Chapters Chapter 2-Welcome to Manhattan
As the helicopter set itself down, Twilight was helped out by Nick and Adam. Twilight looked up to see a large columned building, with several protrusions. There was a large blue entrance marked with "JTF" extending down a large set of stairs. As Nicks team, Adam, and Twilight entered, they were sprayed with a fine mist. Twilight walked in and gasped. The inside was bustling with people. JTF units tended stalls like merchants at a market. Twilight saw three distinct wings, marked with "Security", "Tech", or "Medical". As Nick and his team opened a crate, Twilight could see it was full of bullets and magazines. Before she knew it, Paul was standing next to her.
"Let's get you two to Doc Kandel. You probably need it." he said, taking Adam and Twilight over to the Medical Wing. Twilight sighed as she saw the inside. It looked like a miniaturized hospital. Twilight could see several rooms of varying kinds.
A quarantine.
What looked like an intensive care unit.
A clinic.
A pharmacy.
An alcove stocked with yellow jumpsuits and masks.
A laboratory of some sort.
An area marked "Decontamination".
And a area where several children were taking medicine.
"Doc Kandel! Got some patients for ya!" Nick said, and a brown-haired human came out from the lab, wearing hospital scrubs stained with what Twilight assumed as blood. She had a kind but worn face.
"Yo, Agent. I'm 65%with the vaccine. I sent word out to all the safe-houses in Manhattan. They said we're goddamn miracle workers." she said, laughing. "Right now? I don't doubt it."
"Only sixty-five percent?" Nick asked.
"It takes a while to weaken or convert the Green Poison to a nonlethal form. So, I'm working as fast as I can." Kandel replied. "Hey. Go have a seat. I'll get to you two in a sec."
As Twilight and Adam sat down, Adam pulled over a JTF officer.
"Hey, has anyone made it here in the last two months?"
"Quite a few. Mostly women and kids, though. Three guys. One's in the tech wing, one's in the Quarantine, and the last one's helping out with the food." the officer replied.
"Thanks. Where's all the food at? I think the last guy is a pal of mine."
"Upstairs on the left. Have a nice day." the officer replied, before walking off.
Adam smiled and sat down.
"So, is your friend here?" Twilight asked.
"I think so." Adam said.
"Okay, let's get started."
Twilight looked to see Doctor Kandel walk over with a clipboard. As the two of them conversed about personal info, Twilight's answers just seemed to be coming from nowhere.
"Okay, miss Twilight, that should be good. Mr. Barry, you're next."
As Adam and Kandel talked, Twilight fell back onto the bed, and she sighed. As she mused, she thought about what happened that made her come here.
"Twilight?" Adam asked.
Twilight looked to see Adam getting up.
"Wanna grab something to eat?"
"Sure."
As they walked out and up a flight of stairs, Twilight walked into a small cafeteria, if you could call it that. It consisted of a few microwaves, a set of hot plates, a few pop-up tables and folding chairs, and around seven crates of food that people were using as tables.
"Adam!"
"Jerry, man!"
Twilight turned to see Adam embracing a man of about the same age, with dusty blonde hair and glasses.
"What happened? When I lost contact with you..."
"Goddamn radio broke. I made it though." Jeremy said. "Here, let's get you all some grub."
As Twilight and the two of them sat down, Jeremy microwaved some food for them. As they ate, Twilight felt at home. Then, she saw a brown and black tabby cat brush up against her.
"What's with the cat?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, you mean Horace? He just showed up here one day." Jeremy said. "We don't mind him."
"Why'd you keep him?" Twilight asked,
"Well, he keeps the rats in check, he's really lovable, and he's friends with everyone. He's basically out unofficial mascot. Even the K9 unit dogs don't mind him." Jeremy said.
"I see. He is rather cute." Twilight said, stroking him, and he purred.
"Yeah. I should tell you about the time he caught a rat nearly a foot long." Jeremy said.
"A foot long rat?" Twilight asked, slightly shocked.
"Yeah. That damn rat was getting into our garbage and being a real pain, and two days after Horace showed up, we find him strutting in one day, with a huge rat in his mouth." Jeremy said, and they laughed.
"That sounds like it was funny." Twilight said.
"It was. The JTF call him the JTFeline. Get it?" Jeremy said, and they laughed again.
"Yeah." Twilight said, scratching Horace behind the ears, which he seemed to be enjoying. As the conversation went on, Twilight noticed the sun was going down, and off in the distance, she could see a large wall.
"What's with the wall?" she asked no one.
"That's the Dark Zone."
Twilight turned to see Nick walk up with his team.
"Dark Zone?"
"That's where the virus hit the hardest. There? Its every man for himself. It's chock-loaded with good gear the first wave left behind, but it's full of looters and rogue agents. By the way, our commander, Faye Lau, wants to see you." Nick said.
"I'm going with. I can help with explaining." Adam said, standing up.
"Fine. We're going now." Nick said, and as they walked out, Twilight managed one last glimpse of the Dark Zone Wall before she was led into the security wing. She was led to a woman with a bandage over her eyes, and she was walking with a limp. She was currently talking to a man wearing a police badge.
"Lau? You asked?" Nick said.
"Yep. Agents, stay here. Miss Twilight? We need to speak." Faye said.
"What did I do?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing. It's we're curious, that's all. About a few things." She said. "Have a seat."
Twilight sat down, and sighed.
"Where do we start?"
Faye smiled.
"Where do you come from? Really?"
Twilight sighed and admitted the truth.
Author's Note
Chapter!
Yep, the JTF now knows. And there's explanations coming in the next chapter.
Have a nice day.
Chapter 3-The Joint Task Force
The more Twilight explained herself, Faye Lau became more and more interested. After about forty-five minutes of talking, and with a small break for a magic demonstration (Involving a coffee cup and a 9mm pistol) she sighed.
"That's pretty much it." Twilight said.
"So, this...mirror portal...when you tried to enter it, thinking you were going to a equine/human combo high school, you ended up here?" Nick asked.
"Yeah." Twilight replied.
"And where you're from, you are also royalty?" Harper asked, shocked.
"Yeah, that too." Twilight said.
"Well, Miss, I think It would be best if you stayed with us for the moment. Ever since the Clear Sky incursion, we've had trouble getting supply flights out of Manhattan. So, if you want to stay safe, you should stay here." Captain Benitez said.
"Fine." Twilight said.
"Wait, Lau? Not to screw this whole thing up, but people are gonna find out sooner or later. The best place for her isn't here." Nick said.
"What's better than the safest place in Manhattan?" Adam asked.
"On my squad." Nick said.
"Wait! I mean, I've never shot anyone, I can't even shoot a gun straight..." Twilight said hastily.
"First time for everything." Nick said. "Listen. We can't keep you cooped up here, we're already low on supplies as is. I don't think we have the kind of tech needed to build an inter-dimensional portal. And from what I've heard from you, your magic doesn't always work when you need it. So, in my opinion, if she wants to stay, she needs to do what's she's capable of to help." Nick said.
"I have to agree, Lau. I mean, we need all the help we can get!" Logan said, and Dimitri and Harper nodded.
"Miss Twilight, do you agree to this?"
Twilight sighed.
"I guess I have no other choice. Fine. I accept." Twilight said, standing up.
"Then welcome, Agent." Lau said, shaking Twilight's hand. "Let's get you kitted up."
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"If she's going to be in the SHD, she really needs to get the basics down." Nick said. Twilight continued to fire at the targets, missing more than she hit. She emptied the magazine, and reloaded rather slowly.
"Twilight..." Nick said. "You can't take your time when reloading. By the time you've finished, you're going to be dead. It'll become instinct when you really learn how to do it. For now, reload and keep shooting."
"Alright..." Twilight said, still unsure of her performance. After fifteen minutes, she had managed to drop a few targets, but she was still rusty. Upon reaching the forty-five minute mark, she set her rifle down, along with her head. Nick walked over and crouched next to her.
"Listen, Twilight. We need to keep going. Trust me, I wasn't as good of a shot as I am now. My firearms training when I arrived in New York was shooting a couple of bottles. I didn't have this luxury when I first got here. Take advantage of it. So, shall we?"
Twilight groaned, stood up, and loaded her M4 once more. She fired a few more bursts, and after twenty minutes, she seemed to be more comfortable holding and shooting the rifle.
"Good enough." Nick said as Twilight set down her rifle, after managing to down all the targets in less than two minutes. "Let's get you some proper clothing."
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"You look good, Agent." She said, and Twilight blushed.
"Yeah. Not exactly my style, but It'll suit."
"Until you get better gear, that is." Harper said.
"What do you mean by that? " Twilight asked.
"Often, Agents will appropriate weapons and gear from fallen foes for personal use or repairs to current gear. You know that Jacket Nick wears? He got that off a Looter in a clothing store." Harper said.
"You steal from dead humans?" Twilight asked, shocked.
"Scavenge, more like. Often, we have to so we can repair or donate old gear to folks who need it." Harper said. "Warm clothing, like pretty much everything else, is in short supply here. Anyway, let's get you some actual firepower."
As they walked through the base towards the Armory, Twilight sighed.
"What's wrong?" Harper asked.
"Just thinking of my friends back home." Twilight said.
"They'll be fine." Harper said. As they entered the armory, the rest of Nick's team was waiting.
"Here. Got these for you." Nick said, holding out a M9 Sidearm, which Twilight holstered.
"Beretta M9FS. Standard JTF sidearm. 9MM rounds, use this up close." Nick said, and he then handed her a MP5, which Twilight shouldered.
"MP5 SMG. Same caliber as the sidearm. Fires faster and hits harder. Easily modifiable." Nick said. At that moment, Lau walked in.
"You kitted, Agent?" She asked Twilight, who nodded.
"Great. Rookie, got a new mission for you. We've got a new nest of Cleaners camped in the NY Boardwalk, and they're getting at our supply shipments straight from Brooklyn. Get in there and cut off the flow." Lau said.
"Copy that. Sierra-Kilo! Let's get a move on!" Nick said. As the team walked out, it began to snow lightly in the sky.
Author's Note
Sorry for the lack of updates.
Next chapter-The Sea Cleaners.
EDIT-5-10-17-Added the firearms training scene.
As the squad walked through the desolate street of New York, Twilight looked over at Nick, whose face was stern and straight. Twilight sighed and forced her eyes to look forward, and she still shuddered at the sight of the ruined streets.
"Agent, you okay?"
Twilight looked over at Nick, who hadn't even turned away from looking ahead towards the front.
"I'm fine. But...Nick? How is all this not affecting you? How are you so used to this?" Twilight asked.
"It is affecting me." Nick said. "I don't let it show. That's the mark of a good agent. They don't let their emotions get the better of them. From what I've heard, "Equestria" sounds goddam near paradise from what you've said. Makes this hellhole look pretty much what it is."
"What is it, then?" Twilight asked, unsure about whether she would like the answer.
"A godforsaken hell on earth." Nick replied.
Twilight sighed and continued to walk with her squad towards the boardwalk. As they walked, Twilight again mustered her courage to ask Nick a second question.
"Nick, do you...enjoy killing?" Twilight asked.
"No." was the answer.
"Then why do you kill?" Twilight said.
"It's complicated. Humans have killed ever since we existed. Even without the Green Poison around, we've fought wars and millions of humans have died in said wars. But we persevere. We keep fighting the war till the war's won. We don't take bended knee to anyone, or anything. Why? Because when you kill, you learn what it means to be human." Nick said. "At least, that's how I see it."
"I see." Twilight said. "How long have you been an agent?"
"One year, three months, twelve days." Nick said.
"You keep track of that?" Twilight asked.
"It helps." Nick replied. "I was a ex-Army Ranger when I was contacted to join the Division. WHen the Green Poison erupted, I was kept on hold to bolster the reserve Agents. That decision saved my fucking life. Wanna know why? The whole first wave of JTF responders are all MIA or KIA."
"What's that mean?"
"Wounded, or Killed, in action." Nick said. "Believe me, the second wave wasn't as better off until we eliminated the head of the Cleaners and Rikers. Then, we could focus on the LMB, and now, New York is making a slow, but eventual, comeback. Honestly, if there's one thing I regret, it's not joining the Division sooner."
"I guess." Twilight said.
"Since we're on the topic, does your government have a real military?"
"Not really. There is the Royal Guard, but the main thing they do is protect the Princesses."
"And you?"
"Not really. I have been overloaded with requests for guard positions, mostly from the nobles, but really, I don't think I need one." Twilight said.
"That's a bad idea." Harper said.
"Why's that?"
"My father was in the U.S. Secret Service, the organization that protects the President of the United States. He retired a while ago, but before the Secret Service was around, Presidents were often attacked by assassins, and some were even killed. Lincoln, Mckinley, to name a few. Even when they WERE around, they knew that if they fucked up in any way, shape, or form, they could lose the president. Having someone protect you isn't a bad thing, if anything, it's a good thing." Harper replied.
"I see. I might look at a few of those requests when I get home." Twilight said.
"Team, get ready. Boardwalk in five minutes." Nick said. As the team drew weapons, they walked down a small street, and after five minutes, they arrived at the Boardwalk, now a changed place. Instead of carnival booths, there were stockpiles of weapons and napalm tanks. Nick pulled out a pair of binoculars and scanned the area.
"How many scorchers are there?" Dmitri asked.
"At least thirty. Most on the dock, unloading supplies." Nick said. "Team, here's the strat. Once we head in, we head in hard and fast. Leave none standing. Watch out for those flamethrowers. One gets you in its sights, you are toast." Nick said.
As the team set up positions near the start of the boardwalk, Nick made a small motion with his hand, and the team advanced, careful not to draw the attention of the Cleaners, who were growing steadily closer as the team advanced. Then, Nick placed his ACR on a crate and began firing. As the Cleaners responded, Twilight immediately realized something.
This was it. No way to go but fight.
Twilight growled and began to fire.
Twilight switched off the safety on her MP5 and pulled the trigger, sending a spray of bullets towards a squad of Cleaners. She fired a few more times, and on the next trigger pull, she heard "Click!" instead of "Bang!"
"Cover me!" She cried, dropping to one knee to reload. Then, she heard a roar of fury, and a cleaner jumped over the barrier and readied his flamethrower. Twilight drew her pistol and aimed for the head. Closing her eyes, she pulled the trigger three times. Twilight then opened her eyes a few seconds later, revealing the Cleaner falling over backwards, dead. Twilight then realized what she just did.
"I...killed…" She said to herself, zoning out of her environment.
