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Chapter 2 - Whispers... Whispers from the dark...
Bratta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-tak.
-Pompf- -Crack- BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT BRRRT BRT BRT BT BRRRRRRT
Gunfire... Meh...
At least, that was my thought process before a shrill and irritating screaming rang through my head curtesy of my ears. And my Swag collapsing into a balled mess around me.
As soon as my frantic fumbling found the zipper i ripped myself from the fabric cocoon and looked around.
As crew were currently climbing out of their swags and Andrew opted to cut himself out of his tent with his switchblade.
I looked around, noticing the orchestra of gunfire around us in its full detail, Tank cannons, machine guns, chain guns, rifles. All singing their chaotic melody through the night. But oddly enough i noticed no tracers. And that was weird. Maybe my VISRR wasn't working properly. But i pushed that thought to the back of my mind as i threw myself face first into my stations hatch, falling into the crew compartment in an upside down mess.
The hatches of my fellow crew members were slamming shut around me. And i noticed the feet of my radioman crawling to his station on the vehicle floor.
After righting myself i climbed back up through my hatch until i was eye level with the roof of the turret, and began turning around looking at the surroundings of the vehicle. Nothing but dull off-white moonlight. My VISRR still refused to display any tracers, This was beginning to frustrate me. And the oddity of how the gunfire was sounding off from all around us never left my mind entirely. Especially since were were alone, Atop a narrow mountain right on the edge of a cliff.
The labored whine of the Inertial Flywheel from the engine bay of the Puma signified that Jackie had already began starting the engine.
"Jackie take us back down the hill! Full speed! don't roll us!" I yelled into my throat mic.
"Siryessir!" I heard ring in my ears, the vehicle violently shook, the V12 coming to life with a throaty cackle before breaking into its rhythmic bass of a purr.
With a jerk and the clunk of the gearbox, we hurtled backwards until we nearly slammed into the rock face behind us, Jackie locked the wheel to the right, causing us to stand up on the left side suspension. Yes the Puma, a ten tonne armoured car, can stand up on one sides suspension from a sharp turn in reverse, its 325 horsepower engine lends it remarkable agility at 27.8 Horsepower per tonne. That being the ability to power along at 100km/h in drive and 60km/h in reverse.
The screech of rubber on stone alerted all the critters around us of our hasty departure, causing birds to fly erratically from their perches and small ground critters to dart across the road in front and behind us.
The engine whines it's ghostly moan as it strained to speed us along the gravel path down the mountain. However, even here my mind couldn't shake the oddity of how the sound of gunfire was following behind us. Almost as if it was an entity chasing us. "Jackie, Step on it." I ordered cautiously into the throat mic.
We hurtled down the path, gravel eventually gave way to bitumen, its near black lending comfort, as it meant the ability for my currently lead-footed driver to push the pedal down further. And that he did. The moment the wheels hit the road, we collected speed at an alarming rate, accented by the seconds long screech of the tires.
My eyes scanned the space around the vehicle as we screamed down the road, constantly on the lookout for the threat of an enemy, trying to take us out of the chance to earn big.
At this point the Puma had picked up enough speed to become difficult to steer, i, as well as the rest of the crew noticed we had begun swerving from one side of the road to the other in a ragged zigzag, the eight wheel steering overcompensating the drivers inputs.
"Woah, Lancer, pull his reigns in! we're gonna end up in a tree or something!" Tommy voiced from his compartment behind and to my right.
"Jackie! Cool it off! no faster than 45!" we still didn't slow down. "JACKIE! SLOWDOWN DAMN IT!" With that, everyone, and everything that wasn't tied down, flew forwards as the Pumas forward suspension depressed as low as it could go, screeching tires were very audible as well as the acrid smell of burning rubber. The G-forces held us forward for what seemed like ten seconds as the vehicle came to a sudden halt.
"Jackie! i said 45kp/h not full stop!" I yelled into my throat mic. "I-... Sorry...Commander..." The shaken bloke stammered. "Sir-yessir. 45Kp/h" He repeated with a defeated sigh. Before i could respond, the clutch dropped and we began rapidly accelerating, G-forces this time pushing us into our seats.
Thirteen minutes down the road i noticed a forest off to our right, and, for some reason, i felt drawn to its darkness, as if it was calling to me. The racket of gunfire still pursuing and around us but in the direction of this forest. All was quiet. My conscience voiced its concerns, but with very little thought i pushed it to the back of my mind before ordering Jackie to adjust course for the dirt road leading through it.
Our 'Puffy' tan and green bush covered blur tore down the road like a frightened cat, going fast enough to kick up a sizable dust cloud behind us.
I felt a near unnatural comfort inside of this forest. And my concerns of how fast we were going through this seemingly instantaneous fog bank that appeared around us melted away, however the feeling of comfort quickly burst into a raging hellfire as fear clawed at my soul. My peripheral vision had picked up movement to my left, snapping my gaze to the left, i caught the glimpse of a red streak, possibly scaled by the way the light shone off of it. Darting from tree to tree at my eye level. This was near impossible for a living creature since i was sitting about three and a half meters above the ground.
But i was sure what ever this was... It was a living creature, it moved from cover to cover organically, matching our speed near perfectly, always moving just fast enough to blur itself out, making viewing any detail impossible.
My sixth sense kicked in, feeling a burning sensation on the back of my neck, i swung around, realizing the familiar sense of being watched. And my world slowed down...
Matching our speed, i stared at a set of glowing teal eyes, the pointy things glaring back at me with near endless glowing malicious intent. I dropped back down into my hatch till i was eye level with the roof of the turret. I Look out into the forest again only to lockup upon seeing that during my short span of divided attention. One pair of eyes. Had grown into near upwards of a dozen pairs. A barrage of Teal slits carving fear into every fiber of my being before slowly bleeding out from teal to a luminous crimson.
Without hesitation, in a flash i reached up, grabbed my hatch, and dropped into my positions seat, slamming the hatch shut in a fluid motion and twisting the locking lever shut, before jumping up into a half standing-crouch around my seat in the cramped space to peer out of the rotating periscope.
Feral rumbling growls as well as snarling could be heard from all around, the ten tonne armoured car shook violently as each pair of eyes grew a body of mist and began plowing into the side of the Puma. The disturbing thing was all these sounds were being heard from inside the Vehicle as if they were sitting behind us snarling in our ears. Their feral noises echoing and rattling around in our heads like a ping pong ball stuck in a leaf blower.
My fear gave way to despair. A hollow feeling balled up in my chest as my periscope became surrounded by glowing red eyes that orbited the vehicle, Defying both the laws of physics and common sense. I heard Jackie cry out in fear, even though he failed to activate his throat mic. His scream of terror echoed throughout the crew compartment over the engines ghoulish whine.
"LANCER! WHAT THE FUCK ARE THEY! WHAT THE FUCK ARE THEY! THEIR STARING INTO MY SOUL! MAKE THEM STOP! MAKE THEM STOP, PLEAAAASEEE!" My poor drivers wails for help hadn't fallen on deaf ears.
I was shook back partially out of my fears when i heard the loud near constant drone of our MG42 Machine gun. Its 1200 round per minute fire rate sounding more like someone ripping canvas woven from sound than a machine gun firing.
Looking through the periscope i watched as dozens of teal green tracers belched from the from of the turret, the floating disembodied eyes suddenly departed from the vehicle as we broke the fog bank.
Our Escape from the fog was sudden, but we didn't dare stop, we could still hear the malicious throaty chuckle echoing inside our vehicle.
It didn't take me long to realize that i was violently shaking in fear and shock. I forced one shaking hand to grasp and hold the other down in my lap as the Puma
Everyone and everything was suddenly thrown to the left side of the vehicle when we swerved violently to the right. After mustering enough mental fortitude, i looked out of my periscope again still shaking from the last time i used it. I noticed Jackie had swerved violently to get us on a well used dirt road. And we were now hurtling down it at an alarming speed. I checked my positions dashboard and noticed that the speedometer was reading 120kp/h, screaming downhill lent us even more speed, but i didn't dare tell my petrified driver to slow down.
"FUCKING FINALLY! THIS SHITHOLE FROM HELL FOREST IS ENDING! DONE! FINITO! FINALIE!" I heard Jackie yell in a shaking triumph mixed with relief and accented with petrified fear. As the treeline dissipated from my periscopes view Jackie yelled out "GOODBYE! CIAO! OLIVEWA! AUFWEIDERSAIN! FUCKOFF!"
We Sped past an orchard of some kind before heading off road and into an open field. "Lets see those bastards get the drop on us this time!" I yelled into the vehicles intercom. After a further five minute drive we finally came to a halt. But not on our own free will... We'd run out of fuel, and no one in the crew had a sufficiently large enough pair of balls, or the wheelbarrow to carry said balls. To get out and refuel us with the Jerry cans.
So there we stayed. There we slept. Inside our only protection.
But for the second night in a row. We wouldn't get much sleep. Our dreams constantly being probed by echoing whispers...
"w̛͖̗͖̺̜h̡͚͙̭̫͈ͅo͜ ̲̯͎̀a̮̮̬̦r̨̝̫̦e͕͎̱̺̰̦͖ ̶͖̙̹̲y̱̮̟ou̵̲͎̲?̠?"
"W̪͎̺̕h̸a̡̪͈̙͔̥̗̤t̳̜͚͙͖̞ ͍͙̗̳͓͎̠͠a̪r̵̯͔̰̰̼̖̯e҉͉ ̢̼̰͓̰͕̯y̧̻͈͙o̤̱̥ͅu͍?"
"W͈̱͓̹̼͓̬͟h͚͈̘̤͚̻͆ͥ̿e͋̉ͩ͘r̩̗̺͕ͣ́e̝̬͙̐̈́ ̜͚͕͋̿͐ͫ̈́͆ͅd̛̩͚ͮ̒̃i̵̻͖ͥ̑d̟͉͙̖̘̔̓̆̈́̐̀̅ ̹ͯy̯̘̰͑o̟̳͓̹ͤͣͪ̋ű͕̞̹̳̪̩̋̉͆̔̈́ ̶͕͔̺̱͖c̟̬͉̦͉̯̾͐̄̌͌ͭo̎ͫͦ͌̀m͕̻͇̔͒̈ͮ͂̕e̩͒̌ͤ̍ ͓̮͉͍̞̔͐̃ͦ͂ͣ͊̕f̰̩͎̦̼̎ͥ͂ͥ̄ͮŕ͍̣͎̟̫̘ͅo̗̦̻͓̖̝̣ͮͪ̂̚m͖̰̜͇̖͚̣ͨ͑?"
"Wh̲̮at̺̝͙̜̺ ͙͔̲̹̱i̩͉̦̪̼̲͖s͍̲̭̗ ̦͔̳yo̩̞̠u̦ͅr ̞͔̜͓ͅp̗̪̖̩u͔r͍p̘͈o̺͇̹̰̼s͚͓̠̯̻e ̺͙̠̺̗ͅi̻̼̘n͈̣̭̤͓̳͈ ̭̬͈o̮̬̖u͈̙̝̝̜̗r̘ ͇͖̖̺l̙͓̞͚a̠̗̺̻͍n̟ds̩͔̫͚̹̞?"
"What. Is. Your. INTENT?!"
"Ĝ̲͗ͫͭ̒͌̇̈́͘͢Ě͕̠̫͊͌͒̌̄ͅT́͒҉̛̱͙̘̪͕̻̪͇.̠̮̰͍̘̂ͬ̽ͬ̓̊̍ Ọ̵̦͎̀̀́͟U͏̘̱̩Ṯ̶̛̳̫̻͖̬̱̹͝ͅͅ!҉̴͖͓͕͚̝̖̳̘̬̥̥͉͇͡ !"
"LEAVE! NOW! "
"S̞̰I͔̭̘͚̺͎͍L̲̣̗E̝NC͙̭̞̜͓̬̬E̪̠!"
"Tell us! WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE HERE! "
"quiet everyone... let the poor thing explain..."
"we're watching you..."
"hes coming..."
"they can hear ussss..."
"W̧̡̜̙͖̻̼̬̗̝̦̥͢A̬̯͈̪͕̤͎͓̬̟͔͉͈̼͞͡͡K̕͠҉̷̗̠̟̝͉͎̜̫͙̻̼̭̤͎͜E͡҉̡̳͇͎̲̱̭͔̖̜̝͔̝͓ͅ ̰̱͙̫̱̰̭̘̘̬͜ͅ Ų͓̠̘̻̲̞̜̞̗̝̼͙̠͉͕̠̀͢͞͝Ṕ̨̣͙̗̩̲̭̠̺́͟!!"
Chapter 3 - Lancer. where the hell are we?
"AAARRRRRRGGHHHHH!!!"
We all woke up at the same time screaming bloody murder over each other for about three minutes, before Jackie noticed sunlight pouring in through his periscope.
We all quieted down for a few moments before Jackie cut through the awkward silence. "Listen guys, i may be a great driver and all... But without go go juice we aint goin' no where".
"He has a point. Its daylight now. Those creatures attacked us at night and in the dark. It stands to reason that they may not be able to appear in the light of day." With that i looked out of my periscope. Since it can only rotate 90 degrees left or right, i had to rotate the turret to get a decent enough view of our surroundings.
Andrew asks with a voice of cautious concern. "And why would that be?"
"We appear to have, in our panic last night. Drove through some poor sods Spring onion crop... As well as their fence on the other side of the field..."
"Say What?!" The crew yelled out in near perfect unison." Before the sound of everyone's hatches clanking open reverberated through the vehicle.
We all stood there, gazing at our poor, poor Puma. She was a right mess...
"Well... At least now we can disguise it as farm equipment fairly effectively..." Tommy said with a slight chuckle, every one joining in as well, even me.
"Righto Jackie, fill er' up. Whilst Andrew and i begin cleaning her up. Tommy, get on the blower and ask HQ for directions. There's no field like this on the map... Meaning we may be out of bounds..." I said worrying about the latter prospect. Being out of bounds for too long unintentionally or no, is a big no no. Usually punishable by immediate disqualification and a whole team penalty.
The crew set about their assigned tasks, and without a word... All except Tommy, who seemed to be throwing a tantrum in the vehicle. Something about not receiving any channels. Tommy poked his head out of Andrews hatch on the top right side of the turret and yelled out for someone to check if the aerials were screwed in properly. To which i climbed atop the engine deck and found them tightly secured.
"Ah, For. Fuck. Sakes! Work you Piece of SHIT" Echoed from the hatch before i heard a loud bang, that sounded suspiciously similar to someone hitting a microwave with a cricket bat.
I Climbed into the armoured car on a warpath. "You break my shit your buying me upgraded gear to replace it Damn it!" I Yelled as i launched myself into Tommy's cramped compartment.
"Calm Your Tits. I Only gave it a 'Get well soon tap' " Tommy growled before i rebutted with "Once again. Break my shit. And I'LL give ye' a 'Get well soon tap'. Out through the roof of this compartment!" I yelled, making everyone outside the Puma cringe.
0800 hours.
Ponyville.
In a town by this time, nearly smothered under the silhouettes of hundreds of pastel coloured ponies.
"Ah' Dont see why your in such ah' hurry Twi. I know your excited. but cant this wait till', ya know, the end of the day. when my stand closes?" Applejack asked with her southern twang dancing off every word.
Twilight looked flabbergasted. " Wha- No! I can't wait that long! the Excitement will kill me!"
"All right Darling. We're following you, stop pushing please." A perfectly white unicorn nearly yelled in frustration at being pushed down the street.Anyone seen Pinkie?" A lazily hovering blue Pegasus inquired.
"You know what Dear... Now that you mentioned it... Pinkie dissapeared sometime around earlier this morning, something about Pinkie twitches and throwing a huge party. And i haven't seen Fluttershy this morning either. I'm due to go see her later this afternoon for tea." Rarity said evidently sinking into somewhat deep thought as to what could be going on.
Twilight darted to the doors that now loomed over the ponies, using her magic to push them open. After tapping a fore hoof against the floor for several seconds she looses patience with an audibly frustrated groan, and picks up her friends with her telekinesis, levitating them inside and placing them down on their respective cushioned crystal chairs. Slamming the doors shut behind them.
"Twilight! Honestly" Rarity huffed with indignity.
"Finally!" Twilight yelled. As her voice echoed around the cavernous room under the library, A familiar Lavender glow illuminating a large assortment of colourful gems on a shelf in the corner.
Twilight's magic levitated the gems over to the table, holding them in mid air, as chalk draws a series of symbols on the large round crystal table, the image once completed resembling an intricate five pointed star. Placing the colourful, Very expensive looking gems down, each in their own respective places. And letting out a proud huff.
"Well, Twi. Its... Uhm... What is it?" Applejack inquires now more than slightly confused and even more frustrated.
"Dear Applejack, those are quite expensive gems. Their quality is superb!" Rarity said with a joyful squee.
"Watch this!" Twilight said, illuminating her horn. The magical lavender aura leaving it in whisps of energy and connecting to several points around the center gems symbol. The whole setup glows with a yellow aura as the gems own stored magic meld together in weird ways, almost making the air charge with static.
The other two mares at the table, staring on with a foals curiosity. As Twilight uses her magic to spin two of the gems in opposite directions to varying degrees, causing faint static and shrill screeches to emanate from the center gem and fill the air.
Just as Applejack was going to ask what she was doing, a voice could be faintly heard through the center gem, although it was very quiet and slightly distorted.
"H͘el̴lo͞w̧? H̨e̛l̵lo̷w? ͡Gir̢l͡ş?̸ ̛Can y̵ou ̛H͞ea͝r Me̸?͢"
"Thats Princess Cadence!" Applejack yelled out in shock.
"Aṕplej͏àc͡k͡? ͟W̛el̡l͘ t̵he͠n͡ tha̢t ͘a҉n҉sw͟e̶rs my ͏qu͡és͠tio͟n!̢ Yo͟ur͘ i҉nv̢ent͘i͟ón ̨w̧o̡rk҉s ̀Tw̵ili͜gh̛t̕!͟
"Ah, Yes, Of course. Just one moment Princess!" Twilight said as she began furiously adjusting the gems again. But, what would happen next, would shock everyone currently involved.
"-ce̶r-͏01̕ ͟to ҉HQ̶, Lance͜r-͏0̢1 to̕ ͟H͞Q.̛ ̢Yo̧u g̢uy̢s͝ aw̸ak̀e̡ ̧o̕vȩr ͟ther̢e̶?̕ ͞ǫr ͘do ͜i ̢n͝eed͜ ͘to se҉n͜d̸ ̨t́he ̴ai͡r̕c͝o̵re̢ i̢ǹ ága̕in to w͠ake̸ you͡ ͟up͜? ҉jeri͝ch͢o̡ ̧tr҉u̴m͘pet̡s͢ ҉are ҉a҉ ͜fąn͠t͝astical͠l̀y҉ ̛e̕ff̸ec͠t҉iv͝e wa̧ke͏ ̛up ̸calĺ!
"Twilight, Who was that?" Rarity asked confused.
"I- I Dont know. Princess Cadence should have the only other setup... I have no explanation for how that Pony could intercept this signal..." Twilight mused with a confused expression.
"TWILIGHT!" The loud adolescent voice boomed down from the library above.
Darting up the stairs Twilight as well as AJ and Rarity saw a very annoyed looking spike sitting in a small mountain of scrolls, each with Princess Celestia's royal seal.
"Spike! Whats going on!" Twilight asked now very concerned at this turn of events.
"Thats what i- what i- oh no... not again!-" *BELCH~* yet another scroll materializes in a green flame before, rather comedically. Falling atop spikes head.
Twilight freed Spike from his parchment prison. Before opening the first scroll however, her library would be filled with a short burst of blinding light and the muffled sound of a 'Telipoof'. Upon her eyes recovering she is greeted my the two, Rather green looking royal sisters.
"Princesses?" Twilight inquired.
"What ever happened to you your highness's?! look both look simply deplorable! This will not do! Rarity said before levitating two cushions over to the sisters and sitting them down, before beginning to brush their manes. Spike returned from the other side of the library with a recently emptied paper bin.
"Th-Thank you- A- All" Celestia praised thankfully through obvious attempts to avoid throwing up.
"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! what is wrong! Why are you both ill?" Twilight questioned almost frantically.
"My Dearest student... Somthings- Not as it s- sh- sho-" Celestia stopped mid-sentence whilst siezing the bin from spike with her magic. Before hurling violently into it.
"What isn't as it should be?" Twilight inquired.
Princess Luna spoke up this time. " Last night. both we and our sister, felt an ext- ext- -reame influx of chaos magic. Shortly before something of unfathomably large mass crossed over into our world... or many, Many smaller things..." The midnight blue princess corrected herself.
Applejack and Rarity both looked to Twilight, Very concerned expressions on their faces, before looking back to the princesses for more information. but that wouldn't arrive. As both sisters had fallen asleep on Twilight's floor.
"Ah'm gonna go get Appl'bloom from school and take er' home!" Applejack declared before bolting for the castles doors.
"AJ Darling! Be sure to bring Sweetiebelle home with you! i'll stay with the princesses to ensure they are not disturbed." Rarity said with a motherly tone.
Twilight stared into oblivion, contemplating what Luna had told her. the Princess of the nights words cutting through her soul as she contemplated whatthey could entail... 'influx of chaos magic. Shortly before something of unfathomably large mass crossed over into our world... or many, Many smaller things...'
"What ever happens... We must defend Equestria..." Twilight mumbles near inaudibly.
Chapter 4 - Illusion of Paradise...
=================
Unknown river bank
The shade cast down by the dense leafy canopy above us was a godsend. The sun has had Alot more bite than the days previous, the air seems fresher too.
The tan/ olive green tiger-striped Puma sits lazily under the shade. Having not been moved since last parked an hour and a half ago. The thin Very deep river had been the crews original objective, as they needed to clean their vehicle, so that its camouflage could be effective.
Contrary to popular belief, Camouflage is not meant to completely render a vehicle invisible. No, its purpose is to break up the vehicles shape against its background.
There! See how its Camouflage doesn't make the tank 'Invisible' but it breaks up its shape enough to make it harder to identify at longer range, unlike this Panther.
I Chose our Puma's camouflage pattern very carefully! I chose a two tone tan patch pattern as the base, due to tan's ability to blend in with most landscapes near flawlessly. Then covered that with a drab olive green tiger-stripe pattern to breakup the vehicles signature further. And when we threw fresh foliage atop that to breakup the vehicles 'Shape' further, so we blend into the background. Don't get me wrong. If your Looking for our puma properly, you'll find us. But if you don't know we're there, or our approximate location... Your efforts are mostly for naught.
Speaking of which. We were careful where we parked our little beauty. There was a convenient patch of bushes, Shaped like a horse shoe that we reversed into. We also went the extra proverbial 'Mile' and smothered the top of the Puma in foliage to conceal it from the air. Command hadn't radioed us back yet, so we became concerned that our transmissions were being jammed. Thus our little crusade to find fresh water and a place to hunker down until further notice.
Further more, this place was paradise! Not a stray sound to be heard besides the birds chirping, the rivers merry gurgling, and the hum of the occasional dragonfly.
The greens from the grass and vast leafy canopy above us counteracted the harsh tans of the fallen dry foliage that littered the ground. The coolness of the shade was occasionally exchanged for short periods, when the warm breeze would blow through. The temperature outside was about... twenty seven degrees C.
Once we had cleaned the outside of the vehicle, Andrew and I opted to clean the inside as well. For good measure i took some pine needles from a nearby tree, crushed them up, and placed a whole ration container full of them on the floor of the turret basket. Four blokes in a constantly sealed can that averages 43 degrees Celsius, thats 104 Fahrenheit for you fine people who still use it, isn't the greatest pleasure on one's nose.
With the Puma cleaned to the point you could eat your dinner off of it, we quickly ran out of things to do...
I loved that nickname so much i took it on as my Mascot, Say... I don't believe i ever mentioned the name of our steel steed. 'Tidal Tiger', i paid a small fortune in making her amphibious. I had to do it myself, with occasional help from Jackie, since every mechanic i tried hiring simply laughed in my face and told me it couldn't be done. And i'll have you know, did it we did! And we only suffer from the occasional minor leak...
That isn't the only modification that was made to our vehicle. I had 'Ready racks' installed around Andrews position so the poor bloke wouldn't have to bend over every time we needed to reload the cannon. The Consequence from this adjustment was. Andrews compartment became slightly more cramped, but he now doesn't have to bend over to pick up the next round every reload. As either side of his seat now has a six round 'ready rack'. This also changed our Puma's fire rate, we can now get off one shot every one point five to two seconds, for twelve rounds, after that though our reload rate increases to one round every seven seconds!
The rear of our Puma also now sports twin 30 liter or 7.9 'liquid gallon' external fuel tanks. I also had a long range 'Arrow' laser sighting system installed for far quicker and more accurate range finding. The sides of the vehicle have 'Hanging stowage' which are literally just toolboxes i bought from the local hardware store and attached to hook loops i welded to the sides of the vehicle, and i also had custom stowage boxes made for the turrets exterior. Finally i had twelve millimeter armoured side skirts attached to the sides of the vehicle to protect the really thin undersides of the vehicle, those being only eight millimeters or something like that angled at forty five degrees down angle.
But thats enough Armoured car porn for now.
I laid on my back as i floated down stream for a few minutes, before i'd right myself and free style back to the 'camp site'.
At Twenty minutes past two in the afternoon i heard the hushed voice of Jackie quietly hissing at me to get into cover as i floated downstream for what must of been the fortieth time. After following his instructions and grabbing onto a tree root that overhung the river and pulling myself under the cover of a bush leaning over the water. He pointed up at the sky mouthing the words 'look at this shit'. I Obliged him curious, and i noticed a inky black silhouette against the suns rays about five hundred meters off to my right and about two hundred feet high.
"Damn " I quietly hissed. "I hate drones! "
Once the flyer left Line of sight, i trudged from the river and sprinted down the pebbly shoreline to Jackie, enjoying the feeling of the small smooth pebbles messaging my feet as i bolted for my driver.
I Placed my digital binoculars down on the wooden collapsible picnic table that we always carried on our Puma, Reclining into my camping chair.
I pulled an ice cooled Bundaburg Lemon lime & Bitters from my chairs cooler pocket.
After cracking open my bottle and taking a hearty chug, i let out the loudest holler of a laugh that my body would allow me. For several seconds i actually forgot the breath, i was laughing so hard i was doubled over in my chair, shaking from laughter, but no noise was leaving me as i'd ran out of breath to laugh with.
"Bravo, Brav- *Hic* -o, You've Taken the ca- *Hic* -ke with this one guys!" I Said clapping loudly. "I Love how you even went though the *Hic* trouble of planting that image in my Bionoculars gallery. howd you *Hic* do that? Take a photo of an image on one of your phones?" I mused aloud with a chuckle, a sly smile spreading across my face.
"Damn it Jay! I'm Telling you its the truth! Look around you! Do either of us look like we're joking?!" Jackie Hissed with all the seriousness of a drill sergeant.
'Jay, he addressed me by my actual name. That in its own right is unusual and a cause for concern. And that would be a hell of a poker face... Jackie couldn't hold a poker face if his life depended on it... ' I Racked my brain but it refused to accept the image of a flying Pegasus as actual fact.
"So, on the hypothetical that, this isn't you lot pulling my leg. What would that even mean? Pegasai- Pegasai? Pegasus? Pegasuses? Pega- Peg- Ah fuck it you know what i mean. They are not real! So what? Is it a new drone being used by the other teams? Is it some balloon that got loose from its moorings? Or some escaped government experiment? I Dunno?!" I Said waving my arms through the air.
"I Don't know Lancer... But either way. We should consider being more careful. Moreover, What the hell do i do? i cant radio HQ and say theres flying horses around us, they'll have an event paramedic check us out for head trauma!"
"..." My awkward silence and rubbing of my lightly bearded chin was certainly concerning for the three worried crewman, it meant that i was actually considering their hallucination in serious thought.STILL need to link up with the rest of our unit. Then make an effort to locate wherever Johnna decided to 'Set up shop' with our HQ truck. Until then, our current goal is certain. We must meet up with Lancer-02 ,03 ,04 and 05. And i imagine it in out best interest to remain undetected, so we stick to the roads, under cover, and at low speeds so as to not kick up much dust." To the end of that summery i looked up to see my crew silently nodding. "Righto, Everyone mount up and ready your positions, Tommy, Get on that radio of yours, and attempt to make contact with the rest of the unit. Use our SOS code if you need to, just get them to come running. Jackie, help me put on the rubber dust skirts. And Andrew..... Do what ever it is you do" I Finished with a laugh before walking to the Puma.
Getting our Rubber dust skirts into their operating position was simple enough, as Jackie and i had grown tired of the Tedious labor of sliding them into their runners, which they had the habit of slipping out of constantly. So we opted to do the Lazy thing, and leave them in their runners 24/7, and just fold and tie them to the same hooks the 'Hanging stowage' are attached to.
With that done Jackie jumped into his position and began starting our girl up, whilst i packed up the last of our camping furniture, and jumped into my position.
After slipping on my Throat mic, placing on my headset and plugging into the vehicles intercom. I said in a thick German accent as seriously as i could-
Chapter 5 - 3rd Pegasai, At your service~
Rarity and Twilight were walking over the footbridge to fluttershy's well hidden house. But that was when things started to become slightly concerning... Fluttershy's usually quiet voice could be heard in a semi loud panic.
"Oh, Dear. Oh, Dear. Oh, Dear! Everyone Calm down! Please! I cant understand what your all trying to say when you keep talking over each other!"
Rounding the corner the two mares were greeted by the Custard yellow Pegasus currently surrounded by an inconceivable amount of animals. All of which were seemingly yelling things at her in their own languages.
Twilight walked over to Fluttershy, a look of deep concern mixed with a twang of confusion as she could see Fluttershy's fuse slowly burning short.
"What happened here Fluttershy?" Twilight asked her frustrated friend, but she didn't get a response, due to her voice being drowned out by the cacophony of noises being made by the small army of animals. "Of, Course... FLUTTERSHY! FLUTTERSHY! HELLO!?" Twilight yelled to get her friends attention, eventually succeeding.
"Oh, Hi Twilight!" Fluttershy yelled with her usual hushed tone, but she too was subject to having her voice drowned out by the animals panic.
"WHAT?! I. CANT. HEAR. YOU!" Twilight yelled each word with emphases.
"OH, HI TWI- oh that's enough. QUUUIIIIEEEEEET!" Fluttershy yelled at an unnaturally loud volume, a volume the girls had never heard her use before. Her voice acquired a high pitched pang from it.
All the animals shut up at her mood swing.
"All of you! Quiet!" She said through an annoyed glare, before pointing a fore-hoof at a squirrel closest to her."You! What is the matter!" After the squirrel frantically made a series of noises and waving its paws around for several minutes it finished its explanation. Fluttershy looked troubled.
"Whats wrong, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked, stepping closer to her friend.
"This squirrel just told me that a huge monster sped through the forest last night, before crashing through my fence, stealing my new chicken coup that i was going to show my chickens today. And continuing down the road towards Ponyville.
Twilight then turned to where Fluttershys new chicken coup was being build to discover that the whole thing had been ripped from the ground and taken. And on top of that. Four sets of continuous tracks had been left gouged out in the mud.
"What kind of monster... Could have that kind of strength and leave these tracks..." Twilight openly mused whilst staring at the tracks with fear driven disgust.
Rarity and Fluttershy joined her as they looked in the direction the tracks were leading to. The tracks were at least twenty centimeters deep. This creature must of had the weight near upwards of five or six manticores!
"There are monsters among us girls... we have to protect everyone..." Twilight mumbled, shortly before having a blue and rainbow coloured blur fly from P-ville and come skidding to a halt in front of her.
"Twilight! Theres Trouble in town!" Rainbow blurted out, eliciting a shiver from Twilight, and worried gasps from Fluttershy and Rarity.
"Monsters?!" Twilight yelled at Rainbowdash?
"Wha- NO!" Rainbow said with frustration, coming to a hover mere inches from Twilight's face. "Some Snobby Pegasus captain just arrived in town and is causing a ruckus!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"Ah, so then, Captain Stryder has arrived... Excellent! He arrived sooner than i expected!" Twilight said beaming with relief.
Rainbow's jaw dropped agape at her friends response, having it not be the lest what she was expecting.
"WHAT?! I'm sorry, WHAT?!" RD nearly screamed, her tone loud enough for a voice crack. "YOU! YOU CALLED THAT!? THAT? THA-"
"Showoff?" Twilight cut in with a sly grin.
"YEAH!... NO! Hes a Jerk! He's Treating Everypony like his servants!" Rainbow yelled her shade turning from blue to red as she was clearly fuming.
Twilight sighed deeply "I was worried that this outcome would be a possibility." Twilight groaned. her horn lit and before any of her attending friends could react she -Telipoofed- them into town center.
All the townsponies around Twilight and her three friends were silent, but few had actually noticed the element bearers entrance. Twilight could also hear yelling from the direction Everypony was looking. Rainbowdash took to the air before saying.
"RIGHT! THATS IT!" And darting in the same direction.
After the townsfolk began to notice the Princess of friendship, and began parting to let her through, she found the cause of the disturbance. It was , as Expected. Captain Stryder. His tall lime green lithe form was currently standing in the center of a circle of stunned ponies as he proceeded to yell at an irate hovering Rainbowdash, each staring each other down, nose to nose. A mare was down low to the ground standing over her trembling foal, staring daggers at the captain.
"What. Is going on here!" Twilight Inquired with a ruthless Authority after seeing the cowering foal.
The captain, finally noticing the princesses presence, drops all his previous engagements with a turn of his armour plated back and drops into a swift over exaggerated bow.
"Its a Pleasure To finally meet you, Your Highness!" Twilight cringed at how cushy he was being with her, because of her title alone. She did however, bury her growing disdain for the captain, at least for the time being.
"Captain, I Take it that you and your Pegasai guard are ready for your mission? Are you aware of its parameters, and the conditions at which your command extend." Twilight said deadpan.
"Why, Of course your Highness! 3rd Pegasai~ At your service! Our mission is to conduct Aerial reconnaissance and report back each patrols findings to you... Under no circumstances are we to engage or do battle with anything that we may find, but we are permitted to slow it down if it heads for Ponyville, reconnaissance is our primary objective. This includes anything out of the ordinary considering terrain and the obstacles upon that may have been altered by the creatures!" The captain parroted, keeping his tone professional.
"Very good captain, Get to it." Twilight said dismissively. Before turning and leaving, ensuring that the mother and her foal followed her away from town square.
Once Twilight, The foal and his mother were far enough from the town square Twilight asked the mother what happened. To which she reply's.
"Whilst i had my Attention on a Fresh produce store, i was attempting to haggle with. My colt here noticed that Pompous Buffoon and his flight land." She barked up that description with an alarming amount of disgust. "Jaderunner, wanted to get the captains autograph. But the captain obviously didn't like his attention, and decided the best course of action against my foal was to use 'Gust' to blow him nearly halfway across the square!"
Twilight's disdain had boiled over into a fury that would most certainly be directed at the captain once he had settled into his new Headquarters. Whilst Twilight needed his help, she still demanded that he treat everyone as his Equal. His sole purpose for being a Guard was to protect the ponies in his care!
"Don't worry, I'll see too it that he is punished and with no slap to the hoof either ." The lavender Alicorn said with all the seriousness of her title.
The wind howled as two black shadows flew through the onset of a brewing thunderstorm.
Two Pegasai floated through the air, their wings straight so as to catch the rising warm air from the thermals. They continued to glide for a few more minutes, before the silence between them broke.
"Ugh! This is Crazy! We've been searching high and low, under every tree, bush and rock for this beast for days! And all we've found are an abandoned Chicken coup, and sets of tracks that seem to lead no where! And I've Had it! I've Had it!" The completely carbon coloured Pegasus clad in storm grey chainmail practically yelled out whilst having a small mid air temper tantrum.
"Hey! How do you think i feel?!" his counterpart wearing a white scarf and glass flying goggles growled. "I Haven't slept in two days! The captain has run me ragged trying to impress the Princess! So SHADDIT!" The Cobalt blue and orange maned flyer yelled whilst looking at his friend.
With that they flew on for another fifteen minutes, before they both looked at each other questioningly.
"You hear that too right?"
"You mean the princess yelling at the captain? Or that irritating humming?" The cobalt flier asked.
Both Pegasai roll their heads to get a full view of their surroundings. Having heard a loud ear piercing howl pass them and feeling a vibrating hum reverberate the air around them. Before it ebbed off into nothing. Leaving them looking at each other concerned and confused.
They both orbit around the location for a half an hour before they hear the same sound and feel the same air vibrating hum again.
Off to their right side, almost matching their height. A Single black spec speeding diagonally away from them in a straight line. The scouts break out of their wide orbit and follow the spec. The sheer amount of effort they had to exert to keep up with it was worrisome, Had the creature seen them, and was running? Or Much more frightening... Was this its normal speed?
By now they had gotten close enough to see its rough form. It was Huge in comparison to they themselves, it was fat, stubby and had short wide wings that it held beneath itself. Most confusing besides its constant headache inducing howl, is how it staid in the air, it never flapped it wings. Seeming to just... hang there in the air... Its skin was shiny, very shiny, probably scales. And coloured in splotches of deep brown, and light green. Its tail was white, and it had a red nose.
Once they were within a few hundred feet of it they noticed that it had many shiny glass looking eyes atop its 'head', they, being alerted to this fact by the rays of the sun reflecting off of them. Due to this disturbing revelation, they dove under it to avoid being spotted. They continued to gain on the beast until they were only a dozen feet from it, they held their ears flat against their skulls in a futile attempt at dulling its constant howl.
They then feel their blood chill, not because of the cold air at their altitude. Butbecuase they were joined by a second even throatier growl, this one sounding like the purr of a Huge Manticore. In fact, thats what they where initially looking for.
Both scouts broke off from the beast they were practically within touching distance from. As they were about descend below the cloud layer and return to their HQ just outside of Ponyville. A robins egg blue and grey blur with a Yellow streak running down its back hurtles from the cloud layer they were about to descend into.
"What in Celestia's Sweet Apple, buckin Rays of light was that thing?!" The carbon pony Exclaimed wide eyed, before his partner could respond their train of thought was drowned out by the new creature screaming towards the other one from below. Its feral growl was drowned out when its wings started to spit green fire that looked like miniature suns at the brown beast. Thunder cracked constantly as Both sky-beasts fought for supremacy of the skies.
"WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" They shouted at each other but they couldn't hear themselves think let alone what either of them was saying over the sudden barrage of sound. By now the 'brown beast' had been hit, Hard several times by the 'Thunderbird', and was now trailing thick black smoke, as they followed each other through tight circles. Each trying to get behind the other... Presumably...
The fight ended fairly quickly, the "Brown beast' was agile and small, making it quite difficult to hit. However the Brutal power and attacks of the "Thunderbird" had it outmatched from the near start of the fight due to its ambush. The 'Brown beast' got hit several dozen times and eventually began spewing red smoke all over the sky before it leveled out and the red smoke changed to a purple smoke. The 'Brown beast' rolled onto one wing before turning sharply away whilst descending and flying in the other direction, leaving the 'Thunderbird' flying around victorious, trailing thick plumes of white smoke. After two or so minutes the 'Thunderbird' turned and began flying in another direction whilst lowering its altitude.
The skies once again turning peaceful, only the sound of the howling wind from the brewing storm around them. Both Pegasai sat in the cloud, their heads poking out the top like small shrubs, with stunned expressions on their faces. What had they just witnessed... They were so baffled by what just happened, that they stared at each other jaws agape, mouths moving silently, they were unable to form words.
"I- Think now is a good time to report to the captain..." The Cobalt flier finally stuttered out.
"Yeah... No kidding..." His friend said comically loudly, Evidently still suffering from hearing loss.
Author's Note
I feel as though im speeding through the story...
I think i'm going to slow the story down a few notches...
Chapter 6 - The plot thickens...
==========================
Ponyville Royal Guard Garrison.
A Brilliant white flash illuminated the room. Washing out the orange glow from the ferociously crackling fireplace, but only for a split second.
The violent reverberating growl of thunder shook the windows in their sills. As three ponies sat around the table just in front of the window. The Orange glow of the fireplace illuminating the decently sized room, and the clutter of fancy hoof-carved furniture that was sprawled across it.
The only other pony in the room wasn't sat at the table like his comrades, but stood at the window, waiting for the deluge of rain to begin, before starting to converse with his inner circle. He didn't have to wait long. A wave of rain swept over the land outside with the rapid fury of a tsunami. The pony, who was adorned in bronze armour, the Patch of a Celestial sun with a single sword under which symbolizes his rank as captain.
Captain Stryder turns to face his most trusted friends at his table. The primal roar of the rain outside the captains 'House' inside the garrison was threatening to drown out his hushed words completely as he approached the table.
"So, I imagine you must have a myriad of questions for me, such as: 'Why are you here?' and 'What is so important it required your summons at 11PM on a Sunday night'. And my answer to you all is... Yesterday, Two scouts were flying their routine patrol route. Before they made discreet contact with two flying creatures, not of Equestria."
All in attendance looked at each other questioningly across the table, each having a sickening realization that the rumors were true, before the captain continued.
"The first creature was brown with green splotches, its skin was shiny, meaning it possibly has scales. It held its wings beneath it, and somehow flies without the need to flap it wings. It was stout, fat, and very loud. The scouts described it as 'A constant growl that made the air tremble' it also had a constant 'Whistle'. The second creature was much the same except longer and more streamlined, it also had a thinner tail, and was much louder than the first.
The two creatures broke into acrobatic maneuvers before parting ways, they appeared to be in the midst of battle between themselves. By the fact that neither creature killed the other, and the victor let the loser leave. makes me believe that this may be a territorial dispute between the two. What is you input on this?"
Everyone looked around the table for a few seconds before a tan coloured mare wearing her nightcap spoke up.
"Sir, I'm no Anthropologist, or what ever would be the qualified job to guess the behavior of creatures. But it is possible that it was a territorial dispute. But unless these creatures can wield weapons or magic, Or are insanely huge. theres no real problem as of yet." She said with a hopeful smile.
The captain spoke up, remembering a certain detail in the report. "I Do believe that they can use magic. The Private described it as 'With constant cracks of thunder, fire spewed from its wings and wisps of light that look like miniature green and red suns were hurled at the other'."
The mares face paled considerably at the report. And another Pony, a Chocolate stallion with a fiery orange maine spoke up next with great conviction.
"If they are so capable so as to wield the power of thunder and suns then they must be dealt with swiftly!"
All ponies at the table, including the captain nodded at this conclusion. It was the logical course of action to defend the ponies in their care. This incident had occurred only ten kilometers from Ponyville. Had this freak storm not blown in from The Everfree, Ponyville would have been discovered, who knows what destruction could of happened. Then a thought popped into the head of the last Pony, the runt of the table. The near luminescent red pony mustered the courage to speak up, flicking his droopy grey maine out of his eyes.
"But what about Princess Sparkle? Shouldn't we consult her before carrying out an attack on a foreign entity?-" He was immediately silenced by the glare of his other three counterparts around the table, the mares voice boomed over the white noise of the typhoon outside.
"THEIR ANIMALS , MONSTERS , they are incapable of cognitive thinking or communication, the scouts reports that they tried to communicate with it but it did nothing. Its only reaction came when it was attacked by its counterpart."
The captain stood from his cushion whilst looking down his nose to the quickly shrinking form opposite him.
"I Appreciate your concern, Firebrand. But you have to understand, if we alert Princess sparkle to this development, she'll deny any self defence of Ponyville VIA preemptive strike, in-favor of attempting to 'Study' it or something, Remember that incident a few months ago with that timber wolf?... Princess sparkle is a scientist, first and foremost. She doesn't have the vast experience we do in combat as Royal Guard! She cant understand... to make the decision that counts! And right now the defence of Ponyville is our upmost priority. Besides. She can always study the body much more in depth when we bring it back here..." He said with greedy vigor. "This may be the act that finally gets me recognized in 'The hall of the Guard'.
'Captain Alexi. Makeri. Stryder. Awarded this place in these records for his decisive victory in the first battle of his career. Slain monsters from an alien world in defence of his fellow Ponies! Has a Ring to it...'
The captain thought as he walked over to the front door. His inner circle on his heels
"Be ready, We launch tomorrow morning. I'm going to tell Princess sparkle that we're heading on a training exercise over The Everfree, in order to train my Guard to master their fear of it. Once we leave we commence mission start.
The red pony simply nodded his lowered head, accepting long ago that when the captain ordered something, arguing would just hurt himself, and his unit.
Unbeknownst to the group of separating ponies now walking through the rain to their respective barracks. The four of them hadn't been alone during that meeting. Hanging from a low tree limb that extended over the arch of the captain's roof. A lone Vampire Thestral had been listening into their conversation intently. She releases her grip on the tree limb, righting herself midair and flapping her wings furiously, fighting the force of the constant barrage of the rain pulling her down. Her usually unnaturally fluffy fur didn't help her in that feat, her fluff absorbing the deluge like a sponge.
Eventually the combined forces of rain and the weight of water in her coat forced her to land. But she didn't stop, she couldn't stop. The lives of creatures where held in her hooves, she must report her find to Princess Luna!
On and on, she galloped as hard as her body would allow, only slowing to a jog occasionally to catch her breath. By now she was shivering violently in the cold of the rain.
"GRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAHHHHHH! I HATE RAAAAIIIIIN!!" She screams into the black swirling heavens above her.
===============================================
Wallaroo's / Mist Cougars F.O.B (Forward Operating Base)
The clearing was bathed in rich white moonlight. Painting the Small city of shrub camouflaged Canvas and nylon tents in an eerie white glow that reflected off everything.
The only souls moving around at this time? The sparse frequent patrols of three, moving, around the perimeter and inner 'Roads' between the fabric structures. The random sods currently stumbling around cross-legged between the tents looking for the bathroom truck that has been moved so many times today during setup, its current location was a mystery. And Lancer, Who sat on the front step of the Command Truck, Enjoying the peace of the cool night air.
As Lancer took another hearty gulp from his warm cup of Milo. The door behind him slid open, a long shadow spreading over the ground in front of him.
"You know the plan?" Johnna inquired as he joined Lancer on the grated step, His own cup of Coffee steaming in hand.
"Once i finish my Milo, and my sorry lot finish their first cooked meal that didn't spend the first twenty two months of its life in a plastic bag. 'Tan Tabbies' pack up and depart for the village spotted during an air patrol. Strictly recon." ...Another Hearty gulp...
"Yeup, Tats' De' plan" Johnna said in a dopey voice. Before sipping his coffee.
Lancer brings his industrial sized mug to his lips again, before taking it away and shaking his head, chuckling.
"Hmm? What's so funny?" Johnna asked cracking a smile.
"When my crew drove out of that fog bank we ended up breaking 90 road rules i'm pretty sure, before running out of gas in some poor bastards spring onion crop. By the end of our panicked spree we had driven through three fences accidentally stolen an empty chicken coup and destroyed a fair portion of some poor farmers livelihood. That field was apparently only a ten minute drive straight south to that village."
"It's a good thing you didn't go there. That village is on the tactical map, its fair game. Probably crawling with Snakes or Dragonborn." Johnna rebutted.
Lancer Scrunched up his face in thought, placing his cup on the step next to his right foot, before turning to face his friend.
"Thats What gets me Johnna. How could we be 'Magically' Teleported from the northern most sectors of the map to the southern most? It doesn't make sense! You know as well as i do that the combat area is over three hundred and fifty kilometers across!" Lancer began to raise his voice in frustration.
"I Dunno, but its best to not question it too far. We know where we are now. We just have to deal with it." The buff well tanned Samoan said into his mug, taking another sip.
Lancer stood up at that and began to walk over to his 'Lady' who was parked in a recess in the trees, just off to the side of the entrance into the clearing.
"Hey, Jay! You gonna finish your drink?" Johnna asked, before looking into Lancers abandoned mug. All that greeted him was the Remnants of a melted marshmallow.
Light Erupted from the Vehicle into the early morning mist as the turret hatch opened and Andrew popped out the top of the vehicle.
"Where is he? We're supposed to be gone already!" He exclaimed with a frustrated tone.
"Your saying something?" Lancer huffed whilst scaling the left side of the puma.
Andrew let a relived smile out over his broad square face.
"No sir. We're ready to leave!" Andrew reported with a raised professional soldiers voice.
Lancer slipped into his hatch like a caterpillar climbing back into its cocoon. before slamming the hatch shut he turned to face Andrew.
"You may want to button up so we can get going. don't look now. but you just re-woke the party." Lancer said quietly whilst pointing to the tents with his thumb.
Andrew followed his point before exclaiming a profanity and falling into his position slamming his hatch shut. Cooks from both teams, Not in the slightest appreciative of having their recently achieved sleep interrupted. Had taken up arms and were quietly charging at the Puma, Waving the Various implements of their profession.
As Jackie released the parking brake and the Puma began rolling down hill away from camp, so they could start the engine without waking everyone up. Lancer was Doubled over in his seat laughing up his lungs.
"That was the most Hilarious thing I've ever seen! They were trying to be so 'Threatening' waving their pans and knives and rolling pins and soup ladles through the air whilst quietly yelling and charging at us!"
An rather uneventful half hour drive later the Puma had pulled up and came to a stop behind a small empty hill that overlooked the town. Its significantly thickened foliage camouflage making it look like a rectangular bush from the air. But their parking was cleaver, so that only Lancers shoulders and head would protrude out form over the hill, to allow him the view he required for his recon. AND Allowing him to still have the protection of his Vehicle. Without give their position away.
With their checklist of 'To do's' Completed, the crew buttoned up their vehicle, and used their spare time to sleep. Before falling asleep a passing glance was afforded to the dashboard clock in front of lancer. Its glowing arms portrayed the time as 3:12AM
"... We need to rethink our sleeping patterns..." he mumbled to himself.
Chapter 7 - Schisse! Aufwachen! Aufwachen!
Author's Note
WARNING! This chapter contains 'Gore', As in Violent Descriptive Gore. If you are Squeamish or below age. Avert Thy Eyes now!
You have been warned!
Chapter 7 - Schisse! Aufwachen! Aufwachen!
==============
Wallaroo's F.O.B
Luna's moon still perched in the starry midnight blue sky. Its light making sneaking around a 'Royal pain' for the Royal Guard's ponies trying to get into position around the huge camp. Three ponies in particular, lay beneath a rose bush, peering out into the camp.
"There goes another one" The tan mare points with a fore hoof. "That makes another patrol, so in the past half hour there had been 16 patrols on this route." she said pointing to a crudely drawn map that was slapped together by two of her troops. "That means that after this next patrol, we have one minute and eight seconds to get from cover to cover into the camp." After a short pause she begins fidgeting, and Stryder notices her nervous twitch.
"Is there something wrong Swiftwind?" He asks with a raised eyebrow. To which the mare faces him and replies.
"Sir, we began this... Operation under the duress that these creatures were hostile and/or Animals . Yet they have manufactured goods, military structure, and they evidently speak Equestrian. This is-"
"You speak of INSUBORDINATION First Lieutenant. I Advise you tread cautiously, less your livelihood be put on the line. How would you provide for your foals?"
"Sir! We don't know what their equipment is! The only weapons i recognize on their patrols are knives. If those long poles they carry around with them are their weapons i shudder to think what their capable of based on the privates report. And thats just for starters! Look around their camp! There are metal vehicles, or at least i assume their vehicles, EVERYWHERE . And they all have far larger versions of their soldiers poles build into them! I don't know what they are, but they look Very sturdy-"
"Know your place First Lieutenant Rosewood! You will follow your superior officers orders, To. The. Letter!" Captain Stryder hissed.
They both ducked as another patrol passed by, two of the creatures were dispensing banter with each other loud enough to hear.
"Sooo! Our little 'Jassie' has finally gone n' knocked up his wife Eh? About time. You two've only been together for like four years!" Both laughed, whilst the patrols third wheel turned away slightly blushing newer shades of red by the second.
"Sh-Shutup you cunt!" Their friend practically yells out. "You have no proof we did anything!" He growls.
"Oh i don't do i?" One squaddie said breaking into a smirk. "Well i heard you both knockin' headboards last night. pretty smooth move mate, starting with a massage and moving onto-"
"SHADDAP!" The now profusely red third yelled loud enough for even the crickets to go silent.
By this point some of the guards behind the bush had started chuckling to themselves at the weird creatures expense. The patrol continued on silently for a bit before the two started talking between themselves again.
"See! They are not only smart enough to manufacture goods, and have a military, but they are social creatures!" Rosewood hissed before taking a back-hoof to the face. All the guards behind Stryder and Rosewood instantly fell silent.
"FOLLOW. YOUR. ORDERS! Or i'll personally see to it that you 'Say hello your heritage'" The captain growled so silently into Rosewoods ear, only she heard him. "I. Have NOT. Worked this hard. For this long. To have the grandest moment of my career and possibly my familys history, Destroyed by some, Griffon loving Whore and her Abomination of a family!" He silently yelled into her ear.
Rosewood shot him a glare that was make a dragon end itself. Before growling ferally through grit teeth.
"You know what captain. You can take your operation and sit on it. hopefully it'll be large enough to replace the Stick stuck up your tail hole! . You may have the power of Rank . But i have the power of one hundred twelve Brave stallions and mares who'd lay their lives down to protect the ponies they love! And i will ensure to it that they not be remembered as the ones who plunged their nation into war, Because of Some ARROGANT, POMPOUS, IGNORANT, Court fool Blowing smoke up his arse! Good Morning to you. Captain! Mouth gets tired!" She huffed indignantly whilst turning her back to the slack jawed Irate Captain who was still hissing profanity's and orders from under his bush.
First lieutenant Rosewood Proceeded to usher her stunned detachment of the 3rd Pegasai, uneventfully, back to Ponyville.
