Author's Note
William here, again. Just wanted to note that I do apologize for not posting much lately. I am still writing, and I'm way ahead of schedule. My writing getting close to the end, so if I get to the end, I may just release it all in one big block. Like the last, this has been a fun novella to write, and I thank you all for reading my story, and for being quite supportive. When I started this, I was just doing something when I was bored, hoping to get maybe a hundred views and maybe a review or two. You guys are awesome.
Thanks,
William
Chapter 25: Don't Shoot the Messenger
Shadow opened the door to his quarters slowly, stepping aside for Dash to enter before him.
"Good, you're both here."
Dash jumped backwards in surprise, with Storm sighing as he closed the door. Shadow couldn't even feel anger now. It was now just sheer annoyance.
"What the hay is it this time Silverhoof?"
Storm turned around and motioned for Dash to follow him. The two marched slowly toward Silverhoof. A match struck as they walked, lighting a small candle next to the white pony, causing yellow light and dark shadows to cascade over the walls.
"I've been… informed… by the board that your current station with us is… disrupting your normal life," Silverhoof began slowly, throwing the used match onto a nearby dresser.
Storm walked toward him, taking a stand between Dash and the bed.
"Thank you detective Hooves," Shadow stated sarcastically, "Do you have any further astute observations or is this case closed?"
Silverhoof simply shook his head and continued, "The board has decided it is best that your entire squadron be told of your new posting… and be reassigned to assist you in any way."
Shadow frowned and spat out, "So I'm no longer going to be the only errand boy."
"In a manner of speaking, yes," Silverhoof stated, straightening his tie with a hoof, "The RAF has already approved of the transfer, along with the board. This is a joint operation, should you accept. You will still perform your Wonderbolt duties, but your squadron will also be responsible for apprehending HVTs. Any questions?"
"If I refuse?" Shadow asked, his eyes darkening in the pale candlelight.
"You go back to normal life… with a permanent mark for insubordination, courtesy of the board."
"You bucking bastard."
Silverhoof shook his head and repeated, "Courtesy of the board. I don't approve of this operation, but it's up to those above my pay grade."
Storm found himself torn. He was stuck in the bureaucratic quick sand that he had hoped to avoid. After mulling on the situation for a minute or two, he finally made his decision.
"Fine, I'll do it," Shadow answered, quickly adding, "Only because I'm in enough shit as it is already."
"Perfect," Silverhoof said with a sigh, "I'll leave it up to you to brief your squadron. Captain, Lieutenant."
With those last two addresses, the commissioner left speedily, the door slamming loudly behind him. Dash left within minutes, feeling the air tensing as Shadow sat silently, staring out the window.
Shadow remained awake for a few minutes, but quickly attempted to force himself to sleep. After rest eluding him for an hour, Storm finally calmed down and drifted off to sleep. The next morning he awoke early and assembled the Bravos, leading them to his quarters as the stumbled about in a dreary fog.
Motioning for someone to close the door, Shadow shouted, "Attention."
The Bravos quickly formed a line, and stood standing as straight as they could in their tired state.
"Come on guys, you call that at attention?"
The Bravos straightened themselves, standing taller than usual.
"That's better," Shadow added, before beginning, "What you are about to hear is classified information. It does not leave this room. Understood?"
"Yes sir!"
The Bravos began to appear uneasy, tensing up.
Noting this, Storm continued, "There has been a recent defection of an enemy officer. He's providing us intel from the inside. The issue is he'll only speak to me for some reason."
Shadow gauged the reaction of the Lieutenants and continued, "As a result, I have been reassigned to the Equestrian Secret Service. This also means you are reassigned. This operation is vital; we're stopping threats and collaborators before they can do anything. Now it's not going to be easy or the best job in the nation, but we're doing some good and making a difference. Hooah?"
"Hooah," the Bravos replied quietly.
"Any questions?" Shadow asked, glancing out the window nervously.
The room went silent for a few moments. Finally, Chaser spoke up.
"None here sir, we'll follow you to the end."
Storm couldn't help but smile. It was good to know he had someone on his side.
"Alright then, does Chaser speak for all of you?" Shadow asked, still grinning slightly.
"Sir yes sir!"
The answer, although conditioned, was exactly what Storm needed at that moment.
"Good. Now I want to make a note to you guys. We are still RAF. The ESS comes second. I don't fully trust them. So watch your backs. Understood?"
"Sir yes sir!"
Storm thought for a few seconds. He scanned his mind for further information needed to be communicated. Finally, after a long awkward silence, Storm ended the briefing.
"That's all. Everyone assemble in the gardens for practice, I'll be down in a second."
Shadow watched as the Bravos left, with Dash glancing backwards and hesitating at the door for a second. Storm trotted over to a nearby mirror, and began the slightly annoying process of donning his flight suit. After wriggling his way into it, he straightened his mane into a Mohawk with a few quick hoof movements. Staring into the mirror, he grinned again, his mood suddenly becoming very uplifted.
"Let's do this."