"Agent! Eyes up!" Harper yelled, as she lay down suppressing fire. Logan noticed her shaking, shivering form and sprinted over.
"Agent? You okay?" Logan asked.
"I...killed..." Twilight said, stammering.
"Listen, Agent." Logan said, pulling her close. "I understand what you're going through. From what I've heard, you're from a place where killing isn't common. Here, it is. You need to focus on the HERE and NOW, otherwise you'll end up dead, and we don't want to have to send you home in a body bag. So, focus! If you can't, think of it this way: If you die here, what'll that show to your friends back home? You can cower like a child, or fight like a man. So will you back down, or will you fight?"
Twilight grimaced and focused her thoughts.
"He's right. If I back down, I'll die here. I need to kill...to survive and head home. I can DO THIS!" SHe said to herself.
"Agent!" Logan said. "Incoming!"
Twilight snapped herself back into reality and reloaded her MP5, though her hands were still shaking from shock. She sighed and opened fire again, shooting down a second Cleaner. Then, they heard an engine revving up, and Twilight saw a boat drive towards the dock, loaded with reinforcements.
"Heads up!" Twilight yelled as the Cleaners opened fire from their position, pinning down the Agents.
"Shit! Technicals!" Dimitri yelled, firing his M240B back at the Cleaners. "Nick! Grenades?"
"Out of range!" Nick replied, ducking behind cover.
"I got it!" Twilight yelled, charging a beam of magic. Sending the bolt towards the boat, it hit right square on the engine. As the boat exploded, the Cleaners opened fire again. One of them fired right on Harper's piece of cover, and it penetrated, hitting her in the thigh.
"Shit!" Harper yelled, clutching her leg. "I'm hit!"
"On it!" Twilight yelled, sprinting out of cover and into the line of fire. As bullets flew past her, some barely missing, her only thought was helping her fellow agent. As she slid into cover, she hastily applied healing magic.
"Thanks. Get back in there!" Harper said, opening fire again. Twilight nodded and resumed fire, taking out an additional Cleaner. Then, they heard the sound of a truck driving up. Then, a pickup truck smashed through the barricade and Cleaners began pouring out, firing bolts of flame.
"Reinforcements! ISAC! Status?" Nick yelled.
"Thermal tags show thirty additional hostiles. JTF support recommended." ISAC replied.
"Confirmed." Nick said, returning fire. "And denied."
"Nick! At this rate, we'll be overrun in no time!" Logan yelled, shooting down a Cleaner.
"Copy that! Agents! Hold your ground!" Nick replied. Then, they heard a loud shriek, and a projectile slammed into a building off the boardwalk, erupting in a large fireball.
"RPG!" Nick yelled, taking cover. Twilight heeded his advice as a second rocket slammed into a boat, causing a large explosion.
"Comrades! We're fucked if we don't take out that RPG!" Dmitri yelled.
"On it!" Twilight yelled, moving up to a secondary piece of cover. Flanking the Cleaners, she hastily moved up the stairs to the RPG nest. Taking out her pistol, she shot the RPG-manning Cleaner down, and picked up the large rocket launcher.
"Guys! RPG is down!" Twilight yelled over the comms.
"Copy that! Give em' a taste of their own medicine!" Logan replied.Twilight smiled, aimed the hefty weapon, and pulled the trigger. A rocket slammed into the dock, causing a ripple explosion that sent wood and metal shrapnel flying. Twilight sped back down the stairs, shooting down a cleaner that tried to stop her, and rejoined her squad. As the last of the Cleaners fled or died, Nick stood up and applied the safety on his ACR.
"Nice work, Agent. I have a feeling the Cleaners won't be using this place anytime soon." he said to Twilight, who smiled.
"Division squad Sierra-Kilo this is Troubadour 1-4. Need a ride?" a voice said over the comms.
"We do, Troubadour 1-4. Location is NY Boardwalk. What's your ETA?" Nick replied.
'"Five minutes!" Came the reply.
"We copy." Nick said.
"Copy confirmed, have a nice day. Troubadour 1-4 out."
"Alright squad, see what you can find." Nick said, and the squad began to poke around. Twilight looked around for a bit, then she stumbled across a duffel bag in the Cleaner's HQ. She found a worn blue jacket, and surprisingly, a new rifle. Twilight shouldered it and walked out.
"Nice find. That M16 should be a considerable upgrade to your MP5." Logan said, and Twilight nodded. Then, they heard the sound of an oncoming Helicopter. A Blackhawk landed near the dock, and a JTF squad filed out.
"Nice work, Agent. We'll take it from here." the JTF squad leader said, and Nick nodded. As the Squad boarded the Blackhawk, it took off into the darkening sky.
Author's Note
Update!
EDIT-Gave Twilight more of a conscience.
As Troubador 1-4 set down in the Post Office courtyard, flashbacks of the assault on the boardwalk replayed themselves over and over in Twilight's head. The three pulls of the trigger that changed her life forever. The Cleaner falling over backwards, dead before he hit the floor.
"Agent...Twilight? You okay?" Harper asked as they disembarked.
"I'm not...I killed, Harper. I can't get over it. I just can't." Twilight said.
"I see." Harper said. "We can talk later. Right now, we need to Three-R right now."
"Three-R?" Twilight asked.
"Report, Restock, Recover." Harper said. "Standard protocol for Division agents returning from an op. Report your mission status, restock your ammo, recover your senses for the next battle."
"I see." Twilight said. As they walked inside, Faye Lau greeted them with a smile.
"Good work, Agents. That boardwalk was a pain in my ass recently. Now? I can focus on other shit that needs attention. How's our guest holding up?"
"She's shaken up, but fine." Nick said.
"Good. Get her some new gear. You've earned it." Lau said. Twilight sighed and thanked her.
"No problem, Miss. Now that you're around level three, you should work your way up to higher gear status."
"Level? This some kind of game to you?" Twilight asked.
"Not really. The Level Clearance system is how we keep tabs on our agent's well-being and field status. It's really just a shit-ton of complicated math, involving missions, kills, hours spent in field, and the like. It's just a security and safety precaution. ISAC usually handles it." Lau said. "Restock and get some rest."
"Fine. Let's go." Nick said. As the squad walked upstairs to the barracks, Twilight ran over her actions at the boardwalk in her head.
"I killed a human...I've never had to kill before...I mean, the Changelings and Tirek were bad, but they didn't deserve to die! These humans..the Rikers, Cleaners, LMB...are they really so lost, so evil that their members deserve to die? It doesn't make any sense to me...Well, go figure. I'm a pony and they're human. They've been dealing with this for longer than I have. From what I've heard, they've had to kill to survive. I could've stunned or incapacitated him! I didn't have to kill him!"
"Make yourself at home, Twilight. Feel free to find what you'll like, as the snacks we have here are better than the shit in the cafeteria." Harper said, and Twilight picked and collapsed on a bunk. She curled up and sighed.
"Twilight?" Harper asked.
"I'm...fine...." she replied, barely holding back tears.
"You're not "fine", Twilight." Harper said. "I can tell."
"Is it that noticeable?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah. When you're curled up in a ball, ready to have a breakdown, it's easily noticeable. Listen, I know what you're going through. Truth be told, when I had my first kill, I almost threw up in the middle of the street. To be honest, I still haven't gotten over all the people I've had to kill."
"What?" Twilight said, shocked. "Even you?"
"Me too." Nick said.
"Same." Logan replied.
"I as well." Dimitri said.
"But you're Division agents! Surely you…" Twilight said.
"Just because we're agents doesn't mean we're not human. Listen, Princess. I know you're scared, shocked, and pretty damn far from home. We are too. I left behind a pretty nice girl to come here. But I don't see killing as an exclusively bad thing. I think that if I get accept what I did, and move on, focus on one day at a time, I'll find some peace." Nick said. "That's the advice I gave everyone here. When you kill, you learn the significance of taking a life. But when all's said and done, I know this. When I come back here, and it's lights out, I pray to God to forgive me for all the sins I've done. And I wake up each new day knowing he has. That's how I cope."
"Nick…" Twilight said, starting to cry. Harper pulled her close and she let it go. Grimacing, she let the tears streak down her face. Harper's sympathetic smile remained, though a tear still flowed from her right eye. Soon, Twilight let go and slumped down into the bed.
"Agent...Twilight, get some good sleep. It'll do you well." Harper said. "If you need anything, we'll be right here."
Twilight nodded and pulled off her Kevlar vest and combat gear, leaving her in her shirt and pants. She slipped under the covers and soon, her eyes closed and she fell asleep. Nick sighed and stood up.
"Time for lights out, team. Let's get some shut-eye as well."
As the agents changed and headed to bed, the moon flashed light. As the agents slept, the form of Horace the cat appeared in the doorway. He purred, walked over to Twilight's bunk, slinked up next to her, curled up into a warm and furry ball, and fell asleep as well.
Author's Note
Update!
And yes, Twilight has a conscience.
Twilight's eyes flickered open. As she stood up, she noticed the rest of the squad was still sound asleep. She looked over at the figure of Horace sleeping next to her, and she smiled. She got up and changed into her Combat gear, all the while Horace watched her.
"Good cat." Twilight said, and Horace mewed, brushed up against her leg, and walked out. Twilight shook her head and sat down on the chair, and she looked outside, the sun rising over the desolate streets. She sighed, remembering how Celestia raises the sun. After ten minutes, the remainder of the squad woke up.
"Morning, comrade." Dimitri said.
"Morning, Dimitri." Twilight replied.
"Alright, Agents. Rise and shine." Nick said. "Faye wants us in the Command center ASAP."
"Why?"
"Dunno. She says it's important."
"Good enough for me." Harper replied, hoisting her backpack up. "Let's move."
"What about breakfast?" Twilight asked. Nick tossed her an energy bar.
"That's breakfast. Normal days, we would get something out of the snack bin, but normal left a long fucking time ago. Eat on the move."
As the squad walked out, with Twilight hastily eating the Energy bar, they passed the cafeteria, where Twilight waved to Adam and Jeremy. When they entered the Command Center, Captain Benitez and Faye Lau looked up.
"Agents, we have a serious problem. Last night, we received a report from a JTF squad that they had found a Riker safehouse."
"You want us to clear it out?" Twilight asked, and Faye shook her head.
"It was already cleared. Not by JTF, Cleaners, LMB, or Rikers. They found burn marks, similar to that of a flamethrower, but ISAC couldn't identify what it was. It wasn't Napalm-B."
"Meaning it wasn't the Cleaners." Dimitri said.
"Yeah. Problem is, they found this and brought it back." Benitez said, taking out something all too familiar to Twilight. A journal, emblazoned with a gold and red sun.
"Oh Celestia." Twilight said.
"What's wrong, Agent?" Lau asked.
"That journal, it belongs to a friend of mine. Her name's Sunset Shimmer. That journal is her way of contacting Equestria. She must have come here, looking for me. That's the only explanation!" Twilight said.
"Shit." Faye said. "If someone gets their hands on her…"
"Big trouble for us and New York. We've seen what you can do. That magic of yours, used as a weapon…" Benitez added.
"It could wipe out Manhattan in one fell sweep." Logan said.
"We need to find her!" Twilight said.
"We will. Notify all JTF squads available!" Benitez barked, and a Soldier sprinted out.
"Do you know where she could possibly be?" Faye asked.
"Knowing Sunset, she'll most likely wander around, try to find somewhere safe. Maybe the safehouses in each district?" Twilight said.
"We'll notify them as well. But all of them have Riker, LMB, Cleaner, or Looter presence. So, they could've gotten her and stashed her who-knows-where. That's an awful lot of searching to do." Faye said.
"Agreed. We need to narrow it down." Nick said. "Can you contact her?"
"I can try using telepathy magic, but ever since I arrived, my magic hasn't been as effective as it used to be."
"Probably the contamination from the Virus. See if you can do it." Faye said, and Twilight nodded.
"Here goes." Twilight said, and her eyes closed, and her hands began to glow. After three minutes, she opened her eyes.
"Got her. She said she didn't have much time. She says she's underground in a train station. She saw a large statue near it."
"Times Square. There's a small metro hub." Nick said.
"Get on it!" Benitez said. "I'll reroute two squads to support you. Troubadour 1-4's outside and waiting. Get her here now!"
"Yessir! Sierra Kilo! Let's go!" Nick said. As the squad rushed out, Faye smiled and turned to Benitez.
"Two squads?"
"Better safe than sorry." he replied.
"Let's better hope she's safe, or we'll be really sorry." Faye replied.
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As the helo set down in Times Square, the squad filed out to search the area. After a few minutes, with help from the two JTF squads that arrived halfway through, they managed to find the Metro entrance, sealed with a garage gate.
"Stack up!" Nick ordered. As the JTF took up positions, Logan slammed the OPEN button. As the grate slid upward, they entered.
"Watch your corners." Nick said as they walked along the tunnel.
"She's close. Follow me." Twilight said, and as the squad ventured further, they noticed the number of crates and full garbage bags was steadily growing.
"Some kind of HQ. Expect heavy resistance." Dimitri said. As they reached the hub, the JTF took up positions.
"Twilight, sitrep?" Nick asked.
"Sunset's inside. At least seven heavily armed targets. Sunset's in the back, in a security office….wait, company! Five more being brought into to the office...oh, no."
"What?" Nick asked.
"Those five are more of my friends! They got brought here too!" Twilight said.
"Get ready!" Nick said. "Breach on my mark!"
"Ready, sir." the lead JTF officer replied.
Nick counted down form three, and when his fingers went down, Twilight slammed the switch. As the grate slid upward, the JTF opened fire, drawing the attention of the hostiles.
"Fuck! Get 'em!" A hostile cried. Twilight saw they were clad like a mix of looter and Riker, only they all wore a yellow jacket, shirt, or wristband. As they opened fire, Twilight took cover inside a Rail Car. Nick swiftly followed. As soon as he reached cover, he pulled out a Sticky Launcher and aimed. He pulled the trigger, sending the round careening into a hostile. Nick smiled and pulled the detonator.
BOOM.
The explosion sent the man's body to the floor, and the other hostiles fled to cover. Dimitri loosed a Seeker Mine, which homed in and exploded, clearing two. Twilight unloaded her MP5 into an encroaching hostile. Then, the dull thunk of a bullet slammed into the steel of the car.
"Sniper!" Nick yelled, blind-firing his ACR.
"I'll get it!' Logan said. Aiming down the sights of his MK14, he acquired the head of his foe. One trigger pull, and the sniper fell.
"Hostile down!" Logan cried, whilst reloading.
