Chapters Time….1400hrs
It’s been quite some time since I’ve gotten leave, now come to think about it? Hell, when was the last time I got to see my kids I don’t think they’ve actually seen me in person for the past what three-four years?
Let’s see today's the 1st of January so that would make it Sammy’s birthday she would be 12 years old.
What would a 12-year-old girl want, wait I can’t forget Mathew either I know his birthday won't be for another week or so, but still I don’t want to leave him out of it either? Mat is 10 he would be easy a few dollars or hell even my old Xbox would do for him, but Sammy would be a different story. Ehh I think I should just get her a bear or something like that granted with everybody still set in war mode. I think finding a toy would be a challenge after all.
Seems like only yesterday I was in Paris. Capturing Alph uplink from the European Enforce corp till the Slams system came back online effectively ensuring US dominance of the sector. Later in the following weeks, the rest of European Union fell followed by Moscow's effectively ending the 9-year war. Leaving the United States the only superpower in the world. Yet even then the energy crisis still lingered, it wasn’t till yesterday that President Becerra announced that a plan was enacted to send drones into the irradiated deserts of the middle east to continue to draw from the oil-rich sands.
Some now call the US as the only real government left after the war. Well, the countries that claimed neutrality still are around, but with many of them allowing the Euros and Russians to defend it’s uplink clusters in the country for example; the commonwealth or the United Kingdom. You tend to be seen as an enemy to all sides of a war. In such a case infrastructure would be taken out to slow the defending army from retaliating rapidly to an uplink crash signaling the beginning of a battle in a sector.
“Joeboy you in there?” I heard the driver say with a heavy Bronx accent as I snapped out of my daydream in time to see my house come into view. It was nothing too lavish or run down, in fact, it looked like any other house in an all-American life Including white picket fence, dog, cat and even a rubber ball on the front lawn, appropriately trimmed. Living in suburbia D.C is going to be a welcomed change from getting my ass shot at.
“Yeah I’m here corporal, and that’s Captain Joeboy to you,” I said back as I looked over the corporal who had just called me by the nickname given to JSF soldiers. Seeing the neatly pressed urban camo BDU he wore compared to my solid gray. His name was stitched into the front left breast of his shirt, while his rank was on his right shoulder.
“Well captain Joeboy,” he said with gratitude laced in his voice as we stopped. “Thanks for your service sir.”
“Don’t thank me,” I said as I grabbed my bag containing my clothes and other miscellaneous things I’d collected from deployment. “Thank them,” I pointed out the window seeing my two kids running towards the Humvee from the porch of my home all the while my wife stood relieved on the porch.
“If that's what you been fighting for Captain Joeboy than don’t let me keep you, sir,” he said with a noticeable grin spread across his lips. “And one more thing.”
“Yes?” I replied as I looked at him before opening the door to the Humvee.
“High speed,” he began to say.
“Low drag,” I finished the JSF motto exiting the humvee then waving the humvee away just before I was assaulted by two reasons to fight.
“Daddy!” they shouted in unison as they latched onto both of my legs, Sammy on my right leg and Matthew on my left.
“Daddy did you bring me something from Europe!” Sammy sang while Matthew just hugged my leg. Looking down to see my daughter I pushed aside her dark brown hair from her face.
“Samantha De’Winter, your father comes home from across the world, and all you ask is a toy?” I heard an angelic voice say grabbing full attention.
“Hey honey I’m home,” I said with a grin while keeping my kids close.
“I can see that Joeboy now get over here so I can actually know my Joeboy is home,” Angie said with traces of seduction in her voice.
“I would love to angel, but at the current moment, I seem to be fighting just for every inch,” I laugh as I tried to move forward but was met with fierce resistance from my two oppressors. Finding no other possible way around my current endeavor, I sauntered over to the front lawn and fell backward into the soft grass. “Ahh, I’m being attacked by two monsters! Someone, anybody, please help me!” I said playfully while my kids stopped assaulting my legs and went to hugging my chest giggling as they pinned me down.
“We got you, dad!” Matthew said with glee as he and Sammy pinned me down with all their might. “We got you!”
“Ahh no! Ahh!” I shouted again playing along with moment but only for a short while before I brought my arms around both Sammy and Matthew. Both of them combined weighed roughly about 120 to 140 pounds. Allowing me to pick them both up with little difficulty.
“Ah hahaha,” both Sammy and Matthew laugh while I began to counterattack with my signature tickle attack.
“That's cheating daddy!” Sammy called out as she tried to squirm her way out of my arms but was not match for my iron like grip.
“You can’t escape me!” I called out.
“What’s all noise about...Wait is that? Martha come out quick we have a Joeboy home!” the sound of an elderly man's voice shouting caused me to look towards the source.
“Is that you Old man?” I shouted back to him before I got up from the pile and righted myself so I could clearly see him. “Mr. and Mrs. Taylor how are you two!” I said as I walked over the picket fence that separated both of our lawns.
“Good to see you back home Thomas,” Mrs. Taylor said as she rushed out of her home wielding a rolling pin that looked to be covered in flour.
“As spry as ever Mrs.Taylor how you manage to keep moving about at your age is beyond me,” I said with a laugh as Mrs. Taylor hit me with the rolling to my shoulder.
“You keep that up mister there will be no cookies for you!” She said with a smile. “Anyways dear it’s good to have you back in the neighborhood and stateside.
“It's good to be back, that's for sure,” I replied while looking over the couple. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had known me since I was a kid back in Texas. They were kind to me when and well they are almost like a second family to me. I remember back after I had finished my JSF training and was assigned to the 35th Airborne my parents were against me joining the armed forces and well disowned me for it but, the Taylors they took me in like family. It was even weirder when I found out that they were the parents of Col. Jordan Taylor, the commanding officer of the 35th. Of course, we made rules. When on leave we're like brothers rank is left on base, and we act like brothers, but when we are deployed, we are the Joeboys rank and all.
“Anyways Thomas, have you’ve seen or heard anything about Taylor I hope he’s okay. Wasn’t he supposed to be on the plane with you and the others?” Mrs. Taylor asked while Mr. Taylor looked out to the road.
“I don’t know, JT doesn't tell me anything about his off time, heck last thing he told me was to go take an uplink and hold.”
“Where was that at,” Mr.Taylor asked.
“Paris,” I replied.
“So the 35th was in charge of capturing Paris?” Mr. Taylor replied. “I really wished you and Angie would have been able to see Paris before the war it was beautiful and the air was clean. Now I can just imagine the damage done to the building and streets.”
“Oh, Jack don’t do that to the boy, he’s home and should be taking care of his family right Thomas,” Mrs. Taylor said as she gave me a wink.
“That he does Martha,” Angie piped up causing Mr. Taylor to laugh.
“Well don't let's keep you two,” Mr. Taylor spoke with a knowing grin.
“It was good talking to you two again,” I said as I shook both Taylor's hands
Time...1400hrs
“Sister I the armies are ready on our word.” A tall and slender female spoke as she stood next to another woman. Both women were looking over a map depicting a land called District of Columbia. The area was small compared to the nation under their rule.
“Have your thestrals completed their interrogation of the human prisoner?”
“Yes but, all he keeps repeating is his name rank and place of birth.”
“I see well, is the portal ready?”
“It will be momentary, just remembered that portal will not close. Once open it will stay open sister.”
“Luna it almost sounds like you have second thoughts of this.”
“I do not have such things, but I don't like entering a war without proper intelligence of the enemies abilities. A war of spies must be won before a war of might is fought. Celestia, have you forgotten that?” Luna said while she ensured her sword was appropriately placed on her hip.
“I have not forgotten sister but now is the best time while our armies are ready and primed for war. After all the Griffins have agreed to aid us in this campaign along with the dragons. With this alliance, we should overwhelm any defenses they may have.” Celestia replied while she turned and looked at her sister and smiled. “After all the element's have agreed to join us for this endeavor.”
“Have they now? I thought they each gave up the sword to live quietly.” Luna replied as she looked over her own armor. It was of iron painted black as she preferred to strike at night with cobalt accents and a magnificent moon painted along her shoulder guards.
“They have, but with the promise of new lands and sights, they took to it,” Celestia replied.
“I see they always did like travels,” Luna said.
“Princesses the portal is ready and waiting on your word.” A guard's men dressed in silver armor said as he bowed in front of the princesses. Both luna and Celestia nodded to each other.
“Sister shall we lead the armies too. Victory?” Luna asked with a grin.
“Yes, we shall,” Celestia replied. Looking over to the guard Celestia spoke. “Send the first wave through."
Time: January 2, 2030, 1900hrs
Location: Continental United States, Washington DC. Taylor's Island.
Captain, Thomas De’winter
“Dad, why didn't we do fireworks yesterday day when you got home?” Sammy asked her father just as he stopped his truck over.
“Well, baby girl I didn't get any because today is a special day for everyone.” Captain De’Winter replied while looking to his daughter.
“Why,” Sammy asked.
“Well, today the president ordered a parade in the honor of everyone doing their part to help win the war. Along with marking the official end to it.” He replied before smiling and messing with Sammy's hair. “Now wake up your brother and I'll wake up your mom daddy's friends should be showing up any second now.” De’Winter said as he gently shook his wife waking her up from her nap.
“Wh~” Angie yawned as she began to wake from her nap. “What time is it.”
“It's time for you to get a watch honey,” De’Winter replied white a smile before looking over to his son. “And you as well Matthew time to get up, everyone else should be showing up shortly. So everyone pile out and let's get the chairs.”
“Right!” Sammy called out as she unclasped her seat belt with Matthew doing the same.
“Now let's get a move on angel before the kids start calling us ol~hm?”
“Will do Captain,” Angie said after she broke off from the kiss she brought her husband into before exiting the truck.
“Wow,” was all Adrian said before for turning on the radio to the proper station just as the sound of jets passed over.
Major, David Hunter, H.A.W.X flight, Callsign Hunter 1-1
Time: 1902hrs
“Hunter 1-1 to SkyEye everything is looking good from up here, over.”
“Roger Hunter 1-1, just enjoy the show from up there, Major. After all, those seats are the in the house, over.” SkyEye replied over the radio.
“Man, I never thought I would make it see the end of the war. Always thought the Euros or Russians would do me in.”
“Hunter 1-2, you can say that again. Hell really did think we were going to bite it back in Paris.” Hunter 1-3 replied.
“Just glad we've made it home in one piece Hunters. Anyway keep an eye open. Besides when I land tonight. I plan to go find a girlfriend.” Hunter 1-2 said as she looked over her instruments.
“I forgot that you played for the other team Hunter 1-2.” Hunter 1-1 replied with a short laugh.
“Well I actually play the fence major, but that's none of your business.” she replied promoting a response from others who were tuned in.
“Cool, it Hunters what you do on leave is up to you but keeps it out of comm chatter.” David Crenshaw said over the radio.
“Ha!” Hunter 1-3 laughed over the radio. “I'm not the only one the Colonel shouts at.”
“Yeah but you're the only one to actually be shot out of the sky by birds and not bullets,” hunter 1-2 shot back causing 1-3 to stop.
“She's got you there Hunter 1-3,” Hunter 1-1 laughed in return.
“That's enough flight just do you patrol around DC and RTB for debriefing,” Crenshaw said over the mic.
“Really just got back from war and he still wants us to work?” 1-3 said.
“Would it make you feel better if I said there would be cake?” SkyEye said.
“No, that's a lie” 1-3 replied.
“Yeah whatever let's just hurry and…..” Hunter 1-2 went silent mid-sentence.
“And what Hunter 1-2?” SkyEye asked.
“SkyEye was there an accident in Largo?” Hunter 1-2 asked with a hint of worry.
“Not that I’m aware of, Hunter 1-2,” SkyEye replied.
“SkyEye I’m seeing the same thing in Largo but there appear to be fireballs spewing out from something. Did one of the pyro guys mess up?” Hunter 1-1 asked.
“Still unsure of that 1-1 but divert you're heading to Largo and do a fly by command wants to know what's going on as well.”
“Roger that SkyEye,” 1-1 replied. “ Hunter 1-2, 1-3 form on me and drop to 2000 watch for birds. Over.
“Roger dropping to 2000,” Hunter 1-2 and 1-3 replied.
Col. Mike Kim. 3rd Tactical Battalion - Joint Andrews Base CIC.
“Sir, we lost units 1-5!” Someone shouted as the alarms blared.
“I, I wish I could tell you Captain but right now I have no clue in hell what the actual fuck is going on. Someone get the PD-6s rolling we need to put lead in the sky now!”
“Sir, The Archon was destroyed we can’t deploy the PD-6s.” A female voice replied amidst the.
Entering the room without much fanfare Mike Kim stood straight in his dress uniform with pins and ribbons locked into place. Keeping calm amidst the chaos of the room he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before speaking up and grabbing the attention of all present. “Alright, ladies and gentlemen!” He shouted getting the full attention of the room. ”I want to be brought up to speed on our current assets on the ground and I want to know who decided that they could simply waltz right onto American soil without our satellite or Navy catching a single glimpse of them.” No one moved as they stood still froze. “Well, are you all waiting for a kick in the ass or what, GET GOING!” He shouted aging snapping those in the room out of their collective stupor. looking over the chaos of the room as men and women alike rushed to get the proper intelligence. Mike Kime walked calmly over to the tactical map given to him by the holoprojector table showing Andrews and the known locations of both his units fighting and known locations of hostiles.
“Colonel the president is on the line and he wants to know what's know the status on the hostile forces,”
“Tell him...tell him that we may need to have the city evacuated, Andrews is under siege by an unknown force and we have sustained heavy casualties.” Mike Kim replied with a bit of uncertainty laced into his voice as more and more of his men seemed to drop off the holo map.
“Will do Colonel.”
Turning his attention away from the table Mike Kim took in another deep breath while the room seemed to slow around him before stealing another glance at the over the table motioning to zoom out to get a better picture of the battlespace. There were reports of more incursions reported around the city some being fought by citizen soldiers, and others by local law enforcement. The holo table was not depicting the complete metropolitan area of the DC area dotted with conflict, but what he saw moving in brought a smile to his face. Three A-20s en route from Taylors Island. Selecting the unit Mike patched into the comms of the pilots including the electronic warfare aircraft in the air holding near 2000 feet. The tide of the battle may soon be changing.
“SkyEye are you seeing this!” Hunter 1-1 called into his mic as he flew over the sight of the raging battle.
“I’m seeing it Hunter 1-1 and looks like something out of a child's book.”
“Fucking A,” Hunter 1-2 said in awe of the ludicrous scene unfolding below them. JSF marines and medieval knights going at each other in CQC and it wasn’t going well for the marines as they were being attacked in the air by dragons?
“Hunter flight we have new orders from from Command they want us to give C.A.S for Andrews till they can get Blackfoots and Spartans going,” SkyEye said getting the full attention of the flight.
“Roger that SkyEye but be advised there looks to be friendlies mixed in with hostiles. We need IRS active to avoid blue on blue over,” Hunter 1-3 said while he and other pilots switched their night vision on illuminating the ground below further detailing the scene.
“Copy that 1-3,” SkyEye replied and within seconds strobes could be seen from all allied troops on the ground. “How’s that look Hunter flight?”
“Like a fucking rave, now let's get to work hunters. These guys want to come on in someone's home without so much of an invitation then let's show them some manners.” Hunter 1-3 shouted over the mic.
“Copy that,” Hunter 1-1 said before switching to the general channel connecting him to all ground elements. “Hunter flight to all ground forces you have fire missions inbound take cover in 20 seconds.” Switching back to flight radio hunter spoke to his wingmen. ”Okay hunter flight switch to LGM then on the second run use everything we got left to loosen up the dirt for our joes on the floor.”
“10-4, 1-1” Hunter 1-2 replied as she switched to LGMs along with 1-3.
“Hunter flight RAIN HELL!” Hunter 1-1 shouted as he and the others broke off from each other to their individual targets provided to them by SkyEye.
Captain, Thomas De’winter
“Daddy, what was that rumbling?” Matthew asked as he was helping his father start a fire for a bbq. Looking up to his father he saw his father drop the bag of coal. Looking to the others that joined them not long after they had arrived at the campsite he could see the same look in all their face. It was a look that many would know as the thousand mile stare. “Daddy what was that,” Matthew asked again.
“No...we’ve...not here not now,” De’Winter spoke softly as he looked off into the distance and could see the tail end of tracer fire.
“Thomas, Andrews is under attack!” Jack called out as he messed with his radio and it sounds bad from the chatter I’m picking up from general comms. Jack was the squad's radio man from Thomas squad in the 35th. “Kelly what do you make of it!” Jack shouted as he rushed to his car and began to look for something.
“No clue but I don’t like the sound of it,“ Kelly replied as she let go of her husband and walked to Matthew. “Matt goes to your mom and sister from the restroom and stay there with them,” Kelly said as she tried to hurry Matt off.
“But, mom says I shouldn’t see her of Sammy go to the restroom,” Mat said in defiance.
“I know sweetie but right now something bad is happening and we need to make sure your mom and sister are okay. If she gets mad at you tell her Auntie Kelly said so, okay?” Kelly said sweetly before looking to her husband and motioning him over. Her husband understood and went to the back of their jeep before racing over with an M110 marksman rifle and an MP7. “Uncle Tim will be going with you too so he can make sure you get there.” “Kelly grabbed the bag and gave Tim the magazines that would fit the weapon along with a radio and IR strobe. “Keep them safe honey and stay safe.” She said before stealing a kiss and sending them off.
“So what do you think we should do Thomas?” Jack asked as he placed three bags on the floor in front of him getting kelly's attention.
“We, stay put and wait for orders remember we may be soldiers but we still have a family,” Thomas said as he turned around to see Jack kitted up as he would be on the battlefield.
“Well, Captain suit up we have civilians to protect,” Jack said as he knelt down and grabbed a helmet from the bag tossing it to Thomas first then another to kelly.
“Do I want to know how you got JSF gear, Jack?” Kelly asked the radio man.
“Let's just say I didn’t feel safe without it,” Jack replied.
“Well whatever, get plugged up and be on alert, and Jack we are going to have a chat about stealing later.”
“Roger that Captain.”
Location: Unknown
Time: 1830hrs
“How goes the battle Sister?” Princess Luna asked as she entered the tent that had been set for planning out the current war. Looking about the tent Luna could see the six element bares sitting about the roundtable each in their respective armors prominently displaying their talents on the field of battle.
Princess Twilight wore a minimal armor that allowed for flexibility on the field as she wielded a scythe that was able to cut any challenger in half. Rainbow Dash wore almost the same in terms of armor but hers was geared more to daggers. Fluttershy’s armor was nonexistent as she preferred to blend in with the land and use the fauna as a weapon, but she wasn't daft she brought along with her a Xiphos used to take on any of her opponents that are able to get past her ‘pets’ as she likes to call them. Miss Rarity wore something that appeared dress like in nature, but her ‘Gown as she calls it hid ten Rapiers each capable of summoning an elemental magic corresponding to the color of the gem each one had. While Pinkamena Diane Pie’s armor was the almost as light as Miss rainbows Pie’s armor allowed for the swift motion of her arms allowing for rapid and accurate Aas to be sent down the battlefield. Yet the most Armored of them all was Miss Applejack as she adorns a full knight armor and wielded a shield and sword. Almost every weapon they held was crafted by one of the wizards or witches in Canterlot castle.
“All messengers report of less than mediocre defense put up by locals but, there is a report that draws the most interest. There is one stronghold named Andrews and the battle there seems to be fairing well in our favor. Also from the ponies, we’ve sent out they have come back with these things that have caught my attention,” Celestia said calmly as she tosses Luna a small black rectangular box. Pressing her hand to the smooth surface the little black box shined showing a picture of a man, woman, and child smiling.
“Sister, what is this, strange thing?” Luna said in as she began to mess with the small object in her hand.
“We don’t know yet but, I have many of the wise colts and mares looking over them now,” Celestia replied as she turned her head from her sister to the element bearers before her. “Now as for the six of you I would truly appreciate it if you led a small force of dragons, griffins and pony alike into this so-called National Mall and remember to strike down all who stand in your way my little ponies,” Celestia said as all six of the element bears stood up and did a bow to the both the princess. “May the Sunlight Stun your enemies,” Celestia spoke.
“While the Moonlight glides your blades,” They said in unison before filing out of the tent.
Clearing her throat Luna looked back to Celestia as the map on the table began to update with the current position of her troops around the fortress known as Andrews along with those sent out to cause chaos around the city dividing the attention of the defenders.
“Sister, do you think this campaign of ours will last for very long?” Celestia asked while she paid close attention to the map as she wrote down orders to be sent to her field marshals.
“Sister, I do not think this war should last for much longer perhaps in a day or two we shall have claimed this land and have it held under our rule,” Luna replied before sitting next to her sister. Looking to the fortress Luna felt confident that the defenders would soon give in when their fortress fell. “It shouldn't be any longer sister, after all, He has yet to enter the battle.”
“Are you talking about spike sister?” Celestia asked while sending off her orders with a little bit of concentration.
“Yes I am and, surely if we sent him out with the rest of the dragons we will have our victory by sunrise,” Luna said as she to began looking over the battlefield of Andrews.
“That may be true sister but I wouldn’t want to call upon the dragons so soon as fire from a dragon is hottest at dawn and right now the night is young sister mine and I feel that sending you first would be a much better deal before we send in the unrefined scope of dragon's fire. Don’t you think sister?”
“I see no fault in that sister,” Luna replied.
“Good, then could you lead the strife on this Andrews so we may focus our attacks elsewhere.”
“I’ll see to it that this siege is ended promptly and in our favor sister,” Luna said as she stood up from her seat followed by Celestia herself.
“Take care sister and show the humans no quarter.”
“Do you think I have grown soft sister, I do my finest work when the moon is out and the sun has fallen to rest,” Luna replied.
“No, I know you haven't grown soft sister. I just wish not to see you fall on the battlefield is all. So forgive me if I wish to send you with the best we have to offer sister.” Celestia said while she stood next to Luna. “Here take this sister If you ever need help simply point this to the sky and focus a bit of magic.”
“If it makes you feel better sister,” Luna replied as she took an orb that Celestia had in her hand. “What would happen if I were to need help sister.”
