private Eastern Skies Ablaze

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"What you playing with Kris, yeah go on squash him, I fancy a good laugh." As Heavy hoped down to sit next to Kris to play him, Star patted the bed for Soft to come sit. "Remember Soft, your my pillow when we move bases remember? I can't use Heavy anymore, so I need another soft thing." Giving a cheeky smile. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Soft let out a giggle a bit. 

"Oh I see! Already planning another girl huh?" Cloud gave out a sarcastic huff. Soft tensed trying to play it down.

 

"N-no no! Not like that! N-" Soft was a blushing embrassed mess.

"I'm just joking you two its okay!" Cloud replied trying to ease everypony. The three erupted into a fit of laughter. 

 

"Hey now! Its game time and only want the sounds of hoof clammering in 16-bit glory!" Kris iterated giving off a snarky vibe. 

 

With a grin Cloud focused her attention to the game before them. Soft and Star laid about on the bunk as they watched the ensuing brawl commence with both showing high amounts of concentration. She never could wrap her head on how they could but such energy to their controllers. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

She looks to Soft. "Do you get how they can play with such... fever?" As she attempted to move the pegasus next to her into a position she could be used by the thestral as a pillow. Nudging at her most of the time with the aim to have Soft on her back so she could lay her head on said pegasus's tummy. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

WIth loud swears and cheerful comments the two seemed lock into their virtual battle. 

 

Whilst the other two cuddle up and giving small talk as the two ensued.

 

It was a close match but in the end it seemed Cloud had the best play. Able to throw down her combos easily. Kris insisting that it was because of the simple button layouts on her character. She just scouffed.

"Git good scrub." Came the gaming cheeky remark. 

 

The two laughed and called it fair, even though Kris may have slight resent. With Kris now in his seat near the desk and Cloud back next to Star the little gaggle lounge about. 

 

Not really sure on what to say? Just.. hanging around?

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"It's weird, this our last day together, I feel like we all get on a lot..." She sat up. "I know it's not possible now... but, what, what if we all moved in together after this? It's clear to me we can all get along under living conditions with ease and it gives us all focus and drive to get through this conflict. We can plan a house and bedrooms and where it will be and like everything down to what colour to paint it." 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Cool cool! I want.. A home with an open yard in it. Have myself a little kiddie pool with a pink flamingo- I'm gonna name him Charlie and annoy the neighbors with fake alcoholism." Kris says.

"Ohhh I know that reference... Ohh what show was that?" Cloud says squinting her eyes thinking hard.

 

"Its the green dragon... he... steals identities? A big ole economy thriller?" Kris says giving off a very vague hint. Star has no idea what their talking about.

 

"Oh oh! Jaded Dragon and the False Empire." Cloud says, apparently she's into thriller movies too? 

 

"Eeyup! ... Can't believe that scene actually played out in the end." Kris says.

 

"I think a flamingo could make a good pet." Soar inputs, leaving the two to sputter in giggles slightly.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

@,

 

"Um what's a flamingo?" Star says looking to the three of them, she thought it was a bird, but really had no clue what they were talking about and no idea about the film she thought. "I'm being dumb no aren't I?" It was clear the thestral of the group had not been through the same things as the pegasi.  

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Its a pink long legged bird." Soar said, not wanting to say anything snarky.

 

"Oh ho ho! You not really TV kinda mare ehy?" Kris asks.

"We'll have to change that!" Cloud says tilting back with her head facing upside down to her with her wings keeping her balanced from falling onto the bed.

"When you get to Arabia, got nothing to do, totally start on the first season Jaded Dragon. Give it a try!" She says giving her a playful wink.

 

Their night goes on. Soar and Star lay about as each others pillows giving more small talk. Catching up on things such as the family- which she really should get a hold of later- small politics (and favorite Princesses) until noting at the window when Cirrus flies back in. With an ecstatic glee Cirrus curls up next Soar as she showers the little bird with plenty of praise.

 

Kris and Cloud are still engaged in their games. Now moving onto an arcade flight sim- with fast paced air pony combat. Blazing Skies she recalls as the title screen appears. 

