Chapter 11 In the Navy

a/n: ah and welcome back , sorry that it took so long to get chapter 10 out , it was mostly due to practice with a band that I tend to sit in . So with out further ado , on with the story :)

Location : Van Hoover

THUNDER CRASHERS POV

After the battle of Van Hoover , I was relaxing in my bedroom in a hotel that I had just checked into . Heck nopony even bothered me , which is fine but I have learned to role with it , ever since my graduation from the Dodge Junction academy . I instantly signed up for the navy knowing I would be able to fight along side the changeling drones .

I haven't had time to 'make any friends' , however though I did get the time to get settled but that's when I met a mare , her name escapes my mind i'm sure I'll remember it . "Oh here there Thunder Crasher , what's up?" she asked .

"Oh not a whole bunch , right now I'm getting settled in , word has it that there is going to be a naval class at the crack of dawn" I said . "Oh I don't know if we met , but I'm Apple Chrome" said the red earth pony . "Oh nice to meet you" said Thunder Crasher . "So think we should get going to the academy , we don't want to be late" said Apple Chrome .

"Right , lets go" replied Thunder Crasher . With that the two of them left the hotel and headed right for the academy in Dodge Junction . Finally they made it to there naval class , and there teacher Flare didn't even notice them .

"well good morning class ,today we are going to be learning about the Navy , the third most important branch in our military" said Flare . She surveyed the room for any single pony talking and silently nodded to herself . "Now then , who can tell me in the correct order , the ranks starting from the lowest to the very highest rank" said Flare . A red earth pony with a white hat and an apple for a cutie mark raised her hoof. "Yes Apple Chrome" .

"I think I know , starting off at the lowest of ranks we have the Seapony Recruit , followed by Seapony Apprentice , then the Seapony , then the Petty officer third Class , Petty officer second class , Petty officer first class , followed by chief petty officer , senior chief petty officer , Master chief petty officer , Master chief petty officer of the Navy , followed by Chief Warrant officer 2 , Chief Warrant Officer 3 , Chief Warrant Officer 4 , Chief Warrant Officer 5 , Ensign , Lieutenant Junior Grade , Lieutenant , Lieutenant Commander , Commander , Captain , Rear Admiral Lower half , Rear Admiral Upper half , Vice Admiral , Admiral Chief of Naval Ops /Commandant of the CG , and finally Fleet Admiral" said Apple Chrome .

"Very good Apple Chrome , very good indeed and by her listing each rank , it also means where you stand in the navy , you see class your all going to be training to become officers in the navy , Queen Chrysalis needs the best of the best of the best , and I plan as your teacher to deliver on that promise we will be running exercises along with various space and naval simulations and teaching you all the chain of command among everything else , however while I don't expect you all to get it on your first try perfectly , practice makes perfect and another thing , I will be in charge of the simulations and how 'difficult' they should be , this is for learning purposes , NOT something to mess with at an arcade!" said Flare sternly .

The class understood except three ponies who had 'other' plans in mind for Apple Chrome and Thunder Crasher . "Now then , today's lesson is going to be mostly on simulations and I'll have an instructor guide you on what to do and WHAT not to do , is that understood?" asked Flare . Everyone answered with a 'yes Flare' . "Good , now then pay close attention to the guest speaker in front of you , any misbehavior and you will be removed" she said .

A white stallion entered , Apple Chrome and Thunder Crasher got a good look at him , his name is Blazing Flare and also a pegasus and his cutie mark is a shield with two swords through said shield .

"Greetings class , my name is Blazing Flare and I am going to be your guest speaker for today , now lets get onto the lesson we are going to be talking about , which is what to do and what not to do in a simulation , here's what to do always follow the laid out objectives as best you can and you will accomplish your said objectives , what not to do is just sit there and not know what to do thinking that we have to spell it out for you in clear hoof writing , which I refuse to do for ponies who just don't get the memo" said Blazing Flare

"also , when in a simulation treat it as if it were the real thing , cause on the field of battle , there will be death and ponies being shot full of blaster holes , ships being blown to bits ponies dying in said ships , always be ready for that in fact that brings me to another point when you have your own crew , work as a team" . Apple Chrome and Thunder Crasher , listened with every single word that Blazing Flare was saying . However three ponies were planing something already . And they wouldn't see it coming .