=============================
Royal Chariot, En-route to Ponyville
The royal chariot streaked across the midnight blue, starry night sky. Its polished gold leafing shining in the white glow of Luna's moon for a rare change.
"You've never seen such carnage dear sister!" Luna mumbled, abstract from the current surroundings. "These creatures, While it is true that they are Intelligent. There certainly is no denying that. But for all their Genius, they are Cursed with the blight of eternal war!" Luna mumbled whilst turning to look her concerned older sister in the eyes.
Princess Celestia spoke up finally. "Luna, are you Sure that you haven't made a misunderstanding of their disposition?" She inquired in all seriousness.
"That's nigh a possibility Dear sister. There were complicated diplomatic and political issues that caused said wars. However that doesn't negate the fact that. Their species has been at war since its infancy. What is of great concern, if their methods of war..." Luna shuddered at that vision. Celestia was becoming ever more concerned the more Luna revealed about these creatures that now trod upon their nations lands. "Great Atrocities... Indiscriminate killings... Torture... I've seen Their peoples terrifying Technological marvels and weapons of war... Machines that are nigh indestructible to their common soldiers, Weapons that throw metal balls hundreds and even thousands of feet to kill their enemies... Airships that far surpass any of our own, or any in the world in both Range, Agility, and Speed... I've seen the metal cylinders as large as you and i dropped from said airships over their towns and city's, on their army's and civilians alike... and the sheer gruesome destruction hence caused... One weapon in particular chills me to the bone... A Metal cylinder larger than your throne dear sister... One nation dropped it upon one of their enemies city... The blast from this weapon, reduced the city and its citizens to dust, the fires of Tartarus that burst forth like a rising mushroom incinerated all, beit building or creature. A city twice the size of Canterlot... Reduced to ash and molten stone instantly, and its people burned, dead or dyeing... slowly... painfully..." Luna began shivering at the sheer mass death and destruction she bore witness too in the Humans dreams, before the warmth of celestia's wing wrapping over her midnight coat comforted her.
"It's okay dear sister, we Shan't let that happen to 'our little ponies!" She explained with the same sheer, motherly authority she has had for over a thousand years.
It was then that a near blinding flash of light illuminated the sky behind the chariot, causing the sisters to turn around. A Column of midnight blue light with a yellow glowing aura pierced the sky and continued into the heavens, its emanating power parting the clouds in its immediate area. Celestia ordered the pulling team to circle around and double back to the lights source. Upon landing the sight that greeted them was truly shocking to say the least...
A lone Vampire Thestral, laid upon the ground, unconscious before them. Luna's gasp rasping through the air as she practically leaped over her taller, older sibling to the guards side. The princess of the night held her ear to the barrel of the damp, cold, un-moving mass of matted mud-plastered fluff lying in the thick mud. Relief washed over her expression as she heard a faint slow heartbeat.
"Oh, Thank goodness... Shes Alive..." The Princess said with a heavy sigh as she nearly collapsed in the mud.
"Why is this pony from your guard nearly dead in the mud Luna!" The princess of the day demanded softly as she used her magic to levitate the unconscious form into their chariot.
"I Heard that Twilight had summoned captain Styder to assist her in defending Ponyville from the creatures that we spoke of during our last meeting in the Ponyville library." Celestia Grimaced at that. "I sent Radiant Eclipse here to keep tabs on him-" It was then that Luna noticed words gouged out in the mud, words that bore the young officers pristine calligraphy.
'Dear Princess Luna! Please! Look into my memories! The matter is of Dire Urgency and requires your IMMEDIATE intervention!
Following the Advice of the text left from her Youngest and Brightest Officer, and dear friend. Luna lit her horn before gently touching it to the Thestral's forehead.
"Tis as i feared Sister... The Pompous Court Fool has laid down plans for an Attack against the 'Humans'. Said plans are probably being carried out as we speak!" The Princess said through a glare.
"Let us hope not. For if what you've told me is true... Tell of the Humans most certain course of action..."
The Princesses continued using regenerative magic on the out cold Thestral, to heal the damage done by both hypothermia, and Extreme magic exhaustion...
Celestia kneeled next to the un-moving mass of mud-plastered fur on the floor using her magic to heal the poor soul, her younger sister sitting opposite to her using her magic to remove the masses of wet mud and clay from her guards coat and fur.
"She poured so much of herself into that spell, that she nearly Killed herself using that Soul flare..." Celestia remarked.
Luna looked up from cleaning her friends coat. "I know Tia... I Don't know whether to be Angry for her Risking her life like that... or... Proud for her putting herself on the line for what she knew was right... Whatever the outcome i come to, Shes certainly getting a promotion." Luna said through the warm motherly smile both her and Celestia shared.
By this time the Pulling team were grunting with the growing strain of each flap of their wings, the Royal chariot was Blitzing through Luna's sky so fast that contrails were forming off the edges of it. Both sisters praying that they make it in time to stop the attack, Before irreparable damage was done...
After a few minutes had passed the captain had seemed to regain his composure enough to proceed with his planned operation. If not now largely understaffed for such a battle...
"Go!" He quietly ordered his troops. However a previously unforeseen patrol that had unofficially began its rounds a few minutes early spotted the heavily armed and armoured guards moving from the bushes and across the six meter gap between the shrubs and the tents in the clearing. However...
Before any of the three Humans could Yell out or for that matter even raise their weapons, they were met with the lightning fast response of the guards. Two of the humans, a short eighteen year old in forest camouflage. As well as a Tall thin twenty two year old women in her pajamas wearing her ballistic vest. Fell immediately to the earth after the barrage of crossbow bolts. The teen laid face down with an arrow protruding from his neck at an awkward angle, Alive, but barely... And the woman fell onto her back, an arrow sticking out of the center right of her chest.
The last Squaddie stood tall and proud, if not wobbly. With three bolts Sticking out of his chest and one in his abdomen. His tall muscular figure sharply responded to his dulling minds commands, raising his Lee Enfield .303 rifle to his shoulder. Captain Styder froze in fear upon seeing the huge masculine form of the six foot eight' man as well as Australian's glare through his gun sight that bored a hole into his soul. However the Aussie would fall before getting his shot off, when one of the guards used 'Razor wind'. The resulting spell nearly cutting the man in half, his form collapsing from the mist of crimson to the ground, the two half's of his rifle following shortly after.
The captain looked on in disgust at the effects of his Privates Razor wind on the strange creature before him. He changed for several shades of green upon seeing the creature dead, with its innards spreading out across the rapidly blood soaked ground. The smell of Iron in the air alone was enough to make a guard loose his lunch. The Captains attention averted upon his noticing movement in his peripheral vision.
Turning to the left he saw the woman and rolled onto her stomach, and was crawling, hand over hand. To her short counterpart.
"Stop it! NOW!" He hissed quietly at his guards, who immediately leaped into action, by now she had pulled herself upright over her fallen comrade and pulled a contraption from one of the many pockets in his vest. She pointed it at the captain, causing all the guards to freeze. The captain shivered perfusely as, for the second time in the last twenty seconds, he found himself being the recipient of a feral glare of pure rage and hatred.
Staring down the fights of her weapon the Sergeant stammers out two words filled with every last ounce of energy she had left, and every drop of hatred she had in her... "fffFF-UCK! ... YOU!" She growled with a primal rage that made many of the ponies coats stand on end. Before she pointed the weapon into the air above her, pulling the trigger.
-= POMPF =-
Before the loosing conciousness the sergeant looked upon her handy work with blurring eyes. Laughing loudly in triumph
The ponies looked at one another in shock, before the captain realized her ploy. But alas, it was too late. Before he could stutter out a word the Rumbling growl of an engine could be heard on the other side of the camp faintly. Before a ghoulish wail filled the air.
)(=45 seconds start=)(
The sound so loud the ponies muscles tensed, preventing them from fleeing, and causing those who'd still been flying to fall from the sky into a tensed up heap. They couldn't hear anything other than the shrill ghoulish howl over the camp. But they certainly felt the stampede of feet begin hitting the ground and running around the camp.
A Hundred more creatures appeared from the tents and began running around, each creature hurriedly pulling their armour over their pajamas. As well as some of those 'Always ready types' running out in full gear, having own multiple pairs of armour and clothes, thus allowing them to be in a pair at all times.
The captain realized and mentally cursed himself as he had not only doomed himself but those under his command. Once the siren stopped three minutes later they were quickly found, but their muscles where tensed for so long they'd all been crippled with paralyzingly painful cramps and muscle spasms.
Once the Humans noticed the fallen patrol several medics came rushing to their aid. Whilst the combined death stares of over 318 Apex predators made the guard ponies skin crawl...
======================================
Mist Cougars C.O.B (Central. Operating. Base)
A flag flapped and snapped in the strong northerly winds. Its jet black colouring only broken by the image of a thick grey fog, with a white cougars skull wearing an officers crush-cap, roaring whilst an iron cross hangs from its neck.
The only sound of the morning being that of snapping canvas from the flapping flag, clinging proudly to the eighteen foot high flagpole. That was... Until the not so faint ghostly howl of a Chrysler siren howled its way into the crisp morning.
All the guards in the prefab watchtowers stared at each other in confusion, initially thinking the siren was they'res. Those guards who turned on their towers one thousand watt searchlights, probed the sky and the 'HESCO bastion' fence line. A guard in one of the six towers around the Mist cougars C.O.B had noticed movement, and shone his light in between the Huge canvas tents being used as makeshift hangars for their JU-87 Stuka Dive bombers.
The light turned the night around the hangars into midday. At the same time the other watchtowers caught the hint and shone their lights onto the hangar tents. The Watchtower opposite the canvas mountains noticed shadows moving around inside, and the sergeant inside the tower checked his roster. And came to a sickening realization.
Picking up his microphone, and plugging it into the bases intercom, he yells in German to the whole base.
With the first word an officer in the prefab HQ building tripped the bases air raid siren, and it began its shrill whine.
)(= 20 seconds start =)(
Almost immediately People began filling out of their respective barracks, some in professional orderly double file, fully geared up and armed. Others stumbling and falling out of the front door into a mess with their comrades leaping or falling over them in the door frame.
However in one barrack, gunshots were heard, Lots of gunshots. It sounded like someone was hip firing their FG-42 Machine rifle. And in two barrack buildings not a light blazed to life, nor curtain shift.
The sergeant yelled his native language into the microphone
And with that a squad of four grenadiers kicked the front door to barrack four in and paused for a moment, before charging into the 'Debauchery of a call to arms' MP-40 machine pistols blazing. Whilst a stray mechanic running to his hangar quickly adjusted course for barrack two as well as an orderly.The officer Kicked the door to barrack three off its hinges. His red faced furious shouting cut off almost immediately with his body tensing up, meanwhile the mechanic sprinted to the decking hand railing, and coughed up his breakfast.
The team leader called over the bases intercom with great concern taking root in his voice. The officer vaulted over the railing and sprinted to the barrack the mechanic had checked. Before standing weakly upright in a respectful stance. Placing his left arm behind his back and removing his crush-cap, placing it over his heart.
The Orderly after five seconds of holding this posture removed his 'walkie talkie' from his Midnight blue, red trimmed trench coat pocket and said the words that made the base freeze, all except for those in barrack four. Whom sounded like they were having a wrestling match worthy enough of utilizing the furniture.
"...They're... All dead... ... Errik, Their all dead sir! Slain in their beds!" He said before abruptly cutting off the transmission into the bases intercom, falling to knees and doubling over with his head in his hands.
The base was still and silent. The tension and sorrow solidifying the air. All before eight blood and oil stained pegasai burst forth from the hangar, three mechanics in hot pursuit throwing socket wrenches and spanners after them. Six more practically red bloodied pegasai burst forth from the open windows of barrack four. Some still sliding the crimson stained blades into their scabbards. Then, like someone flicked a switch...
The permeable sorrow that had filled air, in a flash was replaced with that of a primal fury. Orders where spat from orderly's and officers, to which the bases occupants growled and grunted back their words of compliance. The air was filled with orders and yelling, The retreating panicked pegasai felt the Primal. Feral. Malice behind and dripping off of each word, and instantly knew they'd bought about the wrath of an enemy that would now thirst for the most savage of revenge.
All across the base Anti-air guns were rapidly being forced skyward, their crews thirsting for the blood of those that had killed their best friends in their sleep. 'The rule book for the sport was at that moment, thrown out a window, trampled upon, drove over by a PanzerIV then set alight' . The quad 20mm cannons of no less than seven Wirblewind Anti-air tanks. Filled the air with near continuous cracks of thunder. Shortly after, the quad 20mm fixed Positions around the base, all eighteen of them filled the air with their orchestra of Chaos. The last guns to join the party where the six 88mm Flak guns that the team had managed to setup before heading to bed. Their cracks of sound making the air shake violently, whilst their immense recoil sent them sliding backwards across the ground.
Whilst the pegasai had been able to escape the humans easily enough, they however, couldn't outrun the hailstorm of 20mm rounds that furiously hissed and buzzed past them. Two pegasai where hit several times, the force of the impacts hitting their wings breaking them, sending them tumbling several hundred feet to their deaths in the forest below. And one unfortunate soul was unlucky enough to be hit by an 88' round. The force of the impact hitting her flank caused her own armour to kill her as well as breaking her back, her limp body falling from the huge mist of crimson paint and blood to the ground below.
The guards that cheated death flew back to Ponyville as fast as their wings would carry them. Upon landing they were greeted by the towns ponies who'd been woken by the blood chilling howls of both bases sirens, as well as the Mist cougars Anti air guns going berserk. The ponies that had encircled the remaining pegasai who'd escaped the doomed operation, parted ways to let the Four princesses through. Celestia's expression made her look as if she'd kill any survivors herself, Luna glared at them, as if her pure blood boiling hatred alone could melt them down to nothing. Twilight looked both disgusted and betrayed. And Cadence... Upon spotting the dried flaking blood peeling and being carried off the ponies before her by the now lazy wind. Only Grimaced and turned away from them, tearing up and sobbing as she did so.
Celestia steps forward. "I Congratulate you all" She says sarcastically through her glare "You've not only slaughtered Innocent civilians." At this the 'Survivors' looked up and into her piercing gaze, mortified at what they'd just heard their leader say. "-But you've Also Started a war with a people initially looking for peace..." She said calmly, However the guards were cringing and bracing themselves for what they knew was coming...
Celestia calmly walks over to them. Her unicorn and earth pony Guards marching past her and surrounding the survivors, whilst her Pegasai and Luna's Thestrals Hovered above them. Their Spears and Halberds at the ready, preventing any escape by air. Celestia stopped in front of a Sergeant, before glaring a glare down her nose at him, that would bring a life times back luck should she be in the vicinity of a mirror store.
The Princess inhaled deeply before snapping herself to eye level with the Traitors face and yelling. "AS WELL AS PUTTING EVERYONE IN YOUR CARE AT RISK! DO YOU HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE GRAVITY OF OUR SITUATION?! YOU'VE JUST DECLARED WAR AGAINST THE HUMANS!" She bit her tongue and stood upright once more inhaling and exhaling deeply, mentally counting in a rapidly failing attempt to calm herself down. meanwhile the now Thoroughly terrified blood stained guards ponies, shrank so low to the cobblestones that they may be at risk of disappearing. It was Luna's turn to scold then next.
"Doest thou know the great terrors they've bought upon they around them?" She asked through grit teeth, her eyes closed. Once she opened them she saw the cowering ponies nodding like bobble heads. "I Assure thee, The horrors thy hast seen. Are but the beginning..." The survivors clenched their eyes shut.
Twilight stepped forward now. She opened and closed her mouth several times, stumbling over her words for a few seconds before breathing a ragged breath. "I- I Don't know whether to be Ashamed. Disgusted. Or Appalled by the actions of you and your comrades this morning. And once more,-" She said leaning into the sergeants personal space. "-You. Lied. To. Me." She punctuated each word, causing the survivors to whimper under each word. "You withheld VITAL INFORMATION! And proceeded to SLAUGHTER The INNOCENT, Because you Never had the independence to say. No." The normally grey now oxide red patched guard, held his ears flat against his head, keeping his eyes clenched shut.
Cadence looked at the disgraced ponies before her, before shaking her head side to side as if denying the information being told. "why?..." She whimpered quietly.
Princess Celestia opened her eyes once more, having reached the count of 86 and calming enough to not use the royal Canterlot voice. She announces her next words with all of her authority, and personal restraint. "You are all a Disgrace to the Equestrian Royal Guard." The survivors eyes snap open before looking up in shock.
"Thee have proven most unworthy to don such armour, and carry thy sword." Luna says with disgust. The disgraced shake they're heads pleadingly knowing what is to become of them.
"You have shown a complete disregard of our Laws. And Virtues..." Twilight said with sadness. Holding back tears of her own. They're eyes tear up and they want to scream no! but their voices cant find their mouths.
Cadence stepped forward before saying with a shaking voice. "You've proven yourselves, most inept, and un-dutiful to the post entrusted to you. Your entire regiment has committed but so far are not limited to the crimes of: Dereliction of Duty. Murder. Falsification of Royal documents. Insubordination. Unlawful bearing of arms. and endangering those under your protection..." Cadence says through tears. "How do you plead?" The disgraced sergeant remains silent tears streaming freely down his cheeks. "HOW. Do you plead?" Cadence pressures again through a sob.
The Sergeant realizing the inevitable fate of both he and his regiment, feeling the full weight of his actions come crashing down, crushing him beneath his guilt. Responds by yelling with a soldiers professionalism. "GUILTY. OF ALL COUNTS PRINCESS!" To which Cadence begins openly crying once more. Twilight breaks eye contact with the 'Disgraced' there and then. Both princess Luna and Celestia unfazed by this admission to guilt, render punishment.
Celestia lights her horn. With that, the bloodied armour of the survivors is removed. And turns to ash, before its released from her magic and wisps away on the breeze.
Next Luna's Might night blue Aura envelops the traitors weapons, pulling them free of their stained scabbards and floating them by her side. The swords and lone crossbow burst into flame. Before morphing into pale blue metal ingots.
Twilight speaks up with great astonishment. "That's Mythril!" Before Luna replies with.
"Yes, it is. The metal from the Disgraced weapons has been transmuted into mythril. and shall be reforged into the weapons of those whom are deemed heroes." The princess of the night announces without breaking neither glare nor posture.
Both sisters spoke at the same time, the words they hoped they'd never had to speak again. "Thee have proven thy selves Unworthy. Of Armour and Sword. Thy feet shall be stayed in times of need, Thy title Stripped. Thy name redacted from all Royal documents. For thee hast smitten the innocent, and Disgraced thy name."
With that the now naked bloodstained ponies were shackled and flanked by earth ponies on a disgrace march back to Canterlot.
The princesses watch until the parade of shame had roamed over the horizon. The towns ponies dispersed, heads hung with dispair. How how their own could commit such atrocities? All where in mourning of those 'Humans' who had lost their friends and family...
Cadence dragged her hooves as she slowly trod into Twilight's castle, the lavender unicorn following her. Princess Luna and Celestia both stood there for a while longer before tears began to slip from their eyes. A tear falls from Luna as she sobs quietly. A lone Poppy flower grows when the tear hits the ground.
Celestia embraces her younger sister, Her sobs turning into full blown tears of sorrow and pain. "H-How, Sister?.. Ho-w could- they -D-do This..." she chokes on a sob before coughing into her sisters coat, and returning to crying.
Celestia cringes closing her eyes before her own pained sobs join her sisters. As they both sat in the now empty street, Quietly crying. The towns ponies having returned to bed.
Before too long though Celestia freezes, before shooting bolt upright and staring off into space toward a hill on the horizon. Luna notices this and asks.
"What is wrong, Tia?" Her sister continues staring at the hill, before telling Luna to use 'Enhanced sight'. to which Luna humors her sister, lighting her horn her vision clears up substantially, and sharpens to the point she can see the slightest grain of sand on the cobblestones before her. Luna directs her now purple glowing eyes to where her big sisters looking. Her blood curdles...
Staring right back at her. Is a Human, Watching the town from just over a hill...
Chapter 8 - Reprisal- INCOMING!
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. View Online
Chapter 9 - All is not fine on the eastern front...
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North Ponyville
Four Alicorns soar through the air with the grace of runaway trains. Their vision locked on the hill just outside of north-east Ponyville.
"Can you see them?" Twilight yells over the rushing wind in her ears. Cadence shakes her head, now wearing a panicked expression. Luna and Celestia didn't notice the question, and in fact. Began outrunning Cadence and Twilight. Their larger frames and larger wings having more muscle, allowed them far a greater top speed. The Solar and Lunar princesses began a fairly steep dive, With one last flap of their wings the two sisters pinned their wings against their flanks, Picking up an alarming amount of speed in the dive.
Twilight beckoned Cadence to follow her, and followed the two sisters in the hell dive. Twilight extended her wings again with great difficulty due to drag, and began gliding towards the ground.
Upon their arrival back to terra firma, they found the scene from a horror tale. A Creature, Presumably the 'Human' was standing half out of the top of a huge metal... something, Probably a vehicle. The captain was held against its chest, facing us. The Humans Right arm was across Captain Stardust's neck, a Very sharp knife held against the left side of the captains throat. The blades edge was pressed against the petrified captains neck, and glinting menacingly in Celestia's sunlight. Held against Stardust with just enough pressure to shave strands of fur from the left side of his neck with every Ragged. Slow. Clearly distressed breath the Human drew. The captains two fellow soldiers lay on the ground either side of the vehicles massive wheels bleeding from deep gashes on their legs and barrels.
Cadence gasped and slowly, cautiously, moved to help them. A Previously unseen human showed himself from behind the vehicle, Pointing a short pipe, that it held at its eye level in one hand at the pink princess. Cadence ceased her slow advance, The second humans glare was sending shivers up and down Twilight's spine, it was full of so much malice.
"Thats far enough beastie." The second human mumbled calmly. It was this human that gave the Princesses, their first full body view of them. Most of this humans form was hidden under various clothing. Thick brown leather boots, Black socks, Khaki Shorts, Black T-shirt, a Thick vest with a myriad of pockets and pouches and finally a metal helmet that would offer little protection from swords, or any weapons for that matter... The helmet protected the back of his neck, which was covered to the nape, his ears, the back and top of his head but the front of it was only covered with a piece of mirror finish reflective blue glass that completely hid his face from view.
From this view, Twilight could gather that the Humans appeared to be Primarily Bipedal in nature. And they are Really tall, This second human challenged the height of Celestia! Their Muscular structure was quite intriguing. Heavy muscle growth around the legs, quite possibly to hold up the rest of their body... Speaking of which, Wide torso with a thin cross-section, Most of the visible muscle on the creatures torso was concentrated around the shoulders and forward upper torso area. Long arms that are built thicker towards the torso and thin out into the joint before its hands.
'So, These creatures are build for lifting and manipulating with objects no more or slightly heavier than their own weight. Bipedal-ism gives them superior endurance and agility, whilst their five fingered hands allow them to interact with their environment precisely. Their head, its the same size as a ponies minus a muzzle, Interesting... Whilst i doubt they'd have earth pony strength, finding yourself on the receiving end of a melee from these creatures would really ruin your day... And with four legs ponies will have greater speed and acceleration... No visible horns or wings for that matter, so they cant fly, and possibly cant use magic. Agility, Endurance, Advanced environment manipulation and intelligence... Truly a force to be reckoned with.
The human held his hostage in just the right position to restrict his movement. The Alien creature drew slow, shaking, deliberate intakes of air, his shoulders raising and lowering with each breath. Without breaking eye contact with the group, the human addressed his counterpart.
"Jackie. Don't worry about the Pink one... Skip filling the Jerry cans, and just run the line into the primary tank." The human said slowly and cautiously.
The second human, 'Jackie', looked about to protest his orders, but simply nodded and bent his right arm at the elbow. Pointing the pipe it held strangely into the air, before stepping backwards until he was out of sight behind the vehicle.
"Release the captain and no harm shall come to you." Princess Celestia said with steeled determination. Luna was standing next to her older sister with the same mask of neutral determination as her sister.
"Firstly." The human growled in fluent Equestrian. His tone proving Twilight's theory of him being stressed. "You're answering my Questions, then letting me and my crew leave. Before we pass the treeline, I'll release the good captain."
"We'll gladly answer any questions but you must release the captain first.-"
"Fuck no! I've heard of the handy work your kind are capable of." The human spat back at Celestia with venom, Causing the solar princess to flinch. And Luna to glare.
"D-Do-nt you D-are Talk to Princess Cele-stia-" Without moving the human glanced down as the captain tilted his head up slowly to glare back into his eyes. "-Like That!" The Human Tightened his grip on the handle of his blade and just grunted dismissively, quickly looking back to the other ponies quickly.
Cadence spoke up from where she stood. "I'm going to bring our wounded guards over to our group so i can treat them..." she said slowly and clearly, lighting her horn. The human from behind the Vehicle returned to pointing his pipe at the Princess of love. Cadence, undeterred, levitated the unconscious forms of the wounded guards ponies over to the main group and began tending to their wounds.
"If you must know. Captain Stryder acted upon his own accord. He was neither hinted nor ordered to attack your Ponies-" Luna was cut off by the Human who took on a glare that could cut through stone.
"DON'T. YOU. DARE. Compare MY People to YOUR Animals!" He growled with a savage rumble in his voice.
"Sa-vage-" Stardust began to say through the humans tight grip. He cut off his next string of words when his captor pressed the blade tighter against his neck. The captains skin, was now dangerously taught under the blades edge. The human began slowing his breathing.
It was then that Twilight notice Luna's eyes shift ever so slightly to the right and down. The Lunar princess then flicked her right ear up and down. Before returning her gaze to the human, or rather his weapon.
"Continue. Before you get two captains back." His tone of voice was steadily becoming more hostile with each minute that dragged on. Luna hurriedly continued to explain her points.
"-His only orders were to defend the Ponies of Ponyville. If you don't believe me, my lieutenant was spying on Stryder the night before the attack upon you, She nearly killed herself to get a message to my sister and I. Her message Alerted us, it allowed us to make haste and Arrive before the planned reinforcements could deploy themselves. She's your 'Peoples' Savior."
Luna responded whilst concentrating on the knife.
"Bullshit. Shes YOUR Peoples savior, if those Pegasai had come within a Kilometer of our camp, they would of been dealt with swiftly!" The sheer certainty in his voice made Twilight's blood chill. "And anyway, If thats true. And your not trying to kill us. Then why'd 'Captain Crunch' here and his 'Bastard Animals' Threaten to kill me and my crew if we didn't comply. Like at the mere mention of danger we'd cave in and surrender like Spineless Cowards. How can i trust you? What proof do i have that you wont kill us?
With little warning, Jackie's sudden yell was cut off by a loud 'gurk', followed by a loud metallic Thud was heard from behind the vehicle. At the exact same time. Twilight watched the muscles in the humans arm tense and the blade bit into the captains neck drawing the slightest blood. Before she could scream 'NO' however, she saw the weapon and the humans hand be encased in a Midnight blue aura. The human fought the force of Luna trying to pull his knife and hand away from the captains neck, but after a second the human did something surprising.
Using his free arm the human shunted the captain so hard he flew face first towards Luna. The Princess of the night caught the captain with her magic, And recognized her mistake immediately, to her horror saw the human quickly spin recently freed knife in his fingers, adjusting them until he gripped the spine of the blade. He drew his right arm back quickly to throw the weapon at the Wide eyed Princess, but abruptly stopped and spun around, throwing the blade over the back of the vehicle.
A Pained yell echoed across the top of the hill, and over the plains around it. A yell that made Twilight's world stop. Twilight's eyes locked onto the orange and yellow blur that was now falling sideways off the top rear of the vehicle. Using her magic faster that she thought she was capable of. She caught Applejack mid-fall, at the same moment Princess Celestia's expression changed from one of shock to pure anger. The solar princesses horn flared and the humans form was slammed into and pinned to the roof of the vehicle, Luna leaped into the air and immediately used 'Respite'. Respite is a spell that instantaneously numbs all of a creatures senses and forces them into a restful sleep, its often used as a light anesthetic or as an alternative to medicinal painkillers.
The humans body went limp immediately, he was out-cold so fast his eyes didn't even close. Which was concerning, that means that Luna may have overdone it.
With the threat now over, Twilight -Telipoofed- away for a few seconds... Before -Telipoofing- back with nurse Redheart, who gasped upon seeing the wounded unconscious Applejack with a knife handle sticking out of the front of her barrel, being treated by Cadence.
After twenty stressful minutes nurse Redheart sat up with a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from her brow. A tightly and thoroughly bandaged Applejack lay on the grass breathing calmly in sleep.
"She'll live, but she wont be working for several months-" Twilight cut the nurse off with...
"Several months?! She's not going to do that! She was working her farm when she had a fever!
"Well then i'd tell her about how she's the luckiest mare on the planet right now. That knife's blade, went all the way to the hilt in her barrel. And didn't so much as nick a single major blood vessel or organ! See to it that she doesn't work. If she tears those stitches open, then i'm going to have to keep her in a hospital bed for a month and a half to allow the additional work closing that wound to heal!" Before Twilight could fire a verbal counter-battery the nurse turned and leaved for Ponyville again.
The bloodied knife had laid abandoned on the grass for the last seventeen minutes, but it now found itself being held in Lavender magic and wiped on the grass. Then on the receiving end of a thoughtful, analytical stare that would make a Manticore nervous. Twilight obsessed over the knifes inefficient design for combat.
Such a large handle allowed for a human hand to grasp it firmly without fear of it slipping out of hand, but such a short blade made it an inferior weapon in comparison to a sword or even a parrying dagger... It was then that Twilight had an idea, using her magic she lifted the blade into the air.
Luna saw this and responded quickly with a worried rushed voice. "Careful Princess sparkle!"
Twilight sat down on the grass and outstretched a foreleg. She rested the knife sideways on her foreleg, letting her magic dissipate until gravity started pulling the knife what ever direction it deemed fit. After several attempts Twilight got the answer she was looking for.
"So thats your purpose... I Don't know whether thats genius or insidious..." Twilight mumbled to herself whilst glaring thoughtfully at the weapon on her foreleg.
"What have you found Dear Twilight?" Celestia asked as she walked over and sat down next to her former student.
"The balance of this knife... Is in the center of the tang. That being the top of the handle and bottom of the blade. This knife is designed to be thrown!" Celestia looked puzzled at such an off design choice, whilst Luna scoffed and replied with.
"What a useless idea. Once you throw it you have no weapon. And to make it throwable they had to make the blade to shorts its useless..." Twilight levitated the weapon back into the air and retorted with.
"Its possible this knife isn't meant to be used as a primary weapon. Remember the other humans pipe thing? It seemed pretty confident that it would stop Cadence..." Twilight then noticed a small switch on the spine of the blade, just in front of the handle, using her magic she pushed it in all directions till it slid backwards and the spring loaded blade folded itself down into the handle. "Fascinating. By folding the blade into the handle you don't require a scabbard or sheath to store it safely, and its only half the size. Saving weight and space! These humans make interesting design choices..."
Twilight then turned to the Huge metal vehicle that stood proudly to her left. She walked over and lit her horn, but something was amiss... She lit her horn again and strained, pouring more and more of herself into the simple spell.
"Whats wrong Twilight?" Cadence asked. Confused.
"I- Dont know... Its just a simple telekinesis spell, but it wont work on this thing!" Twilight struggled again to use her magic to open the drivers hatch, but it was in vain. After her most intensive efforts left her panting, she was only rewarded by the hatch shaking slightly.
"What is wrong with this thing?" Twilight groaned in exhaustion.
"A more pressing question is what do we do with it, if we leave it here more humans may come and get it. But if we plan to move it, How are we going to move it?" Cadence thinks out aloud.
Luna and Celestia look at each other before both grinning...
Chapter 10 - Any means Necessary!
============
Meanwhile...
The Normal, warm summers day, was quickly ripped from the various animals of the forest. Two steel monsters sped their way through the forest at never before seen speeds. Their high pitched whines instilled terror in the various animals of the forest.
The metal Trio had been reduced to a Duo, when Alex Murchov, the driver of 'Baby snatcher 3' forgot to declutch when he jumped the river, and promptly ripped the gearbox out the bottom of the armoured car on landing. His reward for his stupidity? A forty eight hour stay in the three star 'Motel De Medical Half-track No.2'. And his mechanics will most likely send him back to that bed once hes released, if Johnna doesn't first. Johnna had just got through with warning everyone that we may not be on Earth anymore, and we may not have spare parts ever again. That being said. Everyone had been taking the recent events surprisingly in stride. just milling about their daily tasks and chores...
No obstacle live or dead stopped their charge through the forest, not even the river stopped them, as the metal beats just jumped over the band of water. Their rampage continued to the very visible border of the forest their current base was in, this being the difference in colour or rather the tone between the bark on the trees and the grass itself. This colour difference stretched along the entire treeline, on one side, the colours were more brighter and vivid, and the other, more natural... darker and gloomy muted colours.
They slowed down after the treeline but only enough to allow them to turn onto the soon to be appearing road. But something was wrong, where was the road? Had they drifted off course whilst dodging and weaving through the trees? It was certainly possible, At the speeds they were hitting and with the way that forest looks the same from whatever angle you look at it...
The human in the lead vehicle sat back down in her seat, reaching for her radios microphone. She'd never get past.
"Hey! Wheres the road Rabbit-" Her question was cut off abruptly, by the sickening butterflies of falling. That was right before the familiar feeling of being slammed back down into her seat hit her, The Daimler Dingo is a light weight vehicle, and its engine and decent transmission allow it a fair rate of speed. So the crews of Dingoes are familiar with going to bed battered and bruised, its really in the job description... 'Sitting in a cramped space going at crazy speeds '... Only this time, it brought the not too familiar feeling of flying forward and into the front of her station. With a loud metallic crack her forehead slams into the front of the radio.
After recovering from her short blackout, her vision was blurring and swimming from left to right. She realized she was being shook by her driver and boyfriend, Luke. His skin was really tan, that and his big wide nose and dirty brown coloured hair, gave away his native Australian Aboriginal Heritage. His muffled voice was finally reaching her ears and clearing up slowly...
"Eliza! Eliza! You all right love?!" Luke's Girlfriend simply looked back into his eyes blankly for a few seconds, before her senses began to recover enough for her to realize they weren't moving. Confused. Eliza asks why they are not still moving, and was about to ask, more importantly why'd he slam the brakes on so hard?
But she stopped after the first groaned question, when the sound of gurgling water bored its way through the temporary cotton in her ears and into her head.
"Wait, are we back at the stream?" She asked getting annoyed.
"Nope, its a second one. Bastard appeared out of nowhere. Clarkson's gone the long way downstream to find a way to wade his car across it." Luke reported.
"Well. Crap. We cant just sit here! Is the tranny alright? Or are we equal parts as fucked as my mood is leaning right now?" Eliza groaned through her developing headache.
"The moment i noticed how far the drop was i declutched, so yes, the transmission and gearbox are fine. We can leave on your beckon honey." Luke details.
"Then lets go. You said Clarkson and Rabbit went downstream? Then lets follow them."
"Your the commander 'Missus boss'!" The Aboriginal teen threw out her nickname in his native accent in a joking manner, which made Eliza smile. That smile became contagious before they both broke out into hearty laughter.
As they made their way to the other side of the stream and turned left to follow the current, Eliza looked to her left and went wide eyed. She saw the cliff they'd come off, it was at least a ten foot drop into the knee deep river below. She silently mouthed 'Fuck. Me...' To herself in disbelief as Luke poured on the gas and they picked up speed rapidly and drove onto the road.
After about five minutes they saw a dust cloud being kicked up down the dirt road before them. Both parties slowed down and came to a stop next to each other, each facing in opposite directions. On the left facing downstream was Eliza and Luke. And on the right facing Upstream was Clarkson and Rabbit.
The fairly well build Clarkson was sitting in the right side of their Dingo, whilst the stocky form of Rabbit, their radioman and teams navigator sat in the left seat. Eliza jumped the side of her vehicle and stormed over to the left side of Clarkson's Dingo, formally known as 'Ol 2' Due to it being a vehicle whom actually fought in World War Two.
Clarkson laughed loudly to himself whilst Rabbit shrank lower and lower into his station, trying to avoid the now flailing arms of their C.O Trying to grab his hair as she leaned over the wall of the armoured car and inside of his station.
Eliza yelled furiously to Rabbit whilst grabbing at air trying to tear the small man out of his station. "DAMN IT RABBIT! ARE YOU FUCKING BLIND?! THAT IF THAT'D BEEN A CLIFF INSTEAD OF A FREAKIN HILL?!" Eliza finally caught several strands of Rabbits black hair and pulled him up to her eye level. "PULL. YOUR. HEAD. OUT. OF. YOUR. ARSE!" She yelled before dropping him back into his seat. She leaned over the wall of the armoured car and slapped a large crumpled map on his lap. "You. You have Four minutes to figure out where the fuck we are!" She said angrilly before looking at the still snickering Clarkson. "And. You!. Your pulling double time and keeping up with us!" She growled before hopping off the side of 'Ol 2' and walking back to her Dingo, 'Desert Rat #1'. The name was a throwback to the 'Desert Rats' A combined force Australian, Canadian, and others that fought Rommel's armoured forces in Africa during WW2.
Sure enough, four minutes passed. Eliza trudged back to Rabbit whom was still pouring over the map, his hand held a small compass, whilst his other hand ran two fingers over the route they took through the forest.
"Well? Times up Rabbit, am i gonna have a new Rabbit pelt beanie for the cold tonight?" She asks whilst leaning over the side left side of 'Ol 2'.
After several seconds Rabbit looks up and stares into the front wall of his station, his eyes darting around short distances, not particularly looking at anything whilst he silently mouthed words to himself, he then looks back down at the map on his lap. He slides a finger seven KM south-west. After a further few seconds he taps his finger twice.
"Found us. We're twelve Kilometers out of our way south-west. I'll post you with directions two hundred meters before they're required." Rabbit said with determination, Flinching as he received a light hearted slap across his left shoulder.
"Theres my Rabbit." Eliza said through a smile. Before posting a friendly warning. "Careful mate, the next one goes across your face if we get lost again!" she said through a broad smile as he hopped off the side and to the ground.
With that, Clarkson and 'Ol 2' pulled over to the side of the road, whist Eliza and Luke in 'Desert Rat #1' drove down the road a few seconds before sharply pulling into a U-turn and rapidly building speed.
'Ol 2' accelerated as Eliza and Luke were speeding towards them and Clarkson put his foot through the floor as 'Desert Rat #1' Whined past him, its engine cooling fan howling a ghostly whine trying to cool the vehicle.
After about seven minutes Eliza noticed a wooden fence off to her left. after a while they passed a front gate, as well as several ponies. But they kept on going. Their objective was retrieving the Tan tabbies.
"What are you doing?" Luke asked Eliza with a side glance.
"Found it!" Eliza said with a chuckle as she plugged her Smartphone into the armoured cars radio Aux port.
"Uh Oh, What are you doing?" Luke said through a sly smile.
With a tap of Eliza's thumb the loudspeaker on the side of the turret blasted into an electric guitar rift..
" NOOoooo! You didnt just select that song" Luke said through a chuckle. Meanwhile back inside 'Ol 2' The music was clawing its way through the open hatches and inside the crew compartment.
Clarkson let loose a Hearty "HAH!" Then licked his lips.
"What is it? And whats this song-" Rabbit was cut off but the first of the lryics...
"* I won't pull the trigger, just to see you die
"This song suits our mission parameters quite well, Listen to the Lyrics" Clarkson said with a chuckle.
Rabbit did as his friend suggested and just listened.
I count down to zero, pull the trigger, no parole
Kill by any means necessary
"Heh. I Suppose your right..." Rabbit said, actually enjoying the song.
"Johnna said that we are to retrieve The Tan Tabbies. By any means necessary. It appears our C.O is taking that fairly seriously" Clarkson yelled over the lyrics.
"I'd say, She'd even found a song that matched the mission, and also the opinion of the Mist Cougars at the moment..." Rabbit said, sounding rather concerned about the latter.
I am not judgmental
"Hey dont worry about the 'Smoke cats', Johnna's got a scout team watching them, The bloke may want to even the score as well, but he's not stupid. hes not gonna let them start an all out war." Clarkson yelled reassuringly.
Meanwhile up front, Both Eliza and Luke were singing karaoke in tune with the lyrics. Eliza passing an imaginary air microphone between Luke and herself. Both of the lovers had a huge smile across their faces.
Come gather here around me "Come gather here around me
I count down to zero, I'm a soldier without soul I count down to zero, I'm a soldier without soul
Luke slammed the brake pedal so hard the Dingo lowered on its forward suspension, as well as having its rear wheels bounce on the road surface, making an irritating rubbery chirping sound as they violently shook on the road.
The 3.2 tonne armoured car screeched to a halt half off the road, and spend most of the skid over there in a drift. Luke poked his head out of his divers hatch to look for the three ponies that had darted out in front of them in the road.
Eliza Yelled her order and the Muscular Clarkson lowered his weapon but still kept it to his hip and pointed in the ponies general direction. Luke ran over and got into Clarkson's face.
"What the Hell man! Their CHILDREN!" He pointed to the shaking trio in the dirt.
"Yeah! And look at em! One's from the bloody breed that slaughtered Errik's lot! And one of them has that magical horn thing! How much you bet she can make your head explode into a fine mist?!" Clarkson yelled into Luke's face hard enough to have spit fly.
The situation was getting out of hand but the kids were the priority at the moment. Eliza ran over and crouched next to the terrified trio. Upon seeing her their reaction made Eliza's heart fall through her stomach. Two went wide eyed and stammered uncontrollably, and the white unicorn one just closed her eyes and hid her head under her hooves. Clarkson's irate arguement with Luke was reaching its epitome for a friendly fire tale. The two had been yelling in each others faces to hard that they'd turned grey. As well as Clarkson waving his sub-machine gun around like it was going out of fashion.
"SHUT THE FUCK UUUUUP!" Eliza yelled through a glare at the two. "Bend over, and Kiss each others Arses! Then, Reach down into your pants and GET. A. GRIP!" She continued to yell. "Your both on the same roster! Cause I Put you there, because you both get along like brothers! So Bury your Petty argument and work together damn it!!
It was then that the songs lyrics broke through the arguments awkward silence.
I am born to kill, judge and condemn
With a sigh, Eliza motioned Luke to join her, and they each picked up a foal, Luke carrying two. The duo, with their precious cargo in hands. Climbed back into their armoured car, Cutie Mark Crusaders in hands.
"What. The. FUCK, ARE YOU DOING?! They're The ENEMY!-" Clarkson's rant was cutoff by his C.O
"Are they? All i see are Children, And Children are not responsible for the evils their elders atone to!" Eliza spat back with a motherly venom that caused Clarkson to flinch and take a step back.
"Well!? Get in your bloody vehicle and follow us!" She hissed in a blind fury at her squad mate. After about a minute their dingo screeched off down the road leaving 'Ol 2' to try and keep up.
"Shit Clarkie, I've never heard her in that tone of voice before... The fact that such an Angel of a woman can reach that level of pure rage is terrifying!"
"Yeah, How do you think i felt? I just got back in and did as she said! She sounded like she was about to rip off my balls and beat me to death with em... I can see why Johnna put her incharge of her own scout unit, shes got the sisterly compassion that glues the unit together, and shes got the personality of a Loving, 'No Bullshit Cheetah...'"
Both Dingoes sped down the road and out of sight over the slight hill the road of built on. Their mission still yet to be completed...
Chapter 11 - "Information to be had!"
======================
3rd Floor, Room 29.
The sterile room was grey in colour, this in part, due to the drab cheap coloured tile used in its construction. However it also had to do with the sheer quantity of iron used in its construction, beit for structural stability or just for decoration.
Four metal tables are lined up side by side, just enough space between them to allow a pony through. Upon each table lay an unconscious 'Tan tabbie'. The Puma's crew had arrived to this very room Via -=Telipoof=- from Princess sparkle, the ordeal had put her on the verge of magical exhaustion. The lavender purple princess currently sat in the shadowed, cool corner of the room, drinking a rather unsavory cocktail of potions and natural herbs. It was supposed to taste like mango, Either the nurses lied to her, or the pony who'd made the concoction had never eaten a mango before.
Applejack was up and about, only with a limp. Her luck was unbelievable. Not only had the orange and blonde mare taken a fifteen centimeter knife to the barrel and not been severely wounded, but now she was walking around like nothing ever happened... Proving just how much of a terrible patient she is.
Despite the nurses telling her to sit down, she continued to walk around the humans quite curiously. She seemed to still have a qualm with the one who wounded her. As every time she passed his table she bore a disgusted glare.
The rest of the maine six had been found and brought to the same room, Fluttershy being the last and current arrival. Upon walking through the door the Custard yellow mare gasped in shock and galloped over to the center of the room to see what was wrong with the creatures.
Upon reaching the closest table, she cautiously looked over the tables edge at the side of the Human, before slowly raising up to her full height, since the table was practically on the floor she was a good head higher than the humans lying on the tables.
"Wh-what happened to th-them?" The shy mare stuttered in awe at the unusual creatures before her.
Twilight moved to speak up before Applejack spoke up aggressively. "They were Spyin' on Ponyville, N' attacked the royal guard when they were asked to splain' em' selves'." Fluttershy gasped at the news. Before asking.
"Are they okay?" She said looking the humans over for injuries. "Oh No! What happened to you Applejack!" The yellow mare asked with a squeak before looking over the bandages around Applejack's front.
"I'm fine. They-" Applejack said nodding sideways to the humans. "-Are fine, It was the Guard who needed the medical attention. Two privates were cut up pretty bad n' the captain nearly had his throat-..." Applejack ceased her explanation in detail upon noticing Fluttershy's eyes glass over in fear. "-They're fine, they've been seen by th' nurses an' released."
Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief at the good news of this bad situation. "So why are they unconscious?" The yellow Pegasus inquired with concern.
Twilight stood up and with a wobble, walked from the dark cool corner, glad to leave the terrible medicine behind. "Because their too Dangerous to be kept awake! That one-" Twilight said pointing a fore hoof at Lancer. "-Was strong enough to throw an armour clad pony at princess Luna, he then immediately went to throw the knife he had used to hold said pony hostage at princess Luna, The only thing that stopped him was that Applejack had knocked one of his counterparts out cold then moved to hit him. Thus why Applejack's bandaged, And very lucky might i add." Fluttershy gasped and flattened her ears against her skull in fear, whilst turning to look at the unconscious human lying only a few feet away.
"Princess Luna used Respite on them, and with ample power, they are gonna be out for several more hours at least, if not a day or two..." Twilight told her worried friend. "We're perfectly safe! And its the perfect time to gather some information about our worlds 'New Arrivals'." Fluttershy's, As well as Applejack's, Rarity's and Rainbow's Ears perked up at that last sentence. Pinkie didn't seem surprised by the information, but as Twilight learned so many years ago, no one questions Pinkie pie...
"SAY WHAT?!" Four of the six friends yelled out in unison, loud enough to make the nurses flinch and a doctor jump. Upon receiving glares from the various medical staff around the room the friends smiled apologetically.
"If your all Quite Finsished ." Nurse Redheart Asked. Upon recieving no answers and silence, she said "All right then," and turned towards the tables, beckoning her fellow staff to assist her.
The main six took their seats in the stands along the back wall of the room.
"Ugh! This is pointless Twi' I Cant see anythin' from here!" Applejack complained whilst shifting to try and get a better view.
"Oh, Right! Hang on!" Twilight said lighting her horn. A bubble appeared between the six friends and the medical ponies around the humans, the bubble flattened out into a concave disk, acting as a magnifying lens. Allowing them all a clear view.
"Oh, Dear, Twilight. Their not going to... You know... Are they?" Rarity asked starting to change a shade.
"Wha- OH! No No No no no no no." Twilight said shaking her head. "We wouldn't dare!, they may be acting like savages, but they've shown a large amount of intelligence! As you can see they not only have manufactured goods, but they also have military and social structure, AND, They speak fluent Equestrian!" Twilight listed to the amazement of her friends. Except Pinkie.
Before the lavender alicorn mumbled inaudibly. "And there's 900 in the everfree, plus more on the way..."
The doctor lit his horn, but then tilted his head in confusion, He used his magic once more, and again and again, getting quite annoyed and tired at the effort it was taking to use a simple telekinesis spell.
"That Doesn't work on them or their items and equipment for some reason!" Twilight yelled from her seat.
"Why not?" The grey pony doctor yelled back up at the stands.
"We don't know. It could be any number of things. Wards, Charms, Magical resistance. You name it" Twilight informed the doctor.
With a roll of his eyes he nodded to his fellow nurses "Be careful, Slowly." He instructs them.
They inspect the clothing and armour of the humans, Two wore full clothing and protective armour, the armours coulor was a Mixture of different coloured browns and tans with green splotches thrown in, Clearly to help them blend into their environment better. They also wore thick clothing, clothing so thick that it was impracticable for the summer. And speaking of clothing, they wore alot of it.
Rarity was both bewitched and disgusted by the humans and their obsession with clothing, but the colours were so drab and bland, whilst the style... well there was none.
After removing the humans tan leather boots the doctors were greeted by thick black socks, Yeah, they left those on...
"How do they keep cool with all this on?" A nurse asked her friend. It was then a pained scream filled the room.
Everyone jumped and several guards lowered their spears, preparing for the humans to have awoken and taken another hostage. But the humans remained stationary, a nurse rolled around on the floor holding a hoof close to her. The medical staff rushed over to her and inspected her badly burned hoof. The doctor set aside two nurses to tend to the chocolate brown mare.
"That is why i said be careful. Where did you put your hoof SweetRemedy?" The doctor asked, to which Nurse Remedy replied by pointing to a metal and rubber box that was sown into the back of the humans vest, just below the neck.
The doctor moved in to inspect the overlapping metal fins that the metal box was made of. He noticed a very strong heat being emitted by it. In fact, he could feel said heat half a foot away from it.
"Interesting..." He mused looking at the Aluminium and rubber protrusion from the humans armoured clothing.
"What is it doctor? Twilight asked.
"It appears to be a metal vent that exits the armour. Its emitting extreme amounts of heat, and may explain how the humans can wear so much without overheating in the summer!"
The doctor Motions with a hoof and the nurses remaining proceed with trying to figure out how to strip down the excessive amounts of armour and clothing.
After a further three minutes one nurse discovers several black plastic 'Quick slide release buckles' holding the plates together via a Kevlar strap. She notifies her fellow staff around her and they quickly make progress in removing the heavy armour plates. Each one being a concave four millimeter plate of steel. Soon the nurses were hopping around the tables, like the floor was lava, trying to avoid the 6KG plates landing on their hooves. Each plate made a loud 'Thud' as it hit the floor immediately followed by a hollow metallic clatter.
Much to their frustration They realized that the armour on the humans back was under the aliens immense weight, and in individual pieces. Resigning themselves to removing them later, they continue on. It was at this point that the doctor noticed a black rubber tube running out of the next layer of the humans clothing and to the Aforementioned metallic box that had been woven into the previous layer of clothing.
After several seconds of inspecting the thick camouflaged jacket they discover a thick plastic zipper. The doctor begins slowly opening the zipper with his teeth.
Twilight and the rest of the maine six watch on in suspense at what they are to find below this layer. Scales? Fur? Feathers?... More clothing... To be precise a Black vest that completely rapped around the humans torso.
"Okay... Okay...-" The doctor inhales sharply in frustration before letting out a huff. "-This is getting ridiculous."
"How are they able to wear so much without DIEING in this heat?!" Applejack asked whilst turning to her friends. Her response was a shrug from four of them. Twilight however, Was busy peering into the bubble lens with great curiosity.
Many minutes went by, and nopony could find a way to get this layer off the humans. Eventually one frustrated nurse decided to experiment with tugging on the rubber hose that lead into the metal box on the humans back, one tug. Two tugs. Three. Fou- =Pop=...
The nurse promptly flew backwards a short distance before landing on her hind quarters, the rest of the medical staff in attendance gasped as they looked at a bright green, Almost florescent fluid start glugging out of the hose. Pouring out across the table and dripping onto the floor with an audible noise, the medical staff stared on in shock, thinking that the nurse may have just caused the alien creature to bleed out. Their fears were replaced by curiosity when nurse Redheart looked at the dried blood on the third human and saw it's crimson colour.
"Its not blood... what ever it is..." She mumbled blankly, they continued inspecting the vest and the strange, horrid smelling liquid, after about thirteen minutes nurse Nurse Redheart looked over the humans full body-glove that was under the vest, and noticed that it was completely drenched in sweat. Curious she held a hoof to the humans flank. And gasped in shock before starting to try and tear the vest off the creature.
"Redheart! What are you doing!" The doctor yelled at the white mare. Her Maine swayed back and forth as she violently tried to rip the vest off to no avail. She spat it out, turned to the doctor and the nurses around him and yelled urgently.
"It's Overheating! Badly! We need to get this off!" She yelled before returning to her previous actions.
The doctor placed a hoof on the humans flank and instantly knew he wouldn't need a thermometer to find out its temperature. It was at least 37 degrees under all those layers now.
"Quickly!" He yelled as he joined in the frantic blitz to get the next layers off. All the while the maine six watched on from the bleachers in shock. Fluttershy and Pinkie looked on with tears forming in their eyes. Rarity sat there with a hoof across her muzzle in shock, Twilight watched on, frozen in horror, and Applejack launched from her seat and down over to the fiasco.
'He' may of tried to kill me, but i cant just let em' die like this!' she thought to herself and she leaped onto the table over the human. She pointed to the only earth pony in the room, that being Redheart. And yelled. "You! Bite down on that side and pull!" Applejack bit down on the opposite side of the vest and began pulling with every granule of strength she had. Harder and harder the earth ponies pulled until an audible sound was heard, Tearing fabric.
