At Canterlot Heights

Chapters

When We Were Young
Mission Irrational
Sisters At Arms
The Tandem Menace

When We Were Young

This is not the original formatting! I've made it as neat as possible, but for the original DocX formatting which you may find more comforting, you may choose to read or download the ENTIRE story at this Google Docs link:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B8twL692vXJxWkI0bE9ncll1X0U

Content wise, everything else is the same! Enjoy!

At Canterlot Heights
By: MCPon3
CHAPTER 1: When We Were Young
October 23rd, 1240 - 7805 NW Hoofintrot Blvd, Canterlot, Equestria

Twilight, the filly, sat against a tree, overlooking the pond nearby the Canterlot School for Gifted Unicorns, Spike following her every step, stumbling every now and then. Understandable - she was his only family in a city full of ponies. What a week it had been! Twilight would have never guessed seven days ago that she would have earned her cutie mark, hatched a dragon, and become Princess Celestia's very own protégé by the weeks end! Twilight, reveling in these thoughts, let out a hearty sigh as she gazed upon her new school, no doubt the finest of its kind in all of Equestria.

"Oh, hey Twilight! Here already huh?" said a cheery colt's voice from the other side of the tree Twilight was resting on.

Twilight turned and grinned as she remembered why she had come here to the pond in the first place. To study of course, with a friend! Her only friend, she mused to herself with a grimace. And that silly teddy bear he brought with him everywhere he went... what was him name again?

"Well, alright... but we’ve got to study first okay!?" Twilight demanded rather sternly.

She had made a simple deal with the unicorn colt - he would be her test subject and help her finish her studying ASAP, so that the colt could show her "how to have a good time" for a change. He was always teasing her about being such a hermit sometimes, albeit playfully. Eventually, he suggested that they have some fun of their own - just the two of them. Twilight had giggled at the thought of it, but she hadn't given in easily.

"Come on Twi, you need to loosen' up a bit, ya’ egghead!" he had said bouncing up and down.

"But I have to study for next week's test - you have to study too! We can't slack off for the sake of fun!"

"We WON'T slack off! We ARE going to study; we're just not going to do it for a DECADE. I have it down, so I'll help you out, and in return, we'll have some fun for a change! We'll go for a walk, and play some ball, and go get a smoothie or two, and all kinds of stuff I'll bet you've never done befo-" He paused at his last statement, but it was too late to take it back as Twilight was staring at him with a stern, half-eyed gaze.

"Excuse me," She said jabbing him in his shoulder with considerable force. "I have TOO done those things before!" The colt rubbed his shoulder, and was about to rest his case, but his big mouth allied with his occasionally large ego defeated his humility before reinforcements could arrive, so to speak.

"Oh yeah? When?” He asserted with a smug grin. Twilight proceeded to open her mouth, but closed it in an instant, as she looked away from her friend and her face went red. He had her there. In a matter of seconds, the colt frowned at his dispirited friend.

"Awww, hey, Twilight...” He said nudging her head up with his gently. " I didn't mean it like that! It's not that you’re boring, or uncool! I guess you just pay extra attention to what matters most, he-heh," he said in an effort to make amends. "But you shouldn't spend your entire life in books Twi - there are some things you have to learn and experience yourself!" In response, the little filly looked up at her friend again with a hint of a smile on her face, as she considered the colt's repentant words.

"Sooo, do we have a deal? Huh, do we, do we?" asked the ever exuberant colt. Long story short - Twilight took the deal.

Twilight could only smile shyly at him as she contemplated how similar, yet how different two foals could be - excluding the gender difference of course. Her friend was an exceptionally talented unicorn, perhaps only a notch below her, and he was just as intelligent, but he, much unlike her, appreciated society and got around town in his spare time. He also didn’t take the time to assert his I.Q. with elaborate wording and speech as Twilight preferred sometimes. Needless to say, he wouldn’t bother substituting words like “showy”, with something like, “scintillating”.

He wasn't afraid to express his opinion, and in this manner was something of a noble little foal - he wouldn't stand for somepony being picked on or humiliated, although he couldn’t exactly defend his beliefs against the bigger ponies; he wasn’t exactly athletic, just average. Not to say he wouldn’t fight anyways. It was this trait that brought the two foals together as friends in the first place; Twilight was being picked on for being such an "anti-social egghead," when he had jumped into the fray and told Twilight's assailants off. The colt wasn't violent, but he would fight for what he thought was right, and the bullies were well aware of this. The colt had a reputation, both at a party and in a battle of wits - or hooves. Twilight, sniffing, and her cheeks stained with tears couldn't help but admire the colt's courage, and by that fateful day's end, Twilight had made her first real friend.

She couldn't help but smile whenever she saw him, and he reciprocated all too well. He always made her feel good about herself - confident, a feeling she had never been sure about. The colt never talked ill about her, and always appraised her, as the "most talented, most coolest filly in Equestria!" Twilight blushed upon hearing of these rumors, and if with the colt's reputation, everypony at school believed it. Twilight Sparkle was never picked on again. And she had her best friend to thank for it. Snapping back to the present, Twilight noticed her friend staring at her with a dull expression. How long had she been there thinking?

"Hellooo, Equestria to Twilight Sparkle," he said waving his hoof at her melodramatically. Twilight went red and scowled at him in response.

"Oh, cut it out," she shouted, while pushing his hoof away roughly and proceeding to open one of the many textbooks she had sitting next to her. "I'm still brushing up on advanced telekinesis and transmogrification techniques... hmm, let's start here! Pinpoint Telekinesis. “For grasping and/or manipulating extremely small objects, or manipulating particularly minuscule parts of larger entities.” Doesn’t look too hard - are you ready?”

