Olive Pit landed at Fort Wind and checked in through the gate. He headed off to the main office. They could direct him to Colonel Nova and his station. He swung out a bit to walk by the barracks for a sniff of nostalgia.

There was a Black Barrack group on the parade field doing something.

“Lieutenant!” The Drill Sergeant said as snapped to attention. The recruits clicked together as one as well.

Olive Pit had forgotten his rank and was shocked.

“At ease,” He stammered.

“Olive Pit?” Master Wind asked.

“Master Wind!” Olive Pit exclaimed. “It is good to see you. I was just swinging by for a trip down memory lane before finding out my exact orders.”

“Officer and Combat Medic,” Master Wind smiled. “You hammered that down fast.”

Master Wind turned to his recruits. “Recruits, this is Lieutenant Olive Pit. He was in the group that got your barrack nicknamed Filly Fooler Barrack. One hell of a soldier and no doubt, on hell of a medic.”

“Thank you Sir,” Olive Pit smiled. “I will get out of your way. They will need all the time they can get if they want to be as good as we were.”

“You heard him!” Master Wind went off as Olive Pit walked away. Olive Pit just smiled, remembering being like them at what now, felt like years ago. He had matured a lot since Basic Training.

Below Black Barracks A was painted “Filly Fooler.” None of the other barracks had any other designation than color and A-D.

Olive Pit entered the headquarters and was immediately pointed to the Squad Barracks. Things were coming back to him now. He touched down and entered them. There was no receptionist, but the wall had a chart of the building and a directory.

He found Colonel Nova’s office and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” Colonel Nova called.

Olive Pit entered. He was not the only one there. A mare and stallion were taking up the two chairs. He wouldn’t need a chair. He would be quick.

“Second Lieutenant Olive Pit reporting in for duty Sir,” Olive Pit announced as he saluted.

“I have somepony reporting in for duty?” Colonel Nova replied without saluting and looking right at him as he thought.

Olive Pit pulled out his orders.

“Oh, you are part of Unit 0,” Colonel Nova mumbled. “I always forget about 0. Let’s see, where is that paperwork?”

Finding it in the mess was not easy.

“Here we go,” Colonel Nova mumbled as he slid a folder out from the middle of a tall stack. It wavered and was about to topple, but didn’t.

“East Wing, Second Story, Room 1,” Colonel Nova said. “You are checked in. I will get some semblance of orders for you within the next three days. I have to look at Unit 0 again.”

“Yes Sir. Thank you Sir,” Olive Pit said leaving. He didn’t both to salute and closed the door behind him.

The room was bigger than Olive Pit expected. It was rather long and narrow. It had everything he needed, including a private bathroom and shower.

“I guess I really am in the military now,” He said as he plopped onto the comfy bed.

A knock came at the door.

“Enter,” Olive Pit called.

“I thought I saw somepegasus with a cross arrived,” The mare said. “Sergeant Bright Starr. Unit 0, combat medic. Wait? Are those Lieutenant bars?”

Olive Pit was overwhelmed. He looked at Bright Starr. Dark blue coat with a blue and white mane, she was bigger than he was. She was also very cute with a good dash of hot.

“Sorry,” Olive Pit said shaking his head. “Yes, they are. It hasn’t even been a year since I graduated from here and now I am back, under a Colonel who didn’t know I was coming and over a Unit I have no information on.”

She giggled. “That is Colonel Nova. When he is there, he is spot on. But being the head of Scout Command, things are still a bit shaky. He means well. Once he has whatever he is doing sorted out, you will get full orders. Any idea what he was up to?

“A mare and a stallion were in the office with him,” Olive Pit replied.

“It must be Arrow and Dipper, the two love birds around here. Probably finally getting hitched.”

“That would explain the distraction,” Olive Pit nodded.

“I didn’t get your name, Lieutenant,” Bright Starr said.

“Sorry,” Olive Pit smiled. “Olive Pit. My family is olive farmers south of New Cloudsdale. My mother always said I was called pit because her labor was 18 hours. I was tough to get out, like an olive pit.”

Bright Starr laughed. “That is a good introduction.”

“Thanks,” Olive Pit smiled. “So, you are Unit 0, I am Unit 0, Colonel Nova always forgets about Unit 0, what is Unit 0?”

“Unit 0 is the medical unit for here. We watch over all six flight decks and everypegasus on it. I think we are technically part of the Aerial Combat Squadrons, but none of us have Silver Wings.”