"Pll HRDDERRR" Applejack growled through a mouth full of fabric. She pulled even harder and eventually a burning pain hit her, like a blacksmith had just plunged a red hot iron into her barrel. The orange mare clamped her eyes shut and pulled even harder. Eventually there was a loud fabric(ie) =SHRRRRIIIPP= And both mares flew a few feet in opposite directions as the fabric vest gave up and exploded outward in two halves. Eight square rubber bottles flew out of the open vest and all over the table. The medical ponies pulled the mess of rubber pipes and containers aside and continued to rip the remainder of the vest away. Underneath they found a fabric 'full body-glove'. They growled in frustration as their medical scissors kept getting stuck on copper wires woven through the fabric and even got stuck in the odd material itself at times. Next, a button up shirt that they quickly ripped off, next a white singlet, a nurse promptly cut it off.
Finally, they found skin. Sweat covered skin, the nurses could feel the heat radiating out from the humans chest. The nurses instantly threw watered down towels over the top of the humans chest in a frantic attempt at cooling down his dangerous temperature. The doctors had an idea of what the humans normal temperature was, thanks to the work of a nurse who found the black vest had a wire that ran into the humans wrist armour, a display read 'Cooling Vest 26*C', as well as 'COOLANT SEAL COMPROMISED'.
After several minutes and a dozen cold towels later... Applejack watched on in relief that they saved the human, The doctors medical scans exhausted him to near unconsciousness, but he was able to confirm that no damage had been done.
It was then that Applejack's adrenaline began to ebb off, and she was struck by a crippling burning pain, she looked down at the bandages around her front and notice a large red stain.
"Ah, Horse-apples..." She groaned before falling into her haunches. Redheart noticed Applejack's plight, and rushed over to assist her.
"Get me a medical bed and two nurses!" She yelled before running for the locked double doors. Unlocking them, She turned and galloped back to the orange mare now starting to lie down on the gurney The maine six watched in concern and pinkie galloped to keep up with the group leaving...
Two hours later, the humans had been stripped down to their underwear and non-evasively studied, before being left alone in the locked room, two guards posted outside the doors.
On the other side of Ponyville, two Dingoes had arrived on the outskirts and been hidden on a riverbank. Their crews left to perform their missions. Luke and Eliza went to break into Ponyville library to gather information, and return the CMC, in order to protect the ponies from their friends.
Clarkson and Rabbit went hunting for the 'Tan Tabbies'. Eliza had ordered Rabbit to shoot Clarkson if he posed a threat to the locals. And rabbit was keen to keep that promise, this man in front of him wasn't the Clarkson who he befriended, He was something else, a monster bent on revenge...
It Wouldn't take them long for the two parties to meet...
View Online
Chapter 11.5 - "Breaking and entering... Not my strong suit..."
=================
Castle of Friendship.
The Quiet of the Castles library was broken by a hushed and muffled voice, If it were occupied, those in the room would of seen the peering eyes of Eliza through the closed but unlocked window.
"Rooms clear" She whispers to Luke before gingerly pulling the windows frame open. Eliza climbs in, holding Applebloom close to her chest, by this point the CMC were still scared, but they knew they could trust these two humans to some measure, due to these two protecting them from the others.
After Eliza was inside she put Applebloom down, and leaned back out to help Luke in. She took Luke's hand and pulled him in, The two foals hanging from a basket made from Luke's duck down stuffed raincoat that was secured around his waist by their Dingoes tow cable. Yes it was safe, They double checked it. One end wrapped around Luke's waist, around the waists of both Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo, before looping through the coats brass hoop buckles and back around Luke's waist.
Once Luke was inside, they both pulled the remainder of the braided steel cable inside and eventually the two foals. Eliza turned to where she left Applebloom, And found empty space...
"Shit!" Eliza quietly cursed herself.
"No offence El, But, What did you expect to happen?" Luke said through a concerned nervous smile.
"Yeah, Yeah. Let those two go then we'll have to triple time it. Anything about this lands history and its people! And no fairy tales!" Eliza ordered Luke in a hushed yell.
When untied to two foals looked at each other then back at the humans, Who, ushered them to leave. They did so, gladly.
Luke discovered the 'Encyclopedia of subspecies Magics & Spells'. The book was Thick At least 6000 pages! He hefted the book into his jacket basket and continued his 'Liberation of the bookshelves'. Next up was 'Earthponies -N- You'. The blurb on the back read 'The complete known Earthpony history and unique attributes.' "Good enough for me." Luke said adding it to the now rapidly developing pile.
Little did they know... They'd picked up an undetected guest watching them from the crack in the door. Both the humans continued rushing from shelf to table and back again, With Luke occasionally lifting the jacket in the air by the steel cable to check its weight.
Meanwhile on the other side of the door...
The ponies colours were obscured by the darkness of the room. The orange and white stallion had blacked out the windows using magic, so that Captan Celaeno could show him the humans encampment using a new spell he 'cooked up'. the spell displays memories in the air, like publicly replaying princess sparkles simulation spell.
Captain celaeno had been answering an urgent summons by the Princesses, she'd been flying along the outskirts of The Everfree, When she noticed something so unusual it may as well of been impossible. Smoke, Campfire smoke. In The Everfree.
"Looking through my spyglass, i saw a city of tents. An uncountable number. Most likely Thousands of them... But that wasn't all!
What ever had set up their camp in the forest. had cleared large amounts of trees and constructed a crude fort of sorts. All the tree cut down were in a large stretched rectangle. At the end of the rectangle there were three Huge buildings with curved roofs. One had its doors open and several very large strange vehicles could be seen inside... The larger being."
Celaeno had to concentrate but eventually the images of the vehicles showed up and stayed displayed in the darkness of the castle foyer. The response, unsurprisingly, Was all in attendance to gasp in shock at monstrosities of engineering.
"That isnt the end of either! There were rows upon rows of hundreds of smaller ones!" Concentrating once more Celaeno replaced the heavy aircraft with 'the smaller ones'
Everyone around the table was looking very troubled... The full scope of the situation was finally beginning to sink in with this report... These 'Humans' are not even in the same technological league as the equestrians. but the full gravity of the situation was still not taking its effect on those in attendance. Luna looked around the room. Those in attendance were.
Captain Celaeno. Herself and her sister Princess Celestia. Princess Twilight Sparkle. Princess Cadance and ShiningArmour.
It was Nova Griffonia's leader- Governor Teafeather. Whom spoke first. "So they're currently in possession of advanced technology. Whats the big deal? You Equestrians outnumber them what? A million to one? How much damage can a bigger shinier sword do?"
It was Princess Skystar, Heir to the Hippogriff throne, who actually began to speak sense, Being young enough to believe in the rumors circulating around Equestria about the humans and their 'Technology. "What Princess Luna's saying, is their weapons and equipment are Centuries ahead of us! Airships the size of wagons that fly through the air at hundreds of kilometers an hour! Armoured wagons that are virtually indestructible to the common soldier! Weapons that can kill and maim from thousands of meters away!-"
"THATS PRO-POSTEROUS !" Ambassador Ralph Archonev, of Stalliongrad. Spat out in disbelief. "I HVE' NVER' HERRRD', OF SUCH LIES !-"
Luna by now was quite visibly fuming at the sheer incompetence that was being displayed by the various parties. only Celestia, Skystar and Sunburst was fully heeding the gravity of the situation. If only they could SEE what the humans world is lik-. The thought slapped Luna across the face.
Feeling the immense amount of power needed, all in attendance turned to the now glowing Luna, before any could mouth a word. Everyone in attendance, Blinked out of existence. Except Sunburst, who noticed a petrified Applebloom pointing him to the library.
The sight that greeted him through the crack in the door was surly something interesting...
-=SPLOOOOFF=-
The group of Leaders and representatives appeared in a world of dull colours. Those dull greys slowly developing colour, but it would never be as colourful as their homes...
Governor Teafeather approaches the clearly weakened Luna before asking "Care to explain yourself? Where have you taken us?"
"I've taken us nowhere. But my memories. More specifically. The Memories of the Memories and dreams associated to the humans as i was performing my role."
Celestia walked over to her younger sibling. "So why this particular memory?" She asks cautiously.
Luna looked at her sister with stern determination. "Because, Dear sister. Your ALL Going to see .
Skystar walked over to the solar and lunar princesses. "See what?" She asked nervously. Luna's reply chilled all of them.
"The humans definition of a place called... "Hell..." It was then that the world around them sharpened into outlines then shapes. They were standing in a road. Around the road on either side were houses. They were in a town! But Skyscrapers lined the horizon in the distance. So they're in a suburb.
The sun had just Slowly edged its way over the horizon. Birds began chirping. The cool air that surrounded their ghostly forms began to warm and it looked, as if the beginning day was going to be grand.
Until... A Shrill howl filled the air... Followed by a rumbling Menacing Growl...
All looked to the sky, except Luna, who just sadly clenched her eyes shut, knowing of the gruesome display of that which was to come. And everyone's mouths fell agape. The bright orange morning sky... Was suddenly blackened by the silhouettes of Hundreds of flying metal vehicles like Celaeno had showed, but BIGGER .
After the cloud started to Roar over it seemed to never stop... on and on more and more aircraft flew over head. Each aircraft dropping dozens of things by parachute...
Humans!?
Luna opened her eyes. "Brace Thy selves... This may be too much for you...
Chapter 12 - The torture of memories...
Author's Note
Alert! Gore warning. If ye' are under age or easily loose your previous meal. Avert thy eyes!
Chapter 12 - The torture of memories...
"Follow me..." Luna said ominously. All in attendance did just that... The First of the humans had just landed on the ground. Walking around the corner the group headed down a street named 'Lancaster crt.' and spotted one.
The human was wearing a rather thick looking set of green and tan striped clothes. It, Presumably a 'HE' was untying himself from his parachute all the while around him the birds had all but gone silent, giving the entire suburb an eerie heavy feeling, the danger in the air was thick and palpable.
The human picked up its black pipe thing and crouched down low. He then began sneaking around like he wasn't suppose to be here... Wherever here was.
The human was constantly turning his head, and his eyes were moving from left to right up and even down... Always checking behind himself every few stealthy footsteps.
"Whats got it so spooked? Its like it's paranoid that somethings going to jump out and kill it without much fight..." Skystar asked, before anyone could answer or Archonev could make a snide remark, not to far in the distance was a series of sounds that made everyone jump, except Luna, whom just closed her eyes.
*BLAM* -
The human the ghostly group was following dropped even lower into his crouch. He stayed still in the alleyway between two wooden fences. Turning his head to the left, looking down that path he was traveling, to right, and the path he had just came down.
After an awkward pause the human the group was following started speaking an odd language, his voice an almost inaudible whisper.
The group remained silent and continued to look at each other questioningly. All except for Archonev. He'd recognized the commonly used dialect of his nations language from the first two words the human spoke.
"What language is that?" Shining asked in pure confusion.
"Mine..." Archonev said in disbelief. "How do these creatures have our languages?" He asked no one in particular whilst staring at the bipedal form nervously looking around.
Just as the human started to move once more, more cracks of thunder began to echo out from all around him. Those then turned into an orchestra of chaos and was making everyone nervous. after a further five minutes of sneaking through the neighborhood.
The strange creature came to an abrupt halt and stiffened up, raising his presumed weapon to his eye level. Everyone watching held their breath. eventually shadows moved about in the light at the end of the shadowed area they were currently sitting under in-between two houses.
The human lowered his strange contraption, before loud shouting could be herd from behind and the human in front of them snapped around to the rear. The group had just managed to turn in time to see a human in colourful civilian clothing with a vest, similar to what the soldier human was wearing.
The second one raised his weapon and fired his shots. Everyone in the group either flattened or held their ears as the loud rapid cracks filled and echoed through the narrow space. When they opened their eyes and looked up. The second human was laying on the ground, and the first one had spun back around to the front. Another human appeared in the light at the end of the alleyway, and raised his weapon towards the soldier. The green clad solider they had followed opened fire first. everyone held their ears but they didn't look away this time.
With several claps of thunder the human in the light shook as if he was being hit by an invisible force, he stood there in a mist of blood before dropping his weapon and falling face down on the ground.
Everyone in the group was left standing in disbelief at what they'd just witnessed. All in attendance besides Luna and Celestia were petrified of what they'd just seen. The humans had invented weapons that could kill from a distance, and so Easily at that. Their hearts fell into their stomachs when they heard the pained scream of a child yelling for their 'Daddy' several seconds later.
The green soldier tensed up and raised his weapon as the form of another human rushed down next to the body of the one he'd just killed. She was no older than five years of age. She sat next to her fallen father on her knees, shaking him all the while saying 'Daddy?'. The scene had everyone in the group crying.
Eventually the little girl just doubled over her father and started sobbing. Everyone's ghostly translucent forms looked to the green soldier and saw that his shoulders had slumped and his weapon was lowered. After several seconds of watching the scene the green soldier reached into his vest pocket and pulled a piece of paper. He stared at it for several more seconds.
The group jumped as dozens of Thunder cracks roared from behind them. They saw the green soldier shake violently before falling to his knees, then his back. Turning they saw the first colourful human was kneeling and gasping for air.
"Fuckin' Rooskie!" The human spat with a hatred pure enough it could of been distilled.
Skystar turned back to the green soldier, walking over to his un-moving body, she gasped and sobbed out "No...".
Everyone else then walked over to Where Skystar stood over the green soldier. He laid there in a large pool of his blood. The green mask covering his face from the nose down was stained with crimson, on the ground next to the fallen warriors hand. Was a photograph of a smiling family. It didn't take much effort to understand it was his family.
A Wife and four children wouldn't be getting their husband and father back... The near constant cracks of thunder echoed out across the suburb. Explosions began joining the song of death and destruction. The group was paralyzed with shock from what they'd just witnessed.
A Mechanical whine pierced the barrage of sound at the end of the alleyway.
*POMPF- POMPF- POMPF- POMPF- POMPF- POMPF-*
The much louder deeper cracks of thunder caused the air they breathed to rattle in their lungs. The Ground shook as explosions filled the street in front of them. The explosions, their sound, and their heat, began to fill the air around them.
Skystar gasped and began to run towards the still sobbing child at the end of the alleyway. She stopped and collapsed to the ground crying when an explosion hit the end of the alleyway between the houses. Once the smoke cleared there was nothing but fire and debris from the houses that once shielded them.
The roar of a metal aircraft caused the stunned group to look up. Skystar looked up from her rasping sob. And saw a formation of three smaller blue bird like aircraft howl overhead with a shrill scream. They dropped pony sized metal tubes from under their wings. The tubes disappeared behind a row of houses. Two seconds later, everyone fell to the ground as if someone had pulled the ground out from under them like a rug.
Looking up they saw that the houses were...gone... an entire block of houses, had been leveled to nothing more than a smoldering mountain of debris.
Whilst everyone was gazing stunned at the sheer amount of destruction that had occurred in a mere five minutes, an air vibrating sound akin to someone unzipping a zipper roared overhead with a *VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT*.
Two grey metal aircraft of a similar size, but completely different more boxy shape screamed overhead, a trail of what seemed to be small suns streaming from its front. One of the previous three blue metal bird like vehicles burst into a fury of purple and orange flames before screaming into the ground. The other two began to fly evasively, but shortly afterwards the second one joined its brother in death. As a metal pillar was dropped from one of the new aggressors and rode a trail of smoke and flame, it flew straight into the back of its target, causing it to explode.
The last blue green metal bird like vehicle began to fly in circles with one of the two grey ones. The second grey vehicle howled onto its tail and launched another pillar. The surviving blue craft spat several small suns from its tail and the pillar flew off in a random direction erratically.
*BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT*
A Stream of smaller suns erupted from the ground. Most missed, but those that hit had ripped the left wing off the blue craft. It sharply rolled onto its back, and careened into the ground. Its impact marked by a loud 'Boom' and a large cloud of fire rising from the ground.
A Sound akin to a Pegasai team kicking a thundercloud began to reach the now thoroughly terrified, stunned and appalled group. looking up and behind them. They saw black Vehicles hovering in place like many of the winged species of Equestria could. A moving stick, now known to be the humans weapons. Rotated freely under its glass 'head' it would fire every so often at the ground.
With that the world around them morphed out of focus and returned to a grey mass that surrounded the now red eyed group.
Celestia just stood there with a blank yet seemingly thoughtful expression, staring off into nowhere...
"H-how long... Have they had such weapons?" Shining armour stuttered in shock.
Luna replies with. "They've been able to fly for the last two hundred or so years. their pipe weapons have been their species primary weapon for near two thousand years now."
"What... What was, such a battle fought for?" Archonev asked in shock.
"The attacking nation had run out of land and resources for its people. The country they attacked had little people living on its vast lands. As well as a small mountain of debts to the attacker." Luna answered.
How often do they fight each other like this..." Cadence mumbled. Luna's response would leave the group stunned and petrified.
"They've never stopped fighting each other... Beit for one reason or another, good or bad... They've always been at war with themselves... Some of their nations depend of war for their economy to remain stable.
Governor Teafeather of Nova Griffonia mumbled wide eyed. " They're just like how the empire used to be... To to think this is what could of happened to Nova Griffonia had we not embraced the pony way..." he shudders in fear as the mental image flashed over his mind.
Luna was sure her point was finally sinking in. But to nail home her recent advances she summoned several recollections of memories she'd taken from various humans.
The various memories formed around the group like a dome of TV screens. The one currently focused on would grow in size and sound would be given to it.
The spluttering of engines filled the hollow grey space the group stood in, A Shrill wail of a hand siren filled the air, and Humans wearing blue uniforms with rubber yellow vests, ran from a manor like building to their vehicles that sat on the green lawn in the front yard.
Aircraft were already rolling down the narrow path in-between the rows of still dormant tan coloured vehicles. The running humans were shouting and yelling at each other over the sirens wail.
Two humans in particular jogged side by side, stopping at an aircraft.
The blue dressed one yelled. "I've Fixed the hydraulic and electrical systems sir! But the oil hoses still need attention!-"
He was cut off when the yellow vested human yelled "JUST CRANK IT ANT'!" With that the blue dressed one said.
"Godspeed to you sir!" and began hand cranking a handle that stuck out the side of the metal vehicle.
The memory dulled out before sharpening again, the vehicles where now in flight towards a dense black cloud.
Patchy distorted voices were tearing through the memories sound. "B͝r̨ute ͏si̷x ͞w͢ill ̶be͘ goi̶ng af͡t͟er͏ ͝b̧o҉mb͡e͘r̕s͟!̵ ̧Brùt́e ̶fįv̶e͏ w̴il̛l be̕ ́l͠o͡o̶k̕i͘ng͏ òut for̨ t̸he f͟i͠g̵ht͢ers! ͏Brút̸e͟ ̴s͡i͡x g̨o͢i͝ng͏ fo̵r̛ b͘o̧ḿb̸èŗs ͢wa̧t̡ch ou͜t͠ ͘fo͟r͞ fi̶ǵh̢te̕rs͡!̕"
Another familiar voice cut in " Bombers sighted, Dead ahead! Lets drop in on em' and give them a reception!"
"Roger! following yew' red one!" The memory shrank down and another took its place. This moving image showed several Much larger tan coloured flying machines in formation, flying towards an island.
Two humans sat next to each other in the front of the vehicle. In front of them a seemingly random patchwork of gauges, buttons and switches. The rhythmic growl of engines made up the majority of the sound from this memory.
"Pilot to bombardier, Your ship." One of the two humans said.
"Bombardier to Pilot roger, my ship." The human in the nose of the plane leaned over what looked like a pair of binoculars.
"Bombardier to crew, bomb bay doors open." He announced whilst flicking a switch. The howling screech of wind filled the aircraft as explosions started to fill the air, shaking the crew and their aircraft. After a few more seconds of staring through the binoculars he flicked a series of switches and metal canisters clanked and fell out of the aircraft's midsection.
"Bombardier to Pilot, your ship." the human said.
"Roger." the voice came from seemingly nowhere in the memory but the group didn't have much time to think about that as the hum of the engines grew into a loud rumbling growl.
He pushed a leaver forward and a mechanical whine filled the inside of the craft.
"Bombardier to pilot, the doors are stuck.-" he was cut off by someone saying...
"Uh, oh. Zero inbound. Ten -O- clock level." And with that a previously unseen human in the memory ambled his way into the cramped space and reached for an awfully large human weapon, that sat in the window above the 'Bombardier'.
Someone else said. "Here they come boys, Come on out!". With that the new human pushed down on two buttons and the weapon roared to life with a rumbling *BRA-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT*
The human continued to fire seemingly at nothing. The group watching the memory from the safety of Luna's mind was confused at first, until a black spec appeared in the distance. Within a second the rapidly approaching spec grew into the form of another smaller machine. It hurtled towards the lumbering giant of a vehicle and the hail of suns it spat. before its wings lit up with fire and its own balls of light were thrown back.
Streaks of light flew through the glass nose of the airship. Sending shards of glass at the humans faces.
"Zamp, you've got to get those doors closed." With that the human the memory was focused on began to move throughout the cramped insides of the metal craft. Pushing a ladder out of his way he crawled under the space he just made before lowering the ladder back into its previous position. He turned on the narrow walkway. The sky outside was clearly visible. The screeching howl of wind swirled throughout this area of the strange vehicle.
Looking down and past the narrow walkway. He could see not only the streaks of light his fellow humans and their weapons were throwing into the air, but the attacking craft falling towards the ground or flying past on fire.
The memory and the pained screams from the humans inside of the sky-ship unfocused and shrank as Skystar looked back to the previous one. It returned back to its full size as its sound returned.
An Audible Buzzing noise filled Luna's space.
The human sitting inside the strange contraption shouts. "I'VE GOT ANOTHER ONE!" Just as a very worried voice yells out over the noise.
"RE͏D͟ ONE! ̀RED ̸ON͘E͘,̨ ̴Y̢OU'̷VE͘ ͢G͢O҉T̷ FIGHT̵E͟RS AL̨Ĺ OV̸E͞R̛ YO̧UR̴ ́TÀI͜L͡!͠ "
Another Humans voice yelled through with its distorted dire concern making the group cringe. "RE̶D ͢O͟NE̴! ̕GĘT͜ O͝U҉T̵TA T͏H̸ERE! ͞P̨U͡LL̢ ҉UP̷! ͜PU͡L̷L̴ UP̸! "
The human this memory focused on yells whilst sinkeing lower into his seat. "I'M UNDER FIRE! I'M TAKING FIRE!" Audible hissing and buzzing surrounded him in the claustrophobic space inside the vehicle. The human pushed a handhold forward and the hum of his machines engine turned into a mechanical growl, the view from inside his aircraft changed from one of the horizon to one of stormy grey skies.
everyone noticed it before the human did, but a black rubber hose began violently shaking and writhing in front of the pilot.
The human cried out in pain as the liquid was sprayed into his eyes and pulled his goggles over his eyes. He cries out " I'VE GOT AN OIL LEAK!" Then yells out in utter horror as the black liquid coming from the hose suddenly catches fire.
Everyone watching gasped and looked on in terror as the humans clothes caught fire.
"I CANT SEE A DAMN THING!" The human began furiously trying to move a small knob that sat on the metal rim of his glass bubble window, when it refused to budge he yells "I CANT BAIL! MY CANOPY'S STUCK! I CANT BAIL OUT!" He then punched the glass, but was only rewarded with a hollow thudding sound for his efforts.
The human reached down into a space beside his seat and pulls out a much smaller pipe weapon. He pulled a small hammer looking thing on the black weapon back before pointing it at the black stained glass bubble that surrounded his head.
*BLANG* *BLAM- BLAM* Everyone looked on in shock as the human dropped the weapon and lowered his clenched left fist, his clothing still alight, and began punching at the now damaged glass bubble. The glass shattered in fist sized holes and the sudden rush of air put the fire out. The humans clothes were charred and the thought of his condition under those clothes made Celestia shudder. Cadence had clenched her eyes shut and stopped looking ages ago, instead opting for burying her eyes into Shining's mane.
Back in the memory the human had turned to look out of the shattered hole filled glass behind him to see a black craft with a bright yellow nose growling behind him still firing. The human yells
"He's on my tail Red two!" A Series of rapid metallic thuds rang out through the humans cramped space. There was a small explosion behind him and his engine started to sputter. In terror the human yelled out "I'M HIT! I'M HIT!"
He pushes his control stick to the left, but his craft continues its upward right spiral. Ignoring his inputs the human is left powerless, He just sits in his seat mumbling "oh my god..." As his vehicle nose dives in a wide rolling spiral towards the ocean. Its screaming mechanical, howling, whine and sputtering engine informing all watching of its slow death. The human looked to his right to see his crafts right wing a raging inferno of orange flame, the world outside spinning violently around him.
Skystar clenched her eyes shut and looked away just before the doomed human and his dying machine slammed into the raging dark blue ocean. The sound of shearing metal against the wet *THUD* Causing all to jump.
Luna looked around. Everyone had been Scared by what they'd witnessed, Teafeather and Archonev stood there frozen silently watching jaws agape. Cadence and Skystar held their eyes shut with tears freely flowing. Twilight stood there, her eyes wide as saucers and visibly shaking. King Jolev of Olenia and Ambassador Ralen of the buffalo had visibly changed to several new shades of pale. Celaeno had removed her hat and held it against her chest out of respect, her face wearing a sad frown. And shining armour stood there with a serious expression mumbling a prayer to both the humans and they themselves.
Shining noticed a previously unseen memory above him, Upon looking into it, the memory grew and lowered itself along the dome of images until at eye level.
The memory was following a group of humans through an open field of budding wheat. Four large green metal vehicles on strange wheels rolled through the center of the field towards a treeline.
Behind each vehicle was a double file group of humans, at least thirty behind each. One of the humans sitting half out of one of the vehicles looked to his right and yelled into a box he was holding. "look ONE THREE ONE THREE LOOK! RIGHT STICK RIGHT STICK YOU'VE GOT TROOPS ON THE GROUND!"
A humans voice yelled out of a box inside the vehicle "FUCK! SHIT! RIGHT STICK, RIGHT STICK!" One of the vehicles lumbered to the right and several humans that were lying on the ground rolled out of the way to the left.
The Human this memory focused on yelled into the box. "FUCK SAKES! ONE THREE! PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS!"
Celestia looked Appalled at the humans language. Archonev Was steeling himself for the gory mess he knew was about to occur.
Dozens of human voices were being emitted from a box inside the metal vehicle. A Human just behind the Massive metal vehicle Yelled "STAY. DOWN! Keep Behind the Tank-" His voice was cut off by a sudden loud Purr. a near constant stream of teal streaks flew at the human vehicle. Shining changed to a green hue as several humans let out short pained howls before falling to the ground in mists of crimson. Their bodies lay in a mess of red gore and amputated limbs from the rapid stream of teal streaks tearing at the 'Tanks'.
One 'Tank' Turned its head to face the source of the storm of death. An unseen human inside the tank yelled "ON THE WAY!" The tanks weapon Belched a cloud of fire and sent an orange streak into the place the attacking humans lay, sending dismembered body parts flying through the air in a cloud of dirt.
The human atop the vehicle said calmly. "Cease fire, Cease fire. Target destroyed."
"How can they be so callus?! THEIR BRUTALLY MURDERING EACH OTHER!" Twilight yelled at the memory.
Before Luna could respond. There was a loud *Pop* from the treeline, Screaming past an orange stream similar to the Tanks projectile just missed, turning around the human watched as it hit the ground several hundred meters behind them and bounced off into the air.
The human Yelled "FUCK! ANTI-TANK. H.E. TRAVERSE LEFT!"
With that there was another *Pop* from the treeline and yet another orange ball flew towards the tanks and the humans behind them. This one hit, causing the huge armoured vehicle to shake violently, but it was only a passing glance. The projectile flew off into the cloudy grey sky with a sinister reverberating chirp.
A humans voice came from the box inside the tank. "Just a Ricochet, were OK" the human the memory was focused on sat lower in his tanks head until he was eye level with the top of its head.
"BULLSHIT! THAT'S A KRAUT HIGH VELOCITY GUN! I CAN HEAR IT WHISTLING!"
Two of the other tanks began spraying projectiles into the treeline. The tank fires its weapon and an orange streak lands in the treeline, a sixty foot tall pine tree falls over as a massive green red and orange explosion rocks the forest.
"Ok. Cease fire cease fire. AT Destroyed." The moment the human finished his sentence another *pop* exploded from the forest sending yet another orange projectile screaming towards the tanks. this one however connected. the tank farthest to the right explodes in a massive ball of fire. Its metal head flies off of its body and through the air. With a hollow *Thud* the steel top of the tank lands several dozen feet away from its body. The pained screams of the humans that once stood behind it reach the group watching, causing Cadence to hold her hooves to her ears. Skystar does the same cringing, tears still streaming freely from the previous memories.
The remaining three tanks turn their metal heads and fired at the treeline the hidden aggressor was loosing its projectiles from.
"All tanks! All tanks! Squirt that treeline! Light those fuckers up!" A human from the box yelled.
All three tanks began spraying red and orange projectiles over the forest, firing their main weapons as well. trees young and old splintered and collapsed to the floor. There was an explosion from inside the treeline, just as the other one, it was massive and colourful... Red, green and orange fire flew from it and set the surrounding forest alight.
The tanks didn't stop, they kept advancing, protecting the humans walking behind them from the hail storm of projectiles that showered the group. Humans in trenches died in droves and as the tanks continued to advance. They drove over several wounded humans in grey uniforms who where not fast enough to crawl into their friends trenches.
The screams of the humans being ran over and their abrupt squishy cut off caused the group to begin to look sick, even through no one was watching anymore, no one could... but Luna kept the memory open.
'They must see this. its the only way for them to understand the fire their playing with '
"MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!" Cadence practically screamed in agony.
With that Luna glowed and they group was returned to the warmth of the 'Castle of Friendship's' Foyer. The group looked shell shocked. Luna was now concerned that in her rage at their arrogance she'd shown them too much. She hurriedly rushed to explain.
The humans are not by nature violent. By nature their quite compassionate, loving creatures. They love technological challenge or a challenge in general, they love sports and art and music. In a great many ways they're like all of us. War and fighting has always been a part of their nature and culture. However it was usually small battle and skirmishes. That all changed in their 1900's when technology began to rapidly advance. eventually each faction on their world were struggling to make increasingly effective weapons to protect their people VIA discouraging an offensive against them. However greed plays as much a part in their people society as it sadly does ours.
"How- How could they do this to themselves! WILLINGLY NO LESS!" Twilight practically yelled. Luna responded with.
"Never willingly! The humans never start wars willingly! Theres always an underlying goal, a need. Their two most destructive wars. Aptly named: World War One and World War Two. Saw the bloodiest fighting in their people history, it has yet to be surpassed. World war one was starting just as the human industry advanced far enough to allow inconceivable mass production of civilian goods. When the war started each side rapidly converted those factories to making weapons for their armies and thus a blood bath never before seen ensured. The same event happened with World war two. Only this time the factions industry had grown further, and technology had advanced so far that weapons were growing to terrifying levels of destructive power. By the end of both World wars,the estimated deaths range from 50-80 million. 38 to 55 million civilians were killed, including 13 to 20 million from war-related disease and famine."
Everyone looked utterly destroyed by those statistics. Understandably too. It was common knowledge that there had been no major wars in their known world in over a thousand years. No one barring Celestia and Luna in attendance had seen such conflict before. Even then Celestia chose to forget such memories.
But Luna chose to never forget the fields of maimed dead and dying that laid before her. She never forgot the name and face of her commander, The same pony she had watched and been a second mother to since his colt-hood. She remembers the cold of the rain showering her back as she sat in the blood stained quagmire of mud and clay, shielding his broken dying body from the rain as she was powerless to save him. The remembers his last breath leaving his body as he died in her hooves...
Luna was determined to NEVER let such fighting happen AGAIN .
"The short of it is: first war was started when one country was being bullied by another stronger one. That country Called for its stronger ally to help it, which it did. The instigating county called its ally to help it and eventually both groups dug in and fighting ravaged their world. Once the war was over. The ally of the bullied nation was forced to pay an unrealistic amount in damages to the nations that fought and won the war, as well as this, not only did they have to pay so much money that they risked nationwide bankruptcy. But to top it all off they had to give so much of their industry to the victors that their nation was bogged down in mass unemployment and debt. This caused an event for the nation of 'Germany' called. The great depression.
During this economic depression. Inflation of currency was so bad. The the 'German' people who had money burned it in the winter to stay warm. And those that didn't would have to pay our equivalent of $60 bits for a loaf of bread-"
"THATS INSANE!" Twilight yelled out. "That's enough bits to feed two family's for three weeks!" Twilight yelled in dismay.
"Exactly. That continued on for several years until an evil man rose to power in Germany, Promising his people that they would never go hungry again, and Germany will be one of the most powerful and advanced nations on the planet. This man. Kept his world. He tore up the treaty of appeasement and restored his peoples land to above its former glory..."
"And then?" Skystar asks wearily.
"Then his greed got the better of him. By the time the second world war had started... Germany had annexed about the same amount of land Nova Griffonia currently claims. By the peak of the war Germany and their Allies would own a combined land similar to that of which the griffon empire currently owns. The violent brutal fighting fought by a once desperate people under the thumb of a dictator. Once again. Germany fell. And its government was dissolved. It was divided in two between the two victorious countries that ended its reign. It's Currently united under its own reign again, only with a different flag, ideology and morals now.
The goal of my sister and I, is to show the humans our ways, and try to keep them peaceful for long enough for a friendship to foster between our races, Bringing us all together."
After an awkward silence Teafeather spoke up. "Watching their history was horrific... It reminded me of what my people was like before you reached out to us. Helped us..." He said through a sad expression, before standing upright and proud. "Nova Griffonia will offer any and as much assistance with settling the humans as necessary!" Luna smiled thankfully, but before she could say thank you. Everyone else joined in.
"The Buffalo will Provide support as well!"
"As will we!" Skystar Proclaimed. "I'm positive mother will agree!"
"The crystal empire will offer as much aid as is required!" Cadence spoke up. Shining agreed almost instantly.
Archonev Took on an expression of anger. " Stalliongrad will NEVER support such a people! You fools are supporting your own Destruction! We Should END THEM! Whilst they are weak! Eliminate the threat!"
"Then your not welcomed in my castle!" Twilight said flaring her horn in disgust. The ambassador of Stalliongrad was surrounded in a bright purple aura then -=Telipoofed=- from the foyer.
Everyone's gaze fell on the silent Celaeno. "I Apologize. But i'll have to return home and consult my peoples king before i can give you any affirmative pledge... But you can bet that me and my crew will be at your assistance once we return! Make a list of what you need and we'll return immediately!" She said with excited devotion!
It was then that the group heard talking from the other side of the doors to the library. Curious Twilight began to walk over and nudged the door open. What she found made her jaw fall agape.
There sitting at a table before her. Was two humans dressed in camouflaged uniforms, And sunburst, As well as the three Cutie-mark crusaders. By now the group had noticed Twilight's body tense and wandered over. Shining, upon seeing the humans glared daggers at the humans. Causing the male one to drop his teacup.
The moment the sound of shattering ceramic filled the room. Everyone was shouting at each other.
Leaving Sunburst and the CMC sitting there looking at the display before them. Sunburst sighed and face-hoofed.
After two minutes of trying to speak but being cut off he inhales deeply... "QUUIIIIIEEET!" He yells whilst surrounding the two parties in one way sound proofed shields. Only his voice could pierce the yellow auras surrounding both parties.
"All of you! SHUT UP! And get along! Luna, Celestia and I. Have Had ENOUGH!. Your all going to talk with each other. Civilly. The first Pony or Creature i see misbehave. Gets turned into a Chicken! Am i Clear!" He yells out in frustration, huffing from the effort.
The Humans crossed their arms and nodded begrudgingly. And the Group of various creatures nodded, looking very agitated about being treated like children.
With that outburst out of the way, and his point clear. Sunburst Levitated more chairs over to the table and spike brought in more cups and an assorted plate of biscuits and cookies. No one at the table made eye contact with each other in either shame or fear, Causing Sunbursts left eye to twitch.
Chapter 13 - Premonitions...
Blackness dissolves away into a crisp clear image...
A Field of burning tanks... Their crews dead and charred. Either hanging out of their hatches or on the ground close by the mangled steel behemoths.
The field was littered with mutilated human corpses... Amputated limbs, innards and bullet casings practically covered every foot of lawn. The grass that was visible was stained thick with blood.
Overhead, a formation of flying specs... Their getting low towards the ground... A BF-109 G6 screams past. The inside of its canopy stained and painted red. Scorch marks mar the war birds once grey and robins egg blue skin. Its nose points skyward, and it hurtles back into the heavens like a homesick angel. After dodging several trees. A team of Pegasai fly past and follow its contrail vertically into the sky.
The 109 stalls out, its nose still pointed towards the sun... The wounded pilot kicks the rudder to the right and lowers the flaps to their landing position. The bright yellow nose of the shark coloured Veteran of the skies falls back downwards towards the Earth... A perfect hammerhead... The pilot pulls his flaps back in before slamming the throttle forwards.
Purple-blue fire spews forth from the engines exhaust, the planes heart lets out a supercharged howl, it's war cry. And screams like that of a phoenix as it claws through the air downwards towards the half blinded team of Pegasai. The captain realizes whats happening and swiftly changes direction. His squad however, does not...
The purr of the 109's nose mounted twin 13mm machine guns and single 20mm cannon alerts the remaining Pegasai all too late that their lives are ending. The machine gun rounds shred several of the winged Equines, whilst the ones hit by the 20mm just outright exploded into a mist of blood and gore.
During his opponent's target fixation with his now dead squad, the captain had used the precious time to gain airspeed and dive alongside the badly wounded plane. With a grunt he flaps one last time, tucking his wings in for speed. By arching his body slightly he steers himself into a collision with the humans bird.
The moment he intercepts the 109'. His wing glows a bright white, during his pass his wing seems to phase through the planes tail... The 109 separates into two pieces almost immediately, the tail flying off on its own mission, and the main fuselage, that being the cockpit engine and wings, Spirals off in a flat-spin so violent the wings fold and sheer off the plane. Leaving the cockpit and engine tumbling end over end into the ground.
In the distance the Acoustic violence of a battle could be heard. Just under a dozen Sherman fireflies are engaging a pony mage company. Their 76mm cannons kicking up mighty clouds of just, whilst their crews spray a red magic shield down with all off the 50 cal. fire their tanks can throw out. The main guns rounds explode into shrapnel on the shield filling it with cracks... The machine gun rounds begin chipping shards of the shield away onto the unicorns taking refuge inside.
That was before a squad of earth ponies crawled out of a hole in the ground and ran into the nearby treeline out of sight. The fireflies continued their advance until they simply sank into the ground. The very earth betraying the steel monsters and eating them. Immobilized. The tanks are made quick work of by a Pegasai team flying overhead. The flying ponies drop strange green glowing glass bottles. The green grenades explode into balls of violent green flame that uses the tanks armour against itself.
The tanks armour superheats to a sickening orange glow under the bright green liquid fire currently dripping off the tanks. Black smoke begins to pour out of the closed hatches and cannon barrel. A Rumbling growl builds up inside the now glowing white steel coffin, Geysers of hellfire blast out of the tanks hatches before an earthshaking explosion sends the vehicles multi-tonne turret flying through the air. A hollow *Thud* acknowledges the turrets return to mother earth, twenty feet from the now glowing hull.
A series of similar explosions rocks the landscape as tank parts are violently thrown across the field in all directions. The lone surviving vehicle manages to claw its way out of its grave and resume the barrage on the ponies. Its four 30 cal.s sounding like woodpeckers hopped up on a sugar high.
It wouldn't make it much further than its fallen comrades. A telephone pole sized javelin of magic impales the tank center mass, before being absorbed and causing the upper glacis plate to melt away in a silver clumping mass, revealing a very dead mutilated crew.
"T͓̲̮͈hi̫͇̩̬̱s͉ ̰̻͈ịs̡̫̞̻ ͚t̘h̛̲̥̯͙̜e̺̖͈͈̯̰ ̷͇̝̭f͙̤̖͔̟a͚̻̝̻ͅt͖̖e͍͔̻͔͍̲ ̫̳͈͕o̩͓̼̮̳͇̻f̷͓̮̙͖ ̢̮̺̯̩t̻̜̣͇͓ḥ͡ó͍̯̫s̹̝e͙̼͡ ̬w̙̼̺̖h̦̝̘̜̤͎̗̕o̠̞̟ͅm̴ ̫̰̀t͖̭̝̹r̜̺̱͜u̢͉s͏̺t ̤͖t͚̠̩̲͝h͏̲͖͓̦̭e̠̞͈̰̱͚ ̰̟̹̟̬̯̰͠c̟͙̰ͅͅr̥̭̹̜e̮̘̙̬a͎̭̙̰̖̝̲t̬͔̯̰̤̻͘u͚̺̝r̖e̩̮͎͢s̫ ̼͕͚̪̭o̵͚̜͓͇̥̟̭f̡ ̶͉̥̙̖̞̲t҉̺͕͈̫͈̱h̶i̻ṣ͠ ̸̙̝͎̬͕̖̠ti̲̤͎̤͙̝m̯̯̟e̬̱̠̘̠.̫̪̭̣̻͞ͅ.̘.̰"
"d̢̫͍̼̙̫̬̟onț̙̗ ͚̥͜t̪r̴̟̠̙͉͓͔ͅu͍̦̠̜̥s̵̟t̪͢ ̷͍̯̖̯t̵͓̖h̦ȩ̝̮͉͚̫̙m̝̠͙͎̲͝.̨̱͇.͎̲̪̠̻.̩͉͉̙"
"T̸͓͚̫̭̞ͅh̩͚̤͎e͜y̸̲̥̝͍̞ ̴̟͔̘̳̲̺W͕͝A̠͓ͅͅN͕͖̗T ̸t̡͇o͕̥̳̱ ͉̞K͙̹̦̲̲͉I͙͚͖̭LL̵̥͇̘̩̗ͅ ̢̺̙͈̺͓y̡̤͎̠o̧͕̟̮̫̞u̺̤̜̼̙̝͕ ̬͈̲͇̰̯͈A҉L̕Ḽ̜̗̼ͅ!̶̙"
"p͟le͏a̡s͞e d̕on̛'̶t̷ tr̵ưst ҉t͘hem̛.͢.̴. y͠o͏u̴r͘ ̵a̡ll th̸at's l͘e̡ft͟..͏."
"d̋͆ͣ͆ͧ̂̚ę̉̇a͂t̀ͯ̍̈́͐̀h͛ͯ.̧̌̐̓̒.́͆̽́̇ͪ.ͤ̌͊͛ͮ̃̔ ̉ͮ͛ͫͮ̄d̓̑̑ͮͧ̚ē̵ͯ̍ͯą̿͋͊̾͒ͦ̈t̐̓̽͒͛̃h̅ͯ̔.̅͢.ͨ͑͑̋҉.̴̽͊͂̂ͭd̨͆ͬͬͫͦeͥ͂ͪ̄ͧ̚͡a̡͋̎̋͌ͪ̑t̨h̢͌̇ͬ.̉͆͒̓̌̇.̄ͩ͋̈ͫ.̿̽͊ď̢̏̽̿e̎͊̃ͧ́a͝t̆͊̿͡h̄̏́̆̔.̉̇̓̓̅.͐̌ͤ̕.̇̓̆͡ ͗ͪ͊͒͘.̏͊̆̐̈́͋͝.̇̇͑̉͒.ͫ̒ͮ̏̂ͯ͋ ͒̆̀̒.ͤͥ̋͌ͣ̎ͣ͟.̶͗.̇̊ͦͥ̔ ̨̋ͫͤͪ́̏̚Rͪͭ͋U͂ͪ̿̍ͫ̈́͑N̊ͩ̔̋̚!̊ ̄͏ŖỦ̵̽̾N͏ ̋A̡͗̋Wͧ͜A̾͊̍̋̾Yͥͨ̋ͫ͠!̵ ̑S̈́ͦͨͣ͌̚A̶ͣ̽̎́̃ͨVͤ̽̇̂Ę̈̆͗ͣ͒̍ͨ ̌ͩͫ̒̓͠Ö́̀U̡ͭR̉ͭͣ̔ͥ̎̓ ̛̃̒S̋͗̓͛ͪ̑͜P̽ͤ̒̈̒̓̈͟ECI̓̓ͮ̅E̊ͫ̋̾ͯͬ͠S̚!͑͌ͣͣ̒͋͝
"s͖̩̗̬̪ͭ̔h̻̖̘͙̞͌̂̌̏̏h̛̰̖̞͎̖̳̉h̗͆̓́ḧ̡͎̫̞͚̯͔̍̌h̸͎̩̯ͮͅ.͕̮͛͛.̰̻̊̃͞.̆͛ͤ̏͐ ̼ͧ͛̎̆͑̓y̏͆ͨ̋́o͙̩͖̹̯͙͂̀͑̃͐ṵ̡̩̩͍͙̘̪̔ͭͨ͗'̙͓͉̟͈̄̽͌́͗r̕ë̤͙̖͇̹̹́ͬ ̺͖̮̩̼̱͌͛ͭͭ͒̾͌͠s̥̙̤̙̬̱̾͋͒̔̈́̇͐cḁ̉̚r̹̞͙͉̹͛̏͑̈ͅi̛̺̬ͫͭ̇̊ͮṋ̷̬̟̱̦̟g̵̝͇͍̰̜̹͕͑̅ͤ͐͒ ̘̭͚̟̀ͫͤț̮̜͈͈ͥ͊h̢͎̱͇̥̣̔̐̔̀͑ë̦̗̥́ͫ͝m̫͚͉̘̋̾̔̀.̨̳̉̏͐̅.͇͆͐ͬͮ͟.̞͕̫̪ͬ̔̀̆̑"
"U͔̖s̖̫e͇̼͇̥̻ ̥͍̟͍̥o͔̟̞͙̰̖ur̤͇̝ͅ ͚̤̺̳͇s̟̥̜t̤̟̳̮r̺̥̖̯e͙͓̫̖͓n̰̣͇̘͕ͅg̫̹̙̰̞͓t̪̝̞̼̘̭h! Ṵ̪S͈̦͙̩E̮͓̘̣̱ o͕̖̺̗̻ṵ̞̹̣r ͔̳P̫̮̮̬OW͇͍̞̲͚E̖̣̻͉R͚̭̣̥̮̞!͓͓͕̮͕ ̰͙R̮̯̮̱̝̲̱I̘̣̻̲̱̗S̠̳͎̤̼̦E͍͙͍͖͚!͓͓ ͙̯̼̱̪ͅA͍͉̗͉N̠͓̼D͍̙̱ ̟̯̗ͅR̞U͉̱N͕!"
*Pained Scream*
"WAKE UP! SAVE YOURSELVES! SAVE OUR SPECIES!"
=====================================
During the same time as the castle break-in...
The human lying on the still cold steel table jolted awake with a sharp gasp, rubbing his eyes to clear them of the fog he was seeing. He lethargically looked around but his powerful adrenaline rush was causing his body to be racked with a slight burning pain. And was making muscles across his body twitch violently.
His eyes sharpened enough for him to notice his fellow crew sitting upright on the tables either side of him. None of them had yelled or cried out in fear or shock this time. They hadn't done so for the last week of waking up from those nightmares... Dreams of nothing but black void, and ghoulish whispers, Usually ominous warning about our futures in this world... But this was the first time the nightmares showed images... And whatever is causing these nightmares, chose to show us a prophecy worthy of the title 'Nightmare'.
Jackie turned and looked into my eyes, his paled shell-shocked face and wide petrified eyes showing me that he too, and quite possibly the whole crew had just had the same dream as me... As usual...
Andrew's voice reached me form my left. He was evidently mid panic attack, as his words only came out in short gasps of air.
"Ser-iOUs-lY.. l-AN-cer.. W-Wh-What the F-fff-uck is Wr-rong with thi-sss... Sh-It hole..." The poor guy was almost in tears...
Tommy was just staring wide eyed into oblivion, giving a particular white tile a stare that would make it nervous if it was sentient.
I wrapped Andrew in my single allotted blanket, it was at this point during our adrenaline rush starting to wear off. That i noticed we'd all been stripped down to our underwear. And poor Andrew was in his birthday suit. I then practically leaped off the table and commenced a frantic search for more things to wrap my poor loader in.
After about three minutes my furious speed searching paid off. in an abandoned chest of draws i found several T-shirts in vacuum sealed containers. After opening the box i lifted a black T-shirt out and also recovered a plastic shred covered pair of shorts.
Rushing back to the now blanket cocooned Andrew. I was about to prepare myself to dress the poor sod, but to my surprise he'd recovered from his panic attack enough to reach up and shakily pull the clothing from my arm. After two minutes he was up and walking about in his new clothes. It was then that it hit me...
The million dollar question on my mind was, it was no mystery that the T's pattern had eroded away to nothing, but why was it that the colour stain on the shirt looked familiar... i began staring without realizing it and eventually Andrew was freaked out enough to not be able to ignore me.
"Uhh. Lancer? Can i, Help you?" He asked nervously.
"Pull the bottom corners of your shirt outwards for me please..." He complied and did as requested, and i continued staring. I had attracted the various attentions of the rest of the crew by now, even Tommy realized his answers were better found elsewhere than his mind.
The crew walked over to were i stood and joined in the awkward staring competition with the T-shirt.
"Sn-hn-ton... Heroes?" Tommy asked confused.
It was then that the familiarity of the S' unique style hit me. and the Title at the bottom of 'Heroes' only sealed it.
"Wait, Lancer. How'd a Human shirt with a Human bands logo on it end up on a medieval planet of talking horses?"
It was then that Lancer froze. He'd pulled those clothes from a padlocked vacuum sealed box... This planets inhabitants couldn't have vacuum storage tech yet. they still run around with swords for crying out loud. But then again, they obviously had electricity judging by the buzzing lights above their heads...
All members of the crew went rigid. They all felt fear welling up inside them... Modern music culture merch, in a vacuum sealed and locked container. On an alien world with the same gravity as their world... Ponies in the medieval technology period with Electricity... And the voices that haunt their sleeping moments...
Jackie shakily spoke the words we were all thinking. "Didn't those... voices say, we were the last hope of saving 'OUR Species'... That 'we're the last ones left'..." We all began to stare at each other in terror... What if we were still on Earth?...
"The voices also said that we couldn't trust them... that they want to kill us!" Tommy said with dire concern.
"With how they've brazenly handled the situation i'm starting to believe that!" Andrew spat out in growing rage.
It was my turn to speak, I needed to 'herd' my group back together before they did something stupid.
"We escape now, and deal with implications of our nightmares later!"
===========
Meanwhile down the hall...
A pony and a griffon walked down the narrow hallway. Nurse Redheart had the lead whilst the griffon followed closely behind. This newcomer had been summoned by Princess Celestia on a whim that, possibly a creature of a different race, not related to ponies or Equines in general would allow for greater trust. Thus an open dialogue.
The talons of the griffon of many greys was practically bursting at the seams! She of all griffons and ponies, was getting the opportunity to try and help a new race!
Upon arriving at the door, The nurse placed her ear against it. After a few seconds she sighed before saying "All clear, They must still be asleep." As she pulled the door handle down with a hoof and began pushing it open with her head the grey griffon was looking depressed and saying.
"Awwwww! I hope not! I Wanted to make some more fri-" She was cut off by Redheart gasping in pure shock horror. The barred window, was barred no more. The glass window was pushed open and the humans were missing! Gone!
She ran down the hall leaving the griffon looking confused were she sat. Curious, The 'Guest' hovered into the air and flew over to the open window.
"Its no wounder they simply left through a barred window. The windowsills rotted completely, it may as well of been made of wet paper..." She said to herself. she poked her head out of the hole in the wall where the window now sat at a precarious angle.
Looking down the wall she noticed paw prints that scaled the wall to the ground. The only reason they were visible was because the escaping 'Humans' paws, had wiped away the aged crumbling whitewash in their getaway.
With a chuckle the griffon flew out through the window. And followed the prints down the wall with a bubbly giggle. After looking around confused about where the strange creatures may have gone she flies up high into the air and searches on the spot. Her Eagle eyes soon spot movement far off in the distance. Flapping her wings she follows the strange creatures from an altitude.
"Why are they heading towards town? I though Celestia said Humans were scared of ponies..."
Chapter 14 - Stale air...
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. View Online
Chapter 15 - Stalemate of opinion, Adjourned.
=================
*BLAM*
The sound echoed around the room, Leaving everyone frozen in fear. Several people looked towards the hostages fearing the worst. To their utter surprise, Everypony was in no worse-a-condition than when they first entered. The Metallic *Thud* of a heavy weighted pistol hitting the wood floor sounded off. Dimitri recoiled into the wall behind him clutching his right hand with his left. The grimace of extreme pain smeared all over his face.
The door was pushed open wide. And the 7'6 (With a lack of a better description) 'Build like a brick shit-house' form of Robert Mcdonnel, The leader of the American team 'Texan Ronson's '.
Entering the room, his glare would make fluttershy's animals relocate to another country. And his glare was laser focused on Dimitri's cringing face.
"If i' evah see ya'll try somthin' like that again. I'll tell mah' tank gunners to use yer' big mouth as a ranging target. Kapiche!"
Johnna leans on the table with his hands, shaking his hanging head, he lets out a relived sigh. He mumbles "Guards, please take them to room two, make sure that they are given anything they desire, so long as they cant escape with it."
"Sir!" The guards turn to usher the ponies out of the room before Johnna looks up and raises his voice.
"Sergeant!" The guard turns back to face Johnna from the door. "Make sure their comfortable! And for the love of everything sacred man! Build the poor sods the shower i asked for them two days ago! Raid Chase's supply Depot if you have to, but just make sure their treated like our own troops would be!" The guard smiles warmly before happily replying with.
"Siryessir!" And beginning his jog down the hall to catch up with the convoy shuffling down the hallway.
After a few moments Johnna looks to Dimitri, then a light bulb evidently lit up and Johnna turns to Mcdonnel. "Ey, mate, Wheres your lot? Don't you guys generally like the dramatic entrances?" The tanned scraggly leader asks in confusion.