“It will summon a good friend of ours,” Celestia replied with a smile.
“I see, well then I shall be off,” Luna said as she turned to walk out of the tent and out into the noise of the base camp they had set up.
Not long after the portal had been opened the first wave had taken control of the area around the portal. Giving the rest of the combined armies a staging ground for the moment. At first, the locals were skeptical of the new visitors some even saying that the renaissance fair wasn't for another month. Some of them even pointed said to go home and change but were quickly dispatch as the first wave drew iron and began to cut down the locals. No one was spared no man, woman, or child was left living. Homes and Stores alike were ransacked for anything valuable, then burnt down. The corpses of the dead were given to the dragons and griffons. Leaving nothing left but bone and cloth.
Within a few minutes of walking, Luna had made it to where the thestrals made camp. The thestral looked like any pony around them but what set hem apart was their eyes and ears. Their eyes were slitted like those of felines as they too, were dominant at night, even adding their superior hearing to the mix made them natural born killers. They had wings like Pegasus but, unlike Pegasus, their wings held no feathers. Their wings were all dull in color none of the bright vibrant colors on their counterparts. But that is the differences end as like the ponies thestrals were vegetarians with the exception of fish being in their diet.
“Princess Present!” somepony shouted causing all of them to drop what they were doing and standing tall with their hand's press against their backs.
“No need for the presentations my children for it is the time that we go forward and have our fun on the battlefield,” Luna said causing many of the thestrals to holler in approval.
“At once princes,” A female thestrals respond before shouting out orders. “You heard mother, get prepared for battle and meet at the staging area!” Smiling at the mare who had shouted Luna felt a small piece of pride as her thestrals had become something to marvel at. They could feel like the ponies and accept others, but most importantly they are no strangers to war.
“Bolt can you come here please,” Luna asked the mare who had finished putting on her armor.
“Yes, Princess Luna?” Bolt replied unsure of what was needed of her.
“Make sure that everypony here is ready for close quarters combat. We will be heading into the Andrews fortress and I do not wish to see a single one of you fall. Is that understood bolt.” Luna said as she stared straight into the eyes of her subordinate. Just taller than her by an inch or two.
“Yes, your highness,” Bolt replied as she turned around and barked out the what everypony present was to take. In less than five minutes they were all ready to suit for close quarters. Daggers throwing knives and short swords.
“Good now follow me and stay close or you will be left behind,” Luna stated flatly as her wings sprang from behind her back followed by her walking out of the large tent they were in. “And remember to take no prisoners unless they seem of importance to the enemy understood!” Luna shouted as she turned to her thestrals followers.
“Understood,” they all said at once causing a smile to sneak across Luna's face.
“Good now to victory!” Luna shouted as she took to the air followed by her small detachment of thestrals numbering 20 strong.
____________________________________________________________________________
Location: Unknown “American Eagle”
Time: 1930hrs
Looking out the window of the small window afforded to the aircraft by its engineers; one could see streets and houses lit a blaze down below as the flashes of gunfire and fireballs lit the area around them. “Where did they come from?”
“Mr, President I would like to know the same thing sir but, right now we have more pressing matters to attend to, Sir.” Lt, General Scott Mitchell said calmly as he worked over his data pad reading on the situation on the ground.
“Agreed Scott now can you tell me how our forces are faring?”
“Sir, it's not good from the reports. It looks like our biggest disadvantage is dragons.” Scott replied.
“Dragons, huh? Never thought I would see a dragon come alive let alone begin to rain terror.” President Becerra said while leaning back in his chair. “Tell me how long till we have a total evacuation of the DC area and the area around it?”
“If everything continues to remain the same then we should have every non-combatant out of the city or in a bunker in a 1hr Mr. President.”
“An hour, I’m not liking the sound of that Scott. How about the Navy and Army any units near D.C? “ Sitting up straight the president touched a button revealing a screen and keyboard built into the desk he sat behind. Typing a few commands in it showed satellite images of the DC area and locations of all friendly forces and reported hostile locations. Rapidly typing a new command in it showed all airlines in US airspace over the entire nation. Looking to the screen President Becerra brought his hand to a scanner near his computer panel and waited for a confirmation ring.
“Mr. President the Army reports that the Regan is combat capable and has it’s battalions ready on the word while the Navy is steaming over the USS Harry S. Truman. The Truman is 30 minutes out of range before it can start sending fighters in” Scott said as he got an alert from his pad. Reading the Alert Scott looked to the President and nodded. “Understood,” Scott replied as he and President Becerra stood and shook hands.
“I want this over by the daybreak General and I want to have a word with who or whatever decide to spill innocent American blood on American soil.”
“Yes, sir,” Scott replied as he let go of the president's hand and walked out of the meeting room Leaving President Becerra alone.
Looking at his computer screen President Becerra looked back to his screen that read “Kinetic Rod Pad 3a, 3b, 3c armed All flights grounded until further notice.” Pressing the same button as before the screen and scanner disappeared back into the desk. “Once thought of as myths come out from the books of fantasy and kill the ones that considered them amazing.”
“Mr, President we are ready for the address to the nation sir and the Speaker of the house want to speak to you afterward, Sir”
“Thank you, Carla, and could you try and relax your family will be okay,” President Becerra as he passed his aid and rested his hand on her shoulder giving her a reassuring pat. “I know things may seem difficult right now and, you have every right to be worried, Just know that I won't be sleeping till this mess is done.” Carla looked to the president and nodded her head “Good now if you can excuse me I have a nation to address.”
Leaving the room President Becerra walked into the hallway and began his way past other staff and military personnel. Looking at everyone he passed they moved aside not by fear or presidential privilege but by sheer respect for the man that has lead a nation out of a world war. Keeping his mind focus he push open the door to the media cabin where a team of audio and visual techs had recently finished preparing the room for his address to the public.
“Mr, President the cameras are ready and waiting,” A young corporal spoke as he greeted President Becerra with a salute.
“At ease corporal,” President Becerra said as he saluted the corporal who wore a BDU from the air force and went to the stand in the middle of the room surrounded by light and cameras. Taking his spot behind the stand Becerra looked past the front camera and he could see the same corporal begin to count down with his hands while other around him manned their stations.
“5…..4….3….2…,” the corporal looked to the president and with one finger up he signaled him to begin.
Looking deeply into the camera Becerra began to speak. “My fellow Americans, it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of a new threat to American soil. A new threat that has struck our very capital. I know many of you have been waiting for your loved ones to return to you but I am asking you to wait a bit longer as we now have a new adversary who at this very moment has sieged our great capital city. As of now, we have little information about our attackers but I’m confident that our armed force will triumph over those who wished to bring harm to our nation. It is also with that I have also ordered the evacuation of the greater D.C area. So, please if you are able to go to your local shelter or nearest evacuation site. I repeat please leave your homes and make it to a shelter or evacuation site. And if not grab your flag and fly it upside down so you can be escorted.” Taking a breath Becerra closes his eyes and exhaled,” My fellow Americans we will see the light at the end of this tunnel.”
Author's Note
I know it's late but school. Also let me know what you all think!
Fullhouse
Location: National Mall “WWII Memorial”
Cpt. James Davis 13th Airborne Battalion "Stalker Actual"
“Captain, The First wave of evac choppers under way the next wave will be leaving in 10!” a voice broke out over the Comms.
“Copy that, I want all civilians out of here asap the faster we get them gone the faster we can focus on kicking these bastards out of our city.” Cpt, James replied over his mc getting a few hurrahs from other Joe boys on chanel. Looking around the the memorial one would see chaos as Men Women and children were being lead into the back of multiple V-120 Valkyries. The very same that were deployed from the USS. Regan. It had only been ten minutes since the president's address to the nation but in that time period there was a flood of civilians begin to enter the National mall going to the various evac areas from the Memorials to Capitol hill.
The Valkyries that came in from the Reagan were not empty it as many of the Joe Boys learned. When each one came down to land and to deploy their cargo ramp each were loaded with, M5A2 Schwarzkopf MBTs, M118 Fastback IFVs, M320 Spartans, and a C1A5 Archon with a full complement of PD-6 Rottweilers to ensure the security of the civilians and Valkyries. With the Archon on scene with the PD-6s sitting at strategic points around the mall many of the Joes felt secure while the other vehicles set up around the valkyries. While the M320 Spartans rolled away from the site to set up where they could fire on any target from Andrews to well past the river.
“Captain Davis we have unknown contacts coming from the South West, Sir. It looks like a large flock of birds numbering in the hundreds.” a male voice said calmly over the comms causing something in Cpt. James Davis stomach to drop as he looked around to see many a civilian still rushing to enter the Valkyries. Bring his rifle up Sgt. Davis began to bark out orders over his mic.
“All units in Evac site we have possible contacts inbound from Andrews. I want all available units ready to shoot on the first site! Arcon Get the PD-6s guns ready and let's get those IFVs ready!” Sgt. Davis barked into his mic as looked in the direction of the reported contacts.
“Sir the group seem to split into Six groups and they appear to be circling around up to box us in sir,” the same voice called out over the comms.
“Copy your last,” Cpt. Davis managed to say before the sound of PD-6s main gun opening fire followed by IFVs causing many of the civilians in shout in terror as the defining sound of M5A2 Schwarzkopf tanks began to ring out as they too unloaded canister shells into the air getting a few of the incoming hostiles and sending them hurtling to the ground. Not long after that did all hell broke loose as fire began to rain down from the sky as dragons dived bomb the mall cutting grabbing both civilian and the Joe alike. When the dragons passed the unthinkable happened as bodies fell back to earth landing on others and killing or knocking out those who were unlucky and fell victim to the tactic.
“They are attacking civilians at the Washington monument. We need support now!” a soldier shouted over the comms before more reports flooded the comms.
“We have fucking Gryphons over at Lincoln Memorial!”
“They are attacking the White House!”
“There's…..Focus fire on that girl!......The one with the fucking farm tool Corporal!” The last report caught Sgt. James Davis attention.
“What the fuck is going on?” Sgt. James asked himself as he took cover behind a nearby barrier as bolts of light began to whizz by striking anything in their way. From the sound of man and woman alike shouting out in paint and the smell of burning flesh began to permeate in the air. Take account of his weapon Sgt. James Davis peeked over the barrier and brought his weapon to bare on the approaching knights? Pushing the thought back Davis began firing at the knight noticing the bullets ricochet off before they got within 10 feet of the approaching
Keeping low Sgt. Davis ran to the nearby Schwarzkopf tank and opened a panel revealing a phone connected into the tank's internal comms. Grabbing the phone Sgt. Davis headred the voices of those inside the Schwarzkopf tank along with all information of the tanks call sign and commander..
“How and the fuck are our shells not getting through?”
“Keep your head on marine and load the next shell!”
“Its fucking useless Tom the canisters aren't breaking through!”
“I know that Jack but with civilians so close we can use anything else!”
“Sgt. Davis to Iron 1-1 recommend to switch to Sabot rounds to punch through whatever the fuck is stopping our guns.” Sgt Davis said over the comms.
“Sgt do you understand that if those rounds bounce there will be casualties from blue on blue.”
“I’m well aware of that Iron 1-1 but right now we are running out of options!” Sgt. Davis manage to say as a ball of fire shot over the Joe Boys colliding with one of the valkyries attempting to lift off with its civilian cargo. Only to have be cut in half as the ball smashed into the hull of the craft sending it into the ground colliding into other near by craft.
“They shot down Raider 2-5 and Raider 2-7. Send someone to check for survivors!” The comms channel began to roar to life as more and more balls of fire streak across the sky colliding with the slower valkyries. “Someone get those fucking longarms going and pound these fuckers!”
“Shit, okay mark switch to Sabot shells might as well send at rounds down range and hope this works.” Iron 1-1 said over the comms channel for the Schwarzkopf.
“Roger cap, one thunderbolt primed and ready!” Mark the Schwarzkopf loader replied as the barrel of the tank leveled out to a flat firing line.
“Jack fire when ready!” Tom the tank's commander shouted over the mic while the sounds of metal and bone colliding began to draw near as Joeboy and medieval knight began to fight CQC.
“Fiering!” Jack shouted as the deafening boom of a sabot shell reverberated through Sgt Davis ears causing him to fall to the ground and try to recover his hearing.
“Captain!”
*RINGING*
“Captain!”
*RINGING*
-_-_-
The knights were stunted as the mages from the back began to simply collapse as the metal boxes began to fire with a new found vigor as their projectiles managed to punch through the magical field and cut through knight after knight as if they were nothing but sheets of wet parchment. Applejack wasn't please with the sight of the stallions and mare in her charge falling like apples in harvest. She knew that if she held at this pace her army would falter and lose ground possibly leading to something she would never consider surrender.
Looking at her map that was infused with magic so it showed her exactly were her friends and her charges were on the field she could see Rarity, Rainbow, Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy were making solid gains on the humans a smile broke across her face.
Rolling up her and stowing it in her bags Applejack picked up her shield and sword and with a might yell ran forward into battle as mare and stallion joined her.
“For sol and lua!” they all cried out running towards the dug in humans as the small projectiles ricochet off the manges magical field Applejack would give it to these humans even though they seemed outmatched in skill by the Equestrians; they always put up a fight. But in their blind running forward to the lines held by the humans. Applejack failed to see the smile on the human's face.
Within seconds of closing in on to the humans, she began to hear, bouts of pain and the deafening sound of explosions near her as mare and stallion alike were thrown aside by the blast followed by some being outright torn to shreds. The familiar smell of blood began to fill here senses. All around her the mares and stallions she lead fell even those who wore enchanted armor meant to withstand dragon fire. All that was left of her charge was her and those lying on the floor beaten and in agony. The once most feared paladin was standing alone as the humans with the upper hand began to encircle around her with their weapons drawn. With defeat all but affirmed for her. Applejack dropped her Sword and shield and fell to her knees.
“Hold fire!” a voice shouted as the human held their aim on the Armored mare. Which was then followed by more voice shouting “Holding fire,” or “Affirmatives.” Applejack was surrounded with a sick feeling welling in her stomach.
“I knew I should've stayed home,” Applejack said before she notices a pair of black boots in front of her causing her to look up and see the mask of a human.
“No shit bitch,” The human said as he raised his rifle and hit her clean across her helmet knocking her out and sending her helmet flying off.
“Captain James Davis to all armored units in the national mall use sabot rounds to push through the shields and aim for the ones that look like wizards, over” The human said as he looked to the scene around him before grabbing heavy duty zip ties from his belt and securing them around the woman's wrist behind her back.
-_-_-
“Miss Fluttershy we have word that lady Applejacks forces have been wiped out.” a pegasus mare said as she withdrew her blood stained sword from a human who had managed to sneak up on the The element barer known for her love of animals.
“That is not good to here, is she alright?” the mare asked as a loud explosion could be heard sending dirt up into the air.
“From the report Laddy Applejack was captured and dragged back into the human's base along with any wounded.”
“This can't be goo-,” Fluttershy wasn't able to finish her sentence as a horn was sounded signaling a capture of an objective and by the pitch it resonated it must of been Rarity's group. She was tasked in capturing the white building that was surrounded by fences. The building was to be used as a new base for Princess Luna and Celestia. “Good news it seems, have our forces shift north to regroup with Lady Rarity.” Fluttershy said as she and the pegasus messenger dance around the flying projectiles coming from the humans.
“Will do Lady Fluttershy,” The messenger said before taking to the sky only for a loud explosion the pierce the air as a large Dragon hit the ground with blood beging to rain down on the equestrians. The messenger turned around in time to see the motionless dragon lay on the ground with a massive hole where its back would of been. It was then laddy Fluttershy shouted out and her movements picked up in pace. Looking back to the sky The messenger pegasus could see white tails streak across the sky in an arch. Then at their apex they would seem to pick up speed as the rocked back down to the ground killing and griffon, dragon, and or pony unlucky enough to be it its path.
-_-_-
Sargent, Thomas Lyell 13th Airborne Battalion
“Hoorah! That's what I’m talking about!” Lyell shouted as the body of one of the dragons fell out of the sky as grid smashers rained down most of them hitting the dragon on its back killing it. “Good strike Long Arm, you just knocked out a one of those fucking lizards!”
“Copy that Full House we’ll mark that on the gun afterwards,” a female voice replied over the comm.
“All right boys focus fire on the bitch with the pink hair I don't want her to get any closer!” Lyell yelled to his squad as he reloaded his Scar A-1. But before he could put the rifle to good use he felt a sharp pain and a loss of breath as a warm feeling began to spread down from his neck.
“Who are you calling a bitch?” a motherly voice sang from behind Lyell and his squad stood stalk still as the very woman who had been jumping about the battlefield with her animals killing any and all who were caught out in the open. “Now drop your weapons please and apologize for killing my friend.” The woman asked again and pressed her dagger harder on Lyles neck causing it to cut deeper. Lyell looked to his squad mates and could see the hesitation in all of their faces. Slowly reaching down to his belt Lyell slowly pulled the pins on his ET-MPs and set the devices for a 10 second time before nodding to his squad. “What's the matter cat got your tongue?” The woman asked while Lyell's squad began to step back. “Aww, why so scared you all were just cheering as my friend's body came crashing down. What happened to all that bravado, or are you all simply weak minded and never expected to fight in such close quarters.”
“5,” Lyell spoke softly just under his breath.
“I’m sorry what was that?” Fluttershy asked as she pressed her dagger harder against the human's neck.
“4,” Lyell said painfully as what little air he could get into his lungs which consequently brought blood along to fill his lungs.
“Aww, are you counting down til your death?” Fluttershy pestered. “How sweet.”
“3.”
“Why don't I just make this quicker for the both of us,” Fluttershy said coldly as she drove her dagger deep into the human's neck before looking up to see the others begin to run in the opposite direction. “Why are you leaving! Come back here I’m not done with you yet!” Fluttershy shouted tossing the now lifeless human body aside and taking off after the others, but was thrown forward as a force pushed her followed by an excruciating pain knocking her clean out.
Looking back Corporal O’Donald felt a pang of sadness as the man she knew as her own family takes his own life. Truly a well-placed shot could have killed the woman, but the armor the woman wore deflected every shot they fired on her. “See you in the hereafter Lyell,” Corporal O’Donald said under her breath as she caught up with the remaining of her squad.
“Fuck fucking fuck fuck!” Private Kenny shouted as Corporal O’Donald caught up with the rest of the squad. “Why are these asshole so hard to kill!”
“Can it Kenny the last thing we need to do right now is losing our shit. Remember we still have a mission and I for one don't plan on failing this one,” Lieutenant Rodriguez said as check his gear and began looking around to see the white orbs that held aloft in the sky above illumination the mall. They were not owned by the JSF since the only lighting provided for the evacuation where flood lamps.
“Still what the hell was that woman wearing are guns couldn't hit her let alone get through to her, and where the fuck did they come from!” Private Martin said as removed his helmet to clean off the dirt and grime from his face revealing his dark skin tone before placing it back on.
“The hell if I know Martin but what I do know is this. We need to make sure that the rest of those valkyries take off before they are shot down along with the civilian cargo.” Corporal Jack said as he knelt down next to Lieutenant Rodriguez and patting him on his shoulder. “What now Lieutenant?”
“Well orders still stand and by the looks of the sky,” Lieutenant Rodriguez said while the white flares lit the ground and sky around them. Allowing him to see the battle raging all around them as griffins and dragons along with others that looked like the woman from before. All of who were dancing across the sky attempting to avoid the wall of lead being shot up by the IFVs and PD-6s. “We aren’t out of this just yet.”
“Where the hell is the air force? Yeah, I know the IFVs and PD-6 are kicking some ass but I could really go for some air cover when dealing with that bitch again. I mean she dodged every fucking round we fired at her” Kenny said getting an agreement from all around.
“Incase you forgot Ken, the air force base was attacked first and the Reagan only has land-based units,” O’Donald replied.
“Right I forgot about that part….well what’s the plan boss,” Private Kenny looked to Lieutenant Rodriguez. The lieutenant said nothing as he brought his hand to his earpiece.
“Overlord this is Full House actual Captain Lyell is K.I.A and we have fallen awaiting orders, Over” Lieutenant Rodriguez said into his mic.
“Roger that Full House are you able to recover the body, Over.” a male voice said stoically.
“Negative Overlord, the captain's body is gone. Standing by for orders. Over.”
“Copy that Full House, You are to retreat back to the WWII memorial and regroup with the Stalker Actual and await further orders. Overlord out.”
"Copy that overload, Fullhouse actual out."
-_-_-
Author's Note
I know late as all ell but hey what can you do. Life likes to throw you curveballs and you have to chose swing or strike out.
Location: Blackwater national refuge
“They took the White House!”
“We need Medi-Vac now!”
“Joker Squad is KIA I repeat Joker Squad is KIA. We need those fucking birds out of the sky they are picking us apart goddamit!”
“Raider 2-8 is hit check for survivors!”
“Jesus, Thomas sounds like the mall is getting hit hard,” Jack said as he lowered his radio. “You sure we shouldn't head towards the mall instead?”
“I have to agree with Jack on this one Thomas. Whatever it is you saw in this direction can't be worth the trek. The Joes at the mall sound like they could use all the bodies they could get.” Kelly said as Thomas continued to lead them through the swamps.
“I'm well aware of that but I saw those flying things come from over here,” Thomas replied as they crossed route 335 heading onto route 334. “Hey, Jack what's on route 334?” Thomas asked.
“Give me a sec to get a GPS lock on us……. Got it. There isn't much of anything but a few farmhouses and ma and pa shops.” Jack said as he shared the information with both Kelly and Thomas.
“Do you have a drone on you?” Thomas asked while they continued to walk down route 334.
“I have an RQ-11B in my pack why?” Jack replied understanding where Thomas was going.
“Good, deploy it and get us some recon of the area around us.”
“Roger that captain one eye in the sky coming right up,” Jack said as he got down to a knee with the other two. Grabbing the box out holding the drone Jack unlatch the lid and grabbed the body of the drone along with its wings. Placing the wings properly on the drones boy with a click signaling it was secured. Passing Kelly the drone Jack grabbed the controller and sync it with their huds prompting the drone's engine and cameras to power up. “Okay, Kelly you know what to do.”
“Rgr,” Kelly replied as she tossed the drone up into the air allowing the motor to keep it aloft.
