Equestrian Commandos: Zeta Squad

Chapter Two

All were silent around Zeta Squad, as they wheeled the covered gurney towards the hospital. It was not hard to tell that it had a child laying under the white sheet, all four heavily armed Commandos hovering around her. Those, that were heavily attached to their families, could practically see and feel the sorrow coming off of them. Twilight, on the other hand, watched a single member of Zeta Squad, who had not shown any emotion what so ever. It bothered her, greatly, and could not help but feel concern for Blade.

The Medical Examiner patiently waited for them at the hospital, a look of pure sorrow about him. No matter what, performing an autopsy on a child is never easy. He looked up at the four, who kept their helmets on, the old unicorn doctor did not need to see their faces, to know they were in mourning. “I will take good care of the poor lass, giving her the upmost respect.”

Doc walked up to him, handing a datapad to the doctor. “This is all of Shav’s medical data… I’ve done a lot of the records myself.” He informed, the Medical Examiner taking the datapad carefully.

“Thank you, lad, I will be sure to review everything, while we have her within our care.” The Medical Examiner looked towards a pair of orderlies. “Lucky, Stern, take our guest down stairs and make sure she is comfortable. I’ll be along to see to the lass shortly.”

“Right away, Dr. Tender Rites.” They both acknowledged, walking up and gently rolling the gurney inside. Without warning, all of Zeta Squad suddenly stood at attention and saluted, as the gurney went inside. While the Commandos treated Shav like one of their own, this action was out of respect to how she fought as a true soldier, in their eyes. Each Commando having their own memories of teaching, training, and fighting; alongside the young padawan.

Their sudden salute prompted the present Royal Guards and Wonderbolts to do the same. None of them wished to show any disrespect towards the dead, especially towards those that helped save Ponyville. While they did not know her, personally, the Commandos gave them a clue that she was both a higher rank and another soldier. Even if they were on a different side, soldiers always showed respect towards the honorable fallen, for they had passed on doing their duty. However, a member of the Royal Guard, bearing the mark of a Messenger, quickly rushed up to Twilight, a parchment in his hand. The pegasus stallion began to whisper to her, showing the parchment, as Twilight’s eyes widened.

“Are you sure, Sergeant?” She asked, taking the parchment.

He gave a nod. “Yes, Princess. I double checked the head count myself.”

Twilight’s concerned look turned to one of panic, before her eyes went to the saluting Commandos. “They are the only ones able to handle this…” The fact that only three of them made short work of the Changelings, by using such advance weapon, brought the princess to this conclusion. Cautiously, she approached Blade, not wanting to provoke him in anyway. “E-Excuse me, Captain?”

Blade turned around, and faced Twilight, placing both hands at the small of his back. “Yes, Princess? What can I do for you?” His voice had been abnormally calm, making Twilight flinch.

“Many of Ponyville’s citizens had been kidnapped by the Changelings, during their attack. Including several critical members of the Wonderbolts.” She started, feeling intimidated by the emotionless helmet staring down at her. “We know there is a decent sized camp nearby, our scouts saying that those captured were being taken there. “By now, the other members of Zeta Squad had walked over and mimicked their leader’s stance. “If any of our forces moved in, they would be spotted, and put several lives in danger before we could-?”

“You would like for us to infiltrate this camp and rescue who we can?” Blade summed up.

Twilight blinked a couple of times, before nodding. “I know it is a lot to ask, after what you have already done for us, and the loss of your little one. But…” She looked up at him, a pleading look in her eyes. “Please, will you help us?”

The Clone Commando just looked down at her, silently, before his gaze went to the other members of his squad. “What do you all think?”

“As a Medic, I cannot ignore a call for help, sir.” Doc stated, rather flatly. “And, it is what Shav would want us to do.”

“Yeah, knowing our ad’ika? She would try and take that entire camp herself.” Smoker noted, with a slight chuckle.

Stirker suddenly slammed his right fist into the palm of his left hand. “I cannot take my anger out on those responsible, but I can take it out on those who wasted our time.”

Giving a nod, Blade looked to Twilight. “There’s your answer, Princess. Zeta Squad is at your command, what are your orders?” At that, Zeta Squad formed a horseshoe around Twilight, each one taking quick checks of their equipment but made sure most of their attention was on her. “What are the mission parameters?”

