Blood in the Sandby DJ Burning TempoChaptersChapter 1 - A PrincipioChapter 2 - Et erat ibi nomine RatioChapter 3 - Et mundabo saeculum per ignemChapter 4 - A sors temptusChapter 5 - RedemptionemChapter 6 - Heroes IndictusChapter 7 - A bonum tempus medellaeChapter 8 - RelictusEpilogue - Past meum non est hodieChapter 1 - A Principio“Fall back to the green smoke or were going to be overrunned. Rainbow I want you to provide suppressing fire on points A and B. Baxter you grab Applejacks left I’ll grab her right we gotta get her to the evac site now.” Roman said hoisting up his friend who is now bleeding out onto the sands of the battlefield. Baxter and Roman kick into overdrive dragging their wounded teammate as bullets whizz past her heads and grenades explode in the distance. After several minutes of running they reach a run down house and quickly get Applejack inside laying her out on a clean section of floor. “Sir, she is loosing to much blood we gotta find away to stop the bleeding. Rainbow and Lansky can’t hold their position much longer.” Baxter said propping Applejack against a nearby wall. Roman runs over and kneels down next to her. “How ya doin Applejack talk to me.” Roman said pulling out a small medkit from a nearby fallen member of the once large Titan Squad. As he is getting ready to patch up Applejack. Baxter, Rainbow, and Lansky come running back towards him. “Sergeant were low on ammo and Prometheus is closing in fast we gotta hurry and get out of here.” Roman keeping himself calm and collected looks at Rainbow. “Sergeant Dash I want you to get what ammo you can from our fallen brothers then I want you, Baxter, and Lansky to get to the green smoke for evac. Roman turns to pull out his radio. “Sierra 248 where the fuck are you I have two dead and one wounded and in critical condition. What is your position.? Over” After a few minutes of radio silence a voice rings over the walkie. “Roger that Titans I see your smoke I’m five mikes to the evac zone ETA ten minutes. Over” “Roger that Sierra 248 about damn time you got here. Who all is with you?” Roman asked cutting open Applejacks shirt to find the bullet hole. “Just me and Rhino Company.” The radio man says before a familiar voice comes over the walkie. “Staff Sergeant Roman are you there?” Roman smiles slightly “Yes sir commander Maxim I’m here and the situation is completely Fubar sir.” Roman says giving Applejack morphine and bandaging her up as she weakly speaks into his ear. “I don’t want to die Roman, I still have to get you back for that prank you and Pinkie pulled on me.” She softly chuckles before coughing up blood. Roman who is now slightly crying takes her hand. “Don’t worry Applejack you're going to be ok the evac is almost here that way we can get you back to the carrier and get you some actual medical treatment. For right now just save your strength ok.” she nods and passes out from blood loss as Rainbow runs over to Roman. “Holy shit is she...dead?” Roman cleans the blood off his hands and puts gloves on. “No she still has a pulse she just passed out from blood loss, thankfully our squad medics supplies were destroyed in that I.E.D blast but we have to get her airlifted out of her ASAP.” just then as the insurgents were closing in the helicopter arrives gunning down some of the enemies. Roman carries Applejack to the helicopter and loads her into it. As the helicopter makes it off the ground several missiles pound the area taking out several helos including the one with Applejack in it. The helicopter Titan Squad Climbed into got hit as well and spun towards the ground. More missiles pound the helicopters knocking them out of the sky and killing all of Rhino Company. The remaining helicopters and humvees retreated as Prometheus soldiers started combing through the downed helicopters. Several months prior “Ugh I hate math so much. I can’t wait to get this school year over.” Roman said running his hand over his shaved head. “Oh stop being so melodramatic. ” Twilight says giggling and punching Romans arm. “Easy for you to say Twi, your Miss Brainiac.” she blushes slightly at the compliment. “I’m not a brainiac I just study, if you spent more time studying and less time doing athletic things with Rainbow Dash maybe you wouldn’t find math so stressful.” Sunset said as they walked into the lunchroom and saw there friends seated at their usual table. Sure high school was stressful but Roman didn’t care he was always one for doing the impossible and muscling through tough situations. He had several family members in the military so he knew all too well how to properly deal with high levels of stress. As for his friends he had a good amount. The six girls all knew each other since they were little and Roman has been there friend since Freshman year. Although him and Rainbow knew each other since middle school they remained close friends the whole time. Rarity was Queen Diva, on top of that she was also gorgeous and on more than several occasions he would stare at her ass without her knowing. There was Fluttershy who is the animal caretaker of the school and on several occasions she would sneak animals into her backpack. On top of that she was a shy girl, but despite her shyness that didn’t stop her from being cute, at least to Roman that is. To be fair all of his friends were cute. Then, there was the new girl that joined the group shortly after Roman did. Sunset Shimmer, at first she was Queen Bitch everyone hated her. Granted Roman didn’t hate her but that's simply because Roman didn’t have a bad bone in his body. Like most of his friends Sunset was just as attractive. Needless to say Roman always liked her a little bit more than he did Rarity. “hey everyone.” Roman said sitting down at the table with his lunchbox. Roman never did like school food it always made him sick. “What ya got to eat today dude.” Rainbow asked putting her arm around him and hugging him. “The usual sandwich, apple, banana, trail mix, and protein shake.” Rainbow chuckles at him rubbing his head. “Oh trying to maintain that new body of your huh she says touching his stomach. Back in his Freshmen and Sophomore year Roman was a pretty chubby kid but after he started talking sports with Rainbow he soon began to eat healthy and take care of himself. “Well, what can I say I like the new me the new me feels a lot better than the old me.” He says flexing and acting like a goofball. “I do have agree darling I rather like the new handsome you.” she says fluttering her eyes at Roman. “I for one liked the old Roman.” Fluttershy said softly. Pinkie buts in on the conversation. “Ya chubby Roman was awesome to hug he was like a big squishy ball of dough.” Pinkie said giggling before falling out of her chair in laughter. “You ok there Sunset?” Roman asked “You’ve been quiet this whole time.” she looks up and blushes with embarrassment. As Applejack leans in and the girls follow. “So, Roman have you decided who you're going to the prom with?” Applejack says laughing at the now awkward silence over taking the table. “No I haven’t to tell you the truth I never liked proms. Apart from spending time with you guys everything else is just boring ya know.” Never once did Roman ever like the idea of school functions. Not because he was not popular or didn’t have anyone to go to these functions with it’s just stuff like that didn’t interest him. All he liked to do was hang out with his friends, work on his car, or play sports with Rainbow Dash. Still, though going to something like the prom may be fun especially with the right person. If the situation presented itself he probably wouldn’t say no. Soon after finishing his lunch Principle Celestia came over the loudspeaker with an announcement. “Attention students after lunch a army recruiter here to talk students about enlisting after high school. All those interested in attending please come to the gymnasium after lunch.” Hearing this Romans eyes lit up noticing this the girls get a worried look on their face. Twilight was the first to speak up. “Roman I know your entire family was military but that does not mean you have to go into something that dangerous. I mean what if something happened to you your family would be devastated and so would we.” “It’s true darling just the thought of you in those tacky military outfits and all the dirt and grime just makes me sick.” Everyone stares daggers at her. “Oh and of course you could get hurt or worse.” Roman stands up cracking his knuckles. “Girls I Appreciate your concern but this is something I want to do, I have always wanted to be a soldier. Sunset stands up visibly angry. “Roman think about what you're doing, did you once ever think about our feelings, did you ever think that if anything ever happened to you we would just lose it.” She angrily walks out of the lunchroom. As Roman chases after her. “What's her problem?” Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight looks at the girls and then to Rainbow. “It’s because she has a crush on Roman, and he doesn’t realise it. Honestly I’m the only one she has told about it and I just gotta say she is head over heals for him.” Twilight says drinking her water and finishing her apple “Ya well he isn’t the only on enlisting.” Rainbow said pointing at herself. The girls look at he shocked at the statement. “He has been my friend since middle school I’m not about to let go the distance alone. Although I have to agree with you Twilight it is a bad idea but you know how Roman is, once he sets his mind to something he goes through with it.” Rainbow then takes her backpack and gets up to go find Roman. As she gets up Applejack grabs Rainbows arm. “Hold on there partner, you're not going by yourself I’ll enlist with you Rainbow.” Twilight interrupts the two girls. “Were you two not listening when I told Roman how dangerous it is. Why do you all want to enlist so badly?” Twilight says groaning. “Because Twilight like I said before Roman is my closest friend I’d follow him to hell and back and never ask myself why.” She walks out of the lunchroom after Roman. “Why are you going Applejack?” Pinkie Pie said tilting her head as she puts her food away. “Someone has to go and keep those two from getting themselves killed don’t they.” Applejack smirks and walks away. “Don’t worry girls everything will be fine I promise.” Applejack walks into the hallway and heads for the gymnasium. Meanwhile, in another part of the school “I can’t believe you would do this, do you know what would happen if I lost you. You goddamn fool I love you. Ok ever since I first got here you have been nothing but a good friend to me, but I wanna be more than friends ok.” Sunset says tears in her eyes as she grabs Roman and clings to his chest. “I don’t wanna lose you.” Roman just stops and takes in what just happened. Roman just holds her tight rubbing her back. “Don’t worry Sunset you won’t lose me. I promise when I get enlisted I’ll write to you Skype with you, and when I finally come home I’m gonna walk off that ship run up to you and hug you so tight that your back will pop.” he said mocking a bear hug as he lifted Sunset up as she giggled slightly. “Besides, I won’t anything happen to that big teddy bear.” Rainbow says walking up to them. Me and Applejack are enlisting with you. I’d never let my best friend go the journey alone, especially something as dangerous as the military. Applejack is also coming to keep us in line so we get home safely.” Applejack soon comes up behind Rainbow and fixes her hat. “Don’t worry Sunset nothing will happen to your man I promise.” Sunset looks at the three of them before laughing. “Seeing you guys in uniform is gonna be weird.” Roman looks at her surprised and then he hugs her tightly. “So, you’re ok with me enlisting.” Roman says rubbing Sunsets face as she leans into his touch. “Yes but only you three promise to come back to us unharmed, ok.” Sunset then hugs all three of them as the lunch bell rings and the three of them head to the gymnasium. As they get to the gym they took their seats on the bleachers and watched as the recruiter gave his speech on the history of the Army and the many roles the Army offers. The presentation ends and another man in uniform walks in. “I want to thank everyone who attended the presentation and a big thanks to principal Celestia for letting all this happen. Now, if anyone is interested in enlisting please come down now and grab an enlistment form, fill it out completely, and then bring them to me after your done then head back to class you will be notified by letter in two weeks if you were accepted.” No one stands up they just sit there and mumble and giggle sensing the other recruiters annoyance build up. The three of them quickly stand up. “We want to enlist sir.” Roman says as he walks down the bleachers proudly with Rainbow and Applejack as they stand at attention in front of the recruiter. “Tell me you three why do you three want to enlist in something as dangerous as the military. You first son.” The recruiter looks at Roman as he clears his throat. “Simple sir I have people I want to protect, and to honour my family who have all served in the military.” He said proudly looking at Sunset. “A valiant effort son, what's your name?” “Andrew Roman sir but I prefer to go by Roman.” the recruiter hands him the enlistment form. What about you Miss, what's your name?” the recruiter says putting the microphone near Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash sir.” “Why do you want to enlist in the military?” she thinks for a few before putting her arm around Roman. “Because me and this guy are the best of friends and I’d follow him to hell and back if I have to. I’d even take a bullet for this man and he would do the same for me.” “That's very loyal of you Miss Dash.” he hands an enlistment form to Rainbow and he finally walks over to Applejack. “What's your name Miss?’ he once again asks clenching the enlistment form in his hands. “Applejack sir.” she says nervously. “Why do you wanna join the military Miss Jack?’ she looks to Sunset and her friends and smiles. “Because I promised my friends that I’d make sure these two make it home.” with a proud look on his face he hands the form to her and salutes her. “You see kids three of your fellow students want to enlist and there reasons for doing so are selfless and the friendship between these three is unbreakable. Alright students well its time for you all to head back to class thank you for attending and have a good day.” Roman hands him back all three forms signed. “Well that was fast.” he said with a look of surprise. “Ehehe were really eager to join.” Rainbow said with a smile. “Always nice to see so much enthusiasm. Well, kids I thank you for your time you guys go back to class and I’ll get these filled.” The three of them run off to finish off their day. As the day crept on the three students couldn’t stop smiling at their chances of getting in. Once everything was said and done Roman headed for his locker. Everyday after school he always works out with Rainbow for an hour or two. Tonight however he can only exercise for an hour as he is planning on spending time with Sunset. Since there is a good chance that in two weeks he won't see her for awhile. The workout went as normal and ever rainbow and Roman took turns spotting and lifting and talking about the day and there excitement for the military. Soon an hour comes to an end and the two of them wipe off the equipment and hit the showers before saying goodbye and parting ways. Roman soon arrives at his apartment and walks in throwing down his backpack and relaxing on the couch. Roman loved his family but he never knew how nice living on your own was. He soon got out his phone and called Sunset so she could come over and they could hang out for a couple of hours. He pulls up Sunsets contact info and dials her number. “Hey Roman what's up?” Sunset said with an audible spark in her voice. “Well, I wanted to see if you wanted to come over and hang out for a few hours. I can make dinner and we can watch a movie or two.” “Sure I’ll be over in about thirty minutes, see ya soon babe.” Sunset hangs up and gets ready to go. Back at Roman's place he begins to get ready for his date with Sunset. He shaves his beard down to a light amount of stubble and shaves his head he then puts on cologne and freshens his breath. Once out of the bathroom he gets out the proper ingredients and begins cooking a nice dinner. Roman was no five star chef but when it came to pasta and grilled food he was the master at cooking. Thirty minutes later he hears a knock on his door. He steps away from the stove throwing the towel over his shoulder and answers the door. “Hello beautiful.” Roman says looking Sunset up and down instead of her normal leather jacket, dress, and jeans. She shows up wearing a purple top with skinny jeans on and black and white high tops. Sunset blushes slightly at his compliment before pushing him. “Are you gonna let me in or are you just gonna stand there and look at me.” getting a smirk on her face Roman steps aside letting her in. She inhales deeply as the smells of freshly cooked steak fill the air. She breathes out and sighs and relaxes on the couch. “so how long until the foods ready I’m starving.” She says tilting her head back and rubs her stomach. Roman comes around handing her a plate of potatoes, steak, and asparagus. “Holy shit this looks amazing. How did you make all this so quickly?” Sunset said taking a bite of the steak as she shudders at the taste. “Your handsome, Kind, and you can cook. Damn I won the lottery with you.” Sunset said giggling as she continues eating. Roman puts his plate down and goes to get his remote and grabs two movies from the shelf. “So, what are we watching?” Sunset said drinking some of her wine. “Well, I have The Notebook and Titanic.” Roam says putting the Notebook in his DVD player and he sits down as Sunset cuddles up close to him. They sit there in each others arms kissing every so often as they watch the movies. Sunset soon falls asleep in Romans arms. He kisses her head and carries her upstairs and tucks her into his bed and he goes downstairs and sleeps on the couch. Soon after laying down Roman quickly falls asleep today was without a doubt the best day of his life.. Chapter 2 - Et erat ibi nomine RatioThe next morning Roman wakes up to the smell of eggs and bacon. As he stirs from his sleep he sees a orange skinned goddess at the stove cooking breakfast for him. Sunset notices him waking up and walks over to him. “Good morning sleepy head. Did you have a good sleep?” She said smiling and rubbing his arm. “Morning Sunset. i slept ok my back hurts though.” he says sitting up and rubbing his lower back. “Well next time we can sleep in the same bed. After all I don’t bite...much” Sunset said with a wink a she swayed her hips and headed back to the stove. “I’ll keep that in mind next time.” Roman chuckles as he goes upstairs to shower and get ready for school. For the next several days Sunset would spend every waking moment glued to Romans side, she was determined to spend as much time with him as possible. After several more dates things started to get serious between the two love struck students and eventually they moved in together. It may have seemed fast to everyone else but to Sunset and Roman they loved each other too much to care. With graduation only three days away Roman and his friends were excited to finally be done with the stress of high school and though they would probably go there separate ways they would all stay in contact with each other. Finally the day arrived the morning of his graduation Sunset handed him a letter from the recruiter and what the letter said both shocked and surprised him. “Dear Mr. Roman After a careful look at your record and credentials you have been accepted into the U.S Military. However the army has filled its que. So we have transferred you and a select few from your hometown of canterlot have been transferred to the another division. As of today you are an official member of the U.S.M.C. Please report to the address below within the next day or so to finalize your position. From there we will send you of to your nearest naval base for basic training. We can’t tell you how happy we are to have someone of your caliber added to our ranks. So from everyone here and everyone in the U.S. We say Thank You. Signed, Cl. Andrew J. Sanders Roman began to jump up and down in joy at what he just read. He immediately picks up his phone and calls Rainbow. He taps his foot as he waits for her to pick up. “Rainbow did you get your letter/” Roman asked in an excited tone. “Hell yeah, sadly though i couldn’t be in the army so they assigned me to the Marines.” She says slightly disappointed. “Me to, they said that a select few from canterlot were transferred to a different branch that had openings. We gotta call Applejack.” Roman says dialing her number and adding her to their call. “Ah take it you guys got your letters.” Applejack said reading her letter. “Ah also assume that you to are the “few” they selected from Canterlot to be transferred like ah was.” Rainbow cheers loudly as Roman gives of a excited laugh. “Ah take that as a yes.” she said rolling her eyes and smiling. “Well I’m gonna go and get ready for school see you guys in a few.” Roman said heading upstairs trying not to wake Sunset. hanging up his phone he hops in the shower as he gets out and dries himself off he feels soft hands wrap around his waist as a head leaned on his back. “How is my big strong soldier this morning.” Sunset said rubbing her hands over his abs. “I’m awesome, I take it you heard the conversation on the phone?” he says shaving his face. “Yes and from the sound of it Rainbow and Aj were just as happy as you. For now however I’m more interested in your soldier that's politely standing at attention just for me.” she said in a seductive town slowly reaching down and pulling off Romans towel gently gripping his member and stroking slowly. “We can be a little late for school. After all today is our last day so no one's gonna care.” She said as she turns Roman around and presses him against the wall kissing him deeply. After a hour of hot bathroom sex the two lovebirds get dressed and head out the door. Once they arrive at school Rainbow and her friends are waiting for Roman and Sunset by the front of the school. Once Pinkie notices Sunset she quickly tells everyone they're coming. “hey knucklehead your an hour late, what took so long.” Roman rubs the back of his head and smiles. “Sunset here gave a little present for being accepted into the military.” The girls just stare for a few seconds, “Oh my Sunset you are very lucky to have such a...well chiseled man.” Perhaps you can fill us in on the details while we let these three bask in their achievement.” rarity said in a rather flirty tone. “Nice try Rarity.” Sunset said giggling. My sex life is on strict lockdown, after all I can’t give you reasons to try and steal my man now can I?” Rarity quickly blushes and slinks back rubbing her arm. “Fair enough.” The eight friends head inside to enjoy their last day as high school. Tomorrow they will be full fledged adults with the world at their fingertips and free to carve their own future. After a heartfelt goodbye to all their memories from their years of fun and shenanigans all the students head home and prepare for their graduation ceremony. For the rest of the day Roman and his friends spent their time partying, and talking about what there gonna do after they graduate. Pinkie wanted to get a degree in business so she could open up her own chain of bake shops, Fluttershy wanted to open her own mobile Veterinary Station so she could care for animals all around the world, Rarity wanted to be an actress along with have her own clothing line, Applejack wanted to take over control of Sweet Apple Acres once she got back to the states after her tour of duty, Sunset wanted to study medicine so she could be a doctor, Twilight wanted to be a scientist, and Roman and Rainbow well they wanted to stay in the military as long as possible. They all had their lives planned out it was comforting to see friends being so happy. Make no mistake there was no breaking this group apart. The time had come Roman and rainbow got into their suits, as the girls got into their dresses. Rainbow was never one for frilly girly things besides she always like suits she thought they amplified her awesomeness. Before they leave they all gather on the porch of Pinkie's house and they all got into position as Sunset set up her phone to take a group picture. Once they all got into position right as the flash hits roman and Sunset share a kiss not breaking once for the photo. Sunset took her phone and texted the pictures to all eight of her friends so they can remember this moment for years to come. Just like that they all piled into Romans jeep and they headed for CHS. Sparing no time they arrive and take their seats as the band starts to play before Principal Celestia steps out and stands in front of the podium. “Thank you all for coming. Today is no doubt a very special day for everyone. Today we will be sending off our Senior class of 2017, as I stand here today I can’t begin to describe how happy I am to see so many of my beloved students leave these halls and start their adult lives.” After a long speech Celestia starts calling out names of the students, as each one went up and received their caps, gowns, and Diplomas. Roman and his friends all came up at once claim the prize they had all worked so hard for. Once they received their Diplomas they all blew off the rest of the ceremony and hopped in Romans jeep and they headed for the lake for a late night party. After all what better way to relax after your graduation then with music, alcohol, and skinny dipping. Needless to say they all had a blast and swam and drank late into the night, well except for Fluttershy. After all she was the designated driver. The seven drunk friends crammed into the jeep as Fluttershy drove everyone home until it was just her, Roman, Sunset, Rainbow, and Applejack. “Hey Rainbow do you, Aj, and Fluttershy wanna crash with me and Sunset tonight. We can head to the recruiting office in the morning and finalize our papers. Then we can drop Fluttershy at her house?” Roman asked putting his arm around Sunset and Rainbow as the two girls cuddled up close to him and resting their heads on his chest. “Sounds like a plan” Rainbow said. “Ah why not.” Applejack said in a slightly slurred manner. “Oh umm thank you Roman that's very kind of you.” Fluttershy said keeping her eyes on the road. “Then that settles it, let's head back to my place then.” Roman say throwing his hands in the air. They soon arrive at Roman and Sunsets house as the five friends headed inside. Fluttershy and Applejack crashed on the floor as Rainbow passed out on the couch. Meanwhile Roman and Sunset share one last night of hot passionate sex after several hours the two lovers now tired and sweaty head to take a shower before finally going to sleep. Sunset snuggles up close to Roman as he smiles in his sleep. the next morning Rainbow opens the door and wakes them up. “Hey you dirty birds time to wake up and get ready we gotta be at the office by twelve.” Rainbow leaves the doorway and heads to the shower. After a long wait everyone finally gets dressed as they eat breakfast. they leave and Fluttershy decides to stay home and get some more sleep. After a rather lengthy drive they finally arrive at the recruiting office and they head inside and wait at the desk for the receptionist. After some conversation and several pamphlets about military benefits the three friends finally sign the paperwork and out comes the recruiter. Well if it isn’t my three new marines. It’s wonderful to have you all fighting the good fight.” He looks over to Sunset. Well who is this lovely young lady?” The recruiter said making Sunset blush. “Sir this is my girlfriend Sunset Shimmer.” Roman said pulling her close. “Well that's sweet. Don’t worry Ms. Shimmer these three will come home safe and sound.” The Rainbow, Applejack, and Roman all smile but deep down they knew that it was just a lie the recruiter was saying just to put Sunsets mind at ease. “Now I wanna see you three back here tomorrow at O’ Six hundred understand?” All four of them stand straight and salute the Recruiter. “Sir yes sir.” they say in unison. “Very good, you are dismissed and enjoy the rest of your day.” He says saluting back as the kids leave the office and spend the rest of the day packing and spending time with there friends. The night passes by as once again Roman and Sunset share another night of passion. They arrive at the office early in the morning and get on the bus and headed for Naval Station Norfolk. After a long rest on the bus they arrive at the base and get off the bus for processing. There was no turning back, as of right Now Rainbow, Applejack, and Ramon were Marines and they were damn happy with that fact. Chapter 3 - Et mundabo saeculum per ignem“Drop and give me twenty you pathetic wastes of space.” The instructor yelled. “You all are the worst group of trainees I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with.” Most of the trainees would struggle and complain except for Roman and Rainbow. The two of them punched out push up after push up angrily working at each other. This wasn't basic training to them it was a competition to see who is stronger. Meanwhile, Applejack is at the end of the group doing just as good as her two friends. Make no mistake the three of them were already stronger than some of the trainees and the others knew this so they always got met with glares and hateful stares. They didn't care all they cared about was surviving boot camp. “Alright ladies take a break then get ready for a forty five minute drill run.” The instructor looks and Roman, Rainbow, and Applejack. “You three come here. Double time move it.” They come jogging over to their instructor. “What are you names maggots?” They stand at attention and salute. “Private Rainbow Dash. Sir.” She says loud and proud “Private Applejack, Sir.”he said puffing out her chest “Private Anton Roman. Sir.” he said with pride in his voice “Well, you three have to be the most pathetic bunch of Trainees I've ever met. You three will be leading the group when we run and if any of you fall behind, then you’ll be cleaning the latrines