Captain ‘Little’ Lightning stood at the bottom of the ramp of the Tortoise, a Sky-tank. It was to take her, Deke, and the other 8 crew members from the fight to the Buttercup in Nellie’s dry docks. She was almost repaired and ready to depart. They were healed up enough to begin light duties.

But Little couldn’t make that step onto the ramp. She had been standing there for half an hour, balanced on the edge. She was afraid to step onto the ramp, but she didn’t want to break to the fear. And she was just a passenger, not in command.

Little finally picked up her hoof and gingerly set it down on the ramp. She tested that it would hold her weight. She knew it would, but she couldn’t help herself. With one final inhale, she swung her legs into motion and walked up the ramp. Once she got going things were a lot easier.

Little went straight to the bridge. What small amount she needed was already on board, and the rest was on the Buttercup, secure. Most important, it was common courtesy for captains to immediately greet each other, or as soon as circumstances allowed for it.

“Permission to enter?” Little asked from the doorway.

“Permission granted Captain!” A Pegasus said, smiling at her. “I am Captain Bleeding Night. I didn’t pick the name, my parents did. I blame them.”

Little giggled. It was good to hear another Captain throwing around a story about their name. He was young, only several years older than her. Which means he either had blood, or good skill. At his age, it was probably skill, with enough blood to take him seriously to start.

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Captain Bleeding Night said, shaking her hoof. “It is an honor to transport you and your crew to Nellie.”

“It is appreciated,” Little smiled back. “Very appreciated.”

“It’s not like we are doing anything better. Currently the Tortoise is without a home, running shuttle duty between the two bases. She was supposed to be transferred to the First Fleet’s Ninth Task Force, but that was suspended.”

“It will be sorted out shortly,” Little reassured him. “Its been a bit of a rocky few weeks, but if I am up and cleared, you will have a home soon. And then you will wish you had stayed just being a shuttle.”

He chuckled with her. “You are probably right. Still I want to be put in the Ninth. But that is up to them.”

“Since you are still free, there is a good chance of it,” Little said. “They need real ships, undamaged, to keep that task force moving.”

“I hope so,” Captain Bleeding Night said. “Your companions are here. We are just waiting on some special cargo. Let me show you to your room.”

“Thank you,” Little said.

“Lieutenant Riddle, you have the bridge.”

“Yes Sir!”

Little shook her head as she followed him down the narrow hallway. “I forgot what it is like to actually pass command off. I will have to relearn it now that we have all of those new wings. Which are still new.”

“I hear they have been doing some special exercises, so they shouldn’t be new anymore. But here is your room.”

Little stepped inside. The room had a separate bedroom, several chairs making a sitting area and a desk, with a terminal.

“This is,” Little stammered.

“Our best quarters,” Captain Bleeding Night finished. “You never really served anywhere but the Third from what I understand. Most Sky-tanks and Raptors have rooms waiting for Admirals to use. Nice ones like this. We shuttle a lot of higher ups.”

“I get this, for the short trip?” Little said, shocked.

“Yes Ma’am. And your two officers, Commander Deke and Commander Olive Pit are in the Officer Travel Room. Your crew member are in Transportation Room A. I will be making an announcement before we take off if you wish to join me on the bridge.”

“I am surprised Commander Deke isn’t there right now,” Little Commented. “Even with Commander Olive Pit accompanying us.”

“He hasn’t even asked permission to come onto the bridge,” Captain Bleeding Night added. “A big shock for me as well. His reputation would suggest otherwise. And I know he respects the courtesy greetings.”

“Interesting,” Little replied. “I have no idea with him. I haven’t seen him recently. But I will take up the kind offer and be on the bridge when we take off. I look forward to it.”

“I will leave you too it,” Captain Bleeding Night said, smiling at her.

Little sat in one of the chairs. They were nice. The Buttercup had a small, 9 bed room for travelers. Three high bunks built into the walls. Like standard quarters. That was it. Crowded. They couldn’t afford more with their size. Little had never realized that change. The Raptors had to have a lot of extra space, since they often functioned as Task Force Command Ships.

Little took a deep breath in. She had done it. She was onboard a Cloudship again. And she had stepped all the way onto a bridge. It wasn’t command, it wasn’t the Buttercup, but it was a big step forward. And it wasn’t as bad as she had expected.