Twilight blinked a few more times, surprised at how quick the four seemed to prepare for this. “W-Well…” She shook her head, taking on a serious look. “First, the Changeling Internment Camp is deep within the Everfree Forest. There are many dangerous creatures within that place, so your approach will have to be careful.” The Commandos gave a nod, Blade crossing his arms a bit while listening. “Our scouts could not get very close, but they do know that the Changelings have constructed some sort of hardened wall, made by a black substance. Getting past that will probably be a bit harder."

“Not with a few well-placed charges.” Smoker commented, chuckling a bit.

“Ok, don’t know what that is supposed to mean.” The princess turned her attention to Blade. “The Changelings are probably keeping prisoners in stasis pods, using the gel inside to harvest what they need.” That got the whole squad’s attention, hearing that the Changelings are taking something from their captives’ bodies. “It will be easy to get them out, just cut the transparent membrane with something sharp.”

They gave a nod, as Blade pulled out his blaster’s magazine, checking the charge on it. “Any priority targets? Those we absolutely need to extract?” He asked, placing the magazine back in and activating his blaster. “Those we have to make sure get out, if things get dicey.”

Twilight gave a nod, handing the parchment to Blade. “This is a list of those captured, or presumed captured, by the Changelings. The names underlined are important to Equestria’s safety.” The squad joined their Captain, familiarizing themselves with the names. “Specifically, Captain Spitfire and Vice-Captain Soarin’ are missing, both are the Wonderbolt Elite Leaders. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity; are also high priority. They are Elements of Harmony, a major defense and symbol for our Kingdom… Without the Elements, our Kingdom would have been lost to evil ages ago.”

Blade gave a nod, handing the parchment to Doc, who placed it into one of his belt pouches. “If they are in the camp, we will get them out immediately.” The Commando went to parade rest again. “Where is this camp located? My squad and I will move out ASAP.”

“It is about four miles south of the Everfree Forest boarder.” Twilight answered, her concern starting to break through. “Please, Captain, save all of my friends.”

Zeta Squad suddenly stood at attention, each giving her a salute. “Do not worry, Princess.” Blade started, still holding his salute. “Republic Commando Squad ‘Zeta’ are on the job.” He lowered the salute, turning to his squad. “Alright, Zeta! Let’s move!”

“Yes, sir!” They replied, before the four Commandos rushed off towards the Everfree Forest.

-Just Outside the Changeling Internment Camp, Two Hours Later-

A Changeling Drone yawned, stopping just before the perimeter wall turned from a corner. He had been patrolling outside the perimeter, ever since the attack group returned with their prisoners. Why, he didn’t know, since the ponies would not go this far deep into the Everfree Forest, let alone attack a Changeling Camp within said forest. Though, the drone had been baffled at their high casualty count, and the loss of their Advance Infiltration Attack Commander. None of them were able to find out what exactly happened, the survivors in a hysteria about four Demons in black, one with red markings having sliced General Vire completely in half with some strange weapon.

During the drone’s complacent thoughts, he did not notice that the other members of his patrol went on ahead, nor the lone figure quietly approaching him. Slowly, and carefully, the lone figure approached their prey, hands reaching towards the drone. They waited, and watched the drone give a complacent look around, careful not to be spotted by them. The moment his prey yawned again, both armored hands shot forward! One went over the Changeling’s mouth, effectively silencing them, while the other grabbed hold of his jaw. Their struggle had only been muffled screams for help and desperate attempts to harm the armored attacker… All for not, as the attacker forced their neck to the right, which had been followed by a sickening snap as the Changeling’s head turned all the way around.

Blade just stared down at the Changeling, their blank stare looking up at him. He released the limp body, allowing it to fall down, and pressed his squad comm-link. “Blade here, sentry neutralized. You’re cleared to move up.”

“Affirmative, sir, on our way.” Smoker came back, as he and Doc rushed up.

While the Demolition Expert placed a charge on to the wall, Doc walked up to Blade. “So, what is our infiltration tactic this time, sir?” He asked, watching for anymore patrols.

