All Types of Rain [Original]

by The Grey Pegasus

Chapters

[1]-Passports to Hell...
[3]-From Mares to Marines
[4]-The Last Stepping Stone
[5]-Welcome to Vietnam
[6]-Into the Jungle
[Bonus Content] Jungle Air Mail [1]-Always Been On the Government's Payroll
[P]-Prologue: What Lead Up To This
[2]-...Paid For By the Equestrian Government
[C]-Official Notice of Cancellation

[1]-Passports to Hell...

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 1 =

Passports to Hell...

Somewhere Above Gazelland-Vietnam

July 24, 1015 A.B.

1039 Local Time

"Ugh, we haven't even landed and I'm already wondering about how we got here in the first place."

"Well dear, would you rather think of what had passed or what might come to be?"

The two unicorn mares happened to strike a small conversation after Twilight's irritated outspoken thoughts. How she was heard over the rapid rythmic thumping of the rotors and whirring of the engine, well, the purple unicorn must have been more disgruntled by the situation than she thought. She would have been infuriated, but that wouldn't really do any good, and so decided to save her energy for anything more useful.

"If it was possible, neither. Mulling over the past won't change it, and daydreaming about the future is… not pleasant, to say the least, considering where we ended up," Twilight answered. "In fact, thinking about what might happen is only going to help my dwindling mental health degrade more. Once this is all over, I hope I still have some fragments of sanity left."

"If you even make it out alive…" Rainbow duly stated.

"Rainbow! Don't you think we already have too much on our minds?" Rarity scolded.

"It's only a fact..."

"Rainbow, jus' lay off for now. It's all troubling us, alright?" Applejack said. Rainbow turned her head back to observing the passing landscape outside.

"I suppose it's better to think about memories set in stone than negative insights about the future," Rarity said to Twilight, returning to their conversation.

Twilight just gave back a sigh, and went back to her thoughts. She was in too glum of a mood to remember the happy days, so instead, she mentally re-watched the events that set all this in motion.

==+==

Ponyville Public Library

June 12, 1015 A.B.

10:14 AM

Twilight Sparkle had been in the library's main room all morning, pondering over books. In all truth, she wasn't focused on the books at all. She was reflecting on all that had happened since she came to Ponyville.

For her personal life, it had been quite a drastic turning point; she was no longer the shut-in, anti-social, completely study-oriented unicorn, whose only companions were paper, ink, bookshelves, and Spike. By the Princess's command, she reluctantly traveled to the small, quaint town of Ponyville under the guise of being the overseer for the Summer Sun Celebration. She recalled how she essentially regretted stepping on the ground in the first place. But given the unusual string of events that followed, she had been forced to give the other mares a chance to accompany her on her quest. From the end of that day, she dismissed any feelings of bitterness she once held toward being assigned to the town. She had the five best friends anypony could ask for. She couldn't be more grateful for anything else.

Twilight trotted up to her study on the second floor. The latest newspaper from the Equestria Daily had arrived and was now placed squarely on her desk, easily seen to remind her that she was going to read it, even if only in a physical sense. She would not bother to comprehend the texts as she was still deep in thought.

The past few years in Equestrian history had been quite groundbreaking. Equestria was finally moving up in the world. They made new strides to become better connected with the planet they lived on. Ponies had been sent out to study what was back then unknown of. She herself remembered her ecstasy at discovering the scientific expeditions that were to take place.

Princess Luna, banished on the moon for a millennium without any form of social contact, had taken an active role in politics once she returned. It was in one way, a way of being rehabilitated, as even though times and trends change, government was essentially the same organized work. Luna felt at home doing tax work, law reforms, and crunching numbers and other tasks to assist with work up in Canterlot. And so Luna had went further and set up an international partnership for Equestria and its neighbors to ensure that Equestria itself wasn't isolated within it's own borders. This was on some part from her own personal experience, as isolation from others was not beneficial in the long run as she herself had found out the difficult way.

Unfortunately, along with the advantages of being active in the world, there was also the great downside. Those who pondered the matter of sending out teams to travel the places, only known of as lines on a map at the time, analyzed possibilities and created scenarios. Twilight herself was one of those ponies. But they always convinced themselves that by the power of Princess Celestia and her excellent leadership and foresight, the needn't worry. When the news came home, they didn't know what to think. The scholars and analysts knew they already went through this possibility, but then again, they could not blame the unfortunate path events had taken. It was a bunch of random variables lumped together in a mess. Who would've known that they would find weapons of war in the ground? It was exactly the warranty for victory the Gazelles needed to take land. And the Equestrians were the catalysts that no one could have foresaw.

Twilight levitated the unread newspaper back to the desk and continued thinking. The war. Luna's operation, named Vietnam, the same one given by the preceding combatants, despite the fact that the current name of the region was actually Gazelland. What every pony knew it as, becuase it was ever-present in everypony's life. Even more so beginning two years ago, when a draft was called for by the Equestrian government. All healthy and able ponies were eligible to be taken by the government to go to war. Even the mares, but with with the demographics of the population, it could only be a logical decision that the officials concluded on after long debates.

Those in the upper echelons of society made educated and drawn out analyses on why Equestria needed to go to fight. It was the mantra of the ponies to spread love and tolerance and friendship. Then what happens when a country not only revokes their peaceful status, but becomes outwardly hostile? What if said country is directing their hostility towards a nation that the ponies are on agreeable terms with? Equestria was one of the leading powers of the world. They were not able to sit on the sidelines and wait for the situation to simmer down and resolve itself. So they took the initiative to fight back the opposition. They did, after all, also unintentionally helped uproot ideas and long-time issues. The country should only commit to at least help fixing the problem. In other words, it was their fight.

And where did this lead them? To a war with borrowed weapons from a race long gone. To a war that was expectedly long and drawn-out, not at all aided by the fact that they were using devices unfamiliar to them. The ancient civilization they discovered was probably well-practiced in the gruesome art of battle. On the contrary, neither sides of this conflict were well-versed in the game of the reaper. It was comparable to suddenly giving an earth pony a unicorn's horn, and then telling them to tend their crops without moving a single step.

Then came the moralities of the war itself. Everypony knew of them; they were not that naive. Still, not many were prepared for the shock. The drafts just made things worse. There would always be some poor pony that was known all around, and the next morning, poof- the magic letter. They'd like to think that they'd be able to return home safely, but they also knew it for a fact that nothing was guaranteed. Even if they prayed to their princesses for help, the ponies knew that they did not really have divine control over everything.

Twilight reflected the current situation against her own life. Forced to go unwillingly to a place for a task they did not want to do, but in the end, it was for the better. Could this apply to both?

Twilight attempted to peruse the newspaper once again. It was filled with the usual content that papers of the day were delivered with. The news of the war overshadowed a number of domestic events. There were always the casualty estimates and the successful operation, reported by war correspondents, as well as the occasional picture taken by a brave and/or reckless photographer. It was just every week's ordinary news. Suddenly, a series of knocks came from the library's front door, downstairs.

"Library's open, come on in!" Twilight called out while descending the staircase. The door opened. Twilight saw the two-pronged tip of a hat's brim and immediately knew who it was. Applejack appeared wearing a look of despair.

"Ah... ah... I... I got to talk to you 'bout somethin' Twi..." Applejack said in a quiet, quivering voice. She took some steps forward into the main library atrium, then took a piece of paper from her saddlebag; a letter.

Twilight went wide-eyed and spoke slowly, "What is it?" Add up the picture presented to her of a broken mare and a letter that radiated a formal air, and Twilight could gamble a few guesses as to what it was, but she kept quiet.

"It's… uhh… ehh…"

"What is it? Did you have unhealthy apples sent out? Are you being evicted? Is the government taking your land?"

Applejack solemnly shook her head, "N-n-no. N-not quite. The… the government's… taking… oh… it's a draft letter."

Twilight gasped, "...Is it... your brother?"

Applejack shook her head in sadness and went back to gazing at the ground. "No. Well... not exactly... not just... I... I..." she stammered. After a couple seconds of regaining herself and swallowing the lump in her throat, she spoke up again, "...I've been drafted too. The government's taking us."

Twilight could only stare in shock. She desperately wanted to just lunge at her friend and hug her tight, but her dumbfounded brain couldn't comply. Every now and then, she fantasized about a day like this, one where one of her closest friends would have the unlucky chance of being conscripted into the military, and dearly hoped it would never come true. Yet here she was, with the horrid situation materialized in front of her. She was still frozen in shock, her legs locked in place.

Applejack already broke down sobbing on the ground, her Stetson pulled down over her head. "What do I do, Twi? I don't want to go! My family, my friends, the farm..." she trailed off back to her tears.

After giving herself a moment, Twilight finally commanded herself out of her trance and began to move towards the farmer. As luck would have it though, another voice spoke through the unclosed front door.

"Oh Twilight... are you in here? I have an... important matter to discuss with you." Twilight could recognize that exquisite and eloquent voice anywhere. It's owner was exactly how it sounded like; prim and proper. Twilight was hesitant to reply, given the current situation, but it didn't matter. The door was open anyways, and a white unicorn ushered herself in. "Twilight, hello? Are-... oh," was all she got out before noticing the wreck of an orange pony on the ground a couple paces in front of her.

There was an awkward silence between the three, with the only noise emitting from Applejack laying on the floor of the library. Rarity walked over beside her to ask what was wrong, but then noticed the letter laying face-down on the ground beside her. She levitated the letter over in front of her to read it. She quietly read the letter to herself and once finished, just placed it down where she found it. Rarity had a sad frown on her face and walked over to Applejack. Once next to her, she gently prodded Applejack with a hoof to grab her attention.

"Applejack?" Rarity quietly called out to her friend. She changed her demeanor to a small smile as the apple farmer looked up at her. She continued her small speech, "Applejack, I'm not going to tell you that it will be alright. I won't lie to you. It's truly a terrible thing. I... have something that could, maybe, help you, however. In a sense." At that, her own saddlebags lit up with a blue aura as she removed a similarly looking letter and positioned it in front of Applejack to read. Once she finished reading it, she glanced back at Rarity. "I believe that this gives me the right to say that, if we really want to, we can get through this together."

"You, too, Rarity? Never thought I'd see that day..." Applejack said as she kept her head low to the groound.

Meanwhile, Twilight observed the whole ordeal from the sides. "Oh no... Rarity, You received one of those too?" Twilight didn't want to believe it until she heard it from the pony herself.

Rarity turned to the purple unicorn to answer. "Unfortunately, yes. I came here to consult you about it. If you had anything that could help. Anything. Maybe... a... a way out, or... some information for when I get sent off."

Twilight couldn't think of anything to reply to her. She already had the complications of dealing with one of her friends, but two? The locks in her joints renewed, and she just continued looking forward. Her eyes wandered around, sometimes falling on one of her friends, other times she'd just gaze off into the distance. A migraine would be an understatement for what she'd have after this ordeal.

"Oh, I should have thought of this for the better. I knew this might have happened," Rarity said to the shocked mare. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but... it's the truth. They've called me to give my service to Equestria," she addressed Twilight. "Alongside others unwillingly thrust into arms," she added, turning her head to the earth pony on the ground to her left.

Twilight laid her eyes on the dressmaker. No theatrics, no burgundy velvet sofas, no over-dramtatic acting, just simple words. Truth hit home and she let out tears as well.

The fashionista trotted over to the scholar and held her in an embrace. She released Twilight and looked into her eyes. "I know that you're very worried about us, but please don't break yourself over it. We'll be fine, I promise. Just take care of yourself, will you Twilight?" Rarity was trying to divert the conversation from its somber tone, but well knew there wasn't much point to. Even through all the assurances she was saying, the truth of the matter was still there. They were possibly being sent to never return.

The three remained in their places in silence. No words could alleviate the atmosphere inside the library at that point. They remained in their spots on the floor without speaking.

Twilight hung her head and let out a sigh. She was swimming in a sea of despair. Though she herself did not receive a call to duty, there was the fact that two of her closest friends did, and it allowed her to be dragged into a similar pit of hopelessness. In fact, with her mind sunk in the wretchedness of the moment, she even began creating depressing hypothetical situations for all her friends. Just as she was imagining the most miserable possibilities, another series of knocks was heard.

Except these weren't quite door knocks. They were more resonant and hollow, like somepony was tapping on... glass. Twilight perked her ears and determined that the taps were originating from above her; a window. Twilight only knew of one pony that would dare enter through the balcony entrance- Rainbow Dash. But she usually barreled through it without warning or permission, so what could be different now?

"It's alright Rainbow, you can come in. You've welcomed yourself through that window for the past fifteen years; you're kind of beyond knocking for entry now," Twilight tiredly called up to the pegasus idly hovering outside the closed glass window.

The cyan pegasus pushed open the window and flew in, and uncharacteristically closed it behind her, much like one would do when entering through the front door. Said pegasus also wondered why the window was always unlocked, but that was besides the point. "Oh, uh, hey Twilight! I, um, got something to talk to you about," she said in her usual tactless tone with a sheepish grin.

Twilight couldn't bear it anymore. She knew her longtime companions well enough to recognize when one of them was bringing up a topic of importance. She took a potshot guess as to what Rainbow was referring to and ran with it, "Let me guess Rainbow, you've been called to the military too..."

"What? No, it's... umm..." Rainbow Dash attempted to avert the serious matter as usual. After a pause, she gave in, "... yeah. But don't worry about me Twilight! I'll be fine! I'll make sure to have a great time too... heh..." Rainbow was trying to stay optimistic about it, but knew she couldn't put it off for long. The saddlebags she carried were a testament to that. "Really, Twi, I'll be sure to come back. No sweat. Just clean up some gazelles and come right back with a medal with the war over," she said trying to keep a happy outlook. And as per most situations, Rainbow was delayed to noticing her surroundings, "And what's with Applejack and Rarity?"

"They brought the same letter as you did, Rainbow," Twilight wearily declared. Rarity gave a weak smile, while Applejack breathed a sigh of sadness.

"Another one of our number," Applejack concluded.

A medal, Twilight thought, hopefully it isn't a Purple Heart or a posthumous Medal of Honor.

No! You can't think like that! Twilight's mind argued with itself.

But it's thinking realistically. It's only a plausible outcome.

But *it doesn't matter.** You can't lose hope on her. Them.*

Are you desperate enough to convince yourself that everything will end up perfect in the end? Twilight's mind wickedly retorted. Some will live, some will die. It's the way of war.

And it might happen if you keep thinking this way. Send them off with luck and best wishes, not doubt and pessimism.

Before Twilight could continue the internal argument she was having, yet another series of pounds echoed through the room. It was again the hollow sound of wood. The front door. In all honesty, Twilight was still saddened by the turn of events that morning, but she was also getting infuriated at the plans fate had for her and her friends. "Let me guess, Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy?! Library's public, just open the door!" she angrily yelled at the door. The door swung in, and revealed both mares mentioned, actually.

Pinkie's hair was slightly less frizzy, but for the most part, maintained it's usual curls and bounce. Fluttershy, on the other hoof was vigorously shaking in her stance. "ALRIGHT, JUST SHOW ME THE DRAFT LETTERS AND GET FAREWELLS AND APOLOGIES OVER WITH!!" Twilight furiously yelled out into the air.

Fluttershy was startled as usual by the outburst and curled up into a yellow ball on the ground, obviously not at all aided by recent unsettling mail. Applejack, who had gotten over her initial sorrow, walked over to comfort her. "There, there, Fluttershy, it's alright. Twilight's jus' had a... rough mornin', to say the least." Applejack returned her eyes to Twilight. No hostility was conveyed in her expression, just one that pleaded for an explanation for the reaction she gave.

After noticing Applejack's look towards her, Twilight fully realized what she had done and closed her eyes with her head hung low. "I'm sorry, girls, but, Applejack's right, this morning hasn't really been easy on me. Now I have all of my five best friends being sent off to some jungle in the southeast, and I don't even know if any of you will or will not return. I'm sorry," she apologized. "I've always thought of a day like this, but only one or two of you at most. Even still, I'm not prepared to deal with even one of my friends being sent out," she added. If her mind was dumbfounded earlier, it was thunderstruck now.

"It's okay Twilight," Pinkie spoke out. "We'll take care of each other if you'll hold the fort down here!" she said in her usual peppy tone. Though even through her bright mood, everypony in the room could discern the worry in the party pony's voice. "And I'll be sure to dedicate one of my craziest parties down there to you, Twilight! Maybe it'll even be one of the surprise ones I'll have for those meanie gazelles..." she added with an sinister undertone.

Either everypony didn't hear her or they just did their best to ignore it, because Rainbow spoke up again, "Don't worry Flutters, they'll probably assign you to a hospital post or something like that. You'll be out of most of the danger and be able to help the injured, just like you always do."

Fluttershy let out a frightened whine, despite the reassurance. "Oh, but I'll have to tend the wounded ponies, and the trauma, and... and... Oh, it's all too much..." It must have been an achievement for her to speak at all.

"And how about you, Twilight? Aren't you eligible for drafting?" Rainbow inquired.

"Possibly, yes. I'm physically able in that sense. But I'm the prized student of Princess Celestia herself," the lavender mare being referred to pointed out, "She's probably put in a word to make me exempt of it. In fact, I don't know why you five are being drafted, either. We're the six Elements of Harmony for Celestia's sake! I'm going to send her a piece of my mind on this..."

The rest of her distraught friends shared a glance. "Well, no matter. At least we know you'll be safe, Twilight," Rarity interjected. "We'll have something to hold onto back home, if fate continues to take this course."

Twilight continued pondering the matter while she wrote, when an idea appeared in her head. She was so reliant on her friends that she couldn't let them down. They've been through many dangerous adventures together, and made it out in one piece because of the support they gave each other. She might not have been the Element of Loyalty, but all six shared a significant degree of devotion between each other. If the Princess was allowing them to be sent off with no choice, she'll make the choice to send herself off as well. Twilight decided to add this newfound proposal in her letter.

Luckily for Twilight, her forever number-one-assistant arrived through the door way just after she finished writing. "Hey Twilight, I've got the week's supply of quills for you again! In fact, there was even a special sale on ink, too!" a deep voice announced through the doorway.

Fifteen years had done much for the dragon. He was no longer the cute little baby reptile that first landed in Ponyville. He was as grown up as those other dragons from thirteen or so years back that they encountered. The difference was that he was a lot more respecting, and also appeared as a much more fierce contender. He'd grown, that's for sure, as his scales, spines, and claws were a lot more sharp and menacing. Yet even under all this was an honorable dragon of good reputation, that cared for his friends and the town of Ponyville.

"Oh hey, Spike! You're back, and just in time, too. I need you to send off a letter for Princess Celestia for me," Twilight informed him as she placed the message in his claw tips with surrounded by her purple magic.

"Sure thing, Twi'," he acknowledged. He puffed out his green sending flame, the paper being engulfed in it and the correspondence sent off in mystical ashes. "What was it about? Oh, hey guys," he said to the other five company in the room.

Twilight took all five uniformed papers, from those on the ground, to those not removed from the saddlebags they were carried in, and superimposed the complete set of them with her magic in front of Spike to scan over.

After getting the gist of the matter from the letters, he gaped at the five mares that it applied to for what felt like an eternity. "Oh, wow. Geez, I... I mean, that's... deep." Before he could provide further commentary on the current conditions, however, he coughed up a scroll, complete with the royal red wax seal from the monarch herself. "You want to read this out, Twi?" Spike asked as he held out the letter.

Twilight nodded, brought it over to her, and broke the seal.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

My dear student, I did all I could. But the Parliament reached the conclusion after long, heated debates that the Elements no longer needed to be commissioned in this day and age. Therefore, their goal was to provide the best for national interests instead of protecting national treasures. As mares receive equal, and sometimes even greater respect on the front lines, they also believed that bringing in the five Elements could boost the morale of the troops if they found out that they are fighting alongside those who were once Equestria's greatest assets, warriors, and defense. I apologize for my inability to grant the five of your friends immunity from military service. It must pain you very much, but I'm also sorry to inform you that Parliament has also put any more further attempts by either Luna or me out of our reach. We may be the ruling monarchs, but one must listen to subordinates, as is the constitution of the reformed Equestria.

As for you deciding to enlist, I may not wholly understand your motives, but I for the most part I do understand how you are making this reasoning and commend your efforts. You are willing to put yourself in the face of death so that your friends will not have to do it alone, even if they have each other. Either nopony or everypony. Though I highly advise against it and just be content with the protection I have been able to give you, I will not restrain you or prevent you from doing so. It is strictly your choice to make, what influences to listen to, and whether to take them into account or not. You and your friends will always be the Six Elements of Harmony, and have proven that together, you can persevere through any challenge.

Your loving teacher,

Princess Celestia

Twilight read it out loud, and once finished, took a moment to take in the scene of her five friends in front of her. She looked around and wondered: This might be the last time she ever saw them. A stalemate occurred between the occupants of the room, none daring to move. Then, a weak smile formed on her face.

"Well girls, you heard the Princess. It's either nopony or everypony. And so I've made my decision... I'm coming with you," Twilight decided.

The other five looked down with sad smiles, then walked over to her to encircle her in a group hug. This, in turn, elicited tears from all six of them.

How was it that they could stare down an army of changelings and not falter, but here, in the wake of another battle with another army, they break down their composure? Unfortunately, that was a simple answer. It was because this was true war, and the dangers had all been heard of. These were not magically-inclined enemies planning for a hostile takeover and complete some sort of magical goal of being the overlord or such. No, these were simple creatures of the land much like the ponies, and their goal was to simply deliver death to any adversaries in their way. In this case, the six ponies would fall into the second category, beside their many allies. They knew that they were just as liable to become the next fallen comrade as the next pony. Might the enemy have second thoughts about killing them? Maybe. Would they hesitate in the midst of battle? Most would likely not.

[3]-From Mares to Marines

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 3 =

From Mares to Marines

Camp Hayfield

10 Miles Southeast of Fort Stalliongrad

June 19, 1015 A.B.

11:00 AM

"ALRIGHT PONIES, LISTEN UP! FIRST OF ORDER, YOU WILL REFER TO YOUR INSTRUCTORS AS 'SIR' OR 'DRILL SERGEANT', AND YOU WILL RESPOND 'SIR, YES SIR' TO EVERYTHING I SAY! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!"

"SIR, YES SIR!"

They were finally there. The Ponyvillians and other assorted citizens arrived about an hour ago, and were left to prepare for their introduction in to the military. An hour ago, they quickly met their pegasus instructor, Drill Sergeant Blackwind, who had given them basic instructions on what to do in the next hour. They were given this time to store personal effects and prepare for their first inspection. They were given their basic belongings, one of which were their dog tags, which in turn were engraved with their basic information and the image of their cutie marks. An hour later, they were all assembled together in their barracks on the return of the drill sergeant.

"NOW! The second you stepped through those gates, you lost your personal freedom! Your free will! From this point forward, you are now property of Equestria! You are now owned by Princess Luna and the War Ministry! You are now part of the war machine of this country! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!" the drill sergeant screamed as he marched around, inspecting each pony at attention.

"SIR, YES SIR!"

"And the second you walked through those gates, you joined the army! And by Luna, do you know what that means?!

There was a rhetorical pause in Blackwind's speech, and as expected, nopony answered.

"That means you walked into my army! And by the command of Luna, by doing that, she has passed you to the leaders of this army! I'm the one in charge here, and so I own you! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT?!"

"SIR, YES SIR!"

"Now, you were drafted to serve. But guess what? You're all useless! We can't do anything with you! And so you have to be put through the grinders and be ground to a pulp! From there, we will take what's left of you and mold soldiers! That grinder will be me! And you will learn that what I'm doing will help you survive the shithole in the southeast. Is that clear?!"

"SIR, YES SIR!"

"NOW!" Drill Sergeant Blackwind yelled, then walked up to a nervous pony stallion. "What are you going to do for this whole next month in this camp?!"

The stallion hesitated, and his eyes bounced around in his head, looking anywhere, as if the answer was on the wall or ceiling, before finally answering. "Sir! ...I don't understand, sir!"

Blackwind expressed his displeasure. "What?! What do you mean you don't understand Private?! You're as useful as a pile of dirt!" After berating him, the drill sergeant moved over to Applejack.

"YOU! I don't care if you're a mare, answer my question! What are you going to be doing for the whole next month?!"

Now, being the Element of Honesty, she knew exactly what the honest answer was. Though under immense pressure, she kept her voice steady and answered. "Sir! To follow every single one of your orders, sir!"

Blackwind slightly grinned, before returning to his serious demeanor. "Of course a mare gets it! Why do you stallions have empty nutshells for heads, dammit?!"

As usual, no answer.

For the next hour, Drill Sergeant Blackwind laid a verbal barrage on their ears, his voice resonating in the walls. He laid down the basic rules for their duration in boot camp. He went over inspection standards and what they would face in the near future. An hour later, he dismissed them to the mess hall for lunch. After half an hour, he called them up again.

"Alright, get out there! We're starting the 'training' part of basic training right now!

As the ponies filed out of the door, they lined up in front of the barracks.

"Okay ponies, let's start you off with something your simple minds can handle! I want you to run five laps along the camp perimeter! Get to it!"

"Sir, yes sir!" the company collectively responded.

Rainbow, being the athlete she was, took the order with a grain of salt. "Hah. Easy!" She proceeded to dash through the laps under wingpower and a lack of common sense. A couple minutes later, she landed next to the drill sergeant. "All done, drill sergeant sir!"

Blackwind gave a smile, then proceeded to reprimand her actions. "Good job recruit! For finishing it fast, you've earned TEN MORE LAPS! I TOLD YOU TO RUN THE COURSE! WAS THAT NOT CLEAR?! ARE YOU DEAF?! NOT ONLY DID I IMPLY THAT YOU USE YOUR LEGS, BUT ALSO YOUR DAMN HEAD! IF I DIDN'T KILL YOU RIGHT NOW, YOU'D BE AS GOOD AS DEAD ANYWAY DOWN THERE! NOW GO RUN YOUR LAPS!"

With reality finally catching up to the cyan pegasus, she gave the respectful mandatory 'Sir, yes sir!' and quietly grumbled as she proceeded to begin her new laps.

==+==

Company Barracks

2000 Hours

With their introduction to boot camp over for the day, the ponies were finally allowed some down time before lights-out. It wasn't even their first full day, and they were already faltering in their steps from exhaustion from the day's basic drills.

"Ugh. That was terrific," Rainbow sarcastically complained.

Applejack chuckled a bit. "Well you're the one who keeps ignorin' their own common sense."

"It was dreadful, but I do admire the uniformity of the military. It radiates professionalism," Rarity stated.

"Come on, Rarity, we know you'll break eventually. Just wait till they start putting you through the mud," Rainbow teased.

"I feel like I can barely use my magic since we got here. Maybe it was just my bad mood, and right now because of fatigue," Twilight said. "Well what did you think about today, Pinkie?"

"Hmmm..." Pinkie gave a moment for thought. "These guys are almost as loud as Princess Luna."

"Oh, Pinkie Pie. Even the stuff military training throws at us can't ruin your good attitude," Rainbow Dash happily pointed out.

"Why would it? It gives me a chance to meet soooo many new ponies from outside Ponyville! Like this one stallion earlier today on the train..."