“Raven eye up and ready holding at 150ft,” Jack said.
“Alright keep it following us and have it scan ahead of us Jack.”
“Roger setting to scan 200ft and following,” Jack replied.
“Kelly, you have the channel for Tim right?” Thomas asked.
Kelly nodded her head “Yeah his set is tuned to ours he can hear everything way say.”
“Tim you there?” Thomas said over the mic.
“Yeah I'm here Thomas everyone is fine but, it sounds really bad out there. The president has even ordered the evacuation of all of Washington. City and outlying areas.” Tims' voice came over the mic.
“Yeah, we know that Tim just make sure my family is safe I'm trusting you with my family here.”
“I know Thomas and I swear that I won't let them get hurt,” Tim replied.
“Thanks, Tim just keep me posted if anything happens.”
“Will do, Tim out.”
“Man I feel all left out and shit here,” Jack said with a laugh. “No love for the black guy from the south.”
“Jack shut up you're white and from Washington state,” Kelly said while she checked her rifle.
“Anyway Let's get a move on the more time we waste here the longer we will have to wait for this night to end.”
“Roger that boss lead the way,” Jack said as he stood back up.
_-_-_
White House “Oval Office”
“Hmmm, this place seems rather small for both Luna and Celestia is it not Twilight?” Rarity spoke as she sat behind a large hardwood desk adorned with a photo frame of a tall man standing with a small what Rarity could only guess a small child. In his arms. “He looks handsome.”
“Uhh, Rarity we are not here to admire the local life we are here to secure the area for Celestia and Luna remember,” Twilight groaned as she rummaged through the draws of the desk. “And what might this be?” Twilight ask as she grabbed a case with the same design on the top as the seal on the floor.
“Ohhhh it must be important!” Pinkie said as she got right up next to Twilight surprising her.
“Pinkie Pie! You need to stop doing that!” Twilight shouted. “Anyway shouldn't you be out there with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and, AppleJack?”
“Naw they got it now hurry up and open the box!”
“Fine just relax,” Twilight replied as she attended to open the case but failed as a small noise could be heard from the box. “What the?” Twilight said as she tried to open the case again but the same noise was heard. Begging to become frustrated with the box Twilight place her hand over the box and reached out with her magic trying to find a locking mechanism. “How in the.”
“How what Twilight,” Rarity asked as she moved her hand over the chair feeling the smooth texture against her hand.
“Well, this thing has no locks on it that I can feel.”
“How is that possible there must be some gears into,” Rarity replied. “Maybe one of those uncultured humans could open this for us.”
“Ohhh great idea!” Pinkie squealed before she shoots out of the room and returned with a dazed human male. He was dressed in a white dress shirt adorned with ribbons and a gold rope along blue pressed pants.
“What's your name human?” Twilight ask.
“Fuck you,” he spat causing Rarity to wince.
“Well Fuck you, can you tell us how to open this box?” Twilight asked.
“No,” he replied.
“Aww, come on just open it” Pinkie whined.
“No, and no amount of begging will-”
“Well so much for being kind,” Rarity said softly as a flash of light appeared briefly blinding the human. After his vision returned two thin swords were held against his neck “Now would you please reconsider your decision.”
“Kyle Bennett 2nd Lieutenant Jeffrey City, Wyoming ID 85WYJF48 United States Air Force.” The Human said calmly while looking straight into Rarity's eyes.
“You have one more chance if you still wish to live,” Rarity asked.
“Kyle Bennett 2nd Lieutenant Jeffrey City, Wyoming ID 85WYJF48 United States Air Force,” Kyle said again in defiance.
“So be it,” Rarity replied as the sound of metal cutting flesh was heard followed by a thud as the headless body of Kyle Bennett fell to the floor spewing blood where it laid.
“Why must these humans be so, what the word?”
“Reluctant?” Twilight said while looking at the lifeless body of the human. “How about next time you let me ask them Rarity. He did say some interesting things.”
“Fine, I just saw no need to continue with it after we were so nice as to let him live.”
“Pinkie Pie can you bring in the next one please,” Twilight ask as she looked over the room finding it laced with other items of interest. Such as a Flag she had seen being flown on almost every building and worn on the shoulder of all those that had fallen to her syth.
“Oki-Dokie!” Pinkie replied as she walks out of the room to grab another human.
“Now what was it that interested you?” Rarity asked while still enjoying the strange material.
“Well haven't you noticed the technology they have and the weapons they field? Let alone a number of warriors they have?”
“So?” Rarity replied still not getting to what Twilight was getting to.
“I mean look we only have 10,000 in warriors including catapults and mages. Yes, that would be a considerable amount and more than enough to take the capital of any other nation on equal.”
“I’m sensing a but in there somewhere.” Rarity spoke.
“There is think about it, these humans have built these...these giant machines and advanced weaponry. I don’t think that they are as simple as Celestia has told us.”
“I guess you are correct there. But from what I saw when we flew over here it seems that this District of Columbia may be a tad bit larger than what we originally thought.”
“I bought a new one and he seems more chatty than the last one!”
“Let me go you big titted bitch!”
_-_-_
Sub Level 2 Andrews Airforce Base
“Colonel it's good to see you alive and well.”
“Good to see you to General any news on reinforcements?” Colonel Kim asked as he stood straight in dress uniform.
“No, not yet Colonel. The majority of ground forces are being used to evacuate the civilians from the city. Meanwhile, the USS Harry S. Truman reports it has most of its units engaged with hostile air units and has lost a few. The only thing they can spare are a few Ghost Hawks.” Scott said with a grim look on his face.
“That doesn't leave me with much of a choice General” Kim replied while he looked back to the holo table in front of him.
“I’m well aware of that colonel good luck Colonel Mitchel out.” The screen that showed the video feed from the Pentagon cunt out to leaving a blank screen.
“Colonel sir, Sky Eye reports H.A.W.X flight will need to break off to rearm and refuel sir.” a male Major said as he approached Kim from the opposite side of the holo table holding a tablet.
“Understood, how are our ground forces holding?” Kim asked while he looked over the young major. The colonel could see the man was holding himself together fairly well by the clean shaven and the neatly pressed uniform he wore proudly.
“Sir we are down to 40% operational effectiveness. Medical teams report low supplies of plasma and morphine. While the armory reports munition stores are dwindling as well.”
“Hmmm,”
“Colonel, the engineer's report Netfires are keeping the enemy advanced back but they don't have enough munitions to go around and are likely to run out in the next 10 or so minutes.”
“I see so we would need a supply drop from the Reagan if we are to keep up a fight. In that case order all units to retreat inside the walls.”
“Copy that Colonel anything else-” The major was able to finish as a blast of an alarm cut him off.
“Intruders detected Sir and they appear to be-”
*Bang*
The room filled with smoke and groans of man and woman alike tried to recover from the pressure wave that engulfed all in the room.
“I want all the humans tied up and I want to talk with whoever is in charge of this castle.” A female voice shouted with authority before the sounds of gunfire erupted in the room. No doubtedly from the few Ghost that are tasked with security entered the room.
“Defend the princess!” someone shouted as the wails of pain began to fill the room.
Taking the chance Kim pressed himself against the holo table and took in his surroundings. The soft blue light that would have normally bathed the room was replaced by the red glow of the emergency lighting. While bodies of communication officers littered the floor around him along with some unfamiliar ones. Looking closely at the new bodies Kim could see they had a dark fur covering every part of their bodies. Their armor was as the reports stated of medieval design. Their weapons as well being swords and spears.
Getting back to his feet, Kim could see the ghost had managed to push the intruders out of the room but at a price. He could see a corpse men dealing with another soldier who looks to have had been stabbed right through his chest. Shaking his head and following protocol in case of the CSI was lost. Kim placed his hand on the holo-table allowing it to scan his palm before a screen popped up reading. “Welcome, Colonel Mike Kim,” the screen was quickly replaced by a QWERTY interface. Kim typed out a command as he heard the sound of a man shouting out in pain followed by more gunshots. Hurrying his pace, Kim pressed the enter key.
“United States Colonel Mike Kim Issuing order 7-8a-9,” Kim said as another scream filled the room.
“Confirmed voice recognition….Purging system,” the holo table and terminals around the room all read. Followed by a loading screen, knowing his primary purpose was done Kim grabbed a pistol from a nearby dead soldier along with whatever magazines she had on her. Once that was done Kim ran to the door where he met the last five security personnel firing their weapons down the hallway.
“What's our situation,” Kim shouted over the sounds of gunfire coming from three SCAR-A1s one M240B. The presumed squad captain looked to the colonel.
“Sir, the intruders have managed to take out most of my men on this level. I'm not sure how they had managed to get this far into the base without setting off any alarms up until now but they did it.” The captain spoke with a heavy Irish accent while the others kept up their fire.
“I see so they snuck in hu? Capitan give me your comms,” Kim ordered getting a nod from the captain before he was handed an earpiece and mic. “Come in Truman this is Colonel Mike Kim Commanding officer of Andrews I need a booming run on hostile forces surrounding Andrews and CAS-Vac for injured over.” Static filled the earbud before a gruff voice spoke.
“Copy that Andrews sending Ghost hawks and A-20s your way mark LZs for the Ghost hawks Truman out.”
“All forces defending Andrews fall back behind the walls we have Cas-Vac inbound eta 10 minutes. Mark LZs for evac and be ready to abandon Andrews. I repeat we are abandoning Andrews.” Kim said over the mic getting an uncertain glance from the squad captain.
“Are you sure about that sir?” The squad captain asked.
“I am, now fall back into the CIC we’ll use the emergency fire escape to get back to ground level,” Kim said while he handed the squad captain back his earpiece.
“Sir, what about the computer's?” the captain asked.
“Everything has been wiped now let's get moving captain.”
“Roger that Sir. Come on Joe's you heard the old man we are getting out of here! Sam keep those bastards suppressed. Dona, Carl move with the colonel while me and Sam keep your six.”
“Copy that Scotty,” one of the soldiers shouted. “Come on Carl let's get the lead out.”
“Copy Donna.” The soldier said as he got up from his position nearly getting hit by a bolt of light. That collided with the concrete wall behind him sending bits of rock flying hitting Carl's helmet. “Sam keep them down dammit! I nearly got killed!” Carl shouted as he ducked back behind cover.
“Damn it and they missed too fuck!” Sam joked.
“Sick fuck,” Carl growled.
“Move your as, Carl!” Scotty shouted.
“Right right,” Carl said as he jumped out of cover and let loose a volley of rounds downrange catching an intruder on the head killing it as the round passes right through plating and painting the wall behind him in gray matter and blood.
“Shade is down!” Someone shouted from the other side of the hallway.
“Sir, I'm going to need to reload here in a sec,” Sam said as he let another few rounds go.
“Copy that Sam when you're out, fall back to the colonel and I’ll cover you got it.”
“Roger,” Sam replied as he let the last few rounds go hitting the wall that the invaders hid behind. He continued to do so while Sam and Donna followed the colonel back to the CIC.
*Click*
“Go, Sam!” Scotty shouted as he stepped out of cover and fired a burst of lead hitting another intruder square on its chest. That was followed by a loud roar sending a cold shiver down the captain's spine.
“Shit.”
_-_-_
“Princess they are holding us back and at this rate, they will surely end us here,” Blot said as the strange sound continued to assault their ears.
“I swear of tha-” Luna was about to reply but a young stallion that had come along fell to the ground. A small hole was seen on his helmet but the back was opened wide open as blood poured out.
“Shade is down,” somepony shouted.
“Princes's orders!” Another shouted.
Luna looked to Bolt who was taking cover on the other side of the wall and nodded. “Now!” Bolt shouted as she stepped out of cover and was about to use the summoning spell but fell back as her armor was ripped from her chest sending her to the ground. With blood pooling around her. Not even a second later a purple dragon appeared with wings stretched out wide. He stood tall at 6ft 2 and his tail was line with green spikes going all the way to his head.
Looking around the dragon looked confused but then found Princess Luna. Understanding why he was called he let out a mighty roar that gave Princess Luna a chill. Nodding at the Princess he flapped his wings and tore down through the hallway as sparks flew off his scales. The dragon winced at the pain each cause but he pushed through it as they failed to stop him let alone penetrate
“You gotta be fucking kidding me!” He heard somepony shout. “Colonel be ready to lock that door behind me,” the creature said as the dragon was now on top of him. “Come on you overgrown gecko let's dance!” The strange creature shouted at the dragon as he tossed his weapon after he heard a click. The dragon swiped at the creature narrowly missing its neck. The dragon growl baring its teeth. “So the bloody gecko has teeth eh? Well, eat this!” The creature shouted as he tossed a sphere at the dragon that exploded into a blinding white light followed by a loud ring. Sending the dragon to its knees.
_-_-_
“What was that!” Kim shouted as Sam and Donna closed the door behind Scotty as he ran past them.
“Sir, that was a fucking dragon and I think I just pissed it off.” Scotty said while he caught his breath.
“Right well this way up the past that door will be the stairs I already unlocked the door we’ve been waiting on you,” Kim said as he checked the draw for something before typing something in and closing it. “Alright let's go let's get going before those things get here.”
“Copy that sir, Carl you take point. Yo, Ajax you still here?” Scotty said as another soldier appeared from behind the holo table.
“Sir?”
“Anyone still capable of fighting?”
“No survivors but us,” Ajax replied as he put a dog tag from in his pack and hammered one with his hand in between the front two teeth of the female in front of him.
“Alright then let's go you’ll bring up the rear with Sam,”
“Roger on ass duty,” Ajax said while he grabbed his rifle of the holo table and lined up behind Sam patting him on the shoulder.
“Right let's go,” Kim said as Caral pushed open the door leading to the stairs moving his rifle left to right he saw nothing and called out ”Clear.” Leading the way up followed by Kim Scotty Donna Ajax and Finally Sam closing the door behind him.
_-_-_
“Man these guys have to be something else if the Colonel of the 3rd is calling for a withdrawal of Andrews,” Jack shouted into his mic to be heard over the wind.
“No shit,” Kelly replied.
“So, do you really think it would be a good Idea to steal some poor bastards truck?”
“Well no one was around and the keys were in the ignition so it was bound to happen sooner or later,” Thomas replied as they continue to drive down route 334 southbound.
“So why do you think they left the keys?” Kelly asked.
“I honestly don't know but whatever it was it probably had something to do with our new friends,” Thomas replied.
“Hmmm, I don't like this one bit.”
“Uhh, guys check your huds for the drones feed. I think I found out what had happened to our missing farmers.” Jack spoke up.
“My god,” Kelly said under her breath as the feed showed burnt down homes and charred remains of vehicles.
“Well so many for the Geneva conventions,” Jack said coldly as the truck caught up with the drone. “Boss, shouldn't we report this to command?”
“Believe me we will Jack but first,” Thomas replied while he took in his surroundings. “First we need to find them and make sure whoever they are they like the taste of tungsten steel.”
“Tom I normally don't agree with the use of rods but for once. I agree with it,” Kelly spoke as they passed the ashes of homes and possibly bodies.
_-_-_
“Casino 1-1 how is the demo for the base going?” Kim asked over his mic as the final Ghost hawk lift off the ground and into the air carrying the bodies of fallen soldiers before the armored door of the Arcon close sealing him inside with communication and drone operators.
“It's all set sir all units have pulled back and on course to link up with Rednose for transportation to rondeau point, over”
“Copy that Casino when you have made it to rondeau send the place sky high, Kim out.” Shutting off his mic Kim walked back to the holo table and leaned heavily on it. “Mr. Big Deploy the MQ-3 no payload.”
“Roger sir MQ-3 is airborne in 3...2...1.” The drone operator spoke.
The holo table and a second screen pop up as the Drone took to the air. “All right send it to Andrews I want to have confirmation on Andrews before we regroup,” Kim said while he paid extra attention to the feed.
“Understood sir.”
_-_-_
Princess Luna stood over the dead bodies of her guard. In her attack on the human castle, she and her guards had managed to wipe out almost every human held inside. A successful operation yes but at the loss of a few of her own.
The humans had all but abandoned the area leaving behind some of their technology but not a single wounded soul was seen or could be seen.
“Princess,” a pony said getting Luna's attention.
“Yes, captain?” Luna asked as the wind picked up.
“What shall we do with the captured weapons?”
“Have what can be carried back to my sister.”
“As you wish Princess.” The captain bowed and left Luna to her business.
“It would seem we may have this won by daybreak,” Luna said as she took flight and flew over the castle. Keeping well above the ground she took in the sight of this new world. Looking back at the ground racing past her Luna saw dragons, griffins and pony alike take to the castle they had fought hard for.
Holding her position in the sky Luna held herself aloft enjoying the faint breeze but, something caught her attention. A somewhat large bird came flying past her and began to fly circles around the castle. Her bewilderment didn't last long as the ground below her lit up with bright oranges and reds as countless screams could be heard from her forces. Looking down Luna could see Gryphons and ponies running about as their fur and feathers were set ablaze. The dragons fared better to the fire, but some could be seen with large objects jutting out from the abdomen. Those who were not harmed were dazed as more explosions lit the castle alight. Many more ponies and griffins ran out of the buildings dotted around as smoke wafted out of them. It finally dawned on her why the humans had merely gone and left. They had no intention of fighting to the last soul for buildings.
“It was a trap,” Luna whispered under her breath as she dived back to the ground in a vain attempt to try and save anypony.
_-_-_
Time…….....Unknown
Location…...Unknown
The smell of mildew was heavy in the air. The dripping sound of water could be barely heard over the distant shouts and groans of pain followed by a rhythmic clashing of metal on metal. “Guhhh, my head... Man those fuckers know how to make the Russian’s seem like pushovers.” A raspy male voice spoke sounding as dry as the Mojave desert.
“So you finally woke up hu?” Another voice spoke up. “About time.” The voice said getting the attention of the male human who was just getting his bearings.
“Who-who are you and how long was I out for?” The human asked as his vision came back to him revealing a humanoid bug creature that resembles one of the ponies that had taken him and ‘questioned him,’ but this one was different? It had no visible fur like the others and its arms, legs, and the horn had holes.
“Me? Well, my name is Andie and yours is Colonel Jordan Taylor of the 35th Airborne, correct?” Adnie replied while picking at her shackles that bound her to the other side of the cell they both shared.
How do you know my name?” Taylor asks as he got on his knees only to be restrained by the same restraints as Adnie.
“Well, you aren't the quietest of the bunch.” Admire replied.
“So there are others like me here then?” Taylor asked while looking over the female in front of him well what he could guess to be female from its features and voice.
“Like you?” Adnie looked up to Taylor who was dressed in strange black garments with an orange streak going from the edges of his neck following seam lines throughout. “No, none like you but others from their crusades across the globe.”
“Crusades?” Taylor asked involuntarily.
“Yeah, they have been going around liberating everypony alike under their rule because they control the Sun and Moon. Taking from that question you're not from Equis are you?” Adnie asked.
“No, I'm from The United States of America,” Taylor replied.
“Never heard of it but since you're here I guess such a place exist.”
“Well, you know about me how about telling me a bit about yourself,” Taylor said while sitting down with his back against the wall so he could see his cellmate clearly and the cell entrance in one view.
“Me well what is there to know?” Adnie asked.
“Well for starters what are you and how are you speaking English,” Taylor replied.
“For your first question I'm a changeling and I have no queen hence the gray eye and wing color. Second, you're speaking equestrian.” Adnie replied.
“I don't believe I asked for your colorations but regardless what can you tell me about our gracious host?”
“Our hosts happened to be the Equestrians and for the past few years, they have hence taken control of the majority of the world. Even my queen fell to her army and was killed not so long ago in Canterlot square.” Adnie went silent for a while even to the point of dropping the metal pin she was using to pick at her restraints.
“I see so they are going out and taking what they want. Well, how about this. You help me get out of here and I’ll help you get payback on these liberators ," Taylor said as he reached out for the pin and began working on his own restraints.
_-_-_
Time……....0000hrs
“Never thought I would live to see the day we the JSF get our ass kicked out of or own home!” A voice broke the silence of Rednose 1-1 interior.
“You and me both brother,” a female voice followed soon after.
“What do you think the plan would be now?”
“No clue but I sure hope it’s soon I don't care if it takes a few rods to get these ass holes off of our dirt. The longer they stay, the more I want to kick their asses.”
“Police the noise Joes. You heard the Colonel we will come back to take Andrews and don't forget with the amount of explosives we left behind. I doubt those fucking fucks even managed to get within a few seconds of downtime before we sent them straight to hell.”
“Yeah, that's true Captain but still how in the fuck did they manage to get to us without warning!”
“No clue Corporal.”
“Oui, what the fuck do you mean we are pulling out of D.C.!” Someone shouted over the comms sparking the interest of all.
“Command has ordered the full withdrawal of all combat units in DC. Hey, it's not my call god damn it! You think I want to leave D.C.? I have family here too!”
“Well, what about The Mall we are going to leave all those civilians there to fend for themselves!”
“Can it all of you!” The voice of Colonel Mike Kim sounded over the comms silencing all arguing. “I understand your pain of leaving behind our capital but we need to fall back and reassess our situation. As of 0000hr, the invaders have D.C.” Silence gripped all who listen. “I know I don't like this, but this comes from the president himself. After the loss of the mall, we have to retreat and regroup with 10th Assault at Lee. From there we will have support coming in from both the Air Force and NAVY. Right now the Reagan is unable to provide support as it's being used to take as many civilians out of the area.”
“Fuck that noise!” a voice shouted. “I'm not about to let these ass holes take my home if I have anything to say about it!”
“Police the noise it's only temporary. We will take back D.C this I promise you but we are of no use to anyone in our current state.” Kim’s voice barked. “Kingpin send all units the new rally, infantry mount up this is going to be a long one home.”
“Yeah with our tail between our legs,” a voice came over just barely audible.
_-_-_-_
National Mall WWII Memorial 1hr before full retreat.
“Talisman 1-2 is hit I repeat Talisman 1-2 has been hit and went down in the WWII memorial!” Someone shouted as the sound of a jet crashing into the ground reverberated through the area filling the air with the smell of jet fuel and burning circuitry.
“We have more contacts inbound from south-southwest 100+ confirmed griffins and dragons!”
