Wednesday
January 23rd, 1946 (Earth period)
ONI HQ, Manehattan
06:00 hours

"In the wake of the Gorgons failure to break the building U.S blockades of the Equestrian Seas has forced a change in their tactics and have focus their attacks on our least formidable formations. Over the past two weeks since our arrival en mass we have lost sixteen ships, all destroyers, and another four destroyers and eight cruisers knocked out of action."

"Damn." Nimitz shook his head. The Seventh Fleet had only been in Equestria for more than a fortnight and already things were drawing to a standstill between the U.S and Gorgon Navies.

Standing over a large Everfree crafted table overlooking a large drawn out map of the Western Equestrian Seas spreading as far as north as the Equestrian/Crystal Empire border and as far south as Pinehoof Valley and stretches 12 miles west to meet the Hoofcific Ocean. Another drawn out map beside him shows all the equestrian owned islands scattered about the large ocean.

"What's the status of the Eastern fleet?" Nimitz turns to Steel Waters.

"Well, after what happened to the Western Fleet a couple of months back, there not keen on taking part in the conflict. Morale is at an all time low." Steel Waters sighed.

"We're having the same issues with morale in the Guards. It's like if one Gorgon lands on our beaches and everyone will be running for the hills." Shinning grumbled.

Spitfire, who was tasked for taking command of all Wonderbolt forces along the west coast couldn't help but feel sorry for the other two Commanders. This war had been real hard on the Equestrians, and the worst thing about it is that they weren't capable of hitting back against an enemy who was truly proving to be an overwhelming force, sure magic had helped them get this far. But this is an Industrial War, where magic is replaced with technology and machines.

MANEHATTAN STRATEGIC AIR FORCE BASE
USAF Strategic Operations/Wonderbolt Joint Command HQ
11:45 hours

Following the conclusion of the morning meeting several hours ago, Spitfire stood on the end of western approach runway as DC-47 touches down on the opposite end. Ever since the Engineers had laid down the first tarmac, planes of many types and varieties have been flying in, from the Navy's best fighters to the unstoppable "Superforts". As the Skytrain rolls to a stop, Spitfire fixes her uniform, the rear passenger door opens, she takes her position. Looking up she eyes an elder man steeping off of the plane, dressed in his full General uniform, aged in his mid-fifties, this man is one of many that has marked his place in in USAF history. The one and only General Carl Andrew. Spaatz. Spaatz was assigned by Truman to take command of all USAF assets in Equestria and work in collaboration along side Spitfire and her Wonderbolt Squadrons. Following behind Spaatz was MacArthur who will be leading the Marines and the upcoming Amphibious Operations.

"General Spaatz, General MacArthur." Spitfire saluted the two Generals

"Colonel Spitfire. It's an honor to meet you." Spaatz saluted back before exchanging a handshake with Spitfire.

As the trio were about to discuss business, the sirens scream aloud, fighter pilots flood the tarmac for their planes. High above the skies, radar installations keep track of the approaching threat from overseas, another Dragon raid was imminent. Due to the base being divided between the Air Force, their Navy counterparts and the Wonderbolts stationed there, both Navy and Air Force fighters have their own designated runways to take off from while the Wonderbolts could just take to the skies from their part of the base, hence they don't fly over the runways while there still in operation.

Several thousand feet above and four miles from the air base wave after wave of dragon squadrons plow their way for the airfield, dodging the killer mushrooms and their newly acquired set of armour should give them some protection. Us Dragons once ruled the Equestrian skies, none of the opposing nations stood against our might, not even the Equestrian Pegasai could rival them. We were unstoppable... Ti'll they meet what those new beings called, the 'Fighter'. What else could you define a Fighter? They don't just fight, these Humans made them to simply kill anything that stand in their way, we were that one thing that stood in their way.

*KA-POW*

More flak coat the Equestrian skies, one shell strikes a Dragon right into his exposed gut, sending him, and his intestines spiraling into the seas. Less than a mile ahead were the unmistakable shapes of the Wonderbolts with fighters not far behind heading straight at the flight. The Elder-Dragon gave a battle cry as he and several Interceptor Dragons charged. The Elder launches a fireball at the flock of Pegasai, causing them to scatter as US fighters opened up with machine gun fire and air launched rockets.

Back at base, Bomber-Dragons were attacking in full force, dropping their lava bombs on any parked aircraft that posed a threat to the GLA before diving in on defense installations and Wonderbolt targets.

"Watch out!" MacArthur yelled as a lava bomb whizzed overhead, slamming into a fuel truck.