“We are supposed to keep up with them?” Olive Pit asked, a brick forming in his stomach.

Bright Starr shrugged. “You are the first officer here. It has been Sergeant Major Willow for the longest time. Longer than I have been here. It is pretty light work. Only eleven of us are in Unit 0. Well twelve with you now.”

Olive Pit nodded, taking it all in.

“Where can I find Sergeant Major Willow?”

“I think the clinic. It will be easier to show you than explain.”

Olive Pit was led down and around to the clinic.

“Well they finally did it,” Sergeant Major Willow groaned as she stood up. “Welcome Lieutenant. It is about time they put an officer in charge of Unit 0.”

“Colonel Nova has no idea what is going on,” Olive Pit stated.

Sergeant Major Willow erupted in laughter. “Of course not. We are forgotten around here unless something that requires medical care happens.”

“Are we really tied in with the aerial combat guys?” Olive Pit asked.

“Yes,” Sergeant Major Willow nodded. “That is why we are Unit 0. But we can’t give the Colonel too much grief about forgetting us. He only took this appointment, oh, well not long ago. And they have another ACS coming up here shortly.”

“ACS? As in a full school to get your wings?”

“Yes Sir. Why? What are you thinking?”

“If we are indeed apart of the Aerial Combat Squadrons, we need to be able to be with them. Or at least try. Just like with any other unit.”

Sergeant Major Willow let her breath out. “We are medics. And they are some of the best fliers in the Enclave. They have limited spots.”

“We already have a spot as Unit 0,” Olive Pit stated.

“True, but that still leaves us not being able to fly like they do. I can see you don’t know what their flying is like.”

“I was trained less than a year ago, under Lieutenant Marble Falls, and with Filly Foolers Barracks.”

“Oh,” Sergeant Major Willow gulped. “Well, then you know what it is supposed to be. Maybe you could keep up, but not me. I am too old.”

“Thank you Master Sergeant,” Olive Pit replied. “I will keep that in mind. I have not even been here an hour yet and you two have given me more information than my commanding officer when I checked in. And being the first officer in a long time, there is a lot to take in.”

“Well, I look forward to an officer,” Sergeant Major Willow smiled. “I am old and need back up. The Unit is good, but they are not an officer. Plus, compared to me, they are all fillies and colts.”

They laughed and Olive Pit let her go back to whatever she was doing. It was probably nothing considering how clean, neat and empty the clinic was.

“What do you all do most of the time?” Olive Pit asked Bright Starr.

“Hide and seek,” She giggled. “When there are recruits doing their aerial combat training, we are at station all day to watch out and be right there in case of an emergency. If the ACUs are doing a training session, then again, we are on duty. If the Wonderbolts are doing a training session, we are on duty, otherwise, one of us runs the clinic and the rest just stick around in case something big happens. I have a full library in my room. Every time I finish a book, I add another one to read.”

“Well, that needs to change,” Olive Pit stated. “I have no idea how yet. But there must be something we can do.”

“Headquarters does call on us at times to help out, but they have a full team there for the recruits and everypegasus else. Our job is the flight decks.”

“Do you have any suggestions?” Olive Pit asked.

“Nope,” Bright Starr shrugged.

“I expected more activity,” Olive Pit said.

“The ACUs left to head back to their secondary posts. It is only a few stationed here at all times. And the Wonderbolt units are at their own training after taking in new recruits.”

“What do you know about a Cardinal Spitfire?” Olive Pit asked.

“She was tearing up last ACS with her wingmate Shadow Flare, in Unit 41. They did an officer school for about two dozen ACU members and then a she left with a few others to Wonderbolt testing. Since she hasn’t arrived back and Unit 41 is still here, I assume she made it.”

“And Shadow Flare?”

“Gone right after ACS. Rumor is he went off with some Major that was hanging around and to a Reconnaissance team.”

“So, my friends are all gone. Close, but I missed them.”

Olive Pit smiled at Bright Starr. “Can you round every Pegasus up for a meeting in the clinic after dinner.”

“Yes Sir,” Bright Starr said heading off to carry out his orders.

Olive Pit headed back up to Nova’s office. He knocked on the door again.

“Come,” Nova called.

Olive Pit stepped in. Arrow and Dipper were still there.

“Didn’t you check in today, or am I mixing things up?”

“I did Sir,” Olive Pit replied. “I know you are very busy. I met up with several from Unit 0. I look forward from direct orders from you, but I have a question. If I were to take my Unit out for a combat training exercise, who should I ask to help lead it. I know many instructors reside here.”

