Second Lieutenant Mable Falls worked to weave her way though the bustling Camp Stratus. It was apart of Mareland Joint Operations Base, which was outside of New Cloudsdale. Mareland Joint Operations Base was mostly around the southern side of New Cloudsdale, but Camp Stratus was north of the city, nestled among a large sub division that housed a third of New Cloudsdale residents. The city had grown out and enveloped the small camp.

For such a small military camp, things were an organizational nightmare. Everything was centered around the ‘parade field,’ but that field was littered with over a dozen teams of pegasi trying to organize themselves for the day, and failing. Marble Falls thought they were trying to do some form of training, but that also was unclear from the disorganization.

Marble Falls jumped back as she was almost trampled by two pegasi rushing forward on a mission. One that seemed important enough to justify trampling others. Marble Falls was not going to find her officer in this mess alone, and she didn’t know what building was what yet. She had gotten in last night and had been lucky to be early enough to get the keys to her assigned room.

Marble Falls spotted two Stallions walked side by side, not in a hurry. Both were First Lieutenants. She rushed over to them. One of them had to be able to direct her.

Marble Falls slid in front of them and snapped to attention, giving a strong salute. “Sir! I am Second Lieutenant Marble Falls. I have orders to report to Captain Aerial Nova of the Fifth Scout Squadron. Can you direct me to him.”

“Nova?” He replied concerned. “Captain Nova isn’t here. He is never here. The Fifth Scout operates out of Camp Bullis.”

“My orders directed me to here,” Marble Falls stated.

“I don’t know where Camp Bullis is,” He stated walking past her like she was a bother.

“Can you at least tell me where to go to point me to Camp Bullis?”

“Hey,” He said annoyed. “I told you I don’t know where it is.”

“Fuck you!” Marble Falls shot back, jumping in front. “Hey! A little hospitality for a lost comrade would be appreciated!” She poked him in the chest with a hoof. “I’m not that stupid to ask you the to answer a question you already told me you didn’t know!”

“Listen up! I clearly asked you to tell me where I can find out where the camp is, that is all. At the very least, all I need is for you to point me to the right building, or is that too fucking hard for a First Lieutenant?”

He narrowed his eyes in anger at her. “There!” He spat. “That is the command building. I have enough fucking problems to deal with. I don’t need to baby sit anypegasus else!”

Marble Falls stepped out of his way before he walked into her. She rolled her eyes, holding back a curse, and began to make her way to the building all the way on the far side of the parade field. She had been working her way in the opposite direction.

Marble Falls avoided another pair that acted like they were better than everypegasus else and owned the place. As she turned to continue on, she slammed into something metal. Marble Falls stumbled back, rubbing her hear where it had collided with the unmoving object.

“Are you okay?”

Marble Falls looked at the mare asking the question. She was in blue power armor with lightning bolts on it. And First Lieutenant bar were clearly painted on the shoulder pauldrons. She had run into a Wonderbolt. Another Wonderbolt, a stallion, was beside her, also sporting a silver First Lieutenant bar.

“I’m sorry,” Marble Falls stammered and saluted.

“Ah, new here,” The Wonderbolt chuckled. “No need to salute me.”

Marble Falls slowly lowered her hoof, puzzled.

“The bulk of the military cares about form and order. Discipline to the strictest order. All of that is good and everything, but most of the Aerial Combat Battalion only cares that you respect each other. Only a few are NCOs, well typically. Not with these new units here.”

“That explains their disorganization,” Marble Falls stated.

“They are special,” She replied. “But that isn’t why they are disorganized. Nor are you with them. What has you here, confused.”

“I am to report to Captain Nova, in the Fifth Scout.”

Both Wonderbolts sighed in despair and looked at each other.

“It seems like they just reinforced the Fifth yesterday.” He said.

“They probably did.” She replied.

Both of them smiled at Marble Falls. “Some things leak out, but even we don’t know what the Fifth Squadron is doing. But come on. The General can get you where you need to go. The Fifth hasn’t operated out of here in almost five years. Scout Command was moved south, to Camp Bullis.”