"Hey , anyone got any ideas on those two morons?" asked the lead pony . "I say that we grab the stallion and beat him to a pulp and make the apple mare watch" added the second . "Sounds like good idea , but we have to do it somewhere in private and make sure that nopony sees this" said the third .

The lead ponies name was Cloudy Twister as he was an Earth Pony , the second pony's name was Blade Dusk and the third was Moonlit Dusk the both of them were unicorns, all three of them knew that there teacher was watching them closely . But wasn't aware of what they were planning for poor Apple Chrome and Thunder Crasher .

"Now one other thing , is that teamwork is a key in any battlefield situation weather your in the army , the marines , the navy or even the air force , teamwork is key , thank you" said Blazing Flare . With that the white pegasus stallion left allowing Flare to continue the lesson on the Navy and even the history .

After class , Cloudy Twister , Blade Dusk and Moonlit Dusk , both caught Apple Chrome and Thunder Crasher off guard Cloudy Twister threw the first punch , said punch connected with Thunder Crashers stomach . Doubling over in pain he fell to the floor clutching his stomach Thunder Crasher was unable to move .

Anger rising in Apple Chrome , she bucked Blade Dusk in the face and began to fight Moonlit Dusk as well . Distracted Cloudy Twister saw what was going on and what he saw shocked him A mare fighting a stallion ? ,I won't let her continue this fight ! Gallopping towards the red Earth pony he bucked her in the face and bucked her again in the stomach sending her to the floor .

Finally several ponies spotted what was going on and quickly got Flare and told her what happened along the way . By the time the group and Flare got there , Blade Dusk and Moonlit Dusk were already out cold and Apple Chrome and Thunder Crasher were barely able to move , more so Apple Chrome as she was being hit several times .

Quickly the group , moved to subdue Cloudy Twister Alright I've got my work cut out for me , with out Blade and Moonlit Dusk I'm on my own thought Cloudy Twister . He bucked on pegasus in the face as Flare quickly tried to contact Cerci

"We have a huge problem ! , already Cloudy Twister is engaged with several students , some being Earth Ponies , Unicorns and Pegasus I need your help and quick , I don't know how much longer these ponies can last!" said Flare . "I'm on my way , just try and break it up if you can" replied Cerci . "no problem" . Quickly she took a running stance and charged Cloudy Twist , who wasn't ready for a charging changeling.

She had him pinned against the wall but he saw a chance and took it he punched her in the head and she let him go . Soon as she did that she was dizzy as her world was spinning Flare soon fell over . By the time that Cerci got to the seen , she saw that Blade and Moonlit Dusk were out cold . Apple Chrome was again getting beat on , the group of ponies that were headed to class were out cold , Thunder Crasher couldn't move at all , and Flare was out cold as well .

THAT DOES IT , CLOUDY TWISTER IS GETTING EXPELLED TODAY! Thought Cerci angrily . Quickly she trotted towards him and tapped him the shoulder . "You , are expelled Cloudy Twister !" said Cerci calmly . "That's fine" said Cloudy Twister simply . But not before he delivered a final kick to Apple Chromes stomach and then simply walked out of the building knowing he got what he wanted .

"Get several medical drones here now !, we have a situation on our hooves" ordered Cerci . A few hours later the drones all arrived and started to get the injured off the floor of the hallway leading to the next set of classrooms .

Most of what the other students saw they were shocked and appalled . Most of the young mares would rush to Cloudy Twisters defense saying that 'Thunder Crasher and Apple Chrome got what they deserved !' others rushed to there defense saying that 'they had no idea what Cloudy Twister was planning nor could they defend themselves and that Blade Dusk and Moonlit Dusk had no idea either .

