Golden Dawn took a deep breath in and put smile on her face. It was the start of the lunch rush for Skyline Diner. It was Thursday, so it would be calm. Light on the tips, but calm. Golden Dawn hadn’t been able to land a better job than this filly job. Today She was tired from a double the day before and wasn’t in the mood for a big crowd.

One final adjustment to her apron and uniform and she left the kitchen and headed to her table that had just come in.

“Good day, I am Golden Dawn. And I will be serving you today.”

“Golden Dawn,” The pink one, Orchid Strawberry, stammered. “I didn’t know you worked here. And after...”

Golden Dawn sighed. “Do I need to get you another server?”

“No,” Misty Perfection, the silver coated one, said. “Its just a bit awkward.”

“Its only awkward if you keep it awkward. Its old, ancient history. That cloud passed by a long time ago.”

“Are you sure?” Misty Perfection asked. “You…”

Golden Dawn rolled her eyes. “Asked her to dance at our school’s Fall Fling. I went home, cried over the weekend and was back to school, ready to continue on Monday. No harm, no foul.”

“But nopegasus knew,” Orchid Strawberry yelped. “It came out of the blue.”

Golden Dawn groaned sadly. “Because there was nothing to know. I wasn’t hiding anything. I was just me. But come Monday, everything had changed. Classmates switch seats to be further away. In the hall I was given space. Nopegasus even accidentally bumped into me. And you know how narrow those hallways are.”

“Worse still was lunch. Sitting with the rejects or others who didn’t recognize my presence. By the end of the year, I was alone. I crushed the hearts of six stallions at the dance; yet even worse, two tried to change me.”

“But its been a year and I haven’t seen any of my classmates since. They got productive jobs, I am here. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

Golden Dawn put the smile back on her face. As much as she could. “But what does matter, is your drink orders.”

“Cherry pop,” Orchid Strawberry said, not looking up from her menu.

“I’ll just go with a regular pop,” Misty Perfection replied, a courteous smile on her lips.

“A pop and a cherry pop coming up,” Golden Dawn said, writing it down.

Pop was their local slang for Cloud Cola. The carbonation in the drink popped. Cloud Cola also came with vanilla and cherry flavors added in. Another company made an Orange Cloud and Grape Cloud pop. They also had released a Red Cloud and a Blue Cloud cola. Those two were not yet sold in Twin Clouds. Golden Dawn only like the original Cloud Cola and the Orange Cloud.

Golden Dawn brought out their drinks. They placed their orders and Golden Dawn took it to the back. The door’s bell jingled while she was back there. Golden Dawn composed herself. She was the only server during the day unless it got so busy that Mrs. Diner, the owner’s nickname, had to step out to help.

Golden dawn approached the lone Pegasus. It wasn’t until she got to the table that she saw the insignias and realized he was a soldier.

“I am Golden Dawn, I will be your server. Can I start with something to drink for you?”

“Yes, a water please.”

“Tap or bottled?”

“Tap. The bottled doesn’t taste right.”

Golden Dawn let out a chuckle. “I agree with you there. I probably will never understand why the Weather Factory has their own line of water. All of the water runs through there anyway and gets screened to meet regulations.”

“Water is a complicated matter,” He chuckled. “I also would like your lunch special.”

“Coming right up, but I am surprised. You didn’t even pick up a menu. No time to take a breather on your lunch break?”

“I am traveling, solo for my job,” He replied. “It’s complicated, but I do a lot of solo travel. Cloudships are not usually available to transport me.”

“That sucks,” Golden Dawn replied. “Is that common?”

“No, I am one of the select few who has to travel a lot. Most soldiers leave and just stay at a base. In the same unit.”

“Where at?”

“Nellie Air Force Base by Las Pegasus is a big one. The other major base is Joint Base Mareland. Unless you get stationed on a Thunderhead and travel the skies a bit.”

“I should get your order in, but it sounds like a way out of here.”

“The service is good. They do their best to treat you fairly. It has it’s problems like anywhere else, but you can always try and transfer stations.”

“And I would not have a stigma there,” Golden Dawn added, mostly to herself.

“I can’t see under your apron and clothes, but what is your Cutie Mark? It doesn’t sound like this is your special talent.”

“Let me get this in first,” Golden Dawn said.

She put the order in and grabbed his water.

“My Cutie Mark is perfect for my name and it matches my mane. It is a radiant, golden dawn.”

“What does it stand for?” The soldier asked, completely engaged in the conversation. He actually cared. Something that had been lacking in her life since that dance.

“I got it when I ran for class president. I was the youngest. I was running against the current president and another first timer. I drew quite a following. On my biggest rally, as I was gaining their real approval, it appeared. That drew more supporters.”

“So you can lead,” He smiled.

“Ha. I wish.” Golden Dawn let out a sigh and being taken back down all the way. “No. I learned leadership wasn’t for me. I can rally Pegasi. I am a charmer on the stage. I can get them excited and help them discover what they want. But I can’t lead them.”

“The real underdog, the other first timer, swept the floor against both of us. 74% of the votes. He struck the last week before the votes and caused doubt in both of our leadership skills for the upcoming year.”

“That is when I learned leadership isn’t for me. Speaker for something, yes. But leadership, no.”

“What has you so down?”

“I can’t get out of a stigma for here. Its blocked several job opportunities and it even cost me my best friend who I grew up with. We were inseparable.”

“It can’t be that bad of a stigma,” He warmly smiled at her.

“Apparently everypegasus here takes finding out I’m not into stallions really badly. Or at least my community in this city. I was always just myself. It didn’t matter.”

“And it doesn’t matter in the Enclave military,” He replied softly. “I know, it sounds like a bad ploy. I wasn’t working for a sale pitch. But they don’t. And its more than work. It’s got a purpose.”

Golden Dawn chuckled. “There is little purpose here. This is a job for school ponies or a mother for supplemental income. I barely make enough on my own here. Its not their fault. They treat me well.”

“You have had that hard of a time?” He asked shocked.

Golden Dawn nodded. “Its a good sized city. But filly foolers keep quiet.”

“You don’t look like a big city filly fooler,” He interjected.

“If I did, I would probably be received well. Yes, I made a gutsy choice at the dance to ask my crush to dance. But I was just being me. You liked me for me. That all changed. I guess they all felt shocked that they didn’t know. They changed how they acted around me. I never changed. And the shock became a stigma and all employers hear is unreliable because it was a shock to my classmates and the community here.”

