Chapters The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
Chapter Two
It didn’t take much to convince Mayor Mare and Parliament to go along with the strike opp. After I gave my de-brief to parliament about the liberation of Russhire we immediately started work on Operation Chase, the operation to destroy the remaining Titian missiles. After the de-brief and on our way to the MoD bunker Dashie pulled me to one side.
“What’s up?” I asked Dashie.
“Where is Molotov?”
“I gave him a two week’s leave. The loss of Staliongrad has really upset him, it was his home town.”
“Oh my gosh, I had no idea.”
“Well now you do. Keep it to yourself please.”
“Sure thing.”
I started to walk away but Dashie pulled me back.
“There is something else.”
“What?”
“I want to volunteer for the strike opp.”
“I didn’t think I needed to ask you-“
“And so dose Shamrock.”
“Shamrock why?”
“His father was a researcher for The Canterlot University. He studied the Corlay Eels who make their nest in Ghastly Gorge.”
“And?”
“He used to take Shamrock with him, he practically knows the Gorge like the back of his hoof.”
I had a moment to think.
“All right fine, he can come with us.”
“There is one more thing.”
“Oh for bucks sake what?”
“I think its best that you stay here.”
“I…what?”
“If anything should happen to the three of us then who is going to lead the air force. Slip Stream, Angle Cake, Derpy?”
She had a point but I would feel terrible if something were to happen to Dashie and I was hundreds of miles away and unable to do a thing but watch.
“Alright Dashie I’ll stay here.” She nodded then flew down the corridor to catch up with Shamrock to tell him the news.
“Oh dear…”
“Shut up Nightmare.”
“Oh don’t be like that Whirlwind.”
“I’m in no mood for your criticisms today.”
“I wasn’t going to criticize. I feel sorry for you.”
“Why?”
“Rainbow Dash soon to be so far away, out of your sight, out of your reach. If something should happen to her!”
“Like I said before. Shut up!”
“I’m just pointing out the facts. Maybe you should listen to me a bit more, there might come a day when you will need my advice.”
“And when will that be?” I turned to face her, she wasn't there.
“…soon…”
The whole time her voice came from nowhere. But she did have a point, don’t get me wrong I trusted Dashie would get the job done…but…what if?
*
One week later. Dashie and Shamrock were a few miles out form the Equestrian coast. I was in the MoD bunkers ops room, I was the commander of the operation. I wanted everything to run like clockwork and to ensure Dashie and Shamrock’s safety. I contacted both of them on my radio.
“Rainbow 6 and Garuda 2 you are 20 miles out over.”
“Roger baseplate, how are things on your end?” asked Dashie. I walked over to a monitor that was manned by a technician.
“Normal. Imperial forces have no idea that your there. ICOM chatter is minimal and no ground movement in the target zone over.”
“Roger that.”
“How are things on your end?” I asked Dashie.
“Boring.”
“Well three straight hours of flying isn’t exactly thrilling. Didn’t you think of taking some cards with you?”
“Very funny.”
“Hay what about me?”
“Sorry Garuda 2. How are you?”
“Ah I’m not talking to you now.”
“Heh heh. Fine we will talk when you get back.”
“Over a pint?”
“Of course.”
A tech tapped me on the shoulder; I turned to see Princess Luna with Mayor Mare standing on the platform in front of the steel doors. I gave Luna a nod and she did the same back.
“Rainbow 6 and Garuda 2. Eclipse is on the line. I think she has a few words for you. Put it on loud speaker.” I said to the tech.
“Yes sir.”
He tapped three keys on his keyboard then nodded. I gave Luna the all clear.
“Too both of you, good luck. We are counting on you. Send those weapons to Tartarus.”
“We will Eclipse…we will.” Said Dashie.
“Rainbow 6 and Garuda 2. Maintain radio silence until one mile out form target. Over.”
“Roger that baseplate. Out.”
I stood overlooking the op room just underneath the platform. The radar map on the large screen showed Dashie and Shamrock approaching Equestria. The only way for them to get back to us was to follow the gorge right through to the other side of Equestria. Then they would land on the aircraft carrier Night Air that was stationed one hundred miles off of the coast. Although we had planned everything out to near perfection I still felt nervous.
“Whirlwind, are you okay?” said Luna leaning over the railing.
“I’m fine your highness. A little nervous, but fine.”
“They’ll be fine. Trust me.”
“I want to your highness, but you can’t see into the future. Can you?”
“Unfortunately no.”
I remained silent until it was time for the assault to start.
“Night Team descend to 250ft and keep your speed low. Watch out for the terrain and stay sharp. Over.”
“Roger baseplate. Out.”
The two green dots representing Dashie and Shamrock were now in the gorge. By heart started racing. Suddenly Shamrock spoke.
“Baseplate we have surface contacts dead ahead, looks like to be a port on the south embankment. Over.”
“Have they spotted you?”
“Negative sir. Permission on engage. Over.”
I had to think fast. Engage and wake a hornet’s nest or risk being seen or heard by the ground forces. Sweat started to form on my brow; I was pacing up and down.
“Permission to engage sir?” asked Shamrock again.
I hesitated.
“Whirlwind!” shouted Luna.
“Do not engage!” I heard a sigh of relief from Shamrock.
“Lower your drag fins, decrees speed. Hopefully you can slip pass undetected.”
“And if we don’t?” said Dashie.
“Full throttle to target zone, you would have lost the element of surprise but you will have again speed. Hopefully you’ll be quicker than the pony who fires the missile.”
“Roger.”
The next few silent minutes felt like an age. The two dots on the screen moved slowly and steady. They were at risk losing airspeed and stalling their aircraft and if that were to happen…well you get the idea. More minutes passed then Shamrock broke the silence.
“We’re clear.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
“Good piece of flying guys. Proceed to target zone. Out.”
“Good call Whirlwind.”
“Thank you your Highness.”
Time passed and no further complications arose. The target zone was just around the next corner for Dashie and Shamrock.
“We won’t Baseplate. Out.” Said Dashie.
Shamrock and Dashie raised there altitude a little and sped up. 1 mile to target, 0.75 miles, 0.5 miles, 0.25 miles.
“Rainbow 6. Target acquired.”
“Garuda 2. Target acquired.”
“Fire!” I orderd.
On the radar screen two white dots representing missiles detached from Dahie’s and Shamrocks plane. They zipped forward and detonated over the target.
“Night Flight send report over.”
“…”
“Night Flight respond!”
“Sorry baseplate. We just had to fly through a fire ball.” Said Shamrock.
“Any damage to both of you?”
“Negative.”
“Good. Head along the gorge to the exit point. Night Air, are you ready?” I Contacted the captain of the aircraft carrier.
“Oui. Preparing aint aircraft missiles, we can see the fires and the search lights from here.”
“Roger. Night Air, prepare your crew.”
“Yes sir.”
Whilst I was communicating with the ships the op room was erupting in cheers and applause. I flew up to Luna on the platform.
“Well done.”
“It’s not me that you should be congratulating your Highness. It’s those two.” I gestured to the screen behind me. As the last word left my lips an alarm went off.
“Missile launch I repeat missile launch!” said a tech.
I jumped over the banisters and pushed my way through the mix of tech’s rushing back to their stations.
“Where?!” I asked the tech.
“Sector 17. The launch site!”
“They missed one?”
“Negative sir. Live video feed from Hawk Eye shows the missile was fired from under the river that flows thought the gorge.”
“You! Escort her Highness and the Delegates to the bomb shelter immediately!”
“Yes sir!”
“Keen Eye! Calculate the missiles trajectory and speed and fine out where it’s gonna hit.”
“Aye sir.”
Caramel stood next to me.
“Do you think the empire knows we’re hear Whirl?”
“I hope not. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Evacuate the Castle and inform the military and the civilian police force.”
“I’m on it.”
Within the next few minutes the outcome of the war would be decided. My head set cracked.
“Whirl! It’s Rainbow!”
“We know were dealing with the situation. Right now your objective is to land on Night Air and get back here ASAP.”
“It’s Shamrock. He’s going after the missile.”
“What?!”
I looked back up at the screen. It had now changed from a bird’s eye view to a side view. With the ground at the base of the screen, the missile traveling in an arch and Shamrock catching it up.
“Garuda 2 what the buck are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing!”
“Your mad.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
I looked back up at the screen. He was getting closer to the missile. He was brave I’ll give him that.
“You will be in the blast radios when that thing explodes you know.”
“I know.”
“You will be teleported to a Prisoner of war camp. And we cannot guarantee a rescue opp.”
“I’ll be fine. Luck of the Irish you know.”
“Ha. This might be the last time we speak to each other until this war is over so I want to take this opportunity to say-“
My heart fill good bye was interrupted by the sound of Shamrock’s planes cannons firing.
“Shamrock!”
“What?”
“I’m trying to say good bye to you here.”
“You’re taking too long!” he said with a laugh in his voice.
“Yeah good point, I’ll cut to the chase. It’s been a privilege to fly with you.”
“Likewise.”
I heard another burst of fire.
“Clipped it. Oh and Whirl, keep that drink for me would ya.”
“You know I will. The usual?”
“Actually I could go for a nice pint of-“
The dots representing the missile and Shamrock’s plane on the screen diapered.
“Garuda 2 down.” Said a tech in the background.
“Farewell friend. Luna Nos Provet.” I saluted the screen, gave my headset to a tech and left the bunker.
*
I made my way down to the bomb shelter to see Luna and give her the good and the bad news but I suspected that Luna would understand why Shamrock did what he did. The steel doors slid open, the guard room was empty, I could see through the blast proof glass that the bunkers reception was empty. Where was Luna and the delegates? I took the safety off of my blaster and brought it up to my eye. I headed into the reception; I checked every corner and moved quietly. Suddenly Cheerliee ran into the room.
“Whirlwind, come quickly!”
“What is it, what’s going on?!” I lowered my blaster.
“It’s Luna, she’s fainted.”
I holstered my blaster and followed Cheerlie down into the living quarters.
“When did she faint?”
“About 10 minutes ago. The paramedics are with her. She’s a bit delusional.”
Luna was lying on the sofa in the living room. The Mayor had hold of Luna’s hoof in hers.
“Luna. Whirlwind is here.” Said the Mayor.
“W-Whirlwind.”
“I’m hear your highness, I’m hear.” I sat down on the floor; Mayor Mare gave me Luna’s hoof to hold.
“The missile?”
“Destroyed. Shamrock destroyed it but he was caught in the blast.”
“He’s gone.”
“Yeah, but we will get him back.”
“No. He’s…he’s gone.”
“Don’t worry I’ll make sure he is found.”
“No…gone…gone.”
My heart sank. I looked the Mayor, she looked pale.
“Luna. W-What do you mean by gone?”
“He’s…gone.”
“W-hat do you mean he’s…he’s?”
“Dead…”
The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
Chapter Three: Ashes to ashes
Chapter Three
I’d never known rain like it; it was if Faust herself was crying above us in the clouds, but our black umbrellas stop most of it hitting us. The once bright remembrance garden to ponies of olden times had lost its entire colour. Our mood at Shamrocks funeral sapped the joy and colour out of everything. A silver plague was erected on the north wall of the garden to honour Shamrocks memory. Luna had said a few words and laid her personal reef then Shamrocks parents laid theirs. I was the first up to place my rife on behalf of the NLRAF. I placed it down gently, and then saluted.
Here lies Air Marshall Shamrock who gave his life so that we may live.
I stood there for a while. I shook with rage and grief. Caramel came to my side and coved me with an umbrella, by now I was soaking wet, my beret weight my head down and my coat weight me down. Caramel escorted me back to my seat. When the funeral was over and everypony headed to the wake I stayed behind to think, not about Caramel but about Commander Hurricane. I stared at his stone statue. I heard a voice behind me.
“Whirl your soaking.”
“Am I, I hadn't noticed.”
Dashie covered me with her umbrella. We both stared at the statue for a few minutes.
“Why are you here?” she asked me.
“I was just thinking. How did Commander Hurricane cope with the loss of 8,000 men under his command in one day?”
“The battle of Theodan Hill?”
“Yeah.”
“Well. Being the great leader that he was I think he prepared himself. Unfortunaly for us we weren't prepared. Hay, you kinda look like him you know.”
I gave Dashie a disapproving look then walked away. I was half way to the castle door when the bell in the clock tower rang.
“Whirl! The plaque!”
I turned to see Rainbow Dash trying to pull the wall with Shamrock’s plague around. It was rotating slowly, both the plague and reefs. It slammed shut; a bare stone wall had replaced the memorial.
“Whirlwind, what’s going on?”
“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash. It has to be done.”
“What?”
A wave of blue light from the highest castle tower engulfed us and kept on expanding at a very fast rate.
“Whirl you’d better explain to me what’s happening.”
I couldn't face her; I turned away and headed towards the door. Rainbow Dash shot passed me and blocked my path.
“What’s going on, why has the plague gone, what was that blue light and… and…why are you crying?”
“When we called off the last search party last week Luna and I had a talk. We both came to the conclusion that the whole world would be better off if Shamrock’s death remained a secret.”
“W-Why?”
“Look around you, look up at the sky!” I said in frustration.
She did but she was still confused.
“It’s raining water, not blood.” I added.
Then I think it clicked for Dashie.
“Whirl so does that mean?”
“There is no first order.” I emphasised every word.
We stood there in silence for a moment; all that could be hear was the relentless rain.
“But isn’t that a good thing. No end of the world, no apocalypse.”
“No. Don’t you see? If the Empire found out then instead of stunning our men…they’ll start killing them.”
“And the blue light?”
“A memory spell casted by Luna herself. It will be as if Shamrock never existed.”
“But I can remember him.”
“I asked that you and I remain unaffected by the spell. Just because.”
She slapped me across the face, then started to stove me, crying as she did. I threw my hoofs around her and hugged her, she started sobbing on my shoulder. I hated myself for what I did but it was all for the greater good.
*
The next day and I had arranged a meeting in the throne room to discuss the military’s next step. I had arrived early to lay out the folders on the table. My mind was still on Shamrock but I tried to keep myself busy and not think about it. I was sat on my chair opposite Luna's throne; I was going through some paper work when Nightmare showed up.
“Whirlwind, I’m-”
“I’m not in the mood today Nightmare. I think it's best that you leave before I make you.”
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Wow I never knew spectra’s had a sense of condolence.” I kept my head down but I could tell she was sat on Luna’s throne.
“You think I’m a spectra. Ha. I am very real.”
Her last four words felt like they were being whispered right in my ear. I looked around and nothing was there. I hated when she did that. Soon after the members of the MoD entered the throne room, I stood to greet them. I greeted Bon Voyage, Intel, Box but when it came to Rainbow Dash we both decided not to look at each other. Bon Voyage saw what happened and come over to me.
“You okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine.”
“No you’re not. What’s wrong?”
