Blaze knew there was no point in trying to get Mobius to do anything other than what was expected of him, his Starfighter parents were going to give Raptor an earful to say the least.
Though as luck would have it, Sand Island is full of surprises. Like the roar of two other jet ponies coming in for a landing.
"Who the heck is landing here?"
"Well, it looks like the princess is here."
"Huh?"
"Morgan, and it doesn't look like Rex is too far behind."
"What are they doing here?"
"I don't know Four, why don't you go ask?" Thirteen said slightly trying to push Four out of his way.
"I don't think I need to go and ask Thirteen, they're coming over here."
"Oh, that simplifies things doesn't it?"
"Who knows." Four said as you and Morgan walk up to Yellow squadron.
"Well, who do I have the pleasure of meeting recruit?"
"Thirteen, I lead Yellow Squadron up until we were brought into the Sand Island group sir."
"You can drop the formalities, I'm not very big on them. Besides this saves me from dealing with Celesta for another three days."
"Then what should I call you?"
"What everyone else does or Rex is fine."
"Thank you Rex." Thirteen said to which you just smile a little and continue on your way to find Edge, as she did ask to talk to you.
"Well, she doesn't seem like any of the rumors."
"Does it matter if they're true?"
"I don't know."
"Just don't ask about them alright?" Thirteen said as Yellow squadron watched you and Morgan leave to find Edge.
 
1300 Hrs. Sand Island.
"So Edge, you wanted to have a word with me?"
"You're here already?"
"Yea, being here is better than listening to Celestia nag at me for the next couple of days."
"We're not ready for you."
"Edge, it's alright, I don't expect perfection right now, it'd be nice if you all worked together."
"That's what we're working on."
"Good, is it going alright?" You ask as Edge seems to be well, on edge.
Edge fidgets for a little while, you assume that she's trying to come up with an adequate response to your question.
"Well, we are experiencing some difficulties with two individuals."
"So? What's your rules on them not cooperating?"
"Well, we're just going to remove the one that does not cooperate with us. It's only fair to do that right?"
"Right, but it sounds like you don't want to do that."
"Well, it's because the two that are acting up are the leaders of their respective squadrons."
"Then kick the entire squadron."
"You can't be serious!"
"If there's one bad egg in the basket, chances are there's even more, and nobody wants to be the one to get their entire squadron kicked. Guessing those prop ponies are for Mom?" You say as Edge nods to your last question.
"Figured they'd be her escort, damn, Mac made it out here."
"Well, isn't kicking the whole squadron a little harsh?"
"If it keeps them from misbehaving no, you do what you have to do to keep my guard in a fighting shape, which means no internal conflict that can't readily be solved. This is where the Sand Island portion of the guard comes into play, Captain. I'm certain you four Captains can figure something out."
"Captains?" Edge said as you were walking away towards Mac.
 
Though what Lockheed ponies were around were gathered around in a circle debating about what to do with Raptor if she shows up to the reunion.
"Mac what are we gonna do about that cousin of yours?"
"Hell if I know, did Mobius have any ideas?"
"You mean does silent have anything to say? Yea he's got a few things to say, though it's probably going to end up as a good thump on Raptor's head."
"Shit, man I know Glacier and I don't get along but fuck, this is just awful, like the worst blunder in Lockheed family history." Mac said as he ran a hoof along his head as if running it through his mane, which is non existent.
The group of Lockheed ponies fail to notice as you walk up and intrude on their group.
"Well, you and Glacier have always disagreed, that's normal for the Lockheed family. Hell, Mulder only puts up with Sully because he's family. If he wasn't part of the family and leaked JP-7, she'd have thrown him out a long time ago."
"Well, they're two different types. She's slower and Sully's a rocket." Mac said as you find it's now time for you to speak up.
"So what's up with the Lockheed family?"
"Rex, how long have you been standing there?"
"Oh, about ten minutes. Sounds like you have a problem."
"Do you mind not interfering in this?"
"Why?"
"The Lockheed family likes to handle things a certain way, usually in family."
"Ah, trying to keep a family matter private, alright, don't mind me poking around then. Sometimes I like to be nosy."
"Unfortunately we've noticed."
"Yea, sorry about that. Guess I should go and find Morgan." You say as you smile and walk off to find Morgan.
"You think he'll interfere?"
"If he does?"
"There's not much we can do about it if he does."
"So let's just pray he doesn't." One of the ponies in the circle said as Mac nodded.
 