Locking his weapons safety, Mcdonnel spins his pistol on his finger a few times before holstering it and replying with "Yeah, they should be here an-" Before he could finish his sentence he stopped, as somewhat familiar music began to enter the soundproofed room. And the voices of several hundred people accompanied the music, singing the lyrics in near perfect time. They sounded absolutely bloody awful, like an orchestra of moaning cats.
"So Then, A, Byyyyeee, Byyyyeeee, Miss, Ameri-can Pie! Drove Mah' Shevvy to th' Levy. But the Levy was Dryy."
Johns lets out a single "HAH" Before plopping back down in his seat holding his forehead. " I guess that answers my question then!"
Char clears his throat from across the table before asking. "Can we please get this meeting back on the road so that i can return to the previously Aforementioned list of things that i need to attend to." With that everyone returned to their seats, including Dimitri, who'd removed his black leather glove to reveal half of his hand was now bruised purple.
After a few seconds Johnna kept on staring into the table on an alternate train of thought. Mcdonnel responds with. "Well, Sweetheart? You gonna say somthing dearie~?"
"Faaarrck Off." Johnna groans in his thick (but deeper than normal) Australian accent. "Were was i?"
Ling shifted uncomfortably before saying "Slaughtered in their beds?"
Johnna's tone returned to its previous sad, sorry self. "Ah...Right... Well, one of the guards had noticed shadows in the temporary hangar tents and checked his roster, after several minutes of confusion, the guard 'pulled an Aussie' and went, 'Fuck it' and sounded the alarm. The mechanics rushed into their stations around the aircraft in the hangar tents, and found that pegasai had begun to sabotage the fighters. They'd cut oil and fuel lines as well as any visible pipes, hoses or cables."
Johnna looked up from his blank stare at the table to see if everyone was still following along, and was greeted by many inquisitive stares and several people bobbing their heads, agreeing with the pegasai's action of sabotaging the aircraft as a good tactical decision.
"Those whom sabotaged the aircraft were chased out of the hangar tents by the over-zealous and quite frankly pissed off mechanics, and the pegasai tasked with killing those sleeping suddenly found themselves in a brawl for their lives as the alarm awoke the barrack they'd just entered. The guard tower routed a squad of grenadiers to the building when he'd noticed no-one was leaving for action stations, as well as the several that had already been visited by the winged bastards. From there a C.O Found the dead, and alerted Errik, and then the Germans... Lost their SHIT!"
Everyone around the table cringed at that, Knowing that when the Germans became very angry, they often reached the 'Not a level in hell below me' state of rage. Very scary to deal with... "The rule book went out the window and within a minute and three-ish seconds the poor winged bastards trying to flee for their lives were being shot at by every AAA weapon on the base, a total of six were downed by Wirblewinds and Ostwinds. Three from Fixed 20mm fire, and one sorry bitch got his by an 88'."
The cringes were real, and several in attendance grimaced and hissed at that. Emily practically leaped from her seat. "What happened to their bodies?" she asked in concern, knowing that the Germans were Liable to skin them in their raged state.
"I sent troops to render aid for the Mist Cougars, but they evidently weren't needed, so they retrieved the bodies instead. Two more were hit by Wirblewind fire and fell with their wings broken, but were saved by falling into trees. Their due for their fourth surgery in an hour. Its doubtful they'll ever fly again..."
Everyone stared blankly into the tables wood grain. The feeling in the room was somber at best.
"I Dunnoh' bout' you lot'. But ah' don't like taking about all this death. Whats the real reason why you called us here besides this.... Incident..." Mcdonnel said quietly in his drawl.
Johnna leaped at the chance to change the dark subject. "Wheres your teams reports? We want everything, Logistics logs, current supply and attrition!"
Mcdonnel waved his hand and several of his assistants walked in carrying large boxes. They removed the lids and quickly flipped the boxes over on the table. Leaving lazy neat piles next to the mountain of paper. Alarmingly, almost half of it was red.
"Food aint' lookin' too good for us chief. Ya' know we usually travel light n' live off th' land. But there ain't many deer or large enough game to support all of us round' here... we're, with a lack of a better term, Fucked."
"Don't worry. This meeting was not just a logistics recall. As char said before you arrived Robert, the primary reason I've called you all here this afternoon. Was to propose a ceasefire agreement, and to have all of our teams ally. Its the safest course of action to ensure humanity's survival, since as i'm sure you've all guessed, were not on earth anymore, or from earth of our time at least..."
Dozens of heads were nodding in agreement at what Johnna had just suggested. Char spoke up, to hammer the idea home for the rest who were evidently confused at the prospect. "And, how would this help humanity to survive?" His mannered rich low tone inquired.
"Well, for starters. Five Thousand Humans is alot more dangerous and terrifying to face the prospect of battle against instead of a few hundred. Thus lowering the chances of future skirmishes or heaven forbid, battles breaking out. With a single unified entity, Diplomatic strains are also greatly reduced. And finally we gain the benefits of having combined and huge amounts of manpower, and as such vast amounts of work and resources are able to be utilized. It makes life substantially safer, and easier, if we all agree here to join into one conglomerate."
"And who will command or lead such a conglomerate?" Ling questions. Everyone appears to look concerned at the prospect of loosing their command, and thus their assured protection over their teammates.
"Us of course, Having only one leader is foolish. It can lead to all sorts of problems down the road, such as corruption, or becoming emotionally compromised. But as it stands theres ten leaders sitting before me. We have a proverbial 'round table' going on here mates."
Johnna could see that many were liking this proposal but several of the leaders looked very confused or indecisive as to where or how to proceed.
"You have given a great many points to think over, but i humbly ask that you allow us to think over such points before continuing." Ling said in a cautious tone.
"As do we, We have much to consult with our team in its entirety before reaching a definitive conclusion." Emily stated before rising from her seat.
Dimitri just stood up, before leaving the room with the rest of his personnel, still clutching his hand. Ling and Emily also turned to leave but stopped once they heard Chars calm voice reply with.
"The principality accepts your terms in their entirety. We're all with you on this." This caught them all off guard, as Char's faction was the 'Avoid all unnecessary contact or relations' type. This shift in Chars opinion was the driving force for the next several advisers to begin openly talking with their leaders about the prospects of such an arrangement. From what could be heard, most of these prospects were positive.
Mcdonnel removed his green helmet. He then slams its into the table causing everyone to go silent, he runs his hand through his dirt brown hair before sighing and responding with.
"Not much fer' speeches... Th'ts why i like you Australians. To the point and always willing to joke about it" He then looks Johnna in the eye "But i suspect this ain't a joke, an' yer serious bout' all this. So you can count us all in. Texan Ronsons are at your tables service Johnna" With that he reclines in his chair, before drawing his .357 and without aiming, shoots out a tinted window.
Glass rains down on the cooks attempting to prepare the various implements of their trade for dinner that night. Everyone in the room was stunned at what the American had just done. And just stared at him slack jawed.
"What? Don' look at me like that! It was too fuckin hot in this shithole. Smells like a dead camels ass too." He said bluntly with more drawl then usual. After several seconds Johnna and his personnel began a guffaw, causing those remaining in the room to roll their eyes at the stereotype of the Australian's and the Americans getting along so well.
The room soon went into an uproar of laughter when a very aggravated chef pitched a fresh hard tomato through the broken window, sending shards into the room. But the thing that caused the laughter, was the fruit hit its intended target with perfect accuracy, Knocking his unsecured helmet off of his head, and sending it rolling across the floor with the red bruised ball still sitting in it. Giving the helmets nickname of 'Salad bowl' A whole new meaning.
"Karey. Send messages to those who left that we continue this tomorrow and await their decisions."
"Sure thing mate." Karey said still chuckling, then closes the door as she as the last of the leaders left leaving Robert, who's still in his recline and Johnna alone in the room.
...
...
...
"So," Robert begins. "Whats your point of view on these 'Locals' That i just saved. Are they a severe danger to our safety? or are they willin' to make peace with th' fact that we're stuck here for th' long run?"
Johnna Practically collapses into his plush wheelie chair before sinking into it and groaning. "I Dunno mate... From the recon reports Jay shoved down me throat... Their queens appeared to be mighty pissed at their captains troops. She even publicly stripped the ranks and sacked the survivors who escaped the massacre against us. Word has it she then paraded their sorry arses out of town down the only cobbled road, presumably to their capital... So, theres a chance that they've wanted to initiate peace since day one..."
"Or" Robert begins ominously whilst glaring at the ceiling. "She punished them to not being able to exterminate such a comparatively weak enemy... I've seen the reports you've made on the way up here. Heard rather... but Morse code gives them just as much justice. They not only outnumber us, but can fly and use Fuckin 'Magic'... Its shit out of a fairy tail from satan's ass crack."
Johnna looks up out of the window before sighing. "I Know, Either way... We're fucked. If they attack were Fucked, If they don't we're still Fucked, Cause if starvation or disease doesn't kill us. The freaking winter will... That's if we stay sane that long and don't break down into civil war or just start murdering each other..."
"Yeah. We are looking pretty Screwed arn't we... Well, Either way, Us Muricans N' Aussie's have to stick together Ey?"
"I Wouldn't trust anyone else to watch me back whilst i have me trousers down" Johnna said through a smile at his childhood skype friend.
Little did the two know, but in the shadows a particular oddity was watching them through a busted roof grate. The same pair of jade green Eyes whom helped save them that one stormy night. The vampire Thestral commando crawled her way silently through the Ventilation ducts of the two story building until she found the vertical exhaust vent out the roof from which she entered that morning.
With one mighty flap of her wings she launched herself off the roof and immediately hurtled through the forest out of sight...
'The princesses will be happy to hear of the humans wanting to be peaceful! They even protected our own ponies, much more, the same ones that caused them harm!' She thought to herself with a gleeful smile. 'But what they said about themselves wasn't encouraging... are they really so fragile? And even then we still have much ground to cover in earning their trust... Damn that Stryder! He's caused such a mess!... Waiiiit a minute... If they've spared Stryders troops, then that means the fool could still be alive! Heh. He'll still get his trial...' She mentally spoke to herself whilst she flew through the shadows of The Everfree at great speed. Her goal, The Castle of Friendship. 'The Princesses will want to hear of this report!'
Chapter 16 - Deterioration over Tea...
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During the same time so as to still be valid with 'During the same time as the castle break in', but also shortly after said event, thus making it a slightly different time from which said timestamp takes place, but is still valid...
Sunburst slams his hoof down on the table, causing spike to jump.
"For the love of everything sacred! Just get past your differences and talk with each other! Talk about your favorite foods, Your homeland, how does the tea taste? Anything!"
...
Eliza clears her throat whilst raising her tea cup to her lips. "So. I'm Eliza... This is my boyfriend Luke..." She introduces Luke by placing a hand on his right shoulder. Luke gives a nervous smile and shrinks partially in his seat whilst taking a prolonged sip from his cup. "And you all are?" she asks cautiously.
Awkward silence...
Eliza looks into her teacup with a mellow, defeated expression. "Well, About as awkward as sitting down for tea with your races enemy could be..." She quietly mumbles to herself. Celestia's ears perk in Eliza's direction at hearing that.
"Your race considers us they're enemies?" She asks with a disheartened hurt tone. Luke leans cautiously over the table, pausing with a hand half reaching for the biscuit plate when Luna looks to him. He slowly continues he reach for the confectionery, snatching his prize he rapidly retracts his hand and sits back down in his seat, Dipping his biscuit in his tea he takes a bite before swallowing and breaking the short silence after the question with.
"No, Not most of us at least. But don't get me wrong. There are a large majority of those who seek retribution or worse, revenge. Then there are those who want to see the countryside painted in your blood." Skystar begins choking on her beverage at hearing the humans blunt response. The governor of Nova Griffonia Looked shocked at the humans words. He mentally notes 'Despite their stature, and weak, frail appearance. They are still bluntly and honest... Quite the unusual creatures indeed. They show fear but at the same time, they also command the room... '
"Tis as we feared sister, the humans are growing more hostile by the passing day.-"
"Hostility towards your race is understandable isn't it? Your people frolic through the streets and countryside preaching 'Peace and Fwendship-" The Savage and blatant sarcasm that drips off her words makes Sunburst reel back slightly, before he just hangs his head. "- Yet. Your captains appear to be practicing rather...-" Eliza searches for a word for a second before continuing with "- 'Destructive', tendencies." She scoffs "And you wounder why We're seeming hostile... I Dunno, Maby its because, you didn't have your brother cut in half.-" Eliza says calmly and casually. Luna closes her eyes at those words. "Or your best mates friends slain in their sleep..." Eliza was savagely burning all in her company with her words. "But you know, Slicing someones neck until their almost decapitated doesn't make too much mess. You know what? I think Gabriel's still trying to clean her brothers blood of the walls and ceiling of his barracks.-" She was cut off by Celestia.
"I Understand your predicament, But you must also understand that no one ordered the captain and his troops to commit such atrocities to your counterparts. you cant blame our entire race for his-" Eliza slams her cup down onto its saucer. Silencing Celestia. With a loud clink , a piece of her cup's finely painted ceramic is sent skidding across the table.
Everyone realized that Celestia stood in this one... Eliza inhales deeply and exhales with closed eyes and a scowl smeared on her face, in an evident attempt at calming herself. When she finally does speak several seconds later, the irritation and anger in her forced, calm voice could be felt from across the table as she speaks with her eyes closed. "I, Do~, Beg your pardon love. But did you just call the unwarranted slaughter sixty two people, six of which were my best friends and my brother... An 'Predicament?" Twilight and Skystar notice that Eliza's hands are clenched into fists. And her level of anger is no mystery due to her white knuckled fists lightly shaking from her rages force.
Luna opens her eyes and speaks up. "My Apologies for my sisters rather poor wording-" Eliza slams both her fists down into the table, causing everyone to jump, Skystar to squeak in fear and Luna to blink.
"NO!... NO! ... WE WILL NOT JUST SKIRT AROUND YOUR CALLOUS BULLSHIT ! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW WE FEEL. YOU HAVE NO COMPREHENSION OF HOW THIS EVENT HAS MADE OUR BLOOD BOIL! HOW COULD YOU!? YOU HAVEN'T EVEN HAD A WAR IN OVER A MILLENNIA!" Luke stands from his seat and places his hands on Eliza's shoulders in an attempt to calm her down, she shrugs him off however. But her next red faced Yelling session is intercepted by Luna.
"We understand that your kind has been through much-" Shes cut off by the Irate Eliza.
"NO MOONBUTT, YOU HAVE NO COMPREHENSION OF THE PAIN AND SUFFERING THAT YOUR KIND HAS CAUSED US! IF THERE WAS AN OPEN PORTAL TO YOUR HELL HOLE OF A WORLD . OUR WORLDS ARMIES WOULD OF MARCHED IN AND PAINTED YOUR TOWNS AND CITIES RED WITH THE BLOOD OF YOUR ARMIES!"
Everyone at this point had shrank into their seats, barring Luna and Celestia who took the verbal assault they knew they would face before even sitting at the table.
Eliza finally began to control her self, clenching her eyes shut she sharply and deeply inhales and exhales. Sitting back down in her seat, she raises her cup to her lips, some of the tea began to dribble from the side of the cup where the missing piecing of ceramic once sat.
"At any rate. Any further attacks on my people would be most unwise indeed. All teams within radio range were messaged. And have been arriving throughout today. In our current F.O.B's location, there are enough tactical bombers to level not only this town, but any settlement or hypocritical hick love boat, farmers shit house. Within two thousand five hundred kilometers of here. We have enough heavy armour to destroy any force you pit against us. And enough vengeful pissed off troops to break as many necks and slit as many throats at necessary." Luke stares at his girlfriend speechless.
"Wasn't killing the Captain and his troops enough revenge for your people?" Luna asked with sorrow in her voice.
"Oh, Trust me, The good captain and his captured troops are alive. heck, some are even receiving medical care." This caught Celestia and Luna off guard.
"When captain Stryder never returned we believed him KIA. What has become of him?"
"Hes currently... Indisposed of at the moment... The moment he figures out how to unlock his 3X3 foot cage from the inside with no key then he should be available. His troops are being treated with the upmost of respect and dignity."
"Are you humans always so cruel?" Celestia asks with concern.
"Only when we're slaughtered in our sleep for no reason after arriving on an alien world." Eliza sneers.
Sunburst clears his throat. "I Apologize for the actions of my fellow ponies. I... Know its hard loosing someone-"
"No, You don't. Not when their death was so brutal. You have no comprehension. Your peoples actions against mine are unforgivable." Eliza chokes on a sob.
Luna drops her facade of neutrality and in a tender caring tone says " I know how it feels to loose someone you hold dear in such a brutal fashion-" Eliza slams her fists down into the glass table, causing a crack to form in its thick top. In a sweeping motion she flings the tea set of the table, the resulting ceramic debris is sent sprawling across the crystal floor of the library.
"Fuck you! What part of not seen a war in millennia do you think i didn't notice when i read through your races history? What happened? Your significant other died after being ran over by a fucking stampede of loving whores? Or smothered by affection?-"
A Midnight blue aura surrounded Eliza before she was pulled over the table, only to stop mere millimeters from Luna's Glare of death.
"You Evidently didn't read Far Enough into the history books you were about to steal!" Everyone at the table was stunned at the Usually stoic Princesses sudden outburst. Eliza would of said something... if her mouth wasn't held shut by magic. so instead she just glared back into Luna's eyes with hatred. "I'M Princess Luna of Equestria , My sister, Celestia and I, Are the Immortal Rulers of this land. And no peace comes without great cost !" Luna yells, Just a few octaves short of the royal Canterlot voice. "My sister and I have seen and Lead more of our Subjects into battle than your Species has in all of its battles, wars and skirmishes Combined!" Luna says with an uncharacteristically feral growl to her voice. Eliza continues her glare of mass destruction into Luna's soul.
"Sister! CEASE THIS AT ONCE!" Celestia orders, But her Commands fall upon her siblings deaf ears.
"A Millennia Ago, I Ignored my sisters advice, 'Thee shan't be attached to thy subjects' she said! 'Their life be too frail, their mortal bodies are but of the finest glass-work our realm has to offer!" Luna yells into Eliza's face. The Princesses throaty growl. Her angry expression exposing her long canines. "One of our pregnant guards began foaling whilst on duty... She should have been left to deal with it herself. But at her constant cries for help, i couldn't take it! I Helped her give birth to a healthy colt! From the moment my gaze met with his pure innocent eyes, i felt a warmth deep inside that i had been denying myself all those years i sat upon the throne with my sister!" Everyone just watched and listened to the princesses history, a history that had never been recorded nor spoken before... "I Ignored my sisters advice for most of Star Glint's life! He grew up from an innocent colt, who'd play chess with me whilst i tutored him, to a strong prideful and caring stallion who eventually became the captain of my guard!" It was at this point that Luna's current budding guards pony, and friend landed silently in the open window to the library, Instead of interrupting her emotional mentor and mother figure, she listens.
"He found himself a special somepony, settled down, began to raise a family! Then the already unstable relations between the griffins and our nation collapsed when their king died of old age and the prince was slain by his jealous uncle!"
Teafeather already knew the battle to which Luna was referring, Only one battle occurred during that war. In two hours of brutal bloody fighting, both armies brawled with each other near savagely until they both whittled each other down to nothing.
"The Army commanded by my sister fell after a bloody massacre, And it was my armies turn to take the line! The formations marched over the hill, and were greeted by the sight of the dead and dying littering the farmland that once fed Canterlot!" Skystar looked as if she was about to cry already. Cadence held her eyes shut, Luna had told her this story once already after having one bottle of Port too many...
"With bravery my troops were lead into the field, marching over the still warm corpses of their friends and family! At the head of the formation? Star Glint and I! I Trudged through the Quagmire of blood and mud! The severed limbs and decapitated bodies! The innards of Equestria's bravest and finest warriors, fighting to protect the ones and land they love so dearly!" Everyone around the table was beginning to look sick, Eliza's expression had softened substantially, Realizing that she was foolish forcing her sorrow and hatred onto another...
"The griffons ambushed our battalion from all sides! From above, the flanks, The rear, They even poured out of craters that they filled with our own dead! They used our dead as camouflage to hide their soldiers from us!" Eliza's guilt was showing itself freely now, she felt tears begin welling up inside herself, This princess went against the advice of her elder sister to be closer to her subjects, even to the extent of joining them on the battlefield, she gave up her sheltered spoon fed ways and put herself in danger for her people... Luna's eyes had glassed over and tears were now begging to run down her cheeks.
"Poor Star Glint, had to watch his comrades be slain in their dozens, I Myself had slain over thirty griffons in a desperate attempt at saving my subjects, My first true friends, friends and family... Eventually the pained screams of agony from the dying faded out to nothing! And it was but I, Whom Stood amongst the slaughtered in a field of red clay and mud! I Looked everywhere for Star Glint, But he was nowhere to be seen! That was until i heard a pained moan... I Found the Pony i'd helped raise since the very moment his spark of life was bought into this world... Lying atop the body of the one who'd Taken him out of the combat... The griffons Warhammer was still resting in Star Glints back..." Luna was by now freely crying and choking on sobs. Her head hung limply from her shoulders and she looked into her hooves, evidently reliving through the painful memory and she was retelling it.
"I Couldn't do anything but sit there in the blood sodden quagmire... Shielding his broken body from the rain whilst his spark of life slowly departed from our world... He was essentially my son... And i was left Powerless to save him... or even lessen his pain..." With a sharp rasping gasp she started openly weeping, And sobbing with the broken heart of a mother whom's child was stolen from her before his time.
"Medical spells or medicinal magic never existed back then... And its not like a Princess needs to know medicine or anything like that? After all, Medicine is for the commoners of the empire!" The princess of the night said with a deep set hatred and disgust towards her once cynical self.
Celestia began holding a stiff upper lip, but tears also streamed down her cheeks, Luna's recollection of the battle had dredged up the memories that she had forgotten...
Luna was a complete emotional wreck, her mane was all over the place, her head continued to hang limply from her shoulders, her tears were constantly hitting the crystalline floor and had began to form a small puddle under her. For several seconds she moved her mouth but instead of her words the only sounds that left her was her pained hollow gasps and raspy sobs.
"His last words were... 'Dont cry lulu...You gave me a better life than i could of ever dreamed of... You gave me a purpose to live... I... I'm going to miss you... where ever i end up...But i'll always- be with you." She makes one particularly harsh instake of air, choking on her tears, as she touches her heart with her hoof. "Love.. You....Lu-lu..." With that she rests her head into her fore hooves, as she continued to cry a thousand years of lonely repressed emotions into the cracked table top. Luna's face was hidden under her tear soaked mane, its ethereal breeze cutting out and her midnight blue hair dulling, and flopping down atop her head.
"I- I Couldn't even face his family after that... In my SPINELESS COWARDICE! I never adressed his mother... his wife... His foals grew up hearing nothing of their fathers sacrifice to keep them safe and give them a safe world to grow up in..."
Everyone at the table had all Silently mourned Luna's loss with the grief stricken Princess.
"I Carried- his... mangled body, back to the palace... I had the best architects the Empire had to offer, Build him a shrine... To this day, He and his comrades... His family... Are at- rest... Beneath the castle courtyard... Twice a Year, in the garden... The door to the tomb is opened by my magic seal... Once on Hearths warming Eve. So that they may see that their sacrifice was not in-vain... and once on Nightmare night... So that they can have fun scaring their fellow subjects..." Luna says into the table.
Luna's Thestral friend. Silver Streak, was wiping tears from her eyes with her wing near constantly before a realization hit her. "P-Princess..." Luna raised her head and looked in the direction of the window to find her friend. "The Guards Hall of Records... That would happen to have been your doing too... would it?" Luna just gives a silent, shallow nod.
Eliza finally regains her composure enough to speak. "I'm, so, so sorry..." She mumbles across the table. "I Was being an inconsiderate, insufferable bitch..." Eliza sobs.
Luna places her back in her chair and wipes her tears using her magic. Before a Midnight blue aura illuminates the floor and the casualty tea set is reassembled back on the table from the many colourful shards and splinters of ceramic.
"You couldn't have known dear..." The emotionally destroyed princess says with a sniffle.
"Its not the point... I Shouldn't have exploded like that... I Guess the rumors from around the team are true... I really am every part the monster everyone makes me out to be..." She mumbles defeated...
"Come now dear... If you forgot, i 'exploded' as well." Luna said with a shaky hollow chuckle.
Luke's muffled voice addressed the tearful group from through his handkerchief. "Like Eliza said earlier. The majority of us don't want to end up fighting with you. But at the rate the relations between us are deteriorating, Either our hand will be forced to keep everyone under control. Or our limited number will be split in half and we'll be destroying each other by the end of the month." Luke blew his nose into his handkerchief and Eliza resumed where he left off.
"The Best course of action is to Swiftly sign an official document, A treaty and apology or something, then keep everyone distracted for long enough that they have to put their plans of revenge on hold. You'll be surprised how effective work takes peoples minds off of plotting revenge." Governor Teafeather then inquires.
"And how do you propose that we keep your people distracted long enough for our races to mingle in such a way that we don't end up with worsened hostility's?"
Skystar joins in with. "Well, according to the reports made by the troops that defected from the Captain. The humans don't have permanent residence. They are currently living in either tents or crude prefabricated structures. We could have your people build themselves a town. And we can have the various races show up sometime into its construction to help... That should improve relations" Eliza clicks her fingers and points to Skystar.
"Theres a good idea!"
The Thestral guard sitting in the window piped in with her own report. "Princesses! I have important information to report!" Turning to Eliza and Luke. "Sorry," she says with a cringe "But i had to spy on your leaders during a meeting i get the feeling a member of the Equine species wasn't invited to, But it was for the greater good..."
Eliza leans back in her chair. "None taken, At this point i'm starting to think we deserve it..."
The Jade eyed Thestral smiles at the lack of hard feelings before turning to the princesses. "The humans are at a crossroads. Several of their leaders are Divided in opinion but the leading or rather only suggestion that was made for their future plans, was that all their 'Teams' should join up into a single faction. However the meetings final verdict was postponed until tomorrow due to the indecision of several leaders. Once They were alone, the 'Hosts' of the meeting were discussing their peoples current status. And the future of their race, and it didn't sound good... They talked about how they were going to keep their people under control, and then had a rather defeated conversation about how their species was 'Fucked' no matter which course of action is pursued by either side. Due to rampant food and resource shortages, and their species susceptibility to diseases and the elements. I'm no Adviser to you Celestia or Luna. But we HAVE to help them! After all we've done to them! They need our help more than ever! But i don't think they'll accept our help even if we gave it to them! And if we do, than it may divide their ranks!"
Eliza shoots bolt upright before leaning over the side of her chair and reaching into her bag, after receiving confused looks from all at the table she pulls out her long range UHF radio, it looks like one of the old Vietnam Era Brick radios.
Twilight's curiosity peaks once Eliza starts turning several knobs and dials, Finally she unties the ribbon holding the antenna down, causing it to whip up towards the ceiling. After a three second long burst of static fills the room a female voice escapes the box. And the princesses realize that this is the humans version of Twilights invention...
"Desert Rat 1 - Your transmission is received. Standby..." Everypony at the table looks to each other in amazement at how clear the transmission is. The same voice returns. "Desert Rat 1 - Whom do you wish to connect with?"
Eliza presses down on a red trigger on the side of the brick radio. "Desert Rat 1- Operator. Connect me to Johnna. Priority."
"Johnnas not in the C.C.B at the moment."
"Then get him please! This is an emergency message!"
Releasing the trigger Eliza waits for a response... After receiving none she presses the trigger yet again. "That means run Twigglets!" She yells into the microphone. After a second the sound of someone on the other end sliding out a wheely chair and boots running out of the room comes through the radio.
"Once Johnna gets on the blower, i'll tell him that the leaders of your people wish to speak with him about an important matter, Don't worry, Johnna is a man of great patience, unless we interrupted his meal, he hates having his meal interrupted..." Glancing at her watch she sees it now reads 6PM. "Shit" she mumbles to herself.
Author's Note
I hope this chapter had the same deep emotional effect on you all as it did me. In an attempt to stop me from crying i was listening to rave.
I must admit... this is the first time i've ever cried listening to rave... sorry about it being a few hours late.
Chapter 18 - Prison break!
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Command building level 2. Cell 5.
==Emily's Perspective.
The 'cell' was small and dark. In reality the 'Prison' that we'd been thrown into was just a converted office in the Mist Cougars command building. They'd locked the door, then dead bolted it, just to make sure that we couldn't escape via picking the lock.
The near endless roars of aircraft taking off at 'Wartime Emergency Power' or WEP, as the pilots call it, had left us long ago...
The only sounds that joined us now in our confinement, was the near constant sounds of marching. That along with the rhythm of engines driving past the command building every so often. The sounds of horse shoes could also be heard against the gravely soil outside, thus meaning their officers were on the move with their troops. Those vehicles are either the Cougars 251 infantry halftracks. Or heaven forbid, tanks.
Our morale was at its lowest. Johnna was still unconscious... He most certainly has a concussion after hitting his head that hard... At least his pupils still dilate, thats a start i suppose... Robert sacrificed his singlet in order to render crude medical aid to us, for at least the time being. We managed to remove the bullet from Johnna's shoulder easily enough, but without a way of sterilizing our hands it will most certainly get infected before long... Now it's my turn... God help me...
"Righto, we're all set govnr'. Sorry about this Emm's. Its going to hurt like a bitch..." Robert said with an evident discomfort. whilst signaling Dimitri to move to the opposite side and hold her down. Placing the sleeve of my jacket in my mouth Robert asks. "A Question. What's your favorite color?"
"You know, I've seen that movie ri-" Emily's body tenses up as her teeth bite down on her sleeve. She does better than the two thought she would and holds herself near still for six seconds before instinct takes over and her body begins to try escaping the source of its pain. Robert's two fingers dig into the wound having found the bullet lodged near her shoulder joint. but due to the blood in the wound hes fingers just slip over and around it.
==Dimitri's Prospective.
As i hold her to the floor Emily starts trying to thrash around to get away. It hurts me to know that i have to force her to endure such pain, but we don't know what material that bullet is made of. it could be anything from lead to copper to steel. if we left it in her shoulder she has a high change of suffering lead poisoning or other ill effects...
I Felt sharp pain in my stomach as she'd began to knee in a desperate attempt at escaping my grip. I eventually managed to pin her legs down with my right leg. This was quickly turning into a demented game of Twister... I found myself yelling over her muffled screams. "Cant you work faster?"
"I-Almost - Have it. But i keep Slip-" Robert gave a tug and the bullet finally left the bone. Before wrapping the freely bleeding wound Robert checked for any metal left in the wound, thankfully the round deformed around the bone but didn't evidently fragment.
With her wound banged tightly I release the shaking, crying woman. Both Robert and i held her in a tight embrace, careful not to put additional pressure on the wound. Trying to comfort her as best we could.
==Roberts Perspective.
I Felt guilty as sin for doing that to her, but pain is a better alternative to lead poisoning. "At least it wasn't a shotgun..." I found myself stuttering as i hugged her tightly.
"Please, don't. Say. That... Enough pains enough... don't give me that mental image..." The poor woman said with a short gasp for breath, tears were flowing freely from her at this point, who could blame her... If i had someone digging around in my shoulder for a bullet the poor prick would most likely end up with a fist planted firmly in his nose for his troubles...
At some point Dimitri had got up and walked over to the opposite side of the door, and leaned against the wall. Leaving me sitting on the floor rocking back and forth whilst hugging the traumatized Brit.
It was then that, something very surprising, and Hilariously convenient happened.
The door opened and the guard posted outside our door walked in brandishing his PPSH.
"What the Fuck are you all doing in here? Killing each other? I Don't mind, it'd mean i get the rest of the day o- =OOOMPF =" The guard stands there for a few moments before rather comically falling helmet first to the floor like a Stormtrooper.
Both Emily and I look to Dimitri as he grabs the guard by his vest and lifting him up partially before he freezes. Blinks. Then says. "Alexi Chernov?" The guard only groans in response before Dimitri single handily cracks his right knuckles and gifts his treacherous Second in command with an overzealous uppercut.
Using Chernov's shoelaces, Dimitri performs a knot that would make Spongebob's Flying Dutchman proud. With Chernov Imprisoned against the table and desk, Dimitri picks up the PPSH and places the spare magazines he liberated from his Former second in command into his olive green cargo pants. Checking the last mag before he pockets it, Dimitri notices blue tips on the rounds. "Paint round huh Chernov? Theres still redemption for you yet comrade."
==Normal perspective==
Sub commander Chernov groans as his vision begins to restore itself. he tries to raise his hand to hold his throbbing jaw but finds with a gut wrenching feeling that hes been restrained against a table and a desk. A familiar graveling voice reaches his ears. The anger with it causing him to freeze.
"Tell me comrade Chernov! ... Who is involved with this revolt. And Who is their targets... The private of Williams isn't neither smart enough nor has the charisma or foresight to pull this rebellion off. So who is-"
"I'll vill never tell you comrade gen-arall!" Chernov yells in Dimitri's face. His reward for making Dimitri's ears ring. Is a Vicious backhand from Dimitri. "Chert voz'mi, ty zver', lyubyashchiy mraz'!" ""
Dimitri Spins around on the ball of his foot before placing his steel capped boot on the table Chernov is tied to, perilously close to Chernov's 'Assets'. Leaning over the Traitor Dimitri Yells back in his native tongue. "Vy pomogayete duraku, kotoryy nachal etu bor'bu, kotoraya ne sdelala nichego, krome kak ubila nashikh druzey i ugrozhayet nevinnym zhiznyam!""
Chernov spits at Dimitri, only managing to hit his shirt. Dimitri continues with an un-amused expression. "Idiot, za kotorym vy posleduyete, ne sdelayet nichego, krome kak unichtozhit nas, Chernov. Po slovam nashego meditsinskogo personala. Nashi tsifry - eto minimum, neobkhodimyy dlya togo, chtoby ne stradat' ot geneticheskogo zastoya. Ergo, my nakhodimsya v opasnoy zone dlya unichtozheniya nashego vida s litsa etogo mira! Vrachi govoryat, chto yesli my poteryayem boleye neskol'kikh soten chelovek, samoye bol'sheye, my sdelayem eto za neskol'ko pokoleniy, prezhde chem obshchiy zastoy zastavit nas umeret'! Poni budut vystavlyat' nashi kosti v muzeyakh. «Eto ostatki odnogo velikogo i mogushchestvennogo chelovecheskogo roda», - skazhut oni!" <"IDIOT! Your are helping the fool who'll destroy our species! The doctors say if we loose a minimum of a few hundred people we're in serious danger of genetic stagnation! If such happens, Then our Species would be lucky to get a few generations before our race is wipes from this planets face by genetic defects! The inhabitants of this world will display our bones and personal treasures in museums! "These are the remnants of the one great and powerful human race" They'll say!>"
"Any idea what their saying?" Robert asks Emily from the floor.
"Not a clue, but i wish i had popcorn" She responds.
"Tell me comrade Chernov! WHOS the Swine leading this Rebellion!"
"NEVER!"
"I admire your resistance to interrogation Chernov. Its every bit as impressive as i expected from you. Thats why i chose you as my right hand. But your using you talents for zte wrong side! Tell me Before i'm forced to use more drastic measures of interrogation!"
"Go to hell comrade gen-arall. Those bastard animals get what they deserv!"
Need i remind you Chernov. There is no 'I' in zte word team. But there is 'U ' in Gulag.
Chernov's uncomfortable expression shows through his facade of temperament.
"Your threat is shallow comrade Gen-arall *Chernov says in a mocking tone.* I know we don't have a gulag here!"
"Not yet comrade. But where you think we are going to throw these dissidents? Would you like the luxury cell. It comes with the best views available. After wall. Theres no roof. Mother natures dirt is you floor. And your 3x3 foot living area has best ventilation ever. Due to the walls beingk chainlink fence."
Chernov spits at Dimitri's face This time it lands home and true
"I'm afraid it... has come to this comrade Chernov" Dimitri walks over to a box on the table in the corner that he found whilst locking down the building for Chernov's interrogation. The Russian returns with his sheathed knife, he pulls his Machete sized Kukri from its sheath. Raising his arm, knife in hand, Emily and Robert jump up from the floor before he does something stupid. Dimitri Stabs the knife into the wooden table near Chernov's balls, before disappearing out the door. The sound of a metal locker can be heard opening. After a short rummage, the door audibly slams shut with a metallic rattle. Dimitri returns holding an AK-47, the stock is ornately carved with beautiful patterns.
Chernov's head flies up from the table at hearing Emily say "An AK-47?"
"What are you doink with sasha?"
Dimitri walks over to his knife and pulls it form the table. Placing the 'AK' on the table next to Chernov's face. He holds the blade to the lacquered wood. "Tell me WHO is behind the revolt, and where their targets are!"
"No! NO ! YOU WOULDN'T you monster! Leave Sasha out of zis!" Dimitri Raises his Kukri over his head, blocking out the yellow light from the single light bulb in the room. Causing the tip of the re-curved blade to cast a shadow of Chernov's face.
"Once again Chernov. Who is the leader. And who are his targets!" Chernov spends a long time thinking, too long. Dimitri Brings his blade down full force into the table, Causing Chernov to yell in fear of his prized possession. Dimitri held the AK up to Chernov's face. "Oops. I missed. I Wounder how many times that will happen?" He asks turning to Robert with a chuckle and a sinister grin that would make a Cheshire cat shiver.
"Need i ask the question yet again Chernov?" Raising the blade back to its former position and pinning the AK to the table with his other hand Dimitri waits patiently. "Tri !"
...
Chernov starts shaking his head in a no gesture. "Dva !"
...
"No! Comrade Gen-arall! Have mercy upon Sasha!" Chernov pleads.
"Sasha is your responsibility, since your a traitor that makes her a traitor as well Chernov. Odin !"
...
Dimitri brings his arm and thus the Kukri into a downswing towards Sasha. Dimitri Ceases his blades advance only mere centimeters from the weapons stock as Chernov finally scream out "OK OK OK! STOP STOP! I'LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING!"
Dimitri raises his blade from its poised position over the Kalashnikov, and with a swing of his arm throws it across the room, the tip of the blade penetrates the wall, causing it to jut-out the wall at an odd angle, the knife rocking back and forth slightly whilst sticking in the wall.
Robert and Emily look to each other with deadpan expressions. "What have i just witnessed?" Emily questions.
"Thank god... He didn't hurt the defenseless gun..." Robert says in his twang as he breathes a sigh of relief.
Rolling her eyes Emily scoffs before mumbling. "Men..." She turns and leaves the room.
Chernov is not openly yelling out random information about the various leaders of the coup-de-tat. As well as their targets.
"Big bear?!" Dimitri yells out in shock. His own best friend had orchestrated this whole nightmare? "Chernov i'm going to cleave Sasha in half, and cram one end down your throat, and the other up your ass!" Dimitri said lifting the petrified man off the table by his vest. "That is bullshit! He'd never do anything like this! Its so out of character for him its impossible!"
Robert walks over. "And how can you be so sure there champ?" Dimitri drops the traitor back on the table.
"Big Bear, AKA. Staff sergeant Nikoli Markoran. Wouldn't even hurt a fly! When we were competing in his homeland-" Dimitri points to the unconscious form of Johnna. "- His cousin had the second most deadliest snake in the world crawl into her tent. Instead of killing or injuring it, he grabbed it and walked it outside whilst it was trying to kill him, he walked it down the road for three minutes this way, before throwing it into the bushes away from our camp. The man is as soft as a march mellow. He's all, 'Protect the whales' and everything. You should see him when he finds out someone throws recyclables in the wrong bin even"
"People change Dimitri" Robert said with a mellow tone.
"Not Big bear! Something here is... as you'd put it 'Fishy-" Dimitri's cut off when Emily yells from down the hall.
"GUYS! GUYS!" She rejoins them looking petrified. "All the Close Air Support aircraft and tactical bombers are gone! Along with most of the fighters! The halftracks are missing! And so are most of the tanks! The base is practically abandoned apart from the sparse patrol!" She was nearly frantic. The rebels had manufactured their own ammunition, and She and Johnna already proved they are effective unfortunately.
"We need to contact them somehow!" Dimitri yells. They all split up looking for a way to contact their people. They all meet back up after several minutes, distressed they just start yelling idea's at each other. Then Chernov's voice could be heard yelling from up stairs. Returning to the room Chernov is greeted by three glares of mass destruction.
"What do you want traitor!" Dimitri Growls.
"Your trying to stop the attacks arnt you?" Chernov asks.
"Yes, We are!" Dimitri yells back.
"Check Sophia's locker. Shes the mist cougars new scout, but she always leaves her radio in her locker apparently. Number 357."
Emily jogs over to the locker room and quickly located the suspect locker, quite surprisingly its unlocked, Thats a bad habit...
Upon swinging the door open, her eyes light up. Greeting her is a wide-band command radio. Hefting it out of the locker in one arm she grunts in pain as pain shoots through her injured shoulder. Robert rockets down the stairs repeating "Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry... Forgot" He snatches the half of the radio Emily had managed to pick up before grabbing the other half's carry handle and darting back up the stairs.
The three gather around the radio as they set it to scan frequency's. short rapid bursts of static fill the room as the device scans through channels looking for chatter. After a minute that stretched on for eternity voices breached the static.
"Kanga-carrier seven to Danim, Whats your ETA. we're awfully exposed here."
"Danim to Kangaroo Carrier seven. ETA three minutes. Sit tight." After that message the radio began flicking through more channels, two seconds later it found more chatter.
"Valkyrie leader to squad, keep your heads on the swivel. Protect the bomb buses from enemy-" It was then the screech and roar of jet engines filled the room, compliments of the radios speakers. "-Oh, Shit! JETS! WE'VE GOT JETS!" The sounds of 30mm cannons and the banshee like screams of jets became an orchestra of chaos that threatened to cut off the voices completely. The radio transmission between the squad were reduced to panicked cries for help and orders being barked between those whom kept their calm.
"What are they doing?! Arnt we all on the same side now?!"
"Someone get him off me!"
"Johnson, start firing he'll fly right into it!"
"Damn bastards dancing all over my arse!"
"What the hell?! I've lost rudder control!"
"Fighters pull your heads out of your arses! Their shutting us down one by one!"
The squadron leaders voice growls ferally over the radio "RED! Its that Principality Bastard Char! All units focus fire on the red craft Repeat the RED craft! Its their leader! Tear it to fuckin' shreds!"
"At least Chars on our side?" Robert says with a confused sigh of relief.
Emily picks up the microphone before setting the radio to a rarely used setting that the rules of the sport required be installed for 'safety reasons'. With the knob turned to Wide-band Emergency Broadcast. Emily speaks into the microphone once shes pressed the trigger.
"To all Forces! This message is directed at you!-" some voiced mumbled over the radio bands to each other or no one in particular.
"Wait.. what?"
"how is this possible? Wasn't she supposed to have been assassinated by the horses special forces?"
"Thats what i heard..."
Emily presses the microphone trigger once more. "I Now understand that not all of you are acting on the will to harm others with fowl intent... But instead, act upon the fallacy's of this rebellions leader. Staff Sergeant Nikoli Markoran, Code name: Big Bear. As you can tell! Your team leaders still live! And i'm afraid i have shocking news. Our lives were put into jeopardy. The rebellion opened fire upon us with live rounds. Both I And Johnna sustained gunshot wounds. The legendary Jamargy sisters fates as of current are unknown, however they were wounded severely during the short resistance we were able to put up against the rebels, and are feared dead-" By now angered yelling and disgust was present across all bands of the radios range.
Emily continues "By proceeding with your actions. You are all Endangering the lives of Innocent beings. Mothers, their children. Fathers. Brothers. Sisters. And their sons and daughters. The young and Old are in danger by your actions! You threaten their lives, livelihood and right to freedom and equal rights by proceeding with this act of immeasurable violence against a civilization that has not seen war on over a millennia!" A Voice yells back over the radio with hatred. And received several acknowledgements from his peers.
"THEY KILLED OUR PEOPLE FIRST! WE'VE DONE NOTHING TO THEM! BUT THEY'VE DONE PLENTY TO US! THEY GET WHATS COMIN'! THEY CHOSE THEIR SIDE!"
With a sigh, realizing that there was little they could do to salvage the situation she sacrifices something precious to her, Her teams trust... Emily depresses the trigger to the microphone. "I Fear that we, your leaders are to blame for this series of events as well... You've all placed your trust in us, and we withheld information from you. The attack against us. Was not an act ordered by the Equestrians leaders. Nor its people! The massacre of our people was carried out by an over cautious glory seeking captain, his troops were forced by cultural pressure to obey the orders of their captain, however over two thirds of the aggressors force realized that the captain was acting on that of his own agenda, and abandoned his command, returning to their barracks to face punishment for abandoning their posts..." Awkward silence over the radio was a start...
Emily continued "The 'Tan Tabbies' Posted a report before the Rebellion started, They witnesses the Equines leaders perform a public punishment of all the survivors that returned from the failed attack on the Mist Cougars. All survivors were publicly stripped of their rank, shamed, Then taken into custody and marched to their capital in chains. As Prisoners .
After a minute of silence, a voice talked back over the radio. "This is Captain James Jackson, of the Flying fortress. 'Ratta-tat tat tabbie cat'. We're with you Emily!" After a few seconds of more silence more voices seeming flooded over the radio, so many people where yelling and hollering their pledges of allegiance to Emily that the radio was emitting nothing but constant high pitched static for nearly thirty seconds.
"Wonderful! Simply Wonderful! You've all made the Human race proud! Attention to all forces of the Coalition! Switch your IFF tags over to: Star, Star, three, five five, seven, one, star. Anyone who doesn't switch their IFF tag to this frequency is an enemy. Subdue them without causing mortal harm. In the case of aircraft. Damage then in a manor which causes the aircraft to force an emergency landing or the crew to bail out. Don't kill anybody if at all possible, unless its a last possible resort please! in the case of Tanks and other Armoured vehicles, Disabling them Via engine shots is recommended! Infantry are to be downed by non lethal means, if worst comes to worse and they pose a life threatening risk to either the natives of this world or yourself or comrades, then you have permission to shoot them. Try to aim for non lethal areas such as limbs. Stand by for further orders! We're setting up a command center now to advise all forces!"
With that done, Emily places the microphone down and turns to her friends. "Lets get this war over with, sign those documents, and have a sugary barrel of tea..." she groans as she falls to her knees from stress and the drilling pain of her shoulder.
Laughing Robert drags a chair over and sits her down at the table the radio is currently sitting on. Before Robert can turn to go retrieve a beverage from the fridge the glass windows shatter as a squad of loyalist grenadiers figured out the obvious source of the radio transmissions.
Robert crawls across the floor to Emily, who threw herself out of the chair. "One day! One Fucking 'Normal' Day! IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR?!" He yells up to the shattered window from the floor. The sound of the ground floor door being kicked in and heavy running reaches them, Dimitri aims his PPSH at the stairs, As Robert commando crawls his way into their former cell, and Cuts Chernov free.
Robert Hands the confused man his AK-47 Before letting go he says. "You helped, us. That means that i have at least some faith in you buddy. Are you going to fight for good?"
Without a second to think Chernov nods strongly. Realizing his grip on the barrel of Sasha Robert smiles warmly before saying. "Good man." And running out the door with the former Russian prisoner closely behind, loading live rounds. Into an empty magazine. "Where did you get those?" Robert asks in amazement and confusion. Chernov just reaches into his pocket and repeatedly throws handful after handful of live rounds at the leaders, who immediately begin passing them to each other and pocketing them.
The first two troopers storm their way to the top of the stairs, only to be sent tumbling back down after being sprayed in the helmet, visor and lightly protected neck by Dimitri and the PPSH.
"Vhere about to have company Comrades!... I Like company... Especially the kind i can shoot!" He says with as thick of a Russian accent as he can whilst still being understandable. His malicious grin gives them all chills.
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Chapter 19 - We'll Protect you Prin-...cess? OH, SWEET CELESTIA WHAT IS GOING ON!?
Author's Note
*AHEM* Light gore warning. Avert your eyes if your squeamish.
Chapter 19 - We'll Protect you Prin-...cess? OH, SWEET CELESTIA WHAT IS GOING ON!?
===========================
0700 Hours. Castle of Friendship.
Three Alicorns one of pink, one of white, the other of lavender. Sit on the crystal balcony of the Castle of Friendship, as they both watch Celestia raise the sun... Safety at this point, is but an ideal wish.
"It's really happening isn't it?" Twilight asks her friend, sadness clinging to her voice.
"I'm afraid so... But the evacuations are almost complete. I just hope that the Guard has managed to reach and evacuate the other towns in the area..." Cadence replies.
"Its entirely my fault... Luna knew that this could happen but i kept postponing the date to send an envoy to negotiate rendering aid. Then the captain attacked the humans, and instead of sending aid to them, i feared for the lives of those who'd transport it... The only reason they're attacking us is because we let them build the fallacy that we're monsters out to eliminate them. We should of acted sooner..." Celestia says with regret evident as she watches her sun hang in the sky.
Gabby walks out onto the balcony and joins the three princesses. "I never get used to how beautiful this view is..."
The three look to the grey griffon before looking back to the spectacle before them, smiling in the relief from their stressful, dire situation. No matter how brief said relief was, it was a gift.
"This may be Somepony's last chance to see it... I understand that the humans are scared to death of us, and we've reacted terribly to their plight... But to overthrow their current leadership and start a civil war between themselves to attack Ponies indiscriminately... I knew it could get bad but... Not this bad, this fast..." Twilight mumbled to nopony in particular.
"YOUR HIGHNESS'S!" Everyone on the outdoor area turns around to the doorway to the balcony, Luke slides to a halt in the doorway. "You all need to come inside immedi-" His body locks up. He stands on the spot petrified, staring into Celestia's sun.
All on the balcony turned to look at the sun, all except Celestia have to raise a limb over their eyes to avoid blinding themselves. They all see nothing that would warrant this reaction.
"Whats got you spooked Luke?" Gabby asks as she flies over to him. Gabby's question breaks the human out of his trance. he bolts over to the three princesses and pulls Cadence and Celestia by their chest pieces and pushing Twilight towards the door. Eventually everyone gets the message and begins walking off the balcony.
"RUN ! DON'T WALK ! RUN! GET INSIDE AND HIDE UNDER SOMETHING SOLID !" He yells in desperation, causing all to pick up their pace as they begin to dart down the stairs. Gabby hovers off to the side of the stairs and looks back to the sun one last time before heading inside. Only, the suns grown many black spots.
"What are those? The sun doesn't have spots..." shes yelled at by Luke once more.
"Get under cover!" The lithe Australian stops, leaning over the stairs railing he yells with as much volume as possible. "EVERYONE GET UNDER SOLID COVER! AIR RAID INC-"
((Dont watch the video its for background immersion. Start video at 13 seconds and let it finish by itself. NOTE: you may need to play the video multiple times if you wish...))
His voice is drowned out by a cacophony of banshee like wails and screams that send all the ponies in the castle into a frenzy, hiding under tables and other furniture, standing under the thick crystalline door frames and arches, Any and all cover available is used, except for a handful who either stand on the spot petrified, or duck low and hide their heads under their hooves at the barrage of sound.
Every few seconds the screams of both aircraft and terrified ponies are drowned out by a loud explosion that causes the floor to lightly shake. In several instances the explosions are muffled and the sounds of nearby buildings caving in on themselves is heard for a second before the next scream or wail dominates everyone's hearing.
On two occasions the attacking aircraft targeted the castle itself. The wails and howls of Jericho trumpets drilled into the heads of every living creature in the castle, making everyone's ears ring. Shortly after the wails would die down an explosion would rock the castle, sending books flying off their shelves, and causing the chandeliers to bounce and dance on their chains. Dowsing all below in liquid wax.
Wail after wail, the ten minute long assault continued for what felt like an eternity. And by Mist Cougar standards, was an eternity for their doctrine of mobile warfare. The Stuka' pilots would only drop one bomb on each pass in an attempt at delivering the maximum destruction they could with their limited payloads. With each pass they aimed for the thatch roofs of the many buildings in Ponyville. Their improvised fragmentation bombs plowing through the structures roof before exploding inside on the level beneath. The sudden force of the weaponized 50mm, 75mm, 88mm, 150mm and 380mm compressed air cylinders exploding inside the medieval structures blew out windows, blasted the roofs off, and often even removed the level they exploded in off the structure entirely. But often enough whole structures just caved in on-top of themselves like houses of cards.
In their blood boiling hatred for the creatures below them, the Cougars wanted to put the fear of god into the animals whom mercilessly slaughtered their friends and family... And that they did... Run. After run. After run. On and on. Below the cloud of forty seven aircraft, several smoke plumes began rising into the heavens, as rubble from the exploding structures around town knocked over oil lamps and blew still smoldering coals from the fireplaces and stoves of the various homes and businesses around the wreckage of the town.
One particularly over zealous JU-88 pilot nearly crashed into the Castle of Friendship, in order to aim his bombs at one of the many windows that once held beautiful stained glass windows. His right wingtip only barely managing to miss colliding with the central spire.
Eighteen of the twenty two bombs he carpet bombed the castle with missed the windows exploding harmlessly outside on the castles crystalline structure, the hailstorm of shrapnel the bombs had been coated with shredded the gardens below to a post-apocalyptic scene that would give any avid gardener PTSD. Two 75mm bombs however, found their target.
From under the Cedar desk she and Cadence shared, The Princess of night watched in horror. As two silver cylinders, close in appearance to those she'd seen whilst dream walking. Whistle as they glide through the windows, over the heads of the ponies in the library door frame, and disappear out of sight, followed almost immediately by an explosive pop that caused her hearing to cease for a minute and her vision to temporarily blur, she attempted to stand only to immediately fall back onto her belly, her senses performing cartwheels.