“Well, okay - just try to grab a hair or something okay?” the colt suggested before sitting down. He felt easygoing about this. It was probably just one of Twilight’s warm-ups before she got to the really intense (possibly dangerous) spells and techniques. She just had to grab a hair or something and move it around well enough. Maybe snatch a bug off his back or something. What could go wrong, he thought leisurely. Not for long though.

“OW! OW, OW, LEGGOOO!” the colt cried out as Twilight magically grasped him by a clump of his mane and lifted him a good four feet into the air.

“OMAGOSH! SORRY!” Twilight cried before losing focus entirely and dropping her friend onto the grass rump-first, stuffed bear in tow. The colt didn’t respond for a bit, being caught up in overwhelming pain and shock at the moment. When he recovered he got up and glared at Twilight for a moment, who was shocked and hung her head, looking up at him meekly. The colt sighed, and said plainly, “You... need more practice... a great deal of it maybe.”

“Oh... you think?” Twilight said in a whisper.

At this, the colt chuckled a bit before replying in relatively good spirit, “I don’t think, I know.” And at that both foals broke out in laughter. They paused for a moment to glance at the rather ignored Spike, before Twilight made him float over to within their reach. Twilight hugged her “little brother” and resumed laughing.

“Hey! No fair!” cried out the colt suddenly. “I wanna hug Spike too! Come over here little guy!” he said, reaching out to Spike, now being hugged by two foals laughing in hysterics. Spike merely smiled and sucked his claws while he waited for them to finish and be reasonable again.

Yes, they all thought. What a great week it had been.

================================================================================

Twilight Sparkle and her friend trotted home, with Spike aboard Twilight’s back. Being but a filly, Twilight had some difficulty carrying Spike after the helpless little reptile got on her back in order to keep up the pace with their four-legged walking. So her accompanying colt took turns with her, and he decided to carry Spike on the last leg of their journey home. The two were more or less neighbors. Not next door, not by far, but they were still well within walking distance of each other nonetheless. Celestia’s sun was setting gracefully behind them as they walked home in the warmth of early autumn, the leaves having just fallen from the trees, and there was not so much talking as the crunch of the dead leaves beneath the foals’ weary hooves.

What a splendid day it had been after all. The colt really did know how to have a good time, and although Twilight didn’t admit it, she wished she had realized that the world outside of even the best book could be so wonderful earlier. She also didn’t admit how right she was - she really did need to get out more often. After all, if every friend she made was as great as this colt, she might just give up reading altogether! Twilight chuckled at the thought dismissively within seconds. Spend time out, sure, why not! But to give up reading? Not this filly - not now, not ever. At least the colt was so kind as to not remind her of how right he was. Still, with the joy Twilight exerted with every step, and her ecstatic expression, her friend most likely already knew. As they neared their respective homes, the two fillies prepared to depart each other company. There was a bit of awkward silence, but surprisingly Twilight was the one to start.

“Hey, so... I guess this is where we have to part, right?” she stated somewhat blankly as the colt nodded.

“Yeah, well... I just wanted to say... ha-HAAA, that was AWESOME! I really hope we do it again sometime!.. And, well, I just wanted to give you this! I mean... you know, I may have lotsa' friends, but none of em' are quite like you. You're there for me, and I'm there for you and... I just wanted you to have this to remember us being friends and stuff! I mean, we're gonna be friends forever but still!” And with that Twilight's friend procured a package from the bag, which he placed gingerly in Twilight's sack.

"Oh wow - a gift for me?" Twilight almost exclaimed - she had never received a gift from anyone but her parents of immediate relatives.

"Of course! I just know you'll love it! Besides – I really wanted to return the favor for my birthday present from you… I mean, just between you and me…” The foal darted around to ensure nopony was listening before whispering in Twilight’s ear, “It was the BEST present I’ve ever got! I take her everywhere I go! In fact, she’s in my knapsack right now!” Twilight almost laughed out loud and fell on her side in hysterics. A chuckle or two managed to get out though.

“Really? Haha, I’m so glad you actually like her! I’ve got Smartypants after all… they’re very comforting when nopony else is around to take the job…”

“True, true! But anyways… yeah, I just wanted it to be a surprise - open it when you get home.. oh and it might not make sense until you open it, but remember, I have the other half! Thanks for hanging out an-" The colt started then abruptly paused. Somepony was approaching them... check that, two ponies were approaching them. They were wearing long, black cloaks and hoods. Not something somepony dresses in if he wants a warm reception from two foals and their baby dragon.

“Hey! You, yeah you!” the colt voiced with all the bravado he could muster. “What do you w-want? Why are you f-following us?!” The two figures, not five yards away, only exchanged looks and nodded. One of them procured a large sack out of his cloak via telekinesis... the mere action of doing so marking them as unicorns.

“I... I-I don’t think you should’ve done that,” squeaked Twilight, ears laid back in fear. Her legs shook spontaneously.

“Twilight,” the colt whispered not tearing his gaze from the advancing unicorns. “I think you should t-take Spike.” He was being as brave as any colt could be, but brave is not synonymous with fearless. He was stuttering, and he was trembling himself. But he tried not to display this to his already fearful best friend.

“Oh... umm, okay. Wait! But why? You don’t m-mean...” Twilight said placing Spike on her back with some fidgety effort. He was giving her Spike... but why did it matter? He could run faster than him... unless... no - he couldn’t be serious.