“You won’t understand.”
“Let me guess. You’re jealous.”
“Jealous. Jealous of who?”
“Rainbow Dash. Flying into ghastly gorge and destroying the Titan missiles all by herself. If I were you I would be jealous too.”
I looked at Bon but I was lost for words, so I went along with it.
“Alight you got me, I am.”
“Ah ha I knew it. Don’t worry I’m sure when we land on Le Mare you will have plenty of opportunities to out shine her.”
“That’s what I intend to do.” I said with a fake smile.
Bon gave me a wink then made her way to her chair.
“Right. Now that we are all here we can start discussion about… er hang on. Where’s Molotov?” I asked everypony.
“We thought you knew?” said Intel.
“Obviously not.” I replied.
“Ever since that bomb whipped out Staliongrad he’s been locking in his office.”
“Really? I only gave him two weeks levee just to clear his head.”
“The kitchen staff leave food for him by the door so he is eating. But nopony has seen or heard anything from him.”
Out of frustration I threw my file on the table.
“And NOW you decide to tell me!”
Everypony around the table started looking at each other.
“You had so much on your plate what with the Titian Missiles and all. We didn't want to distract you.” Said Box.
“I’ll go talk to him. Intel, take over.” I said whilst walking away from the table.
“We've all tried but we didn't get any answer from him.” Bon called after me.
“He might be waiting for me to talk to him.”
“How do you know that?” asked Intel.
“I don’t.”
*
I knocked hard on Molotov’s office door, but no answer. I called out and nothing.
“Has he been out, at all.” I asked the Guard.
“No sir. I don’t think he's even in there, but I stay on guard just in case.”
I nodded. That’s what I liked to see, duty first. I knocked on the door again.
“Molotov! I’m coming in now, okay!”
I undid the latch and slowly opened the door. The lights were off in the room, the sunlight from the ceiling high window was the only source of light and the smell of cigar smoke, vodka and B.O hit me like a wall.
“Molotov? You in here?”
His desk and chair was right in front of the window, in the office chair I could make out a figure but it was in shadow, it had to have been Molotov.
As I walked in I couldn't help but notice the mess that his office was in. Books from the shelves on the floor and ripped down propaganda posters everywhere. I trod on one; I lifted my hoof to see Molotov’s face on the poster and some Russain writing.
“Fancied a bit of decorating eh?”
Nothing, no response, not even a grunt. Now I had my doubts.
“Molotov?”
I made my way up to the chair slowly.
“Molotov?”
He was slumped over the desk, motionless; his green cap covered his face. Thought's went through my head, did he end it all. I reach out to him. Suddenly his head shot up.
“Boo!”
I jumped backwards and drew my sword.
“Nightmare! You bucking bitch! Where is Molotov?!”
“Enjoying the view.” She gestured to the window.
I looked out and there he was standing on the balcony’s railings.
“Molotov no!”
I ran to the door but it was locked. I banged on the glass and yelled. He fell forward.
“No!”
I did the only thing I could think of, I grabbed the chair and threw it at the window. It shattered, I flew after him and caught him just before he hit the deck. He struggled and shouted in Russian. Back on the balcony and he made a brake for the railing again. I chomped on his tail and pulled him away from the edge. I smacked him across the face and spoke to him in Russhian.
“Look at me. Look at me!” I yelled in his face.
He whimpered and started to cry. The guard from outside the office door ran in.
“Sir!”
I held up my hoof to silence him.
“Wait outside.”
“Wait outside dammit, that’s an order!”
He didn't move, he was more concerned about Molotov so I gave him a new order.
“A crowd will form here soon. Wait outside and don’t let them come in. I need a few minutes with Molotov.”
“Yes sir…”
Molotov was still sobbing on my shoulder. I lead him inside. He reached for a near empty bottle of vodka. I took it from his shaking hoofs.
“I think you've had enough already, don’t you?” I said to him in Russhian.
“I suppose your right.” He responded in Russhian. Form there on we kept the conversation in Russhian.
I retrieved his chair and set it up at his desk.
“Sit.” I order him. He did so and I sat on his desk.
“Now then, what the buck was that all about?”
He let out a long sigh.
“I wanted to end it.”
“End what, your life?”
“No. The shame. I failed my country, I failed my people…I failed myself.”
“It wasn't your fault; there was nothing you could have done. There was nothing any of us could have done. Before we could do anything it was too late. Have you heard anypony saying things about you?”
“N-No…”
“Well there you go then. Don’t presume anything. That’s one the first lessons you learn in the military right?”
“Yes, but… I don’t I think I should show my face for a awhile. My people don’t want a leader who can’t even protect his home town.”
He started to sob again.
“Listen to me Molotov. The other leaders of your country are prisoners; you are the only leader they have. They need you and so does the republic. The whole of the MoD and the MI (Ministry Of Intelligence) are in the throne room right now planning the invasion of Le Mare, we need you.”
“No Whirlwind. I’m done.” He took his general pin off of his jacket and gave it to me.
“They need you. You’re in charge of the Army now. I must return to Moscolt imedeantly.” He got up and started to walk away from me.
“Hold on one minute. I can’t command an Army I’m a pilot!”
“And a damn good one too. So I’m sure you’ll make a great soldier and General. You received a lot army training in the Dawnguard yes? Your actions in the two rescue ops that you organised are legendary.”
I flew after him and caught him before he reached the door.
“But they were covert operations. You’re asking me to lead an army of over 200,000 into battle across a wide battlefield. I’m sorry but I wasn't trained for that. Molotov you have to lead the army.” I placed the pin back on to his coat but he batted it away.
“No Whirlwind. I have to lead my country. You said it yourself.”
Oh Buck I thought to myself, did I convince Molotov to leave?
“I didn't mean turn your back on us!” I said as he reached out for the door handle.
“I've made up my mind. I’m going to Moscolt on the first flight out. I know you will make an excellent General. Good bye.”
Molotov closed the door behind him leaving me alone in a dark office. I looked down at the silver general pin witch was on the floor, I picked it up and gave it a good long look.
I’m in way over my head I thought to myself. But who else was there to lead the armies of the Republic. Nopony. Reluctantly I pinned the rank next to my pilots badge just above my name on my ballistic vest.
“General Whirlwind. I’m gonna have to get use to that.”
The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
Chapter Four: A Helping Hoof
Chapter Four
Before entering the throne room I took a few minutes to prepare what to say in the meeting. I was pacing up and down the corridor.
“Everything alright sir?” Said the guard at the door.
“Oh everything’s fine privet!” I said sarcastically. “Once again, God spits on my face and calls it rain!”
The other guard giggled.
“Oh do you find that amusing!”
“No sir.”
“Then why were you laughing?”
“I - um well.” He started to sweat.
“Well maybe you will find latrine duty for a month amusing too eh!”
“N-No sir!”
“Good.” I walked away and looked out of the window. I heard the guard behind me breathe a sigh of relief. The doors to the throne room opened.
“Whirlwind, it’s you. What was all that shouting about?” asked Twilight standing in the door way.
“Just entertaining the troops, it’s important to keep their moral up. I am I right lads?” I asked the guards.
“Yes sir.” They responded in unison.
I walked passed Twilight and in to the throne room. Maps and papers filled the table, the members watch me as I entered.
“Whirlwind, where is Molotov?” asked Intel.
“Is he okay?” asked Bon.
I ignored the questions .I made it to the table but didn’t sit down. I looked through the files and maps as if nothing was wrong.
“Whirl, where is Molotov?” asked Dashie.
“He’s not coming.” I didn’t look at her; I just kept my head down and pretended to read an open file. The room fell silent for a few moments.
“Where were we?” I asked everypony.
“Um yes we were…well.”
“Out with it Intel!”
“Well we were looking over the Intelligence report and we noticed that there is a lot of information on page 32 and 33 regarding the positions of Imperial strong points on the east coast of Le Mare.”
“And?”
“We at the Ministry of Intelligence don’t have this information yet. Whirlwind, where are you getting this information from?”
“Ah yes. I was going to tell you a while back, but my little reunion with my parent’s got in the way. I have somepony inside the Empire feeding us that information.” They all looked shocked.
“W-Who?” asked Dashie.
“I don’t know. Apparently I know them and they know me but I haven’t been given a name or their gender. Security you know.”
“So all this time we have been making decisions from intel that only you have received and from an unknown source!” said Intel looking over the rim of his glasses at me.
“That’s correct.”
“I don’t believe this!”
“Well you better! Because the intel we have received up to now has been solid. If it weren’t for the Defector we wouldn’t be able to pinpoint the exact location of the remaining Titian missiles in Ghastly Gorge.”
“The Defector?” asked Bon.
“Whoever they are, there ex-Dawnguard. They contact me via feather. So I put two and two together.”
“What’s feather?” asked Intel.
“An emergency communication system that the empire developed. It’s meant to be used when comm’s are down and a message has to be delivered over a long distance. It’s carrier birds.”
Intel scoffed at Dashie explanation.
“Was it ever used?” asked Boxy.
“No. Not until now.” I said.
“So we are putting our fair in birds, is that it?”
“Not just any birds. Eagles. There trained to avoid city’s and populated areas and the message they carry is encoded, and only a members of the Dawnguard know how to crack it.” Said Dashie.
“Okay. Any idea who it could be?” asked Intel.
“Boxer, Window Shine, or maybe General Skyswim. Just because the intel is so detailed. Whoever it is I trust them, and should be good enough for you Intel.”
He nodded.
“Right let’s get down to business. We’ve got an invasion to plan. Sorry, mission of liberation.” I said to Bon.
*
The meeting lasted for hours. We hadn’t come up with a final assault plan but we had a picture in our heads on how we are going to invade. At the end of the meeting Dashie pulled me aside.
“Moving up in the world eh?” she tapped my rank pin.
“Oh yeah, that.”
“Is Molotov that bad?”
“Dashie, you have no idea.” I was surprised nopony knew about Molotov throwing himself off of the balcony, the sound of the shattering glass would have been enough to wake half the castle.
“He left you in charge?”
“Looks like it.” I started to clear the table.
“General Whirlwind. Meh I don’t sound right to me.” Dashie gave me a hoof to clear up the documents.
“I feel the same. But somepony has to do it. I just hope I can remember the training that the Dawngurad gave us.”
“That’s so ironic.”
“Yeah I suppose it is.” We laughed but it was interrupted by Twilight who entered the throne room.
“Ah good your here Whirlwind I guess I don’t have to go looking for you now.”
“Pardon?”
“While you have been fighting in Russhire, I along with my friends have been looking for the next ponies that represent the elements of harmony. And we’ve found them.”
“Brilliant!”
“Well almost all of them.”
“Oh, who’s missing?”
“Loyalty and Magic.”
“Ah.”
“But we have to find loyalty first and that’s Rainbows job.”
“In case you haven’t noticed Twilight I’ve been busy lately.”
“I know Rainbow Dash. But we need to find the pony who represents loyalty otherwise we’re stuck.”
“And the element’s that you have already found?” I asked.
“They’ll be here shortly. How goes the planning?”
“It’s coming along.” I replied. All three of us stood in an awkward silence for a moment.
“I’ll go a see what’s taking them so long.” Dashie flew out of the throne room, I tried to call after her but I thought best not, I didn’t want to offend Twilight.
“Nice work by the way. Finding the elements of harmony in such a short period of time is very impressive.”
“Thank you.”
“How did you find them?”
“Err well we kinda just knew, we could feel it. We search all over Manechester, I took us a while but we found them. Do you have any idea who loyalty is?”
The first pony I thought of was Shamrock but if he was loyalty then we were all bucked. The throne room door opened.
Twilight’s friends and the supposedly new elements of harmony entered. Dashie was hovering above them.
“Found `em. They were running a bit late cos some of them wanted to look at the castle.”
“Well that’s to be expected.” I chuckled to myself.
“Whirlwind this is-“
“Derpy!”
“Hello Whirlwind!”
“Laughter.” Added Twilight.
I couldn’t believe it, Derpy was laughter. I couldn’t help but think it was too her and not with her.
“Isn’t this exciting? Two ponies representing laugher in the same room, this is goanna be the best party EVER!” Pinkie Pie and Derpy started laughing as I was having a small heart attack.
“Pinks you know why your here, right?”
“Of course I do Dashie but we can still have fun!”
“Whirl are you okay?” Twilight asked me.
My left eye was twitching slightly.
“Of course why wouldn’t I be? Our very hope’s and lives hang in the balance and we’ve got googly eyed mare as one of the elements of harmony. I’m off to call Solar Flare and tell her we surrender.”
“Give them a change Whirlwind.” Said Dashie.
“Yeah you never know they could be the answer to all of our problems. Give them a chance.” Added Twilight.
“Do you remember the last time we gave Derpy a chance Dashie?”
“What happened?” asked Twilight .
Dashie took a breath to answer but I interrupted her.
“Derpy still wanted to fight for the Republic after she was rescued so we let her join the air force. Her first time in a jet, she landed the plane vertically. H-How is that even possible!”
“Relax Whirlwind!” said Dashie.
I let out a sigh.
“Okay. I’m fine, let’s just get this over with.”
“Whirlwind this is Octavia, she’s very generous.” Said Rarity.
“Charmed.” She put her hoof out. I shook it.
“Ah you must be from Britannica?” I asked.
“Yes. Buckinghamshire to be précis. And you?”
“Trottingham.”
“Ah I see.” She said with a smile.
We both kind of stood there for a while. Dashie coughed. Me and Octavia came back down to earth, Rarity and Octavia trotted towards the table. Dashie looked at me and raised her eyebrow she also had a smirk on her face.
“No.” I mouthed at her.
“Whirl this here is Carrot Top. I can honestly say that she is the most honest pony I’ve ever met. Besides me of course.”
“I hope so Applejack.” I shook Carrot Top’s hoof and she trotted towards the others. A stallion called Noteworthy represented Kindness completed the set, well almost. Loyalty and magic were still unaccountable but we had to make do for now.
Twilight explained to the new elements what was going on, I stayed. I wanted to be kept up to date. After the meeting I had a quick chat with Dashie and Twilight.
“That went well, so that leaves Loyalty and Magic. Can we start looking for Magic since it’s so hard to find loyalty?” I said to Dashie and Twilight.
“Humm I guess so. Nothing in the book says we can’t.” said Twilight.
“Okay so we need to find a unicorn that’s gifted with magic and has no friends.” We started walking towards the throne room door. Dashie put her hoof on the handle then she froze.
“Uh oh.”
“What is it Rainbow?”
“Whirl, do you have any idea who you’ve just described?”
“Nope.”
Dashie turned around and gave me a look. I was going over what I had just said in my head. Unicorn gifted with magic, no friends. Unicorn gifted with magic, no friends.
“Oh buck.”
The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
Chapter Five: Friend Indeed
Chapter Five
“I can’t do it.”
“C’mon Whirl.”