Morgan was just standing on the beach alone, seemingly just enjoying the sunshine and the breeze off the water.
"Dad?"
"Yea sweetie?"
"Why haven't we come out here before?"
"Well, I didn't think I'd have the time to come all the way out here."
"So why now? Why get away from Celestia?"
"You know why, she was nagging the hell out of me to maintain the peace with Equestria, something I would have been doing anyways. You bring Luna?"
"You never said I couldn't."
"Still riding inside?"
"Yea, they might get a little frustrated if they see her." Morgan said as the two of you were staring out over the water.
"Well, turns out the Lockheed family has an issue."
"Really?"
"Yup, think it has something to do with Raptor, but they've asked me to stay out of it."
"Are you?"
"They did ask. I guess I will." You say with a shrug
"Well, that's kind of odd. You staying out of something."
"They asked me not to, so it's probably best I don't. Though what can they do to me?"
"Not much."
"Exactly." You say as there's more interesting thing going on here on Sand Island.
 
"Listen, I'm only going to tell you two once, and I expect it to reach your respective squadrons, Squall, Bishop, if you keep misbehaving, we're dropping your entire squadron, not just you."
"You can't be serious!"
"I am, do not test us, we will remove you from the group if we must."
"This is bullshit! I'm taking this to Rex."
"And Normandie will be removed from Sand Island barred to return."
"What?" Squall asked as Bishop sulked, knowing full well he best not fuck up.
"This was his idea, you take it to him, and you're handing your squadron the ticket off the island. Do you really want to do that Squall?" Edge said getting Squall to mouth his anger but no words were capable of forming.
"So go and relay this to your squadrons. You two are the only trouble makers, and let them know if one of them even so much as puts a hoof out of line, the squadron will be kicked. Dismissed." Edge said as she walked away from the two of them.
"Can you believe this shit Bishop?"
"Shut your fucking mouth Squall. I am not getting my squadron kicked out."
"So you're going to play along with them? Fine, I'm going to take this to a higher power."
"I'd start packing before you do so Squall." Bishop said as he walked off, leaving Squall to go and find you.
Squall was walking up to you as you were staring off over the water, unfortunately yelling for your attention, breaking your concentration on nothing in particular, just really annoying that'd he'd do that.
"Rex, I need a word with you."
"Can you wait? You've ruined my focus."
"I need to talk to you NOW."
"What could be so important that you need to bring it to my attention?"
"Sand Island."
"What about the island?"
"The Squadron!" Squall said trying not to get too aggravated with you.
You just smile a little. "You do know I told them to tell you that if you acted up to kick you from the island along with your squadron."
"Isn't that kind of harsh?"
"Don't you think it gets what I want? I don't want to be such a dick about it, but you're forcing me to."
"So what are you going to do about this?" Squall asks as you burst into laughter, considering he thinks you'll actually help him.
"Please tell me you're joking."
"What are you going to do about the squadron?"
"Nothing you fucking idiot! I told them to do that, tell you what, why don't you go and tell Normandie you're moving."
"Where?"
"Off Sand Island, Normandie squadron hereby banished from the island. You may appeal this decision in a month." You say as his jaw drops.
"You can't be serious?"
"Do I look like I'm joking with you?"
"No, oh no. Oh Celestia." Squall said as he realized he dun goofed.
"Rex, what's going on?"
"Oh, some idiot got his squadron kicked from the island, never to return."
"Huh?"
"Look at the shit who's freaking out." You say as you turn to some of the squadrons that gathered around you.
It doesn't take long for the Sand Island ponies to notice that there's something wrong.
"Rex, what's going on?"
"Normandie has been banned from the island, they have two hours to gather their things and leave. The shit who ruined it can appeal to me in a month." You say explaining some of what went down to them.
"I didn't think you were that serious about it."
"Well, if I don't follow through with what I say, don't you think that kind of makes me look bad?"
"Yes but wasn't it an idle threat to get them to comply?"
"Yes and no, Squall just volunteered to be made an example of, speaking of which you're running down on time before I have them shoot you off this island." You say as Squall begins his walk of shame to Normandie's hangars.
 