“I got Camp Bullis from some jack off who didn’t even want to give me the time of day, and forced him to point me to the command building.”

“Yeah, they are have a problem with that right now. Everypegasus has something more important than the others, and its a problem. We can’t even find our fucking CO.”

“I’m Major Firestorm, and that is Lieutenant Windstone Hill.”

“Major? You have a Lieutenant Bar.”

“Yeah,” Major Firestorm groaned. “I can’t even get my armor repainted right now. Things in the Aerial Combat Battalion are not optimal. But as I said, respect and personal discipline goes the furthest here, not useless gestures like salutes. Especially when its all officers. We are small enough that we need that camaraderie. Unless it is really official.”

They picked their way over to the administration building. Lieutenant Windstone Hill got the door for them. It was almost as bad inside as it was outside. Desks were in orderly rows, but papers, terminals and phones crowded them. Soldiers were all over the place going to and from.

Marble Falls realized that it wasn’t disorder. They were all working together in one crowded room. And a lot of things were being done at once. Despite the first impressions, there was a flow and order to it all.

“General,” Major Firestorm said walking up to a small stallion in a khaki uniform.

Marble Falls had heard about Khakis. They were the same as their typical gray work uniform, or the black uniform of the Cloudship crews. But they were rare to see. It was impossible to get your hooves on one. The same thing with the blue uniform, the Olive Drab HBTs, or the Navy Blue work uniforms. You had to know somepegasus to even know how to get one, even if your job allowed them.

“Firestorm?” He asked, whipping around. “You are supposed to be in the air on the Hurricane right now to head out on maneuvers.”

“Well they can wait for us,” Major Firestorm shot back. “We can’t find Shield. But that’s not why I am here.”

He raised an eyebrow and Marble Falls stepped forward, saluting. “Second Lieutenant Marble Falls reporting in Sir. I am supposed to be assigned to Captain Aerial Nova in the Fifth Scout Squadron.”

His eyebrow stay up, but his face became more puzzled. “Who transferred you?”

“It was my orders,” Marble Falls said confused and dropping the salute. She pulled them out of her saddlebag. “I got them when I got my silver wings.”

“Oh,” He said taking them and opening them. “So you went to Officer School before Aerial Combat School?”

“Yes Sir.”

“Huh. I didn’t know the Fifth had requested another.”

Marble Falls was beyond confused and becoming more concerned. It was the third time doubt had been cast on the Fifth Squadron in the span of and hour.

“Is there something I need to know about the Fifth Squadron?”

“No,” He immediately replied, passing her the orders back. “Well yes, but not in a bad way. You are here to be a scout, and you are. I guess I missed a request from them, but I am sure your placement there is what they need.”

“I would have gone to your ACS ceremony, but I am so damn busy at the moment. I am General Quick Breeze, Wonderbolt and General over the Aerial Combat Battalion.”

“A pleasure to meet you Sir,” Marble Falls smiled.

The door was kicked open, diverting all attention to it for half a second.

“Damn it General!” A Pegasus in a black flight suit swore.

“There you are!” Major Firestorm exclaimed.

“Yes,” General Quick Breeze said. “You are supposed to be on the Hurricane for maneuvers.”

“What maneuvers?” he asked coming over. “When did you send this out?”

“This morning, 0600,” The General shot back.

“Fuck them,” he said. He saw Marble Falls and turned to her. “Who are you?”

Marble Falls was confused even more. “Second Lieutenant Marble Falls, Fifth Squadron.”

“Why are you here? The Fifth…”

“At Camp Bullis,” Marble Falls cut him off. She was sick of hearing it and snapped a bit.

“New,” He nodded. “Got it.”

He turned back to the General. “I am sick of it all. We have done six of them the past two weeks. The real problem is those fools. Give me three days to whip their asses into shape so we can get some real shit done!”

“Colonel, I can’t let you,” General Quick Breeze stated. “I know its tough, but you have to finalize those maneuvers.”