==+==

On the train

Earlier that day

It was the dreadful morning that everypony wished they could avoid. Twilight was typically deep in thought, but generally, the Ponyvillians and other Equestrian citizens were in a state of solemn mourning. They mulled over their past lives; what once was and may never be again. Some were trapped in their own thoughts, while others held small conversations between one another, with the sounds of the train providing background ambience.

In contrast, Pinkie Pie was being her usual self, trying to be as friendly as possible. For a pony like her, this was the perfect opportunity to make new friends. She happened to see a yellow earth pony stallion sitting alone, and so decided to talk to him first. "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! My full name's Pinkamena Diane Pie, but nopony calls me that. Everypony just calls me Pinkie!"

The stallion looked nonplussed. "Umm... hi. My name's Lumbersaw. Uhh... ponies call me Lumbersaw."

"Well, where are you from, Lumbersaw?"

"Umm... I'm from a small town in Mane."

"Have you ever been to Ponyville before?"

"Uhh... yeah, once actually. On business-"

"Well did you ever go to Sugarcube Corner? Because I don't ever remember seeing a pony like you, and I remember a lot of ponies..."

"The bakery? No, I didn't get to..." Lumbersaw admitted. He hung on his words for a moment as he examined the mare talking to him, then felt obliged to add on an additional statement. "...But I've been to bakeries before in general."

"Well Sugarcube Corner isn't just any bakery! It's the best place to find sweets and other treats in all of Equestria! And I can't wait to get home back to it! Well, it was nice meeting you! And now I'm off to greet other new ponies! I mean, look how mopey some of them look... bye!"

Lumbersaw blinked as she took off. Then blinked again as he processed what just happened. He suspected that that wasn't the only time he was going to encounter the hyper pink pony.

==+==

As Pinkie relived her memories, the other four mares continued conversing.

"Hey, where's Fluttershy again?" Rainbow asked.

"They sent her over to a different company, where they also specialize in hospital services out in the field."

"Wait a minute, hold on there," Applejack spoke up. "What do you mean by 'also'? Or am I lookin' into it too much?"

"Not at all, Applejack. In 'also', I implied that they also go through basic training like us, but less intense."

"Alrighty then... I jus' hope Shy's not going to be broken down..."

"Oh, I'm fairly sure Fluttershy's a little bit more changed from the mare we knew long ago," Rarity reassured.

Once finished with their personal conversations, the five Ponyvillian mares started mingling with the other recruits, acquainting themselves with the rest of the company. They might as well be on good terms with the others, as they would be living every hour for the next month of their lives with them, suffering the same pain and enduring the same obstacles. Then they quickly washed themselves down in the showers before retiring to their beds when lights-out was called.

==+==

June 20, 1015 A.B.

0500 Hours

The morning reveille sounded, signaling that the ponies were to wake up for their first full day of boot camp. Most of them rolled off their cots in an unpleasant mood. Many were not morning ponies, to say the least. Among those that fared better were Twilight and Applejack, who usually woke up early for duties. Some, such as Rarity, stayed sitting up in bed with groggy attitudes. Others didn't even get up until the voice of Drill Sergeant Blackwind boomed throughout the barracks.

"GET UP, YOU LAZY MAGGOTS! IT'S TIME FOR WORK, IN CASE YOU DIDN'T GET THE MESSAGE!"

Because of the force behind his words, the ponies gave their hardest efforts to appear awake. They tried their best to resist lumbering around, despite most of them not used to waking up at this early hour. Even the five mares conditioned to Luna's Royal Canterlot Voice didn't walk around sleepily after Blackwind's short announcement.

"Come on! Hop to it! I want you all ready in five minutes! Is that understood?!"

"Sir, yes sir!"

Their first full day at basic training was not at all aided by their immediate start to workouts the day prior. Most weren't used to that much physical exertion and woke up this day with highly sore muscles. This morning, they would go through their first run-through of the morning routine they would become very close and familiar with for the rest of their life at Camp Hayfield.

As a matter of fact, they would go on to go through the rigorous drills that they would be put through day after day for the next two weeks. It meant hopping low obstacles, quickly clambering over low barriers, and scaling high walls. They were trained to pull themselves up, coordinate their steps under pressure, and push themselves to the limit. Any complaint was met with a blunt statement that got the point through. One such example was seen that very day.

"Sir, I don't think I can climb this wall, sir," a pony announced. To this, Drill Sergeant Blackwind had a very simple and factual reply.

"Well, sorry shitface, but you're going to war! And so you don't have much of a choice! Now get moving!" Usually, it was enough to motivate a recruit to keep pressing on ahead. And they would be hearing it a lot in the next two weeks.

==+==

Barracks

2000 Hours

"Oh, that was truly dreadful. I'm going to go take a shower and go straight to bed," Rarity announced in a dreary voice.

"I agree, I'm out," Twilight said as she followed Rarity to the showers.

"Wow, that actually took some out of me. Still, being an in-shape athlete definitely helped," Rainbow stated in a tone of voice that suggested she still had some energy.

"Eh, I'm kind of tired, but not too bad. I am feeling a bit low though..." Pinkie expressed as she followed the other three.

"All in day's work. I am a bit sore though. 'S a little more than I'm used to." Applejack was telling the truth, as the embodiment of honesty. Still, she decided to retire early as well.

At that, the majority of the company went directly to slumber, too worn out for conversation.

==+==

June 21, 1015 A.B.

0500 Hours

The day commenced with their second experience with the morning reveille. Though some were still weary once awake, most seemed to appear to be quickly adjusting to the military routine. They had yet, to adjust to the strenuous lifestyle, however. They were again put through their morning inspection and warm-up run. Once finished, they were told to stand at attention out in the field, where Drill Sergeant Blackwind started addressing them.

"Listen closely recruits. As you know, today is the Summer Sun Celebration," the pegasus drill instructor announced. "And you- are part of Equestria's army. Therefore, it is a rare occasion that we have decided to respect, and today will be the only day void of rigorous drills, bar your morning workout." Deep in everypony's eyes were thoughts of relief, as many legs were feeling like gelatin.

Twilight's however, was not fully occupied by the thought of less drills. She instead had flashbacks at the words 'Summer Sun Celebration'. It wasn't pleasing to her at all that she was here, of all places, on this wondrous day. Not only was it the day to give praise to her princess and mentor, but it was also fifteen years since she met her five friends. It brought sadness to her that she could no longer fully celebrate the day joyously, just as she did for so long. She and her friends could no longer revel in the glory of a day that was supposed to be bright and happy.

She thought about it even more. It only occurred to her now, being in the military, that it was strange that in the recent previous years, they would gladly celebrate the holiday, while other fellow ponies were in Gazelland-Vietnam. Some of whom couldn't even celebrate with a small party because they were possibly in the middle of a firefight. Only now did the guilt of the situation fully sink in.

While in the private room of her mind, Blackwind continued the day's summary. "Today, we will practice your posture. If you think it's good right now, you're wrong. After that is marching. You will learn to properly march in formation, and you will even be given your weapons so that you will learn the proper marching procedures with them. Later in the day, you will be given one of the most important drills. You will be trained to stand on your hind legs for extended periods of time. Down the line in basic training, you will be trained to walk on hind legs and to fire your weapon on hind legs. But enough of that. Full weapon handling and movement will be dealt with later.

"In honor of Princess Celestia and the Summer Sun Celebration, training will be dismissed at 1900, and you will be left to your own devices. As usual, lights-out will be at 2100."

==+==

Central Training Field

"Now, because of the nature of these weapons, you will have to learn to stand on your hind legs for varying durations of time. Most of the time in-field however, you will only be standing on your hind legs for a couple minutes at most. More often than not, you will either have support against a stable object or be in a sitting postion. Now, while standing on your hind legs, your forelegs are then free to use whatever weapon you may be wielding."

Throughout the ponies' minds were thoughts of mixed intrigue, confusion, and other emotions.

But... that's not exactly natural movement or posture, Twilight thought.

Oh I love standing on my hind legs; it's so fun! Pinkie said in her mind.

I got wings to balance myself, it's not like I haven't done it before, Rainbow mentally noted.

Alrighty then; I've had rodeo acts just as strange anyways, Applejack pondered.

Hmm... this should be quite interesting; I've never really thought about it much before, Rarity mused.

"Yes, we're aware that it isn't natural pony posture. But many of the weapons were made to function like this, and we're changing the soldier to fit the weapon as much as we already changed the weapon to fit ponies. Before that though, you're all going to learn proper formation! Now! Stand at attention!" After that, the company all stood straight. Blackwind however, was not pleased will some of their stances and went on to correct them. Discipline was the name of this game, and they would continue to stand there for the next hour.

Once it seemed that the recruits mastered basic standing, they were given pony-modified M14 rifles. With these, they practiced proper marching and how to handle their weapons during the course of the procession. As expected, there were problems with timing, coordination, and some other stuff. By now, it was safe to say that it wasn't exactly the relaxing day that many of the ponies envisioned.

As they finished, they were then given instructions on how to stand on their hind legs. It was truly an awkward scenario, and some managed better than others, but it was deemed necessary to learn. And they were told to balance on their back legs for quite some time. It was definitely not the day the ponies expected. With the coming of the next day, though, it was back to the monotonous heavy workouts, persistent screaming, and so on.

==+==

Week 3, Day 1

0800 Hours

After they finished their monotonous early morning workouts for the n-th time, they were directed by Drill Sergeant Blackwind to report for an announcement. Announcements were rare; they've only been through two or three during their time at Camp Hayfield.

"Ponies, you've made it halfway through basic training. I'll admit that I applaud your progress that you've all made since Day 1. Today begins Week 3. This week is important because training will be specialized for each different pony race. You will learn about your weaknesses and strengths as a unicorn, pegasus, or earth pony. You will also begin hoof-to-hoof combat within your training groups. Next week, we'll test all of you in fighting skills, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

"Also, tomorrow, you will be given your rifles so that you may learn how to handle and maintain them. Starting tomorrow, you will practice these rifle skills to perfection alongside your own specialized training. This is in preparation for next week. Since that's still a particularly long way off, I won't speak more of it. Now, you will be divided by pony type to go to your respective instructors. Unicorns are to head over to the East Field, pegasi to the West Field, and earth ponies to the Central Field. Okay? Dismissed."

The ponies did as told and headed over to their respective areas. They would be mixed with ponies from all different companies, but all the same pony race.

==+==

Camp Hayfield

East Field

Unicorns from around three other companies traveled over to the East Field to receive their specialized training. They met their instructor, a grey unicorn with copper eyes; he looked like a Royal Guard without the golden armor. Along with his appearance, there was a feeling around him that told ponies that he was a hardened warrior, and probably was in Equestria's military long before the war started. Drill Sergeant Dusk Edge was in charge of the mix of companies, and his job was to inform them of what they were going to face in the future.

"Alright, horn-heads, I suppose by now, you've sensed something. It's because this camp has an enchantment that lowers your magical abilities. Don't ask why- the answer should be obvious. But I'll lay it flat for all of you. Where you will be deployed, Vietnam, you will encounter nearly the same thing. The country of Gazelland-Vietnam has an interesting atmosphere. There is a certain magic field that actually hinders magical ability. Yes, your magic is still usable, but your ability will be greatly handicapped."

Thus, Twilight had a revelation. So that's why my magic feels low. The camp was made to simulate a certain important condition we'd face in Vietnam.

"I'm also going to tell you this: Those antlers on those gazelles' heads? They function like a unicorn's horn. Fortunately for us, because they function like our horns, they too, can not wield any powerful magic. In fact, it's theorized that they have two to attempt to compensate. In basic terms, what they do with two, you do with one.

"Now, to what extent is the dampening effect? Well you'll just have to find out yourselves. In fact, I'm going to need a volunteer..." Drill Instructor Edge, said. His eyes scanned the formation of unicorns, before landing on Twilight. "You, recruit! Get up here and show us what you can do."

Twilight was surprised at the arbitrary selection, but complied anyway. "Yes, drill sergeant," she acknowledged, before walking up to the front. Before she could begin, he spoke another comment.

"Wait a minute. You're Recruit Sparkle, the Element of Magic! This should be interesting. And also, I'd like to talk to you sometime later, understood?"

"Yes, drill sergeant."

"Alright. Now proceed." He paused to examine the surroundings, before deciding on what to do. "Here's your first test. See that box over there?" Dusk Edge motioned towards a small metal box, roughly 20 feet away. "Try and lift it over here."

Twilight did as told. Or, at least tried to. "I can't grasp it with my magic. It's as if it's not there, sir."

"Hmm... even the Element of Magic can't lift something that far. Alright, try 15 feet."

She tried again. "I still can't feel it, drill sergeant."

"Alright, try 10."

Twilight walked closer to the box, and lit her horn once again, this time succeeding to lift the box.

"Walk back a couple steps now, recruit."

Taking two steps back, she tried to levitate the box. Nothing happened.

"Alright. That was still something. I can only lift from about 7 feet, and many others only at 5." He turned back to the other ponies. "As you can see, even a unicorn of great magical skill loses the disadvantage already in just range. That's not all, however. Recruit Sparkle, try and lift that barrel." He pointed a hoof at a barrel marked with a number. "It weighs 200 pounds. In Equestria, that shouldn't be difficult, but in Gazelland, that is an immovable barrier. Try and lift it."

Twilight complied. Rather, attempted to. 200 pounds was usually nothing to the unicorn's telekinesis. In here, though, it felt as if she was trying to move a mountain. She didn't even bother to strain herself, knowing well that it wouldn't do much help to try and lift a load that heavy while applying that much energy. Instead of tiring herself, she just spoke her results. "It's too heavy, drill sergeant. It wouldn't do any good for me or others if I have to use all my energy lifting that much weight, sir."

Drill Instructor Edge turned to face the other recruits again. "As Recruit Sparkle demonstrated, even the most powerful unicorn is severely disadvantaged in magic in Vietnam. Now, try the one marked 150 pounds."

Her purple aura wrapped around the 150 pound barrel, but it didn't budge. "Sir, with all due respect, I don't think I can lift this with out tiring myself straight out, sir."

"Alright, move on to the one marked for 100."

"Yes sir." She directed her focus towards the next barrel and lifted it, showing only slight signs of visible strain. "Sir, I can lift this with moderate amounts of effort. It's not too hard, but it isn't exactly easy, drill sergeant."

"Very well then recruit, you may return to your place." After Twilight had gone back to her position with the other ponies, Dusk Edge continued his lecture. "Now, I'm very well sure that you have some figment of memory that details who Recruit Sparkle is. As the Element of Magic, she posses more magic than any of you here. From the demonstrations, you have probably already started figuring out your own limitations. This is important!

"Knowing the boundaries on your magic will help you survive! Basic training trains you to a similar way as to how earth ponies function. You will not be able to rely on much magic down in Vietnam, and you'd best remember that for a greater chance of survival for your entire team. By now, those of you who know more advanced spells have already also figured out that they will be useless. Any teleportation or transformation spells will be rendered impossible given the circumstances. Field reports have also confirmed that the weakened magic also renders force fields futile. They have no effect against oncoming projectiles and are difficult to sustain. Unfortunately, we've also heard from the front that healing spells are weak. Spells, however, that do not interact with matter will still be usable, such as horn illumination, and will require less energy than levitation and is practical should the need arise. But remember, spellcasting range is significantly decreased, so any type of scanning spell is essentially useless.

"Basic training will change your mindset to think of your magic as a complimentary skill. Spellcasting is directly affected by fatigue, and the jungles are not short of that. Should you find yourself in hoof-to-hoof combat, you will find yourself more reliant on physical means rather than any magic. Of course, you can always levitate your weapon, but we'll touch on that later.

"Again, I put an important emphasis on this. Though you are unicorns, the conditions you will face will prompt you to rely on your body more than you are used to. Consider magic a luxury. It's nice to have, but if you use it too much, you will drain yourself of energy. And if you're tired, well, let's leave it at it's a bad thing that can only lead to worse."

For the rest of the day, they worked both their magic and their bodies. The magic training was to assist the unicorns to realize what their boundaries were and to gain experience on how to work with the reduced magic. The body conditioning was naturally to improve on their pony race's main weakness compared to the other two. Whichever training regime was done however, was equally straining for the ponies.

==+==

Camp Hayfield

West Field

"Listen closely, feather-brains, because this is important!" Drill Sergeant Blackwind was leading the specialized pegasi training. He was marching in front of the group of standing pegasi as he gave his speech. "You might think that because of our pegasi ancestry, we're the champions of waging war. That we'll strike from above where nothing can touch us. Well wake up! Unless you want to be court-martialed for breaking flight regulations or flat-out die, none of you will be doing much flying in the field!

"You might think that our flight would give us an easy advantage, being that we can fly up to our vantage points in the clouds, but guess what? War's changed. We're not fighting with spears or arrows or magic. We're fighting using things from small bits of metal that travel in the air faster than you and will rip through your puny guts, to larger projectiles that travel just as fast and explode! That means, unless you want the battlefield to be raining with your innards and feathers, you will be mostly grounded in the combat zones."

Rainbow Dash inwardly screamed as she kept an unamused face. The greatest flyer in Equestria was being sent to a place where she could not utilize her forte.

As if the drill sergeant sensed this, he waited until his march took him in front of the rainbow-maned pegasus before continuing his lecture. "Now, those of you that are cursing fate right now, don't fret too much. Just because I said you'll be grounded during battle doesn't mean you can't fly. Yes, for the most part, you're going to be hooves on the ground. But the swifter ones of you will be able to take to the air sometimes, albeit for only a couple seconds. Those of you that are quick enough can use your fast flight to dash from cover to cover, provided it's close enough. And I mean any cover, whether it'd be a wall, log, or ditch a dash away, or a tree branch above you. But whatever you do, do it smartly.

"Remember, dead pegasi are no good. You may not be able to rain down hellfire from the skies like stories of old, but your wings aren't rendered useless in battle. It's just that combat procedure for flying has changed. Instead of scourging the air and making sure everything below you is dead, you will break the stalemates by moving too quick for their sights. You will be the ones that will try to get to the impossible positions, as unicorns no longer have teleportation in their skill set due to a magic dampening atmosphere. The faster you can fly, the better."

Rainbow was able to mentally smile at the last statement.

"Now, let me fully review the new flight doctrine. While stationed at your base of operation, you shall not fly higher than seven feet off the ground. This is the new procedure, as helicopters are more entitled to airspace than any of you are. So keep the airspace clear. During combat scenarios, you may use your wingpower to quickly change spots and get behind new cover. Of course, there is the unspoken rule of not flying above the battle because remember- bullets. They are your worst enemy during flight. Sure, you may be able to pull off a few surprise shots in the air, but expect bullets after a few seconds. If you happen to be on a scouting mission, you may take to the air. Keep note to your position, because if you are spotted, then you lose your tactical observation vantage point. Also, air scouting missions are fine as long as you drop to the ground if things do get hot, which a good soldier wouldn't let happen in the first place."

Rainbow took all this in mind. Surely, she'd changed a bit since her entry into Camp Hayfield. In particular, the words do it smartly bugged her a bit. She was never the one to think about strategizing attacks, preferring head-on force to accomplish a goal. Apparently, that was going to have to change a bit if she wanted to make it out alive. Blackwind spoke again, knocking her out of her thoughts.

"Circle up ponies, we're giving you your first taste of hoof-to-hoof. We'll start simple. You will wrestle each other until one is pinned down. Try to keep injuries to a minimum. I have no use for injured recruits in my camp." He looked around to see who would be the first two competitors. "Recruit Dash, Recruit Skies. You're up first."

Rainbow Dash and Blue Skies made their way to the center of the circle. Rainbow was fairly certain she'd win, purely to her natural confidence. Still, she couldn't disregard that Blue Skies was actually one of the better ponies in her own company. At the least, it was nice that it was a pegasus from her own company, so she could judge how she'd fare.

"Again, wrestle until one is pinned. This will practice some basic fighting skills." As Blackwind talked, Rainbow formulated a plan. "And... begin!"

At the signal, Rainbow dashed right into her opponent, knocking him down. He laid on the ground for a couple seconds in pain, with Rainbow clearly being the victor. "All done, Drill Sergeant," she proclaimed.

Blue Skies shortly recovered from the tackle. "Ow... hey, isn't that against the rules, sir?"

Rainbow was ready with an explanation, though. "I didn't fly high above the ground. I just dashed to where I wanted to be. And that meant flying right into you. I didn't break any rules, sir."

Blackwind grinned. "And that's the mark of a soldier. Playing it smart. Recruit Dash is correct. Never did I say you couldn't fly into your opponent. In fact, she's using what she has to her advantage, within the acceptable boundaries. I'm glad to see somepony thought of the tactic without me having to point it out. If you've got wings and speed, use them. If it's not breaking any rules, do it.

"Let me lay out a situation in which you would do this. If you happen to see a gazelle and you think it might take too long to bring your weapon to bear, there's no cover to move to, and he's not too far off for him to react but not close enough for you to buck, do this. It might save your life." He turned to the two on the field. "Unfortunately, as great as a performance that was, it wasn't quite what the exercise was about. Do it again, this time hooves on the ground."

With the pain mostly worn off, Skies went over to his side while Dash did the same. Blackwind waited before giving the call. "Ready!... Go!"

==+==

Camp Hayfield

Central Field

"I am pleased to inform you earth ponies that we have the least specialized training out of all pony races. Fortunately, because of your simple lifestyles, you do not require much change to function well in Vietnam, while the other two pony types have restrictions." Drill Instructor Steelring was a husky earth pony. His coat color was that of the glowing orange of searing hot metal, and his mane a shining silver. His physical build seemed to exemplify an earth pony built for fighting. "For once, you can truly be proud to be an earth pony, because you can take pride in just being yourselves. You have no assets that need to be suppressed for when you get shipped out. Instead, we'll have to add on to your skills and improve the ones you have.

"Still, there are the disadvantages; the same ones you face at home. You may win in strength, but unicorns can levitate their weapons if they aren't tired, and pegasi have their speed. This becomes important in hoof-to-hoof. We're not completely sure about those gazelles, but we know that at least some have magical ability using those antlers of theirs. It's not strong magic due to the magic-weakening atmosphere, but it still makes them a fierce contender. They are able to levitate their weapons like unicorns, and that means knife fights won't be pretty. If you want the bastard dead, you're going to have to get in close fast if you're not already against their face.

"Unfortunately, you don't have the speed of pegasi to help you here. You're going to have to work on some defensive techniques if you want to stay alive long enough to buck their rib cage in. Once you've closed the distance, you're free to let out all that brute earth pony force right into their body. Make sure they suffer so hard, they'll still be screaming in their graves.

"But that's not the only job for an earth pony's strength. With unicorn magic greatly weakened, it's your job to knock down barricades, do heavy lifting, and all the things that unicorn force could usually do. Don't think of it as extra work on your backs, though. An earth pony's naturally high strength is one of the reasons why we're the most important soldiers out in the field. You can trudge on through things that would completely drain a unicorn and pegasus. Remember- don't doubt yourself for being an earth pony. It is one of the best things you can do for your country.

"With that being said, we're going to start some exercises and drills to increase your speed and agility. And later on, we're going to work on strength and go over in more detail with what it can be applied to..." Drill Sergeant Steelring droned on for a couple more words before announcing the coming exercises.

The earth ponies went through more rigorous conditioning than usual. It had a good effect on them, however. It actually served to increase their morale about their usefulness as an earth pony. It's as if for the first time, they realized the much higher capabilities they had physically than the other two races.

As mentioned, Steelring put them through combat training, so that they could learn the ways to avert their shortcomings. These ponies were actually the first to receive major fighting lessons among the three pony types in the camp. Seeing that there wasn't any attributes other than muscle to practice, why not? So the plan was to hone the integral brute strength into an effective, deadly soldier's tool as much as possible.

Near the end of the day, Steelring had instructed them on how to work with grenades. The technique with the explosives was to buck it with their hind legs as far away as possible. It wasn't simple, due to the coordination required, and would take the rest of basic combat training to get the grenades to land even in the general area aimed at. However, there was one pony that subverted this.

"Recruit Apple! You're up next! Try and aim for that ditch over there, 30 yards."

At these words, Applejack stepped up to the position. She prepared herself, and mentally went through the procedures on how to prime the training grenade, then on how to make it go the direction it was supposed to. Alright Applejack, it's jus' like buckin' apples back home. Ain't much different. Jus' relax, and the res'll take care o' itself.

The pin was removed, the metal ball thrown in the air, then the mare took careful thought, letting her reflexes take over. She'd done this before, except with a red fruit, not a green metal sphere. Her trained senses told her the object had now reached it's optimal position, and released her hind legs in a powerful buck.

*Plink* A sound was emitted from the area of her hind hooves as they made contact. "So, uh, how'd I do Drill Sergeant, sir?"

Steelring, however did not respond until a few seconds later, as his eyes watched the trajectory of the projectile land right where he looked at, and a puff of smoke was released. "Recruit, how did you place that grenade with your first try right where my eyes were at?"

Shocked at the result, Applejack struggled for an answer. "Uh, well, sir... I'm a rodeo mare. I've done all kinds o' things, and I used to buck apples jus' like that."

"I won't deny that I'm impressed. Do it again. 50 yards," Drill Sergeant Steelring subsequently instructed.

The process was repeated. Yet more dumbfounded minds. It was repeated again at 60. Even more awe-struck ponies. Lastly, she was told to have one more go at 75 yards.

"Alrighty then..." Applejack complied, and went on with the process of bucking a grenade.

Another metal plink was heard, and she turned around to try and spot the small object flying towards the target area. The second it hit the spot, the fuse ran out, and a puff of smoke confirmed the accuracy of the buck.

"Recruit Apple, that is simply amazing! Well done! You've set a record for accuracy at this distance! Many seasoned soldiers can't even hit within 20 feet at that range. You may return to your position." Steelring was evidently pleased, and halted practice after that.

"Thank ya, sir," Applejack modestly replied.

==+==

Barracks

2000 Hours

It was yet again the time for discussion on recent events. It was considerably much more lively this night, due to the ponies being split apart in three different groups. As the five split off into their own circle of friends, idle chatter from other recruits could be heard.

"Wow, I'm kinda glad it's Week 3. I don't know if I've gotten used to it or the exercises today just fit me, but I don't feel as shit as I normally do."

"Ha! You know, about the first two weeks of constant hell, I heard that we haven't even gotten it the worst. I heard some time ago that the guys under Drill Sergeant Hartcolt in that other camp would rather jump into a crate full of saws than go under that stallion."

"Oh really? Well then..."

Once all five were assembled near their self-designated area next at Twilight's cot, they started conversing themselves.

"So how was your training, Rainbow Dash? You're the only one who was set apart from us." Twilight said to start the topic.

"Well, it was alright I guess. I mean, it was really fun pounding down some of the other recruits. I think I only lost one or two matches actually. Anyways, a lot of it was just about the new procedures and rules and tips and stuff for when we're in Vietnam. Apparently flying is going to be on a leash..."

"Apparently for us unicorns, the region has an adverse effect on our magic. It's nowhere near as effective as it is here. Twilight herself had trouble with what she usually takes with a grain of salt. Then there was the training sessions- oh it was dreadful! My magic felt so useless, and this body of mine was never made for work like that."

"Rarity," Twilight rebutted, "Stop being over-dramatic. You did fine! It's not like two weeks of running around and dragging ourselves through mud and all that was for nothing!"

Applejack let out a small laugh. "Oh come on Rarity, if you saw yourself now three weeks ago, you'd have a fit over how un-marely you look."