1300 Hrs. Sand Island Runway
Normandie Squadron is leaving, their former leader now taking trail, hanging his head in shame as they leave Sand Island.
"Try not to act out of line, otherwise you will be asked to leave." You say which was met with a Yes sir.
"Alright then, we'll be leaving you alone, Thunderhead informed me that I'm needed in Avalon's Shadow. Apparently Galactus finally needs a repair done, he's only three years over due." You say as you and Morgan go to take off leaving the island behind
Two weeks later, Avalon's Shadow
The Lockheed family reunion is starting and will be running for a couple of days. There is a looming problem with the Lockheeds, Raptor is nearly an outsider to her own family. For her, the situation is not good, and they've asked you to stay out of the situation.
Though the situation's on your mind.
"So you going to show up?"
"They asked me not to. I won't unless one of them asks me to intervene."
"Why wait?"
"Because shouldn't I be doing more important things than interfering with a single family?" You say as you and Thunder stare at them from your porch as you can't help but have an off feeling about what's going to happen out there with them.
 
1200 Hrs. Runway.
It seemed that every Lockheed pony was coming in from all corners of Avalon, Electras, Constellations, Super Constellations, and fighters everywhere.
There were two F-104 Starfighters that seemed particularly angry, these two being Raptor's parents. Dart and Allie were looking around for her, primarily to scold the hell out of their daughter. Though Lightning was out with Sasha, looking for them.
"Hey, there they are."
"They look angered."
"Probably because they are, why don't we see if we can't distract them?"
"Why?"
"Well, I don't see Raptor, I'm sure she wants a little more time before someone starts screaming at her." Lightning said as he approached his parents with Sasha not far behind.
"Hey Mom, Dad, how are you two?"
"Do you know where your sister is?"
"She's probably still at her hangar dad. There's somepony I'd like the two of you to meet."
"Huh?" Dart said as he was now sidetracked and focused on his youngest.
"Mom, Dad, this is Sasha, my wife."
"What did you say?"
"Sasha's my wife."
"Isn't she supposed to be thinner?" Allie asked offending Sasha.
"I am pregnant. There is not needings of calling me fat! You are grandparents, show decency!" Sasha said voicing her feelings on that matter
Both Dart and Allie were a little shocked by how vocal Sasha was.
"Lightning, you said this mare is your wife?"
"Yes Mom, Sasha is my wife."
"Well, I always knew you'd find a mare sweetie, but she's a little."
"Get over it mom, I know she's not NATO like all the rest of the Lockheed family."
"Yes, well, at least this is a semi pleasant surprise and something we can be proud of." Allie said with a slight smile on her face.
"Well I did want you two to meet her at some point."
"Well, you two do seem to make a very interesting if similar couple." Allie said as both Sasha and Lightning stared at her with a very similar look of you're kidding right.
"Da designs are similar, but we different."
"Oh? You're a 141? I never though I'd see you."
"You surprised I still here?"
"Not really, just more that you found Lightning."
"Was not difficult he was here, so was I only took time for him to get away from Raptor, she very overprotective for while." Sasha said making Allie smile.
 