Little wanted to go see Deke. The past two weeks he had not been available. He was doing some sort of rehab and wasn’t to be bothered.

It was hard for her to suddenly not be able to see him. After that night, seeing him in the morning was special. More than a First Mate. Their friendship was a testament to that. He had gotten her out of herself and fixed that. And she had felt a lot better since then. She had the strength to do all of the hard rehab. She was still shaky at times since her leg had been broken, but she was going to stand proud and take it slow.

Something big was happening. They waited for a while. Captain Bleeding Night even announced that the final loading was in progress. You didn’t need to do that for normal cargo, even when it was late. Because your crew was already at their stations and ready to go.

The whistle blew again and the order was given to prepare for departure. Little got up and headed to the bridge. She was expected, invited even, so she headed in without asking permission.

Captain Bleeding Night was in his chair. Little took a spot to his right. He smiled at her, waiting for final clearance orders from the tower.

Little was surprised she didn’t see Deke. But she never had another moment to think about it as the tower gave clearance and they began to depart in an orderly fashion. They maneuvered onto the taxiway and to the runway, taking off correctly and safely.

Little chuckled as they were clear of the runway. “The last two take offs at a base I did were emergency ones, with Commander Deke as the pilot and extreme speeds and angles for lift. Oh, and we were doing some lead ins, but Fort Wind only has a few terminal bays to work out of, and we were not at that part. They were using Aerial Combat Units to lead us in and out of take offs, like what combat might cause. Both of us were switching in and out as pilot for that exercise.”

“That is a marvelous idea,” Captain Bleeding Night said. “A very good skill and tactic to know. Especially for us, if we are trying to maneuver to get troops dropped off or picked up in battle, we may not have good communications set up for that. I will have to put in for that training.”

“It was unscheduled,” Little replied. “And unofficial. But when we get to Nellie, we can speak to Admiral Ruby Snow, perhaps you can join the Second Fleet when we do some practice with it in a week or two. We are working on that to become common training.”

“That would be greatly appreciated,” Captain Bleeding Night said.

Captain Bleeding Night turned to the Pegasus on his left. “I am surprised you have not said anything. You are a legend about being vocal about how it should be done.”

Deke shrugged. “You did everything correct. And quickly. I’m just a passenger. If I had an appointment here, maybe. And if there was an emergency, I would be involved in problem solving. But it’s nice to be flying, without the chains of command.”

Little stepped forward a bit to see Deke on the other side of the Captain. He had a chest full of ribbons and he was in proper uniform. Better than she had ever seen him in.

At least until she looked at his head better. The cover was wider at it’s edges, and missing the Enclave’s badge. Instead it was a silver skull with crossed bones. Low profile and easy to miss. His left eye had a black patch over it.

Little decided to ignore the cover. “Deke, your eye.”

Deke kept looking straight ahead, out through their bridge. “Yeah, I have glasses to wear. They help, but its not 20/20. We… I don’t know. Its easier to block it out. But if I do it too long, I’ll… the glasses won’t work. Its over. I… I’m hoping Ruby and Purple Breeze can help me sort it out.”

Deke looked at Little and flashed her a smile. “I’m alive, and that is what matters.”

“And your ear?” Little stammered. It had a gold thing around it, and several golden earrings connected to the outside, flipping around a bit.

Deke grinned, but it was weighing on him as he sighed. “That’s where I have been recently. We put me under the knife to fix my ear. Some bone adventure conduction bypass. I had a lot of rehab to do, and still am doing with Olive Pit for balance.

“The cuff is one of the ways we are anchoring the thing. I have a clear one that flips around, but the cuff is fun. And shiny. And I can wear earrings with it. Because they won’t put earrings in a nerve damaged ear because I can’t feel enough so its a danger, blah blah blah. Have fun while you can!”

Little didn’t know the procedure, but she knew ‘adventure’ wasn’t part of the name.

“That is not regulation,” Little chuckled. “But you are totally going to get away with it. Probably not the hat, but the cuff, yeah. And you should wear the glasses. Fight for it.”

“I might just make Lieutenant Commander Sunny Swirl my assistant. She was good at it with the Admiral.”

“Leave her alone,” Little growled. “Let her command and be an officer, like she earned.”

“Yeah, but she might like the job, being with me. Probably really like it.”

“Everypony can only stand you for so long. Fuck you.”