"Ah, you were too frou-frou anyways," Rainbow added. "Maybe now stallions that are total jerks will avoid you without even talking to you!"

Rarity just rolled her eyes.

"What happened over with you two?" Twilight directed towards Applejack and Pinkie.

"Not much, Twi. Just some more strength workouts and some coordination drills. Nothin' special. 'S not like we have anything that'll be less useful down in the jungle. We've never had magic or wings, so it's basically the same thin'. We're still the backbone for tedious work, since we're the strongest."

"Yeah! I mean, everypony else looked impressed when Applejack bucked a training grenade 75 yards away! It was like, amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Twilight herself look awed at it. "Is that true Applejack?" The orange pony nodded. "Wow, that is something. We tried them today, and bucking it gets us around 45-50, and my magic can only throw it to about 40. That is really good!"

"Same here, Twi. Blackwind gave us a quick try with bucking it, and it only got to about 50-55," Rainbow stated.

"But that's not the best part!" Pinkie continued. "It was also exactly wherever Drill Sergeant Steelring wanted it! It was spot-on!"

"Heck, from what Pinkie's saying, you could probably buck a grenade from across a field right down a gazelle's throat," said Rainbow.

"I... I guess I could."

"Come on Applejack, don't be so modest," Rarity spoke up. "Everypony here has something special to contribute."

"Yeah, then what's yours?" Rainbow interjected with a chuckle.

The white unicorn grumbled. "I... I'm not sure yet. We still have two weeks left. I'm sure I'll find something..."

"Yeah, right."

"Well, all this training has made me hungry," Pinkie randomly stated. She proceeded to take a cupcake out from seemingly thin air, and went on to eat it. The others just stared at her. "What? It's been two weeks, come on. I gotta have my sweets!" the pink pony mumbled through the food in her mouth.

As fate would have it however, Drill Sergeant Blackwind came in that very moment. And spotted the pastry. "RECRUIT PIE! WHERE DID YOU GET THAT PASTRY?!"

Surprised by the sudden voice, she and the rest of the ponies in the barracks turned their head to the pegasus in charge. In shock, the mare couldn't conjure up an answer.

"ARE YOU NOT AWARE THAT THEY ARE CONTRABAND MATERIAL?!"

Still no answer.

"Recruit Pie, you've been a strange one, I'll admit. Sometimes, it was a challenge in of itself to keep you in line! So here's a new consequence!" Blackwind turned to no direction in particular. "Because of your fellow recruit's failure to comply with rules, you will all take five laps around the camp perimeter, and you will not sleep until you finish! If you have any complaints, take it up with this pony! Is that understood?!"

"Sir, yes sir!" The ponies grumbled as they walked out, giving the perpetrator death glares on the way out. Pinkie only returned an uncomfortable sheepish grin, and followed the rest out last.

==+==

Week 3, Day 2

0500 Hours

"Pinkie Pie, you look dreadful! Did you get any sleep, because it looks like you didn't!" Rarity approached the pink pony sitting up in her bed with helf-opened bloodshot eyes and her head wobbling around.

"Oh, it's alright Rarity," Pinkie said, while trying to keep a smile through her drowsiness. "I've got plenty of energy everyday anyway."

"So... why didn't you get any sleep? Was it nightmares or something? Did it have something to do with last night? Because I'm sure we all told you that we all forgive you, knowing your personality."

"Hey, what's happenin' here?" Applejack said as she came up behind the white unicorn.

"It appears that Pinkie wasn't able to catch any sleep last night."

"Oh hey, cowpony..."

"...What? Alright, what was the matter Pinkie?"

"I was afraid you were all going to hit me with soap bars or something in my sleep after yesterday..."

"...What?"

"You know, for having a cupcake. But I couldn't resist it's tasty goodness... and all of you had to go through a workout for it. And so I thought you might all hate me for it..."

"Pinkie, why would any of us do that? We're still civilized ponies. Besides, ain't it kinda against military discipline to go around beatin' each other?"

"Let's just say I know things you don't..."

Rarity and Applejack shared a look. "Well, hearing that from her means we should really just disregard it."

"Pinkie, when we're out of boot camp, I promise you, you can bake all the cakes you'd like down in Vietnam. I'd be lyin' if I said I didn't want one myself." This seemed to cheer up Pinkie, and so she got out of bed with what energy she had.

Fortunately, after their morning run, Pinkie Pie seemed to come back to her senses. It was just as well, since today was their first day dealing with weapons. It was important information that nopony could afford to miss. The morning was filled with the specialized pony race practice. In the afternoon, they were regrouped in their own companies, and were again given their rifles. Blackwind went on to lecture them about what they needed to know about it.

"This, ponies, is a marvel of technology. I won't go too much in-depth, but I will say it was one of the best buried treasures we've ever dug up. Now apparently, those monkey things called it an 'M14', and in respect, we've ended up keeping the name. Now, this works much like a cannon, or those muskets we started experimenting with before these discoveries. This," he explained as he pointed towards a shining 7.62 cartridge, "is what the rifle uses. Much like a cannon or musket, gunpowder is ignited to fire a projectile out the barrel. That's the open cylindrical end for you numb-nuts." He continued to explain the basic operation and parts of the M14 for a couple more minutes before moving on.

"Our great scientists have re-engineered this for pony use. And it's one of the greatest things I've felt. I'm so confident in this that my Royal Guard sword is now just a mantle piece decoration. Now, right here sticking out behind the magazine is the trigger bar. You pull it with your hoof and a bullet goes flying if it's loaded. But that's not for today." After a couple more explanations on the rifle and the basic safety precautions later, he moved on to the training portion.

"You have your rifle, now you need to know how to handle it. Or, at least hone your reflexes. When you run, you will have to sling your weapon to either side of your body or hang it straight down across your chest from your neck. From there, you will be constantly drilled to quickly bring your weapon up and ready to fire. Now, from running to firing, most of the time you will transition to either a sitting position or lying prone. You can stand on your back legs, but that's your choice. If the situation allows headspace for standing, go for it if you'd like. Otherwise, it's either sitting or prone."

Once he finished instructions, he gave the orders to start running a course. It was constant repetition until their movements were fluid. After about two hours of practicing movement, they were led inside to practice maintenance work. Those that particularly enjoyed it were Rarity and Twilight. The first for the reason of how precise each piece fit together, and the second because of natural curiosity. For the following two hours, as well as the rest of the week, it was a get-to-know session between the ponies and with what would become one of their best companions where they were going.

==+==

Week 4

0900 Hours

After the regular morning drills, Drill Sergeant Blackwind led them to a different place than usual. After being given their rifles, they headed up to the North Field.

"Recruits, congratulations. You've made it to the last week of basic combat training. This entire week, the focus is on your marksponyship and other combat abilities. You have all learned how to properly handle a weapon, as well as maintain it. I've seen you all properly do it everyday last week. But knowing how to handle and maintain a weapon isn't worth shit if you don't know how to use it. That's what we're doing plenty this week. You will learn how to aim and how to fire.

"Where we're at right now, North Field, is the firing range. Targets are set up at 50 and 100 yards. You will learn to shoot lying prone, sitting, and even on your hind legs. The results of your firing will determine what weapon you will be given when you finish basic. The ones that are particularly accurate will be given the choice to keep their M14s while those under the standard required will be issued an M16 rifle instead. Now, we'll begin at 50 yards. Unicorns, for this exercise, you are not to use magic to levitate your weapons."

After he was finished speaking, he took a rifle and demonstrated how to shoot. Once finished, he directed the members of the company to individual positions to begin their training. They would rotate until all finished firing a whole magazine's worth of ammunition, at which they would then wait for Blackwind to give instructions again. Training at 50 yards took most of the morning, and they were released for lunch.

Marksponyship training at 100 yards began immediately after eating. The cycle was repeated for the ponies, albeit at a much slower pace, as they were expected to take careful shots at the longer range.

Rarity was doing just as the other recruits were. For this drill, she was firing from a prone position, as was the instructions. M14 rifle in her hooves, she took careful precision shots at 100 yards. This didn't go unnoticed by Blackwind, and prompted him to have a quick conversation with the white unicorn.

"Recruit Rarity! How are you doing so well? Most recruits take half the week to shoot half as good as this, and most don't even graduate with marksponyship as precise!"

Continuing to look down the sights, Rarity thought about her answer, and reached the simplest conclusion she could think of. As soon as her hoof pulled on the trigger bar, she explained herself. "I suppose it just feels natural to me, sir."

"Natural? I suppose I can expect precision to be natural from a mare, but still! This requires training for muscle memory, eyesight, and other things!" Blackwind thought for a little bit before asking a question. "What did you work as before you joined the Marines?"

The mare huffed. "Joined. I suppose being drafted counts as joining the military. No matter. Anyways, I was a dressmaker. Long time in the business. Well-practiced in the art of making all types of attire, made with utmost care and exactness, sir." Another touch of the trigger and another bullet towards the target.

"A dressmaker! Well, by your firing results, I assure you that you will no longer be making perfect clothes and weaving string through fabric, but instead be a tailor of death weaving bullets through enemies. You will no longer put thread through the eyes of needles, but instead thread bullets through the eyes in skulls. You've practiced precision as a tailor, and now you will continue that art in your marksponyship. I expect no less than continuous impressive results here and once you've been deployed."

As if it was emphasis on his statement, yet another flash from the muzzle of the rifle, aimed yet again at the center of the target. "Thank you sir," she replied, even though his comparisons were somewhat chilling, and possibly quite accurate, no less.

==+==

Graduation Day

Camp Hayfield, Central Field

July 19, 1015

1200 Hours

It was the final day for the ponies of the company. The day they graduate as soldiers. Still, as usual, Blackwind ordered them to go on their morning run, but quickly let them off the hook afterwards. They were given their time to prepare for the ceremony, and were given their formal dress uniforms to go along with it.

Rarity gasped as she donned the formal attire. "I remember this uniform! I actually helped design this back in the first few months of the war!"

"You helped design this? It's actually pretty awesome. I feel fancy and like a badass at the same time!" Rainbow complimented as she examined the one she wore.

"Why, yes, I did. They had a sort of competition for designers to submit uniforms under a set of guidelines and requirements. Eventually, they decided that there were too many that were either too good to pass up, too similar, or both. So they took it upon themselves to create a committee of tailors, of whom would combine their efforts to create the military formals. I was one of those lucky dressmakers. And thus, contributed to this sharp and commanding end product! Though, as much as I wanted to see how stylish it would look on myself back then, I would have never guessed that I would actually get that chance. I still can't decide if I like being in it, given the reason why I'm wearing it in the first place."

"Well, no use mopin' over it," Applejack remarked. "You've already passed basic trainin', which I'm admittedly impressed you did, and we're about to be shipped out tomorrow. You're being sent off and there's definitely nothin' you can do about it no more, so you might as well enjoy having this on."

"I think Applejack's right," Twilight added. "Since there's no use fighting against fate at this point, you might as well enjoy your own work. It is sharp and formal. I like it very much, Rarity. In fact, I'm only sad because of the memories of your older works it brings back."

For a moment, a dark shadow hovered over the mood of the five. Sensing this, Pinkie decided to play her usual role and resolve the situation.

"Come on now, Twilight, it's supposed to be a happy day!" Then thought about it a little bit, resulting in a slight backfire. "At least, I think it is. I mean, we're getting sent off to war and all, but we're graduating as proud, accomplished ponies! Even if we were trained to kill! But that's only for a good reason, right? So come on, girls, at least enjoy the day! Drill Sergeant Blackwind even let me bake cupcakes for everypony today!"

It's the thought that counts, and even though her dialogue wasn't exactly uplifting, the other four realized her efforts to cheer them up. It was not for her words, no, but for the personality that the pink pony failed to stop radiating. The cupcakes were also a nice bonus.

By the afternoon, the ponies were all assembled outside, ready to receive the official word of graduation and induction into the Equestrian Marines. They marched in perfect harmony, and stood proud as they were taught during their one month of boot camp. The ceremony was carried out, and generally spirits were high. It was hard to think of the gruesome future just after an accomplishment in their life.

"Private Pie, these cupcakes are delicious! Be sure to bake some of these for the boys down in 'Nam; they deserve it. And as the Element of Laughter, I recall, keep the spirits up. Sad soldiers aren't as good as bright and happy," Drill Sergeant Blackwind commented.

"Sir, yes sir!" Pinkie cheerfully replied.

Elsewhere in the throng of graduates and instructors, Twilight was in a conversation of her own. "Drill Sergeant Edge? You asked to speak with me earlier, sir."

"Ah, yes. Private Sparkle, I was a Royal Guard for a long time. I even served under your brother. I miss those days. I still remember them clearly, including the days when Equestria fell back on you and your friends. Tell me, Private, how did you come to be here? I'm sure Celestia would never let you be drafted in, so the only way would be to enlist. But why would a mare such as yourself do that?"

"Sir, I admit, I would never in my life would have made that choice if not for the events that transpired a month ago. The rest of my friends, the other Elements, were drafted. And I couldn't bear to just stay in the safety of home while they didn't have a choice."

Dusk Edge looked down solemnly. "This war really became that bad, huh? It's a very noble action of you, Private Sparkle, and I give you all my respect for it. Though I'd love to know how the Elements of Harmony were conscripted."

"Believe me, I already took it up with the Princess, and I'd rather not explain it. It's quite frustrating, I'll tell you that."

"Well then, Miss Sparkle, I send you off with good wishes. We'd rather you not fall in combat, never to be seen again. Ones such as you do not deserve to be here in the first place. I warn you now, when you come out of that war, you may not recognize who you are anymore. It's an occupational hazard of being trained and sent off to kill. So good luck out there. You're a Marine now. We're honored to have ones such as you and your friends with us, even under these dire circumstances. More importantly, return safely. And that's an order."

"Sir, yes sir."

[4]-The Last Stepping Stone

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 4 =

The Last Stepping Stone

Whitewing Airfield, Equestria

2 Miles North of Fort Stalliongrad

July 20, 1015

0900 Hours

"I guess we're finally leaving Equestria, huh?"

"Yeah... guess so."

It was the day. The true day. The actual day from which they were being sent off. A train had ferried all the graduated soldiers to Whitewing Airfield a couple hours prior. From here, they would board airships that would fly them down to the southeast, down to Valiant Air Base. They would be dropped off there to help adjust with the time zone change and wait for another flight to fly them into Gazelland-Vietnam.

In the meantime, two hours before they were scheduled to board the airships, ponies conversed amongst each other in the brisk summer morning air.

Twilight sighed. "I'm not sure how I feel about that."

"We knew it was coming, though," Rainbow replied.

"So, how'd all of you like bein' in military get-up?" Applejack changed the subject.

Rarity examined herself and her friends. "Well, I think it's pretty nice actually. The lines of the uniform are decent, but very practical. And all the equipment on us are like accessories that somehow accentuate the appearance. I kind of like it."

"Hey Twilight," Rainbow asked, "Why did you choose to use an M16? Last time I remember, you were one out of the eight ponies in our company with good enough aim to be issued an M14."

"Well Rainbow," Twilight answered, "I thought about some statistics and used some general math skills, and figured out that it would be better to carry an M16 due to its lighter weight and ability to carry more ammunition. If I have more bullets on me, it's a larger assurance of staying alive, right? Plus the full automatic mode may be useful."

"But Twi," Applejack interjected, "What good is a gun if you're usin' those tiny 5.56s? I'm proud and damn happy to be one out of the two earth ponies to have good aim and get an M14. Those good ol' rodeo skills still won't leave me. Back to the point though, why wouldn't you choose something with more buck to it?"

"If I've got good aim, do I need something with more power? A bullet's going to do the same thing no matter what the caliber if you aim it right."

"As perfect as our aim was," Rarity spoke, "It was in a calm environment. I remember back when Sweetie Belle was just a filly; I couldn't focus on my sewing with her running around. My point is, it's not going to be a calm environment down there, and it won't be as simple as pointing it in the right direction as it was back at the firing range."

"I know, I know, the drill sergeants told us that already. And that's why I chose the rifle with fully automatic capability."

"And what good is a fancy rifle if it'll just break down in the dirt?" Applejack questioned. "I remember the stuff they said 'bout those M16s. And I'm mighty familiar with machinery since of my farm. No good being all complex and that if it'll just break down with the slightest dust."

"And I remember that too. But come on, girls, it's me, Twilight! You know I can't pass up procedures and routines. And since that includes cleaning the rifle, I'm going to make sure this doesn't jam on me."

"Whatever you say, Twi."

"Yeah, cleaning's gonna get annoying," Rainbow stated. "I was never one for being tidy anyway. But I guess I'll have to live with it if it's gonna keep me alive."

"Yeah Dash, well, that's what you get for not takin' your time at the range," Applejack proclaimed.

"It's so hard! Calculating range and all that... ugh!"

"Well not everypony can be a natural as I am," Rarity teased. "Besides, maybe those feathers of yours can still be put to good use even if you can't fly too much."

"Shut up, Rarity."

"Come on, Dashie, give your M16 a chance," Pinkie said. "They told us that they'd be one of our best friends in Vietnam, and I'm making sure I'm great friends with my M16! Too bad I haven't named him yet..."

"Right... Well, does anypony know if we'll see Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked the group. As if on cue, the yellow pegasus in context appeared amongst the crowd.

"Fluttershy!" the five joyfully called out. Fluttershy turned her head at the sound of her name, and walked over with a smile plastered on her face as she saw her age-old companions.

"Oh hi there girls."

Rainbow started the conversation. "How was camp for you 'Shy?"

"It was alright, I guess. I mean, it was a lot of work, and really tiring, but it's for the better of other ponies, right? I can't help anypony unless I know how to, so I guess it was worth it," Fluttershy answered.

"What'd they teach you there, Fluttershy?" Applejack asked.

"Well, mostly, they taught us medical procedures and all that, but there was also some combat and rifle training."

Rainbow studied her friend. "But you don't have to bring a rifle?"

"Well, I think I'm assigned to hospital duties, field hospitals of course. So I don't really need to bring one if I'm not going to fight."

"Makes sense, I guess," noted Twilight.

Before any other things could be said to Fluttershy, a voice was heard from behind Twilight.

"Hey, hey, hey! How's my favorite unicorn...s!"

"Smooth..." Rainbow teased.

"It's alright, Spike. You can still pick Rarity over me if you'd like."

"Fine. My favorite ponies. Better?"

The other six smiled, and scanned the dragon from head to tail. Spike was outfitted with the same accessories they had- olive drab colored apparel and a rifle.

"Say, where'd you get all your equipment anyways?" Twilight asked her long-time assistant.

"Oh, well apparently they make designs for species that walk on two legs. Like minotaurs. I heard that there's even some minor dragon mercenaries that cooperate with the coalition down in the southeast."

"I guess that means they didn't have to change the original design much, considering the many similarities with the bipedal body form. And your M16 is different too."

"Yeah. I got claws to work the small trigger. I remember hearing about these things a long time back. They were actually made like this."

As they talked, a large stallion walked up next to Applejack. "Hey there, sis. How're you doin'." He, too, appeared like the other ponies waiting in the field. With a wheat stalk hanging out his mouth, Big Macintosh still wore his calm and quiet demeanor.

"Big Mac!" the orange pony exclaimed in joy. "I'm glad to see you again! How was trainin'?"

The red stallion chuckled. "I think I gave them a run for their money. Still, I guess it was nice to find other stallions as big and strong as me."

"You're not carrying a rifle?"

"We were a special unit. Said they'll figure out a good job for us out in the field. Like carrying shells and powder for artillery batteries, or be a walking arsenal of heavy firepower. Whatever suits a large pony."

"Well I'm glad to see you anyways."

Whilst Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie were together, Fluttershy, Spike, and Big Macintosh were each separated from the rest. All in all, they had these last hours to share their experiences with their hooves on Equestrian soil. The next time they would touch ground, it would be all the way down in Zebrica, after the roughly two-day airship flight.

==+==

1100 Hours

"Okay, ponies, welcome aboard Airship 502. This'll be home for the next two days, like it or not," an airship crew member announced from the rear loading ramp.

It was time for the newly graduated soldiers to be herded onboard the large zeppelins that would fly them down to Valiant Air Base in the southeast. The airship was massive; the habitable quarters could house around 150 ponies. At the cost of carrying capacity, however, was comfort space. It wasn't cramped, but the airship wasn't a first-class liner either. There was a small sense of luxury, as the compartments were made to be utilitarian.

"It's very simple, ponies. Walk as far down as you can until you reach the 'Crew Only' marked door. From there, just start claiming a bunk. That'll be yours for the next two days."

Many ponies were awed by the engineering marvel. Balloons were a long-time sight in Equestria, but this one appeared a lot more advanced than the zeppelins in commercial use. Twilight and Rainbow in particular showed much curiosity.

"So what do you think of this airship, Rainbow?"

"They did have large zeppelins on the drawing board all the way back in 1013. But this is crazy."

"And those were steam powered. And a lot more leisurely. This one's propelled by newer gasoline combustion engines."

"Can't blame them for being practical though. Remember the luxury models docked in Cloudsdale? That was awesome."

"Why that liner was simply gorgeous," Rarity voiced her opinion. "I do admire how they maximized practicality on this though. Not exactly clean, per se, but it's the military, and I think I've gotten used to it."

"You better have. We're gonna be in the dirt for... hey, Twilight, how long are we out there anyway?"

"We're away a total of 18 months. Deployment is around 17 months. We already had our one month of basic. We'll be back home by Hearth's Warming Eve."

The rest of them smiled at that proclamation.

"I'd like that," Applejack said.

"Oh, yes, that be nice," Fluttershy whispered.

Suddenly, the sound of the boarding ramp whirred inside as it closed, and the airship took off with a full load of ponies, transporting them down to southeastern Zebrica.

Over the course of the next two days, the ponies were kept busy by conversations, staring out the portholes, and, more importantly, more rifle disassembly drills. All of the ponies were occupied for at least a couple hours just stripping their weapons. For those such as Applejack and Rarity, all they had to do was work by memory, and didn't have to do it as often as the others. The majority of the ponies, however, were re-taught how to take apart their rifles for cleaning, mainly because they only worked on M14s at basic training. The ponies were still generally unfamiliar with the different M16 rifle they were issued, and needed to be instructed on how they worked.

Another important part of the flight was the seminars given to further explain the aspects of the military they would encounter and were not able to be taught at camp. There were descriptions of all types of equipment, from field radios to helicopters. Depending on the complexity and importance of the item in question, time spent on a certain subject varied for each different one. There was also a quick run-down of rank structure and more complicated procedures, terms and tactics. With these last bits of knowledge, the ponies would have a generally clear view on how they would operate in the field.

==+==

Valiant Air Base

Gazelland-Zebrica Border

July 22, 1015 A.B.

1300 Local Time

The airship finally landed after the 50 hour trip down from Equestria. They were now at Valiant Air Base, the command post and ferry point in the rear lines, behind the Gazelland Mountain Range. It was a well-sized installation, capable of docking twenty zeppelins the size of the transport, along with many, many other miscellaneous vehicles. An young stallion officer welcomed the ponies as they stepped onto the tarmac of Valiant.

"Welcome to Valiant Air Base, everypony. This is Equestria's main operating base in the southeast. Everything from Equestria or elsewhere north comes through Valiant before going into 'Nam. It's the same installation as the original research establishment. However, five years back, because of the attack, it was transformed into a full-blown military base. It used to be called Camp Valiant for a little bit after that, but the name was changed ever since most, if not all, operations in and out of Valiant are flights. The main operating base is secure from any hostiles; we're too far in the rear for them to reach. That's why this is also a command post along with being the ferry point." He explained a little bit more about the outpost and pointed out areas of importance. The small tour ended at their sleeping quarters.

"And here's the sleeping quarters. There's no schedule or anything during your stay here. Just general rules of do's and don'ts. So feel free to just crash on a bunk, take a stroll outside, grab a bite to eat, and all that. Treasure these few days of leisure, because after that, it's off into the fire. You may now go about on your own accord." With that, the stallion left them.

The Ponyvillians turned to Twilight. "We could go to the mess hall. It's an hour past noon according to local time, and we weren't served lunch on board."

"Good enough for me. I don't got anythin' else better to do," Applejack agreed. "I'm pretty sure the same goes for the rest of ya."

They all nodded.

"Well, lead the way, Twi."

Twilight took that as her cue, and started walking towards the complex's mess hall. They noticed all types of ponies just wandering around. There were the clean and fresh recruits such as themselves, but also many others that looked worn down and tired. It was blatantly clear to them that these were among those that returned. And there was a good number of veterans, too. Of course, a good number of them also displayed varying degrees of bandages, and occasionally, there was an unfortunate disabled pony that had to be helped by his compatriots.

After a short time of wandering around the main complexes of Valiant, the Ponyvillians arrived at the cafeteria. They got in line, received their meals, and grouped at one of the tables. Rainbow initiated some conversation.

"Say, Twilight, now that we're here and all, I'm wondering... how we're here. I mean, how did this place hold up against that first gazelle attack? I didn't think we had an army ready for intense combat."

"You'd be surprised. And with a brother who is part of Equestria's military, I should know. Now, here's why and how. Equestria is peaceful, right?"

Her companions nodded.

"Well, Princess Celestia reasoned that even if it's a good front for our country, it would most definitely be unfortunate if one were to take advantage of that and invade the country. So, the sensible solution to that is to maintain a strong and skilled military force. The Royal Guard may have ceremonial duties, but they are as well-trained as the other less known branches of the Equestrian military. Even the Wonderbolts are trained Equestrian military members."

"Oh yeah, that's right! I forgot about that! Come to think of it, there was a whole issue about them and their role in the military. Even came with a cool poster of them dressed in uniform."

"Anyways, because we haven't been in any major conflicts in so long, we've never been able to flaunt our fighting skills, which increased the idea that Equestria is nearly helpless when it comes to war. This effect even leaked to a good section of the public. Essentially, Equestria's had a strong military under everypony's muzzles. Also adding to the effect is that the army was very downscaled. Unlike the griffons that like to maintain their status as a fierce and aggressive race, us ponies never had that need. But in the end, though not great in numbers, we always had a modern and competent military. Celestia would do anything to ensure her subjects were protected and safe, and that included holding an army ready in case it ever came to that. Powerful as she is, she's not a one-pony army."

Applejack added in her two bits. "But even though we had a fine and dandy army, it was too small to keep up with an actual, all-out war, right?"

"That's right, Applejack. And so Princess Luna called for a draft."

Rarity had an objection. "Shame that it came to all this. I wonder what motivated those gazelles to take such cruel action and cause good ponies to be sent here."

"Well they suspected it was buried strains from the predatory nation to their north. They needed to get away; get space. And the only space was to their southwest. Which was Zebrica."

"Y'know, now that I think of it, I think I'm actually starting to feel good about being here," Dash proclaimed.

"Why would that be, Rainbow?" Applejack asked.

"Well, you remember when we first heard about the first attack, and Celestia didn't want to get involved in it?"

The others around the table nodded.

"Now that I think of it, why would she say that? Zebrica is a friendly neighboring nation. And she wanted us to just leave it alone? I'm glad Princess Luna was right in the head about that. Now we're here helping out others in need."

Twilight chuckled. "I suppose you have a point there Rainbow. In the bigger picture, it is a good thing. If you ignore the small picture that we're in of course. I guess it's a loyalty thing to you- you won't let anypony in need down."