 

"How's a little 1 v 1 sound?" She asks him

"I hope your flying is as good in game as it is in real." Kris remarks and the two set out on their multiplayer duel.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"I don't get why we chose our last night together to do this? We should of started this weeks ago...?" Talking outloud to herself or anyone listening to her. She patted a flat bit of her body to gesture for Cirrus to come sit on her, Soar would note the falcon actually started to walk differently on her master avoiding any part of her razor like talons from touching Star, then the bird just sprawled out on her. "Who's my perfect little diver bomber?" tickling the bird's tummy. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Ehh well excuse us on... shtuff." Kris failed on making a vaild excuse, mainly for comedic effect. 

 

On screen, the two fighter ponies near missed with their missiles streaming around at high speeds. Both seemed to be holding evenly well with Kris making high sharp turns in good timing to avoid the incoming missiles. While missing her cannon shots Cloud wasn't letting Kris out of her crosshair. Boiling down into a constant lopping battle with none having a good chance of a lock on or cannon strike.

 

Now it was a battle of control and patience. Almost like two aces matched heavily in skill and performance.

 

Cirrus lets out soft murmurs and chirps as her belly was rubbed and tickled enjoying the high amounts of praise. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"I'm happy you can share your personal space with one of your CO's Soar, I'd... I would not know how to cope if I was in the same boat as Razor, I mean we don't really talk to her at all, heck I don't and I am her next in line CO and I don't even talk to her... should we include her more?" She thought it a nice thing to do, though Razor always seemed uptight. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Maybe we'll get to know her more when we arrive at our new home?" Soar inquired, 

"Seeing we'll be acting more closely." She added. 

 

"Maybe she'll turn out to be a party animal?" Kris spoke up as the two remained in their entangled struggle of virtual combat. 

----
 

With a few laughs, jokes and bits of awkward cuddling of the certain two mares the night was quickly growing upon them. With her two comrades thoroughly tuckered out they retreated back to their quarters with Cirrus opting to follow with Soar so Star can have more quality time with Cloud.

 

The two were laying about watching a small classic movie Cloud popped in as the two laid about watching it on the small slim television. 

 

Star held to Clouds hoof with movie half way in. Cloud leaned back against her nuzzling her. 

"Did you have fun?" She asked softly.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"Yes... you and the guys today has been really nice actually, I wish we could spend more time together, if you finally get pulled off rotation, can you come visit?" Her muzzle just nestled into the other mare, she just liked being around her or other things.... 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"I don't know. I doubt I'll be able to visit the mainland. Arabia might have some serious air control- thinking it could be a 'security risk' or some dumb excuse- I don't know I'll look into it. Just... being honest on it dear." She says.

 

 

The stallion kneeled down as with silent tears in his eyes as the jet behind them on the darkened airport roared away.

 

"I can't go without you Jeene! You should't listen to what they say! I sold all of them! All those assests! Isn't it what you want?! Just for you?" He spoke aloud over the sound of the volume.

Jeene stood in shock at his brave announcement. This diligent company owner threw it all away just to see her- to give everything he had to please her. He's a foolish stallion but oh so a brave one. Her father was wrong after all. All those things were in the past. Perhaps he had changed, were they gonna live a happier life? 

 

Star continued cuddling up to her. Positioning herself better to get comfy.

"Mmm. Can't wait for this to be over... The- war I mean. Maybe it'll be done before we know it. I got a good feeling." She says leaning back for a quick nuzzle.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"Maybe, one day we can go home, I don't know though... I am worried, that's what my gut is telling me, what to worried about though? I have no idea." She laid back and looked to the ceiling. "We'll Skype anyway, I'm sure we can get through this if we can type, talk, facecall our way through this." 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Cloud smiled and laid upon her looking down to her. 

"Hey.." She greets before leaning in for an embrace and deep kiss. 

----

 

Awake the next day they were up and early- with help from Cloud herself wanting to give her a final send off. 

 

Its a cool morning. Dressed up in their flight suit, it kept them warmer from the sea breezes. Just waiting around for their final prep and approval. They all stand about in line with Cloud behind Star as they awaited. Everypony seemed rather quiet.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"Anyone else in the same mind as me thinking it feels like we're leaving our home almost?" She spoke to no one in particular. 

 

Cirrus landed near Star, Star had gotten a pack and had placed it so it was on her chest underneath her neck right at her front. As Cirrus hoped closer Star keeled down and the little falcon jumped into the bag, her head sticking out like a joey looking our a pouch. "Now you stay in here Cirrus, even when it gets very loud." 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

Razor looked up toward the control tower as they awaited for the signal-go. Cloud leaned quick to whisper to Star.