“The Enclave military doesn’t care. You get paid the same. Do the same jobs. Personal preference doesn’t matter so long as you keep to the standards and can do your job to satisfactory levels. Easy to achieve. Better put, it takes work, but it is an even, achievable, playing field.”

“That sounds refreshing. I am working a double today. Most hours I work till five.”

“I don’t know the recruiter’s hours. But they may close up around that time.”

Golden Dawn shrugged. “Well, I can’t do anything about it right now. Not with Strawberry Pop so close to giving birth. I can’t take off. I am already working doubles or solo when I should have a second server. But, I will keep that option close on my mind.”

“How much do you work?”

“With Pop, I work days, every day, but have a back up for most of those lunch rushes. Without Pop, I have been picking up extra shifts at night, rather than force them to hire another pegasus for a short term. This place is my life right now. I am not missing anything, and I do not hate the others. I love my coworkers, but its not my place to be here. It is theirs.”

The cook banged the ready bell and Golden Dawn had to get back to work. Misty Perfection’s and Orchid Strawberry’s food was ready. She served them and the bell clanged again, signaling that the soldier’s food was ready.

It was slower than normal lunch which was nice. Golden Dawn was working until 8, through the dinner rush. At least Sea Shell would be here for the dinner rush. She was a senior in school. Graduation was right around the corner.

Sea Shell took the role of primary server, taking stress off of Golden Dawn. Not closing the diner was nice. She was able to be home at a decent time and that meant a shower before bed.

A flier was stuck in the door to her apartment, right above the handle. She grabbed it and unlocked her apartment. It was just a studio with a bathroom. It is what she could afford, not that she needed anything bigger.

The shower felt good and rejuvenated her. Golden Dawn took the time to brush her wet hair before letting it dry. She rarely got the chance to relax and enjoy the feeling. She looked in the mirror as she finished.

No matter how bad she felt, she loved her long, straight mane. It’s soft golden locks brought a smile to her lips. She knew from the whispers from school it was coveted by other fillies. That and the way it worked with her soft turquoise coat, they had been described together as a soft glow around her.

That was before things went to shit.

Golden Dawn looked at the flier that was on the door. She had set it on the dresser.

It was for “Twin Clouds Only Chance Charity Gala.” The first one for the city. The cost for the ticket went towards the charity organization, Only Chance. A foal assistance charity. All the statistics were on the back.

1 of ever 200 couples struggle to or can’t have foals.

Few thirds are born, removing the option for adoption.

7 of every 8 third pregnancies are terminated as soon as they are discovered.

Of those that are not terminated, 3 out of every 4 are ordered to be terminated.

Of those that are allowed, only 1 out of every 5 are given away for adoption.

The other 4 are almost always on farms, where the extra pair of wings are an advantage to the whole Pegasus Race because a farm can produce more with just one extra set of wings. Few farms have a third.

But not all couples want to adopt. They have the right to have their child they made together out of love for each other. The Enclave may have population control laws in effect, but it still guarantees every couple two foals. Foals need to be born to keep the Pegasi alive.

Couples who need assistance have the greatest love to give to a foal because they appreciate it in a different way. The foal will never be a burden.

I know because I, Ivory Sky, was conceived and born with medical assistance. My husband, Prized Comet, and I also conceived two foals because I needed the assistance.

It is expensive, at least 8,000 bits, to conceive one foal. That is a huge strain on a couple’s finances. Even with both working. It was a bigger strain for our second foal. Family had to help us.

This charity is about helping those who have no chance, being given that chance. Ensuring that they can enjoy being a parent, as is their right. The only thing stopping many of them is finances.

80% of the cost for each ticket goes directly to help couples achieve their dreams of parenthood.

The statistics were new to Golden Dawn. She had a younger brother, but he was one of those few that had been given away. As soon as her parents discovered they were pregnant, the took proper legal action before a judge to appeal to be allowed to keep their foal.

Because they immediately acted and acted responsibly, they won the appeal to not abort the foal. But that meant her mother carried the foal to term, gave birth and never even got to hold him, let alone see. A screen was up so that she couldn’t see anything. They only knew it was a colt because the doctor stated it as he passed it off a nurse to be taken away.

They didn’t give a name or find out what name he was given. He was just gone. It was heartbreaking. More so than they expected and had prepared for.

Golden Dawn felt horrible, unable to comfort her mother. She would come home to find her curled up on the couch if she was lucky, often just in bed. Not eating unless food was brought to her. It took all of her maternity leave before she trudged off to work. She was quieter, her spirit broken over it.

Golden Dawn looked at the cost of the ticket and the date. It was on a Friday, several weeks away. She never worked Friday evenings and the cost wasn’t too much. The flier encouraged all to come. Couples and singles.

Ivory Skies was definitely welcoming to singles. The flier was trying to dispel any immediate thoughts that it had to be for couples since it was about foals. It was about the charity and having a fun evening at a gala. Anypegasus could enjoy that.

It was after hours to call, but there was a site she could access on a terminal. The charity was bigger than just the city and was four years old already. It had plenty of success stories.

Golden Dawn got up and opened her closet. The dress she had worn to her school’s fall dance was inside and in perfect condition. It still fit. Few ponies would have seen her in it. Most likely, her old classmates wouldn’t attend.

The gala would give some spice to her boring life. Something for her to look forward to. She could use a real highlight. Golden Dawn ordered a ticket and paid with an electronic check to her bank account.

ΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛ

Golden Dawn had rarely gone downtown. Her life had been in their part of the city. A mid level neighborhood that mostly worked at the textile mills next to them. Her parents worked the mills. She had tried, but the PR clerks had gotten enough of an ear about her stigma that she was denied.

The factories in Twin Clouds almost exclusively hired off of word of mouth because of how tied into the community they were. If they had heard good things, you were in. A single bad or shocking thing killed your chances of a job. Never being heard of applicants had a better chance at getting a job than a low reputation at the end of your school year.

It was thrilling to spend the bits on a sky cab and head to the Twin Clouds Convention center. The outside was decorated in the soft blue and, not to bright, pink theme colors. Bright for a gala, but appropriate for the charity.

She was on time, which meant she was in the early crowd. The refreshments table was open, so Golden Dawn figured it would be wise to drink some water before it would become crowded.