"Yeah, I guess it is. I'm still the Element of Loyalty after all this time. Even if we don't mean all that much to Equestria, it's still something that matters. Princess Luna had the right idea- if there's a country in need, it's worth fighting for."

"Yeah!" Pinkie agreed. "And remember Zecora? She was a great zebra! Too bad she left when her country got attacked, and we haven't heard anything about her since."

By that time, they had all finished lunch, and stood to exit to the outside. Despite that last note on an old companion, Rainbow's revelation lifted all their moods. The war was following the morals that every Equestrian had, and their purpose and presence in Gazelland was a good one.

==+==

July 23, 1015

1201 Hours

It was their first morning waking up in Valiant Air Base, and would be their only full day here. It was a day they could treat like it was a day at home. And that meant they didn't wake up until 0800. Even better was that nopony was there to tell them not to. Valiant was one last chance to relax before 17 months of uncertain outcomes. A possibly last taste on how to be a normal pony living a normal life.

The six mares, one stallion, and dragon decided that after getting out of bed, it would be healthy to maintain a routine even on this one day, and took some laps around the base like many other ponies were doing. They settled down over some early lunch, and were now just exploring the compound. They saw all types of machinery, and obviously many were not of Equestrian origin. No, they were more ancient, and still more advanced.

"Oh, hey Twilight, with you being smart and all, can you tell us some stuff about all these machines and gadgets around us," Fluttershy asked the unicorn. "I'm wondering how it got into our hooves."

"Sure thing," Twilight replied. "I'm sure you remember how Valiant was actually the expedition base for the scientists a long time ago, right?"

"Well they actually dug some things like these up. Even if they were all rusted and heavily deteriorated, they could tell that it was technology more advance than our own. Then came the Gazelland Border attack. It wasn't an easy battle. We only won because we had some cannon emplacements here. Even then it was an achievement, because they used more advanced weapons than they had here. Of course, now, they have 'modern' cannons placed here; the cannons that were originally designed by the race called 'humans'."

"And they had appendages similar to claws," Spike added while wiggling his claws. "So they had to redesign a little to make it work with hooves."

"Of course that was much easier with the ones in which we found physical artifacts of. Other things, we just straight reverse-engineered as best we could from pictures and detailed documents and schematics we found. The job was made slightly easier through some really complicated spells applied to the papers, and so we were able to get them out of factories after a short while. With smaller things, like weapons, it was a lot simpler. Because they were small enough to be left and be buried, we found a good number of them. All scientists had to do was apply some time-reversal spells to one. Granted, it was only a temporary reversal, but they easily worked off of it." Twilight looked around and listened. She heard some radio communications from a building.

"And some things, we didn't even have to figure out because we already had it. Like radios. Actually, the technology difference varied at curious amounts. Sometimes they were years ahead, and sometimes, we were on par."

Applejack voiced her thoughts. "Like these rifles here? We already had gunpowder, and so we understood all that. I reckon cartridges are like small cannons themselves. And the way I see it, the whole thing's just like a really complicated, miniature, auto loading cannon."

"Yeah, that's a good way to put it," Twilight approved. "Now, once engineers figured out how a certain piece of technology worked, they had to convert it for pony use, like Spike said. Look at Spike's M16 and compare it to mine."

The others took notice of what Twilight said.

"The most noticeable difference here is the trigger. Whereas on his, it's unchanged from the very original design, ours is a trigger bar that we can operate. While Spike has claws able to use that design, we can't. But of course, Spike can easily use a pony model if need be. Other small differences are in the charging handle and safety switch, so that it can be used with our hooves.

"Actually, some of the things were so advanced, we haven't even finished figuring them out. Whether they'll ever see action again or not, nopony knows. I guess part of it depends on how long we hold out here."

For the rest of the day, the ponies enjoyed the last free-time they would get in full peace. Out in Vietnam, there was always a probable danger lurking around.

==+==

July 24, 1015

1000 Hours

The newly-arrived soldiers wouldn't stay any longer, as they were finally being sent to the front lines, and were directed to a field. There, in their metallic wonders, laid a number of interesting contraptions.

Helicopters, Rainbow and Twilight simultaneously remembered from training, that's what they're called.

They were, in fact, helicopters. Different types were spread around. Large twin rotorhead models were parked with an assortment of single rotor hub choppers. There were the large cargo helis, then the smaller troop transports. The group boarded the closest one, a good old UH-1 Huey. This one, though, was a pony reproduction model. They started rolling off of production lines three years ago, after Alliance engineers finished figuring out the mechanics and technology, and completed refitting the craft for pony and griffon use. Once the Ponyvillians all got on, a voice spoke up from the cockpit.

"Nice to see you again, Rainbow Dash! Or should I say, Private Dash?"

Rainbow and the others looked in the direction of the voice at the mention of her name. Rainbow was the first to respond.

"Derpy!" Rainbow exclaimed to the grey pegasus, who now sported an eye patch over one eye.

"That's Captain Ditzy Doo to you, Private."

Rainbow was slightly taken aback by the statement of the lazy-eyed pegasus, but brightened up when her demeanor lightened.

"... But that's alright! We can drop formalities for now," Ditzy spoke. The rest of the group smiled at meeting an old friend. "Never thought I'd see you all here! I don't know if that's good or bad, but I'm happy that I got to see you all again!"

"Hi there, Ditzy!" Pinkie greeted. "I know I'm happy to see you, and I know everypony else is, so I declare today a good day! If only I could set up a party..." Ditzy smiled. Pinkie Pie just gave her a taste of home that she missed.

"So Derpy..." Rainbow continued.

"You're never gonna stop calling me that nickname, are you Dash?" Ditzy interrupted in a playful manner.

"Well, I guess it kinda stuck with me. Force of habit I guess. Does it bother you?"

"Nah. Not at all. I got used to it a long time ago. It's even my official nickname around here. Heck, sometimes it's even my call sign! So what were you saying?"

"Right! So... this helicopter is yours?" Rainbow motioned towards the UH-1 they now sat inside of.

"Yup! It's my precious Huey. All pilots have a connection with their aircraft, actually. Down here, this is my filly, and I give it as much love as I gave my little Dinky. You take care of the machine, and the machine will take care of you."

"Wow... You actually got a position as a helicopter pilot?"

A stallion's head poked from the other side of the cockpit. He appeared to have a coat of lime-green, with a mane as black as night. He looked at his partner with keen gold eyes. "Hey- I was surprised too, when I saw what this mare looked like."

"Oh, right! This is my co-pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Sharp Stargazer, but we just call him Sharpie. And he's the best co-pilot I could ask for!" Ditzy turned back to the cabin. "And these ponies are some of my great friends back from Ponyville!"

"Well that's something, coming from one of Equestria's best helicopter pilots. Seriously, Derpy here has some of the best records for chopper pilots," Sharp complimented. "Nice to meet you lot. Always nice meeting any old acquaintances of friends. A nice touch of home, even if they weren't your friends."

"Anyways, it's not much different from my old job either. I'm still flying deliveries, except that the packages are a lot more precious. Ponies are really dependent on us chopper pilots you know. And it's a dangerous job, too. They tell you why you shouldn't fly in a firefight Rainbow?"

"Put bluntly- bullets. Yeah."

"Well I think you can see where I'm going from here..." Ditzy's audience looked a bit awed at what she just implied. "But just like back when I was a mailmare, when I vowed to deliver under all circumstances, whether it was rain, shine, or snow, there's no way in hell that any danger's going to stop me from doing my job."

"So I take it they made you wear an eye patch so your vision wouldn't impair you? Because Celestia knows the many unfortunate events that happened because of it."

"Yeah. But it's okay. It's really useful, so now I don't bump into things- oh right! I still have my eye patch on. Almost forgot!" Ditzy took it off her head, much to the confusion of the passengers. She turned her head back forward to the controls, and went through pre-flight procedures. A ground crew member signaled for lift off, and the twin rotor blades thumped as they increased in speed. "You ready to go?!"

Rainbow looked in fear. "You're flying without your eye patch?! Are you crazy?!"

Both pilots laughed. The former mailmare took a quick look back with her trademark lazy-eyes. "This is how I fly Private!"

The other ponies looked along with Rainbow in distress. "How?! Why?! I don't want to die!"

"You're such a silly pony, Rainbow Dash- I'm one of the Equestrian Military's top pilots for a reason, remember?" Ditzy returned to face out the windshield. She increased the throttle, and the Huey took off and started ascending into the sky. The grey pegasus spoke to her passengers once again.

"You'd be surprised to know that my special... trait actually helps me fly really well. With my eyesight, I can actually have one eye looking at where to fly while keeping the other one looking at the flight instruments."

The others visibly relaxed.

"I'll admit my CO wasn't initially comfortable with the idea-"

"You think the CO wasn't comfortable? How do you think I felt?" Sharp jeered.

His partner chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, Sharpie, I remember. You were shaking so much, I had to tell you to take your hooves off the yoke or you'd mess up our flight path! Anyways, it took a little bit of getting used to so much information going into my head at once, but once I did, I started rising up in the ranks. In fact, I received a lot of promotions because of my performance. That's why I'm a Captain after two and a half years in the Helicopter Corps."

"Yup, they don't just give out those promotions for nothin'. It didn't take long for my respect to build up. Soon, I easily trusted Ditzy here with my life. She could fly us out of anything. Saved a lot of ponies out in the field that way, too," Sharp added. "In fact, I'm wondering when she'll get promoted again. Major sounds like a really nice rank."

"Eh, it can wait. Ponies respect me as is, and that's fine by me. Rank doesn't matter much as long as I can do my job and help ponies."

"Sounds pretty noble of you," Applejack stated.

"Helping others is why we're here, right?"

"I guess so."

"Anyways, it's going to be a long ride 'til we get to where you're being dropped. You have breakfast yet?"

"Ugh. So that's what we forgot," Rainbow uttered.

"Maybe we would've remembered if somepony here woke up earlier," Twilight argued.

Rainbow grunted in response.

"Well since you forgot, here's some muffins in the meantime." Ditzy offered a box of muffins from the cockpit, much to the delight of the ones in the rear. "You can have 'em all if you want. I can find tons of boxes of them anywhere I go."

"Oh, Derpy, you and your muffins."

"I'm lucky it's actually one of the easiest foods to get down here. It's all about simplicity, you know. The more tasty stuff costs more."

"What if I make them?" Pinkie asked though the muffin in her mouth.

"I guess it could work. Just get the ingredients and you're set. I don't think there's any rules against making your own food. As long as it isn't counter-active to your field performance, that is."

The ponies seemed content with that answer and proceeded to eat a makeshift breakfast. Nopony else spoke much for a good while.

==+==

"Ugh, we haven't even landed and I'm already wondering about how we got here in the first place."

"Well dear, would you rather think of what had passed or what might come to be?"

"If you even make it out alive…" Rainbow duly stated.

"Rainbow! Don't you think we already have too much on our minds?" Rarity scolded.

"It's only a fact..."

"Rainbow, jus' lay off for now. It's all troubling us, alright?" Applejack said. Rainbow turned her head back to observing the passing landscape outside.

"I suppose it's better to think about memories set in stone than negative insights about the future," Rarity said to Twilight, returning to their conversation.

Twilight sighed and returned to the sanctuary of her mind as she slumped her face on the door window. While she mentally re-lived the past month, the others continued to talk.

It was Pinkie's turn to speak. "You know, I don't feel as scared about going off into a war zone anymore. I wonder why?"

"You're right, Pinkie. Though I'm still a tad fearful, I don't feel like I'm being led to my death anymore, like when I first got the draft notice. Perhaps it was all our training," Rarity offered. "It's taught us what we need to survive, and we should be fine as long as we follow it. So maybe there's hope from that."

"Hmmm... you do have a point Pinkie," Applejack said. "Maybe the time we spent back at Valiant also helped us adjust. I mean, we'd heard all kinds o' stuff from all the ponies that got back alive. How about you, Fluttershy?"

"I... I'm not sure. I guess I'm still really scared, but I think a little bit lesser than when we first left Ponyville."

"That's good to hear, 'Shy," Rainbow said. "I heard you survive better if you have some courage rather than just completely cowering down. And I guess it helps that you're in a hospital position."

"But what about all of you? You're the ones going in to do the fighting."

"Don't worry about us, Fluttershy dear," Rarity assured the pegasus. "We'll take care of each other."

"Yeah!" Rainbow agreed. "And we'll go right to you if we need help, right guys?"

Except for Twilight, lost in her thoughts, they all agreed.

"I really hope that you'll all stay alive for me to help you..."

"Say, what do we do while we're not doing anything down there anyways? It's not like our entire life is going to be trading bullets with the enemies," Rainbow wondered.

"From what I heard back at Valiant, they just relax and all that when off-duty," Applejack answered. "Or help around a little bit. Some target practice. It's not like there's anything else to do other than shoot the bad guys down there. It is what we're really getting sent to do."

"Does that mean I can throw parties?!" Pinkie happily asked.

"I guess so. I didn't hear much against it."

"I'm sure everypony would like to get their mind off of the war every now and then. Though you should probably ask if it's allowed within regulations," Rarity added.

"Yay!"

"Not everyday has to be a rainy day, right?" Rainbow said.

"Is that figuratively Dash? Because we are going into a jungle," Applejack stated.

For the rest of the flight, the ponies entertained themselves with more small conversations, with the noise of the engine and rotors in the background. Perhaps their future wasn't as dismal as it originally seemed. They were going to be surrounded by many other ponies such as them. Those that came from normal, tranquil lives, and joined or were drafted to fight. Truly, only time would tell.

[5]-Welcome to Vietnam

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This chapter is also an experiment in mood-building using songs. Any tips on improvement is welcome. I tried to find some good songs. Only three for this chapter. Open the songs in a different tab and play it really quietly. I hope I did it good, and enjoy. If there's anything different you'd like me to do, say so. Oh yeah- and be weary of ads, just in case.

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All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 5 =

Welcome to Vietnam

[Forward Operating Base]

Gazelland-Vietnam

July 24, 1015

1248 Local Time

"*Static* Alright, this one just came in. It's just newly refurbished, finally fixed from it's dirt nap. Let's see how this one sounds... hey- what's it called?... ... ... Oh, okay. Fellow ponies, here you go, the song's called 'Fortunate Son', by a 'Creedence Clearwater Revival'. Hope this is as good as everything we've dug up. Enjoy."

"Alright fellas, here you are! Stay safe, alright?!"

2nd Lt. Sharp 'Sharpie' Stargazer yelled out a farewell to the Ponyvillians as the Huey touched down to drop them off.

"Good luck and stay safe, girls! See you soon!" Cpt. Ditzy 'Derpy' Doo waved from the cockpit as she yelled her goodbye. Once all six mares and one dragon hopped off the craft, it immediately took off again, blowing down rotor wash on them until there was enough distance. They started walking towards the camp, with the sounds of multiple helicopters roaring in harmony with a playing radio and other sounds at the base.

Twilight listened around. She heard the song playing on the radio, and was somewhat irked by it. She was fortunate; she was the personal student of Princess Celestia! However, the more she listened, the more she also understood the song, very much now that she was actually in the field. Each of her friends were one of those. They were not really of any significance in daily life. They weren't any ponies of real importance. They were in fact, just normal, everyday ponies. And Twilight considered herself one too. They might have been the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, but that was the only time they were special. They had not been those for years.

Applejack was just an apple farmer. She assisted in managing the large apple orchard of the family owned business. The same could be said about her brother. Applebloom was grown up though, and with advances in machinery, would be able to manage the farm on her own. So she was a common citizen nonetheless.

Rarity was a tailor, but society could survive without fancy dresses. In wartime, only the basics were encouraged. Artisans were not a necessity. She, too, was considered a normal mare in Equestria.

Rainbow Dash had large ambitions and a great athlete. She was also on the weather control team. But it was commonly heard of for planned future star athletes to be suddenly yanked out of civilian life for service, or even volunteer themselves. She, also, was normal in that respect.

Of course, Pinkie Pie was an interesting case. In her personality, she was anything but normal. But in the large picture, the zany pony was just another resident of Equestria in the background. Party planning and baking were jobs, but Equestria could keep running without them. Pinkie was also, by that standard, another normal pony.

Fluttershy was a simple pony to explain. She did have her brief period of fame, but that was many, many years ago. Afterwards, though, she preferred to living her quiet life out in the outskirs of Ponyville. Taken into account her whole life, it could be supposed that she was decided to be relatively harmless to the flow of life to be removed from the equation of daily living.

And then Twilight herself. The only one with a still-present reason to be able to be called a 'fortunate' mare. The prized pupil of Princess Celestia. She could have stayed home and not have to get her hooves dirty. But Twilght zoomed out of the picture. Who was she really in Equestria? The only one under the tutorage of the sun princess? What did that mean? How does that affect others? Is it really a significant status? Now that she thought of it, it didn't really have a profound effort on others. In fact, before Ponyville, it kind of repulsed other ponies from her. What she really did the most for Equestria technically was to manage the public library. To help ponies find books that they needed. That was her role in everyday society. A librarian. And guess what? Society could do without those, too.

And so she was fine in her intent to join the military. She was just as fitting for the role as her five other friends she came with. It could also be said that Twilight was unfortunate, like the one in the song, in the fact that her closest friends were drafted. Friendships that lasted so long, that she would volunteer in the Marines, and would stick by her friends through thick and thin.

A quick look around would show that they were dropped in the middle of a large field, right next to a well-sized outpost. It was relatively calm, and the inhabitants of the base seemed like they were just going about their daily lives in the jungle. Ponies were milling around, with worn clothing ranging from full outfits to only their dog tags.

With Twilight at the front of the group, they headed in the obvious direction. Not far from where they were dropped off was a sign, on which was written the name and general details about the forward base. Camp Coppermine was much different from Valiant. For one, there were no established buildings. All the structures were erected green tents, easily constructed wooden structures, and many crates stacked all over the place. As simple as the forward base looked, Coppermine had a strange homely feeling to it, different from the slightly more strict, orderly atmosphere of Valiant Air Base.

Rainbow walked up next to Twilight. "Hey, this place looks kinda nice, actually."

"I guess it's not as bad as some newspapers made it out to be," Twilight agreed.

"Well Twilight," Rarity noted, "the media's portrayal of things will always vary. And that fact will never change. In this case, I'm glad that what they said about Vietnam isn't completely true. I'd hate to live in the horrible conditions they sometimes describe."

"Maybe it changes from place to place."

"Don't matter none to me," Applejack declared. "We've been assigned somewhere decent lookin' and I ain't turnin' that down."

Twilight lead the group into the base, looking for a pony to ask directions from. It appeared there was one specifically waiting for new arrivals. He was probably an officer, but he was currently indistinguishable from any other soldier with his current appearance, wearing nothing but his identification tags. The earth pony appeared to have a very light yellow-tan coat, and a light brown mane with strands like straw.

"You the new ones command's told us about?" the stallion asked them when approached by the group.

"Yes, sir."

"Great. I'm Lieutenant Reed. Our platoon's the main one expecting fresh ponies. Names?"

The seven introduced themselves.

"Okay. I remember seeing you on the list. You've been assigned to 'H' Squad. It's the tenth tent down that way." Lt. Reed pointed down a row of tents, and Twilight nodded her thanks.

The ponies walked to where they were directed. On the way, they passed by random ponies milling around. Cooking some food, playing some cards, sleeping around, ponies were acting like they weren't even in a war zone. Their path also took them past the field hospital.

Rainbow started towards it. "Hey Fluttershy, that's where you're going, right?"

"I guess so. But I think it can wait for now. I'll go with you girls to meet your squadmates."

They took a last glimpse at the hospital. There wasn't much of interest... except for these two familiar unicorns. One was blue, and the other was orange. Both were wounded. Maybe they'll find out later.

Eventually, they reached the tent. They saw three ponies outside. There was an earth pony and unicorn stallion, and a pegasus mare. The earth pony was standing on his hind legs, propped up against some crates. The pegasus was just laying down on the ground, head down, looking like she wanted some sleep. The unicorn was resting on the ground with his back against some crates, with a lit cigarette hanging out his mouth. Twilight approached them.

"Hi. We're new around here, and the officer told us we were put in 'H' Squad, and pointed us over here. Is this it?"

"Yup. This is Hell Squad. All of it, actually." The pony that responded was the earth pony, who had a light tan coat and a mane of reddish-light brown. He wore his jungle green combat uniform loosely and unzipped, showing his bare chest, and his boots were off to the side. "I'm Redwood Heartbuck. Private Redwood Heartbuck. Nice to meet you lot."

"Nice to meet you."

"Her over there," Redwood said as he motioned towards the pegasus mare, "is Crystal Chroma. Also a Private."

"Hello. Nice to meet all of you," Crystal greeted them with a light and smooth voice with hints of a Trottingham accent and a smile. She was a pegasus of a build between Rainbow's athletics and Rarity's gracefulness. Her coat was an off-white, with a slight hue of very light blue. Her light pink mane was simple, but seemed to naturally smooth into style.

"... And that over there is Private Coal Embers," Redwood introduced the unicorn.

"Hey," Coal acknowledged. His appearance was much like the other two, except that he also decided to keep his helmet on. He had a coat of dark red, like a piece of coal that was glowing with warmth, and his mane was the orange of flames.

"How 'bout you mares?" Redwood asked. "And dragon," he added with a hint of impression.

"Well I'm Twilight Sparkle-" Twilight started.

Redwood's eyes perked up. "Wait. Stop right there. I remember who you six are- you're the six bearers of the Elements of Harmony!" Redwood exclaimed. Then realization hit. "... Why are you here then?"

"All of us except Twilight and Spike over there received a draft notification," Rarity informed him. "So they volunteered so that we wouldn't be split."

"Wow. That's a solid friendship," Redwood remarked.

"I'm sorry," Crystal spoke, "but I forgot your names. I feel ashamed of it, too," she added with a slight frown.

"That's okay," Twilight said. "It's been a while since we've been famous around Equestria. Which is one of the reasons why they got drafted."

"I'd love to hear that story later," Redwood commented.

"Yeah. Later," Twilight replied with a frustrated tone. "Anyways, girls?"

"Well I'm Applejack of the Apple family. Proud heritage of apple farmin'" Applejack introduced herself.

"Rainbow Dash, one of the greatest fliers Equestria has known," Rainbow announced.

"The legendary performer of the Sonic Rainboom," Crystal noted. "All pegasi know you, Rainbow." Rainbow grinned.

Rarity stepped up. "I'm Rarity, pleased to meet all of you."

Next came Pinkie. "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! And I'm here to make ponies happy when they're down!" Her charm extended to the ponies they just met, and smiled at her enthusiasm.

"Celestia- or Luna, depending how you look at things- knows we need a pony like you," Redwood said with a smile. "This place can be too mopey sometimes."

Fluttershy went last. "Hi. I'm Fluttershy, and I'm here to work at the field hospital and help the injured."

"That's nice," Crystal complimented. "You seem like a very caring pony, and I'm sure they would appreciate your help." Fluttershy smiled.

Before Redwood could speak again, however, another pony came from behind the Ponyvillians.

"Hey- I'm not late to the party, am I?"

Rainbow turned around first. "Vinyl? Vinyl Scratch? You're here too?" Vinyl Scratch stood there looking like similar to the other fresh soldiers. Her helmet and M16 rifle were slung over her sides, along with... a guitar? Her vest was mostly opened, so the humid air wouldn't bug her too much. She also wore her iconic purple shades.

"Yeah. Dude over there told me this was H Squad. Am I right?"

Twilight answered her. "Uhh... Yeah. You're right."

"Welcome to Hell Squad," Redwood told her.

"Awesome," Vinyl declared. "Did I miss anything?"

"Just introductions, really. I'm Redwood Heartbuck, her over there is Crystal Chroma, and back there is Coal Embers. All Privates."

"Sweet. I'm Vinyl Scratch, the fabled DJ," the white unicorn musician announced.

"I always thought dubstep was fun music," Redwood remarked.

"Well I heard they play some pretty sweet band music down here."

"They do in fact do that. In fact, the radio's always playing some."

"So I heard. I love it."

Pinkie interrupted. "So if you're a famous DJ, why are you here? Did you get drafted too?"

"Drafted? Nah, I volunteered. Figured it was time to try something else. Spice up my life a bit, y'know?" Vinyl confidently answered.

"So you joined the Marines?" Twilight questioned.

"Yeah. Why not? It's helping Equestria, right?"

"I guess so. But I never thought many would be willing to enlist on their own."

"Matter of fact," Redwood proclaimed, "I volunteered myself. And so did Crystal. Coal over there's the only one that was drafted out of us three."

"Oh."

"Well, Ponyville did have a secluded lifestyle," Rarity pondered. "I'm not at all surprised that others would be willing to volunteer for service. Though I would still never do it myself."

"Doesn't matter much anymore. You're all here now. Welcome to Vietnam," Redwood stated. "And again, welcome to H Squad, more commonly known as Hell Squad."

"Why is it known as that?" Twilight inquired.

"Is that how awesome and ass-kicking this squad is?" Rainbow excitedly asked?

"Ha," Redwood scoffed. "We wish. It's named 'Hell' Squad because this squad is essentially that- hell. It's like the letter 'H' is cursed so that the squad is like a deathtrap. Our leader, Sergeant Power Shovel, well he's pretty decent. But I think the possibility of glory is starting to get to his head. He's getting pretty reckless."

"The sergeant's basically the reason for bad luck these days," Crystal continued. "At least, that's how we see him. In fact, we talk to other ponies in our platoon a lot, and agreed that if we were one squad up the list, we'd be nicknamed 'Grave' Squad. Because that's what it is."

"You notice how there's only three of us left?" Coal asked them.

The newcomers just stared blankly.

"Yeah. It's Shovel's fault we lost more than half the squad. Poor strategic judgement. Only two got out alive other than us. They're injured, and gonna be sent home. Not fit for duty anymore."

Redwood grunted in annoyance. "That's Power for you. Even earned the name 'Grave Digger' after a couple patrols. But more often than not, it's for anyone that lands in the squad, rather than the gazelle bastards we're supposed to be putting in graves." Redwood sensed something, and looked down the row of tents. "Well, shit. Speak of the devil."

They turned to the direction Redwood was looking at and saw an earth pony with a dark blue body and a mane of dark brown. Sergeant Power 'Grave Digger' Shovel appeared to be slightly larger than Redwood, which wasn't much above the pony average size.

"Private Heartbuck! These the new soldiers the platoon leader told me about?"

"Yes sir."

"Alright new ponies," Power started, "I lost much of my squad in our last encounter, and I deem the remaining three not fit for any promotions. I lost my corporal in our last engagement, and command has granted me permission to assign one of you privates as a new one, straight from arrival. Now, which of you... mares.... is the feistiest?"

"Um, feisty?" Twilight remarked. All heads turned to Rainbow.

Power noticed this. "Alright then. You- the pegasus they're all looking at. I assume that you're the one with the most fighting spirit with the looks they gave you. What's your name?"

Rainbow looked surprised. "Private Rainbow Dash, sir!" She stood proud at her name.

"Congratulations. From now on, you will be known as Corporal Dash-"

Twilight had an argument. "What does being ready and eager to fight have to do with being promoted to a higher rank?!"

"Come on, Twilight, you're just jealous that I'm a higher rank now," Rainbow boasted.