1211 Hrs. Raptor's hangar
Well, to simply put it, Raptor's having a panic attack, the entire Lockheed family could knock on her door and harass her. The fact that Nora's in her home doesn't really help very much, their competitor for a while, the Lockheed family doesn't really forget those who've competed against them, though it's unofficially said in the Lockheed family "Never work for the Navy, they don't know what they want or they'll drive you up a wall or break your balls." again that's just unofficial and spread by word of mouth.
"Nora I'm doomed, you can't be here if they show up."
"Why?"
"Uh, we tend not to like our competitors. So you being here ain't going to make them any happier."
"Yea so? Grumman lost against your family for that contract, what's it matter?"
"Right, but don't you remember how close it was?"
"Yea so? Lockheed won."
"We only care about air force, Navy can go fuck itself." Raptor said as Nora laughed, seemingly not caring how serious the situation really is for her.
"Seriously Nora, this isn't good for me."
"Yea, I know, but there's not really anywhere I can go to get away."
"There any other Grumman family members here?"
"No, they're cousins at best, but they're not like really close."
"Ugh, this isn't helping me."
"Just go and get it over with Raptor. Before they show up here."
"Guess I should before my brother shows up." Raptor said as she went to leave, unfortunately to find Mobius standing outside of her door.
"Mobius? What are you?"
"Look, you need to go and talk to Mom."
"So I'm guess you're here to drag me away?"
"No, I'm not going to make you do anything. Why is there a Grumman in our home?"
"Uh, Mobius, can we talk about her elsewhere?" Raptor said as she stepped outside and redirected her brother.
"So that Grumman?"
"Is a very close friend of mine, please don't bring that up to Mom or the rest of the family."
"You'll owe me."
"When don't I do that?"
"Never. Do I have to always clean up your messes?"
"No." Raptor said as she did notice that he was leading her straight to their parents, in the dead center of the Lockheed family.
"Well, if it isn't Raptor."
"Hey mom. So everyone here for something?"
"In fact they are. You know what you did to your little brother is wrong."
"I know and I regret it deeply. It was the adding of a very bad day for me. I know I messed up, but it's too late for me to let him back into Mobius' home, I'd have to let Sasha come in too. Those two are practically inseparable."
"We know about Sasha. Though he said nothing of you. At least we can be proud of him marrying a pony similar in design. That and our grandchild." Allie said as Raptor looked away in shame where as Mobius was a bit confused.
"Where is he?"
"At home."
"May I disappear for a minute?"
"Of course." Dart said allowing Mobius to go and see his little brother for a little bit.
"And where do you think you're going?"
"I was going to go home."
"We're not done with you. Anypony want to start?" Dart said causing Raptor to freeze where she was standing.
If these ponies could sweat, Raptor would be sweating profusely right now.
"Anyone?"
"I'll go."
"Mulder?"
"Yea, I have a few things to say. First off, Lightning isn't like Sully, you have no reason to kick him out of your home. If he leaked all over the place and didn't bother to clean up after himself, then yes you could kick him out. But if I remember that home isn't yours, it's Mobius' hangar. That he shares with you. What right do you think you have to kick out your own brother?" Mulder said sharing her feeling on what happened a while ago.
"I know. I shouldn't have."
"Stop saying that! If you're so sorry about it bring Lightning back into your life! He's your brother for Celestia's sake. You've always been a bratty foal, you haven't changed, nor have you grown up! Your little brother acts more mature than you do!" Mulder yelled deeply upsetting Raptor on a level she was not expecting. She was expecting to be compared to Mobius, not Lightning, and that hit her deep.
"Mulder, I..."
"You say nothing. Who's next?" Mulder said as Sully came up and gave Mulder a solid hit for insulting him in front of the family.
"I'll go."
"Glacier, please, don't I... I can't take this anymore."
"You haven't been released by your parents, try and take your punishment." Glacier said showing a tiny bit of compassion to the now shaking Raptor.
 
Since training was over, the Sand Island squadron had more members, and the original four were watching this.
"Are we going to get involved in this?"
"Why should we? We can just enjoy the show from here."
"But aren't we supposed to keep the peace?" Archer asked as Snow scoffed disinterested in keeping things quiet.
"They ain't bothering anypony are they?"
"Snow, it's Blaze's call if we get involved or well, he just disappeared again." Edge said as she was looking for Blaze, who actually showed up with Mobius and Lightning.
"Mobius has something to say."
"Yea."
"Let him tell us what to do for this one." Blaze said as Mobius sighed.
"I'm having a family problem, we've already asked Rex to stay out of it, but I can't stop the guards, I know that but they don't. Raptor needs to learn to clean up her own messes, but if it looks like they're giving her too much of a hard time, intervene. Just do it on the guard authority and don't tell them I said so." Mobius said a little saddened.
"We'll do what we can Mobius."
"Thanks, means a lot."
"I'm sure it does."
"No really it does, I need to get back to them now. Come on Lightning." Mobius said as Lightning nodded and followed him.
"Well, guess we need to keep an eye on the Lockheed family."
"Yea."
"What are we going to do if it does get too rough?"
"Break it up."
"Right, hopefully that works." Edge said as this wasn't the best position for them to be in.
 