“First Lieutenant Razzleberry,” Nova replied without needing to think. “Without Captain Marble Falls here, he is the best instructor we have. There should not be any recruits coming through for at least two weeks. I would have to check my calendar, when I can find it, but he will know.”

“Thank you Sir,” Olive Pit said leaving.

Olive Pit headed to the directory to find Lieutenant Razzleberry. He was in what they called the pen. It was a big room with a lot of desks for use by the instructors and Unit Leads. Each one had their own and each desk had a short wall boxing it off.

Lieutenant Razzleberry was at his playing around with something on his terminal.

“Lieutenant?” Olive Pit said.

“Yes? What can I do for you?” Lieutenant Razzleberry replied.

“I am Second Lieutenant Olive Pit Sir, combat medic. I am the officer in charge over Unit 0. I was hoping to take my Unit out on a combat exercise.”

“Say no more,” Lieutenant Razzleberry smiled. “We can begin tomorrow. 1300 at Blue Barrack’s flight deck. A light, half day to start. I doubt your Unit is prepared to uphold its obligations. I was in an ACU for a while, but stepped out to teach full time. It has been a long time since Unit 0 has been led by an officer. There has not been one in my time here.”

“Thank you Sir,” Olive Pit replied as he saluted and left.

The Unit assembled in the clinic after dinner.

Olive Pit smiled. “I am Second Lieutenant Olive Pit. I know Unit 0 has a lot to do when it comes to any training on the flight decks. Outside of that, I hear is rather lax and uneventful.”

“That changes now. It has too. I am an officer and it is my duty to make sure you are ready to perform your duty at all times. Tomorrow, 1300, Blue’s flight deck. Lieutenant Razzleberry will begin combat exercises with us. We are connected to a combat unit and have to be ready to fulfill that basic role, just like in any other combat unit.”

“We will begin with a half day and see how things go. Do your best, but there are no expectations. I know I spoke with Sergeant Major Willow about us doing ACS, but I need to see where you are at first, then we can see if any further training is needed.”

“Any questions?”

“What should we wear in the afternoon?”

Olive Pit took a deep breath in. “Full combat gear as if we were deploying.”

“We don’t have combat gear,” Bright Starr replied.

“Well,” Olive Pit stumbled. He could not get angry at them. It was not their fault without an officer leading them. “0900 be at the quartermaster's cage. We will fix that. Dismissed.”

Olive Pit headed to the pen and checked the list. He had an office here. It was just labeled Unit 0. It was a bit dusty and the seat screeched, begging for some oil. Olive Pit cleaned everything off and began to work on the terminal. He quickly built a list of things they would each need for combat gear and sent the request in, marked urgent.

Quartermaster: Urgent

I need Unit 0 outfitted with combat equipment for exercises. They will arrive at 0900. I will arrive at 0800 to square everything away. There are a total of 12 needing to be outfitted. This is my first post and I was to get gear when I arrived. I hope the list makes sense.

Light Combat Armor

Light Battle Dress Uniform x 10

Light Battle Saddle

Standard Battle Rifle

Large Left Side Saddle Bag

Gas Mask

Two Training magazines

Two Radblocks

Two Radflush

Two PWTs

Two Canteens

Second Lieutenant Olive Pit, Unit 0

Olive Pit sighed and headed to bed. He had expected somepony to be directly above him. This was a nightmare of a first post for a brand new officer. Normally the platoon had a high ranking sergeant who keep things running smoothly as second in command.Sergeant Major Willow was not a typical Sergeant Major, but she had not been under an officer to learn.

Olive Pit spent the night tossing and turning, but he was at the Quartermaster’s cage at 0743. He found it open.

“Welcome Lieutenant,” The Quartermaster greeted him. “We are getting everything ready for you. I had no idea there was a Unit 0 or that they had no combat gear. But I had heard a new Lieutenant had arrived and figured you might be at your first post and requiring permanent gear.”

Olive Pit smiled. “Yes Sir. I knew I would need you to issue me permanent gear, but I was not planning on it being this sudden. I am sure some of that gear will change as I progress themthrough the training, but I know you can handle it.”

“I know you can handle leading this change,” The Quartermaster smiled back. “Now, lets get you back here and squared away before they get here. That way we can make any fluid changes.”

It all went on easily. They had understood what he needed and taken care of him.

“You guys are awesome,” Olive Pit beamed. “But this rifle?”