"Cover me!" Twilight yelled as she broke for the security office. Sliding into cover, she drew her M16 and shot a second. As the last of the hostiles fled, Twilight shouldered her weapons.
"Nice job, agent." Nick said. "Let's get your friends out of here."
As Twilight opened the door to the security office, the faces of human Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Rarity, and Sunset, all covered with dirt and grime, looked back. Pinkie was the first to recognize Twilight, who was crushed by a hug.
"Hey, Pinkie." Twilight said.
"OHMYGOSHWETHOUGHTYOUWEREDEADANDALLTHAT!" Pinkie stammered, crying.
"I'm fine. Let's go."
"Wait, Twilight." Sunset said. She pulled Twilight aside.
"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.
"We were kidnapped, Twilight. I was in the library when I blacked out. The next thing I know, I'm here with these lunatics."
"Who kidnapped you? Do you know?"
"I do. It was Flash Sentry."
Author's Note
Yeah, Flash is a bad guy.
Chapter 8-Sliced Open Heart
As the group walked out of the metro station towards the plaza, Twilight ran over what she just heard in her head.
Flash Sentry...kidnapped my friends and Sunset? But that makes no sense! Why would he do something like that?
"Agent?"
Twilight turned to look over at Nick.
"We gotta go." He said, motioning to the landing Chinook helicopter. Twilight nodded and boarded. Her friends were initially reluctant to board, but with some encouragement from Twilight, they did. As they sat down, the helicopter rose into the air and took off towards the Post office.
"Twi?" Applejack spoke through the radio. "What exactly happened here?" She then motioned to the wall of the Dark Zone.
"Long story." Harper said. "Just know this. That big wall over there isn't for decoration."
"What is it for, then?" Pinkie asked.
"The land behind that wall is so contaminated, if you don't have a proper mask and filters, you'd drop dead in thirty seconds from exposure. That wall's there to keep things from going in and out. It's called the Dark Zone for a reason." Nick said.
"That sounds rather grim." Rarity said.
"Grim doesn't even begin to cover how bad it is behind that wall. Hell on earth might be more appropriate." Logan said.
The ponies flinched, except for Twilight.
"Twilight? Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm not okay, Fluttershy. I had to do things here I wish I never did in the first place."
"Like what?" Her friends asked.
"I had to kill. I have to kill, more like. When I arrived, they said the only way I could stay safe is to join The Division, which I did. I'm a level Four Agent, last time I checked. And yes, I do regret what I did."
"You had to kill?" Rainbow said, abhorred.
"That person didn't deserve to live. He was a Cleaner. He thought the only way to save New York was burn anyone and anything infected with the virus, or what they thought was infected. They're all killers, Rainbow. I simply got rid of someone who didn't deserve to live."
"But…" Rainbow said.
'Listen, Rainbow, was it?" Dimitri said.
"Yeah?"
"We've all killed. Hell, I've killed more people than I can count. To be perfectly honest, there are good people here, but most of them don't deserve to live in the first place. We kill because if we didn't, we wouldn't have a city left to save." Dimitri said.
"Post office in five!" yelled a pilot.
"Copy that." Nick said. "Listen up. We don't have enough supplies or kits to get you six into the Division, and let's be frank, seven extraterrestrials in the Division is too much. Word would get out."
The ponies nodded, seeing the point.
"I've already talked with Faye Lau and Captain Benitez, and they agreed to let you gals house up in the Post Office for the time being. But we need to lay down some ground work. One, you're not to tell ANYONE who you really are. Just say you're a student, and you'll be fine. Two, you'll need to help out any way you can. We're low on manpower at the moment, so any help is needed, not appreciated. Three? Since your current names will stand out, we've issued you IDs with human names in order to help you blend in. Use these names when in the presence of others. In private, or behind closed doors, you're good to use your own names. Four? Do what's asked of you. And if someone invokes "Directive 51" in ANY CASE WHATSOEVER you listen and do what's being asked. ALWAYS." Nick said. "It comes straight from the desk of the President of the United States. Five? Don't do anything to stand out. Standing out leads to attention. Attention leads to discoveries that shouldn't be discovered. Finally, Miss Pinkie?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm afraid we don't have enough supplies for the moment, so sorry, no parties. Even though it would be a great morale booster, we simply don't have the food or resources to throw one."
"Darn." she said.
"Don't be sad. I figured you must know how to cook, so I got you an assignment in the Kitchen, upstairs. See if you can find Pvt. Trevor Marks when we arrive. He's in charge of the food. He'll get you situated. Also, miss Fluttershy, the K9 unit dogs are combat trained, so don't try to pet them unless their handler is around. Horace is fine, though."
"Horace?" Sunset asked.
"The resident feline." Twilight said. "He's a teddy bear."
"That's nice." Fluttershy said.
"We're at the Post Office! Get ready!" A pilot yelled. As the Helo set down, Lau and Benitez were waiting for them outside.
"You're the guests?" Benitez asked.
"Yep." the all replied.
"I'm Roy Benitez. I lead the JTF here in Manhattan. That's Division Agent Faye Lau. Welcome to the Post Office."
"Thanks for having us." Sunset said.
'Wish it were under more formal conditions." Faye said. "We don't have much time, though. Inside."
As the squad walked inside, the ponies were initially nervous to go through the Filter, but when Twilight went through, they did so. As the ponies entered the post office, they gasped.
"It's like a small city in here." Rarity said.
"To be honest, It was a shithole when we first arrived. Now, it's an oasis in hell." Dimitri said. "Come, friends. Time for checkup."
"Checkup?" Rainbow asked.
'We need to get you all checked for the Green Poison. Don't worry, Doc Kandel's on it. She's gentle." Harper said. "It's standard precaution for civilians entering any JTF safe house."
"Alright." They replied.
"Good. Agent Twilight, take them over. Nick? Go see if the room next to yours is open. When you guys are done, wait in the medical wing. The JTF soldiers I've assigned to you should come and pick you up." Benitez said. "Get moving!"
As the squad headed upstairs, the ponies headed into the Medical Wing, where they were greeted by Kandel.
"So you're Twilight's guests?" she asked, and they nodded.
"Pleasure. Jessica Kandel. I head the medical staff here. Sit yourselves down. No need to get your personal info, I already received it from Agent Twilight. I'll get your IDs, then we can start."
As the ponies sat down, Sunset brought up Flash Sentry's betrayal.
"Yeah, it doesn't make sense. Last time they met, he was a Crystal Guard working for Twilight's brother. Why would he kidnap us?" Applejack asked.
"Dunno. I mean, shouldn't he be after Twilight? She's the princess." Rarity said.
"You're right. Maybe we were being used as bait or something." Rainbow replied.
"There's no need to toss around theories until we know the facts." Sunset said. "Let's just keep our heads down, and wait till we all get home to investigate further. Sound good?"
"Sounds good." Came the response. As Kandel walked over, she handed Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie a plastic ID card, emblazoned with "JTF Liaison"
'Lily." Fluttershy said. "I like it."
"Erin." Rarity said. "Nice."
"Jackie." Applejack said. "Suits me."
"Raye." Rainbow Dash. "Fitting."
"Diane." Pinkie said. "Hey, that's my middle name!"
"We chose names for you based on your current ones. So, I hope they work." Kandel said.
"They do." Sunset said. "They said we would be working around here."
"Yeah, that's pretty much expected. The JTF handle most duties around here, but civilians try to help if they can. To be honest, most JTF soldiers consider civilians a nuisance." Twilight said, walking in. "Let's go get you guys settled in."
As the girls headed upstairs, Twilight sighed and told her friends about her first few days in Manhattan. Meeting Adam, the Cleaner ambush, becoming an Agent, and clearing out the Boardwalk. By the time Twilight finished, they had arrived at the room next to the squads'.
"Here you are." Twilight said. It was simple, with three beds and three sleeping bags, a table, two chairs, and a few boxes. As the girls set themselves to tidying up, Sunset pulled Twilight over.
"I'm really worried about Flash." she said.
"I am too. The JTF has marked him as a high-value target. If anyone in the JTF finds him, they have to kill him. I'd rather bring him in to question him, but Benitez said it would be a really big risk bringing a hostile leader into the Post Office. Too many things could go wrong." Twilight replied.
"Wasn't he a Crystal Guard?"
"He was. I will admit, I had feelings for pony Flash, but now they are long gone. I just want to find him." Twilight replied, and Sunset sighed.
"I sure hope you do." Sunset said. As they stood in silence, Nick watched from afar. He smiled and walked over.
"Agent!" he said, and Twilight jumped. "I got some new gear for you. New sidearm, protective clothing, and a new set of toys."
Twilight shouldered the bag, and while she did so, she found a Support Station and a Seeker Mine kit, along with a Navy MP5N and a P226 Sidearm.
"Thanks." Twilight said.
"Think nothing of it, Agent. From this whole thing, Lau's elevated your level to seven, so you're clear to access more high-end gear. Also, I don't think you've met Paul Rhodes. He heads the tech wing here. He asked me to fetch you."
"Alright." Twilight said. As the squad formed up and walked into the Tech wing, Twilight met a large, burly man, with a beard and a baseball cap.
"Paul Rhodes. Nice to meet you, Agent." he said.
"Pleasure." She replied. "What did you need me for?"
"This." he said. He then proceeded to pull up an audio file from the computer. Then, two voices spoke.
"You sure this "Flash" guy knows what he's doing?"
"Come on! He said he was military, and he, for the most part, is a good guy, in my opinion."
"Well, yeah, but there's something odd about him.I mean, I walked in on him once in the locker room, and there were fucking wings on his back. WINGS, dude. I got out of there as soon as I could, but I know what I saw."
"You shitting me?"
"No dude. I took a photo, too."
"...Damn. Should we tell people?"
"Nah. If they find out we've got some alien leading us, we'd go berserk. Remember, for the Pride."
"For the Pride, man. Let's just keep this between you and me."
"Agreed."
The file ended, and Twilight placed her hand to her chin in thought.
"So, what's this Pride? Does it have to do with the yellow-clad people we fought?"
"It does." Rhodes said. "They call themselves The Pride because they imagine themselves as lions, you know? King of the jungle?"
"Yeah. A group of lions is called a pride, so it makes sense, but how did Flash get here in the first place?" Twilight said. "The only way I know was through the Mirror Portal, and that's at my house, completely secure."
"Is there another one?" Rhodes asked.
"No, and it only opens once a month or so, and I've only been here a few weeks." Twilight replied. "He can't have used magic, because Flash is a pegasus. Only unicorns can use magic."
"Then we're back at square one." Nick said.
"Not exactly, Agent. I traced the file to a smartphone…" Rhodes said, pulling up a map. "Here."
"Broadway." Nick said.
"That a problem?"
"That area's overrun with Rikers. So, if we're gonna find the signal's source, we'll need backup." Nick said.
"Agreed. I'll get Benitez on the line." Paul replied. "Get moving!"
Author's Note
Update!
Been proofing and editing this one for a while.
Yeah, Flash leads a threat to Manhattan. And he's not going down without a fight.
As the squad exited the post office, Twilight looked over at Nick, who was checking a large, holographic map of New York.
"From what Rhodes gave us, the signal's origin is on Broadway. Twilight, you've fought Cleaners, but not the Rikers. Those bastards are brutal and ruthless. Though they don't have flamethrowers, they all have a worse weapon. Their complete lack of humanity. They shoot to kill. Adjust yourself accordingly, Agent."
"Got it." Twilight replied.
"Let's get moving!' Logan said. As the squad headed out, the sun blazed bright, like a lion's mane.
===================================================================
As the squad arrived at Broadway, Twilight looked around to see the remains of theaters, restaurants, and various other buildings.
"This street used to be the cultural center of Manhattan." Nick said. "Now, it's the home of Rikers and death."
"I wish I could've seen the city before the Green Poison hit." Twilight said. "It sounded lovely."
"It was." Harper said. "My dad grew up here. Said the best part of the day was waking up to the city. It made him so happy."
"Is your father okay?"
Harper sighed.
"When the outbreak hit, he signed up with the JTF, since he was ex-Secret Service and ex-Marine. He was also the one who got me into the Division. While his squad was out on patrol, he was shot by a sniper, right in the gut. He survived, but right now, he's in a Norfolk, Virginia hospital, recovering from his wounds. We talk every now and then, but he always tells me he's really proud of my Division status. Means the world to me." Harper said.
"I see."
"You got a family?" Dimitri asked.
"Yeah. My brother, Shining Armor, married my old foalsitter, Cadance, who's Celestia's niece. Long story about what happened at her wedding, but they're happily married and they have a daughter, Flurry Heart, but they call her Skyla."
"Sounds nice." Nick said. "Hold up. Get to cover!'
Heeding Nick's instructions, they saw a group of yellow-clad humans with various weaponry battling a squad of Rikers further down the street.
"Fuck. We're not getting past them easily." Nick said.
"Can't we take them out?" Twilight asked.
"There's too many of them." Logan replied. "We'd get wiped out."
"That means our only way is to sneak past them." Dimitri said. "There, that apartment complex!"
Dimitri pointed to a large alley between two buildings. Nick nodded, made a "quiet" gesture, and began to move. As the squad followed, they entered the alley. Nick pulled a chain-link gate shut and slammed the lock into a jammed position. As they proceeded down the alley, Twilight then saw a large green crate over by several smaller boxes. Opening it, she found a W1200 Shotgun in good condition.
"Take it with you, Agent." Nick said. "A shotgun main use is' good for close quarters combat. With your current kit, you could use a better CQC weapon than your sidearm."
Twilight nodded, stowed her MP5 in her backpack, and picked up the shotgun. Loading it with seven shells given to her by Dimitri, she pumped it and nodded.
"Let's get moving." Nick said. Then, his eyes drifted over to a basement entrance marked with a yellow circle and a star. Pulling it open, the squad filed in. Nick shut the door and turned on a flashlight.
"Looks like the signal's coming from here." Harper said, walking over to a laptop. Twilight walked over, then her eyes locked on a familiar object. Picking up the Crystal Guard helmet, she sighed. The once-cyan material was now rusted and gray. Setting it down, she walked over to where Harper was. Then, Harper gasped.
"Incoming video call."
"Put it through." Twilight said. As the window opened on the PC, they were greeted by none other than Flash Sentry. Twilight dropped her jaw slightly. He had changed. His blue hair was now matted and flecked with dirt, and there were several cuts across his face. He smiled evilly at Twilight's form.
"Well, well. We meet again, Princess." He said.
"Where are you, Flash?" Twilight said angrily.
"Doesn't matter." Flash said.