The colt nodded, and looked her in the eye for a stint of a moment. But Twilight Sparkle saw it all. He wasn’t coming with her, and somehow, he was sure of it. Twilight saw the fearful determination in his eyes, and she knew - he wasn’t going to sit there and let her get hurt. He would protect her, with what little might he could offer, and he would see to it that Twilight made it home safe and sound. It was horrifying - it seemed Twilight was peering into his very soul. What she saw was heartbreaking. He was in pain, he was subconsciously despairing, and he feared not for himself, but for the fact that he might never see his best friend again... but there was more to it. She saw something even deeper than friendship. They had known each other for but a week, and yet Twilight saw an inseparable bond between them. Twilight simply could not explain it. She caught a last glimpse of his pained expression, a tear streaming down his face, before he turned to face the unicorns. They weren’t slowly advancing now - they were charging. But not for her - only for him... why? The air was pierced with a deafening screech.

“AAAHH! TWILIGHT SPARKLE! DON’T JUST STAND THERE YOU IDIOT! RUUUUUN!”

Twilight didn’t need to be told twice, and she ran, as fast as anything on four legs could possibly run. She wanted to look back, she wanted to fight. She wanted to save her friend, so desperately. But she couldn’t, she wouldn’t, and the struggling voice behind her only reminded her.

“GAH! GET OFF MEE! TWIIII - DON’T LOOK BACK, GET HELP! DOOON’T LOOK BAAACK! DON’T STOP RUNNING! HEEEEELP!”

She heeded the voice’s warning, and she ran, all the way home, not stopping, no matter how Spike’s weight pained and strained her efforts. She got to the front door, and ran indoors, to find her parents casually lounging in the living room.

“Twilight, sweetie, what’s wrong?” her mother demanded, more than asked, noticing promptly the alarmed expression on her daughter’s face.

“What in Equestria? Twi, why in the blue blazes are you so sweaty? Are you alright?” Her father said almost interrupting her mother. Twilight could only pant and collapse as she tried to speak for her friend’s sake.

“Walking... home... cloaks... unicorns... best... friend.... save... him,” she gasped, holding on to every word, before passing out.

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Twilight Sparkle awoke in her bedroom. She sat up in her bed, her heavy eyelids slowly opening. She saw her room, as it always was, simple and tidy, and Spike sleeping in his basket. Then it all hit her. NO! They took him! Have to tell mom and dad! She leaped out of her bed, and dashed to the door... only to have a black cloaked unicorn appear in front of it.

“YOU! W-what did you do with him!!!?? WHY ARE YOU IN MY HOUSE!?” Twilight said, her rage intermingling with her underlying fear. The hooded figure made no response, but Twilight could feel herself being lifted in to the air as the unicorn’s horn glowed.

Twilight could not see his face, whether he was one of the two she encountered earlier could not be told. She heard a weary sigh, almost suggestive of reluctance. A plain, shaky feminine voice spoke but one statement.

“I-I’m sorry child… but what happens today is for the good of all… much will be undone… perhaps someday you will know the truth… but not today… p-please… forgive me…”

“LET GO OF MEEE! MY PARENTS WILL CALL THE GUARDS! HEEEELLP! SOMEPONY, ANYPON-” she started, but never finished. The world plunged into darkness once more.

=====================================================================

Twilight awoke, once more in her bed. She rubbed her eyes with her hooves casually, before stretching a bit, and stepping onto the wood floor. The first rays of light raining through her partially closed windows. Well, she thought. What a lovely day! Just perfect to curl up and read a book beside her windowsill before breakfast! But, wait... oh, no, she couldn’t do this in this condition. She had a throbbing headache, worse than any before it... simply dreadful. Spike was awake, she noticed, and was wandering around the room. She noticed something strange... he was upset. She had only had him for a week, but he never woke up in such a dreary mood.

“Awww, Spike, what’s wrong? Huh? Tell Twilight about it?” She asked him with a cute smooshy face. Spike only cried and sniffled a bit, and hopped over to the windowsill. He pointed with his little claw down the street - across, and a couple homes down. The home he was pointed at was a site of great commotion. There was a small crowd of ponies, and at the doorstep, there was a group of guards and the several ponies who appeared to be investigators talking to the couple who live there. They seemed to be distraught - clearly, something horrible had happened recently - but what?

Spike continued to point to the house. He moved his gaze momentarily to face Twilight, before uttering something. A word... his first word. He kept repeating it, sobbing and crying in between. It sounded something like, “Va-wee-ent”. What did he mean? Twilight thought it over, sounded it out a bit, before she recognized the term. He was saying, “Valiant,” over and over. And apparently he was sad about it. But what did the word have anything to do with the crowded house? Twilight couldn’t piece it together. Spike... knew something Twilight didn’t? Where did Spike even learn the word? Twilight knew fillies her age that weren't familiar with it.

Twilight simply gave Spike a comforting hug and closed her curtains - maybe the house was making him upset for some reason? But valiant... how was this relevant? She looked the word up in the dictionary for reference - maybe there was another definition she was not aware of? She only found what she expected:

Valiant [adjective]: boldly courageous; brave; stout-hearted

This was ridiculous. Spike was being ridiculous, and she was becoming exasperated. Twilight forgot about it, and she never paid a second thought about it. She proceeded to read a book, as she desired. She never found the magic of friendship until much later on in her life. It’s a shame she hadn’t been introduced to it sooner - she might have liked it. But she was a reader, a fledgling scholar, not a socialite. She wasn’t an egghead - she merely focused on what mattered most. You can’t argue with that logic.