“No I can’t. You do it.”
“Oh fine. I understand that she’s a bit of a loud mouth but why do you hate her so much?” Dashie said as she knocked on the wooden door.
“I don’t hate her; I just hate her guts, that’s all.”
Dashie scoffed. The door opened via magic.
“What do you want? Don’t you know that the grate a powerful Trixie is busy?” her voice came from the darkness.
“Actually I don’t.” said Dashie.
“This better be important!”
“Actually it is. It’s more important than anything that you have ever done in your sort life.”
“Ah Whirlwind. If you’re here then it must be important. Hmm let me guess another mare in your life needs waking up?”
“Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit Trixie. This time not only I need you but the Republic dose.”
Trixie’s mood soon shifted.
“I’m listening.”
“Actually can we come in?” I asked.
“Absolutely not!”
“It’s classified. We can’t afford the Empire finding out about this. You never know…there might be spies hiding in the shadows.” Said Dashie as she was looking around.
“Very well. But don’t touch anything.”
With a high ceiling and window, alchemy lab in the corner, shelves full of ingredients and jars with buck knows what in them her room felt more like a wizards laboratory than a living quarters.
“Wow Trixie this is.” Said Dashie as she was getting a closer look at the blubbering alchemy lab.
“Amazing, fantastic, stupendous?” Said Trixie standing in front of her desk.
“Wired.”
Trixie snubbed Dashie’s comment. I chuckled to myself.
“Now what’s all this about?” she asked.
Dashie and I told Trixie about the progress that Twilight and her friends had with finding the new wielders of the elements of harmony.
“And what has this got to do with me?”
Dashie and I looked at each other.
“We believe, well everypony believes that you might be the element of magic.” Dashie said whilst cringing.
“You fit the description. No friends and talented with magic.” I added.
Trixie went silent for a moment, when she spoke her voice went a bit quite.
“Do-Do you have any proof?”
“Well…no. It’s just a hunch.”
“Okay. What do I have to do?”
“You know the ponies we mentioned; well you have to befriend them.” Said Dashie.
“You have to accept their friendship on an emotional level, you can’t just say. I’m your friend, problem solved. You have to mean it. You have to feel it, in your heart. Wow that sounds so corny.”
“And what If I don’t want to be there friend.”
“What!” said Dashie as she flew into the air out of shock.
“Maybe I don’t want to be there friend. From what ‘ve just heard they sound like a bunch of freaks.”
“Trixie. You have to at least try.” I added.
“The Grate and Powerful Trixie does not need friends. I have my magic and that’s all I need.”
“I sewer to Faust if she says Grate and Powerful one more time.” I said under my breath but Dashie interrupted me.
“You know who you sound like? Twilight before she knew myself, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy. Think on that!” Dashie flew towards the door.
Trixie sat back down on her chain and started reading an old book on her desk.
“You still here?” she asked me without taking her eyes off of the book.
“I need you to try. Can you do that?”
“Do you have any evidence to say that I’m the element of Magic?”
“Like we said before, it’s just a hunch.” I turned and left but before I closed the door behind myself I said one more thing.
“That will make her think.” Said Dashie.
“I hope so.” We both started to walk down the corridor.
“But what if she-?”
“If she doesn’t play ball then I will have words with Luna. She is the only pony Trixie will talk to. Come to think of it Luna is the only friend she has.”
“Well she’s goanna have more soon so she better get used to it.”
“Can you ask Twilight and your friends to keep an eye on the new elements and guide them.”
“Sure. But what about me?”
“We’ve got work to do.”
*
The night I and Dashie talked to Trixie I sent an encoded message to the Defector asking for information on Le Mareian inland east coast defences. But the MoD wanted to know about the delivery system and the messages I received, I think they felt a little left out or annoyed about the whole “Whirlwind has a pen pal giving him information about imperial postilions.” So to show I had nothing to hide so two weeks later I invited the MoD to the place where the eagle carrying the messages lands. Unfortuenly that happened to be my room.
“Okay everypony make yourself at home and please try not to brake anything. Yes Caramel I’m talking to you.”
“Hay!”
“Very nice room Whirlwind.”
“Uh…thank you Bon Voyage.”
“Wow look at that bed!”
“No Caramel no!”
Caramel jumped into the air and landed face down on my neat bed.
“Oh my god this is so comfy!”
“Need I remained you Caramel that we are here to receive a message from the defector. We are not here to ruin Whirlwinds room.” Said Intel.
“Buck the message; I’ll be taking my nap now.” Said Caramel whose words were muffled by my pillow. Intel rolled his eyes.
“Within the next half an hour.”
“Why is that?”
“Do I look like a bloody bird?”
The room fell silent, then I realised. Ah the wings…right.
“Anyway. I don’t know why?”
“So you don’t know the identity of the pony who is giving you this information. You don’t know there where about’s and you don’t know where the bird is. For all we know it’s probably on Solar Flares throne and she’s reading the message!”
“I don’t like your tone Intel.”
“Well I don’t like this!” He squared up to me and I did the same back. Our foreheads were a few inches away. Our standoff was interrupted by the squawk of and eagle.
“It’s here!” said Boxy outside on the balcony.
The rest of the MoD rushed out to the balcony but I and Intel continued starting at each other for a few moments. He walked away first, and I followed soon after. ~~I didn't know what he was thinking but if he ever squared up to me again I would make sure Shamrock had some company in the afterlife.~~
On the banister stood the carrier eagle, the message was inside a little tube on its belly.
“Hello Sarah.”
“Wait. You know this bird?” asked Bon Voyage.
“Yep, she’s delivered a few messages to me in the past. Plus her name is on an identification band around her claw, Messenger A-6 LRC Sarah.”
“LRC?” asked Bon Voyage.
“Long Rage Communication.” Said Rainbow Dash.
I took the message out of the tube, Sarah flew to her nest in one of the castles may towers . I walked back inside and to my desk so I could start translating the code.
“Where is she going?” asked Bon.
“She has a nest in observatory tower.” I took out a pen and paper then started to translate.
I was a complicated system that the Dawnguard used but I tweaked it to make it my own. Basically the message was a bunch of numbers in groups, if the group was an odd number I would take the fourth number and times it my how may letters were in the group then dived that number my how many letters were in the whole message. The last step was a secret that only I and the defector knew.
A couple of minutes went by; Caramel woke from his nap and found my liquor cabinet and started to pour drinks for everypony.
“Whirl what can I use?” he asked me with his head in the cabinet.
“Everything expect the Vodka. That’s was a gift from Molotov to be open when the war ends.”
“What about the half empty Jameson’s Whiskey?”
I paused; it was a gift form Shamrock for my birthday last year.
“No.” I replied.
A few more minutes went by; Dashie sat a drink down for me on my desk.
“Is it?” I asked her.
“Scotch on the rocks. You’re favourite.”
“Thanks.”
“How’s it going?” she asked me.
“Okay. There’s a lot more intel in this message than usual.”
“That’s good right?”
“Yeah but it’s very brief.” I took a sip of Whiskey, I needed it.
Eventually I finished the translation.
“Mare’s and Gentlecolts, gather around its story time.” A few chuckled at my joke. I proceed to read the translation.
“I’ll skip the boring stuff. Substantial enemy presence on the east coast of Le Mare (20,000 plus infantry, 3 infantry divisions and 2 armoured divisions) I advise landing your forces on the south beaches. In land strongpoints: Pétain fortress. It’s mostly intact and guards the valley leading into the heartland of the country, I advise avoiding it or laying siege but be prepared for a long one, that fortress was designed to with stand any siege.
Air force has a presence in the air but nothing substantial. Navy is moored off of the south west coast, if you land on the south the navy’s eastern flank will be exposed to a counter attack. Sorry for the briefness of this report we are under a lot of pressure from the Empire. I think they’re on to us. This might be my last report for a while, if you have heard nothing from us by this time next month assume the worse. God’s speed to you and the Republic.
D.”
There was a brief moment of silence; I think everypony was still taking in the information. I was a bit more concerned with last paragraph. “I think they’re on to us.” That had me worried but I couldn’t show it otherwise everypony would lose faith.
“Well there you have it. As you heard the intel is good and the means of which it’s delivered is safe and the coding is secure.”
“So only yourself and the Defector know how to decode it?” Box asked me.
“That’s right.” I said after finishing off the last mouthful of my whiskey.
“Well that’s good enough for me; I think we’ve got what we need. Let’s head back to the bunker. We’ve got to re-plan this invasion.” Said Bon.
Everypony started to leave my room. My gaze was fixed on Intel but he didn’t look at me. I think he got the message.
“Caramel, you too.”
“Sorry Whirl. But that bed of yours, it’s so comfy.” He looked so unhappy. Before he left I called out to him.
“Look if you like the bed so much I can get you one from Bed’s n Basins on the condor of 3rd street.”
“No it’s not that.” He closed the door and sat down on my sofa.
“It’s Sea Breeze.”
“Ah.”
“It’s been six years since I’ve last seen her. I don’t know where she is or how she is doing.”
I was leaning on my desk, I couldn’t think on what to say next.
“I’m sure she’s feeling the same way. But right now the best thing for you to do is too not think about her. You don’t want to slip into a depressive state do you? After all depression won’t suite you.”
“What do you know, you’ve got nopony.” Caramel left my room in a huff.
For the past couple of months I’ve been so caught up in the war I forgot about my friends back home. How were they, what have they been doing? I’d missed so much but I suppose that happens to everypony in the military and away fighting, they miss out on their lives back home.
I went out on the balcony and called Sarah with a whistle. She flew down from her nest, disappearing in the sun light and then landed on the banister next to me. I gave her a little treat that I had in my pocket and stroked her.
“I guess you’re also affected by this war too. Taken from your parents at a young age, thrown in carrier training and have been doing that ever since. No time to live and no time to be.”
My thoughts turned to Shamrock as I looked out into the meadow and to some jets flying high in the sky. Shamrock never got a chance to say goodbye to anypony but myself. Neither his parents nor any of his other friends got a chance to say good bye either.
It was still early in the day so thought instead of going to the meeting I should visit those closest to me. I rushed out of my room and went to the one pony that I’ve taken for granted.
*
Heavy metal music was blaring when I open the side door to my hangar. Night Fury was there as always. In the cockpit’s reflection I could see the radio on the bench next to me. I turned it down.
“Hello?!” shouted Tune Up.
“Hi it’s me!” I answered. “Where are you?!”
“In here.” Her voice had a slight echo to it.
I made my way to the rear of Night Fury and saw Tune Up’s tail sticking out of the exhaust!
“Tune Up. What in the name of Luna are you doing?”
“Well I wanted to modify the exhaust so that the inner wall wouldn’t heat up as much and I kinda…”
“Got stuck?”
“Yeah. Thank god you’re here I’ve been here for hours!”
“What?!”
“Ha ha got ‘cha!”
“Very funny.”
“I’ve only been here for a minute or two. Would you mind?”
“Sure.” I trotted over to her and gripped her hoofs.
“Okay. One, two, three!” I pulled gently at first then when I realised she wasn't caught on anything I pulled with all of my strength. She popped out and landed on me. We were face to face.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yeah I’m fine.”
We laid there for a few moments; it felt awkward but nice at the same time. Tune Up started to blush and I think so did I.
“Is that a bad thing?” she whispered.
“No at all I replied.” My heart was now racing I’d never felt this way before, was I In love? Slowly her face moved closer to mine.
We kissed. After we finished Tune Up gave a little smile.
“You’ve got oil on your nose.” She said to me.
“Huh?” I went crossed eyed to try and see it. Tune Up giggled and rolled off of me, I sat up and wiped off the oil from my nose.
“Well that was-”
“Yeah it was very-“
I looked at her lying on the floor, we were both lost for words. I always thought of her as a friend but now I saw her in a new light. I now saw her as a pony that I could spend time with and not talk about the war or the military. And I could tell that she felt the same way. I had no idea where she got these emotions form and I never gave off any signal that I was interested in her. Maybe she adores me for what I’m perceived as. A hero. I know I was popular with the mares, in Mare Monthly magazine I was voted “Number one stallion who I have a secret crush on.” With over 2300 anonymous votes! I had a thought run through my head of running out of the hangar and trying to avoid her for as long as I can. But then I remembered why I was here in the first place, to talk to Tune Up. I got up.
“So how are you anyway?”
“Better now.”
“Yeah I thought as much. Listen Tune Up I know you like me but do you like me for what I ‘am now or for who I was before all of this?” I gestured towards Night Fury.
“I don’t understand?” she got up too.
“Do you like, Sky Marshall Whirlwind the commander of the NLRAF and the pony who stood up to the Empire or do you like Whirlwind the stallion with the white mane and green coat?”
She got up, stood in front of me and lent forward for another kiss.
“Both.” She whispered.
“Okay then.” We kissed once again. Afterwards I turned to leave the hanger but before I reached the door I turned around.
“Hay. I’m free tonight, how about you and me go out to dinner.”
“I’d love that!”
“I’ll meet you at your place. 6 o’clock?”
“Great.” Again through the oil I could see her face, she was lit up and had the biggest smile I’d ever seen on a mares face.
“Ah she must have turned on the radio herself.” I listened closer and it was actually her screaming, screaming with joy.
*
During the course of the day I visited Spitfire and Sorin in their new home. It was a swanky apartment in the middle of the city similar to the ones you would find in Manehattan. They were settling in well but the apartment was pretty empty, all of their stuff was back in Equestria. To make ends meet Spitfire and Sorin established an aerobatics flight class in the local community centre, “First Flights” they called it and it was catching on. I joked with Sorin over a few drinks about tying the knot with Spitfire but they both came to a conclusion. “We’re too cool for marriage.”
I left them and made my way to my parent’s cottage on the outskirts of town. They lived in one of the many homes that Luna built with her magic when we first arrived here; they had now been converted to retirement homes for the elderly. Although all the houses were identical layout they all had their unique vibe. Some were colourful, some had gardens full of flowers and some were plain and boring. I tapped on my parent’s door but there was no answer I tapped again and nothing. I looked into the front room though the window but there was nopony there.
“Sorry there sonny you’ve just missed them.” There was an old stallion next door in his garden on a deck chair just sitting there watching life go by.
“Oh. Do you know where they've gone?”
“Lilly Leaf’s house, two streets over. Number 213.”
“Thank you.” I looked at my watch. 17:10 said the readout.
“I’m kinda in a rush to get back. Could you tell them I call around please?”
“Sure thing sonny.”
“Thank you.” I was half way down the street when the old colt called out to me.
“Who shall I say called round?!”
“There son, Whirlwind!”
“Oh. They never told me they had and children.”
I stopped in my tracks. “What!” I thought to myself .I shrugged off the old colt’s words off and took off in the sky. I had to get back and get ready for my date.