"Why'd you kidnap my friends?" Twilight asked.
"Simple. I was told to." Flash replied. "By one Aaron Keener."
"Keener?" Twilight said. "What's he got to do with this?"
"He contacted me." Flash said. "Said that If I worked with him, he'd make sure when all was said and done, I'd rule the Crystal Empire. And your pathetic excuses for a brother and sister-in-law wouldn't be able to do anything about it."
"Bastard!" Twilight roared.
"Exactly." Flash replied. "Plus, I have a little incentive for you."
"What kind of incentive?" Twilight asked.
"This." Flash moved his camera, revealing an oxygen canister painted green, rigged with wires leading to what Twilight assumed was an explosive.
"Keener supplied me with enough raw Green Poison, modified with Equestrian know-how, to make that beauty. Enough to wipe out the Empire." Flash said.
"You...murderer!" Twilight roared again.
"Yeah, I've been called worse behind my back since I became head of the Pride. I made sure the people who did that were killed. Publicly. Now, I have an army, I have the Green Poison, I have the means. The Empire's mine, Twilight. But...I'm feeling like a decent person, so...If you come back to Equestria with me, and do a few things for me, I'll make sure that bomb's disposed of properly."
"What kind of things?" Twilight asked.
"Become my wife, make me an alicorn, and set me up as sole ruler of Equestria." Flash said. Twilight furrowed her brow angrily, growling.
"And what if I say no?" Twilight asked.
"Then that bomb will be in the Empire in the next twelve hours. And at least three thousand ponies are going with it." Flash said. "Either you come with me, or that bomb goes off. Simple choice, right?"
"No." Twilight said. "You're insane. When I find you, I'm putting a bullet in your brain-dead skull."
"Your choice." Flash said. "Get that bomb ready to move!"
"Yessir!" A voice said, and Twilight saw several humans in HAZMAT suits moving the tank.
"We'll find you, Flash. We'll kill you." Twilight said angrily.
"Then come and get me." Flash taunted.
Then, the video ended. Twilight roared in anger.
"Easy, Agent." Nick said.
"How can you say that! He's going to bomb the Crystal Empire! We can't stop it!"
"On the contrary, we can." Nick said. "ISAC or Rhodes can trace that call and give us his location. Rhodes, you able to do that?"
"Yep." Came Rhodes's reply over the radio. "And...got him. He's in Queens. I've got his signal coming from this location. It's spotty, so I can't give you exact, but I can give you the general area. By the way, you're all needed back at the Post Office. Benitez and Lau have authorized an Incursion operation. Code-name is Lion's Den. That bomb is now our top priority. Get back here now!"
"Got it." Nick said. "Team, pull out!"
Twilight grabbed the Crystal Guard helmet and followed the team into the street. Nick fired a flare into the sky, and a Blackhawk helicopter soon arrived.
"Sierra-Kilo, this is Razor 3-1. Need a ride?"
"Confirmed. Post office."
"Solid copy. Rope up."
The helicopter dropped five rappel lines, and Twilight and the team hooked up. As they ascended into the chopper, it took off, leaving the area. As Twilight looked over at the setting sun, she growled.
"Flash Sentry...You're finished."
Author's Note
Update!
And yeah, the Incursion will span one-to-two chapters. Get psyched.
And yeah, I wanted to make Flash irredeemable.
Like the chapter?
Chapter 11-Lion's Den, Part II
As the JTF entered the Depository, Twilight looked around at the large number of crates that the Pride had stockpiled. Most were marked with JTF, but some had a logo of a deer skull emblazoned on them.
"What's that logo?" Twilight asked.
"That's the LMB logo." Nick replied.
"The Private military company?" Twilight said.
"Yeah. They've taken over most of the eastern portion of Manhattan. They rule like dictators." He said. "We killed their leader, Colonel Bliss, at the UN building."
Twilight nodded and continued to walk. Then, Nick and the JTF strike team came upon a large set of double doors. As Nick forced them open, they were greeted with the sight of a large factory grounds. Then, they heard a voice.
"I was told you would be coming."
A heavily armored Pride member came out for the opposite set of doors. He was carrying a SAW, and his face was obscured by a Riot helmet.
"You JTF won't get past me." He said ominously, and several Pride members came out and opened fire. As the JTF and Division agents took cover, occasionally shooting back, Twilight flinched.
"Agent, heads up!" Nick said. Twilight saw the Pride Leader advancing, spraying a hail of bullets. Twilight dived back behind cover and swore.
"He's pretty well armored!" Harper said. "I can't get a good shot at his head!"
"Keep up the suppressing fire!" Nick said. "Once we take out his support, he'll panic!"
"Got it!" Twilight said, shooting an advancing Pride soldier. Then, she thought of something. Drawing out a Seeker mine, she threw it. As the mine activated, it sought out its target and exploded. The Pride Leader flinched, and he was knocked off guard.
"Hit him!" Twilight yelled, and a massive hail of JTF rounds followed. As the Pride soldier tried to open fire once more, Logan acquired the shot he needed at his head.
"Night, night motherfucker." Logan said, pulling the trigger. The round pierced his helmet and set him careening to the floor, dead. As the JTF advanced, Nick took off the helmet, and looked down at the man who had just died. He gently closed his eyelids and stepped back.
"Nick, what's wrong?" Twilight asked.
"I'm fine." Nick said. "Let's move!"
As the squad advanced, Flash watched from the security camera feed.
"Good job, Dominic." He said. Picking up a pistol, he headed towards the doorway.
"Time to finish this, Twilight Sparkle."
=======================
As the squad advanced into the next room, Nick then saw someone
"Is it him?" Nick asked over the radio.
"Negative...SHIT!"
There was a small explosion, and the room was engulfed in smoke. Nick, the squad, and the remaining JTF rushed forward, only to find the two soldiers wounded badly, Then, Twilight saw a second figure further down a hallway In a garage. She started to run.
"Agent!" Nick yelled. Twilight didn't respond as she passed through the glass doors, then, they slammed shut. Nick and the squad rushed over. Dimitri unloaded a full magazine from his LSAT into the glass, but the only response was cracks.
"Damm! Bulletproof!" Nick yelled.
"You walked right into my trap." came a voice.
Twilight then saw Flash Sentry emerge from a room and point a pistol at her head.
"Why'd you kidnap my friends?' She asked.
"Like I said, I was told to." Flash replied. "A good soldier obeys orders, especially orders he intends to carry out. My new order is this. Killing you."
"My death won't solve anything." Twilight countered. "You'd turn me into a martyr."
"I don't really care. My offer still stands, by the way." Flash said.
"And I still say no." Twilight said. She attempted to lunge, but Flash caught her and pinned her to the floor.
"Goodbye, then." He said, cocking his pistol. Then, a gunshot echoed. Twilight saw a spray of blood and brains come out from Flash's head. As he collapsed, Twilight saw the squad break through the doors and rush over.
"Agent, you alright?" Nick asked.
"Yeah, but who shot Flash?" She replied.
"Wasn't us." Logan said.
"Then…"
At that moment, the garage door near Flash's body opened, revealing a figure. Clad in a cloak, and spec-ops gear, he walked over, while shouldering a sniper rifle. Twilight recognized it as an AWP LSR. She gasped slightly as the sight of smoke still streaming from the rifle's muzzle brake.
"Who are you?" She asked. The figure didn't respond and waked over to Nick, who slowly went for his sidearm.
"Nice work, Agent." He said.
"How do you know?" Nick asked.
"Simple." The figure replied. Drawing up one of his sleeves, he revealed a Division Watch, then he moved his scarf, and a Division shoulder tag was revealed as well.
"You're an agent!" Nick said.
"First Wave, to be exact." The Agent replied.
"The first wave was KIA or…" Logan said.
"MIA." The agent replied. "I was one of them."
"I see." Nick said. "Nick Sykes."
"Anubis." The agent replied, shaking Nick's hand. "We had best evac. The Pride will be here soon with more units."
"Agreed." Nick said. As he radioed for evac, Anubis walked over and helped Twilight up. As the helicopters set down, Anubis motioned to her.
"Let's go." He said, and as the JTF and Division agents boarded, the sun set in the darkening sky.
Author's Note
And plot twist!
What do you think of Anubis?
As the JTF units and the agents walked out of the depository, Twilight looked over at the First Wave Agent "Anubis", who was maintaining his AWP.
"Anubis, right?" She asked him.
"Yep. You Second Wave?" he asked.
"Long story, actually." she replied.
"You'll have to tell me sometime. Ride's here."
As a Blackhawk set down, Lt. Bering came over and saluted.
"Take the wounded back to the post office. We'll clean up here."
Nick nodded and helped the two wounded JTF soldiers into the helicopter, and as the rest of the agents sat down, Anubis took off his cloak and mask, revealing a worn, battle-scarred face. He had brown hair, flecked with grey. A stubble beard graced his chin. He looked out of the helicopter to the streets below, and he sighed.
"So, Anubis?" Twilight asked. "How did you survive the First Wave?"
"Like you said, it's a helluva long story." Anubis replied. "Just know this. It wasn't a cakewalk."
"Fair point." Logan said. As they sat there in silence, Twilight looked over at Anubis, who seemed to be focusing on a medium-sized skyscraper near the Dark Zone. Twilight thought she saw a tear come from his eyes, but he wiped his eyes quickly.
"That skyscraper important to you?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah. I'll tell you when we get back to the Base of Operations." he replied, sighing. "Let's just say...I saw hell for the first time there."
"What happened?" Twilight asked.
"I'll tell you later." He said.
Twilight took the hint and stayed silent for the rest of the trip back to the Post Office. As they disembarked, Benitez and Lau came out to meet Anubis. Upon hearing he was a First Wave, Lau smiled.
"Good to have you back, then. I'll make sure to reactivate your status."
"Fine." Anubis said.
As they walked inside, and they restocked, Twilight looked over at Anubis, who was standing over a black crate marked with the Division logo.
"What's in there?" She asked Nick, who smiled and opened it. Inside were at least twenty different weapons, all in good condition, along with pieces of body armor and several rucksacks. Twilight looked over at Nick, who shrugged.
"That's our stash." He told Twilight. "The loot we claim from hostiles and what we find in supply caches ends up in there, alongside gear we don't really use. It's restricted access to JTF, since the stuff in there is SWAT to military-grade."
"I see." Twilight said. As they walked up to the dorms, Twilight stopped to check on her friends, who were browsing a laptop Twilight had gotten her hands on. As she smiled, she walked into Sierra-Kilo's room. As Anubis sat down and took off his combat gear, Twilight and the rest of the squad took off theirs as well.
"So, Anubis," Nick said. "Most of the First-Wave agents I've met turned traitor or are hostile. Why did you stay?"
"I swore an oath to the Division." Anubis said. "I intend to keep it."
"Seems reasonable." Harper said.
"How'd you find out about the Depository op?" Logan asked.
"I had a radio. I tuned in to a Division Channel, heard you guys yakking away." Anubis replied.
"Why'd you take the shot at Flash?" Dimitri said.
"He was going to kill someone. I don't want to see that happen. Ever again." Anubis said, and the squad took his word and were silent.
"Let's just get some sleep." Twilight said, noting the time. "We need it."
"Agreed." Nick replied. AS they shut the door, turned off the lights, and fell asleep, Twilight looked over at Anubis, who was still awake. Then, he got up and opened the door. Walking over to the window, he sighed. Twilight got up and followed him.
"You wanna know about that skyscraper?" He asked, and Twilight nodded.
"It was barely three days after the Dark Zone collapsed. A group of civilians had been pinned at that Skyscraper, and were frantically calling for help. We were sent in to rescue them. Me, Crow, Switch, and Jaye battled our way to the top, where we found the civilians. They were almost out of ammo, and they had wounded. Then, Crow hacked into the security cams, and saw more Rikers were coming in. We took up defensive positions and radioed for evac. They told us to wait three minutes. Then, as the Rikers swarmed us, we fought. Fought like starving wolves. One by motherfucking one, we killed them. Then, this son-of-a-bitch named Brooks came up. The bastard was heavily armored, and he had a machine gun with tons of ammo. We had an Assault Rifle, two shotguns, and a Sniper. Then, the helicopter came in. As the JTF fought the Rikers, they loaded the civilians. Then, they told us that they could only take one more person. Crow told me to go that they would hold them off. I screamed and kicked, but he forced me onto that chopper and as it took off, I saw Brooks...slaughter them. As soon as we dropped the civilians off, we went back. We were too late. Brooks and his crew were swaggering around when I grabbed the minigun on the side of the helo...and I cut them down. We landed...and I found they had all been killed. I set them to rest before I told them to go. They didn't want to leave me, but I ordered them to go. I took Crow's AWP...the same AWP I use, and their tags...their personal effects...everything I needed to remember them. Then, I cremated them. I've been on my own ever since, staying at civilian camps to stay under the radar. I've been on the run from it ever since. That's why I cried when I saw that Skyscraper."
"Anubis...I'm sorry." Twilight said.
"Thanks. Crow's last words to me before we headed into that Skyscraper were instructions. That if any number of us died, and if anyone survived, they would cremate their squadmates where they fell. You know, like the Phoenix rising?"
"Yeah." Twilight replied.
"To be honest, when I picked up Crow's AWP, It only had one shot. I promised myself to never spend that shot. When I saw you, about to die, I broke that promise. But in a way, I don't feel sad."
"Talking helps, Anubis." Twilight said.
"Thanks, Agent. Let's get some rest."
As they laid back down and went to sleep, the moon shone like a pure diamond on Anubis's AWP. Then, a voice spoke, as if from nowhere.
"Thanks...Anubis...You made me...no...you made us proud. Keep fighting for us. Keep living for us. Don't give up...This Dark Winter won't last forever…"
Then, Anubis whispered.
"I will…"
"Crow."
Author's Note
There's Anubis's backstory. More action next chapter.
Whadda think?
As Twilight woke up, she saw the rest of the Agents already getting dressed and equipped.
"What's going on?" she asked Nick.
"Anubis says he needs us in the Control Center in the Security Wing ASAP." Nick replied. "Grab an energy bar. Eat up, then we'll go."
Twilight did so, and had barely finished when she and the squad were walking downstairs into the Security wing, where they were greeted by Anubis, Benitez, and Lau.
"Up and at 'em, agent." Lau said. "We've got troubling news."
Anubis nodded and pulled open a video screen.
"A JTF squad patrolling near Queens discovered an open office building. They went inside to find what remained of the Pride."
"Are the JTF okay?" Twilight asked.