“Standard breach and extraction.” He looked towards where the other sentries went. “We have Striker giving us both Overwatch and Cover from a Sniper’s Nest overlooking the camp. On my mark, we will detonate the four charges placed around their perimeter, then go through the hole this one makes.” Blade motioned to the charge Smoker is currently placing. “After we breech, we will make extracting the Captain, Vice-Captain, and three ‘Elements’ our top priority. Freeing any we come across, as well.”

“Understood, sir. I will see to any of their injured, as well.” Doc noted, earning a nod from the lead Commando.

“Alright, sir.” Smoker announced, quickly moving to the other two. “Charge is placed, and primed with the others. Waiting for your orders.”

Blade gave a nod, motioning to the foliage. “Let’s get clear and behind cover.” With that, the three took cover behind a group of large trees, just outside the camp. Once set up, Blade pressed the Squad Comm-link again. “Ready, Striker?”

-Treetop, Overlooking the Internment Camp-

Striker kept his Sniper Rifle attachment trained on the Changeling Camp. The Clone Commando Sniper had gathered leaves, vines, and branches; to adorn his armor and sniper rifle, making it much harder to spot him. Ever since his Squadmates left t place the charges, and breach the camp, Striker had been scanning the camp and looking for any hazards towards their mission… So far, he has found none, even marked a few Changelings as ‘Dies First’. Striker is a Hunter, a killer, and this will be the best way he could express the bottling emotions within his heart.

When Shav died, every bit of his humanity died with her. She kept him from turning into a Monster, with that smile and happy attitude, always wanting to help others. That attitude ensured Striker from falling into the abyss, stopping him from turning into a monster obsessed with killing. Now, she is gone and the ones that kept him from being by her side, like a good older brother, were in Striker’s sights.

The Hunter has his Prey.

“Ready, Striker?” Blade’s voice came over the squad’s comm.

A sadistic smile appeared on Striker’s lips, as his crosshairs locked on to their first target. “Yes, sir.” His response had a bone chilling calm to it… Striker is going to enjoy making these Changelings squirm.

-With Blade, Doc, and Smoker-

“Yes, sir.”

Blade gave a nod, looking to Smoker. “On my mark, then. Three…” Smoker held up two detonators, making an X with his arms. “Two…” Doc and Blade readied their blasters, bracing themselves against the tree. “One…” Striker pressed his sniper rifle against the crook of his shoulder, scope trained on the first target. “Go.”

“I love my job!” Smoker slammed his thumbs on to the detonators.

-Inside the Internment Camp-

“Seriously, Captain, I don’t know what to tell you.” A Changeling drone said, to a slightly more crested Changeling. “Those… Those Demons were something we have never encountered before. Our spells just bounced off of their bodies!”

The second drone spoke up this time. “And those strange weapons! Firing thin beams of blue light, that seared through our bodies like paper!” It had been obvious, the second drone was shaken up far more by this. “Then their leader, he took General Vire out like a common drone…”

The Changeling Captain rubbed his eyes. “Greta, first our attack on Ponyville failed, then these four demons show up and take out our only Advance Infiltration Attack Commander.” He gained an annoyed look. “What else could possibly-!”

BOOM!

Four different points of the camp suddenly went up in a fire explosion! This caused several of the drones to panic, attempting to respond. “W-What!? Quickly, get every drone-!” He did not get to finish that order.

All they heard was a sharp whistle, and saw a thin blue light. Then, there had been a hole burned into the center of his head, the Changeling Captain’s blood covering both shocked drones. Their expression slowly went form surprise, connecting the attack and beam of light, to sheer terror. “THE DEMONS!” They screamed, hugging each other.

-Striker’s Sniper Nest-

Striker’s grin grew wider, there goes his first target. The plus had been the remaining two Changelings, who were terrified and couldn’t even move. However, he decided not to target them, this will help lower morale within the camp. His focus went to another crested Changeling, that is trying to rally their defenders.

“Oh, no you don’t, bug boy.” Striker whispered, the crosshairs keying in on the Changeling’s head. He took a calm breath, and releasing it while pulling the trigger slowly back. Once his breath left, allowing him to focus more, he pulled the trigger all the way back… Smirking, as his target’s head disappeared. “Another one bites the dust.”