Twilight opted to shuffle through her satchel - she still had to study for an exam... but... what's this? A package? Twilight looked at the thing curiously. It had a boy on it and a tag addressing it to 'Twilight Sparkle'. A present… but from whom, and wouldn't she have remembered receiving a gift? And more importantly, what could it be? Only one way to find out... Twilight briskly opened the package, wrapped carefully in some sort of blue wrapping paper... and inside was, quite simply, a box. She opened the box only to find... another box. Still inquisitive with increasing ferocity, she opened that box... just another box within. Whoever crafted this infuriating package definitely had an interesting take on sardonic humor. Dreading yet more unseen mockery at her expense, Twilight opened the box... but this time the prize being revealed. If you could call it a prize, for it was quite simply a key and a locket - the former being a golden skeleton key to be exact, the kind of thing you would expect to unlock a pirates chest or the like, but otherwise indistinguishable... save for a card tied to the key reading "Best Friends Always, Now And Forever!" Besides the apparently generic key, was a map? Twilight unfolded it - it was poorly drawn as maps go, but what's more... it was clear that Twilight only had half of it.

=================================

12 YEARS LATER...

Mission Irrational

Chapter 2: Mission Irrational
February 12th, 1252 – OLYMPIAN 'Uno' A001, SpecOps Sector 3 - Office of Pony Intelligence
The Royal Palace of Canterlot, Equestria

"NOOO!" screamed the young stallion as he sprung awake to the chiming of his twin-bell alarm clock. His eyes darted around the room. Nopony there... he had been having that dream again. The frustration within his heart amounted to greater heights with each occurrence. It was remarkable how clear and vivid his memory of that fateful day was. He would never forget her… well, not completely at any rate… after his session of “augmentation,” which resulted in his incredible strength, endurance, reflexes and mental prowess, his mind was left devoid of plausibly what was the vast majority of his memory (his superior officers never explained in detail what they did to him). The stallion, merely an adolescent colt at the time, was almost certain at a time that they had brainwashed him, left him an empty shell of whatever and whoever he had been in his childhood soon to be lost. However, the other subjects of the OLYMPIAN Project who he had mingled with when it was permissible or easy to get away with remembered their former lives perfectly, as if rehearsed – a mystery the colt never revealed the answer to… a good soldier never asked questions, or so the overseer had said. In fact, he didn’t remember his name, and the OPI staff agents who requested his original names for records became angry and subsequently shocked upon realizing that he wasn’t just toying with them – that he had in fact completely, forgot his name. Which was just as well, because every foal (each of which was kidnapped) participating in the project was thereafter informed that their identities were to be destroyed, that their new lives began there and then, and that they would each receive a number designation according to their company and several other unmentioned factors. For example, the young stallion being discussed, happening to be the 1st subject of OLYMPIAN Company Alpha, received the designation ‘A001’. The overseer later mentioned that although they would be officially recognized by number designation, call signs and nicknames among units and even companies was entirely permissible. OLYMPIAN A001 was promptly given the call sign ‘Uno’. Uno didn’t complain given the fact that OLYMPIAN A002 was given the call sign ‘Cheeseball’.

However, if they had brainwashed him… they had done so poorly and incompletely. He didn’t remember everything – but he also remembered several things about his pre-augmentation life… but there were gaps, enormous impending voids, as if someone had poked countless holes in his memory, until they outnumbered the area covered by the memory left intact. For example, he remembered her – he could not name her, and in a strange way, he wasn’t exactly sure what she looked like – all he remembered for sure was that she had lovely dark violet eyes, but nevertheless, he was confident that he would recognize her in an instant if he ever saw her again.

But of course, chances were that they would never, ever meet again – but hypothetically, Uno would muse, what if they did? But would she even remember him? She had a life, whatever that was like, and perhaps she… had moved on? Nothing was certain, and Uno knew so little about life outside of the palace. What could he guarantee to be true or false? Nowadays, he had so little to trust, and even less to confide in. He was an "Olympian," whatever it meant to anypony, that much he would buy, but everything beyond that was in the gray area. He didn't trust anypony - not even himself.

Nightmares and reflections aside, Uno awoke to his everyday routine. At precisely 0500 hours, the diligent stallion sprang from his cot in the barracks - empty besides himself - and onto the floor, where he proceeded to do two-hundred of both sit-ups, and pushups. He proceeded to do several backflips – not because it was necessary but because it was one of the few things he could do for fun. He then jogged the pathway up to the royal gardens where he ran fifty laps around the perimeter, before returning to the barracks (still jogging) to wash up, brush his teeth, and slip on his jumpsuit and his armor on top. According to OLYMPIAN code of conduct, wearing the THUND3RBOLT Mk IV Powered Assault Armor outside of immediate battle situations was not required, but his overseer, the rough and gruff Colonel Maner advised that he wear it as frequently as possible to get used to the extra weight and the feel of it. Uno admitted (albeit only to himself) that he enjoyed the sense of power within the top shelf equipment. His only complaints (again, to himself) were the lack of energy shielding (he was sure they had the technology available), and the complications that needing to use the bathroom in an airtight suit of unwieldy armor introduced. Plus, Uno believed that including a health bar in the Heads-Up Display on his helmet was stupid. Why the hell would he need a beeping, flashing, bright red bar displaying, “WARNING” in bold letters to convey to him that he’s dying?

Prior to equipping the armor (only a special machine in the armory could put it on or take it off properly), Uno made sure to observe his own appearance to make sure nothing was out of place. The colonel would have nothing pleasant for Uno if he screwed up on the minutest detail. He wasn't exactly dashing, but it wasn't as If the royalty cared about his appearance – if it was a prettyboy they were after, they didn't need to go out and gather them up in rucksacks now did they? No – they would care about his performance – how many heads he brought home on a stick, he mused. He had never seen combat in fact – most Olympians hadn’t – in more ways than one, Uno wasn’t sure he could bring himself to be the mindless, unstoppable killing machine OPI had reared him to be. But somewhere in his heart, he knew someday he would have to abide to the call of duty. Hence the Olympian motto – “In Sacrifice, Find Glory.”

