Operation Gale

“Preparation”

Field Marshal Nightwhisper

Maremacht

1st Panzer Army

Old Manich-Trottingham Railroad Tunnel, Germaney

Saturday, June 25th, 1942 E.S

“Welcome to the once defunct Manich-Trottingham Railroad Tunnel, Nightwhisper. This is your way into Equestria. Its current state is the end product of three months of careful planning and hard work from the Maremacht Engineer Corps,” exclaimed Savage, as the two Field Marshals stepped out of their staff car.

Nightwhisper had been swift to organize his forces, and had quickly mobilized in preparation for Operation Gale. The majority of the 1st Panzer Army went to the narrow Hoofstav Pass on the southwest border of Equestria, where they assumed defensive positions until further orders were received. This was a diversionary tactic to make the Equestrians think that Germaney would be invading in full force through the Hoofstav Pass, therefore turning the eyes of Equestria to the pass. However, a small force of King Tiger tanks were gathered and moved to the secretly restored Manich-Trottingham Railroad tunnel, where they would actually cross into the country.

Nightwhisper nodded slowly in acknowledgement to Savage’s statement as he looked around at the clearing before him. Several King Tiger tanks were assembled, the crews all strewn around their tanks casually talking as they awaited further orders. After analyzing the force under his command, Nightwhisper faced Savage and took a deep breath.

“Are the Equestrians aware of our activities here?” he asked in a neutral tone.

Savage chuckled, waving his hoof at the lit tunnel entrance. “The Equestrians are too stupid and complacent to realize what we have been working on. To them, twelve years of neglect would have made the tunnel inoperable. They do not know the strength of Germane engineering though, and the tunnel was mostly intact when the Engineering Corps came here three months ago. They just reinforced the supports throughout the tunnel, and replaced the tracks with pavement.” Savage explained.

Nightwhisper nodded again, taking a few moments to marvel at the large train tunnel in the back of the clearing before clearing his throat and stepping forward.

“Attention! All of you are to line up for inspection at once!” he shouted, his voice filled with authority. The soldiers were quick to react, all rushing to get lined up in front of the tanks, and standing at attention. Nightwhisper smiled at the quickness of his stallions, then took a deep breath and walked to the very end of the line as he started inspecting them.

Each stallion had an air of determination amongst them, their manes and fur groomed and clean cut, and their uniforms spotless. Nightwhisper couldn’t help but feel proud of his tankers, and their sense of determination to serve the Fatherland. Stopping in front of one of them, Nightwhisper looked at him, motioning for the stallion to step forward.

Without hesitation, the soldier stepped forward, crisply saluting the Field Marshal before waiting to be addressed. Nightwhisper took a few seconds to look him over completely, and then cleared his throat.

“Tell me, what is your name, soldier?”

“Wolf, sir.”

“Tell me, Wolf, what is your role in operating your tank?”

“Gunner, sir.”

Nightwhisper nodded slowly, and then placed his hoof on Wolf’s shoulder. “Congratulations, Wolf. You now have the honor of gunning for my tank,” he announced.

Wolf looked at Nightwhisper with a look of complete surprise, but quickly regained his composure. “Thank you sir. It is an honor, sir.”

Nightwhisper smiled, and motioned for Wolf to return to his spot in a line up as he looked down the line. He took a few steps backwards, clearing his throat.

“Fellow sons of Germaney! Tonight, we embark on the beginning of a great crusade! Tonight, we move through the newly restored Manich-Trottingham Railroad Tunnel into Equestria, where we will track down the soon-to-be bride of Prince Cobalt Shifter and capture her for the glory of Germaney! Without his precious mate, Prince Cobalt will be forced to surrender himself, and end all Equestrian opposition to us. We cannot fail, for the eyes of the Füher himself are upon us. I have faith in each and every one of you to do your duty with the utmost precision, so that we may succeed. Go now, and prepare to move out. I also want Wolf, Valiant Spirit, Sky Hawk, and Water Fire to report to me at once. Dismissed,” he shouted.

Everypony in the clearing shouted a loud —YES SIR!— before they started running to their assigned tanks.

Nightwhisper waited patiently for the four stallions that he summoned to reach him. When they had all arrived, he motioned for them to sit down. They were quick to follow his order, sitting down in a square facing the Field Marshal and waiting patiently for him to give them further orders. Nightwhisper grinned, sitting down as well.

“You were all chosen for my tank crew because you are the best of the best. Our tank is tank number 01, the one farthest from the tunnel, and adorned with a red stripe on the side of the turret. It may look like a standard King Tiger, but it actually isn’t. Ours is a tad bit bigger, so we can fit Tailwind when we capture her. Questions?” Nightwhisper explained.

The four crewmembers were silent for a few moments, until Wolf raised his hoof.

“Where will be intercepting Ms. Tailwind, and how much resistance can we expect when we arrive?” He asked, his voice carrying a neutral tone.

Nightwhisper smiled, then leaned back a bit to make himself more comfortable. “We can expect Tailwind to be at the Red Shadow Cabin outside of Trottingham for the entire day tomorrow. As for any resistance, we can expect a full protection force of about twenty Royal Guards, lead by the famous Captain Thunder Chaser. However, these Royal Guards will be nothing when they encounter our King Tigers.” Nightwhisper replied, his voice filled with confidence. The rest of the stallions let the information sink in for a few moments, then all nodded. Sure that all questions that needed to be asked were asked, Nightwhisper stood up, then clapped his hooves together. “Alright, now that questions are out of the way, we can begin. Let’s get ready to move.”