"Rainbow, are you sure you're up for the possible responsibilities? Lives are on the line."

Rainbow stammered. "Uh, yeah, of course I am." Then she thought a little bit more. Twilight was the one with more intelligence, and the unspoken leader of their group of friends. "You know what, Twilight's the smart one. She should be promoted, not me."

Power had an answer ready. "I am a leader of a military fighting unit. We're soldiers, and if we're not going in to fight, we're not doing our job! Therefore, somepony who is ready to fight and dish out pain will be willing to go in and kick some ass! And that's our job! Those I've had under me cowered in fear, afraid to move up, and no progress was made, no ground was taken! They were afraid to go out and fight. Therefore, the one I have promoted to Corporal will help rally the others to do the job. Brains are no good if nopony's willing to move."

"That's still absurd!" Twilight objected.

"You're the smart one, eh? Well let me tell you a story. I was a private, much like you. I liked the sergeant as a pony, but as a warrior, his tenacity was something to be desired. He was smart, but he couldn't bring himself to execute his plans. If he thought something might go wrong, there was no follow-through. He had no faith. One day, we were out on patrol. He was unfortunately killed, as was our corporal. So I took it upon myself to lead the ones that remained and fiercely fought back. Lost two more ponies, but those gazelles were driven back."

"What does that prove?"

"It proves that I want somepony to rely on to help give the troops some fighting spirit. And if it's going to be Dash, then it's Corporal Dash. Don't act like you don't think you're up to it Corporal- I sense it in you."

Twilight snorted in defeat. She couldn't talk sense into Shovel.

"Also, both guys on my machine gun team were injured in the last skirmish, and won't be able to be back in duty. So which of you other mares is the strongest?" All heads easily turned to Applejack.

Applejack looked slightly unsure. "I guess, I am, sir. Private Applejack Apple. One of the strongest ponies around... I guess."

"You got some fight in ya?"

"As much as Rainbow does. Just not as hot-headed."

"Hey..." the pegasus in context said in an irritated manner.

"You know it's true, Dash."

"Well, uh... I'm a higher rank than you!"

"That don't even make any sense right now!"

"Still."

"... Whatever."

"Ha!"

Power seemed pleased enough. "Good. So stow that M14 somewhere because from now on, you're carrying the M60. Right over there, next to Heartbuck, is your new friend." With the muzzle facing up and stock on the ground, Applejack saw the hefty M60 resting vertically on some crates. She did not deny to herself that, while also very menacing, it looked very alluring. A nice strong gun for a nice strong pony.

Pinkie waved her hoof in front of the former farmer. "Applejack..."

The orange pony was knocked out of her thoughts. "Oh... what?"

"You were just... kind of staring at it. You can go over and get it, you know. I think it's yours now."

"Oooh." Applejack cantered over to the machine gun, placing her M14 beside it, and replaced it with her newly assigned weapon. "Hey Rainbow, you might have a higher rank, but I've got the better gun," Applejack teased as she looked over the M60.

"... Darn it."

Power continued assigning tasks. "Next, I need a pony to work the squad radio."

Vinyl offered her services. "I got experience with stuff like that."

"Good. What's your name, Private?"

"Private Vinyl Scratch, sir."

"Private Scratch, you are now this squad's radiopony."

"Cool."

Twilight spoke up. "Sergeant Shovel, sir?"

"Yes, what? But first, who are you?"

"Private Twilight Sparkle, sir. I have a question- did you happen to have any specialized ponies make it out of your last patrol alive?" Twilight was incredulous. They just got there, and already three positions had been replaced.

"Yes, in fact, I did. That would be Private Embers over there. He's the squad grenadier."

Twilight was out of questions. Fortunately, it looked like Sgt. Shovel wasn't staying much longer.

"That's about it, squad. You're free to do what you'd like, while I go over to Corporal Torchlight and join in on some blackjack." With that, Shovel left the group.

Twilight looked nonplussed. "I'm not sure about Shovel over there."

"He might've been a good soldier before, but if he was, he's getting worse. Or at least in terms of being a leader. It must've all gone to his head, so that's what he is now," Redwood explained.

"He pretty decent in terms of attitude, but not many see past how bad his leadership can be. He either can't come up with a strategy or just becomes reckless, and believes that with enough force, the enemy will give out," Crystal added.

Twilight looked around. "Since we're not really doing anything, do you mind telling me what we'll have to deal with around here?" Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Vinyl, and Spike went over and sat next to Redwood and Crystal. Rainbow was still talking to Applejack, who was looking over her new gun.

"Sure thing," Redwood responded. Twilight and Spike went over and sat next to him. Vinyl went along as well. "So where are you all from? I know you're the bearers of the Elements, but your hometown escapes me."

"Oh, well we're from Ponyville," Twilight answered.

"Ponyville, you say? Well I'm from the small town of Pranceton. Nice cozy place. But Ponyville... Ponyville... Oh I remember why that town's significant to me now!" Redwood said with a grin.

"Why is it?"

"Well, it was a very long time ago. I would guess that you would remember an incident involving an Ursa Minor and a mare named Trixie?"

Rainbow Dash heard this from a little bit away, and she and Applejack joined in.

"Trixie? The Great and Powerful Trixie? Do you mean that big headed jerk?" Rainbow complained.

"Her attitude was a sour as a lemon," Applejack added. "Caused us so much trouble. I could barely stand her voice and the stuff pourin' out of it."

Redwood was taken aback. "Whoa. Was that really how bad she made herself be?"

"One big braggart basically," Twilight answered. "Why?"

"Wow. I guess now I can fully understand what she felt when she talked to me after that incident."

"Wait, what?!" Rainbow asked. "You know Trixie?"

"Okay, okay, just hear me out. She's not a bad pony-"

"I'll believe that when I see it," Spike declared.

"Let me explain. Geez. Anyways, she's not even a full-time stage magician. Her actual job is testing and working with special effects, like fireworks. She just does the magic thing kind of as a hobby."

The mares in front of him still looked disbelieving.

"She does shows once every two weeks or so, and afterwards, always stops by to talk to me. How we got to know each other is a different story. Now, I remember that day actually. She looked horrible coming into the cafe. Felt really bad for her-"

"If only you knew what she did," Rainbow interrupted.

"And she explained to me. Apparently it was just an off-day type thing, where she decided to experiment with going all-out crazy, and seeing if that would work and make her popular."

Twilight had a question. "Wait, wait, so you're telling us that it was all just a front?"

Redwood chuckled. "That's pretty funny, actually. Part of her ramblings was how angry she made some ponies get with her show, when she thought that it was clear that it's her job to be like that. It's an acting job. She made some so mad, three mares challenged her."

Rainbow and Rarity grumbled at the memory, and it didn't go unnoticed by Redwood.

"And what does that mean?"

"Nothing," they answered simultaneously.

"They were put to shame by Trixie along with me when we came up to show how much of a fraud she was," Applejack explained. "But you seem to be telling the truth about her not being a bad pony. You make her out to be a friend you really care for. I'm willing to let bygones be bygones, if you really mean everything you said."

"Well I do. She's just another normal pony with good days and bad days. I'll tell you more about her later if you'd like, but there's another thing. What's with Ponyvillians being in this squad?"

"What does that mean?" Twilight inquired.

"The MG guys that got injured? Two young stallions from Ponyville-"

Then it hit her. Now she remembered why those two unicorns from earlier seemed significant. "Snips and Snails were the machine gun crew? They're the ones in the hospital?"

"Yeah. Those two. Told us they volunteered for adventure or something. They were pretty good. Heck, they were relatively calm under fire, and even after getting shot. But thanks to Shovel, they're out of the war."

"Wouldn't surprise me if those two were calm under fire," Spike admitted. "They were the ones that searched out an Ursa Major for the Trixie incident."

"Oh really? They never told me that."

"Yeah, those two are crazy. But they're okay," Spike added. "If I remember right, they're just a year above the age for stallions to volunteer."

"They were young alright. But Luna knows this army needs ponies. I guess it's better than being drafted. Just walk up to a recruiter and say it yourself, rather than get a letter from the War Ministry that might as well say, 'Welp, sorry shitface, but you're going to war!'. At least, I think that's how I think it feels."

Applejack hung her head. "I know that's how I felt." The others seemed to agree.

Rainbow had something else to say. "You know, that's not the first time I heard that. Did you come from Camp Hayfield? Or even under Blackwind?"

"Me? Naw, I was under Steelring. Why?"

"It's just that it sounds like we've heard that line before..."

"Hey, when you yell as loud as those guys, you'll hear anything..."

==+==

As the others split off, Pinkie Pie approached Coal. The unicorn seemed friendly, but a loner that didn't want much business with the others.

"Hi! You're Coal, right? I'm Pinkie Pie, and you're here all alone, so I came over to talk to you!"

"Yeah. Hi there Pinkie."

Pinkie gave an expression of thought. He wasn't being hard, or at least trying to avoid her like Cranky Doodle Donkey all those years back. But he wasn't being very open either. Fortunately, Pinkie was a top-notch operator in friend making, after many years of experience. After a little bit of thinking, she decided to try the basic inofmation route.

"So where you from, Coal?"

"Detrot."

"Well I'm from Ponyville!"

"Great."

"Do you like your family? Because I love mine!"

"Yeah, they're okay."

"How big is your family? Are you married?"

"Eh."

And he was still being difficult. Coal wasn't even making much eye contact with Pinkie. He mostly kept looking down at the ground, eyes closed under his helmet. Pinkie re-assessed the situation. Maybe if she talked about things in the surroundings or his posessions, he would open up.

She looked around the unicorn. He didn't have much personal effects lying out in the open, so there were only a few objects to start a conversation on. She spotted an interesting weapon propped up next to him alongside an M16.

"You're the grenadier, right?" Pinkie asked.

"Yup."

"So this is yours?" the pink pony asked as she picked up the weapon.

"Yeah. I carry that M79 for the team. Launches 40 millimeter grenades to where it's pointed."

"... Is it fun to use?"

"It's okay."

"But explosions are cool, right?"

"As long as it's not next to me, yeah, explosions are cool."

Pinkie was still trying to crack through to Coal. There were only vague hints of any type of emotion in his responses. But before she could ask more questions, another device sitting on top of some crates caught her interest.

"Hey, what's this?"

The unicorn looked over. "Oh, that? They told us a little bit about it earlier. It's a... M9 flamethrower. Yeah. It's actually been sitting there for some time now. We never found a use for it. There were always other better things to use."

Pinkie stared at it. It was possibly highly deadly to its user. Highly lethal to the enemy if it worked. And looked like lots of fun to use.

"... Can I have it?"

Coal gave a questioning look. "Well, nopony else is using it, but it's not like it's practical anyways. Or maybe they'll have a use for it, I don't know. Maybe you should ask one of the officers first."

Pinkie kept staring at the flamethrower. It was pretty enticing. She could have a whole lot of fun with that. Her train of thought suddenly went back to making friends with Coal. She decided to take a new approach and go talk to the ones that had known him longer.

"Okie doki loki then! Nice talking to you Coal!"

"Yeah."

Pinkie left and decided to consult Redwood. He seemed to have done much of the talking so far.

"Hey, when you yell as loud as those guys, you'll hear anything..."

"Hey Redwood!" The rest of the group turned to Pinkie.

"Oh hey Pinkie," Redwood greeted.

Pinkie sat down next to him. "So you guys have known Coal for a while now, right?"

"I guess so. Why?"

"He's not being very open. He doesn't seem shy though. It's like he doesn't want to make friends."

Redwood sighed. "No, he'd like to make friends, but he's got an interesting way of thinking. Can't even blame him for thinking like that. I've tried to get stuff out of him for so long, and he finally told me why he's not outgoing. Outgoing here, at least. We're in a war, right? Even though it feels like we're not right now?"

His audience nodded.

"Well Coal knows that. And I heard that when he first arrived, he made friends with some ponies. Got to know them well. But it's a war... and some ponies die. He got hurt so much when they died, that he just vowed to keep to himself."

"You never told me that," Crystal noted.

"It never came up."

"Why is he like that?" Twilight asked.

"He feels that it's easier on him if he doesn't get personal with the ones around him. If they die, well at least he didn't know too much about them. He doesn't have to worry about the guilt of knowing how much the death of that pony would affect others, since he didn't know much about their life before he met them. That's why he stays to himself."

"But don't you work better if you know each other more personally?"

Crystal spoke up. "He actually manages to do his job really well. I mean, he knows our attitudes well enough. I suppose he just doesn't socialize much so there's less attachment to others that he might lose. He's still a good soldier though, and works well with others in the squad."

Pinkie struck a pose. "Well it's my mission to be best friends with every pony around, and I'll be great friends with Coal Embers even if it takes the entire time we're deployed!"

"That would certainly be something," Crystal commented.

"Well," Twilight stated, "if I've learned anything from being Pinkie's friend for so long, it's that she's never backing down from that."

"Well before you get to that, you want a tour of the base? We'll be glad to give you one."

The newly arrived soldiers looked amongst each other. They seemed to come to an agreement.

"Sure thing," Twilight answered. "Fluttershy's going to be at the field hospital anyways, and I'm sure we'd all love to know where things are around here."

Redwood stood up. "That settles it. Let's go then."

==+==

Camp Coppermine

Vietnam

July 24

2043 Local Time

Most of the day was spent walking around Camp Coppermine. They now knew where certain facilities were, important meeting areas, and interesting ponies to talk to. Other things they were made known of included some officers and other areas of interest. The day had now ended, and the ponies retired to their respective tents.

The group was split in two. Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike went together. Pinkie offered to switch with Spike in hopes that she could get to know Coal more, so she was with Redwood, Crystal, Coal, Vinyl, and Power.

In the first tent, Applejack was disassembling the M60. Rarity was inspecting her M14. Rainbow was fast asleep. Spike was lying down just watching the others. Twilight was writing a letter in respect.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I don't know if this letter can get to you from down here. It's me, Twilight. I hope you're fairing with our departure a little better now.

We've all safely arrived in Gazelland-Vietnam. Not much has happened so far. We've met our squad, which seems to be filled with nice ponies. One of them, Pvt. Redwood Heartbuck, really helped get us settled as much as possible here in the short time he was given. Pvt. Crystal Chroma is also a very nice mare that helped us feel comfortable. There's one more- Pvt. Coal Embers. He keeps to himself much of the time, but we think that Pinkie Pie's charm will soon break through to him.

Over all, things have gone well so far. I don't know what might happen in the following days. Hopefully this won't be the last letter I'll ever send. From what we've been told so far, our sergeant isn't the most competent. We've already had to replace three positions, with Rainbow Dash already receiving a promotion to Corporal. I'm not sure how bad he is, but maybe we can help him change as well.

Again, I'm not sure if this letter will ever reach you. I hope it does. And hopefully not the last.

Forever your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight hadn't bothered to bring any wax or ribbon to seal it. It was too expensive. She did, however, bring a spool of string, which should do the job. Redwood came in just as she finished tying up the letter.

"What's that?" the earth pony asked.

"It's a letter to Princess Celestia."

"Oh, right. You're her personal student."

Twilight nodded as she gripped the parchment in her magical grasp. It was light enough that the magic restraining atmosphere didn't affect her. "Spike, do you mind trying to send this to the Princess?"

Spike looked up. "Will that even work?"

"Well it's not exactly unicorn magic..."

"Alright then... Maybe you should send a copy by normal means just in case."

"I'll do that with my other letters later."

Spike breathed his flames on the letter. The ashes flew away. If they headed towards Canterlot, they didn't know.

Redwood looked on. "Well that's one way to avoid the PX."

Twilight looked confused. "PX?"

"Postal Exchange. They censor stuff, by the way."

"Oh."

"Anyways, I just came by to tell you to get some sleep. Sergeant just told us that we're going on patrol tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?! We just got here!" The others in the tent looked at Redwood with mild shock.

Applejack could be heard slamming pieces of the machine gun back into place. "Well... we've got to start some time right?"

Rarity checked the mechanisms of her rifle and snapped the bolt. It gave a resounding clack. "I suppose so. No avoiding that."

"If it'll make you feel better, not all patrols end with bullets flying. Of course, you got to watch for nasty booby traps in the ground, but we'll talk about that tomorrow. For now, get some sleep. We wake up at 0500, leave at 0600, according to the sarge."

Twilight laid back on her cot. "If I can get any sleep."

[6]-Into the Jungle

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 6 =

Into the Jungle

Camp Coppermine

Gazelland-Vietnam

July 25, 1015

0440 Local Time

"Hey. Rainbow. Wake up."

"Ugh... What time is it AJ?"

It was fairly quiet in the early morning hours. For H squad, however, it was time to get up. It was their first morning in Gazelland-Vietnam, and was soon to be their first mission. The night before, they were informed that they were going to be on patrol this day. Applejack had just shook her slumbering friend awake, and hopefully Dash would remember that there was no sleeping in. In all actuality though, there was still twenty minutes until they were required to get up, but Applejack was one of the working folks back home, and was aware of the advantages of waking up early.

"Time for you to wake up, Rainbow. Or should I say, Corporal?" The orange pony strode back near her cot, where she continued preparing for what was to come.

"Huh. Right." Rainbow looked over to her friend suspiciously. "Are you sure it's actually time to wake up?"

"Hmmm..." Rarity interjected, "I do believe the Corporal has a point. Is it really the designated time to wake up?"

Applejack stammered slightly. "Why, uh, of course it is! Need to get up bright and early! More time to wake up and be more alert, right? Don't want to be caught in the field still dozin' off!"

"Right..." Rainbow said in disbelief. Even in simple matters such as waking up, Applejack still had slight difficulties lying about it.

Twilight shook in her cot. The conversing ponies had caused her to become awake. "What's going on?" she asked wearily.

Spike stirred in his bunk. "Of course I had to sleep with the mares," he mumbled from under his pillow.

"I think it's too early to be awake for this," explained Rarity. "Celestia knows a mare still needs her beauty sleep."

"Shut yer trap, Rarity," Applejack shot back. "It's only twenty minutes. Like that makes a difference."

"Ha!" exclaimed Rainbow. "I knew it was too early!"

"The world's laziest pegasus would know."

"And I take pride in that."

"Look, how about we just fully wake up and get out to meet the others?" Twilight suggested.

Spike took his head out from under his pillow. "Do we have to, Twi? We still have twenty minutes."

"Well we're already awake- what's the point? Twenty minutes isn't really much."

The rest shared some looks and reluctantly agreed. Not one of them spoke as they filed out the tent opening. Outside, the found only Crystal Chroma waiting for them, next to a small fire pit.

"Good morning," the white pegasus greeted them with her Trottingham accent. "You're all up fairly early. And I trust that your night was not as restful as you'd have liked," she added with a friendly smile.

"Unfortunately, you're right," Twilight answered. "Except for Rain- Corporal Dash. She's a well-known heavy sleeper."

"Why are you guys calling me that like it's a bad thing?!" Rainbow complained in a relatively hushed voice.

"Maybe because you called yourself that too many times yesterday?" Applejack argued against the pegasus in a quiet voice, as to not wake any resting ponies.

"Well it is my rank!"

"Well you took it up to eleven!"

"Well I'm Corporal Rainbow Dash, so I'm allowed to!"

Crystal rolled her eyes at the ridiculous exchange. By the interactions between the two, she deduced that the two ponies were very close friends, brought even closer together by their competitive natures. "Alright, while you two work out your relationship problems-"

"Hey!" both mares snapped back.

Crystal smirked. "-Anypony care for some coffee? There's already some heated, along with some breakfast. The others should be out soon as well."

As if on cue, a white unicorn exited the second tent. "Good morning, uh, ponies."

"Oh, hey Vinyl," Rainbow said, with lingering traces of drowsiness.

"Mornin' Corporal," Vinyl yawned. Rainbow let out a barely audible grunt. "Any coffee boiling right now?"

"Yeah," Crystal answered, "Already got it covered." She motioned towards the pot of coffee and some toast heated on a grille above the fire.

"Sweet." Vinyl found one of the metal cups next to the fire, and levitated some coffee into it, then taking a drink. "Ah, that's a little better."

A red unicorn emerged from the tent moments after, though he didn't have much traces of sleep.

"Oh, there's Coal," Crystal pointed. "You should thank him for helping me prepare breakfast. He lit the fire and got the water for the coffee."

The others expressed their gratitude.

"So..." Twilight started, "Uh, how was your night?"

Coal looked at her with a blank expression. "Alright I guess... Well, would've been better if Pinkie didn't try to talk to me too much. Could've gotten to sleep earlier by a good half-hour or more."

"She just wants to be your friend you know," Rainbow explained.

"I know. I mean, I don't really have anything against it, but..." Coal just shrugged.

Remembering what Redwood had told them of Coal the day before, they didn't pursue the matter further, partially because they weren't sure how. Certainly what the unicorn thought had logical reasoning behind it, and so they couldn't think of anything to say.

Nonetheless, it didn't stop the pony of the subject from bouncing out of their tent. "Hi everypony! And good morning Coal," Pinkie gleefully exclaimed.

Coal sighed in return.

"Come on Coal," Rainbow urged, "Open up a bit."

"Ah, no thanks Corporal."

"That's an order?"

"Funny." At that, Rainbow stopped pushing the subject further. She still couldn't really argue against his way of thinking. Still, that didn't mean Pinkie couldn't try.

"Aw, come on Coal. I've got to get through to you eventually," Pinkie insisted.

"I'm not really going against you, you know. But can I at least enjoy a quiet morning? You talked all night."

"... Okay."

Within the next couple of minutes, Redwood and Power arrived at the scene to complete the squad.

"Mornin' folks. Got a big day ahead of us," Redwood said as he passed through the tent flap.

Power followed behind. "Doesn't quite describe it Redwood. Takin' out a fresh, new group of ponies on their first patrol. Gonna be interesting for me."

Redwood turned to the rest of the ponies. "Bet you're not exactly looking forward to it."

"Like I said," Applejack answered, "Gotta start some time. That's why we're here."

"Mmm," Rarity hummed in agreement. "Sad fact of the matter."

"Well, no sense in doing it with empty stomachs, right?" Spike suggested.

Power grumbled with a smirk. "I like the way you think there, Private. Eat up, fillies and colts. Long job ahead of us."

As they finished eating a satisfactory meal of toast and coffee, Power stood up and turned to his tent. "Okay squad, since we're about done with breakfast, it's time to get geared up. Normal procedure- leave what you don't need, unless of course it's small enough so it doesn't take up much space, and bring all standard equipment. Get to it, and we'll all meet up right back here when you're all done."

The rest of the squad spoke messages of understanding, then the group split off back to their own tents to do as they had been told. There was no telling how long they would be out in the jungle. It could range from a couple hours to days, or even weeks.

Back in their respective tent, Rainbow struck a conversation with Twilight as they gathered their belongings.

"Hey Twilight. You're the one that's been having the most mixed feelings about being here. How are you holding up with what we got ahead of us?" Rainbow inquired.

Twilight wore a weary look, as if she'd been thinking the same exact question the whole night. "I'm still not sure."

Somehow, being trained in the art of war made the task ahead less daunting. Sure, they were still scared, as it was still very much unfamiliar territory, but it was more like an uncomfortable itch rather than them expecting to walk straight into death. Still, Twilight was indecisive as to how she exactly felt about her current predicament.

Rainbow replied with a sigh. "Yeah, I guess we all are. Then again, like everypony else says, we're here now and got no other choice. Might as well pony up instead of breaking down in the field."

"Yeah... no choice in the matter. But you'd be one of the ones that adjust to this faster. You do dangerous stunts everyday as a hobby, and join in competitions. You're already accustomed to frightening situations and pressure, especially both of them together."

"Guess that's why I got promoted. Saw the awesome in me."

Twilight looked over to Rainbow. The pegasus still showed her regular brashness, but deep in her eyes, she could see uncertainty and fear- more of it than she'd ever see in the daredevil pegasus before. Rainbow hid it fairly well however, and that had to count for something. Hiding those emotions was an act of courage in of itself.

Before Twilight could respond though, another tentmate let out a hesitant whine. "I'm still not sure what I think about being in this uniform..." Rarity grumbled again, having conflicting feelings.

"Come on, Rarity, are you really gonna go through this now?" Rainbow asked as she put on boots over her hind hooves.

"Why of course, Corporal-"

The pegasus groaned and rolled her eyes.

"- I prefer to stay in style as much as possible, and this attire... is questionable."

Spike chuckled. "Yup. At least now you're forced to wear camouflage. And I'm glad that it means that I don't have to wear pink aprons this time around," he said, referencing the one time they went to watch the dragon migration.

"Well I'm a little more lenient as to what should be worn. It is for functionality and survival-"

"And you don't have a whole closet full of dresses to change in," Applejack interrupted as she walked out the tent exit.

"I'm willing to be less lady-like if it means I don't die," Rarity retorted to the former farmer as she left.

"But we all know you would love to have a red carpet roll out into the jungle if it was possible," Rainbow joked.

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Can we please stop speaking of that day?"

"Fine, fine. Just stop complaining about what you have to wear." Rainbow paused in thought. "And don't let me hear anything about your helmet, Private."

The two other mares and one dragon just rolled their eyes and continued checking their bags and rifles.

==+==

Once Redwood had finished putting on clothes and equipment, he exited the tent. He spotted Applejack sitting on the ground, checking her saddlebags and packs, as well as the M60, and started going over to her. The mare noticed him, and beat him to the greeting.

"Hey there Heartbuck."

"Hey." Redwood paused. "You know AJ, you can just call me Redwood if you want... I can call you AJ, right?"

"Oh, okay. And... I think you're alright enough to call me AJ."

"Uh, thanks? Anyways, you almost ready to head out?"

Applejack turned her head to answer. "Huh? Oh, yeah, just finishin' up some things here. Don't want to forget anythin' important, right?"

For the first time, Applejack was able to look at Redwood much more closely. His coat and mane colors were comparable to a light shade of wood, probably that of his namesake. His mane was short and somewhat unkempt, but didn't seem to ever need any attention. He had deep emerald eyes, much darker than her own, and they seemed to always be in some sort of deep thought.

"Yup," he agreed, "One mistake and you might be gone. By the way, Shovel had me reassigned to be with you on the MG team."

"Oh really? So what do you do?"

"Well mostly I just carry extra belts of ammo, but it also means I can assist in setting up in the middle of combat, help feed the belt if you need help with that, take over the gun should something happen to you, and in very rare cases, help change the barrel."

"Help change the barrel?"

"Firing too long makes it heat up, which isn't good. Fortunately, some techs back in Equestria were able to add in some things to the metal so that it rarely overheats to the point where we need to switch out barrels. I don't know the specifics, but since it helps keep us alive, I'm all for it."

"Ah. Okay." Applejack just kept staring afterwards.

Redwood raised an eyebrow. "... You okay there AJ?"

"Oh... Yeah. I'm alright. I'm not really too scared or anythin', so I think I'm okay. Probably just distracted, since I've still got to get used to all this stuff."

"Okay then." Redwood observed her for a few more seconds. Her green eyes didn't shift much. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

Applejack's eyes shot open. "Oh! Heh, my bad. I didn't mean anythin' by it. Just lookin' at your cutie mark. It's... peculiar."

Redwood glanced at his flank. It was adorned with the image of two compasses- one of the mathematical variety and one of the navigational instrument. The latter was situated in the middle of the two arms of the drafting tool. "Oh this?"