for a week.” None of them flinch and stay stoic and salute once again. “Sir yes sir.” the three said in unison as they jogged off to get some water. The instructor rubs his chin and smirks. “Those three are unbreakable. This is gonna be fun.” he said laughing to himself. Meanwhile, in Nigeria “Zeus Thirteen this is Percival Two were coming up on Abuja. What are our orders?” the radio chimes back with the voice of a young middle eastern man. “Gentlemen this is Nizaar Rabbani, your objective is to park in the center of the city and arm the bombs. Once you boys are out of the blast radius detonate the bomb then return to base. Gentlemen it's time to bring the world to the light about Prometheus. Et mundabo saeculum per ignem.” “Et mundabo saeculum per ignem.” The armed men said in unison before readying the bomb. After a few minutes of driving they three vans park in strategic points in the city as they arm the bombs. Hopping into another van they speed out of the city. Once far enough they detonate the bombs and massive explosions decimate the inner portion of the city washing thousands of people in a blanket of fire. Buildings in ruin crumble as the rubble crushes those trapped inside the corresponding buildings. Rescue workers rush to help as children cling to the bodies of their dead parents and parents hold their dead and wounded children in their arms. From that moment on things in the world would never be the same. Over the coming months after the Abuja terrorist attack Prometheus orchestrated three more terrorist attacks on Dubai, Berlin, and Sydney. each time Prometheus claimed responsibility with pride. After two months of silence from the terrorist group world leaders began to panic it wasn't until three sleeper cells were discovered in the U.S Senate, and Two in the British Parliament that the world had enough and the U.S and UK declared war on Prometheus but after finding out that Syria and Russia were joining Prometheus in the fight it became official World War Three had begun. All world leaders knew that another bloody chapter in human history was beginning. nevertheless they were ready to defend their people. Back in the states during all the terror and bloodshed Roma, Rainbow, and Applejack fared better than they thought. In the months leading up to the war the three excelled in everything from strength all the way to tactical genius. After more ruthless training the day came. Graduation Day. Out of the thrity that enlisted only fifteen made it to Graduation, they were fifteen of the finest soldiers the U.S.M.C had to offer. Since it was the weekend of graduation everyone's friends and family came and in the crowd were five colorful girls cheering their friends on. After graduation was over everyone was allowed to have visitors and Twilight and her friends were not about to pass that up. They sign in and head into the gymnasium. They all run up and hug each other. “Oh my gosh I never thought I’d see the day I saw you wearing a uniform.” Sunset says kissing Roman and giggling. Romans parents come in and surprise him. Everyone sat around and laughed and joked. Once it was time to leave everyone hugged and walked out. Sunset stops Roman and kisses him on the lips deeply as they hold each other for a few there lips intertwined with each others. They break the kiss and Sunset smiles and heads out to her car. After more conversations with each other it was time for lights out so everyone headed to their barracks for the night. Suddenly in the dead of night siren went off and the instructor burst into the barracks. “Everyone up now this is an emergency. You all are being shipped out to Nigeria.” a Private stands up in the back. “Why Nigeria sir?” he said scared. “Nows not the time for questions maggot, get your ass up and head to the auditorium now.” he said in a angry tone. Everyone got dressed and poured into the auditorium and took their seat as the Sergeant Major came out onto the stage and gave them a rundown on everything that's happening. A silence came across the crowd as they were given their orders. “Prometheus is a very dangerous group everyone. There highly skilled and heavily armed. They are ruthless and will not show mercy I expect the same from all of you. Now, gear up and meet in front of the airstrip we’re leaving immediately. Everyone runs out of the building and over to the armory as everyone takes a vest, rifle, handgun, a couple grenades, and finally parachutes and they run to the airstrip. “So, is this all there sending, just one base of marines?” a private said to Roman. “No if this is as bad as the president said it is then every base in the U.S will be sending company after company to Nigeria and other points of interest. Applejack and Rainbow hold hands as they wait for their Commanding Officer. “You o girls?” Roman said looking at them. “Ya sugarcube were just a little nervous. This will be our first time in real combat.” Applejack said as Rainbow lets go of her hand. “Ya, but as long as the three of us stay together we will keep each other safe.” Rainbow said gaining back her iconic determination that Roman saw back during basic. Roman was just a nervous as them but he was ready. He knew that this was his destiny and that he would fight to the bitter end. More importantly he would defend his friends and brothers to the death if he had to. Just then a tall olive skinned man with black hair walked up to them. “Your the three privates from Equestria right?” the man said to Roman. “Yes we are, and who are you.” Roman said looking at the rather muscular man. “I’m Sergeant Baxter nice to meet you.” he said shaking hands with the three privates. “I've heard a lot about you three so fighting beside you guys is gonna be interesting.” he said chuckling but before anyone could respond Sergeant Major Maxim stepped up to the podium and began listing people and the companies they will be going to. Roman, Baxter, Rainbow, and Applejack got assigned to Rhino Company along with about half of the marines there. The other half was split up and sent to Griffin Company and Mako Company. Once all that was over everyone loaded onto their Companies AC-130 and took their seats and waited for take off. After a few hours of flying everyone decided that it would be best to get some shut eye so that they would be alert and focused for the upcoming battle. it was gonna be a long and bloody war everyone knew this yet they were ready and willing to die to protect their homes and families. Roman however was ready to die for Rainbow, Sunset, Applejack, and everyone else he has come to know. Make no mistake he was gonna fight like a rabid dog against Prometheus. After several hours of silence the red light finally hit as everyone shot up and ready themselves for the jump. “Drop-zone ETA three minutes everyone jump on my mark.” Maxim yelled as everyone put a hand on the shoulder of the soldier in front of them. “ETA thirty seconds.” Everyone settled their nerves and took a deep breath. “Jump now, go go go.” One after another everyone jumped out of the airplane pulling their shoots and floating to the ground. In the distance gunfire and explosions could be heard meaning Griffin and Mako Company landed safely and is giving Prometheus hell. As they hit the ground everyone yanked their rifles forward and charged in firing at the enemies and sliding into cover. Bullets whizzing past their heads and the sounds of men screaming can be heard not even thirty minutes into the fight and the smell of blood is thick in the air. Everyone stayed in position firing and throwing grenades waiting for further orders. Rainbow, Roman, and Applejack were handling everything like true soldiers. Around them men fell from both sides but not once did they look back or worry about the wounded. All that mattered now was survival. After an hour of bloody fighting Maxim came running in with the rest of Rhino Company as they pushed back Prometheus. After a couple minutes maxim ordered a cease fire. Everyone stopped firing and breathed a sigh of relief. Casualties were heavy on both sides the fields were littered with bodies and the smell of blood and burning flesh filled everyone's nostrils Applejack and a couple of privates ended up vomiting onto the ground. They did it all three of them survived their first battle as marines. Maxim walks up to Roman and Rainbow handing them ammo for there handguns. “You two are on cleaning duty. I want you two to got out into the fields and execute any survivors that refuse to give up intel on Prometheus.” They saluted him and headed out into the fields putting one round into the head of each survivor. “Hey Roman I got three survivors over here. They said they give up what they know in exchange for mercy.” she said keeping her gun at the ready. “Alright bag ‘em and tag ‘em. Let’s get them back to Maxim.” Roman shoots one more survivor in the head. Before accompanying Rainbow back to the makeshift HQ. Once there Roman and Rainbow salute Maxim. “Sir, Private Rainbow here found three men who are willing to give any intel they have in exchange for mercy.” Maxim salutes them back. “”Good job private, I take it you both were successful?” Maxim said raising an eyebrow. “Yes sir Roman executed all survivors that withheld information.” She said saluting Roman. “Very good, you two head back to the barracks and grab some food and take a rest, you both have earned it. I’ll take care of these three POW’s.” Maxim said ordering two soldiers to escort the prisoners to his quarters. Maxim looks to see the three privates arms around each other's shoulders laughing and eating. Maxim smiles at the sight, and heads to his tent to prep the men for interrogation. Meanwhile, back in Yemen A man in a suit and tie comes walking into a room with a tall brown skinned man with curly hair and a scar across his cheek. The man had on his side a revolver loaded with six armor piercing rounds. “Brother, I have the report from the firefight in Nigeria.” the man known as Tahir turns around to face the man in the suit. “Was our mission a success Nizaar?” Tahir asked offering his little brother some water. To which he graciously accepts. “No sir. We only managed to capture an airfield and several building near it. Our forces were pushed back by U.S forces. There were no survivors.” he hung his head in sadness as he said the last sentence. “Damn Americans there response was faster then anticipated. No matter send over several hundred soldiers to reinforce the five hundred we already have guarding that airfield. If the Americans capture that airfield they will discover secrets that could jeopardize our entire goal.” Tahir said taking a shot of whiskey. “What is our goal brother?” Nizaar asked standing up to go give the order. Tahir laughs before stirring the whiskey in his glass. “Simple little brother, were going to cleanse this world of its corrupt and unjust.” he finishes his drink as Nizaar heads out to issue order and send the reinforcements to Nigeria. Back in Nigeria Maxim was hard at work breaking the three men and getting them to spill whatever intel they had. After several minutes the men finally broke down and told Maxim everything they knew, including the location of a nearby airfield with supplies, intel, and projects Prometheus is working on. Once he acquired the info he executed the three men at point blank range and ordered his guards to dispose of the bodies. Armed with the new intel he received Maxim walks out and heads to the mess hall were the soldiers were busy eating and conversing. Maxim enters the tent and everyone quickly becomes silent. “Ladies and gentlemen thanks to the intel we gained from the POW’s we have located the reason Prometheus is here in Nigeria. There is an airfield about 30 mikes west of here loaded with soldiers, intel, and Promethean projects. Rhino Company I’m tasking you with seizing that airfield and clearing out so we can come in and collect everything they have. Soldiers this mission could be the decision that ends his war. After your done eating I want you all geared up and in the transport truck ASAP. Do i make myself clear.” Maxim looks around as Rhino Company stands up and salutes. “Sir yes sir.” They all yell in unison. “Very good I’ll see you all very soon.” Maxim leaves the tent as everyone quickly finishes there food. A couple minutes later Rhino Company rushes out of the tent and gear up as they hop into the trucks one by one. The Humvee up t the front honk their horns signaling that it's time to move out. One by one the trucks pull out and carry one hundred and ninety men and women into the jaws of hell. Once they got close to the airfield everything went to hell. Out of the blue a rocket propelled grenade flies and hits the Humvee as they flip crash and explode. “Everyone get the fuck out of here and get into cover now.” Roman yelled to everyone over there walkies. The trucks stopped and men poured out scrambling for cover. “Where is our company leader.” a soldier screamed to Roman. “He was in the humvee, just listen to me and Private dash we will get everyone out of this. For right now don’t let up and keep the pressure on them while me, Rainbow, and applejack move up to get a better shot.” the soldier looked at roman and passed on the order. “Popping a smoke on my mark we charge for that hanger on the east end. Baxter i want you to take some of the men and apply pressure to those Mg nests. if anyone gets caught by those things were fucked.” Baxter nods his head as he takes his men and they charge providing suppressing fire. “Let's move everyone.” Roman says as everyone charges for the hanger and to his surprise Roman lost only three men in the charge. They continued pushing forward until they reached cover. Once there they dug in and provided covering fire for the other half of the company. Intense gunfire continues for several minutes before the opposing side began to dwindle. Sensing this Roman stands up and orders everyone to push forward. All of a sudden Baxter comes over the radio screaming about reinforcements converging on the airfield. Romans eyes widen as he turns pale at the sight of several hundred soldiers charging down from the hill to the east. “Enemy reinforcements everyone get the fuck to cover now or However, back gonna be overrun.” everyone panics as they make a break for whatever cover they could find. Roman gets on the radio and contacts HQ. “Sergeant Major Maxim they knew we were coming we have control of the airfield but have at least two hundred plus foot mobiles converging on our position. We need an air-strike now or we're gonna lose the airfield. I repeat two hundred plus foot mobiles converging on our position at the airfield requesting reinforcements and a air-strike. Over.” waiting for a response Roman looks at his brothers and sisters cowering in fear. “everyone I’m getting reinforcements for now hit them with everything we got.” Just then Maxim radios back. “Roger that son I have your coordinates I need you to pop a smoke to mark the area. Make sure what you mark won't damage the airfield in anyway. I also have several Humvee and soldiers en-route to your position. Hang in there son help is on the way.” Maxim hangs up and Roman relays the good and bad news to the troops. “Rainbow come here” Roman said as she comes running over. “I got us an air-strike coming in issue is i gotta get close to that small army and throw the smoke to signal the attack. If I don’t make it back tell everyone back home I died a hero.” Roman says this and kisses Rainbows head before he grabs his rifle and charges into the crowd. “Everyone provide Roman with covering fire now.” rainbow screamed at the top of her lungs. Don’t die just yet you fool.” she says to herself before she to joins in on the fire. Bullets whiz past Romans head as he see enemy after enemy fall once he is in the middle of it all he pops the flare as he sees the jet's approaching. he drops the flare and hides in a nearby building. The jets rush over and begin pounding the field with artillery and napalm strikes. The ground shakes before him as he hears the sounds of men screaming and bullets striking flesh, rock, and sand. After a few minutes of heavy shelling he hears the sounds of Vulcan mini guns tearing through what's left of the group. However back at the airfield Rhino Company suffered more heavy casualties. Delta scan that building for enemies. a soldier screams. Delta comes in and finds Roman huddled against the wall catching his breathe. Sir I found Private Roman and he is alive and well. Maxim walks in and sticks out his hand to pull Roman to his feet. “Son that was brave but very reckless, but thanks to you what's left of Rhino Company is now tearing the airfield apart taking whatever they can in terms of Intel and firepower. The operation was a success thanks to your recklessness son. So, as of this moment on I’m putting you in charge of Titan Squad. It's a group of twelve of the best soldiers from the marines. Private Dash and Private Jack will also be joining you. I’m also promoting you three to Sergeants. Now, let's get you out of here and back to your company.” Maxim says patting the brave soldier on his back as they load into the Humvee and head for the airfield. Once the Humvee arrived Rainbow and Applejack wait in anticipation. Before there eyes Roman comes out the Humvee with a big smile on his face. The two girls run to him and hug him tightly. The other members of Rhino Company come running out cheering loudly at the victory they snatched up from the jaws of certain death. everyone gathered around Roman cheering him on and slapping his helmet. “Don’t ever scare us like that again you big idiot.” Rainbow said hugging him tighter before letting him go. “OK Rhino Company thanks to all of your hard work today we have a chance and making this war end sooner rather than later. I want all of you to head back to base, grab yourselves a hot meal and relax for the night. Were gonna have a clean up crew salvage what they can from this shit hole. Damn fine job marines.” Maxim said saluting his men. “Urah!” they all yelled at the top of their lungs fists raised high in the air as they all loaded into the trucks and headed for HQ. Needless to say Rainbow rarely left Roman's side that night, but he didn't mind after all they were all in this together no matter what. After a nice hot meal Roman headed back to the barracks and went to bed exhausted from his death defying stunt earlier today. Roman was at peace he knew they were gonna when the war and as it stands now the three of them will get to go home and keep the promise they made to Sunset. His mind focused on Sunset as he drifted off to sleep. Chapter 4 - A sors temptusThe next morning Rainbow wakes up Roman to tell him some good news. After a few minutes of no movement Rainbow balls her fist and belts Roman in the groin causing him to wake up and groan in pain. “Oh good you're awake, now I can tell you the good news.” Roman looks at her angrily and growls. “What good news?” he said standing up and regaining his composure. ‘“Well from that intel we pulled from the airfield we found out two high valued targets. The best part on top of our promotions, were going to Yemen to assassinate the younger brother of the leader of Prometheus. The guys name is Nizaar Rabbaani.” she says throwing roman a dossier on the man. “It says here his brother is Saleel Tahir. Wait how can they be brothers there last names are different.” Roman said confused. “According to our intel their mother's maiden name was Tahir but they changed it to Rabbani when she got married. Saleel decided to keep his last name while Nizaar took the father's last name. In any case the file indicates they are very close so if anyone has intel on Tahir it will be him. So we're leaving in a couple hours to infiltrate their Compound in Yemen. Our primary objective is to kill Nizaar however if Tahir is there we are to bring him in alive.” Rainbow says pointing to Tahir’s picture. “Well I’m gonna go get ready to go. you might wanna do the same, you are the squad leader after all.” Rainbow said laughing her way out of the tent. Roman stands out of bed and stretches and yawns before heading out to the Maxims tent to get a full briefing. As he walks out he quickly realises he forgot his shirt. He stands there muscles gleaming in the sunlight.. Baxter walks by and smacks his ass. “Keep up the good work big boy.” Baxter said walking away laughing as Roman rubs his ass before heading back into the tent grabbing is sage green t-shirt. He quickly makes his way to the tent and he steps inside. After several minutes of light conversation about his new position Roman and Maxim get down to business and begin discussing the fine points. After grabbing his gear Roman meets up with Rainbow and Rhino Company and they headed for Yemen. The trip was long and boring but eventually they reached the drop zone. Rhino Company pours out of there Helicopters and begin storming the compound. Bullets fly, grenades explode, and bodies begin to fall left and right. Fighting their way through the small army they finally reach the moment of truth. Roman kicks in the door and without hesitation puts a bullet in Nizaars head and his body falls to the ground. “Search this compound for Tahir then report back here.” Roman said giving Nizaars body a kick to confirm that he is dead. After several hours of searching it was confirmed that Tahir wasn't here. So to complete the mission Roman cuts off the hand of the dead body and bags it as they leave the compound they climb into the armored convoy and begin the trip back to the makeshift base to bring the confirmation that Nizaar was terminated. Roman and Applejack talk and joke when a sniper shot rings in Romans ears as Applejack eyes widen and she clutches her chest. “Stop the truck we have a man down.” Roman screams. As the trucks stop a line of rockets start pounding the convoy. Everyone scrambles for cover as Roman hoists Applejack on his back and begins running as an army of Promethean soldiers come charging down the hill and they begin to open fire on Rhino Company. Roman puts Applejack behind cover as she holds her chest. a medic runs over to try and stabilize her. The bloody fighting lasts for thirty minutes before Rhino Company begins to push back Prometheus. “Baxter pop a green smoke once Private allen radios for a hot evac.” Roman says firing and keeping Applejack safe. Baxter nods his head and relays the message to Allen and then he pops the smoke and throws it. Just as the smoke popped reinforcements came charging in from the East and West. Roman scanned the horizon and then overlooked his men before finally breaking his tough guy act. “Fall back to the green smoke or were going to be overan. Rainbow I want you to provide suppressing fire on points A and B. Baxter you grab Applejacks left I’ll grab her right we gotta get her to the evac site now.” Roman said hoisting up his friend who is now bleeding out onto the sands of the battlefield. Baxter and Roman kick into overdrive dragging their wounded teammate as bullets whizz past her heads and grenades explode in the distance. After several minutes of running they reach a run down house and quickly get Applejack inside laying her out on a clean section of floor. “Sir, she is loosing to much blood we gotta find away to stop the bleeding. Rainbow and Lansky can’t hold their position much longer.” Baxter said propping Applejack against a nearby wall. Roman runs over and kneels down next to her. “How ya doin Applejack talk to me.” Roman said pulling out a small medkit from a nearby fallen member of the once large Titan Squad. As he is getting ready to patch up Applejack. Baxter, Rainbow, and Lansky come running back towards him. “Sergeant were low on ammo and Prometheus is closing in fast we gotta hurry and get out of here.” Roman keeping himself calm and collected looks at Rainbow. “Sergeant Dash I want you to get what ammo you can from our fallen brothers then I want you, Baxter, and Lansky to get to the green smoke for evac. Roman turns to pull out his radio. “Sierra 248 where the fuck are you I have two dead and one wounded and in critical condition. What is your position.? Over” After a few minutes of radio silence a voice rings over the walkie. “Roger that Titans I see your smoke I’m five mikes to the evac zone ETA ten minutes. Over” “Roger that Sierra 248 about damn time you got here. Who all is with you?” Roman asked cutting open Applejacks shirt to find the bullet hole. “Just me and Rhino Company.” The radio man says before a familiar voice comes over the walkie. “Staff Sergeant Roman are you there?” Roman smiles slightly “Yes sir commander Maxim I’m here and the situation is completely Fubar sir.” Roman says giving Applejack morphine and bandaging her up as she weakly speaks into his ear. “I don’t want to die Roman, I still have to get you back for that prank you and Pinkie pulled on me.” She softly chuckles before coughing up blood. Roman who is now slightly crying takes her hand. “Don’t worry Applejack you're going to be ok the evac is almost here that way we can get you back to the carrier and get you some actual medical treatment. For right now just save your strength ok.” she nods and passes out from blood loss as Rainbow runs over to Roman. “Holy shit is she...dead?” Roman cleans the blood off his hands and puts gloves on. “No she still has a pulse she just passed out from blood loss, thankfully our squad medics supplies were destroyed in that I.E.D blast but we have to get her airlifted out of her ASAP.” just then as the insurgents were closing in the helicopter arrives gunning down some of the enemies. Roman carries Applejack to the helicopter and loads her into it. As the helicopter makes it off the ground several missiles pound the area taking out several helos including the one with Applejack in it. The helicopter Titan Squad Climbed into got hit as well and spun towards the ground. More missiles pound the helicopters knocking them out of the sky and killing all of Rhino Company. The remaining helicopters and humvees retreated as Prometheus soldiers started combing through the downed helicopters. Chapter 5 - RedemptionemFive hours after helicopter crash Romans eyes blur as his ears ring and the smells of burning flesh and metal fill his nostrils. The last thing Roman remembers is seeing Applejacks helo go down then there was several large explosions then blackness. The wreckage was a terrible site of blood, guts, and metal. Charred bodies litter the sands as distant screams of the soldiers of Rhino Company being executed. Shaking his head Roman lifts himself up and limps away from the crash site desperately looking for Rainbow and the others. His chest burned he had no sight in his left eye and his ears rang with partial deafness. He soon sees Rainbows blue skin sticking out of the nearby wreckage. He wanted to scream out Rainbows name to see if she was alive but the smoke from the crash left him hoarse. Roman continues limping his way over to the rubble, once there he falls to his knees and tries digging her out. After thirty minutes he was able to grab hold of her and pull her out. He drags her to a nearby destroyed hut and begins to perform CPR. He pushes her chest several times putting his ear to her chest. he could faintly hear a heartbeat so he started pushing harder and harder. he soon switches between chest compressions and mouth to mouth. It wasn’t practical but Roman was determined to do anything to get Rainbow back. Finally after all hope had seemed lost she finally comes to. Roman fell back onto his ass and calms down. “Rainbow, Rainbow can you hear me. You're gonna be ok soldier we gotta go. I don’t know if anyone else is alive but we gotta go. Prometheus is closing in fast.” Rainbow sits up shaking her head as she tries to move her arm but to no avail. “Fuck I think my arm is broken.” Rainbow says touching her arm before screaming in pain. Roman quickly gets close and puts his hand over her mouth and looks down to see her arm hanging by a small amount of skin. Thankfully the fire from the crash charred the lower half of her harm so it was cauterized. “We have to keep quiet. What were gonna do is we're gonna stay in here until nightfall then we're gonna take what gear, weapons, and ammo we can find. Then were gonna try and find Baxter, and Applejack.” Rainbow nods and Roman removes his hand and rubs Rainbows hand to calm her down. “We're gonna make it out of this I promise.” Roman lays her down and inspects her arm. “Your not gonna be able to do much with your arm incapacitated so we have two choices. I cut off your arm and bandage it up or I fashion a makeshift sling out of supplies we can find around this hut. It’s your choice. Rainbow stops and thinks long and hard about her decision. “Cut it off i can take the pain.” Rainbow pulls out her knife and hands it to Roman. He takes hi lighter out of his pocket he heats up the knife until the blade is hot to the touch. Rainbow bites down on a piece of wood that she found nearby. With a quick yank of the knife the arm fell off. He presses the hot metal against the stump to cauterize the stump. He quickly rips off his sleeves and wraps up her arm. “There we go you're all done. now let's get this place bunkered down and dig in until nightfall.” Rainbow and Roman share a blanket as they sit and talk trying to pass the time. “Do you think Applejack survived the crash?” Rainbow said with despair and doubt in her voice. Roman thinks back to all the times he had with Applejack and his friends. He lets out a deep sigh. “God i hope so, if not then Sunset and our friends are gonna kill me.” he said in a sad tone. “Roman don’t you dare think any of this your fault. You didn’t know things would end up like this. What happened today was out of your control. Don’t blame yourself.” Roman reaches for his canteen and takes a drink before handing it to Rainbow. Night finally approaches as Rainbow wakes Roman from his nap. “Hey its night lets get geared up and move out. Also while you were asleep i snuck out and did some recon of my own there is a town about five mikes west of our position. It’s gonna be a long walk but this should put enough distance between us and Prometheus. From there we can radio in for support. So come on commander wake up and lets go. Roman sits there for a few seconds stunned at the well thought out plan Rainbow had just told him more importantly she called him