Dodge Junction Medical wing

Thunder Crasher woke up groggily and wanted to know what his injuries are. "Ah your awake , you and your friend took a real nasty pounding from those stallions or should I say stallion" said Field Dressing . "How bad am I ?" asked Thunder Crasher getting to the point .

"Pretty bad you have three broken hooves and a broken rib , your lucky to be alive , Miss Apple Chrome not so much Mr. Twister did a number on her , I am not sure as to why he and his friends would do that ? I'll have to ask them when they wake up"said Field Dressing . "So basically I won't be able to attend class" said Thunder Crasher .

"I know that getting an education here is important to you and I don't fault you for that , believe me I don't in fact I more than encourage you to do so but in your condition I wouldn't recommend it , in fact I'm sure somepony from Class is going to be delivering school work here so you can keep up to date with the other classmates" added another voice walking towards him .

"My name is Philly Aid , I'm in charge of the medical wing here in this academy" said Philly aid with a smile . "I'm sure you met Field Dressing , he's mostly the one that tends to keep an eye on things here , so far this is the first school fight that has happened here" she added .

"How bad's Apple Chrome?" asked Thunder Crasher . "Like I said pretty bad , she has four fractured hooves and her stomach has some bruising , but she also has several fractured ribs" said Field Dressing . "And what about those two?" asked Thunder Crasher again . "Well there just unconscious with but there going to be alright" said Philly Aid . "At least there alright , so what happened ?" asked Thunder Crasher .

"well thing is though , Flare tried to pin down Cloudy Twister , but it was no luck he hit her knocking her out good , however though she is going to be okay , and Blade and Moonlit Dusk they should be counting there lucky stars!" said Philly Aid angrily . "I know , we do want to hear there side of what happened" said Field Dressing with a frown. "I happen to agree" said Cerci entering the medical wing . She got a good look at Thunder Crasher and she gave a sad smile but that's when she spotted Apple Chrome and gasped , both medical ponies explained what happened and Cerci wanted to know Blade and Moonlit Dusk's side before making her judgment on them .

On one hoof she could expel them just like she did with Cloudy Twister , but yet on the other hoof that would be unfair to them as they wouldn't be able to explain there side of it . "When both of them wake up , I'll be back as I want to hear what happened from them" said Cerci . The changeling walked out of the medical wing with a sigh . How in the world of Equestria was she going to explain this Apple Chromes Parents back in Maretonia .

She walked back to her office and just grabbed a near by drink from the fridge and starred out the window debating her decision on what to do with Blade and Moonlit Dusk . While I do want to hear what they have to say , I'll have to punish them and that's never happened , Until now ! , they have to know right from wrong thought Cerci .

A few days later

Dodge Junction Academy Medical Wing

Moonlit Dusk and Blade Dusk woke up finally , completely unaware of what had just happened . That's when they spotted there teacher Flare . "Flare you okay?" asked Blade Dusk worriedly . "she's fine just unconscious , once she wakes up I'm sure you can feel free to talk to her , but I already have a question of my own , Why ? , Why help that stallion that was attacking Apple Chrome ? Couldn't the two of you have done anything to stop him?" asked Field Dressing .

"We were too afraid of what he would have done to us , had we fought him instead of doing what we were told he never told us of his past" said Moonlit Dusk . "Ah that does make sense , now then I'll alert Cerci' said Field Dressing .

He quickly sent a messanger pony to deliver the message to Cerci as she was already on her way wanting to hear what happened from there points of view. She soon arrived with a calm and yet stern expression . "Alright you two , I want to hear what happened from the two of you and don't bother trying to cover for your friend Cloudy Twister I took care of him" said Cerci .

Nodding the two explained what happened and Cerci was shocked. "He threatened to beat the two of you and expose you two as orphans ? While I find that hard to believe it does make sense how he left his family" said Cerci . She thought this over very carefully , and finally she made her decision .

"Okay , here it is in a situation such as this , I would expel the both of you for helping Cloudy Twister , but I have a better Idea in mind , your going to clean the floors everyday after school without fail , do that and you'll be able to stay in school" said Cerci . "Lets just do it , it's not like we have a choice Blade" said Moonlit . "I'm with you Moonlit" replied Blade .