"This is crazy! Was it always like this in the war?" Spitfire asked, now wearing a helmet that was similar to what the British wore during air raids.

"At certain points, but the Japs never reached our Homefront." MacArthur replied.

"You should've seen what London had to go through in the early years!" Spaatz told Spitfire.

Another explosion rocks their air raid trench, dirt and fire embers showered around them.

"Goddammit! They're getting dirt all over my medals!" MacArthur cursed.

Back up in the skies, casualties on all sides were starting to mount. The Wonderbolts are having a hard time keeping the Dragons busy while fighters constantly strafe them, those armed with rockets take extra care to get a perfect aim. By noon, the enemy vanished over the horizon. The all clear was given as everyone move about to examine the damage. As MacArthur and Spaatz inspect the HQ, Spitfire rushes to the Wonderbolt branch of the base. Compared to the rest of the base, it was chaos. The recruitment center was destroyed with a large portion of the barracks. She spots Fleetfoot being loaded into an ambulance, then the body bags being layed out. This would mark the start of the Wonderbolt's darkest days.

Monday
28th January 1946 (Earth Period)
00:28 Hours

Following the recent surprise attack on the air base last week, the Gorgon assault has been intensifying. They know they have us pinned against the wall, sending in ships faster than we can sink 'em. But unless we can strike a crushing blow on the Gorgon Navy, the battle for the Equestrian Seas could be in jeopardy for the U.S Navy.

Harmony Penthouse, Harmony State Building
Manehattan, Equestria
11:30pm
Tuesday
January 29th, 1946 (Earth Period)

Some ponies could say that standing on top of this building was like standing on top of the world, and they were right. The Elements were given special access by Princess Celestia to their own personal penthouse on top of Equestria's tallest building during their stay in Manehattan.

Ever since the first salvos flew at Cheesecake Bay, Twilight was given a personal assignment from Luna to uncover the mysterious barrier that protects the USS Missouri which is currently under 'Magic Quarantine' till either Twilight or Luna can figure out why the Elements are powering the barrier and if possible, figure out how the powerful artifacts and the U.S battleship are linked?

Having spent all day trying to come up with a theory to why the Elements of Harmony and the Missouri are linked. Twilight was exhausted.

“Twilight, darling, you should get some rest. You've been staring out that window ever since we first set hoof into this room.” Rarity, who was dressed for bed asked with concern.

“I know, Rarity, it's just... How did we get into this?” Twilight pointed her hoof out towards the busy harbor where the Seventh Fleet sleeps.

“What do you mean?” Rarity asked with confusion.

“...The war, Rarity, how did we get involved in all of this?” Twilight turned to face the Fashionista.

“Twilight, you know we're not completely involved in all of that. We're here because Equestria needs hope.” Rarity trotted to Twilight's side.

“What hope is there if the Gorgons have the Americans pinned to the wall? What hope is there if we can't fight a war where we had to drag an alien race into our world to do the fighting for us! It's just not fair.” Twilight shook her head.

“Twilight.” Rarity places a hoof on the stressed unicorn's shoulder. “I for one might not know a thing on how war goes, but for all I know is that we're not going to win this one by sitting down and bashing ourselves just because another race from a different universe are more than willing to risk their lives to fight for our lives, our freedom, our harmony.”

“You're right, Rarity.” Twilight sighed before pulling the seamstress into a sisterly hug. “Thanks, I needed some confidence to get my head out of the cloud, and when did you learn to speak like that?”

“I had a friend who recently migrated to Austalia before the civil war ten years ago. Back when Patriotism was a fancy Austalion word.” Rarity remarked.

As Twilight was about to continue the discussion, a series of thunderous booms shattered the Manehattan night-life as multiple explosions shook the air base followed by the wail of sirens and the thunder of retaliating shore batteries and ships anchored nearby.

“Looks like Spitfire is gonna have a long night.” Twilight remorse.

“The poor mare, I don't know how she can cope with coordinating the Wonderbolts with the American Air Force while the enemy are dropping bombs on her roof... Isn't she promoted Head of the Equestrian Air Fleet as well?” Rarity asked.

“I'm not so sure...” Twilight yawned. “All I know is that the Austalions and the Kangaroos are finally discussing peace talks after Austalia declared war on the Gorgons, and Nimitz told me that the U.S Third Fleet led by another Admiral named Halsey will be arriving tomorrow with the Austalion Western Fleet. I'm gonna hit the hay, Good night, Rarity.”

“Good night darling, now go get some rest, got a big day tomorrow.” Rarity spoke merrily.

