Flesh and Silicon

As the cold wind howled over the deserted wasteland. The barbed wire swayed in a smooth motion, similar to a tree. The thick black pillars of smoke from the fires drifted off into the air. A small periscope surfaced from a hole in the ground, and turned in multiple directions and stopped, looking in the direction of a swarm of Changelings. The periscope quickly dived into the cracked dirt. Suddenly the desolate wasteland burst to life with the scream of a single word.

"FIRE!"

Suddenly explosions could be heard from miles away. Heavy metal shells flew up from the ground and rained upon the Changeling swarm, who quickly retreated from the area. The erratic chatter of stallions could be heard as metal clanging emanated from the trenches. Suddenly the same voice screamed

"CEASE FIRE!"

A Pegasus walked among the rows of mortar cannons with stallions unloading the shells. He was tall, even for his race. He had a scar across his face and had 2 massive black rings around his eyes and walked in a rigid style of motion.He had a light grey mane with a white highlight in. He was dressed in metal, rifle green armour and had a Officer cap to put across his rank in the trench. He inspected the troops and went back into his small room. He lit a candle and began writing a small letter.

To my dear sweet Luna,

I am writing to you in deep regret as I have been ordered to be stationed at my trench for yet another 6 months. I hope that you are well and hope to see you after this tour. I wish you the best and hope that everything is OK in Equestria.

Yours, Steelwing

He then put it in an envelope and put it on a desk, ready to be picked up by the courier soon. Another pony walked in soon after, he was dressed in the same armour, but had a large,metal helmet that had several scrapes and mud stains on. He had a dark grey mane with a white highlight in as well, he was fresh faced and young.

"Sir the mortars are cleaned and packed," The young stallion reported.However the tall officer didn't respond as he was lost in thought. "Sir?" the stallion said, trying to get the officer back into the unforgiving world that they were in.

"Oh, I'm sorry Lieutenant . Yes very good," he stammered.

"Is everything OK sir?" he asked with concern.

"Forget the formalities, Platinum. We have been in this service since Cadets," The officer ordered tiredly.

"Sorry si...Steelwing,"

"Anyway, I just been notified by HQ that we have to stay in this den of pain for another 6 months,"

"What!" Platinum shouted with shock. "But I have a family, they need me there. I promised that I would be there on my son's birthday,"

"I know, I said the same thing. My Luna isn't in the best condition anyway," Steelwing sighed.

"Yeah, you told me yesterday. Apparently she is having troubles with..." Platinum recalled.

"Please don't," Steelwing cut off. "On the brighter side, if there is any. The Changelings are weakening,"

"So we are not just converting shells to shrapnel then?" Platinum joked. Steelwing chuckled.

"You always find a way to make me laugh, even in the worst of times". Suddenly a short, young stallion burst into the office.

"Sorry for the interruption sir, but we have a massive swarm of Changelings coming our way!" He said with deep breaths, like he had run a mile.

"Thank you private, carry on. We will be out immediately," Steelwing said, dismissing the private. "Just another day at the office".

Steelwing and Platinum walked along the makeshift path to the spotting post. Steelwing grabbed a periscope and scanned the area. He suddenly stopped and turned to Platinum.

"You haven't got your spotting qualifications yet, have you Platinum?" Steelwing asked with a grin.

"No sir," He responding quickly.

"Well today you will, grab the spotter," Steelwing said, letting go of the handles.

"Are you sure that's wise sir?"

"Do you want to be a Captain?"

"Yes sir,"

"Then grab the bucking spotter before I have to get the can of fly spray out!" Platinum grabbed the 2 handles and scanned the area above the trench. He then set his sights on a small swarm, charging at the trench.

"Changelings at 3 O' Clock!" Platinum shouted.

"OK, upload the coordinates to the mortars," Steelwing guided. Platinum pressed a small button which set the mortars to move at the direction the periscope was facing. "You know what to say next,"

"Detail, load!" Platinum shouted. The stallions hurried and loaded the heavy metal shells in the barrels.

"Ready!"

"FIRE," Platinum shouted. The trench came to live as the shells flew out of the trench. They rained down terror on the swarm, dispersing them almost instantly. A few bodies flew and some scattered across the field. Steelwing smiled at the sight and chuckled to him self.

"Just like confetti".

A storm of metallic shells came from the sky and shook the ground until Platinum screamed "Cease fire!" The stallions then took the shells from the barrels that did not get armed. Steelwing and Platinum walked back to the small office and prepared a cup of tea.

"You know, you're gonna get Captain one day," Steelwing comforted.

"Yeah, third time lucky," Platinum sulked.

"I know that feeling, three people got promoted before me, and they were less qualified. Oh well, that's the commanders fault, not mine". Platinum shrugged it off and changed the subject.

"Hows Greytail?" Platinum asked.

"Thats King Greytail to you," Steelwing told. "He is fine, got a letter off him last week. I bet he is cosy in his castle while I'm in the rain and muck, defending that castle of his,"

"I presume he hasn't been the model father then,"

"Not at all, he just said that he wishes me the best. Like he is practically saying, try not to get yourself killed".

"Anyway, lets hit the hay. We got a night op to do tonight and we don't want to be sluggish," Steelwing yawned. The smaller stallion climbed up onto the top bunk as Steelwing lied down on the bottom bunk. They soon fell asleep.