commander. “Alright Rainbow let's get one thing straight, I’m no commander not yet. I appreciate your faith in me but right now I’m your friend Roman save the formalities for when we're around the men.” Roman takes Rainbows hand as she pulls him up. Once out of the house and grab gear from nearby soldiers. “Ok Rainbow here is the situation; we have limited ammo and no silencers plus about three patrols of two man teams. We only use your rifles as a last resort for now let's rely on hand to hand and our tactical knives.” Roman and Rainbow begin creeping around the wreckage and observe the death and destruction. Up ahead they spot two foot mobiles trying to pull something out of the rubble. The two sneak up behind them and in sync stab and drag away the bodies stealing any extra gear and ammo. They move up and investigate the rubble. “Rainbow watch my six I’m gonna try and see what these bastards wanted so badly.” he begins digging and pulling metal and rock away. “Sir yes sir.” Rainbow said readying her rifle scanning the horizon. “All clear Roman.” He comes across dog tags he whipes of the dirt to reveal that they belong to Applejack. Panicking he digs faster until he finds the crushed disfigured body of his friend. Roman stood there staring in disbelief. Noticing this Rainbow walks backwards over to him. “Is that who I think it is.” Rainbow said choking back tears as she puts down her gun and helps Roman pull her out. “I can’t believe Applejack is-” Roman stands up punching the crashed helicopter. “Goddamnit! Will you please give me a fucking break. This is fucking bullshit I’ll kill you fucking peices of shit.” Roman stabs the dead body of the one Prometheus soldier and begins stomping in his face crushing his head as his boot became coated in blood and brain matter. To prevent him from making anymore noise Rainbow runs over and pulls him up. “Roman get a hold of yourself. She is dead yelling and giving away our position will only result in us joining her. Do you wanna put Sunset through that pain.” she says punching him in the face making his wounded eye worse. “I’m just as angry as you are but right now we can’t afford to lose our heads.” rainbow says helping him up. “She is right son there will be time to mourn your friend later. For now just dig her a shallow grave pace her rifle as the marker and put her helmet on it.” The familiar deep voice said from behind them as their teammate Baxter came walking over to Roman. He bends down and grabs Romans face as their foreheads touch. “Roman you're stronger than this. Pull yourself together and get your head straight. We will take the fight to Prometheus soon than you can get as much revenge as you need.” The three of them stand up and dig the grave and bury Applejack. “Don’t worry Aj I’ll kill every last one of those bastards for you. I promise.” He says giving her a salute and picking up his gear. “Baxter let's go, Rainbow fill Baxter in on what's gonna happen while we walk.” He walks off slinging his rifle over his shoulder.” “Yes sir” Rainbow says saluting him. As they walk off into the night. It doesn’t take long in there trek for civilization before they realize how cold it can get in the deserts of Yemen. Cold bit them like a cobra striking from the darkness, they shivered as their very bones began to ache. After several hours of walking they reached a stopping point, a small abandoned house about three miles from their destination, with limited supplies and the temperature continuing to drop they took shelter in the nearby house. Once inside they unpacked their gear as baxter got a fire started and Roman pulled out what M.R.E.’s he had left splitting it between the three of them. “So, Roman what's our plan once we reach this village Rainbow found.” Baxter said eating his portion of the rations. “Well once there were gonna get what medical attention we can, After that we will set up a temporary CP in one of the empty buildings, then we will radio command and let them know that there are survivors from Rhino Company and that we need a pick up. Once picked up we head back to the hammerhead naval carrier and rest for a few days, between my eye and Rainbows arm we may need a few days to recover. Meanwhile I gotta skype Sunset and deliver the bad news. Once recovered we assemble a new Titan squad and go after that son of a bitch Tahir.” Roman said clutching the dog tags of everyone in Rhino company he could find. “Hey Roman?.” Baxter asked taking a drink from his canteen. “What was she like, that Applejack girl. I mean i know the three of you were close friends but none of us knew anything about the poor girl.” Baxter said treading lightly making sure he didn’t anger his superiors. Roman chuckles pulling out the group photo and handing it to Baxter. “That was us just before our graduation several months ago. Seven of us had been friends since freshmen year but me and Staff Sergeant Rainbow over there go back all the way to middle school.” Rainbow rummages through the cabinets of the house. “Hey guys I found a bottle of whisky, I figure a drink could steel our nerves.” Rainbow pops the cap and takes a swig. “Holy shit that's strong.” Baxter and Roman laugh. Rainbow hands them the bottle as he raises it in the air. “Here's to all our fallen brothers and sisters, may they finally have found peace.” Roman chugs some of the whisky. “Hey save some for the rest of us.” Baxter said stealing the bottle from Roman and chuckling. “So how old are all of you?” he asked taking a hit of the dark brown liquid. “Well rainbow and her friends are eighteen. As for me well lets see Rainbow what month is it?” she thinks for a second. “September I think.” she says taking another smaller hit. “Then that makes me twenty one.” he said drinking more of the whisky. “Jesus you guys are so young, and poor Applejack she was fresh outta school. I swear shit like this always does more harm than good.” Baxter raised the bottle. “To Applejack a life taken too soon but at least she doesn’t have to deal with this hell anymore.” They all take a drink.” “Urah to ashes.” The three of them said drinking through the night swapping stories of life before the military. Never before had Roman and Rainbow been so personal with another stranger but Baxter was no stranger he was a brother and they all had each other's back no matter what. Soon morning approached as they awoke to the sound of a jeep parking. “What’s going on out there?” Whispered Rainbow reaching over for her handgun. Roman runs over and peaks out the window. We got three foot mobiles in an armored vehicle. Lightly armored sporting P90’s.” Roman wakes up Baxter and fills him in. “Rainbow i want you right behind the door on the right Baxter you take the left. Once they enter i want you two to take them out I’ll take number three.” Rainbow and Baxter nod as the ready there knives. As the door opens the two men are instantly met with knives in their throats as there ripped out and blood splatters the wall. Roman runs out of the building and tackles the last guy and begins pounding on his face with his fists in which are wrapped in the dog tags of his fallen men. With the makeshift brass knuckles he continues punching as the man below coughs up blood and begs for mercy. Roman pick him up punches him and slams his head on the trunk of the jeep. “You want mercy from me you son of a bitch well go to hell.” Roman screams “Please I have a wife and two daughters with a third one on the way.” The man says screaming. “I don’t give a fuck about your goddamn family because of you over a hundred families just lost a mother or a father. Some even lost sons and daughters and you expect mercy from me you pathetic filth.” He takes the man's head and places it in between the jeep door and the floorboard as he smashes the door on his head till it cracks like a melon painting his boots and the door in blood and brain matter. “Roman that's enough he’s dead.” Baxter says before Roman spits on the man's headless corpse and walks back to the house. Baxter walks over to him. “Sir it’s ok just calm down he’s dead. Although the added brutality was unnecessary. For god sakes roman he had a family.” Roman grabs him and slams him against the wall. Everyone we lost had a family, what makes his ass so special. He is a dog of Prometheus they deserve no mercy. Now load up that jeep and get out of here.” He let’s go of Baxter and walks out collecting ammo and other supplies from the bodies along with his backpack. “Rainbow I’m worried about Roman i think the whole thing is about more than just Rhino Company being whipped out. I think the whole thing with Applejack is hitting him pretty hard.” Rainbow hands him his rifle and gear. “Lay off him Baxter, Applejack was a close friend to all of us. Also remember the girl in the picture with the red and yellow hair?” Baxter thinks back to the picture. “Ya his girlfriend Sunset. What about her?” He says fling his rifle over his shoulder and checking the ammo in his handgun. “Before we left for basic Roman and I promised her that we would all come back safe and sound. A stupid promise to make as it can’t be kept with something as unpredictable as war but we said to put her mind at ease. Look in our group of friends we take promises very seriously. Just give him a few days to calm down once we get back to the ship and we relax I’m sure he will calm down. For now be prepared for more possible incidents of what we just saw should we run into more Prometheus soldiers.” They share a nod as they all walk out and put their gear in the trunk. “Everyone ready?” Roman said in a calmer tone. “Yes sir.” They said in unison as they got into the jeep. “Baxter you drive I need to lie down for abit and clear my head.” said Roman as he stretched out in the back and falling asleep. They begin driving after an hour or so Baxter turns to Rainbow. “By the way how are you handling your friends death so well I thought for sure you would be as bad as Roman. Rainbow chuckles as she runs her hand through her hair. “Well believe it or not Roman wasn’t always mister macho like he is now. Back in middle school he was a short chubby kid with no friends and he was hated by everyone. So naturally once I came to his school he came up to me and started talking. At first i thought he was a total weirdo but over the months he grew on me. Pretty soon i was being miss stone cold badass. Granted inside me and Roman are feeling the exact same thing I’m just good about not publicly showing my emotions or my softer side like I do with Roman.” She says looking in the rearview mirror and smiling. “Ah so you're like his big sister basically.” he said chuckling. “You could say that.” After several more hours they finally arrive at the rather large village. They pulled into the village and stopped at a nearby stand as Rainbow punches Romans arm. “Hey wake up we're here.” Roman gets up and wipes his eyes yawning before hopping out of the jeep and grabbing his gear and rifle. As the three walked into the village they were met with stares of fear. After several minutes of walking they come across a street merchant. Baxter walks up to the young boy. “Do you speak english?” Baxter said leaning down to the young boy with a warm smile. “Y...yes.” the boy said in a scared tone. “Can you point us to the nearest medical center, my friends and I are wounded and we need help.” After a few seconds of silence the boy points to a nearby building. “Thank you son.” Baxter says standing up. “The nearest clinic is three miles north of here.” They get back in their jeep and continue driving before shortly arriving at the clinic and they head inside. The first thing that greets them is a small man in his late forties with a balding head glasses and a white coat. “Excuse me sir are you the doctor hear?” Rainbow asked politely. “Why yes I am how may I help you miss?” the small man said in a british accent. “Me and my friends here are part of the military and were wounded we were wondering if you could patch us up so we can get out of here.” She says showing her bloody bandaged stump and Romans swollen eye that was now scabbed shut a well as the visible cuts and gashes all over their bodies. “Well normally I don’t help people who do not live in this village but from the looks of things you three are in terrible shape so I will help you.” The three of them step into the back as he disinfects rainbows arm and redresses it as well as dressing Romans eye. Once those two were finished the doctor patched up there other minor wounds before refilling their canteens and walking them out the door. “Thank you doctor we appreciate your hospitality.” Roman said getting in the jeep and starting it. “Your welcome my friends have a safe trip.” The man says walking back inside as They sped to a little area a couple feet from the village. Once there Roman got out his supplies hot wired the jeeps CB radio to the hammerheads frequency. “Come in Hammerhead this is Gunnery Sergeant Roman of Rhino Company do you read. Over.” after a few seconds of radio silence a voice rings over the radio. “Gunnery Sergeant Roman this Captain Miles of the S.S. Hammerhead, we read you loud and clear. Over.” The man said before Roman picked up the microphone. “Sir we are a few hundred feet from a village in Yemen called Hajjah. Rhino Company has been whipped out by Promethean Artillery and Ground troops. Me, Staff Sergeant Rainbow Dash, and Corporal Baxter are the only survivors and we need immediate extraction to the ship. We have low ammo and no previsions. Were prepared to mark the LZ with green smoke. Over.” Roman sad pulling out a canisters of green smoke. “Understood son. Hold that position Black hawk on its way ETA thirty minutes. Over.” said Captain Miles. “Roger that sir we will pop a smoke when chopper is in sight. Over.” he said as they got out of the car and waited under the shade of a nearby rock. For the next thirty minutes the three of them laid there in the boiling sun and drinking from their canteens to avoid dehydration. After a while the beating of chopper blades could be heard in the distance. Roman jumps to his feet and pops the canister as green smoke begin to spill out. After a few seconds the smoke becomes thicker and the chopper spots it landing. Upon landing several marines jump out and walk over to Roman. “Gunnery Sergeant Roman, I’m Captain Delano of Alpha team. Were to escort you safely to the Hammerhead where's the rest of your squad?” Roman looks down at his fist. “Your looking at the only three survivors of Titan Squad and Rhino Company.” Baxter and Rainbow walk up and stand beside him as they notice rainbows arm and Romans eye. “Jesus christ you guys look like you’ve been through hell.” The commander said. “You have no fucking idea.” Roman said laughing slightly as the three of them boarded the chopper and headed for the ship. Chapter 6 - Heroes IndictusSixty miles off the coast of India on the S.S Hammerhead After a lengthy helicopter ride the surviving members of Titan squad finally arrived on the ship from there they were immediately debriefed and sent to the infirmary. Roman awoke on top of a cot arm bandaged and his eye covered. “Ah your finally awake good. We have been waiting for you to regain consciousness.” said the doctor “Who are you and what happened?” Roman said still groggy from the anesthetic. The doctor chuckles and pulls out Romans chart. “I’m Doctor Adams, it’s nice to meet you.” Adams said in a friendly tone. “As for what happened to you it appears you suffered a concussion and several broken ribs along with your left eye which we had to remove as shrapnel had damaged the optic nerves. So unfortunately you're permanently blind in your left eye. I recommend you stay on the ship for at least a month or two and then before sending you back into the field.” Adams said as he helped Roman out of bed. “What about my team.” Roman asked in a worried tone. “Well Sergeant Baxter will make a full recovery with only minor wounds and some internal bleeding he was rather easy to fix. Miss Dash was a worse for wear but she will be fine. She is downstairs in R&D gettig her new arm fitted. “New arm like a moving bendable non prosthetic arm?” Roman says in disbelief. “Yes Sergeant Captain Miles had her sent there the minute she was able to walk. It’s actually quite impressive what we can come up with in this day and age.” Adam's hands Roman a bag of pills to take daily and directs him to the location of R&D. On his way down to the lab everyone that saw him stopped and saluted him. On his way to his destination he ran into Captain Miles. “There you are son. I’m sorry to hear about Rhino Company I understand you lost a close friend who was serving with you?” The Captain said placing his hand on Romans shoulder. “Yes sir Private First Class Applejack we were friends from high school. We had just graduated to.” Roman says in a solemn tone as the Captain sits him down. “I know it's hard for you son believe me, in my time in the military I’ve lost lots of good men. Hell I’ve lost more than I can count. War is the most unforgiving tragedy mankind has ever created but that doesn’t mean we shut down and dwell on the past. Son you did a lot in the time you have been in the marines including keeping a cool head and formulating a sound escape plan and getting at least some of your men out of that hellhole. For that I’m gonna do two things for you. On top of your purple heart I’m giving your entire squad the medal of honour. Applejack and the others will be buried as heroes. I’m also promoting you to Master Sergeant, Miss Dash will be promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, and Sergeant Baxter will be promoted to Staff Sergeant. I’m also tasking you with the mission of while you're on this ship you are to build a new squad of which you will be the leader and Miss Dash will be your second in command.” He pats him on the back and walks away. “Wait sir, why are you doing all this.” Roman says still in shock. Miles turns around. “Son sometimes even the strongest of men sometimes need a push to show them there is still hope in this world.” He walks down the stairs as Roman rushes towards R&D. After turning a few corners he arrives and heads inside before he can see anything a blu blur rushes him hugging him tightly. Rainbow squeezes him tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe we survived it's all thanks to you Roman.” Roman hugs her back tightly as a tear rolls down his cheek. “Not all of us.” Roman said clenching his fist as rainbow sits him down. “Roman you did all you could you saved Applejacks life. The missiles strike wasn’t your fault none of us would’ve seen that coming. You need to stop blaming yourself. C’mon let's head to our quarters and use the laptop maybe some time with Sunset will help take your mind off of things.” Rainbow takes him through the ship as they enter the room they quickly spy an open terminal to use. After signing in he sends Sunset a message via skype saying he can finally talk. Before he can blink skype rings and he answers soon he is met with the sight of Sunset and her friends all in the room at once. There happy faces soon turn to shock when they see Roman and Rainbow. “Oh my god Roman are you and Rainbow, and Applejack ok?” Sunset asked looking visibly worried. Roman begins to choke up as he speaks. “A...Applejack didn’t make it. We were pinned down in an run down village Applejack was already receiving medical attention from me for a bullet wound to the chest but once we got on the helicopters I saw nothing but explosions and i saw Applejacks chopper go down. She died on impact. To make things worse my entire company got whipped out except for me, rainbow, and one of the higher ups from my squad.” Roman breaks down into tears sobbing like a little baby. “I’m sorry everyone, at the recruiting office we all promised Sunset everything was gonna be ok. Now Applejack is dead I’m blind in my left eye and Rainbow lost her left arm and had to get a cybernetic replacement.” The call goes silent as his friends just stare in disbelief of what they just heard. “It’s all my fault if I hadn’t of enlisted in the stupid military none of this wouldn’t of happened.” Sunset speaks up. “Roman stop crying no one here is mad at you what happened wasn’t your fault. You were chasing your dream there is nothing wrong with that.” She said softly. “How my dream got Applejack killed.” He said drying his eyes as Rainbow stayed by his side holding him. “Applejack could have declined at anytime.” Twilight said breaking the silence once again. “After you left the lunchroom Applejack told us the reason she was enlisting was to make sure you two didn’t get yourselves killed. Yes she may be dead but you guys are alive and well for the most part. Applejack didn’t die in vain and no one here hates you.” her words reached Roman as he sat up and sniffed. “You’re right I shouldn’t be to hard on myself it’s just...I saw her after the crash it’s a site that's gonna haunt me for years to come.” He said adding her dog tags to his and gripping them. “No matter what sweetheart we will always be by your side.” Sunset said softly to him as she began to sing. The melody hitting his ears was soft and soothing and it started to put his and Rainbows minds at ease. It became even more powerful when everyone joined in soon all of them including Rainbow were singing to Roman. “Whoa where is that singing coming from. I haven’t heard anything that good in a long time.” Baxter said putting his arm around Roman and sitting down next to him as he watched the girls sing their melody. “Girls I’d like you to meet Staff Sergeant Baxter.” Baxter looks at him in confusion. “What do you mean Staff Sergeant?” he said scratching his head. “Oh right i forgot to tell everyone. The three of us got promoted. Baxter you're now a Staff Sergeant. Rainbow you're a Gunnery Sergeant, and I’m a Master Sergeant. We were also tasked with building a new squad.” Rainbow and Baxter high five. “That's great It’s nice to know your ok and you're doing well for yourself baby.” Baxter looks at the screen. “Damn Roman you're one lucky man to have a girl that cute as yours. Although your friends are just as cute.” Everyone blushes and laughs as Rarity comes onto the screen. “I must say Mr. Baxter you yourself are quite the looker.” She says fluttering her eyelashes at him. “Ok missy that's enough we have to go anyway. will I be able to talk to you later?” she asked with hope in her eyes. “Well the three of us are gonna be on this ship for at least three months so we will be able to talk a lot.” Sunset smiles before kissing the screen. “Talk to you later baby.” Roman says kissing the screen back as the call ends. “Hey Roman promise me something.” Baxter said getting up to go get some coffee. “Oh ya what's that cueball?” Roman said laughing as Baxter flips him the bird. “When all this is over and we get back home. You gotta hook me up with that Rarity friend of yours. Roman laughs. “Sure thing buddy but you have no idea what you're getting into.” Rainbow soon joins Roman in laughing as the three of them spend the day relaxing on the ship and unwinding. After all they have three months to make a squad and plan an attack on Tahir and Prometheus, plus after what they had been through a week or so off would be perfect. Chapter 7 - A bonum tempus medellaeIt has been several weeks since Roman and his friends were rescued from the war torn country of Yemen and brought to the S.S Hammerhead. Throughout the several weeks Roman, Rainbow, and Baxter all worked hard on the reformation of Rhino Company more importantly scouting members for his new detachment. Ivory Squad this squad was comprised of ten of the best marines the U.S.M.C had to offer and in know time Roman had them exercising and running drill after drill. They hated Roman at first after all he was working them to the bone and he was relentless as a drill sergeant. However rumors about Roman, Rainbow, and Baxter began to spread around the ship and soon after everyone knew what those three souls had to endure just to survive. Needless to say Ivory Squad soon began to warm up to Roman after all he wasn’t being mean on purpose all he wanted was to make sure his men were strong enough to survive so he doesn't have to suffer through what happened to Applejack and Rhino Company ever again. Roman still has nightmares about that night. a few days after returning from Yemen Roman began to have horrible night terrors were he would relive the horrifying incident over and over. Some nights he would wake up screaming Applejacks name only to look around and begin to cry. Make no mistake Roman would always appear tough on the outside but inside he was suffering more than anyone. Rainbow was faring a little better sure she missed Applejack dearly and she was tore up about the whole incident, but seeing Roman suffer night after night hurt her even more. As for baxter well Baxter always tried his best to be there for his two friends every chance he got. After two months of reformation on the ship Ivory Squad was ready and willing to go to war, All that was left was locating Tahir and taking him down. Using some of the resources on the ship Roman was able to gather intel on a certain person with ties to Tahir and Prometheus. His name was Vladimir Petrov and he was a contract killer working for Tahir more importantly him and Tahir were close as they served in the military together several years back. If anyone knew Tahir's location it was Vladimir and Roman had a very important meeting with the Russian. So He, Rainbow, Baxter, and the rest of Ivory Squad began to formulate a plan. After weeks of simulation after simulation the operation was memorized and perfected all that was left now was a little speech before they gear up and ship out for Moscow. “Alright listen up ladies and gentlemen this here is our target Vladimir Petrov.” Roman said pulling up a picture of the man. “He is ex KGB and is highly dangerous so this operation must be executed with precision and perfection. We can not afford to make any mistakes here people. We have all ran the simulation several time and I believe you warriors are ready. Roman pulls up a map of a compound near the outskirts of Moscow. “This compound here is where Vladimir is held up, we believe that he is planning on assassinating several high value targets from several countries including the United States. Our mission is to go in from the basement and neutralize all hostiles before making our way to the tower were Vladimir is held up. Remember people this will be a stealth mission so the ten of you will be split up into two man fireteams and attack random points in the compound. Remember that stealth is your weapon here people. Now onto gear, Everyone will be outfitted with Night vision goggle, M4A1’s with laser sights and suppressors along with ACOG scopes, two thirty round mags, and a M9 with suppressor and laser sights, as well as smoke grenades and flash bangs. People this is the turning point success here means we are closer to avenging those we lost in Yemen and everywhere we encountered these Prometheus bastards. So tonight I want everyone to get a good meal in there stomach and get lots of sleep tonight we meet on the deck at O’Six hundred. You're dismissed everyone.” Roman stepped down off of the platform and began to walk to his quarters. He figured one last conversation with Sunset would steady his nerves for tomorrow. After the first call with Sunset and after breaking the hard news to everyone Roman spent all the downtime he could talking to Sunset. It was really the only thing we could do to make the screaming and the flashbacks stop whenever he talked to Sunset nothing fazed him he was in a trance of his own creation that no one could break im of. No one ever tried to break him out of it Rainbow wouldn’t let anyone near him and Baxter just sat there perplexed at how calm and carefree his commanding officer was despite all that had happened. After taking a shower and grabbing some food from the mess hall Roman sat down in front of the terminal and sent Sunset a message after a few minutes they were video chatting like normal people. “Hey baby, how is your eye doing?” Sunset asked sitting on the couch and drinking some wine. “Well my eye is permanently shot the shrapnel damaged it too much for it to be recovered but since I lost it my other eye along with my other senses have strengthened enough to compensate for the loss.” He said pulling up his eyepatch and showing her his eye. “Well that's good. Ya know Roman we have been dating for a while now and I have just one question for you.” she says slightly blushing. “What is it Sunset?” Roman said feeling his heart race. “Well I know it's usually the guy that does this but what the hell. Roman I love you more then anything and I want us to be together forever.” She pauses before taking a deep breathe before Roman cuts her off and beats her to the punch. “Sunset will you marry me?” a silence falls across the room as Sunset smiles tears in her eyes. “Yes of course I will. I’d want nothing more.” she says jumping up and down in excitement. Roman gets her attention. “Tomorrow I’m shipping out for Moscow with my new squad. They were trained a lot more than Rhino Company so the mission has a ninety five percent success rate. That means that Finding our last two targets and ending this war will be easy and before you know it I’ll be running off that boat right into your arms. Then we can finalize everything and I can even buy the rings for us.” He said with a genuine smile on his face. “Promise?” Sunset said puffing out her lip and making an irresistible puppy dog face. Roman looks for a few as he feels his heart explode from cuteness overload. