Chapter 4
Caribou soldiers were chasing them. Twilight ran as fast as she could, but they were getting closer and closer. Something was very wrong, she ran and ran but it looked like she wasn’t moving at all. Suddenly the ground underneath her disappeared and what was left was black oblivion, she fell with scream.

“Aaaaaaaa…”Twilight woke up with heavily breathing. She was in large room in her apartment. With a growl she got out of bed and went out onto the balcony. Large gardens surround her home, above trees she saw lights of large skyscrapers creating a heart of Aurora City. Memories, she had this nightmares from the end of war. She saw as a patrol passed beneath her. She knew that now at least four agents were observing her, so much change since the end of the Caribou war, she was a different mare now, but memories of those days were still with her.

Forest was really dense, but resistance fighters looked like they knew exactly where to go. After a firefight and quick introduction they moved deep into the forest. Jason and Lance Shield have been walking arm to arm while six mares follow right after them. The sun’s rays shined through treetops, lighting their path.
“…we've operate in this forest for a month now. When Caribou shattered our third army during battle of Rainbow falls what was left of us tried to contact with Royal Canterlot Army, before we arrived here RCA was already lost. So we decide to stay here and create resistance cell…” said Lance Shield. He and Jason have been talking since they left a battlefield.
“So, how you were able to find us, in this bloody forest?” asked Jason.
“Believe me or not, but this was more about luck than knowledge. We spotted one of the patrols that this fuckers send into forest and decide to follow it. It looked like we had more luck that we hoped for. Rescue bearers of Harmony and foreign dignitary” smiled Captain.
“And once again thank you for saving our sorry asses” answered Jason.
“Speaking of which, Can you tell me more about this UBA? I am really curios about it.”
They were talking for the whole trip. But Twilight was sure that something was off about Jason. He still had this smile of his but the way he was talking or rather the words he spoke, they were not entirely true, like he was hiding something. She knew that feeling, she had this feeling every time when princess Celestia had a political meeting.
“… so as you can see UBA is international association, which in cooperation with others who value freedom and friendship. UBA strictly opposed organizations or governments whose violate rights of sapient species or pursue totalitarian politics.”
“Is there any possibility that you can help us? Food, weapons, ammunition, believe me, we can pay for them.” Asked Lance Shield.
“It’s not my call to make. Council have to assemble and make decision like this, but in the moment I will return to my people, I will pursue this idea.”

Twilight was in shock, she heard herself when he spoke with rest of the council and declared the war on Caribou. Why he didn’t said it to the Captain? Why he changed his attitude after meeting of them? It was strange, he apparently didn’t want Captain to know but why?
Twilight decide to asked him later when they will be alone.

“ I completely understand” he stopped, Twilight saw that they stood in front of small cave. Entrance was guarded by two soldiers. “Well here we are, our home”
“Nice place, very good hidden” said Jason.
“ Fortunately few of us grown in nearby village, they know this place like their own pocket, but for outsider this place is nearly impossible to spotted.” They enter the cave, strangely enough it looked like whole cave system was illuminated. Wires on the ceiling were pretty everywhere, bundled and fixed to the stone wall.
“You have a power. How?” asked Jason.
“Magical generators, not very effective but they doing the job”
“Magical generators? How are they working? Jason was truly interested in this development. However before Lance Shield was able to answered Twilight entered her lecture mode and said:
“ They operate on magical crystals, which can be mined only in frozen north. Each crystal working as battery, storing energy produce any other way. Not like the name suggest this doesn’t need to be magical energy, you can simply throw them to fireplace and wait. Of course using unicorn magic is quickest way and most efficient. They are very expensive to, I never heard that anypony had some in their home. But military bought many of them.”
“Yes this true, army always had eye on useful items” smiled Lance Shield.
“Interesting, could I have a look on them later?” asked Jason.
“ I think we can arrange it, maybe even we could sell some, let said for some help”
“ Hahahah” Jason laugh “ I think we will reach a compromise”

Finally they enter a large chamber in the middle of it stood a large table. Five officers was encircling it, one of them looked up at the newcomers. He had this look, Jason knew it, it was a look of the men who sow war on his own eyes, eyes of veteran. Captain stood on attention and saluted.
“Colonel Iron Hoof Sir, Captain Lance Shield reporting from reconnaissance mission.”
Old stallion took off his glasses and walked away from the table to face them.
“ Twily! I am so glad to see you in one piece!”
Twilight widened her eyes seeing an old stallion.
“Uncle Hoof! I thought you died!” Twilight jump embracing her uncle.
“ I… I thought they… you. I know about Ponyville… reports were saying that no mere escaped. I love you…” it was some view, old stallion was crying, tears there were flowing from his eyes contrast with his military attitude.
“ I am fine, I am really fine, thanks to Jason here” she said pointing at Jason.
He put his niece down and faced Jason. His face changed into professional one.
“ My name is Colonel Iron Hoof, Second Battalion, First Infantry Division, Third Equestrian Army. Who should I thanks for returning my niece to me?”
“ Marshal Jason Lasinski, United Bronies Army. I am glad I was able to help”
“United Bronies Army? I never heard of it. Are you from other side of Infinity Ocean?”
“ I think that we should talk about it in private.” Said Jason.
Colonel opened his mouth to say something, but Twilight grabbed his hand and said.
“Do what he asked for” old stallion nod and waved to follow him.
Finally they arrived in small cave, which apparently function as his office. Small bed was placed against the wall, next to bed Jason saw a chest and cabinet. Most of room was occupied by another table with a lot of maps, and some schematics.
“Ok we should be alone now. What is so important that you needed to speak only with me?” he asked clearly annoyed.
“ This guy is changing mood quicker than women in period” Jason thought irritated by old stallion attitude. He looked at Iron Hoof, thinking… and then Jason smirked.
“ So you are trying to check me hmm” he thought “With all due respect, but I will not tolerate to speaking to me in this tone Colonel. I am supreme commander of United Bronies Army, and you Sir will address me as such!”
Old Stallion smiled and nod clearly satisfied. He tangled his hands behind his back. Girls were truly terrified by sudden outburst.
“Stop both of you, don’t you think we have greater problems than you too arguing” yelled Twilight.
Both officers looked at each other, this was a game, they wanted to check if any side is mentally stronger than other, it could make who will be leading. This was sometime a way to determinate a chain of command when to commanders with two foreign armies, with the same rank were on battlefield. This was no longer used on earth, but it looked like here it was still a case, and Jason knew this game well enough to not fold.
“Ok, so I think I should start from beginning, that will be a long night” Jason said to Colonel.

Author's Note

Real thanks for Lord Demolitions who agreed to become editor and proofreader.
Yet this chapter was edit only partially due to some technical issues.