say, any advantage is an advantage. Here is the exact location I found the orb.”

Shadow took both and peered into the orb. It was as if it was calling to him. It was pretty and you could easily lose track of time just staring.

“Thank you Colonel,” Shadow said stunned.

“Young one, rank be damned. Call me Nova. It can get lonely at the top.”

“Sure Nova. I guess I will experience this eventually. Probably sooner rather than later the way the Major is playing thing. I will miss being called Filly Fooler.”

“Don't let the wasteland waste you and suck you dry of all you hold dear,” Nova advised. “It is all to easy to do. I had lost all hope until I really saw you and Cardinal Spitfire take to the sky. Yes, that is why I accepted to option to rebuild the Scouts. The Reconnaissance Teams would need help. Although I think Cardinal Spitfire won't have time in them. A Wonderbolt testing is being scheduled. Not sure when or were, but it is. Don't tell her that.”

“I wish you the best of luck,” Colonel Nova said. “I know you are well prepared for below.”

“Thank you Nova,” Shadow replied.

“Now you get going. I know you were given leave. Get out of here. It probably is your last chance off before you go below.”

Shadow moved as fast as he could without running, until he was out of the building. Chocolate and Flags had taken off a minute or two before Shadow got back.

“What is that?” Cardinal Spitfire asked.

“That is the big question,” Shadow replied. “Colonel Nova gave it to me. He found it, but nothing about it.”

“It is so small. I could fit four on my hoof,” Cardinal Spitfire said holding it.

“He is hoping it will give me some clue, some advantage, below. If I can unlock it's secrets.”

Shadow took it back and put it and its location coordinates in the small safe in the locker. It was the only place you could lock away valuables. Shadow double checked his saddlebags and was ready to go.

“We have to come up with a different approach,” Cardinal Spitfire warned. “Flags and Chocolate didn't leave too long ago, and we will overtake them easily. We both are too excited for...”

“We can approach in from the south east,” Shadow finished. “Coming in around the north.”

“Let's book it,” Cardinal Spitfire smiled. “New Heaven isn't large, but I hope with your giant magnet we do not pick up the others in an odd time. I don't want to deal with it yet. I don't even get all of it yet!”

“That makes two of us,” Shadow chuckled as they headed out.

They had a fast, uneventful flight. Which brought the tricky part. Getting a hotel that looked like they had approached from the typical heading. That meant it would have to be close to main street. Homestay Hotel was what Cardinal Spitfire chose.

They were greeted as they came in.

“Hi, I was wondering if you had connecting rooms?” Cardinal Spitfire asked. “We have more friends coming in on leave and after dinner, we do not know what we are going to end up doing. They will have their own rooms elsewhere, but if we had connecting rooms we would have plenty of space if we all came back here for a bit.”

“Yes. I do have some available. And one set is at the end, so you do not have to worry too much about noise if they join you.”

“Thank you so much,” She smiled. “We will keep our noise down as best as possible if they come over.”

They paid and got their room keys. The first thing they did was open the connecting doors.

“Catch me up,” Shadow said standing face to face to her in the doorway. “I have been following your lead.”

“You are so stupid,” Cardinal Spitfire smiled. “If we get caught, we have two different rooms. If they want to talk to you in the morning, you can slip over to your side, close the connecting doors and open yours. They won't find you in mine.”

“So, everything in yours?”

“Yes silly.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.”

Cardinal Spitfire grabbed Shadow's uniform. “Now get in here while we have time before dinner!”

She practically dragged Shadow to the bed.

“Make me yours!” She said flopping onto the bed.

Shadow shrugged and jumped up all the way to the ceiling and came down onto her. She shrieked and giggled as he avoided landing on her, grabbed her and rolled them further into the bed. He stopped with him on top and kissed her on the lips.

“Hey!” Chocolate called as they came towards the table for dinner. “Look who we happened to find.”

Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow laughed as they saw Arrow and Dipper, who were still self conscious about being caught.”

“They made the mistake of going to the first hotel they saw,” Flags chuckled. “It was easy to ask if our friends in uniform had arrived. Then Chocolate ends up banging on their door, claiming to be some sergeant looking for Arrow.”

“If we hadn't opened the door,” Dipper said, rolling his eyes.

“Hey, its more fun for all of us,” Cardinal Spitfire replied. “Shadow leaves. Like gone, gone. Let's enjoy the time together. You two will still get plenty of play time.”

Arrow blushed even more. Shadow was glad it was her and not him. Light coats sucked.