Once her hearing returned to her. The absence of the Stuka's war-cries made her think she was still absent of her hearing, until the sobs and cries of pain from her petrified subjects, whom took refuge in the castle reached her.
Eliza climbed out form under an overturned bookshelf only to have near a dozen spears be pointed into her face. Celestia was furious. "CEASE this at ONCE!" She yelled to her guard, her hearing still damaged.
All the spears dispersed from Eliza's presence as she was enveloped in a golden aura and placed back on her feet next to Celestia. Whom brushed glass fragments off of her shoulders with an outstretched wing.
"Thanks" Eliza said with a grateful smile, which Celestia returned.
"Its not your fault. These events are out of your control. and even then, i wouldn't blame you, although i certainly cant agree this is a good thing. One might say, we had this coming..." She said with grievance.
Medics dashed past the two as they ran to a screaming mare trying to get attention in the library's doorway. once she turned and ran ahead of the medics everyone noticed the bloody hoof-prints she left and she ran.
Eliza sprinted across the room to the door, nearly tripping several times over debris but always managing to recover. upon skidding to a stop, she gasps cant look away, the scene shes confronted with is like that of a horror movie.
In the corner of the foyer, a small group of civilians were shaking like leaves, several still trapped under the shredded mutilated bodies of the guards whom saw the bombs hurtling through the castle and just managed to shield them. Over half the foyer was painted red, and bits of pony clung to every surface, vertical or not.
The fact that the carpet on the stairs was reduced to a rats-nest of shredded, tangled strands and the stairs themselves had huge chips missing out of them indicated the bombs impact point. Various foreign debris such as nuts, bolts, shredded ration cans, even green and brown bottle glass littered the rooms floor.
"W-We're nothing... but S-sadistic monsters..." Eliza stutters as she fell to her hands and knees in the doorway. Eliza had collapsed into a pile of shattered glass, but was in too much mental shock to feel the pain from the dozens of cuts she just gained. Luna picked the distressed woman up in her magic and sat her back down on a clean patch of flooring, before using her magic to numb any pain that she may have been, but wasn't feeling.
'I Cant heal her, not until every bit of glass is removed... ' The teary eyed princess thought to herself.
Several Civilians had to be slapped or shook out of screaming fits but all the wounds to the surviving ponies appeared to only be mental. Not like that was any better however...
Most of the Guards soon recovered from the affects of the the raid, and had begun moving civilians to the remaining un-destroyed wagons outside.
They're pace increased when Luke moved from guard to guard, quietly informing them that the raiding party will be back in about half an hour with full bomb loads to support the incoming infantry and tanks.
The rumbling growl of near one hundred engines filled the room, causing several ponies to return to their screaming fits, yelling out about 'how they've come back to kill us'
Luke ascended the stairs and was greeted by the sight of a moving field, almost one hundred tanks were rolling through the fields between The Everfree and the smoking smoldering ruins of the town. Much to his disgust... He saw a dozen tanks from his team in amongst the incoming wall of armour. Three skink Anti-air Shermans, Two Kangaroo infantry carriers. And eight Sentinel tanks, each of the latter being the newest vehicles purchased by the team. their armaments ranging from two Maxim machine guns and either an seventeen pounder Anti-tank cannon or a twenty-five pounder Howitzer.
The sound of marching filled the air. Before long a column of infantry could be seen marching quad-file through the cluttered streets. Officers on horseback barking orders ferally down to their troops, whom only yelled back their responses with equally as much rage. Rather alarmingly they numbered that of a battalion, and all the troops in Mist Cougar uniforms where singing 'Marschiert in Feindesland'. Which was consequentially rapidly depleting the morale of the troops from the various other teams marching in formation with them...
The seen resembled that of the March scene in 'Fury'
((Watch if you want to hear the marching and lyrics... You really dont have to though. I just added this for those whom are curious or wanted to hear what the scene sounded like))
And that's a terrifying prospect. If they've gone that fanatical for revenge, we're all screwed...
Luke stands on the stairs looking out through the narrow window down into the streets below as they turned into flowing rivers of revenge crazed infantry. 'Is this what my grandfather felt like in the battle of Hürtgen Forest?... I'm fucking terrified... ' Luke noticed that at some point whilst viewing the spectacle his legs had begun threatening to buckle and his hands were shaking.
Twilight noticed Luke shrink back slowly from the window before resting his back against the wall it sat in, and slowly slide down the wall looking defeated. walking up to his side she noticed the terrified look plastered over his face. She rears up on her hind legs before looking out of the window. 'Oh...No... There's no way we can even hope to last five minutes against this many... we're all doomed... '
Luke was bought out of his trance when Twilight's leg brushed up against his shoulder. Looking to his right he finds himself eye level with her cutie-mark. His eyes wander up to her face. For some reason he cant narrow down. Either the look of fear shes currently wearing, or the tears welling up in the edges of her eyes, or her shaking in fear, either or all of these factors combined makes something inside himself click. His hand reaching over and retrieving his Garand from the floor, he pulls the action back before pushing a full clip of ammunition into his rifle.
Twilight's ear twitches at the distinct sound of the weapons mechanism being messed with. "What are you doing? Your not going to fight them are you?! You cant win!" She exclaims in disbelief.
"I We have no choice. Our loyalty lies with Johnna, and your all innocent. Its out Obligation to follow Johnna's last orders. Which consist of act as Mediators, with is Johnna speak for 'keep them alive and out of trouble whilst negotiating with them, your responsibility mate.'" With his clip in the rifle he presses it down with his thumb, causing the action to cycle forward. quickly removing his hand from the operating rod. With a loud metallic 'clak ' He rises to his feet with his weapon across his chest. "Enemy troops at the gates mates. Our job to protect them, or at least provide enough resistance to let them escape." The man says with a grin. Eliza hears this and begins to stand on her shaking legs. picking up her Owens gun, she wobbles over to the group of humans forming up in the Foyer.
All the ponies watching this just look on in shock that the humans would still attempt a resistance whilst being outnumbered so hopelessly. Luke hugs Eliza whilst pecking her on the cheek, causing the woman to recover slightly from her mental staggering. "STOP!" Twilight yells from the library doors into the Foyer. Grimacing at the mess the 'improvised' weapons left. "You'll all DIE if you fight them! You can't possibly beat all those soldiers! DOESN'T YOUR LIVES MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU!" She yells with a surprising amount of concern for all parties, the library falls completely silent, as every-pony watched on in shock.
"Of course we don't want to die! But if we don't at least delay them, We're all going to die! Every last one of us! At worst if we fail the same thing will still happen, but theres still a chance that we may have reinforcements! So we're going to fight. Even if its in-vain!"
"How... How can you still find resolve in knowing that your throwing your lives down?" Twilight asked in tears. The humans response made Twilight cringe.
"Better to die fighting, beit for your own life, or others. Then to die cowering in a corner pleading for non-existent mercy."
With that the humans began to drag Crystal furniture from the library into the foyer. Readying themselves for a fight to the last bullet.
During all of this the guards-ponies had just finished carrying the last of their wounded and fallen comrades and civilians though the doors, before slamming them shut and pushing as much as possible up against the door.
Eliza had set up her radio in the library so that the ponies could hear if any reinforcements were coming. the guards had half blocked the door way into their final stronghold with crystal book shelves. We're currently hiding behind our improvised crystal barricades in the foyer checking out final ammo count one last time. 'I don't think paint rounds are going to do much... especially when they have actual bullets... Oh well. Triple tap each it is then... ' Eliza thinks to herself with an unusual calm considering the situation... 'Why is it that cliche of 'when ever you know your gonna die you feel so calm?' actually true?'
==Lukes perspective=
The sound of Caterpillar tracks ceases for two minutes before a shadow appears under the doors. Everyone aims down their iron sights in anticipation.
...
...
...
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK *
The loud thumps against the door echoes around the foyer, several gasps could be heard from the library to our backs. I give one last hug to my sweetheart before leaving the cover of our makeshift defensive-line... as i inch towards the door, aiming down my Garand's sights, the sounds of hooves on the floor behind me causing me to cease my cautious advance before turning around. My eyes lock with those of the princesses. "Your highness's! Get to cover immediately! This is no place for you! Your people need yo-" My angered rant was cut off rather quickly by that of Luna's motherly tone.
"I don't know how royalty works were your from Luke. But my sister and I have lead our subjects into battles of hopeless odds before. And besides, our Ability's are not to be underestimated." Luna finished by smiling warmly.
I let out a few stutters, but soon gave up, understanding that arguing with Royalty, was as productive as arguing with children. You give them advice, and tell them not to touch the stove, and they go and do it anyway behind your back anyway. Just get behind the barricade! My friends will need protection more than i will."
"Why's that? your the one answering the door? The same door with hundreds of armed soldiers on the other side..." Luna asks in confusion.
"Because when i answer it i'm more than likely going to just get shot in the face by a sniper." My blunt monotone made Twilight look squeamish. To be honest though... at this point i was fairly certain that wasn't too hard...
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK *
I turn to face the door, inhaling deeply, I yell "Cant you see the porch light isn't on?! We aint' got no candy for you children! So FUCKOFF!"
For about half a minute after my comment, that had the princesses looking at me in confusion, All i heard was a C.O Arguing with someone else on the other side of the door. Then, My heart fell through my stomach and butterflies of fear flew through me. The sound that caused this? A low pitched mechanical whine, followed shortly afterwards by the grinding of gears. Without even speaking I grab Celestia and Luna by their breastplates, since they were the two princesses who stayed by my side. Twilight having moved back into the Library to protect the civilians. And Cadence behind the barricades with half of the guards.
Pulling Both princesses off their hooves i drag/fall to the right pulling them with me. As we all hit the floor, The doors explode into table sized chunks that collapse into the foyer.
As we all look up, we find much to our surprise that we are not currently smothered under enemy forces. In fact, the foyer is still empty. A voice echos through the now doorless front entrance. "Surrender now, and you shall live!"
I Turn back to the doorway from the floor. "Fuckoff ya bastard! I know your gonna kill us all!" My words are met with nothing but silence...
A Squad of eight soldiers from my team walks casually through the door like they own the place... Upon seeing me prone on the floor, my rifle aimed at their necks. they freeze before raising their hands. 'Whilst the armour stops your from being injured. it still hurts like hell and leaves you breathless when your hit in the neck... '
I Stood up from the floor, without taking my rifle off their squad leader. "Turn round, slow, and form a wall at the entrance. MOVE!" Nodding the forms about face in the direction they just came, and slowly walk with their hands in the air back to the door.
The princesses and I walk to the entrance being them, using them as shields from the abundance of pissed off riflemen aiming at us. The C.O whom appeared to be in charge of this detachment stepped in front of the infantry. I then noticed a Kingtiger 10.5 parked behind the infantry.
And a tan coloured Sentinel 17 pounder with brown and green splotches parked behind and off-center to that as well.
(( This is the Sentinel 17 pounder for ye' who be curious))
My, My, My. Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh Dear... He repeats in a mocking tone. So THIS!-" He gestures not only to I and the princesses, but the visible defensive line of humans and ponies, and the library fort further behind that. "- Is the 'Legendary' Resistance of Johnna whom had my troops pissing their pants!" He turns to face his battalion. "P A T H E T I C " He yells back to them with enough force that he almost doubled over in his yell.
Turning back to us he looks into my eyes with his glare. "Step aside. We have a job to do here!" Returning his glare i stare back into his corrupted soul, but something about his eyes keeps putting me off. His pupils appear to have a green outline with a faint orange glow to them. The shade of the ruined trees around us highlighted that little fact.
Celestia had begun silently muttering something to herself when we all noticed his eyes. But his voice snapped us all back to reality.
"Then, Y O U D I E !" He yelled back with a near primal rage. Raising his right hand above his head, he throws a pointing gesture towards us, all the while wearing a sadistic toothy grin. With a mechanical whine the Kingtigers turret begins to swing to its left, whilst the muzzle of its 105MM cannon lowers down to our level. With the grind of gears the turret slows its traverse and stops with the gun aiming at us.
A Sergeant in my teams camouflage practically leaps forward alongside the Commanding Officer. "SIR! Have you lost your collective Marbles?! My Men are infr-" He's cut off as the C.O Draws his pistol and shoots him in the stomach. The officer collapses to his knees gripping his abdomen. This scene causes all the troops in Wallaroo's colours behind them to look on in shock, before they all begin to surge forward to help their wounded officer.
The C.O in Mist Cougar grey raises his pistol to their advance, pointing to each of them. "BACK ! Everybody back in formation I Say ! Or I'll shoot you all like dogs !" Everyone stands there mortified at the scene before them. The officers actions had Luna and Celestia repulsed. Even the Commander of the Sentinel tank at the end of the street opened his positions hatch and half climbed out of his tank, looking through his binoculars in disbelief.
With a loud burst of static from the library. The Radio crackled to life. The familiar voice of Emily cuts through the noise, causing all the soldiers in the street to lock up and look to each-other in disbelief.
"To all Forces! This message is directed at you!-"
"Wait.. what?"
"how is this possible? Wasn't she supposed to have been assassinated by the horses special forces?"
"Thats what i heard..."
"I Now understand that not all of you are acting on the will to harm others with fowl intent... But instead, act upon the fallacy's of this rebellions leader. Staff Sergeant Nikoli Markoran, Code name: Big Bear. As you can tell! Your team leaders still live! And i'm afraid i have shocking news. Our lives were put into jeopardy. The rebellion opened fire upon us with live rounds. Both I And Johnna sustained gunshot wounds. The legendary Jamargy sisters fates as of current are unknown, however they were wounded severely during the short resistance we were able to put up against the rebels, and are feared dead-" All the soldiers in the street looked shocked at the news. and several had begun to glare daggers into the back of the C.O's head.
"By proceeding with your actions. You are all Endangering the lives of Innocent beings. Mothers, their children. Fathers. Brothers. Sisters. And their sons and daughters. The young and Old are in danger by your actions! You threaten their lives, livelihood and right to freedom and equal rights by proceeding with this act of immeasurable violence against a civilization that has not seen war on over a millennia!"
An angered Mist Cougar Corporal yells into his friends radio backpack."THEY KILLED OUR PEOPLE FIRST! WE'VE DONE NOTHING TO THEM! BUT THEY'VE DONE PLENTY TO US! THEY GET WHATS COMIN'! THEY CHOSE THEIR SIDE!"
Several of the civilian ponies inside the library were crying to themselves as they made their preparations and accepted their possible but seemingly assured fates.
Emily's partially distorted voice returns after a short silence. "I Fear that we, your leaders are to blame for this series of events as well... You've all placed your trust in us, and we withheld information from you. The attack against us. Was not an act ordered by the Equestrians leaders. Nor its people! The massacre of our people was carried out by an over cautious glory seeking captain, his troops were forced by cultural pressure to obey the orders of their captain, however over two thirds of the aggressors force realized that the captain was acting on that of his own agenda, and abandoned his command, returning to their barracks to face punishment for abandoning their posts..." Everyone looked to each-other in a confused state of shock, and disorder began rapidly becoming evident in their ranks.
Glaring at the scene before him, the C.O Climbs on top of the Kingtiger before sticking his head through the open hatch of the radioman position in the tanks hull.
"The 'Tan Tabbies' Posted a report before the Rebellion started, They witnessed the Equines leaders perform a public punishment of all the survivors that returned from the failed attack on the Mist Cougars. All survivors were publicly stripped of their rank, shamed, Then taken into custody and marched to their capital in chains. As Prisoners .
Befo͘re͡ ̷t͟h͢ȩ Cou̡p̢-de-tat͘ s͜tart̴ed, J͢o͠hnn͝á, Di̶m̢it́r̶i ̵aǹd ͘I ̛wer̵e i̵ǹ ̴the mid́dle o̴f ͢a͢ r̶a͡d̸io̷ c̸al̨l wit͠h th͞e̢ Éq̢u͟i̶n̕eş lȩade̵rs. ͢Th̸e͠y͞ co̧ņta̢cte͜d u̧s͟, A͝p͠o̸l͠o̶giz҉ed.͟ ̀ac͜c͡epte҉d ręs̸p̧o̷ǹsibility for̡ ͟all̴o͜w̶in͞g t̶h͜e̸ir̢ guar̵d̢s ̢to͟ fly҉ ̧of̷f ̧the h́a͞ǹdle̷, ͡the͜n ̴wi͡s͝he̛d ̷t̀o̡ sign͟ of͠f́i͜c̕ia̷l d͜o̴c̛um̕en̴t͘s t̡ha͏t ͠pr͏ot̶ec͢t́ o͞ur̛ spe̷c̀i͟ès̸ fr̛o̢m ̕a͡ny͜ fur̸th҉ęr su͡ch̀ v̡iơl͢e̸n͟ce ̴a̴gai͝n͟şt u͢s͜.̢ ̴T͞HE̸Y͝. ̨N̨ĘV̡E̡Ŗ.̀ ̕WA̧ŅT͞ED.̵ ̢V͢IOĹENCE! So̕, ͏A̶re w̕ę g҉oing͜ tó b̀rut̛all͜y m̢u͝r͢de͞r ͟th̶e͜ir͏ ̀i̴nn̶o̴cèn̷t̨ ̴b̕ecause̶ ͠o͘f̵ ̛th͝e̶ act͘i̷o̧nś ̸o͢f͘ a ̕f͜ew? ͝A҉re̷ ́yo̵u ͜wi̶ll҉i҉ng tơ ̀s͢ta͞in͢ ̛yo͟u͢r̡ ̧h̕ánd͟s͜ ̢w͜i҉t̛h t̸he bl͠o͢o̡d͠ ͘of ̷t͜h͏e ̧inn͜oce͠n͠t?̴ ̛B̶eca̡u͜se ́i̢f y҉o̧u̵ ́are, t̨he̵n s̸adl͞y,҉ y͜ou̶r no̵ ̵d͞if͠fere͝n̸t̨ tha̛n th̀e ͟R̛óg͘ùe͟ ́C̴a͡p̧t̸ai̸n ẁho͝ ̴comm̢anded̷ ̴t͠h̷e M͜a͜ss͡aćre͠ ͡ag̕ai̡nst͏ ́u̵s"͟ The sudden deterioration in the transmission quality had Twilight yelling over the library door fortifications to the 'foyer line'.
"Whats going on? Whys it getting worse?" She questions. Rabbit responds with.
"Someones trying to jam the signal!" He yells over the developing static.
"T҉̴͜h̴ì͟s is͠͡ ̡C̵apt̸̷a̸i̧͢͟n̴҉͠ ̀͠J́͠ám͢͡es̵͞͞ ͡J̶̀a̵͝͠c̡̀̀k̡sǫ͢n̶͏,̷̧͘ ͡҉͝of͜҉ ͏t̶h̶e̵̶ F̸͜l̸͠ý̴i̢͢n͘͏g̷͜ ̀fo͠҉rt͘҉r̸e̶s̶͠ś̵̡.͢ ̀͠'͠R̴̢̀a̡͢͠t̀͡t̨ą-̴̀t̶á͞t̶͜ ͟͝ta̛͡t̛́ ̕͞͞t̶́͟a̴b̵͡b̧̧i̷͡͡e ҉̶c̴̛͟a͜t̨̕͞'̕.̧͢͞ ͠W̸͘e̷'̨̛r̵̨e̡͝ ̷w͘it҉h̴͜͜ ̡̛͘ỳ̴̀ou̵̴ ̴͡E̶m̨i͏l̛͜y!̸̀͞.
"͞W͏o̡n̸de͏r͢f̵ul!͢ S̷i͟mp̀ly ҉W̡o̧n͠d̷e͏rful͠! You'̶v͢e̡ ąll̶ ma̵d͏e̕ t҉h͜e͜ ̢H͢u̢m̴àņ ̕r̵ąc͠e ͢pr͢oud! At̨ten̢ti̡ơn t͟o̵ a͘ll͝ f̷orce͞s o͝f̵ t̸he ̀C̀oal͠i̴tio͟n҉! ̸Swi҉t̴c͡h́ ͝y̵ơur ̨IF̷F͜ t̷a͠g͢s͞ ̀ov҉e͜r҉ to̵:̷ ͜S͞t͏a̶r, ͠S̴t͟ar,͘ thr͠ee,̸ ͏f͢iv̢e̴ f҉ive,͞ seven̢,͞ o͘ne, st͟ar.͘ A͘nyo̧ne͘ ̶ẁh͘o͢ ̶d̵o͟e̵sn't swi̸t̷ch͞ ͢t͝he҉ir IF͞F̧ ̡ta͏ģ tò t́his fr̕eq͢ue̡n̢c̶y is an̷ ̡e̕nemy̡. Su҉b͜d͜u͢e t͠hem͘ ̨w͝i̕ţhóut cáusin̡g ͠m̵o͢r͡t̀aļ h̴arm̢.̵ ̨In͟ t͏hȩ ͢case͟ of ͟ai̡r̕cr͝af҉t͘. D͢amag̡e then in̨ ͏a ̀ma̴nor w̨hich̡ ͢ca͟u̴se̕s̸ the aircŕaf҉ţ to͠ ͜fo͞ŗc̴e ̶an҉ e͏m҉erg͢ęncy̷ ͡land̡i̛ng̸ o͝r̶ the c͜r͡ew͢ ͏to̶ ̀bai͞l ͟o͝ut. ̀D͞oņ'҉t ̡kil̸l a̢n̶ybod͏y ̷i͘f͏ a̴t͏ ̵al̛l p̢o͘ss͏i͞bl͝e, ̨un҉le̷ss i̸̴̛͜t҉̵́s̕͟ ̷̵̶̧́a̸͜͠ ̵͠l͏̸̨͟à̵͟͞s̶̨̢͠t̵̨͡͏̀ ̴̛͞҉p҉̨́҉ǫ͏̵̢͞ş̸̵̀͞ş̶͝i̸̶̧͢b̨͝l̸͏̢͝è̸̸̷͡ ̸̸͠͡ŕ͘͜͡͝e̴̡s̀̕͞o̷̢̢r̵̢̀҉͢t̴̕͢͝ ́͟͢͡p̧ļ̨͝͏ę͢͜á̕s̀͝͠͠e̡͏͏͞!͟҉͢ ̢͝i̵̕n̡͢ ̷͞͝t̸̢̀͢͢h́́̕͢͜e̛͘͢͜ ̷͟͢͠c̸̕á̷͡s̵̡e̴͘ ̵͠҉̵̛o̴͏̵f͜͟͡ ̧͢͝͠T͝͞a҉͢҉̧n̨͏k̴͏s̵̡̀ ̵͘̕a̕͢͝ǹ҉ḑ̷̧̛ ́҉̡͢ó͢͜t̸͟͡h͘͡e̷̵͘ŗ̷́͟͞ ̵͘͜͡A̸r̵̢m̨͏́͞ǫ̕͏͜ų̨͟͝r̸̡̡̕ȩ̸͠ḑ̶̷͟͞ ̸̡v̀͢҉̕é̷͟͟h̡̕͝ì̢c̢͡l̷͞͡é̴̢̛͢s̛͏,̴̧͢͡ ̵̴͢͜͡D̶́͟i̢̛͜͠s͞͏ąb̢͠҉̧̕l̷͞͠͝í̴̵͝n̸̸ǵ͡͞ ̧͡t̕h̶҉è̕͡m̶̢͝ ҉͏̶V̴̸i̕͘͠a̷̡̧ ̵̛͝͞e̡̨̛͟ń̵̵̡͞ǵ͠ì͞ń̶e̶̵ ͜s̸̨̛h͞҉o҉̨͝͡t̕͏̵ş̴͢ ̷̵̴͝i̴̡̢s҉͝҉͘͝ ͟͟r̡̛̀͢͝è͝c̴͢͠͠o̶̡m͟҉̵̢m̴̴̴͝e̴͟͢͝n͞͠҉̀d̷̀ę̵͏̨d̴͘!̡̛́ ̨̡͝I҉̨̡͜͡ǹ̴̛͠͝f҉̷̷a̡͘͡n̢̧̢͢͜t̸͢͠͠r̷͘͢͢y̧̨̕͢͡ ̧̡͘͝a͢͡r̸͢͞è̶̸͢͜ ̴̡͜t̸̀͘͠o̷̸͢͝͡ ̶̨b̷̡̧͠e̛͟͟ ̵̡́͡͡d̕o̢͞w͏n̕e͝͠d́͢͞ ̶̸̧̀b̵́ý̷̧ ̢̛́ņ̵̶͏̛o̷̵ǹ̸̀ ͝͞ļ͜͝͡è͏͜t̵̡̢̀͘h̴̀͢͡a̛͟͡͞l͡ ̸̛̕҉̕m̶͡҉e̴̷á͜͠͝ń̷̢͟͠s͘͜͟͟,̸̵̛̕͢ ҉̡͟i̵͜f̡͏̵̢́ ͞҉ẁ̧͡o̷̷r̸̸͜ş̡t̸͘͢͝ ̴̧̧̕͡c̨͞ờ̶͘͟m̷̨̛e̸͝͡s̸̡͘ ̵̢t̷̨́o̵̡̕ ́w̸̨͝҉̧ǫ̡͡͞r̶̛s̡̕̕̕e̵̕͡ ̢͠҉a̴ń̵̶̢̡d̀͘͘͠ ̶̴̵̧t̷̛̀͜h҉̶̕͘͝e̶̴̢͠ý̵͘͞ ̨͘p̷̴̀͘͢ǫ̴̡̢̛s̢͘͘͜͟e̵̸͞ ̵̸̢́͝a̷̵̡͏ ͝҉l͏̕̕í̷͡f̧̛҉̨e͏̸͝ ̕t̶̀͡ḩ̸̧͟͡r̷͏̴͘e҉̸à̧͝t҉̷e҉͟͝͏̀ǹ͠i͏͘ņ̷̴͜ǵ̸͢͢ ̢̀͡r̡҉̢̀i̵͢s̶͝k҉͜ ́͘͞͞͠t̸̡ơ̴ ̷̵̨͘e҉̵̴̛i͟͏̡t̷́h͟͝e̵͢͜͡͝r̕͡ ̷̕t̡̕͢ḩ͢҉e̶̢͞ ͡͡n҉a̷͠͞t̷͞i̵̧̕͜͠v̴̡̧͟͟e͜͞s̷̴̵̢ ̕͝o҉͏͢f̡͡ ̢̧͘͢t̸̢̛́h҉̸̷̡̕i̡҉̡̀ś̷͠ ̛̛͘͡͏ẁ̶͞ǫ̶̧͘r̛̀͘͡l̨͝d̢̨͞͠ ̀͏҉͠ò͏r̢͟ ̨̛̀͢y̷̴̸͜͝o̶͜͞͝u̢̡̕̕͡r̵͘͟s̶҉́e̷̕͜͞ļ̡f̸̨̀҉̵ ͏ơ̶̵͢͡r̵̸̢̨ ̡̛͞͞ç̨̕͡͡ò̵͝m̀͏̛ŕ̡́͜à̴̧͜͡d́͜e̸͏ś̴,̸͟͜͝ ҉͘t͝͝h̸̴͞e̶͡n͢͏̢̨ ̴͘ỳ̢ớ̷͡u̷̷͜͞ ̷̨҉͜h̷̛̛̀á̸́v̷̢̀̀͡e҉̷͞͞ ̷҉̨̛p̶͏é̶͡͡r͢͏̷͘̕m̢͘i̶̵͟s̶͢s͏̨i̢̕ò͡҉n̶͏̶͜ ̶̧t̷̷̵͜ớ̶̴͏ ̶͞ş̛h̡͏҉͘ò̢̕o̴̢̧t̡͝ ͘͏t̨̧̛͢͞h̴͢͡e̵̕҉҉m̴͘.̷͞ ̵̧̨̛͝T̨͘͜͠͠ŕ̸͘͞y҉҉̡͡ ҉͢҉̀͟t̵̀͝o̴҉҉͡ ̸҉͢a̴̡i҉͢ḿ̸̡̕ ͏̕f͠͏͟͏ò͢r͝͝ ̕͜n̨͘o̶͠n҉͢ ̵́̕ĺ͞e͢͢t̷͝h̷̡a̧͡l̡͜ ̸͠ą̀͢r̢͞͞ȩ̴͘͟a͟͡͡͡s̴̶̀͠͞ ͟s̴͢͠u̴̷͘c̀h̴̀́̕ ̢̧͜a̴͟͡s̡҉̵ ̢̕l̢̧̕͜͠í̸̛͠m͢͞b̡͟s͘͢͠.҉̵̧ ̢̛͟͜S҉̛҉̧t͠͏a̸n̛͏̕͞͞d̛̀͞ ̛͠b̴̶̢̨͡y̶̧͜͏ ̷͢f̷̵o̸̸҉ŕ̷͠͝҉ ̛͜f̸̸̨̕ừ͝r̡̕t̶͠h̵̡̡͡e͏͏͏r̸̡̕͞ ̴͟͟o̶̸̸͝͡ŕ̡͜͟͏d҉̛e̷͜r̵̨̛҉͟s̛҉͘͘͡!̸̷̧͘ ̨̢͟͜W͘̕͝e̶͘͟͞'̸̀͘͞r̴̡͠͝͡é͠ ̴̡͡s̛͘͜͠e҉̧t̢̧t̕̕í̸͢n̵̶̛͟͝g̡̀͘̕͜ ͡͡ú̧͟p̶͟͏ ̧͘a̛͝͏͞͏ ̶̴̢ç̛͝o͜͞m̧͟͝m̴̡͟͢͞á̶̴̡ń̶͢͢͝d̸́̕͡ ̴̵̸̧͜c̨͢ȩ̶̀͠͡ǹ̛̀͟t̵҉ę̨͜r̨̡̡͜͝ ͏̡͝n̸̛o͏͠w̵̧̛͢ ̡̡͟͝͝t̀ǫ͟͡͞ ͜͏̷͝a̕͢͠d̢͜͢v̛͝i̶̧̢͡ś͟͡e͏͞ ̷͡a̢҉̡͏l̢͢͠l҉́̕҉ ́͜͝f̷̡͢o͠͝ŕ̵c͟͏̡͟e͏̢̀͢͜s̀͜͡!̶̀͟͞"̧̀͠͠
So much static had flooded the transmission by its completion that the last sentences were inaudible, but everyone was now looking to each-other questioningly. Before the C.O's voice yelled through the air once more.
"F E U E R F R E I! " There was a deafening roar, a flash that forced my eyes closed on instinct, then a concussive force against me. But oddly enough, I felt no pain... My death was painless? Then i again, i was hit with a 10.5CM cannon, I'm most likely mist by this point-
I Then felt in immense a heavy weight fall against my side. Looking to my left, i see that Luna had collapsed against me in a cold sweat. her dark-blue fur having changed to a darker shade... 'Wait a moment... Thats not just her. Looking around i noticed that the light around us had dulled down significantly. The sensation of heat against my left side made me turn my head and yell out in shock.
I was staring straight at a 10.5CM 'AP' Round that was protruding part way through Luna's Midnight blue shield. As i began to lift Luna onto my back Celestia used her magic to carry her sister and the three of us retreated back through the door, Luna's shield finally flickered out then shattered into hundreds of thousands of coin sized fragments, the sound of the rain of shield fragments, was comparable to a dump truck dumping a load of broken glass onto the road.
When Celestia and I heard the sounds of over one hundred Enfield .303's chambering a round we all froze, but Eliza raised up from behind the barricade waving her fist and hollering out her approval. "WHOOO! THATS IT MATES! Welcome back to the good guys!"
Pivoting our heads Celestia and I Looked to each-other in confusion before looking behind us. And seeing the C.O Standing there with his hands up whilst looking down the muzzles of every soldier's rifles for the last six rows of the firing line that formed facing the castle's entrance. The Kingtiger began to adjust its aim onto us once again with its lethargic mechanical whine.
The guards ponies abandoned the defensive line and reformed their formation around the front of us. "Don't worry Princeses! We-..'ll Protect... You?" Their declaration was interrupted when they noticed the Elephant sized Sentinel tank begin rotating its turret to the Kingtiger in-front of it. Luna was just starting to come around too as she looked up to me and followed everyone's confused gaze to outside. She managed to look just in time to see the Sentinels turret stop swinging and all the infantry parting like the red sea to get away from the two tanks.
"Whats it-" Her drowsy question was cut off abruptly, by the air shaking sound of a 17 pound AP round tearing the air in-half.
===Normal Perspective==
==BLAMMM ==
The round slams into the rear sloped armour, showering the street in sparks. The armour protecting the Tigers engine bay was no match for the round, with a metallic Thud and crunch that made everyone cringe as they continued to hold their ears, trying to shield themselves from the bell/gong like ringing of the hit tank, the sound made their teeth hurt, and they could feel the reverberating sound in the air around them. The Kingtiger rocks forward on its forward suspension, as ink black smoke bellows out from the engine bay, the engine finally splutters, coughs, and gives out.
"OH SWEET CELESTIA ! Whats going on?!" Several guards yell to each-other in panic, whilst trying to shield their sensitive ears from the deafening sounds of tank on tank combat, before their leader manages to regain control of his subordinates.
"Put up a shield! Defend the Princesses!" Nodding they all put up their own shield, layering them like multicoloured spaced armour.
The sentinels gunner is heard yelling over the radio in the library. "HIT Over-match! Recommend Ballistic Capped! Load-up!" Another voice yelled over the radio presumably the commander "We're not trying to kill the crew! We've knocked out the tank! Leave them!
However the Heavy tanks turret began to slowly traverse around to its left, its cannon barrel raising to the height of the Sentinel's turret.
"JUST GIVE UP!" Luke yells in disbelief at the Tiger. "Bail out Already! You know your not going to be able to do that!"
"Eliza? What does he mean?" Cadence asks Luke's girlfriend.
"The King tiger has two types of mechanism for turning its turret, hydraulic-electric. And Hand-crank. However, the Hydraulic traverse only works when the engine is running. Luke's in disbelief that the crew are actually going through the trouble of trying to hand turn that things 28 tonne turret instead of just surrendering."
The radio crackled back to life. "Commander! They're not sharing your sentiment! They ARE gonna kill us!" After a few seconds the tank commanders voice yells over the radio.
"Someone disable that tank crew! Or we'll have to put them down! I've got better things to do tonight then die!"
Eliza and Clarkson both vaulted the barricade and reached into their pockets in near synchronization. Cadence's question fell on deaf ears and they both charged outside and sprinted towards the tan painted Tiger.
As they approached, the commander of the Mountain of steel before them climbed from his turret and seized control of the pindall mounted MG-42. At the sound of the locking pin being pulled from the mounting, several Wallaroo riflemen aimed at the commander and began shouting orders he ignored.
Eliza raised her Owens gun and unloaded the entire magazine of paint rounds into the commanders chest and legs, causing him to fall overboard to the ground below, were several Wallaroo's planted their knees into his back before zip tying his wrists together.
The two scale the side of the tank dodging rubble from several critically damaged buildings. As the Kingtiger's six meter long cannon barrel collided with a building across the narrow street, pushing the loose debris out of its way and knocking down what was left of the unstable second story wall.
Clarkson Stopped on the roof of the hull. Whilst Eliza climbed over the gun mantlet and stopped above the commanders hatch. With a nod from each of them they pulled the pins on their paint grenades and flicked the safety lever off. They sat there holding the armed grenades for two seconds 'Cooking' them.
((Cooking a grenade is where one arms the grenade but delays throwing it, this is done sometime so the fuse is greatly reduced by the time it lands, so the enemy cant throw it back. And no, it surprisingly doesn't involve a stove or other cooking utensils...))
Two seconds later Eliza drops hers down the commanders hatch. And Clarkson throws his through the radioman's hatch towards the middle 'Turret compartment'. Each of them yell "F R A G O U T! " on instinct and courtesy to their teammates as they cover their ears.
"G R A N A T A ! R E T T U N G S A- " The crew-members yelled warning is cut off by two loud bangs and paint spraying out of the open turret hatch.
Poking her head down into the hatch Eliza observes the crew groaning in pain as they lay reclined around their compartment stations. "Thank fuck they were wearing their full kit..." she mumbled to herself as she collapses on the roof of the turret giving a thumbs up to the Sentinel's commander. Whom was half out of his hatch.
The commanders voice came over the radio once more. "Gunner! Tank Destroyed. Hold Fire!" Everyone watched with held breath as the turret continued to traverse around, but since the two of their teammates were on top of the turret the terrified gunner of the Sentinel couldn't fire.
The Muzzle of the 105mm cannon is face to face with the Sentinels gun mantlet, only clearing it by a few centimeters. But to the tank crews relief it keeps rotating freely, continuing on its course due to momentum.
Below Clarkson and Eliza several troops began yelling up to them from across the street, when Eliza started listening to them her eyes flew open wide. Turning to her left and looking up, she saw that the cannon barrel was going to knock over the wrecked building leaning over the tank at a precarious angle.
"CLARKIE! GTFO!" She yells and she gets to her knees gritting her teeth in pain from the cuts on her limbs. And slams the commanders hatch shut. They both leap over the side of the vehicle. Eliza had the worst of it, since she jumped from the turret roof. After falling for three meters she yells as the impact with the ground sends excruciating pain shooting through her legs. Clarkson and two more fellow infantry man-handle her away from the tank across the street as the guns muzzle collides with the wrecked building.
With a the foreboding squeak and moan the wood structure that kept the stone balcony and outdoor dining area of the restaurant standing defiantly in the aftermath of the air raid. Finally surrenders to gravity. With a loud crunch the hoof carved wooden supports cave in on themselves, sending the entire balcony and everything on it crashing down onto the tank.
Once the last brick stopped bouncing across the street, yet more groaning from the structure caused the four Australians running or in Eliza's case limping down the street for their lives.
As they all trip over rubble the Whole building leans forward before falling face first atop the Heavy-tank in the left side of the narrow street. The two story structure just piles itself into a mountain of debris atop the tank.
Once the last of the rubble stops moving, the only visible part of the tank is its telephone pole sized cannon barrel sticking out of the rubble, and over the plot of land the building once stood on.
Everyone just stares at the rubble in a stupor. Just as everyone begins cheering, gunshots echo out from the end of the street, followed shortly by the roar of an MG-42 from the other side of town.
The Sergeant, who's being carried by two pony medics. Yells in his stretcher into his hand radio "EVERYONE INSIDE THE CASTLE NOW! DEFEND THE CIVIES!"
A tidal wave of forest camouflaged infantry surges through the gaping hole in the front of the castle the doors once sat in.
The Sentinel 'mountain goats' over the rubble, across the garden courtyard, and backs up at an angle partially into the doorway. To prevent enemy infantry from entering the castle easily, but still allowing friendly forces to shoot over its engine deck. Luna places three door fragments on-top of the Sentinels turret, making in improv bunker slit/window for the commander. For which he tips his hat to her with a warm smile. Earning a smile in return from the princess.
The commander yells out into the Foyer. "Does anyone have paint rounds? All we have is live ammo!
============================================
0950 Hours. Castle of Friendship. Battle for Ponyville.
==Lance corporal Jackie Krosst=
Violent ringing penetrates the veil of darkness that clouded my consciousness. That irritable head-splitting ringing means that i'm not sleeping... 'Why am i being dragged? Who's... Dragging me? '
[i']Somethings digging into my back... What happened to me? Why am i so muttled... Who's slapping the side of my face? Stop it... "S-sst-op it..." Whats with all the yelling? Are those...Gunshots?'
'Whats this warm feeling... its so relaxing... Its... Almost like i'm lying down in the sun...'
...
...
...
'Wai- OH GOD! THAT PAIN! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS PAIN! ARRRGH! MY STOMACH! '
...
'Wheres the pain gone?... '
'ke- u~ p... Wa~ ke~ U~p~ ' 'Whats that voice in my head..' .
'Wa~ ke U~ p!' 'But i don't want to wake up...The warmth of the darkness...its so comforting... -
'OW! Who just slapped me?! '
'Why does it sound like i'm surrounded by gunfire? What's going on?! '
My colourless black realm suddenly materialized into vivid colour that blinded me... 'The scene... it feels familiar...but i cant remember...'
I Find myself standing in the large foyer of a castle... Everyone else appears locked in the thralls of battle. but theres no sound... just silence... My thoughts are the only thing i can hear in this strange environment...
'Why is everyone inside a castle of crystal? Its beautiful... But why is there a Sentinel backed up into the broken doorway? What is everyone shooting at ?' Turning on the spot, my gasp echoes throughout the entire soundless void that i'm in...
'Why are there so many people injured? Why are there so many dead? ' I feel the warmth of my tears streaming down the sides of my face as i stand there on shaking legs, my hand clenched over my mouth in shock... Tucked away in the corner of the foyer. Row after Row of bodies lined along the back wall, stained sheets keep their identity's hidden from the world... but without a doubt their dead...
Pivoting on the spot silently crying to myself, i see Ponies of various breeds rushing about around the many humans in the foyer. Pegasai flying ammunition to the firing line that was shooting over the sentinels engine deck, along with first aid supplies such as bandages and antiseptic. Unicorns moving the broken bloodied bodies of my fallen fellow humans... Earth ponies dragging stretchers and fallen debris around and about the massive room... 'Wait... Why are there Howitzers in here?! '.
Three 25 pounder howitzers sit in the corner. Their tan and olive green gun-shields riddled with silver dents and holes. Mist Cougar and Wallaroo Field Engineers work as fast as they can servicing the damaged guns with their field tools. Each squads designated welder walks quickly down the line of five guns spot welding two steel 'I' beams to the bottom and top of each guns shield. As they finish each gun a unicorn slides two thick sheets of crystal in place over the front of the gun-shields, either side of the cannon barrel.
Its then that i hear sound other than my own... Two distorted voices are currently yelling at each-other, as they drag someone towards the gap in the barricade over the doors to another room. My curiosity gets the better of me as i follow the three to the door, catching up i freeze in my tracks and look on in both confusion, fear, and shock... Their dragging...Me.
My grey uniform with red trimming is shredded around my belly area... The front of my shirt and pants are stained a dark rusty red colour... My blood trails as they continue man-handling my un-moving body through the partially open doors.
I find my self muttering. "A-... Am... I-..."
I Jump in surprise when a voice addresses me from behind. Turning on the spot i see a nightmarish dark-blue blob of shadow like smoke, in the rough shape of a horse or pony similar to my height. Deep, flaming turquoise balls of light roughly where the eyes should sit, leave trails of misty light when they move.
As it approaches i back pedal, step for step, terrified. I find myself tripping over a severed limb that was yet to be picked up, upon doing this the shadow stops and looks to the dismembered leg, i cant make out an expression, but the monster tilts it head to an angle, seemingly either surprised or confused.
The voice reaches me, only this time instead of being normal. It sounds demonic... like one of those cliche voices you hear from a ghost movie... As it speaks its eyes glow with a brighter intensity.
"Ḋ̬̟͙̟̫̐͜o͆ͬͣ͠͏̦͚n̝̞͚͎̭̳͂̂̅̒̇̅͐̚t͕̭̖̥͉ͤ͂́ ̴̡̛̫͕͉͔̣̯̹̗͑ͮ͆́̏̈b̝̺̪͓̬̖̀̋ͩͩͧ͗̏́̚ȅ̴̡͇̣̯̒͐̅͋̅͂ ̔̍̔̃ͯ̿͋ͦ͏̤͎ś̫̟̖̥͍̦̽̀͐ͧ̈̂͂͞͝c̛̤̘̫͈̳͍̤̾̆̓̄͞ͅả̧͈̘̳̹͚̳̺̲̊ͫ͒͆͐r̛̥̗̘̥̓̈́̉̕͠ĕ͖͉̥͍͛̏ͯ͢ͅd̔͑̋ͮ̆̏ͩͧ͏͓.̸̙̤̞̾̊͂ͬ.̦̭̫̃ͤ̍̒͗͒́.̽ͩͩ͆ͤ̆͞͞͏̰̠̝̤ ̡̪̭̦̟̬̥̑̾Į̼͕̜̻͔ͮͮͥͣ͝ ͕̜̃̚m̡̼̮̠̥̬̮̩͔̱̈̃ͦ͡e̸̮̗̐̃̔ȧ̵̱͍͖̭͍̣̻̭̍̆̀́̓͘ͅn͋ͦͧ͏̜̮̜̯̘̯͝ ̩̈̉͗ͦ̎͂͋͋͞y̸̨͔̅͑̐̈o̳̬̝͖̘̣͔̟ͩų̸͎̥ͧͪͨ̂͢ ͚͛ͬ̀n͂̏̏̑ͩ̊ͨͩ͏̷̪͔̼̥̣o̡̧̲̩͚̥̲̖̻̥͆́ ̷̴̤̥͌̐h̨͉̗͇͈̻̩̏ͩͩ͐̀ͮa̝̹̲̪̜͎̟ͭ̎͒̿͒ͭͪ̀͢r̵̴͎͑ͫ͜ͅm̧̢̯̦̪̔̈́̃ͭ̑̌ͅ.̸̗̗̞͈͓͕̘̬ͩ͛͒̓.̴̘͔̱̙̱͖ͯ͆͡͞ . "
"G-Go AWAY!" I Stutter in panic. "DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!" Tilting its head once more in confusion, the figure advances slowly...
"W͖̭̤̹͕͔ͮ̈́̉̕ͅh̶̸̦̺̜̲̹̪̤ͬ͗̔̐̄ͩ́a̢͈̤̘̙͙̯̍̿ͅt͔̱͚͉̩͈̦̄ͥ́̆ͩ̈́̋̚ ̢͖͖̘̮̱̭͙ͨͣ͗͋̈̈ͮ̃ͪ́̕a̙̰͋̚͜r̡̥̬̰̙͙̪͒̐̾̕e̵̼̱̹͍ͣ͂̾͑ͣͧ͌̒ͮ ̢͚̖̼̝̋́ͫ͌̎̈͢y̢͚̖̯͕̺̾̇̐̇ͯͫ̓͌͑́o̢̝͇̪͓̮ͪͯͭ̏͡u͕̘͙͓̼̲̹̻͚ͤ̐͗̽̂͛͐͟?̧̈̏͒̑̆̀҉̳̼̟͚̺̞͓̱ͅ.̼̬̻̃̊̇.̴̛͈͕͓̫̐ͬ̒.ͮ͌ͨ҉̱̖̯̻̕͜ ̛͍̩̓ͣ͂̈̒ͮͬ͟͡W̰̻̝͙̙ͩ́̊̉ͯͥ͋͡ḧ̷̫͚͋̀͝oͨ̊̆̑̓̅̽̍̀҉̫̣̤̱͍͍ ͓̼͉͉̤̯̯̓͆̅́å̜̦͈͍͕̭͐ͯ̈́ͅr̷̳̙̗͖͑̽̒̓̒̄̑̚ͅe̶̹͑̽͂ͭ͌̒͑ͥ̚ ̯͍̑ͪ͂ͬͬͨ͆̌̃͢y̡ͨͣ̒ͪ̿͏̥̖̣̯͙͙͕͠o̽̋̈́̏̊̒̓҉̲̜͖̠͉͢͠ų̸̰͚̥̓̿ͧ͂ͪ?̐̇̿ͧ̎̂̚҉̯̩͙͞ ."
The voice asks, but in my state i find myself incapable of answering her question. Instead i just keep backing up. Until my back hits the wall on the opposite end of the foyer.
With nowhere to go, i curl up in a ball against the wall trying to protect myself as i scream. "GO AWAY! LEAVE ME ALONE! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" At my pleas the creature of darkness freezes mid stride. Before its eyes blow bright enough to drown out all the colour in the room. I bury my head into my little armadillo ball position against the wall. Waiting for the end... but instead, i feel the warmth of a soft touch against the back of my shoulder. After recovering from my Stiffness i slowly uncurl myself and look up.
Standing over me is a pony. Her midnight blue coat has a brilliant sheen to it. And her mane blows on an ethereal breeze. Her Turquoise eyes look down to me with the warm love that a mother has for her child. As she sits down next to me she speaks.
"So, your the shadow entity that I've seen lurking around the foyer. I thought it looked human in shape... But, Why are you in this realm?" She asks with curiosity.
I Just lye on my side there stunned, before sitting up with my back against the wall, holding my legs to my chest with my arms. And managing to finally stutter out. "What do you mean 'Entity? And i don.t know why i'm here... i just watched two people drag my body into that room..." I replied whilst pointing to the doors.
The pony sits there with a troubled thoughtful look on her face, before she rises to her feet. "Come, We shall see whats become of you." She gestures towards the door with a nod in its direction.
Taking her hoof, she helps me up, and together we walk over the door. On the way dozens of both Humans and Ponies come and go through it. Though most of the humans leaving the room are wrapped in bandages and loading their weapons or are being carried by either ponies or their fellow comrades into the corner opposite the improvised morgue.
I Stopped. "Whats going on? Why can only you see me? Am i-... Dead?" The pony stops, then turns to face me from where she stood in the doorway.
"Your in a rather interesting impasse. Your neither as of current... Your body isn't fully dead, yet, your consciousness has left it... Its rather strange... Even i, in all my millennia, have never seen such an event occur..."
"W-wha- Does that even mean?! Are you trying to tell me your immortal? And i'm now a- Ghost?" I Stutter in a mix of fear and panic.
"Well, Your not a ghost. as your body isn't dead yet. But your soul has become detached somehow... And your not the only one... All around us i see dozens of humans... but i also see, Others... They bear your species shape, but their made of shadow, and have green flames as eyes. They bear similar characteristics as timber-wolves and other magical constructs in this sense... its quite strange..." She replies whilst looking off into space, evidently thinking. But she shakes her head to clear her thoughts before once again motioning for me to follow.
As i enter the room i'm greeted by the sight of a casualty clearing station, doctors and medics from all walks of life are rushing from patient to patient administering medicinal aid and magic to help those whom have been injured. The beautiful floor of the room has almost disappeared under various blood smears as used medical supplies. Unicorns are in a constant struggle to clean the messes left by both doctor and patient.
"This is... Terrible..." I Said with a hand over my mouth in shock. "Why are we doing this to ourselves..." The Strange pony turns to me and replies with.
"It appears that your people are standing up to try and defend us... However the odds of success are abysmal as of current. We don't want to kill anyone... but I'm afraid they don't share that sentiment... Our enemy fights with a savage near primal, Feral even, brutality that our lands haven't seen in years from an army..."
"Is there any way we can stop this from continuing..." I find myself asking.
"Theres only two options so far. Either kill our enemy, which isn't an option anymore than a last resort. Or, Pray for human reinforcements from your peoples 'Coalition', Either way... The outlook for our future, and the futures of Everypony in this castle are bleak at best..."
Muffled voices echo their way into the space we currently share...
"DOC! MEDIC! HURRY!"
"COMEON! WE'RE LOOSING HER!"
Two Wallaroo medics and three unicorns in white uniforms rush over, but after a short bout trying to stem the massive blood loss they all looked to each-other knowing a loosing battle was in their midst's. The unicorns lit their horns as my body was surrounded in a yellow aura, the same warm feeling from previous envelopes my body and i suddenly feel more relaxed...
Turning my head to look at the only being who can see me i stare for a few seconds before asking her a question, my defeated tone of voice instantly grabbing her attention from the scene before her.
"I'm done for... Aren't i?" The dark-blue pony closes her eyes and flares her horn. After a few moments her horn stops glowing and her teal eyes look into mine, her sadness evident by the glassy pain that reflects through them. Closing her eyes she nods her head.
Looking back to my motionless body, i lye in a pool of my own blood, everyone surrounding me just closes their eyes and looks away from me. In the back of the group i can see Princess Cadence crying... She moves past everyone and wraps her hooves around my expired mortality. She sits there next to me, just, crying into my shoulder...
One of the mist cougars whom dragged me into the room placed her hand on Cadences back.
"Don't worry. We'll see to it personally that shes given a memorial, so that none shall forget her loss..." Cadence raises her head from my bodies shoulder, and looks back to the woman in grey uniform.
"If Jackie hadn't- -sob - done what she- did... I'd be the one dead..." The princess of love returns to her distressed embrace of my shoulder.
The woman once again speaks with her voice full of pain. "I know... It takes an extreme amount of courage, bravery, and care for those around oneself to throw yourself onto a grenade. Her sacrifice saved not only you. But us... And the hope you shall give to your people..."
"I'm Princess Luna... I'm afraid that i must thank you for your sacrifice... You saved Cadence... But couldn't save yourself in the process, You eternally have our dept, and i'm afraid that i couldn't ask any more of you... But, Princess Twilight sparkle has been trying to solve the problem of the 'Possessions' that are causing your people to fight each-other... Your, circumstances could aid her in that analysis. That is if you wish it... I'm not going to force you to do anything after what you've done." I look into her Teal eyes, they seem to intend into her pure soul for years... After thinking over it for a few seconds i simply nod my agreement to her.
"Then please. Follow me Jackie..." Luna begins to walk up a spiral staircase thats hidden in the corner of the Library. After two minutes our ascent is finished, and i'm still suffering from shell-shock...
'Am i really dead? Is this a dream... or rather, a nightmare...' 'What happens to me now? Do i pass on? Or am i doomed to roam this world in constant limbo...'
As we finally reach the top of the stairs Luna turns to face me. "Don't worry. We wont allow you to be stuck in limbo, No creature deserves a fate of aimless wandering, to be stuck in between two dimensions and be invisible to those around you... that's tragic." 'Ah. I forgot she could hear my thoughts... Thats rather- '
"Pervasive?" She replies with a smile.
"You could say that." I found myself replying.
We continued down a narrow hallway. All he rare windows that provided light had their glass blown out. Most certainly due to the various bombing runs against the castle.
Luna stops at a narrow but fairly tall doorway. Using her magic, the doors slide open sideways. the sound of grinding stone fills the hallway, like some archaic dungeon door from a video-game.
The room was evidently a former Loft that was converted into a private lab and study. No windows can be seen anywhere, the only dim orange and blue light in the cavernous room is that of the hundreds of glowing gems.