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” he said knowing that you can never break a Pinkie promise. Roman and Sunset talked throughout the night she even Flashed him here in there just to make him happy. She also sent over a photo of her in a short dress with one strap down over her shoulder and a seductive look with caption “Keep this on you at all times sweetie XOXO” Roman quickly printed it onto heavy duty photo paper before putting it with his picture of him and his friends. The two lovers kissed each other's screens before heading off to bed. For the first time in months Roman was able to sleep peacefully through the night. The next morning everyone was waiting in front of the AC-130 waiting for Roman to show up. After a few minutes Roman comes out fully geared up and ready as he climbs into the plane. After a short rundown and review of the plan everyone piled in and buckled in with there gear beside them and there parachutes primed and ready. “Alright men it's time get buckled in and get cozy we got a couple hours before we hit the dropzone.” Roman said sitting next to rainbow and strapping in as the entire squad looked at him and saluted. “Sir yes sir.” they all shouted in unison. Everyone lays back and quickly gets some more shut eye during the long trip. Several hours go by as the red light turns on and buzzes. “Alright everyone it’s show time everybody strap into your partner and get ready to jump.” Roman counts down as everyone runs out of the plan and jumps into the air as they free fall a few feet before popping their chutes and landing in a forest clearing before detaching there chutes and readying their gear. “All right here is the deal. We have about three hundred feet between us and the compound so Rainbow you and me will take the front, baxter I want you and Ramirez to take the south end of the compound. Team three you have the west team four you have the east and team five I want you and your snipers on that ridge to provide covering fire along with taking out any stragglers. Remember everyone kill them all and leave none alive Pertov is our only priority.” Roman and rainbow begin heading out as the other teams get into position using short wave radios they easily keep in contact as they make there way through the compound clearing floor after floor. Rainbow and Roman stop at a floor with four hostiles guarding a door. “What do we do. There is no way we can take out all four without being noticed.” Rainbow says scoping them out through her sight. “Leave that to me just make sure you cover me.” Roman says pulling out his knife and sneaking to a corner where he gets a clear sight of all four of them. Roman runs up slamming the knife into one guys eye as he steals his gun and use the other guy as shield. Her fires at the other three hitting two in the head as he pulls out the knife running up to the final guy stabbing him four times in the chest before slamming the knife into the guy's jaw. Romans grabs the guys head and slams it into the wall pushing the knife deeper into his jaw and the man falls to the ground and Rainbow moves up leaning against the door. “OK Petrov is behind this door on the count of three we kick it in and take out anyone in there. Remember Petrov can’t get hit.” Rainbow nods at him and she readies her weapon. “Three, two, one.” Roman kicks open the door as they take out the three armed guards and running inside Roman grabs Petrov punches him in the face and zip ties his hands together and they tie him to a nearby chair. “Ok Vladimir you're gonna spill everything you have on Tahir or I swear to god I will splatter your brains across the floor.” Roman says pointing a unloaded gun to his head as a way to mentally mess with Petrov. “I tell you nothing.” he said spitting blood onto Roman's face. Roman punches him several more times. Petrov laughs. “Is that all you got.” Roman pulls out his knife and slams it into the middle of Petrovs and and he twists it in circles as he screams in pain. “Hurts doesn't it you piece of worthless trash now tell me what you know about Tahir.” Roman says again twisting the knife more. Petrov screams more but remains silent before baxter contacts Roman over his walkie. “Hey Roman we got a little girl down here says she is Petrovs daughter.” Hearing this Petrov widens his eyes and yells. “Don’t you dare touch her you American pig.” Roman gets an evil smirk on his face. “Baxter bring the girl up here to my location. I think we found a way to break this Slovic piece of shit.” Roman and Rainbow leave the room as petrv sits there still tied up. “Roman you're not gonna hurt the little girl are you?” Rainbow said in a concerned tone. “God no rainbow I may hate Prometheus with a burning passion but I’m not about to hurt a child.” After a few minutes of waiting Baxter brings the little girl to Roman and he bends down on his knee. “Hello sweetie do you speak english?” Roman asked softly “Yes...sir.” the girl said in a scared tone. “Is my daddy ok?” she said looking at the door. “Yes your daddy is just fine, thing is daddy has information about a very bad man. This man hurt millions of people including children like you. We were politely asking your daddy if he could tell us but he is very stubborn. Do you think you can help us out so your daddy can get out safely?” the little girl nods as Roman guides her to the door. “Daddy you have to tell them about the bad man. There just trying to help daddy they said if you tell them where the bad man is then they will let you go.” Roman walks up behind her. “You heard your daughter Petrov now tell us everything you know about Saleel Tahir.” Roman says in a loud voice. “C’mon Petrov don’t make us resort to plan B.” Roman says cocking a handgun loud enough for the little gear to hear and for Petrov to also hear. “You monsters you would shoot an innocent little girl?” Petrov said sounding very angry. Roman puts the gun to her head as she shrieks in terror. “Keep giving us the stupid act and I guess you’ll find out won’t you.” Everyone I want you all to get to the extraction point tell command the mission was a success.” Roman said winking to Rainbow. She knew that was a wink of trust it was also a wink that said “You don’t wanna see this.” After several minutes of soft arguing Rainbow and the others left as Roman kept the gun to the girls head and walked into the room closing the door. Baxter runs up to Rainbow as they begin to talk. “You don’t think he is actually gonna kill the little girl do you?” Baxter said worried for his commander's mental state. “Cause frankly after everything he has seen I think he would do it.” Rainbow looks back at the door and then back to Baxter. “I don’t know I’m conflicted. On one hand that man in there is responsible for the loss of one hundred and ninety dead soldiers including our friend so I’m all for getting intel by whatever means necessary. But I’m also worried because if he does do it then we won’t be the same Roman I grew up with.” Rainbow says pulling out the picture from their graduation night. “It’s very simple tell me what you know about Tahir. I’m getting tired of repeating myself and I may be so inclined to splatter your daughter brains all over you, if you continue to piss me off so spill it.” He says pulling back the hammer of the gun. As the little girl screams and cries for her daddy. Finally reaching his limit Petrov breaks down into tears. “Alright I’ll tell you everything just please don't hurt my little Sasha. He steels his nerves. “Tahir is held up in a heavily guarded base in the middle of the Sahara Desert. He plans on launching several nukes at key countries including the United States.” He says pointing to folders and maps on the table to his right. “Why is Tahir doing this?” Roman yelled pushing the gun into the girl's head making her scream more. “He wants to get revenge for the death of his brothe. His brother was killed by U.S forces back in Nigeria during a airport assault. All his intel and coordinates are on that table over there now please release me and my daughter. Have mercy please.” Petrov said. “Ya know it's funny a few minutes ago you were this stone cold terrorist who stared death in the face and even spit blood at the man who had a gun to his head. Yet the minute we kidnap your daughter you turn into a sniveling coward. Granted I understand where you're coming from i to have people I protect with my life and care deeply for them. Tell me who ordered that ambush on the abandoned village in Yemen?” Petrov looks at his daughter. “It was me and Tahir. when he found out that the ones responsible for his brothers death here in Yemen he had me formulate a plan to wipe you all out. It appears we failed.” he said laughing slightly at his mistakes. “It’s funny how power can make us do evil things.” “Ya it is, ya know in that ambush I lost a lot of good men and women. I also lost my closest friend and my other friend was severely wounded. Do you know the pain in having to drag your friend's corpse out from under rubble and have to bury her in some fucking shithole of a country.” Roman begins ti get flashbacks. “Do you know the pain in having to tell you friends that you all won’t be coming home, let alone having to tell one hundred and ninety families that they have lost someone close to them. No you don’t cause you and your daughter were safe under the wings of a damned murderer. So mister petrov tell me who exactly have you lost in this war?” Starting feel scared for his daughter Petrov panics. Before sinking his head in sadness. “None.” Roman smirks gun still to his daughter's head. “Just what I wanted to here.” Roman says before firing a round into the back of Sasha's head splattering blood and brain all over Petrov. The man screams and jerks in anger. “You son of a bitch she was just a little girl have you no sympathy or mercy. Sasha oh my god Sasha no.” Petrov begin to cry heavily and curse Roman out before he walks over to Petrov and firing two rounds into both his legs. “Now you can feel what it's like to lose someone close to you. Hurts doesn’t it knowing your only loved one is dead before you and there was nothing you could do to stop it. Feel that helplessness feel all your hope draining away. Now you to know my pain.” Roman kicks his chair to the ground before he takes a bottle of vodka of of the table. He rips off a chunk of Petrovs shirt and stuffs it into the bottle and he lights it. “Now that you’ve lost everything enjoy burning in hell.” Roman collects every bit of intel before laying Sahas body on top of Petrov so he can look at the face of his dead daughter as he burns. Roman throws the bottle at Petrov as it shatter covering the two people in fire he walks away the screams of Petrov burning alive fill his ears. Rainbow runs up the stairs. “Roman we heard the gunshot what hapen-.” Rainbow is cut off as she looks at the room at the end of the all as she hears petrov screaming his daughter's name and she looks at Roman in horror. “Roman you didn’t.” he looks at her and puts his hand on her head. “Don’t worry the child's death was quick unlike her father she deserved mercy and I wasn’t gonna let her grow up fatherless plus i wanted him to know the feeling of seeing everything he loved being taken away from him and not being able to stop it. This way seemed more fitting. Now c’mon I have tahir’s location along with his plans. We're gonna need a lot of artillery and firepower for this.” Rainbow tears up. “I didn’t enjoy killing her Rainbow if that's what you're thinking. That is is now just another casualty of war that's gonna haunt me the rest of my life. Now gear up we gotta go back the the Hammerhead then after a few hours of rest it's off to the Sahara Desert so we can finish this once and for all.” Roman takes his rifle as they all make a break for the evac point just in time to be pickup by the chopper. One thing was certain this was all about to come to a very bloody end. Chapter 8 - RelictusAfter a few hours of flying Ivory suad was approaching the Hammerhead. Roman spent the whole trip thinking about Sasha. In truth Roman hated himself the more he thought about his actions the more he felt sick to his stomach. Never before had he taken a child's life and he hoped to god that was the last time he would have to do it. The trip seemed to drag on. sensing Romans pain Rainbow scooted close to him and held him tight resting her head on his back. Ramirez looks over to Baxter. “Are they an item, because it seems like everytime something happens they are hugging on each other like that.” Baxter smiles and looks at the two of them and looks back to Ramirez. “No they have just been together for so long they have become brother and sister basically.” he looks at Baxter. “So what are they both single or something. Cause if they are then I feel sorry for them. All this shit must be hitting them hard.” Ramirez says taking a drink from his canteen. Baxter just looks and chuckles, “No Roman has a girl back home waiting for him. As for Gunnery Sergeant Dash well all she has is Roman and her friends back home.” Baxter says smiling. “So she is available then.” Ramirez says smiling as Baxter laughs. “Son trust me she is too much for you to handle.” Baxter pats him on the back and continues to laugh. Baxter puts his arm around the young private. “Don’t worry kid you’ll find someone.” Baxter smiles at Ramirez and smiles. The group soon falls asleep on the final approach on the compound. After a few minutes the pilot comes over the radio. “Commander you're gonna wanna see this.” He said in a worried tone. Roman rushes to the front of the blackhawk and looked in horror at the sight before him. On the roof of the compound was a massive pile of bodies that were on fire. Just then Tahir hijacks the signal and comes over the radio. “Hello there commander. It’s been a long time hasn't it. How do you like my little presentation. Ya know it took my men several days to find all the bodies from that horrid crash. Some memorable faces like our old friend Sergeant major Maxim oh and this blonde cutie we dug up near a helicopter.” Roman tightens his fist and pounds the chair next to him in the back Rainbow was twice as furious biting her lip until blood dribbled down her chin. “You son of bitch, I’ll fucking kill you.” Roman said trying his best to restrain himself. “Oh trust me commander I have no intention of running in fact I think I’ll just sit here and wait. So go ahead commander go ahead and take as many lives as you want until you're satisfied. Once your done with your pathetic little revenge mission come find me so I can put you out of your misery.” Tahir laughs hanging up. Roman grits his teeth and grabs his rifle slamming a clip into it and throwing it over his shoulder. “Attention Ivory Squad there has been a change of plans. We will not be fighting Prometheus the twelve of us will be heading straight for that son of a bitch Tahir. The plan is we land in the compound kill every living soul in there. Even if they surrender if i so much as even hear any of you show mercy to anyone who serves Tahir then i will kill you myself. Now gear up and get ready to drop.” Everyone takes a few minutes to comprehend the gravity of the situation they were just presented with. It was clear Roman was mad but some members started to doubt his mental stability. However if there were two people he could count on it was Rainbow and Baxter. The helicopter flies over the compound and hovers as Ivory Squad repels down. Once on the ground they waste no time in cutting down anyone who stood in there way. Every second they spent in that compound caused the body count to climb soon the courtyard was covered in bodies and the sand was tinted with the blood of the poor souls who stumbled in front of Ivory Squads massacre. Kicking in the door every switched to close quarter weapons and began spraying the walls with blood and buckshot. Men fell with each door that was kicked in. Roman was silent the whole time not saying a word just a cold blooded stare and no shred of humanity left in him. All he cared about was reaching Tahir and exacting his slow and painful revenge. Meanwhile on the battlefield Mako Company was pounding Prometheus hard. machine guns blasted every living thing that was caught in its sights. grenades exploded, limbs flying and screams filling the air as soldiers were dropping like flies. It was if the marines were possed everytime a marine fell not a single person showed any emotion just a massive army of killing machines rapidly thinning the Promethean forces. After several more minutes of what seemed like imminent death reinforcements came charging on from the east clashing with the men of Mako Company. The slaughter only increased as now Mako was quickly thinning along side Promethean forces. When all hope had seemed lost Reptile Company, Squid Company, and Siren Company came flying over the hills armed with missiles, machine guns and Infantry firing from the sides of the choppers as they mow down all remaining members of Prometheus. A few lucky survivors escaped the the U.S forces climbed on top of there tanks and jeeps and cheered firing their guns into air at their victory. Roman kicked in the door and slaughtered the remaining men in the room before stripping down to his shirt and pants grabbing his knife he heads up the stairs. “I want the forteen of you to clear out this building of any remaining soldiers. Remember people no mercy.” Roman walked up the stairs and kicked in the door. There before him was Tahir sitting in his chair enjoying a nice glass of wine. “Ah Mr. Roman it's so nice to finally see the face of the man who killed my brother. Although I expected my brother's killer to have both his eyes.” Tahir laughs mocking Romans missing eye. “Well I was tempted to dig up his body and take his, but i felt that a nice dirt nap in an unmarked grave in the middle of the dessert was a fitting location for that piece of filth.” Roman and Tahir stare each other down as they pace back and forth sizing each other up. “So tell me commander what was it like seeing all you cared about taken away from you.” the man said cracking his knuckles and assumed a fighting stance. “The same way you feel. Now enough talk lets finish this here and now.” roman throws his knife and weapon to the ground taking up the same stance. This was the moment of truth the two men narrowed each others eyes before charging at each other. The fateful duel lasted for what seemed like an eternity. The men matched one another blow for blow. The men get more violent as Roman tackles Tahir to the ground and begins slamming his head into Tahir's rapidly. Tahir kicks Roamn of of him as he stumbles to his feet and spits blood onto the floor. The two continued their brawl. Below the top floor Rainbow and the rest of Ivory company were weeding out the remaining soldiers. Once the dust settled and the men lay dead the brave soldiers take a breather as they radio in and receive confirmation that the battle was over and Prometheus had been defeated the men cheered as Baxter and Ramirez hugged each other tightly cheering that the long bloody chapter was finally over. Back in the control tower the fight was beginning to drag on both Roman and Tahir were beaten, bloody and near death. Tahir looks at Roman and laughs. “What's so funny shithead.” Roman said getting back up on his feet. “Applejack that was her name wasn’t it. Poor girl ya know it was touching seeing you risk your life to save her a pity the last time you saw her she was a bloody corpse. I Imagine she must have finished burning by now. So before we finish this I have one last thing to say. Take all that hatred and all that pain and relish in the fact that not only is your closest friend is now just a charred corpse in the middle of my compound in a country no one ever gave two shits about. Relish in the fact that the same person who did this is about to kill you.” Tahir laughs as Roman snaps he picks Tahir up by the throat and punched him repeatedly he begins slamming his head into the wall before stomping on his head for several minutes. Roman then picks up the knife and begins cutting Tahir all over his body before throwing him through the door and into the hall. Roman limps towards Tahir gun loaded and aims it at Tahir's head. “Do it kill me satisfy your vain bloodlust. Killing me won’t stop a thing, cut off one head of the hydra and another will spring up in its place.” He laughs coughing up blood. “You terrorists are all the same. You're always optimists even when you're staring death in the face. Truth is I don’t care if killing you brings new evil into the world, you took something dear to me, caused emotional pain for friends and families everywhere, and killed thousands of innocent people. I would kill a monster like you over and over again.” Roman pulls back the hammer and squeezes the trigger. “Just remember Roman you took something from me as well. I hope you can live with all that blood on your hands. Live with the memory of every life you took in this quest to rid the world of evil.” Roman fires the gun as Tahir’s head slams against the floor as blood pools behind his head. Roman falls to the floor and leans against the wall laughing. “It’s finally over. Applejack I’m sorry for everything but your death wasn’t in vein now me and Rainbow kept our promise we're finally going home.” He says pulling out the picture of his friends and rubs his finger over the picture and wiping the dust from over top Applejacks face. He drops the picture and breaks down crying into his hands. Ivory Squad comes running up the stairs to find their commander near death and crying. For once in his life he dropped his guard in front of everyone. The squad just sit there admiring the sight of seeing their commander acting like a human instead of the vengeful killer they always saw him as. Rainbow and Baxter help him to his feet and they walk him out to the helicopter. It was a long helicopter ride back to the Hammerhead, but it was an easy one. The nightmare was finally over the two brothers were dead and Prometheus was now just another dark chapter that claimed the lives of so many innocent men and women. The road to recovery wasn’t going to be easy but Roman didn’t care. All he wanted was to be debriefed and come home to see Sunset and his friends. Once they landed everyone was debriefed and several hours later a big party was thrown and everyone celebrated. Baxter even got cozy with Private Ramirez. The two new lovers were drinking together and dancing and enjoying each others company. Meanwhile Roman and Rainbow were hitting the bar hard knocking back shot after shot numbing the pain. “Ya know what sucks, I never got to confess my feelings for Applejack.” Rainbow said taking another shot. “I mean I’ve loved her ever since we met she was really the only one besides you who understood how I truly am deep inside. I was gonna tell her how I felt when we returned home. It’s a shame I’ll never get that chance.” Her eyes swell with tears as she takes three more shots as Roman puts his arm around her and rubbed her back. “It’s ok Rainbow I’ll always be here for you. I’m sure if Applejack was here today then she would accept your feelings and be with you.” She rests her head on his shoulder. “Thanks Roman. I’m glad atleast someone I cared about made it out alive. It's gonna be hard the next few years but we can make it through this.” Roman pours six shots and slides three to Rainbow. “Let's have a toast.” Romanansd Rainbow take the first shotglass. “To all our fallen brothers and sisters.” Roman and Rainbow clink their glasses and knock back the first shot. “To Applejack, may she finally rest in peace.” Rainbow says as they once again take a second shot. “And to a peaceful future with our friends and loved ones.” They said as knocking back the final shot. They continued drinking into the night before collapsing in their cots. Over the next several weeks everyone relaxed and defused Roman and Rainbow never left each others side not even when Roman was skyping with Sunset. On the flip side Baxter and Ramirez got closer. In a way those two were just like Roman and Sunset. The two men would constantly be around each other. In a way there relationship was perfect. Roman only got more excited as he marked his calender before be. Tomorrow was the day they would arrive in port and he would be reunited with Sunset. After a year and a half of bloody fighting the day of reckoning was finally on the horizon. The next morning the soldiers piled onto the deck of the ship bags in hand as they see the bright and colorful flags and the banner home that read “Welcome Home Troops”. Once the ship was docked the men and women poured out of the ship as there families run towards them. As rainbow and Roman walked into the hanger and there before him was his Goddess. He dropped his back and ran up to her hugging her tightly and kissing her repeatedly. the two starved lovers kept their lips locked for several minutes before Twilight cleared her throat to get there attention. Roman jokingly flipped her off before giving Sunset one last kiss before everyone shared a big group hug. Roman shuffles through his bag pulling out a black box he got back in Nigeria during a trip into the city on a leave day. Roman gets down on one knee and looks into Sunsets eyes now filled with tears as she covers her mouth. “Sunset I have been to hell and back and fought my way through the jaws of hell. The thought of you was the only thing keeping me alive and running. Sunset I’ve waited for this moment for a long time. Sunset Shimmer will you marry me?” Roman stands up as Sunset pulls him close. “Yes a thousand times yes. I’ve wanted this for so long Roman it's all I could dream about.” She kisses him once again this time they kissed like never before lips locked tight hands exploring each others bodies as tongues danced in perfect unison. The now reunited group of friends hopped into Romans jeep and they all went out for a night on the town. Roman and Rainbow did it, they stared death in the face and made it home safe and sound. More importantly Roman had the girl of his dreams glued to his side. Everything was finally starting to go Roman’s way. Epilogue - Past meum non est hodieTwo years later Life has been peaceful for our friends Roman and Rainbow finally went to college thanks to the G.I Bill. Baxter and Ramirez got married shortly after Roman and Sunset. Rainbow finally moved on and met a nice girl she could settle down with. Ironically here and Indigo Zap were like carbon copies yet they were happy together. Rarity had finally gotten her chance to show off her skills at several fashion shows. Fluttershy opened up a vet clinic down the street from Roman and Sunset. Twilight finally got to go to Harvard, Pinkie opened her own chain of party stores, and the U.S.M.C covered Applejacks funeral as well as provided financial support for sweet Apple Acres. It was a somber day that the six friends will never forget. Romans life was normal for the most part. He attended dinner dates with Sunset hung out with friends, and helped Sunset prepare the room for the new baby. When Roman first found out that Sunset was pregnant he was so excited that he nearly woke up the neighbors. The day after that he told all his friends and put Pinkie in charge of the baby shower. The room was painted dark blue and white with stars and clouds adorning the walls. Roman and Sunset share a deep kiss as they admire there work. Life was good almost as if the whole thing with the military never happened. However every time Roman would look in the mirror he would see his eye and think back to the horrid thoughts attached to the score. Some nights he would sit in his study and care late into the night until Sunset came in and sat beside him and comforted him until he calmed down. Shortly after this incident became the norm Sunset went with Roman to therapy and slowly but surely it was helping him cope. Medication, therapy, and the love of his life were the perfect formula for Roman. “So Sunset how about you and me go out for lunch tomorrow like we used to.” He said putting his arm around his wife holding her close. She leans into him nuzzling into his neck. “Sounds like a great idea and after that we can go dress shopping for Rainbows wedding.” She said pointing to the invitation on their coffee table. The two lovers just sat there and watched a few movies before heading to bed. The next morning the couple woke up and started their day normally. Nothing seemed off it was normal day. After a long morning of cleaning and planning for Rainbows wedding it was time for there lunch date. Roman and Sunset closed the door locking it before getting into the jeep and driving to the local sandwich shop. Once there the two found a seat and got comfortable. “Roman sweetie why don't you sit here and relax I’ll go and get us our food.” Sunset said smiling and kissing Romans head. As she walks into the store Roman admires her body and loses himself in the moment he doesn't notice the man standing in front of him. The man was wearing a suit and had a thick Russian accent and his face covered up with a cloth mask he whispers something to Roman causing his eyes to widen and he points his gun at Roman and pulled the trigger and shot Roman twice in the chest before running off. Sunset turns to see what the commotion was and found her husband lying facedown on the sidewalk. She drops her food and screams running over to Roman and picking him up. “Roman sweetie please say something, please.” she begins to cry rubbing his face. She then quickly remembers her medical training and tries to stop the bleeding. Roman rubs her face and speaks. “If I have one regret, it's that I must leave your side.” Roman says before his eyes close and he stops breathing. Sunset panics and begins doing everything she can to help him before the ambulance arrives. After several minutes of CPR and defib pads. The EMT’s put a blanket over his head before loading him into the ambulance. An EMT walks up to Sunset. “I’m sorry miss there was nothing we could do. You’re husband is gone.” Sunset falls to her knees and cries heavily and screams. Several weeks pass and everyone attends Roman's funeral. All of his friends and his fellow marines clad in black and white honour their fallen brother. Sunset sits there crying as she grips the edges of her dress as Twilight and Rainbow rub her back. No one expected things to end this way. When everyone got the news they were in shock and disbelief. After the funeral everyone goes back to Sunsets house to continue their grieving. “Do they know who killed him?” Twilight asked comforting Sunset. “No all any witness could make out was he had a mask on but a nearby witness heard him say something before he pulled the trigger. “Well what was it?” Rainbow said in anticipation. “He was heard saying, “This is for Sasha.” The girls just look at Sunset in confusion. Rainbow however looks at Sunset in disbelief. She new exactly who Romans killer was. Rainbow breaks her silence and tells the girls everything that happened from Nigeria all the way to the bitter end in Yemen.