 

"When you get to land, please try to text me as soon as you can." She said giving her a warm smile. 

 

With Razor giving a nod as she noted the gesture by the tower controller she addressed her squad. 

"Okay Squad lets get going." She signaled and the three followed along with her to the launchers. With her HUD display on they aligned onto their seats their engines winding up.

Looking back over to Cloud for a last time she could read out the phrase from he lips with the muffled audio around her.

 

"Love you."

 

"Perimeter check good. All units in tact. Pressure rising. Launch is good." The control tower spoke up.

 

Pressing on her throttle Star and her squad readied for the final launch. A one way trip closer to danger. Still unsure as why it was them to go?

 

Without more thought her body was forced upward with the sudden force of the launcher. The intake of the engines and pushing her upwards keeping her in line with her squad, the squad ascended upward a good distance before banking left progressively flying overhead of their fleet. 

 

"Good luck out their guys." Commander Ironwing was heard over their comm.

 

With the fleet cleared they made their approached South east ward following along the Malteesian Coast as the sands gleamed in the morning lights now raising on the horizon. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

The sight of Heavy saying goodbye nearly had the mare in tears as she was flying with her squad, if there was a time she wanted defect and run away with Heavy it was at this very moment as she watched the fleet pass from view, knowing there was a mare on one of those ships who loved her.

 

She sighed as she flew and looked without care to the sands of this land she started to hate. 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

For the most bits they remained quiet as they strode about above the lands below. With mountians and plains to their left and a winding coast and sealine to the right it was just a scenic drive- if Star could muster herself to look. Only wanting to go back- or runaway. 

 

"Okay.." Razor could be heard mutter under breath.

"What was that?" Kris asked.

"Uh nothing.. talking... We'll be exiting fleet radar range in the next several minutes. " She says.

 

Star could feel Cirrus in her little pouch squirming around as she became slightly restless but she remained in place.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"Just stay put Cirrus, you can't fly the same speed as me with this thing on you'd never find home if you leave here, just try to sleep or something." She looks to her squad. "Razor, what was the recon report for today, we're not expecting company are we on our move?" 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"Skies should be clear on our path. We aren't planning on going through any hostile air. Just follow the coast and its a straight shot into Arabia." She says.

 

With the squad in their formations they raise alititude slightly as they continued. A rolling view of coast and plains on its usual picture. The ocassional small patrol boat notable. And within their hour of flight to the horizon more land was coming into view.

 

"Arabian Anti air has been notified of our approach. We shouldnt have to worry about signaling them. They have our ID sigs."Razor informed. Not really an interesting topic.

 

"Is Cirrus okay in there?" Soar asked.

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"She's squirming... she want's out of my bag and I know she want's to fly more, she'll be ok once we land and I can let her out... honestly I'm kinda suprised no one from brass has been an ass to me and had her taken away from me I know I'm not supposed to have pets with me... though she's not a mere pet to me." 

[FancyHorse 1,209]

"I hope the Arabains are just as lenient on having pets? Or just unnoticing." Kris says, acknowledging Cirrus' company.

 

Their flight takes them now across from the blue coastlines up to the rocky and sand terrian ahead with patches of grass and trees noted. Roads below spotted with activity of Arabian military vehicles along them. No radio comm so far-

 

A voice spoke in the forgien dialect. Catching each by surprise. Star could not make out any of the speech.

"Arabian Air defense this is Dagger 1 of Dagger Squad- confirming safe passage into Arabian airspace advise- we have our clearance sent over?" Razor iterated. There was a pause.

 

A long one.

 

"Roger that Dagger 1. This is Citra Alpha of defense regiment command company 12. Your clearance checks. Procceed east ward to Al-Sulayaminjar Airbase. Air base command, Callsign Tombstone will be there to greet you. Safe travels, Stars watch over you." The elder voice of the company commander spoke up. 

[Mentis Soliloquy 3,025]

"Stars? He sounds like he'd fit in with thestral's something we say, odd..." She was sure it was most likely a mere coincidence, or who knew maybe it was an Arabian bat pony. The world was a lot smaller than she'd care to admit and her own kind had spread around the world, but probably not this far.