The inside was like the outside, but more so. The blue took prominence so that they were not blinded by so much pink. It was a lovely, classy set up, even with the bright colors. An orchestra was playing softly in the background, with a few couples already dancing.

“My my,” A mare said coming up to her. “What a lovely dress.”

Her husband was also with her. They were older than her parents.

“Where did you get something so fine? It complements you perfectly.”

“I got it at Sassy Saddles,” Golden Dawn smiled.

“I am in and out of there all the time. I don’t recall it. I certainly would have bought it.”

“Its a year and a half old. My parents bought it for a school dance. It was in her Small Town Chic collection. Opal Waters made it, a designer in a small town called El Nino.”

“It is lovely. Beyond lovely. Princess worthy.”

“Very much so,” Her husband said with a nod.

“I know that dress. Golden Dawn?”

Golden Dawn knew that voice. It was one she didn’t want to hear.

“Thank you,” Golden Dawn smiled to them.

She turned around to greet Soprano Rhyme.

“I’m surprised to see you here,” He said, reserved. “I didn’t think this was your scene.”

Golden Dawn held back any negative reactions.

“A charity gala isn’t my scene? Why not?”

“Well, you and the Fall Fling, and then you were a no show at the senior prom. One of the five who didn’t go. And two of them had the feather flu.”

“I was busy,” Golden Dawn said annoyed. “That’s all. Not going to a single dance doesn’t mean it’s not my scene.”

“Well… Okay. I was just getting some punch for…”

“Sapphire Hue,” Golden Dawn finished with a smile. “I was plugged in the talk on both sides.”

“Yeah. And its gotten serious. The wedding is coming up in a few weeks. She insisted we come tonight.”

“I am happy for you two. I really am. I am glad she finally made the first move.”

“How do you…”

Golden Dawn rolled her eyes. “I am not an idiot. I knew our class well. Even at the end.”

“Well, she wants her punch. She is talking with her parents.”

Golden Dawn just nodded and stepped aside. There was no reason to step aside outside of making him walk away feeling less awkward. There wasn’t even a fake greeting.

“Hi there!” A chipper ivory coated mare said trotting up. “I am Ivory Sky. I know how the singles look when they attend these galas. And I love having singles step out and come, enjoy themselves with good, fun Pegasi.”

“Miss Ivory Sky,” Golden Dawn smiled.

She was happy to be meeting her. And judging from her smile, Ivory Sky wanted to meet her and cared to get to know her.

“Please, no miss. I am just a regular Pegasus like yourself. I do this when I have the chance. I have two mouths to help feed.”

“I am so happy to be here. Its been great looking forward to it for several weeks. And its been great to get out of my drab, predictable routine.”

“Life always seems that way. Do you work at the mills or the grain sorting factories?”

“No,” Golden Dawn said shaking her head. “At a diner, as a server. I get by, but its work and that is about it.”

“Well I am so glad to hear that I at least brightened up your life for a bit. At the very least, Only Chance did that. I hope you never need us, but I am glad you are here.”

“Actually, now that you mention it, I might. I’m not exactly into stallions.”

Ivory Sky waved it off. “Nothing to be ashamed about. Just be you. And if you need us, we are here. For every couple.”

“That is where the problem lies about growing up in my community. I was myself, but the shock when they found out, changed everything. They can’t seem to get past it, even after over a solid year.”

“I have heard so many heart breaking stories. Friends stopping talking because the one with foals is too awkward about it. Or feels guilty. It only hurts more when it happens. They could use their friend’s support.”

Golden Dawn’s hoof was over her heart, feeling their pain. “I lost it all, but their stories are so much more heartbreaking. My old friends did it because they couldn't see past it. They couldn’t make it work in their head. I changed in their mind. But just because you can’t have foals, that isn’t a change. That is a fact. And its horrible their support left them over something so trivial.”

“I know,” Ivory Sky replied, deeply hurt herself. “But, I need to greet other guest. I am available if you want to talk, so don’t let that stop you.”

“Also, over there is a few tables for the singles to mingle, if you are so inclined. It is not meant as a set up, dating service or anything. Just helping make sure you have the best time. The younger couples also gravitate to the area too.”

“Its appreciated,” Golden Dawn giggled. “Singles often feel safer around other singles. Especially at a big dance or gala.”

Golden Dawn headed over to the tables. There were not even a dozen there yet. A mare alone at a table waved at her and Golden Dawn headed over.

“Hi, I’m Shining Ire,” She chirped.

“I’m Golden Dawn. I love the black lace on your dress.”

“Thanks. Its an heirloom dress, which is why it has actual lace. My grandmare made it. I am learning, but not this good. The black against the ivory works well for most mares.”

“It certainly works well for you. Are you working in the textile mills?”

“No, I am an office clerk. Boring, slow, but I often get to practice. I hope that in a few years I can switch to lace work all the time. You?”

“A server at a diner. It sounds just as fun as it is.”

They both chuckled.

“Okay, but what else do you want to do?”

“Nothing in my community. Plus that options exhausted. No PR will hire me. Shocking finishing to my senior year killed that option. Its mostly the textile factories in my community.”

“Did you go to Mills?”

“Yep,” Golden Dawn nodded with a sigh.

“Ouch. Their school’s academic rep is low it won’t help you get a job anywhere in this city. And that also means you come from a very tight, clique community.”

“And you?” Golden Dawn asked with a smile.

“The so cliché named Soaring Clouds Academy. Pathetic name, but good school. Good academic records. Are your parents in the mills?”

“Yep,” Golden Dawn nodded. “But on the floors. Doing the same job since the start. Althought they have moved stations from time to time.”

The two of them chuckled.

“My dad is an administer in the local food distribution center. That is all he can say.”

“Nice.”

“It’s a lot of stress on him.”

“I bet. Especially with things heating up over it.”

“It fear of the unknown. I just know that he isn’t concerned about food and is frustrated that they are. He is somewhere here with my mom.”

“I would be shocked if my parents came. We haven’t talked for a while because we all are so busy, but it would be a big shock.”

Golden Dawn and Shining Ire continued to get to know each other as the gala’s crowd started to grow to it’s full strength.

“Golden Dawn?”

It was another voice Golden Dawn knew, and it was shocked and concerned. And for a very good reason.