Chapter 1 - A Principio“Fall back to the green smoke or were going to be overrunned. Rainbow I want you to provide suppressing fire on points A and B. Baxter you grab Applejacks left I’ll grab her right we gotta get her to the evac site now.” Roman said hoisting up his friend who is now bleeding out onto the sands of the battlefield. Baxter and Roman kick into overdrive dragging their wounded teammate as bullets whizz past her heads and grenades explode in the distance. After several minutes of running they reach a run down house and quickly get Applejack inside laying her out on a clean section of floor. “Sir, she is loosing to much blood we gotta find away to stop the bleeding. Rainbow and Lansky can’t hold their position much longer.” Baxter said propping Applejack against a nearby wall. Roman runs over and kneels down next to her. “How ya doin Applejack talk to me.” Roman said pulling out a small medkit from a nearby fallen member of the once large Titan Squad. As he is getting ready to patch up Applejack. Baxter, Rainbow, and Lansky come running back towards him. “Sergeant were low on ammo and Prometheus is closing in fast we gotta hurry and get out of here.” Roman keeping himself calm and collected looks at Rainbow. “Sergeant Dash I want you to get what ammo you can from our fallen brothers then I want you, Baxter, and Lansky to get to the green smoke for evac. Roman turns to pull out his radio. “Sierra 248 where the fuck are you I have two dead and one wounded and in critical condition. What is your position.? Over” After a few minutes of radio silence a voice rings over the walkie. “Roger that Titans I see your smoke I’m five mikes to the evac zone ETA ten minutes. Over” “Roger that Sierra 248 about damn time you got here. Who all is with you?” Roman asked cutting open Applejacks shirt to find the bullet hole. “Just me and Rhino Company.” The radio man says before a familiar voice comes over the walkie. “Staff Sergeant Roman are you there?” Roman smiles slightly “Yes sir commander Maxim I’m here and the situation is completely Fubar sir.” Roman says giving Applejack morphine and bandaging her up as she weakly speaks into his ear. “I don’t want to die Roman, I still have to get you back for that prank you and Pinkie pulled on me.” She softly chuckles before coughing up blood. Roman who is now slightly crying takes her hand. “Don’t worry Applejack you're going to be ok the evac is almost here that way we can get you back to the carrier and get you some actual medical treatment. For right now just save your strength ok.” she nods and passes out from blood loss as Rainbow runs over to Roman. “Holy shit is she...dead?” Roman cleans the blood off his hands and puts gloves on. “No she still has a pulse she just passed out from blood loss, thankfully our squad medics supplies were destroyed in that I.E.D blast but we have to get her airlifted out of her ASAP.” just then as the insurgents were closing in the helicopter arrives gunning down some of the enemies. Roman carries Applejack to the helicopter and loads her into it. As the helicopter makes it off the ground several missiles pound the area taking out several helos including the one with Applejack in it. The helicopter Titan Squad Climbed into got hit as well and spun towards the ground. More missiles pound the helicopters knocking them out of the sky and killing all of Rhino Company. The remaining helicopters and humvees retreated as Prometheus soldiers started combing through the downed helicopters. Several months prior “Ugh I hate math so much. I can’t wait to get this school year over.” Roman said running his hand over his shaved head. “Oh stop being so melodramatic. ” Twilight says giggling and punching Romans arm. “Easy for you to say Twi, your Miss Brainiac.” she blushes slightly at the compliment. “I’m not a brainiac I just study, if you spent more time studying and less time doing athletic things with Rainbow Dash maybe you wouldn’t find math so stressful.” Sunset said as they walked into the lunchroom and saw there friends seated at their usual table. Sure high school was stressful but Roman didn’t care he was always one for doing the impossible and muscling through tough situations. He had several family members in the military so he knew all too well how to properly deal with high levels of stress. As for his friends he had a good amount. The six girls all knew each other since they were little and Roman has been there friend since Freshman year. Although him and Rainbow knew each other since middle school they remained close friends the whole time. Rarity was Queen Diva, on top of that she was also gorgeous and on more than several occasions he would stare at her ass without her knowing. There was Fluttershy who is the animal caretaker of the school and on several occasions she would sneak animals into her backpack. On top of that she was a shy girl, but despite her shyness that didn’t stop her from being cute, at least to Roman that is. To be fair all of his friends were cute. Then, there was the new girl that joined the group shortly after Roman did. Sunset Shimmer, at first she was Queen Bitch everyone hated her. Granted Roman didn’t hate her but that's simply because Roman didn’t have a bad bone in his body. Like most of his friends Sunset was just as attractive. Needless to say Roman always liked her a little bit more than he did Rarity. “hey everyone.” Roman said sitting down at the table with his lunchbox. Roman never did like school food it always made him sick. “What ya got to eat today dude.” Rainbow asked putting her arm around him and hugging him. “The usual sandwich, apple, banana, trail mix, and protein shake.” Rainbow chuckles at him rubbing his head. “Oh trying to maintain that new body of your huh she says touching his stomach. Back in his Freshmen and Sophomore year Roman was a pretty chubby kid but after he started talking sports with Rainbow he soon began to eat healthy and take care of himself. “Well, what can I say I like the new me the new me feels a lot better than the old me.” He says flexing and acting like a goofball. “I do have agree darling I rather like the new handsome you.” she says fluttering her eyes at Roman. “I for one liked the old Roman.” Fluttershy said softly. Pinkie buts in on the conversation. “Ya chubby Roman was awesome to hug he was like a big squishy ball of dough.” Pinkie said giggling before falling out of her chair in laughter. “You ok there Sunset?” Roman asked “You’ve been quiet this whole time.” she looks up and blushes with embarrassment. As Applejack leans in and the girls follow. “So, Roman have you decided who you're going to the prom with?” Applejack says laughing at the now awkward silence over taking the table. “No I haven’t to tell you the truth I never liked proms. Apart from spending time with you guys everything else is just boring ya know.” Never once did Roman ever like the idea of school functions. Not because he was not popular or didn’t have anyone to go to these functions with it’s just stuff like that didn’t interest him. All he liked to do was hang out with his friends, work on his car, or play sports with Rainbow Dash. Still, though going to something like the prom may be fun especially with the right person. If the situation presented itself he probably wouldn’t say no. Soon after finishing his lunch Principle Celestia came over the loudspeaker with an announcement. “Attention students after lunch a army recruiter here to talk students about enlisting after high school. All those interested in attending please come to the gymnasium after lunch.” Hearing this Romans eyes lit up noticing this the girls get a worried look on their face. Twilight was the first to speak up. “Roman I know your entire family was military but that does not mean you have to go into something that dangerous. I mean what if something happened to you your family would be devastated and so would we.” “It’s true darling just the thought of you in those tacky military outfits and all the dirt and grime just makes me sick.” Everyone stares daggers at her. “Oh and of course you could get hurt or worse.” Roman stands up cracking his knuckles. “Girls I Appreciate your concern but this is something I want to do, I have always wanted to be a soldier. Sunset stands up visibly angry. “Roman think about what you're doing, did you once ever think about our feelings, did you ever think that if anything ever happened to you we would just lose it.” She angrily walks out of the lunchroom. As Roman chases after her. “What's her problem?” Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight looks at the girls and then to Rainbow. “It’s because she has a crush on Roman, and he doesn’t realise it. Honestly I’m the only one she has told about it and I just gotta say she is head over heals for him.” Twilight says drinking her water and finishing her apple “Ya well he isn’t the only on enlisting.” Rainbow said pointing at herself. The girls look at he shocked at the statement. “He has been my friend since middle school I’m not about to let go the distance alone. Although I have to agree with you Twilight it is a bad idea but you know how Roman is, once he sets his mind to something he goes through with it.” Rainbow then takes her backpack and gets up to go find Roman. As she gets up Applejack grabs Rainbows arm. “Hold on there partner, you're not going by yourself I’ll enlist with you Rainbow.” Twilight interrupts the two girls. “Were you two not listening when I told Roman how dangerous it is. Why do you all want to enlist so badly?” Twilight says groaning. “Because Twilight like I said before Roman is my closest friend I’d follow him to hell and back and never ask myself why.” She walks out of the lunchroom after Roman. “Why are you going Applejack?” Pinkie Pie said tilting her head as she puts her food away. “Someone has to go and keep those two from getting themselves killed don’t they.” Applejack smirks and walks away. “Don’t worry girls everything will be fine I promise.” Applejack walks into the hallway and heads for the gymnasium. Meanwhile, in another part of the school “I can’t believe you would do this, do you know what would happen if I lost you. You goddamn fool I love you. Ok ever since I first got here you have been nothing but a good friend to me, but I wanna be more than friends ok.” Sunset says tears in her eyes as she grabs Roman and clings to his chest. “I don’t wanna lose you.” Roman just stops and takes in what just happened. Roman just holds her tight rubbing her back. “Don’t worry Sunset you won’t lose me. I promise when I get enlisted I’ll write to you Skype with you, and when I finally come home I’m gonna walk off that ship run up to you and hug you so tight that your back will pop.” he said mocking a bear hug as he lifted Sunset up as she giggled slightly. “Besides, I won’t anything happen to that big teddy bear.” Rainbow says walking up to them. Me and Applejack are enlisting with you. I’d never let my best friend go the journey alone, especially something as dangerous as the military. Applejack is also coming to keep us in line so we get home safely.” Applejack soon comes up behind Rainbow and fixes her hat. “Don’t worry Sunset nothing will happen to your man I promise.” Sunset looks at the three of them before laughing. “Seeing you guys in uniform is gonna be weird.” Roman looks at her surprised and then he hugs her tightly. “So, you’re ok with me enlisting.” Roman says rubbing Sunsets face as she leans into his touch. “Yes but only you three promise to come back to us unharmed, ok.” Sunset then hugs all three of them as the lunch bell rings and the three of them head to the gymnasium. As they get to the gym they took their seats on the bleachers and watched as the recruiter gave his speech on the history of the Army and the many roles the Army offers. The presentation ends and another man in uniform walks in. “I want to thank everyone who attended the presentation and a big thanks to principal Celestia for letting all this happen. Now, if anyone is interested in enlisting please come down now and grab an enlistment form, fill it out completely, and then bring them to me after your done then head back to class you will be notified by letter in two weeks if you were accepted.” No one stands up they just sit there and mumble and giggle sensing the other recruiters annoyance build up. The three of them quickly stand up. “We want to enlist sir.” Roman says as he walks down the bleachers proudly with Rainbow and Applejack as they stand at attention in front of the recruiter. “Tell me you three why do you three want to enlist in something as dangerous as the military. You first son.” The recruiter looks at Roman as he clears his throat. “Simple sir I have people I want to protect, and to honour my family who have all served in the military.” He said proudly looking at Sunset. “A valiant effort son, what's your name?” “Andrew Roman sir but I prefer to go by Roman.” the recruiter hands him the enlistment form. What about you Miss, what's your name?” the recruiter says putting the microphone near Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash sir.” “Why do you want to enlist in the military?” she thinks for a few before putting her arm around Roman. “Because me and this guy are the best of friends and I’d follow him to hell and back if I have to. I’d even take a bullet for this man and he would do the same for me.” “That's very loyal of you Miss Dash.” he hands an enlistment form to Rainbow and he finally walks over to Applejack. “What's your name Miss?’ he once again asks clenching the enlistment form in his hands. “Applejack sir.” she says nervously. “Why do you wanna join the military Miss Jack?’ she looks to Sunset and her friends and smiles. “Because I promised my friends that I’d make sure these two make it home.” with a proud look on his face he hands the form to her and salutes her. “You see kids three of your fellow students want to enlist and there reasons for doing so are selfless and the friendship between these three is unbreakable. Alright students well its time for you all to head back to class thank you for attending and have a good day.” Roman hands him back all three forms signed. “Well that was fast.” he said with a look of surprise. “Ehehe were really eager to join.” Rainbow said with a smile. “Always nice to see so much enthusiasm. Well, kids I thank you for your time you guys go back to class and I’ll get these filled.” The three of them run off to finish off their day. As the day crept on the three students couldn’t stop smiling at their chances of getting in. Once everything was said and done Roman headed for his locker. Everyday after school he always works out with Rainbow for an hour or two. Tonight however he can only exercise for an hour as he is planning on spending time with Sunset. Since there is a good chance that in two weeks he won't see her for awhile. The workout went as normal and ever rainbow and Roman took turns spotting and lifting and talking about the day and there excitement for the military. Soon an hour comes to an end and the two of them wipe off the equipment and hit the showers before saying goodbye and parting ways. Roman soon arrives at his apartment and walks in throwing down his backpack and relaxing on the couch. Roman loved his family but he never knew how nice living on your own was. He soon got out his phone and called Sunset so she could come over and they could hang out for a couple of hours. He pulls up Sunsets contact info and dials her number. “Hey Roman what's up?” Sunset said with an audible spark in her voice. “Well, I wanted to see if you wanted to come over and hang out for a few hours. I can make dinner and we can watch a movie or two.” “Sure I’ll be over in about thirty minutes, see ya soon babe.” Sunset hangs up and gets ready to go. Back at Roman's place he begins to get ready for his date with Sunset. He shaves his beard down to a light amount of stubble and shaves his head he then puts on cologne and freshens his breath. Once out of the bathroom he gets out the proper ingredients and begins cooking a nice dinner. Roman was no five star chef but when it came to pasta and grilled food he was the master at cooking. Thirty minutes later he hears a knock on his door. He steps away from the stove throwing the towel over his shoulder and answers the door. “Hello beautiful.” Roman says looking Sunset up and down instead of her normal leather jacket, dress, and jeans. She shows up wearing a purple top with skinny jeans on and black and white high tops. Sunset blushes slightly at his compliment before pushing him. “Are you gonna let me in or are you just gonna stand there and look at me.” getting a smirk on her face Roman steps aside letting her in. She inhales deeply as the smells of freshly cooked steak fill the air. She breathes out and sighs and relaxes on the couch. “so how long until the foods ready I’m starving.” She says tilting her head back and rubs her stomach. Roman comes around handing her a plate of potatoes, steak, and asparagus. “Holy shit this looks amazing. How did you make all this so quickly?” Sunset said taking a bite of the steak as she shudders at the taste. “Your handsome, Kind, and you can cook. Damn I won the lottery with you.” Sunset said giggling as she continues eating. Roman puts his plate down and goes to get his remote and grabs two movies from the shelf. “So, what are we watching?” Sunset said drinking some of her wine. “Well, I have The Notebook and Titanic.” Roam says putting the Notebook in his DVD player and he sits down as Sunset cuddles up close to him. They sit there in each others arms kissing every so often as they watch the movies. Sunset soon falls asleep in Romans arms. He kisses her head and carries her upstairs and tucks her into his bed and he goes downstairs and sleeps on the couch. Soon after laying down Roman quickly falls asleep today was without a doubt the best day of his life..
Chapter 2 - Et erat ibi nomine RatioThe next morning Roman wakes up to the smell of eggs and bacon. As he stirs from his sleep he sees a orange skinned goddess at the stove cooking breakfast for him. Sunset notices him waking up and walks over to him. “Good morning sleepy head. Did you have a good sleep?” She said smiling and rubbing his arm. “Morning Sunset. i slept ok my back hurts though.” he says sitting up and rubbing his lower back. “Well next time we can sleep in the same bed. After all I don’t bite...much” Sunset said with a wink a she swayed her hips and headed back to the stove. “I’ll keep that in mind next time.” Roman chuckles as he goes upstairs to shower and get ready for school. For the next several days Sunset would spend every waking moment glued to Romans side, she was determined to spend as much time with him as possible. After several more dates things started to get serious between the two love struck students and eventually they moved in together. It may have seemed fast to everyone else but to Sunset and Roman they loved each other too much to care. With graduation only three days away Roman and his friends were excited to finally be done with the stress of high school and though they would probably go there separate ways they would all stay in contact with each other. Finally the day arrived the morning of his graduation Sunset handed him a letter from the recruiter and what the letter said both shocked and surprised him. “Dear Mr. Roman After a careful look at your record and credentials you have been accepted into the U.S Military. However the army has filled its que. So we have transferred you and a select few from your hometown of canterlot have been transferred to the another division. As of today you are an official member of the U.S.M.C. Please report to the address below within the next day or so to finalize your position. From there we will send you of to your nearest naval base for basic training. We can’t tell you how happy we are to have someone of your caliber added to our ranks. So from everyone here and everyone in the U.S. We say Thank You. Signed, Cl. Andrew J. Sanders Roman began to jump up and down in joy at what he just read. He immediately picks up his phone and calls Rainbow. He taps his foot as he waits for her to pick up. “Rainbow did you get your letter/” Roman asked in an excited tone. “Hell yeah, sadly though i couldn’t be in the army so they assigned me to the Marines.” She says slightly disappointed. “Me to, they said that a select few from canterlot were transferred to a different branch that had openings. We gotta call Applejack.” Roman says dialing her number and adding her to their call. “Ah take it you guys got your letters.” Applejack said reading her letter. “Ah also assume that you to are the “few” they selected from Canterlot to be transferred like ah was.” Rainbow cheers loudly as Roman gives of a excited laugh. “Ah take that as a yes.” she said rolling her eyes and smiling. “Well I’m gonna go and get ready for school see you guys in a few.” Roman said heading upstairs trying not to wake Sunset. hanging up his phone he hops in the shower as he gets out and dries himself off he feels soft hands wrap around his waist as a head leaned on his back. “How is my big strong soldier this morning.” Sunset said rubbing her hands over his abs. “I’m awesome, I take it you heard the conversation on the phone?” he says shaving his face. “Yes and from the sound of it Rainbow and Aj were just as happy as you. For now however I’m more interested in your soldier that's politely standing at attention just for me.” she said in a seductive town slowly reaching down and pulling off Romans towel gently gripping his member and stroking slowly. “We can be a little late for school. After all today is our last day so no one's gonna care.” She said as she turns Roman around and presses him against the wall kissing him deeply. After a hour of hot bathroom sex the two lovebirds get dressed and head out the door. Once they arrive at school Rainbow and her friends are waiting for Roman and Sunset by the front of the school. Once Pinkie notices Sunset she quickly tells everyone they're coming. “hey knucklehead your an hour late, what took so long.” Roman rubs the back of his head and smiles. “Sunset here gave a little present for being accepted into the military.” The girls just stare for a few seconds, “Oh my Sunset you are very lucky to have such a...well chiseled man.” Perhaps you can fill us in on the details while we let these three bask in their achievement.” rarity said in a rather flirty tone. “Nice try Rarity.” Sunset said giggling. My sex life is on strict lockdown, after all I can’t give you reasons to try and steal my man now can I?” Rarity quickly blushes and slinks back rubbing her arm. “Fair enough.” The eight friends head inside to enjoy their last day as high school. Tomorrow they will be full fledged adults with the world at their fingertips and free to carve their own future. After a heartfelt goodbye to all their memories from their years of fun and shenanigans all the students head home and prepare for their graduation ceremony. For the rest of the day Roman and his friends spent their time partying, and talking about what there gonna do after they graduate. Pinkie wanted to get a degree in business so she could open up her own chain of bake shops, Fluttershy wanted to open her own mobile Veterinary Station so she could care for animals all around the world, Rarity wanted to be an actress along with have her own clothing line, Applejack wanted to take over control of Sweet Apple Acres once she got back to the states after her tour of duty, Sunset wanted to study medicine so she could be a doctor, Twilight wanted to be a scientist, and Roman and Rainbow well they wanted to stay in the military as long as possible. They all had their lives planned out it was comforting to see friends being so happy. Make no mistake there was no breaking this group apart. The time had come Roman and rainbow got into their suits, as the girls got into their dresses. Rainbow was never one for frilly girly things besides she always like suits she thought they amplified her awesomeness. Before they leave they all gather on the porch of Pinkie's house and they all got into position as Sunset set up her phone to take a group picture. Once they all got into position right as the flash hits roman and Sunset share a kiss not breaking once for the photo. Sunset took her phone and texted the pictures to all eight of her friends so they can remember this moment for years to come. Just like that they all piled into Romans jeep and they headed for CHS. Sparing no time they arrive and take their seats as the band starts to play before Principal Celestia steps out and stands in front of the podium. “Thank you all for coming. Today is no doubt a very special day for everyone. Today we will be sending off our Senior class of 2017, as I stand here today I can’t begin to describe how happy I am to see so many of my beloved students leave these halls and start their adult lives.” After a long speech Celestia starts calling out names of the students, as each one went up and received their caps, gowns, and Diplomas. Roman and his friends all came up at once claim the prize they had all worked so hard for. Once they received their Diplomas they all blew off the rest of the ceremony and hopped in Romans jeep and they headed for the lake for a late night party. After all what better way to relax after your graduation then with music, alcohol, and skinny dipping. Needless to say they all had a blast and swam and drank late into the night, well except for Fluttershy. After all she was the designated driver. The seven drunk friends crammed into the jeep as Fluttershy drove everyone home until it was just her, Roman, Sunset, Rainbow, and Applejack. “Hey Rainbow do you, Aj, and Fluttershy wanna crash with me and Sunset tonight. We can head to the recruiting office in the morning and finalize our papers. Then we can drop Fluttershy at her house?” Roman asked putting his arm around Sunset and Rainbow as the two girls cuddled up close to him and resting their heads on his chest. “Sounds like a plan” Rainbow said. “Ah why not.” Applejack said in a slightly slurred manner. “Oh umm thank you Roman that's very kind of you.” Fluttershy said keeping her eyes on the road. “Then that settles it, let's head back to my place then.” Roman say throwing his hands in the air. They soon arrive at Roman and Sunsets house as the five friends headed inside. Fluttershy and Applejack crashed on the floor as Rainbow passed out on the couch. Meanwhile Roman and Sunset share one last night of hot passionate sex after several hours the two lovers now tired and sweaty head to take a shower before finally going to sleep. Sunset snuggles up close to Roman as he smiles in his sleep. the next morning Rainbow opens the door and wakes them up. “Hey you dirty birds time to wake up and get ready we gotta be at the office by twelve.” Rainbow leaves the doorway and heads to the shower. After a long wait everyone finally gets dressed as they eat breakfast. they leave and Fluttershy decides to stay home and get some more sleep. After a rather lengthy drive they finally arrive at the recruiting office and they head inside and wait at the desk for the receptionist. After some conversation and several pamphlets about military benefits the three friends finally sign the paperwork and out comes the recruiter. Well if it isn’t my three new marines. It’s wonderful to have you all fighting the good fight.” He looks over to Sunset. Well who is this lovely young lady?” The recruiter said making Sunset blush. “Sir this is my girlfriend Sunset Shimmer.” Roman said pulling her close. “Well that's sweet. Don’t worry Ms. Shimmer these three will come home safe and sound.” The Rainbow, Applejack, and Roman all smile but deep down they knew that it was just a lie the recruiter was saying just to put Sunsets mind at ease. “Now I wanna see you three back here tomorrow at O’ Six hundred understand?” All four of them stand straight and salute the Recruiter. “Sir yes sir.” they say in unison. “Very good, you are dismissed and enjoy the rest of your day.” He says saluting back as the kids leave the office and spend the rest of the day packing and spending time with there friends. The night passes by as once again Roman and Sunset share another night of passion. They arrive at the office early in the morning and get on the bus and headed for Naval Station Norfolk. After a long rest on the bus they arrive at the base and get off the bus for processing. There was no turning back, as of right Now Rainbow, Applejack, and Ramon were Marines and they were damn happy with that fact.