As Twilight trotted to her room, Rarity takes a final glance at the escalating battle only to flinch as a U.S ammo dump goes up, the shockwave rattles the building slightly. Looking away, Rarity too returns to her bedroom.

09:30 hours
TEN HOURS LATER
Wednesday
January 30th, 1946 (Earth Period)
Somewhere near Equestria
ETA to U.S/Austalion/Equestrian reinforcements: 1 hour, 18 minutes.
ETA to Gorgon/GLA Combined Fleet: 45 minutes
USS GATO (SS-212)

As daylight breaks over Equestria, along the Equestrian Seas a GLA transport group is en-route to a rendezvous point where the enemy was massing for the knockout blow on Manehattan. As the group of tall ships sailed on, a lone Gato class submarine was trailing them. Roughly several hundred meters back and soaring at periscope depth, the USS Gato stalks it's prey.

“Enemy formation maintaining present course, speed, twelve knots.” The boat's X.O in his early twenties informs his C.O.

“And so far nothing of interest, thank you, Lieutenant. Send word to Manehattan HQ, tell them that enemy convoy designated 17-B has no leads.” Gato's C.O, currently manning the periscope replied.

“Aye, aye sir. Hostile convoy 17-B has no leads, sending Intel t-”

“Wait! Hold that order.” The boat's Captain interrupted.

“Captain! Multiple vessels on sonar! They're surrounding some sort of surface-based construct?” The Sonar Operator called out.

“Where?” The Captain asked.

“Dead ahead of convoy 17-B, two miles away.”

“We need to get ahead of this convoy. Helmsman, adjust rudder to twenty five degrees Starboard. Increase speed to twenty knots.”

“Aye, aye Sir! Twenty five degrees Starboard, increase speed to twenty knots.”

As the boat maneuvers around the lumbering convoy, the Captain makes an oblivious discovery.

“So that's why they're being reinforced so quickly! Looks like they got their own portal...” The C.O eyes the so-called construct. It's architecture was Neo-Classical, the portal gate was four hundred feet in diameter and stood three hundred feet high. On top was a small Roman pillar with Medusa's emblem with her signature head, underneath it was an eagle with it's wings spread underneath the head. In it's claws was the Nazi Swastika.

“I have a bad feeling about this...”

“CONTACT! Multiple submerged bogies on intercept!” The Sonar Operator alerts the Captain.

“Flush the tubes, Fire on my mark!” The Captain steps back from the periscope and takes his post as the bridge was dimmed in red light and the Klaxon blared.

“General Quarters, General Quarters, all hands man your battlestations!”

“Lieutenant, send word to H.Q. Tell them we've located an enemy portal at these co-ordinates; Longitude: One hundred and five degrees West. Latitude: Twelve degrees South.”

“Yes sir, breaking radio silence.” The Lieutenant replied.

“Enemies flushing their tubes, we got incoming fish!” The sonar man called out.

“Evasive maneuvers, fire tubes one and two at the closest bogie!”

“Aye, aye, Captain.”

“Enemy torps, five hundred meters and closing!”

“Gato, Gato, this is Manehattan H.Q. We got you're transmission. We're sending the co-ordinates you sent us to a combined assault force tailing you. Clear the area of hostile subs so that the Texas can move in and take out the portal, Gato.”

“Copy that, H.Q. We're engaging the enemy wolfpack.”

“Rodger, Gato, good hunting, H.Q, out.”

“Looks like our job here is done boys. Helmsman, take us into the hornets nest.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

“Gato, this is Hunter, we're on scene, ready to mop up!”

“Copy that, Hunter. We'll keep the U-boats busy and you focus on the portal. And keep the depth charges off us will ya?”

“Rodger that, Gato. Stay safe, Hunter out.”

U.S Combined Naval/Air Assault Task-force, callsign: Hunter/Arrowhead
ETA to portal: Thirty seconds
ETA to Texas arrival: Five minutes

As Gato starts it's one sub assault, up on the surface, a combined assault force consisting of eight Elco PT boats, Two Fletcher class Destroyers, five F4U Corsairs and three B-25 Mitchell's charge the blockade head on.

“All Hunter units, split into Hunter groups 'One' and 'Two' and maintain attack vector!” The Commanding Officer of the USS Radford ordered.

“Anyone seen our top cover?” The Commanding Officer of the USS Halford asked.

“Halford, this is Arrowhead Squadron. We're coming up on your six.”

“Wilco, Arrowhead. How's our approach?”

“So far no surface contacts, they must be underwater. Proceed with caution.”

“Portal, dead ahead!”

“Hit it!”