“Blazing Midnight,” Golden Dawn said with a fake smile.

“Hey,” Blazing Midnight said, drawn out.

“Hey,” Jeweled Bridge said joining them, right at Blazing Midnight’s side. “Its been so long. You disappeared.”

“I disappeared?” Golden Dawn asked shocked. “No pegasus would talk to me for the rest of the school year unless they had to. Even Blazing Midnight had stopped. When autumn hit, I just stopped trying to talk or see him.”

“You didn’t tell her?” Jeweled Bridge asked pissed off. She took a step away from Blazing Midnight. “You said you told her!”

Blazing Midnight was frozen. Jeweled Bridge snorted and turned back to Golden Dawn.

“Then I guess you didn’t hear we got married.”

Golden Dawn’s heart sank.

“I am happy for both of you. You got a stellar stallion, ignoring his betrayal of his best friend.”

Golden Dawn shifted her words to Blazing Midnight.

“You and I grew up together. More than that. I want answers. We were playing together since we were old enough to crawl. I gave you the inside scoop on all the fillies. That includes on Jeweled Bridge!”

“After the Fall Fling you just began to distance yourself. You stopped studying with me. I lost my study partner that I had gone through every test with since we started school.”

“I still worked my ass off and got Cum Laude when I graduated. You stopped showing up and because of it, you barely missed it. You missed out on so much more because you just stopped everything.”

“Why! I thought we were better than that. Stronger than that?”

“I… You changed,” Blazing Midnight stammered.

“No, I never changed. If you had asked, I would have told you. Or anypegasus. I wasn’t hiding anything. Just because I don’t look like a filly fooler from the city, doesn’t mean I was hiding anything. I was me with you. And you were you. Unless that was a lie.”

“Now I want an answer,” Jeweled Bridge huffed.

“We lost that connection,” Blazing Midnight finally spit out.

“You lost it,” Golden Dawn shot back. “You chose to let it drop and then not pick it up. Be shocked, okay. Be hurt and confused at not knowing, okay. I can understand that. But just sliding further and further away? That I never saw. And I knew you. I still know you. That is what we had as friends.”

Blazing Midnight didn’t have anything to say.

“Pathetic,” Golden Dawn sighed, eyes closed, shaking her head. “A pathetic choice. A true flaw.”

Blazing Midnight just walked away, unable to defend or amend his choice. Jeweled Bridge hesitated for a moment before following after him.

Shining Ire put her hoof on Golden Dawn’s.

“Well, I am shocked. I hate saying it, because it doesn’t solve anything or stop the pain, but it seems you are better off.”

Golden Dawn let out a deeper sigh. “It doesn’t make me feel better. But I’ve already cried that one out.”

“That explains the job trouble you were saying earlier.”

“Yeah, and I don’t know what to do. Well, I was informed of an option. Joining the military. It would get me out. But they are only open when I work, and there is nopegasus to cover for me.”

“So, the next time you can, call their office,” Shining Ire smiled. “If they are not complete idiots, they will let you schedule a meeting outside of their normal work hours.”

Golden Dawn let out a happier chuckle. “You are right. They would. And I will.”

“Any ideas what you want to do? At least they would care about your grades.”

They chuckled. Mills had a really bad academic reputation. Golden Dawn’s Cum Laude was a joke to Twin Clouds. She had worked hard and learned just as well as any other school, but Mills was not considered an equal.

“I met a soldier, once, in the diner. He was just passing through, on his way to another base for his job. He does a lot of solo travel because of it. He was in and out, but we did talk a few minutes. I don’t know much. Basically that they can get me out of here and I can make a lot more bits than I am now. Which would be nice. My budget is so tight.”

“I save a decent amount of money because I work through over half of my meals and eat at the diner, free. I also usually only eat two meals a day because I work that much.”

Shining Ire chuckled. “I don’t have to ask my dad to know that you would at least get three solid meals in the military.”

“I would have to learn to be cleaner,” Golden Dawn chuckled.

“Yeah, they pride themselves on that.”

“I may be always at work, but I could be a lot cleaner. I should start preparing. Even if I don’t join, its good to be clean and neat.”

“Well hello ladies,” A red stallion said coming up.

He was joined by a friend. They were dressed to impress. The red one was in a white suit with black pin stripes. The light gold one had a gray suit on and sporting a pink bow tie.

The red one continued to speak in his smooth voice. “What are two beautiful mares like yourselves doing at the singles mingles tables? Especially without stallions to mingle with.”

Shining Ire rolled her eyes. “Are you here for romance or fun?”

It was not a response he was ready for. The light gold one recovered first.

“You, Miss Turquoise, look like a pegasus that I can have some good, clean fun with. And I will accept that if it means I can be by such a beautiful mare for the night.”

“Miss Turquoise is a new one,” Golden Dawn said with a smile. “I’ll bring all the fun I can, as long as I don’t become a conquest after this night. I don’t need that story floating around.”

He was unable to stay as smooth as he was. “I would love to say I have more class than that, but its not true. I have made up stories before. But I give you my word I won’t.”

“And you Red?” Golden Dawn asked, backing Shining Ire up.

“I have more class than Gilded Heart, but I will be a true Gentlepegasus and not make a conquest story either. I will only tell of the enjoyment of your company on this fine evening. I am Red Star.”

“And I am Shining Ire and she is Golden Dawn.”

“We have never seen you at any of these types of event,” Gilded Heart stated.

“I come when my father makes me,” Shining Ire replied.

“I bought my own way,” Golden Dawn shrugged. “I live out by the textile mills and rarely get downtown.”

Gilded Heart chuckled softly. “If you live out there, they I doubt you have heard of our parent’s firm or what we do. I won’t bore you. Come, lets hit the dance floor. You do dance?”

“I have been to a few dances back when I was in school, but I doubt what I consider dancing is what you mean.”

They chuckled.

“Then I shall start with teaching you a simple two step, often used for slow dancing. Then we can move into the basics of ballroom or swing, depending on the music.”

“Sounds good to me. Be ready to laugh at my mistakes, because they are sure to happen.”

“That is part of the fun of dancing. Learning to move together in symmetry and laughing when you keep making the same mistakes as you learn.”

It wasn’t long before Golden Dawn had the basics down. They moved into ballroom dance basics for a while. They were halted by another voice Golden Dawn didn’t want to hear.