“Where did you guys end up,” Dipper asked trying to get the topic off of him.

“Not at the Mariton,” Cardinal Spitfire replied. “Our previous leave took a tole on our accounts. I know they have discounts there, but Homestay Hotel had the better prices. It is on 5^th. Not as nice, but better prices. My parents and I stayed there after graduation.”

“What did the Colonel want?” Flags asked putting all of it to rest.

“He gave me some location advice. He saw a lot fast, and at times didn't get to investigate like he wanted to, or should have. Only so much can go in a report. Most was bits and pieces you can’t add since they are just fragments. If I can, I will. A good chance since they seem to really want me as second for the team.”

“That's it?” Chocolate asked. He was not convinced.

Shadow decided to tell them and leaned in to whisper. “Alright. So he may have given me some bobble that caught his eye. It is… well eye catching. Maybe it can help, maybe not. It is completely unknown thing.”

“Interesting,” Flags whispered. “He probably wasn't supposed to have it. But now he is a Colonel and with great prestige.”

“Exactly,” Shadow replied. “But here comes our server.”

After dinner, Dipper convinced them to hit a bar for a few drinks and to really toast Shadow properly. Along with themselves and all of their important success.

“Well,” Cardinal Spitfire said as they entered their hotel room. “I wish I wanted to do something. But I am not used to drinking.”

“Neither and I,” Shadow said a bit woozy. “Flags was the smartest. I wish I didn't have that last one.”

“Me too. Sorry the evening is ruined.”

“Nah, Shadow said pulling back the covers. “We had fun with friends and with a good send off. I may never get to join in with them ever again. And we still get to share the same bed. That is what matters most.”

“Alright,” Cardinal Spitfire yawned. “Sharing does sound relaxing.

“Besides, we have the morning,” Shadow said joining her.

Cardinal Spitfire giggled at his touch and then sighed as Shadow pulled her in tight.

“You really like sleeping together together,” Cardinal Spitfire said enjoying his embrace.

“It got cold and lonely so many nights,” Shadow said rubbing up against her as he settled under the covers better.

Cardinal Spitfire was out and couldn't respond. She hadn't even been in bed for two minutes. Shadow kissed her on the cheek and joined her in sweet slumber.

Chocolate and Flags joined Cardinal Spitfire and Shadow for the flight back. They were not planning on spending another night in town like Arrow and Dipper were. Shadow was getting antsy after lunch about timing, even though he had plenty of it. He settled down a little as they glided in to land at their Unit.

“Okay, did anypegasus see those two coming?” Chocolate asked as he closed the door.

He voiced what they all wanted to know.

“Okay. So I am not blind. My teammate blindsided me and deceived everypegasus else,” Chocolate declared. “Captain Marble Falls pinned us well at the start. I guess Dipper really found what he wanted. The peppy energetic type who will wear him out.”

“He was worn out at lunch,” Flags chuckled. “And it is Arrow to show little sign of being tired no matter what her condition. But he was content. He found what he wanted. Now he just has to hold on for the ride until he can get her to stop long enough to be his and then let her go on bouncing around with joy.”

They all chuckled.

“Flags, you got out of your current job with ease. And want Scout now.” Cardinal Spitfire commented. “Do you think I got more self confidence?”

“I backed way off Cardinal,” Shadow stated. “Way off. And you never blinked.”

“Yeah, you got it,” Flags smiled. “It can be hard to see yourself properly, that is what friends are for. And Chocolate, you are still quiet and meek, but when it comes to it, you get it done quickly and professionally.”

“Shadow?” Chocolate called.

“Yes?”

“Are going to be able to sleep? I have never seen you shaking your hind hoof like that.”

Shadow sighed. “I hope so. But it is a good thing I am able to out fly the Major in my sleep.”

They all laughed.

Shadow went about packing. He was going to have to do it sometime, so best before lights out and while he had nothing to do but talk and wait for dinner. Not that there was much for him to pack. He made sure a dress uniform was on top and his other flight suit was as well. His regular clothes could be packed at the bottom since they would not be needed.

Dinner wasn't appetizing, but he forced himself to eat. He kept up with the others as best he could, but after dinner he went for a walk, alone. He watched the stars come out and dance in the sky until he lost track of time.

When Shadow found out what time it was, he didn't even find it worthwhile to go to bed. He just went up onto the roof of their unit and quietly settled down to think with the stars.

Leaving now was a big deal. Friends had moved on, but now it was him who was leaving friends. And the places he had gotten to know like he knew his house would no longer feel warm and comforting, but would always feel wrong, yet right, as change happens.