"The JTf are fine. The Pride's not. They're all dead. every last member of the Pride was holed up in that building. Each and every last one of them is dead. They found a smartphone, and scanned it. We found this."
Benitez hit PLAY on a laptop,and voices began to speak.
"Yo, dude, we gonna be safe here?"
"We'll be fine, man. The depository's pretty far from here. We're safe as can be."
"I hope so, man...shit!"
Then, gunfire interrupted the conversation, and after a few seconds, a voice spoke.
"Where's Flash?"
"You're too fucking late. That bastard's dead." came a rasping, dying voice.
"So sorry to bother you, then."
There was a second gunshot, a scream, and then there was a sound of footsteps, and the file ended.
"So, someone came for Flash." Anubis said.
"And they're with the LMB." DImitri said.
"Plus, I don't think they're friendly." Twilight reasoned. "Was there anything else?"
"Rhodes hacked us into the security cameras for a bank across the street." Lau replied. "He sent us the footage, and we got this."
The camera showed the floor of the office building erupting in gunfire, and then, white-clad humans walked in, followed by a human. The human briefly turned her face to the camera, and then it died.
"So, do we know who it is?" Twilight asked.
"We checked all of the databases, missing persons, wanted S/D targets, no one popped up. We thought it was someone from your world, Agent. Do you recognize her?" Lau asked, sliding over a laptop.
Twilight looked at the screen, and sighed.
"I do."
"Who is it?"
"Her name is Lightning Dust. My friend Rainbow met her at the Wonderbolt academy...They're famous stunt fliers. Dust's recklessness nearly got all of us killed, and she was expelled. Thing is, she's been missing for three weeks now, Equestrian time. What's she doing with the LMB?" Twilight asked.
"That's the problem. Since the death of Colonel Bliss, lots of LMB have gone rogue. It would be easy to take command of a faction." Nick said. "Problem is, the LMB have nests everywhere in eastern Manhattan."
"We're already working on that. Or, Rhodes is, anyway." Lau said. "Flash told us Keener brought him to Manhattan. Most likely, she was brought here by him as well."
"And that fuckface Keener is currently missing, with an industrial protein synthesizer and several copies of raw Green Poison." Benitez said. "Locating him has been near impossible."
"Can't you use that telepathy magic of yours to get in contact with him?" Logan asked.
"I can only establish a link if I've met them in person." Twilight said. "Besides, after that, the person on the receiving end has to accept the magic. They can hang up anytime they way, if you think of the telepathy as a phone."
"So, we're back to square one." Benitez said.
"Not entirely, captain.' Anubis said. "I know the last seen whereabouts of several loyal First Wave Agents spread throughout Manhattan. Most are in the Dark Zone, but one was near this Office building right here." Anubis said, pointing out the building on a map. "The problem is, most of them haven't been seen or contacted since the first wave."
"Then stay here and contact them, and see what they…" Lau said.
"Post Office, this is Lt. Bering!" came a cry over the radio.
"This is Post Office," Anubis replied. "What's the situation?"
"We've got LMB en masse attacking the depository! We need backup ASAP!" Bering replied, then there was more gunfire.
"Get over there, now!" Benitez yelled. As the Agents rushed out, Benitez looked over at the GPS map of the area.
"Think they'll make it in time?" Lau asked.
"I sure hope so." Benitez replied.
==============================
As the helicopter carrying the Agents soared over the skies, Twilight loaded her weapons, as the rest of the agents were doing the same. As the helicopter landed in the Depository yard, they saw a large amount of LMB infantry attacking the JTF soldiers, who were taking cover behind the depository walls.
"What's the situation?" Nick asked Bering.
"We've got a large amount of LMB attacking the Depository! We're almost out of ammo, and they have us totally outnumbered!" Bering replied.
"Copy, hold the line!" Nick said.
As the agents engaged the LMB for ten furious minutes, Twilight growled, and threw a Seeker Mine. As the mine raced towards the enemy lines, it detonated. Twilight grimaced as she shot a LMB soldier, and she reached for her spare mags.
"Fuck!" She swore, feeling an empty pouch where her spare magazines were supposed to be.
"I'm out of ammo!" She yelled.
"Use your sidearm if you have to!" Nick replied. "Hold the line!"
Then, there was a massive roar, and a LMB helicopter descended from the skies.
"FUCK!" Nick yelled, as the JTF took cover, the helicopter opened fire. As the blasts knocked the Agents unconscious, Twilight saw the LMB advancing. As an LMB soldier pointed his rifle to her head, he braced herself.
BOOM!
Twilight's eyes jolted open as a rocket slammed into the helicopter, sending it careening into the earth. As the agents, LMB and JTF watched in shock, a massive volley of gunfire came from the streets, and as the LMB fell, Twilight and Nick stood up. Then, the forms of ten humans came forward. Except humans weren't normally flickering and invisible. As the two agents slowly went for their sidearms, the lead figure slowly turned into the form of a First Wave agent.
"Glad we showed up?" The Agent said.
"How the hell did you just do that?" Nick said.
"Metamaterial optic camo." The agent replied. "Classified Shade Tech."
"Shit." Harper said, walking up with Logan and Dimitri.
"I'm Kestrel." the Agent said. "These are First Wave squads Tiger and Dragoon."
"Nice to meet you all." Nick said. "You know Anubis, right?"
"We do. He contacted us." Kestrel said. "Let's head back to the post office."
As three helicopters set down in the sky and lowered rappel ropes, the agents hooked up. Ascending into the helicopter, the agents settled themselves. As the helicopters set off for the post office, The JTF waved goodbye from the depository walls.
Chapter 14-Shards of Glass
As the helicopters flew over the Manhattan skyline, Twilight's mind was buzzing.
"More First Wave agents? " She thought."I mean, Anubis told us there were loyal First Wave Agents out there, but I didn't know there were this many! And how did they know about Lightning and the LMB?"
Meanwhile, Nick looked over at Anubis and Kestrel, who were talking through their radios. Nick sighed and tapped Twilight on the shoulder.
"Agent?" He asked, and Twilight flinched.
"Yeah?" She replied, after recovering.
"We're almost at the Post Office." Nick said. "Lau says she needs up at the Security wing as soon as we arrive."
"Got it." Twilight replied.
"Heads up!" Kestrel said, as the Helicopters landed in the post Office courtyard.
"More First Wave Agents?" Lau asked, and Kestrel nodded. "Good to have you all back. Get yourselves checked out by our medical staff, then meet us in the security wing."
As the First Wave agents, apart from Kestrel, walked into the Post Office, Twilight and the Second Wave Agents followed them. As they approached the security wing, they were greeted by Benitez.
"Good to have you all back safe and sound." he said. "We've got bad news. The LMB are moving towards safehouses in Western Manhattan. We don't have enough guys to stop them, but we'll stall them for as long as we can."
"With all due respect, sir," Kestrel said. "That's not what they're after."
"Why's that?" Benitez said.
"Since the death of Colonel Bliss, lots of LMB have gone rogue, and with that, a lot of their presence in eastern Manhattan. They need more manpower to keep up their forces. Keener stole a lot of technical data from LMB's Research and Development department when he backstabbed them. That's how he built the portal that brought all of the ponies here. The reason Lightning Dust and Flash Sentry are working for Keener is that they're the last links he has to Equestria, since the JTF took the portal from the Pride. In order to regain the link, they needed the portal out of JTF possession. In order to do that, they needed something from the other side."
Kestrel took out a small piece of glass that was all too familiar to Twilight.
"That's...a piece of the Mirror Portal!" Twilight said. "I think I know how they got it."
"Yep. Flash chipped off a piece big enough to use as a focal point between our reality and yours. The only thing he needed was human tech powerful enough to contain a reality rift. The things he needed were LMB know-how and First Wave Shade Tech." Kestrel said. "When they attempted a trial run, the rift brought Twilight here, and dumped her on the street instead of into the hands of Keener and the LMB. The LMB marked it as a failure, while Keener saw an opportunity. He stole the tech needed to make a second portal, destroyed the first, and used his own Shade Tech to make a new one, which he gave to Flash, and is now sitting at the depository. The reason the LMB attacked was to reclaim it."
"And since you intervened and saved us, the LMB and Keener have marked you as traitors, I presume?" Twilight asked.
Kestrel nodded.
"The tech needed can only be accessed through a Shade Tech Algorithm and Military grade hardware. The only places to get that were First Wave Agents and The LMB. The only portal in existence is sitting at a sealed room in the Depository. Flash had the only way to access it, though."
"Not exactly." Nick said. "When Dimitri was shooting the door, My Shade Tech picked up an ECHO. I downloaded the data, and I know where it is and how to access it."
"Good job." Benitez said. "What else you got, Kestrel?"
"Plenty more. The reason the LMB are moving into Eastern Manhattan is to locate the portal, since they think it was moved to a safehouse at an unknown eastern Manhattan location. They think they'll find a portal to an alternate dimension. In reality, they're just red herrings we set up in order to develop the portal secretly. The real portal, like Nick said, is in the Depository Safe room. The LMB will eventually find out they're on a wild goose chase, and they'll return to the Depository, they one known location they have. And the bomb that Flash threatened to detonate wasn't Green Poison. Keener didn't trust Flash's ambitions, so he gave him a placebo gas of similar composition, but is completely harmless. The reason Lightning Dust was sent in was to eliminate the last Pride members, and make sure they couldn't reveal what they had learned." Kestrel said.
"So, they tied up loose ends." Lau said. "What about Agent Twilight?"
"That's another problem." Kestrel said. "Lightning issued an order to all LMB troops under her command, which is capture her. Lightning went rogue on Keener's watch, which is something he doesn't like happening. If we don't get to her fast enough, she'll be...well...given recompense for her actions. She'll be killed, and with that, the last hope that Twilight has of getting home, alongside cutting off all of Keener's links to this whole thing." Kestrel finished.
"Is there any way you can contact her?" Logan asked.
"No. It's been too long since I've met her, so the connection has died. Meaning my telepathy is useless. Plus, she's LMB, we are JTF and Division. What's the likelihood that she'll even care or listen to us?" Twilight said.
"Very true." Anubis said.
Then, ISAC spoke.
"WARNING-INTERCEPTING PHONE CALL. ORIGIN UNKNOWN."
"Patch it through." Kestrel said. Twilight then heard a voice speaking through ISAC.
"Hello, Princess. It's me, Lightning Dust. If you're feeling brave enough, come meet me outside so we can talk. No arms, no sanctioned backup. We can discuss things as pony to pony, then leave and forget the other even existed. I'm warning you though. Anything funny happens, things won't end nicely."
The phone call ended, and Twilight growled.
"Whatcha going to do?" Harper said.
"I'm going out. Anubis?"
"Yes?"
"Set yourself up on the rooftop with your rifle. Miss Lau? have you had the time to reactivate his status?"
"No. Why do you ask?" Lau said.
"Then he's not a full agent. And by extension…" Nick said.
"Not sanctioned backup." Benitez said.
"One shot is all I need." Anubis said, walking out. Twilight stowed her weapons in the stash and walked outside. True to Lightning's word, there she was, clad in LMB combat gear, carrying an M4. Twilight walked outside and frowned.
"You got guts, Princess." Lightning said.
"I might. Rainbow's inside, if you want to reconnect with her." Twilight said.
"Why should I reconnect with the mare that ruined my life?" Lightning said.
"Fair point. Where's Keener?"
"Never met him. Phone calls over a closed network only."
"Why the LMB?"
"We both wanted payback in more ways than one. They hate the JTF, I hate Equestria. I decided to ask if they would support me, and they said yes. I have a small army at my command."
"I have the portal, you know." Twilight said.
"Ah, yes, the portal. I knew Kestrel couldn't be trusted. So, what now?" Lightning asked. "You're unarmed, and you can't possibly kill me with that knife. You don't have the guts to do it."
"I might not have the guts...but...." Twilight said. Lightning's eyebrows shot up and she attempted to draw her rifle. There was a faint gunshot, and Lightning collapsed, dead, from a bullet to the head.
"Can't say anything about him, though." Twilight said with a grimace as she walked back inside.
"Got what we needed." Twilight told the agents.
"Good work. Let's bury these LMB and be done with it." Anubis said, walking up.
"Get to work, then. ISAC pinpointed their stronghold. Get moving, agents!" Lau said. As the agents restocked and headed out, Anubis and Kestrel nodded and followed.
Author's Note
Update!
Chapter 15-Defrosted Hearts
As the Agent's Blackhawk flew through Manhattan, Twilight looked down at the streets, and tried to imagine them full of people and lively activity, and not of death and devastation.
"Agents, this is Lau. Rhodes says we've got a blizzard incoming. Neutralize the LMB, and get back here as soon as you can." came the radio's voice.
"We never do." Nick said.
"Glad to hear it. Lau out."
As Twilight loaded her W1200, she saw several buildings jutting into the sky from inside the Dark Zone wall.
"Nick?" Twilight asked.
"What?"
"Have you ever been inside the Dark Zone?"
"Yeah, a few times." Nick replied.
"What happened?"
"We went in there to find a transponder from a JTF patrol. We got pinned down by Rikers instead. We made it out, but we were several hundred rounds less and wounded in at least a few places. The Medical Techs said that if we had stayed there any longer, there wouldn't be anything left to patch up." Nick said.
Twilight nodded and looked over at Kestrel, who was tapping buttons on a tablet.
"What's that for?" Twilight asked.
Kestrel smiled and took a small drone out of his backpack.
"This." he said, and the drone came to life, flying inside the Helicopter cabin. Twilight could see a Sentry Turret similar to the Standard Division turret mounted on the underside.
"This is WARD." Kestrel said. "Winged Aviated Recon Drone. Mounted with a turret and a battery life of an hour, this thing may be a little hard to handle, but it does the job it does nicely."
"Sounds nice." Twilight said.
"I thought combat drones were discontinued." Harper said.
"For the Second Wave." Kestrel said. "First Wave tech was a bit more advanced. Optic Camo, the Roundhouse Turret, and my personal favorite…"
Kestrel took out a Sticky launcher, and took out the cartridge. Inside were two large, thick discs connected by a cable.
"The Garotte Launcher. The discs are primed with a stun charge that lets loose with around the same voltage as a tazer. Only, there's two of them. It's mainly used as a noncombatant weapon, only it can kill." Kestrel said.
"Impressive." Logan said.
"LZ in t-minus twenty seconds!" The pilot said.
As the agents geared themselves, they set down in a park. As the agents disembarked, the helicopter took off back to the post office.
"Let's get going." Nick said. The agents moved towards the Hotel where the LMB were camped out, and Twilight noticed the air was starting to get very cold.