"Yeah. What does it mean?"

"There's actually a pretty interesting description behind it. How about I tell you it when we get back? And when the others are around, too. I'm sure they'd like to hear it also."

"I can work with that."

Not long after the two earth ponies finished conversing, the rest of the squad came out, decked out in full combat gear. Sgt. Power Shovel made an announcement.

"Okay squad, the time is just about 0545. In fifteen minutes, we're gonna get going to the camp exit and make for the jungle. Lieutenant Reed informed me that there's been reports of enemy gazelle movement, and they want us to do some recon, and engage if an opportunity comes up and we're able to do so."

"Knowing Shovel," Redwood whispered to Applejack, "that means we're going to fight if we find any of them."

Applejack looked at him and lightly nodded.

"We're probably going to spend at least a night in the jungle, just a heads up. Depending on our mission success, we may either spend one night to an entire week before we head back to Coppermine. I know it's your first patrol for you new ones, but a mission's a mission. Understood?"

"Yes sir," they collectively replied.

"Alright, if there's anything any of you need to do, you've got fifteen minutes."

"Hey," Rainbow said to her friends, "You think Fluttershy's awake? We should probably tell her we're gonna be gone for some time."

"Good idea," Twilight agreed. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind being woken up anyways. It would be better to let her know instead of just leaving."

"Hey, Sarge, we're gonna go see a friend real quick. That alright?" Rainbow asked their leader.

"Fifteen minutes. Do what you'd like Corporal." With that, the five Element bearers left to find their timid pegasus friend at the field hospital.

"How you think Fluttershy's doing after our short time here? I mean, she had to sleep separate from us in the middle of a war zone," Rainbow asked the other four.

"I certainly hope she's doing fine," Rarity supposed. "She did seem somewhat adjusted to the concept after basic training. Though I'm sure she'll still be somewhat shook up."

"I hope Fluttershy's doing fine as well," Twilight agreed. "She never asked to be brought to a place like this. But if her medical expertise is that skilled, I guess she might as well be here to help ponies get home alive."

"I don't think she'd be here if it weren't for her skills in treatin' injuries and all that," Applejack admitted. "Hopefully we won't have to go the Fluttershy for that either." They passed the last few tents, and the field hospital was in sight.

"Well I'm sure Fluttershy will brighten up once she sees us," Pinkie happily declared.

Rainbow walked up to a soldier posted outside.

"What can I do ya in for?" he asked.

"Hey. I'm Corporal Dash. Uh, Hell Squad-"

"The ones being sent out on patrol today, right?"

"Yeah. We're here to see a friend before we go. She's a medic."

"Okay then. Right inside folks, and just ask one of the ponies in there if ya can't find her. Try and keep quiet."

Rainbow nodded her thanks, and stepped inside the large tent with the other four in tow. The sight wasn't all that bad. The conditions of wounded ponies varied, but it seems like the doctors knew their job, and did the best they could to remedy whatever problem there was. The general arrangement of the tent seemed to house around 70 beds, enough for about the wounded of two platoons. They were organized in what appeared to be an orderly 12 by 6 arrangement, with multiple aisles to walk in between the stretchers.

Fortunately, a quick scan around would reveal their friend sleeping in one of the bunks separate from the medical stretchers in the far left corner from the entrance. The five walked over, with Rainbow at the front.

"Hey. Hey Fluttershy."

The pegasus in context stirred a little, probably not even fully aware of her surroundings.

"Fluttershy."

"EEEPP!!" squealed their friend as she abruptly woke up. Fluttershy launched in the air a couple feet, before crashing down behind her bed, peeking up to see who it was. "O-oh, hi girls." She slowly stood up. It appeared that none of the sleeping ponies were woken by the commotion she caused.

"Little jumpy 'Shy?"

"I... I guess so. It's just the part where we're stuck in hostile territory and all that."

Twilight walked up to comfort the frightened pegasus. "It's alright Fluttershy. We understand. No problem at all. I guess it'll just take some time for you to settle down and feel relaxed within the safety of the camp."

"Yeah, that's probably right. I'm sorry for all that though. I don't know how long it'll take me to get used to being here."

"You'll get used to it eventually, we're sure." Twilight glanced at the rest of her friends. "But we came to tell you something important."

"We're going on patrol 'Shy," Rainbow plainly stated. Though there were hints of a downcast tone, she kept a straight face. "We're gonna be gone for we don't know how long, and we don't know what'll happen in that jungle."

Rarity stepped closer to add more to the explanation. "We're due to leave in ten minutes, and we thought- no, knew it would be smart to stop by and inform you of this. It was on such short notice as well. We only found out last night."

Fluttershy stayed silent, but her gaze of fearfulness for her friends conveyed all the emotion they needed to know.

"Don't worry 'Shy," Rainbow assured her friend. "We'll all come back safe. Right girls?"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Of course," Rarity smiled.

Twilight nodded.

"You know that's right Dash," Applejack confidently declared.

"Damn straight," the corporal agreed.

The group collectively looked at the yellow pegasus with confident, reassuring smiles. Fluttershy stepped around her bed, and they all took part in a group hug. They were all coming back, no doubt.

"We got to get going, Fluttershy. Just... stay relaxed and all that. Settle down a bit. We'll all come back fine, okay? See ya sometime later." With that, the other four said their farewells as they turned and followed Rainbow out to go back to the other ponies of H Squad.

==+==

"Finished?" Crystal asked the approaching mares.

"Yeah," Rainbow confirmed. Also, she only fully noticed Crystal's complete load-out now, as earlier, she was occupied with the plan of finding Fluttershy. "You're also a markspony?"

"I pride myself with precision," Crystal explained as she cradled her M14 in one of her forelegs. "Came with my civilian profession, and carried it over. Finished training with one of the top marks in my group."

"I can relate to that," Rarity said. "I was an expert at the art of dressmaking, and completed basic training at the top of the board in rifle skills."

"Interesting. I was an artist of many trades, but I'll tell you more about that later-"

"Later?" Rainbow questioned. "Why not now?"

"Not too important, especially with not enough time." Rainbow looked like she was going to say something, but Crystal interrupted the notion. "And don't worry, I've got a good feeling that we'll get out of this patrol alive. So it can wait."

"Good feeling about yourself or all of us?"

"Well, more for myself," Crystal admitted, "but one can hope for others as well. Now, along with being a markspony, being a pegasus, as you should know, Corporal, gives even more advantages to my position. The natural keen eyesight of being part avian. Of course, there's also the power of flight."

"Even if we can only use them to speed between cover?"

"Be a little more creative, Corporal!" the white pegasus said with mock disgust. "Don't underestimate that skill, yes, but when we're still unseen, we can take flight! To the fullest extent. If they don't know we're near them, it doesn't matter where we're near them. Being in the bushes would be the same as being in the sky."

"Oh! Got it. Nifty."

"Add all this up, and you get me!" Crystal pointed towards herself with a hoof. "I serve as the squad's primary scout and precision fire support." The pegasus glanced at Rarity. "Though I think I'll have a little more help with 'precision fire support' now."

"I'll be happy to," Rarity obliged.

Before further conversation could be made, Power's voice rang out again. "Squad! It's time to go. Let's get ready to head out. Form up."

Crystal looked back at the rest of the Ponyvillians. "One last thing I'd like to say- I hope you're all ready to pull the trigger if it comes to that."

The new Ponyvillian recruits took a collective look, some more confident than others. Twilight felt a gut-wrenching feeling, and her rear hooves shook in her combat boots. To kill. To take one's life. Did being in a war really grant her that authority so casually?

Sergeant Shovel spoke from the middle of the group. "Okay, for you new Marines, let me give you a quick run-down on how combat patrol operations are done. For now, we're going to take this path into the jungle. Lieutenant Reed said there were reports of enemy movement out west, around here." Power had a map open on the ground and pointed to a position on it. "We're gonna have to get over there on hoof. Find any traces of the enemy. Then track them. Estimate of about eight hours of travel to get there. We have about three days out, then three days heading back in. A total of a week on this mission. The objective is simple. Find some 'zelles, and kill as many of them as we can. Understood?"

"Yes sir," his soldiers replied.

Hell Squad filed out of Coppermine and headed for a clear cut path of the jungle. Twilight looked back at their new home. Tents were everywhere. Wooden watchtowers were placed around. Defensive trenches were dug on the perimeter. Crystal said she had a good feeling that they'd get out of this alive. It wasn't an assurance that they wouldn't run into anything in the sea of green and brown, but it was something to rest her thoughts on. Yet it was a thought that she was sure nagged every soldier that went on combat patrols: Would she make it back to see this sight again?

At this time of the patrol, the group was still loose in formation, walking in a disorganized line. Twilight never liked going into something blind knowledge-wise, and so decided to consult the three experienced ponies of their group.

"So what are we going to have to be careful out here for?"

"Well, there's some poisonous plants," Crystal informed her. "But only when ingested. Not much to worry about. Snakes are another thing, but they aren't often encountered. Obviously watch your steps. Tripping isn't smart. Injuries can range from scratches to broken bones. And for non-natural, traps. Redwood- care to take over?"

"Sure thing," the earth pony acknowledged as he turned his head to the others. "'Zelle traps can be nasty. Then again, there's no such thing as fair fighting. Anything goes. That includes some dirty traps in the grounds. They range from covered pits with sharpened branches at the bottom, to assembled mechanisms that'll clamp spikes on the sides of your legs as you trip onto it. There's also tripwire-activated traps and... a whole lot of other bad things. Basically, anytime you're in the jungle, anything can kill you. Even worse when you can never tell if something's about to kill you."

Feeling that the mood became very sullen and discouraged, Applejack made a random comment. "Maybe Pinkie'll get a Pinkie Sense for stuff like that if we get lucky."

Redwood raised an eyebrow. "Pinkie Sense?"

Twilight explained. "A series of random body twitches and spasms that may connect together in a certain combination. Though the mechanics of why this works, never mind the how, I can't explain, they are quite useful for foretelling a possible future event. Each combination, or even a twitch by itself, that Pinkie discovers will always correspond to the same situation any time it occurs."

"Again, if it helps, I don't care how it works, I'm all for it."

A silence fell over the group, as if conversation was decidedly halted by all, just because they could. The only conversations occurring now were the ones taking place within each pony's head with themselves.

==+==

Somewhere in the jungle

Vietnam

July 25

0930 Hours

It had been a couple hours of walking on trails and cleared paths through the jungle. Up until now, talking had been sparse, and they continued in a general formation of somewhere between a line and a cluster. Sergeant Power finally gave an order.

"Squad, we're deep enough in. Get in patrol formation. Basically, spread out. Chroma, you're taking point."

"As usual," the mare replied as she moved to take the frontmost position in the patrol formation. The others had spread to their own spaces, with their leader near the middle of the group. Between the sergeant and Crystal were Rainbow and Twilight. To either side of Power was Pinkie and Spike. The rear consisted of Applejack, Redwood, Rarity, Coal, and Vinyl, with the two white unicorns farthest back.

"Hey, Redwood," Applejack called over to her fellow earth pony. "Why'd we split up?"

"Major casualty prevention. Should we be ambushed, we're spread out instead of concentrated. That way, the 'zelles can't take multiple of us out at once."

"Ah."

With the group now covering a larger combined area, they continued their trek towards the objective. Talking was now limited to just the pony nearest them, but even then, the sounds of their voices might alert any hostiles in the area.

==+==

Somewhere in the jungle

Vietnam

July 25

1926 Hours

"Hey. Sarge. It's only a half hour until 2000. When are we gonna find and secure a place to stay the night?" Redwood whispered.

"Just give it fifteen more minutes. Then we'll find a good spot," Power replied.

They were now in the jungle for nearly fourteen hours. The hour was getting late, and it was almost sunset. There was still light, but it was fleeting away. It would be preferable to find a place to stop and secure the area soon, because running into enemy forces later at night was not a good idea. Night engagements were not recommended, due to all the difficulties of nearly everything, making outcomes dangerously more unpredictable.

The squad was still walking along, though much more cautiously. They were on their top guard, as they didn't want to be taken by surprised by anything. Pinkie was generally trying to keep a positive attitude, but also showed great seriousness to the situation. After she took another step, she felt a strange sensation.

My ears are twitching, my back feels pinchy, my tail is twitching, and my knee feels pinchy... Pinkie wondered what it could've meant. Maybe... it's a new Pinkie Sense combo? I wonder what it means. Pinkie was never sure what new combos could mean, only finding out what it was after the event, but sometimes she could base it off of the ones she already knew. I'm not sure what ears twitching is, pinchy back means lucky, twitchy tail means something would fall, and pinchy knee means something scary...

For some reason, she felt that lucky, falling, and scary didn't exactly fit, and the twitching ears puzzled her. However, she wouldn't have time to mention it to anypony else.

*Crack* *Whizz*

"EVERYONE GET DOWN!" Coal yelled as he felt a bullet pass near his head. As soon as he yelled that out, the rest of his squadmates heeded to his command. A line of fire erupted roughly 150 yards away from them, muzzle flashes lighting up the darkening jungle.

"WELL NEW PONIES! IT SEEMS LIKE THINGS HAVE GONE DOWNHILL! BUT REMEMBER THAT THERE WAS ALWAYS A CHANCE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN!" Power screamed out his declaration over what they were sure was gazelle gunshots. Along with assault rifle fire, the more experienced members of the squad also heard a support machine gun in the mix. "NOW! POSITION YOURSELVES IN A SOMEWHAT ORDERLY FASHION!"

"What does that mean Sergeant?!" Twilight asked. Some bullets whizzed past her, with dirt being tossed up a couple yards away.

"Get in some decent positions! And stay behind cover! We're not giving up ground!"

"Whatever you say, boss!" Vinyl said as she ducked into cover. She was in the back of the group, but was one of the first to be able to fire back. The chatter of M16 bursts filled the air around Hell Squad.

Redwood turned to his partner. "Well you heard the stallion AJ! Let's set up in that ditch!"

"Alrighty then!" Applejack and Redwood crawled on their bellies until they got to a good spot. After a quick unfolding of the M60's bipod and chambering a round, Applejack started sending some rounds over to the general direction of incoming bullets. The rattling of heavy automatic fire added to the sounds of battle. Redwood returned fire with his own M16.

Meanwhile, Rarity also took a position in the rear of the group. She found a nice position behind some brush and a tree, and started shooting back as well. Unfortunately, her keen eyesight was not much use, as the jungle was too thick, and with daylight depleting, she could only catch shadows moving.

Coal had been caught somewhere near the group, and was backed up behind another tree. Though it was hard to determine if the shots were made blindly or were able to be somewhat aimed, nonetheless, if he were to poke out the sides of the tree trunk, he could get snagged by a bullet.

Pinkie Pie and Spike were hunkered down near their own positions. Both looked unsure whether to shoot back. It appeared they were questioning their morals in the middle of getting shot at, but they couldn't be blamed for that.

"Come on everypony! Shoot back! I need you all to fire at their position, or else we're gonna lose!"

Still, it appeared that morals would have to wait, and so the two did as ordered.

Rainbow Dash was adjacent to their sergeant when the fighting broke. Though slightly hesitant for the same reasons as the others, she seemed to get through to herself before Power gave the order. At the least, being next to their commander would give her some idea of being higher ranked.

Twilight was trying to stay as low as possible behind a mound of dirt. Lifting her rifle up with magic, she fired away. However, bullets found places closer to their mark, and her concentration was broken. The rifle dropped to the ground, and all Twilight could do was pull it back and hold it in her hooves.

"Yeah, you're gonna find that bullets and magic don't exactly mix well!" Coal called out from his position. "I recommend keeping it in your hooves for now! Use our horns some other time!" He peeked around the corner of his tree a launched a grenade from the M79 he held towards where the flashes of light originated.

"Okay then!" Twilight replied. Though thankful for the advice, she was irritated by the fact that it wasn't as easy to concentrate on levitating her weapon in the midst of battle. It seemed to work in theory, but if she well knew that tested theories don't always come out the way it was supposed to. She poked up and fired a few shots with the rifle in her physical grip, feeling the recoil.

Overall, the small squad of Marines, consisting mainly of fresh-out-of-training recruits, seemed to be doing decent at holding their ground. They were sure that they at least downed two or three after a couple minutes. But it wasn't enough. The gazelles just kept bearing down on them. Worse, the Equestrians couldn't see how many they were up against. They were also getting exhausted, this being their first instance of actual combat. The sergeant decided it was time for progress.

"We need to move forward! You ponies in the rear lines! Start moving up! Everypony not moving is gonna give suppressing fire!"

A certain red unicorn was against the idea, however. "Sarge! You crazy?! We can't handle this any more! We're pushing it as is, sir! We should just fall back! We don't have the force to take this!"

"Yes we do, Embers! Move up!"

His fellow experienced pegasus spoke up. "I think he's right Sergeant! I can't see what's going on out there! Too risky!"

"Wars aren't won without risk Private Chroma! We can win this! Just push them back!"

A purple unicorn started getting the gist of the matter, and redirected part of her mind to do a job it was comfortable doing- think. "Sergeant! I'd have to agree with them! Against the statistics, this is a pretty bad idea! We don't know what we're up against and it's getting dark!"

Shovel still didn't yield. "Means we got to finish this fast then!"

"You're crazy Sarge!" Coal yelled from behind them. "Crazy, dammit!"

"That is IT! EMBERS! YOU'RE MOVING UP FIRST, ELSE I REPORT YOUR REFUSAL TO FOLLOW ORDERS!"

"I tell ya, you ain't got nopony to report about if you keep this up!"

"Move your ass!"

Coal let out a heavily disgruntled sigh, and dashed to the next tree he saw. Galloping as fast as he could, he could hear the whistling of the bullets passing near him, hoping each one wouldn't be the last sound he heard. He dove to the base of the tree once near it.

"This is still a bad idea Sarge!" Rolling on the ground to peek around the tree, he fired another 40 millimeter grenade at the enemy position. One of the flashes stopped.

"Scratch! You're next!"

Orders seemed easy to follow before for Vinyl. They were just simple instructions. But she definitely had trouble following this one. Still, an order was an order. "Uh, yeah, sure thing, boss!" The white unicorn also ran through the gauntlet of bullets and made it to cover. She was still behind most of her squad though.

Coal was still disagreeing. "Sarge! We're not going anywhere except dead on the ground or back!"

"Why do you keep doubting my orders?! We're trying to win a war for Luna's sake! It's gonna get dangerous!"

"Because I want to get out of this one alive! You heard the others! We don't have the best of circumstances right now!"

"Come on Embers! Just keep pushing on! We're not gonna lose this!"

"What's losing to getting out to fight another day?!"

"If we kill all of 'em, we get to fight another day! Now get closer and get some new angles!"

"New angle for me, same angle for them. I have to move to shoot, they have to wait for a stupid pony to order me around," Coal muttered under his breath. He got ready to sprint behind some rocks. He grumbled in frustration, then made his move. Halfway to his destination, he dropped.

Redwood watched him from his position. "COAL'S DOWN!"

Pinkie, holding back her shock, looked to the unicorn a few yards behind her, and could barely make out a hole in his helmet. She shrunk down in fear.

Rainbow decided to put some input in. "Hey Sarge?! I think we should go for a retreat! This isn't working, in case you haven't noticed!"

"Come on Corporal! I thought you said you had fighting spirit! I didn't promote you for nothing! Show me that I didn't promote you for nothing!"

"I'm not getting up and dying like Coal!" She glanced over at their deceased companion, and it only served to further lock her in her position. The sight was so terrifying, she stopped shooting back. Rainbow could only hope that it wouldn't happen to her either. She was stuck in shock.

"Corporal! Move up! Help rally the others!"

No answer.

"I thought you were one for action! You're a pegasus for Luna's sake! Warrior race of ponies?! Show me it!"

Still no answer.

"Are you listening to me Corporal?! Get going and go forward!"

Rainbow still sat looking in no particular direction with hollow eyes.

Sgt. Shovel took a hold of Dash and attempted to shake some sense into the mare. "Come on Corporal, I need you to move! Don't just cower there in fear! Move for Celestia's sake! I gave you an order!"

The contact seemed to knock her back into reality. "Are you crazy?!" Rainbow pushed the stallion off her... with a little too much force. Power was tossed into the line of fire, and his body jerked as three bullets found their mark in his chest, neck, and head. Rainbow reeled back in shock.

"Hey! What the hell are we gonna do-" Redwood stopped as he saw the recently deceased body of the squad leader. "The sergeant's dead?!"

"Uh, yeah! So what do we do now?!" Rainbow yelled back.

"Well... that's your job to tell us Corporal! You're the second in command!"

"ME?! Wha-what..." Rainbow Dash trailed off in disbelief. She returned to her state of shock, the same one moments before she got their sergeant killed. She was just placed in command by the accidental death of a pony, which she somewhat caused. And because she was the next highest in rank, she was the next in line in leadership. Add to the fact that the transfer of role was in the midst of a deadly ambush, and the normally brash pegasus couldn't rally herself to the job.

Rainbow, are you sure you're up for the possible *responsibilities? **Lives are on the line,* Rainbow mentally recalled Twilight's opposition to Power. "I... I don't know..." she whispered to herself as bullets continued whizzing in the background.

Then she remembered her own statement that followed. ...Twilight's the smart one... She turned her head until she found the purple unicorn.

"Twilight!"

Twilight looked over. "What is it, Dash?!" She poked up from cover to fire some blind shots, rifle in her hooves rather than her telekinetic grasp.

"Help me out with this!" Rainbow was still in such a dilemma, that she hadn't even fired back since the demise of her superior.

Twilight looked confused. "What do you mean?!"

"Shovel's dead!" Rainbow was didn't like that she had to use that word, but it was short and accurate. "I need help! I'm not exactly sure what to do!"

"What?!" Twilight looked over, and found that Sgt. Power Shovel had indeed been killed by enemy fire. Though Rainbow had already told Redwood, Twilight didn't hear it, being too focused on all the incoming shots and shooting back. "I, uh, what do you think?! You're the corporal, right?!" Twilight couldn't exactly think straight at seeing a dead pony.

"I'm not sure! But I think we should just bust outta here!"

"Sounds good to me! Let's get out of here!" Twilight tried to think of a way to help. "Rarity! Can you see anything or hit anything?!"

"No! Not really! I can see movement, but there's too much in the way!" the white unicorn answered.

"Uh, Crystal! How 'bout you?!" Rainbow looked over to Crystal. In the blink of an eye, she swooped up to a tree branch, with some leaves raining down from above as she flew past them. Rainbow nearly forgot that pegasi were recommended to do that.

"Corporal!" She fired off a few shots into the general direction of the enemy. "I can't see the enemy! Too much brush in the way! But I'm sure there's too many of them!"

"Alright! That's it! We're getting out of here! AJ! Keep laying down fire to cover me and the others!"

"You got it!" Applejack continued to let the M60 eat through the ammunition belt.

"Okay! Crystal! Twilight! Spike! Pinkie! Retreat!" Rainbow barked out her order.

"Affirmative!" Crystal flew down from her tree position. Before fully retreating, however, she went over to Sgt. Shovel's body and yanked off his dog tags for confirmation of death. After quickly finishing the act, she dashed back to behind the rear firing line, behind the MG team earth ponies and two white unicorns.

"Yup! No argument there, Rainbow!" Spike hastily replied.

As Pinkie turned to run back, she spotted the lifeless Coal Embers. Though her emotions were heavy with depression and her mane somewhat deflated, she quickly changed course towards the unicorn. She reached his body and yanked off his dog tags, as she had seen Crystal do to Sergeant Power Shovel.

"I never got to be friends with you," she quietly said. More bullets flew past her, and her second reaction was to take the M79 grenade launcher that was assigned to Coal, before galloping with the others in retreat. "But I won't forget about you Coal."

==+==

Once mostly out of the line of fire, they started running. They ran back into the depths of the jungle in the general direction from where they came. Anywhere in the jungle was better than where they were minutes ago.

They weren't sure how far they ran, but as soon as they felt safe, they slowed their pace.

"Okay, uh, everypony stay spread out, but still kinda close," Rainbow ordered the squad.

Crystal panted. "Yeah, you got it Corporal. You want me anywhere specific?"

"Just stick somewhere near me."

Crystal nodded.

"AJ, Redwood, Pinkie- think you can stick to the rear, and cover us in case things get nasty again?"

"No problem, Dash," Applejack complied. "Come on you two, you heard her. Stick near the back." The two followed the orange mare to the back of the group.

Rainbow walked up next to Twilight. "Hey. How are you holding up?"

Twilight just wearily shook her head.

"Come on, Twi. I need help on this. You're the one with the brains and the leadership. Look at me. That's not really in me."

Twilight stared at her friend for a moment. "I... I basically broke down back there. I don't know why, but, nonetheless, I did. Look, can we wait until we get back to Coppermine to talk?"

Rainbow sighed from exhaustion, physically and emotionally. "Yeah, that's fair. We should probably focus on getting out of here alive first."

"Yeah. Exactly."

Spike spoke from the front of the group. "Hey, Rainbow, didn't Redwood mention something about finding a place to stay the night before we got ambushed?"

"Right..." Rainbow turned to find Crystal and Redwood. "Hey. Crystal. Redwood." Memories of Coal painfully flashed through Rainbow's mind. "Where do you think we should stay the night?"

"Alright," Crystal replied, "Just give me a moment Corporal." Crystal looked up and found the night sky. She flew above the treetops. Above the canopy, she saw the last red radiance of the sun fade away into the violet and black of the night. The pegasus looked around at the surroundings, in case she could spot somewhere useful.

Rainbow saw the pegasus drop back to earth. "Sorry Corporal. Nothing I could see. We'll just have to keep walking 'til we find a good spot. Of course, this is as good as any, but maybe we could find a spot better for holding down in case we get contact."

Rainbow nodded. "Redwood, what do you think?"

"As tired as I am, it's more important to find a good spot to rest in. A little bit of walking is nothing compared to having to fight off another ambush and run."

"Okay. I guess we'll just have to keep walking then."

They walked for another fifteen minutes without incident. Then, a voice spoke from the group.

"Oh, I'm so tired," an smooth accented voice said. "Is this good enough for stopping? Because I don't think I can go further."

A sigh was heard with a thicker accented voice. "Well I ain't sure if we can find any other spot different from this. I guess this is as good as any. But I guess it's Dash's call."

"Alright Rarity, you're probably right. We should just stop now. Get rested. And head back home tomorrow, deal with the higher ranked ponies and all that."

"Well if we're stopping here for the night, I say me and Redwood stay on guard. What'cha say, Heartbuck?"

"Staying on watch is definitely necessary, AJ. Come on, let's set up next to this tree."

Rainbow could barely see two figures split off in the dark and head next to a tree.

A Trottingham voice spoke next. "I'll take second shift, after, say, an hour?"

Another refined voice spoke. "I'll do it with you, Crystal."

"Thanks Rarity."

Rainbow turned to the rest of her companions. "Good. But for now, we rest and let those two keep some eyes on the jungle. I'd say... four hours of rest should be enough to recharge us. Then we'll move in the night some more, then get some more rest. Sound good?"

"Yes ma'am."

==+==

Somewhere in the jungle

Gazelland-Vietnam

July 26

0010 Hours

Hell Squad had gone their four hours without incident. The ponies took their respective shifts, with Vinyl, Pinkie, and Spike taking the third, and Twilight and Rainbow taking the last. The unicorn and pegasus woke their companions from sleep. It was time to move once again. Well-rested from the skirmish earlier, they were able to once again make their way through the jungle.