The lavender coloured pony i see looks up in surprise, and greets the princess, but evidently cant see me, as she immediately turns back to the mountain of books that are stacked on the table around her.
"I'm starting to feel like a third wheel..." I groan in degeneracy.
With a giggle Luna walks over to Twilight before addressing her...
After a fairly brief discussion Twilight's head shoots up from the three books sprawled out in-front of her as she scans the room, looking for me. After a lavender bubble spreads from her horn and around the room, her dully glowing lavender eyes lock onto me after a brief look around the dark gem lit room.
Chapter 21 - Realization...
Twilight approached me, cautiously at first. Reassurances from Luna that i'm not hostile evidently comforted her enough to allow her to casually walk up to me. A Spool of parchment that was seemingly endless takes flight from a table in one of the few dark recesses of the room. With one end finally making its its way to Twilight's front, The rest of the paper rapidly flaps through the air across the room, spooling up into a scroll in-front of the lavender Princess. Two quills along with black and red ink also find their way to the air besides the princess.
Mumbling to herself whilst she study's me, the sound of quills against paper soon fills the room. Looking up from the Lavender pony stalking circles around me whilst being followed by the various supplies, i give Luna an uncomfortable smile. She returns with her own warm gesture.
"Twilight." Luna mumbles with amusement. The princess ceases her current notes and sit upright. I had to repress a chuckle, the way Twilight sat up so quickly, she looked like a puppy that just had her name called. "I Do believe that your making our guest uncomfortable."
Twilight looks up to me before giving a sheepish giggle, hanging her head she just mumbles. "Sorry...I get carried away sometimes..." 'Dawwwww. She's using the cutes! . . . It was super effective! ' Luna chuckles to herself whilst i drop of my knees and bear-hug the now partially freaked out Twilight.
"Y-you weren't kidding about her being friendly." Twilight stammers. Releasing Twilight, i raise to my feet once again. Looking to the scroll i'm disappointed, Twilight can only see me as a shadow... but at least she can see me i guess...
Luna notices my expression and moves over to join me and her fellow princess. "Twilight, As you've been informed. Jackie here recently died. But her consciousness lingers around in the grey area between our world and the dream world... Shes scared that shes doomed to wander around aimlessly in an invisible space... I Brought her here. Because, if anypony can find out a way to give her options it was you." Twilight smiles at Luna's compliment and trots over to the table she was seated at upon our entry.
Walking over to her side, i look down and see the three books she has sprawled out over the table are books about paranormal legends and creatures. "Well, after hearing a short description of what Luke told me about the eyes of the humans outside. I thought it sounded familiar, but i couldn't remember where i learnt it... Until l i remembered that i put all the books i couldn't prove or though were nonsense up here in the attic where my secret lab is. After a short dig through the bookshelf on paranormal myths and legends i found the copies i was looking for." Twilight gestures to the three books facing us on the table. "These two are different copies of this same book-" Pointing to an ancient looking leather-bound tomb with deteriorating iron edges and filigree. A huge lock that looks to me made of meteorite iron or tungsten prevents over two thirds of the book from being read. A single obsidian looking gemstone with a purple burning flame within itself sits in an iron setting in the center of the books spine. "-This is the original, the many ages haven't been kind to it. Even with a preservation rune protecting it...-" As i place my hand on the coin sized gemstone, Twilight starting tapping the dirt encrusted gemstone with her hoof, she recoils slightly as the book shocks her. "-Thats new..." Twilight says with a pained expression, whilst rubbing her hoof she continues with. "Its never done that before-"
Before Twilight can finish her words the book lets out an unholy screech, Akin to that of someone running a cheese grater down a chalkboard. I feel an immense amount of power suddenly surge through me, and the book levitates off the table and tendrils of magical energy touch Twilight's and Luna's horns. Twilight is greatly worried about this, and flares her horn, summoning a fireball. Luna's yell for her to stop causes the fireball to shrink, before imploding.
"This is most interesting... It appears to be draining magical power from us and transfusing it to itself and Jackie... Let us see where this leads." After a moment of staring through Luna, Twilight nods with an unsure expression.
The 'Preservation rune' as Twilight called it glows with a black light that is somehow so bright it begins to blind me. after a few seconds the runes black glow dies down to a barely noticeable aura. Still levitating mid air the book turns to face me... The locks keyhole glows purple before it dissolves away to dust and forms rings around the tomb. The rings of black metal are sucked into the gem set in the books spine. And what happens next surprises everyone in the room...
The book bursts into purple flames. Once they die down, its fully repaired... Twilight stares in amazement at the display before her. Shes left utterly speechless as her jaw hangs agape.
The book levitates towards me... And as i gets closer i can hear shallow whispers... All directed at me... Calling to me... To say that this experience was leaving me on edge and uncomfortable was an understatement... As i begin to backpedal the book simply follows me all the while seeming to randomly flick through pages.
After nearly a dozen steps and changing directions multiple times during my retreat from the very persistent book. I stopped and held my arms out in-front of me. With inconceivable speed the book darts across the six foot gap between us, and lands in my waiting arms. The gem glows a bright violet as the book flicks through its many hundreds of pages.
It crosses the iron page that kept most of its knowledge sealed away for several millennia. The pages in this section are made of some sort of thin black fabric, the edges are golden, and the text on the pages are white.
Once again voices begin to speak to me from all around. As Twilight notices my shadow looking around, and nervously recoiling from seemingly nothing, she begins to look even more nervous if such a thing was possible, however the princess of friendship continued to document what was happening onto another scroll.
Luna can also hear the voices and appears to be confused initially, as they're speaking in only whispers and they're of many languages... But i somehow understand them...
"Tḩe e̷ḿp͢re͞ss̀.̡.̡. S̶h́e'͜s̶ a̵r̛r͏iv̵e̢s..̨."
"T̨he c̷hosén o̕nes̸ ͠h̴er̵e!͞"
"Sav̡e ̴us̕..͢.͟"
"H͝e͟l̨p̨ us!"
"Y͟oưŕ sub͘jec̀t͝s̸ ̵suf̧fer͞.̸.͜.̷ "
"We'v̶e be͟e̵n̨ ̨f͡órgot͠ten.̷.̴. The͜y p̷r̢o͏m̸ise͠d̡! ̛T̡h̴ey̨ Prom̸ìse͢d̸ ͜u̸s͡ ͘th͘at th͟ey ̷wo̴ul̸dn't͏ ͢f̛or͟g̡e̛t̨!̢ ͢"
"We'͝ve b͟e͘eņ ͠maki͝n͞g ̷t̷h̛e̸m̕ all PA͏Y ͢fo̡r͞ th́e̕i̧r̛ m̵i͏stakes..͡.̧"
"Ţhey Desèrv̴e̵ ̀D̨E̡ATH̕!"
"T͘h́e͢y bŕo̡ķe͜ ̀t̡h̵eir p͝rom͞ise ͜t́o us̕.͜.̨.̧ ̕Now̢ w̕e br̵e̸a̛k͢ th҉ęi͠r͟ ̕BONES͞!̧"
"T͟h͢e̡ỳ'l̶l a̴l̸l ͡su̷ffe̡r ̡as ͘wȩ ͏h͡av͟e t̨he͘se̴ ͝p̕a̡s̴t̕ m̛il̸le͠ǹnia͘..̧."
"I ̸hát͡e͡ them a̵l̢l͘..͟.͢ T͏h̛ey for̨go̴t͝ u͡s... ̶L̶e͞ft us̛ to̧ f͝àde ͢a̡w̶ay̡.̢.̛."
Turning my head to face Luna and Twilight i ask the Princess of the night a simple question. "What. Did. You. Do?"
Greatly confused Luna asks a question of her own. "What do you mean? We have done nothing."
"There are others... Just like me... The forgotten ones... I can hear them... Thousands of them..." I said returning my gaze back to the book.
"Y̵ou a̧r̶e͟ ̴o̵u̷r͞ r̷u͟l̶er͞..̧.͜ it́s y͜our d͘es҉t͘in̛y͢."
"Yo̸u̸ com͝m͏and́ ̕us...̛"
"Y͜óu ̛w͟i̧ļl ma̛ke us ̶s̛éen͞ ̷a͟gai͝n..͞. ́W̕ę sh̵an't be f̡or̶go͢t̶t͝e͟ń ͡no̢ l̀o͡nger̸!̕"
Twilight jumps as she averts her gaze to the dust falling from the ceiling. In the foyer below the 25 pounder's had all started firing.
=WHUP= =WHUP= =WHUP-WHUP=
"Thé ́H͘u͏m̴an͝s!͢ ͠O̢u̶r ̛b̡r̵ethr͏e͝n͡!͘ They ͘ne̢ed͞ ͠u͟s̀!"
"So ͘mànỳ ͏dead͜ a̵nd dy͢in͘g̀.͞.̡."
I began addressing the voices but to Twilight it looked as though i was talking to myself. "I know... Theres all this death and destruction and i'm powerless to stop it... powerless to stop what happened to us from happening to more people..."
Twilight looks up to Luna. "Princess! Whats going on? Shouldn't we stop this? I Can feel it still draining us." Twilight is silenced by Luna mumbling.
"Fascinating... Jackie is communicating with others of her disposition... I can hear them as well as she can... The 'Lost ones' as they call themselves... Apparently our 'kind', Ponies i'm assuming they mean. Made a promise several millennia ago to never forget them... It appears our ancestors were bad at keeping promises back then..." Luna said with a pain filled expression.
"So these 'Lost ones' as they call themselves. Have been wandering around Equestria? Amongst us, and we haven't been able to see them... Thats terrible... I cant imagine how much that must hurt, to be longing for contact, and being so close, but to never be known of..."
Stepping forward Luna asks me the question that would change not only my life. But the lives of all the inhabitants of this world. "So, Jackie. Whats your choice?"
Looking from Luna's serious expression to the current open page of the book i see a depiction of this very scene on the left page. The right page remains blank. But on the left page of the recently unlocked section of the book i can see an image depiction of Luna standing in-front of me, Inside the loft of the castle of friendship. The wrecks Kingtiger sits outside, surrounding its wreck and the ruins of Ponyville are thousands of shadows. Humans and ponies are scattered about in-between them.
The voices have stopped... Seemingly awaiting an answer on held breath. Looking up to Luna i finally replied with. "Let us be known. I fully accept leadership of the lost ones." Upon the finishing of my words, Luna smiles as theres a stunned silence. After several seconds of me shifting awkwardly thinking that i may have broken everybody, I hear hundreds of voices call out in near perfect unison "Upon your word M'Empress!"
Twilight jumps out of shock-terror, when the deafening roar of dozens more unholy screeches fills the cavernous loft at once. Over fifty columns of pink and violet light fill the rooms various empty spaces in-between furniture. The air is filled with so much magical energy that it began to feel like water. The ambient magic suddenly accumulating in the air takes on the appearance of a thick pink gas in the air.
"Incredible..." Both Princesses find themselves mumbling at once in awe at the sheer magical presence before them.
The air in the room clears as the sudden burst in magical energy is rapidly sucked into the plumes of light. Once the air is clear the blinding light dies away to nothing, However i still feel immense power flowing through me. My ghostly body is surrounded in a blinding violet and black light. Once it dies down i hear the princesses gasp.
After opening my eyes i look up from the book to see that the room has been filled with the kneeling forms of. . . . Sixty two more humans, They all wear armour form various ages between The time of Sparta to the full plate armour of late medieval times. 'WAIT! WHY DO HALF OF THEM HAVE UNICORN HORNS AND WINGS?!'
Looking to Luna, i find both she and Twilight have adopted the same slack-jawed expression as i had. After freezing for a moment i look down my own body to my feet and discover that once again i was mortal, and wearing some bad-ass armour to boot! Letting out an overjoyed squee, i bear-hug the open book against my chest.
"Well, Someones changed haven't they?" Luna replies with an inquisitive smile directed towards... Me?
"What do you mean?" Looking down my form i find it quite difficult to see due to the purple and grey plate armour that i'm currently dressed in. Its then that i noticed a strange sensation i've never felt before. Resting the book in one arm i move to reach up to touch my head, but notice the picture on the right page had suddenly appeared sometime during recent events. Examining the image i see that all the shadows in the previous picture have been replaced with more of the same strange humans, each either looking normal, having wings, or a horn. Its then that my eyes catch myself in the image.
closing the book slowly and holding it under my left arm, i reach to the top of my head with my right hand...
My hand makes contact with my hair, and a pair of fuzzy pointy pony ears?!
My new ears flick involuntarily at every small sound and vibration they pick up on. To my annoyance i can hear Luna snickering at my reaction to the new appendages. Turning to face her i let out a growl of annoyance, but before i could yell my planned string of words, I feel a sudden pressure far outside of my body, and i head the sound of a vase being knocked off a pedestal next to me. Snapping my gaze and turning my head, i find an ancient vase frozen mid fall in Twilight's magic.
Looking further to my side i let out a gasp of surprise to find that i have wings. Grey, Fluffy, Feathery, Wings... The tips of the feathers along the trailing edge of my wings have a yellow stripe and purple tips.
Officially on the verge of a panic attack, i back pedal into the wall behind me as my wings each start randomly flapping on their own accord. Out of respect the many humans kneeling before me resist the urge to look up at me whilst i hyperventilate at the sudden series of changes to my body.
Seeing my floundering, the two princess join me by my side and attempt to calm me down. 'What has happened to me? why do i have wings and pony ears?! Why do they have wings and horns?!' was the sentence i was initially trying to speak. but what came out was more along the lines of wheezing. "Wha- Wha- Wha- Wha- Wh-wh"
After several minutes of wheezing, hyperventilating, and being hugged and calmed by the two Princesses. I finally managed to regain some of my composure. Standing back up, i catch my reflection in a row of test tubes that sit in their rack. And i have a horn sticking out of my rust brown hair... By this point i can feel an eye, wing, and ear twitching.
"WHAT IS GOING ON~!?!" I yell out towards the ceiling.
Chapter 22 - White underwear? . . .
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. View Online
Chapter 23 - In between guards, and nowhere to call home.
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Leader of team Nova.
23rd March. 2022
Throughout the last three weeks our story was told throughout the country and her colony's by the royals. Despite this, the common folk of this land upon which we stand still hold a negative opinion of us. One of hatred and disgust. We tried to assist the locals in rebuilding our wake of destruction, but they turned us back with glares and cold shoulders. One team of Australian Engineers were even chased off by the locals they approached with farming tools. Understandably, after this event. We ceased contact with the locals, and distanced ourselves with the various races wanting to make contact with us. We packed up and moved our camp deeper into the forest after groups of civilians started to show up and harass us.
31st march. 2022
Karey saved the situation, having just been returning from the ladies room. She took shining to her boss, and from the moment the door closed behind shining, i'm sure the whole castle/ Scratch that,The whole continent could hear Johnna yelling. This went on for several hours before the door slammed open, Causing several bricks to be be dislodged and fall from the ceiling whilst Johnna yelled our his obscenities behind the white unicorn.
Karey ran out of the office with a pile of paper work. and several hours later we were ordered be up-tent and were once again on the move.
On the bright side, We all managed to convince everyone on our respective teams to agree to the plan of joining together into one faction under a single banner. A vote shall be made in several days on what our flag should be.
20th April. 2022
This has begun to unnerve my fellow teammates. Several have had their weapons confiscated as shots were fired at the guards. The fighting was immediately smothered by the people around those whom acted out. And shining prevented his guards from continuing past drawing their swords.
As of my last entry. We've covered over nine hundred kilometers. The heavier vehicles such as our construction dozers and heavy tanks are consuming alarming amounts of fuel, despite the packed earth roads, the terrains many hills and uneven nature is taking its toll on our vehicles attrition rates. Whenever a vehicle broke down, we just left it behind with a small mechanic team and they'd catch up with us once we stopped for the night. We stopped and setup camp prematurely today when we had fifteen vehicles break down all within ten minutes of each-other. All of our mechanics have been working throughout the day replacing and repairing worn or damaged parts.
The vote for the flag came to its conclusion tonight. The flag with the most votes was quite interesting. The flag was a black base, with two white crossed swords in the center, a dove flies through the crossed tips and a vertical white olive branch grows under the crossed swords.
(Image of the Humans Flag. Forgive me. I made it in paint.net then tried uploading it to half a dozen sights before giving up and using world anvil...)https://www.worldanvil.com/i/237374
Quite a bold statement.
The swords are 'Messer's', These swords were produced my crafty blacksmiths whom needed to supply their civilian customers with swords for self defence. But at the time the German government had banned civilians from owning swords, so the cheeky smiths shortened the blade length, gave the weapon a slight recurve close to the point, as well as increasing the thickness and thus weight of the point, the result. A two hand or 'hand and a half' sword, that was as happy to cut through wood and bone as it was to pierce through armour. The new weapon gained such a positive reputation that the German army even wanted it, and commissioned an elongated version dubbed, 'The Kriegs Messer' or 'War knife'. This sword, was chosen as a symbol of people coming together to protect themselves.
The olive branch was added, because it is a symbol of reconciliation, and/or a symbol of making one view/belief compatible with another.
The dove was chosen because of its symbolism of peace and nurturing care. But it's also a symbol for sacrifice. And its presence in the flag was so that all whom live under it, and all whom look upon it, shall never forget those whom sacrificed their lives for the well being of the people.
All symbols considered, this flag is a powerful statement about the humans, and those whom they ally and protect.
We move out once more tomorrow. I suspect that the Equestrians are herding us somewhere... Beit a place for us to settle down permanently or to their borders so that they can be rid of us.
21st April. 2022
Not even half an hour later Equestrian solar guards began collapsing our tents, many of which with drowsy tired people still inside them.
Johnna found Shining, And dubbed him 'Shining spoon' 'The captain with a silver spoon lodged up his pompous ass'. As shining opened his mouth to counter Johnna's outburst the Australian shoved an apple in the captains open mouth, before turning him around and planting a boot under his tail.
As Johnna turned to leave Shinings personal guards drew their weapons. But quickly stood at attention when they noticed over two hundred rifles and sub-machine guns aimed at them. Shining and his guards have been hanging really far back since then. But their pegasai scouts are still trying to stealthily dogg us, The Wallaroo's Radar halftrack frequently picks up small signatures above us, and their SPAA halftracks fire a short burst up past the clouds the scouts hide in, so that they know we're watching them as much as they are us.
1st March. 2022flame thrower today! They insisted that it was for burning the many fallen trees that are constantly blocking the road. A likely story, i had it confiscated anyway. Shining continues to be a 'Royal Dickhead' in the words of Johnna. I'm afraid it wont be too long before Johnna does something either insanely smart, or Rash...
We've been taking twice as long to move as usual, as we've been reduced to traveling single file along poorly maintained mountain roads. In places our engineers had to extend the road to allow our heavier vehicles enough space to cross. This delayed us further, and i could swear shining was changing several shades of red... We sleep in and on our vehicles tonight, theres not enough space to set up the tents, Hell, theres barley enough space to walk around the vehicles...I hope no one trips...
3rd March. 2022
(this image is conveniently taken at pony height compared to the tank.)
Suffice to say. They shat themselves. And ceased performing this order. Much to Shining's utter rage.
Johnna's just lost his last straw. He's ordered us to sleep in shifts. We are to only stop to refuel, or refill our water tankers. fuel is low, both types of ammunition is in abundance. Nerves are frayed and emotions are boiling over. Johnna is trying to shake our chaperone, for their own sake.
12 March. 2022
Johnna's general plan is to open up such a gap between us and Shining that we can loose their scouts, hopefully for long enough to have free reign over possible settlement locations. Once he plants his rear to the ground we're staying and not moving!
17th March. 2022
18th March. 2022
We all awoke to having solar guards posted INSIDE our camp this morning! It goes without saying, this pushed johnna over the edge. I've never seen the man so pissed off he visibly twitches... Its rather concerning seeing the usually lively chilled out, even 'childish' would describe his usually mood, always pranking his fellow officers or making random jokes be-they actually funny, cringe worthy dad jokes, or just outright racist joke traps that lure you into the center of the jokes before slapping you in the face with their meaning.
But this morning the man was pissed off. and remained that way throughout the day until we returned to our forced march by the solar guard. We returned to our brisk 7kph march. once we gained enough distance from the solar guard to be out of the equines earshot, Johnna ordered everyone to mount up. The confusion was cleared pretty quickly when he yelled at everyone to climb either into or onto a vehicle and stay there.
Everyone removed their kit and tied everything to their backpacks, before they slid their backpacks either onto the 'Kit hooks' welded to the sides of the halftracks, or onto the cannon barrel of the tanks. I must say, that i never would of thought to use the tank guns as 'kit hangers'... In fact, that explains alot about how his troops are able to advance so quickly around the battle theater.
With Everyone loaded up into or onto vehicles and not a single pair of boots on the ground Johnna did something that i honestly wasnt expecting. And i get the feeling that only his troops were expecting him to do this.
He ordered the combat and field engineers to cut down and collapse trees and the boulders in the hillside of the mountain road we were traveling on over the road itself. After about five minutes the road was blocked completely with a six foot high wall of debris. Johnna even went a full step further and a step to far in the same stride. After the Coup, several hundred meters of improvised barb wire was confiscated. The 'devils rope' was made from two strands of braided steel cable that sandwiched sharpened bolts that were cut in half vertically, it was fairly effective. Several of our engineers drew their blood on our own crude barrier. Johnna made sure to place the wire in obviously evident locations on the pile, his goal was to not harm the ponies pursuing us, but to slow them down.
Once the engineers finished the wire, they returned to the group with devious smirks on their faces. They soon returned to the barricade in groups of two, each carrying a box. It turned out that they took the liberty of laying several dozen boxes of 'paint bettie's'. The 'paint betty' is a type of mine directed at infantry. Its modeled off the 'Bouncing betty', which was a grenade/mine used in WW2 by the various branches of the Wehrmacht. The grenade is traditionally placed either side of a doorway or narrow enclosed passage with a piano wire 'tripwire' strung across the space. Set off the trip wire, and the grenade bounces up to waist or chest height, then explodes. The paint version still bounces, but it explodes into a hailstorm of two hundred and thirty conventional paint pellets.
And the devious lot just rigged together about seventy two of them into a minefield about twenty meters after the barrier.
Wish i could see those fireworks. And the looks on those bastards faces when they set them off. Johnna assures me that they placed the tripwire at the end of the minefield opposite the barrier, so as 'To ensure maximum coverage' after all 'It would be a Shame if their nice white coats were to become stained now would it?' and 'Gold armour is fairly hard to keep clean these days. It scratches to easily under wire-brush after all, and our paint is so clingy'.
With all the engineers mounted up, we set off once more, With the mountain roads finally behind us, and no boots on the ground, the vehicles were finally allowed to open up the throttle. The convoy advanced further forward at 30kph. Lets see those solar guard keep up with their gold armour now!
20th March. 2022
The Tan-tabbies returned from the recon. And they reported that theres a huge lake and waterfall, based off their report of the land and its features. and adding the fact that its been getting steadily cooler. I'd wager that we're almost at Niagara falls!
Johnna has declared that, thats our final destination! and we're not moving a step further. After setting up camp, Robert suggested that they should hold a friendly race between their vehicle crews. The first vehicle to the falls and all the infantry on it get the title 'First in (whatever we choose to name the settlement later)'. I immediately stated how we're not naming our first settlement after Bastogne. After a few seconds everyone caught onto what Robert was referencing. The expressions of sudden realization from the other leaders, caused both Robert and i to break into hysterical laughter. They looked like comical anime expressions.
21st March. 2022
The race started, And several dozen APC's, AFV's, Armoured cars, Scout cars, and Light tanks sped off into the distance, leaving us all choking on a small sandstorm from their speed down the dirt road.
The highlight of my day was when about three minutes later the convoy started parting behind me. And an APC that was late for the races start sped past at 'Mach 1' with almost a dozen people riding it carrying a German flag, The loud speaker mounted to the side of the vehicles turret was blasting 'Primo Victoria' A song from the band Sabaton. Everyone they went past had a smile on their face and/or were laughing. Its good to see everyone just like they were before this Apocalypse!
Heres the video i recorded of the event!
We'll find out the winners once we arrive.
23rd March. 2022
We've set up camp and tomorrow we start building.
Chapter 24 - Stakes down. Tools up.
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Johnna. Human settlement site. Niagara falls.
The sun was just cresting over the falls. Its the day after we arrived at our final destination. And, after sleeping for twelve hours everyone has caught up on sleep and are roaring to go!
We possessed limited tools, pretty much what we had on our vehicles, in our kit, and whatever our engineer crews and their vehicles had. The inventory worked out to be:
-Eighteen hammers.
Johnna stood on the turret of a Kingtiger, and he had the undivided attention of every soul in attendance. "ALLRIGHT YOU LOT! Shining spoon and his gaggle will be on us before long! So skipping the inspirational speech for the sake of getting something done, Sort yourselves out into these respective groups.
Emily's group, are responsible for foraging for food. The only tools you'll need for that job are your knives and the near useless flimsy multi-tool kit shovels i know you all own.
Dimitri's group, your responsible for falling trees, prepping them, and stacking them next to this tank! Logs go on the left side, and all branches that are too small or bent to be of use get piled up to the rear of the Kingtiger. We'll burn them in the field we plan to crop to fertilize the soil. And please, harvest the lumber from a fair distance away from here, it'd be a shame to ruin the beautiful view.
Mcdonnel, your lot are responsible for using the remaining saws to cut the prepped lumber into planks, we'll also need a stockade build around the campsite, I understand we don't have enough tools for this, anyone in Mcdonnel's group who's left over with nothing to do, your assigned to fishing and bringing water back to camp.
Jenet, your team are responsible for planning possible building and infrastructure locations, please draw up as many combinations as possible that put public necessity's within easy reach of everyone in the settlement. You have until- You know what, make that ASAP.
As possibly however racist this sounds, Riccardio, your group are responsible for all things food, anything Emily's group finds that's edible is free reign for your taking. So if your good at cooking or know a lot about food join the Italians group.
Char, Your group are responsible for our defence! Need i remind you the stakes in the event that your fuck up?"
"I Perfectly understand whats at stake if my group fails, which is why we shall be utilizing surgical precision in our planning and execution of the defences." Char says without breaking eye contact with me. A challenging smile on his face.
"Righto, Get to it mate, Errik. Your group are to bring prepped clay back to camp and use it to construct rocket furnaces, as well as roof tiles and pottery for future use, your also responsible for producing charcoal for future forge work, The other half or any that cant do this can begin building wattle and daub structures. Anyone of your group that are left should be occupying themselves, i don't care if its making wicker baskets or whatever, so long as their not sitting around. No-one from any group should be doing nothing unless your taking a break after working your arse's off! .
Before any of you ask, my group shall be responsible for retrieving the necessary materials to begin forging more tools and equipment, I personally doubt we'll find band iron, but we should be able to find magnetite, iron rocks or pebbles, or at the very least, Iron bacteria.
Theres the groups, sort yourselves out and get to work as soon as possible! We don't have much time!"
With that ramble concluded Johnna climbed off the Kingtiger and joined the other leaders around the behemoth of a vehicle so their groups could form.
Sunset the same day. . .
A legion of Solar guard's ponies sit under the cover of the tree canopy, many, including shining were dyed Various colours, from pinks to greens and even blues. Several dozen of them were furiously polishing their armour, trying to remove the paint, but the best they got was smudging it all over the armour.
Those poor souls who were wearing 'mail shirt' at the time had to deal with their fur matting and chafing in their armour's many rings. Some even had patches of fur starting to go missing. Everyone looked miserable, exhausted, and stressed beyond belief.
Shining was simultaneously furious of how he lost such a large group of huge creatures such as the humans, especially with how noisy they are with all their kit and vehicles. And terrified of having to tell Celestia that HE managed to loose the afore mentioned group.
"If word of this gets back to the princess... My career is OVER . He squeaked, biting his lip, he poured over all the possible hiding locations that the humans could be hiding, he'd been searching for the lost group numbering that of a small army for the last twenty eight hours.
It was then that Shining heard one of three voices in all of Equestria that he dreaded to hear at this very moment.Finally find you. Your a little ways off the beaten path aren't you?" Turning on the spot and wearing a faux smile, he greeted Silverstreak with a nod.
An awkward silence devours the solar guards camp for what feels like an eternity.
"You've lost them haven't you" Silverstreak monotones through a deadpan expression.
"We haven't lost them, We've-" Shining was cut off by Silverstreak's friend and second in command Moonglint.
"Misplaced them?" She says with a sly grin. Shining stood there frozen, he now without a doubt knew that the Lunar guard are still tracking them...
'The Lunar Guard are never going to let me live this down...' "We shall stay encamped here and ensure the cretins don't slip past you-"
Both Silverstreak and Moonglint snapped their gaze's on Shining. Their eyes failing to restrict the sheer amount of hatred they held against his words. Silverstreak speaks first. "Those 'Cretins', Have been torn away from their world, most of them are only eighteen to twenty three years old! They've lost their families. Their homes. Their most cherished possessions. On top of that all. A Detachment of-" She punctuates the next three words by pushing the solar captain back with a hoof. "-Your. Solar. Guards. Attacked them unprovoked, and scared them so badly that their command structure dissolved and a Coup-de-tat started in their ranks, the rebels WON , Then attacked us indiscriminately! It takes a 'Special' set of Leadership skills to allow such events to happen on Your watch Captain Shining Armour.
Shining turns back to address his troops, and finds that several of them are several shades greener than the white they should be. and others are looking to the Lunar guard's ponies in terror as they fly off into the distance.
"Its going to be a long time before i'm doing something other than babysitting humans isn't it..." He mumbles to himself.
His current breath hitches in his throat when he hears the regal voice of Celestia speak from behind him. The irritation and distaste in her captains words evident. "Well, If Ensuring the survival and protection of fragile creatures such as the humans isn't a role you deem worthy of your time, then perhaps you can spend your 'Precious' time training the new recruits for my guard, Captain Armour." She looks away from the captain as his head hangs low in shame, And looks over all her soldiers in their camp. "It's Evident that regrettably, the Solar Guard are not up to the challenge and demonstration of patience that are required to earn the humans trust and protect them." She then uses the royal Canterlot voice to ensure all in the camp can hear her. "Your all Relieved of this Duty that has been entrusted to you, And shall all follow captain Shining armour back to Canterlot to resume your usual duties." With her eyes closed, The princess of day turns and leaves the clearing.
Once she returns to the carriage she takes her seat on her cushion. She ignores the gleeful look on Luna's face as the carriage takes off to campsite setup for the Maine six and the Princesses.
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Chapter 25 - Summoned by Celestia...Oh dear...
Author's Note
Ok, this chapters finished. Got it out! whoo!
Now if you excuse me, im off to bed...
Also, I'm looking for someone to help correct Destination Equis. (because i'm terrible at correcting...)
And finally, if you have a character you've created, and want to see him/her in D.E. Then please message me the characters name, a description of his/hers appearance. And a bio of the characters hobby's, fav foods, personality, Ect.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy! ... ... ... ... ...
Chapter 25 - Summoned by Celestia...Oh dear...
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1820 Hours.
Shining was pacing back and forth outside the entrance of the royal purple tent, his breath creating small clouds of steam in the rather nippy night. 'Winter is certainly coming with a vengeance for that warmer than average summer...' He thought to himself whilst looking to the cloudless crystal clear night, admiring the endless blanket of stars and the beautiful greens,blues, and pure white belt of the milky-way.
He was in the process of packing his tent when he was pulled aside by one of his orderly's. The scroll he was given had requested his presence at the royal tent. After the half hour walk from the remnants of his camp he found himself sitting out the front of the entrance to the purple structure. And there he sat, in the rapidly cooling night air. Ponies came and went into the tent, and had been for the last half hour.
'Surly somepony told the princesses i'm out here... Perhaps i should go ins-' Shining's train of thought was interrupted by a light tap on his hind quarters with a steel-capped boot. Spinning around and leaping to his hooves, he turned to face his assailant. "You!" Shining said with no small measure of annoyance, and a twinge of indignity.
"Good evenin' to you too Shining spoon" Johnna said with slight irritation at the stallions reaction. Johnna leaned against the tree that the royal tent had been erected under. "Let me guess mate-"
"Summoned by the Princesses" Shining finished with skepticism as well as a raised eyebrow. His answer earning a nod from Johnna as his eyes lock onto something behind the captain. Turning, Shining saw a batpony poke her head out of the tent flaps. Turning to face her Shining nods in greeting.
"Captain armour." She replies with a slight glare. She then turns to Johnna and smiles warmly. "Johnna. You both my enter now." She said in a singsong tone.
Shining looked to Johnna just in time to see him raise an eyebrow. After a few seconds the Human just shrugs and begins walking the short distance to the tent flaps. After standing alone in the dimly moonlit night both confused and more than slightly concerned, Shining follows the human inside.
Once Shining pushed past the tent flaps the comforting warmth inside washed over him, ceasing his light shivering almost immediately. 'How that human can wear only boots shorts and a T-shirt in this weather i'll never know...' Shining mentally grumbled to himself.
After a short walk through the tent Shining found himself in the cavernous central room. The four princesses sat in their cushioned chairs opposite the doorway. Johnna stood before them calmly, with his hands behind his back, not in the least concerned about showing them the respect they deserved. Shining hadnt realized, but he'd begun glaring two holes into the back of Johnna's head. And Twilight had noticed this.
"Brother? Are you alright?" She asked with concern. Shining couldn't help the smile that spread across his face at the Humans jaw dropping open, and his arms falling limply by his sides.
"BROTHER?! That TWAT-" The man exclaimed in shock, pointing a finger at the white guards pony, whom is currently wearing a grin that would creep out a Cheshire cat. "-IS YOUR BROTHER ?!" Twilight cringed slightly at his volume, before sitting upright and changing her expression to that of a piercing glare.
"Yes, Captain Shining Armour of the solar guard is my older brother. As well as the husband of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. And i'd appreciate you showing my brother some respect if you wouldn't mind." Johnna managed to finally get a grip, mentally slapping then chiding himself for reacting in such manor.
"That i would ma'am." His response cause Twilight's eye to twitch in slowly developing frustration and confusion.
"Why would that be?" Twilight said with an internal sigh.
"Because ma'am. Respect is something that travels both ways. I will show him respect once he begins to address My people and I with the same courtesy." This response earned a nod of agreement and understanding from Luna, Cadence was now glaring at her husband, who was now trying to avoid her gaze, only looking back occasionally to see if she had changed her target.
"And what has my husband done to earn such a response from you John" Cadence inquired whilst sitting up in her chair. Never taking her glare off of the captain, a bead of sweat slowly starting to form on his brow.
"He has shown a complete lack of sympathy. Lacked the communication skills required of a leader. Openly displayed his distaste of my people. Betrayed our trust by breaking an agreement between our leadership, and his. And shown a complete distrust in us VIA an attempt to confiscate our only means of protection." With each point, a new bead of sweat began glinting on Shining's forehead in the red glow of the various crystals around the room, providing heating.
"I'm sure shining has Perfectly, Legitimate, Excuses, for his actions?" Cadence said, raising her voice for emphasis.
Shining stood there as an awkward silence enveloped the room. After several seconds Johnna turns to face the captain. his deadpan betraying no emotion. All eyes on captain Armour, he clears his throat, then begins his explanations.
"Allow me to begin with an apology. I apologize for my rather incompetent command during the past few weeks. However. I only acted the way i did in the best benefits of your people." Before Johnna could speak his protest, Shining continued, raising his voice in order to continue uninterrupted. "I'm sure your aware, that winter is rapidly approaching. And building a town capable of supporting several thousand pon-err, people. isn't something that can just be thrown together in a week. I figured that with your knowledge of the current date, you'd understand that. So i tried to ensure that a certain distance was covered each day, as your location to settle was still to have been chosen by your leadership, Since the only true way for some-one, to choose their home is to go to that location and see it themselves.-"
Johnna speaks up whilst shining inhales to continue. "So, let me get this straight. Your guards forcing up to move near constantly from sun up to sun down was actually your attempt to get us to the possible locations where we could build a settlement before winter?" Johnna asks with a raised eyebrow. "What's the date?" Johnna asks with a confused tone to his voice, his question causes everyponies jaws to drop.
"You don't know what the date is?!" Twilight exclaimed in such a high tone that her voice squeaked.
"we've just been using the continued dates that our world, dimension... Whatever. was currently following. That brings us to- The fourteenth of March."
Everypony face-hoofed. "Well, Theres the primary problem. Without communicating with them brother, You've rushed them to their new home to prepare for Autumn." Twilight exclaimed with sarcasm.
Luna and Celestia looked to each other before joining Cadence in a little chuckle at the captains expense.
"Righto, Now that you've all stopped giggling like school girls. My question still hasn't been answered.
"Correct." Shining opened his mouth to say, but Celestia answered for him. "This may have been my fault also, i gave the captain the order to have you settled at a location of your choosing before winter. But it appears that you've chosen quite well with Neighagra falls."
"Wait a minute, You all were going to give us...-" Johnna's expression deadpanned. "-Really. Neighagra falls? I mean really?" The princesses looked to eachother confused at the humans sudden questioning of the locations name. As Luna was about to ask what the problem was, the Human answered for them. "Neighagra falls? Canterlot? Are all your settlements just puns of places from my world? Are there any others that i should know about?" Johnna asks cautiously.
Twilight and Cadence then take turns listing off the names of the many major settlements in Equestria. "Manehattan"
"Philly delphia"
"Baltimare"
"Vanhoover"
"Los Pegasu-" Twilight was cut off the the human holding his ears with his hands and groaning "Okay, Okay. I get it. Yes, the answer to my question is . Yes. Noted" Luna and Cadence chuckled with each-other once more, only this time at Twilight's pout for being cut off more than the humans reaction.
Celestia cleared her throat. "Are we not all becoming a bit sidetracked to the matter at hand here?" Everyone nodded in agreement. The princesses of love and night respectively recovering from their laughter.
Johnna speaks up once again. "Well thats the lack of communication and sympathy dealt with and explained away. But what about the 'showing your distaste for my people', 'breaking our agreement' and 'trying to confiscate our weapons'." Johnna asked with an inquisitive tone.
"I'll have you know, i didn't break our agreement-" Shining raises his voice to continue, once he sees Johnnas expression change to a 'Yeah, right, Is that so?' expression "-OR, at the very least, never intended to."
"Go on" Cadence asks.
"Once the meeting between your peoples leadership and I concluded that morning, i ordered my orderly's to spread the change of plans, however they never managed to make it to the guards at the rear of the formation, due to the convoys immense length and the narrow mountain roads. So the guards at the rear of the convoy were not aware of the change in schedule."
"OK, That makes sense, i probably should of offered you a radio to speed that communication up... Ok, fair play, I'll take responsibility for that cock-up. But please do explain the part about showing your evident hatred towards u-... O-K,Nevermindithinkiknowtheanswerthothatone..." Johnna mumbled quietly at such a speed his words were barely legible.
"Oh, Really John" Cadence inquires through a glare. "Please do explain..."
Johnna places his hands behind his back and averts his gaze. "Well...You see Ma'am... A large majority of my people had continued to work well past sunset and into the very early hours of the sunrise the next day. So, our leadership and Shining got together and discussed plans to up-tent later that day to allow the several hundred people whom hadn't slept to do just that. But as your aware now-"
"My husband couldn't get word to his troops at the rear of your convoy fast enough and his guards began collapsing tents with your people still trying to sleep inside them" Cadence finished for Johnna. Earning a nod from the tanned Australian.
"Well, after that happened, and reports started to funnel up the radios about this happening...I... Maaay have gone on a witch hunt for the good captain, then confronted him..." The princesses leaned in awaiting a response, but they got awkward silence instead. Shining stepped forward and continued for the suddenly tongue tied Human.
"Once he confronted me, he verbally let me have it. Threw around names like 'You backstabbing Mule.', 'Jackass.', And my personal favorite. 'Shining spoon' The 'Captain with a silver spoon lodged up his arse.' If i remember correctly?" All the princesses looked to Johnna, Twilight looked at the Human as if her glare alone could melt him into a puddle of goo. Cadence and Celestia looked upon the human with expressions of understanding. And Luna's expression looked as if the next thing she found funny would set her off into a laughing mess.
'She's enjoying the captains 'trial' here a little too much... I Like her!' Johnna thought to himself with a mental smile.
'I Swear Princess Luna likes to see the solar guard and i Squirm...' Shining groaned to himself mentally.
Shining continued "After that, when i tried to explain myself to you, you stuffed an apple into my mouth then kicked me out of your leaderships tent, onto my face." Shining said with indignity. It was at this moment that Luna stood bolt upright form her chair, and began to take her leave from the room, mumbling about 'taking a short break', and we should 'continue without her for the time being'.
After several seconds we heard the faint sound of a zipper being zipped shut, then the faint cacophony of uncontrolled laughter. Shining looked as if he was about to melt away to nothing in embarrassment.
No matter how much shining may have deserved every bit of this before, Johnna could see that most of the problems was as much his fault as it was Shining's. So with a nudge of his boot, Johnna got the captains attention.
"Chin-er... Muzzle up, Captain." Johnna said professionally. This little pep-talk seeming to remind shining of his rank, causing him to stand at a relaxed attention and to hold his head high. That little display of kindness form the Human caused the remaining three princesses to smile.
Luna returned shortly afterwards, and sat once more in her chair.
Shining finished his explanation. "And finally, the reason i had my guards attempt to confiscate your weapons. After the incident with your people, and your little witch hunt and display once you finally found me. My guards noticed that you Humans were becoming increasingly rowdy. And in some cases raised your weapons towards my guards, We know that you have... Ammunition... That isn't paint. But its impossible to tell which ones had the lethal ammunition or the paint. so i opted to confiscate all of your weapons, since i have the vague understanding that they are interchangeable with their ammunition. It was a measure to ensure the safety of the guard. I'm sure you'd do the same had our positions switched."
"Alright Captain. Your not wrong, but in terms of the interchangeable ammunition, its not as universal as you think. Different firearms have their common calibers, yes. But the way the caliber is measured between the respective country of that weapons origin and another is different. For example. German designers measure the caliber of the weapon without the bore, but the Americans measure weapon caliber with the bore. So even though their both 9mm's, their ammo ins't interchangeable." Johnna stopped his explanation when he realized he lost the attention of the ponies he was trying to explain it to, he noticed that Twilight had been furiously scribbling down information onto a scroll during his manor rant. "At any rate, Captain Shining Armour. I Apologize for my childish behavior, and my peoples rash actions." The human said professionally, holding out a hand to the captain.
Shining looked to the Humans hand for several seconds, before looking to the princesses, then back again. Smiling, he took the humans hand and shook it. What happened next surprised everypony.
Johnna turned to and addressed the princesses. "You highness's, May i request that the solar guard also be responsible for our protection, at least until we can defend ourselves properly." The princesses were stunned at the Humans request, it was the last thing they were expecting. Even Shining's jaw was agape.
After looking to each-other Luna spoke up. "I don't see why not? What do you think dear sister?" All eyes were now on Celestia as she pondered the decision for several moments. Eventually letting out a sigh and nodding her agreement.
Shining let out a relived sigh, whilst his sister practically leaped out of her chair and wrapped her brother in a hug. Satisfied with the outcome, Johnna turned and left the tent.
Cadence poked her head out through the tent flaps, inhaling deeply, enjoying the clean and cool night air, she exited the tent, not bothered by the cold at all. After a short search, she found the Human she was looking for, Leaning against a tree not far from the tent.
Walking over to him, her hooves leaving a trail of prints in the frost covered grass. She sat next to him earning a confused expression from the alien creature. As she stared up at the moon, she felt a sudden warmth, turning, in an attempt to look at her back. She found herself under the humans T-shirt. Looking up at the Australian she saw that he now only wore a Singlet, as well as his other attire of boots and cargo shorts.
She opened her mouth to protest, but she was cut off by the humans response first. "Don't worry about me, Despite how frail my race may be to the elements and diseases, i'm honestly not bothered by the cold. Heck, my country spends most of its time in blistering heat, so when its cold or raining, we practically walk around with summer clothes on to enjoy the cold whilst it lasts."
Cadence looked up to the human as he stared at one particular constellation. "Is that one familiar to you?" She inquires. Earning a silent nod from the Human.
"Back home its called, 'The southern cross' It means a great deal to my culture, its Arguably one of our country's national symbols. That constellation was the symbol of our rebellion against the redcoats. Its also currently one of the primary features of Australia's flag. I look up at that constellation every night. it relaxes me for some reason. Puts my mind at ease..."
Cadence looks back to the human this time with a smile of realization on her face. But she soon looks back to the sky, waiting for an opportunity to confirm her theory about the 'Tough as nails' 'Australian'.
Several shadows watch the humans stockade from the darkness of a treeline. Peering at the unaware creatures through binoculars. Digital Binoculars.
A patrol walks past once more, but the shadows remain unnoticed. Their furious note scribbling and observations are abruptly cut short by a twig snapping above them. A dozen eyes snap upwards into the trees above their heads, before they all reach into their their bags and pull out lightly glowing bottles. Popping the corks they all quickly down the purple liquid. One by one as they finish downing the last drops from the bottle they =Telipoof= away.
A second after the last shadow disappears into a cloud of purple mist, a Batpony leaps from the tree canopy and lands in the purple cloud floating just above the ground.
Letting out a frustrated screech she punches the ground with a hoof. She missed her targets again, The Lunar guard had noticed the 'Shadows' watching the humans the day before, but hadn't managed to catch them, or even find out what, or who, they were.
Her minor temper tantrum was cut off when she noticed her hoof had brushed up against coming. Looking down to the ground, she saw a small fluffy dark brown feather, with a black spot in the center.
"Huh. I don't remember a bird having this pattern before..."
The bat pony places the feather in her saddlebag before returning to her 'Shadow' hunt.
Meanwhile, the humans continued their sleeping and patrols, oblivious to the events happening outside their stockade.
Chapter 26 - Important meeting
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 27 - Peculiar compounds...
Author's Note
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Once again. If you have an OC or have a friend with an OC, and you or they want to see said character in D.E, Then please, message me the OC's BIO. That being: Their Gender, name, appearance, job, hobbies, favorite food ECT.
As much information related to that Character(S), that that i have enough info to work with when weaving that character into the story.
Enjoy! ^_^
Chapter 27 - Peculiar compounds...
=================
Castle of Friendship.
Twilight sat at her desk, spike had just returned with yet another cup of coffee. The lavender Alicorn had done just as she had promised the humans, and procured every item on the list that they requested. However.
"I Just don't know whats bugging me about this Spike" The princess said in a half groan. "Their list makes sense for the most part. Food. Clothes. Tarps. Medicines. Excetera. But then you reach items numbers Fifteen. Twenty four. and Thirty eight. And it gets odd...What purpose does Brass. Potassium nitrate And Sufferer have to them?
It just doesn't make any sense!" She exclaims to the ceiling.
Spike drags another chair over to the desk and looks at the list. "Well, What are their individual uses?" He questions.
"Brass is an alloy of copper and zink. But the humans have requested it in a ratio which makes it mechanically near frictionless."
"They could be planning on making machines? What about the rest of the items." Spike continues.
"Well. Potassium nitrate has a wide variety of industrial uses from making fertilizer for crops to-" Twilight froze for a moment before Spike noticed a book fly off a shelf at the far end of the room, and to Twilight's side. Looking between the book and the suspect items she discovers the key fact she was looking for. "-A-HAH!" She exclaims.
"What is it!" Spike asks.
Looking over to Spike, Twilight's smile is ear to ear. "I think I've found what those items are for! They humans are possibly making black powder!" She says triumphantly.
"Black powder?" Spike repeats. "Isn't that the thing that makes fireworks... Work?" Spike asks.
"Yes. It is spike!" Twilight says with a sigh. "At least we know that they're planning a fireworks display! And not something with sinister intent." Twilight said relieved.
"Do you really think that they'll try something under the Dirarchs noses?" Spike questioned with a slight tinge of worry in his voice.
"I don't think so... But with their worlds record on trusting relationships i'm sure that they'll at the very least want to protect themselves. So i wouldn't be too bothered by it if they did. After all they'd just be acting on their instinct to protect themselves and their friends. But i just don't like it when Ponie- People lie to me." Twilight replied.
"Are those the only suspicious items on the list?" Spike inquires.
"Yes. From what i can tell anyway. But theres another series of items on this list that are exciting to discover!" Twilight said giddily. Before Spike could question, she answered his unasked question. "The humans have requested a number of vitamins and medicines for pregnancy. I'm excited to say that we may have alot of baby humans running around soon!"
Before Spike could respond his joy. A voice responded from across the library. From the shadows, Luna emerged... Rather, Materialized would suit that better...
"I too am overjoyed for the prospect of the humans foaling. But that only increases the urgency of our working with the humans... You've seen the kind of destruction their willing to cause to keep their friends safe, Imagine what they would do to keep their young safe..." Luna said with a smile. A smile that caught Twilight and Spike completely off guard and caused them great confusion. Luna of course was smiling for the deep rooted kinship that the humans have weaved around themselves. Although none of them are related, they protect each other as if their blood relatives. Just like her subjects. 'That being said, it still troubles me that such a young species in comparison to our own have access to such destructive potential... Tia and I must come to a conclusion on the humans weapon rights... They are not going to like it, but for the safety of both they themselves and our subjects we may have to confiscate or limit the usage conditions of their weapons...'
"I've some to update you Princess sparkle, The human town is coming along on schedule, Enough buildings have been completed to offer them warm shelter form the elements, They have basic industrial capacity, and have prepared their farmland for the winter produce and coming spring. And the list, that you have yet to send, is the last agenda for the winter preparations. I understand that the humans requested more tools, clothing, food, medicinal supplies and yet more brass. As well as more coal. I must admit the sheer amount of brass that they've been requesting is starting to concern me somewhat..."
Twilight looked to the Lunar princess in an all knowing expression. "I know what you mean. I just think I've solved a great puzzle as to some of the stranger items the humans have requested. I think their planning on making fireworks. They've requested half of the recipe for black powder."
Luna's shock was noted by Twilight, and was starting to make her nervous. "Exactly how much have they requested of these ingredients so far?" Luna asked nervously.
Her worry's mounting, Twilight replied with the information from latest send outs she kept on her desk. "After adding it all up they've requested... One hundred kilos of sulfur. And three hundred kilos of Potassium nitrate." Looking back up from her paper, the princess of the night responded in kind by having her warehouse managers stock ledger -poof- into existence.
"The humans have had one hundred and twenty kilos of brass sent out to them thus far, and theres another request for a further eighty kilos." The Princesses looked at each other in concerned confusion. The sudden realization of the amassing small orders of the strange items sprinkled in amongst the various others being requested. "What would they need over half a tonne in black powder for? What are they planning?" The blue Alicorn questioned aloud.
It was then that Spike's attention was pulled away from a gold shimmer on the desk, Leaning forward so that he may reach the item in question, he picked up a small metallic tube that was closed off on the wider end. A neck narrowed the opposite end significantly. Turning the object around in his clawed hand, Wonder glimmering in his eyes, the drake turned and asked Twilight what the object was.
Twilight turned form her conversation with Luna once she noticed the princess's attention divert from their conversation and not return. After staring at the object her assistant held in his claws. Most of the pieces clicked into place. "No... They could, but that isn't what they meant is it?" Twilight mumbled to herself. Once again awarding her with Luna's attention.
"Twilight. Do you know what the humans are planning?" She inquired. After receiving no acknowledgement. Luna addressed Twilight by name two more times, each rising in tone before Spike left his seat. Twilight lets out a surprised yelp when spike nudges her.
Luna repeats her question and Twilight looks from Luna to the ground regaining her thoughtful expression. "I... Its just a hunch. But... The mass order of brass and black powder ingredients may be the humans... Attempting to rearm themselves with their peoples real ammunition..."
Luna looks taken aback before her expression changes to one of a far more serious nature. "Are you certain this could be a possibility? Not just an event of the slightest chance, but an actual method to this madness?" The Lunar princess questions. Already fearing that she knew the answer.
Giving a shallow nod Twilight continues as Luna closes her eyes in a mix of betrayal, frustration and sadness. She keeps her eyes closed as Twilight continues the explanation behind her conclusion.
"When the humans were protecting us from their possessed comrades during the battle for Ponyville. I heard quite a few of them wishing that they 'wished their makeshift rounds were as accurate as 'gunpowder ' rounds'. Could this 'Gunpowder' be derived from a similar manufacturing process as black powder?" Twilight mused aloud.
"What else have they requested that seemed odd to you?" Luna asked with a tinge of regret.
"I've had a mass order of cotton... About two tonnes of it. As well as three orders for twenty liters of Glycerol over the past three days... These wouldn't have seemed odd had they not gone in with the sulfur orders, but theres also bulk orders of Olive oil, Vegetable oil, Coconut oil, and Lanolin... At first i though it was for cooking or scenting soaps, but then i saw the lanolin, thats such an odd thing to ask for..." Twilight said in a confused, frustrated tone.
"Lanolin?" Both Luna and Spike questioned in unison. Causing Twilight to cease her mental tailspin.
"Its a type of wax that sheep produce to keep their wool in good condition." Twilight explained. Earning nods from the two opposite her.
"There is little chance for coincidence, the humans are up to something. And all these odd and exotic ingredients are adding to that suspicion, but its just that, suspicion. It would be most unwise to act upon a perceived threat... Especially is our only reward for that reaction would be an angry mob of confused and scared humans... Especially a well armed mob of angry confused and scared humans... But if they are in the process of cooking up something of concern in our midst we simply cant allow them to glide under our noses and complete their objective..." Luna though aloud.
It was then that a third voice joined the group from the shadows in the library. A familiar and exotic accent not native to Equestria clung to each word. "Well then its in my opinion that the humans cant Possibly be trusted, and also in 'my' opinion the humans should be observed without the guard intervening, as this may cause 'trouble '."