Deke chuckled loudly as the entire bridge looked at Little for using ‘pony.’

Little groaned, forced to explain it. “I’ve worked with the northern farmers with the Ice Emergency long enough to accidentally make that error. They are complicated and pony makes more sense to them because of community. Its not a problem out there. But yeah, I make mistakes.

“But Deke, I am impressed. After all this time working with you, that is the best I have ever seen your uniform.”

Deke chuckled. “I can’t guarantee how long it will last, but if I am going to master the sky, it starts there. I got a few lectures. Now that they gave me a fucking chest full of ribbons, it keeps it pretty stiff up there, making it harder to mess up.”

“Yeah, but I never even saw you wear your Basic Training one. And I see you nailed Top Barracks.”

“Yeah,” Deke sighed. “We did. We can talk about them in private later.”

“Maybe,” Captain Bleeding Night said. “Is that Legion of Merit? And then the Distinguished Flying Cross?”

“Yep,” Deke grinned. “I am proud of the Flying Cross. I’ve done a lot of fun stuff with the Buttercup, but we lived because of my skills at her helm. Its one that shows skill. And it took skill to survive that storm and get above her front. And then get her back to NC, with only two engines left that were burning out, no crew, half dead, deaf from the impact, and the ship was compressed to half its height, which is nothing to begin with.

“The more I think on that aspect, it was fun. And I save most of the crew.”

“Yes, it is sad you lost four,” Captain Bleeding Night said. “They will be missed. It never happens.”

“Well,” Deke grinned. “The Third is getting some new ships. More of those Net Layers for sure. Their names will live on in the Third Fleet with ships named in their honor.”

“What is the top ribbon?” Little asked.

“Oh!” Deke chuckled. “That one I also wear without protest. It is the Order of the Wings. I am marked as number 486 member to receive it. A combination of chivalry, service to the citizens, humanitarian actions, protections of others despite the guarantee of grave personal harm of death.”

Little rolled her eyes and chuckled. “That’s you. I am not sure about some of the chivalry aspects, but its totally you and absolutely deserved. And professional development is good to see on your chest. You finally figured that out.”

“You got a nice rack as well,” Deke chuckled. “And I see they tossed some new ones on your rack, making it prettier. Including Legion of Merit and another Meritorious Service Medal. And a Soldier’s Medal. And our two Council’s Unit Citations look great.”

“I need to hang out with you two more,” Captain Bleeding Night chuckled. “So some of your mojo can rub off on me and I can actually get the chance to earn something worthwhile. Even just Council’s Unit Citation would be a very welcome addition, even though it lacks a medal.”

“Don’t get Deke started on medals,” Little warned him. “He can rip most of them to shreds and reduce them to pointless threads.”

Deke huffed. “Just because you should earn it over your career, its still a pat on the back ribbon and worthless because it doesn’t show skill. Just time served. I get why they are awarded, but I still don’t like them. I’ll probably only wear my top six or so awards. The ones that matter.”

“Well,” Captain Bleeding Night chuckled. “If you are going to skirt regs, that’s an easy one. Understandable. If you actually look at most admirals, daily they wear three, six, or none at all. Its tough to keep them all nice and its heavy and stiff. Now, the non-regulation cover and ear are a different choice. I get the ear cuff, not the earrings.”

Deke smirked. “I might as well be Pirate Deke since its medically presented to me!”

“Now that is fun,” Captain Bleeding Night smiled. “I should figure out something to lighten this bridge, and really the whole ship, up.”

Deke chuckled a bit manically. “I have some plans for the Buttercup. Not fun ones to lighten things up, but some good, honorable ones.

“I heard you have some plans,” Little chuckled. “They wouldn’t say what though.”

“Most of it is done,” Deke replied. “The Buttercup’s Council’s Unit Citation awards are prominently displayed in the Mess Hall with their award dates. It is to inspire us and future generations of her crew members to keep the standard high. And likewise, our fallen comrades are displayed.

“The other, its ready. But its not applied yet. Its sitting for me to open once we get there. Its a fun one. Its a surprised. But it will be good.”

“Oh boy,” Little said rolling her eyes. “Whenever you get like that…”

“He does something crazy,” Captain Bleeding Night finished with a chuckle. “Unfortunately, I can’t be present for it.”