Radford was the first to open up, sending salvos at the portal. But as the shells reach the portal, a Gorgon destroyer of Italian design jumps from her underwater battlestation, catching the shells as it falls back into the water. Three more destroyers surfaced along with two Kuma class light cruisers.

“Looks like we kicked the hornets nest, all ships, break attack vector and unload every torpedo you have at that blockade!”

“Arrowhead, attacking enemy vessels.”

As the fighter dived at the enemy formation and the bombers start their runs, one of the kuma's mid-section... Transformed into some sort of large cannon that some could mistake for an enlarged 88mm Flak gun and trained itself on the bomber formation.

“Bombers! Watch out!” one of the Corsair pilots warned, but it was too late.

The cannon fired, but instead of a large flak shell, it unleashed a pulsing beam of dark magic at the bombers, vaporizing two of the bombers and knocking the last out of the sky.

“Holy shit! What is that thing!” One pilot screamed.

“I lost control, I can't pull up!” The surviving bomber's pilot spoke his last words before his plane nose dived into the ocean.

“Take out that cruiser, now!” Halford's C.O demanded. “Texas, what's your ETA?”

“We'll be in firing range in three minutes, just hang on!” Texas' Commanding Officer replied.

As 'Hunter' continues their assault, the Corsairs dive at the converted cruiser, firing their rockets at it's anti-air laser-like cannon. One pilot scores a lucky hit at the gun's energy core, triggering a cataclysmic explosion that sent the large gun twenty feet in the air and broke the cruiser's back.

“That was for Johnathan and his crew you son of a bitch.”

“Amen, Matt.”

“Fire those torpedoes now!” The PT groups leader barked.

The group of four Elco P.Ts emptied their four tubes each at the blockade. Several torps struck the second cruiser and left one destroyer in flames.

While underneath the ocean surface, Gato had already sunk half the subs present. Either sheer luck, or whoever was operating these U-boats have little to no experience in submarine-warfare. As enemy torps miss Gato by a hundred meters, Gato fires another two torps at the pack, both striking a boat causing it to roll off course and collide with her comrade boat before sinking into the abyss. What remained of the wolfpack had exhausted their torpedoes, turn tailed and retreated for the portal.

“Enemy U-Boats are disengaging, we got em' running scared.”

“This is one battle I'll never forget. How are we doing for fish.”

“We only got a few more torpedoes left.”

“Guess we'll have to make them all count then...”

“Hunter, this is Arrowhead, we've exhausted our ammunition and need to return to base.”

“Rodger, Arrowhead, thanks for the assist, Hunter out.”

“Two destroyers left!”

“C'mon, lets finish these bastards!”

As the second P.T group charges an Akizuki class, both Halford and Radford focuses on a Kamikaze class. The P.T group quickly closes on the Akizuki and launch their fish, while the Akizuki uses small arms and AA fire to repel the torpedo boats but is hit by three torpedoes to the portside bow.

Halford and Radford bombards the Kamikaze with their 5” guns, the Kamikaze returns fire with her Type 3 120mm guns. Halford scores three hits to Kamikaze's fuel stores and Radford scores two hits to Kamikaze's gun directors while taking a hit to her rear depth charge stores.

The P.T group makes another run at the listing Akizuki, the destroyer limps to broadside, bringing it's aft guns on the P.T group and fires. The Elco's were caught in a barrage of flak and bullets. one P.T was strucked by a flak shell and ignites her torpedoes, sending the front half of the boat fifty feet high and in a million pieces. Another ill fated P.T is hit by another flak detonating above the exposed cockpit of the boat, dicing the operator, navigator, radio operator and a gunner. The pilotless boat veered uncontrollably off course and collided with another Elco, putting both boats upside down and their crews in the water. Only one P.T stood against the odds but continued for her target, despite having three of her four launchers jammed from shrapnel in their firing mechanisms it would only need one lucky strike to send the destroyer up in a colossal explosion.

Halford and Radford had finished the Kamikaze with a little help from Gato. “Hunter Actual to Texas, are you in range yet?”

USS TEXAS (BB-35)

“INCOMING!!!” One of Texas' senior officers screamed as heavy shells rain over the Dreadnought, the large guns of Texas trains onto the Gorgon Fuso class battleship named Tyrant's vain that just ambushed her and her destroyer escorts. Outgunned and with no help for miles, Texas is facing her toughest battle yet.

“Negative! We've been ambushed by a Gorgon battleship, we have deck damage but nothing serious. We might not be able to destroy the portal, just make sure nothing else gets through!” Texas' radio operator replied.

“With what, Texas!? We got nothing left that can do some serious damage!”