*
The date went well, I had a good time and I’m sure Tune Up did as well. When went for dinner at my favourite restaurant then went out clubbing. Tune Up is not one for formality so I thought I would surprise her and go to Dj-Pon3’s Rave House. She enjoyed it and so did I aside from the occasional stare of recognition I got from some ponies
I woke up the next morning with an hour to spare before another meeting with the MoD, as I was getting ready I was still thinking about Tune Up I couldn’t get her t of my head. After I had my shower and got change and as I was leaving I decided to get one of those pictures that Tune Up gave me a while back and keep it on me.
I went into my bed side desk and got out the private pics of Tune Up that she gave me a while back and searched through them trying to find one with her fully clothed and tasteful. Suddenly my room door flew open.
“Whirl you still here?”
“Be there in a sec Dashie!” I panicked and tried to throw the pics back into the draw.
“What have you got there?”
“Nothing, nothing!”
“Is that your stash of Playcolt?”
“No!”
“Well what is it then!” She flew over to me and tried to grab the pics.
“There secret documents!” Is said in a blind panic.
“Like buck they are. Give `em to me!” Her laughing didn’t help. I held them at arm’s length just out of her reach. Then she found my weakness.
“No no stop!” she started to tickle me.
“No not behind the wings!”
Dashie grabbed the pics from my grip.
“Whoa! Whirl-wind who is this? She’s hot!”
“Nopony nopony at all!” she held me back with her hoof; I couldn't reach the photos.
“Wow she’s very bendy. Wait a minute…It’s Tune Up!”
“No it aint!”
“Then explain the headphones and crossed spanner and screwdriver cutie mark!”
“Oh okay fine. Yes it’s Tune Up.”
“Is she single?”
“I hope not because I went on a date with her last night.”
“That’s nice…”
“Stop looking at `em!” I snatched them from her grip.
“Wait you what?”
“I went out with her last night.”
“And she gave you those?”
“Yes. No. She gave me them when we were just about to set sail for Russhire.”
“That was over three months ago.”
“Yep.”
“And last night is when you decided to ask her out.”
“Yeah.”
“Wow you are slow.”
“Thanks for the reminder.”
I got up and chose a decent photo and put it in my chest pocket and put the rest away in the draw.
“So how was it?”
“Very enjoyable, we had a good time. We went out for a meal then out clubbing.”
“Did you go around to her place afterwards?” Dashie had big grin on her face and a raised eye brow.
“Just to walk her home Dashie nothing else happened. But I would appreciate it if you didn’t mention it to anypony and in particular how to you found out.”
“No problem.”
When I shut my room door behind us Dashie took off down the corridor signing.
“Whirlwind and Tune Up sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”
I eventually caught up with her and yanked on her tail.
“What are you five?”
We laugh as we made our way to the meeting.
*
The next week was filled with meetings after meetings after meetings, I know planning an invasion was a long and highly detailed process but for me it was taking up too much of my time and the longer we waited the more time the Empire had to strengthen their defences. I was growing impatient and became a little frustrated and short tempered.
“All right that’s the medical aspect of the operation solved. What’s next?”
“Logistics.” Said Intel.
I gave out a long groan and so did the rest of the MoD staff.
“We’ve been over that a thousand times already.” Said Bon Voyage.
“There is still something’s that need to be gone over again. Number One, Transport.” Intel continued to talk as I spoke to the newly appointed chief of special ops. General Tree Top.
“Any development on the Pétain fortress problem?” I asked him.
“Well I’ve been having several meetings with the Ministry of Intelligence for the past week and we’ve come up a conclusion.”
“Yes?”
Tree Top just shook his head.
“Buck.” I said as I hit the table.
“The only option is to lay siege to the fortress.”
“We need to take Pétain fortress. It’s the gate way to Pareins and the flat lands of the west otherwise we’ll be stuck in the mountains and the desert.”
“We could go around it.”
“How?” I reached across the table and grabbed one of the maps of Le Mare.
“Pétain guards the only valley that our forces can get through.”
“What about the arctic pass?”
“Are you serious?” I looked at him.
“Colonel Blizzard and his artic expedition team could clear a path for the ground forces, there experts in artic warfare.”
“That could work.” I said whilst looking at the map.
“Where’s Colonel Blizzard now.”
“Here in Manechester.”
I called over a guard.
“Find Colonel Blizzard and tell him that I would like a word with him.”
“Yes sir.”
The guard came back half an hour later.
“Sorry sir we cannot get through to him.”
“Must be busy. He must be organizing another expedition.” Said Tree Top.
“No sir. We are getting no reception on his cell.” Said the guard.
“What? I’ll go find out what’s going on.” Said Tree Top as he got out of his chair.
“Keep me up to date.” I said to him before he left the table.
Time went by and still no word from Tree Top or Blizzard. I was constantly checking my phone to see if I missed any messages. My phone vibrated in my pocket, it was Tree Top.
“Hello.”
“Sir we have a problem.”
“What kind of problem?” I got out of my chair and went behind one of the pillars.
“Blizzard and his men are missing sir.” I apologised to everypony and left the meeting and headed to the MoD bunker.
“Any idea where they are?”
“No sir.”
“I’ll call you back in five.” I then called Paper Clip in the MoD bunker.
“Clip I need you to find out if Blizzard and his arctic expedition team have gone anywhere.”
“One moment sir.” I heard the tapping of keys.
“It appears Blizzard and his team have been order to set up a base of operations in the South Pole.”
“South pole, why?”
“Apparently to find an alternative route to Equestria.”
“Okay I’ll give him that. So who gave the order because it wasn’t me?”
“One moment sir. Well according to this you did give the order sir.”
“That’s impossible, send it to me.”
My phone’s menu screen was replaced by the order doc that I supposedly signed.
Order number: 6171
Recipient: Colonel Blizzard.
You are to prepare your unit for deployment. The ministry of defence and I have come to an agreement that the South Pole may hide a path to Equestria thought the black mountains. Your objective is to establish a base of operations to work from. Seek out a satisfactory route for our army and report back your findings.
Code name Bookmark will accompany you. She has business in the region that could end this war sooner rather than later.
Sky Marshall Whirlwind O.N.L.R
“I don’t remember this at all. Contact Blizzard now!”
“Yes sir.”
I was now storming to the bunker. I couldn't believe it; somepony forged my signature and gave an order behind my back. A few names went through my head. Intel, Bon Voyage, Mayor Mare.
“I’m not getting through sir, the weather must be interfering.”
“Scramble Emergency Response Unit: Uniform, send them to the South Pole and get Blizzard and his team out of there!”
“Yes sir.”
“And tell them to wait for me.”
“Yes…sir. Sir do you think that is wise?”
“I need to find out what the buck is going on. Who gave the order and why Twilight Sparkle is down there when she has duties here? I need to know now. If there is a mole giving out fake orders and sending our forces to the other side of the globe whilst we are on the brink of invasion, then we need to find them ASAP.”
“I’ll notify ERU Uniform. You’d best pack for cold weather sir, I’m looking at the weather front image for the South Pole and it’s bad. Really bad.”
“Don’t worry about me. Notify MI and the war cabinet of the situation but keep it quiet. Also keep trying to get in contact with Blizzard.”
“Will do sir.”
Author's Note
Wow, this is the longest chapter I've ever wrote. What do you think? Back to the old way or do you prefer longer chapters like this one?
P.S
The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
Chapter Six
The next day myself and the ERU were just off of the coast of the South Pole. Because of the rough seas I had to take a chopper to the camp that Blizzard and his men constructed. It was on the east coast of the continent and a few miles inland. The ships that formed the ERU were being tossed around like rubber ducks in a bathtub and the chopper that I and the ERU soldiers was on fared no better in the high winds. We still had no direct contact with Blizzard or his team so they were shocked to see us when the chopper landed in the base.
When the hatch of the Sea Knight opened we were hit by a torrent of wind, ice and snow. We kept our heads low and fought against the weather. As I stepped off the ramp I heard somepony shout in my ear.
“Sir you and your men can follow me!” Even thought he was right next to me I could barely hear him. Inside the base I took off my goggles that were covered with ice, I put down my hood.
“S-Sir!” said the pony who lead us in.
“W-What are you doing here?” he asked me.
“I could ask you the same thing.” He seemed confused at my answer.
“Where’s Colonel Blizzard?” I asked him.
“Follow me sir.”
The base was mostly underground, well lit tunnels were carved into the ice and metal panels where used as floor boards as to prevent slipping. We passed several rooms and I could hear chatting.
“Why the hell are we hear?”
“We’re not doing anything in this weather.”
Eventually we made it to the command center that was mostly underground but had an observatory that was above ground. The soldier that led me and the ERU opened the door.
“Colonel. Sky Marshall Whirlwind to see you.”
“Pardon?”
I entered the room, I didn't say hello or anything I wanted him to know I was annoyed.
“What are you doing here sir?”
“I was just about to ask you the same thing.” I walked over to a monitor that showed the geography of the South Pole, the further inland you went to more inhospitable and mountainous the land got.
“Colonel. The order was given to you by a letter, correct?”
“Yes sir.”
“Was it delivered to you by a courier by any chance?”
“No sir.”
“I see.” I continued to look over the shoulders of the tech’s manning the computers.
“Sorry sir but…why are you here. If you’re looking for a progress report then I’m sorry. The weather is keeping us confined here in the base.”
“Who was the pony who gave you the orders then?”
“Twilight Sparkle.”
“Where is she?” I said with a little bit or anger in my voice.
“Loading bay 4.”
“Come with me.” I snarled when I stormed passed him.
*
I kicked open the door to loading bay 4, inside there were a lot of snowmobiles and lorry’s with caterpillar tracks up against the side walls and in the middle were some soldiers, they looked like they were preparing to go out into the storm.
“TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” I shouted at the top of my voice.
The men in the middle of the room jumped out of surprise, one looked at a pony with their back to me and there hood up. I had her.
“Twilight Sparkle!” I shouted again. The hooded pony turned, it was her.
“Yes?” Her voice sounded upset.
“I’m placing you under arrest!” I galloped into the room.
“Under what charges?” asked Blizzard who followed me in.
“Forging orders and the signature of a high ranking officer in the NRL military, namely mine.”
“Mrs Sparkle is this true?”
“It is.”
“Care to explain?” asked Blizzard.
“I knew Whirlwind would never agree to this so I did what I thought was right. I created the orders and forged Whirlwinds signature.”
“That’s where you’re wrong Mrs Sparkle. I think finding an alternative route through the South Pole is a good idea.” A ERU soldier used her magic to put the hoofcuffs on Twilight as I spoke.
“You should have come to me first. And now you will be held accountable for your actions. Take her away.”
“That’s not the reason why I did it.”
“Why. Oh let me guess, still have a soft spot for your old mentor do you?”
“No! I think I've found something that could help the win the war.”
“Like what. A snow powered tank?”
“A dragon.”
“A dragon? I think losing your horn has turned you mad. Violet, get a strait jacket for Mrs Sparkle please and a muzzle guard if you can find one.”
“Wait.” The voice came from behind a lorry.
“Who’s that?” I called out.
Slowly a little yellow filly emerged from behind the lorry.
“She’s telling the truth.”
“Do you have proof of this?” I lowered my tone.
“In my saddle bag.” Said Twilight.
I reached in and pulled out said proof.
“A book.”
“Yes. But not just any book, look on the first page and at the title.” Said Twilight.
I opened it and read the title aloud.
“Legions of old. Hero’s, villains, protectors and myths by Clover the Clever.”
I looked at Twilight, she looked confidant.
“Page 2187.” She whispered. “It’s bookmarked.” She added.
“Bookmarked.” I thought how ironic. I threw the 2186 pages over in one flip. On the page in question was a highly detailed drawing of three dragons. One had four heads and was under water, one had no wings and was on land and the other was flying in the sky.
“Guardians of Equestria. The Dragons of Equestria.”
I looked back at Twilight, she had a smug look. I nodded at Violet to take the cuffs off, I then sat on a ammo box and continued to read aloud.
“It is said that when Faust created this world three dragons would serve as guardians of the land that is now known as Equestria. The guardians would protect Equestria from any threat whether it be from land, sea or sky. The dragons would remain separate from each other and the population until the time came for them to come to the aid of the inhabitants and the land. No pony will know when or where they would rise or even there location at present times but they will come.”
I closed the book and handed it back to Twilight.
“So you think one of the dragons is here, in the artic?”
“That’s correct.” Twilight used her broken magic to store the book back in her saddle bag. The aurora around the book fizzed and sparked, sometimes it cut our causing the book to fall slightly. What should have been a simple task for Twilight now turned into a struggle. I felt slightly guilty. Slightly.
“The book said nopony will know when or where they will appear, so do you expect be to believe that you have found one.”
“I didn't find it. I just put two and two together.”
I looked at her and gave her a confused face.
“What?”
“Do you remember a few years back when smoke engulfed most of Equestria?” said Fluttershy hovering above me and Twilight.
“I’ll never forget it; we had to turn the wind turbines from suck to blow in the weather factory, which was no easy task.”
“Well that smoke, it came from a…dragon.” Fluttershy added.
“Yeah I do remember Rainbow Dash telling me about that. But I thought it was her just going off on one of her stories again.”
“Well it’s all true. The dragon flew away from Equestria that day and was never seen again.” said Fulttershy.
“Okay but that doesn't explain why you’re looking for it here.”
“The mountain range that we are going to be searching for the dragon is called The Black Mountains because of the thick black clouds surrounding it, but there not cloud, its smoke.”
“And just what the hell do you hope to achieve here?” I asked both of them.
“I admit it’s a long shot but my plan is to convince the dragon that the empire is the enemy and not us, I mean the NLR military.”
I stared at her for a while. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, she wanted to track down a fire breathing dragon and ask for its help. I put my hoof on her shoulder.
“Now I really believe that losing your horn has made you go crazy.”
“Do you want three dragons burning your army to a crisp? Because that is what they'll do!”
I took a gulp and admitted to myself that she had a point. I looked at the expedition team. They were all geared up and ready to go.
“Colonel Blizzard. What do you say?”
“I want to make this clear sir. I never knew of Mrs Sparkle’s intentions until now. I was furious when I found out, but after listening to Mrs Sparkle’s motives…I’m all for it.”
I looked back at the team.
“And you lot. What do you say?”
One spoke for them.
“Sir. We were told about an hour ago, and none of us have backed down. I have a brother in the tank corps. I don’t want him to be eaten by a dragon.”
“And you Whirlwind. What about you?” asked Twilight.
I sat in silence for a moment and thought about the pros and cons. The pros outweighed the cons, I stood up.
“Proceed.”
Twilight’s face lit up the search team climbed aboard the trucks and snowmobiles, the steel doors to the outside opened and a gust of freezing wind came rushing in as the doors retracted into the ceiling. The trucks came to life and slowly made their way out into the wilderness.
The door slammed down as the rear lights of the last truck diapered into the wall of white.