“General!” The Colonel shouted. “We have a big stack of crates that have been sitting in the middle of the parade field for three fucking months! Three months we have had ammo, guns, and critical military supplies just sitting out there!”

“They were moved off the ship from that big supply drop, piled there and then left! They couldn't even move them the rest of the 500 feet to the Quartermaster and not even one single officer took it up to solve it! Not even the QM! You keep saying we should focus on the maneuvers, but you can’t deny that pile! Every Unit is going around it like it doesn’t exist!”

“What does that say about the caliber of the troops here? What does that say about disciple? We might be a small group, and bonding, even between officers and NCOs might work, but discipline was being upheld then! Now its gone to shit!”

General Quick Breeze sighed. “Fine. You are right You have three days. On the morning of the fourth, I will do a full inspection of all Units here. I am sick of it too. But my head is…”

The Colonel turned around and began moving towards the door.

“Colonel,” General Quick Breeze called. “It is important to remember. You are On Deck. Those maneuvers…”

“Fuck off!” He said, without looking back. “Maneuvers mean shit when I have to come back to this hellhole. Fire, Stone, come on. We have real shit to do.”

Major Firestorm and Lieutenant Windstone Hill began to follow after him.

“Colonel! One last thing!” The General ordered. “This Lieutenant is heading to Scout Command. Since you are now organizing things, I have nopegasus to get her to Scout Command. It’s her new assignment. Send one of your squad to show her the way.”

The Colonel narrowed his eyes at General Quick Breeze. “Fine. Fire, you take her. Get back ASAP. Come on Stone. I need you to corral the ones in the air.”

“Good,” Lieutenant Windstone Hill replied. “Because I don’t know where Camp Bullis.”

The Colonel chuckled. “I know. I was trying not to embarrass you. You shouldn’t know. Not yet. Come on. Lets clean this rabble up.”

Major Firestorm flashed Marble Falls a smile. “Come on.”

Marble Falls followed after her. “Wait. I don’t have any of my stuff.”

“Scout Command has everything you need,” Major Firestorm said. “Even personal hygiene. Unless, is there some personal items you need?”

“No,” Marble Falls said. “I’m wearing my dress uniform. That’s all that can’t be immediately replaced.”

“Then lets head out to the flight deck.”

Marble Falls kicked up her speed and caught up to Major Firestorm so they were side by side.

“Oh,” The Major said. “This time, we are more important than anypegasus else since now, they have to get their asses in shape. We have right of way, heading to Scout Command. They wish they were going.”

A group was organizing right in their path. And it was not going to be easy to get around.

“Two coming through!” Major Firestorm ordered “Headed to Scout Command!”

The group all turned their heads and then jumped back so they didn’t even have to slow down. They just headed on through and made a beeline to the main gate. The Major had to make several more orders as they moved straight to the flight deck and check in with the Air Traffic Controller.

After confirming the orders, they were given right of way. The Major just dashed off, cutting across the flight deck and straight into the air. Marble Falls was expecting an orderly take off. She had to scramble after her and catch up.

“Question,” Marble Falls asked. “If I may?”

“Sure,” Major Firestorm said.

“Your armor is marked for a First Lieutenant. Your Colonel mentioned the crates had been there three months. How long have you been here.”

“We arrived here four months ago. It became our primary station at that time.”

“Which means you recently were promoted, or else, you would have been able to get your armor done.”

“Very perceptive,” The Major smiled. “I can see why you are going to the Fifth. You were top, weren’t you?”

“Yep. I was. Which brings me to my second question. Why are you in the same unit as a Colonel? That's pretty heavy in the ranks, not allowing you to work as officers over wider groups.”

“That's,” The Major said, trying to word things right. “Well, you are heading to the Fifth. Some things have changed up a bit recently in the Wonderbolts. Retirements do most of the moving. Wonderbolt Squad 88, the Airacobras, have been On Deck for four months, which means those changes can’t be made until we are ordered to stand down.”

“On deck?” Marble Falls asked.