“Our jets are being taken out of the sky by fucking lizards for crying out loud! And the ground forces are running out of ammo!”
“This is SideCar 1-1 all transports low on 30mm and the 7.62s are out, we need a resupply or we are going to be shooting them with angry thoughts and mean glares.”
“Slugger 1-1 reports the same munitions are running low and the barrels are beginning to overheat,” a female spoke.
“Dammit these fuckers just don't know when to call it a quits!” a marine shouted.
“Private get down! God dammit you want your head to come flying off! Private get on the right flank and cover Kenny!”
“Copy that Lieutenant!” Private Martin confirmed as an explosion nearby sent dirt and concrete flying. “Fuck that was close!” Martian shouted as he ran from behind a burnt out tank to right next to Private Kenny who was using an M249 laying down suppressing fire on anything dumb enough to stick its head out.
“Glad you can make it Martian!” Ken shouted over the hoarse reports of her weapon as hot lead screamed down range killing a pegasus who tried to take flight.
“Glad to be here ken!” Martin replied while reloading his SCAR A-1.
“Long arm to all forces near Washington monument head down grid smashers inbound.” A long arm 1-1 spoke while the sounds of rockets being fired from their pods flooded the coms.
“Heads down Joeboys !" Lt, Rodriguez shouted over the coms as white streaks rained down on a heavily fortified enemy position. Sending dirt, metals and organic matter in every which direction.
“Good effect on target Longarm 1-1” Rodriguez spoke over his mic.
“Copy that Full House Actual, be advised Long Arms are depleted and are leaving OA you will be without far support.”
“Understood Long arm thanks for the assist.”
“Well now what Lt,” O’Donald said over the reports of gunfire. “We aren't going to be able to link up with Stalker without support and those fucking birds and flying lizards are making it damned near impossible!”
“I’m well aware of that Corporal,” Rodriguez said as he scanned the area around him while avoiding magical blast flying across the battlefield. Looking about the memorial Lt, Rodriguez knew just how dire things were for him and his squad and what little civilian survivors they'd managed to rescue. “Overlord this is Full house requesting immediate evac from WWII memorial. We are unable to link up with Stalker actual, and we have civilians with us in need of medical attention, over.”
“Negative on evac Full house your orders stand. Hold the memorial till all civilians are evacuated from the monument Sidecar 1-2 will be dispatched to your location to pick up wounded and civilians. Be advised Full house also we’ve lost contact with Stalker and have scrub taking back the white house. How copy over” The male voice said.
“Understood overlord will hold till full evacuation is done. We just need munitions to keep the defensive we are low and in danger of running out. Over.” Rodriguez said while more bolts of light passed over his head causing him to hit the dirt.
“Understood FullHouse Sidecar reports a small ammo cash on board, Overlord out.”
“Alright, Full house Sidecar inbound for the civies and bullets all we have to do is hold before we can get a ride ourselves.”
“So basically command just told us to fuck a dragon with a pointy stick hu?” Jack called out while a click rang out in his comms. “Fuck I’m out. Anyone have a spare mag!”
“I’m on my last mag as well Jack!” O’Donald shouted.
“Fuck anyone else!”
“I’m on my last box as well!” Kenny shouted out followed by Martian.
“I’m about dry too!”
“Hey LT, you think we can kill these guys with mean glares because in a bit we will be down to sidearms and knives and I for one wouldn't mind getting up close with these ass hats!” Jack shouted as he switched to his M1911 colt popping off rounds that ricocheted off the armor of the approaching knights but hitting a mage who was running behind them.
“SideCar 1-1 where the hell are you we are running on fumes over here!” Lt, Rodriguez shouted over his mic as his weapon snapped open as he fired his last round hitting a knight in between his visor killing him.
“We are on our way Full house just a bit longer these things aren't built like a Corvette,” Sidecar 1-1 said over the commlink.
“Damn I knew we should've called the QRF!” Kenny shouted as her M249 spat out lead towards the enemy forcing them to duck behind cover or be torn apart by 5.56x45mm rounds.
“O’Donald how are we doing over there!” Jack called out.
“Shooting Nerf darts apparently!” O’Donald shouted. “My rounds just keep bouncing off these fuckers!”
“Aim for the wizard looking fuckers! Davis got the orange bitch after focusing fire on the wizards!” Martian shouted.
“Well if it worked for him then Full house focus fire on the manages then knights after !” Lt, Rodriguez shouted as he fired two .45 rounds into a wizard as she picked up her head and brought her hands forward attempting to cast something, but with the round meeting their marks, she fell back hitting the floor. With the mage down Rodriguez fired at the knights and each round pierced the metal plating like a hot knife thru butter. “Martin next time you tell us this shit from the start god damn it!” Turning back on his mic “Overlord be advised the wizards need to be a main focus before the knight. Whatever bullshit they are doing to repel our rounds stops after the wizards drop over.”
“Roger that Full house Actual will relay that to the rest over.”
“Full house this is sidecar we will be coming in from behind you get the civilians ready for extract and we’ll hot drop you ammo over.” Sidecar 1-1 said.
“Wilco Sidecar. Jack Martin, you heard the lady get the cives ready Ken give them covering short fire bursts!” Lt, Rodriguez barked out followed by three affirmatives from his squad.
_-_-_-_
Across the Lincoln Memorial Pool, a single Mare stood at the feet of a statue of a man sitting in a chair above written in stone she read out loud. “In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union. The memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever. Pfft like I give for this.” She said as she looked around the large building. “All right ponies blow it, no point in keeping this here after we take this place.”
“Yes mama!” a course of ponies replied as they gathered around the statue. Raising their hands in front of them they began to chant. “Aenean eu cursus nostrum imperium posset. Sentio nos surgere et tollere dimittere eam.” A small white orb formed as they repeated the lines.
The Mare stood by as the mages magic began to spark sending small bolts of magic in every which direction scorching all it touched while the air began to smell of ozone. Without warning, the chanting had stopped and the orb of magic was sent forward streaking the short distance to its target. In a bright flash of light the statue to a human was gone and in its place was a smoldering crater.
“Good now let's push these humans out of the city. And remember no prisoners!” She shouted getting a chorus of approval.
_-_-_
“Overlord this is Hunter we have eyes on what looks to be a hostile commander and 50+ targets In the Lincoln memorial how copy over.” A soft male voice said over the mic as a soft clicking was heard.
“Hunter actual Overlord copies. Keep tracking the target and provide updates while you can over.”
“Hunter copies,” the man said be for another click sounded signaling the com was shut off.
“Well shit they just blew up honest Abe,” Pepper said as a soft pfft could be heard followed by brass hitting the floor.
“And that is another one dead those civilians should be able to get past to the monument now.”
“Good shot Kozak,” 30K said as he looked through his binoculars acting as Kozak's spotter scanning the area just South of the OEA building on 17th and Constitution Ave where they laid. 30k could see what looked to be one of the winged woman laying on the ground. One of her wings looked to have been torn off and her right leg looked better for wear as it was bleeding in several locations. “Hey, Kozak check in the German Garden just south of the Eclipse about 600ms from us seeing what I'm seeing?”
“Give me a sec ….Yeah, I see it looks like one of those flying chicks.” Kozak replied getting the attention of Perper and Ghost Lead.
“What are you two ladies talking about?” Lead asked as he continued to follow the rainbow haired woman at the Lincoln Memorial with the sight of his MSR.
“Sir, it looks to be a possible combatant knocked right out.” 30K replied.
“I can agree with 30 she looks to be breathing and is face down in the dirt in the German Gardens south of the eclipse,” Kozak stated defending 30K's claim.
“Sounds like it could be of use to us Lead,” Pepper stated.
“Agreed, Kozak you and 30 go retrieve the thing. Pepper cover them. I'll keep an eye on clown hair.” Lead ordered getting affirmatives from the others. With little noise made both 30k and Kozak grabbed third weapons and secured them to their packs before swapping to their secondary's. 30k had a P416 “Goblin” in CQC set. While Kozak pulled out a MP7A2 set for medium engagements.
“All right Pepper you set?” Kozak ask as he and 30k waited by the front door of the building.
“All set Kozak, things look clear from here to the gardens just be on alert those floating flares are still up and play hell on the Active Camo.”
“Roger stick to the shadows,” 30K replied as Kozak nodded to 30k signaling for him to open the door just enough for both men to sneak out. With 600 meters between them and their target. The ghost favored the idea of just running from cover to cover allowing the camo to hold just barely in the shadows of the trees that had managed to survive the raging dragon fires. It wasn’t until they got on top of the woman when the realized what had happened. Just a few meter behind the heaving woman was a small crater laced with organic matter and spent brass casings.
“What the hell happened here?” 30K asked no one in particular as he took in the scene before him.
“No clue but whatever it was killed Captain, Thomas Lyell,” Kozak replied as he picked up a set of dog tags that laid a foot or two away from the divot along with a rifle. Stabbing the end of the barrel into the soft ground, Kozak wrapped the tags around the butt of the rifle. Marking the remains of the dead soldier. Off in the distance, they could hear the reports of gunfire and magic colliding with concrete and dirt.
“Alright let's grab the target and get gone. No point in being out here if we can integrate her inside.” 30K said while kneeling next to the bleeding woman and retrieving his first aid kit. It didn’t take him long before he pulled out a packet of Celox. Looking at the stump of what was left of her wing 30k applied the hemostatic agent and saw the face of the pink haired woman convulse with pain. With the clotting agents applied 30k wrapped the stump in gauze and went to work on her other wounds.
Keeping a look out of the area Kozak could see towards the WWII memorial a small squad of JSF marines holding off the main force of the invaders while a Bradley IFV was being loaded behind them with civilians and the wounded. “30 I hope you're not touching the girl,” Kozak joked.
“Hey, I would if this situation was different, but I don't think my dad would approve of me sleeping with a furry alien.” 30K played along while he finished bandaging the woman and flipping her over to see she was a well-endowed girl who looked to be in her late twenties if human standards could be applied.
“Alright I’ll grab her and you cover me,” Kozak said as he set aside his weapon and knelt down next to 30K and picked up the woman placing her over his shoulder. “Man she’s light even with the plated armor.”
“And you told me not to touch the girl,” 30k replied with a laugh. “Not even on the first date and you’re grabbing her ass.” 30 joked while putting away his kit and brung his Goblin forward while Kozak held his FNP-45T in front of him leveled.
“Police it you two and hurry up looks like the enemy may be moving in from the Abraham memorial,” Peppers' voice came through the coms.
“How many?” Kozak asked while adjusting his grip on the woman, so he wasn't directly groping her.
“All of them,” Ghost lead said.
“You heard mom Kozak time to get back for dinner.” 30K pestered.
“Alright package is secured heading back now,” Kozak said as he and 30k began the short trek back. By the time 30K and Kozak made it to the buildings the sounds of marching metal filled the air along with the sustained fire that followed.
“Kodak set her up in the attic Pepper is up there waiting for you. 30 you're with me we need to set up perimeter denial,” Lead said just above a whisper. Without a word, Kozak rushed up the nearby staircase until he was in the attic filled with furniture wrapped in plastic. The windows were covered up with black trash bags. In the center of the room was a chair, a car battery along with a few jugs of water. Followed by a table that looked to belong in the 18th century.
“Let's get this over with Kozak no point in dragging this out. Put her in the chair and show her an American welcome.” With that said pepper moved away from the lights cone that came from a single source hanging from the ceiling leaving only him and the woman alone.
Carefully putting her in the chair, Kozak began to remove her armor leaving only her textile garments on her. Setting aside her gear Pepper came back into the cone and dragged them away to inspect them and send any information he could up looking back to the woman. Kozak used zip ties to secure her to the chair along with fasting a gag and blindfold out of a portion of her shirt shortening it to uncover her abdomen but still leaving her with her modesty.
With blindfold in place and gag as well. Kozak grabbed the jumper cables and set them close to each other sending sparks into the air. Taking a deep breath, Kozak touched both terminals to the woman's body waking her up as she shouted out in pain but muffled by the gag.
“Whmmm Hmmmm!!” The woman began to sputter trying to grasp at what was happening to her.
“Good to see that you are awake,” Kozak said coldly as he lowered the gag so the woman could talk.
“Who are you!” The woman demanded as she tried to free herself from her restraints but failed to do so.
“Me I'm not even here. I'm a ghost I don't exist but you. I want to know who you are.”
“I'm not going to talk to a pony who doesn't fight me fair and square!” The woman spat only to get a laugh from Kozak.
“In the words of a long dead man. All's fair in love and warfare,” Kozak said as he moved around the woman seeing her ears move to the source of any sound they could pick up. “I’ll say this if you tell me everything I want to know I’ll let you live.”
“And if I don't?” The woman asked trying to keep any sign of fear from her voice.
“Simply put you’ll know what it's like to be a light bulb.”
“You wouldn't dare!” The woman shouted.
“What is your name?” Kozak asked as he grabbed the jumper cables.
“I won't tell a brute like you anything.” The woman said in defiance but quickly learned that this ghost wasn't lying. As her gag was placed back on before 12 volts of electricity surged through her body sending her nervous system into a frenzy as her muscles contracted and synapses fired sending pain signals to her brain. As quickly as it began it ended, and her gag was removed.
“Now that was just 5 seconds, and all I asked for was your name. Now I'm going to ask again what's your name.”
“.....”
“Okay, suit yourself,” Kozak said as put back her gag and pressed both terminals against her chest sending the woman back into an ark. “1...2...3…4...what comes after 4...oh and 5.”
“Mhhhh!” The woman cried out as Kozak removed the terminals from her chest followed by the gag.
“One more time, what is your name?” Kozak asked.
“Fluttershy,” the woman cried out as tears began to break past the blindfold.
“See was that so hard Fluttershy?” Kozak pestered. “Next question, what is it you hoped to achieve here I Washington Fluttershy? Mind you if you don't answer I will hold it for 10 full seconds, and I will not stop till I'm finished counting. So tell me now.”
Fluttershy was quiet.
“Okay, 10 full seconds it is then,” Kozak said but before he was able to put back her gag she shouted.
"I don't know! " Fluttershy cried out “I~I don’t know,” Fluttershy began to sob. “I~I was just asked to come and help my friends in taking a small city that's it! I wasn't told anything important the princess don’t trust me!” Fluttershy was now incoherent as she began sputtering names.
“All right then Fluttershy tell me who are your friends?” Kozak asked while he moved the car battery aside allowing Pepper to grab it and set it to higher ground.
“I~I’m I’m sorry girls.” Fluttershy cried “My friends are the other element bearers AppleJack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie.”
“See, if you tell me what I want to know then we can keep this as a conversation as frineds .,” Kozak said as he moved back in front of Fluttershy.
“FRIENDS!” Fluttershy shouted, “Friends don’t tie up their friends and hurt them!”
“You’re right Fluttershy friends don’t do that, but last time I checked, you came into my house and decided that none of my friends were cool enough for you, so you killed them all and let's not forget about the civilians that you and yours decided needed to go as well.” Fluttershy was quiet as Kozak activated his active camo and walked behind Fluttershy undoing her blindfold allowing the piece of cloth to fall to the ground below. Fluttershy’s head began to move around trying to put a face to whoever was treating her like this but found nothing. “Tell me Fluttershy what are these elements you say you and your friends are.”
Fluttershy moved her head in the direction of the voice but again saw nothing but the darkness of the room as the light bulb kept at bay the shadows around her. “I’ve told you enough now let me go!”
“Do you think you have any say right now Fluttershy?” Kozak said as he grabbed a water jug and uncapped it to pour water on a washcloth he had removed from a nearby table.
“I said let me go!” Not even a second after she shouted her chair she was on fell backward with a loud thud as her head collided with the floor causing her to cry out in pain.
“I’m going to give you one more chance before I do this Fluttershy. So tell me what these elements are, and we can continue having a nice chat,” Kozak said as he placed the washcloth over Fluttershy's face and sitting down on her chest with on hand on his leg and the other holding the water jug.
“Get off of me!” she cried out as fear began to take root in her mind as the prospect of being defiled entered her mind.
“Fine have it your way Fluttershy,” Kozak said as he began to pour water over the washcloth causing Fluttershy to cough and squirm with an entire jug gone Kozak got off of her and removed the cloth before righting the chair and allowing her to cough out whatever water she could.
“Wh~Why are you doing this to me!” Fluttershy began to cry again but found no sympathy from her capturers.
“Because you wouldn't give up the information I asked you for kindly so now I have to use force. Trust me Fluttershy I don’t take pleasure in this, in fact, I hate that I have to do this, but I gave you a choice for you to cooperate and we keep this friendly. Everything that has happened has been directly your fault.” Kozak said as he went to grab another jug while his camouflage held. “ So I’m going to ask you one more time Fluttershy. What are the elements?”
“I~if I tell you will you let me go?” Fluttershy managed to say in between her whimpers.
“If you tell me, then I won’t kill you letting you go is not up to me that's up to my government to decide,” Kozak stated calmly as he stayed just out of reach of the lights domain.
With a heavy sigh of defeat, Fluttershy spoke. “The Elements of Harmony are six enchanted jewels that hold a great deal of magic. Each one of my friends represents one. AppleJack represents the element of honesty, and she is unable to lie, but she can spot a liar. Pinkie Pie is the element of Laughter, and she can’t stand a sad pony if she can help it. Rarity is the element of generosity and would give you her shirt off her back to a needy pony. Rainbow Dash is the element of loyalty and will fight with you till the very end as well as the fastest flyer in known Equestria.” Fluttershy stopped to take a breath. “Then there is Princess Twilight Sparkle the strongest magic user short of Princess Luna and Celestia. And finally me. I'm supposed to represent the element of kindness, and I'm able to communicate with most if not all animal life.”
“Yes,” Fluttershy replied.
“Now one last question,” Kozak asked as he stepped into the cone of light allowing his camo to fade away revealing himself. “Where is your base,” Kozak asked just as a new warning became visible on his hud.
“High profile order all JSF forces in D.C are to withdraw from area and fall back to Ft, Lee. It looks like your date is finally over Kozak.” Pepper said as he tosses Kozak a needle loaded with a sedative. Looking back to Fluttershy, he could see she was broken as there was no more fight left in her. The defeat was all that dominated her face. Stepping next to Fluttershy Kozak injected her with the fast acting sedative. The last thing she saw when she looked up was a human standing over her with face covered in a black balaclava with a white face painted over it giving him a ghostly appearance.
“Lead what should we do with Fluttershy?” Kozak asked as he and Pepper began to clean up the area.
“Take her with us, 30 found us a ride link up with us in the back. Hostile forces have the mall flooded with numbers.”
“Roger,” Kozak replied as he cut the zip ties holding Fluttershy's arms to the chair then using a new set tied her arms together along with her legs. With that done Kozak grabbed Fluttershy and tossed her on his shoulder. It was then he smelled something strange. “We need to find her a change of pants or we are going to have 30 whining.”
“Yeah, but what can you do it's war now come on I’ll take point,” Pepper said as he opened the door and lifted his P90 up. The pair walked down into the lobby using their night vision goggles to lead them.
“30 you have the vehicle ready?” Leads spoke as Kozak and Pepper knelt down next to him taking a sector each.
“Oh yeah our way out is set and ready in the back alley,” 30K said over the coms with traces of excitement in his voice.
“100 bucks says he found a truck,” Kozak said as he adjusted his grip on the still knocked out Fluttershy.
“You know damn well that's all 30 gets excited for.” Pepper replied as Lead simply laughed.
“Let's just hope for a full gas tank. Lee is a 2 to 3-hour drive,” Lead said as he checked his weapon one more time. “All right Hunter let's move. 30 we’ll be with you in 5 all right Pepper you bring up the rear Kozak stay center we’ll be taking the woman with us. Move out hunters.”
_
-_-_-_
“Holy shit!” Ken shouted as a ball of magic flew past his face and slamming into a car not too far from him destroying the vehicle.
“Who the fuck pissed off the rainbow bitch!” O'Donald shouted as she fired her rifle at the rainbow blur. Who was cutting down police and local national guard.
“I don’t know but for...Ken get down!” Jack shouted just as he saw a mage fire off a magical blast, but before Ken could react, he was thrown off his feet and sent flying forward into a concrete blockade. It didn't take long for Jack to realize Private Ken was dead on impact. “Man down! Man down!” Jack shouted as he leveled his gun and fired and the mage who had killed his friend. Each round he shot found their mark as the back of mages head seemed to disappear into a cloud of red. Running over to the lifeless body of Private Ken, Jack searched for a pulse but knew he would find none. Biting down on his tongue jack grabbed Ken's collar and dragged him back behind cover.
“Jack who did they get!” Lt, Rodriguez voice shouted over the mic as the squad kept falling back to their evac point with Sidecar.
“They got Ken,” Jack said somberly and he looked down to the lifeless body of his best friend he knew since boot. The battlefield seemed to grow quite like as the voice of Lt, General Scott Mitchell was heard over the coms.
“All units north of the WWII memorial take cover, Kinetic strikes have been authorized. I repeat Kinetic Strikes have been authorized.” Almost unanimously all fire from the Joes stopped as they began just to turn around and run taking wounded and dead alike only leaving behind empty brass and confused adversaries.
Looking up to the sky using the trajectory lines shown on his hud Lt, Rodriguez saw three whitetails enter the atmosphere racing to the ground looking straight in front of him his visor was filled with cyan fur and rage filled eyes as a piercing pain began to resonate from his stomach. Looking down to he could see blood begin to flow down from his stomach and pooling around him before black took hold of his vision.
One by one Full House IRF tags reported KIA as a blur moved from one soul to the next. In less than 10 seconds all who were just north of the memorial were declared KIA. Leaving the cyan figure standing alone on the bodies of the dead. Jack jumped out from under the limp body of Ken taking the cyan figure down and in the direct path of one of the rods.
“Get off of me!” The woman shouted struggling to get her arms free from the human holding her down. It wasn't long till a few of the knights pried the human off her. “What did you hope to accomplish,” the woman shouted at the human only smiled under his helmet.
“Checkmate bitch,” Jack said under his breath as he looked up just in time to see one of the three rods pass through a dragon like a hot knife through butter before his world and everyone's else's became nothing but a footnote in history. As the telephone pole size tungsten steel rod collided with the earth sending rock, dirt, and metal hundreds of feet up into the air. Killing all who dared opposed its existence.