“You might be,” Deke said. “It’s going to be done immediately, once I get there and get to the package. So we might still be getting the Lead In training worked out.”

“Like I said, I wish I had as much fun as it sounds like you two have on the bridge.”

“Yeah,” Deke sighed contently. “We have fun. I’m not sure how it will change with a full crew, because now we have to be professional, but the fun comes from challenging each other to be better. Four of us as bridge crew was an entirely different dynamic than a full complement of officers.”

“You will figure something out,” Little jabbed.

“Do you want to have a little fun?” Deke asked Captain Bleeding Night.

“I’m afraid to say yes. What do you have in mind?”

“You are operating at peak efficiency from your read outs, and that’s good. And you are making good time. But you are not pushing it. You are just cruising along. Shuttling back and forth, back and forth.”

Deke smirked. “Kick it up a few notches. Put the Tortoise to the test with the speed. I am guessing its been a while since she has been tested.”

“Oh great,” Little groaned.

“Lieutenant Riddle,” Captain Bleeding Night smiled. “Increase engine output. Lets get this trip over. I want to see her sweat!”

Little’s leg gave out suddenly, ending the fun. The Captain caught her and pulled her into the chair as several others came to her aid.

“I’d help,” Deke hesitated. “But I’m barely standing myself. I can’t afford to lose my balance. Especially trying to help you. There are others more capable and who you are safe with.”

“No worries,” Little chuckled. “I will retire and let my body rest. But don’t let up Captain. Make her sweat.”

“How are you feeling Commander?” Captain Bleeding Night asked.

“Oh, I’m standing. A sudden movement will probably drop me. This bypass works great, but its a lot to get used to again. Its amazing how much hearing effects the body and balance. But soon I'll be back to full speed, and better.”

“Good,” Captain Bleeding Night nodded. “And I can only image how much it does. I am glad I am not in your position. But I do wish I could end up doing something great. More than shuttling stuff back and forth. Something that means something to the Pegasus Race.

“And not for medals. No, for the oath I took. I know every job is important, but I feel that I am not doing anything.”

“I understand,” Deke said, smiling at him. “And its that heart that will get you places. And that will inspire those under you, and impress those above you. That heart can earn the trust to do more. I know my command is going to be boring after all that I got to do these first few years.

“Which is why the pat on the back ribbons are important. They let your officers know that they are doing exactly what they need to be doing to fully serve the Pegasus Race. And they are a model to show those under your command what it means to serve the Pegasus Race.

“It is rare that merit based awards are something that a soldier is capable of getting. We have little going on. We can keep most disasters from happening, we can keep the peace. Its straight defense, for the most part. Quiet defense.

“Never discount yourself for one reason, those Captain’s Bars are earned. Or stripes in Little’s case. It means you have exceptional skill. Few can take the chair. Fewer can make it count. And you have the position and want to make it count. I do believe you will make it count. Somehow.

“You still are young, compared to most Captains. That is an advantage. And every advantage is an advantage. Take the calculated risks to improve yourself, and more importantly, your ship and crew. And those risks start with making these simple shuttle runs at an impressive pace. Do it right, always.”

“You are wise for your age,” Captain Bleeding Night replied. “You have certainly earned those stripes and that rank.”

“Well,” Deke sighed. “I had to grow up fast when I was a foal. Protect my little sister. I got unique opportunities. And I took them and grabbed all I could, to prove I was the best, and most importantly, that I had the solution. An action plan will always give you the advantage, even if you are the lowest rank in the room.

“Now, I need to slowly turn around and walk to my room. My body is telling me it’s almost done. And I will walk there. Safely. Because I need that win. And I have more control over it than Captain Little does because she broke her leg.”

“Of course Commander. Thank you for your time, your words, and for bringing a smile to my face and to this bridge.”

“Of course,” Deke smiled as he slowly left.

Olive Pit wasn’t in the room. He probably was in with Little. Where he needed to be. It had been fun with him around, but it always was tough. Olive Pit got Deke to push and be better. To take that extra step when he was out of energy.

Nova wasn’t happy with Olive Pit’s sudden departure. But with Deke and Little both out and injured, and Olive Pit investigating more options for training, it was worked out. Nova did owe Deke a debt for his time at the Squad Barracks. And now he was exactly what both of them needed, a medical escort.

Next Chapter: Chapter 92 - Flagship Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 24 Minutes