“I know you were top, but we need to focus on flying so that you don’t need a guide. Plus, we are going to head straight south, right over NC and then over Mareland. Camp Bullis is south of Mareland in the middle of nowhere.”

“But, well, the others there, that are all out of order, are On Deck as well. On Deck means we are next up to head below. Not one of the teams doing the work yet, and we might not go, but on standby. We could be sent at a moment’s notice. We jut don’t know. Scout Command and General Quick Breeze makes those calls.”

“We are the only Wonderbolt Squad On Deck. So far, Scout Command has covered everything.”

“How have you been to Camp Bullis and the Lieutenant hasn’t?”

“Last one,” Major Firestorm laughed. “I was deployed there when the 88 was not the same 88. Colonel Shielded Vengeance was the Captain of the Squad. Same Squad number, but we were Lighting Heavyweights. The heaviest Wonderbolt Squad.”

“When things began below, Scout Command was moved to Camp Bullis and we were transferred elsewhere for another year. Then the Wonderbolts were brought back for routine replacement and reshuffling. We also took on some new Wonderbolts, as usual.”

“But it was decided that Squad 88 Lighting Heavyweights should be reshuffled. It was just Shielded Vengeance and I left. Our new members changed up the feel, so we chose Airacobras. We are faster, but still bite harder than most because of Shielded Vengeance and I.”

Marble Falls laughed. “That answers my last, who the Colonel was.”

“Two for one,” Major Firestorm smiled. “But we have to go up, now. To get over the city. They hate it when we get too close.”

They banked into a climb, quickly rising to near the safe operating ceiling. At that height they were able to safely fly over the city. It was still not that high considering the height of some of the buildings. It was easy to see the weather factory. The factory did not look the same. All of it’s defining features were gone from an aerial view.

They were making a quick pace and the city quickly became Mareland. They were not bothered or intercepted. The Air Traffic Controller back at Camp Stratus did his job, notifying Mareland and giving them clearance.

They cruised until mid afternoon when Major Firestorm brought them down. Marble Falls didn’t realize where they were headed. She thought it was a farm. It wasn’t. Marble Falls doubled checked their location. They were where she thought they were. It wouldn’t be hard to find. There was just nothing around for miles.

They dropped down onto the very short runway. The entire thing was walled off and looked like a prison. Maximum security for a few acres of clouds and six buildings. There wasn’t much room in between any of the buildings.

For all the security, the guard at the gate station was just kicked back, relaxing with a book.He was aChief Warrant Officer Grade 3 in a navy blue uniform.He didn’t pay them any attention as they landed and came over. And he was in a cage behind bars. It was peculiar.

“Afternoon Firestorm,” He said, only looking up. “Its been a while.”

“Still here Rain?” Major Firestorm laughed. “Do you ever leave?”

“Oh, I get my time off on schedule, but I have never gone anywhere else. And at this point, I’m still needed here. I am this place. I’m invaluable here.”

The Major looked at Marble Falls. “How much does Scout Command know?”

“Scout Command only occupies Building One’s mess hall and Building Two. Three is still the Quartermaster unit… But, Four, Five and Six are secure access. Scout Command doesn’t have access. You no longer have access. That part is shut down, for now.”

The Chief Warrant Officer looked at Marble Falls. “I am assuming the Lieutenant is the Fifth’s replacement they put in for?”

“Yes Sir!” Marble Falls said stepping up to the barred window. “Second Lieutenant Marble Falls.”

He sat up and pulled her orders under the bar. He looked at them for half a second and slid them back under to her.

“Welcome Lieutenant to Camp Bullis. The Fifth Squadron awaits you. Building Two.”

The gate buzzed and unlocked the sliding door. Major Firestorm led them into Camp Bullis.

“This isn’t at all what I pictured,” Marble Falls said.

“It’s something else,” Major Firestorm smiled. “I miss this post. But, its not the same since the others are not here.”

Marble Falls sighed. “I haven’t been given the chance to settle down into a Unit yet.”