He duly noted his appearance - everything seemed to be in order. His dark indigo mane with a white stripe in his bangs, trimmed to regulation three inches, with his horn poking out, polished to a glowing finish. His silvery figure was in exquisite shape in reflection of years’ worth of strict exercise and dietary supplement - nothing special for a soldier, but still an absolute must. He didn't have bulging pectorals or broad thick limbs, but the Olympian Program didn't want super soldiers who attracted anypony's eye in particular. It was a well-established maxim that appearances could be deceiving. In relation to that very saying, ignorance could be a fatal mistake for anypony. And of course, there was the issue of his cutie mark - or, rather, his lack of a cutie mark. Uno was well aware that by his, age, most ponies had found their calling in life, but he didn't give a buck - he had been reared for one purpose, for one country, his destiny be damned... but then again, that wasn't exactly true. Deep down, he wanted to realize what his life could be if he were free to find his purpose in life... settle down with a filly and have a family... but Uno knew better, and knew that given the circumstances, his lack of a cutie mark was only a metaphor for his equally egregious lack of freedom, individuality, and ultimately, even his happiness. But no matter how miserable, life goes on. Even for a practically enslaved super soldier.

As Uno emerged from the armory, assault armor and all, he promptly reported to Colonel Maner’s office for further instruction – which was in fact the usual routine as of the last few months or so. For reasons which he was apparently not entitled to know, he had been excluded from the normal guard routines he usually followed along with a detachment of royal guards. Not that Uno minded the sudden separation of course – the guards treated him as most ponies other than fellow Olympians did – like a machine. He supposed he fit the bill well enough, as they only saw him in his armor and he was particularly well disciplined – and, hey, he could hold up half of the detachment on his left hoof in the air… indefinitely… maybe that was what got their goose.

Colonel Maner, gruff looking and weathered, but somehow, a friendly sight was sitting in front of his desk, reading something. Uno peered at the text… some kind of urgent report from… Appleoosa? Why from there? The most exciting thing around there is a rogue tumbleweed… what could possibly…

“You don’t have clearance to read that soldier…” Maner grumbled at Uno with a lowered right eyebrow. How could Uno forget? Maner had been his overseer as far as he could remember since the augmentations – he knew everything about Uno – probably things he didn’t have clearance to know about himself. He knew that Uno, like all Olympians had eyes comparable to an eagle. He knew that Uno would have no trouble reading the fine print on the forms of his dossier from where he was standing at the edge of the room. The colonel promptly put away the forms in a drawer in his desk and turned his attention to Uno.

“Now, now son, you know you can’t slip that by me, now don’t you?”

“Sir yes sir! My mistake sir!”

“Damn right it is – now you keep to yer’ business, soldier, and speakin’ of which… take a seat Uno…” Maner opened another drawer, his hoof emerging from the drawer with another dossier – he slid it over the desk into Uno’s waiting hooves.

“You’re assignment – read it, memorize it as a matter o’ fact, and pass it back here. That’ll be all for the time being and uh…” The Colonel paused and let out a sigh. “Now son, listen… yer’ being reassigned.”

“WHAT? Err, I mean, beg your pardon sir?” Uno nearly sprang onto all fours out of his seat

“You heard me – now hear me out – as you may or may not have noticed, some kind of trouble’s brewin’ in this country. Now as you may expect, I haven’t been cleared to inform you on anything you don’t need to know immediately. However, I can tell you this…” Maner leaned his neck over the desk as if he needed to ensure that Uno heard his every word. This wasn’t necessary anyways because Uno would never miss a rare opportunity to be informed about something.

“No guarantees, but I’ve seen the reports, I’ve done some inferring of my own – the brass looks like it’s mobilizing for war. I’ll say it again – no guarantees, and they sure as hell haven’t made anything official, but that’s what it’s looking like… if that happens we’re gonna need soldiers like you son.” He made the last statement prodding Uno’s armor clad chest with his hoof. Uno wondered whether to take Maner’s words as a compliment or not.

“Sir… thanks you… I think…. Permission to inquire freely?” Maner bit his lip. Contrary to what Uno may believe, Maner didn’t despise or dislike him at all – in fact, Maner was in many ways the closest thing Uno would ever have to a father or guardian – discipline and rank aside, they understood each other. This was perhaps the only reason why Maner didn’t reprimand him for being curious.

“Just the one soldier.”

“Are there more soldiers like me, sir? That is to say, alive?” Maner’s gruff disposition suddenly made way for something else. For a moment, it seemed to Uno, that Maner appeared… sad, not quite disappointed, but… was it sorrow he saw on his face?

“Yes… but not nearly enough son… not nearly enough…”

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Uno was given orders to come without armor or clothing of any sort (back to the armory to remove this damn suit then), with pre-packed provisions for about a week's sojourn, along with essential equipment (sleeping bag, toothbrush, etc.), and any personal belongings he wished to take. Deciding what a week's provisions were was up to him - the only constraint was how much he could carry. Nothing more than he could carry could be taken. The one twist in this case, was that he was told to pack only about half of what he could support. Colonel Maner, had not told him why. Uno had his ideas, but refrained from sharing as usual. The gruff colonel only said to follow his orders to the letter, and be as presentable as possible - for his mission briefing was being given by none other than the alicorn monarch herself, Saturday morning, at 8:00 AM sharp and no later – which happened to be today.