"So, which of us has the best navigational skills?" Rainbow asked. "Because getting out of the ambush alive means squat if we can't get out of the jungle alive."

After the rest, Twilight had seemed to get her mind working back to some extent. "I'm sure I can do something, Rainbow. We've all been issued compasses, and the stars are up, so we can navigate by those."

Redwood offered his assistance as well. "I can help too. I'm pretty skilled, and traversing unknown land isn't new to me. After all, I do have a compass as part of my mark."

"Oh yeah," Applejack exclaimed. "I remember that."

"... And I'll tell all of you about it when we get back. Now then, Miss Sparkle, er... Twilight, let's get us in the direction out of here, eh?"

"Be glad to."

The two ponies took some time to pinpoint their position. The compasses made it easier, but without a map, navigating would be difficult. The two eventually worked out a direction, and the squad started making headway in that direction.

After two hours of walking, Rainbow called for another stop. They again went through their four shifts, then continued their trek through the jungle. It was a harrowing and terrifying experience, with all the variables added up.

==+==

Camp Coppermine

Vietnam

July 26

1934 Hours

With Crystal at the head of the group, they finally came back in sight of Camp Coppermine.

A unicorn spotted them from within the camp perimeters. He turned towards the inside of the camp. "Hey! Everypony! Hell Squad's back!"

"Really?!" a pony asked with mild shock. "How many of 'em, Torchlight?"

"A good lot of them!" Torchlight responded. The brown unicorn returned his gaze to the returning squad. "Hey! Hey Hell Squad! You're back!" He greeted the approaching ponies at the top of his lungs.

Crystal waved to him.

Redwood noticed the unanimous look of surprise and confusion the Ponyvillian mares gave each other. "That's Corporal Torchlight. He's a fun guy. Good soldier too. Most ponies are good friends with him. Since he likes to keep ponies happy, he helps us a lot with morale, being stuck in the unlucky squad. He's the one we didn't get to introduce to you guys yet."

"Sound's like Pinkie's type of pony," Applejack observed.

"Ooh, I'd love to meet a pony that likes to have fun!" Pinkie chirped, but heavy with remaining traces of depression over recent events.

Redwood chuckled. "I'd love to see what comes out of you two working together."

As they got to Camp Coppermine's entrance, they saw that Torchlight, along with some others, were waiting for them.

"Hell Squad! A lot of you actually managed to come back alive this time! And don't take that as a bad thing, but... geez, there must've been a better way to say that."

Redwood shrugged. "I think it might've been better if you didn't say that at all."

"Eh... you're probably right, Red." Torchlight started escorting them towards the field HQ.

"Still," Redwood continued, "We didn't really escape unscathed. Sergeant Shovel's gone-"

"Shovel's gone?" the unicorn asked. He looked at the group. "I see..."

"Yeah, finally dug his own grave like we thought he would. But he still managed to stick one pony with the curse. Coal's gone too."

Torchlight looked disappointed. "Coal... Coal Embers. Poor bastard. Never got to know him."

"Yeah, it's kinda ironic, now that you say that. He only told me this. He-"

"He didn't want to get to know others so that he wouldn't have too much connection with them if they died on duty," Crystal interrupted.

"Too bad that means we didn't get to know him either," Redwood explained. "I don't know if he intended that also, but it still makes me feel bad, not knowing him. I feel guilty about not knowing how his death is going to affect others back home." Redwood sighed. "I don't know. Even though he blocked his personal life off, I still feel bad about him."

"Well then Red," Torchlight spoke, "You've left that bitchy jungle with most of the team alive. That's a whole lotta ponies to live on in his name. It's the least you can do for him for now."

"That's right Red!" Pinkie said with an encouraging tone.

"We're all fighting on for some pony, aren't we," Redwood sternly declared.

"Sad truth of our job, Red. It was basically in our job description."

"Don't worry, Redwood," Crystal assured him, "Their lives aren't in vain. Equestria's here for a good cause. And like you said- we're all here to live on for those ponies."

Rainbow sighed. "You know that's right."

"So," Torchlight questioned, "Now that Shovel's out, who's the new squad commander?"

"Well that'd be Corporal Dash," Redwood answered.

"Oh, really? Power promoted one of the new ponies? Alright, I guess." Torchlight turned to Rainbow. "You're gonna have to head over to Lieutenant Reed to sort that out. At least notify him of the new changes."

Rainbow solemnly nodded. "Think I could hold that off until tomorrow though? We've kinda been through a lot."

The unicorn shrugged. "As long as you remember, I guess."

"I'll remind her," Twilight told them.

"Well, seeing that you've all been through so much for your first patrol, I'll leave you ponies alone. Anypony want to hang around, play some cards, et cetera, I'll be over by those tents." Torchlight pointed his hoof towards a group of tents down the rows.

"Alright, Torchlight. Thanks for the welcome home," Redwood thanked the unicorn.

"No problem, Red. Glad to see you lot back safe."

The ponies split off their separate ways, with the large remaining numbers of H Squad heading towards their tents. Torchlight came back around 2030 to invite them for some post deployment cool-down time, and most of them accepted. However, two ponies stayed behind.

Twilight found Rainbow alone in their tent. There was only one lantern lighting the interior. The pegasus was sitting on her haunches on her cot with a tired and concerned expression.

"Twilight, I don't know if I can do this. You were always the big leader. Not me." Rainbow looked at the unicorn with pleading eyes.

Twilight walked over to her friend. "Dash, doctrine says that you're the leader now. Besides, you can lead. You were a captain on the Weather Patrol. And there was that time you lead Ponyville's pegasi team to bring rainwater up to Cloudsdale."

"Yeah, but this is war. I don't want to be like Shovel. Headstrong, use force, push on, anything's possible with enough firepower. You're the smart one. Coming up with strategies is something that comes easy to you."

"I'm organized and can make good plans, sure, but you've also got leadership in you. You're probably better at it than I am!"

"But you were basically the leader of us Elements."

"Look Rainbow, I might've been the leader of our small group, and may help around the town a lot, like Winter Wrap-Up, but you're the better motivator. And more importantly, you're a lot better at acting on impulse than I am. I'd probably be suited to an officer's job with my skills, but in field? You're more natural for this."

Dash sighed and hung her head.

"Rainbow, look at me. You're a pegasus. You're one of the most, if not the most, headstrong ponies I know. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Where's the pegasus I knew that would always be up for a fight? Come on Rainbow, isn't this what you've basically been prepared for all these years?"

"It only got real to me after the deaths, the deaths, of Power and Coal. I... I don't know anymore."

"I never said you didn't have to be scared. You hid your fear really well the morning we left. I saw it. You were scared, deep down. But you hid it. That's a courageous act in of itself. Don't worry Rainbow, I know you'll be perfect for the job. Power might not have been a good leader, but he definitely saw the right stuff in you. You're a pegasus, Dash. Fighting's in your blood. Remember that."

Rainbow looked a little more confident. "Well, I guess if you put it that way, I'm up to it." She gave a determined look. "And if I'm the new Sergeant of Hell Squad, well, congratulations on being my second in command, Corporal Sparkle."

[Bonus Content] Jungle Air Mail [1]-Always Been On the Government's Payroll

Jungle Air Mail

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 1 =

Always Been On The Government's Payroll

Approaching [Re-Classified Destination]

Gazelland-Vietnam

December 1, 1015 A.B.

1805 Local Time

"It's been a while since we got one of these assignments."

"Well some ponies have to carry the mail, right?"

Captain Ditzy 'Derpy' Doo answered her co-pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Sharp 'Sharpie' Stargazer, through headsets. If it weren't for the headpieces, they would have to yell over the sound of the helicopter.

"They usually leave us on transport or attack duties though." Sharp looked back at the carrying hold- it was currently filled with bags of letters and mail. "Oh well, change of pace is good sometimes."

Their missions were always subject to change- one day, they could be transporting ponies out into a random field, and the next, they could be assigned to fly ground attack missions. Helicopter piloting didn't seem to attract all that many ponies, and so the existing pilots had to do all sorts of things, instead of being specialized in a certain task.

"Well I love this flight, because I adore the smell of mail. It makes me feel at home when on the job."

"Oh yeah, you were a mailpony. That's right."

"Well, if you think about it hard enough, every flight we do is a delivery. We bring ponies from one place to another."

"I suppose you could say we deliver pain to the enemies on combat runs..."

Ditzy gave a look of brief thought, resulting in her right eye pointing down while her left eye looked up. "I... guess you could say that. Kinda dark humor," she answered. "But such is our life," the grey pegasus added with a non-caring tone and happy face.

"Though I'd be lying if I said I didn't appreciate assignments for the PX every now and then. At least flights for the Postal Exchange means we don't have to land in hot zones."

"As long as I help ponies, I'm happy. That's why I signed up for, anyways. If it means landing with gazelles shooting at us, so be it... but I'm not going to deny that I like delivering mail every now and then either."

"Hey- you're the pilot. I'm just a crew member. A lucky one at that," the lime green pegasus declared.

"Well, being one of the most well-respected chopper pilots and having one of the best flight records wouldn't have been the same with out a good co-pilot," Ditzy replied. They'd probably been over this conversation many times over, but it kept their own morale high, and so it didn't hurt to repeat it for who knew how many times.

Sharp smiled. "I still think the one of the best parts about it is when they learn about your eyes. It's funny when they ask me how I deal with it." The pilots had a good chuckle. Then, Sharp's keen eyes noticed some distinctive objects roughly 20 miles out that heavily contrasted against the vast, wild landscape. "Alright, base in sight. Seems to be around 30 klicks. ETA 10 minutes."

"Alright. Not bad." Ditzy tapped a button to turn on the communications radio. "Okay ponies, this is Captain Doo. Listen up. Base is in sight, we're about 30 klicks out. ETA 10 minutes. Just a heads up. Out."

The comms echoed with messages of affirmation. "Copy that flight lead."

"Alrighty then Cap'n, I read ya."

"Good to know Derpy."

As the stream of confirmations ended seconds later, Sharp brought up another logical topic of conversation. "So what're you gonna do after we check in and all the standard post-flight procedures? You gonna visit your Ponyville friends right out, or go find Sergeant Steel Crate?"

"What are you gonna do when we land?"

"Not sure."

"Then it's settled! You go find Crate, and I'll go see my friends. I mean, since you can cover it, there doesn't have to be another pony on the job, right?"

"That's what I thought," the stallion said with a grin. "I'd do the same if there were any ponies I knew 'round there. Change in pace in audience is something I'd like too."

"Well you're always welcome to tag along with me," Ditzy offered. "I'm sure they'd love to meet you!"

"Before or after I find Steel?"

Ditzy shrugged in her seat. "Your choice."

"They seemed like a nice group of ponies. Of course, being the bearers of the Elements of Harmony..."

"Come on, Sharpie. They're just normal mares with lives too you know. They're nice by nature, not because they're the Element bearers."

"Just sayin' that they're an interesting bunch to meet."

"Ah, well that's one quality of any Ponyvillian you'll meet," she replied with a pleased smile.

<<+>>

1844 Hours

"Der- I mean, Captain Doo!"

"Rainbow, I already said we can drop formalities. So at ease, Sergeant."

Ditzy smiled as she walked towards the group of Ponyvillians and other companions. She had on an eye patch over her right eye and a beaming smile.

"Alright! Cool. Well I think I speak for all of us when I say, wow, are we happy to see you!"

"Feeling's mutual Rainbow."

"So Ditzy," Twilight started, "Do you mind telling us the story of how you got here? After all this time, we still haven't heard it."

"Yeah," Rainbow agreed, "I mean, when you left Ponyville, all you told us was that you were thinking about enlisting in the military. You never left any specifics."

"Sure thing! Well first it started out with me figuring out it would be great to help ponies down here. Pretty funny considering being a postal worker already puts me under a government position kind of... A transfer in job, I guess you could say. You know what, here's how it went." Ditzy replied.

<<+>>

Ponyville

Equestria

February 15, 1013

5:39 PM

Ditzy Doo had just finished her mail route, and started heading home from the post office. Her mail runs consisted of all sorts of things, but lately, there was a new addition to what she carried- drafts. Princess Luna had just called for one two weeks ago. Granted, with Ponyville being a mid-sized town, there wasn't much, but Ditzy estimated that she must've had to carry at least five in the past two weeks.

As she flew, she was in deep contemplation. A war had been going on for three years, down in the southeast, far away from Equestria. Soldiers a long way from home. Before the conscripting, the Equestrian Military had completely consisted of ponies who chose to be soldiers, and always held the expectations of a possible war. Though ponies only dreamed of such a thing after such a long reign of peace, things happen, and war breaking out was still possible. And now here they were, involved in one. With the new decree at the beginning of the month, there were now also ponies in Gazelland who never asked to be in the army.

Though those thoughts made Ditzy uneasy and sad, she knew the government was only doing what was necessary. It was for the greater good- to stop a country from being invaded, they had to intervene. Also, there was the fact that it was technically their fault a war started. Though there was no intention in doing so, they didn't expect to unearth ancient weapons of war.

[P]-Prologue: What Lead Up To This

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 0 =

Prologue-What Lead Up To This...

'We went through all types of rain. Normal wet rain, drizzles, floods, lasting various lengths of time. It *was** a tropical area, after all. But we also went through different other kinds of rain. In the jungle, you'd find leaves and stuff falling on your head. Some tree bark if they got knocked off. In the urban battlefield, you'd find it showering wood and concrete. But then, there was the worser types of rain. There was the flaming rain. Napalm that we'd drop on top of the enemy lines. Artillery fire also rained on both us and them plenty. Then, the one that could even be called a hailstorm at times. The times when the raindrops weren't made of water, but of metal and lead. Always accompanying it was a rain of blood. This was the most frequent type of inclement weather we'd face in the region- the rain of bullets. Everyday, the rain of death.'*

==+==

Equestria, 1003 A.B. (After *B*anishment of Princess Luna)

Princess Celestia had just made a new decree. It caused an uproar of national pride when it hit newspaper headlines, especially among those who were... intellectually inclined. Those of Ponyville residence could recall Twilight Sparkle running around that day having conversations with herself, Spike, and some of her friends about the 'new academic knowledge it could bring in'. What was this announcement about?

Simple. The Princess announced that ponies were encouraged to join research teams to travel outside of Equestria. To douse their fears. If they didn't volunteer, they had a chance of being reassigned to a job. After all, they were in fact, a race easily roused by anything even moderately unsettling. The excursions would be to places that had previously only been mapped by intrepid ponies. Each expedition would set up a base of operations from which scientists and others of the like would stay for a few months.

One of the important ones of these expeditions would be exploring and studying the regions of and to the east of Zebrica, of which itself was to the southeast of Equestria. Some ponies speculated about what would come of it, but they knew the Princess put down guidelines and procedures so that any new contacts would not get off on the wrong hoof. But they could not predict accurately without anything to work off of.

These teams were sent off with good wishes, leaving behind a renewed sense of patriotism.

==+==

Global stage, 1004 A.B.

In light of relatively recent events, as well as her own personal experiences learned during reintegration back into society, Princess Luna had taken the initiative to gather the governments of their neighboring countries and begin an international court for the countries to handle affairs, between the countries of the United Kingdom of Equestria, Griffon Kingdom, Dragon Homeland, and other neighboring countries. This year would be the year it is officially established.

In the southeast, research teams packed up and moved further east out of Zebrica and into relatively unknown territory. All they knew about it was gleaned from Zebrica. Apparently the region was inhabited by a race of gazelles, and that they lived peacefully with their northeastern neighbor, populated by a mix of feline races. It was a situation much like that of the ponies. A predatory race living in peace with what could essentially be called 'food'.

On arrival at the border, they traveled along a run-down, scarcely used mountain pass to cross through the Gazelland Mountain Range, which then lead into rolling hills and tropical jungles. They made first contact with the gazelle civilization at an open plains area. The race of gazelles were generally at about the same technological stage as the ponies, give or take 10 years in places. From there, the researchers negotiated an audience with the leadership, to express their intent and word of Princess Celestia.

Once any foreseeable hostilities were extinguished, they were free to set up base out in one of the uninhabited plains of their country of Gazelland. Permission to examine the area for any ruins and such was granted. They had no clue at the time how significant the things they would discover would be.

==+==

Gazelland, 1005 A.B.

The research teams made much progress in the one year they had been there. Excavation sites revealed remnants of a lost civilization, an extinct race of tall bipedals often found in many other places. Wherever these remains were found, there were always some sorts of strange artifacts in the surrounding areas. Some were easily recognized, such as helmets or knives, and even vinyl records, but others were a mystery. Some were large metal husks, of which some parts, such as gears and wheels, were already known about, but the rest was much to be studied over. Equestrian scientists received wagon loads of all sorts of shipments. There were some successful attempts to also send some of the metal monstrosities, but not many.

Inspired by the strive of the foreign ponies, the gazelles also started combing the lands they restricted to the ponies. They, too, came up with many of the strange findings. Of course, they had the advantage of being on their own soil, so naturally they had easier access to the digs, and therefore had more time to study.

==+==

1006 A.B.

Referenced against what they knew about the extinct creatures, studies reach the the final logical conclusion. The entire country of Gazelland was a site of a major conflict.

On top of all this, Equestrian archaeologists find the answer key to everything. A cache of documents were found detailing nearly everything in the area. Due to the presumed time span they had been buried, the paper documents were found in various conditions. Luckily, being encased in metal boxes and not exposed to much air, many were legible enough to glean hoards of information. A whole new front of technology was opened for Equestria.

==+==

1008 A.B.

Equestrian expedition in the southeast halted after attempts to move northeast. They were refused entry by the predatory nation in the north, and so they turned back. Teams regrouped back in Zebrica and set up an outpost site a couple miles away from the path from which they entered. The Equestrians began convoy operations for the rest of the excavations they brought from the other side of the border.

Back in Equestria, along with ferried items came word of the return from Gazelland. Even though they have left the borders in peace, Celestia sent scouts to maintain a peaceful contact with the gazelles.

==+==

Gazelland Border, 1009 A.B.

Equestrian scouts report possible suspicious behavior. Early in the year, multiple diplomatic talks are attempted, and the Gazellanders admit to all facts presented. Later in the year, apparent military movement arose. Scouts are granted permission from the Princesses to enter the country. They report back with the information that the government-influenced northerners are militarizing. The southerners are generally neutral. Further attempts at discussion reveal that the Gazellanders want no hostility between them and the Equestrians. Their only goal was solely their own business.

It is hypothesized that buried strains from the predatory nation in the northeast had pushed the Gazellanders to take action. They might have wanted more land, to get space from the tigers and such from the northeast, but even if invasion of that country was initially successful, sooner or later, it would only end disastrously. The predators would not sit tight and be pushed around by a meal, and would eventually revolt and take back land, and perhaps not even stop there. So the only other place available to the water-locked country was the native tribal areas of Zebrica. Of course, they were denied peaceful purchase of land by the zebras whenever they tried.

Luna took caution, seeing that diplomacy was most likely soon going to be beyond reason at that point. Steps were taken for response, and began sending over some of the Equestrian military to the original research site, now converted to support armed forces in the likely case of hostile action. Equestria still had a standing military, though small, and had not been used in conflict in many centuries, but was nonetheless sent over.

It was soon obvious that the Gazellanders had a malicious intent in their eyes. They could not go north. They had a civilization they could contend with in the west. If they were not allowed a peaceful negotiation for land, they would take the other option- conquest.

==+==

Global stage, 1010 A.B.

Gazelland-Zebrica Border

Gazelland military forces build up behind the border, and begin their offensive. Equestrians take defensive action. They barely push back their new enemies. Their battle was basically like bringing a knife to a gunfight. It seemed the artifacts discovered a couple years back have been reengineered by the Gazellanders for use in anger once again. Narrowly defeated, the gazelle forces retreated back into their borders.

Equestria

After news of the attack reaches the public, Princess Celestia is pushed to officially declare Equestria at war with Gazelland, then relinquishes all affairs relating to the conflict to her sister. Celestia, though aware that the friendly neighboring country of Zebrica was attacked, wanted no involvement in it; it didn't have to be their fight. Luna, however, realizes that it is a threat, and that they could help with it. Princess Luna is then appointed as the head of the newly formed War Ministry.

Luna calls the Alliance for assistance. The griffons give the strongest response to send soldiers to the front lines. Other countries agree to do the same, to a lesser extent. The dragons, though, agree to assist with production with their volcanic forges. Efforts are made for militarization. Existing Equestrian cannons are set to the southeast to help repel attacks.

Meanwhile, scientists are ordered to engineer the excavated weapons known of for use once again. Others such as carriage mechanics and airship engineers are hired to see what could be done with the other things, known only to be modes of transportation. Sometimes, they didn't even have any scraps to work with, but instead just plain pictures. They set those aside for later, once they had their momenntum moving and mastered what they currently had. Working models that were made of any of the ancient devices were sent to productions lines or immediately to the war front.

Princess Luna, in charge of all the affairs having to do with it, chooses to name the war not after the current name of the country, but instead after the former name found on the unearthed papers. Out of respect to the devices brought out of their slumber and being wielded again, Luna fully titled it the Second Vietnam War

==+==

Present Year: 1015 A.B.

The Vietnam conflict has been ongoing for five years. Coalition forces lead by the Equestrians have pushed back into Gazelland, and the bulk of the forces are based in the southern region. The enemy army is holed up in the north of Gazelland. The downscaled military of Equestria could not keep up with the war effort. Princess Luna had agreed to the drafting of ponies two years ago. Whom of the population will be the next to be sent to hell?

[2]-...Paid For By the Equestrian Government

All Types of Rain

By: The Grey Pegasus

= 2 =

...Paid For By the Equestrian Government

Ponyville Recruitment Offices

June 12, 1015 A.B.

12:16 PM

The six mares and one dragon of Ponyville stood outside the recruitment offices. Only one really had a true purpose to be there. Twilight felt her gut twist at the sight of the posters advertising enlistment. They were patriotic, she'll give them that. They had an adverse effect on her though. Instead of the urge to go in and ask to be enlisted and help Equestria go onward to victory, her mind was racing through the recent events that led her to have to be there.

"Come on, Twi, let's jus' get this over with. We're all in this together," comforted Applejack. She took a look around at the group. "We'll go in with you if you'd like. There ain't any rules 'gainst that. 'Sides, we've already got our tickets to 'Nam... heh," she said, trying to keep an encouraging attitude.

"Yeah, free tickets to Vietnam, courtesy of the Equestrian government. All fares and fees are free, paid for by the Equestrian Treasury. Even comes with your complimentary rifle, dog tags, and helmet," Rainbow ridiculed from beside Applejack.

"Dash, do ya always got to take us two steps back like that?"

"Yeah, yeah. Come on, Twi, let's get this over with. Then we can head to lunch. Just go in and fill out the stuff for the Equestrian Marine Corps. Then we can eat!"

"Well, this distressing morning has made me quite hungry. I never even had anything to eat since that confounded letter arrived," Rarity agreed.

Still, even with the conversation behind her, Twilight couldn't deny that she was essentially signing a waver that clearly stated that it was possibly a one-way trip. I never thought I'd be living out one of those ancient journals found over there. She remained stuck in her place, so one of the group tried a different approach.

"Alright Twilight, I don't know if you're going through with it or not, but in any case, this office is going to have some business today," Spike informed her. In Twilight's current mental state, it took a moment for the meaning of that sentence to register in her head.

"Wait! Why... why would you..." Twilight stumbled in her speech.

The dragon gave a toothy grin. "I knew that'd budge you from where you're standing."

"But the library! And... you're not even-"

"Twilight, we've been through this already. The last time you could play the age card was five years ago. And I'm pretty sure you could hire one of the younger ponies to fill in. The town's book club you started a couple years back really ramped up business for the library. I'm sure at least one of them is up for it."

Defeated, Twilight walked up beside him. She looked up at the one she formerly looked down on.

"It'll be fine. If you're worried about me being in danger, well, I'm sure you've read enough about dragons to know that we're made for taking heat." At that, he showed himself off. The six ponies around him giggled at his vanity, but it did have a better impression than his attempts at bravado as a baby dragon.

With her laugh ending in a sigh, Twilight headed towards the door of the recruitment office behind Spike. "Alright. I'm convinced. I'm not letting any of you leave without me. It would just be wrong for me to cower in safety while the rest of you don't have that option. Except Spike, but he's being the noble knight he's always wanted to be."

==+==

With that ordeal finished, the group set off for lunch. With a week before they were sent off to boot camp, they wanted to cherish as much time they had remaining.

Rainbow started some conversation. "So did they say anything in there to you, Twilight?"

"Well, not too much," the unicorn in context replied, "All they told me that it was a brave choice to go for the Marines. Even more so being the Princess's one and only student. I just told them that it was an obligation to my friends that just got drafted. The recruiter just nodded after that. Oh! And he did say one last thing while I was leaving. He told me, 'You're a noble pony, Miss Sparkle. Don't think we've forgotten all that you and your friends have done for us all those years back', and sent me off with a good farewell wish." Now that she thought about it, it really was quite touching how the stallion remembered their acts as the Elements of Harmony from so long ago, in an age ruled more by the mystic rather than the machine.

"Wow, tha's... quite an honor," Applejack echoed her thoughts. "Shame that it still doesn't actually keep us out of all this ruckus. But still, 'nice to see that not everypony needs a fancy glass window to remember us."

"Yeah, but do we have to throw the ponies up in Canterlot through the window to knock some sense into them, then figure out that we're still important? What if Discord breaks out of his prison or something again while we're gone?" Rainbow said in annoyance.

"Rainbow, they've kept Discord in an anti-magic vault deep in the mountain for years. I don't think he's going to bother anypony unless they drag his statue out of there." Twilight noted.

"And Rainbow Dash, dear, no matter how worked up you get over that, they're still going to send you down to Gazelland one way or another. There's really no longer any point in protesting," Rarity pointed out.

"Hey Twilight, we never even planned a place to go to for lunch. So where are we eating? I'm starving," Rainbow said, typically diverging from a serious matter she clearly could not win.

Seeing that there was no point in returning to the topic of controversy, Twilight put up some restaurant suggestions. One more week, and that's it.

==+==

Ponyville

June 18, 1015 A.B.

11:41 AM

The group of seven met for one last time on their favorite hill. Each made sure to bring something to their last picnic on the green grass of Ponyville. A place close to their hearts, so it was only right that this would be the last place they eat at. They had so many memories made on the simple patch of land. Once lunch was eaten, conversation dissolved into the unavoidable topic.

"So, how do you think Ponyville will manage without us?" Twilight asked the gang.

"Well, I know for sure that Applebloom's ready to take on the farm without me or Big Mac, 'specially with all them new, fancy machinery," Applejack answered. "She's gonna have to take care o' ol' Granny, though. Old mare's runnin' low, but still going. I hope she doesn't take me and Big Mac leavin'... too hard. Still, Applebloom's grown to be a great pony, and I'm proud of her."

"Well, the Carousel Boutique's going to have to be closed for business, but Sweetie Belle still lives there with me, and she's matured to be quite the responsible mare," said Rarity. "I know I can trust her with the household."