Back with the Lockheed family, another two ponies have made Raptor feel worse, and the return of her brothers just made her collapse onto the ground tears streaming down her face. The amount of humiliation and ridicule being thrown at her by her own family, parents included was making it worse.
"Lightning"
"Raptor why did you do this? You just should have stayed home, and spared everyone."
"I'm"
"I know you are. And you know how late it is now."
"Lightning, please, I never should have kicked you out." Raptor said as she looked up at her brothers, tears still streaming
At this point it was time for the Sand Island squadron to interfere.
"Beak it up! She's dealt with enough for now."
"Grummans."
"Lockheed family, lay off of her, that's enough for now." Snow said as the squadron made their way to Raptor.
"This isn't your place Grummans get out of here before we make it your problem."
"You do know who we are?"
"Sand Island, but you're interfering in a family matter."
"Which has gone on long enough. Raptor, go home." Archer said trying to get Raptor out of the middle of the horrible situation.
"Yea! Leave her alone!" another voice yelled out, it was familiar and close to Raptor, but to hear her here, there was nothing but fear written all over Raptor's face.
"It's time for you to go Raptor."
"Mobius?"
"We can't interfere with the guards, they want to remove you from the area, they have the authority to do so. As displeasing it is, that's how it goes by law."
"You're letting me get away?"
"Trust me, if they were not here, I would have made this situation worse. You're safe for now." Mobius said as Archer assisted Raptor and took her from view, only to be met by Nora.
 
Out of earshot and after Archer went to rejoin his squadron, Nora hugged Raptor.
"I'm sorry you had to do that alone."
"It's fine. I'm alright. It's just..."
"You were compared to Lightning for once."
"Yea."
"They see your younger brother higher than you. That's horrible." Nora said as the two of them walked back to their hangar.
Raptor only nodded when even her best friend told her what the rest of her family was saying.
"Tomorrow will be different."
"What do you mean tomorrow will be different?"
"You and I will go out there, we'll show them."
"No, that's just going to make it worse."
"How is that even possible Raptor?" Nora asked as the two of them got into the privacy of their hangar. Well, Mobius' hangar.
"Well, nopony from the Lockheed family as ever you know, gone the other way before."
"Sweet Celestia, your family is backwards as hell."
"Only a little. I think it's best if we don't leave the hangar for the next two days."
"I didn't know you were such a pushover. Where's the loud and rowdy Raptor I know."
"Hiding." Raptor said as she actually went and cowered in her room. Nora sighed and went to comfort her friend, and that's where they stayed for the rest of the day
Day two of Lockheed reunion.
"Alright Raptor let's show your family who they're messing with."
"Nora, can't we just stay in bed? I don't want to go out there."
"Quit being such a baby Raptor. This is why they keep picking on you. It's too easy to make you like this."
"Nora please, can't we just stay in?" Raptor asked as she was still lying in bed.
"I'll ask again in an hour or two. You shouldn't be hiding from them like this. It's kinda depressing." Nora said as she left Raptor's room to go and clean up around the hangar a little.
 
1130 Hrs. Avalon's Shadow, Runway.
Somehow Nora managed to get Raptor out of the hangar. Though Raptor's nerves definitely showed, Nora never left her side despite being repeatedly told to leave her alone.
"Are you happy now? Everypony's staring at us."
"Well, you haven't collapsed onto the ground yet so there's a good thing."
"Oh fuck, there's my parents." Raptor said as she tried to back away, but only backed into Nora.
"Couldn't you have just stayed home? Spared us and yourself the misery of being tormented yet another day?" Dart asked a look of disinterest on his face.
"I'm sorry Mr. Lockheed. I'll get her out of the way."
"Raptor? Who is this?" Dart asked.
"This is Nora."
"And how the hell did you get a Grumman to listen to you?"
'Uh..." Raptor stammered.
"After she won the contracts for your family, I lost my purpose for a while. She gave me a new purpose, helping her in any way that I can."
"Is this true Raptor?" Dart asked as her mother came up to them hearing this.
Raptor turned to Nora, who only nodded.
"Yes, it is, I thought it was rather pitiful that I kept her around, so I didn't bother to bring her up."
"Hmm, it appears that you do contain redeeming factors. Perhaps we were quick to judge you, but still kicking your brother out was wrong and as a reminder, you do live in Mobius' hangar and that stunt gives him permission to kick you out if he so pleases."
"I understand, I'll try and make it up to the two of them." Raptor said through a sudden burst of confidence that came from putting Nora down just a little.
"Well come along and bring your little friend, we need to inform the rest of the family."
"Alright." Raptor said as she looked over to Nora who just gave her a smile as they followed Raptor's parents.
"That's a dirty little tactic you pulled."
"I'm sorry miss."
"If we pull this off I owe you."
"We'll discuss that later Miss Raptor." Nora said somehow managing to keep the cheery attitude while being talked down to.
 