“Do you think this will work?” I asked Blizzard.
“Too late to do anything about it now sir.”
*
I wanted to get back home and continue the preparations for the invasion of Le Mare but the weather prevented that so I was stuck in the South Pole until the weather cleared. I couldn't even communicate with the MoD, the weather blocked all contact to and from our satellite. I was frustrated so to take my mind off things I wondered around the base and Blizzard accompanied me.
“It’s very impressive.” I said to Blizzard as we made our way down one of the corridors calved into the ice.
“It is.”
“Have your men done anything like this before.”
“No sir. It was a struggle but we pulled through. We only lost 5 men.”
I stopped.
“Lost?”
“I’m afraid so sir. Follow me.” Blizzard took the next right. On the ceiling the sign read Medical Bay.
At the end of the corridor it opened out into a large room with beds and everything that you would find in a hospital. We were now in the middle of the room and I stopped.
“You said 5?”
“I did.”
“So what about the other 75 that I've just counted.”
“The previous occupants.”
I threw back a screen covering a bed and saw a paralyzed stallion lying in it. He was an Imperial.
“Oh buck!”
I tipped over some screens that were up so I could look at the occupants. They were all Imperials.
“Sir what’s wrong?”
“Were in trouble!” I flew towards the main corridor.
“What from.” He trotted after me.
“The empire! Put your men on full alert, the empire are gonna try and take this base back!”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Trust me, I know!”
*
Three hours later and still no sign of an attack, I was adamant that the empire were going to launch an attack to retake the base. Blizzard didn't think so.
“Sir the base has been on alert for hours now, the empire is not coming.”
“They will, it’s only a matter of time.” I said whilst looking out of the window with a pair of binoculars. All I could see was white and nothing else.
“Sir. I think you’re a bit paranoid.”
I turned to face him.
“Do I look paranoid?” I asked him.
“Well…no, but.”
“Just keep the base on full alert Colonel, that’s an order.”
Another hour passed and still nothing. Blizzard spoke again.
“We've been here for a week sir and we have had no contact with Imperial forces. I think they've abandoned this outpost.”
“That’s what they want you to think. There just waiting and giving you a false sense of security, when you relax and lower your guard, then they'll strike.”
“The weather has never been this bad in the south pole for a decade, what makes you think they’ll attack now!”
Blizzard was getting frustrated and I think so were his men. I continued looking through the binoculars. Through the blanket of white I found my answer slowly edging its way towards us. I turn away from the window slowly.
“I have two words to say to you Blizzard.”
“And they are?”
“GET DOWN!”
I threw myself on to the floor just before an explosion shattered the window. I got up and searched for the alarm button. The steel doors flew open and four soldiers in white artic suits stormed in, they were not NLR.
I dove behind a console just in time to miss the blots from the invaders blasters. I took my blaster from its holster, broke from cover and fired. I hit two of them; one came at me so I whacked him on the head with my blaster. Then the other one wrapped his blaster rife around my throat. He fell backwards; he was trying to get me in a choke hold.
I struggled then elbowed him, he didn't flinch so I brought my head sharply back and on to his muzzle. He broke his hold on me. I got out and fell back down, that head-butt seemed like a good idea at the time. I was back on the floor, my eyes were spinning in my head. My attacker got up, I kicked his knee, he fell then I kick him in the face knocking him out. I staggered to my feet, picked up an enemy blaster then made my way to the truck depot.
Artillery rock the base, the lights flickered whenever a shell hit close by. In the corridors were men running back and forth, some preparing to fight others preparing to evacuate. I on the other hoof was heading to the truck depot. Twilight and her little dragon finding posse would have had no idea about the attack so when they returned triumphant or empty hoofed they would walk right in to the hoofs of the empire.
I entered the depot, still dizzy from the fight. Some men were throwing equipment into the back of the trucks; I saw a little snowmobile and jumped on.
“Whoa whoa whoa.” Said one of the soldiers as he ran towards me.
“Sir what are you doing?”
I flung the blaster over my shoulder, put on a pair of goggles and turned on the ignition.
“Twilight Sparkle and her team need to be warned.”
“It’s -20 out there sir, you’ll freeze.”
“Then I’ll see you in hell!” I revved the engine and sped towards the open door.
*
I headed towards the black mountain which was to my south west, I took it slow. The blizzard reduced my visibility to zero and I had to watch out for ice bergs and fissures in the ice. One false move and I would be out here with no transport and have to hoof it all the way, I properly wouldn't even make it to the mountain or the base.
The light on my snowmobile flickered, the engine cough and a few feet later it died. I ran out of fuel and I had no idea how far I was from the mountain. I made a decision; I would rather die out here than fall into the hoofs of the empire. I picked up my gear from the back of the snowmobile and started to walk.
It must have been a few hours later when I collapsed, I was freezing and exhausted. I never thought I would die like this, I always thought I would die like in my dream. I curled up into a ball to rest and keep myself warm, if the weather died down then I may still have a chance but it didn't look like it was going to clear up anytime soon. I said my goodbyes and fell asleep.
My usual dream woke me up; I was still in the middle of the frozen waste land and the storm was still raging I slumped my head back down and tried to get back to sleep.
“…Whir…wind…”
I heard a voice I the wind, maybe it was a rescue party or Twilights group.
“...Whirl…wind…”
I got up.
“Hello?!” I called out. I kept turning around, hoping to find the source of the voice.
“…Whirl…Wind…” The voice was all around me; it felt like it was coming from the storm itself. In the corner of my eye a saw a figure, a stallion, I turned to face it.
“…Whirlwind…”
“Yes?”
The storm prevented me from seeing his face. He opened its wings which were huge by the way, he took off into the sky, the wash off of his wings cleared the storm. The black mountains were right in front of me they were at least 3 miles away, I could make that. Spooked by what I just seen I looked around, who the buck was that I thought to myself.
“Thanks, whoever you are?” I called out.
Above my head was the clear blue sky but the peaks of the black mountain were still covered in smoke; I took off and headed for the cave that was still spewing out the smoke. Twilight had to be there or nearby. Outside the entrance was some bags and equipment, I examined them, they were NLR, Twilight and the team must be inside.
I took off my fur coat when I was outside the cave otherwise I might have been cooked alive, the heat coming from the cave was unbelievable there was even a heat haze at the entrance. I poked my head around the mouth of the cave to look inside, nothing just darkness. I took a deep breath, cocked my blaster and headed in. I sneeked in slowly. Why? For two reasons, one I didn't want to wake the dragon and two, I was a little scared. I mean come on it’s a freaking fire breathing dragon would you be scared?
“Twilight.” I whispered.
I sneeked in more, I was a little on edge. What if the dragon ate them and was looking for seconds I thought to myself.
“Okay calm down. There properly okay, I mean he’s sworn to protect us. Isn't he? Twilight better be right I would hate to tell her friends that she’s been eaten….”
I froze, to my left was a giant red dragon sleeping on top of a pile of gold, jewels and plunder, the smoke was coming out of his nostrils and engulfed the ceiling in a black mist. I didn't move for a long time, my instincts were screaming “Run! Just bucking run! Buck Twilight it’s all her fault, save yourself run!” but my legs were all “Don’t move, or your dragon food!”
Eventually I decided to move. I tiphoofed backwards trying to retrace my steps but failed, I knocked something over. It was a skull, I grabbed it to stop it from rolling and examined it. Thank Faust, it was a goat’s skull and not a ponies. I gave a sigh of relief. I felt hotter, the sweat was pouring from my brow and into my eyes. Then I realised, to my right and a few inches away was a teeth of the dragon.
“…Hi…” I squeaked.
The dragon roared and I jumped into action. I pulled out my blaster and fired at him, but the bolts did nothing. He took a deep breath; I knew what was coming next so I dove behind a bolder. The flames licked past the rock as I hid behind it. He stopped and spoke.
“Luft zey joor! Nid nikriin mos aan smahl!”
“I don’t speck giant lizard!” I shout from behind the rock.
“Face me mortal. Don’t cower like a sheep!”
“Sheep!” I broke cover and fired at the dragons face. He put his arm up to cover it. I ran out of ammo so I pulled out my sword and ran towards him, screaming as I ran. He let out a stream of fire towards me so I took to the air. I held my sword high and prepared for the most almighty swing I would ever do in my life.
I froze in the air. A purple aurora surrounded me, I was confused and so was the dragon.
“Whirlwind!”
“Twilight!” She was in the mouth of the cave with the rest of her team. The aurora from Twilight's horn diapered and I fell to the floor.
“What are you doing!” she shouted.
“He attacked me.” Said the dragon.
“Bullshit!” I shouted back at him.
“He tried to eat me then called me a sheep!” I added.
“You were hiding behind a rock!” He replied.
“How the buck am I supposed to compete with fire breath! That’s cheating!”
“Enough, both of you. You’re like a bunch of school children.” Said Twilight as she made her way into the cave.
“He started it!” I replied.
“Did not.”
“Did too.” I poked my tongue at the dragon, he snarled.
“Whirlwind, what are you doing here?” asked Twilight.
“The base was taken by Imperial forces, I came here to warn you and to take you lot to the emergency evca site.”
“Oh my god.”
“How?”
“Who got away?”
“Blizzard, is he okay?” asked a soldier.
I shook my head in response. Twilight looked at the floor; I think the reality of this whole situation had finally hit her.
“Sit rep?” I asked the soldiers. Sargent High Flyer spoke.
“Sir. We arrived at the summit 1500 hours, Fluttershy introduced us to the VID-“
“VID?” I asked.
“Very Important Dragon.”
“Okay, continue.”
“Twilight Sparkle explained the situation to the VID. He wanted time to think about it so we rested up in our camp on the other side of the mountain. We heard the commotion that you and the dragon caused and here we are.”
“1500 hours?” I looked down at my watch.
“You only arrived two hours ago? Why did it take you so long to get here?”
“The trucks are big and slow sir and there were many cracks in the ice so we had to find alternative routes through the ice fields.” Said Penny.
“Okay, well done. Now all we need to do is convince scaly over there to help us.”
“I heard that Strun!” Bellowed the dragon.
“You were meant too. Corporal, send an update to baseplate I haven’t had the chance to contact them. And tell them we need evca ASAP.”
“Understood sir.”
Two hours passed and Fluttershy and Twilight where still trying to convince the dragon to side with us. I and the expiation team relaxed as the talks continued at the back of the cave. The men wanted to know exactly what happened at the base, so I told them, they deserved to know what happened to their comrades. Later on my thoughts turned to the mysterious figure in the storm. Who was that? If I didn't know any better I’d say the stallion was…me. Underlay caught me off guard.
“Sir!”
“Buck me Underlay, you scared the crap out of me. What is it?”
“I think the dragon has come to a decision.”
I got up and started to wake up the rest of the men. The dragon was lying on his plunder and Twilight and Fluttershy were sat in front of a fire.
“Well?” I asked Twilight, but Fluttershy answered.
“The dragon he has an answer!” Fluttershy was practically bouncing with excitement.
“Well? Will you help us?” I asked the dragon.
“No.”
“Well thanks for nothing; men get your kit we’re going home.”
“Hang on.” Said Fluttershy.
“I will not help you Strun, but I will help her.” He used his tail to point at Fluttershy who was hovering. Just off of the floor. She blushed.
“Why her?”
“Because she came to me for help, you did not.”
“I was a little bit preoccupied.”
“When she and only she needs my help, I will come and aid her and her friends.”
“A how will you know when she needs help?”
“He gave me this.” Fluttershy pointed at a necklace around her neck, it looked like a dragon’s tooth.
“It’s a horn, I’m to blow it when I need help and he will come. It’s called a Dovahserlek or Dragonhorn. The dragon riders used these to call their dragons to battle.”
“And she will do the same. There has not been a dragon rider for centuries.” Said Twilight.
“Okay that’s good. But what about when we land on Equestria, will you see us as liberators or invaders?” I asked the dragon.
The dragon lent forward; his teeth were a few inches away from my face.
“Do you know why I am here and not in Teevakraya, Equestria as you know it?”
“Um…dragons like mountains?” I answered. Twilight slap her forehead with her hoof.
“Yes you are correct Strun. But my reason for being here is this. Teevakraya’s leader wishes to use me and my brothers as Kakaffraye, weapons. We are protectors not destroyers. I came here to escape her and her destructive ways. Also tell me this Strun. What was the first country that the empire invaded?”
“Le Mare.” I answered. The dragon shook his head.
“Equestria. You have my answer, now be gone for I must catch up on the sleep that I have lost.” He turned around and slumped on top of this plunder facing away from us. Fluttershy thanked the dragon repeatedly as I turned to leave the cave.
“Well that wasn't the most straight forward answer ever but an answer is an answer. Everypony get your gear were leaving ASAP.” I said to the soldiers.
As I packed my kit away Twilight came over, much to my displeasure for she was the one pony I didn't want to see. I ignored her, she cleared her throat.
“Well, aren't you going to thank me and Fluttershy?”
I lost my temper. I stood up and glared at Twilight.
“The only thing that I’m going to thank you for is the 100 plus men that we've lost!” I flung my kit bag onto my back and stormed down the mountain path. A couple of minutes later the rest of the team caught up with me.
We made our way down the mountain slowly; the ice and loose rocks made it a very dangerous decent. Half way down Fluttershy came up to me.
“Whirlwind. Please don’t be mad at Twilight. She did what she thought was right.”
“By going behind my back?”
“Okay I admit that was wrong but she was only doing it for-“ An explosion interrupted Fluttershy, then another, shells hit the mountain side above us. The shells were coming from our left and low, it was the Empire.
“Get into cover!” I shouted. I pushed Fluttershy into cover behind a rock then grabbed Twilight who was in shock and threw her top of her friend.
“Stay in cover!” I barked at them.
They nodded sheepishly. I then took cover and started ordering the men.
“I want fire superiority! Graffiti, get the AT launcher out. Penny. Try and get thought to Baseplate and send them a contact report. Everypony else open fire!” I cocked my blaster and selected single fire, there was no point going full auto the Imperial ground forces were in cover the same as we were. We fired down at the Imperials as they tried to storm up the mountain face.
“There’s too many of them!”
“Keep it together Coin Toss!”
“Sir. Last mag!”
“Same here sir!”
“AT rounds complete sir!”
“Whirlwind. Whirlwind!”
Twilight was shouting down my ear but I was too busy concentrating. She nudged me and caused me to miss my target.
“Faust dammit what!” I faced Twilight, she pointed at Fluttershy, and she was holding the dragon horn.
“Is it a onetime use?” I asked.
“I don’t know.” Replied Twilight.
I looked at Fluttershy and to my surprise she wasn't a quivering wreck, she looked calm and at peace.
“Blow it!”