Chapter 3 - Et mundabo saeculum per ignem“Drop and give me twenty you pathetic wastes of space.” The instructor yelled. “You all are the worst group of trainees I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with.” Most of the trainees would struggle and complain except for Roman and Rainbow. The two of them punched out push up after push up angrily working at each other. This wasn't basic training to them it was a competition to see who is stronger. Meanwhile, Applejack is at the end of the group doing just as good as her two friends. Make no mistake the three of them were already stronger than some of the trainees and the others knew this so they always got met with glares and hateful stares. They didn't care all they cared about was surviving boot camp. “Alright ladies take a break then get ready for a forty five minute drill run.” The instructor looks and Roman, Rainbow, and Applejack. “You three come here. Double time move it.” They come jogging over to their instructor. “What are you names maggots?” They stand at attention and salute. “Private Rainbow Dash. Sir.” She says loud and proud “Private Applejack, Sir.”he said puffing out her chest “Private Anton Roman. Sir.” he said with pride in his voice “Well, you three have to be the most pathetic bunch of Trainees I've ever met. You three will be leading the group when we run and if any of you fall behind, then you’ll be cleaning the latrines for a week.” None of them flinch and stay stoic and salute once again. “Sir yes sir.” the three said in unison as they jogged off to get some water. The instructor rubs his chin and smirks. “Those three are unbreakable. This is gonna be fun.” he said laughing to himself. Meanwhile, in Nigeria “Zeus Thirteen this is Percival Two were coming up on Abuja. What are our orders?” the radio chimes back with the voice of a young middle eastern man. “Gentlemen this is Nizaar Rabbani, your objective is to park in the center of the city and arm the bombs. Once you boys are out of the blast radius detonate the bomb then return to base. Gentlemen it's time to bring the world to the light about Prometheus. Et mundabo saeculum per ignem.” “Et mundabo saeculum per ignem.” The armed men said in unison before readying the bomb. After a few minutes of driving they three vans park in strategic points in the city as they arm the bombs. Hopping into another van they speed out of the city. Once far enough they detonate the bombs and massive explosions decimate the inner portion of the city washing thousands of people in a blanket of fire. Buildings in ruin crumble as the rubble crushes those trapped inside the corresponding buildings. Rescue workers rush to help as children cling to the bodies of their dead parents and parents hold their dead and wounded children in their arms. From that moment on things in the world would never be the same. Over the coming months after the Abuja terrorist attack Prometheus orchestrated three more terrorist attacks on Dubai, Berlin, and Sydney. each time Prometheus claimed responsibility with pride. After two months of silence from the terrorist group world leaders began to panic it wasn't until three sleeper cells were discovered in the U.S Senate, and Two in the British Parliament that the world had enough and the U.S and UK declared war on Prometheus but after finding out that Syria and Russia were joining Prometheus in the fight it became official World War Three had begun. All world leaders knew that another bloody chapter in human history was beginning. nevertheless they were ready to defend their people. Back in the states during all the terror and bloodshed Roma, Rainbow, and Applejack fared better than they thought. In the months leading up to the war the three excelled in everything from strength all the way to tactical genius. After more ruthless training the day came. Graduation Day. Out of the thrity that enlisted only fifteen made it to Graduation, they were fifteen of the finest soldiers the U.S.M.C had to offer. Since it was the weekend of graduation everyone's friends and family came and in the crowd were five colorful girls cheering their friends on. After graduation was over everyone was allowed to have visitors and Twilight and her friends were not about to pass that up. They sign in and head into the gymnasium. They all run up and hug each other. “Oh my gosh I never thought I’d see the day I saw you wearing a uniform.” Sunset says kissing Roman and giggling. Romans parents come in and surprise him. Everyone sat around and laughed and joked. Once it was time to leave everyone hugged and walked out. Sunset stops Roman and kisses him on the lips deeply as they hold each other for a few there lips intertwined with each others. They break the kiss and Sunset smiles and heads out to her car. After more conversations with each other it was time for lights out so everyone headed to their barracks for the night. Suddenly in the dead of night siren went off and the instructor burst into the barracks. “Everyone up now this is an emergency. You all are being shipped out to Nigeria.” a Private stands up in the back. “Why Nigeria sir?” he said scared. “Nows not the time for questions maggot, get your ass up and head to the auditorium now.” he said in a angry tone. Everyone got dressed and poured into the auditorium and took their seat as the Sergeant Major came out onto the stage and gave them a rundown on everything that's happening. A silence came across the crowd as they were given their orders. “Prometheus is a very dangerous group everyone. There highly skilled and heavily armed. They are ruthless and will not show mercy I expect the same from all of you. Now, gear up and meet in front of the airstrip we’re leaving immediately. Everyone runs out of the building and over to the armory as everyone takes a vest, rifle, handgun, a couple grenades, and finally parachutes and they run to the airstrip. “So, is this all there sending, just one base of marines?” a private said to Roman. “No if this is as bad as the president said it is then every base in the U.S will be sending company after company to Nigeria and other points of interest. Applejack and Rainbow hold hands as they wait for their Commanding Officer. “You o girls?” Roman said looking at them. “Ya sugarcube were just a little nervous. This will be our first time in real combat.” Applejack said as Rainbow lets go of her hand. “Ya, but as long as the three of us stay together we will keep each other safe.” Rainbow said gaining back her iconic determination that Roman saw back during basic. Roman was just a nervous as them but he was ready. He knew that this was his destiny and that he would fight to the bitter end. More importantly he would defend his friends and brothers to the death if he had to. Just then a tall olive skinned man with black hair walked up to them. “Your the three privates from Equestria right?” the man said to Roman. “Yes we are, and who are you.” Roman said looking at the rather muscular man. “I’m Sergeant Baxter nice to meet you.” he said shaking hands with the three privates. “I've heard a lot about you three so fighting beside you guys is gonna be interesting.” he said chuckling but before anyone could respond Sergeant Major Maxim stepped up to the podium and began listing people and the companies they will be going to. Roman, Baxter, Rainbow, and Applejack got assigned to Rhino Company along with about half of the marines there. The other half was split up and sent to Griffin Company and Mako Company. Once all that was over everyone loaded onto their Companies AC-130 and took their seats and waited for take off. After a few hours of flying everyone decided that it would be best to get some shut eye so that they would be alert and focused for the upcoming battle. it was gonna be a long and bloody war everyone knew this yet they were ready and willing to die to protect their homes and families. Roman however was ready to die for Rainbow, Sunset, Applejack, and everyone else he has come to know. Make no mistake he was gonna fight like a rabid dog against Prometheus. After several hours of silence the red light finally hit as everyone shot up and ready themselves for the jump. “Drop-zone ETA three minutes everyone jump on my mark.” Maxim yelled as everyone put a hand on the shoulder of the soldier in front of them. “ETA thirty seconds.” Everyone settled their nerves and took a deep breath. “Jump now, go go go.” One after another everyone jumped out of the airplane pulling their shoots and floating to the ground. In the distance gunfire and explosions could be heard meaning Griffin and Mako Company landed safely and is giving Prometheus hell. As they hit the ground everyone yanked their rifles forward and charged in firing at the enemies and sliding into cover. Bullets whizzing past their heads and the sounds of men screaming can be heard not even thirty minutes into the fight and the smell of blood is thick in the air. Everyone stayed in position firing and throwing grenades waiting for further orders. Rainbow, Roman, and Applejack were handling everything like true soldiers. Around them men fell from both sides but not once did they look back or worry about the wounded. All that mattered now was survival. After an hour of bloody fighting Maxim came running in with the rest of Rhino Company as they pushed back Prometheus. After a couple minutes maxim ordered a cease fire. Everyone stopped firing and breathed a sigh of relief. Casualties were heavy on both sides the fields were littered with bodies and the smell of blood and burning flesh filled everyone's nostrils Applejack and a couple of privates ended up vomiting onto the ground. They did it all three of them survived their first battle as marines. Maxim walks up to Roman and Rainbow handing them ammo for there handguns. “You two are on cleaning duty. I want you two to got out into the fields and execute any survivors that refuse to give up intel on Prometheus.” They saluted him and headed out into the fields putting one round into the head of each survivor. “Hey Roman I got three survivors over here. They said they give up what they know in exchange for mercy.” she said keeping her gun at the ready. “Alright bag ‘em and tag ‘em. Let’s get them back to Maxim.” Roman shoots one more survivor in the head. Before accompanying Rainbow back to the makeshift HQ. Once there Roman and Rainbow salute Maxim. “Sir, Private Rainbow here found three men who are willing to give any intel they have in exchange for mercy.” Maxim salutes them back. “”Good job private, I take it you both were successful?” Maxim said raising an eyebrow. “Yes sir Roman executed all survivors that withheld information.” She said saluting Roman. “Very good, you two head back to the barracks and grab some food and take a rest, you both have earned it. I’ll take care of these three POW’s.” Maxim said ordering two soldiers to escort the prisoners to his quarters. Maxim looks to see the three privates arms around each other's shoulders laughing and eating. Maxim smiles at the sight, and heads to his tent to prep the men for interrogation. Meanwhile, back in Yemen A man in a suit and tie comes walking into a room with a tall brown skinned man with curly hair and a scar across his cheek. The man had on his side a revolver loaded with six armor piercing rounds. “Brother, I have the report from the firefight in Nigeria.” the man known as Tahir turns around to face the man in the suit. “Was our mission a success Nizaar?” Tahir asked offering his little brother some water. To which he graciously accepts. “No sir. We only managed to capture an airfield and several building near it. Our forces were pushed back by U.S forces. There were no survivors.” he hung his head in sadness as he said the last sentence. “Damn Americans there response was faster then anticipated. No matter send over several hundred soldiers to reinforce the five hundred we already have guarding that airfield. If the Americans capture that airfield they will discover secrets that could jeopardize our entire goal.” Tahir said taking a shot of whiskey. “What is our goal brother?” Nizaar asked standing up to go give the order. Tahir laughs before stirring the whiskey in his glass. “Simple little brother, were going to cleanse this world of its corrupt and unjust.” he finishes his drink as Nizaar heads out to issue order and send the reinforcements to Nigeria. Back in Nigeria Maxim was hard at work breaking the three men and getting them to spill whatever intel they had. After several minutes the men finally broke down and told Maxim everything they knew, including the location of a nearby airfield with supplies, intel, and projects Prometheus is working on. Once he acquired the info he executed the three men at point blank range and ordered his guards to dispose of the bodies. Armed with the new intel he received Maxim walks out and heads to the mess hall were the soldiers were busy eating and conversing. Maxim enters the tent and everyone quickly becomes silent. “Ladies and gentlemen thanks to the intel we gained from the POW’s we have located the reason Prometheus is here in Nigeria. There is an airfield about 30 mikes west of here loaded with soldiers, intel, and Promethean projects. Rhino Company I’m tasking you with seizing that airfield and clearing out so we can come in and collect everything they have. Soldiers this mission could be the decision that ends his war. After your done eating I want you all geared up and in the transport truck ASAP. Do i make myself clear.” Maxim looks around as Rhino Company stands up and salutes. “Sir yes sir.” They all yell in unison. “Very good I’ll see you all very soon.” Maxim leaves the tent as everyone quickly finishes there food. A couple minutes later Rhino Company rushes out of the tent and gear up as they hop into the trucks one by one. The Humvee up t the front honk their horns signaling that it's time to move out. One by one the trucks pull out and carry one hundred and ninety men and women into the jaws of hell. Once they got close to the airfield everything went to hell. Out of the blue a rocket propelled grenade flies and hits the Humvee as they flip crash and explode. “Everyone get the fuck out of here and get into cover now.” Roman yelled to everyone over there walkies. The trucks stopped and men poured out scrambling for cover. “Where is our company leader.” a soldier screamed to Roman. “He was in the humvee, just listen to me and Private dash we will get everyone out of this. For right now don’t let up and keep the pressure on them while me, Rainbow, and applejack move up to get a better shot.” the soldier looked at roman and passed on the order. “Popping a smoke on my mark we charge for that hanger on the east end. Baxter i want you to take some of the men and apply pressure to those Mg nests. if anyone gets caught by those things were fucked.” Baxter nods his head as he takes his men and they charge providing suppressing fire. “Let's move everyone.” Roman says as everyone charges for the hanger and to his surprise Roman lost only three men in the charge. They continued pushing forward until they reached cover. Once there they dug in and provided covering fire for the other half of the company. Intense gunfire continues for several minutes before the opposing side began to dwindle. Sensing this Roman stands up and orders everyone to push forward. All of a sudden Baxter comes over the radio screaming about reinforcements converging on the airfield. Romans eyes widen as he turns pale at the sight of several hundred soldiers charging down from the hill to the east. “Enemy reinforcements everyone get the fuck to cover now or However, back gonna be overrun.” everyone panics as they make a break for whatever cover they could find. Roman gets on the radio and contacts HQ. “Sergeant Major Maxim they knew we were coming we have control of the airfield but have at least two hundred plus foot mobiles converging on our position. We need an air-strike now or we're gonna lose the airfield. I repeat two hundred plus foot mobiles converging on our position at the airfield requesting reinforcements and a air-strike. Over.” waiting for a response Roman looks at his brothers and sisters cowering in fear. “everyone I’m getting reinforcements for now hit them with everything we got.” Just then Maxim radios back. “Roger that son I have your coordinates I need you to pop a smoke to mark the area. Make sure what you mark won't damage the airfield in anyway. I also have several Humvee and soldiers en-route to your position. Hang in there son help is on the way.” Maxim hangs up and Roman relays the good and bad news to the troops. “Rainbow come here” Roman said as she comes running over. “I got us an air-strike coming in issue is i gotta get close to that small army and throw the smoke to signal the attack. If I don’t make it back tell everyone back home I died a hero.” Roman says this and kisses Rainbows head before he grabs his rifle and charges into the crowd. “Everyone provide Roman with covering fire now.” rainbow screamed at the top of her lungs. Don’t die just yet you fool.” she says to herself before she to joins in on the fire. Bullets whiz past Romans head as he see enemy after enemy fall once he is in the middle of it all he pops the flare as he sees the jet's approaching. he drops the flare and hides in a nearby building. The jets rush over and begin pounding the field with artillery and napalm strikes. The ground shakes before him as he hears the sounds of men screaming and bullets striking flesh, rock, and sand. After a few minutes of heavy shelling he hears the sounds of Vulcan mini guns tearing through what's left of the group. However back at the airfield Rhino Company suffered more heavy casualties. Delta scan that building for enemies. a soldier screams. Delta comes in and finds Roman huddled against the wall catching his breathe. Sir I found Private Roman and he is alive and well. Maxim walks in and sticks out his hand to pull Roman to his feet. “Son that was brave but very reckless, but thanks to you what's left of Rhino Company is now tearing the airfield apart taking whatever they can in terms of Intel and firepower. The operation was a success thanks to your recklessness son. So, as of this moment on I’m putting you in charge of Titan Squad. It's a group of twelve of the best soldiers from the marines. Private Dash and Private Jack will also be joining you. I’m also promoting you three to Sergeants. Now, let's get you out of here and back to your company.” Maxim says patting the brave soldier on his back as they load into the Humvee and head for the airfield. Once the Humvee arrived Rainbow and Applejack wait in anticipation. Before there eyes Roman comes out the Humvee with a big smile on his face. The two girls run to him and hug him tightly. The other members of Rhino Company come running out cheering loudly at the victory they snatched up from the jaws of certain death. everyone gathered around Roman cheering him on and slapping his helmet. “Don’t ever scare us like that again you big idiot.” Rainbow said hugging him tighter before letting him go. “OK Rhino Company thanks to all of your hard work today we have a chance and making this war end sooner rather than later. I want all of you to head back to base, grab yourselves a hot meal and relax for the night. Were gonna have a clean up crew salvage what they can from this shit hole. Damn fine job marines.” Maxim said saluting his men. “Urah!” they all yelled at the top of their lungs fists raised high in the air as they all loaded into the trucks and headed for HQ. Needless to say Rainbow rarely left Roman's side that night, but he didn't mind after all they were all in this together no matter what. After a nice hot meal Roman headed back to the barracks and went to bed exhausted from his death defying stunt earlier today. Roman was at peace he knew they were gonna when the war and as it stands now the three of them will get to go home and keep the promise they made to Sunset. His mind focused on Sunset as he drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 4 - A sors temptusThe next morning Rainbow wakes up Roman to tell him some good news. After a few minutes of no movement Rainbow balls her fist and belts Roman in the groin causing him to wake up and groan in pain. “Oh good you're awake, now I can tell you the good news.” Roman looks at her angrily and growls. “What good news?” he said standing up and regaining his composure. ‘“Well from that intel we pulled from the airfield we found out two high valued targets. The best part on top of our promotions, were going to Yemen to assassinate the younger brother of the leader of Prometheus. The guys name is Nizaar Rabbaani.” she says throwing roman a dossier on the man. “It says here his brother is Saleel Tahir. Wait how can they be brothers there last names are different.” Roman said confused. “According to our intel their mother's maiden name was Tahir but they changed it to Rabbani when she got married. Saleel decided to keep his last name while Nizaar took the father's last name. In any case the file indicates they are very close so if anyone has intel on Tahir it will be him. So we're leaving in a couple hours to infiltrate their Compound in Yemen. Our primary objective is to kill Nizaar however if Tahir is there we are to bring him in alive.” Rainbow says pointing to Tahir’s picture. “Well I’m gonna go get ready to go. you might wanna do the same, you are the squad leader after all.” Rainbow said laughing her way out of the tent. Roman stands out of bed and stretches and yawns before heading out to the Maxims tent to get a full briefing. As he walks out he quickly realises he forgot his shirt. He stands there muscles gleaming in the sunlight.. Baxter walks by and smacks his ass. “Keep up the good work big boy.” Baxter said walking away laughing as Roman rubs his ass before heading back into the tent grabbing is sage green t-shirt. He quickly makes his way to the tent and he steps inside. After several minutes of light conversation about his new position Roman and Maxim get down to business and begin discussing the fine points. After grabbing his gear Roman meets up with Rainbow and Rhino Company and they headed for Yemen. The trip was long and boring but eventually they reached the drop zone. Rhino Company pours out of there Helicopters and begin storming the compound. Bullets fly, grenades explode, and bodies begin to fall left and right. Fighting their way through the small army they finally reach the moment of truth. Roman kicks in the door and without hesitation puts a bullet in Nizaars head and his body falls to the ground. “Search this compound for Tahir then report back here.” Roman said giving Nizaars body a kick to confirm that he is dead. After several hours of searching it was confirmed that Tahir wasn't here. So to complete the mission Roman cuts off the hand of the dead body and bags it as they leave the compound they climb into the armored convoy and begin the trip back to the makeshift base to bring the confirmation that Nizaar was terminated. Roman and Applejack talk and joke when a sniper shot rings in Romans ears as Applejack eyes widen and she clutches her chest. “Stop the truck we have a man down.” Roman screams. As the trucks stop a line of rockets start pounding the convoy. Everyone scrambles for cover as Roman hoists Applejack on his back and begins running as an army of Promethean soldiers come charging down the hill and they begin to open fire on Rhino Company. Roman puts Applejack behind cover as she holds her chest. a medic runs over to try and stabilize her. The bloody fighting lasts for thirty minutes before Rhino Company begins to push back Prometheus. “Baxter pop a green smoke once Private allen radios for a hot evac.” Roman says firing and keeping Applejack safe. Baxter nods his head and relays the message to Allen and then he pops the smoke and throws it. Just as the smoke popped reinforcements came charging in from the East and West. Roman scanned the horizon and then overlooked his men before finally breaking his tough guy act. “Fall back to the green smoke or were going to be overan. Rainbow I want you to provide suppressing fire on points A and B. Baxter you grab Applejacks left I’ll grab her right we gotta get her to the evac site now.” Roman said hoisting up his friend who is now bleeding out onto the sands of the battlefield. Baxter and Roman kick into overdrive dragging their wounded teammate as bullets whizz past her heads and grenades explode in the distance. After several minutes of running they reach a run down house and quickly get Applejack inside laying her out on a clean section of floor. “Sir, she is loosing to much blood we gotta find away to stop the bleeding. Rainbow and Lansky can’t hold their position much longer.” Baxter said propping Applejack against a nearby wall. Roman runs over and kneels down next to her. “How ya doin Applejack talk to me.” Roman said pulling out a small medkit from a nearby fallen member of the once large Titan Squad. As he is getting ready to patch up Applejack. Baxter, Rainbow, and Lansky come running back towards him. “Sergeant were low on ammo and Prometheus is closing in fast we gotta hurry and get out of here.” Roman keeping himself calm and collected looks at Rainbow. “Sergeant Dash I want you to get what ammo you can from our fallen brothers then I want you, Baxter, and Lansky to get to the green smoke for evac. Roman turns to pull out his radio. “Sierra 248 where the fuck are you I have two dead and one wounded and in critical condition. What is your position.? Over” After a few minutes of radio silence a voice rings over the walkie. “Roger that Titans I see your smoke I’m five mikes to the evac zone ETA ten minutes. Over” “Roger that Sierra 248 about damn time you got here. Who all is with you?” Roman asked cutting open Applejacks shirt to find the bullet hole. “Just me and Rhino Company.” The radio man says before a familiar voice comes over the walkie. “Staff Sergeant Roman are you there?” Roman smiles slightly “Yes sir commander Maxim I’m here and the situation is completely Fubar sir.” Roman says giving Applejack morphine and bandaging her up as she weakly speaks into his ear. “I don’t want to die Roman, I still have to get you back for that prank you and Pinkie pulled on me.” She softly chuckles before coughing up blood. Roman who is now slightly crying takes her hand. “Don’t worry Applejack you're going to be ok the evac is almost here that way we can get you back to the carrier and get you some actual medical treatment. For right now just save your strength ok.” she nods and passes out from blood loss as Rainbow runs over to Roman. “Holy shit is she...dead?” Roman cleans the blood off his hands and puts gloves on. “No she still has a pulse she just passed out from blood loss, thankfully our squad medics supplies were destroyed in that I.E.D blast but we have to get her airlifted out of her ASAP.” just then as the insurgents were closing in the helicopter arrives gunning down some of the enemies. Roman carries Applejack to the helicopter and loads her into it. As the helicopter makes it off the ground several missiles pound the area taking out several helos including the one with Applejack in it. The helicopter Titan Squad Climbed into got hit as well and spun towards the ground. More missiles pound the helicopters knocking them out of the sky and killing all of Rhino Company. The remaining helicopters and humvees retreated as Prometheus soldiers started combing through the downed helicopters.