_-_-_-_
Twilight, Rarity, Pinkiepie stood stalk still as the building shock and three large clouds of earth began to fall back down with gravity.
“Rarity where is Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Applejack?” Twilight asked as a steady beeping sounded throughout the room.
“I-I don't know,” Rarity managed to say before all three of them began to tear up.
It was Twilight who came to her sense first “I-I think we need to stop before this goes too far.”
“Are you mad!” Rarity shouted with tears in her eyes. “They could have possibly killed our friends, and you want to talk peace!”
“We are outmatched here Rarity the longer we fight, the more we are going to lose than gain!” Twilight said as she tried to clear her eyes but to no avail. “If we keep this up I doubt we will be able to win let alone defend the portal that leads back to Ponyville!” Rarity was quieter now as she was beginning to see reason in Twilight's words. “We entered a fight we couldn’t hope to win Rarity, not even us six could keep Equestria from whatever we had woken up.”
“Twilight’s right you know,” a voice said prompting for the three women to look at the lone human in the room as he was sitting on one of the two couches present in the oval office with a strange L-type device on his lap. “You and your kind really done fucked up now.”
“And how would we have fucked up?” Pinkie Pie asked as she cleared her eyes of tears.
“Because what you face was only cops and volunteers of a local defense force and those three craters outside in the mall, yeah that's only the tip of what my government has to offer. Yeah, you might have beaten them back for now but, You have only poked a wounded lion and that lion is angry.” The human said as he turned the device showing the three woman the entirety of the United States. “Ladies, I present to you the nation in which you just decided to kick straight in the dick, and I can guarantee you Uncle Sam doesn't play fair when you kill his family.”
“Who are you to talk down to us!” Rarity shouted as a rapier materialized in front of the man's neck. “Tell us your name and I’ll consider not gutting you where you sit!” Rarity threatened.
“Me, just call me Nomad and the next time we meet, well let's just say you will be talking to the man who is the only one actually know I exist.” The man said as he tossed a cylinder up into the air before it billowed out black smoke filling the room. Leaving the three women coughing trying to see what had just happened, but to no avail instead, all they could do was fan the smoke away before pairs of hands wrapped around their necks choking the women till they each passed out due to lack of oxygen. “Nomad to Eagle all targets subdued falling back to ex-fil with football.”
“Copy that Nomad Eagle out.”
Author's Note
So what did you all think? Love or hate let me know in the comments down bellow also thanks to my brother for beta reading this story for me. Also, the plot will thicken and you guys/gals will love it! Until next time Drive it like you stole it!
If you want a happy ending....
“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.”
Orson Welles
Time……….0100hrs
Location…..Eliot, Virginia
“My fellow Americans a few hours ago I ordered the full retreat of all forces of the greater DC area. I know many of you saw this as your government was leaving you all to die. In reality, this was done to reassess our enemies strength. In our capital and then to repel the invaders from our Soil. The very same that men and women of our armed forces bleed these past few years for. I know that many of you want nothing to do with another costly war, but I will not stand by as invaders take the lives of those who’ve elected me as their leader. It is with this I solemnly swear that by daybreak today January,02,2022 will not only mark the end of a great worldwide conflict that had engulfed us these past years but an end of what many of you have called the Invasion of Myths. I now say to all US military in the DC area. Operation Freedom Fighter is a go.”
“You heard the man Jasper kick this bucket into gear and let's kill these fuckers!” Private Dane Min shouted over the intercom of the M5A2 Schwarzkopf Tank.
“I hear that!” Jasper called back as the sound of M126 155mm Howitzers unleash the opening volley of shells targeted on the blocks made by the invading army softening the resistances the Pioneers and Ghost would face. Followed by the iconic “brrt” that would signal a gun run done by A10 Thunderbolts 30 mm GUA-8 Avenger Autocannon.
“Thunder Lane 1-1 to Sky Eye roadblock on I-35 northbound clear. Tell the Joes they're clear to knock on the door over.”
“Copy that Thunder Lane 1-1 new targets are being sent to your nav, happy hunting SkyEye out.”
"Werewolf is Oscar Mike with Casino all marines accounted for and moving along 395 crossing river point 5 over."
"Overlord copies, all orders have been sent all callsigns Operation Freedom Fighter is a go."
"Sounds like things are heating up over in DC," Kelly's voice came over the coms link between her Thomas and Jack.
"That's for sure," Jack replied as the three of them continued their crawl to the point of interest they marked.
"Remeber you two, we need to get in capture the HVT and extract, or we'll be flatted with them when the hammer drops." Thomas reminded them to keep their heads focus.
"Right almost forgot about that part," Jack replied as they made it to tree cover. Looking back over the open marsh they just crossed Jack spotted three large dragons fly overhead towards DC "Thomas you might want to let eagle know that three large lizards are flying towards the capital."
"You already told him," President Becerra said over the coms.
"Right, I forgot that we are under your direct command, sir," Jack said as he looked to Thomas and Kelly. Thomas was shaking his head along with Kelly. Alright, this should be a good spot for you to provide overwatch, Kelly. Jack and I will continue ahead and capture the HVT, and from there we'll link back up at the ex-fill point. Understood?"
"Understood," Kelly replied as she turned to a large willow tree behind her and began to climb its trunk before settling on one of its overreaching branches and pulling out her M110 fitted with a suppressor and loaded with EXACTO rounds. "All set for overwatch Thomas," Kelly said as she began to mark targets she could see when something caught her eye. "Eagle we might need to rethink the leveling I see civilians captives amongst the hostile camp. Counting 20 in total ranging from children to men and women, over."
"This certainly does change things a bit. I'll have the plan for Eliot adjusted accordingly, but for now, your objective doesn't change. I want Solare to capture alive and keep marking civilians, Eagle out."
"You heard the man team plan still stands now let's go find the target and get this over with," Thomas said as he motioned of Jack to follow.
Scanning the area from her perch, Kelly followed Thomas and Jacks markers as they crossed more open marshland towards the camp. Switching her focus back on where she had spotted the civilians from before Kelly felt her heart race as a Griffin walked up to the cage where children were in 10 children in all half boys and the other half girls. With little care, the Griffin opened the cage and plucked a small girl from the cowering bunch. Picking her up by her hair he hoisted her to his eye level. The little girl began to hit her captive with whatever force she could muster into her hands. Increasing the optical power of her scope Kelly could see tears stream down the little girls face. Marking the area Kelly looked for her teammates who were still 500 meters from the camp. Going back to the marked area Kelly's heart seemed to stoped as the griffon's other hand reached up and found purchase around the little girl's neck. Tightening her finger on the trigger Kelly was about ready to fire when Eagles voice came over her earpiece.
"Hold fire Staff Seargent, don't do anything rash." General Mitchel said as the sounds of frantic typing could be heard.
"But sir if I don't it's going to kill her!" Kelly replied getting Thomas attention along with Jack's.
Without a thought, Jack flew his drone that had been holding nearby and zeroed in on what Kelly was looking at. Passing his tablet to Thomas, he could see 15 griffons around where Kelly was looking at. Thomas felt his stomach tighten up as he saw the life of a small child leave her as the griffon choked the child with a smile on his face.
"Captain, proceed with your mission there's nothing we could of don-"
"Bull shit!" Kellys shouted over her mic causing both Jack and Thomas discomfort. "I could have shot him! I could have saved that little girl's life!"
"Kelly stop," Jack said as he adjusted his earpiece. "You would have made it worse for the others. There's just too many of them to deal with," Jack said as he set his drone on an orbit around the base having it mark all contacts. "The rest of the griffons would have attacked the civilians if we acted."
"Kelly, don't lose your head we need you hear right now. Don't let that little girl's life be what brings you down if anything uses it as a drive to get these birds out of our country." Thomas said as he felt a small tear form and fall along his face. "We still have a job to do and if this all goes well which I know it will. Kids like her won't need to be afraid; this is a war not in Europe not in Russia but in our own home got it."
"Got it, Thomas," Kelly replied somberly.
"Good," Thomas said as he and Jacks returned to their slow slug thought the marsh making as little noise as possible in the mud. "Jack still have that Microdrone with you?" Thomas asked as a plan began to form in his mind.
"Yeah, why?"
"We are going to need it if we want to get the civilians out of here before the bombs drop.”
“What do you have in mind captain,” Scott asked over the comms.
“Depends General on how long you could delay the strike for and set an alternate ex-fill point,” Thomas replied as he kept an eye on the drone fed.
"I'll get to working on that captain but remember capturing the HVT is your top priority. Eagle out."
"Thank you, Thomas," Kelly said softly over the coms.
"Don't thank me yet. We still have to see if my crazy ass plan will work."
"Well if it's like anything you did back in Paris then it should be just fine and who knows there might be another pin in it for us all." Jack joked lightening the overall mood of the team.
"Yeah, like in Paris, just this time Jack don't get spotted," Thomas replied as both he and Jack continued on their trek through the marsh.
"Kelly keep me updated with the location of all known hostiles in the area that you can get without alerting the others. Jack does that drop of yours have hover capability?"
"Yes, it does," Jack replied getting where Thomas was going with all of this.
"Good, so here's the plan."
Location.....Unknown
Time.............Unknown
It was relatively easy getting out of the dungeons without being spotted. The guard pattern was easy to remember and ditching the armor he had nab from the guard in the dungeon made it easier to carry Andine on his back and her rhythmic breathing let him know that she was still alive for now at least.
Taking in his surroundings, Taylor knelt down behind a tall rose bush and set Andine on the soft grass. Being an officer in the JSF gave him a lot of leeway when it came to his command, but all officers were expected to be able to keep up with their subordinates when it came down to PT. Taking in the warmth from the sun's glow Taylor could feel some of his strength return to him as he finally had time to breath in fresh air that was free from the scent of blood, mold, and other bodily fluids that made up the stench of the dungeon. Looking towards the sky enjoying the cloudless day as the sun looked to be setting, Taylor found himself smiling a bit along with a ping of guilt for those he left behind. Signing a bit, Taylor was about to pick up when he was face to face with two guards. The three looked at each other baffled. The two guards, one of them a unicorn and the other with wings stood at 5'10 and 5'9. Acting quickly Taylor tackled the winged one first grabbing her dagger and impaling her head where her spine and brain meant efficiently killing her before she even knew what hit her. Getting off the dead woman Taylor looked to the still stunned guard. Taking in the features of the guard Taylor felt a pang of remorse but swiftly pushed it back. He had just killed what must have been freshly out of their version of boot. A lucky break for him but the other two, a not so fortunate break.
Walking up to the stunned female, who fell to her knees and began to whimper for her fallen comrade Taly knelt down and placed the dagger's edge against her neck. Feeling the woman swallow her saliva as the blade moved against her Adam's apple. Taylor spoke clearly. "If you don't want to end up like your friend there you are going to tell me everything I want to know. If you cooperate, I'll let you live if you don't." Taylor grabbed the woman's head and made her see the bodies lifeless eyes staring up towards the sky.
"We, we just started today." She began to cry, "Heart Song and I just started today. We..We were going to start a herd together with Silver Line and have foals."
"Then tell me where can I find a map of this place?" Taylor asked still keeping the dagger against her neck.
"I....I...." she said in whimpers as tears flowed freely from her eyes. "You can find a map in Commanders Spitfire's office first door to the left when you enter the barracks wing of the castle."
"And wheres that?" Taylor asked.
"It's the same wing that you most probably came from," With tears in her eyes the woman bent over and rested her arms and head on her lover's dead body. Without another word, Taylor plunged the dagger in the same place he did the other woman. Ending her life in an instant. Closing the lifeless eyes of the two dead women, Taylor hid the bodies behind another rose bush and picked up Andine. Cleaning off the blood from the dagger on the grass Taylor made his way back to the dungeon area.
Author's Note
Sorry for such a short update, but with hitting the books for college and what not I kind barely find time to write. Don't worry about me dropping these two stories because I won't I don't like cliffhangers and I'm sure you all would kill me if I did just kill the story without an end. Though a new chapter for Dropped into Equestria is in the works about 6k+ words long should be coming out before Nightmare Night! Till then Drive it like you stole it!
Author's Note
Yes I know I wrote something but a lot of bull shit has happened to me as of late. I apologize for the wait, with that out of the way I hope you guys are enjoying Joeboy because it has reached it's halfway point!
Freedom Fighter
Time………….0130 hrs
Location……..Ft Lee Cell Block G
“Fluttershy Darling, what did they do to you?” Rarity asked as she scooted as close to her timid friend.
“They didn't do anything It was all my fault.” Fluttershy whimpered to herself.
Rarity face grew with concern. “It wasn't your fault dear.”
“It wasn't their fault it was all me...I could of….I could've just told them all they wanted to know. They gave me a choice...But I didn't take it I..I wanted to be loyal to my friends but...but I couldn't keep my mouth shut and told them everything….I should've stayed home….I should've turned down this..this ….It’s all my fault.” Fluttershy became incoherent afterward scaring all around her. “They said it was all my own doing if I just answered their questions from the start none of this would've happened if I just gave into what they were asking for from the start.”
Applejack placed her hand on Rarity's shoulder as the fashionista was about to cry over the state of her friend. “It’s too late sugar cube she’s too far for us to do anything for her now.” Rarity looked to Applejack and collapsed into a mess of tears and running mascara.
“I don’t want to do this anymore.” Pinkie Pie whimpered to herself before falling down to her knees. Twilight began to look to her friends. Equestria's greatest warriors have fallen to their knees for the first time to a nation greater than their own. “Dear Celestia, what have we done?” Twilight asked no one in particular as she fell to the floor leaning against the concrete wall for support. Focusing on her hand Twilight felt any fight in her leave her body.
__________________________________________________________________________
World War II Memorial
“Princess, The Humans, are beginning their counter assault!” a Paladin shouted as he entered the command tent set up for the officers.
“From which Direction!” Luna demanded as the tent grew cold. No one in Equestrian history dared to take on the Equestrians during the night when the princess of the night was at the helm of the armies.
“They are coming from the south and had managed to break through the blocks we’ve set up along with a legion of griffins.”
“But that's not possible!” a griffon shouted at the paladin pony who just caught his breath. “No griffon would fall so easily!”
“And what of the Dragons that my sister should be sending?” Luna asked with her demeanor still in check as she looked at the map that depicted were her forces were in DC.
“They are still on their way your highness.”
“I see, and what about the weapons we’ve managed to obtain? Has any word from our scholars come back about them?”
“As of late none your grace but, I fear that it may very well be too late for such things.”
“How dare you speak so lowly of our ponies!” another pony shouted. Focusing her attention on the outburst Luna could see the face of one of her generals twist in rage. “I should have you hung for such words against your compatriots!”
“Enough Iron Heart, your loyalty to our cause is valued but from what other reports have come in with. The messenger here,” Luna said motioning for the paladin to speak his name.
“Ivory Gale, your grace,” Ivory said in kind bowing as his wings ruffled a bit.
“Ivor was only giving his opinion one that I appreciate knowing. As I value the input from all of my subordinates. Ivory you may return to your platoon.” Luna said while her mind race for strategies she thought would be able to win her this conquest, but after coming here at first to witness the aftermath of the sky falling. She was struck by the damage done by those things. She alone had found the element of loyalty torn to shreds. Limbs missing and her wings nothing but shattered dust of whimsy. The look of her eyes as they laid blank staring up at the sky admiring the alien moon that Luna had no control over. From what she could see only her forces were killed in the event. The humans seemed to have turn tail before the things came, they must have known of them beforhoof. Were they the ones to call on forces from the heavenly bodies above like her and her sister could on Equis?
“Princess, what should or plan to be for dealing with the counter?” A griffon in red, rich robes and short sword at his hip asked while he rubbed his golden brown beak that accented his mahogany coat. Luna nodded her head and looked at the ground with her eyes close recounting the ponies and griffon in her command. Send the 5th along to the southern defenses and the 1st as well to provide aerial cover. Also, have the 3rd go along. From what I’ve seen magic can have an upper hoof when dealing with the human's weapons.”
“A wise decision Your Highness.” The Griffin replied as he did a curt bow and made his way out of the tent before the back of his head exploded out war showering all in the tent with a red mist and grey matter. Luna stood stock still along with General Iron Heart who at this point to his credit remained slightly unfazed as loud cracks began to pour from all around followed by a loud whooping sound of machines the humans had.
“TO ARMS!” a voice shouted throughout the camp as many ponies and griffons ran to and from only to be met with the same fate as the last. The air began to fill with an acidic smell as luna snapped out of her stupor and rushed out along with General Iron Heart to aid in any way they could while luna flared her magic to deflect rounds from hitting their target being her.
“Any pony report now!” Luna shouted only getting the attention of one griffin who was about to run into the fray.
“The humans are attacking us right here your highness. They came from the north and appeared out of nowhere like they were ghosts!” The griffin managed to say before he rushed forward to join the losing fight. Luna didn't expect the northern blockade to fall then again she didn't have word from the north for some time. Could they have fallen without her knowing? Throwing cause to the wind, Luna flew upwards only for a sharp pain to flood her body as she lost control of her muscles causing her to fall back to the earth.
“The princess!” Ivory WInd shouted as he landed by Luna’s side as plums of grey smoke filled the air causing her throat to itch and her eye to water.
Those who did not fall too the smoke in grasping breaths were shot and killed as they pushed against the unknown aggressor. The mighty Equestrian army that was said to have drain waterways and shaken the earth when they marched was beaten down in a surprise attack that lasted no more than six minutes. With all those who could fight at the front well away from the command post. No pony was ready for an attack of 70 cloaked men and women of The JSF 13th Airborne.
“Tighten your shots and take Lua back alive anyone else follows protocol,” a light, feminine voice managed to sneak its way into luna's cognitive brain as she fought back the spasms her muscles were going suffering from.
“Copy that Lt bag and tag.”
“Spider how are things looking for their reaction time?.....Copy that pulling back now we have Lua in custody and are retreating to ex-fill mark Romeo. Cover our retreat then make your way back to Delta, Over and out.” The female voice said softly but with authority.
When her spasming stopped, Luna could see five humans who were almost transparent around her with their back to her. Seeing an opportunity arise Luna focused her magic on her horn. Only for it to fail as her vision blacked out to a male voice saying “Welcome to America Bitch.”
***
“What the fuck was that about Kyle!” Corporal Carla Dian shouted as she pointed her rifle and fired at an approaching griffin. Having both gun report and muzzle flash suppressed for every shot.
“What she had her magic bullshit charging in her horn thing!” Sergeant Mark Kyles said in his defense.
“I could see that but why did you have to knock her out now we have to carry her ass back to the evac point.”
“Make Even do it; he likes this furry shit.”
“Don't get me involved Mark and just because I went to that one convention in a costume doesn't mean that I'm into that kind of shit,” Evan replied as he knelt down next to Lua and began to restrain her. "I lost a bet against my brother, so I had to."
“Are you two done?” Lieutenant Vienna spoke softly through her mic. “We need to make ex-fill, and Spider won't be able to cover us for long, more birds and horse things are on their way back here we need to move now. The rest of company is off towards their objectives we have ours now let's get the lead out.”
“Roger that LT,” Specialist Evan Daniels replied as he finished Lua’s restraints and hoisted her over his shoulder. “Man she's a bit heavy.”
“Hands off her ass Evan you don't know what it has.” Carla joked as she reloaded her SCAR A1.
“Whatever Carla you are just jealous that Evan isn't groping your ass,” Mark commented before getting a glare from Lieutenant Vienna.
“Can it you three, Evan are you able to carry the HVT?”
“Yes, Lieutenant, ready to move when you are,” Evan replied as he brought his sidearm forward. A Colt M1911 chambered in .45 ACP smooth bore allowed for accurate shots at close range along with the stopping power to kill or floor whatever it hit.
“Good, Overlord this is Phantom we have the HVT and are retreating to Ex-fill. How copy over.”
“We confirm your last Phantom retreat to ex-fill Ghost Rider is inbound for valuable cargo over.”
“You heard the news; Phantom fall back, Evan you are center I’ll Mark you have a point I’ll be behind you. Carla, you have rear, Densate you have Evans back and keep an eye on our HVTs condition. I want to know as soon as she’s awake if she wakes up in our care got it?”
“Understood LT,” Staff Sergeant Densate replied while grabbing a blanket from his pack and draping it over Lua. Not a second later did it begin to fade like their active camo. The technology was older than what they wore, but it would do for what was and is needed. Under his full helmet covering his face leaving no traces of skin to be revealed to anyone. Densate is the team's medic knowing how to treat and patch almost any injury one could expect to acquire during a firefight. Making their way out of the tent, Mark swept his rifle right to left in a sizeable 80-degree arc to his front followed by Lt, Vienna. “All Clear let's move out.”
Keeping his attention forward Mark trained his rifle ahead making sure to take in any movement he could spot. The line moved cover to cover keeping their changes slow as to keep their camo going.
“How much farther till we reach,” Evan was cut short as he was tackled to the ground by Staff Sergeant Densate. “What the fuck Sarge?” Evan said as he was about to get up from the dirt but stayed down the three large dragons flew overhead before a large plume of fire escaped the dragons burning whatever it touched.
“I never thought I would see a dragon let alone three,” Carla said loud enough for her microphone to read as she looked on in horrid awe before one of the three broke off and flew back to where the command tent would have been.
“Let's get a move on Phantom we have no time to waste now. We need to get to Ghost Rider and be off before the flying lizards find us.”
“Too late,” Mark said before a large teal scaled dragon landing in front of them only off by a few meters. The dragon had an orange underwing that shared the same color with his downward sloping horns that started a light yellow at the base the turn crimson as they came to a point. A second later a smaller blue dragon with red eyes and downward curved horns as white as ivory climbed off the more substantial dragon.
“They are around here father I can feel them.” The smaller dragon said as she walked around the burning wreckages that were Tanks, IFVs and, PD6s.
“Keep your senses Ember and stay close these humans: Celestia says can take down Dragons they've taken out a few of our own already.” The larger one said with a deep and grunted voice.