“Well, I hope the Fifth becomes that,” Major Firestorm said. “Now, you do need to know something about Captain Nova. I forgot about it earlier. He is one of the sticklers for discipline. Crisp and clean. Scouts like that stuff.

“Okay,” Marble Falls replied. “I haven’t gotten used to the other way. So I will be good.”

“Excellent,” Major Firestorm replied, opening the door to Building 2.

The entire thing was quiet. The bare hall echoed as they walked down it. It ran all the way down the building to the other set of exterior doors.The building seemed like it was abandoned.

Doors were evenly spaces. Single doors were on the left and often. They had were near the outside wall of the building, so the rooms they led to could not be very big. On the right was only double doors.It was easy to space where the middle of the building was. There were clearly 15 sets of double doors.

The Major confidently walked up to the center set of double doors. Above it was marked ‘War Room.’ She opened it and they entered.

A big, fancy desk was to the right, crowded with papers, but open in the center. It had a long table slammed against it so it made one long table with the occupant looking down it. A map of the Enclave was the center stage of the whole table. A dozen nicely cushioned swivel chairs were around it in different places.

A lone Pegasus sat on the other side of the table, in the center. He was leaning back in one chair, with his back legs kicked up on another one, and his back to the empty desk. Behind him on the wall was a giant map of Equestria. It was clearly not to scale. He never reacted to them, eyes closed as he thought.

“Captain Nova,” Major Firestorm said approaching the table. “I am Major Firestorm, Wonderbolt Squad 88, Airacobras. I am presenting Second Lieutenant Marble Falls.”

His eyes snapped open and stared at them.

“Sir!” Marble Falls said stepping forward and saluting.

He just looked at them.

“Captain Nova…” Major Firestorm hesitated, looking around. “I… no… no… please no…”

Captain Nova gave a slow nod and Major Firestorm bolted out of the room and down the hallway to leave the building.

Colonel Nova let out a big sigh and sat up, scooting himself up to the table and presenting himself properly. It was easy to see what he was wearing. It was a light brown flight jacket. There was a radio on the left shoulder. It was upside down.”

“Welcome Lieutenant, sit. I hope your flight was good?”

“Yes Sir, it was. Major Firestorm is quick, but the pace was more than doable.”

“You are young, but your ribbon bar tell a story. Tell me your service history.”

“I joined almost three years ago. After Basic Training, I went to Combat School. They decided instead of sending me to a unit, to send me to Advanced Weapons School. I am qualified on all weapons in the Enclave. Everything. Including explosives.”

“I spent time in a heavy trooper unit, as their auxiliary support soldier. But they found me to not fit. I was too small, despite my skill, and preferred the air too much. I decided to not transfer, and instead won a spot in Officer School. As that neared closing, I was given the opportunity to go to ACS. Where I just graduated from.”

“Position?” Captain Nova asked.

“Ranked Number One. It was a small class, of 18. I was one of two officers. Everything I was ranked in was number one or top ten percent. Whichever way they chose to rank it.”

“We will have to get you qualified on E.F.S.. It stands for…”

“Eyes Forward Sparkle,” Marble Falls finished. “Advanced Weapons Training included it and Power armor quals.”

Captain Nova leaned back in the chair, looking over what he could see of Marble Falls.

Captain Nova finally gave a short nod to himself. “Let’s get you to your room.”

“I don’t have much, only what is on me,” Marble Falls said as she stood up. “I was told that anything I needed was here. And no gear has been issued to me.”

“That’s fine. Yes, anything you need we have here. Lieutenant Rose Lighting can help you with that.”

Captain Nova led her down the hall, heading towards the entrance. He opened up doors 3 and led her into a large sitting area. Two Rooms per wall, equaling six. Two pegasi were quietly reading in the corner and other two came out of their rooms.

“This is Second Lieutenant Marble Falls,” Captain Nova announced. “That is First Lieutenant Spring Jade. She is my wingmate and Senior Lieutenant. That is First Lieutenant Clean Blade, First Lieutenant Rose Lightning and Second Lieutenant Razor Tempest. Lieutenant Razor Tempest will be your wingmate, with you as lead.And that is your room.”