"Blizzard, remember?" Anubis said.
"Right. How much time till it hits?" Twilight asked.
"ISAC?" Nick said.
"Current estimation to Blizzard impact is TWENTY minutes." ISAC replied.
"Then let's pick up the pace." Kestrel said. As the agents approached the hotel, Nick triggered a Pulse Scan, and several LMB riflemen appeared, marked by the Agent's Shade Tech.
"I count seven." Nick said.
"Mostly Riflemen." Kestrel said. "There's probably more in the hotel."
"Right." Nick said. "We'll need a distraction."
"WARNING! BLIZZARD APPROACHING. QUICKLY" ISAC said. "NEW ESTIMATE-FIVE MINUTES."
"FUCK!" Nick swore.
"Agents, the Blizzard's here! Mission is postponed. Get back to the Post Office now!" Lau said.
"We're too far from the LZ!" Nick replied. "We'll have to wait it out!"
"That garage!" Twilight said, as the wind started to blow fiercely.
"Go!" Nick said. As the LMB infantry rushed inside the hotel, the snowstorm hit. Soon, Twilight's eyes were filled with frost, and the snow blinded her. As she was pulled along by Nick, they reached the Garage. Opening the door just enough for everyone to slide under it, Nick and the agents piled in and Nick let the door close.
"That's good enough for now." Nick said, bringing over an oil drum. "Let's get a fire going."
As the agents searched for fuel, Twilight looked around in the back room. She walked into the garage lobby and saw a bright orange jumpsuit. As she jumped behind the corner, she gasped. Then, she saw the blood coming from his shoulder. Twilight saw the Riker collapse, and she walked over. She pulled off his mask to see a man of about twenty-two, with a rough-shaven face. Twilight pulled him over onto his side and applied healing magic to his shoulder wound. Then, she felt something grab her own shoulder. She saw the Riker's hand touch hers gently.
"Thank...you…" he whispered, coughing up some saliva.
"No problem. Let's get you warm." Twilight said, hoisting him up and onto his feet. As she carried him into the garage area, upon seeing the two of them, nearly every agent in the room went for their weapons.
"Don't!" Twilight said. "He's hurt!"
"He's a Riker." Logan said.
"He's still human!" Twilight pleaded.
"Nick? You're squad leader. What's the call?" Harper said.
"How bad is it?" Nick said.
"Bad." Twilight replied, motioning to his wounded shoulder.
"Let him stay for a bit." Nick said. As Twilight set the Riker down, he sighed.
"Thanks." he said again.
"What's your name?" Kestrel said.
"Thomas Morgan. You guys JTF?"
"Yeah. Well, sort of." Twilight said. "How'd you get shot?"
"Well, I was running with my crew, when I found two JTF cops hiding behind a dumpster. I recognized one of them as a close friend. I...was ordered to kill them. And...I...let them go. The boss shot me, and left me to die. I…" Thomas said.
"It's alright." Nick said, placing his hand on Thomas's good shoulder. "You're safe now. Let's take a look at that arm."
Nick took out a small green syringe and injected a clear fluid into the wound. Before their eyes, the wound began to foam and close.
"What the hell was that?" Thomas said.
"Stimpack." Nick said. "Get some rest."
As Thomas took off his jacket and used it as a pillow, he was soon asleep.
"I'm not exactly sure we made a good decision." Logan said. "But for all it's worth, Twilight, you made the right one."
"Thanks." Twilight said. "How's the blizzard?"
"Estimates show the Blizzard will continue for the next Three hours." ISAC replied. "Take shelter and distribute supplies."
"Confirmed." Nick replied. "We're safe in here for now. The blizzard's killed all of the comms, so we're dark for now."
"Wanna tell stories to pass the time?" Twilight said.
"Stories, huh?" Nick said. "Been awhile since I heard a good one."
"I'll make sure to make them good, then." Twilight said. "How bout I tell you about the time Erin slash Rarity was used as a cake shield?..."
Chapter 16-The Good Riker
As the blizzard howled outside, Twilight looked over at Thomas Morgan, who was now awake and telling Nick how he got into New York.
"I mean, LaRae had kind of a soft spot for me when I got into Rikers." he said.
"What did you get in for?" Nick asked.
"DUI." he said. "I had just gotten in when the Green Poison hit. I thought Rikers before the outbreak was a hellhole. Then, the Green Poison comes around, and everything goes to seventh-degree hell. Since I was a minor offender, LaRae was my "Buddy" in a Prison book club. Even though I didn't really trust her, she liked me a bit. I guess when she got my sorry ass back into New York, she thought I owed her. So, I kinda became her errand boy, since I wasn't exactly the guy who could kill, you know?"
"I know. What happened after that?" Logan said.
"Eventually, LaRae gets her ass killed, and she was the only person keeping me away from the streets. This big shot named Darelco picks me up and gives me a gun, and says "You stay with me, I'll keep you safe." Had no choice but to say yes. So, one day I was running a message to a friend of his in Queens, and I run into some cops hiding behind a dumpster. I recognized them as the supervisors for my cell block. They weren't your typical prison guards. These two guys were known as the nicest guards in Rikers. And I noticed they were all scared, and one of them was hurt real bad. I told em to go, and they recognized me. They scampered out of there like a cat after a mouse, and then, well, some LMB mooks show up and start shooting at me. I get hit, and I find this here garage to pass out in. Then, your buddy here shows up and patches me up."
Nick shifted in his seat.
"You got a family, kid?" he said.
"Yeah. Wife and two kids. I dunno if they're safe, though." he said. "Last I saw them was they were heading out of the city towards Philadelphia. I can't say if they made it out."
Nick sighed.
"When we get back to the Post Office, I'll look into that for you." Nick said
"Why? You're JTF. Why are you giving a shit about me? I'm a Riker, remember?" Thomas said.
"Just because you're a Riker doesn't mean you're human." Nick said. "I know that we're all trying to survive. You included. When we take you back into the post office, we'll make sure that you can stay there. By the way, what was the message that Darelco sent?"
"Basically an arms deal." Thomas said. "They were gonna exchange some stolen LMB guns and gear. I was giving Darelco's "yes" to a guy known as Shank."
"Did it go through?" Harper asked.
"Don't think so. Even though we're all Rikers, we still belong to the old prison gangs as well. That includes the rivalries and all that." Thomas said.
"I get it." Dimitri said. "ISAC, how's the blizzard?"
"Blizzard has passed. Weather conditions favorable for helicopter extraction." ISAC said.
"There's a parking garage not too far from here." Thomas said.
"Let's get going, then." Nick said. As Dimitri handed Thomas a pistol and a few magazines, Twilight pulled up her map of New York.
"Looks like it's only a few blocks. We should be able to make it there soon." Twilight said.
"Let's go." Nick said, pulling Thomas up. As the agents entered the street, Nick sighed.
"Can you shoot, Thomas?"
"Darelco taught me the basics. Just aim and shoot, and hit the head." Thomas said. "Though, I did have an AK47, though."
"That pistol enough?" Nick said.
"Yeah."
"Then use it." Nick said, and the squad advanced. After a fifteen minute walk through snowdrifts and avoiding patrolling hostiles, they arrived at the garage. Reaching the top, Nick fired off a flare, while Logan radioed the Post Office.
"Glad to hear from you, Agents." Lau said.
"We miss anything?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing important." Benitez said. "The LMB are pulling out of the hotel, based on Drone footage. Meaning…"
"We don't have much time before they hit the depository." Nick said.
"Helicopter incoming." Twilight said. As the agents boarded, the pilots waved at them.
"Thought we'd lost you guys in the blizzard!" a JTF soldier said.
"We're good." Nick said. "Post office, pronto."
"You got it!"
As the helicopter flew through the snow-covered skyline, Twilight looked over at several buildings that had fires burning in several locations.
"Residents probably trying to warm up." Dimitri said.
"Probably." Twilight said. "Or the cleaners."
"Cleaners, maybe." Nick said. "They don't usually stray this far east. They prefer north-west Manhattan, the Rikers get the south, the LMB the east. Controlling factions are mixed in a few places, but that's the general standpoint."
Twilight nodded and looked over at Thomas, who was looking ready to throw up.
"You okay?" She asked.
"Just...urp...very...very sick." Thomas said.
"Hold it in, Thomas." Harper said. "We'll be there soon."
"Vomit bags are below the seats on the left!" A pilot yelled. "I don't want puke in my chopper!"
As the agents chuckled, Twilight handed Thomas a bag. Pretty soon, there was a loud wretch, and Thomas leaned back in exhaustion.
"Got that one In the bag, I guess." he joked.
As the agents laughed while the helicopter set down, Lau came out ot greet them from the snow-covered Post Office.
"Good to have you all back. Mr. Morgan?"
"Right here." Thomas said uneasily.
"Head on in and get yourself some better clothes. Welcome to the post office."
As the agents headed inside, Twilight was greeted by her friends, who were sitting by a drum fire. Nick and Thomas watched as Twilight talked with her friends.
"You okay?" Nick asked, seeing Thomas's longing expression.
"She reminds me of my little girl, Emily." Thomas said. "I wonder if I'll see her again."
"You will." Nick said. As the agents walked upstairs, Thomas sighed upon seeing his bunk.
"You look like you've never seen a proper bed." Logan said.
Thomas chuckled.
"You could say I haven't. At least for a while."
As the agents left, Thomas smiled before falling asleep.
"Thanks...all of you.I won't let you down, I promise."
Author's Note
Update!
And no, Thomas will NOT be betraying the JTF at any point. He's a good guy. Good guys don't do that sort of thing.
Chapter 18-The End of an Era
As several JTF helicopters soared through the Manhattan airspace, Nick looked over at Twilight, whose face was stern with determination.
"Get ready, Agent. Make or break time." Anubis said. Twilight nodded and loaded a fresh magazine into her sidearm.
"I''m ready, Anubis." Twilight said.
"JTF 9-5 to Depository, what's your status?" The pilot radioed.
"This is Depot. LMB have been sighted. First wave squads are on station. We're waiting for the attack."
"This is Sierra-Kilo." Twilight broke in. "Have the explosives been planted?"
"Wired and ready on all support pillars." was the response.
"Transfer detonator link to my SHD tech." Twilight said.
"You got it, agent. Sent."
"Detonation protocols received." ISAC spoke. "SHD tech now linked to detonator."
"Here we are!" The pilot yelled. "This is as close as we can get! Good luck!"
As the agents disembarked and approached the command post gate, they took cover behind several crates.
"What's the count?" Nick asked Logan.
"Seven guards, could be more." Logan said.
"Drop them. Silenced." Nick replied. Logan and Anubis took aim and fired a volley. As the guards fell, Nick and the squad rushed forward and opened the gate. Advancing towards the command post, Nick growled.
"What's up?" Harper asked.
"It's too quiet." Nick said. "Wait, get to cover now!"
As the squad dove behind cover, a loud creaking was heard. Then, the unmistakable form of a Tank drove through the camp, with several LMB riflemen flanking it.
"Lighthouse, this is Sierra Kilo. LMB has heavy armor moving towards depository." Nick said.
"How heavy?" Lau replied.
"Tank." Twilight replied. "We're not getting anywhere near that without heavy ordinance."
"Unfortunately, we've neglected to supply you with rockets or heavy explosives." Rhodes said. "So, what now?"
"The only explosives we have are some grenades, and a Sticky launcher and Seeker Mine kit. We don't have anything that can take out a tank." Dimitri said.
"We do have something." Twilight said. "My magic. If I can focus it, potentially, I can fire a blast powerful enough to pierce that armor." Twilight said. "Problem is getting close without being detected."
"We'll have to surprise them." Nick said. ""Looks like they're moving out."
True enough, the Tank and its support squads were out of sight. As the agents advanced, Twilight located a terminal. Hacking in through ISAC, she grimaced.
"Whatcha got?" Anubis asked.
"We've got more trouble. The LMB's already moving towards the depository. We need to take out that tank FAST." Twilight said.
"We don't have enough time." Nick said.
"What about hijacking one of those Humvees?" Kestrel said. "They're fast enough to catch up, plus they are a helluva lot more maneuverable than that tank."
"Good enough. Move!" Nick said. As the agents piled in, Nick took the driver's seat and gunned the engine. As he drove out, he patched into the LMB comms.
"This is Serpent one, Dawes do you read?"
"I read, Serpent one. What's your status?"
"We have heavy resistance at the objective. The JTF have repulsed our first couple of squads. What's your ETA?"
"Five minutes. Be advised, Juggernaut is incoming."
"Confirmed."
"Agents, lock and load!" Nick yelled. As the agents readied themselves, the sounds of gunfire drew ever closer. Twilight opened the hatch and took control of the mounted Mark 19 Grenade launcher.
"Use that thing carefully, Twilight." Nick said. "It's got 25 shots."
"Roger that." Twilight said. As the commandeered Humvee neared the battle sight, the Tank readied itself to fire.
"Juggernaut is engaging." said a voice on the radio. "Firing now."
Then, the tank fired a shell that blew a hole in the depository wall. As the JTF scrambled to get out of harm's way, the LMB started to advance.
"Get firing!" Nick yelled. Twilight unloaded seven shots into the tank's chassis.
"Shit! What was that!?" came the vocal response from the radio.
"That humvee fired on us! Engage!"
"Get moving!" Twilight yelled as the Tank operator opened the hatch and opened fire with a machine gun. Twilight ducked to avoid the bullets and growled.
"What's your status, JTF?" Twilight radioed.
"We got chewed up but we're fine! We're falling back to secondary positions." was the reply.
"Roger that. Hold position and wait." Twilight said. Nick gunned the engine, the humvee surging forward. As the tank peppered it with machine gun fire, Nick growled.
"Get ready to ditch!" he yelled.
"Are you insane!?" Logan replied.
"Just do it!" Nick replied, one hand on the wheel, the other on the door.
"NOW!" Nick yelled. As the other agents disembarked, he pulled the pin on a Frag Grenade and stuffed it into the engine cavity. Then, as he jumped out, the humvee rammed into the tank, and at the same time, the grenade detonated. As Twilight rushed out to help Nick, the explosion threw dust into the air. As Nick and Twilight scrambled for cover, Nick tuned his radio to an LMB frequency.
"Damn! This is Juggernaut, we're crippled but we can still shoot. All LMB press the attack!"
"Take it out!" Nick yelled. As he and Twilight rushed over while Nick readied an incendiary, Twilight leaped onto the top of the tank and pulled the hatch open. Nick tossed her the grenade, and she dropped it in. Then, the hatch fell shut, trapping Twilight's leg.