“I know father, but I highly doubt they can keep up with me,” Ember replied with a grin on her face as she looked towards the five translucent figures. Bring forward her short sword Ember locked onto the first of one of the five. Closing on her target, she leaped into the air, and with a flap of her wings, she rocked forward impaling her target as blood ran down her claws.
“Shit, the bitch got Mark!” Evan shouted as he opened fire on Ember. Each round bouncing off her scaled wing. “Spider we need back up over here!”
“Fall back! Fall back!” Lt, Vienna shouted to her squad as she opened fire as well on the blue dragon. Each round doing the same as the last. Bouncing off her wing and becoming useless to the soldiers who fired them. “Overlord we need support over here we have two dragons here, and our weapons aren’t doing anything.”
“Carla throw smoke, Evan, Densate fallback we’ll cover you!” Lieutenant Vienna shouted as she continued to empty her magazine.
“Copy your last Phantom, Thunder-lane flight has been tasked.” a male's voice sounded over the radio as billowing black smoke permeated the air around the group making it nearly impossible to see along with the nature of the night helping the marines.
“Phantom Actual this is Thunder Flight inbound. Mark your targets, be with you in 20, JDAMs, and Strafe runs authorized over.”
“Large Dragon east of smoke Danger close friendlies in smoke. How copy, over?” Lieutenant Vienna shouted as she jumped behind the remains of an M1A2 Abrams tank.
“Understood Authorization confirmed Danger close Large dragon. Bearing South-South-West. Target acquired fifteen seconds till release advise cover over.”
“Copy that! Phantom. Danger Close get to cover!” Lieutenant Vienna shouted again as a wing of A-20 Razorbacks streaked by dropping three 1,000 pound bombs each one meeting its mark with pinpoint accuracy that was then followed by a deafening roar as the smoke continue to obscure the group's vision.
“Why you insignificant flies!” The giant dragon roared as the air cleared with a mighty flap of his wings sending the smoke away and showing the damage done to the massive beast. A significant portion of his scaling was now missing as smoke rose from his body.
“Thunder-Lane negative hits on target It’s still moving!” Carla said through her mic.
“Copy that Phantom coming back around for a gun run over Stay clear.”
“YOU DARE CHALLENGE ME!” The dragon roared as it breathed and exhaled a large plume of fire engulfing one of the A-20s
“Shit, I'm unable to keep control Punching out!” the voice of a frantic fighter pilot sounded through the radio as the smoldering airframe began to fall out of the sky, as the canopy busted open which was then followed by four rockets pushing out the pilot at high speeds before the chute deployed.
“Thunderlane 1-2 is down I repeat ThunderLane 1-2 is down notify search and res-.” Following the chute, with her eye, Carla saw the Giant snap at the falling pilot devouring him like he wore a pea. “It just ate Thunderlane 1-2 It fucking ate Zack!” a woman shouted over the radio.
***
“Keep your head, Kate, we still have weapons to use against the thing.” Captain Aiguo said over his radio as he banked his aircraft to dodge an incoming fire blast.
“He ate Zack! How the fuck to do expect me to calm down when that fucking thing just ate my friend!” Kate began to shout over her mic causing Captain Aiguo some discomfort.
“He was my friend too Late, but right now I need you here. That thing is still alive and kicking the best thing we can do for him is to send it straight to hell in a lunch box.”
"Fine!" Kate yelled into her mic as she followed Captain Aiguo aircraft higher into the sky Pulling a 3G climb Feeling the flight suit around her leg constrict keeping her from blacking out. Second Lieutenant Kate Lowe began to hiss following her training.
"Thunderlane 1-1 to Overlord, Thunderlane 1-2 is KIA over," Aiguo said over the radio. "Kate switch over to guns and see the back of the thing where the bombs hit."
Looking over to the dragon that kept spitting out roaring spouts of flame that would die 100 ft before hitting her aircraft. Kate focused on the lighter areas of the dragon along its massive body. "Yeah, I do."
"If mythology still fits into these things then aim there. The cannon should be able to tear the thing to shreds."
"Shouldn't you do it, sir?"
"Negative Second Lieutenant you were always the better shot when it came to gun runs. My job now is to distract the thing and make you an opening." Aiguo exhaled slowly and looked at his a small photo of his long gone family. His wife and daughter were killed in the beginning stages of the war back when Russia attacked Grissom Air Force base in Indiana. "I want you to break off and circle till you get an opening, that's an order Second Luinentie."
"Affirmative, breaking off to an orbital pattern," Kate replied with a heavy heart knowing full well of what her captain was insulating.
"Phantom Actual we'll deal with the massive target get going with your objective Thunderlane out." Aiguo leveled out his aircraft at 3000 feet allowing him to see well beyond the roaring battle below him in the national mall and the surrounding area. Tracer rounds and magical blast could barely be seen as along with the exhaust of F-22s and A-20s as they executed their missions. "Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings," Captain Aiguo started before pitching down his craft heading towards the dragon. "Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, -and done a hundred things. You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung. High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I've chased the shouting wind along and flung. My eager craft through footless halls of air...."
The Dragon smiled with a devil's grin as it leapt into the air. "You pestilent FLY!"
"Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace." Aiguo kept his aircraft at the pitch in-line with a collision course with the massive beast. "Where never lark nor even eagle flew- and, while with silent lifting mind I've trod." Thunderlane 1-1 was within seconds of colliding with the dragon before he pulled the trigger and began to open fire with 20mm M61A2 Vulcan allowing the dragons face causing it to bring its damaged hand forward. Tilting his aircraft up Aiguo release the last of his payload a single 1000 pound bomb collided with the dragon causing another roar of pain from the beast. Leveling from his dive a warning from his aircraft sounded just as Aiguo crashed with the dragon's tail serving the appendage and destroying his craft taking him with it.
"I raced and touched the shadows of Grace," Kate finished as she went into a dive and opened fire on the back of the dragon where scales were blown clean off leaving unprotected hide. Lining up her sights Second Lieutenant Kate Marshal pulled the trigger on her Fightstick letting roar her cannon sending Armour Piercing and High Explosive rounds to tear into flesh. Holding the trigger down for the entirety the weapon till it ran dry. Second Lieutenant Kate Marshal pulled out from her dive and leveled out her aircraft. "Target is down, Thunderlane 1-1 and 1-2 are KIA, 1-3 returning to base over."
"Overlord Copies last Thunderlane 1-3 you are clear to RTB."
"Phantom make it count, please," Kate said softly over her radio before it clicked off as she made her way back to Lee.
***
"Father!" Ember shouted as she took off after the falling beast allowing Phantom to slip away.
"Lt, it's now, or never," Evans whispered over his mic to his squad leader.
"Agreed," Vienna replied. "Phantom let's move out we still have to make ex-fiil. Ghost rider won't wait for us all-day for us."
__________________________________________________________________________
Time……...0110 hrs
Location….Ellicott, Maryland
“Kelly, how are things looking for you on your end?” Thomas asked keeping his weapon drawn on an unsuspecting griffon.
“I’m set on my end how is everything going with you, Jack?”
“Peachy, drone is near civilians, and I have it set on course.”
“Good,” Thomas said under his breath as he revealed his knife and brought in under his right hand.
“Captain everything is set on our end here you are clear to proceed.” Scott Michels voice came over the mic.
“Copy that,” Thomas replied as he snuck up on the griffon holstering his pistol. Grabbing the griffon by the beak from behind Thomas brought his knife around and plunged it into the side of the griffin's skull. Slowly letting the body fall and cleaning the knife on the dead body and got to work doing his part of the mission clear out any and all guards while Jack leads the civilians away from the area. “Kate, how are things looking on your end?” Thomas asked while moving to his next target highlighted on his minimal HUD.
“Things are looking clear from here no one is spooked as of yet, and Jack is making good time to the cages." Thomas moved to his next target. "He’s working on the first one now with the adults,” Kate said as the soft puff could be heard over her mic. Without evening knowing the griffin that was walking around the tent Thomas was skirting by fell dead. Looking back at the dead bird that fell forward into Thomas's sight he could see the aftermath of Kate’s handy work.
“Right keep me updated on Jack.”
***
Sneaking past a few griffons, Jack kept his suppressed M9 Beretta leveled with his sight. He had passed six total griffins electing to let Thomas go for them. He was never outstanding when it came to clandestine work. His M.O was blown it up and if he’s not blowing it up; make sure it does work and use it if possible.
Coming up on the cage holding the adults the least defended of the two enclosures Jack released the drone and setting it on its predetermined path before walking the rest of the way to the cage door. The few adults that were awake reacted to a shadow creeping to the cage. Looking at those inside Jack could see a few of them had blood on their faces along with caked mud.
“Stay back!” one of the adults shouted at Jack before he raised his hands to his face mask giving the understood hand sign of shut the fuck up.
“JSF. JSF.” Jack repeated getting most if not all the adults to wake up and wonder what was going on. “I’m here to get you guys out, but right now I need you to stay quiet, or you risk getting us all killed is that understood,” Jack said just loud enough of the adults to nod their heads. “Good now when I let you out follow this drone it will take you to a safe place and don’t worry about the kids there is a plan already in the works to get them out. Also when you hear someone shouts Star reply with Texas,” Jack then opened the cage and motioned the group to follow the hovering drone away to safety. Once everyone was out Jack stayed behind and waited a minute before continuing to his next objective. The cages holding the children.
***
“Thomas, Jack got to the adults, and they are on their way to link up with the 10th Assault. Jack is now making his way to the next point.” Kelly said softly over her mic as the soft puff of air could be heard looking through her scope as the round adjusted mid-flight and meet its target.
“Good to hear and confirmed kill," Thomas said before looking at the dead body. "Right between the eyes.” Thomas' voice came through while he adjusted his grip on his knife and the with a quick motion grabbed a griffon's beak keeping it closed while he sent the knife deep into the bird's neck. Twisting the knife, he completely severed the spinal cord from the rest of the body. Keeping hold of the body Thomas dragged the corpse into a nearby tent. Setting the body down Thomas took in the sight of the tent and what he saw had him seeing red with a broken heart. In the shelter, mutilated corpse of children and adults alike were strew from their ankles allowing blood to flow out of the bodies.
“Eagle you getting any of this?” Thomas said his voice sounding strained as he struggled to keep his rage from boiling over.
“We’re getting it Thomas and trust me when I say we will make them pay for it.” General Scott Michaels voice came over the comms. “Once this war is over I promise you they will pay.”
“Understood general,” Thomas replied coldly not against his commanding officer but knowing that the birds around him are going to feel cold steel before they leave earth. “Jack, how is everything going with the kids?” Thomas asked quietly before leaving the tent and continuing on his objective.
“So far so good, just cleared a small group of birds that were guarding the cages. I can see the kids now will be escorting them back to ex-fill with the adults in a few seconds.” Jack said as the sound of metal clanking could be heard. “Shh, shh calm down guys I’m here to get you okay. Thomas, I have the kids escorting them back good luck.”
“Understood, Kelly cover Jack and the kids they are top priority. I’ll get Solare and signal the attack.”
“Copy, good luck Thomas,” Kelly said as Thomas began to leave the tent and search for solar.
Keeping low and out of sight, he had completed the first part of his objective. Capturing GPS coordinates for the incoming fire that would be called on the camp marking tents that had weapons and medical. Geneva conventions be damned. They wanted a war he’ll make sure they understood what war was. Looking past several tent Thomas found one that fitted the Hollywood stereotype of the king's tent usually being the one with all the glam and comforts and being big help too.
Slowly coming up to a corner of another tent Thomas peered past the side and saw two sentries that stayed put at the entrance. He could see another two rounding the canvas making it nearly impossible to sneak into. Leaning back into cover Thomas studied the movements of the guards before coming up with a plan of attack with all the guards being heavily armored an upfront confrontation would be a no go.
Breaking cover, Thomas carefully made his way behind the moving guards making as little noise as possible. "Did you hear what happened at the Castle?" One of the guards in front of Thomas began making small talk with the other next to him. Following from behind Thomas could make out that the two looked to be of the regular type as both lacked wing and visible markings that the magic was had on them.
"Other than we took it not really, why?" The other spoke with a slightly thicker voice. Thomas in his mind designated him Guard 2 and the other guard 1.
"Well, Princess Luna did take the castle, but that was only because the humans decided to abandon the place. Like it didn't matter to their kingdom." Guard 1 said as the metal of his armored chimed while they continued their conversation with one another. Still unaware of the human trailing them silently.
"Really? You would think that a place as heavily fortified like that would be worth dying for, right? I mean if it's anything like the castle back home I know a lot of guards that would fight to the last pony." Guard 2 replied not believe a word his partner was saying.
"Here's the thing I overheard a pegasus saying that when she flew to her maximum and she could see lights further away then what was initially thought." Guard 1 responded.
"So, this kingdom could be bigger than we originally thought?" Guard 2 said still not wanting to believe his partner.
"Exactly, we only ever face smaller nations, but this one just this kingdom alone is bigger than Canterlot. Heck, I think it's even bigger than all of Equestria combined. And don't get me started on the weapons they have. Sure our magic can keep them at bay, but I've seen how the unicorns come back." Guard 1 said gaining ground in their conversation.
"What? They can cut through our magic?" Guard 2 shot back feeling some of his blood in his face drain.
"Yeah, and they also have these huge metal boxes, that brought down AppleJack herself!"
"I don't believe you one bit."
"It's true!"
"You two shut it our I'll have you both locked up for insubordination!" a female voice shouted from the tent causing the two guards to pick up their pace and round the corner. Leaving Thomas alone behind the tent free from anyone that could see him.
Knowing that it was now or never Thomas spoke softly into his mic. “Kelly, Jack how's the evac going?”
“Yeah, we just took off heading back to Lee,” Kelly said as the sound of engines could be heard through the mic letting him know she wasn't lying.
“Good, Eagle do you have the GPS coordinates?” Thomas asked as he went prone and began to lift the back of the tent ever so slightly to limit noise.
“We have the coordinates Captain, We have a strike package on standby for the go-ahead over.” General Mitchell replied.
“Understood, I'm making my move now send the package over," Thomas replied as he looked into the tent via the small opening he had made. Peering in he could see his target leaning over a large table of some sort in a rolled into the tent stopping behind a large desk. Taking a closer look, he could see the Solare or Princess Celestia wearing a white dress with gold accents along the edges. With a cut running from the bottom of the dress to her upper thigh where the cut stopped, and the dress continued to cover her torso only ending at her shoulders. Making it a sleeveless ensemble. She wore golden boots with blue gems instilled into them at the joints and knees. Her arms were mostly bare except for a lone wrist piece covering her left forearm while her right was utterly free of any armor. What sealed the deal that she was the target was her flowing hair that looked like it was constantly being blown on by the wind.
"Copy that keep your head down strike mission inbound 3 minutes, over," Mitchel said as the seconds began to countdown in Thomas' head.
Sliding in Thomas slowly stood up as the timer in his hud counted down. Drawing out his riffle Thomas trained it on the princess.
"I was wondering when someone like you would show up. Honestly, the griffons had an assassin ready at the first signs of war, and here you are what nearly three hours in? Quite frankly I feel a bit hurt that it took you so long." Princess Celestia said without turning to see who she was talking to.
"Princess Celestia under the direct order of the president of the United States. I hear by place you under arrest for the unprovoked attack on Washington D.C and the murder of innocent civilians," Thomas said moving casually around as the four guards from earlier rushed in the tent from the entrance that was just to the left of the princess.
"Under arrest? Now that's never happened before most assassins try to kill me first before anything and who is this president; is he your king or something?" Celestia replied as she turned to face Thomas. "Oh, it's somewhat of a cute assassin. Tell me you name cutie and we can get to negotiating." Leaning over a bit to emphasize her point as she adjusted her arms to make her assets more profound.
"Mam, you have exactly 2 minutes to give me your answer Either you come peacefully, or I take you by force, the choice is yours," Thomas replied with no emotion while he tightened his grip on his rifle ready to shot at the guards and the princess if necessary.
"Oh, a stallion who knows what he wants," Celestia said lacing every word with her feminine charm as she stepped closer reducing the distance between the both of them. "I like that."
Stepping back Thomas looked at his timer then back to Celestia who was no less than a foot away from Thomas. Her dress now on the verge of falling. "Sorry, Princess but I don't think my wife would approve of me fucking a Space horse," Thomas said causing Celestia slutory face to be replaced with one of rage as her hair that was flowing faded rainbow was now a raging inferno.
"YOU INSUFFERABLE HUMAN!" Celestia shouted causing the guards in the room to charge at Thomas as the counter reaches zero. Acting fast Thomas dove to the side behind the large desk as the defining sounds of explosions reverberated in the tent as the sounds of ponies shouting out in pain began to replace the fading howl of A-20 Razorbacks leaving the area.
Shaking off the blast as his ears ringed and getting his bearings Thomas took in the site around him. The canvas that once made up the tent was blown off while the decorations that adorned it were either destroyed beyond repair or in the process of burning away to ash. Keeping his mind on his mission, Thomas brought his rifle up and began to search his immediate area.
Scanning over the bodies Thomas made sure that those who were still able to move were given a mercy kill. Something that they didn't deserve but he wouldn't lie; it gave him a little bit of satisfaction knowing that he was putting more and more of these invaders into the dirt never to see their families again. He kept this up even after the sounds of gunfire begun to pick up as the 10th had started their own assault on the area.
Continuing his scan of the area Thomas passed by more and more dead bodies until he came across a blood trail. Kneeling down Thomas studied the trail and followed it along with his eyes. At the end of the path, he saw Princess Celestia dragging herself along the ground towards the portal. Getting back to his feet Thomas briskly walked to the princess's side and planted his boot squarely on her back causing her to shout out in pain.
"All you had to do was come peacefully, and all this could have been," Thomas pressed his boot over where he assumed the Princess wound was and got his reward. Princess Celestia howled in pain as Thomas pushed his boot in harder.
"You monster!" Celestia shouted.
"Now that's the pot calling the kettle, Black," Thomas said before kneeling down next to Princess Celestia and producing zip ties. Clearing his throat, Thomas began to secure Celestia. "American Eagle I have secured Solare I repeat I have Solare. Requesting Evac on my location and have medical on standby HVT has an abdominal wound. Over."
"Copy that Captain, you have medivac inbound just do us a favor and keep her alive long enough to see a trial." The voice of President Becerra came over Thomas headset.
"You smug fool you think you've won tonight just because you've captured me?" Celestia began as she struggled against the zip ties.
"You apparently don't keep in touch with your generals do you," Thomas replied as he slung his rifle and grabbed Princess Celestia and brought her to her feet. "All we were missing for a full house is you, we have Luna, and five of the six elements of harmony. A misnomer if I ever heard of one."
"What do you mean five of the six?' Celestia asked feeling her heart sank just a bit.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Thomas replied as the Ghost Hawk touched down and deployed the landing ramp. Pushing Celestia forward as he noticed her horn flash once Thomas pulled out his sidearm ready for anything.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Celestia shot back before being strapped into one of the chairs.
Time………….Unknown
Location……..Unknown
Looking to the sun that was now at its lowest point before slipping beyond the horizon at a faster rate than what he was used to before the moon took its place not a second later.
“Definitely, not on earth,” Taylor said to himself as he adjusted his passenger on his back. Staying in the shadows that ruled the complex that he was in he began to notice torches that were placed strategically throughout the halls. Studying the lights closely Taylor could see the flicker of fire but what drew his attention was the fact that they weren't even on fire. In each flame that Taylor could see there laid a blue crystal emitting light and the flickering warmth that came with fire. Pushing on past, Taylor began his backtrack to the guard's area.
With most of the guards being rotated out, Taylor began to search the office doors looking for the one the mare from earlier had told him about. Finding the door with little fanfare as guards in golden armor walked to what he could only assume to be the bunks Taylor slipped into the room with the words “Commander Spitfire” In bold golden letters emblazoned on the door.
In the room, he put Adine on a chair and moved her out of sight. Moving to the desk, he began to search for anything he could find of use. Reading the notes, he began to understand why he was captured. This Commander Spitfire was a general of some sorts for a second wave assault on the DC area. Counting to look over the notes Taylor pieced it all together.
Dear Commander Spitfire,
The invasion is going well, and we have captured some of the technology these creatures known as “humans” have created. We have caught them unprepared and have managed to take a castle called Andrews Joint Strike Base. An odd name for a castle but it was captured by my sister Luna, and she reports to have killed many of the defenders and scent those who lived into a retreat.
The Elements are holding their part by dealing with the commoners and the like in the small kingdom itself. The elements have proven themselves useful in this endeavor but I fear that they may turn on me and my sisters dream to unite the realms we can reach under the equestrian flag. Please ensure their cooperation by securing their families.
In confidence Your Princess of the Day, Celestia.
“Looks like Adine wasn’t lying these equestrians are going on a crusade,” Taylor said to no one specifically. Rolling the letter back up he began searching the desk again. Finding several maps; one depicting the castle, and others showing the terrain of the country known as Equestria. The nation shared some similarities with the US as it was covered by an ocean on both sides. Rolling the maps up and Taylor began to look around the room searching for something to hold them in. Looking back to the door he saw a tube that he could use to hold the parchment papers in.
Swiftly walking over to the tube and securing the maps inside the door opened causing Taylor to press himself up against the wall and catching his short sword that was on his hip.
“I understand Captain Armor but do know that the princess has asked for you and your wife princess Cadance to return to Canterlot. There have been unsettling reports that an attempt on your lives in the Crystal Empire. Both Princess Luna and Celestia have agreed on this. So please relax and think of this as vacations,” a female voice spoke.
“If they find it necessary fine, just let me know if anything happens. You and I both know that my daughter doesn't like train rides.” a male spoke who Taylor could only guess to be this Captain Armor.
“Oh, I am well aware of your daughter's disdain for trains. Just please return to your room it is nighttime, and the guards have yet to find that human who has easily taken down three of them already.” the female spoke again but this time with a hint of agitation in her voice.
“I understand Commander Spitfire just let me know if you need anything.” Armor said before the door closed.
Taking her time to her desk commander Spitfire poured a glass of what Taylor could only assume to be alcoholic. Putting the bottle back on her desk and doing the same with the small glass she had poured herself she cleared her throat.
“So are you here to kill me or kill them?” Spitfire asked causing Taylor to come out from his hiding spot.