“You scored Golden Dawn? You turned her?”

“Starry Mineral,” Golden Dawn growled, whipping around to face him. “Why are you here. You are like the fifth pegasus from my class that is here.”

“Because a group of us decided to come, but you, your with him?”

“I do not know what is going on,” Gilded Heart stated. “Is there a problem with us dancing?”

“Dancing? She doesn’t dance with stallions. She dances with mares!”

Golden Dawn groaned and was unable to avoid hanging her head.

Gilded Heart was peeved. “Is there a problem with two pegasi enjoying dancing together at a charity gala?”

“No,” Starry Mineral stammered. “But how? Why?”

“It’s called having fun,” Golden Dawn said through clenched teeth. “Ever heard of it?”

“Good, clean fun,” Gilded Heart shrugged. “Now go hang out with your friends and stop ruining the evening for her.”

“How, she wouldn’t even try with me.”

Golden Dawn cut Starry Mineral out of the conversation.

“He tried to convert me the last half of our school year.”

“That is never a good idea,” Gilded Heart replied shocked. “And I thought I was bad at times. But I know how to have fun with other pegasi at events like this.”

Starry Mineral had walked away. He was still pissed off. Golden Dawn headed back to the table. Gilded Heart walked beside her.

“Why don’t I grab us something to eat and drink,” He smiled.

Golden Dawn just smiled back at him.

“So,” Gilded Heart said coming back, wings full. “That explains the no conquest request even more. I wish they were not hear. Any mare with me shouldn’t be sad. It means I am doing something wrong.”

Golden Dawn chuckled, coming out of her misery. “This was supposed to be a fun night to get me out of my stressful, boring routine as a server at a diner. I know the neighborhood got canvased with the fliers, but I didn’t actually think that any of them would care about Only Chance or even come for another reason.”

“This medical thing is the only way you can have foals. It makes sense why you came.”

Golden Dawn chuckled a bit more. “That thought never entered my mind until I got here tonight. It was a good charity and I cared about the statistics on the back of the flier. I wanted to go, and enjoy myself for an evening. The charity was enough of a justification for me to spend money on a ticket. My finances are tight and I can’t afford to spend much on myself.”

“Well, I am glad you came. I have been trying to get into a relationship for too long. So when Shining Ire asked if it was romance or fun, I gave up on romance for the evening. I wanted to have fun, not stress.”

“I am very glad you came too. I have never had this much fun at any of these social events, or even the dances at our school. Where did you go to school?”

“Mile High Crystal Preparatory Academy.”

Golden Dawn raised an eyebrow. She had never heard of that school.

“Its a private school. My parents paid to send me there.”

Golden Dawn gave a slow nod.

“I was sent to the local school. I know about the tech and science schools, but you can pay for education? You have enough money to pay for education?”

“See, that is what my thoughts were too. But I went where I was told to go, got solid grades like I was told and graduated like I was told. I felt like the school was stuffy and hard to breath in. I just wanted to learn like a normal foal.”

“I am sure we had just as much drama as you had. I had to learn the same stuff as every other filly and colt in the Enclave. It was pointless to me. But it is what was expected and all my classmates were the same social standing as my family’s.”

“I never got the social stratification,” Gilded Heart admitted. “Duty shouldn’t come with such large gaps in pay and work load. But its my duty to do what I have to. Somepegasus has to be on the top.”

“My goal is to get to the top as soon as possible so I can makes things better in the lower social classes. Do what I can do to make sure the employees are taken care of and know they are appreciated.”

“That sounds really admirable,” Golden Dawn smiled. “I didn’t grow up poor. Now I am poor. At least for now. But my parents worked hard, long hours in the mills. And they still are working, just like the day they first started. I know the work would feel easier knowing they were appreciated and the pegasi at the top didn’t view themselves better than their employees. Even if they do not, it feels like it unless that is reinforced.”

“The mills are a tough place to work. I would take poor, barely getting by as a server than in the mills. I have no ability to get anypegasus hired in the company, but what is your plan?”

“I’m going to be talking to a recruiter and see what the military has to offer. I know absolutely nothing about it, so I can’t give you any guesses or anything.”

“That is a worthy goal. If my parents heard I was even thinking of thinking about talking to a recruiter, they would go ballistic.”

They both laughed.

The music ended and Ivory Sky took the stage.

“And if you did not know, that is the Twin Clouds orchestra. They are doing this free, for Only Chance. They will be back after a break, but lets hear a round of applause.”

Ivory Sky talked about the charity and formally thanked everypegasus.

“This is a gala, which means music. If the beat moves you, let it take control. For the music, DJ Cloud 9 is here to spin some newer tunes and other classics you can’t do with an orchestra. Just enjoy the music and feel!”

Golden Dawn smiled at Gilded Heart. “This is more along the lines of what I am used to.”

“Me too, and the older crowd isn’t avoiding it yet, so if we want to dance on the dance floor, then we need to move in now.”

Golden Dawn took a drink and they made their way back. They were able to slide up to Shining Ire and Red Star so the four of them were enjoying the music together. The bass was let off and Cloud 9 spun up some brass, jazz style music.

“Now this,” Gilded Heart smiled. “This is swing music. And I love to swing.”

Gilded Heart began teaching Golden Dawn how to swing. Shining Ire already knew and Golden Dawn was impressed by her and Red Star.

As they began to pick up the beat and Golden Dawn was led into a spin she caught the edge of her dress and when down in a yelp. Everypegasus around was immediately concerned but Golden Dawn’s laughter let them know she was fine.

They were back at it but the music didn’t last much longer before it shifted to a free style dance. A little later it slowed down and they were into a slow two step. Golden Dawn was having a blast. A much needed break from her life. And they were all becoming fast friends.

Gilded Heart stopped them mid step.

“What?” Golden Dawn asked.

“I’m getting a stare from another pony,” Gilded Heart said. “Angry stare.”

“Killing the fun,” Golden Dawn sighed. “Its probably another of my old classmates.”

“We are about to find out,” Gilded Heart said.

Gilded Heart kept Golden Dawn’s back to the pony so she didn’t have to face him.

“You are dancing with him?”

Golden Dawn tensed up. Bright Cloud was a sweet pegasus. The first colt she had broken the heart of. And no more than twenty minutes before she asked Orchid Strawberry to dance.