With that said , a pony by the name of Star Logger came in with a smile on her face . "I'm here to deliver some work for a Thunder Crasher and an Apple Chrome , are they here ?" asked Star Logger. "Indeed they are Star Logger , I'll hand the work to them you just head back to class" said Cerci with a smile . "Sounds good to me" said Star Logger . She handed the work from Flares Naval class and passed it out to the ponies here in the medical wing . After that she walked out but not before stealing a glance at Flare . Please be okay Flare , your one of our best teachers here thought Cerci . With that she left the medical wing again and tended to what was going on in her office .

Van Hoover

Thunder Cracker was talking with the stallion known as Sword Clasher . "Ah Thunder Cracker , glad your back , listen I'm going to do it tonight , were headed for Dodge Junction hopefully Celestia won't even notice that I'm gone" said Sword Clasher . "Even if she does , she won't care one bit once you get to Dodge Junction , apply for the army the hours here are great and you can spend as much time with your family as you like well when were not fighting" said Thunder Cracker . "That's great I'll tell my wife right now" said Sword Clasher happily .

Quickly he opened up the door to the basement and brought out his wife and two kids . "Thunder Cracker , I'd like you to meet my wife Bright Star , this is my daughter , Spinning Grace and this is my champ of a son Star Wing" said Sword Clasher proudly .

"thank you , had it not been for you Thunder Cracker we would have been long ago" said Bright Star . "No need to thank me , it's all part of my job description" replied Thunder Cracker . "well tonight , Thunder Cracker has purposed that we leave tonight that way Celestia isn't even aware so be ready by tonight" said Sword Clasher .

With that his wife and kids rushed back to there rooms began to pack there bags knowing that this was his chance to 'defect' to the changelings . Thunder Cracker then left the house and headed back to the camp site of the changeling swarm .

There he found Queen Chrysalis along with several other top military commanders and his own superior officer . "Ah private Thunder Cracker , glad you made it back , now then we need to plan our next attack I say we go after Las pegasus , from there we could set up a centeral HQ for our spies to operate in" explained Dark Song . "That sounds good to me , and the solar empire wouldn't suspect it" added Sky Warp . "Good idea private Skywarp , I talked it over with Queen Chrysalis and the other rulers , and they happen to agree" said Dark Song .

"However , if this is to work we will have to be very very careful with this operation we cannot let the solar empire find out let alone Celestia herself" said Chrysalis . "I happen to agree , if she does then this would be for nothing" said King Metamorphosis .

The other changleing rulers agreed , but Captain Dark Song had something else for them as well . "well since you two did excellent for your service to the changeling swarm I'm promoting you two to Private First class" said Dark Song . With that two medals were pinned on both ponies , getting up they saluted there commanding officer . With that Skywarp and Thunder Cracker both left to enjoy the rest of the day .

Location: Dodge Junction

That following afternoon

Sword Clasher and his family had just stepped off the train and were smiling from ear to ear at what they were seeing . And easy as that they were able to get a house that was close to the school or in this case academy. "Alright now my champ Star wing your both going to be going to school here in Dodge Junction , just remember you have eachother don't forget that and also make some friends as well" said Sword Clasher .

"Your father's right , I know in times like these things are tough but friendship will always shine through the darkness that is war" added Bright Star . With that said both Spinning Grace and Star Wing rushed up the stairs and began to unpack there stuff and organize how they wanted it before dinner was to be started .

One thing was for sure , they wanted to lend a hoof in the war 'when they were older' , and Sword Clasher would have to train Spinning Grace a few tricks in being a deathbolt . And as for Star wing , he would have to learn offensive spells , and who better than Dusk Shine of the New Lunar Republic .

Back in Van Hoover

Skywarp and Thunder Cracker were out and about the town walking , seeing changelings and ponies talking , truly the ponies of Equestria and the changelings were united as one . But that's when they both bumped into Queen Chrysalis .