“That all depends on what you do commander Spitfire was it?” Taylor asked before standing in front of the mare.
Looking the human over Spitfire snorted to herself how could such a scrawny hairless ape be able to escape and kill her guards. “That it is and I presume you are Colonel Jordan Taylor?”
“I would hope my host knew my name considering that’s all you all have gotten out of me for the past three days,” Taylor remarked while staring down commander Spitfire. She wore something similar to what the guards wore, but the differences were noticeable. Her armor was silver instead of gold, and her plume was blue along with a golden sun emblazoned on her shoulders. She stood an inch shorter than the Cornel making him lower his head a bit to lock eyes with the mare.
“So what is it you want then?” Spitfire said again but leaned against her desk opposite of Taylor and slowly moved her hand to her back.
Seeing Commander Spitfire hands, Taylor remained calm and began to ready himself. “I just want to know why?”
“Why what?” Spitfire shot now gripping a dagger behind her back.
“Why invade DC?” Taylor asked still keeping his wits about him.
“Well, that's an easy one to answer. Your small country will learn to bow to my princess just like all of the kingdoms of our land did. The sea ponies, Griffons, Minitors, even the Changelings like your friend there. Her queen was quite a show; I believe her severed head is on display in front of the castle!” Spitfire shout as she dove forward with her dagger.
Acting on instinct Taylor brought up his hand and grabbed at Spitfires' wrist stopping her attack cold and falling onto his back. Fighting to get the upper hand Taylor brought up his knee and sent it into spitfires chest causing her to roll off. Quickly recovering back to her hooves Spitfire smirked.
“Looks like you know how to handle yourself, but can you handle this!” Spitfire lunged forward again splaying out her wings. Taken back by her sudden actions Taylor was tackled to the ground fighting for dominance under the woman. Unable to move his arms as they both were held against the floor by the woman's wings Taylor stopped struggling. “Finally gave up have you?” Spitfire spat as she sucked in air feel as if she had just finished 100 laps around canterlot. “She was in top shape, but for some reason, it took a lot out of her just to pin the human's limbs down.
“Not on your life!” another voice sounded off before the sound of flesh being cut reverberated through Taylor's ears. It didn't take long for him to realize where the sound had come from as a crimson flow began to leak out of the commander's armor. Looking down to spitfires chest he could see a small puncture extruding outward. Looking back up he saw what had saved him.
Standing tall with both hands gripping the handle of the short sword Adine stood laboring for air. “You and your princesses can all go to Tartarus!” Adine yelled as she plunged the sword deeper and stopped with only an inch to speer from Taylor's chest. “You monsters killed my queen. Killed my Parents, my friends, my home!” Adine pushed the sword deeper another half inch drawing it closer to Taylors chest.
“You,” Spitfire managed to say as she coughed up blood onto Taylor and fell over on the ground. “You bitch.” Spitfire managed to say before the life in her eyes drained as the pool of blood began to grow around her lifeless body.
“You okay?” Taylor asked getting himself up from the floor and away from the growing pool. Looking at the lifeless body, Taylor knelt down and closed her eyes.
“She...she doesn't deserve to close her eyes on this world! Adine shouted as she ran up to spitfires dead body and rearing up her leg only to bringing it down with all her worth onto the dead mares head causing it to collapse and explode outward under the pressure of Adines hoof.
“Feel better?” Taylor asked unamused by what he had seen sure he was thankful for her saving him but in the end the dead deserve respect no matter whose side they were on. After all only the dead have seen the end of war.
Grabbing the tube that held the maps, Taylor secured them to himself then looked back to Adine. The changeling had finally woken up from her daze and had done what can he could only assume was necessary. “Let's go Adine we need to find a way back to DC.“ Still facing the corpse, Adine just nodded and followed Taylor out of the office closing the door behind them.
***
“We still need to find a way back to the U.S but how is the question,” Taylor thought while he and Adine slipped past a pair of unicorns guards. “If they managed to invade the U.S from this world then they should have a portal or something.” Kneeling down next to a pillar Taylor sighed and looked back to Adine who had by now knelt down next to him. “You have any clue on how they got to my country?” Taylor asked somewhat hoping for a response.
“Well, I did hear about a portal being open in Ponyville before you came,” Adine replied trying her best not to remember the countless changelings that had died that day even her queen fell.
“Ponyville hu?” Taylor said as he grabbed the tube on his back and brought out the maps. Unrolling the maps, Taylor straightened the largest of them and motioned Adine forward. “Could you point it out to me?”
Stepping up to the map and kneeling down. Adine looked at the map of Equestria showing the continent in detail. The map had cloudsdale, las pegasus, even the crystal empire detailed on it, every hamlet, town, and city that the equestrians held was shown. Scanning over the map, she pointed out the town of Ponyville. Located no further than 40 kilometers away Taylor nodded. Studding the map a bit more Taylor notice what looked to be railroad tracks leading around the continent
“Now this can be useful for later,’ Taylor said before rolling up the map and placing it back in the tube before resecuring it. “Okay, we now know what Ponyville is and where. Now, all we need to do is find that train that the map showed. Have any clue where the train station is in this place?”
Adine looked at Taylor and nodded. “It's not that far from the castle, and with the current events a lot of materials should be going to ponyville to aid in their current conquest.” Adine looked at Taylor again. “Do you think that your home has fallen just as countless others?”
Taylor looked to Adine with a warm smile unknowingly feeding the starved changeling. “Lady, if there is one thing you need to know about my country and that is we hate losing.”
“If that’s the case, I only wish I could see the look of these princesses when they realize they have bitten off more than they could chew,” Adine said while a bit of her strength returned.
“In that case do you know how these princesses run their army, how they operate on foreign ground or even how they work here on their soil?” Taylor asked as gears in his head began to spin up.
“No, I don’t know sorry,” Adine replied feeling a bit on edge wondering why she was being asked.
“Well, that doesn't matter now,” Taylor muttered before reaching out his hand and helping up Adine we need to get to that train and head to this Ponyville. “The faster we get there, the faster we can make it back to my world and see about righting many of the wrongs these equestrians have done to you and others.”
Adine looked to studied Taylor's eyes feeling hope fill her a bit maybe she could see the rise of a new changing empire but knowing that the changeling had no queen there would need to be something else to rally them around. Shaking her head of those thoughts Adine smile. “That would be a dream come true.”
Author's Note
Its been a long minute hu?
Location…...Unknown
Taylor and Adine had managed to sneak their way onto a train bound to Ponyville. Finding refuge in one of the cargo cars. Taylor sat down and watched the countryside flash by as the train continued down the mountain.
“Hard to believe that I'm actually on another world altogether,” Taylor said under his breath. Looking back to Adine he caught the changeling girl looking off into the distance as well. “So, do you have any idea what drives these Equestrians to do what they do?”
“No, I don’t” Adine replied still looking off towards the countryside.
“Hmm, well that isn’t an issue at the moment I suppose, but I do need to ask you. What do you really plan to gain from helping me?” Taylor asked as he opened up a wooden box filled with swords.
“I don’t really know after all you were the one that brought me along. You could've left me in that cage, but you brought me along with you.” Adine replied.
“That is true I did bring you along, but you could leave any time you like. I’m not holding you against your will,” Taylor replied while the train shook a bit over the rails. Putting the lid back on the box Taylor sat down and rested his back against the box feeling the activities of the past few hours catch up to him.
“I guess, I just want to be there when the equestrians get what they have coming,” Adine said as tears began to build up.
“Is that so?” Taylor replied. “So you helping me is a revenge thing then. I can understand that, but just know you might not get the kinda revenge you are looking for. My country is ruled by common law, no kings, queens, or princess.” Taylor could see Adine’s ear twitch a bit. “We don't parade the fallen dead as trophies. Soldiers who die get buried, civilians are told to get out of the way beforehand, and in war, we still have criminal law.”
Adine stayed silent for a moment but then replied, “If that were the case then as long as they rot behind bars I’ll be fine.”
“Good, wake me up before we arrive,” Taylor said as he made himself comfortable while the steady motion and sounds from the train car allowed him to rest.
______________________________________________________________________
Location…..Fort Lee Army Base “Forward Command”
“Ghost Rider to Lee control we have HVT on board requesting permission to land over.”
“Control to Ghost Rider you have permission to land use pad 03.”
“Understood Control, I have pad 03 over.”
“Captain, was it?” Celestia asked as she adjusted her head inside of a burlap sack. “Tell me do you have family that you love?”
Thomas ignored Celestia entirely as he felt the NightHawk touchdown. Getting up Thomas grabbed Celestia’s wrist and forced her up on her feet causing her to hiss in pain as the cuff dug deeper into her wrist. Looking at the ramp, Thomas could see it begin to open up allowing him to see two full squads of JSF marines waiting along with General Scott Mitchell. Not waiting for the ramp to completely finish it’s decent Thomas pushed Celestia forward.
“You think you can keep me prisoner?” Celestia said as she moved forward, but no one paid her attention.
“Good to see you alive Captain,” Scott said as nodded his head.
“Glad to be alive General,” Thomas replied as he walked down the ramp with Celestia. Turning her over to a squad of marines that were present while Thomas stood next to Scott Mitchell. “Sir, if I might ask, how’s the operation going?” Thomas said as the group began to move towards one of the many buildings.
“It’s going well, and don't worry I’ve sent a squad to go pick up the personnel you left back at the reserve. They should be arriving at the holding site near D.C soon,” Thomas felt a weight lift off his shoulders that he assumed ever since he’d left them.
“Thank you, sir,” Thomas replied
“Not a problem captain, now go link up with the rest of your team in the armory and get geared up properly. You are going back in, and we want to end this by daybreak.”
“Understood sir,” Thomas said while he gave off a salute and made his way to the armory.
______________________________________________________________________
Looking out onto the landscape that rushed by Adine kept having the same thought in her mind. Would these humans actually kick the Equestrians down and leave or would they become like the Equestrians themselves? Looking over her shoulder to were Taylor rested Adine finally had the chance to see the humans features up close.
Taylor had fair brown skin and black hair, he had no visible scarring to his face. In fact, it looked as if he wasn't scratched up at all. But the way she’s seen him fight surely he's been hit by something anything?
“I take it personal space is a strange concept to you changelings?” Taylor asked as while he looked directly to Adine who was no more than an inch or two away from his face. Feeling her blood rush to her face, Adine squirmed back to her spot next to the open train door. “Breach of personal space aside looks like we are closing in on this town of Ponyville,” Taylor said while pushing what just happened to the back of his mind. “All right let's draw up a plan for when we get to the town. The last thing we need is to get lost behind enemy lines.”
“What plan did you have in mind?” Adine said while her face was still a bit flush.
“Find the portal and get both of us through then pass off the information we've collected to my superiors, and from there it all depends on what you want to do."
"What do you mean it all depends on me?" Adine replied not sure how she should be taking what Taylor has told her.
"When I hand off the information to my higher-ups they will wonder about the person I've brought back with me if you want to come with me across the portal, that is."
"I don't think that would be wise, considering anything the equestrians may have done to your world," Adine replied.
"True but that's all up to you as well. If you want to stay, that's fine with me." Taylor said while the train began to slow down as the screaming sound of metal on metal filled the air of the cargo car. "Looks like this is our stop." Taylor sighed as he stood up and dusted himself off before moving to the open door and peering out. "Eyup looks like our town up ahead," Taylor stepped back as a sigh sped past. "We need to hop off now or well be spotted at the next checkpoint up ahead."
"Checkpoint?" Adine asked while she stood up from the wooden floor and leaned out of the door to see a building next to the tracks with manages nearby pumping magic into a pillar.
"And that looks like some kinda scanner," Taylor looked to Adine. "You might like this idea, but we need to jump off the now before were made."
"Jump off of a moving train are you insane!" Adine shouted.
"Done worse, now let's go," Taylor said as he jumped out of the car and began to slide down the grassy slope, the back plate of the armor allowing him to do so with ease. Comming to a stop, Taylor took in his surroundings and spotted Adine sliding down the grassy slope as well. Though sliding wasn't the right word to use as Adine was tumbling down the side of the hill.
"Why...did...I...listen to you!" Adine shouted as she began to slow down in her decent and then slammed into Taylor taking them both down to the ground.
"Well that was...interesting," Taylor groaned as Adine moved a bit over the human before sitting upright on Taylor's crouch.
"Oh, boy why did I even do that?" Adine whined using one hand to keep herself steady and the other to clear her eyes. It wasn't until she felt something poke her back that she notices her situation. Looking behind her she saw Taylor laying down on the ground.
"You know if you wanted me so badly you could just ask," Taylor teased with a grin before Adine jumped off him and began to ramble on.
"I'msorryIdidn'tmeanttoitsjustthat-" Adine said before Taylor spoke up calming the changing.
"It's fine, just how circumstance works is all." Laughing the situation off Taylor got up and offered a hand to Adenine picking her up as well. "Considering our current options we could sneak into the town in broad daylight, or we could wait until nightfall when the two of us don't stick out like sore thumbs."
"Well you'd stick out I can blend in," Adine said before a green flame ascended from her feet up to hoves up and over her head. Taking with it her obsidian black fur and replacing it with a warm yellow followed by her mane becoming orange akin to that of a ripe pumpkin.
"Now that's an interesting ability you have there. How did you do that?" Taylor asked in awe of how Adine had managed to changed her appearance almost as if magic.
"all changelings have this ability its how we...its how we gather food," Adine said unsure of how Taylor would take it.
"So you're like the changelings from the old folk tali then. Replacing children and feeding off the love of the parents," Taylor said flatly causing to Adine gasped.
"NO! Not like that well not anymore at least. Now, we-I disguises myself into what a stallion or mare would like in a partner and be their special somepony for a time. Then when we had gathered enough love, I would break up with them and return to the hive where the love is then distributed."
"Wait you mean to tell me that you all gather love like its some kind of plant from unsuspecting individuals? Well that intriguing to learn but that's for later. How long can you hold that disguise for?"
"About two days, why?" Adine asked not too sure what Taylor was getting at.
"You'll see."
Author's Note
Sorry for the late update been busy.....okay that's a lie I was struggling through a writer's block for this story and Dropped into Equestria . Anyway, hope you enjoy it and remember to Drive it like you Stole it!
War Room
“War does not determine who is right - only who is left.” Bertrand Russell
Time………Unknown
“Andine,” Taylor's said softly trying to get the young changelings attention. She had been out for a little over three days going on to the fourth if the window was any indicator. Over the past days, Taylor had noted the routine of the guards. From sundown to sun up there would be a bat looking creature, and from sunup to sunset, it would be replaced by one with a horn. Cautiously looking towards the cell gates, Taylor slipped out of his restraints and made his way over to his cellmate. Looking over the changeling carefully he could see the signs of extreme starvation. Her skeletal structure could be seen just under the skin. Sure he made sure to slip water into her mouth so dehydration wouldn't be a factor.
“Monsters,” Taylor said under his breath before leaning over and placing his ear near her nose. He could hear air moving at a steady pace letting him know Andine was still alive if just burly. Being careful to make as little noise as possible Taylor got back to his side of the cell and made it look like he was still shackled. Knowing that she wouldn't make it the day at her current state Taylor came up with a plan of escape.
Taking a deep breath he looked back to Andie and called out for a guard. In no time did he hear the familiar footfalls of the guard station in the dungeons. Keeping his gaze up he waited for the guard to stop right in front of the cell door. Standing at a height of 5’11 the guard dressed in gold plating held a large spear nearly as tall as him tipped with a silver piece of metal meant to pierce flesh as it was air. “What is it you want human?” he said with distaste.
“I-I’m ready to talk with your superiors if you would let me. I’ll tell them everything.” Taylor lied through his teeth.
“ Well then,” the guard said as he reached for the keys and opened the cell door with a rousing clank of metal gears turning. Waiting patiently Taylor held his hands behind his back just biding his time until the guard was right in front of him. In his mind, it seemed the guard took ages to enter the cell as adrenaline surged throughout his body. Time seemed to slow down as the guard came closer to him as his muscles tightened getting him ready for his next move. Then, with the guard next working on the chains connected to the wall, Taylor made his move. Quickly getting up and behind the guard, he wrapped the chain around the guard's neck. With a quick motion, Taylor turned around leaving the guard to try and pry off the chain as he was held in the air on Taylor's back. Flipping the guard on the floor a loud snap could be heard as the guard's neck was snapped due to the Sir Isaac Newton. Leaving the motionless guard on the floor, Taylor knelt down next to the dead guard and grabbed the keys from the guard followed by his armor. He began to check the dead guard's body for anything of use. Taylor found only a bag of coins and a picture showing the deceased guard and what he could only presume to be his daughter and wife. Putting the picture back and pocketing the small bag Taylor made his way back to Andine and worked off her chains.
Working her body over his back, Taylor used some rope that was outside the cell to secure Andine to himself. Checking to ensure the rope was tight, Taylor made his way out of the cell and looked into the adjacent cells he had passed and found more like Andine. A bug like in appearance and gray features looking in the other cells around them each one held one or two of them. Each one of them held a look of complete and utter defeat along with the viable signs of starvation. Some could be nothing more than skin and bones at this point but Taylor knew he couldn't do anything for them and pushed on.
_-_-_-_
Location…..Andrews Air Force Base
“Princess we’ve checked and gathered the dead as you asked and well…. We’ve lost Sir Spike of Ponyville,” A knight said as he bowed to Princess Luna who was currently overseeing the retrieval of all those killed in the explosion.
“Have you sent word to my sister about his passing,” Luna asked evenly while the moans of wounded filled her ears while the scent of burning flesh and other things filled her nose. To her, the scent was nothing new but to some of her subordinates, it was enough to make them hurl.
“Yes we have your highness and she has yet to send us her reply,” The knight replied.
“I see, in any case, make sure to send word to the elements that we’ve taken this castle and will send support to take the rest of this kingdom.”
“At once your highness.” The knight replied as he stood up from his bow and took to the sky.
“It would seem we have miss calculated our adversaries strength sister,” Luna said as Celestia appeared beside her in a flash of light.
“You would be correct there sister, but we’ve managed to drive them out of this new land. Now, we can call forward the second wave and secure our new kingdom sister of mine.” Celestia said as she stood with her arms crossed under her bust drawing more attention to her. “By daybreak, we shall have this our new kingdom, and I have news of those things we have to gather from our time here.”
“Are you talking about the small black boxes?” Luna asked while Knight and medical mages came to and fro with injured that were excavated from the rubble.
“Yes, it would appear they are a means to communicate across great distances,” Celestia said as she pulled out two of the small device. “They are called iPhones, strange names but they are stylish don't you think sister?” Celestia asked as Luna looked over the iPhone in her grasp.
“I would say so sister,” Luna replied while pressing the small button on the front of the device prompting a small voice to speak up.
“Hello, Gaby.”
“So, this device will allow us to communicate over a great distance?” Luna asked as she gave Celestia back the black box. Celestia took hold of the small device with worry.
“Something is troubling you sister isn't it,” Celestia asked while looking at Luna searching for a clue to what it was.
“We’ve lost our dear friend Spike,” Luna said softly getting a subtle nod from Celestia. “My Therestrals have all been killed in the taking of this castle. We’ve lost more than we’ve gained in this fight and the level of their weaponry.” Luna stood quietly as she turned away from her sister and looked to those gathering and cataloging the dead. “Sister I fear we may have bitten more than we could chew.”
“Luna, you are not doubting our armies now, are you? We’ve to lead them through countless battles and have always come out as the victor.” Celestia stood next to Luna placing her hand on Luna’s shoulder reassuring her. We may have lost an important friend but we must hold strong for those in our charge.” Adding pressure to Luna's shoulder Celestia looked off into the distance admiring the sight of their new land but could see three white streaks falling from the sky. Following the objects as long as she could before they disappeared. Not even a second past when the sound of earth being shattered filled their ears like a distant rumble that was then followed by three clouds rising from the earth.
“Sister we cannot keep fighting,” Luna said as she and Celestia looked on in horror of what had just happened. Without a second thought, Luna took to the sky spreading her large wings and heading to the direction of the three large plumes of the earth. Leaving Celestia to gape at what she had just witnessed.
_-_-_-_
Opening my eyes and peering into the alien sky I felt a sense of dread. We weren't the only ponies capable of massive destruction. We were not the only one to command the Day and Night. We are not the gods of this world nor are we going to come out of this unscathed. Looking into the alien night sky; pillars of brown seemed to touch it. Reaching out my arm I felt something off; no something was wrong. I could feel my arm moving, but at the same time, I couldn't see it. Turning my head to my right arm, I saw a bloody stump of what it used to be. Bone was broken and exposed while flesh torn apart as if a bear had come and gnawed it off. Looking at it I should feel pain right, but I felt nothing. Changing the focus of my attention to my other arm, I could see my fingers, my hand. Pushing myself up on my right wing I was surrounded by the sight of pure devastation, bodies laid across the ground most in pieces while others were just missing a limb or two. It wasn't until I looked down did I realize just how bad my situation had been. My enchanted armor was in shambles. My legs were missing as blood pooled around me joining the streams of crimson. Feeling light headed I laid back down and turned back to the moon. “Sorry girls looks like I will not be making it this time.”
_-_-_-_
Location…..North bound on Farm Creek
“Holy shit,” Jack said under his breath as he Thomas and Kelly looked on as the clouds began to dissipate. “Mitchell must have gotten the all clear from the president to call that in on the mall.”
“You’re not lying jack,” Thomas replied as the truck came to a stop near a dock. “Tim you there?”
“Yeah I’m still here Thomas, everyone is asleep,” Tim replied over the radio. “I am a bit surprised that they slept through a kinetic strike.”
“Did they?” Jack said over the radio. “Man and I thought I was a heavy sleeper.”
“I wouldn’t blame them it's been a rough day. Anyway, let me know if something goes wrong. We’ll try to get to you guys as fast as humanly possible.”
“Got it Thomas and take care,” Tim said before cutting his mic.
“So, should we nab a boat and cross the bay or not?” Kim said changing the topic.
“Yeah, that would be a good thing to do,” Thomas replied as they began to walk towards the water's edge were a small motorboat sat as it rose and fell with the light waves.
“I just wonder how many died in that strike. I mean that was in the direction of the mall were the civeis were being evacuated from right?”