“Look, times and setting has changed,” Gilded Heart said. “Go have fun with your friends and let us enjoy the music and the evening with our friends.”

“She said she would never dance with a colt,” Bright Cloud pressed.

“Semantics. I am a stallion. Not a colt. Second, no, there is no second. Go run off and play elsewhere. She has had enough of you and your friends harassments for the evening.”

“I am looking for answers,” Bright Cloud shot back.

The area around them was watching, unsure what to do.

“This isn’t how you ask for them,” Gilded Heart replied calmly.

“I am not trying to talk to you.”

Golden Dawn’s anger peaked and she spun around.

“You were not interested in just dancing,” Golden Dawn hissed. “You wanted a relationship. I said no. End of story.”

“So you would have danced with me for fun?”

“No, because there was a lot of more important things happening that night. As nice as you are, no. We are dancing out of pure fun. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“So, will you dance with me after?”

Golden Dawn wasn’t sure what to do with the pressure he was putting on her.

“No. I won’t. Because it wont be fun. You and the others sealed that fate. Now move on despite your shock.”

“I just don’t get how you can say you would never dance with a colt and am here now. And there is no semantics about it.”

“You don’t get anything and thats become very clear. The same goes for the rest of them. Let me have fun. Fly off!”

“May I have the next dance?”

“She said go,” Gilded Heart said firmly.

“This is between us.”

Golden Dawn let out a low growl. “Maybe this will make sense. Fuck off!”

Golden Dawn saw the others around them react. It was not a classy thing to say and they were surrounded by an older crowd who certainly had money. After the initial shock wore off, their angry gazes turned to Bright Cloud.

Bright Cloud slowly backpedaled and then finally walked away. The area relaxed and went back to enjoying the music and dancing.

“You okay?” Gilded Heart asked Golden Dawn.

“Yes,” Golden Dawn said taking a deep breath in.

“Do you want to head to the mare’s room?”

“No, I cried them away a long time ago. Now its just anger and disappointment.”

Shining Ire and Red Star were right beside them.

“Are you sure?” Shining Ire asked.

“Yeah,” Golden Dawn nodded with a smile.

“Well then,” Red Star grinned. “Partner switch.”

Gilded Heart pushed as Red Star grabbed and Golden Dawn was whisked away with a laugh.

They didn’t dance much longer. They were all getting tired. They got to the tables and relaxed, catching their breaths with full smiles.

“This is so much fun,” Shining Ire finally said. “I expected a boring evening. But they actually have a variety of music that all are having fun dancing with. And I haven’t seen my parents. That is an odd thing. They will show up eventually.”

“I needed to come tonight,” Golden Dawn sighed contently. “Even with the problems, this has been spectacular. Much better than I ever expected. But, we have to give it up to our Gentlepegasi companions. They have been stellar.”

“Absolutely,” Shining Ire clapped.

“Well, I already told Golden Dawn this, but I am glad you asked romance or fun. Because I have been trying way too hard for romance. I never got to enjoy an event like this because I was chasing after that romantic partner. You two have made this evening for us.”

Red Star chuckled. “I am glad Gild said fun because I was about to move on. But when he threw himself into fun, well we both have been stressing about that side of things too much. Find the mare, sweep her off her hooves and dance the night away into marriage. It’s kind of how the high end in Twin Clouds does it. Parents too.”

“Then its been a big win for all of us,” Shining Ire nodded happily.

They applauded DJ Cloud 9 as he finished up and the orchestra took it’s place again, changing the feel of the evening with their violins.

As the evening grew later, they were approached by an older couple.

“And there are my parents,” Shining Ire smiled.

“You four have been having fun,” her mother smiled.

“Just going with the flow as much as possible,” Shining Ire smiled. “But this has been more fun than any other dance or gala you have brought me to. I met three great pegasi. I never really met anypegasus else at the others. I won’t protest coming if at least one of them will be there.”

“We are very happy,” Her dad smiled. “Because that is the goal. Well, second goal since this is a charity gala. But we have bugged you long enough.”

They walked off towards the dance floor and decided to waltz their way there.

“That is the shortest check in I have ever had,” Shining Ire stated. “But this is the most fun I’ve ever had.”

“If yours checked in, ours have to be coming around soon,” Red Star stated.

“My parents are in bed by now and on the other side of town,” Golden Dawn shrugged. “So that inevitable isn’t possible.”

“You talk as if we are bad,” A mare said from behind Golden Dawn.

Shining Ire grabbed Golden Dawn before she slipped out of her chair in surprised. It was Red Star’s and Gilded Heart’s parents. And they had plenty of questions.

“No, purely fun and making friends,” Gilded Heart explained. “And we are making a lot of fun memories.”

“And you are proving to be a good protector,” Guided Heart’s Mother said nudging him. “After that colt pressed like that.

“Yeah, not helping mom. And its not happening either. It will just be friends which is beyond fine.”

“What was that about?” Red Star’s father asked.

“Old classmates,” Golden Dawn sighed. “It was a rough finish to my last few month in school before I graduated. Some of them are too stupid to shrug a little bit of surprise off and be content with their groups.”

“What school?” Red’s mother asked.

“Mills,” Golden Dawn nodded.

None of them knew what to say.

“The answer is yes,” Golden Dawn chuckled. “Academically I graduated up at the top of the class. But they couldn't handle some surprises. Nor can the community. And none of them seem to be able to leave well enough alone.”

“Well, I would love to see you around more,” Gilded Heart’s mother said.

“Mom,” Gilded Heart said firmly. “That won’t happen. We might have been dancing, but it was fun, between friends. She doesn’t go for stallions. That is why her old classmates wont let it go. They had no idea until the end. She was just being herself at school, like she is being here. And I like her this way. Its fun. There is no pressure.”

Their parents didn’t know what to say.

Golden Dawn spoke up. “Its been a real pleasure to get to know your sons. Its been fun and relaxing. If both of them just relax and don’t try, they will find somepegasus. As smooth as they were when they slid up to us, it was a turn off.”

“Charming, yes. Almost make me blush? Well placed compliments will make anypegasus blush. But it only got really good and fun when the acts were dropped to be them.”

“I back her,” Shining Ire smiled. “The two of them are doing fine on their own. But I know you care, just like my parents care and why they came over earlier to check in. It’s appreciated and good to see the mares and stallions behind such gentlepegasi.”