She took a deep breath and blew hard into the horn. The noise was biblical; it covered the sound of gunfire and the wind. The horn was no bigger than a cell phone! After Fluttershy ran out of breath I uncovered my ears as did Twilight, I could hear nothing, did I go deaf?
“Wow.” Said Twilight.
I could hear Twilight but no gunfire from my men or from the imperials. I looked at the squad, they were shocked.
“I didn't say you could stop shooting!” They picked up there blasters and continued shooting.
“Well we are now truly buck. Any other bright ideas?” I asked Twilight.
“I…err.”
“Sir. The imperials, there retreating!” said one of my men.
“What?” I looked down the mountain. The imperials were indeed retreating, almost in fright.
“I think the sound of the horn must have scared them. It scared me.” Said Fluttershy.
“I doubt that. There not children Fluttershy, there highly trained soldiers. What do you think happened Twilight. Twilight?”
Twilight was speechless; she raised her hoof and pointed at the mountain peak. I looked up to see the dragon on the peak, wings open and looking down at us. He gave an almighty roar which shook the ground; he took off into the sky and gave chance to the Imperials.
“Don’t hurt them okay, be nice.” Said Fluttershy calling out to the dragon.
“Well you don’t see that every day.” I said whilst picking up my blaster.
“Yeah that was something alight.” Twilight kept her eyes on the dragon, she was in awe. I looked down at the men; they were in the same state as Twilight.
“Wake up!” I shouted at them. “We've only got 3 hours to make it to the evac point, so saddle up!”
“Yes sir!”
*
We made it to the evac site and with time to spare, the sea was now calm so rib boats picked us up on the western coast and would take us to the ship.
“I don’t see it!” said Twilight as see tried to hold on to the boat and talk over the sound of the engine.
“Trust me, not far now.” I replied.
A few moments later and the pilots cut off the engines to their boats. We drifted a bit in the open water.
“I don’t like this.” Said Fluttershy.
“Whirlwind what’s going on?” Before I could answer I heard the sound of the submarine’s bridge breaking the water surface behind me. It cast a shadow over us. Twilight and Fluttershy gazed up at the bridge.
“Hold on.” Said the boat pilot.
There was a bang as the boat came in contact with the rising sub. Twilight and Fluttershy looked over the side, now the top of the sub had appeared on the surface. They both looked at me.
“Cool huh?” I replied.
Suddenly there was a slight drop then a slow decent into the sub itself.
“Attention. Lift lowering.” Could be heard on the PA system as we descended further into the sub. Before the lift touched down I jumped out of the boat and walked over to Free Bee the Captain of the sub. I shook his hoof.
“Sir, it’s good to see you again.”
“Yeah you too Free.
He nodded at the boat.
“Is that her?”
“It sure is.”
Free Bee nodded at his escort, they fell out and trotted towards the boat.
“Twilight Sparkle?” asked one of them.
“Yes?” she replied.
“You are under arrest.”
“Pardon?!”
The MP’s (Military Police) hoof cuffed Twilight, she put up a bit of a struggle but was nothing they could have handled.
“Why I’m I under arrest?”
“In case you forgot you still forged my orders and put the lives the lives of many ponies at risk. In other words, treason!”
“Whirlwind, you can’t.”
“I can and will Fluttershy! Twilight, You will be placed under house arrest until we reach Manechester, then we will turn you over to the civilian police and then you will be put on trial.”
“This is insane!”
“No Twilight, this is justice. Take her away!” I ordered the MP’s.
Twilight’s face sank. I’m grateful for her and Fluttershy finding the dragon and convincing it to help us but it’s how Twilight when about it. If she would have come to me first I might have said yes. You should always ask and never assume.
We were welcomed back to Manechester by the locals; the embankment was crowded with cheering ponies. Somewhere holding up signs saying Welcome Home and Heroes. I didn't know what they were told so we had to go along with it. When the steel doors opened to the deck of the sub the crowd roared.
“What’s all this?” asked Free Bee.
“No idea, just smile and wave.” I replied. We did so and the crowd loved it.
“Do we move her now?” asked Free Bee through his fake smile.
“Hell no. Twilight Sparkle seen as a prisoner. No way. Wait for the crowd to dissolve, and then we’ll move her. No hoofcuffs.”
“Aye aye sir.”
When the crowds finally went home we moved Twilight. She had an MP escort. I was still on the deck with Free Bee.
“What now?” she asked.
“You will be taken to your room by the civilian police and you will remain there until authorised.”
“Whirlwind…I.”
“Save it for the trial Mrs Sparkle. Get her out of my sight.”
The MP’s lead her down the ramp and onto the dock were the civilian police were waiting with a carriage.
“Can I go with her?” said a rather sheepish Fluttershy.
“Of course you can.”
She drifted off and followed the carriage into the city.
“Permission to speak sir.” Asked Free Bee.
“What is it?”
“I think you’re making a big mistake sir. Twilight is too important, she won’t be punished by the court but you might be.”
“Thank you captain that will be all.” I took off into the air and headed to the MoD bunker.
Author's Note
You can properly tell from the strange language that I'm a massive Skyrim fan. You can translate the dragon language if you want too. Who know's, there might be a easter egg for things to come?
The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
Chapter Seven: Operation Skyfall
Chapter 7
Three days later and a trial was held in the throne room. I was present, so was a rather unhappy Mayor Mare, Intel, the civilian and military court and Princess Luna who was also unhappy with me. Twilight's friends where sat behind her in the stands offering her support. Dashie hadn't spoke to me since I arrived. Surprisingly Twilight pleaded guilty to all charges.
She should have been locked away forever for doing what she did but she was too valuable . She even emitted that her actions were irresponsible and cost us good men. But the outcome of the whole situation was a bonus so she was cleared of all charges. Plus she and her friends still had to find loyalty and magic in order to complete in the elements of harmony, she was too important to be locked away.
That night I flew to the peak of Night Shadow mountain, the mountain that the castle was situated on. It was a full moon and I always loved coming up here to get away from it all. My solitude was interrupted by Nightmare.
“It sure is beautiful isn’t it?” she asked me.
“It is.” She sat down next to me.
“Looks like Mrs Sparkle got off Scot free then.”
“Actually no, she’s tasked with researching for anything in the archives that might help us. If there are any more old legions that we should know about she’ll find them.”
“Sound more like a gift than a punishment. Bloody book worm. She should be made an example of, too show everypony that you are not to be messed with.”
“What! Why?”
“Fear Whirlwind, fear. That’s how you gain respect and power.”
“I have a lot of respect from others and I don’t want or need power.”
“Think about it, if you had total power you could end the war within a month.Ypu've tried being the nice guy and that's got you no where. Fear and intimidation is all that is left.”
“I think somepony a long time ago though the same as you. Respect is earned through actions, not fear.”
“We’ll see about that.” Nightmare got up and turned to leave. Before she took off I spoke.
“By the way. Thanks for getting rid of the storm; I might have died if it weren't for you.”
“Pardon?”
“The storm. Thanks for getting rid of it; I guess your living up to your promise to help me.”
“I didn't stop the storm.”
I scoffed and turned around “Well if you didn't then who did?”
“I don’t know.” She wasn't lying, she was serious. I turned back to face the moon to show that I didn't believe her but I did. If it wasn't her then who was it and how did it know my name.
*
The Empire’s wasn't going to let us take Le Mare without a fight, they threw everything at us. There navy was stationed off of the coast and put up a hell of a fight and so did there air force but we broke through eventually with heavy losses. 27 out of 42 ships were dead in the water and we had lost quite a few planes, 88 to be precise. In all my time in the Imperial air force and the NLRAF I’d never experienced combat like this. By the time night fell on the first day of the invasion we were six hours behind schedule and only had a small foot hold in Le Mare. I was exhausted and had to be helped out of my jet’s seat when I finally touched down on the aircraft carrier Dusk Mist.
The carrier was hit several times in the naval battle so she was slow but still holding together. I couldn't remember how may kills I got that day, it was all just one big blur, no rest no letting up and no end to it.
The next few days weren't any easier, the Imperials fought for every inch of ground and were more organised than before. Their air force was now a force to be reckoned with, even I had trouble. But the worst was yet to come.
Pétain Fortress. Built to withstand any siege, two thousand acres of steel, concrete and iron. Had enough supplies to last for months, possibly years, could accompany an entire army division, a tank coups and three air force squadrons. It even had its own dam to supply power through the base. And we had to attack it. But not too capture or to destroy it but to immobilize it. Without that dam supplying power the base it would shut down completely and pose no further threat to our forces that will take the valley pass to Parrains. He who controls Pétain, controls Le Mare.
In the internal hangar of Dusk Mist I held a briefing for the attack on Pétain. This was an air force only operation; the army would be acting in reserve. All of the pilots taken part in the op were sat in the hangar in front of a huge map of Pétain. When I walked on stage the whole room stood to attention.
“Be seated." I garbed th pointing stick from the table and tapped the map above me.
"Fillies and Gentlecolts, I’m not going to sugar coat this, this is going to be the toughest and hardest battle in the history of the air force. Pétain is strong but we are stronger. If we can disable there power supply then the fortress will be nothing more than a dot on the landscape. Our target is the Sorpa dam, if we destroy this we take away their power and we’ll take the fortress.
I bet some of you are thinking that the fortress will have a backup system and your right. Power lines run from a wind farm in the north, we cut the lines and we cut the power. However there is a third source of power, a massive generator under the fortress is there final source of power and it runs of unicorn magic crafted into liquid form, in other words potions.
You will all be divided into three teams. Blue Team attacks the dam with our latest weapon from Hammer Tech, yellow team attacks the power lines and red team attacks the generator itself. You all have a color coded folder under your seats with all the information you need. Start time, objective, call signs etc. Any questions?”
I saw a pony put there hoof into the air. I pointed at her with my stick.
“Sir. It says here that red team will fly to the generator. How?”
“If you continue reading you will see that there are four cooling tunnels leading out from the generator and into the cliff side to which the fortress is situated on. Red team will fly down those tunnels and destroy the cooling vents thus overheating the generator and shutting it down.”
I saw ponies in the crowd looking at each other, they all looked very doubtful. I was losing them, I had to encourage them.
“I don’t see what the problem is you've all been secretly training for this for months. Members from blue team have had extensive training in torpedo warfare, yellow team have be practicing attacking communication towers and other such structures and red team. Dose the acronym VTOL mean anything too you? I should hope so you've been training with the navies Harriers for the past two months. You all know what to do, you just need to put it into a real life situation.”
I saw a few ponies nodding and looking a bit more upbeat.
“So what do you say? Who wants to take the untakeable fortress from the Empire. Are you all with me?”
“Sir yes sir.”
“I can’t here you!”
“SIR YES SIR!”
“That’s what I thought! You’re dismissed. Red team stays behind with me, blue team report to hanger 4. Major Sea Swirl will be waiting for you and yellow team is to fly back to our base in Le Mare and report to Deputy Sky Marshall Rainbow Dash.”
Seven ponies remained after the rest had left the hanger, they were together and talking near the stage, the field commander had a report for me from the front lines and I had to leave briefly.
“So sorry to keep you waiting I had something to take care of. Now I’m thinking you all want to see your new toys, am I right?”
“Yes sir.” They said in unison.
“Good follow me.” I led them to hanger 2. There where eight brand new aircraft waiting, four on the left and four on the right.
“Meet the F- 35 Lighting. Max speed of Mach 1.6. 1,200 mile range, has incorporated stealth technology and advanced avionics and IT systems and of course VTOL. It is by far the deadliest aircraft on this planet.”
“They look just like the F-22 that Deputy Sky Marshall Rainbow Dash used to destroy the Titian missiles.” Said a pilot.
“Yeah they do. They look so cool and futuristic.”
“This is like my birthday and Hearts Warming Day all in one.”
“I thought you might like them. Now on to serious business. Each one of these cost 164 million bits so I don’t want a scratch on any of them, clear?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. Turn to page 74 in your folders. As you can see your entry points are only 60ft across by 30ft so it only gives you a little bit of leeway. You’ll have to destroy the grate that covers the entrance to the tunnel, inside you will engage VTOL and fly down 300ft to the cooling vent. You will then fire the experimental missile known as KS 1671 at the vent, it’s designed to explode five minutes after impact so that should give you plenty of time get out safely.
The operation will take place two weeks from tomorrow so we’ll have plenty of time to practice flying this new jet.”
“Sir?” asked a pilot.
“Before you ask, yes I’m taking part in the operation as well. What did you think I was going to sit this one out? Hell no.” they laughed at my little joke.
“Sir why are there only eight of us and hundreds in the other teams?”
“Because you’re the best we have. Dose that answer your question Mint Drop.”
“It certainly dose sir.”
“Good, now get into your flight gear all of you, the more time we spend chatting the less time we have preparing for the op. Now move quickly!”
“Sir yes sir!” They saluted then rushed to the stores to get kitted up. I looked at one of the jet’s, all I could think about was Shamrock, he flew a plane almost identical to this one on the night he died. Had it really been three months since he died, it only seemed like yesterday.
*
The canyon walls were feet away as I and red team flew to the objective point. It was now the day of the assault on Pétain fortress. Blue team and yellow team had already started their attacks. Yellow team were successful in their objective but blue team were in trouble. They ran into heavy AA and missile fire around the dam, plus torpedo nets prevented there torpedoes from hitting the dam’s hydroelectric generator. We were 45 minutes behind schedule any longer and we risked having to go back to base and refuel or enemy air reinforcements arriving from the airfield just outside of Parines. I had no choice but to order my team to begin their assault.
“Night Fury to all Red team call signs, proceed with phase three. Apple Half you’re up first.”
“Understood sir.” Apple Half applied her jets afterburners and took off down the canyon, three fighters escorted her.
From the canyon I could see the AA fire firing up from the fortress and aiming at yellow team who were now attacking the fortress itself. Thank Faust I was down here and not up there I thought to myself.
“This is Apple Half, target is in site, commencing assault.”
“Roger that Apple Half, good luck.” I said.
I few seconds went by then her voice came on the radio again.
“Grate destroyed, moving into tunnel.”
“Good work Apple Half, keep it together.”
A few tense minutes passed.
“Target hit, evacuating from vicinity, detonation in four minutes forty four seconds over.”
“Good job Apple Half! Misty, you’re up.”
Misty’s jet took off down the canyon and headed for the target. She was successful and so was Pipe Cleaner. It was now my turn, I had the honor of destroying the last cooling vent. The grate was right in front of me, I pulled the trigger and fired a barrage of un-guided rockets at it. The grate shattered into pieces and fell away. I slowed my speed down and engaged VTOL. The whine of the engine intensified as the exhausted changed to the dowered position. I also lowered my landing gear just in case the VTOL cut out, I slowly maneuvered the jet into the tunnel. It felt very strange to be flying a jet underground and through a tunnel but I guess there was a first time for everything.