Uno had packed what he needed within the hour - food, water, equipment... personal belongings? He had scoffed at the last group of items listed in his orders. Nothing was personal if he didn't actively hide it from Colonel Maner. Uno lifted his bed with one hoof, to retrieve the one thing he held of personal value to him… his teddy bear, Steve. As previously mentioned, Uno’s memory was impaired to say the least. But yet another thing she remembered about her, his one best friend, was that Steve had been given to him as a gift from her… he couldn’t remember precisely why… perhaps for his birthday, but he didn’t remember when his birthday was anyways. Anypony would’ve laughed at him for keeping the things at his age if he had been caught in service with Steve. But to Uno, it wasn’t just a silly stuffed old bear – it was the last tangible connection he had to his life before he had been foalnapped on that dreadful day in autumn. Even before that, Uno remembered, the bear had been with him since birth, and of everything in his rucksack, which the OPI agents had confiscated and presumably destroyed, Uno had refused with every fiber of his being to let go of the bear. They had overpowered him and taken it, of course, but he, being the stubborn little colt he was, only agreed to co-operate with the Olympian Program if they gave the bear back. Considering the circumstances, the offer was very reasonable, and he had made quite the ruckus until they agreed. A bear, for his life’s allegiance - Steve meant that much to him. Uno, to this day, talked to his stuffed bear whenever he was alone – that is, the vast majority of his waking day.

Uno would always carry Steve around. As far as he was concerned, Steve was as alive as anypony he had ever met, and ten times as important. He was a bear of few words, but he did a damn good job of listening, and that was what Uno liked best about him. Everypony he had met since he had been taken here by the Office of Pony Intelligence, always told him what to do, how to do it, but they never listened. No questions asked, and no answers were given if they weren’t already given in Uno’s briefing and training. Not Steve – he would always be there to comfort Uno, which was great, because from what Uno could tell, nopony would be there to do a better job. Uno always carried Steve around if it could be helped. Not for his vigorous morning exercise, and the similar training routines scheduled daily of course. Steve could get hurt or dropped, and Uno wouldn’t stand for that crap. Colonel Maner and the other OPI agents who served as Uno’s overseers could make him do all sorts of things, but they couldn’t separate bear and pony against their will without serious drawbacks, if they could accomplish that feat at all. Besides, if the bear kept Uno content, and better yet, sane to a degree, what harm was done? Steve eventually became accepted as Uno’s companion, and the only reason Uno had to hide him, was because he still had a deep-seated fear that Maner or somepony would steal him. After all, Uno didn’t trust anypony – remember?

Well, Uno thought… Everything set nothing out of place… time to move! And with a content sigh, he effortlessly levitated his two large saddlebags off the floor and onto his back. Not a moment later he mounted Steve onto himself, gave him a rare smile, and marched out the barracks door. He headed up the trail bound for the royal hall where he expected to find Colonel Maner waiting. After about a three minute trot, Uno arrived at the hall’s entrance to find… nopony.

“Well, orders are orders – he didn’t say he’d be present for your debriefing you know?” Steve informed Uno from atop his back. His British accent always sounded odd to Uno - he simply didn't expect a bear to speak as such.

“Yes… I know, but it’s so… unusual, and I’ve never been debriefed by the Princess herself… this is obviously something big…”

“Then why be late for your big day? Let the adventure begin!”

Uno groaned. “Eeesh, alright, alright, here I go…” he stepped to open the enormous doors but a guard had opened it halfway already.

“Uhh…” The guard looked at him as with a stern half-lidded gaze. “Who are you talking to?”

“Steve – the bear on my back??”

“Uhhhh…” The guard leaned to the side to see a stuffed bear on the Olympians back. Celestia, he thought. This is too rich… “Riiiight...” The two soldiers held an awkward silence before Uno gave the guard an irritated look. After all, this loony guard was going to make him late. The guard proceeded to open the doors for him to come in.

He stepped into the royal hall. In an instant, Uno recognized Princess Celestia and her sibling Princess Luna sitting at the end of the otherwise vacant hallway, in their thrones. He could tell, even from across the hall, that they were having a chat of sorts, and they hadn’t seemed to notice him yet… they looked concerned. Uno, hoping to hear a bit of their conversation, advanced to the end of the hallway quietly, at a deliberately slow pace.

“Now sister… as of late, I have heard about Appleoosa and… cut off from the rest of…

I know what you’re thinking… but why cut off com-links… only serves to attract attention”

“Yes Luna… I’m afraid the rumors have been… I’m not sure if… thus far, I have decided against it… it may very well pose a threat… may be that they are… perhaps attempting intimidation… ”

“I see… but surely they have a right to know… *sigh* dear sister, you know I want what’s best… don’t you think… a bit of an over-reaction?”

“Perhaps but… I must ensure… that this is nothing out of the ordinary… an uncharted species perhaps… a recon team will be sent tonight… if all goes well, they will reveal… that’s the end of it…”

“But why… you really think… you can handle everything while I’m… no, I don’t really think the event is all that important as a matter a fact, but… well, if it helps... ”

The two princesses abruptly brought their conversation to a halt and exchanged a nervous look… how good were an Olympian’s hearing supposed to be? No, he couldn’t have heard. In any case, Uno had never left the palace since he had been brought here, although that fact was about to change. Celestia immediately rearranged her concerned expression to her better known trademark smile. Luna however, did nothing to hide her restless worry as she took a furtive glance at Uno before moving her gaze back to her sister. Uno made a mechanical salute before making his introductory statement in an exaggeratedly loud and firm voice.