Chapter 5 - RedemptionemFive hours after helicopter crash Romans eyes blur as his ears ring and the smells of burning flesh and metal fill his nostrils. The last thing Roman remembers is seeing Applejacks helo go down then there was several large explosions then blackness. The wreckage was a terrible site of blood, guts, and metal. Charred bodies litter the sands as distant screams of the soldiers of Rhino Company being executed. Shaking his head Roman lifts himself up and limps away from the crash site desperately looking for Rainbow and the others. His chest burned he had no sight in his left eye and his ears rang with partial deafness. He soon sees Rainbows blue skin sticking out of the nearby wreckage. He wanted to scream out Rainbows name to see if she was alive but the smoke from the crash left him hoarse. Roman continues limping his way over to the rubble, once there he falls to his knees and tries digging her out. After thirty minutes he was able to grab hold of her and pull her out. He drags her to a nearby destroyed hut and begins to perform CPR. He pushes her chest several times putting his ear to her chest. he could faintly hear a heartbeat so he started pushing harder and harder. he soon switches between chest compressions and mouth to mouth. It wasn’t practical but Roman was determined to do anything to get Rainbow back. Finally after all hope had seemed lost she finally comes to. Roman fell back onto his ass and calms down. “Rainbow, Rainbow can you hear me. You're gonna be ok soldier we gotta go. I don’t know if anyone else is alive but we gotta go. Prometheus is closing in fast.” Rainbow sits up shaking her head as she tries to move her arm but to no avail. “Fuck I think my arm is broken.” Rainbow says touching her arm before screaming in pain. Roman quickly gets close and puts his hand over her mouth and looks down to see her arm hanging by a small amount of skin. Thankfully the fire from the crash charred the lower half of her harm so it was cauterized. “We have to keep quiet. What were gonna do is we're gonna stay in here until nightfall then we're gonna take what gear, weapons, and ammo we can find. Then were gonna try and find Baxter, and Applejack.” Rainbow nods and Roman removes his hand and rubs Rainbows hand to calm her down. “We're gonna make it out of this I promise.” Roman lays her down and inspects her arm. “Your not gonna be able to do much with your arm incapacitated so we have two choices. I cut off your arm and bandage it up or I fashion a makeshift sling out of supplies we can find around this hut. It’s your choice. Rainbow stops and thinks long and hard about her decision. “Cut it off i can take the pain.” Rainbow pulls out her knife and hands it to Roman. He takes hi lighter out of his pocket he heats up the knife until the blade is hot to the touch. Rainbow bites down on a piece of wood that she found nearby. With a quick yank of the knife the arm fell off. He presses the hot metal against the stump to cauterize the stump. He quickly rips off his sleeves and wraps up her arm. “There we go you're all done. now let's get this place bunkered down and dig in until nightfall.” Rainbow and Roman share a blanket as they sit and talk trying to pass the time. “Do you think Applejack survived the crash?” Rainbow said with despair and doubt in her voice. Roman thinks back to all the times he had with Applejack and his friends. He lets out a deep sigh. “God i hope so, if not then Sunset and our friends are gonna kill me.” he said in a sad tone. “Roman don’t you dare think any of this your fault. You didn’t know things would end up like this. What happened today was out of your control. Don’t blame yourself.” Roman reaches for his canteen and takes a drink before handing it to Rainbow. Night finally approaches as Rainbow wakes Roman from his nap. “Hey its night lets get geared up and move out. Also while you were asleep i snuck out and did some recon of my own there is a town about five mikes west of our position. It’s gonna be a long walk but this should put enough distance between us and Prometheus. From there we can radio in for support. So come on commander wake up and lets go. Roman sits there for a few seconds stunned at the well thought out plan Rainbow had just told him more importantly she called him commander. “Alright Rainbow let's get one thing straight, I’m no commander not yet. I appreciate your faith in me but right now I’m your friend Roman save the formalities for when we're around the men.” Roman takes Rainbows hand as she pulls him up. Once out of the house and grab gear from nearby soldiers. “Ok Rainbow here is the situation; we have limited ammo and no silencers plus about three patrols of two man teams. We only use your rifles as a last resort for now let's rely on hand to hand and our tactical knives.” Roman and Rainbow begin creeping around the wreckage and observe the death and destruction. Up ahead they spot two foot mobiles trying to pull something out of the rubble. The two sneak up behind them and in sync stab and drag away the bodies stealing any extra gear and ammo. They move up and investigate the rubble. “Rainbow watch my six I’m gonna try and see what these bastards wanted so badly.” he begins digging and pulling metal and rock away. “Sir yes sir.” Rainbow said readying her rifle scanning the horizon. “All clear Roman.” He comes across dog tags he whipes of the dirt to reveal that they belong to Applejack. Panicking he digs faster until he finds the crushed disfigured body of his friend. Roman stood there staring in disbelief. Noticing this Rainbow walks backwards over to him. “Is that who I think it is.” Rainbow said choking back tears as she puts down her gun and helps Roman pull her out. “I can’t believe Applejack is-” Roman stands up punching the crashed helicopter. “Goddamnit! Will you please give me a fucking break. This is fucking bullshit I’ll kill you fucking peices of shit.” Roman stabs the dead body of the one Prometheus soldier and begins stomping in his face crushing his head as his boot became coated in blood and brain matter. To prevent him from making anymore noise Rainbow runs over and pulls him up. “Roman get a hold of yourself. She is dead yelling and giving away our position will only result in us joining her. Do you wanna put Sunset through that pain.” she says punching him in the face making his wounded eye worse. “I’m just as angry as you are but right now we can’t afford to lose our heads.” rainbow says helping him up. “She is right son there will be time to mourn your friend later. For now just dig her a shallow grave pace her rifle as the marker and put her helmet on it.” The familiar deep voice said from behind them as their teammate Baxter came walking over to Roman. He bends down and grabs Romans face as their foreheads touch. “Roman you're stronger than this. Pull yourself together and get your head straight. We will take the fight to Prometheus soon than you can get as much revenge as you need.” The three of them stand up and dig the grave and bury Applejack. “Don’t worry Aj I’ll kill every last one of those bastards for you. I promise.” He says giving her a salute and picking up his gear. “Baxter let's go, Rainbow fill Baxter in on what's gonna happen while we walk.” He walks off slinging his rifle over his shoulder.” “Yes sir” Rainbow says saluting him. As they walk off into the night. It doesn’t take long in there trek for civilization before they realize how cold it can get in the deserts of Yemen. Cold bit them like a cobra striking from the darkness, they shivered as their very bones began to ache. After several hours of walking they reached a stopping point, a small abandoned house about three miles from their destination, with limited supplies and the temperature continuing to drop they took shelter in the nearby house. Once inside they unpacked their gear as baxter got a fire started and Roman pulled out what M.R.E.’s he had left splitting it between the three of them. “So, Roman what's our plan once we reach this village Rainbow found.” Baxter said eating his portion of the rations. “Well once there were gonna get what medical attention we can, After that we will set up a temporary CP in one of the empty buildings, then we will radio command and let them know that there are survivors from Rhino Company and that we need a pick up. Once picked up we head back to the hammerhead naval carrier and rest for a few days, between my eye and Rainbows arm we may need a few days to recover. Meanwhile I gotta skype Sunset and deliver the bad news. Once recovered we assemble a new Titan squad and go after that son of a bitch Tahir.” Roman said clutching the dog tags of everyone in Rhino company he could find. “Hey Roman?.” Baxter asked taking a drink from his canteen. “What was she like, that Applejack girl. I mean i know the three of you were close friends but none of us knew anything about the poor girl.” Baxter said treading lightly making sure he didn’t anger his superiors. Roman chuckles pulling out the group photo and handing it to Baxter. “That was us just before our graduation several months ago. Seven of us had been friends since freshmen year but me and Staff Sergeant Rainbow over there go back all the way to middle school.” Rainbow rummages through the cabinets of the house. “Hey guys I found a bottle of whisky, I figure a drink could steel our nerves.” Rainbow pops the cap and takes a swig. “Holy shit that's strong.” Baxter and Roman laugh. Rainbow hands them the bottle as he raises it in the air. “Here's to all our fallen brothers and sisters, may they finally have found peace.” Roman chugs some of the whisky. “Hey save some for the rest of us.” Baxter said stealing the bottle from Roman and chuckling. “So how old are all of you?” he asked taking a hit of the dark brown liquid. “Well rainbow and her friends are eighteen. As for me well lets see Rainbow what month is it?” she thinks for a second. “September I think.” she says taking another smaller hit. “Then that makes me twenty one.” he said drinking more of the whisky. “Jesus you guys are so young, and poor Applejack she was fresh outta school. I swear shit like this always does more harm than good.” Baxter raised the bottle. “To Applejack a life taken too soon but at least she doesn’t have to deal with this hell anymore.” They all take a drink.” “Urah to ashes.” The three of them said drinking through the night swapping stories of life before the military. Never before had Roman and Rainbow been so personal with another stranger but Baxter was no stranger he was a brother and they all had each other's back no matter what. Soon morning approached as they awoke to the sound of a jeep parking. “What’s going on out there?” Whispered Rainbow reaching over for her handgun. Roman runs over and peaks out the window. We got three foot mobiles in an armored vehicle. Lightly armored sporting P90’s.” Roman wakes up Baxter and fills him in. “Rainbow i want you right behind the door on the right Baxter you take the left. Once they enter i want you two to take them out I’ll take number three.” Rainbow and Baxter nod as the ready there knives. As the door opens the two men are instantly met with knives in their throats as there ripped out and blood splatters the wall. Roman runs out of the building and tackles the last guy and begins pounding on his face with his fists in which are wrapped in the dog tags of his fallen men. With the makeshift brass knuckles he continues punching as the man below coughs up blood and begs for mercy. Roman pick him up punches him and slams his head on the trunk of the jeep. “You want mercy from me you son of a bitch well go to hell.” Roman screams “Please I have a wife and two daughters with a third one on the way.” The man says screaming. “I don’t give a fuck about your goddamn family because of you over a hundred families just lost a mother or a father. Some even lost sons and daughters and you expect mercy from me you pathetic filth.” He takes the man's head and places it in between the jeep door and the floorboard as he smashes the door on his head till it cracks like a melon painting his boots and the door in blood and brain matter. “Roman that's enough he’s dead.” Baxter says before Roman spits on the man's headless corpse and walks back to the house. Baxter walks over to him. “Sir it’s ok just calm down he’s dead. Although the added brutality was unnecessary. For god sakes roman he had a family.” Roman grabs him and slams him against the wall. Everyone we lost had a family, what makes his ass so special. He is a dog of Prometheus they deserve no mercy. Now load up that jeep and get out of here.” He let’s go of Baxter and walks out collecting ammo and other supplies from the bodies along with his backpack. “Rainbow I’m worried about Roman i think the whole thing is about more than just Rhino Company being whipped out. I think the whole thing with Applejack is hitting him pretty hard.” Rainbow hands him his rifle and gear. “Lay off him Baxter, Applejack was a close friend to all of us. Also remember the girl in the picture with the red and yellow hair?” Baxter thinks back to the picture. “Ya his girlfriend Sunset. What about her?” He says fling his rifle over his shoulder and checking the ammo in his handgun. “Before we left for basic Roman and I promised her that we would all come back safe and sound. A stupid promise to make as it can’t be kept with something as unpredictable as war but we said to put her mind at ease. Look in our group of friends we take promises very seriously. Just give him a few days to calm down once we get back to the ship and we relax I’m sure he will calm down. For now be prepared for more possible incidents of what we just saw should we run into more Prometheus soldiers.” They share a nod as they all walk out and put their gear in the trunk. “Everyone ready?” Roman said in a calmer tone. “Yes sir.” They said in unison as they got into the jeep. “Baxter you drive I need to lie down for abit and clear my head.” said Roman as he stretched out in the back and falling asleep. They begin driving after an hour or so Baxter turns to Rainbow. “By the way how are you handling your friends death so well I thought for sure you would be as bad as Roman. Rainbow chuckles as she runs her hand through her hair. “Well believe it or not Roman wasn’t always mister macho like he is now. Back in middle school he was a short chubby kid with no friends and he was hated by everyone. So naturally once I came to his school he came up to me and started talking. At first i thought he was a total weirdo but over the months he grew on me. Pretty soon i was being miss stone cold badass. Granted inside me and Roman are feeling the exact same thing I’m just good about not publicly showing my emotions or my softer side like I do with Roman.” She says looking in the rearview mirror and smiling. “Ah so you're like his big sister basically.” he said chuckling. “You could say that.” After several more hours they finally arrive at the rather large village. They pulled into the village and stopped at a nearby stand as Rainbow punches Romans arm. “Hey wake up we're here.” Roman gets up and wipes his eyes yawning before hopping out of the jeep and grabbing his gear and rifle. As the three walked into the village they were met with stares of fear. After several minutes of walking they come across a street merchant. Baxter walks up to the young boy. “Do you speak english?” Baxter said leaning down to the young boy with a warm smile. “Y...yes.” the boy said in a scared tone. “Can you point us to the nearest medical center, my friends and I are wounded and we need help.” After a few seconds of silence the boy points to a nearby building. “Thank you son.” Baxter says standing up. “The nearest clinic is three miles north of here.” They get back in their jeep and continue driving before shortly arriving at the clinic and they head inside. The first thing that greets them is a small man in his late forties with a balding head glasses and a white coat. “Excuse me sir are you the doctor hear?” Rainbow asked politely. “Why yes I am how may I help you miss?” the small man said in a british accent. “Me and my friends here are part of the military and were wounded we were wondering if you could patch us up so we can get out of here.” She says showing her bloody bandaged stump and Romans swollen eye that was now scabbed shut a well as the visible cuts and gashes all over their bodies. “Well normally I don’t help people who do not live in this village but from the looks of things you three are in terrible shape so I will help you.” The three of them step into the back as he disinfects rainbows arm and redresses it as well as dressing Romans eye. Once those two were finished the doctor patched up there other minor wounds before refilling their canteens and walking them out the door. “Thank you doctor we appreciate your hospitality.” Roman said getting in the jeep and starting it. “Your welcome my friends have a safe trip.” The man says walking back inside as They sped to a little area a couple feet from the village. Once there Roman got out his supplies hot wired the jeeps CB radio to the hammerheads frequency. “Come in Hammerhead this is Gunnery Sergeant Roman of Rhino Company do you read. Over.” after a few seconds of radio silence a voice rings over the radio. “Gunnery Sergeant Roman this Captain Miles of the S.S. Hammerhead, we read you loud and clear. Over.” The man said before Roman picked up the microphone. “Sir we are a few hundred feet from a village in Yemen called Hajjah. Rhino Company has been whipped out by Promethean Artillery and Ground troops. Me, Staff Sergeant Rainbow Dash, and Corporal Baxter are the only survivors and we need immediate extraction to the ship. We have low ammo and no previsions. Were prepared to mark the LZ with green smoke. Over.” Roman sad pulling out a canisters of green smoke. “Understood son. Hold that position Black hawk on its way ETA thirty minutes. Over.” said Captain Miles. “Roger that sir we will pop a smoke when chopper is in sight. Over.” he said as they got out of the car and waited under the shade of a nearby rock. For the next thirty minutes the three of them laid there in the boiling sun and drinking from their canteens to avoid dehydration. After a while the beating of chopper blades could be heard in the distance. Roman jumps to his feet and pops the canister as green smoke begin to spill out. After a few seconds the smoke becomes thicker and the chopper spots it landing. Upon landing several marines jump out and walk over to Roman. “Gunnery Sergeant Roman, I’m Captain Delano of Alpha team. Were to escort you safely to the Hammerhead where's the rest of your squad?” Roman looks down at his fist. “Your looking at the only three survivors of Titan Squad and Rhino Company.” Baxter and Rainbow walk up and stand beside him as they notice rainbows arm and Romans eye. “Jesus christ you guys look like you’ve been through hell.” The commander said. “You have no fucking idea.” Roman said laughing slightly as the three of them boarded the chopper and headed for the ship.
Chapter 6 - Heroes IndictusSixty miles off the coast of India on the S.S Hammerhead After a lengthy helicopter ride the surviving members of Titan squad finally arrived on the ship from there they were immediately debriefed and sent to the infirmary. Roman awoke on top of a cot arm bandaged and his eye covered. “Ah your finally awake good. We have been waiting for you to regain consciousness.” said the doctor “Who are you and what happened?” Roman said still groggy from the anesthetic. The doctor chuckles and pulls out Romans chart. “I’m Doctor Adams, it’s nice to meet you.” Adams said in a friendly tone. “As for what happened to you it appears you suffered a concussion and several broken ribs along with your left eye which we had to remove as shrapnel had damaged the optic nerves. So unfortunately you're permanently blind in your left eye. I recommend you stay on the ship for at least a month or two and then before sending you back into the field.” Adams said as he helped Roman out of bed. “What about my team.” Roman asked in a worried tone. “Well Sergeant Baxter will make a full recovery with only minor wounds and some internal bleeding he was rather easy to fix. Miss Dash was a worse for wear but she will be fine. She is downstairs in R&D gettig her new arm fitted. “New arm like a moving bendable non prosthetic arm?” Roman says in disbelief. “Yes Sergeant Captain Miles had her sent there the minute she was able to walk. It’s actually quite impressive what we can come up with in this day and age.” Adam's hands Roman a bag of pills to take daily and directs him to the location of R&D. On his way down to the lab everyone that saw him stopped and saluted him. On his way to his destination he ran into Captain Miles. “There you are son. I’m sorry to hear about Rhino Company I understand you lost a close friend who was serving with you?” The Captain said placing his hand on Romans shoulder. “Yes sir Private First Class Applejack we were friends from high school. We had just graduated to.” Roman says in a solemn tone as the Captain sits him down. “I know it's hard for you son believe me, in my time in the military I’ve lost lots of good men. Hell I’ve lost more than I can count. War is the most unforgiving tragedy mankind has ever created but that doesn’t mean we shut down and dwell on the past. Son you did a lot in the time you have been in the marines including keeping a cool head and formulating a sound escape plan and getting at least some of your men out of that hellhole. For that I’m gonna do two things for you. On top of your purple heart I’m giving your entire squad the medal of honour. Applejack and the others will be buried as heroes. I’m also promoting you to Master Sergeant, Miss Dash will be promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, and Sergeant Baxter will be promoted to Staff Sergeant. I’m also tasking you with the mission of while you're on this ship you are to build a new squad of which you will be the leader and Miss Dash will be your second in command.” He pats him on the back and walks away. “Wait sir, why are you doing all this.” Roman says still in shock. Miles turns around. “Son sometimes even the strongest of men sometimes need a push to show them there is still hope in this world.” He walks down the stairs as Roman rushes towards R&D. After turning a few corners he arrives and heads inside before he can see anything a blu blur rushes him hugging him tightly. Rainbow squeezes him tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe we survived it's all thanks to you Roman.” Roman hugs her back tightly as a tear rolls down his cheek. “Not all of us.” Roman said clenching his fist as rainbow sits him down. “Roman you did all you could you saved Applejacks life. The missiles strike wasn’t your fault none of us would’ve seen that coming. You need to stop blaming yourself. C’mon let's head to our quarters and use the laptop maybe some time with Sunset will help take your mind off of things.” Rainbow takes him through the ship as they enter the room they quickly spy an open terminal to use. After signing in he sends Sunset a message via skype saying he can finally talk. Before he can blink skype rings and he answers soon he is met with the sight of Sunset and her friends all in the room at once. There happy faces soon turn to shock when they see Roman and Rainbow. “Oh my god Roman are you and Rainbow, and Applejack ok?” Sunset asked looking visibly worried. Roman begins to choke up as he speaks. “A...Applejack didn’t make it. We were pinned down in an run down village Applejack was already receiving medical attention from me for a bullet wound to the chest but once we got on the helicopters I saw nothing but explosions and i saw Applejacks chopper go down. She died on impact. To make things worse my entire company got whipped out except for me, rainbow, and one of the higher ups from my squad.” Roman breaks down into tears sobbing like a little baby. “I’m sorry everyone, at the recruiting office we all promised Sunset everything was gonna be ok. Now Applejack is dead I’m blind in my left eye and Rainbow lost her left arm and had to get a cybernetic replacement.” The call goes silent as his friends just stare in disbelief of what they just heard. “It’s all my fault if I hadn’t of enlisted in the stupid military none of this wouldn’t of happened.” Sunset speaks up. “Roman stop crying no one here is mad at you what happened wasn’t your fault. You were chasing your dream there is nothing wrong with that.” She said softly. “How my dream got Applejack killed.” He said drying his eyes as Rainbow stayed by his side holding him. “Applejack could have declined at anytime.” Twilight said breaking the silence once again. “After you left the lunchroom Applejack told us the reason she was enlisting was to make sure you two didn’t get yourselves killed. Yes she may be dead but you guys are alive and well for the most part. Applejack didn’t die in vain and no one here hates you.” her words reached Roman as he sat up and sniffed. “You’re right I shouldn’t be to hard on myself it’s just...I saw her after the crash it’s a site that's gonna haunt me for years to come.” He said adding her dog tags to his and gripping them. “No matter what sweetheart we will always be by your side.” Sunset said softly to him as she began to sing. The melody hitting his ears was soft and soothing and it started to put his and Rainbows minds at ease. It became even more powerful when everyone joined in soon all of them including Rainbow were singing to Roman. “Whoa where is that singing coming from. I haven’t heard anything that good in a long time.” Baxter said putting his arm around Roman and sitting down next to him as he watched the girls sing their melody. “Girls I’d like you to meet Staff Sergeant Baxter.” Baxter looks at him in confusion. “What do you mean Staff Sergeant?” he said scratching his head. “Oh right i forgot to tell everyone. The three of us got promoted. Baxter you're now a Staff Sergeant. Rainbow you're a Gunnery Sergeant, and I’m a Master Sergeant. We were also tasked with building a new squad.” Rainbow and Baxter high five. “That's great It’s nice to know your ok and you're doing well for yourself baby.” Baxter looks at the screen. “Damn Roman you're one lucky man to have a girl that cute as yours. Although your friends are just as cute.” Everyone blushes and laughs as Rarity comes onto the screen. “I must say Mr. Baxter you yourself are quite the looker.” She says fluttering her eyelashes at him. “Ok missy that's enough we have to go anyway. will I be able to talk to you later?” she asked with hope in her eyes. “Well the three of us are gonna be on this ship for at least three months so we will be able to talk a lot.” Sunset smiles before kissing the screen. “Talk to you later baby.” Roman says kissing the screen back as the call ends. “Hey Roman promise me something.” Baxter said getting up to go get some coffee. “Oh ya what's that cueball?” Roman said laughing as Baxter flips him the bird. “When all this is over and we get back home. You gotta hook me up with that Rarity friend of yours. Roman laughs. “Sure thing buddy but you have no idea what you're getting into.” Rainbow soon joins Roman in laughing as the three of them spend the day relaxing on the ship and unwinding. After all they have three months to make a squad and plan an attack on Tahir and Prometheus, plus after what they had been through a week or so off would be perfect.