I finally made it to the cooling unit, the fins were moving at such speed I couldn't see them and I could feel the wash from them thought the controls in my jet, I had to constantly adjust the jet to get a clear shot. I flipped the switch on my dashboard that said SP weapon, aimed and fired. The missile shot forward and clapped onto the static boss of the fins. I threw my hoof into the air.
“Yes, git in!” I tuned the jet and headed back towards the entrance.
Half way down the tunnel I saw the missiles countdown clock on my HUD disappear. I looked into the rear view mirror and saw a fire ball rushing towards me.
“Oh buck!”
I disengaged VTOL and applied the afterburners and shot towards the exit. The fire ball was getting closer and so was the exit.
“Come on come on!”
The fire ball was right behind me, I could see flames all round my canopy. I pulled up just before the exit, passed the grate and was free. I shot upwards into the blue sky. I let out a yell of excitement, mixed with relief and satisfaction.
“YEEEE HAAA!”
“Night Fury are you all right?”
“I’m better than alright baseplate, I feel like I’m on top of the world.”
“What happened?”
“Premature detonation.”
“Use to that, are you sir?”
“Ha ha very funny.”
“Do you want a mission update sir?”
“Yes.”
“Phase one and three are complete put phase two is still on-going sir.”
“Patch me through to Blue leader.”
“Acting Blue leader Lt. Dart Board here sir.”
“Dart Board, what about Cpt. Haymaker and Lt. Seesaw?”
“Shot down sir as are most of my unit, there are about twenty of us left sir. I don’t know what to do.” I could hear his voice brake, I think he was about to cry.
“It’s all right Dart Board, you've done a great job you should be proud. All call signs listen up, I’m taking charge. Form up on me at sector V-7 out.”
Miles away I arranged the remaining planes into an arrow formation; I was at the point and led the assault. We stayed low to the river and were at top speed. There was a small outlet for the water to spill into the river at the base of the dam, that was blue team’s target but the torpedo nets prevented any torpedoes from reaching its target. So we had to try something else.
“All pilots listen up. When I give the order you are all too unload your remaining missiles into the outlet then immediately pull up.”
“Understood sir. We’ll follow you in.”
Just around the next bend was the dam. It was colossal in height and width. I heard a lot of pilots talking about it when I was in the Solar Empire Air Force but I never knew it was on this scale. It was a straight path to the outlet, the AA guns from the embankments on each the side of the river opened up, the bolts flew passed my canopy making a distinctive zip noise.
“Stay on target. I ordered.
“Yellow 3-4 is hit, he’s going down!”
“Stay on target!”
Flack cannons started to fire at us, the small explosions rocked my jet.
“All planes fire, fire!”
I press the trigger rapidly and fired off my remaining missiles, my view was obstructed by the white smoke that the missiles gave off I couldn't see the dam!
“Pull up!” I grabbed the stick with both of my hoofs and pulled it back hard, the jet shook, the dam’s face was a few inches away from the belly of my jet as I flew vertical. I let out a sigh of relief. Just before I reach the top of the dam a jet flew over it. It was a SU-47 with purple strips on the wings; it was him the pilot who shot me down during the invasion of Russhire. I pulled back on the stick and flipped my jet over to give chase; he wasn't going to get away from me this time. As I did I saw fire coming out of the dam’s outlet, the AA fire stopped, the power was finally out.
“Mission accomplished. Head for home everypony.”
“Sir what about you?”
“I've got a score to settle.”
I chased Shark Mouth through the canyon, he tried everything to get me off his tail. He kept darting from each side, hoping from me to over shoot and crash. As we continued along the canyon my curiosity grew “Who was the pony piloting that jet? Only one way to find out.” I tuned the radio into the Imperial comms channel.
“This is Sky Marshall Whirlwind of the New Luna Republic Air Force to Shark Mouth. Aacknowledge my transmission over.”
“I had a feeling it was you Whirlwind. No pilot could out manoeuvre me like you can.” The voice was distorted; it was like a robot was talking.
“That’s a strange accent you have there, what is it, droid?” I asked.
“Voice changing software, I’m surprised the republic hasn't investing in this yet.”
“We invest in training and discipline. It’s people who win wars, not technology.”
“I disagree.”
“Okay then you rely on your tech for this engagement and I’ll rely on my training. Let’s see who comes out on top.”
“Gladly!”
Our dogfight lasted for a while; I had no missiles and had to rely on my cannon. Maybe using all my remaining missiles on the generator was a bad idea. At one point I got a good hit on Shark mouth, he flew away from the fight. I could have left it there and proved my point but I was determined to get one up on this bucker.
“What’s the matter Shark mouth, are you chicken?”
“W-What did you call me?
“Chicken. C-H-I-C-K-E-N!”
“No pony…Calls me… CHICKEN!”
Suddenly out of nowhere I was hit. My left wing was now full of holes and I’d lost a lot movement in my ailerons. He flew over me so I was now on his tail, big mistake. I was on him and firing at every opportunity. In the distance a fork appeared in the canyon I missed my chance to follow him and went down the wrong way. I was so frustrated I kick the hoof well but then I remembered the map of the area and I knew this fork would soon come back to one way I lowered my speed and tried to anticipate when Shark mouth would appear around the corner.
I fired seconds before he appeared. I hit him in the fuselage his jet burst into flames and tumbled out of control. I saw him eject moments before his jet hit the river. I let out a cheer, finally we were even and finally that bucker was put into his place.
“Night Fury to baseplate. Shark Mouth is down I repeat Shark Mouth is down. Returning home over.”
“Excellent news sir but next time please keep the coms open we've been trying to contact you for half an hour.”
“Sorry baseplate, it won’t happen again.” I pulled up out of the canyon and headed back to our base.
Today was a good day. Pétain fortress was now just an eye sore on the landscape and I finally shot down Shark Mouth. I was going to celebrate today’s victory with the pilots I flew with tonight I hadn't celebrated anything since the party with the partisans during the day of the invasion of Russhire, that was nearly a year ago. I deserved a few drinks tonight…we all did.
The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
Chapter Eight: Prisoner 24601
Chapter 8
The following morning I was woken up by my cell phone. Half asleep I reach for it on my bedside desk but I t wasn’t there, neither was the desk. I thought I was home in Night Castle but instead I was in my room on the NLRAF air field in Le Mare. I finally found my phone witch was under my bed.
“…hello?”
“Boy Whirl you sure sound ruff. Had fun last night?”
“If I could remember it I would tell you. What’s up Dashie?” I looked at my desk; there were two empty wine bottles on it.
“There’s somepony here in the detention center that you need to see.”
“Is it Shark Mouth?” I said as I sat up.
“No. He’s an intelligence officer; he was captured trying to escape during the assault on the fort. I think you might have a few questions you wish to ask him.”
“I certainly do. I’ll be here ASAP. Is he talking?” I put the phone down on the desk and put it on speaker mode so I could get changed and talk at the same time.
“No. Just his rank and number.”
“Then why do you need me there?”
“Your unique way of interrogation works. Cell 113, see you here.”
The base was calm that morning, properly most of the men were in the same state I was or worst after last night. I cursed the Le Mareian pilots for bringing in the ten crates of wine to the celebration. The NLR army took this base from the Imperials a few days after the invasion and it showed, buildings were destroyed but rubble was cleared from the pathways. The accommodation block was the gloomiest building I’ve ever seen but it remained intact. Unlike the HQ which had walls missing and hardly any windows. I made my way to the detention center which was in the basement, Dashie was already there.
“Any progress?” I asked her.
“None.”
I looked into the cell thought the one way mirror. Our Intel officer was interrogating the imperial. He didn't answer any questions he just sat still and stared at the door.
“Well this is going nowhere fast. Call him in.” I ordered.
The guard to the cell open the door and nodded at our officer. Outside the cell I finally had a chance to talk with the interrogator.
“What have you got for me Hot Plate?”
“Nothing sir, he won’t even answer the simplest question.”
“Okay. I’ll give it a shot.” I entered the cell, closed the door behind me and stood there for a while so I could size him up. It was no surprise to me that he was a Son of Celestia, they all were.
“Pétain fortress: The most secure and fortified position on this planet and yet you tried to flee.” I sat down in the chair opposite him and looked him in the eye.
“Now why was that I wonder? Are you a coward? Of course not, you’re a Son of Celestia you have no concept of fear. Neither do you have a concept of love, compassion, anger or pain…the only concept you have is too follow orders. So that tells me that you were ordered to flee. Why? Are you Solar Flares favorite little intel officer or do you have some information tuck away in your head that we could make use of?”
A blank look is all that I got from of him. No hint if I touched a nerve or found the truth, I had to step it up. I stood up from my chair and started to walk around the room.
“Following orders, heh. You know I use to be just like you, I followed orders to the letter and that’s what led to my downfall. The first order or the first commandment as it’s known in civiy Street was at risk of being broken so I did what I was ordered to do. I shot down my best friend and what did the empire do! They cast me out, I was on the run for nine months and in that time the world fell apart. All because I followed orders. But I survived and here I’am now using the same skills that that the Empire taught me against itself.”
I sat back down in the chair.
“You know what the empire taught me? To be the best and that’s all I wanted to be…the best. So I applied to many courses to better myself. Map reading, language, sniper school, marine assault, parachute and swordsmanship. I even did interrogation training. But not the kind you went through after all you were created to be the best. I was put through hell, I was beaten, humiliated and tortured. They tied me down the metal chair, very similar to the one I’m sat on now. They hooked it up to a battery, even you can guess what part of me got shocked first. I was beaten with sticks and poles even whipped with barbed wire. Ever heard of waterboarding? I went thought that as well.
Ponies ask each other why do I always where cloths? It’s to hind the scars of my past. I wasn't just taught to resist interrogation and torture I was taught to administer it. So if you want to go through what I went through then continue looking at the wall behind me, if not then answer my question. Do you have any information that could aid the New Luna Republic armed forces and her allies?”
He continued staring at the wall unfazed by my words. I got up and left. Outside the cell Dashie was silent and so was Hot Plate.
“Right, now it’s time for the big guns. Corporal.”
“Yes sir.” Answered the guard.
“Contact baseplate and ask them to send agent Sweet here as soon as possible.”
“Yes sir.” The guard was blocked by Hot Plate.
“Whirlwind please, not again.”
“Stand aside Hot Plate.”
“No I won’t! The last enemy soldier you had tortured by agent Sweet tried to kill herself with a polystyrene cup later on in her cell!”
“It’s the only way Hot plate, I won’t ask you again, MOVE!”
“No!”
“Corporal escort Hot Plate to an empty cell please and then contact baseplate.”
“Yes sir.” The guard grabbed Hot Plate by his tail and dragged him out. Hot Plate was still protesting as he was being dragged down the corridor. I went for a glass of water that was on a desk next to me.
“Does he have information?” Dashie asked me.
“I’m certain of it.”
“Well it has to be done then.”
“Unfortenaly yes.”
There was a long pause from Dashie. Out of the corner of my eye I could see her fidgeting. She lent forward to ask me a question a few times but at the last moment she turned away.
“What is it?” I asked her as I poured myself another drink.
“What you said in there, was it all true?”
Of course it was true but instead of telling her I just didn't answer, just like an interrogation. I think she got the message.
*
An hour later Dashie and myself were waiting for the arrival of Agent Sweet just outside the HQ. It was too hot to be in the HQ.
“How long is this goanna take!”
“Remember what happened to Twilight’s horn? She’s properly having trouble with the teleportation spell.” Said Dashie as she was catching some rays on a sun lounger. I remained in the shadow of the HQ.
“Why can’t Luna or Trixie do it?”
“Twilight needs to overcome this, and practice is the only way.”
“Fine.”
A few moments later and there was a pop, then bang just in front of us. It happened another four times then a pony appeared with their face in the dirt.
“Woo hoo! Do it again, do it again!”
“Sorry Pinks, one way trip.” Said Dashie.
“Aww well it was fun when it lasted. What do you need me for?”
I opened my mouth to speak but Dashie interrupted me.
“There a pony in this building that you need to talk too.”
“Ooooo just like last time?”
“Yeah but he’s so sad he can’t talk.”
“Oh no that’s terrible!”
“I know…can you get him to talk Pinks?”
“Sure I’ll turn his frown upside down.” She sang a little song and hopped her way into the HQ.
“She always blows me away. How can a pony be that excited all the time?” I said to Dashie as we made our way into the building.
“It’s Pinkie Pie, there not much else to it.”
“Okay fair enough. But I still can’t believe that she got into the Ministry of Intelligence in the first place.”
“What’s that supposes to mean?” She sounded a little pissed, Dashie stopped. I also stopped to talk with her.
“I mean, she’s a bit eccentric and nothing alike the other agents. I thought the MI would have laughed in her face, but they accepted her. I didn't see that one coming.”
“Sometimes it’s what inside that counts and not what’s on the outside.” Dashie trotted passed and down the stairs into the prison cell.
Pinkie Pie was hopping up and down just outside the cell door as Dashie was giving her a briefing.
“Remember Pinks no matter what he does no matter what he says, keep talking.”
“Gotcha.”
Dashie opened the cell door; Pinkie Pie was a blur as she shot into the cell slamming the door behind her. I was looking through the one way mirror and saw Pinkie Pie hopping around the room and even on the ceiling, I rolled my eyes.
“So how long do you think he’ll last?” Dashie asked me.
“He’s a highly trained soldier, it could take hours, days, even weeks.”
Suddenly there was a bang on the glass, it was the Imperial, I jumped backwards out of shock.
“Please make her stop! I’ll tell you anything just please make her stop talking!”
I looked at Dashie, she smirked.
“Now I wished I made a bet with you Whirlwind.”
We didn't get much information on Imperial positions, strength or numbers but we did one thing. The Imperial mentioned a VIP held by the empire here in Le Mare. He didn’t know there name, he only knew them by their prisoner number. 24601.
*
I had several meetings in the bomb out HQ discussing the assault on Blueblood’s palace with Night Light who I worked with on the Derpy rescue and Twilight capture opps. It was going to be simple, we get dropped behind enemy line via chopper, tab (walk) the 30 miles to the target and only at night, Earth and Unicorns scale the cliff face with ropes and then infiltrate the palace. Locate and secure 24601. Take out Blue Blood if he’s close by then wait for extraction via helicopter in the court yard.
“Any idea how may guards?” Night Light asked me as he was looking at lay out of the palace on my desk.
“Sadly no, but keep in mind, it’s Blue Blood. He’ll properly have any army guarding him.”
“So we are going after Blue Blood to?”
“If the opportunity presents itself. He’s just a side objective, 24601 is the prize.”
“Understood sir. What about the choppers, are they being modified?”
“They are indeed. I have somepony working on them now.”
“Will they get the job done and on time.”
I had Tune Up and some help from Hammer tech modify three black hawk helicopters for stealth insertion. Reduced IR signature, noise and increased performance by taking off a lot of armor.