The bridge crew was rocked off their feet as the first large shell slams into Texas' starboard side, below her tripod structure. While the Fuso focuses it's fire on Texas, a small portion of it's guns didn't let up on the escorting destroyer on Texas' starboard side which now lies battered and in flames. The other destroyer could only use the dreadnought as a shield against it's annihilation, waiting for the right moment to emerge and unleash her payload of torpedoes at the opposing battleship.

But for now, it's the showdown of the Gorgon flagship and the Pacific Lone Star. Texas takes the draw as her 5 14/45 cal. guns fires their barrage of southern born justice at the Tyrant's Vain, scoring multiple hits along her broadside and knocking out a number of her secondary batteries.

“Reload! Reload!” The Gunners Mate of turret two sounded as the gun crew rushes to reload the mighty guns.

The Fuso retaliates with it's barrage of shells at Big-T, one shell pierces straight through her single funnel, several more shells peppered turret three, causing significant damage to the barbette and knocking two of three starboard 5”/51 guns out of commission.

“Sir, turret three's been knocked out!”

“Dammit, we're taking a beating already!”

“Captain, fire has broken out in Engineering and Aft fuel stores!”

'Texas, this is USS Ringgold. We're going to use the smoke coming off you as cover so we can drop back, slip through the smoke and launch our fish, over?'

“Copy that, Ringgold, make it quick! We're getting decimated.”

'We're making our move now! Focus all fire on her mid-section, that's where were aiming our torps, Texas.'

“Rodger that. All guns focus fire on the mid-section.”

Any guns that was still operational adjusted their aim at the larger dreadnought and fired, raining death and hatred at her enemy while the destroyer cuts her engines to get behind Texas.

Most of Texas' shells stuck the Tyrant's midships, weakening most of the hull's strength. The Fuso fires back, it's shells pepper the aging warship causing further damage to turret three and her engines.

“Captain, I don't know how long we can keep taking this punishment.”

“Then lets just hope Ringgold's torps hit their mark or this is going to end badly.”

Another series of hits rocks Texas as the Fuso's forward guns fire their deadly payloads at Texas' bow, blasting the starboard anchor off and penetrates the thick armor.

'All fire crews report to the bow! Repeat! We have fire near the forward magazines!'

“Where the hell is Ringgold!?”

'Texas, this is Ringgold, we're making our run!'

And out of the smoke and fire trialing behind Big-T, the small destroyer bursts forth and charges towards the Tyrant's Vain at flank speed.

“Ringgold, check your course, you're heading straight at her.”

'No need, Texas...'

“What do mean, Ringgold?”

'Let's face it, one of us is going home from this battle... So it might as well be you, Big-T.'

“Ringgold, you're well in range to launch your fish, straighten up and fire now before she gets her guns onto you!”

'Too late, she's seen us!'

And as seen from the bridge, the Fuso's whole broadside was targeting the fragile ship racing at her.

“Ringgold, evasive action!”

'Negative! If we pull out, we're all dead! Withdraw, Texas. Let this Tin-Can show these freakshows the true meaning of sacrifice!'

“...God bless you, Ringgold, give em' hell.”

“Will do, send Medusa our regards... Ringgold out.” This would be the last conversation between Texas and Ringgold as the crippled Dreadnought pulls away, leaving the tide of the battle in the hands of the crew of the Ringgold as she stands alone, facing impossible odds.

It was Ringgold's ten loaded torpedoes against the Tyrant's twelve 14” main guns and seven 50cm/50. secondary guns all glowing an eerie sage green as they charge up for the killing blow. In the last moments, Ringgold makes a hard left turn... and fires her torps. As the torpedoes were seconds from impact, the Tyrant's guns reach maximum charge and fires her last barrage as time slows down as the torpedoes strike their mark.

The Tyrant's entire broadside slams into Ringgold, obliterating her in seconds, leaving no survivors. Ringgold's torpedoes tear into the Tyrant's hull and detonate her Dark Magic fueled engines, triggering a cataclysmic explosion that rips the tyrant in two.

Then silence plagued the battlefield.

“Captain...” Texas' X.O addressed the now troubled C.O.

“This is a day I'd never thought I had to witness.”

'Texas, this is Radford. The portal has been destroyed, I don't know how, but when you took down that Fuso, the portal... Self-destructed.'

“We didn't kill that Fuso, Radford... It was Ringgold's kill.”

'...What happened?'

“...”

'Oh, shit.'

Author's Note

Man this month was a rush hour! Anyways all that matters is that I finally got this chapter finished! On to the next one.

"See you on the Naval Battlefield!"