Chapter 7 - A bonum tempus medellaeIt has been several weeks since Roman and his friends were rescued from the war torn country of Yemen and brought to the S.S Hammerhead. Throughout the several weeks Roman, Rainbow, and Baxter all worked hard on the reformation of Rhino Company more importantly scouting members for his new detachment. Ivory Squad this squad was comprised of ten of the best marines the U.S.M.C had to offer and in know time Roman had them exercising and running drill after drill. They hated Roman at first after all he was working them to the bone and he was relentless as a drill sergeant. However rumors about Roman, Rainbow, and Baxter began to spread around the ship and soon after everyone knew what those three souls had to endure just to survive. Needless to say Ivory Squad soon began to warm up to Roman after all he wasn’t being mean on purpose all he wanted was to make sure his men were strong enough to survive so he doesn't have to suffer through what happened to Applejack and Rhino Company ever again. Roman still has nightmares about that night. a few days after returning from Yemen Roman began to have horrible night terrors were he would relive the horrifying incident over and over. Some nights he would wake up screaming Applejacks name only to look around and begin to cry. Make no mistake Roman would always appear tough on the outside but inside he was suffering more than anyone. Rainbow was faring a little better sure she missed Applejack dearly and she was tore up about the whole incident, but seeing Roman suffer night after night hurt her even more. As for baxter well Baxter always tried his best to be there for his two friends every chance he got. After two months of reformation on the ship Ivory Squad was ready and willing to go to war, All that was left was locating Tahir and taking him down. Using some of the resources on the ship Roman was able to gather intel on a certain person with ties to Tahir and Prometheus. His name was Vladimir Petrov and he was a contract killer working for Tahir more importantly him and Tahir were close as they served in the military together several years back. If anyone knew Tahir's location it was Vladimir and Roman had a very important meeting with the Russian. So He, Rainbow, Baxter, and the rest of Ivory Squad began to formulate a plan. After weeks of simulation after simulation the operation was memorized and perfected all that was left now was a little speech before they gear up and ship out for Moscow. “Alright listen up ladies and gentlemen this here is our target Vladimir Petrov.” Roman said pulling up a picture of the man. “He is ex KGB and is highly dangerous so this operation must be executed with precision and perfection. We can not afford to make any mistakes here people. We have all ran the simulation several time and I believe you warriors are ready. Roman pulls up a map of a compound near the outskirts of Moscow. “This compound here is where Vladimir is held up, we believe that he is planning on assassinating several high value targets from several countries including the United States. Our mission is to go in from the basement and neutralize all hostiles before making our way to the tower were Vladimir is held up. Remember people this will be a stealth mission so the ten of you will be split up into two man fireteams and attack random points in the compound. Remember that stealth is your weapon here people. Now onto gear, Everyone will be outfitted with Night vision goggle, M4A1’s with laser sights and suppressors along with ACOG scopes, two thirty round mags, and a M9 with suppressor and laser sights, as well as smoke grenades and flash bangs. People this is the turning point success here means we are closer to avenging those we lost in Yemen and everywhere we encountered these Prometheus bastards. So tonight I want everyone to get a good meal in there stomach and get lots of sleep tonight we meet on the deck at O’Six hundred. You're dismissed everyone.” Roman stepped down off of the platform and began to walk to his quarters. He figured one last conversation with Sunset would steady his nerves for tomorrow. After the first call with Sunset and after breaking the hard news to everyone Roman spent all the downtime he could talking to Sunset. It was really the only thing we could do to make the screaming and the flashbacks stop whenever he talked to Sunset nothing fazed him he was in a trance of his own creation that no one could break im of. No one ever tried to break him out of it Rainbow wouldn’t let anyone near him and Baxter just sat there perplexed at how calm and carefree his commanding officer was despite all that had happened. After taking a shower and grabbing some food from the mess hall Roman sat down in front of the terminal and sent Sunset a message after a few minutes they were video chatting like normal people. “Hey baby, how is your eye doing?” Sunset asked sitting on the couch and drinking some wine. “Well my eye is permanently shot the shrapnel damaged it too much for it to be recovered but since I lost it my other eye along with my other senses have strengthened enough to compensate for the loss.” He said pulling up his eyepatch and showing her his eye. “Well that's good. Ya know Roman we have been dating for a while now and I have just one question for you.” she says slightly blushing. “What is it Sunset?” Roman said feeling his heart race. “Well I know it's usually the guy that does this but what the hell. Roman I love you more then anything and I want us to be together forever.” She pauses before taking a deep breathe before Roman cuts her off and beats her to the punch. “Sunset will you marry me?” a silence falls across the room as Sunset smiles tears in her eyes. “Yes of course I will. I’d want nothing more.” she says jumping up and down in excitement. Roman gets her attention. “Tomorrow I’m shipping out for Moscow with my new squad. They were trained a lot more than Rhino Company so the mission has a ninety five percent success rate. That means that Finding our last two targets and ending this war will be easy and before you know it I’ll be running off that boat right into your arms. Then we can finalize everything and I can even buy the rings for us.” He said with a genuine smile on his face. “Promise?” Sunset said puffing out her lip and making an irresistible puppy dog face. Roman looks for a few as he feels his heart explode from cuteness overload. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” he said knowing that you can never break a Pinkie promise. Roman and Sunset talked throughout the night she even Flashed him here in there just to make him happy. She also sent over a photo of her in a short dress with one strap down over her shoulder and a seductive look with caption “Keep this on you at all times sweetie XOXO” Roman quickly printed it onto heavy duty photo paper before putting it with his picture of him and his friends. The two lovers kissed each other's screens before heading off to bed. For the first time in months Roman was able to sleep peacefully through the night. The next morning everyone was waiting in front of the AC-130 waiting for Roman to show up. After a few minutes Roman comes out fully geared up and ready as he climbs into the plane. After a short rundown and review of the plan everyone piled in and buckled in with there gear beside them and there parachutes primed and ready. “Alright men it's time get buckled in and get cozy we got a couple hours before we hit the dropzone.” Roman said sitting next to rainbow and strapping in as the entire squad looked at him and saluted. “Sir yes sir.” they all shouted in unison. Everyone lays back and quickly gets some more shut eye during the long trip. Several hours go by as the red light turns on and buzzes. “Alright everyone it’s show time everybody strap into your partner and get ready to jump.” Roman counts down as everyone runs out of the plan and jumps into the air as they free fall a few feet before popping their chutes and landing in a forest clearing before detaching there chutes and readying their gear. “All right here is the deal. We have about three hundred feet between us and the compound so Rainbow you and me will take the front, baxter I want you and Ramirez to take the south end of the compound. Team three you have the west team four you have the east and team five I want you and your snipers on that ridge to provide covering fire along with taking out any stragglers. Remember everyone kill them all and leave none alive Pertov is our only priority.” Roman and rainbow begin heading out as the other teams get into position using short wave radios they easily keep in contact as they make there way through the compound clearing floor after floor. Rainbow and Roman stop at a floor with four hostiles guarding a door. “What do we do. There is no way we can take out all four without being noticed.” Rainbow says scoping them out through her sight. “Leave that to me just make sure you cover me.” Roman says pulling out his knife and sneaking to a corner where he gets a clear sight of all four of them. Roman runs up slamming the knife into one guys eye as he steals his gun and use the other guy as shield. Her fires at the other three hitting two in the head as he pulls out the knife running up to the final guy stabbing him four times in the chest before slamming the knife into the guy's jaw. Romans grabs the guys head and slams it into the wall pushing the knife deeper into his jaw and the man falls to the ground and Rainbow moves up leaning against the door. “OK Petrov is behind this door on the count of three we kick it in and take out anyone in there. Remember Petrov can’t get hit.” Rainbow nods at him and she readies her weapon. “Three, two, one.” Roman kicks open the door as they take out the three armed guards and running inside Roman grabs Petrov punches him in the face and zip ties his hands together and they tie him to a nearby chair. “Ok Vladimir you're gonna spill everything you have on Tahir or I swear to god I will splatter your brains across the floor.” Roman says pointing a unloaded gun to his head as a way to mentally mess with Petrov. “I tell you nothing.” he said spitting blood onto Roman's face. Roman punches him several more times. Petrov laughs. “Is that all you got.” Roman pulls out his knife and slams it into the middle of Petrovs and and he twists it in circles as he screams in pain. “Hurts doesn't it you piece of worthless trash now tell me what you know about Tahir.” Roman says again twisting the knife more. Petrov screams more but remains silent before baxter contacts Roman over his walkie. “Hey Roman we got a little girl down here says she is Petrovs daughter.” Hearing this Petrov widens his eyes and yells. “Don’t you dare touch her you American pig.” Roman gets an evil smirk on his face. “Baxter bring the girl up here to my location. I think we found a way to break this Slovic piece of shit.” Roman and Rainbow leave the room as petrv sits there still tied up. “Roman you're not gonna hurt the little girl are you?” Rainbow said in a concerned tone. “God no rainbow I may hate Prometheus with a burning passion but I’m not about to hurt a child.” After a few minutes of waiting Baxter brings the little girl to Roman and he bends down on his knee. “Hello sweetie do you speak english?” Roman asked softly “Yes...sir.” the girl said in a scared tone. “Is my daddy ok?” she said looking at the door. “Yes your daddy is just fine, thing is daddy has information about a very bad man. This man hurt millions of people including children like you. We were politely asking your daddy if he could tell us but he is very stubborn. Do you think you can help us out so your daddy can get out safely?” the little girl nods as Roman guides her to the door. “Daddy you have to tell them about the bad man. There just trying to help daddy they said if you tell them where the bad man is then they will let you go.” Roman walks up behind her. “You heard your daughter Petrov now tell us everything you know about Saleel Tahir.” Roman says in a loud voice. “C’mon Petrov don’t make us resort to plan B.” Roman says cocking a handgun loud enough for the little gear to hear and for Petrov to also hear. “You monsters you would shoot an innocent little girl?” Petrov said sounding very angry. Roman puts the gun to her head as she shrieks in terror. “Keep giving us the stupid act and I guess you’ll find out won’t you.” Everyone I want you all to get to the extraction point tell command the mission was a success.” Roman said winking to Rainbow. She knew that was a wink of trust it was also a wink that said “You don’t wanna see this.” After several minutes of soft arguing Rainbow and the others left as Roman kept the gun to the girls head and walked into the room closing the door. Baxter runs up to Rainbow as they begin to talk. “You don’t think he is actually gonna kill the little girl do you?” Baxter said worried for his commander's mental state. “Cause frankly after everything he has seen I think he would do it.” Rainbow looks back at the door and then back to Baxter. “I don’t know I’m conflicted. On one hand that man in there is responsible for the loss of one hundred and ninety dead soldiers including our friend so I’m all for getting intel by whatever means necessary. But I’m also worried because if he does do it then we won’t be the same Roman I grew up with.” Rainbow says pulling out the picture from their graduation night. “It’s very simple tell me what you know about Tahir. I’m getting tired of repeating myself and I may be so inclined to splatter your daughter brains all over you, if you continue to piss me off so spill it.” He says pulling back the hammer of the gun. As the little girl screams and cries for her daddy. Finally reaching his limit Petrov breaks down into tears. “Alright I’ll tell you everything just please don't hurt my little Sasha. He steels his nerves. “Tahir is held up in a heavily guarded base in the middle of the Sahara Desert. He plans on launching several nukes at key countries including the United States.” He says pointing to folders and maps on the table to his right. “Why is Tahir doing this?” Roman yelled pushing the gun into the girl's head making her scream more. “He wants to get revenge for the death of his brothe. His brother was killed by U.S forces back in Nigeria during a airport assault. All his intel and coordinates are on that table over there now please release me and my daughter. Have mercy please.” Petrov said. “Ya know it's funny a few minutes ago you were this stone cold terrorist who stared death in the face and even spit blood at the man who had a gun to his head. Yet the minute we kidnap your daughter you turn into a sniveling coward. Granted I understand where you're coming from i to have people I protect with my life and care deeply for them. Tell me who ordered that ambush on the abandoned village in Yemen?” Petrov looks at his daughter. “It was me and Tahir. when he found out that the ones responsible for his brothers death here in Yemen he had me formulate a plan to wipe you all out. It appears we failed.” he said laughing slightly at his mistakes. “It’s funny how power can make us do evil things.” “Ya it is, ya know in that ambush I lost a lot of good men and women. I also lost my closest friend and my other friend was severely wounded. Do you know the pain in having to drag your friend's corpse out from under rubble and have to bury her in some fucking shithole of a country.” Roman begins ti get flashbacks. “Do you know the pain in having to tell you friends that you all won’t be coming home, let alone having to tell one hundred and ninety families that they have lost someone close to them. No you don’t cause you and your daughter were safe under the wings of a damned murderer. So mister petrov tell me who exactly have you lost in this war?” Starting feel scared for his daughter Petrov panics. Before sinking his head in sadness. “None.” Roman smirks gun still to his daughter's head. “Just what I wanted to here.” Roman says before firing a round into the back of Sasha's head splattering blood and brain all over Petrov. The man screams and jerks in anger. “You son of a bitch she was just a little girl have you no sympathy or mercy. Sasha oh my god Sasha no.” Petrov begin to cry heavily and curse Roman out before he walks over to Petrov and firing two rounds into both his legs. “Now you can feel what it's like to lose someone close to you. Hurts doesn’t it knowing your only loved one is dead before you and there was nothing you could do to stop it. Feel that helplessness feel all your hope draining away. Now you to know my pain.” Roman kicks his chair to the ground before he takes a bottle of vodka of of the table. He rips off a chunk of Petrovs shirt and stuffs it into the bottle and he lights it. “Now that you’ve lost everything enjoy burning in hell.” Roman collects every bit of intel before laying Sahas body on top of Petrov so he can look at the face of his dead daughter as he burns. Roman throws the bottle at Petrov as it shatter covering the two people in fire he walks away the screams of Petrov burning alive fill his ears. Rainbow runs up the stairs. “Roman we heard the gunshot what hapen-.” Rainbow is cut off as she looks at the room at the end of the all as she hears petrov screaming his daughter's name and she looks at Roman in horror. “Roman you didn’t.” he looks at her and puts his hand on her head. “Don’t worry the child's death was quick unlike her father she deserved mercy and I wasn’t gonna let her grow up fatherless plus i wanted him to know the feeling of seeing everything he loved being taken away from him and not being able to stop it. This way seemed more fitting. Now c’mon I have tahir’s location along with his plans. We're gonna need a lot of artillery and firepower for this.” Rainbow tears up. “I didn’t enjoy killing her Rainbow if that's what you're thinking. That is is now just another casualty of war that's gonna haunt me the rest of my life. Now gear up we gotta go back the the Hammerhead then after a few hours of rest it's off to the Sahara Desert so we can finish this once and for all.” Roman takes his rifle as they all make a break for the evac point just in time to be pickup by the chopper. One thing was certain this was all about to come to a very bloody end.
Chapter 8 - RelictusAfter a few hours of flying Ivory suad was approaching the Hammerhead. Roman spent the whole trip thinking about Sasha. In truth Roman hated himself the more he thought about his actions the more he felt sick to his stomach. Never before had he taken a child's life and he hoped to god that was the last time he would have to do it. The trip seemed to drag on. sensing Romans pain Rainbow scooted close to him and held him tight resting her head on his back. Ramirez looks over to Baxter. “Are they an item, because it seems like everytime something happens they are hugging on each other like that.” Baxter smiles and looks at the two of them and looks back to Ramirez. “No they have just been together for so long they have become brother and sister basically.” he looks at Baxter. “So what are they both single or something. Cause if they are then I feel sorry for them. All this shit must be hitting them hard.” Ramirez says taking a drink from his canteen. Baxter just looks and chuckles, “No Roman has a girl back home waiting for him. As for Gunnery Sergeant Dash well all she has is Roman and her friends back home.” Baxter says smiling. “So she is available then.” Ramirez says smiling as Baxter laughs. “Son trust me she is too much for you to handle.” Baxter pats him on the back and continues to laugh. Baxter puts his arm around the young private. “Don’t worry kid you’ll find someone.” Baxter smiles at Ramirez and smiles. The group soon falls asleep on the final approach on the compound. After a few minutes the pilot comes over the radio. “Commander you're gonna wanna see this.” He said in a worried tone. Roman rushes to the front of the blackhawk and looked in horror at the sight before him. On the roof of the compound was a massive pile of bodies that were on fire. Just then Tahir hijacks the signal and comes over the radio. “Hello there commander. It’s been a long time hasn't it. How do you like my little presentation. Ya know it took my men several days to find all the bodies from that horrid crash. Some memorable faces like our old friend Sergeant major Maxim oh and this blonde cutie we dug up near a helicopter.” Roman tightens his fist and pounds the chair next to him in the back Rainbow was twice as furious biting her lip until blood dribbled down her chin. “You son of bitch, I’ll fucking kill you.” Roman said trying his best to restrain himself. “Oh trust me commander I have no intention of running in fact I think I’ll just sit here and wait. So go ahead commander go ahead and take as many lives as you want until you're satisfied. Once your done with your pathetic little revenge mission come find me so I can put you out of your misery.” Tahir laughs hanging up. Roman grits his teeth and grabs his rifle slamming a clip into it and throwing it over his shoulder. “Attention Ivory Squad there has been a change of plans. We will not be fighting Prometheus the twelve of us will be heading straight for that son of a bitch Tahir. The plan is we land in the compound kill every living soul in there. Even if they surrender if i so much as even hear any of you show mercy to anyone who serves Tahir then i will kill you myself. Now gear up and get ready to drop.” Everyone takes a few minutes to comprehend the gravity of the situation they were just presented with. It was clear Roman was mad but some members started to doubt his mental stability. However if there were two people he could count on it was Rainbow and Baxter. The helicopter flies over the compound and hovers as Ivory Squad repels down. Once on the ground they waste no time in cutting down anyone who stood in there way. Every second they spent in that compound caused the body count to climb soon the courtyard was covered in bodies and the sand was tinted with the blood of the poor souls who stumbled in front of Ivory Squads massacre. Kicking in the door every switched to close quarter weapons and began spraying the walls with blood and buckshot. Men fell with each door that was kicked in. Roman was silent the whole time not saying a word just a cold blooded stare and no shred of humanity left in him. All he cared about was reaching Tahir and exacting his slow and painful revenge. Meanwhile on the battlefield Mako Company was pounding Prometheus hard. machine guns blasted every living thing that was caught in its sights. grenades exploded, limbs flying and screams filling the air as soldiers were dropping like flies. It was if the marines were possed everytime a marine fell not a single person showed any emotion just a massive army of killing machines rapidly thinning the Promethean forces. After several more minutes of what seemed like imminent death reinforcements came charging on from the east clashing with the men of Mako Company. The slaughter only increased as now Mako was quickly thinning along side Promethean forces. When all hope had seemed lost Reptile Company, Squid Company, and Siren Company came flying over the hills armed with missiles, machine guns and Infantry firing from the sides of the choppers as they mow down all remaining members of Prometheus. A few lucky survivors escaped the the U.S forces climbed on top of there tanks and jeeps and cheered firing their guns into air at their victory. Roman kicked in the door and slaughtered the remaining men in the room before stripping down to his shirt and pants grabbing his knife he heads up the stairs. “I want the forteen of you to clear out this building of any remaining soldiers. Remember people no mercy.” Roman walked up the stairs and kicked in the door. There before him was Tahir sitting in his chair enjoying a nice glass of wine. “Ah Mr. Roman it's so nice to finally see the face of the man who killed my brother. Although I expected my brother's killer to have both his eyes.” Tahir laughs mocking Romans missing eye. “Well I was tempted to dig up his body and take his, but i felt that a nice dirt nap in an unmarked grave in the middle of the dessert was a fitting location for that piece of filth.” Roman and Tahir stare each other down as they pace back and forth sizing each other up. “So tell me commander what was it like seeing all you cared about taken away from you.” the man said cracking his knuckles and assumed a fighting stance. “The same way you feel. Now enough talk lets finish this here and now.” roman throws his knife and weapon to the ground taking up the same stance. This was the moment of truth the two men narrowed each others eyes before charging at each other. The fateful duel lasted for what seemed like an eternity. The men matched one another blow for blow. The men get more violent as Roman tackles Tahir to the ground and begins slamming his head into Tahir's rapidly. Tahir kicks Roamn of of him as he stumbles to his feet and spits blood onto the floor. The two continued their brawl. Below the top floor Rainbow and the rest of Ivory company were weeding out the remaining soldiers. Once the dust settled and the men lay dead the brave soldiers take a breather as they radio in and receive confirmation that the battle was over and Prometheus had been defeated the men cheered as Baxter and Ramirez hugged each other tightly cheering that the long bloody chapter was finally over. Back in the control tower the fight was beginning to drag on both Roman and Tahir were beaten, bloody and near death. Tahir looks at Roman and laughs. “What's so funny shithead.” Roman said getting back up on his feet. “Applejack that was her name wasn’t it. Poor girl ya know it was touching seeing you risk your life to save her a pity the last time you saw her she was a bloody corpse. I Imagine she must have finished burning by now. So before we finish this I have one last thing to say. Take all that hatred and all that pain and relish in the fact that not only is your closest friend is now just a charred corpse in the middle of my compound in a country no one ever gave two shits about. Relish in the fact that the same person who did this is about to kill you.” Tahir laughs as Roman snaps he picks Tahir up by the throat and punched him repeatedly he begins slamming his head into the wall before stomping on his head for several minutes. Roman then picks up the knife and begins cutting Tahir all over his body before throwing him through the door and into the hall. Roman limps towards Tahir gun loaded and aims it at Tahir's head. “Do it kill me satisfy your vain bloodlust. Killing me won’t stop a thing, cut off one head of the hydra and another will spring up in its place.” He laughs coughing up blood. “You terrorists are all the same. You're always optimists even when you're staring death in the face. Truth is I don’t care if killing you brings new evil into the world, you took something dear to me, caused emotional pain for friends and families everywhere, and killed thousands of innocent people. I would kill a monster like you over and over again.” Roman pulls back the hammer and squeezes the trigger. “Just remember Roman you took something from me as well. I hope you can live with all that blood on your hands. Live with the memory of every life you took in this quest to rid the world of evil.” Roman fires the gun as Tahir’s head slams against the floor as blood pools behind his head. Roman falls to the floor and leans against the wall laughing. “It’s finally over. Applejack I’m sorry for everything but your death wasn’t in vein now me and Rainbow kept our promise we're finally going home.” He says pulling out the picture of his friends and rubs his finger over the picture and wiping the dust from over top Applejacks face. He drops the picture and breaks down crying into his hands. Ivory Squad comes running up the stairs to find their commander near death and crying. For once in his life he dropped his guard in front of everyone. The squad just sit there admiring the sight of seeing their commander acting like a human instead of the vengeful killer they always saw him as. Rainbow and Baxter help him to his feet and they walk him out to the helicopter. It was a long helicopter ride back to the Hammerhead, but it was an easy one. The nightmare was finally over the two brothers were dead and Prometheus was now just another dark chapter that claimed the lives of so many innocent men and women. The road to recovery wasn’t going to be easy but Roman didn’t care. All he wanted was to be debriefed and come home to see Sunset and his friends. Once they landed everyone was debriefed and several hours later a big party was thrown and everyone celebrated. Baxter even got cozy with Private Ramirez. The two new lovers were drinking together and dancing and enjoying each others company. Meanwhile Roman and Rainbow were hitting the bar hard knocking back shot after shot numbing the pain. “Ya know what sucks, I never got to confess my feelings for Applejack.” Rainbow said taking another shot. “I mean I’ve loved her ever since we met she was really the only one besides you who understood how I truly am deep inside. I was gonna tell her how I felt when we returned home. It’s a shame I’ll never get that chance.” Her eyes swell with tears as she takes three more shots as Roman puts his arm around her and rubbed her back. “It’s ok Rainbow I’ll always be here for you. I’m sure if Applejack was here today then she would accept your feelings and be with you.” She rests her head on his shoulder. “Thanks Roman. I’m glad atleast someone I cared about made it out alive. It's gonna be hard the next few years but we can make it through this.” Roman pours six shots and slides three to Rainbow. “Let's have a toast.” Romanansd Rainbow take the first shotglass. “To all our fallen brothers and sisters.” Roman and Rainbow clink their glasses and knock back the first shot. “To Applejack, may she finally rest in peace.” Rainbow says as they once again take a second shot. “And to a peaceful future with our friends and loved ones.” They said as knocking back the final shot. They continued drinking into the night before collapsing in their cots. Over the next several weeks everyone relaxed and defused Roman and Rainbow never left each others side not even when Roman was skyping with Sunset. On the flip side Baxter and Ramirez got closer. In a way those two were just like Roman and Sunset. The two men would constantly be around each other. In a way there relationship was perfect. Roman only got more excited as he marked his calender before be. Tomorrow was the day they would arrive in port and he would be reunited with Sunset. After a year and a half of bloody fighting the day of reckoning was finally on the horizon. The next morning the soldiers piled onto the deck of the ship bags in hand as they see the bright and colorful flags and the banner home that read “Welcome Home Troops”. Once the ship was docked the men and women poured out of the ship as there families run towards them. As rainbow and Roman walked into the hanger and there before him was his Goddess. He dropped his back and ran up to her hugging her tightly and kissing her repeatedly. the two starved lovers kept their lips locked for several minutes before Twilight cleared her throat to get there attention. Roman jokingly flipped her off before giving Sunset one last kiss before everyone shared a big group hug. Roman shuffles through his bag pulling out a black box he got back in Nigeria during a trip into the city on a leave day. Roman gets down on one knee and looks into Sunsets eyes now filled with tears as she covers her mouth. “Sunset I have been to hell and back and fought my way through the jaws of hell. The thought of you was the only thing keeping me alive and running. Sunset I’ve waited for this moment for a long time. Sunset Shimmer will you marry me?” Roman stands up as Sunset pulls him close. “Yes a thousand times yes. I’ve wanted this for so long Roman it's all I could dream about.” She kisses him once again this time they kissed like never before lips locked tight hands exploring each others bodies as tongues danced in perfect unison. The now reunited group of friends hopped into Romans jeep and they all went out for a night on the town. Roman and Rainbow did it, they stared death in the face and made it home safe and sound. More importantly Roman had the girl of his dreams glued to his side. Everything was finally starting to go Roman’s way.
Epilogue - Past meum non est hodieTwo years later Life has been peaceful for our friends Roman and Rainbow finally went to college thanks to the G.I Bill. Baxter and Ramirez got married shortly after Roman and Sunset. Rainbow finally moved on and met a nice girl she could settle down with. Ironically here and Indigo Zap were like carbon copies yet they were happy together. Rarity had finally gotten her chance to show off her skills at several fashion shows. Fluttershy opened up a vet clinic down the street from Roman and Sunset. Twilight finally got to go to Harvard, Pinkie opened her own chain of party stores, and the U.S.M.C covered Applejacks funeral as well as provided financial support for sweet Apple Acres. It was a somber day that the six friends will never forget. Romans life was normal for the most part. He attended dinner dates with Sunset hung out with friends, and helped Sunset prepare the room for the new baby. When Roman first found out that Sunset was pregnant he was so excited that he nearly woke up the neighbors. The day after that he told all his friends and put Pinkie in charge of the baby shower. The room was painted dark blue and white with stars and clouds adorning the walls. Roman and Sunset share a deep kiss as they admire there work. Life was good almost as if the whole thing with the military never happened. However every time Roman would look in the mirror he would see his eye and think back to the horrid thoughts attached to the score. Some nights he would sit in his study and care late into the night until Sunset came in and sat beside him and comforted him until he calmed down. Shortly after this incident became the norm Sunset went with Roman to therapy and slowly but surely it was helping him cope. Medication, therapy, and the love of his life were the perfect formula for Roman. “So Sunset how about you and me go out for lunch tomorrow like we used to.” He said putting his arm around his wife holding her close. She leans into him nuzzling into his neck. “Sounds like a great idea and after that we can go dress shopping for Rainbows wedding.” She said pointing to the invitation on their coffee table. The two lovers just sat there and watched a few movies before heading to bed. The next morning the couple woke up and started their day normally. Nothing seemed off it was normal day. After a long morning of cleaning and planning for Rainbows wedding it was time for there lunch date. Roman and Sunset closed the door locking it before getting into the jeep and driving to the local sandwich shop. Once there the two found a seat and got comfortable. “Roman sweetie why don't you sit here and relax I’ll go and get us our food.” Sunset said smiling and kissing Romans head. As she walks into the store Roman admires her body and loses himself in the moment he doesn't notice the man standing in front of him. The man was wearing a suit and had a thick Russian accent and his face covered up with a cloth mask he whispers something to Roman causing his eyes to widen and he points his gun at Roman and pulled the trigger and shot Roman twice in the chest before running off. Sunset turns to see what the commotion was and found her husband lying facedown on the sidewalk. She drops her food and screams running over to Roman and picking him up. “Roman sweetie please say something, please.” she begins to cry rubbing his face. She then quickly remembers her medical training and tries to stop the bleeding. Roman rubs her face and speaks. “If I have one regret, it's that I must leave your side.” Roman says before his eyes close and he stops breathing. Sunset panics and begins doing everything she can to help him before the ambulance arrives. After several minutes of CPR and defib pads. The EMT’s put a blanket over his head before loading him into the ambulance. An EMT walks up to Sunset. “I’m sorry miss there was nothing we could do. You’re husband is gone.” Sunset falls to her knees and cries heavily and screams. Several weeks pass and everyone attends Roman's funeral. All of his friends and his fellow marines clad in black and white honour their fallen brother. Sunset sits there crying as she grips the edges of her dress as Twilight and Rainbow rub her back. No one expected things to end this way. When everyone got the news they were in shock and disbelief. After the funeral everyone goes back to Sunsets house to continue their grieving. “Do they know who killed him?” Twilight asked comforting Sunset. “No all any witness could make out was he had a mask on but a nearby witness heard him say something before he pulled the trigger. “Well what was it?” Rainbow said in anticipation. “He was heard saying, “This is for Sasha.” The girls just look at Sunset in confusion. Rainbow however looks at Sunset in disbelief. She new exactly who Romans killer was. Rainbow breaks her silence and tells the girls everything that happened from Nigeria all the way to the bitter end in Yemen.