“Trust me, she will. Are we done for today?”
“Yes sir. Are you in a rush to be somewhere?”
“I’m organizing the final element the ground assault on Parains with the army commanders in 10 minutes.”
Night Light looked up from the map, he was confused.
“It’s a perfect opportunity. The ground forces attack long the front thus drawing attention.”
“Do you think that is wise sir? What if the ground assault convinces Blue Blood to evacuate the palace and head to Equestria with 24601?”
“That’s a risk I’m willing to take. Besides… I think the men along with myself can’t stand the heat in this desert anymore.”
“I agree with you on that one sir. I've only been here for a day and I want out.”
“Heh. So is it set then?”
“Yes sir. Only three more days to wait.”
“Good. The choppers will be here tomorrow morning, along with Eclipse Squadron. We can run a few practice flights in the desert tomorrow morning.”
“Understood sir.”
*
Night Light along with Eclipse Squadron and myself were waiting in the main hangar for the arrival of the choppers the following morning. When they finally turned up the helicopters landed just outside the hangar, dust was kicked up by the wash from the rotors so we had to cover our mouths. The dust tasted of sand and cement. When the dust cleared three futuristic black hawks blocked the light from the sun rise. It’s was a beautiful sight. I looked at my men, they were in awe. I spat out what dust made into my mouth.
“What’s the matter, never seen a done up black hawk before? Get your flanks on the choppers!”
The men grabbed their equipment and followed me the choppers. We were about half way to the choppers when the side door on one of them opened and Tune Up jumped out and ran towards me.
“Whirlwind, Whirlwind!”
The men marched passed her and on onto the choppers. She flew her hooves around me, I was trying to stop her from crushing my ribs.
“Well this is…unexpected.”
“I wanted to make sure your delivery made it here in one piece. Also I’m a little concerned.”
“About what, the choppers?”
“No. You.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. Your flying into enemy territory on a vehicle I designed and created I would hate for something to happen to you, I would feel so guilty.”
“Hay don’t worry about it, I’ll be fine. I have confidence in you and your skills. Now I need you to have confidence in me a my skills. Can you do that?”
“I can.”
I gave her a kiss on the forehead then trotted to the choppers.
“I’ll be here waiting for you!” she called out.
“I’ll be back before you even know it!” I climbed into the chopper and closed the door behind myself. I kept my gaze fixed onto Tune Up as the chopper lifted off of the tar mark. When she was out of site I sat back in my chair. All of the men were looking at me, there smirks filled there faces.
“Shut up.” I said with a laugh before any of them could speak.
*
There was no moon in the sky that night, prefect conditions. The hum of the rotors was minimal; we didn't even have too raise our voices to speak. The black hawk rocked gently as we flew above Imperial controlled Le Mare. We were now 175 miles in enemy airspace and we had attracted no attention what so ever. But we still had another 200 to cover so we weren't out of harm’s way yet. I settled down for a nap but it was cut short.
Opposite me was Night Light and above him was a flashing red light. I could partly hear a voice coming from the cockpits computer. “Thistle Mock, thistle mock.”
“What the bloody hell is that?” asked Lead Stomach who was half asleep.
I saw a light in the night sky in the pilots side rear view mirror. I thought it was a comet at first but then it got closer and I realized it wasn't a comet.
“Incoming missile!” I banged my hoof on the floor, waking up the rest of the men. Some of them were lying on the floor catching some z’s. They got up just as the plot started to indicate evasive manoeuvres, the ones who weren't sat down and strapped in were tossed around like ragdolls. This continued for a few minutes.
“Number 3 is down!” said the pilot.
I looked out the window and saw the black hawk’s tail rotor on fire, it started to spin out of control and crashed into the forest below churning up the trees with it's rotor blades.
“Keep going!” I ordered. But it was hopeless, moments later we were hit. The chopper span out of control, the altitude gauge alarm was buzzing. Over the noise I could hear the pilot contacting baseplate.
“Mayday mayday this is hammer 1 we are going down, I repeat we are going down 4 miles east of waypoint 4-5.”
After that I don’t remember anything, I didn't remember the chopper hitting the ground or climbing out of the wreckage. I came to on the ground a few feet for the wreck, I couldn't hear anything, my hearing was bucked. I got up onto my hooves and saw the wrecked chopper. It was on fire and in three bits, the cockpit, the hull and the tail. I was in a daze, I felt like I was in a dream I felt like none of this was real but I could feel the heat from the fire and could smell fuel burning.
I was suddenly shoved to the ground; somepony hurled themselves onto of me. It was Night Light, he saved my life. I saw a whole tree that was partly on fire fall right where I was standing and onto the wrecked chopper. I looked at Night Light who was mouthing some words. I think he said “Are you okay?” I nodded. He helped me up, he started to lead me into the woods but I couldn't help but look at the chopper one more time.
About a half a mile into the woods we found the rest of the men, some of them were in bad shape but a vast majority of them were still fighting fit. My hearing came back.
“Ah thank Faust, you've found him.” Said Crimson to Night Light.
“What happed?” I asked them both.
“Two more missiles were fired, one hit hammer 2 and the other hit us.” Said Night Light.
“You were thrown from the chopper when the missile hit us sir. The wreck you saw was hammer 2.” Said Crimson.
“And hammer 1?” I asked.
“She broke apart a few feet off of the ground so we had a somewhat soft landing. I wish I could say the same thing about you sir.”
During the conversation Crimson who was one of our medics was wrapping a bandage around my head, I must have hit my head which explained the dizziness I felt or one of my scars opened up.
“Causality report?”
“7 wounded and 9 minor injuries, the rest are okay but a little shaken.” Said Crimson.
“Where are we sir?” asked Night Light.
“I caught the pilot saying we were 4 miles east of way point 4-5. So we need to head west. Remnants from the other choppers will meet us at waypoint 4-5. We will link up…then starts the long walk to the target building.”
“That’s 200 miles sir.”
“250.” I added. Night Light looked confused. I picked up a stick my mouth and drew a diagram I the dirt.
“We are here. Crash site is here. The waypoint is to our west. The missiles were fired from the north east so that’s could mean a SAM site or a hidden base. If we tab 50 miles south west we will put some distance between them and us instead of going west.”
“What about the wounded who can’t walk?”
“The pilot sent out a mayday, an evac team will come for us. We are close to 4-5, we’ll carry the wounded then leave them.”
“Sir!?”
“I don’t like it either Night Light but it’s our only option.”
“Why can’t we just go home?”
“Look, we are almost half way. Waypoint 5-5 is the halfway mark. If we were still in the choppers we would still have to walk 30 miles to the target when we reach the DZ at 7-0. It just a bit more, that’s all. Plus don’t you think the empire will be looking for us east of the crash site instead of west.”
Night Light looked doubtful, he was still looking at the diagram in the dirt.
“We’ll stick by you sir, whatever you decided.” It was Lilly Leaf and the rest of the men; they were standing just behind us. They had there kit on and were ready to go.
“So Night Light what do you say?” I asked him.
Night Light ran his hoof through his mane and sighed. “I don’t like it, but you make a good point. Okay let’s go.”
I patted him on the back.
“That’s the spirit. Alright everypony move out!”
We started to head south west then I realized something. The wrecks of the choppers, we needed to make sure they could fall into the enemies hooves so I order Rain Cloud and Easy Pesy to destroy the wrecks with explosives.
A few hours later and we made it to waypoint 4-5. We left the wounded in a good defensive position onto of a small hill. Staff Sargent Time Keeper who was not injured volunteered to stay behind with the wounded to organise the defense. I would not see any of them again. Night Light took the rest of the men out of the woods. I stayed behind for a few minutes and gave Time Keeper and the wounded my blessings.
I caught up with the rest of the men on the forest's edge.
"What was that all about?" Night Light asked me.
"Just some words of encouragement, and-"
My sentience was interrupted by the distant sound of explosions. I looked into the sky and saw three towers of smoke rising into the night sky, blocking the moon light. It was the wrecked choppers, Rain Cloud had rigged booby traps around the wreaks to stun the enemy patrols, they then would set off the high explosives to destroy the wrecks. It would'nt matter if anypony was caught in the explosion, the first order never existed. I knew then and then that dark times were ahead...and how right I was.
END
Part V coming this winter
The Gathering Storm Part IV: The Continuing Struggle
The Gathering Storm Part IV:
(I know the song is about the main six, but this was so inspirational to me I just had to have it in the story.)
Stalliongrad, a city renowned for its port, industry and hardworking citizens now was reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds. When I arrived at ground zero there was only dust and a few foundations of buildings left. I along with some high ranking officials from the Ministry of Intelligence and military arrived to see the damage for ourselves. We made our way into the destruction, I had to watch my step; the rubble was uneven and could give way. Paint Brush lost his balance and grabbed hold of me.
“Sorry sir.”
“That’s alright.”
There was a genital breeze coming off of the sea and it carried the smell of fire and concrete dust with it. Engineers had marked out a safe path way for others to follow with red tape and white spray paint on the floor. It had been three hours since the missile hit Staliongrad but it felt like just a few moments ago. There were no buildings, no tress and no sign of life at all. We’ve had no contact with any of our forces that were in Staliongrad at the time of the explosion. They weren’t dead that much was clear but where did they go.
We arrived at the epicentre, the crater was vast, at least 500ft across and 200ft depth, there were a few ponies in yellow hazmat suites at the centre of the crater scanning and recording their findings on clipboards and laptops. We needed to know what happened when the missile detonated.
“Sir.” It was Captain Red Light he was the officer overseeing the clean-up. He used his magic to produce a clipboard as he walked towards us.
“Ah Captain, what do you have for us?”
“Large traces of magic residue in the epicentre sir. All of which belongs to one type of spell. Teleportation.”
“So there safe?” Asked Speedy.
“I cannot say for certain sir.”
“Any idea where they might be?” asked an officer behind me.
“I have a hunch. Equestria.”
“Thank you captain, good work.” He saluted me then turned and headed to the research tent. How could the empire get there hoofs on this kind of technology, the stealth ability of the Wonderbolt aircraft and now a bomb than can destroy an entire city. Staliongrad was five times the size of Manechester. “I wonder how parliament is coping with this news.” I asked myself.
“Sir we should go now. I think we’ve seen enough for one day.” Said Blue Berry.
“Alright then. But before we go I have to ask. How many of our forces were in the blast radius of the explosion?”
“Err..” He was hesitant to answer.
“Out with it!”
“13,000…sir.”
I let out a long sigh.
“How the buck am I going to explain this to their family’s back home.”
“I-I don’t know sir. My thoughts are with them. Do you think its best that the Chief of the General Staff deals with the condolences?”
“Maybe your right. We need to concentrate on finding out if there are any more of those missiles out there.”
*
A chopper flew us back to The NLRAF airfield just outside of Moscolt, there waiting for me was Rainbow Dash, Shamrock and some other ponies who I didn’t recognise. When I set hoof on the tar mark Rainbow Dash spoke.
“Whirl this is Dust Ring from the intelligence corpus.”
“Good for him.” I didn’t look at him and kept on walking but he and Dashie caught up with me.
“He has some information on the bomb.”
“I can give him some information. It was big and made an either bigger explosion, here. Now if you don’t mind I have to report to Her Highness as soon as possible.”
“Whirlwind!” Dashie blocked my path.
“Okay fine, what is it?” I turned to face him. He was a bit of a nerdy looking stallion, flat mane, glasses and a jumper underneath his lab coat. Possibly knitted by his mother.
“It’s properly not safe to talk here sir, out on the runway.”
“You know the value of information. Okay where?”
“Follow me.”
He led us to a cluster of camouflage tents on the other side of the airfield, there were ponies working on computers and franticly darting to one desk to another, documents in hoof. On a table at the back of the main tent was a blackbox with cables leading to a to a pull down screen, the box had some writing on it, “Nightfurry” in white pen on the side of it.
“Sir’s, ma’am.” Dust Ring pointed out some fold away chairs in the corner but I preferred to stand.
“Why is my jet’s black box here?” I asked.
“All will be revelled in a few moments sir.” Dust Ring was tapping away at a keyboard. He tapped the enter button and a video append on screen, it was the footage from my gun camera plus the audio from my radio.
“Whirl! Single contact behind us, surface level moving extremely fast towards the city.”
“I see it!”
Dust Ring paused the video.
“Sir, by slowing down the frame rate we can calculate the speed and trajectory of the missile.”
“And that means?”
“We can estimate were it was fired form.”
“From a plane obviously.”
“No.”
I was puzzled. Dashie got up from her seat and went to the computer; a map replaced the paused video.
“It came from Equestria Whirl, namely here.”
The map zoomed in to a gorge just west of Ponyville.
“Ghastly Gorge.” she added.
A wave of excitement came over me, I ran towards the screen to get a better view of the gorge’s layout.
“A perfect place to fire a missile from, good cover and deep within the heartland of the empire.” said Dust Ring.
“Can we get to it?” I asked them both.
“There might be a way.” Dust Ring zoomed out the map and onto the east coast.
“Ghastly George meets the coast here; we could send a strike team through this point and just follow the gorge and destroy the launch site. They would be blow radar and undetected.
“Do we know the precise location of the launch site?” I asked Dust Cloud.
“The calculation to determine the location of the launch site is not 100% accurate; it could be anywhere within this circle.” Dust Ring tapped a key. A transparent red crucial appeared over a section of the gorge.
“Is that as close as you can get it?” I asked Dust Cloud.
“I’m afraid it is sir.”
I studied it map.
“I want to deal with this threat before it threatens Manechester…but…we need more Intel. I’ll contact Hawk Eye squadron, they can survey the area from up high and hopefully pin point the exact location of the launch site.”
“Already taken care off.”
“Pardon Shamrock?” Shamrock was sat in his chair with a smug look on his face.
“I had a feeling you wanted more Intel so I took the liberty of contacting Hawk Eye squad, they’re on their way to Equestria right now.”
“Good. I’m impressed.”
“Hay, I have got something between my ears you know.” he said with a smile.
I thanked Dust Cloud for his hard work then left with Dashie and Shamrock. The three of us headed back to our jets. Over the radio Dashie asked me about Staliongrad.
“There is just rubble and ash left, plus a bucking huge crater. It’s the largest explosion and crater ever.”
“Mother of Celestia.”
“Any ideas on where our ground forces are?” said Shamrock climbing into the cockpit of his jet.
“Possibly Equestria and under heavy guard. We cannot launch a rescue opp until Titian is taken care of.”
“Titian?” asked Dashie.
“Yep, I figured the bomb needs a name.”
“It’s a bit sinister don’t ya think?” said Shamrock over the radio.
“Its needs to be, we cannot understatement this treat not for one second. If we do then its game over, and not just for us but the whole Republic.”
“I hear ya Whirl, don’t worry we’ll destroy the rest of them.”
“I hope so Dashie. I hope so…”