Just as the changeling queen turned to look at the two stallions who bumped into her she sighed thinking it was some drunken pony . "You should watch where your going you two" said Chrysalis . "Yea sorry about that , so did you get anything from the Dodge Junction academy ?" asked Skywarp ."Well I did find out that there was a fight , between a Cloudy Twister , a Thunder Crasher and a Apple Chrome , however his friends got knocked out by Apple Chrome herself , if I remember right his friends were , Blade and Moonlit Dusk" explained Chrysalis .

"Does he have any parents?" asked Thunder Cracker . "None that I know of , You'll have to ask Queen Cerci , she has the files on every single changeling drone and pony attending there along with all the files on the teachers as well" . With that the changeling queen walked off with a small low chuckle low enough that nopony nor any changeling could hear .

I'll have to plan my next move against Celestia , I think something isn't right she could already be on her way here with another army to try and take back Van Hoover ! But if that's possible ? , I don't think she would not after the thrashing we gave Captain Armor and his army , but that does bring up more questions than answers ! , I'll look into it later right now I have to focus on the next town which is none other than Tale Tale word has it that they are creating a new kind of armor ! , I'll have to take that out just to make sure that there new 'armor' is destroyed ! Thought Chrysalis .

Of course another problem arose , dealing with the allies of the solar empire as well . There going to be really tough to take on but I'll have to enlist help , but who would come to the aid of the changeling Swarm ? , the Dragons ? That would be interesting to try , but what about the Zebra's ? Or even the Minotaurs , We alerady have the NLR on our side , along with what I heard the Griffins , that only leaves the Dragons , the Minotaurs , and the Zebra's , they would need some convincing to show them that we are not evil I'll have to look into that , getting allies of our own to help us out in future battles or something along those lines. There was one thing that also occupied the changeling Queen's mind handling and even working with Blade and Moonlit Dusk .

Dodge Junction

Cloudy Twisters POV

I was kicked out , ME of all stallions! , those two deserved it ! , but that's when an idea came into my mind . Why not defect ! , but I'll have to train but how ? , it's not I can find a ….that's when I saw a list of several trainers over in Canterbury , Just what I was looking for , Yea who needs those losers ! , not like they could help me anyway ! Once I'm ready ! I'll show join Celestia and the solar empire hopefully I can at least show those changelings a thing or two ! I thought .

With that I used what bits I could to purchase a ticket to Canterbury . "Alright , you'll have to take the train to Ponyville , from there it's a walk on hoof from Ponyville to Canterbury" explained the ticket Pony .

"Makes sense to me" I said . With that my destination was switched to Ponyville , and with in a few hours I got on board and simply starred with a glare out the window right at the academy Chrysalis , I will show you the error of your ways for joining Luna in this war ! In fact I'll be far stronger than you can ever possibly imagine ! I thought . Not a single pony even bothered me ! , which was fine not like my family cared , and I could care less about those two Blade and Moonlit Dusk , to me they were nothing but stepping stones in my own rise to power!.

Location : Dodge Junction

With Star Logger

Star Logger was on her way home to see her parents , she soon got home and was greeted by her father , Golden Shield , and her mother Star Flare . "Hey sweetie , how's school?" asked Golden Shield . "It was great father , but thing is Cloudy Shield got into fight with Apple Chrome and Thunder Crasher , his so called 'friends' didn't even know what was happening , but Cloudy Twister was expelled thanks to the swift action of Principal Cerci" said Star Logger .

"I knew that stallion was nothing but trouble , and I'm glad he didn't hurt you , cause if he did then there would be tartarus to pay!" said Star Flare with a glare in her eyes . One thing that you don't do is anger the mother of a bright young mare at all ! .

"It's okay mother , nopony hurt me I can handle myself in a fight you know" pointed out Star Logger . "Look at that dear , our little filly is all grown up" said Star Flare with a soft smile . " I know honey , soon she'll be in the Navy fighting off the solar empire and giving them what for" added Golden Shield .

