Fallout Equestria: War, war, war...

“War,” I gave a dry chuckle. “, the thing that sent the world to hell so many years ago, and here we are preparing for it.” I thought to myself as I stowed my standard issue power armor in my locker next to my rack. The Grand Pegasus Enclave had finally used up the resources needed to sustain itself. Without any, it could last for one, maybe two decades at most. So here we were, loading troops, new and old, and sending them to find resources in the Griffin Kingdom, and annihilate anything that tries to stop us.

I climbed into my bunk where my standard issue SAER-21b lay and began field stripping it to give the major parts a wipe down. When I was a young colt my father brought back a hunting rifle from his patrol. Before he had to turn it to the armory for deconstruction he took me out to fire it. I loved it. The laser tech we used just didn’t deliver the sweet, satisfying kick it did. I never got to fire a conventional weapon again though, and by the time I enlisted they had banned retrieval of surface “contraband”. The closest thing I could get to it was the SAER-21; that’s why I enlisted for marksman duty. I finished my quick cleaning and reassembled the rifle and placed it in my locker next to my armor.

“Make sure the Twister rendezvous with us at Thunderhead by tomorrow morning. The council doesn’t want this Operation held up.” I heard the distinctive voice of General Lightning Arc, our station commander, say as he passed the troops. They stood at attention and gave a crisp salute. As he drew close, I was no exception. I tightened my stance and brought my hoof to the edge of my brow, as I had done thousands of times. The only difference this time was that the general stopped to face me and returned my salute. “At ease sergeant.” He politely and casually said. I let my hoof come back to the floor and loosened my stance to come to a comfortable parade rest, but I was far from comfortable. The commanding officer of our ship was directly regarding me. What the hell did I do to get his attention, was all I could wonder as I tried my best not to sweat.

“Sergeant could you please accompany me to my office?” He asked, still casual with a friendly smile on his face.

“Yes sir.” I replied as he began walking off towards his office. I quickly followed suit. Neither of us said a thing while we walked; him because he had nothing to discuss until we arrived in his office and I out of fear. We finally came to the end of a hall in the logistics wing of the ship. On the door was his name and under it Commanding officer of the Victorious.

We stepped inside and he closed the door behind me. His office was a comfortable space. Residing in the center was his desk. Sitting on it was his name plaque, a few framed pictures (of family I presume) and some paperwork for the brass. The large brown pegasus moved around behind his desk took a seat and motioned me to the comfortable lounger. “Have a seat sergeant.” He smoothed out a small crease on his uniform. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you in here?” He asked, still wearing that friendly smile.
“Uh, yes sir.” I replied. He folded his hooves up on his desk.

“Well I have a slight problem and I was hoping you could fix it.” I blinked and responded,

“Ill help in anyway I can sir.” His smile grew.

“I’m glad to hear it. The problem is Lieutenant Cloud Crusher was caught with surface contraband. Surface drugs to be exact. He’s been placed into holding until we reach Thunderhead. We haven’t informed his squad of the technicalities, and I’d like it to remain that way mind you.” I nodded in comply. “Anyways, we need someone to lead his squad in the initial landing to secure an area to set up the FOB. I would like you, sergeant, to lead them.” The generals well groomed short, graying-blonde mane never seemed to lose its place.

I nodded. “I’ll lead them proudly sir.”

“I’m glad to hear it sergeant!” He began writing on the form that sat at the top of the pile of papers on his desk.

“Sir,” I asked, a slightly questioning look on my face, “Why me? If I may ask.”

The general looked up from the paper, the casual grin still on his face. “Well sergeant, I’ve seen your record. Flawless. Every report you’ve ever filed on engagements while on patrol clearly show that you are capable of handling yourself on the ground. Not just physically but mentally.” He was right. I always thought of myself as a supreme soldier. I wouldn’t go as far as to say flawless, but damned better then the next guy. “Any more questions sergeant?”

I snapped back and saluted. “No sir, thank you sir!” I turned and walked out of his office. I came back to my rack and climbed into it. After being scared near pissless by the general I needed some sleep. Tomorrow was gonna be an easy day, but I was tired none the less.