-Back in the Internment Camp-

The three Commandos watched another trail of sniper fire whizz overhead, as they pushed past the breach. “Heh, looks like Striker got another one.” Smoker commented, before rounding a corner, and putting tree rounds into a pair of Changelings. “Anyone else noticing the sloppy attempt at protecting the camp? I mean, really, the Trandoshans could do a much better job.”

“Probably because Striker is taking out their leadership, and those trying to rally a defense.” Doc said, before looking towards Blade. “Sir? Where do you think the hostages are?”

Blade risked a glance from behind their cover, noticing some of the Changelings converging towards a certain point of the camp. “More than likely, the camp’s center. It would be easier to defend, and harder to escape. Have to fight through the whole camp, just to reach it... That’ll be our best bet.” The three readied to move, as Blade pointed his DC-17m forward. “Ready to cover us, Striker?”

“Affirmative, sir. I’ve taken out a great many of their more obvious leaders. The camp seems to be in a state of disarray, from my point of view.”

“Alright, we will be making our move on the hostages. We’re counting on you, Striker.” Blade said, before the three rushed out from behind cover, bounding towards the camp’s center. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE6cCcQV-YI Heh, gotta go with a classic for these guys.)

Several Changelings saw the three charging for their camp’s center, and attempted to stop them. However, their bolts of magic only bounced off of the Commandos, a layer of blue light appearing around their bodies. The failed attempts were met by volleys of blaster fire, or a thin beam striking down the one that ordered their attack in the first place. Even those that tried to enter melee with the three Commandos, found out how out matched they were to the veteran soldiers, who only used their hands as a defense.

Blade kept firing towards any oncoming Changelings trying to get to their positions, blasting away at their limps and bodies. Some were even met with either a butt stock to the face or an elbow to their gut before he unloaded into them. A Changeling tried to jump on to his back, but they were quickly grabbed by the shoulders, thrown over his head and slammed into the ground, before the Commando slammed his foot on to their skull. A group of Changelings were coming at him from both sides, Blade slinging his blaster and quickly pulling out the twin DC-15s at his hips, opening fire into their ranks with one side arm pointing in the other’s direction.

Doc’s attacks were more strategic than Blade’s, his blaster slicing through vital points within their bodies. Quite a few were disabled, before they even came within three meters of the Squad Medic, before he ended them with a precise blast to their head. When one got into melee with Doc, the medic quickly drew his vibro-knife and used it to slam into their throat, leg, center mass, forehead, and one poor unfortunate Changeling got the vibro-knife straight into the center of his legs… Before Doc shot him in the head.

Smoker made a lot of noise, using his explosives and anti-armor attachment to clear paths for him and the squad, killing larger groups of Changelings. His attacks were considered the most reckless of the Squads, compared to the efficient Blade, precise Doc, or deadly Striker; but he made sure the attacks made his enemy hurt. Those that survived could not fight on, having burns and limbs blown completely off. When he used the DC-17m, Smoker shot away good portions of his enemy, tearing away at their bodies to the point that they’ll either die, or scream for some kind of medic to save them… Opening up the crucial target to Striker’s sniper fire.

One Changeling actually attempted to knock Blade to the ground, by surprising him from between two tents, but got knocked to the ground by an elbow from the Commando. Before they could recover, Blade was already on top of them, with one of his DC-15s side arms pressing against their forehead. “I’m only going to ask once, where are the hostages?”

“J-Just ahead of you! But y-you will need a key for the ones in cages or taken to the cells!” The Changeling answered, feeling Blade’s side arm press more into his forehead. “H-Here’s my key!” They held up a black key-like object, made from some green crystal substance. “But, you will need a special one for the cells, those are officers only!”

Blade took the key, eyeing it carefully. "Thanks.” His words were followed by the DC-15s going off, burning a hole through the Changeling’s skull. “Let’s move, Zeta.” They nodded, the three Commandos rushing towards the camp’s center.

-Changeling Holding Cell-

“B-By Equestria, this hurts so freaking bad!” Soarin’ groaned, as Rarity rebandaged the spellfire burn covering the pegasus’ side. “I can’t believe they got the drop on me, so easily…”

“Don’t worry, darling, the burn won’t leave any permanent damage.” Rarity assured, as she finished the bandaging process and tied the cloth off. “Though, you will still require a doctor to see to this.”