Captain Nova just left her there. The others quietly waited, like they were expecting her to say something. But they were clearly only interested in something different happening, not expecting a speech. Lieutenant Spring Jade went back in her room after a minute.

Marble Falls finally remembered she still had nothing. “Lieutenant Lighting Rose, Captain Nova said you can help me get anything I need. Camp Stratus wasn’t organized and my stuff is back there at the room they gave me there.”

“Figures,” Lieutenant Lighting Rose said shaking her head. “Fuckers don’t know what they are doing. But yeah, I can help you. First off, welcome to the Fifth.”

“Yeah, I guess I should say hi too,” Lieutenant Razor Tempest stated. “After all, you are my teammate.”

“Frankly, why am I lead?”

He shrugged. “I’m a complicated individual. Lets just leave it at me not wanting lead.”

“Okay,” Marble Falls stammered.

“Don’t let it scare you,” Lieutenant Clean Blade stated. “He is an excellent soldier and wingmate. Its all about style. You want him watching your back.”

“Don’t be too long,” Lieutenant Jape Spring said coming back out of her room. “I do believe an evening briefing is in order.”

“We won’t be,” Lieutenant Rose Lightning said. “Come on Lieutenant, follow me.”

They closed the door behind them and went down the hall, all the way to the other door. They were in a large alley. It wasn’t big enough to call it anything else. The fence was to their left. The large warehouse doors for the building was in the center of Building 3. As they got to it, Building 2 ended and the warehouse doors proved to be perfectly positioned to give access to the whole area.

There was a side door that Lieutenant Rose Lightning opened. Inside was the Quartermaster Cage, but nopegasus was at the front. The Lieutenant just walked up to the Cage’s door and opened it. It was unlocked. Marble Falls followed her through.

“Where is the QM?” Marble Falls asked.

“Notebook died three months ago,” Lieutenant Rose Lighting replied solemnly. “Since then, we have been without one. We can cover it. And its not like we are restricted in gear. We always get whatever we need. No questions asked.”

“Lieutenant? This place wasn’t always this desolate, was it?” Marble Falls asked.

Rose Lighting smiled at Marble Falls. “To the outside, yes. Discipline. But you are a Fifth Squadron member. Behind closed doors, when it is just us, we don’t have to roll with it. We all are one. Call me Rose. Razor hates having Tempest added. Clean Blade hates being called by anything but his full name, but he won’t need Lieutenant in front of it either. I would still address the others as Captain Nova and Lieutenant Spring Jade. At least until you are given permission otherwise.”

“Okay,” Marble Falls said quietly. “Marble is what I prefer. But who else is here?”

“Fourteen warrant officers are here of various ranks. Each and every single one was here before this became Scout Command. They keep to themselves for the most part, but will chat if engaged in the mess hall. They run security, and keep up with food and laundry. Other basics. This place is them.”

“I don’t think they are allowed to leave. Not until we leave. They are not Wonderbolts, but they were with them here before it became Scout Command. But Chief Warrant Officer Rain doesn’t seem to mind. Not one bit.”

“I don’t know what the Wonderbolts were doing with a place like this, but its important if they were here and half of the base is strictly off limits to us.”

“How many were here?” Marble Falls pushed. “You know, when Scout Command took over”

“All nine Squadrons,” Rose Lighting stated. “Fifth, Seventeenth, Twenty-Third, Thirty-First, Forty-One, Fifty, Fifty-Seventh, Seventy-Second, and the Seventy-Seventh. The Scouts are apart of the regular Aerial Combat Units, but under a different Colonel. Each Unit is scout qualified. Its a complex system. Not even I understand what makes a Unit a Scout Squadron. Or what qualifies us to be in one. That got lost in the rush.”

“I got my Silver Wings six months ago. I was in holding for five months after that. I got assigned here about four weeks ago.”

“Four weeks? That’s it? How many missions?”

“Three,” Rose Lighting sighed.