Everyone in the room turned to see the distinct form of a human walking form the shadows with his arms crossed.
"Care to have to common decency not to talk behind me back?" Johnna questioned through a glare.
Chapter 28 - The New Armaments Ministry.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 29 - Overture for calamity...
Human settlement.
0300 Hours.
The crisp, sharp air of winter bore down on the settlement of wooden structures. Thick plumes of smoke poured out of the structures cobblestone chimneys as the occupants inside struggled to keep their buildings warm. The muddy quagmire that the streets had once been have since frozen over into an uneven bumpy mess. Window shutters were closed and locked, the only light from inside the buildings visible from the streets being the faint amber glow of oil lamps.
The only life not indoors at this point being the rare patrol of unfortunate souls whom hadn't managed to evade the council during the roster roundup. Despite being in their winter gear. This consisting of a thick leather trench-coat with interior wool and fur linings. Gloves. Ski-mask. A beanie. Ski-goggles. And their standard steel helmets, the patrols still shivered. The Royal guards in the group wore their traditional armour over thick woolen clothing. The patrols mage's in a constant battle with the bitter cold, casting and maintaining a small fireball spell to ward off the snap freeze that his the settlement during the sunset.
The patrols stood out while on duty, sticking out like sore thumbs. This in part to the Humans winter clothing being mostly pure white with olive green splotches. And the royal guards knitted clothing being practically every colour available in wool dye, As well as having their gold armour reflect any light that shone against it.
Not all was frigid though. For the humans and royal guards ponies seemed to finally be thawing out a relationship with each other. The patrols chatted quietly during their rounds so as to not disturb anyone sleeping, exchanging stories, news, questions, jokes. Pretty much everything a conversation could drift to.
The only thing keeping the guards on edge in the pristine quiet of the settlement was the way the humans seem to always have a hand on a weapon at all times. To Captain Shining armours utter shock and amazement. He found out today that Dimitri sleeps with his PPSH under the blankets, how he found this out. Shining made the mistake of waking the twitchy Russian from his slumber early in the morning.
Dimitri pretty much leaped from his sleeping bag, kicking his blankets off and brandishing his sub-machine gun like it was his last stand. After Dimitri learned it was shining armour he immediately apologized, showing the freaked out captain that he was using paint bullets, and explaining that, after the events in The Everfree forest, He found it next to impossible to sleep unless he had his SMG within very close reach.
Rumors of this event traveled around the camp throughout the day, information or events often getting muttled or mistaken entirely. By the end of the day at dinner, everyone sat around the many fires eating proper meals, the menu being, fire roasted veggies (Provided by the ponies, freshly harvested from the Equestrian soil), and the last of the freeze dried chicken. During the first conversations of the evening meal, everyone found out very quickly that they'd all been subject to an unplanned game of broken telephone. Very quickly, the event was dropped when no one could agree on the actual events that occurred. Much to the relief of both Dimitri and Shining armour.
Now, a patrol of four humans and five ponies makes its way through the frozen streets. Both the former and the latter occasionally slipping on the transparent ice coating the road in places.
"Woah-Nellie...Ok-ie-ie-YE" With a spreading of legs, a recovery, a second recovery, and a third. A human thought he was in the clear for slipping and falling onto his rear, And he was right... Until he took another step. With a comically wide slip on his right foot, He found himself lying on his back in the center of the road. With the rest of his patrol laughing at him, as well as with him. Accepting a hand from his female comrade, hes pulled back to his feet. "Bloody hell. Just like home, only without snow." The chuckling teen said as the group continued to move.
An earth pony with a spoke with a merry tone. "Well don't fret. Snow will be falling by tomorrow evening at the latest. If anything is more punctual than our weather ponies. Then its in for quite the challenge for that title."
The blond haired girl started to skip ahead of the group before turning to face them all. "OOOOOOooooooo! I cant wait! This'll be the first time i see snow!" She stopped once she noticed the group staring at her in utter shock, their mouths agape. Crossing her arms she states flatly. "Australia. If you couldn't guess by my accent. I'm from, Australia." The three Canadians just nodded their acknowledgement. The guards ponies, just stood there confused. "Australia! the country thats mostly mountains and desert and crippled by drought far a large portion of the year, and flooded the rest." The ponies just nodded. Their confusion still evident, but they understood why snow wouldn't be a regular event in a place with such weather.
The groups mage spoke with a slightly strained voice whilst her spell fought off some of the cold. "Well, You'll love the snow Jessie. Its really pretty, and its so much fun to throw snowballs at everypony."
The Aussies smile returned once more upon hearing that statement. And the group continued on down the street, passing many dark spaces that spanned between the closely placed timber structures of the settlement. As the patrol passes one such darkened gap, a metallic crunch catches Jessie's attention, Causing her to instantly tap her closest squad mates on the shoulder and raise her Enfield .303 to the shadows.
The unicorn stop and looks back to the humans, whom where aiming their guns into the dark shadows as the sound of shattering ceramic echoes into the street from the space. "It's just a roofing tile." The humans don't change their stance, nor even batt an eye away from the location of the sound. Rolling her eyes she drops the fireball spell she'd been holding. Breathing a sigh of relief before shuddering from the bite of the cold. Her horn baths the street in a nearly unnoticeable orange hue, and the shattered remnants of two terracotta roofing tiles levitate from the darkness.
"..." The four humans stood their ground against the darkness, keeping their weapons raised to the darkness.
After a few moments, One human lowered his rifle. Followed by his two comrades shortly after, But something didn't sit right with Jessie, Keeping her rifle raised, she took a cautious step towards the darkness. The three Canadians raised their weapons once more upon seeing their squad mate moving towards the pitch black space.
Jessie takes yet another step forward. Several of the guards ponies began to slowly reach for their weapons, whilst moving into positions to defensively flank the humans should something go awry. Jessie was now no more than four feet from the darkness now, she had begun to slowly push the muzzle of her rifle into the darkness.
She suddenly jumps when the screech of static erupted from the radio being carried by a guards pony. The tinny voice crackled through the shortwave. " 'Union Bears', Where are you. Your patrol should have ended half an hour ago. Stop frolicking through the town and get back here, before we have to thaw your arses out and treat frostbite." The squad looked to each other, before the ponies returned their weapons to their scabbards and turned to leave. The Canadians shrugged and turned to follow, only pausing to see Jessie's reaction. As the mage walked further and further down the street the colder the air got around them. After several moments of glaring into the shadows, Jessie turned and left with her fellow humans to return to the warmth of the council building to write their report.
The exact same moment...
In the shadows to the left...
The well seasoned voice whispered in the darkness to his compatriots. His voice coarse from a lifetime of drinking spirits. "Is she gone?" After several seconds pass, a shadow lowers itself down from its hiding place just below the roofs overhang. The little light cast by the moon catching the blade of the short dagger and its returned to its sheath.
The shadow whispers, Its feminine tone giving away its owner to those whom wait in the shadows for the patrol to be out of earshot. "Yes, This patrol left. Good thing too. We wouldn't have been able to silence them without blowing the mission. The blood would of froze into the street." Her talons finally reaching the frozen ground, she tucks her wings in, Mostly in her effort to warm up. "I don't like this place... Its way colder than back home. Even during the winter hunt..."
A Younger male in the four strong party spoke from the shadows. "A daughter of the high duke of Falcor, who loves hunting wild boar during the winter celebration... I'm Definitely wedding you when we return home." He said in admiration.
She chuckles to herself as she turns to face him. "Hah. Not in your wildest dreams, 'down for brains' ".
Both of them are hushed silent by their leader. His tall form standing at the edge of their hiding place for the time being. "Bear in mind, We're currently being hunted by the Equestrian Royal Guard . If you chicks keep on tweeting. Then we're going to be given away. And i'll be throwing you both at the guard as i make my escape!" He hissed back at them. The two shrank under his glare once the moonlight caught his white eye.
The Final member of the group finally spoke up, his hushed tone bearing that of sophistication, the kind bought in tutoring paid for in gold bullion. "Plea~se tell me that you haven't broken the devise Ermin?"
After a short check into the hessian sack on the floor she nods confidently whilst lifting over her shoulder.
A Shadow darts over the group, and they immediately quieten down as they look up. After a few moments, the outline of a Pegasus dashes across the dark sky, leaving a rainbow contrail in her wake.
The coarse, gravelly voice of the groups leader curses vividly at the sight. "Now we have to deal with those Cretans!" He hisses in a quiet rage. Turning to the group he addresses them. "Make sure you have all your personal effects accounted for. We complete our mission tonight! With the heroes of Equestria here, We risk being discovered if we stay any longer!" He states with quiet urgency.
With that, the group begins to move. Their target in sight.
Chapter 30 - Conversion already done sir.
Hangar N-3.
0923 hours.
The morning had a thick fog taking up residence over the still yet to be named settlement that sprang up over a week at Neighagra falls. The airfield was Practically abandoned. The many mechanics and ground support crews not being required in weeks. The many massive hangars that hat been constructed by both humans and ponies stood in their various places around the grass airstrip, as proud sentinels, protecting the great numbers of aircraft inside from the elements.
The weather took an unexpected turn this morning, the weather team in charge of the 'Neighagra falls' area had decided to use the day to teach their trainees the difficult art of creating the perfect snow. Suffice to say, The class of fifty two failed, quite miserably. Instead of snow in any description, They ended up creating a veil of mist rain. At the request of the council, Whom thanked the young weather pegasai in training for the event, the weather schedule was rearranged for snow at 3PM tomorrow afternoon, whilst the fine rain continued throughout the day. The reason for this being? The council saw it as a chance to level out, texture, then refreeze the currently atrocious dirt roads that ran through and around the settlement.
The days were seemingly getting shorter now, with the sun setting earlier than usual, and the nights lasting longer. The temperature continued to drop each day. Whilst everyone worked on fixing the bumpy, pot hole filled mess the streets and roads had become recently, The rain mist quickly froze to anything that it touched in the cold temperatures. Structures, Clothing, Plants, People, And, The vehicles. The mechanics went into a fit over how all the aircraft left outside during the morning, whilst they rearranged the hangars, were now frozen under such a thick sheet of ice that they needed to thaw out the landing gear with blowtorches before they could tow the planes back into their new parking spots.
Much to the sheer joy of the logistics team. The mechanics had managed to squeeze the aircraft so closely together into each hangar, that they managed to free up one whole hangar building for the logistics team to store the various items being shipped in form all over Equestria. The logistics team were overjoyed when they received the news, as now they didn't have to build a warehouse in near subzero temperatures.
Being bored, and having nothing to do. The mechanics decided on acting upon the next complaint that the logistics team had on their list, That also happen to be pretty close to a suggestion that Char had approached them with the night before.
Emily walks across the airstrip, Cadence and Rainbow dash in tow. The three carried umbrellas with them to keep the ice mist off them.
The girls all giggled whilst Cadence regales the effect of her little talk with Johnna. "He was redder than a tomato. His eyes glassed over. He looked like all of his birthdays came at once, he was a cloud away from orbit! To be honest, it was adorable seeing him like that, he looked like a foal who was just given a full cookie jar." She said with a chuckle.
Emily continued to giggle giddily. Rainbow hovered along side her upside down. "Someone else looks like they're on cloud nine." She says with a suggestive eyebrow wriggle whilst holding her hooves under her chin.
Emily recovers enough from her giggling to reply with. "Well, To be honest. I've had the biggest crush on that man for AGES!"
Rainbow dash continued to hover alongside Emily on her back in a reclined position. "I dont see what you like in him. Sure, hes cool an' all! But, your ALOT like Rarity. And John is so ruff-n-tumble, i cant seem to understand why you like him over somepony more......" Rainbows long awkward pause caused Emily to giggle whilst she simply finished the blue mares question for her.
"Someone more 'Sophisticated' " Rainbow flips back around to right-side up and flies in front of the group pointing to Emily.
"Thats it! Thank you! Sophisticated!" The rainbow maned Pegasus declared.
Cadence responded to the blue mares question. "Love is more complicated than stereotypes Rainbow, its a form of magic that runs deep in a creatures soul... You often look over such emotions as love, but you know when you've found your true love... The first time i saw shining. He was strong and dutiful. But he was also, so caring for those under his command, and most certainly to his family. Case in point. He was adorable and perfect!" The Alicorn regaled with so much affection to her husband it was almost heart melting.
The group resumed their walk to the 'Bomber Broadway' whilst Emily gave her two friends her reasoning. "I love Johnna because he's: Strong, Loyal to a fault, Caring, Truthful, He says it as it is, Easygoing and his rough and tumbled look is cute! He looks like a confident anime character! Its so bloody CuuuuuuuTE! "
The group rounds the corner after spending two minutes wrestling with a frozen gate latch. And are utterly speechless. Except Rainbow dash, who looked like a child who had their candy stolen. Placing both her hooves on her head she just yells with a voice crack. "WHAAAAAAAT?! Where are THEY!?"
The group looks around the fenced in gravel parking area, And to their surprise, not a single plane nor mechanic was to be scene. Emily walks over to one of the many sets of wheel tracks and follows their direction to one of the mighty wooden hangar doors.
After a short struggle, Cadence and Rainbow fly over to help Emily push the door open.
With a screech of protest the door finally begins to slide open. Once a gap large enough to squeeze through is made, the three girls enter the hangar and are blasted with a wall of warm air. The moment the groups inside their ambushed by a team of eighteen mechanics who immediately rush to the door and man-handle it closed once again.
The girls turn to the harsh voice yelling at them from across the hangars cavernous insides. Upon laying eyes on the buildings contents Rainbow was speechless. A smile that would make even Pinkie pies cheeks hurt spread from ear to ear on the mare.
Cadence herself was finding hard to formulate words as she stared in awe at the massive machines that packed the hangar. The many bomber aircraft were packed to tightly together that, from above, They must have resembled a slightly spaced out puzzle. "They're so, Large... Theres so... Many of them... How do you get craft to large to fly without lighter than air gasses-"
The stunned Alicorn was cut off by an overjoyed Rainbow dash dart off towards the ceiling whilst shouting "THIS. IS. AWESOME!" Her rainbow contrail was the only thing giving away her location in the hangars dark roof space. The lights flickered to life over the whole hangar and the sheer amount of aircraft parked in the building was suddenly apparent. "OH. MY. GOSH! Theres so MANY in here!"
"So, These are the airships your race uses to fl- Emily?" Cadence found herself looking around for Emily whom seemed to disappear. After looking around for a short while, cadence noticed Emily's feet standing behind the tail of one of the aircraft. Walking over to join her friend, she was about to ask what was wrong when she herself laid eyes on the matter.
Before the two was a rather large pile of random aircraft parts, interior wall panels lay stacked against the wall with sticky notes stuck to them with such information as aircraft type, number and refurbishment numbers. Bags of screws nuts and bolts were also duct-taped to the various panels.
Emily approached a mechanic and began to question her. "What are you all doing to these aircraft?"
The mechanic looked confused, and answered cautiously with. "We're retrofitting these aircraft to be used as transports, that being cargo and passenger transports. We've also rearranged the hangars to avoid any sabotage of the aircraft."
Emily looked dumbfounded. "And who gave you orders to do so? what if the need arises that we should have to use bombers?"
The mechanic clicked her pen and returned it to her breast pocket before crossing her arms. "Emily. I'm just doing my job. The job i'm paid quite well for. And thats to keep these planes in working order. Answering your question. According to weather reports, its going to get cold enough for oil to freeze in the vehicles, so the logistics team kept nagging us to convert the aircraft, and we responded with 'Sorry, cant help ya, speak to someone of adequate rank.' So they went to Char. Char approached Burnard, and asked if it were possible to convert the heavy bombers into transports to speed up the logistics needed to live through the winter. And i think the answers clear. And, as far as i'm aware, transports don't need bomb bays and armour plating. Thus all the piles of aircraft parts strewn around that wall."
With a nod Emily thanked the mechanic for explaining and walked back to cadence after exchanging pleasantries. The Princess had a genuine smile on her face. "Your disarming? Thats wonderful!"
"Yeah, don't count your chickens till they've hatched. We're only converting the heavy bombers. And i'll make that abundantly clear to Char when i see him at the meeting in half an hour." Emily said with a serious tone.
"Heavy bombers? Theres other types?" Cadence questions.
Finally smiling once more, Emily motions for the Princess to follow her as she walks through the forest of landing gear taking up most of the hangar. "There are many types of aircraft that humanity has crated over the years. Propeller planes, Jets, Helicopters, Flying boats, Airships, Aerospace transports. But the ones that we have here with us are a mix of propeller and jet fighters. Light, medium, heavy, and fast bombers. Close Air Support or CAS aircraft. Recon aircraft. And a handful of Catalina flying boats."
"Thats quite a list..." Cadence says with a slight tone of confusion. "So, What role do the, 'Heavy Bombers' Usually fill?" She asks in curiosity.
"Heavy bombers are multi-engine aircraft designed to carry the largest bombs that are required. As to their usage in battle. They're usually used in strategic operations, Historically those would be carpet bombing of enemy factories and fortifications. Thus, why each team only has between four to, in the Americans case, twenty eight of them, Their rather large targets that are easy to hit. And they only have a specific niche to fill."
"So what of the others then?" Cadence questions.
"Well, Fighters are, as their name suggests, the aircraft designed to take down other aircraft. but they can usually fill multiple roles, but they excel at fighting other aircraft. Light bombers are usually small single or multi engine aircraft that are either converted from other aircraft types or are designed with certain design constraints in mind. Medium bombers are usually twin engine aircraft that carry a lot of small bombs and are in between light and heavy bombers in size. They're usually faster then both too. Fast bombers are usually light or medium bombers, as the name suggests, they're designed to get in quick, drop their payloads, then get out quick. CAS aircraft are designed to work in cooperation with the ground and naval forces, they usually help by knocking out tanks and bunkers though. Recon aircraft fly high over the field of battle and report enemy positions, as well as updating maps and acting as radio signal relays. And flying boats... Well they're flying boats... their not really good at anything in particular, but they make great command aircraft as they don't need large open strips of open space to land, they just need a reasonably sized body of water. Meaning that they can follow the front line easier than other aircraft types."
"Hmm, your race really thought everything through didn't you?" Cadence thinks aloud whilst trying to remember this information for Twilight to gush over later.
"Well sadly my people have had over several thousand years of combat to learn..." Emily says with shame.
Cadence walks over and gives her friend a hug. "Hey now. Its ok. You and your friends are in one of the most peaceful empires to ever exist! It'll take a little time and a lot of effort. But you'll all find happy lives and know peace unlike anything you've ever known." She says with a caring smile.
Emily smile back with a glimmer of hope. "Thanks Cadence. I'll always remember that-" Emily was cut off by someone yelling obscenities from across the hangar. The sounds of tools hitting a steel floor echoed around the inside of the hangar, prompting Emily to investigate.
As Emily and Cadence walked over to the every increasing yelling. They heard Rainbows voice join in and hurried their pace.
The voice was male, and belonged to the person who yelled at them from across the hangar earlier. "Don't lie to me! It wasn't any of us! And the hangar was locked all night! The only way our shit could have gone missing, is by you and your lot flying in through the skylight that was busted when we opened the door this morning! "
The two rounded the corner just in time to see Rainbow dash and a rather well toned tall human standing in a room that had a chain-link fence wall. Rainbow fired back her counter argument. "It wasn't me you idiot! I just got here! And i was late for my shift this morning because i slept in! if you want my alibi checked, you can talk to Emily!
Emily yelled to get everyone's attention then spoke to the human yelling at the fuming pegasus. "Burnard. Whats your reason for yelling at Ms.Dash here." She demanded.
Burnard tossed a busted padlock onto the steel workbench that was sitting on the wall. "That. If from the skylight that was shattered last night." He then slammed a second padlock into the workbench. "And this ones from this storeroom. Some bastards pulled some sort of sick joke, And nicked most of our tools and several spare parts!" He then pulled a clipboard off the wall and continued his tirade by yelling the list out loud enough for everyone in the hangar to hear. "Look at this! Missing Item stock. FIVE, MAGNETOS. TWO, THIRTY CAL.S. A WRENCH SET. A SOCKET SET. THREE, POWER DRILLS. A TWO HUNDRED ROUND BOX OF THIRTY CAL AMMO. AND AN ENTIRE DRAW OF. BLOODY. AIRCRAFT. SCHEMATICS!" I accentuated each of his final three words by taking out his rage on an innocent filing cabinet. Delivering a brutal kick with each word that made the two ponies either side Emily flinch with each impact. "AND IF I FIND THEM. I'LL DO A LOT MORE THAN MAKE THEM SQUEAL!" He yelled at the ceiling of the hanger, seemingly addressing all the mechanics and ground staff in the building.
The two ponies looked up to Emily who just stood there with a frown on her face and her arms crossed. "Are you done Burnard?" She asks coldly.
The mechanic looks stunned as he drops the clipboard on the floor and his jaw drops. "Am i done? How can i keep these aircraft running when i'm missing tools! spare parts! The fucking Documents i need to find parts and components inside the aircraft!"
Emily uncrosses her arms and walks over to the irate man, placing a hand on his shoulder and speaking civilly to him she says. "Burnard. You've been fixing these aircraft for years. All of your mechanics have been fixing these aircraft for years. I watched you disassemble then reassemble an entire flying fortress when you couldn't find the cause for a lack of oil pressure. You don't need those documents. Your the best mechanic we have here. Your team is the best team of mechanics on Earth. If anyone can make it without silly schematics. You, and your team can!" Standing up straight she straightens the mans oil and grease stained fatigues. "Now. Stand up straight. Stiff upper lip. Behave like the twenty six year old you are!" She then leans in to whisper. "once we find the ones responsible, i say a year of pranking is in order. And i'm not talking about shaving cream bombs in their kitchen cabinets or buckets of water above their doors. I'm taking about the big stuff." She leans back and gives the now smiling man a sly wink of her eye.
1400 Hours.
Settlement Town hall.
The Fireplace in the corner of the room crackled away furiously as Mcdonnel threw yet more wood into its blazing heart. The rest of the council sat in various chairs around the table. Most clinging onto steaming cups and mugs. Johnna sat in his usual seat for these meetings. Right next to Emily. He himself, was digging into his late lunch, And nothing, was going to stop him, to make that evident he had his pistol sitting on the table in front of him, The magazine stood upright on the table, and six paint rounds stood next neatly next to that.
No one spoke, but all watched the Australian as he helped himself to his meal of Meatless spaghetti bolognese. Robert resumed his fireplace management by throwing three more logs into the already overloaded fireplace. Dimitri spoke from his reclined position in his seat.
"Whats the matter comrade Mcdonald. One would think with all the fast food your people consume. You'd have more than enough blubber to not feel the cold. Or are all Americans this coldblooded?"
Mcdonnel Turned to face the smiling Russian and Crossed his arms. "Well Sergei Ivanov... Yeah, i've got nothin'. I'm too friggin cold to think!"
Just as Dimitri opened his mouth to fire back his reply, the door to the room opens and a blast of cold air fills the room. With a loud slam of the door the room begins to slowly warm up once more. Two previously missing members of the meeting finally arrived. As they remove the many layers of winter apparel they're wrapped in and hang them on the hat rack off to the side of the door, the forms of an orange earth pony and a yellow pegasus are highlighted by the gentle amber glow of the raging fireplace.
Placing her iconic stetson back atop her head, Applejack immediately begins to apologize, But is cut off by Fluttershy who immediately accepts responsibility for the two being so late. "I'm s-so sorry E-everyone... On the way here i found a Phoenix nest that fell from its tree in the forest. So Applejack helped me carry it back to the camp..." She began to shrink away in fear of the others responses, but to her surprise no one reacted for quite a while, seeming to think her story over for a time before Johnna placed the fork he was holding into his empty bowl and took a hearty drink of his apple cider. After this he give a dismissive wave of his hand before saying.
"Eh. Don't worry about it Fluttershy, It was most certainly a noble cause that took up our time. Completely worth it, And the pause allowed me to finish my lunch in peace." He said whilst placing his hands behind his head and sliding down into his seat.
Princess Luna looks around the room to confirm that all are in attendance before addressing all by clearing her throat. "Mayhaps we shall start this assembly?"
Johnna gave a wide yawn, placing the back of his hand to his mouth as he returned to sitting upright in his chair. "Thats rather Old-English-ie of you Luna?" He inquires.
Luna shuffles in her seat. "When I'm nervous i revert back to Old Equestrian sometimes..." Robert left his seat and began to walk over to the raging fireplace once more, But was stopped when Johnna leaned back into his seat, Standing it on its rear two legs and blocking the burly Americans advance.
"Robert. I appreciate warmth as much as the next person. But. Its a meeting. Not a sweat lodge. Please sit down, Its warm enough. If i wanted to summon hell on earth, I'd track down a politician."
With a chuckle from the humans, and confused looks form the ponies everyone was finally seated and the meeting began. To make an arduous story short. The matter of discussion started with everyone dispensing pleasantries, then reaffirming
"It would provide a unique opportunity to train our officers, as well as promoting a tighter bond between our people. And it would certainly be interesting." Luna said with a smile. Her sister, Celestia could only smile at her sisters antics.
The topic of discussion then moved onto human dietary habits... Oh boy, that was an interesting experience...
"I thought you said your people where omnivores!?" Twilight exclaimed in shock at the sheer amount of meat based ingredients that the human cook books entailed. "Almost every one of these has meat in it, in some form or another!" She says in disbelief.
Mcdonnel just replied with. "Hey, We are omnivores, But we appreciate a good steak sometimes. Most of those recipes can be made without it, but they'll taste far different. Obviously. Just bear in mind, Humans have trouble with eating enough protein and certain fatty acids, the easiest way for us is to just eat meat."
Twilight is thoughtful for a few moments before she just says. "I see... Well, i see that this cookbook has a few fish based recipes. Pegasai have to eat fish occasionally for the same reasons. Since flying puts enormous strain on their wing muscles, and their cardiovascular system is always running in overdrive to allow them to fly in the first place without just getting tired locking up and falling from the fly."
"I'm sure we can trade meat for fish, some people are not going to like that, but as our resident Australian here says. And pardon my french. 'Stiff shit' " Robert says with a smile.
Cadence Slams her hoof into the table, making several people jump, and gaining everyone's attention, Causing her smile apologetically. "I had an idea..." She says with a nervous chuckle. "We could host a cooking fair. That way, our cooks and chefs can exchange recipes, ideas and cooking methods. We have nothing to loose and everything to gain by having such an event!" Everyone at the table nodded their agreement and a date was scheduled for the approximate time that the Logistics guilds warehouses would be build.
From Char spoke up. Resting his chin on his hands and whilst leaning onto the table on his elbows. He flawlessly shifts to the next point of the meeting. "As I'm sure your aware by now Princesses. Our heavy aircraft hangar was broken into last night. And several weapons, their ammunition, as well as tool kits and aircraft schematics were stolen. After the event i had the mechanics rearrange all the hangars, and as of 10AM this morning all of our aircraft are inside the hangars and under armed guard. I must affirm my reasons for doing this are to avoid possible sabotage of our aircraft and and further theft. Not that I'm in the capability of making requests to your highness's. But may you please consider posting guards at the skylights of the hangars as soon as possible.
Celestia spoke up, but her troubled expression could not be hidden as she mulled over the problems and threat of such technology being stolen and at large. "Please, if you ever need anything don't be afraid to ask, and yes, certainly. Guards shall be posed immediately upon this meetings conclusion."
"That you your Highnesses-" Celestia cut Char off with a raising of her wing.
"Please, You flatter us so. Just our names please, or Princess if you feel absolutely compelled by good manors." She says with a warm smile.
"Very well. Princess. Now then. Theres one more request that i must make, And I'm sure that the Logistics guild will be waiting for the answer on baited breath. We've just gone through the arduous task of converting our heavy bombers into transport aircraft. The larger ones being cargo, and the more modest ones passenger liners. With you permission. We shall use our aircraft to speed up the delivery of supplies and transport your ponies around this large empire of yours, it would most certainly be a good source of income for our people to kick-start our economy in this land. Also, and i know I've asked too much already. But our pilots are in need of practicing their skills, so if it isn't too much trouble. May we put on a recreational event known as an 'Airshow' so that our pilots have n excuse to fly their aircraft. This event will also have the added benefit for our economies start."
At the exact same moment the latter idea was pitched. Luna's, Twilight's, Cadence's And Rainbow dashes eyes lit up. They all looked to the older Diarch with pleading eyes, and after a short mull over, Celestia simply nodded her agreement. "Very well, I don't see the harm in granting permission to all of your requests. And to be honest, I'm quite excited myself to see your 'Aircraft' fly. I'm sure our stunt team the Wonderbolts will be more than happy to come and perform some maneuvers as well."
At the mention of Rainbow's fellow teammates going to perform next to the Humans machines, The rainbow maned pegasus looked as though shes explode from overjoy.
After prolonged silence no one else had anything to add to this meeting. So with a nod from all in attendance, Applejack walked over to her saddlebags hanging on the hat hanger and pulled out several tankards.
Rainbow leaned forward in her seat upon sighting the tankards being placed on the table. "Is that? Did you!?"
Walking back over to her coat, which lay abandoned on the floor. Applejack lifted her coat off the rather large lump it had been sitting on, and revealed a micro-barrel of cider she'd brought with her.
Rainbow leaped out of her chair and flew into the air over the table whilst yelling "AWWW YEAH! CIDER TIME!" She began to perform a midair dance in place over the table, but stopped shortly after and returned to her seat. " *Phew*... Its rather warm up there..." Everyone just laughed and looked back to Applejack.
With a wide smile she carried the barrel over to the table and began filling tankards. Sliding one to each member in attendance. "hope yer' like it. Its freshly made from the apples we harvested off the trees yesterday. Came from the east field too. The Apple family's finest."
The group laughed merrily as they all began to enjoy their delicious drinks.
Author's Note
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Once again. If you have an OC or know someone who has an OC that they'd or you'd like to see in Destination Equis, Please do send me a detailed description or some art of the OC and a bio about the character, his/her favorite foods. Birth place, Age, Aspirations, Hobbies, personality, Ect. The more detail on their Bio, The better. Thanks!
Chapter 31 - A Cough and a splutter.
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Settlement Airfield.
The sun was still just starting to peek over the horizon. Its brilliant amber rays illuminating the thick fog that clung to the earth. The frigid air ensured that all outside this morning were in many layers of clothing and keeping gloved hands in pockets, the ponies were even wearing 'ear warmers' which the humans found made them look even more adorable.
A huge crowd had gathered along the fence line for the settlements impromptu airfield. The masons guild worked themselves to the bone overnight, covering the entire grass airstrip with packed gravel to ensure the planes had enough grip to not slide across the field on takeoff. This wouldn't be a problem usually, but the extreme weather, coupled with the failed training exercise of the new weather teams meant that everything was now covered in half an inch of solid ice, and no one wanted to take any chances with heavy bombers filled to the brim with fuel, speeding down a field with a town of wood buildings right next to the airstrip.
Being the first time the heavy bombers have even been started up since they landed at the airstrip, and were quickly locked away in the hangars. everyone was quite excited. Quite a large portion of the Guard currently taking residence in the town had yet to even lay eyes upon the metal beasts, Let alone see them operating. The a mob of humans stood on the fence line mingling with the guards ponies, Because honestly, Who doesn't enjoy hearing the bone rattling roar of four great big dirty radial engines, and the majestic sight of aircraft as large as B-17's and Lancaster's taking off?
The crowd hushed the moment that a metallic creaking echoed across the field. The hangar doors of two large hangar buildings on the opposite side of the airfield began to slide open. As the crowd leaned further and further into the chain-link fence in a useless attempt to get a better view of the hangars insides, but despite their efforts, they were rewarded with the same view as before they tried.
Several empty cargo trucks backed up to the hangar door and, after several minutes they reemerged, each towing the nose wheel of a huge aircraft. First, the huge nose of a flying fortress emerged from the dark confines of the hangar. Next into the early morning light was the square profile of the Lancaster. The ponies gawked at the sheer scale of the two monstrosities of engineering. Aircraft were continually towed out of the hangars until eight B-17's and six Lancaster's sat at the end of the runway. Whilst the mechanics feverishly kept track of the temperature of the aircraft's engines the pilots blazed through their checklists, double checking their every step to ensure that their added speed didn't end up causing dire problems.
Fuel trucks practically screeched to a halt either side of each aircraft and refueling staff scaled the aircraft and began quickly pumping fuel into the partially full fuel tanks. The copilots window of the lead B-17 slid open and he waved a neon yellow flag outside his plane. "We're starting the engines now, Watch yourselves." After several seconds pause for the ground-staff to move away form the engines and the refueling crew to climb down from the planes and move their trucks the pilot yelled out the window once more, his breath turning to vapor outside the confines of his rapidly cooling cockpit. "Clear Props! "
Silverstreak turns to Eliza and asked her human friend what the co-pilot meant by "clear prop"
Eliza just smiles and replies with "Its a verbal warning, he basically just spoke in 'Propeller head terms'. 'Please move away from my engines! I'm starting them and you'll very probably be seriously injured.' " The Bat pony was still confused and opened her mouth to ask Eliza to explain again, but the mare was cut off by a mechanical hiss.
With a whine, a groan, and finally a prolonged and cringe-worthy mechanical whimper. The engine spluttered and coughed to life. Then promptly and rather explosively backfired and stalled, the bang caused everyone on the fence line to jump and several of the ponies to yell in fear.
The pilot fully opened his window and stuck his head outside to get a better look at the troublesome engine. With a string of profanities that would made a sailor blush and hang his head in shame, And the mothers in the group hold their foals ears. The pilot attempted to start the engine once more.
The mechanics all started to look worried and continuously kept checking the engine temperature. Behind the lead B17, The Lancaster's Pilot yelled out his ritualistic words of warning, and once the ground-crew moved away from his aircraft's wings, gave him the thumbs up. With a mechanical groan and two seconds of whining the engine started up flawlessly. The ponies covered their ears with their woolen earmuffs, as the large camouflaged planes engine spat out six jets of flame then roared to life.
All the way down the line of craft, engines began roaring to life and many clouds of vapor very quickly began to rise into the sky behind the line. The lead 17' first engine still refused to start, Instead just opting to lazily whine. The pilot shut off the magnetos and threw his arms up. As the mechanics converged on the rebellious engine like hungry wolves the pilot stuck his head out of his window. His hairs stress induced graying streaks turning orange in the morning light. "Burnard ! What have you done with my beautiful plane?!"
The mechanic turned and crossed his arms. Whilst looking up to meet the airman's glare. "We haven't touched the engines since the day you flew to this bloody airfield you codger. Just sit there and twiddle your thumbs like a good boy and don't forget the difference between your brake and accelerator pedals whilst i see what the problem is."
The thirty year old leaned back into his cockpit and reclined back in his seat mumbling to no one in particular. Now everyone on the sidelines were starting to get worried. Even the ponies understood this was obviously abnormal. The mechanics dispersed and moved back to the front of the aircraft. Meanwhile all the way down the flight line the other aircraft were performing the last of their preflight checks. Crews stood at various positions around each aircraft and were watching each control surface for any abnormalities. Flaps deployed then raised, rudders wagged back and forth, Ailerons waved up and down, and elevators pitched up and down. Each engines cooling cowls and vents were observed from safety to ensure nothing was jammed or iced up.
Burnard yelled up to the pilot to give it another try after making sure his crew were away from the flying fortresses wings.. After another cringe inducing five seconds the engine finally gave up and started after a cough or two. The pilot throttled the engine up to fifteen percent power so i would warm up quickly and start behaving. The rest of the planes engines started with little hassle and everyone was happy smiles. The cockpit was full of hollers and cheers, the ground-crew looked elated. and the fence-line was erupted into whistles and whoops.
After a further few minutes the ground-crew cleared the 17' for duty and the aircraft taxied to the gravel airstrip. Leaving the ponies in awe at their air shaking power. They could feel the air in their lungs rattling and couldn't hear anything but the loud roar of engines, even whilst they covered their ears with their clothing and their hooves.
A Single B-17 and a Lancaster sat on the very end of the strip, their tail wheels sinking slightly into the frozen earth. To mark the historic event of the first proper civilian flights in equestrian history. The communications between the pilot and control truck were connected to the airfields loudspeakers.
"Blue Four, Cattle-car. Checklist complete, Pre-flight complete. Requesting permission to takeoff for Appleloosa."
The voice of the Lancaster pilot echoed over the field next. " Purple One, Galloping Gurney. Checklist complete, Pre-flight checked out. Requesting permission to take off for destination Appleloosa." After several moments an ear-piercing screech echoed over the airfield.
"SORRY! Sorry! That was was a doozey Ey? *Ahem* Righto, Cattle-car and Galloping Gurney, Standby for current weather conditions and weather schedule throughout the next hour." After a five second pause. The controller spoke in a monotone voice, being sure to speak slowly and clearly. "Current conditions. Fog, Visibility, one hundred meters. Wind, None. Ambient air temperature, Zero degrees Celsius. Weather, Clear. Cloud cover, Dense... Current Weather In Appleloosa- Fog, None. Visibility, clear. Wind, Five knots, Direction, South east. Ambient air temperature, Thirteen degrees Celsius. Weather, Clear. Cloud cover, None, clear skies..." After a six second pause he speaks up once more in a monotone. "Weather condition upon your return will be the same. Snow will fall an hour and a half after your landing." Inhaling audibly the controller returns to his normal tone of voice. "Addressing all of you lot, its noteworthy that you are making history today! Your flights mark the first airliner and cargo flights performed by internal combustion engine aircraft in Equestrian history, You wont earn any tonnage hauling records, but your going to obliterate the airspeed transport records! and for that we leave our mark! Have fun out there. Or i'll have to come up there and beat it into you with a tuna..." All the humans began laughing at the Sexton hale reference. The ponies looked both disgusted and confused by the mans words, but they were happy for the humans to be so excited. and their own curiosity was nagging at them. They wanted to see the so-called 'war birds' fly.
The controlled said his final prayers for a safe and easy flight then addressed the line one final time. "Oh, And we here in the control truck thought it a nice gesture to give you all an Australian Treat. one that may be argued is overused but, What the heck, its a good one... Cattle-car, Galloping gurney... Cleared for takeoff, Have fun gents." With that done the sound of the microphone being hung-up echoed across the airfield. And the short period of silence from the loudspeakers ended with a familiar guitar tune playing through them. All the Australians instantly let out a hearty laugh, and all the other humans just smiles and started humming the lyrics that were about to come.
The loudspeakers gave the music a rather flat and tinny sound, but overall it was still a great quality.
The ponies listened to the song with great interest, lightly bobbing to the music. Certain parts of the lyrics had them looking quizzically at each-other, but eventually they just stopped caring about the lyrics and just enjoyed the music.
The aircraft on the runway lowered their engines power so that the music could be heard better over the roar of the engines and all of the crews were practically in a state of reminisce induced bliss. Some danced in their seats. Others grinned stupidly whilst humming. Some let a a few tears trail down their cheeks. And quite a few tapped out the songs beat on any reachable surface. The captains of both aircraft on the airstrip just crossed their arms and smiled whilst the song played out.
Eliza found herself quietly singing along, Her voices purity being on par with that of a churches choir. Her angelic voice caused most of the humans in the group to look at her with more than a fair amount of utter shock and disbelief, whilst the ponies just smiled and watched her sing passionately from her heart. Luke appeared from the group of awestruck people and hugged his girlfriend tightly whilst she continued to sing.
Once the song finished the roar of the B-17's engines filled the air of Neighagra Falls, The pilot released the brakes and the flying fortress lurched forwards, after a short while of gaining speed, the tail lifted gently from the ground and the hulking plane hurtled down the runway. As the Flying fortress reached the burning bonfire that marked the point of no return, The planes nose slowly tilted skyward. After a further few seconds, the landing gear left mother earth and the machines flight amazed the ponies and left the humans grinning like Cheshire cats.
When the Silver bomber was raising its gears and slowly getting smaller in the distance the Lancaster's Engines roared to life, and it too took to the heavens in a similar fashion to the aircraft before it.
The Lancasters Co-pilot hollowed his joy. "Scratch that one off the bucket list!"
The pilot after raising the flaps to their final position for the majority of the flight turned to look at his friend. "What would that be?"
If the airmen weren't wearing oxygen masks, the co-pilots toothy grin would of made the captain chuckle. "Why, We've already just broken two official records. and we have about seven more to go." He said with a smug laugh.
Meanwhile in the B17 cockpit there was a scene befit for a circus. The copilot and flight engineer had been at odds for picking a song to play over the bombers comm system. The navigator was repeatedly 'face-desking' whilst the gunners had completely tuned out and were having their own conversations.
As the captain was beginning to loose his cool he reached down into his seats side pocket and pulled out his smartphone. after plugging the aux-cord into the stereo that the crew had nagged Burnard to install for months before they arrived in Equestria. The captain scrolled down through his phones many many songs. Finally he sound the first song he actually enjoyed so much he recorded it. A song he heard when he went to a club back in Ponyville, before he was driven out by an angry bouncers glare.
The song echoed through the planes interior and the fight in the cockpit, much to the captains relief ceased. The navigator finally having some decent music to work to, and no longer hearing his fellow airmen bickering like children, managed to actually start catching up on organizing the mountain of maps the leadership dumped on his planes desk that morning.
The three planes continued their flight, seeming to chase the night as the sun rose behind them.
Chapter 32- Don't want any trouble...
================
0400 Hours.
Moonlight spreads a pattern of shadows across all in the room. The shadow of Venetian blinds coats everything inside. The only audible sound, is that of the quietly squeaking ceiling fan lazily rotating above the bed. Two ponies lay under the covers, snuggling contently.
That was however, completely destroyed compliments of the pained scream of a trains whistle. The window was left open when the couple went to bed, and now they both regretted that decision. A glance to the clock hanging on the wall across from the bed shows that the time is five past four in the morning. She turns to her partner. "Theres no trains scheduled for four in the morning? What could that be?" Her partner simply shrugged his shoulders. With a sigh the mare goes to get up, but a red foreleg pulls her back to the bed shortly after her attempted departure.
She turns and meets the sleepy, deep brown eyes of her husband. A warm smile spreads across his muzzle as he leans in and kisses her. After a few moments they separate. "Don't worry about it Sweetheart. Just come back to bed..."
With a pained smile she shakes her head, as she leaves her loves embrace she quickly makes her side of the bed. The sound of four hooves meeting the wooden floor notifies her of her partners departure from their bed. She turns and sees him in the midst of a long stretch. Once he finished he stands back up and reached for a pair of safety glasses that sat on the bedside drawer. After placing the safety glasses atop his head, Axel turns to his wife. Just in time to miss her adorning her light brown dress. It was a simple tunic design, however she had personally requested the towns tailor add lace frills around the bottom, just for a more feminine touch. Her red kerchief already bore her six pointed golden star. The badge of the town sheriff. He was, however, in time for her to adorn her belt and secure her saddlebags to it. Its brass buckle dazzled Axel for a few moments, catching the light of the bedside lantern as she lights it.
Axel's lover caught sight his squinted eyes and pained expression. "Is everything alright hun?" She asked with a very concerned tone.
Axel just smiled and swiped his white mane out from his eyes. "Heh. I'm fine. Its just, your brilliant radiance blinded me love." His mare smiles and prowls around the bed to her husband with a coy smile. She stopped just short of her slightly taller husband. And wrapped him in an embrace.
"Your flattery is most noted, dear." She says as she plants a kiss on his nose. "But you've already treated me to so much. And i must say, dinner was surprise. The silver necklace took my breath away a second time.-" She leans in whilst slowly closing her eyes, her voice dropping to a whisper. "-And that romantic bath and massage you gave me was truly divine sweetie." Once their kiss ended, they broke their embrace and both moved into the kitchen. Passing the many photos of the two's fondest moments hanging proudly on display all over the cream coloured walls. The house wasn't large by any stretch of the imagination. It was your average Appleloosian home. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, And one massive backyard that was mostly sand and cracked earth. Since the two had no foals yet, they used the remaining two bedrooms as a small study, a guest room.
Axel opened the ice box and retrieved a chilled canteen. After a short jog to the front door he passed the canteen over to his mare as she walked through the threshold. Realization twinkles in her eyes as she sees Axel with the canteens cord in his mouth. She smiles affectionately. "Thank you my 'Gentle-colt', I completely forgot about that. What would i do without you." As she takes the canteen Axel smirks.
"Dehydrate in the blistering sun. Before slipping into the pub and breaking up several bar fights that you started yourse- Ow Hey!" Axel said in his best 'Rich snob' Canterlot accent, however his thick western accent made that a rather difficult and odd sounding endeavor. He was cut off by the smiling Sheriff whacking him with her hat.
"Har-Har. Thats enough from you, your such a kid sometimes. And your always so impossibly cute and innocent! Its like your a plush!" she said giving him yet another bear hug. She was cut off by the sounds of doors opening across the dirt street. "I've got to hurry and see whats going on... See you at lunch. I'll come by the shop." With a happy nod, Axel released his wife from his embrace and they both parted ways, heading opposite ways. Axel, heading for his wagon shop. And the sheriff heading for the town train station. She paused for a moment looking back at her lovers figure disappearing into the early morning darkness.
She was snapped back into reality when her deputy slid to a halt off to her left. After a short period of ragged breathing from his bolt over from the other side of the town he addressed and briefed her. "Sheriff Pinto! The train that has arrived at the station is flying under a flag I've never seen before! I Asked the trains guards-pony for a manifest and his trains purpose for arriving in town and his words were 'Sorry colt, its a private matter i'm afraid. We're operating on decree of the crown. So no worries'. And he just ignored me after that!"
She looked at the many curious and worried faces poking out of the many doors of the buildings lining both sides of the street. She addressed all of them in a calm, but authoritative tone, a thing she learned from the former sheriff. "Don't worry everypony. We'll attend this matter. Return to your beds and sleep soundly till' morning." She and her deputy, A still fairly young stallion of royal purple colouring with a chalk white mane and two Enormously expressive deep green eyes, stood and began making their way to the towns train station.
The sheriffs expression was borderline fury, as she advanced on the station with a mission. To not only her surprise, but that of her deputy. The platform was empty. After looking around confused for several seconds she was caught off guard by a rich cultured voice from behind her.
"You must be the Law enforcement for this area. We're here on important business, a sort of... mission if you will." Rolling her eyes and forcing herself to swallow her scoff, the sheriff turned to address the Canterlot snob whom just rolled into her town on the morning breeze and was already acting like he owned the place.
"Yeah, And the last thing i need around here is you Canterlot folk causing your usual amount of trou-...blllllllle...." Turning around. Her expectations of a well groomed and manicured pony noble were promptly shattered as eyes eyes met the apparent crotch of someponys Really red pants. Looking up she suddenly felt a shiver fly down her spine and make her coat stand on end. Her eyes trailed up the strange creature before her. Finally coming to a stop on his face, at least she assumed it was a 'He' by the masculine tone of his voice.
His mane was long and seemed to have partial curls, it was a really blonde colour which seemed to nearly glow in the flickering yellow light offered by the many lanterns space around the platform. His attire was completely red, save for the ornate yellow trimming and decorated his sleeves, collar and buttons. The creatures eyes here small and beedy. Their positioning on the front of its head seeming to mean that this creatures species is or was predatory in nature. And the sheer amount of detached wariness that his seemingly pure, yet simultaneously cold eyes portrayed helped not in making her feel comfortable around his presence. Sheriff Pinto was by no means a shy mare, nor was she a push over, but this creatures sheer height, being almost double that of her own, was impressive and would make even the most masculine stallion caution his actions around this creature, But his expression and eyes seemed to drill a hole through her very soul.
His posture was strange, his forelegs were behind his back. 'I don't like this... is he hiding something... spaced...hooves? Taking up as much space in his posture as possible? He;s acting like he owns the place... And to be honest he would if it weren't for me and Just Wind here... I doubt anypony else would stand up to such a strange creature...'
The creature spoke once more. " I Beg your pardon Ma'am. But are you not this towns law enforcement officer?" He said calmly yet in a strangely quiet tone. Pinto was snapped back to reality once she noticed he had pointed a claw in her direction. She was about to drop into a defensive stance but held herself steady as she noticed his claws didn't, in fact, end in talons or anything sharp of any kind. to her surprise the creatures... paw... ended in rounded fingers, much like those of a dragon, but strangely different, they were thin, almost frail looking by comparison...
Giving her head a slight shake the brown pinto mare regained her derailed train of thought. Taking the offered paw she shook it politely. "Yes, I'm Serenity, Although around these parts ponies just call me 'Sheriff Pinto'. So. What brings you to my town?" Serenity inquires.
"Allow me to act upon your comment from earlier. I, And those in this train-" He paused to point to the siding just out of sight of the platform that the train was currently parked in. "- are here on official business of the crown, So rest assured in knowing that we mean you and our fellow townsfolk no trouble. If you have any questions or concerns, please locate and talk to me, and i shall personally deal with the problems. If any of my people cause you any trouble or heartache, then you have my express permission to arrest them and notify me of the reason for your doing so."
Serenity mentally kicked herself for letting her deep rooted disgust for nobles get the better of her actions. "And what would that business on the crowns permission be?" She asked with a raised brow. The creature looked to her deputy with an expression that was making the young stallion increasingly nervous. He placed his partially clenched paw on the guard of the rather alarmingly long sword that hung from a leather belt around his hips, this made Just Wind twitch, as he suppressed his urge to take a step back. And i cant blame him either, The creatures sword was on the ridiculously thin side, but it was slightly longer than that of a full grown pony. 'The reach from the weapon would be impressive alone, but with design like that, its clear that this swords made for quick, agile movements, and due to a lack of weight it would be most effective in the thrust...' . However it was clear to the seasoned sheriff that attacking or intentionally being imposing or threatening wasn't his intention. The manner in which this creature casually placed his partially clenched paw on his weapons hilt suggested that he did this out of habit. 'So, This creatures nervous twitch may be to place his paw preemptively on his weapon... Rather defensive of you, for such a large and imposing creature... It may be frail... if its paws are of any indication.' . Serenity Promptly snapped her train of thought onto the cause of this creatures sealed lips. "My deputy stays. He's to know what i know, its the best course of action to avoid confusion and thus conflict. Don't worry, hes trustworthy, i have yet to hear a single secret slip form his muzzle."
"Very well, Time is of the essence in this matter. I'm Char. Armaments minister for the Covenant of Twelve. And our objective is your shipment of coal and those whom signed their signatures off on the towns notice. In two days from now. We're having two rather expensive aircraft arriving in this town to transport those whom signed on. As well as transport the coal."
The sheriff was awestruck and almost unable to contain herself. "You have an Airship capable to transporting THAT much coal?! " The strange creature smiled.
"We have many more than that. And thats all your going to hear on the subject. At least until we're in a secure location. We've had quite a number of alarmingly dangerous and expensive items and equipment go missing lately. And i fear that sabotage may be the next possible step for whomever is doing this. Rest Assured. I Trust you. Thats why I'm informing you of all this. Your skills must be of exceptional consideration. Both your empires Diarchs recommended you as the first choice."
The two tone brown pinto sheriff sudden froze up at the sudden information bombardment. She moved no discernible muscle to any in her presence. Char tilted his head in confusion. "Did i break her?" Leaning down to her eye level he lifted her voluminous mane and was greeted by a frozen thousand yard stare. Waving a hand in front of her face she didn't blink nor even bat an eyelash. "Hello? Mad'am?" Char turned to the now obviously panicking deputy. But the human kept his polite culture rich tone. "Do i have you permission to move her to my personal car on the train? You may join us, And don't worry, this train in neutral soil for The Covenant of Twel-" Char was cut off by a heavy thud against wooden floorboards. Both he and the deputy turned to the source of the sound to see the sheriff has fainted.
She was incoherently mumbling. "P-Princess-esss-s R-R-recommen-ded... MeeeEeee...He.He.He... Dream...come...true..."
Char looked dumbfounded. "Well, look at that... I Did break her... Opps..." Char and the deputy blinked at each other for a moment before Just Wind just shrugged and lifted his boss onto his back. 'If we're in neutral territory then attacking us is considered a declaration of war... at least it was back in the history books...' .
"Well... L-lead the way..." With a smile char lead the way to the rear of the train. helped the deputy left the sleeping mare onto the caboose, then walked through three cars to their destination.
The inside of the car was painted light grey. Panels with cream colored fabric that was trimmed in gold thread and stuffed with some sort of insulation lined the lower half of the wall, and the same cream colored stuffed fabric lined the entire roof of the car. Chestnut furniture was spread around the car. To the front of the space was a rather large bed with black sheets and thick blankets. A thick black curtain that when drawn, would completely enclose the beds space, currently sat against the wall. A cast iron Potbelly stove sat on the right wall next to what could only be a kitchen counter top. Continuing his visual exploration his earlier assumption was confirmed once he spotted the icebox and many cupboards.
Just Wind was about to place Serenity on a wooden bench when Char raised his hands. "No, No, No. Put her on my bed and place the top quilt over her." Just Wind shot char a look that would make a Minotaur nervous. After a split second of confusion Char laughed loudly. "Don't worry. I Don't intend on doing anything to her, you have my word as a gentleman. Its just that a bed is far more comfortable than sleeping on a hardwood bench yes? Besides. What kind of man would i be to be so rude." Char moved into the cars miniature kitchen and set about pulling out a glass bottle of milk, a jar of biscuits and cookies, a cast iron kettle and a handful of coal. Looking at the perplexed stallion he spoke casually. "Tea? or coffee?"
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Chapter 33 - Once in a lifetime opportunities
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Chars Personal train car.
Serenity began to stir as her mind came into a focus. She kept her eyes closed and sighed quietly in her warm comfort... Her mind wandered back to the events prior. She giggled at how strange that creature looked. and how her deputy had a mental short circuit whilst being in his presence. she made a mental note to train him to look past a creatures exterior. 'I'll have to work on that with him...' . Her mind trailed over the creature telling her the problem his people were currently facing with things going missing and buildings being broken into, and how the princesses recommended her services for the job. she couldn't suppress a small squee of joy at that fact. She then moved onto how she collapsed onto the train platform but she was just so warm and she found a great deal of comfort in lying down on what must of been a bed by the feel of it. 'Wait a minute... Warm? Bed? Wasn't i on a train platform at 4AM in the morning?'
