Oracle Down...

“Hmm…” Colonel Simmons could only think of how to execute Operation Diablo. He had only been with his battalion for approximately two and a half weeks; Under his command they had progressed from basic training to more technical maneuvers, so technical that half your squad was dumbfounded during presentation of tasks.

“I do advise you one thing,” Simmons started, “Heavy reports of seismic activity have been reported in the area. I do highly suggest you go in by air, but I also digress; for a more stealth approach, that is. You must go in on foot.” The colonel looked at you. “Gustav, do you have any questions on how to lead your squad?” “No sir.” You reply. Really you had no idea how to command. You had recently been promoted to staff sergeant and alongside that, had been moved into this squad; you had no absolute idea how to navigate the barren wasteland, ruined by earthquakes and famine.

“Okay ladies, keep it close and watch your sixes.” Being as quiet as possible but still audible via radio, you start to check the bend to see if it’s clear. “Sir, do you know who the HVI’s are?” “Private, I’ve gone over this more times than I’ve needed to. They are two teenage girls; they might have Intel on where to locate the source.” Annoyed by the private asking the same question you’ve answered multiple times, you radio in; “Simmons; we may have located the target. Give me an exact location on 3rd and Main.” “Roger that, umm; you may have to look around for a call box. We seem to be unable to contact the two. However, Oracle support may have a better description on the HVI’s: One is blue and one is orange possibly yellow. No further details were provided, that’s up to you. Simmons out.” You look annoyed, and it’s clear to the rest of your group. So far Operation Diablo was a failure. There was little to no hope you’d ever really make contact with the two. You knew; Oracle was down due to a possible EMP set off in the northeastern area of the city. But this couldn’t have happened. You’d have no source of radio. No way in ten hundred years would you be able to make radio contact if an EMP was active.

You open the door to the suspected building. It’s completely trashed, from ceiling to the once liquidated floor. Some granite counter tops remain intact, others shattered or chipped, some even weren’t where they were supposed to be; on the floor intact or on the floor in shards. “HOLD IT.” You whisper loudly. You give the ‘Do not move’ signal and you slowly proceed to the top floor, carefully as some steps seem to be missing and or look as if they’re on the verge of collapsing. A distant sobbing is coming from the far port side of the room. Instantly you know who these two are.

"It's okay. Calm down, I'm not going to harm you." These two are scared to the point they won't listen to you. You've repeated several times that you weren't going to hurt them. From what you could make out, the one wearing a Stetson hat spoke with an accent that sounded as if she was a farmer. The other had rainbow hair, and seemed a wee bit feisty. you tried to help her up but instead got a slap right on the cheek. It reminded you of when you were at home as a youngster and your got in trouble by your mother. No matter, you called the rest of your squadron up and without trouble escorted them out of the once was Canterlot. "Wh-Who exactly are you guys?" The light blue one spoke up, finally calming down. "We are special force Drago, and we have concluded Operation Diablo, a rescue mission. Right now we have to find a refuge for you two. Give us a location and we will drop you two off." "Romero, eh? I guess that's your name, right?" The one with rainbow hair looked at your patch with your last name on it. "Yes, Gustav Romero. Graduate of Canterlot High and-" "Did you say Canterlot High? CHS? I'm Rainbow Dash, and this is Applejack." The young woman tipped her Stetson and looked back at Rainbow Dash who then looked at you, pending a response. "Uhh.. yeah. Canterlot High. I went there. Nice to meet you two, but could you please get back to my question from earlier? The pilot needs a response as soon as possible." You were wondering if Rainbow had espresso this morning, due to how quick of a pace she spoke when she cut you off. "Okay," Applejack chimed in, "Ah know where ya can take us."

You were really starting to feel these two had friends and they were the caretakers for now. You had soon arrived at a house in the suburbs. It looked strange having a special forces helicopter dropping off three people on a public road, yet it looked strange when your father dropped you off at school on a tour bus. Anyways, you signaled the rest of Drago to head back to base and report to Simmons on how Operation Diablo was executed. As torn up Canterlot really was, the suburbs were fairly peaceful. Strangely. Rainbow Dash gave you a look as you left the helicopter, but it wasn't a glare or anything. It looked friendly. She had invited you to be company while the whole incident was taking place. You suspected this was a trap but you couldn't say otherwise. You decided to keep it cool and go with the flow. As soon as Applejack opened the door, Five other teenage girls were relaxing, once they saw you in uniform they froze. "Look everybody, this may look strange but he actually saved us. He's not gonna cause harm." The pale yellow one with pink hair nearly fainted and as a result you asked her if she was fine. "Oh.. um... yes I'm... fine.." She started to hide her face behind her pink bangs. Hey, if some 23 year old soldier dressed in uniform came into your house and asked you a question you'd be equally as scared, especially if you didn't know what was going on.

For the next hour you sat, occasionally taking sips of water from your canteen, trying to preserve it. You'd gotten to know the girls' and their interests. Rarity, the snow colored one with purple, almost indigo hair was into fashion, Pinkie Pie was into partying, You didn't really get much from Fluttershy as she barely spoke, Twilight Sparkle was into magic and was often called 'egghead' by Dash. You chuckled silently at that; if someone in your squad didn't know what to do, you'd call them egghead. You didn't really understand Sunset Shimmer but hey, you weren't gonna stay forever. You noticed a bass guitar in the far corner of the room. It had three apples on the neck and you knew it was Applejack's. Why wouldn't it be?  "That's a fairly nice bass guitar back there. You play?" You ask curiously, directed to Applejack. "Ah do, we kinda have a band." You brought up the fact you played bass and was self teaching drums. Pinkie's head turned towards you in the snap of the fingers. Gee, you thought Rainbow Dash had espresso this morning, Pinkie Pie must have drank a 24 ounce glass of Plutonium and Espresso combined. "I play drums, you play drums. I play fast do you play fast? I like to play fast and loud, you must like to do the same thing too! Ooh and what about-" Applejack placed her hand over Pinkie's mouth, "Okay Pinkie, don't overwhelm him with questions. Sorry about that, Goose Taffy, is it?" You chuckle at that and in the corner of your eye you see Dash blush a little. 'Does she like me?' You thought to yourself but quickly answered with "It's Gustav, My parents just had to be creative when it came to the name department." You sounded a little bit sarcastic, emitting a few giggles from various persons. Applejack reddened. "Sorry, can ah just call you Romero then? It seems easier." "Sure, and don't be upset, most people say my name wrong anyways. I'm used to it." You decide to test Rainbow, and give a half-smile to Applejack when you answer. "So, how is life outside this whole military thing?" Dash questions, quickly changing the subject. She seems to have disagreed with your half smile directed to the Stetson wearing girl. "It's great, just living as a normal life, much like you were before this whole incident." You reply, maintaining eye contact with Rainbow. 'Great. I think the others got the picture. I learned that they're Juniors, and I just turned 23. If she likes me, that would be interesting. I don't even go to school with them. They do however seem to comprehend the fact Rainbow Dash may possibly like me. Here we go, back to grade school.'