“And the others?” Marble Falls asked, pushing it.

“Clean Blade was assigned here about two months back, and Razor six. They were brand new too, from other ACSs. Razor has 7 missions under his wings and Clean Blade 5.”

“Wait,” Marble Falls said, confused. “How is Clean Blade a higher rank than Razor? If he has more missions under his wings.”

“Razor won’t accept promotions. I’m not sure why. But I saw him after the first mission I went through tell the… to stuff the promotion up his ass. I was also promoted after that mission.”

“So,” Marble Falls hesitated. She was afraid of the answer. “Where are the others.”

Rose Lighting closed her eyes. “All Squadrons took hits from the very start. Two years ago, all of Seventeen were blown out of the sky in a low scouting mission. A year or so later, the Seventy-Second met the same fate. Eight months ago, Fifty was lost again, by the same fate. Six months ago it was the Fifty-Seventh, three months, the Seventy-Seventh. Two months, Twenty-Third. Since I arrived, the others went down.”

“Forty-One was lost as we came back from our last mission three days ago.Forty-One was the Colonel’s Squadron. Its just us now.”

Rose Lighting nodded, knowing Marble Falls question. “Yes, all were wiped out of the air at roughly the same time. They were not picked apart.”

“How… how do you know?” Marble Falls asked.

“Under our suits, we carry transponders that are linked with our heartbeat. When it stops, they send a message. Its limited. We can see roughly where it sent the message. But it is never enough data.”

“I’m sorry,” Marble Falls apologized. “I know I am asking some tough questions.”

“No, its fine,” Rose Lighting said, smiling at Marble Falls. “Its only… you deserve to know in order to be a full member of our Squadron. It is vital information.”

“My first mission we lost Equinox, who was Razor’s lead and a long veteran of the Scouts. He might have been an on original member of the Fifth Squadron. Captain Nova and Lieutenant Spring Jade have led the Fifth for, well a long time before we began going below.”

“So, without him, the last two missions we flew with five. Six will be welcome again. Especially since the past few months, Scout Command has been pushing hard for missions. They have some task they set their minds too.”

“Thanks,” Marble Falls replied. “That covers most things. That’s all I can think of.”

“Lets see,” Rose Lighting muttered. “Sheets and blankets are in your room. You need flight suits to start.”

Rose Lighting opened a cabinet. “Size?”

“M3,” Marble Falls replied. I know, small.”

“Nah,” Rose Lightning shrugged. “A little under the average, sure. But not really. Not for the ACB. M4 and S3 are average.”

“For straight flight suits, you need a black out suit, a cloud suit, an olive drab one, khaki, dark gray, and light blue. You will find most of the time you will wear those and have no need for any others, but you need regular uniforms. Just in case.”

“Khaki!” Marble Falls exclaimed. “If they have khaki, I want a set. Or three.”

Rose Lightning chuckled. “Good choice. Get them while you can. Although I hear rumors they will be restricting the uniform colors. Most don’t need or wear anything but the blacks. Many officers restrict the colors already.”

“After seven missions we get Squadron Flight Jackets. They are like the Wonderbolt ones you may have seen, except a lighter brown. The Aerial Combat Units can get them, but its difficult to earn them. No missions are even done, so even veterans never earn them.”

“You will get a radio later. That way you can be contacted when you are needed. But on a base without anypegasus left, its pretty easy to keep track of each other. And again, no other teams are doing missions, and radios are kept in reserve for mission ready teams.”

Rose Lighting grabbed three Khakis and six blacks. She also grabbed a navy blue, olive drab and two grays. They got Marble Falls all of the personal hygiene stuff she needed and barracks wear to use in their main room. It was marked on a sheet and they headed back to their area.

“Hey you two,” Clean Blade said as they came back in. “A meeting for 1900 is scheduled. War room. Razor and I were just about to head to the mess.”

“Sounds good,” Marble Falls replied. “Let me set this stuff down and we will join you. I never got lunch because of the flight in.”

Next Chapter: Story 3 - Operation Atlas Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 29 Minutes