“Who are your parents?” Red Star’s father asked.

Shining Ire pointed to the dance floor. “They are the two doing the foxtrot while everypegasus else is doing the regular waltz.”

“Ah yes, we spoke with them earlier. He is an administrator in the food distribution system. We are going to be having your family over on Tuesday for dinner.”

“That will be fun,” Shining Ire smiled. “It’s been ages since we went to a dinner party or hosted one. Or even over just for a relaxed evening. They need more friends.”

“Dear, you should join us,” She said to Golden Dawn.

“I work all day on Tuesdays,” Golden Dawn replied. “But thank you.”

“I am sure we can get you out of it.”

“Nope,” Golden Dawn shook her head. “I am the only server available for this Tuesday, most Tuesdays, and I need the one job I can find. But thank you so very much for the invitation. Perhaps another time. I will readily go across town to hang out with these three.”

“Across town?”

“I live by the textile mills,” Golden Dawn nodded. “Right by them. I was lucky enough to be able to get a ticket and afford to come tonight. The Only Chance organization is an important one. I am so glad it exists.”

“Come one,” Gilded Heart’s father said. “Lets leave them alone.”

They all breathed a sigh of relief when they were out of hearing range.

“Sorry,” Red Star immediately said. “They don’t get things further down in the social hierarchy. They were raised in it. I only see things different because of Gilded Heart.”

Golden Dawn shrugged. “I expected to have to explain where I live and job. I didn’t come looking for approval in that area. What matters is that you guys get it and are cool with it. They can come around because of you. And if they don’t get it, that’s okay. I don’t have anything to prove to them.”

“Now I am curious as to where you live,” Shining Ire said. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“I get off at five,” Golden Dawn shrugged. “And on Sundays I work a normal day shift so I don’t have to be in bed too early.”

“What is there to do around you?”

“Nothing really,” Golden Dawn shrugged. “A few restaurants, there is a community center with a bunch of activities, meeting places for book clubs, a knitting group and such. Some sports stuff too. Growing up, if we did anything, it was there. The area is almost entirely housing for the mills.”

“I guess better way to explain things is that the community center was right next to our school. Which was right next to our large, central park. The community center building alone takes up four city blocks, peaks at 20 stories tall and does more than enough for our community. Plus, it only takes a few to keep it maintained and cleaned.”

“It sounds boring,” Red Star stated.

Golden Dawn shrugged. “It wasn’t. Isn’t. It is what I know. But coming in from the outside, yes. I can see how its viewed as boring.”

“And yet you work in a Diner?” Shining Ire asked.

“Yep,” Golden Dawn nodded. “There are a lot of caretakers for all the apartments and city buildings. A lot of families only have a single parent working while the other cares for their foals. Plenty of pegasi are around. Plus, the diner is on the edge of the community. It picks up traffic from the business park on our other side. That is where most of our business comes from.”

“As boring and annoying their reaction to me is, its still home.”

“No matter then,” Shining Ire stated. “We will still make sure we get together as often as possible. Especially if you do join up, we need to make sure we hang out.”

“Agreed,” Golden Dawn smiled.

The social side of her life had suddenly picked up to being normal. It would be tough to leave it, but they would still be friends. It wasn’t a reason to not join the military.

ΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛΛ

Golden Dawn opened the door to the recruiting office. It had taken half an hour to get to it because there were none near her home. They had gotten her in immediately. She had called the next day and this was Monday evening, right after the dance.

“Ah, Miss Golden Dawn,” She was greeted by a pegasus in a well pressed black uniform.

Golden Dawn was not familiar with their uniforms, but nothing seemed to be even a little off, despite after being worn all day.

“It is a pleasure for you to visit. I am Staff Sergeant Glowing Pauldron.”

“It is nice to meet you,” Golden Dawn smiled. “But what is this giant mural on your wall?”

“This shows all the different aspects of the Enclave Military. The ways we protected our loved ones. We make sure that they are not helpless. We make sure the nightmares stay in their dreams and do not become a reality.”

“Nightmares?” Golden Dawn asked.

“Yes,” He nodded. “Without law enforcement officers, there would be no order. Chaos. Pegasi would use and enslave each other. They would kill to gather all the resources they could. The military’s focus isn’t so much on the inside, but we are there to make sure nothing below gets above. Be that chemical, weapons, or pony.”

“Unicorns are powerful enough that they could overcome the cloud barrier that protects us. Think about if anything below made a giant cannon and pointed it to the sky. They could strike this city. Without our military to go down and stop them, this city would be blasted to fog and everything you love and hold dear would be gone.”

“We do a lot more than most recognize. But we don’t want others to recognize the depths of our service because we want their minds to be at ease. ”

“I never thought of that,” Golden Dawn said shaken.

She never has seen herself as helpless. Golden Dawn’s life revolved around the mills, school, the diner and then surviving her stigma. That stigma seemed so small compared to the things the Enclave had to worry about. They made it safe so that she could have that stigma. She had never seen things so widely before.

“Who are these soldiers?” Golden Dawn asked, pulling herself together. “Individually.”

“To start is our science teams, then our doctors and nurses. Then here is a combat medic in action. Our cloudship officers, crew and the Pyrocumulus. This is of a Wonderbolt Squad and here is another Aerial Combat Battalion Unit in flight. These stallions and mares are the meat of the military, our basic soldiers. You can see most of them in medium combat armor, but here is heavy units in Pegasus power armor.”

“And those three, with the single gun?”

“Ah, our light troopers. They are small in numbers for a direct combat role, but they serve a good purpose. They can react faster than regular units because they are so lightweight. They typically are deployed to flank enemy forces or protect a flank. Fast, direct action, but not designed for sustained combat like out regular and heavy units.”

“These two are support soldiers. We have a lot of soldiers trained to do technical and mechanical work. They keep our weapons functioning, cloudships flying and the bases in working order. But we can’t forget about our administrative roles that do everything from paperwork to making sure soldiers are outfitted properly. And of course, to finish is our law enforcement teams.”

“I know nothing about the military,” Golden Dawn admitted. “I certainly didn’t know you had doctors and scientists.”

“All scientist and medical staff are apart of the military. The military run most everything. But lets sit down.”

“The Enclave military is really important to our survival,” Golden Dawn said.