Shadow slipped down and went inside to grab his bags. It was still early, but he felt like sneaking off would feel best for all. He put his saddle bags on and walked out of the door.

He found himself face to face with an angry Cardinal Spitfire.

“You think you were the only one who didn't sleep well?” She whispered angrily.

“Sorry,” Shadow said keeping his voice down and walking away.

“What do you think you are doing?” She said getting in front of him. “Fuck yeah it hurts. The same amount, for both of us. How you view family doesn't make either of our pain greater or lesser. The other night, and day and all was amazing, but torture. I am your wife! I know you feel pain, but so do I!”

They stood face to face for a minute. It was the first time either of them had said husband or wife. Shadow snatched her up into a kissing embrace.

“I am sorry Card,” He said with a few tears. “It was selfish of me. You are right. You are my wife, and I am your husband. I was not acting as such. It has been a mix of right, but torture. Like you said to me, I will always come back to you. Always.”

They kissed again.

“I can't believe I said wife,” Cardinal Spitfire gasped for air. “It was so natural and right.”

“Leaving it all, its like removing the needle from your hoof. Getting it in there it hurt like hell, it being in there hurt badly, but pulling it out hurts the worst.”

“You are your stupid metaphors I can barely keep up with,” Cardinal Spitfire said rolling her eyes.

“I love you so much,” Cardinal Spitfire said kissing Shadow.

“I love you more than I can explain,” Shadow said. “One last kiss goodbye, to hold us over until the next time.”

“A big one?”

“One you will never forget.”

Shadow kissed Cardinal Spitfire and forced her to the ground where she truly could melt and relax in the kiss' radiant glory.

Shadow launched straight up and was gone in seconds. He fought back tears of agony. By the time he touched down in front of the mess hall in the main base, he had to have dry cheeks. Cardinal Spitfire probably wouldn't be able to get up off the ground for a while from the state he had left her.

Like dinner, Shadow had to force himself to eat. Nothing would be the same. She would be different from experiences that he never could share in. The same was true for him. Shadow touched his necklace and pressed it into his chest, knowing that no matter what, they were bound as each other's half.

He was at the front gate by 0735. The Major arrived a little before 0800.

“Well,” He said. “I am really going to have to keep up with you. I will inform you of the plans as we fly at a safe distance.”

“Direction?” Shadow asked.

“North by Northeast.”

Shadow took off in proper form and the Major was right along side him at his wing. He followed Shadow well as he brought them up to a good cruising height and the proper heading.

“We are headed to Fort Griffin's Gate. It was set up as the barrier between the Griffin's and the Enclave. Sealing up the sky did not go over well. It was a bloody battle but the Enclave prevailed and it has always been the place of secrets since. It is the official station for all Wonderbolt squads. Anything with clandestine actions originates there.”

“We will set up with the team and finalize things, especially equipment knowledge. We have a lot of new advancements for this team.”

“Alright, ready to kick it up a notch?”

“I know you want to get there as soon as possible, but I can only fly so fast for so long. I have designated stops along the way.”

“And how many days?”

“This is a full traversal of the Enclave. It is going to take us twelve to fourteen days.”

Shadow grumbled to himself. Twelve meant five, maybe six for him. Three if he needed to push it.

“Hello?”

“Hello, this is Lance Turnip. I am trying to reach my son, Shadow Flare. I believe he is a Sergeant.”

“Command Sergeant Major Shadow Flare departed this morning. I am sorry. I do not know where he is going. General Red River might. Can I take a message?”

“I just wanted to let him know that things are fine and we will be heading home in two days. I doubt that will be worth the General's time.”

“I have it written down. I can not guarantee anything though.”

“Oh, is a Specialist Cardinal Spitfire there?”

“Let me see… Yes. She is and a Corporal now. I am going to transfer you to the Squad Barracks. Someone will get her as soon as possible. She may have to call you back.”

“Thank you.”

…

“Lance?”

“Cardinal Spitfire. Yes, it is me.”

“I am sorry, Shadow left this morning.”

“I am aware of that. I was calling to tell him and you that everything back at your home is fine. More than fine. There were a lot of problems in the community, but they are all being taken care of. Oh, and your brother Fire, he is a natural at this. We will be heading back to our home in two days.”

“Thank you so much! It is so good to hear all of this. You have my eternal gratitude.”

Cardinal Spitfire head the click as Lance just hung up. She smiled for the first time since Shadow had left. She was going to be okay, like the farm was okay.

END OF BOOK 1