“Like those freaks will give us anything of the sort! We are lucky you had those rolls of fabric with you, Rares.” Rainbow Dash noted, holding her bandaged arm. The Wonderbolt had taken a stun spell burst mid-flight, and crash landed rather roughly. Her landing caused the pegasus to suffer several gashes, bruises, and even fractured her left wing in a couple of places. Though, her attention went to the orange earth pony mare, that stood by the cage door. “What’s the matter, AJ? You’ve been standing near that door for a while now.”

“Ain’t ya’ll the least bit curious about those explosions or all that commotion outside?” Applejack asked, looking back at the group, then attempted to see what is going on. “That doesn’t sound like any party I’ve heard before.”

“S-She has a point.” Soarin’ did his best to lean up in the cage. “That sounds like fighting, and by what I can hear? Those Changelings are getting their tail kicked.”

Rainbow Dash and Rarity looked at each other, then to the wounded Vice-Captain. “Who would be crazy enough to attack a fully armed Changeling Camp, in the Everfree Forest?” Rainbow Dash asked, wondering if her current assistant commanding officer knew of some spec ops group from Canterlot.

“No idea, not even the Solar Guard Elite would attempt such a thing, it would require a full deployment and that’ll take days to prepare…” His gaze went to the cage’s door. “Whoever is out there, I hope they can get to Spitfire, before those Monsters can do anything.”

“I do hope she is alright… Those ruffians gave such a disgusting look towards her, after the Captain stopped them from grabbing me.” Rarity shivered, remembering the three that came and took the Wonderbolt Captain shortly before the commotion started.

“She’s really tough, Rares. I doubt those freaks will manage to do anything to her.” Rainbow Dash assured, but her confidence wasn’t’ al there.

While they talked, Applejack continued to try and figure out what is going on outside. The heavy fighting had strangely came to a halt, but high pitch whistling sounds could be heard. There was also hushed talking, the tones having a metallic sound to them, three voices. When a strange tone started to beep, moving from slow to fast at a ticking rate… Applejcack’s eyes went wide. “Everyone, down!” She yelled, quickly turning around and tackling the other three.

Before they could ask why she panicked so suddenly, a nearby explosion sent the holding area’s door sailing past and filled the corridor with smoke. Their ears were ringing, unable to talk due to the smoke making them cough, as they looked to see what had happened… Going slack jawed, as three armored figures walked into view of their cage. “Sweet Celestia…” They all muttered, as the one with white markings looked at them, his T-Shaped visor glowing.

“Sir, I got four here… Two are wounded.” Doc noted, as Blade used the key to unlock their cage.

“Alright, Smoker? Go to where the pods are, get the hostages free. Doc and I will work on the cages.” Blade instructed, the demolition expert rushing down the hallway, where they managed to “acquire” the location of those in the pods. “Doc, see to those two, I’ll start working on unlocking the other cages.

“Yes, sir.” Doc went into the cage, kneeling next to Soarin’ and Rainbow Dash. “Ok, can any of you tell me what the injuries are? That will help me treat them faster.”

“Soarin’ suffered spellfire burns, while Rainbow Dash crashed after being stunned.” Rarity answered, not really knowing how to explain it medically.

The names caused the two Commandos to freeze. “Wait, Vice-Captain Soarin’ and Element Rainbow Dash?” Doc asked, looking to Rarity.

“Why yes, darling… I am Miss Rarity, and this is Applejack.” She motioned to the farmmare, who tipped her hat to him. “Why do you ask?”

“Where is Captain Spitfire?” He simply asked, not really answering her, looking around but didn’t see any other in the cage.

“Three Changelings took her away, before all that commotion started.” Rainbow Dash answered, holding her injured arm.

“Sir!” Doc called out.

“I heard.” Blade replied, tossing the key to Doc. “You work on things here; I’ll handle retrieving the Captain.” With that, he sprinted down the hallway, while Doc handed the key to Applejack and saw to the injured Wonderbolts.

-Holding Cell #4-

The Changelings looked around, after the cell shook and dust fell. “That sounded a lot closer… Think the others can hold them off?” A drone asked, looking to the Changeling Lieutenant.