Later, the Lockheed family took the bait, believing that Raptor has somehow gotten Nora to listen to her every whim, which technically isn't a lie, but Nora wanted to make sure that Raptor doesn't catch any more flak from her family so she managed to cook up this elaborate plan to get Raptor back into the family standings, even if she's at one of the lower rungs.
"Well, we're rather impressed, it does look like you can be useful after all. You're regained some favor in the family, be careful not to squander it this time."
"I will Orion."
"Yes don't waste it. Your older brother has found a place in the royal guard, perhaps you can start making amends by letting him stay in his old home."
"I was planning on it." Raptor said rather cheerful that she managed to get some of her old standing back, as low as it was.
"Destroy my room yet?"
"I haven't touched it Mobius."
"Good."
"Well, least you have a place to stay if the Sand Island ponies aren't keeping you in their hangars."
"Rex won't mind." Mobius said as he, Raptor and Nora walked back to their hangar.
 
Out of earshot, Mobius does have to ask about Nora.
"So your friend?"
"Is more than just a friend."
"Thought so."
"Whaddya mean thought so?"
"How you look at her." Mobius said and since Raptor knows him very well, she just sighed because he was right
"How can he tell that much by just how you look at me?"
"Brother."
"Oh right you are her older brother. Then why didn't you compete for the contract?"
"ISAF."
"Oh right the ISAF, how'd they take you leaving?"
"Didn't care." Mobius said as they got back into their hangar.
"Does your brother always talk in like one sentence?"
"If he can help it, you're lucky to get more than two words out of him most of the time, usually he just says a single word and that's all you have to go on. That is unless you know how to read him, which I've gotten worse at."
"Oh, so you know what he's saying."
"Mostly I do, but he's tricky at times." Raptor said as Mobius smiled and laid out on his couch, though it smelled heavily of sorrow and vodka.
"Raptor?"
"Oh right, the couch. Sorry, I guess I owe you a new one."
"Think so."
"Sorry." Raptor said as she rubbed the back of her head.
Mobius laid there and just stared, one of those irritated looks that tells the entire story on his face, so blatant that even Nora could tell that they needed a new couch.
 
Over in the VTOL camp, Lightning and Sasha were out with the other F-35s, who were of course trying to harass the hell out of Lightning. But at this point he's pretty much heard every insult they could hurl at them, but since he and Sasha were both teaching each other their languages, he had some very colorful insults that the other F-35s could not understand, but it did get every Russian in the area to laugh, due in part to his poor grammar and the phrases he was trying to say
"Hey what the hell is he saying?"
"I don't even know. Sasha?"
"Like I help you." Sasha said to the F-35s that were giving Lightning and his other F-35B siblings issues today.
"Oh come on just a little translation?"
"Nyet."
"Oh don't tell us you're on the same page as those Bullshit ponies." one of the F-35A ponies said causing Sasha to say something rather vulgar in her own language that even Lightning didn't understand. (I don't speak Russian or Ukrainian, ask one of them for a very vulgar statement and insert that for what Sasha said. For you Slavic speakers, I'm trying to convey the most offensive thing you could call a group of people.)
"Hey Lightning, what'd she say?"
"I don't know asshole. I do know that I probably don't want her to translate it for me, I heard things I haven't heard her say before, and the rest of it, uh I'm not repeating."
"For as much bullshit as you B types spew, you're fucking conservative."
"Not my fault you Asshole." Lightning said getting a good laugh out of all the 35Bs.
"Is good you not ask me to translate."
"Things get a little lost in it?"
"Da"
"And that's why I love you." Lightning said as he kissed Sasha. The rest of the F-35s, F-35Bs included all grumbled, as Lightning was the first of them to get married. To another VTOL at that too, which is a feat in itself.