“Olympian-A001, Office of Pony Intelligence, Special Operations Section Three, reporting for duty ma’am,” He said to Celestia. Uno then turned to Luna and gave her a salute as well. Luna scrutinized his appearance – mostly for his lack of… well, a terrifying appearance, and the possession of… is that a teddy bear on his back? Honestly, she expected something more rough and ready appearing soldier out of the OLYMPIAN Program. She afforded herself a skeptical glance at her sister – Celestia only winked back and continued her lovely princess smile.

“Uno,” Celestia said carefully, wondering how the Olympian reacted to the use of his call sign, as opposed to his numeric designation – he visibly flinched. “May I call you that? I can always use your number designation if it makes you uncomfortable.” Uno was genuinely surprised at his sovereign’s considerate attitude. Furthermore, he wasn’t sure how to react as nopony ever gave him a choice in any matter. Had his kidnappers asked, “Is it okay if we stuff you in this sack and take you away to be our guinea pig?” Uno did his best to understand why Celestia, and her new-found cohort took such drastic measures, he really did. But as far as he could see, the entire program was useless and in vain – not a failure perhaps, but what had it achieved thus far? The bulk of Uno's companions had... not made it. And the remainder had been separated from him. The brass had evidently decided that with such small numbers, they shouldn't commit the Zero's (a nickname for the Olympians based off of the “zero identity” clause which rendered them nonexistent in society) into one super-unit, for fear that all of them would be loss in a single engagement gone wrong. Uno could only speculate as to what unit they were serving in, and if they were even still alive, let alone well.

“Uno is just fine ma'am. But number designation is just as well. By all means ma'am, call me what suits your fancy,” Uno stated swiftly and carefully.

“Well, excellent. Now, let us begin, Uno. Firstly, you may have noticed that there is nopony present other than those who need be – in other words, just Luna, you, and myself. As such, you may also conclude that what you are about to be briefed on is to be treated with paramount confidentiality, and if this treatment is upheld properly, nopony but us will be the wiser.” Celestia, finishing her first point took another moment to glance about the hallway. Her gaze darted about the hallway, before her horn glowed and seconds after projected a glowing, nearly transparent screen around the space immediately outside of the two thrones and Uno standing nearby. Hoofin' horseapples, thought an ever intrigued Uno. So this was important after all? Celestia, finally convinced they were alone and safe with the empty hallway and the soundproof barrier, continued.

“On the second of February, two days ago, contact with the Appleoosa communications relay near the outskirts of Equestria was lost. It is the only major relay in the region, and prior to losing contact, we have had some difficulties with some unruly parties within the area. Additionally, some of the larger political parties have threatened us with what I have feared for over a decade. They have threatened to secede, as they believe that the government is proving too... Tyrannical. Over time, and they think it's time the colonies on the borders of Equestria stand up and fend for themselves. What they're insinuating is quite simply, that they will overthrow me, the "Rich, arrogant, overlord" so that they may become better rich arrogant overlords. It seems obvious that they are the culprits we are looking for, and worst of all... if they are, they are likely seeking to make good their threat.” Celestia's voice had gradually become louder, and as the last word echoed throughout the hallway, she glanced about once more looking for a subject of suspicion. “We cannot allow this fledgling rebellion to succeed!” Celestia exclaimed with an authoritative stamp of a golden hoof. “The region is a valuable breadbasket for all of Equestria, and furthermore, if they do succeed, other radicals may follow suit, and the stability of our entire nation will be at stake. The stability of your nation will be at stake.” Uno was getting where this was going – or so he thought.

“So ma'am, my guess is you intend to insert me along with a strike force to reclaim and secure Appleoosa and the surrounding territory?” Uno guessed carefully. Celestia was pensive for but a moment before her response. Somepony had thought through this all too well.

“I have... considered it. However, a recon group has been sent to establish as fact that it is indeed the rebellious faction which is responsible for the offline array. They're due for arrival in 24 hours and 32 minutes as of now, without any unforeseen obstruction that is. I believe the deployment of even one Olympian at this point, would be risky and an egregious misallocation of resources, given how many of your breed remain in service. Instead, I am assigning you as a traveling bodyguard for my sister, on her journey to Ponyville.” Celestia said the last statement gesturing towards a still indifferent looking Princess Luna. “A discreet bodyguard I might add. We have agreed it is best to travel to Ponyville in secret, as letting anypony know that Luna is outside the palace and relatively unprotected on a sizable journey to Ponyville could... attract undesirable attention.”

Uno agreed for the most part, thought he pretended to concur with all of it. He was however, inwardly upset. For a moment, it seemed as if he would get to show all the unbelievers at OPI what he could do – and prove to himself that the surrender of his personal life was worth the lives he could save. But no – here he was, being consigned to escort for the pony that needed it least. Why didn't they just assign a royal guard? If it was window dressing Celestia wanted, they were the best stuff around! In any case, what should Luna be doing this town Uno had never heard of?

“If you are wondering, and I expect you are,” Celestia said noting Uno's face deep in thought. “ Luna is to take part in a military parade next week. In the face of these recent and unprecedented events, we have come to the conclusion that the combined presence of a monarch and a large military force will deter any further rebellious behavior. And if need be.” Celestia paused and bit her lip. Before she could finish, Uno, rather candidly made his response. "Only keep in mind, 'Uno', that the parade is a potentially double edged sword. There will no doubt be those few dissidents who will opt to take advantage of Luna's public appearance and..." Celestia took a stern glance of Luna... mingled with fear for her sister's wellbeing. She broke away and stared at the floor, unhappy to say the least. The royal sisters clearly understood the risks the operation would perpetrate.