"Damn!" she swore.
"Agent!" Nick yelled, as he frantically tried to open the hatch. "It's jammed!"
"I'll be fine, go!" Twilight yelled.
"I'm not leaving you!" Nick replied.
Twilight growled and shot him with a magic pulse, throwing him to the ground. Twilight then sighed. Then, the grenade detonated. As Nick and the other agents watched, the tank exploded.
"NO!" Nick yelled. As the agents rushed over, they pulled through the wreckage and found Twilight's body, lying crumpled under a piece of the turret.
"Get a medevac!" Nick yelled. As Logan radioed for a helicopter, Nick injected a stimpack and a First Aid shot into Twilight's form. Then, he placed his fingers to her neck and sighed in relief.
"She's alive." he said. As the helicopter landed, the agents rushed Twilight aboard. As the radio blared with the cries of the victorious JTF, Twilight's eyes remained shut. But in her mind, a voice spoke.
"Found you, Twilight. Don't worry, a little more chaos can help bring harmony…"
===============================
Twilight shot up with a start. As she looked up, she saw she was in the Medical wing's IC Unit. As she got up, she noticed her foot was bandaged and she felt tired.
"Hello, agent."
Twilight saw Lau walk in on her crutches, and she sat next to her.
"Did we win?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah. The LMB retreated once their tank was destroyed. We detonated the bombs on the support pillars. The portal, and the depository, are now rubble." Lau said. "Sorry about your only chance to get home."
"It's alright." Twilight said. "Are my squadmates okay?"
"They're fine. You've been out for a day solid. I'll bring them and your friends in." Lau said, walking out. Twilight sighed and leaned back. Soon, her friends assaulted her with hugs, and her squad looked very relieved upon seeing her awake.
"Hey, agent." Nick said.
"Hey, Nick." Twilight said. "How are you?"
"Fine." Nick said.
"Uh, agents!" a JTF soldier yelled. "We've got a problem!"
"What kind?" Logan yelled.
"Just come see for yourself!" The JTF soldier replied. Nick helped Twilight out of bed,, and as they entered the main hall, Twilight saw a miniature storm cloud raining brown liquid into bucket. Several JTF soldiers were drinking the liquid.
"What is it?" Nick asked.
"it just started doing that out of nowhere. The funny thing is, it's chocolate milk." The JTF soldier replied. Nick looked at Twilight, who sighed.
"There's only one being I know who likes doing that. DISCORD!" Twilight yelled.
"Yes, Twilight?"
Then, a man appeared in front of them. He was clad in a patchwork suit, with a elegant white goatee.
"Hey, Discord." Twilight said. "How'd you find us?"
"Well, you created so much chaos, which is constant across all dimensions, so I was able to come here and pick you and your friends all up." Discord replied, pulling a glass out of nowhere and filling it with milk.
"Who the fuck are you?" Nick asked.
"Discord. Spirit of chaos and disharmony, milk aficionado, and cross-dimensional traveler. At your...somewhat...service." he replied.
"Well, welcome to New York, then." Nick replied. "Twilight and her friends are all ready to go."
"Oh, yes." Discord replied. "Let's go."
As the three of them walked back into the IC Unit room, Twilight sighed and gathered her friends. As Discord opened the portal, Twilight looked over at Nick.
"Well, goodbye, I guess." Twilight said.
"Not exactly."
Lau walked in, smiling.
"You six are going with her."
"What?" Nick asked. "You mean that we're going to her home?"
"Yep, for a few reasons. Just got off the radio with Division command. They've ordered us to establish a diplomatic tie with Equestria for the time being. Kestrel and Anubis are all here, too. So, get going." Lau said.
Nick nodded. As his squad and the elements, plus discord said their goodbyes, Lau smiled.
"Agent Twilight, since you joined The Division, you also swore an oath to the US Government. If we need you, we will call on you. And expect you to answer." Lau said.
"Agreed." Twilight replied. As Discord opened the portal, the group disappeared in a flash of light.
============================================
As the group reappeared outside Canterlot Castle's main hall, Twilight smiled at her alicorn form. As the agents got used to the surroundings, Twilight listened to the words from the other side of the door. It sounded, from what she heard, it was a funeral ceremony.
"If Twily were still here with us." came Shining Armor's voice. "I bet she'd say…"
Twilight pushed the doors open, revealing herself and the group to everypony present. As everypony turned and dropped their jaws, Twilight walked in.
"I'd say this. You arrange a funeral for me when I'm not even dead? Talk about rude."
There was complete silence as Twilight and the squad walked forward, seeingCelestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining on the podium.
"Hey." she said simply before Celestia crushed her with a hug. The room erupted in noises of shock and wonder. Soon, Luna, Cadance and Shining embraced her, and Twilight shed a tear.
"Twily, where have you been?" Shining asked. "We thought you died!"
"Well, it's a long, complicated, and really time-consuming story." Twilight replied. "I think my squadmates can help, though."
Nick, Logan, Harper, Dimitri, Kestrel, and Anubis walked forward, smiling. Celestia turned to them in curiosity.
"Ma'am, Princess, whatever. My name is Nicholas Sykes, leader of Squad Sierra-Kilo of the United States Strategic Homeland Division. This is Dimitri Rhodevski, Harper Andrews, Logan Johnston, and First Wave agents Kestrel and Anubis. We represent the United States of America." Nick said.
"Why are you here?" Cadance asked.
"Well, to be honest, we're not going to be here long." Nick said. "We just came to drop Agent Twilight and her friends off. New York isn't going to save itself."
"What do you mean by that?" Shining asked.
"They are saying a lot of things." Twilight said. "One, upon my arrival and rescue by the same squad here, I was asked to join The Division to keep myself safe. I accepted. I'm a level 30 agent, and a representative of two governments and dimensions."
"I think we had best take this private. Celestia said. "This ceremony is no longer needed, it seems. Goodnight."
As the various ponies departed, Twilight sighed.
"Let's go."
As they all teleported into Celestia's spacious study, the agents sat down. Celestia cleared her throat and spoke.
"How did you rescue Princess Twilight?"
Nick sighed and, with the help of the other agents, told the ponies of the outbreak, the ensuing anarchy and destruction, the First Wave, the creation of the Dark Zone, the Quarantine, the rise of the factions, and eventually, Twilight's rescue from the Cleaners and her subsequent operations with the JTF and the Division. By the end, the ponies, save Twilight and her friends, were shocked, saddened, and subdued.
"This...Green Poison, it caused all that?" Cadance asked, abhorred.
"Yes. The Green Poison even in its raw form was extremely virulent and deadly. Smallpox is the deadliest disease in human history, with good reason. We had no immunity to it, and no way of fighting it." Nick said.
"I am sorry to hear of this." Celestia said. "If you need help.."
"No." Nick said. "This is our job, and our job alone. I don't think you've experienced smallpox, let alone Green Poison. We know our fight is far from over, but its a fight we can win."
"I understand." Celestia said. "I shall send you back when you are ready."
"Great. On the behalf of the United States Government, Agent Twilight Sparkle, we thank you for your valorous service." Nick said, he and his squad saluting her. Twilight saluted in kind, and as the agents vanished in a flash of yellow light, Twilight sighed.
"I'll miss them." she said. "Mind if I spend the night here, Princess?"
"Not a problem."
Twilight sighed, and as she and her friends walked out to the dorms, Celestia and the others sighed.
"She's home." Luna said.
"But is she the same?" Cadance asked.
"Maybe." Shining said. "But I trust her. She'll be fine."
"She truly was a brave pony." Celestia said. "Her heroism was stunning."
"It was. The heroism of the humans in general." Luna added. "How they persevere, how they keep fighting for what they believe in."
"I think more in-depth talks can come later." Celestia said. "Let's get some rest."
As they departed, the moon slowly formed into a rising pheonix.
Author's Note
And that's all!
It's done! Finally done!
Hope you enjoyed reading this story!
As Twilight looked around at the snowflakes falling down outside her window, she sighed and turned back to her essay on Cutie Mark magic. She smiled and continued to write, smiling to herself.
"Twi?"
Twilight turned to Spike, who walked up.
"I thought you should have this. It came in the mail when you weren't here."
Twilight opened the envelope and scanned the letter. She sighed and smiled.
"It's from Sunset. She says she needs my help at Canterlot High. And before you ask Spike, you don't have to be a dog again."
Spike sighed in relief.
"Just be careful, Twi. I mean, that mirror just seems weird to me."
"I'll be fine."
Twilight walked downstairs towards the room where the mirror portal was set up. Activating it, the familiar blue vortex appeared. Stepping in, she smiled and relaxed. Then, everything went black.
===================================================================
Twilight's eyes fluttered open. She stood up and looked around. She wasn't at Canterlot High. In fact, she didn't even recognize where she was. She was in some kind of city, by the looks of it.. Large buildings towered above her. Cars lay destroyed and abandoned in the streets. Burned stores and residences graced the sides, and what wasn't burned out was covered in graffiti. Twilight could see the smoke rising from multiple places in the skyline. She sighed and began to walk, passing more devastated cityscape.
And walk.
And walk.
And walk.
By the time Twilight stopped, she had been walking for at least two hours, judging by the time on her watch. She sighed and pulled out the Cell phone Twilight had bought while at Canterlot High. She tried to turn in on, and sighed.
"Dead battery."
Twilight swore again, and noticed a vacant door on what seemed to be an apartment building. She slipped in, and looked around. The lobby was deserted, with furniture scattered all over, and burn marks covering the walls. She noticed a door marked "Pantry", opened it, and sighed. A few crates marked with "JTF" were there, along with a duffel bag. Then, she heard footsteps behind her and a dull click .
"Turn around slowly."
She did, and her eyes met that of a human male in his thirties, with messy brown hair and stubble. He was clad in a black jacket, jeans, and shoes, which looked like they hadn't been washed for a time. He had a gun pointed at her face. Then, he sighed and lowered it.
"Heh. Sorry about the gun. Just needed to make sure you weren't a looter." he said, pulling her into a first-floor apartment. The man shut the door and locked it, then he sat down on the sofa.
"Well, what's with you? Wandering out on the streets of New York?" he asked.
"I think I'm lost." Twilight said.
"Well, the least I can do is give you directions to a safe house. There, you can get some food and a roof over your head. There's one off Broadway." he said.
"Thanks. I'm Twilight, by the way."
"I'm Adam." he replied. "You foreign?"
"Foreign?" Twilight replied, confused.
"Yeah. Well, what I meant was are you from New York?" Adam replied.
"No." Twilight replied. "I'm not from here."
"Well, then, welcome to New York, Twilight. Once, one of the most beautiful cities I knew. Now? It's a godforsaken war-zone." Adam replied, scowling.
"What happened?" Twilight asked.
"Sit down. That story will take a while." Adam replied. Twilight nodded and sat next to him on the couch.
"Well, it all started on Black Friday. During the day, People started coming down with symptoms of a virus called smallpox. We didn't think it was a big deal. Except more and more people became sick, and those who became sick became sicker and died. Soon, it completely went out of control. People dying in droves from the so-called "Green poison." We found out the virus was circulating via the cash we were using, so, yeah. Things turned to a fucking hellhole pretty fast. Riots in the streets, Central Park becoming a mass burial ground, the National Guard, then the Army being called in, then the government said "Fuck you, New York" and built a quarantine wall around New York City. The virus was contained, but now, it's every man for himself. Food, running water and even electricity are luxuries. We got the looters, Rikers, LMB, and Cleaners all trying to survive, though all those people are just murderers. We put our hope in the JTF's first wave of responders, but from what I've heard over the radio, they're all missing or dead. The second wave's doing what they can. I managed to get some info from friends that the JTF killed the head of the Cleaners, Rikers, AND the LMB, and Times Square's all lit up like it's supposed to be, and I've heard the JTF base at the Post Office went from a trash heap to paradise. I bet they even have running water." Adam said.
"What's the LMB and those other groups?"
Adam sighed.
"The Last Man Battalion was a private military contractor group that was called in to safeguard Wall Street financial assets. When they got left behind, those bastards ended up going crazy and taking over the United Nations headquarters. Basically, the lead guy in the LMB, Colonel Bliss? That bastard was sending soldiers to apartment buildings and saying "Join or die" to the residents at gunpoint. The Rikers? Those guys and gals are state prisoners who broke out from Rikers Island Prison and are running rampant. The Cleaners? They're former sanitation workers that think the only way to save New York and the world is burn everything to the ground. Simply put, they're goddamn pyromaniacs." Adam said, getting up and walking over to a window.
"What about you?" Twilight asked.
"I'm just a guy trying to survive hell on earth. I lost my nephew to the Green Poison. He was staying with me for the weekend. He didn't know it would be his last." Adam said, and Twilight thought she saw a tear in his eye before he wiped it away.
"I'm sorry." Twilight said.
"Yeah. At least he's in a better place. I hope heaven has a better CDC than we do." Adam said, smiling at his joke.
"Yeah." Twilight said. Suddenly, Adam turned and grabbed Twilight by the shoulders.
"Listen. I'm going to make a run for the Post Office Safehouse. I've heard rumors the Cleaners are moving into this neighborhood, and those fuckers roast people alive. You should come with. I think we have a better chance for survival there than here." Adam said. Twilight nodded, and Adam walked over to a closet. Opening it, Twilight saw a hunting rifle and a small pistol. Adam shouldered the rifle. Taking the pistol, he took Twilight's hand and folded it over the grip.
"Use it only if you need to."
"How do I use it?" Twilight asked.
"You aim, you pull the trigger. Try to hit the head." Adam said. "You have fifteen shots. I'm almost out of ammo, so use them wisely."
Twilight nodded, and Adam opened the door to the street.. As they walked through the city, Adam told her a bit about the New York he used to know. At one point, they stopped at the ruins of a cafe'.
"There's Santos's, that place had great coffee. I knew the boss, Jeremy Santos. He was a great guy." Adam said. "Gave me free drinks sometimes. Pretty good chess player too."
"Where is he?" Twilight asked.
"Last I heard from him was a month ago. We had a two-way radio connection. He said he was gonna try to make it to the Post Office. I haven't heard from him since." Adam said. "We should get moving."
As they walked, Adam kept glancing over his shoulder. Then, he suddenly pulled Twilight into an alley. As he looked around the corner, he swore.
"Adam? What's wrong?" Twilight whispered.
"Fucking Cleaners." Adam replied.
"Can't we take them?" Twilight asked.