The lieutenant scoffed, smirking. “Regardless, we will be done by the time they get here.” His eyes narrowed on the half dressed, tied up and dangling forward, Spitfire in front of them. The three managed to unzip her uniform enough to reveal the mare’s bare upper body. Her bright yellow coat glistening in the cell’s low light, Spitfire’s ample breast hanging out for all to see, her toned body revealing how wells he kept her body in shape. The initial attack caused them to stop unzipping at her waist, barely able to see her hips, and the three started to argue about whether or not they should go help. “Plus, if we die today, I’d like to at least know I was inside the legendary Captain Spitfire.”

“Yeah.” The other Changeling hissed his laugh. “Sure lived up to the reputation of being the Wonderbolt Ace, took out twenty drones before being subdued.”

“Imagine this, if we managed to impregnate her? She could birth a Warrior or Drone like no other.” The Changeling Lieutenant slowly walked up to Spitfire, a fanged grin on his twisted muzzle. “Not to mention, this will also cause the loss of their ace flyer. How foolish to make herself known, just to protect some random unicorn mare.”

All the mare could do, as the lieutenant grabbed hold of her sensitive bare chest and start to grope her, was stare blankly past him. They had pumped her full of some kind of drug prior to this, making her more submissive to their whims. As the Changeling’s foul tongue traced against her neck, a tear slowly formed and fell down Spitfire’s cheek. This had not been what the mare wanted her first time to be like… She dreamed that she’d be spending such a blissful feeling with someone she loved, in a romantic setting. Not drugged, tied up, in a cell, with three perverted Changelings. She prayed to Celestia that something would stop this, but her hopes slowly died when the Changeling’s clawed hand started to rub between her legs and then over her clothed marehood. More tears streamed from her blank eyes. Nothing was going to stop-?

Click. Click. Click. Click.

The tapping noise stopped him, causing all three Changelings to look at the door. It sounded like a high pitch typing noise, which is strange because nothing on Equis could make such a thing. Their eyes widened, when a timer tone started to blare out. “B-Bomb!!!” One of the drones yelled, before the lock and handle were destroyed by a small explosion.

The door was suddenly kicked open, a figure wearing high tech black armor, with red markings, stood in the door way. He had some kind of black kilt and shoulder guard, with red lines adorning it, the kilt having a block and grip contraption on each side. Silently, he pointed the barreled weapon, in his hands, at the Changelings. Their eyes widened, as a cold aura of murder filled the room. “No, wait, please, have-!” The Changeling Lieutenant’s words were cut off, as they unloaded their weapon on to the three.

The cell flashed with blue light, as all three Changelings were violently torn apart and gunned down. Their screams of agony filled Spitfire’s hears, unable to look away while they were slaughtered by this lone soldier. One of the drones barely survived the initial onslaught, trying to crawl away, but he casually strode over to them… Drawing some kind of dagger-like weapon from his belt.

Her blank eyes watched, as the soldier grabbed hold of their head, just staring at the wall. The Changeling screamed, beg, and pleaded; for them to stop, even as the soldier’s dagger started to glow and he slid the blade across their neck. Spitfire felt sick to her stomach, as green blood sprayed all over the wall and on to the ground. His grip releasing, allowing the Changeling to fall forward and into a pool of their own blood. The lone soldier then approached the mare, both blank eyes going up to him… Seeing the bloody dagger and glowing visor.

To her surprise, he leaned over and used the blade to cut the very ropes that kept her bound and up right. When she fell forward, the soldier quickly, and gently, caught her before moving to where he now knelt next to the mare and had her back leaning into his arms. Carefully, he zipped Spitfire’s uniform back up, making sure no other saw her in such an exposing way. “W-Who a-are yo-ou?” Spitfire managed to ask, the drugs still having a tight hold over her body.

“CC-6745, Clone Commando. Captain ‘Blade’.” His voice was eerily calm, with a metallic tone to it. “I’m the leader of Zeta Squad. My team and I were sent here to rescue the hostages that these Changelings took.” Gently, he lifted Spitfire off of the ground, bridal style, leaning her head against his chest. It was obvious that there was no way the mare could walk, not in her state. “We’re your Rescue Team, Captain.”
The word “Rescue Team” caused Spitfire to smile, weakly, resting her head further on to the Commando’s chest. “T-Thank… Cel-Celestia.” With that, the Wonderbolt Captain blacked out.