". . . It was the first time I'd seen that pattern of flares actually fired off. I hope to heaven it's the last time. I didn't like it, but the order was clear: 'Gather up every unit you can reach and break out any way you can.'" Spitfire's face and tone were bleak. "There was no way we could get back down to Canterlot and rally anypony. We were doing our best, but we were kitted out for ærobatics, not combat, and we were scattered all over the sky, along with what little regular cavalry there was. All we could do was try to escape. So we did."