“Yes, it is a light magic rifle. The Novasurge. It is the standard rifle for the Enclave. Sure, we focus a lot on conventional weapons in Basic, but that is because they are understood easier. And easier to use for training.”

“Combat School introduces the rest of the spectrum. Only the light troopers and some other positions use conventional guns. A think most of the ACUs still use lead, but they are always at their secondary posts, so we never take care of them.”

“That will take some getting used to,” Olive Pit stated. “No training modification for these?”

“We are loading you out with training rifles, but after your exercises, come in and we will exchange them for the real deal.”

“Thank you,” Olive Pit smiled.

“I bet you didn’t expect to be back so soon,” The Quartermaster smiled.

“No Sir, I did not. You remember me?”

“You paperwork was still fresh, that helped. But I remember everypegasus from that Black Barracks. You made a big splash. It wasn’t hard to remember you.”

“I saw that Black Barrack A where we stayed got a nickname applied.”

“Yep! We did that without permission, but they let it fly. His nickname will forever be remembered here.”

Olive Pit was in the cage when the others arrived. They were given their gear and left to prepare for the afternoon session. Olive Pit thanked the Quartermaster team again and headed off.

Lieutenant Razzleberry sat down by Olive Pit at lunch.

“It is good to see them in combat gear,” He said. “Although they are not used to it.”

“It was just issued this morning,” Olive Pit chuckled. “I don’t think they have worn any since Combat Medic School, which means a really long time for some of them.”

“I will get that rust off of them this afternoon. I will do it better than Marble Falls did when she trained you.”

Lieutenant Razzleberry smiled and nodded his head. “Yep. I double checked your name. Fast turn around to back here. You just missed Filly Fooler and Cardinal Spitfire.”

“So I heard,” Olive Pit replied. “But it is as it is. We will all meet up soon enough.”

“I am going to do stuff similar to what you did in Basic. It is the foundation. The following schools build upon that, but we have to check your basics first.”

Olive Pit and Lieutenant Razzleberry were waiting for them at Blue’s flight deck. They were behind by seven minutes.

“What time were you supposed to arrive?” Lieutenant Razzleberry asked them sternly.

He got mumbled responses.

The Lieutenant yelled at them. “If this had been a medical emergency, your patient may have died! You are soldiers. You might have been lacking an officer before, but that does not mean you can blow things off.”

“I saw you wobbling over here. You all went to Basic Training here, but you all seem to have forgotten and let that foundation wash away. I spent several years in an ACU, just like you. Combat Medics or not, you have to be able to uphold these basic standards for a reason.”

“I want you sprinting, on your hooves, up and down this flight deck! Now!”

They took off, wobbling as the gear bounced around.

“Lieutenant,” Olive Pit asked. “How screwed am I?”

“The officers around the Squad Barracks keep things informal, unless it is necessary. Call me Razzleberry. As to how screwed are you, not too bad. I will put plenty of pressure on all of you, but it will be relaxed. They are going to feel it, but it won’t be as bad as Basic.”

The first half of the afternoon was spent on the ground working off their rust and reconditioning them. They got a good break before they were tossed into the air for more reconditioning. The original goal was to have Olive Pit in the air with them, but they were not as prepared as Razzleberry had expected.

“0900, don’t be late!” Razzleberry ordered. “Hopefully tomorrow you can get things together enough that your Lieutenant can join you.”

“Thank you,” Olive Pit smiled. “I could not do this on my own.”

“Yeah, they left you out to dry on this one,” Razzleberry replied. “But they also assigned you this post for a reason. Unit 0 will shape up quickly and be back in line soon. I don’t know what you will do with the massive downtime you will often have, but I know you can figure it out.”

“As long as they can stay within acceptable conditioning, there may not be much to do,” Olive Pit replied.

“Sometimes, that is all you can ask,” Razzleberry replied. “If Captain Marble Falls makes it back while we are free, she is going to give the instructors a good going over. If we have recruits, it will happen as soon as we can. It is her job to make sure we are up to standard.”

“We are going to be out for a while,” Olive Pit stated. “I probably should call headquarters and get replacements for the clinic.”

“That would be smart,” Razzleberry said as they took off. “Otherwise command might look at you and say your good idea was stupid.”

They laughed and headed back to get dinner. Olive Pit made the call before eating. They would be sending over several pegasi to run things while they spent the few days getting back in line.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 56 - Equaggan War Weapons Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 34 Minutes