The Darkness I Call Home

Into The Den of Lions

The first thing Brian noticed was the amount of security around the Command Post. Twenty gold clad Royal Guard, armor stamped with the risen sun of Celestia’s personal bodyguard and a number of jet black bat-winged ponies bearing crescent moons, spoke to the  presence of the Royal Sisters. The thing that surprised him was the presence of several civilian clothed humans, some carrying Mk18 SBR’s, one carried an Mk48 light machine gun, in short, they were prepared for war.

The SUV came to an abrupt halt outside the command tent, Brian, Ken and Pace dismounted and made their way inside, Brian was stunned to see not only the Royal Sisters, both wearing grave expressions, but the President of the United States, seated at a table and flanked by two Secret Service CAT team shooters, the most powerful man on Earth rose as they entered. Brian and Ken snapped to attention and saluted.

“Sir!”

The President returned their salute, there was sluggishness to his movements and Brian could tell he was exhausted, the man was on edge. President Robert Messner was no slouch, having lead a Marine STA* Platoon in the invasion of Afghanistan, and then Iraq, before taking up politics. He’d developed a reputation as a strong and competent leader.

“Gentlemen, I’ve called you here for a debriefing, what can you tell me?”

Ken as the senior officer, took the lead, Brian remained silent. When Ken was finished with his report, it was not the President, but Celestia who responded. “Can you tell me why Kenneth? Why would somepony commit this horrific act?”

Ken blanched a little at being directly addressed by the Princess but to his credit, recovered quickly. “Highness, I can’t say for sure, there are a number of groups that oppose the treaty, but this? I wish I had an answer beyond that ma’am. I’m just as horrified as you your Majesty”

Celestia nodded, a single tear making its way down her cheek, but a steely look in her eye that surprised Brian.

The President cleared his throat, “Agent Rooker, would you give us a moment? I’ve some questions for your partner”

“Understood, Mr. President, Bri? I’ll be waiting outside.” With that he turned and strode out of the tent without another word.

President Messner watched Ken walk out of the tent, then focused his gaze on Brian, “Does he know what you did before? Does anyone?”

Brian shook his head, “No sir, I had no reason to tell anyone, OPSEC was always priority”

The President fixed Brian with a look, and after a pregnant pause spoke, “Your jacket is impressive Sergeant, reads like a damn Clancy novel. Inducted into the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment at the rank of Corporal, Picked up by the RRC* six months later, Sniper Qual’d soon thereafter, Breacher, SOTIC*, a dozen other specialized schools, a handful of training operations with Delta, DEVGRU and ISA. More than one hundred successful operations in six years, two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, a handful of nonofficial commendations. All that sounds right?”

Brian nodded, “Yes sir, that’s correct”

The President nodded, satisfied,”In that case, I’ve got a job for you. We have a suspect in custody; I want you to coax some information out of him. I don’t have to tell you that this attack and its implications have the potential to undo all we’ve worked so hard to build and preserve. I haven’t seen anything this horrific since Fallujah; a group with this kind of amoral behavior is a threat to both sides of the Rift.”

Brian was stunned at the whole exchange, but a deadly smile spread across his face at the President’s offer, the little colt flashing across his mind, “What do you have in mind Sir? “

“Simply put? I want you to put together a playbook, to kill or capture anyone who was involved with or profited from this horrific action, emphasis on kill. We’ve got the blessing of the Equestrian Government to do what needs to be done on their soil if necessary”

Brian nodded, “I’ll need a team, most of my SOG unit are heavy hitters, Active Mil and Agency guys would be my second choice. Some of the Royal Guard at the ETF were trained by our SF guys, wouldn’t mind having them for this side of the fence.”

Celestia spoke up from her seat “You only need ask Brian, I would have no qualms about placing them under your command, not after the way you and Kenneth watched over my little ponies”

“Thanks Princess, but we didn’t do that great of a job” Brian spat bitterly

Celestia rose and crossed the gap between them, wrapping a wing around a surprised Brian, “What horror transpired here today was not your fault Brian, I’ve faith that you will find those involved and deal with them appropriately”

Brian returned the half hug, “Count on it Princess, we’ll get it done, Mr. President I’ll need Agent Rooker along as well. He’s solid and an outstanding operator”

The President nodded, “Whoever and whatever you need, we’ll supply it. OPCON* will rest with the CIA in the loosest sense, with Mr. Pace being your liaison, they have the black fund required for jobs like this but ultimately you’ll be on your own.”

“Just the way I like it sir, when do I get a crack at the prisoner?”

“Immediately” The President motioned to one of the Secret Service guys, “Dunn? Would you go outside and have Agent Rooker meet us by the vehicle” the agent nodded and double timed it out of the tent. “Let’s move son”

Four Hours later…

The ride was eventful, Brian brought Ken up to speed on both the Presidents orders and his past, Ken was shocked but ultimately understood, in their world, secrets were key. A few hundred yards off to their left for the majority of the trip sat the great shimmering mirror like construct of the portal, it still inspired awe in all who beheld it, even after a year’s time. The warehouse being used as a holding facility was a squat grey building tucked in the back  of the Border Patrol compound.

The four vehicle convoy crunched to a stop out front and the men disembarked, Brian and Ken following the President closely. When they approached the door the President shot Brian a look, a grim expression on his face, “Ready for this Sergeant?”

Brian smiled a cold smile, “Born ready sir”