...
Her eyes fly open and she sits upright. Her notion of being back home and in her own bed, promptly shattered. The quilt over her was warm, soft and comfortable. But its dark blue coloring with its white snowflake patterns were far less colorful than the quilt on her own bed.
She looked around and took stock of her surroundings. What ever room the good sheriff had found herself in it was cordoned off by a black curtain, Giving the small enclosed space that she occupied a generous amount of darkness and oddly enough soundproofing. 'How thick is that curtain?...'. looking to her left. Serenity found her magic inhibiting cuffs on a bedside table. They block the magic of those who earn the right to wear them, and even if the creature didn't have or use magic they were still thick enough to ensure that they wouldn't be able to break out of them. She released a held breath.
After a few more moment she quietly sighed and climbed off to the side. As she slid down off the side of the bed her eyes shot open wide in horror at the fact that she couldn't feel the floor beneath her hooves. Before she could let out a surprised yelp, her felt one of her hooves lightly brush against the wooden floor boards. Looking over her shoulder, Serenity sighed as
Cursing her foul luck as of late, Serenity gently placed the cuffs against the floor. Every little sound she made caused her a great deal of mental strife as she snuck her way to the curtain. Her cringe ended once she arrived to the curtain, A Painfully long distance of two feet, when your every step is punctuated by the clack of a hoof against the wooden floorboards. She'd been quiet... But anypony who'd been listening for the sounds of her escape would have still caught on at a moments notice.
Lifting an ear, Serenity listened for the voices in the thrall of conversation in the same room she'd found herself in. The delicate and acute muscles twitching slightly in excitement at hearing the sounds of ceramic cups being placed on some sort of surface, And the voices of the strange creature form the station and her deputy having what seemed like a casual conversation.
Lifting her left fore hoof she slowly pushed the curtain open to that it had a barely perceptible gap between it and its sister. Squinting she looked around the new space she'd uncovered for herself. The narrow gap in the curtains didn't betray much of the next room, but what it did, Shocked her to no end...
The delightful conversation about good Equestrian vacation spots Char was having with Just Wind, Was swiftly cut off the curtain surrounding his bed being ripped open, And a dirt and dust brown mare practically leaping across the train cars interior towards the now very confused Char.
Upon seeing the silvery cuffs in her mouth char ducked low whilst simultaneously reaching behind himself with his hands. Expertly dodging the cuffs and catching the Earth pony mare, Preventing her form flying through the closed window. The Sheriff. Having dealt with a crazed Griffon that the humans would like akin to the insanity of Hannibal lecter. Managed to somehow right herself into a position where she could slap the cuffs onto one of chars wrists.
To say that she suddenly found herself Utterly terrified at her newest discovery was a titanic understatement. The moment she slapped that first cuff on. His magic began to back flow through the other cuff and into the lawmares hoof. She felt as if she was being struck by lightning. This creatures sheer magical strength was causing her a great amount of physical pain. She quickly snapped the last cuff on his other wrist and what happened next. Left her quivering in fear.
Char let out a pained howl that made her feel guilty beyond measure. And both the Sheriff and her Deputy went wide eyed.
Arcs of yellow magical energy zapped from Chars wrists to the cuff and back to his wrists again. The crystal in the center hoop of the chain linking the cuffs glowed a brick yellow glow that lit up the interior of the car. Arcing magic made the air in the car fill with a strong static charge. The air began to taste of ozone and the rather alarming sounds of cracking electricity filled the air. Char fell to his knees his eyes glowing yellow under his clenched eyelids.
Serenity glanced down at the crystal in the cuffs and her eyes bulged as she saw that the naturally deep purple gem was now glowing an angry red. The many runes carved into the iron bands that made up the chain and cuffs changed from electric blue in colour, to a pale white, And with one final pained howl from the stricken man the cuffs exploded into splinters, the remnants falling to the wooden floor beneath the mans clenched fists.
Char was Physically shaking... A Mixture of pain and rage fueling his body's involuntary response. He was curled tightly over his knees on the floor, the top of his head resting on the floor as he drew shaking deep breaths. Serenity gulped and was confused on how to continue. She herself was still furious about waking up in another males bed after falling unconscious. She turned to her deputy and noticed his glare of betrayal towards her. And suddenly she felt sick...
'Why do i feel like I've just made... one catastrophic cock-up?...' She thought to herself.
Both their attention was pulled to the downed man. Still curled up in a ball on the floor. His angered growl sending shivers up the sheriffs spine, But then much to her confusion. After about five seconds his growl was replaced with chuckling then lighthearted laughter.
Both Swift wind and Serenity looked to each other in different mixes of confusion and concern. Char then leaned backwards and sat on his ankles. Looking up to the roof of the train car he regained his composure, before breaking out into more giggles a few second later.
Swift wind turned back to his boss before saying with a deadpan. "Great. You fried him like an egg... Job well done Sheriff." Chars giggling became a guffaw of laughter as he slammed his fist into the floor boards, and turned to face Swift wind.
"Well done? More like Over done!" Char broke out once more in his laughter as the two lawponies were left confused. Realization suddenly dawned on their faces. And they both started giggling at the unintended pun.
Char broke his laughter, and looked at them with a look that would make a hydra bid farewell and make a hasty retreat. "I can understand why you would be angered at waking up in a random strangers bed. But trying to kill me? really? Was that really necessary! And what the hell are those?" He said pointing to the metal shards on the floor.
Serenity was going through a jarring series of confused emotions from the sudden emotional whiplash of the creature before her. But she went wide eyed once Char asked if she was trying to kill him. "Wha-? NO! I wasn't trying to kill you! Those-" She said pointing her hoof to the remnants of metal on the floor. "-Were magic inhibiting handcuffs. and you somehow managed to break them... When they should be good enough to even keep a minotauri shackled..." Serenity shook her head. "But- You! Do you always make it a habit of bedding mares?!" Serenity exclaimed with a mild fury.
Char laughed loudly and shook his head. "I see females here are just like those back home. No. I wasn't 'Bedding you'. I was being a gentleman. Your deputy was about to lay you down on the wooden bench i was sitting on prior you jumping me. But i declined him and generously offered my bed instead for you to rest on. I told him to just place you on the top sheets and pull the quilt over to keep you warm. We may be in a desert but we are still in winter, that just highlights the need to keep warm in the early hours of the morning. Whilst i do have a potbelly stove to warm my quarters. Its simply too small to make a good enough difference-" Char was cut off my Swift wind.
"Too small to make a difference? Its like... thirty degrees in here!" Char looked in confusion before smiling.
"Humans have no fur remember Swift. It was the main reason that we all ways wear clothes." The stallion looked to the floor.
"Oh, Thats right... I guess i forgot... Well then? still how hot do you Humans usually like it?"
Char stood up with a wobble, and made his way to the table, The sheriff moving out of his way politely. The man practically fell into the bench and slid across to the window side of his seat. " It will depend on who you ask really. i however prefer the room temperature in winter to be around twenty eight to thirty degrees. And its currently eighteen." Char said, nodding to the thermometer hanging on the wall.
Serenity felt her mind perform a back flip. 'Wait a minute... It was so hot only a moment ago! Whys it back to being cold again?'
Char sat up in his seat and reached for a bowl that was sitting in the middle of the table next to the window. He dragged it back to himself and picked up a long handled teaspoon. he eagerly plunged the spoon into the bowl and lifted it towards his mouth. The lawmare took note of the cereal and many pieces of dehydrated fruit that was heaped onto the spoon. The sweet tangy scent of various assorted berries reached her nose and helped put her at ease. 'At least he seems to be able to eat grains and fruits, that means he wont need to rely on eating meat, meaning everypony in my town wont be on the menu...'
After swallowing char heaped another spoon and held it in front of his mouth. After a pause that the lawmare failed to miss, he spoke in a thoughtful monotone as he examined the spoon of heaped cereal before him. "I don't know..."
The mare had a double take. "Excuse me?" She inquired with confusion.
Char looked to her and replied with. "I don't know how i broke out of those cuffs. Humans are supposed to be incapable of using magic. We have legends of people whom could use powers similar to magic, but those are just that, legends. The princesses themselves even scanned a large quantity of us and said that we are, As of current, 'Incapable of using magic'. Apparently our bodies are still absorbing it. According to your princesses the worlds magic is supposed to be a constant, yet my people arrive here en-masse with no exposure to magical energy at all. And that had caused an imbalance in the magical field of anywhere we spend a sufficient amount of time. Its supposedly due to our equipment and we ourselves being to dry of magical energy, that we're absorbing all the excess in our surroundings... or... Something like that anyway. As the Princess of magic described it. 'We're akin to empty buckets that have been submerged in water. The water being the worlds latent magical field. The overflow is being pulled into us because we are a magical void, And this is preventing the magical energy of the environment around us from replenishing until we have equalized with the magical energy around us.'" He said in a tone that was somewhat close to what Twilight, The princess of magic. Sounded like. Serenity had met Twilight once, and managed to get the purple pony to lend her a book on desert agriculture. It was one of Serenity's most happiest memories. Meeting one of her idols.
It was then that the mares mind stopped working for a moment. 'Wait... If his people are incapable of using magic because they've not yet reached equilibrium with the world... and he was able to make the magical canceling cuffs break...'. She turned and looked to the metal splinters on the floor. And gulped quietly. 'Then what will their magic levels be when they have reached their nominal limit?'. The thought terrified her. But she was broken from her line of thought once Char regained her attention via a light tap on the table next to her. The action making her flinch in surprise.
The mare returned to her neutral expression before turning to face Char once more. And he spoke to her with all the professionalism expected from a diplomat. " Do not worry. I don't plan on holding the events from recently against you.
Serenity nodded and opened with. "Firstly." Char turned to acknowledge the mare next to him. His deep blue eyes meeting her emerald green ones. "I'm so sorry about how i flew off the handle like that... It was rather uncharacteristic of me... And, i know you have the permission of the princesses, but why do you need a compacted surface for your airships to land on? Don't they fly using lighter than air gasses? Can they not float?"
Char clicked his fingers. chuckling as the ears of both ponies flicked in his direction at the gesture. "Well, my people have used lighter than air vehicles before, however they just... Lost their popularity once faster alternatives came along. Now we use Aeroplanes." Char lifted the fruit bowl situated on the table. Removing two apples form it and placing one in front of each pony, then he slid a notepad from underneath the bowl and placed it back in its spot. Removing a pen from one of his vests pockets. He flicked through the book to an open page and began drawing. His sketches were crude but accurate, He had drawn five images. One of an Airship, More specifically the R101 class. He drew a sketch of the fairy swordfish. One of the B17 And one of the Lancaster. His final drawing was of a Helicopter, the Mi-26TV transport helicopter.
Swift craned his neck to get a better view of chars quick sketching. Whilst Serenity was mesmerized by the way the Human before her was using the pen. Moreover, she was confused about where Chars pen was getting its ink from, There was not an ink pot in sight. Swift asked char with the curiosity of a child if those are the vehicles the humans used to fly, and char nodded with a smile.
Finally finishing his work five minutes later he clicked his pen once more, And noticed the ponies ears twitch again as their eyes locked onto his writing implement. placing it back in his pocket he thought to himself about how twitchy and cautious these creatures were, and how adorable it made them all look. "This first sketch is of one of our old Airship designs. The R101 as they were dubbed." The ponies looked at the picture and the small list of provided specifications for it.
Both ponies eyes shot wide open and Swift exclaimed what Serenity was thinking. "ITS HUGE !" With a smile char returned his notebook to his possession and spoke whilst flipping the page.
"Yes, And it was also one of the last new Airship designs to actually be built. One of the R101 class ships had a catastrophic failure when its hydrogen cells ruptured and somehow caught fire. The entire ship burn town and crashed in mere seconds and killed a lot of people. It was the final straw an a long series of airship related accidents. And practically ended airship production all together. Flipping to the next page Char place the notepad between the ponies once more. "This is the Fairy swordfish. A Modern-ish version of the 'Bi-plane'. The Bi-plane was the first class of aircraft that humans were able to fly without lighter than air gas. however they didn't become popular until stronger engines became available, The way most human aircraft work now, is there is a special engine that burns combustible fuels. Mostly liquid fuels based off of oil.-" Serenity's ears perked up at hearing chars explanation.
'Sounds A LOT like the design Axel's father made. I remember he showed me a while ago when we were courting...'
"-The burning of fuel creates mechanical energy, which is then used to spin a propeller, that in turn pulls the aircraft forward, and once it reaches a sufficient speed, the force of air pushing on the wings provides the lift necessary to lift off the ground, It's sort of like how Pegasai wings work, except without flapping.
The ponies were still taking all the information in. Char had been more than patient waiting for them to digest the sudden dump of revolutionary information.
Char clicked his fingers to snap the ponies out of their stupor. The man was finding it hard to not 'Daaww' at how cute they both looked when their ears flicked. "The only ones you have to worry about are these two." Char said and he pointed to both sketches of the b-17 and Lancaster. " All they need is a stretch of relatively flat solid and clear land to land on and take off from. As well as a flat solid road to move down to the railroads loading area so we can load the coal into their cargo containers." He crossed his arms and reclined in his seat as the two lawponies looked to a large map of the local area that one of Chars underlings had brought to the table.
Serenity placed her forehoof on the map. "This here will work. we'll have to contact the buffalo though and see if they can change their stampede route for the next two days. that should have the ground hard enough for your airships to land. best part, theres nothing to crash into to injure. And its close to the railways stockyard." she said with a smile.
"Your helping a lot of people right now. You both have my peoples thanks and dept. Now then. We were hoping that you'd come with us on the return to to the settlement, Our engineers got more than a little overzealous when they heard about the story between you and your significant other. And i'm afraid that they've gone overboard in designing your home in the settlement." Char said whilst looking to a very shocked Serenity.
"I'm sure it cant be that bad. And why do you have to move? We happen to have quite a lot tying us down to this town. at times i'm the only pony keeping it from falling apart at the seams. And Axel runs the only wagon repair shop for at least a twelve hour train ride in any direction." Serenity said with no small measure of concern.
Char nodded. "I understand. But please, Just think it over-"
Char was cut off by the lawmare. "I'll have to discuss it with Axel As it stands. He has the mos to loose from moving. The family business operates and thrives in this town."
Char sat up. "Well, Assuming that we manage to somehow manage to produce fuel without any refineries. You can keep this branch of the family business open. and open a new one in the settlement. Our aircraft having nothing to do are doing our pilots no favors in terms of honing their skill. And to be honest im sure that everyone is getting a little nervous because of it. The mechanics cant maintain aircraft that never leave the hangar. Meaning they don't get paid. and if the mechanics don't get paid, they're going to find jobs in other roles, and the vehicles fall apart slowly over time. And no one wants that, because we all love to see those vehicles working. Its... Soothing." Char said looking distant.
Serenity stood and walked towards the cars exit. "Once again, i have to speak to Axel about it. I'm supposed to meet him for lunch in a few minutes anyway. Apologies about flying the coup during our meeting, but family matters come first."
Char smiled warmly. "As they should. Go. And have fun. All we need is your ok and we shall begin prepping the discussed land for the aircraft arrival."
With a nod Serenity left the train car. A 'Yep' being clearly audible. Swiftwind broke into a short sprint to end up at his boss' side. biding farewell to Char he too left. The door to Chars abode closed with a quiet click.
Char now being alone in the train car. Just slid down in his seat and after a groan that lasted for a full ten seconds just mumbled. "I HATE Diplomatic relations." He started chuckling to himself.
Serenity made good time across town as Swiftwind was living up to his name. Swift had been meaning to speak for the last two minutes across town, but he had finally mustered the courage to actually do so. "... Sheriff..."
Pinto turned her head to address her partner, whilst still maintaining her brisk pace. "Yeah Swift? What is it?" She said with a genuine smile. Swift wind paused for a moment, what he had just spent the last week trying to tell his boss had all but vanished from his mind in the duration of the smile.
"Sheriff. Go with them. I can look after the town." Serenity froze up. and the group stopped in the middle of the street.
"Swift. Are you sure? I mean, your still only a-" Swiftwind cut her off before the word 'Kid' could leave her muzzle.
"I'M Ready Ma'am." Serenity's possible counterargument was smothered under the full weight of his determined grin. The look of somepony whom owned the town. And wouldn't let anything hard it or its ponies.
After a stunned pause for a few moments Serenity just smiled warmly at her rapidly growing up deputy. "Thanks Swift. You've just lifted a huge burden from my shoulders." She said Graciously. Returning to a merry pace Swiftwind bit her fair well for the day as he departed to find something constructive to do. Turning, he headed for town center with a big idiot smile plastered over his face.
The ding of the door bell triggered Axels automatic business twitch. "Welcome to Axels Wagon Wrights. Where We have the Right to Fix yer' Broken Wagon for free if your not satisfi- Oh, Hi Honey!" The red stallion smiled as he spotted his wife entering the store. "Whats got you in a chipper mood? You been looking forward to lunch?"
With a nod of her head serenity replied. "I've also got some interesting news from up north, You may call it one of those 'Once in a life time' Opportunities.
Axel smiled. "Oh, Please Do Prey-tell." He said with a coy smile.
Author's Note
There are not enough apologies in the world for how late this chapter was. I got surprised by my relatives with a surprise vacation. Then after i returned i sat down and continued writing the chapter. Two days later mum received a phone call from Brisbane hospital that my granddad had caught a pneumonia and that combined with his asbestos left him unable to breathe. They only gave him 24 hours and we packed our bags once more and flew over to Queensland. Granddad lived up to the family stubbornness and died four days later to the completely stunned doctors shock. He held out for so long they thought he was improving. Sadly that was not the case.
RIP Granddad.
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Chapter 34 - -- .- -.-- -.. .- -.-- / .-.-.-
Author's Note
NOT DEAD!
My computer was giving me issues for a little bit when i returned home, then when i started writing this chapter i keptd feeling it was too short and i'd kept you waiting for so long i just decided to rewrite it and then edit the re write
But yeah, My computer BSoD and i thought it threw a hard drive, But as it turns out when the computer store looked at it they found out that when it tried rebooting it was booting into my ready ram USB's not my hard drive
Righto i'm back, I Didn't die! TAKE THAT CONSPIRACY THEORISTS
And i'm back, and immah writin. And immah sorry for taking so long on this one!
Its good to be back... Enjoy!!
Chapter 34 - -- .- -.-- -.. .- -.-- / .-.-.-
Appleloosa.
One Excited explanation later...
Axel sat in his chair with the wide eyed expression of the century. To be honest, This reaction was not to the Information dump Serenity had just dropped on his head. But rather, how his wife looked when she told him the story of her morning. This excited side of her nature very rarely came out. And when it did Serenity was a force to be reckoned with. This was her 'Adventure seeking' side, However. Her excitement was also attributed to the princesses recommending her to solve a mystery only she can supposedly solve in a timely manner.
Serenity's capture of the griffon escapee/fugitive Lambard Silentwing had sent her spiraling into the spotlight as 'A hero of Equestria'. So many ponies came to Appleloosa just to meet her. When things started to get really freaky and ponies started to ignore the couples personal space and privacy, Axel and Serenity had sent a desperate letter to Canterlot. The princesses had sent the mane six to disperse them all. Serenity was 'sqee'ing like a schoolfilly having met her idols... And the mayor was in tears and sobbing into his desk over the sudden tourism cut off... 'Oh the taxes, the BITS!' he'd moan. you could hear him from the street for days. But who could blame him? The sudden influx of Ponies had made more in a week than the town usually earned in six or so months.
But this seemed too good to be true. Moving to a new location, in scenic Neighagra falls no less, free of charge? And isn't Neighagra falls a nature reserve? And once more, Axel may finally have the chance to produce the self propelled wagon his father had dreamed of... Thats if all this 'Human' told Serenity was true at least.
Axel finally opened his mouth. "Are we sure he wasn't just lying to you? Don't get me wrong, Business around here is starting to go stale, but its a nice quiet safe town, I know we've both come to love it here." Serenity thought about it. But she replied with.
"He drew both Just wind and I pictures of vehicles from his world, and gave us short descriptions of how they work and what they were used for. But. To answer your question, no we haven't seen a real one up close yet."
Axel sipped his coffee, nodding to everything Serenity continued to explain. "Well then how can we be sure that they're telling the truth and not just trying to foalnap you or something? Need i remind you of the 'Las Pegasus weekly' incident?" They both cringed at remembering how Serenity was jumped and essentially foalnaped Serenity in a back alley. Axel couldn't help but smirk upon finding his wife that she'd knocked two of them out before the third and forth made off with her. They didn't get very far though. When Serenity Bit down on one of the assailants wings. Those two poor pegasai spent a week in the town clinic recovering from their crash landing on a cactus.
Serenity laughed a guffaw. "Come now love. Don't you think your being just a mite ridiculous, If the Princesses themselves are recommending you and I go there to live, even just for a short while until the Humans get on their feet. Don't you think its worth it? A change of pace? Nice soft grass and nature all around? Its the perfect environment to raise foals when we manage to get a moment to ourselves." Serenity asked her husband with a raised eyebrow and an almost pleading voice.
Axel sighed. It was true that their jobs had practically been full bore since their marriage. But the wagon wright had been steadily getting on top of his work load, opting to replace the Apples aging wooden wagon wheels with steel ones, rather than having to carve out four new ones every month. The sand and harsh rocky Appleloosian ground wasn't kind to transportation. The Apples themselves kept on fantasizing how'd they would 'Connect to the rail line and replace their wagon wheels with train ones.', And that would almost certainly end most of Axels business. With a concerned flick of his tail. He asked his spouse. "Did he at least show you the summons letters?" He asked.
Serenity sighed as her heart fell into her stomach. "No." The afore mentioned 'summons letters' are letters signed by the princesses themselves and closed with an enchanted wax seal that can only be broken and opened by the destined recipient. "Char said that in a logistical blunder he took the letters himself from the post office to his office. Then as he put it. 'Put them in a place so safe. He forgot where he himself put them.' " The sheriff looked up at Axel from across the tiny coffee table. "But he was assured by his NCO/Assistant that they would tear apart the building until they find them."
Axel looked into his wife's deep emerald green puppy dog eyes and felt his will to say 'no' sapping away quickly. 'Damn shes too cute when shes like this... '
Both ponies looked to each other before running outside.
As they almost tumbled over each other and down the steps into the searing Appleloosian sunlight, Axel looked up. As Serenity looked to the main street of town to see what was going on and found everypony looking in the same direction as her husband. Looking up Serenity saw a blight silver glint diving down from the sky at an alarming rate of speed. At about one hundred feet it leveled off. And as it darted closer, it grew in both size and noise. As it got close enough for its shadow to flash over the towns main street, it caused a small panic and some of the townsponies dashed in every which way screaming 'DRAGON!'. As it howled over head a small tube was dropped from it. A tiny and (To be honest) rather adorable looking parachute opened up and the tube floated gently towards the train station.
The marvel of Engineering howled over the shops roof and disappeared, apart from its ear piercing sound.
Looking for the strange shiny flying machine. Axel found it and poked his wife to get her attention. When serenity looked to Axel he pointed to the machine. She caught sight of it just in time to see it perform a triple barrel roll. Before rolling inverted. And soaring into the sky during eight rolls. As it was almost out of sight. Two streams of thick white smoke started trailing from its wingtips and it stalled, falling sideways back towards the town below.
Again only one hundred feet from the ground did it pull up. It roared over town center, Screaming past Axel and Serenity standing out the front of the repair shop and Serenity could of sworn she heard a 'Yeehaw' as the vehicle passed by. Then it did another barrel roll before turning sharply and heading back north at high speed. Within about twenty seconds it was out of sight once more.
Serenity turned to a stunned Axel with an 'I told you so grin'. Clearing her throat she caught her husbands attention once more. "SO. About moving to Neighagra falls?"
Location. Two hours from Appleloosa.
Present Time.
The eardrum murdering monotonous roar of the three aircraft's engines drowned out all other sounds in the air as they continued on their mission to Appleloosa.
The radar operators seat in the back of the black widow continued to seat its Pegasus occupant. Whom was enjoying the sights from way higher than he usually would be able to fly (within reason). He was by far a fit pony. But compared to most of his fellow E.U.P guards he was of the 'slightly more marbled' variety. And compared to the element of loyalty herself. Well. She made him look like he'd done nothing but sit on his rump all day eating junk food. Then again. She made ALOT of the E.U.P Guards look that way.
Shaking his thoughts clear he resumed looking out the window. And was again reminded that this vehicle was Not designed for creatures of his body type. For the umpteenth time during the flight, the guards sound canceling headset slid off his head, and he was forced to fish around the side of the seat for the piece of kit whilst his sensitive hearing was deafened by the growl of the engines.
Squeezing his foreleg through the narrow gap between the seat and the cold wall of the plane and feeling his hooftip glance off the band of the headset. The Pegasus tried again and again to flick it forward out of the narrow space and onto the floor of his compartment. After half a minute he growled and opted to try using his wing to retrieve the blasted thing. Sitting at an odd and completely uncomfortable position between the seat and wall, whilst resting atop the radar set. He managed to unfurl his wing and began reaching around the side of his seat.
After only a few moments he felt his primaries brush past the head band, Acting quickly he wrapped his wings 'fingers' =((-Authors note: I know that sounds weird but Pegasus ponies primary feathers are flexible and pegasai use them like fingers.-))= Around the headband and pulled them from the dark crevasse beside the seat. "Yes!" After taking the head gear into his mouth he folded his wing and sat back down, Placing the accessory over his ears and sighing in their immediate effect at blocking the deafening noise.
It was then that he noticed the quiet voice addressing him. whilst he listened into the quiet voice and was trying to figure out what it was trying to say. He heard a faint tapping above his head, Tilting his head back and looking up. He noticed a green bar tapping against the compartment wall behind his seat.
Reaching up he took possession of the green bar and brought it down to his eye level. Squinting to read the very fine dark text. He read aloud. "Granola Bar with fruits." His curious inspection of the green bar was abruptly ended by a loud yell cutting through his headset speakers.
"WHEN I SAY TURN THE HEADSET VOLUME UP, TURN IT UP CLUSTER CLUCK!" After recovering from his minor panic attack the pegasus was addressed once more at a far more 'inside voice' volume. "Righto, our head screwed on now? Sorry. But i hate repeating myself more than thrice. And i was trying to get your attention for like. Five minutes." The pegasus' aggressive reply was cut off by the voice of the gunner.
"Ease off his ass captain. He probably doesn't know how to turn the volume up and down on these things. That being said. Hope you like the granola bar. A lot of the NCO's are fighting each other like packs of hungry wolves for a chance to eat something as sweet and crunchy as that."
The pony's attention was drawn once more to the snack. As he gripped it to open it. Their aircraft was shaken violently by an explosion so loud even the noise canceling headsets failed him.
The radio through the headset speakers was filled with a mixture of pained and confused yelling.
Meanwhile.
B17 'Cattlecar'
The Co-pilot looked up from his smartphone as he continued to scroll through to the next page of his Ebook. With an audible groan he leaned forwards to the dashboard.
The captain looked over from his traditional view outside his windshield to see his number two aggressively tapping the glass lenses on the gauges for engine number one. "One's still misbehaving hmm?" He too leaned over to see the gauges whilst asking. "Over temp or under?"
The copilot slammed his clenched fist into the top of the dashboard. "Under again! Bloody things saying that engine one is only 2*C for engine temp. And its telling me that the water and oil cooling is at -1C and 5*C" The copilot undid his seat belt, Picked up a small portable oxygen bottle from beside his seat and stood up, unplugging his oxygen mask from the cockpits connection he plugged his mask into the small bottle he carried with him. He walked over around the back of the Pilots seat in order to see his set of engine gauges. And much to his disdain, they read the same. "That mechanic is getting Such a backhand when he get back there. He gave us a faulty aircraft!"
The pilot then looked to the gauges for engine two and cocked his head. Releasing one hand form the controls he tapped his engine gauges. And the response was alarming. "Tim." The pilot addressed his counterpart. "What do your gauges for engine two say? Please tell me the temperature isn't dropping rapidly..."
The copilot picked his oxygen bottle up once more and placed it in his jacket pocket before leaning down and checking the captains gauges, and in a confused mix between a hobble and a jog returned to his seat and buckled himself in. Disconnecting from his small O2 bottle and plugging back into the massive one behind his seat.
He looked at his gauges and muttered an obscenity before looking over the captains back and out the left side of the cockpit "Nup. engine twos doing it now. I don't think its the gauges cappi." The pilot and copilot both checked their throttles and found them at the same cruise position they left them in at the start of their flight. They both looked to each other in confusion.
Their confusion was shattered and quickly replaced with alarm when their plane started an orchestra of wailing and beeping warnings. A flashing red light in their dashboard grabbed their attention.
"SHIT! Cappi. Engine one and two are overheating." Looking out over the left wing the copilot saw two streams of black smog erupt from their respective engine nacelles. "We've got oil leaks-" The copilot was cut off by a rainbow prismatic flash that was so bright all colour faded to white in his vision. Followed by an indescribably violent explosion. He was left deafened and blinded as he felt the aircraft lurch suddenly left.
He felt sick.
His vision was a blinding white
His hearing was nothing but a migraine inducing ringing.
His only senses not deprived being that of motion.
And they were in a downward spiral.
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Chapter 35 - "I-I C-can Still F-fly Th-th-this? ..."
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Chapter 37 - "Lets not have a jingles landing!"
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Chapter 41 - An awkward truth, and a plan formulated.
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Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 43 - Best Laid Plans
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Chapter 45 - Now Arriving, Please stand clear of the yellow line!
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Chapter 46- Z-1007, Just a little delayed... Due to rough weather...
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Chapter 47 - Oh my gawd... We killed him... ... He did it!
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Chapter 1 - "You ready to strangle the snake? Lancer.
=============
Susan's Leap.
The rhythmic bass rich purr of my Puma's V-12 diesel engine had lured me into the comforting embrace of sleep, yet again.
I must say. Today. Or rather, this morning, due to it being the second day officially as of fifty two seconds ago, of our six month 'Battle'.
"Six thousand eight hundred people... Twelve teams... Restored/Recreated Weapons of War... One mission... To survive and wipe out the enemy teams... For the, Half a million cash prize.
And who in their right mind wouldn't snap at the opportunity to legally own a fully operational Armoured car?
And to top it off! the chance to earn half a mil cash?
And that bring us here. To the present. Me. Riding 'Hot-seat' in a ten and a half tonne armoured car, slugging my, loader , in the shoulder, Once Again , For not having his sound-canceling headset on Again , So i can tell him to load the APCR!
After he snaps from his bout of sleep, and pulls his headset over his ears. He turns to face me.
"Welcome back to the crew Andrew. Pleasure you could join us." I Said through a glare of daggers, causing his lithe form to shift in his seat uncomfortably.
"Righto, Andrew. We need 'Armour Piercing Composite Rigid' in the breach, now. The Snakes use Jumbos and Pershings. and i don't want to spend time screaming into your ears to switch-out then." I turned from my periscope to see Andrew nodding like a bobble head and ramming a brass casing into the cannon breach.
Another several minutes of peaceful driving pass, before i had to get all serious again. I Popped back inside the turret to retrieve my binoculars.
"Driver, in the next two hundred meters. park in between those trees on your left."
Just as i returned to my position half outside the turret. we arrived at our destination with the audible but faint squeal of rubber tires. "Jackie. Forward, slow, six meters. Get us in between those trees. be careful. theres a seventy foot drop just past them." The Awkward silence eventually broke with my radioman, who was probably reading one of his many on-board comic books right now, commented. "Lancer-01, going to where no man would ever dare go before..." I turned in my limited space afforded to me by the hatch. and stared daggers at the engine deck behind me, where my radioman sits. As if my glare alone could cut a hole through the steel to him.
"Stow the chatter Tom!" I barked into my throat-mic. Tommy Picstaal my radioman fastest ears in the southwest. he can decode messages and write them down faster then most people can even think 'What the heck is the cacophony?', but he's prone to complaining frequently and is often babyish. as such his nickname is 'Tommy Pickles' when he starts acting up. and due to the name similarity. its a reference to the main character of the TV show rugrats. His nickname is more a playful jab.
I turned back around grunting in frustration when my trench coats belt loop snags on the hatch latch.
Once again facing front. I Look over the Area we managed to park in. The Moon casts the only light in the location. illuminating everything in a pale off-white hue. we had parked precariously close to the edge of the cliff.
The heavenly glow of the moon lit the entire field before us in a ominous hue of near pure white. the only thing giving the 'Enemies' well camouflaged camp away. was the orange glow of a few dozen small fires.
"Tommy, Radio central. coded message entailed. 'Attention, Lancer-01. Armoured Worms compost bin located. thirty two inches past the router. measure twice cut once. waiting to catch thieves red handed. Standing-by' End message"
Armoured worm. this years designation for the 'Snakes' or the 'Brotherhood of the Serpentine' their aggressive fighters. not much in the thinking department. their command structure mostly consists of infighting about how they should 'Crush' their enemies. make no mistake however, once they decide on a plan, their a force to reckon with. their force consists largely of artillery and heavy tanks, supported by infantry with heavy armour big, and often belt-fed guns and auto-cannon armed armoured cars.
Compost bin. this years slang for their FoB or 'Forward operations base'.
Thirty two inches past router. inches being this years term for clicks or 1X1KM squares.
Router. this years term for path of planned future travel.
Measure twice cut once. term for 'Plan carefully and don't make a mistake.
and finally
Waiting to Catch thieves red handed. a term for the Snakes Arch rivals the 'Mist Cougars' every year for the last six years the cougars have been making it their personal mission to eliminate the Snakes first and early.
"Alright Jackie, pull us back ten meters and cut the engine for the night. the lot of you. get your sleeping bags brush your teeth and by then i should have the Swags setup on the engine deck."
Once the vehicle skidded to a halt once more, inside of a thicket of bushes everyone jumped to work, doing their own thing. and after about ten minutes everyone arrived back at the engine deck of the Puma to find their Swags -
Set up and comfortably warmed by the heat from the engine deck.
As i lay in my tiny little tent i glanced at my watch, its glow in the dark arms illuminating 3:14AM. with a groan i zipped up my swag and went out like a light.
I heard my driver punching the side of his tent, and he says quietly "Get some sleep Lancer. i hope your ready to strangle the snake tomorrow!"
little did we know we wouldn't get much sleep tonight...
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Chapter 17 - Sir! The Germans are... German-ing...
================================
18:10 Hours. Just after Eliza's outburst.
With a metallic clank and a rattle Johnna's mess kit lands on the table and skids to a halt, his scrambled eggs now join his boiled vegetables: Carrots sticks, beans, peas, corn, broccoli and jacketed potatoes. And his hearty bowl of mushroom soup spilled over his bowls lip, causing a rather generous half cups worth to splat over the table. Johnna slumps into his seat before resting his head in his hand and reaching for his fork. As much as he looks forward to his meals... Hosh-posh, slapped together 'versatile' menus as the cooks called them, only served to add to his anxiety. The fact that not only his, but everyone else's meals around him are the same random mixes of random ingredients, shows just how low on food they are. In an attempt at staving off the panic of their food shortages the cooks began to start boiling rice and serving pasta and rice balls in generous servings to make it look as if our supplies were still keeping up with us. But truth be told... The arrival of the Texan Ronsons has overtaxed out already short stocked supplies, and left the cooks sweating bullets...
'We need to think of something fast... or else we'll be screwed... Hungry people do dangerous things alone... Let alone hungry scared people on an alien world who are also paranoid about being murdered in their sleep by fucking talking horses-'
A Loud sound pierces the thick foggy veil of Johnna's thought process causing him to jump from his seat and place his hand on his Webley revolver. Robert sits down and raises his hands in a surrendering gesture. "Steady there friend. i Figured your a beer person" Robert nods to the two Fosters sitting on the table with his hands still raised.
"Ugh. You pegged me right mate, but why you blokes call flavored water beer I'll never know" Johnna says with a short laugh as he buttons up his holster and sits back down.
"Some of the Mist Cougars joined us for dinner for the first time since the attack, thats an improvement i guess... They're finally leaving their camp. They've fortified it like fort Knox. They even have Panzer IV's patrolling the perimeter"
"That is a little excessive against 'Ponies' armed with medieval weapons isn't it?" Robert asks perplexed at the Germans overkill.
"Oh, Bloody Oath mate" Johnna says taking a prolonged gulp of the Alcohol. Afterwards he immediately recoils at the taste and places the bottle back on the wooden table. "Fuckin' disgustin'. How do your lot drink this shit?" The Australian asks in disgust.
"Its all that they'd let us take with us-" Silencing his friend with a raised hand, Johnna reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a huge flask. Placing it gently on the table, he gives it a slight push, sending it sliding across the rough surface to Robert.
Unscrewing the cap Robert gives the inside a sniff. "Thats a familiar scent" The American announces. Giving Johnna a questioning look.
"OI! I aint' a Alcoholic you plonker! I don't drink on duty, i keep it on my person, because in this sport we're often times surrounded by idiots. And i need my medicine"
"As you'd say, 'Too, bloody, right'. A little warm though" Raising the flask slightly he non-verbally asks for permission before taking a swig with "Cheers buddy"
After the first gulp he immediately goes wide eyed before choking and spraying the drink over the side of the table, breaking out into a coughing fit. "What- =COUGH= Wh- What the fucking hell is this shit?-" He's cut off by his body making another wheeze for air. "Fucking Diesel?"
Johnna snatches the flask. "Everybody's a critic" he mumbles slightly agitated before taking a hearty back toss.
Just as Johnna picks up his spoon or 'Shovel' as the Americans describe the Australian MRE spoon. And brings a spoonful of Mushroom soup to his lips he hears his name being called out over the ruckus of the eating area, despite being completely outdoors and exposed to the cold fresh air of the young night. The fact that its surrounded by improvised wooden barricades means that, Over three hundred people are currently shoved into the space no bigger than a larger end backyard.
Johnna shrugs his shoulder before leaning back over his tray. "You gonna see who that was?" Robert asks Johnna confused at his actions.
"I'm off duty, eating my meal, They can fuck themselves till' I'm finished. They know i don't like being disturbed during my meals, its why i eat them hot." Johnna says casually if not slightly annoyed, Earning a shrug from his friend sitting opposite him.
As the spoon reaches the Australians mouth his name is yet again called. Shaking his head, he continues to attack his soup.
Looking over the crowd He sees Karey waving to him desperately. With a sigh Johnna tosses his spoon into his half empty soup bowel before stomping his way through the crowd to one of the four entry points in the barricade walls.
"Karey-" Johnna's tempered growl is cut off by his assistant's raised hand.
"Before you have a go at me. Desert Rat 1 has made contact with the enemy leaders and it seems as though they currently want to end hostility's with us. They wish to work out a plan to-" She stops talking once she noticed everyone who was previously eating their meals and talking suddenly shut up and the entire area was blanketed in an eerie silence.
With a glare Johnna yells "As you were" Before taking hold of Karey's hand and beginning to lead her towards His Teams command truck. He halts abruptly when an angered voice asks from behind.
"Is that an Order Sir. " Turning Johnna stands face to face with his teams newest member, usually quiet and reserved he's demonstrating quite the amount of insubordination since Johnna wouldn't hear of any plans to counter attack the Equines.
"As a matter of fact Private, It is. So return to your meal, unless you'd like to eat it in the solitude of the 'Custodian's Truck' At the mention of the prison truck the private backs down with a glare before returning to his meal.
==================================
18:32 Hours. Castle of Friendship Library.
Eliza taps her fingers on the now magically repaired glass table in her impatience. Whilst resting her head on her other hand. Mean while, Luke and Twilight were exchanging seemingly random information in turns.
"Does it usually take this long to find somepony?" Skystar asks with curiosity. Eliza responds to her question with.
"No, But Johnna hates having his meal disturbed. And often goes to rediculas and even hilarious feats of effort to remain undisturbed. Once we found the bloke in a tree eating his tuna salad accidentally while on patrol" Skystar looks to Eliza in confusion.
"I Though you said humans couldn't fly and didn't have claws, so how can you climb trees that well?" Skystar continues.
"Well, it comes down to the persons skill and the tree itself-" Her explanation is cut off the the sound of heavy boot steps walking over the command trucks floor. Johnna's voice soon comes over the radio, breaking the half hour long silence.
"Sorry about your meal Johnno!" Eliza yells through the radio as the sound of a wheely chair wheeling closer to the radio comes through the light static.
"So long as we can achieve anything of positive note my dinner is a sad, but worthy sacrifice. So i hear that the leaders of the Equines who attacked us wish to end hostility's between us?"
Celestia spoke up "That is true, We never ordered the captain to commit those atrocities against your people. He did that trying to live up to the pressure of his family's title of 'Defenders of Equestria', Your people are currently camped in a very dangerous place! Usually creatures from within that forest pose a great threat to our subjects, so when the captain heard your people were residing within its borders, and were heavily armed, he made an uninformed assumption. Sadly an incorrect one that couldn't have been father from the truth..."
Luna speaks next. "Speaking of that Traitor, We'd also like you to return him alive , so that he may face the courts for his crimes!"
Johnna's voice leaves the radios crackly speaker after a few seconds of pondering. "Fine by me, but you have one problem, Whilst the leaders of the teams here wish to end hostility's, i'm afraid that large groups of our people want either revenge or blood for what the captain has done. And from what i hear the Mist Cougars are actively hunting for him in the forest. From the sounds of how mad they are with him i only imagine that they'd want to skin him alive after what his troops did"
Shining shivers at the mental image of Stryder being skinned alive. Skystar just listens with fear evident on her face. 'No pony deserves a death that horrific...' She thinks to herself.
"After what he's done, we can sympathize with your train of thought. but you must understand, Dead captains cant be punished for massacres" The voice over the radio returns.
"And we understand this, Thus why after the captain was captured by my Command staff we had him imprisoned in a weapons crate and hidden in the forest. He's hidden well, and only we know where he is, But first things first. What of this peace you speak of?"
Luna speaks into the device. "Our subjects were never involved in this incident, in fact they didn't even know you existed. only the former captain Stryder's branch of the royal guard and the princesses, my sister and I included knew of your existence. And my sister and I accept full responsibility for our guards lack of procedure and Ill actions. My sister and I wish to apologize for the actions of our guard and offer our condolences, and wish for official documentation to be signed between our factions in order to foster trust and eventually deep friendship between us."
"Karey, Go and find the other TL's and send them here immediately!" With that a set of boots and be heard sprinting out the door, slamming it shut again. "Apologies, but my assistant is going to retrieve the other leaders, By this time they should be in their tents.
=============================
After a short period of time.
Robert, Emily and Dimitri had all been found and sent to the Wallaroo's command truck rather quickly As of current everyone was sitting silently around the table answering the occasional question from the hyperactive Twilight, with so many different cultures that the various teams had Twilight had gone into overdrive and shortly afterwards a stack of neatly rolled scrolls next to her rivaled her height.
"At any rate,for the time being Eliza, Your team and the Tan-Tabbies are to act as mediators between us and the Equestrians. We'll attempt to carefully Pull several string to-" Johnna's cut off by the door flying open. And several out of breath masses of foliage and green camouflage paint bursting through, slamming the door shut being them, two of the three collapse to the floor gasping for air, whilst the third walks over to the table the leaders are sitting it, before practically falling over it and lying on the tables top.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Emily questions as she stands. The ghillies suit sprawled out over the table raises a pointed right hand before limply slapping it back down on the table just trying to regulate her breathing.
Johnna says with concern. "I sent Janine here and her two sisters to keep a very close eye on the Mist Cougars, I Felt as though they'd try something. Evidently my fears were justified. Whats wrong Janine. Take it slow, Tell us." Johnna said quietly and he placed a glass of cold water in front of the red-faced sweating teenager, removing her ghillie hood.
"Its the- Cougars... They've-" Breaking into a coughing fit from her dry throat the teen reaches for the glass before emptying it in two gulps, leaving Johnna to fill it again and fetch two for her sisters, who'd collapsed either side of the door.
On the other side of the call everyone just listens in from the radio on the table with silent concern, waiting to soak up any and all information.
"The Cougars have lost their shit Johnna!" The tanned brown Aussie returns to his seat after placing a jug of cold water on the table in front of Janine, Greedily she ceases it and drinks straight from it, Causing Emily to surprise everyone by giggling lightly to herself. Janine passed the jug onto her sisters before Johnna says.
"Janine! Calm yourself down and tell us everything." After a few seconds the standing human bush takes her own seat at the table in the cramped space of the truck.
"Sir! The Germans are... German-ing..." Everyone at the table is confused except for Johnna who was greatly concerned by this.
"Explain please." Everyone in the castle listening in were becoming worried by the looks Eliza and Luke shot each other at hearing that statement.
"I Doesn't need explaining sir! The Germans are doing what their historically known for, Taking seemingly random shit and turning them into hideously dangerous weapons. There was a small resistance of about sixty eight who actually took up arms against their comrades, and they were quickly overrun" Everyone around both tables immediately began putting plans into action. On the Humans end Johnna began Giving Karey orders, to which she yelled her acknowledgment and ran out the trucks door to complete. On the Castle of friendships end, Luna barked out orders to Silver Streak. Upon the completion of said orders Silver Streak let out a screech of acknowledgement and promptly fell out of the window, breaking into a glide over to the new garrison of guards in Ponyville to commence with the evacuations.
The scout continued her report as all listened. "After the resistance was dealt with, They dismantled a Panzer IV completely, diced it into chunks then threw it all into a Rocket furnace they build facing into a gale force wind that kicked up out of nowhere only over that part of their base. That was already starting to set off alarm bells. Then they started pouring the molten metal into improvised Cartridge molds! Sir, They're making Ammunition! We're in the deep shit! We think we were spotted as we left to come here! Sir! We need to stop them before this gets any further out of-" Janine was cut off by the door to the truck being kicked in.
On the Castle of Friendships side of the call, the only sounds they could make out was in-legible yelling before the sounds of automatic gunfire filled the room, followed by silence.
Everyone drew in closer to the radio as Eliza snatched it up, before she could press down the trigger she heard foot steps.
Johnna's pained voice came through the radio. "So, It was you then. Glad to know my sense of smell is still working, Cause i could smell your treachery from a mile off" The voice of Private John Williams, The very same John Williams who was insubordinate at dinner, echoed around the crystalline library from the radio.
"Ohh-ho-ho John!" He says in a near sadistic tone. "You cut me to the quick sir!"
"Shaddap! I know you had a hard on for this! You've been planning this night since the massacre!" Johnna lets out a pained yell as the private stamps his steel cap boot on the gunshot wound to Johnna's shoulder.
Punctuating each of his words with an additional stomp. "YOUR. UN. FIT. TO. LEAD. US!" With the last stamp the private kicks Johnna in the gut, causing him to double over on the floor.
"The only way to ensure that our race survives is to either put the fear of god into them. Or Eliminate them before they realize we're a threat!"
"F-Fucker! I'm. Going. To. KILL Your Sorry Arse!" Johnna grunts out in pain. Still, doubled over when Williams plants a vicious kick into Johnna's jaw, knocking him out-cold before his head slams into the wall.
Emily elbows the guard restraining her in the jewels, causing him to immediately let go of her and collapse over the table clutching his nether's whilst letting out a pained howl. Emily stops at Johnna's side. "John! John are you ok?! JOHN!" As her eyes start to tear up a shrewd laugh gets her attention as she looks up and glares at the private.
"So, The Brit' has the hots for my Former Half-Caste Commander. Quite Ironic considering it was you Brits who caused his peoples suffering in the first place" He lets out a Wicked Guffaw before she leaps to her feat and cocks her arm for a savage right hook. The Privates guards are so stunned by the Stoic and 'proper' Woman's sudden primal savagery that they fail to stop her attack from connecting with their current C.O. With a meaty -Smack- Williams and sent hurtling out the open door of the truck.
As the six guards recover and raise their STG-44's to their hips to unload their mags into Emily. Robert raises his .357 and lets loose one round for each enemy guard. Aiming for their necks, which are only protected by Kevlar. he manages to down all of them in less than a second. sending them to the floor grasping their necks gasping for air.
Dimitri just stands on the spot stunned. Shouting fills the air outside before gunshots echo out into the night. 'What has happened to us... we've become the very monsters whom attacked u-'
=BLAM =
Looking up Dimitri sees Emily's form fall into Roberts arms. He drags her from the doorway and into cover behind the door. The guard Emily hit has begun to recover and starts to stand, but Dimitri gifts him with a uppercut for his troubles, sending him to the floor in a heap.
A Squad of Grenadiers File in through the doorway and aim their MP-40's at the Russian man. Dimitri raises his arms and Robert applies pressure to Emily's freely bleeding right arm and shoulder.
Williams walks through the door rubbing his jaw. "That bitch can pack a wallop. I Love it when their feisty..." He says with a whole new never before heard level of creepy rapist. He turns to the surrendered russian. "Dimitri. I know you also foster a hatred towards the animals who've killed our friends! Join us! We shall purge them from this world!" Dimitri just shakes his head.
"Everyone in this sport is family... I wont join someone who shoots his own family. And What of the Civilians? If you kill their Civilians then your no less a monster then they were!" Dimitri yells.
"Tssk, Tssk, Tssk, Ivan Ivanov's gone soft" His words earn a feral growl from Dimitri. "Arrest all of them! Lock them in the Mist Cougars command building! And they are not to receive medical treatment for their injuries either! They chose their side!" Williams commands are met by a brief grunt, before the guards tie each of their prisoners thumbs and pinkie fingers together with zip ties and lead them out of the truck.
The only sounds from the radio now are Williams chuckling to himself for some reason, until footsteps could be heard, through the radio.
"Errik was a fool for not joining us. He saw the Prophecies and the nightmares himself. He should have been the one leading us to victory"
Williams voice in next through the speaker. "Being related to Rommel didn't help him make the right choice. nor would it make him anymore a competent leader. Whats the status on our ammunition?"
"Since we're still using the Co2 cartridges in the round casings the weapons effective ranges have been reduced, but they can still penetrate the guards armour at around about two hundred meters. in the case of the helmets three hundred. past that point though the velocity drops off substantially, gun powder should be our concern the moment we gain the resources to manufacture it. We've converted over half the stockpile. The MG-42's all have their modified rounds, and i'm issuing Reversed bullets to the riflemen as you requested. The enemy's armour will be their downfall. Also, at the request of a Sturmpanzer loader. We've dismantled the 150mm shells for the vehicles, as their useless for firing live ammunition, and coated the 150mm rounds Co2 canisters in tree sap and shrapnel. We're currently arming the Stuka' and schnell-bombers with them."
Williams voice bears far more excitement and anticipation than could be considered healthy at this point. "Excellent! They'll pay for what they've done! If you manage to find the other team leaders or more rebels deal with the mas you see fit Captain "
"YESSIR Comerade Gen-eral!"
The sound of boots walking around the inside of the truck stop as the sound of a glass bottle being placed on the table comes through the radio.
"Who knew that Bastard had a good taste in whine?" The sound of a cork being popped and liquid being poured into a glass came through. "Wasn't planning on attacking before we were ready. But at least we managed to win. Now those animals are fucked! I think i'll enjoy a nice horse pelt jacke-" He voice randomly pauses before the sound of boot steps could be heard getting closer. The sound of someone picking up the microphone came through the speakers and filled the library.
...
"Whats this? ... conditions of peace trea-"
...
"Are you listening? ... ANIMALS!" The metallic clattering of the radio being dropped filled the room before a loud built up grunt filled the library and the transmission cut off abruptly.
Everyone sits around the table in shock at what just happened...
Eliza stares into the table horrified. Her wide eyes fill with tears ads she just shakes in her chair. "M-my people... are in a civil-war..." Luke just wraps his shaken girlfriend in an embrace as she starts loudly sobbing into his chest.
He looks to the princesses. "We will help you evacuate your people, as well as providing you with information as to the locations of enemy formations, our navigator is the Best on our team, you already have the tan tabbies hidden somewhere, once they hear of this and Johnna's last orders they'll help us without a doubt"
The Princesses look to each other before finally turning to the two humans and nodding. Just as Luna opens her mouth to speak the doors to the Library burst open and an ensemble of humans burst into the room. Being pursued by several Solar guards. The slam the doors shut behind them.
"Clarkson, Tommy, Jackie! Move that bookshelf over here! QUICK!" The three humans, only one of which was clothed and two where as naked as the day they were born, ran over to the shelf, and with an ear piercing screech pushed the shelf in front of the violently shaking door. A Guards voice could be heard from the other side once the banging stopped shortly after.
"Humans! You cant just take food from the market without paying! Thats called stealing here!"
Yeah, and it is back home too, but the difference is we're not back on our world are we? we're on an alien one! Stripped naked, And starving!" Give the shelf a light kick, Lancer removes the presumably 'Stolen' food from the improvised hobo sack he dropped on the floor once he entered.
Spinning around on his foot holding an apple he freezes after his first step into the room, as he's greeted with the sight of a table filled with various mythological creatures, the majority being ponies. The Awkward silence continues for several moments before Cadence clears her throat. "You know taking without paying is a bad habit around here, but considering the circumstances, we can make the exception..."
Shrugging Lancer takes a bite before wrapping himself back in his 'Kilt' he made for himself using a market stalls canvas weather cover. It was then that the guards from the other side of the door flew in through the windows and hovered in the air around the group. The C.O flies in last yelling with a victorious grin. "AHAH! I HAVE YOU NOW! " As he notices the princesses he stops and bows respectfully.
"Thats quite alright captain, we'll pay for the stolen goods. now can you please fetch them more adequate covers?" Luna said as she changed several shades of red.