“I don’t even want to think about that,” Kim replied as she looked over the engine of a small wooden boat. “Figured,” Kim sighed as she slung her rifle back. “ We need to fill the tank up and get new spark plugs if we want to use this thing.”
“On it Kim,” Thomas replied. “Jack you get something we can use to funnel the gasoline from the truck to the boat. I’ll grab the spark plugs from the truck and see if we could use those.”
“Roger that Tom,” Jack said as he walk away from the group and to a nearby barn that was adorned with scorch marks and dried blood. Keeping his M268 SAW leveled Jack moved in the barn as he activated a flashlight on his shoulder lighting the way in front of him. Looking about the old barn Jack could see everything you would expect from a barn built by the waterside. There was an old metal fishing boat suspended in air by a few ropes and chains. Wooden boxes stacked up against the wall with little hinting at what the contents would hold. Fishing memorabilia was strung over some of the rafters. As a large net hung from the ceiling swaying lightly from the wing that founds its way in from the large opening that leads into the water. Turning his attention to the wooden boards under him that creek and groaned to his weight he could see a few spent brass casings letting him know that there was a fight here, but the lack of blood and bodies bothered him. Pushing on Jack set aside his weapon and began to rummage around looking for a hose, funnel, and possibly a gas can. Stopping at a few metal boxes Jack knelt down and began to search each one. “Crap….Useless crap…..Rat crap literally….Oh, a porn mag from the Queensland don’t mind if I do.”
“Put it back Jack,” Kelly's voice sounded over the radio getting Jack to laugh a bit at his own joke.
“But moooom I found it in Tommy's room,” Jack laughed as he picked up his weapon and left the old boxes alone.
“In that case keep it and show it to Angel I’m sure she would have a few questions for him,” Kelly played along.
“Ohhh I think she's on here too!” Jack laughed.
“I take it you have found something useful, Jack?” Thomas asked as the sounds of ceramic hitting metal followed Thomas voice letting them know he was getting the parts needed from the truck.
“Not a single fucking thing Tom,” Jack replied as he shined his light on the walls and ceiling of the barn when something caught his eye. “Oh, jackpot.”
“Take it you found something now,” Kelly said over the radio.
“Yes mom I did and get Tomy over here too I think I found an answer to your janky motor.”
“Hey this janky motor is going to get your sorry ass across the river,” Kelly shot back.
“Jack I think you are making mom mad,” Thomas laughed as the sound of a hood being slammed shut echoed into the barn. That was then followed by an uneven pattern of boots on gravel. “Well, we’re here Jack and,” Thomas stopped and looked at what Jack was shining his light on and whistled “ yeah that will solve our problem of getting across the river,” Thomas said as he looked over the box Jack had found. “Think it has fuel?” and on cue, Jack shined the light back to the metal boxes he was looking through earlier. Sitting next to the dull box stood a gas canister. Walking over to the canister Thomas gave it a light kick getting a low thud from it letting him know it still had gas inside. “Well, shit I always wanted to do a boat insertion.”
“And be like the seals?” Kelly laughed as she walked into the barn “sure they may be good but they aren't that good or the JSF wouldn’t have been made.”
“Hey, I was a seal for 10 years before joining up with the JSF,” Jack said sounding hurt.
“And now we know why you Joke so goddamn much it takes a special kind of special to stay 10 years with those kinds of people.” Thomas laughed as he slung his rifle around to his back. “Okay, enough at poking fun at the seals. We need to get this boat in the water and get a move on.”
“Fine but I call driver!” Jack said as he passed Kelly his L.M.G and helped Thomas push the metal box out of the barn and towards the water's edge. “So, which one do you think it is?”
“What do you mean which one as long as it floats and has a motor what more does it need to be?” Kelly replied as she kept pace behind the two keeping her eye out for anything that might pop out.
“Never mind,” Jack sighed as Thomas patted jack on the back laughing a bit.
“Sorry man but not all of us are interested in the zodiac specs and the like.”
“Yeah, I know it's a curse really,” Jack replied as they neared the water's edge. “Well, let us stop and inflate the thing so we can check it out and see if the engine works.”
“Got it and Jack it's an FC 470 Zodiac Milpro,” Thomas replied as he opened the container and pulled out the rubber cylinder with Jack's help before grabbing a somewhat small gas cylinder and setting that aside. “Okay, Jack help me get this engine out,” Thomas asked as Jack and him grabbed onto a somewhat large bag. With a grunt the pair managed to pull the bag out and slowly put it down on the wet silt of the ground but before they could continue their work Kelly tackled the two to the ground.
“Shut it,” she hissed and pointed to the sky before Jack and Thomas could shout at her. Following her hand Thomas and Jack caught a glance at a woman in a flowing white dress racing across the sky with a pair of large white wings. When the woman was far enough Kelly got up from the ground and helped up her friends.
“Well, Thomas it looks like you were right they do appear to become from this way,” Kelly said while she brought out her GPS and got her bearings. Then, grabbed a pair of binoculars from her hip and looked off in the direction the wing woman flew. It wasn't long till Kelly slipped her binoculars back on her hip that she looked back to her GPS and hummed to herself.
“I know that look Thomas and we should hurry before she’s ready,” Jack said as he knelt down and tossed the Gas canister to Thomas who caught it and began to unroll the rubber cylinder.
_-_-_-_
“Oww my head” Twilight groaned as the taste of iron in her mouth was prevalent. “Spike get me a coffee please.” She whined and pressed her hands to her temple to try and tame her raging headache, but quickly noticed her hands had been cuffed together along with what looked like a chain leading off from her arms to her ankles. The lighting in the room she was in was a low red making it somewhat difficult to see around her but still offering her enough of her vision to take in her surroundings.
In the red glow, Twilight could see Pinkie pie fast asleep if her chest rising and falling in a slow rhythmic pace was any indicator. Smiling a bit knowing her friend was alive Twilight turned her attention to Rarity who was in front of her and like Pinkie Pie, she was fast asleep leaning up against the metal walls.
Shing in defeat Twilight leaned her head up against the cold metal wall behind her and could hear a faint murmur of speech approach. As she began to notice the walls around her and even the bench she was sitting on was vibrating ever so slightly. She didn't know how long she had been in this metal box but when the vibration finally stopped. She could hear the murmurs of speech turn into muffled shouts along with the sounds of groans from monsters she could only guess or conjure up in her mind. Feeling the muscles in her body contract and adrenaline filled her body as she readied herself as three loud bangs echoed off the walls and assaulted her sense of hearing. Promoting a stir from Rarity and nothing else. It wasn't long after that did something happened. A thin line of white light began to grow as the red glow of the room shut off leaving the expanding light to grow and dominate Twilight's vision. Blinding her as she turned away wincing to the pain that the light caused her. From there she felt the chains tightened as she was yanked from her seat and dragged to the floor. Before she could get her bearings again, her eyes were assaulted by a rapid flashing of light while her eyes picked up shouting and loud clangs of what she could only presume to be metal banging on metal began their assault on her hearing.
“What get me out of these shackles you heathens!” Twilight heard Rarity shout over the noise that flooded her mind which was then followed by Pinkie Pie screaming something incoherently fast. Only to be silence and then all that was heard was muffled shouts.
“Staff Sergeant these three to the holdings rooms and ensure that they make it there in one piece, Got it!” a woman shouted prompting a man to shout back an affirmative as the sounds of boots hitting tarmac filled the air.
“Well, what are you waiting for? The major gave us an order marines now move your asses!”Another female shouted this time getting Twilight's full attention.
Looking at the woman who she could only guess was their leader as she stood still with what looked like a larger version of the black brick she saw back in the war tent. It wasn't long till her world was shrouded in black as a dull smack could be heard silencing Rarity who was shouting and struggling against two of the ‘marines’. Feeling two of the marrins stand on each side of her Twilight allowed them to lead her as another walk in front of her and grabbed the chain that connected her restraints together. From under the hood her eyes were all but useless forcing her other senses to pick up the slack.
She could hear more of the loud monsters clearly followed by loud cracks and more shouting. Yet that all seemed to change as a loud noise was heard causing all to stop even those who were guiding her to only Celestia knows where.
“Is that?” one of the Marines said in a low voice.
“Yeah I think it is, but why do you think he’s even landing here?”
“The hell if I know man.”
“Alright, you two let's get these three to holding.” Another voice spoke up before more voices spoke up.
“You guys think you can take this one as well?”
“Uhmm, sure thing and wow she's light man the fuck?”
“Same thing I thought and do me a favor get her a change of clothes I think she made a mess of herself on the way here.”
“Yeah, I’ll get a nurse on that.”
“Good,” the voice said before the chains of Twilights restraints became tight again as they moved on their way. Before long Twilight heard a small hiss as a cool wind hit her sense causing her to shiver a bit in her furr.
“So, the president will be talking to them?”
“Yeah, these are the ones.”
“Do, you think it's a good idea to leave them in the same room as him? I mean come on you've seen the videos of what they can do. The white one can make fucking repears apperar from nowhere for shit sake!”
“I know and I don’t like it but the General has already put safeguards in place for that very reason.”
“Yeah, like what?”
“Like I'm going to say with the four of them with us you idiot.”
“Still.”
“Just shut up and open the doorman. You’re beginning to sound a lot like my ex.”
“Yeah whatever just… just hurry up and set them up in here. The other one will be transferred to this room shortly.” a new voice said a bit defeated.
“Whats up with Tina she’s normally such a bitch but now she seems lost.” Twilight heard one of her capturers say. Before she was forced onto a metal surface and the sounds of metal clashing against one another filled her ears.
“I don't know man just don't push her she hasn't been the same since the 35th came back from paris.”
“Hey, you four ladies done with the prisoners yet? I have medical on their way here and I don’t think they would like having you guys around undressing them with your eyes.” Another voice spoke.
“Yeah, whatever not like I'm into these furry sluts anyhow.”
“Speak for yourself man a few shots of tequila and I’ll gladly take the yellow one to bed with me.”
“Cole.”
“Yes, Chrisspy?”
“Shut the hell up and finish with the restraint or I'm making you run around the base with a PD6 loaded with airsoft pellets to shot at you every time you slow down.”
“Man I just can't have any fun with the aliens that killed a bunch of civilians hu?”
“Dude, what the everliving fuck is wrong with you?”
“Hey, these bitches are what we can tell are the fucking leaders of whatever the fuck killed those civilians back at the mall and the loss of Andrews. So sorry if I don’t think these things deserve human dignities in the slightest. Hell if it were up to me I say let's just killed these bitches and march right on back to the mall with their bodies dangling from the muzzles of the tanks and fucking light these ass holes up with karossen.”
“Lieutenant you will shut the fuck up or whichever deity you believe in so help me. I will have you demoted back to PF1 faster than you can blink. Do I make myself clear!”
“Sir yes sir!”
“Good now finish up and return back to your duties. WE are JSF soldiers. WE are not fucking animals. WE do not sink to the level of our enemies got it.”
“Sir!” the male voice shouted as the metallic sound seemed to stop completely.
“Good, now dismissed.” The sounds of rubber and stomping on tile filled Twilight's ears and faded out.
“You guys just have no idea how badly half the people here want to kill you or worse.” A male voice spoke softly before Twilight's vision returned to her causing her to blink as light assaulted her vision for the third time to date.
With her eyes readjusted Twilight could finally take in her surroundings. Looking to her right she could see her friends in their various states of sleep. Pinkie Pie looked sound asleep while Rarity had her mane disheveled but, what really caught her off guard was the fact that both of them and even her weren’t wearing their armor. Instead they were all in a white shirt modified to fit them along with long white pants but, their feet were bare. The sight and thought to what might have happened to them was unnerving.
The rest of her vision was dominated by sterile white walls and a mirrored surface to the left wall. In the very corner of her view Twilight could barely make out two of the figures they call Joe Boys back in the building she was taken from standing tall with their weapons held in their grasp just waiting for her or her friends to do something. If anything they were begging for her to do something. Turning her attention to the other side of the room she saw two other Joe boys and Applejack in the seat to her right fast asleep as well. Her heart felt a bit at essay knowing she was here along with Fluttershy who was sitting next to her but something was off. Instead of two bright yellow wings on her she was missing her left wing. Leaning back in her seat she could clearly see the bandaged left stup.
In pure rage Twilight began to struggle against the chains of her restraints “What have you done to Fluttershy!” Twilight shouted as the one door that lead into the room crashed opened before another four Joe boys entered the room weapons drawn and aimed on Twilight.
“We haven't done anything to your friend if anything she was saved by my men.” A gruff male voice spoke as a 5’11 man with short hair and in the same uniform as the others; green with a few stripes of black and lighter areas walked into the room.
“General sir, we’ve done as you asked and have notified the medical team on hand here.” a voice said from behind twilight.
“Good,” the man replied as he laid down a rectangular device on the table that lit up with photos as the man sat on the other side of the table. “You and your friends here are something else.” he said calmly as he moved his hands across the table sending more and more images towards twilight. “In less than 10hrs you've managed to drive most my men out of my nation's capital. In the olden days that would be cause for surrender, but not as of late. I will give credit where credit is due.” The man then taped on the table again and a new file opened up a few flicks of his hands an image was sent in the direction of each of her friends. Looking at the images closely she could see their names under each of them yet something was strange about the words. They looked exactly like the equestrian alphabet.
“That's...That's impossible!” Twilight shouted waking up her friends and getting the Joes in the room to point their weapons at her and her friends.
“Wha..Whats going on?” a posh voice said weakly.
“Ohh m’a head.”
“Is it morning already?”
“NOOO PLEASE STOP NO MORE PLEASE NO MORE!” Fluttershy shouted thrashing about pulling against her chains. “Please just stop,” she whimpered.
“Fluttershy!” the girls shouted looking at her seeing her tear up and break down into a shuddering mess of tears and whimpering.
“What have you done to my friend!” Twilight shouted at the man who was sitting across from them; watching them.
“That's classified now then-” The man was caught off before he could continue.
“Classified my rear end!” Pinkie Pie shouted. “No one gets to treat my friend like that and live!”
“Normally I’m against such language but I’m fully with you Pinkie.” Rarity agreed as she tried to conjure up her magic but was smacked by the butt of a rifle before she could focus her magic. “How dare you hit a lady!” She shouted at the Joe behind her turning her head as far as she could.
“Hmmp, like you can call yourself a lady,” a female voice sounded.
“Why I never.”
“If you are done I'm going to ask a few question and you five will answer me.” The man said with authority as two more images popped up on the table. One photo showed a blue haired woman in simuly painted armor with a crescent moon engraved on the shoulder plates. While the other was a woman with multicolored hair in a white dress.
“Like we would ever answer your question!” Twilight challenged getting the man to lean on his elbows hiding his facial reactions. With a sigh he brought both hands down onto the table and began to type something up. When he was done he looked to Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy was it,” The man said making the girl winche just to her name. “Who are the women in the pictures?” he asked as the photos moved from Twilight to Fluttershy.
“Don’t answer him Fluttershy he can’t do anything to you.” Rarity shouted.
“Don’t listen to him Sugar cube.” AppleJack followed. “They can't hurt you I won't allow it.”
“I...I” Fluttershy whimpered.
“Fluttershy would you like to tell your friends what happened to you before you woke up?” The man said flatly.
“What do you mean before she woke up?” Twilight demanded.
“What is he talking about Fluttershy?” Pinkie pie asked concerned.
“They shocked me to get your names and after that, they tried to….they tried to drown me!” Flutter broke back down into tears. “They..they know our names..what the elements are and..and I'm sorry girls!”
“I will kill you!” Pinkie shouted as the sound of metal snapping was heard. In a blur of pink Pinkie launched herself at the man but, was quickly brought back down as a zapping sound filled the room. Sending her onto the table convulsing as 50,000 volts surged through her body.
“Now, one last time who are the women in the photograph.” The man spoke evenly while Twilight, Applejack and, Rarity looked at one another. “If you don't tell me now I will have what was done to Fluttershy done to you three as well.”
Twilight looked at her friend trying to get an answer from them hoping one of them had a plan in mind but from what had happened to Pinkie pie she doubted it. “What do we get if we tell you?” Twilight asked.
“You are in no position to be making demands but if it makes you feel better you get a cell three square meals a day and 20 armed guards aiming at your heads.”
Twilight felt her mouth dry up.
“How do I know that you won't just kill us if we don't tell you?.” Applejack spoke up as she looked at Fluttershy with a worried look.
“Because if I wanted to have you guys killed do you think I would be talking to you four right now?”
Applejack looked to the man and looked for a sign that he was lying. After a few moments, she looked to Twilight. “He's telling the truth…it’s up to you Twilight…” All attention was now on Twilight and her response.
“I...They are...These mares are…” Twilight began to stammer. “The one in blue is Princess Luna and the one in white is Princess Celestia.”
“Princess hu?” the man asked intrigued. “Are they you political leaders?”
“Yes,” Twilight replied.
“And which one of these two ordered the attack on my country.”
“Both of them.” Twilight replied just as a knock was heard on the door. The man kept his gaze on the girls as one of the Joes present answered the door and talked to someone unseen. Their conversation didn't last long as the one who went to the door leaned over to whisper something in the man's ear. The man showed no facial cue on what it was he was told.
“Captain, have the medical team meet them in their cells and keep them separated at all times. Also have five guards watching them from their cell doors. I want 24/7 surveillance on them. If they sneeze, cough or even scratch I want to know about it. Is that understood.” The man said as he got up from the table getting the black box as well causing the pictures to fade away and the table to its normal state.
“Sir,” the guard replied as he gave the man a salute before the man walked out of the room.
“Sir, the report from the ghost squad is being decoded from the war room.” A female voice spoke as the sound of boots echoed in the halls that were lined with armed guards at varying intervals.
“Good, and any news on Freedom fighter?” The man asked.
“No sir, as of yet the situation remains the same and with most of our man power being withdrawn from the DC area it is hard to gather any more Intel on the enemy movements.”
“And what of the 14th Assault Battalion and 26th Mechanized?”
“They are holding out of the DC area awaiting further instructions, Sir.”
“Is the president in the war room?” The man asked as the two stopped by the door.
“Yes sir and he's awaiting news on the 10th Assault Battalion.”
“Thank you, Major Denison,” The man said as he grabbed his I.D card and swiped it over a sensor opening the door.
“Attention!” Someone shouted as several men and women turned to see who had just entered all of who snapped off a salute.
“At ease,” the man said.
“So what did our guest have to say, Mitchell.”
“They confirmed our suspicions those two women the blue one code name Lua and the white one code name Solare. Are indeed the political leaders of the invader,” Mitchel replied.
“Well then at least now we have an idea on who runs the show.”
“That is true Mr. President,” Mitchell said as he shook the president's hand and looked at the main screen of the large room.
The room was filled with intelligence officers going over information every bit of data being streamed in from drones and NSA assets. Every monitor and computer in the room buzzed with activity while the officers raced from one terminal to the next.
“Now then how are the preparations for Freedom Fighter?” President Becerra asked as he turned to the main monitor to see the positions of all the JSF and army units.
“We are all set here sir all we need is the 10th as I’ve been told,” Mitchell replied as he looked over his pad. “Colonel Ihsan West report just came in. He has the 10th is on standby for deep strike and we have confirmed the locations of civilian holdouts in DC.”
“That's good,” President Becerra replied but something caught his eye on the map being displayed on the monitor. “Who is controlling this monitor?”
“That would be me, sir,” a male voice spoke as a soldier walked up next to the president. “What is it that you would like to see sir?”
“See that dot over by in Fishing Bay by Elliot?”
“Uhm yes, sir locking onto it now…... it seems to be an IFF registered to a squad from the 35th Airborne.”
“The 35th I I thought most of them were wiped out during the evacuation attempt at the mall.”
“It would appear not sir the if IFF is any indicator,”
“What's your name son?” President Becerra asked while looking over the young intel officer.
“Petty Officer Mark Fane sir.” The intel officer replied.
“Well, Mark open a line of communication with that group I want them back in the DC area to assist in the operations.”
“Uhm sir it would appear they beat me to the punch. We have Captain Thomas De’Winter on the line, sir.” Petty Officer Mark Fane said as he handed an earpiece to the president.
“Eagle to De’winter come in.” President Becerra said into the earpiece as the main screen of the room flickered before a video feed from a drone came to.
“Good to hear from you Eagle, We’ve located what seems to be the hostile staging ground over.” Thomas' voice came over the earpiece as the feed from the drone showed tents and campfires stretching over several acres of marsh and farmland. “Sir we’ve also spotted and HVT possible leader of the invading forces near the center of the camp near this sphere. We’ve been seeing more and more of these guys walking out of it possibly the way they’ve managed to get through without anyone noticing over.”
“Copy that Captina can you give me a description of this HVT you saw?” President Becerra asked as he motion for Petty Officer Mark Fane to hand over his device.
“Sir, from what we saw it looked to be female in a white flowing dress and dull prismatic color to her hair with a large set of white wings. Over,” Thomas replied.
“Sending you a data file does she look like that woman in the picture?” President Becerra asked as he typed away on the datapad.
“Give me a sec sir,” Thomas said, “yes sir that her.” The room went silent for a second as the work of all the intel agents in the room had just been done by a single team of JSF marines. “Sir, what are your orders?” Thomas' voice came in waking them up from their collective stupor.
“Captain your orders are as follows. I want this woman code name Solare captured alive and I want her yesterday. When you capture solare link up with Col. Ihsan West of the 10th Assault Battalion you will have 30 minutes to do so before I order the Airforce and NAVY to level that area. Is that understood Captain?”
“Crystal sir,” Thomas replied
“Godspeed,” President Becerra said before handing back the data pad and earpiece back to Petty Officer Mark Fane. “General have the 10th switch from Freedom Fighter to Elliott. I want those invaders of US soil ASPA. Use rods if need be just get it done.”
“Roger that Mister President,” General Mitchell said as he began to type away on his datapad. “Done and done sir Colonel Ihsan West has been given command authority of that Elliott area. Use of Kinetic Rods authorized on confirmed hostile targets and NAVY and Airforce Assets have been given their fire missions.”
“Good Have Air Force on standby for Freedom Fighter and NAVY for Elliott. We will see the light at the end of this tunnel."
