(Story extract)

Night Strike idly swung her legs over the side of the boat, dropping off and spreading her wings. She flapped them, flying alongside Trout as Crash Dive watched her. Night Strike dipped and weaved, a look of relaxation crossing her face as she glided through the air. I scooted over to Crash Dive, noticing her head drooping a little. You miss flying? I asked, trying to comfort her. She stood silently before pulling the mask of her helmet off – not enough to be easily noticed, but just open enough to stop her voice from coming through the modulator.

Yeah. Its hard. To put it lightly. She muttered, her head still tilted down towards the water below. The drill sergeant always had us up in the air by sunrise every morning. A lot of the other trainees didnt like getting up so early, but well, I suppose I didnt like the lack of sleep either, but She paused, taking a deep breath, trying to keep her voice stable. The cool air, the sun just coming up as we flew around the compound Her voice trailed off as she let her head fall onto the edge of the boat, one hoof coming up around over her head. She sniffled, my ears falling back as she began to sob. Celestia, why? I I just She tried to speak, but was soon crying, her tears falling down off her muzzle and into the river.