“It is. Without it, we would be in trouble. Our science and medical teams are constantly making advancements that effect every day life. Few pegasi realize that change is even happening. Just as it should be. And like I said, our law enforcement teams keep order and make sure everything is running smoothly with the citizens.”

“I was able to get your school records before you got here. I am impressed. Great grades. Your job history isn’t much, but that is typical. I can put you in for the next cycle and the job opportunities are wide open.”

“That sounds promising,” Golden Dawn smiled.

She was doing her best to mask her nerves. Now she was seeing things differently. Now she saw her parents, both brothers, and her new friends exposed. Unprotected and unaware. It would be a big change, but the stakes were bigger.

“Science is out. Even with your grades, they come from the science schools. The same goes for mechanical and technological fields.”

Golden Dawn shrugged. “I worked my ass off for those grades, but I could not perform those jobs.”

“Administration is always a needed job. Finances always need done and we can train you for that. Pegasus Resources always needs extra wings to make sure pegasi get where they need to go. Your application would go directly to them. We can not forget about receptionists and other support staff to officers, committees and other positions.”

“The Quartermasters are the ones who give and receive gear from soldiers, depending on what is needed. Although about half their staff are tech and mechanical specialists to repair and maintain the equipment. You also have communication specialists who often are deployed in support roles to combat units.”

“Textile Specialist is a completely under appreciated job, but they are some of the most crucial to keeping the military running. They do the laundry, they do clothing repairs, alterations, sewing on ranks and other aspects.”

“I would prefer my current job over any of those.”

“I don’t blame you with your school records. I figured nutrition specialists, who do all the cooking and kitchen work, was an automatic no.”

Golden Dawn chuckled. It was the only response needed.

“You are a good match for law enforcement. That will require supplemental training after Combat School. And of course, you could pick up any of our combat roles, outside of our flight specific roles. The flight roles are something you have to prove during your service. That you can handle flying at elite levels.”

“Last but not least, you can apply for Officer School to be an officer. I can’t guarantee that, but your grades are very solid.”

“I am not a leader,” Golden Dawn said shaking her head. “What does it take to be a light trooper?”

“Our light troopers take the same path as the rest of the direct combat roles. You will go to Basic Training for 16 weeks. There you will learn what it means to be in the military and things like proper presentation. A big focus is on physical fitness and making sure you hit the standard requirements.”

“You will learn the basics in combat, team building, shooting, first aid, and such. It happens so that every single soldier knows the same stuff as their foundation. From there, you head off to your respective training schools.”

“Everypegasus goes to another school, even the mechanics and tech specialists because they need to learn the military’s equipment. The scientist go to Basic Training, but the doctors and nurses do not because they never get close to weapons. Their training time needs to be spent on medical things.”

“I never went to Combat School. I was a terminal technician for five years before I became a recruiter. But in Combat School you will learn more than the basic weapons. You will be introduced to heavier, combat based equipment, and your understanding of tactics and units will be expanded.”

“It will include 16 more weeks of physical fitness training as well. There are a variety of weapons they will require you to learn how to use to a standard level and you will be taught multiple different roles. You will be treated as a combat soldier and that is it.”

“After you will be transferred to a light trooper unit and their normal combat exercises will finalize things for that role. Each unit is unique and the officer will have a different way they approach the same objective.”

“There are other training opportunities for combat soldiers as well, including heavy weapons training, explosive ordinance, artillery, intelligence and communications, and E.T.E.S. our Elite Target Elimination Specialists.”

“E.T.E.S.?” Golden Dawn asked. “What does that exactly mean?”

“Many of them are deployed back in regular units with sharp shooting support roles. Using special guns to hit targets from further distances or embedding in a difficult spot to hit. Some become outright snipers, to be deployed only where needed and not attached to a unit in a supporting role.”

“Light troopers doesn’t stop you from going to any of those special trainings, but they typically don’t need them because they function a bit differently than a regular unit. They are in many ways, a support unit because of their rolls in flanking and protecting flanks.”

“All of the specifics are in this pamphlet, but I believe I covered them in better detail than what is inside.”

Golden Dawn took the pamphlet and just set it before her. She had made her choice. She couldn't go to sleep tonight with the ‘what ifs’ that would come from learning how exposed the Enclave could be and the dangers that were always present.

She had a stigma to deal with, but she also felt her Cutie Mark calling her to act. It felt like it was glowing with a warm pulse, begging for her to act. Because this was about the others. About not being helpless. About her family. She could control protecting her family and friends by joining and she wanted to.

She may not be a leader, but she could be her best and strive to encourage the other soldiers around her to be their best. For the good of them all, and the entire Pegasus Race.

“I like the idea of being a light trooper,” Golden Dawn declared. “Hot, fast action sounds like what I want.”

“We are not engaged in any military activities,” The Staff Sergeant warned her. “And we really haven’t for almost two centuries. So its a lot of training to stay sharp and patrolling our territory to make sure nothing happens without us knowing about it. So its calm for the direct combat roles.”

Golden Dawn shrugged. “It can’t be worse than working in the mills. And if combat happens, I want to be where the action heats up fast but stays short. Not drawn out.”

“Okay then,” He nodded. “Standard service years is six. Almost the all of first year will be training. Then you get sent to your unit.”

“Housing is free. All your regular meals are covered. Once at your unit, you can bring a spouse and foals. A spouse can work on base at the variety of clubs, restaurants, department stores, entertainment and other such establishments. It isn’t all job all the time.”

“Not married and not seeing anyone,” Golden Dawn replied.

“If you get married to another soldier, they try and keep you at the same post as much as possible.”

“That is good to know,” Golden Dawn nodded. “That is not even something I care about right now.”

“If you find you do not like serving as a light trooper, you can request a transfer to another type of unit you qualify for. You can also apply to do the special trainings. Keep a clean record, show you have what it takes, and you should be able to get candidacy to be an officer.”

“I don’t want to lead,” Golden Dawn stated again. “I can’t lead. But where do I sign?”

It didn’t take long for them to send off the application. Her school transcripts were sent with it, which included her photo. She didn’t need another one taken. Golden Dawn gave her work address for them to deliver the response letter. She wouldn’t be anywhere else during normal hours and it had to be hoof delivered and only to her.”

Next Chapter: Story 1 - Red Dawn At Night, Pegasi Delight Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 51 Minutes