Dodge Junction Medical Wing

Apple Chrome , Thunder Crasher , Blade Dusk and Moonlit Dusk were all doing there work for the day , already delivered by a navy blue mare by the name of Star Logger . "Hey Apple Chrome , think we'll ever get out of here?" asked Thunder Crasher . "Hopefully soon , and when we do I think things are going to be a lot different" said Apple Chrome. I wonder how in the world how Applejack is doing ? , that and Applebloom along with Big Macintosh , well same with Granny Smith thought Apple Chrome .

She soon glanced at Blade and Moonlit Dusk who were already done and sleeping the rest of the day away . Poor stallions , I know having them clean the floors is a fitting punishment but they just have said no before what this fight happened thought Apple Chrome . She then glanced back down at her work , she only had one last page to do and that was it .

Hopefully things are okay with Flare , Cloudy Twister shouldn't have punched her like that she was only trying to stop the fight , but then again I couldn't do a whole lot myself !. The red earth pony glanced back at the orange unicorn who was working on his last page before he was done . He soon set his work on a nearby nightstand and fell fast asleep . Finally Apple Chrome was done with her work and did the samething . She soon set her white hat over her head and closed her eyes .

Van Hoover Air force base

Captain Starry Comet and Commander Sunrise Crest looked over there fellow death bolts and made sure that everything was set . However the both of them found out that Flare the one back in Dodge Junction was unconscious and also teaching there while apart of the death bolts . "we might have to look for a replacement for her" said Sunrise Crest .

"Point taken but who?" asked Starry Comet . "I have no idea , but when she wakes up we will have to tell her and soon" said Sunrise Crest . "Right , and only when she wakes up" said Starry Comet . "Until then , we keep this between us and only tell the others once we have more information" .

"I happen to agree on that" said Sunrise Crest . With that said the two of them walked back to there barracks for the day and decided to just do some paperwork to keep themselves distracted or at least working for awhile . Meanwhile Chrysalis , Metamorphosis , Morphosis , Metamorpho , Queen Heart Song , and Queen Ambrosia along with Alex Hermes were working on a plan for Tall Tale . "Now if we deploy our forces several miles to the south , we should be able to hit them with what we have at the moment" said Chrysalis .

"Agreed , however though we haven't heard a whole lot from Sunset Nova" said Morphosis . "True , however I'll get in contact with her and find out what she knows" said Chrysalis . Quickly excusing herself she ran up the stairs and found a mirror , once that happened an image of Sunset Nova shimmered into view . "Sunset Nova , do you have anything to report?" asked Chrsalis .

"I do , and it's pretty bad already several solar armies are headed not towards Van Hoover as I thought , but are headed towards Mustangia , Maretania , Maretona , Maredrid , ,Horns Deep , New Saddle , Badahoof , and Derby I think that Celestia wants more control over Equestria than ever before , that and she's really scaring the ponies into showing there loyalty to her , currently she's in another small town known as Windsoar , she's also spreading her message about how Luna and you among the griffins are evil" said Sunset .

"Alright , sounds like we might have to alter our attack plan from Tall Tale to Horns Deep , hopefully we can take it and gain a tactical advantage like we did with Fillydelphia" said Chrysalis . "Right , I'll have to move soon I need to gather more information" said Sunset . With that her image faded out and was replaced with a reflection of Chrysalis standing there , thinking over a few things .

But had a plan in mind , attack Horns Deep .

It was a tactical risk , but it would gain them more ponies to join there side . I'll just have to wing it and see what happens , I can't just take wild chances like this thought Chrysalis . She soon rejoined the other kings and queens along with Alex . "What is it?" asked Metamorphosis . "I just received word , that Celestia is spreading her speech solar loyalty and how me Princess Luna and the Griffins are evil" said Chrysalis .

"So now what?" asked Alex . "We attack Horns Deep , we should gain ponies there , and if i'm right we will also learn of what happened to our spies in Canterlot" added Chrysalis . "That sounds fair enough to me , alright then it's settled instead of taking Tall Tale , we are going to attack Horns Deep" said Morphosis . "Sounds good enough to me" said Alex . With everyone agreed on attacking Horns Deep , they all nodded and walked up stairs and decided to get some sleep for the rest of the day .