"Not in a million fucking years. There's six of them, two of us. We have a hunting rifle and a pistol, with 30 rounds total. Those bastards have flamethrowers, armor, and assault rifles. probably with as much ammo as they can carry. We could take them if there was one of 'em, but we can't. There's just too many of them. Let them pass."
As Twilight and Adam hid behind a dumpster, she got a look at the Cleaners. Some were clad in jackets, with green stripes. Each had a large red tank on their back, connected via a tube to the flamethrowers in their hands. They were all wearing balaclavas, and as they walked closer, Twilight grew more and more nervous. As they neared the alley, they stopped and looked around. Then, one of them cried out.
"Fuckers in the alley!"
Before Adam and Twilight knew it, they had a flamethrower and two assault rifles pointed at their face. Twilight tensed up in fright.
"Well, well. We got two prowlers, boys."
A cleaner wearing heavy armor and two flame tanks stepped up. Twilight could see a name tag on his chest.
SANCHEZ
"We don't want any trouble. We're not infected." Twilight said hastily.
Sanchez laughed.
"You go out on the streets? That means two things. One? You're looking for a safe place. Two? You're looking for trouble." Sanchez replied.
"Well, whatever. Like she said, we don't want any trouble. Just let us be on our way." Adam said.
"Like I would let a good-looking man and a hot chick out of my sight." Sanchez said. Twilight growled at this, which made Sanchez laugh again.
"Well, looks like the chick's got a 'tude. Let's see if we can't take it down a notch." Sanchez said, turning around. Then, he spun back and shot Adam in the leg. Adam screamed in pain, and grabbed his leg.
"Next." he said, pointing his gun at Twilight, who closed her eyes.
There was a sound of thunder, and Twilight braced for her death. Except it never came. As she opened her eyes, she saw Sanchez flinch, and a dull thunk resonated. Sparks flew from above her, and Twilight looked around frantically. A second shot, and one of the Cleaners in the back collapsed. Then, a flurry of gunshots erupted from behind a car.
"Fucker! Find 'em!" Sanchez called out, and the Cleaners began firing in random directions. Then, Twilight saw a small black box come up from behind the car, which formed into some sort of gun. It began firing at the Cleaners, and Twilight saw the Cleaners shooting at it. Then, more gunshots, and a second Cleaner fell. Twilight growled and looked at Adam, who was panting heavily and clutching his bullet wound. She swore and her hands began to glow.
"Let's hope this works." Twilight thought, and she applied the healing magic. The wound closed up, and Adam stopped breathing as fast as he was. He turned to look at her, and smiled weakly.
"I don't know how the fuck you just did that, but I'm grateful." he said.
"What would you say if I said I'm from an alternate dimension?" Twilight whispered.
"I would say bullshit normally, but I fucking believe you. Now's not the best time, though." Adam said, smiling and turning to watch the battle in the streets. As the Cleaners fired at the turret, it blew up, then a human dived out from behind the car. He was clad in a pale blue and brown jacket, with black pants and hiking shoes. A brown cap rested on his head, and some sort of device rested on his shoulder. He dive-rolled behind a second car and threw a spiked orb along the ground like a bowling ball. A ring on the side turned red, and it rolled towards a third Cleaner and exploded. The human shot down a fourth, and then dived out of the way of Sanchez's flamethrower, now sending bolts of napalm towards him.
"Fuck you! You killed my crew!" Sanchez said, spraying fire like a maniac. The human said nothing as he entered a combat crouch and opened fire. Sanchez fell to one knee, and attempted to pull out a pistol, but a final gunshot ended his life. The man walked over to the alley, and looked down at the two of them. Twilight saw he had black hair, with a clean-shaven face. He had a small scar on his left cheek. He extended a hand, which Adam grabbed. The man pulled up, and smiled again. He extended his hand again, and pulled up Twilight.
"You two okay?" he asked.
"We're fine." Adam replied. Then, a voice spoke.
"I've got evac incoming, Nick."
Twilight turned to see three more humans, two males, one female, walking up. Each carried different weapons, but all had the same tag on their shoulders, along with a black and orange watch.
"Copy that." Nick said. Then, a robotic voice spoke.
"WARNING-ADDITIONAL HOSTILES INCOMING!"
"Copy that, ISAC." Nick said. Taking Twilight and Adam, he shoved them into the backseat of a van.
"Stay here and keep your head down." Nick said, closing the door. Twilight scampered up to the windshield and saw the four humans taking defensive positions. One of them threw down some sort of box, another threw down a rectangular box which extended into a barrier, the third drew a launcher of some kind, the last one threw down another turret. Then, a large garbage truck drove up, with Cleaners hanging on to the sides. The driver got out the side door and sprayed a stream of flame. Twilight watched nervously as the Cleaners leveled guns at the humans who had saved them. Then, Nick motioned, and the team opened fire. As the Cleaners took cover, the four humans kept firing, sometimes diving back into cover to reload. As Cleaners fell one by one, the leader of the four motioned, and the one behind the Mobile Cover pulled out a large tube and fired. An object flew out, and then when it nearly reached the last Cleaner, it exploded. The launcher smiled and stood up.
"Bastards." he said in a booming accent.
"Amen to that!" the fourth said.
"Cut the chatter. Harper? Where's our evac?" Nick asked the female.
"Right there." the female replied. As Paul helped Twilight and Adam out of the car, a large Black-hawk helicopter landed, the side marked with "JTF". As the four boarded with Twilight and Adam, Nick banged three times on the side, and the helicopter took off into the skyline.
Author's Note
Here is the info on the four agents (Loadout and skillset)
Division Squad Sierra-Kilo
Weapons and Skills (All skills upgraded to master)
Chapter 10-Lion's Den, Part I
As the Helicopter set itself down in the Courtyard, the agents filed out, and were greeted by Lau and Benitez.
"Get Inside, agents. We got a lot to talk about." Lau said. As they entered, Twilight saw JTF soldiers moving around at a frantic pace.
"What's an Incursion, Nick?" Twilight asked, confused by the rapid movement,
"Incursions are massive JTF field operations, involving up to two Division squads, and up to five JTF field units. We've only authorized three since Manhattan was quarantined. They would be Falcon Lost, Clear Sky, and Dragon's Nest. Falcon was clearing out an LMB stockpile with an APC. Clear was the Rikers taking over again, an LMB, SAM site. Finally, in Dragon, we had to take out a Cleaner nest, and they were packing a modified Fire Engine meant to start fires, not put them out." Nick said. "They're dangerous, and since most JTF agents are nowhere near Division quality, often we've had to go in alone without JTF infantry support." Nick replied. "Speaking of, Lau? What's our status?"
Lau nodded. "You're heading in with JTF squads Banshee, Dragoon, and Stallion. We don't know what these "Pride" mooks are packing, but we can assume that it's similar to what Rikers are using. Kalashnikovs, T-82s, LMGs. Drone footage over the area shows that they've fortified a small factory depository into a safe house. From what Rhodes gathered from that Video call trace, it's in the epicenter of the likely area."
"How are we getting in?" Twilight asked.
"You're heading out with a Blackhawk and two Chinooks. You'll set down on this park a block away, then proceed on foot." Benitez said. "We don't know how much manpower they have, so we assume, again, they have about the numerical strength of a Riker faction."
"Anything else?" Logan asked.
"We've got some new gear for you all in the Armory. Agent Twilight, we've updated your level to 15 for that discovery. Get yourself some better kits. I'll notify the JTF squads the get ready, so get moving!" Benitez said.
As they entered the armory, Twilight was handed an MP7 Submachine gun, with a Glock 17 sidearm. Harper, a Vector K7, and a KSG shotgun. Nick, a Navy M27 and a UMP45. Logan, a Mark 11 DMR and a TMP. Finally, Dimitri was given a SPAS-12 and a LSAT. As the squad checked their gear, and restocked their ammo, Twilight growled.
"Let's go get him, agent." Nick said, and Twilight nodded. As they walked outside, they saw the three helicopters land. The three JTF squads arrived soon after.
"Agent, I'm Lt. Bering." A soldier said. "Commander Lau put me in charge of the JTF squads."
"Confirmed, soldier," Nick said. "Get your men on board!'
"Move out!' Bering said. As the soldiers boarded the Chinooks, the Agents boarded the Blackhawk. As they took off, the sun fully set, and the sky started to turn an inky black.
===========================================
As the helicopters flew through the pitch-black sky, their only guides the lights of buildings below, Twilight looked over at Nick, who was modifying his M27 with a Holo sight.
"Nick!"
"Yeah?" He replied over the radio.
"What's going to happen to Flash if we have to take him alive?"
"I wouldn't sweat taking him alive, Agent." Lau's voice interrupted. "We've tagged him as a threat to Manhattan. If he doesn't die, you know what happens."
"I know, commander." Twilight said. "I just wish there was another way."
"I do to." Lau replied. "But there simply isn't."
"Alright." Twilight sighed, and she turned off the radio.
"You okay, Agent?" Harper asked.
'I'm fine. Let's get this done." Twilight said, loading a mag into her MP7.
"Landing zone in one mike!" The pilot yelled. "Incursion op in t-minus one mike!"
"Agents, let's get this done!" Nick said, leaning out the side as the helo set down, followed by the Chinooks. As the JTF filed out, Nick and the squad started to move down the street, and were soon joined by the JTF. After a few minutes of walking, they settled themselves behind two buildings at an intersection. Nick peeked at the Depository,, and growled.
"They've got the only entrance locked down." Nick said. "Guards every few feet, and a sniper position."
"Can't the helicopters fire on them?" Twilight asked.
"They're too precious to use in combat. Most are equipped for medevacs or transport. Besides, they don't have any combat armament." Dimitri said.
"Then we'll have to hit them from the front." Nick said.
"Wait." Twilight said. "I think I know how we can get in."
"How?' Logan asked.
"We use the JTF as bait." Twilight said. "Once the JTF draws their fire, they'll divert all their units to the attackers…"
"Leaving their flank open." Dimitri said. "Brilliant!"
"We're ready to go on your mark, agent." Lt. Bering said.
"Set yourselves up here. We'll find a different way to get in. Our signal to attack will be three purple flashes."
"Confirmed." Lt. Bering said. "Get into position!"
As the JTF stacked up, Twilight brought the squad around to a small loading bay near the side of the depository. It was less heavily guarded, and there were only five sentries.
"Take 'em out, Logan. Silenced." Nick said. Logan placed his suppressor on his rifle, and fired five shots. All five sentries fell. Nick and the team moved up. Twilight occupied a position, and seeing the JTF were ready, she used her magic to deliver three quick flashes of purple. Then, a few seconds later, gunfire erupted and cries resonated.
"Breach!"
"Go, go, go!"
"Let's move, Agent!' Nick said, opening fire. Twilight dived behind a crate and shot a hostile, before reloading and shooting another.
"Agent, grenade!" Nick yelled. Twilight noticed a green orb land near here. Realizing what it was, she pulled it into her hands with magic and threw it back. As it reached the apex of its flight, it exploded.
"Nice toss!" Nick yelled, taking cover behind her.
"Thanks!" Twilight replied, covering her head as several shots hit the crate, just missing her.
"LMG on top floor!" Harper yelled. "Suppressing fire!"
Twilight fired a second burst, and then, the doors of the courtyard opened, and the JTF moved in, diving behind cover to dodge their greeting, a spray of bullets.
"Flank that MG!" Twilight yelled, and Nick nodded. Diving directly below the window, he pulled out his sticky launcher, and fired. The projectile hit on the window frame, and exploded. The gunfire ceased, and Twilight sighed.
"Move up! Into the building!" Nick yelled. As the JTF moved in, through a security camera, Flash watched the battle.
"Sir! JTF forces are in the building!" A Pride member yelled.
"I know, Dominic." Flash said. "Keep them stalled. I need time to set up the bomb and the device."
"Yessir!" Dominic said. Grabbing a M249 Saw from a weapon rack, he sprinted out. Flash saw Twilight's image in the monitor, and he growled.
"Soon, you and I will be together.: Flash said. "And one of us…"
"...won't leave this city alive."
Author's Note
Part two will be soon!
LIke the chapter?
As the agents walked into the Security Wing, Nick looked over at Lau and Benitez, who were marking locations on a map.
"What's going on?" Nick asked.
"The LMB's new final stand." Lau said. "They're moving en-masse to the depository. If they get their hands on that portal…"
"It would end Equestria." Twilight said. "We don't have the military prowess to fend off the LMB. We'd get slaughtered."
Benitez nodded.
"That's why we need to knock out the LMB, pronto. They have a staging point near the depository. You need to move in and take out whoever's leading the attack, while the JTF holds the depository." Lau said.
"That's a bad idea." Kestrel said.
"Why's that?" Lau asked.
"Because the LMB have a new leader. Lightning Dust's second in command, Captain Dawes. He's the new Colonel Bliss." Kestrel said, pulling up his file through ISAC. "This guy is rumored to have been more that Lightning's errand boy. This guy was responsible for coordinating the defenses at Grand Central Station and the United Nations. He's a master strategist, and efficient, too."
"Seems like a sonuvabitch like him would take command." Benitez said. "Where's he at?"
"Currently en route to the staging post." Kestrel said. "Dawes is and should be our primary objective. He's the one responsible not only for Grand Central and UN, but he's been briefed on our capabilities, courtesy of Keener. The First Wave squads will handle the main LMB attack, while Nick and his team head in to take Dawes out."
"Sounds like a plan. What do those bastards have on them?" Benitez asked.
"High-end LMB tech rivalling ours." Kestrel said. "They're relying on numbers to break our defense."
"So, what do we do?" Lau said. "We can't hold the depository for long."
"Then we'll destroy it instead." Twilight said. "We'll do damage to the LMB, lure them into the depository, then blow the building."
"But the portal…" Nick said. "That's your only way of getting home!"
"I don't care." Twilight said. "This is pretty much home to me now. I'm willing to fight."
"Then it's decided." Lau said. "I'll notify a demolitions team to set explosives on the support pillars. You'll have to hold them off until the bombs are ready. We'll pull you out, then...boom."
"Sounds good. How much time 'till the attack?" Nick asked Kestrel.
"Not much."
"Then let's get going." Twilight said. As the agents restocked and headed out, Benitez got on the line with Rhodes, and Lau took over the JTF comms.
"All JTF military units, be advised, we have a LMB assault on the NY Depository. All available squads, head that way as soon as possible. Lau out."
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Author's Note
Sorry for the short chapter. Next time it'll be longer.
Next up-Chapter 18-The Last Stand Battalion