"Ponyville's going to have a lot less parties... but I'm sure Aunt Pinkie's rubbed off enough on the two young Cakes for them to fill in. I think the Cakes can find some other great pony to take over my spot," Pinkie responded. "But nopony will ever be better than The Great and Powerful Pinkie Pie!" she mockingly added.

"I can't believe you even still bothered to make fun of her, Pinkie," Rainbow said through her giggling. "Well, this town will be a lot more boring without me here, that's for sure." The others rolled their eyes. "Aaaannd, I know there's enough pegasi in the Weather Patrol, so I don't need to worry about that."

Spike came forward to answer Twilight's contingency plan. "Well, me and Twi are gonna work it out later, but I think we've settled on handing over business to some of the book club ponies."

"Twilight?" Fluttershy spoke up. "What about your brother? Have you told him that you enlisted?"

"Yeah, I sent a letter to Shining three days ago. He just told me that it was brave and that he and Cadence wish us luck." She let out a breath of depression. "He's pretty lucky. Captain of the Guard in Canterlot meant he was already on duty, being in charge of the defenses of the city. I talked to him a year after the war started." Twilight looked up as she recalled the memory. "He said that they offered him a commander's post on the front lines, but declined so that he could stay with his family. So instead, they placed him in an advisory position on the War Ministry alongside being in charge of the Canterlot Guard."

"Hey Fluttershy, you're the one with a family. How are you holding up?" Pinkie questioned.

At the mention of her family, Fluttershy's heart sunk. She tapped her forehooves together in uncertainty. "Oh, I'm not actually doing too well. What if I don't come back? What will my kids do then..." she trailed off into incoherent words.

"Twilight, are you sure you looked into all possible ways of staying out?" Rarity questioned once more.

"Yes, I tried to find as many ways as I could, even the highly reckless ones. But it's too dangerous. There isn't anywhere near that the government wouldn't hunt us down. Escaping to territories like, say, Caneighda wouldn't work because they're still under the jurisdiction of the Equestrian Kingdom."

"Darn. That worked the first time," Pinkie mumbled.

The others gave her a quick glance, but they were accustomed to the random outbursts after many years, and just disregarded it.

"Well, girls, it was a nice lunch while it lasted. I'm going to miss this. Let's head home and say our goodbyes. After that, just head over to my treehouse and stay the night. We'll travel to the train station tomorrow together." Twilight solemnly announced. The hill was empty after those words.

==+==

7:00 PM

Sweet Apple Acres

Applejack was in her room, packing what little she could bring from home. Probably a small picture or two, able to be hid away in a hat. Some other small miscellaneous items. And her unmistakably prized Stetson. Wherever she went, that hat was coming along for the trip. That hat belonged on her head just as much as her own blonde mane did.

Once finished with that business, she trotted down the stairs into the kitchen. The other three ponies that shared the house with her were already in their places around the table. Once this was all over, only half of them would remain in the household.

"Well, Applebloom. This is it. This is goodbye," Applejack said through oncoming tears. "Take care o' Granny there, will ya sis? She ain't what she used to be back when you were a little filly."

Applebloom nodded.

"And take care o' the farm for me and Big Mac. You've always wanted to," Applejack continued, "Like when you an' your rowdy friends were always Crusadin'. 'Sides, I've seen you work them big and shiny machines." Applejack forced herself to keep a smile. "I want this place to be pourin' with bits when me an' your brother get back. Now get over here and give your brother and sister a nice tight hug."

The younger sister complied, saying nothing. She was wordless for the situation. Her siblings she always looked up to were now leaving her life, and hopefully not for forever. So she let her cries speak for her.

"You got anything to say Big Macintosh?" the orange pony asked.

"I think you got it covered, sis," the quiet red stallion answered.

Applejack and Big Macintosh released their younger sister and started out the door of the family farmhouse. Wiona came running to Applejack, and clearly, the faithful dog knew what was going on also.

"Goodbye, Wiona. You've been a great lil' helper 'round here on the farm. Better than any other pet out there. Applebloom's goin' to take care o' you now, 'kay girl?" Applejack told her prized pet. The dog whined in return, but her owner only gave back a sad smile.

The two ponies kept walking away from the porch. Then, Applebloom's hooves was heard thudding against wood from behind them. The younger mare looked up with pleading eyes to Applejack before gaining the courage to speak.

"Sis, can ya promise me one thing?" She paused to catch her breath. "If you're ever in any big trouble, just please run away as fast as you can," Applebloom requested.

"Alright. I will."

"Don't try to be no hero and get yerself killed. I don't wanna get one of those telegrams..."

"Don't worry, Applebloom. Your big sis and big brother are goin' to take care o' themselves, and Twilight and the others, too."

"Big Mac, Applejack, please write back some letters from the jungle, will ya? To let me and Granny know yer alright."

"Sure thing, Applebloom."

"Eeyup." Big Macintosh then turned to his other sister. "Come on, sis, Vietnam ain't gonna wait for us forever."

With those last words, the two older ponies cantered toward the gate of the farm. Applejack took one last look back. The old sign, once marking a happy family-run business. The wooden fence, keeping pesky onlookers out. The barn, trusty and dependable like the farm owner. Lastly, the sea of apple trees, from which many juicy, delectable fruits hung, gleaming in the summer's afternoon sun. Applejack had one last remark for her home.

"I'm gonna miss you, Sweet Apple Acres. I'll be back soon." She paused, turned towards her brother, then took one last view at the orchard. "'Least I became nice friends with trees."

"Eeyup."

==+==

Carousel Boutique

Rarity was taking one last stroll through her own shop. She was absorbing the fragrant atmosphere once more, and admiring the work she'd done over the years. She took in the sight of her work areas, where she had her organized messes of materials. She'd already root through her trunk of belongings and only found a couple photographs to take along, but that would suffice. She heard a bell jingle downstairs, indicating that somepony had entered. As the store was already announced as closed and her friends taking care of their own affairs, Rarity knew exactly who this pony was.

"Ah, Sweetie Belle must be home," she told herself out loud as she climbed down the stairs. "No better time to talk to her then now, I suppose. Get it over with instead of putting the inevitable off."

"Hey there, sis. How are you?" a white unicorn mare with green eyes greeted Rarity at the foot of the staircase. She, too, along with her friends had become a fully grown adult. As was the same case as Applejack, Rarity was pleased with her now-matured younger sister.

"Hello, Sweetie. I suppose that you figured that this chat was coming eventually, right?" the elder sibling asked.

"Me, Applebloom, and Scootaloo knew it the moment you and your friends left for lunch," her sister replied in a downcast tone. "It's only right that we're the last ones you talk to before you leave."

Rarity sighed. Her memory flashed through the images of the two from many years back. A simpler time, when they had their many moments of quarreling and their treasured days of loving sisterhood. She recalled the early years when she was more focused on work, and left Sweetie Belle to her own devices because of her negligence. The condition of their relationship improved after Applejack's help on how to be a good sister.

"Look, Rarity, I'll always keep you in my mind. You've been the best sister I could've asked for, minus those years a long way back. I don't even blame you much for it now, ever since I got those music jobs. It's all been concerts, and being hired to play at bars and restaurants, and parties, and all those," Sweetie Belle admitted while going through a menagerie of gestures. "I never realized how busy work could be at times. I'm probably even busier than you every once in a while. If you were the younger sister, you'd probably would've ran away eventually," she added, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "So I don't think I can blame you for much, anymore."

The older unicorn managed a smile. She truly had a reason to have pride in the mare in front of her. Rarity walked over and held her in an embrace. "Well, I know I can trust you to take care of the Boutique while I'm gone." A meow came from the upstairs bedroom. "And Opalescence as well. I'll miss her, despite how finicky that cat could be at times."

"Come on, sis, this is my home too. I've got enough income to prevent it from rotting away. And to be honest, your cat never really grew on me."

The two broke away. Ignoring the last comment, Rarity spoke up again. "Well, I'll be taking my leave now. I told Twilight we'd meet her at the library."

"Then at least take this," Sweetie Belle said, taking an object out of her saddlebag. "It's the latest record I made while playing with that jazz group. I'm sure you would want something to remind you of home while you're out there. I bet the other mares and stallions would like some new music to play also." She levitated it into the departing pony's own saddlebag. "Oh! There's also this one," she exclaimed. "Of course you remember Vinyl Scratch, right?"

Rarity nodded.

"Well, this turned out to be one of those old music records dug up back in Gazelland, when stuff wasn't exploding over there. I helped Vinyl recreate some parts that she couldn't fix," she explained as she placed another record in the saddlebag. "I heard that those ancient songs are real popular with the soldiers over there."

"Thank you, Sweetie Belle."

"And sis? Make sure to come back, nice and sound, will you?"

Rarity gave a nod of confirmation, and trotted out the door of the Carousel Boutique. She listened to the door bells ring one last time, and took in a final glance at the decorative exterior of her shop and residence. The flowing metalwork and carpentry framed the large windows from which her tailor work was displayed for all to see. The pony statues adorned the roof like a crown. She spoke a last goodbye before turning towards Twilight's library, her saddlebags with a little more added weight, laden with parting gifts.

After a couple steps forward, she reflexively took a last look back. The motto she ran her store with came to mind, and brought forth one last comment on her soon-to-be former profession.

"I wonder if military fatigues are in style."

==+==

Somewhere Above Ponyville

Rainbow Dash was putting off going to her cloud palace for the last couple hours. She wanted to feel the rush of the clean air that blanketed Ponyville for so long one last time.

She went through the acrobatics she always trimmed to perfection in an attempt to possibly impress the Wonderbolts. Sadly for her dreams, though, that chance never came after even after so long. Well, it did, but it turned out that there was quite an entry list Rainbow didn't account for. She'd been on that queue for around eleven years, and the top-grade quality of the flyers meant that most weren't leaving the team until retirement. Only on one occasion about six years back did a flyer ever have to resign due to an accident, but even after that, Rainbow was still three down on the waiting list.

So she left her crushed dream in a closet and finally just slowed down to appreciate the quiet life Ponyville had to offer. As quiet as it could get, at least, with the random nuisances that plagued the town. But even those eventually stopped, surprisingly. Rainbow continued her fast lifestyle by joining in any competitions and races she could find and sign up for, and accumulated a nice amount of wealth from her winnings. Yet, despite all she could have done with it, her loyalty to her friends was ever-present, and so, to the town as well. No regrets, either.

Rainbow Dash was finally content with the numerous laps she had taken in Ponyville's airspace, and circled back towards her cloud home. She had already taken care of her concerns for the Ponyville Weather Patrol a couple days ago, receiving a nice party in her name. Also promised by the director was a plaque to commemorate her actions as a weather patrolmare. So her last business was seeing if she had anything to take along to Vietnam.

Landing on her cloud front lawn, she was greeted by a certain orange pegasus. "Hey Scoots," Rainbow greeted her number-one-fan.

"Hey there Rainbow. So, me and Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were talking earlier about you and the others earlier, and..." Scootaloo said. She stopped at her loss of words.

"Look, Scootaloo, we're leaving tomorrow morning. You've got to have something to say to the greatest pegasus in Equestria," Rainbow playfully prodded.

"I can't believe it. After all this time, you never made it into the Wonderbolts, you stuck around Ponyville, and now I know almost all your tricks! Except for your Sonic Rainboom. I still can't get that down..."

"Yeah, fourteen, fifteen years? Long time ago since that got famous, and I'm still the only pegasus in Equestria that can do a Sonic Rainboom. But you started flying around eleven years ago, and look how far you've come!" the cyan pegasus congratulated Scootaloo.

The orange pegasus knew she had to get to her farewells eventually, and, as a mare of extreme action, much like her idol, decided that the time to get this challenge over with was now. "Hey, Rainbow Dash, stay safe down there. This town wouldn't be the same without you," Scootaloo finally said. "And kick some gazelle butt down there while you're at it," she added.

Rainbow smiled. They never really were the ones for sentimental moments. Well, more so on the younger one's side, but still. "Sure thing, Scoots. Hey- take care of the awesomeness department up here in Ponyville while I'm gone, 'kay?"

"Awesome!"

"Alright, come 'ere and give me a hug," Rainbow said as she motioned towards herself. "Take care of my house and Tank while I'm gone."

Once they finished holding each other, Scootaloo gave a nod to the last proposal and said her goodbye, then leapt off of the cloud residence. Left alone with herself, Rainbow Dash walked into her cloud house to look for any small possessions she might want to take along. After a couple minutes of searching, she settled on the usual luggage- a few pictures, and, oddly, a small bottle filled with liquid rainbow, just to keep a little bit of home with her. Rainbow tied on her saddlebags, then took to the air.

After flying a small distance, Rainbow hovered in place to look at her home once more. It would be a while until she saw it again, if ever. She turned and flew in the direction of the library, maintaining her usual high flight speed. Rainbow remembered what Scootaloo requested of her while in the jungle, and decided keep a bright outlook on the future.

"I'll make sure those gazelles won't know what hit 'em."

==+==

Sugarcube Corner

Pinkie Pie had a lot of things to wrap up on her end. She had to say goodbye to the four ponies she shared the household with. Luckily, she already held a going-away-to-war party for herself and her friends. So all that was left to do was her packing and personal goodbyes.

Pinkie already decided on the valuables to bring along. The mare still needed to think of a way to somehow smuggle her Party Cannon down to Vietnam. As much as she'd like to bring other party supplies, however, as the reigning master of that profession, she knew that she would be able to improvise and do without them. After packing a few more items, she headed downstairs to the living room.

Waiting patiently for Pinkie were two earth ponies, a pegasus, and a unicorn; the Cake family. Still, nopony in the room could deny that Pinkie was just as much of a family member as any other one of them. She had, in fact, lived at Sugarcube Corner longer than the two youngest ponies in the room. Through the many years Pinkie lived there, she watched Pumpkin and Pound Cake grow, and were now in their teenage years.

"Well, Pinkie, I guess this is goodbye for now," Mr. Cake said.

"You've been the best employee we could've ever asked for," Mrs. Cake added.

"Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, this has been the best place to work ever! I'm gonna miss the cupcakes and sweets and cookies and so much more! But I'm going to miss you four the most," Pinkie politely replied. "And you two especially!" she directed towards Pumpkin and Pound."

"Do you really have to go Aunt Pinkie?" Pumpkin Cake asked, even knowing that it was rhetorical.

Pinkie replied with a simplified explanation. "Well, you remember how Princess Luna started asking ponies to join the army?"

The two young ponies nodded.

"Well I got one of those letters too. And Rainbow Dash and Applejack and the others did too. And when Twilight found out, she and Spike signed up to come with us."

"Pinkie, please know that when you come back, we'll give your job back straight to you. You've been too good to us," Mrs. Cake decreed.

"Sugarcube Corner never would've been as successful without you," Mr. Cake agreed.

"Well since I can't stay here at Sugarcube Corner, I'll just have to bring a little bit of Sugarcube Corner with me," Pinkie exclaimed. "I'm sure they have some sort of way to bake some cakes down in Vietnam..."

"That's the spirit, Pinkie," Mr. Cake said, "I'm sure they'll love some of your best baking down there every now and then. And don't forget to throw your parties either."

"This party pony would never dare to forget to throw parties!" Pinkie Pie gave a grin, then scrunched her face. She lifted one of her forelegs and reached into her mane. "Gummy!" She exclaimed as she pulled the toothless reptile out, "I already told you, you can't come with me!" Pinkie then looked over to the two teenage Cakes and trotted over to them. "Pumpkin, Pound, can you take care of Gummy while I'm gone?"

"Sure thing, Aunt Pinkie," Pound told her while being given the pet reptile.

"Yeah, anything for the greatest aunt in Equestria," Pumpkin said.

"Pinkie, please stay safe," Mrs. Cake spoke. Mr. Cake had a look that expressed the same thing.

Pinkie answered with a small smile and a nod. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. I Pinkie Promise to come back in one piece and alive. Goodbye Pumpkin, goodbye Pound. Goodbye Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Good luck with the bakery!"

After speaking her last promises, she turned to leave out the door. She passed the glass counter, displaying confectionaries for ponies to buy, hungry or not. Tables placed around for gatherings of all sort. She exited Sugarcube Corner's door, and looked back at the lively gingerbread house-themed bakery. The appetizing appearance alone could bring a pony back from the dead, Pinkie thought. But hopefully it won't have to. She quickly pushed away all depressing thoughts and turned towards the library. Pinkie wanted to keep optimistic ideals for the future.

"I wonder if military-grade explosives make good fireworks..."

==+==

Outskirts of Ponyville

Fluttershy was up in her room. The cottage was not only a home to the many animals she took care of, but now also the residence of a happy family. She had met a nice stallion nine years ago, and soon pieces started falling into place, until they were wed. It was a wedding as joyous as the Royal Wedding of Twilight's brother a few years prior. Fluttershy obviously had a nice amount of photos to root through, and time was not on her side.

"Hey there, honey," she heard a stallion call her from the door frame. She turned to see a dark blue pegasus trot up next to her. He was the one. The one that was able to nudge her out of her timid self, and live with her in the quiet outskirts of Ponyville.

"Hi Feather Breeze. How are you?" Fluttershy asked her husband.

"How am I?" Feather Breeze asked as he nuzzled up to the mare. "I should be asking how are you." He took a look at the trunk of prized possessions, then over to the saddlebags. "Need any help packing?"

"Oh, well, no. I'm not really going to be bringing much with me. Not that I can, anyway," Fluttershy replied.

"Hmm," Feather hummed in thought. He took a look at the contents of the saddlebag, noticing... nothing. It was still empty. "You haven't packed anything yet."

Fluttershy burst into tears. "I don't want to go! What if I get hurt, or worse? What will you and our fillies do? Why'd I have to get drafted..."

Feather held his wife in a loving embrace, and tilted her eyes to face his. "Look, I'm having a hard time dealing with this, too. But please stay strong for us. Now you get to help the stallions and mares who really need a motherly figure down there. You're so kind, and they need some of that," he comforted the trembling pegasus.

He let go of Fluttershy, and trotted over to their dresser. He scanned over the items on top, before picking up a certain picture frame. "Here, take this with you," he said as he gave the frame in the yellow pegasus's shaking hooves.

Fluttershy wiped her tears, then looked down at the picture. It showed four winged ponies- her family. They stood on the sides, bordering a baby colt and filly. They were all in a pose depicting a brighter time, just before the war started.

"Hey, if it makes you feel better, my older brother's still writing back, right? He's still alive, and he's got one of the dangerous jobs. You'll be fine, Fluttershy. Can you trust me one this?"

Her expression lightened, and gestured her understanding.

"Good. Now are you sure you won't stay for the night?"

"No, sorry, I promised my friend we'd go to her and stay the night there, then go to the train station in the morning. Besides, I think we woke the little ones last night."

Feather Breeze smirked. "Okay then, I know how important your friends are to you. Look at me- I'm lucky to marry one of the Elements themselves! Well, then there's not much left to do here. Let's just get you ready to go." They spoke no words after that, until they finished filling the saddlebag. The two headed downstairs, where the two baby ponies awaited, as well as the assortment of animals Fluttershy had housed for many years.

"Feather, are you sure you can take care of the kids and all the animals by yourself?"

"Come on, Flutters, what else can I do?" he replied in a confident manner. "Relax, we'll all be fine. I can take care of business around here while you're absent. We already figured out even before we got married that your animals love me just as much they do to you."

Fluttershy smiled. That was, in fact, one reason she grew a liking to this stallion. His heart for the critters was just as large as her own. Animals flocked to him with the same magnetism his wife had.

"And if you're worried about Angel being pushy, well, you remember what changed when I started living here," Feather Breeze stated. It was true- that bunny's attitude around him was always one of respect, probably because Angel finally found a pony to relate with. Poker nights didn't hurt, either.

"Okay... well, I guess this is it." The mare turned to her two younglings. "Mommy's going to be gone for a while, okay? But don't you worry, because I know Daddy's going to take care of you while I'm gone."

"Where are you going, Mommy?" one asked.

"I have to go on an important trip for the Princesses. They... asked me to help ponies that are hurt," she simply explained.

"When are you coming back?"

The question hit the pegasus hard. It wasn't an assured fact that she even would. "I'll be back soon, don't you worry."

The two young pegasi looked content, and so she left them be.

Fluttershy and Feather Breeze started towards the front door. They faced each other and locked lips, before the yellow pegasus took her leave, speaking no words throughout the experience.

Though even after all those years, Fluttershy had always preferred to travel with her hooves on the ground instead of wingpower. Her steps were quiet, the clops of contact with the ground were silent, like the personality of their owner.

Her eyes trailed back to observe the landscape. The Everfree wasn't that far off. Closer to her was the small, quaint cottage she had owned for years. Scattered around were various cages, pens, and perches for the numerous animals. Also, the landscaping job hadn't even deteriorated over time; it still held the same welcoming air. Fluttershy hoped that she, too, would experience that when she returned. She continued on her way towards the town.

"Oh... I think I'll need a medic for myself when this is over."

==+==

Ponyville Public Library

The treehouse was filled with the sound of hooves and claws alike scuffling across the floor. Three hours ago, the book meeting called on short notice was called to an end, resulting in the vice president being promoted as the manager of the library, starting the next day. The ponies of the club were saddened to see their president have to leave for military duty, but supported her and Spike as much as they could.

The unicorn went over her checklist, as was tradition. She had already sent letters to her parents and Shining Armor and Cadence, as well as received their respective replies. The library management had been taken care of. Spike was coming along, so she didn't have to figure out what to do with him. All that was left was to find some possessions she'd like to take.

Twilight was up in her room, finding all sorts of small belongings to carry with her. She was putting a few quills and ink bottles in her bags when Spike belched out two letters. They were responses to earlier correspondences sent by the unicorn in the previous hour.

"Hey Twilight, the Princesses sent back their answers to your earlier letters," Spike called from the door frame.

Twilight expressed her gratitude as she took the parchments in her magical grasp, and brought them over to read. She opened the first seal, emblazoned with the icon of a sun.

My Dearest Twilight Sparkle,

The news of your deployment beside your friends bears heavy weight to my heart. I wish there was something I could do, but, alas, the only thing that can be done by me now is to maintain the state of Equestria, so that when you and your friends return, you will return to a home that is as you remember, or better.

As for when you are on duty, I leave you in the protection of Luna. She has always been the better one at taking the necessary actions, and has earned the title of Commander-in-Chief. She is the one that coordinates with the War Ministry, and by that, I relinquish your fate over to her.

Goodbye, Twilight, and I await the safe return of you and your friends.

Princess Celestia

It was clear by the smudges of ink near the signature that the sun princess went though great efforts to write the message. Twilight placed it in her saddlebag, then opened the other letter, this one with the motif of a moon.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

It is I, Princess Luna. I have heard of the news about my sister's student, and what has become of you and your friends. She is stricken with grief, and has refused the company of others, preferring to lock herself in her room.

I have never felt as much pain about the war until now. I have not forgotten what you and the other Elements had done for me fifteen years ago, and the other measures you and the others had taken to help society accept me back. Therefore, as Commander-in-Chief of the Equestrian Armed Forces and head of the War Ministry, I will do everything in my power to repay those favors, by assisting the Ministry to bring the Vietnam operation to a swift, victorious closure. You have my word.

Regent of the Night,

Princess Luna

Twilight rolled up the letter from Luna neatly, and snuggled it next to the letter from Celestia in her saddlebag. She considered Luna's letter as an official statement ensuring their safety down in Gazelland-Vietnam, and felt her worries slightly lighten for the time being.

This was her last night in the library. Her home of knowledge, carved into a living tree. She was going to miss her long studies past midnight. The nights observing Luna's night through her special balcony. The treehouse had served her well during her time in Ponyville. She looked at the doorway leading downstairs. She sighed, and asked a question directed to no one in particular.

"Either nopony or everypony, right?"

==+==

Once she and Spike finished packing, they descended to the first floor. Without warning, a blue blur rushed passed them, landing in an adjacent shelf of books.

"Oh! Hey Twilight! Well, I'm here now. And whoever you promoted to take your job, I hope they oil that window. It's getting a bit rusty," Rainbow said as she stood from the pile of spilled books.

"Rainbow..." Twilight decided not to finish that sentence, instead just leaving the antics let be. It was their last time there, and she might as well enjoy every moment.

Within the next hour, the rest of the ponies arrived. They talked through the night, discussing their past memories to their heart's content. Each of them knew, that when they walked out the front door of the library the following morning, they were closing the door on their old lives.

==+==

Ponyville Train Station

June 19, 1015 A.B.

8:00 AM

Today was the day. The day they leave Ponyville and might never come back to see their homes and their family. And they did so by obligation.

The group of six mares, one stallion, and one dragon made their way to the train station early that morning. The train they would board would take them directly to the training camp, then, once basic combat training was done, be taken by airship down to Gazelland-Vietnam.

Twilight was naturally deep in thought. Not even the bitterness of the predicament they were in could rouse her from her own private room in her mind. She thought back to the letter from Princess Celestia. About how the Elements of Harmony no longer needed to be held in a stand-by state in the town of Ponyville.

Also, friendship reports were no longer an issue. They were sent on rare occasions in the recent years, for the amount of time Twilight had held her friendships was long enough to encompass most of the possible lessons. Perhaps the front lines would give her inspiration for new letters.

So what did they mean to Equestria? They were residents of Ponyville that stole newspaper front pages a couple times. What were they to Ponyville? Normal, average ponies that had jobs around the town as a living, and participated in public events and celebrations. Especially those of Pinkie Pie's.

They were also the ponies that solved the strange and unusual problems that plagued the town. Some of which were even caused by one or more of the six mares. But seven or so years ago, the little dot on the map in the shadow of Canterlot stabilized. It truly became a place where one could really settle down and not have to worry about their home or lives getting destroyed by some random evil that would be vanquished in the matter of a couple hours, and days at most. So were they able to be shoveled into the same pile of expendable citizens as many other Equestrians?

"Alright ponies! Get your identification out and we'll check you against the list," a stationmaster called, yanking Twilight out of her mental sanctuary. She was so entrapped in her thoughts that she didn't notice the station fill up with other Ponyville recruits. She recognized a few ponies in the crowd, one being Vinyl Scratch herself, in the flesh. She looked like most others in the throng of ponies, carrying a saddlebag with a few possessions, and wearing her distinctive purple sunglasses. I guess she didn't quite get high enough with her celebrity status to escape being drafted, Twilight thought.

"No waiting in line for the ticket booth, courtesy of the Equestrian government!" the ponies heard an announcer say over the chatter. The group of mares, other company in tow, walked over to one of the pony officials. They handed the necessary paperwork, and were allowed through.

"Well, fillies and gents, enjoy the train ride as best you can. It's one of the few rare times your train fare is going to be paid for by the Equestrian government. Good luck out there, hope you return safely," the pony told them. They nodded their thanks, and boarded the train. It was going to be a long ride, and a long month.

[C]-Official Notice of Cancellation

All Types of Rain

Official Notice of Termination

I feel a bit bad about posting a chapter when it's just an announcement of cancellation. So, that's why I'm doing it at 1:30 AM where I am. Dead of the night. That way, most people won't even have to see this in the update box.

(EDIT: And the Feature Box, apparently)

Submission will be revoked within a week of this message. I am wiping myself clean of this story.

I've said I was going to continue this story. Yet I haven't touched it in months. I really did like this story though, so instead of quietly leaving it collecting dust, I will officially declare it cancelled through this chapter.