“Ma'am... I realize that such threats to your rule have never been made by your own people but... do you really think?”

“I do. I've thought it for every waking day for the past millennium, and those thoughts only intensify with every passing minute. That is why you are here. You do know why you are here, Uno?”

“... No ma'am. I'm afraid I don't,” concluded Uno.

“You are here because I thought. I thought you could help. Was I wrong?”

Sisters At Arms

Chapter 3: Sisters at Arms
February 13th, 1252 - 1800 Hours, EST - Private Fluttershy, Medic
Beta Squad - 12th Recon Brigade - Pegasus Corps
En route to Equestrian province of Appleoosa - ETA 10 Minutes
Mission Objectives: Bring relay station online at all costs. Identify hostiles.
Secondary Objectives: Do not harm civilians.

Fluttershy looked sat in her cold seat in the silent cargo hold of the G-14 Dropship - affectionately nicknamed 'Griffons' by the mainstays of the Equestrian airborne forces. Of course, in the Pegasus Corps every unit was an airborne unit when the need arose. But the same couldn't be said for medics, so when word got around that Fluttershy had a way with nursing anything that could walk (normally) back to health, it wasn't long before the reclusive pony found herself cornered by the local recruiting officer. It wasn't that she would ever refuse to do everything she could for the poor suffering souls fighting and bleeding their hearts out for her and her kin, and it certainly wasn't a matter of inability to cope with the sight of blood or anything related, but Fluttershy was simply used to instituting and working in a peaceful, safe environment - a sanctuary where she could concentrate on healing the injured as only Fluttershy could do - but here she was, mercilessly drafted into frontline service in the 12th Recon, where she would, in all probability, be forced to desperately cling onto the lives of her dying comrades with second-rate medical implements, to endure the chaos of artillery and machine guns, and to realize that relief or possible evacuation will be no less than 20 miles away, assuming that whoever they're up against doesn't discover and overrun Delta Base in the course of their operation. Had it not been for the flamboyant Pegasus beside her, Fluttershy would have cracked under pressure, and they hadn't even landed yet. Yes.. Fluttershy thought. No matter how horrible things get. I've always go Dash.

"Fluttershy? Fluttershy? You alright?" Fluttershy flinched at feeling a hoof put on her shoulder - it was gentle, but still. She glanced nervously at Dash. Not sure she could interact with her quite like before, not now that she was her NCO. They were still friends of course, and considering the circumstances she couldn't think of anyone she'd like to be her sister in arms more... but Sergeant Dash wasn't supposed to pick favorites.

"Oh... I'm fine Rainbo- errr, I mean ma'am... it's ju-" Fluttershy stopped with a soft "EEP!" as Rainbow put a hoof over her mouth.

"*sigh*, look Fluttershy, you can call me by my name, don't worry - that's an order," Dash stated softly with a wink. "Now look, don't freak out! I mean come on, this is what I know from command - the communication relays down, they're just freakin' out a bit over that - noooo problem! Heck, chances are the local maintenance guys slacked off or something, ha!" Rainbow gave Fluttershy a bump on the shoulder and laughed her raspy laugh - Fluttershy responded with a faint smile.

"I suppose... but if it's just that, it seems like they're pushing an awful lot of everypony out here just because they're in the dark... I feel like... I feel like they're not telling us something Dash. Or at the very least... I think they’re expecting something they're not telling us about... and if it's something big..." Fluttershy trailed off, breaking away from Rainbows gaze and staring at her hind hooves hanging off the seat.

"Don't worry bout' it - suppose we DO have a little trouble down there - if there's one thing I can guarantee, it's that it won't be anything Sergeant Dash and company can't handle right?" And with that Dash rose from her seat and on all fours, and bellowed to her squad, "AIN'T THAT RIGHT RECON?"

"MA'AM YES MA'AM!" The squad replied in unison.

" Hey... hold on, do any of you even know what I was talking about?" Everypony in the cargo hold save for Rainbow and Fluttershy murmured amongst each other asking the same question . Rainbow gave herself a facehoof.

The confusion stopped in an instant as the intercom announced loudly amid the chaos, "Ready up Recon! Five Minutes till' Wing-off." Everypony froze, and stared at their Sergeant. Dash thought for a moment - but the time for thinking was over - the time to act was here.

"ALRIGHT PONIES - YOU HEARD EM'! GEAR UP AND GET READY TO JUMP, AND THAT'S AN ORDER!" Dash slipped on her sand camouflaged helmet and slipped on her matching goggles. " HOOPS! WAKE UP SOLDIER!" Hoops, none other than one of two certain jocks who had picked on Dash and Fluttershy, who had been taking what appeared to be a pleasant nap sprang awake on two legs giving a crisp salute . Hoops wasn't the brightest, and at first, the two mares had been outraged by the mere fact that they had to share a unit with their former bully. But if training showed Dash one thing, it was deal with your differences - or else. Besides, Hoops was found to be much more affable and submissive without his compadres of chaos in tow.

"That's more like it buddy - but uhh, lose combat stance - you'll need all four to make this landing..." Hoops slipped on his helmet and gear before dropping to mobile stance on all fours. Nobody liked combat stance - ponies could function just fine as bipeds, but the stance was unnatural and even after months of training and transitioning between natural stance and moving about, handling firearms on two legs, it was something most ponies could never get quite used too. In fact, it wasn't all that uncommon for a capable commando to wield a firearm in his or her mouth to some effect. But Dash, despite her own daring nature, didn't encourage such difficult endeavors - heroic pursuits and 'badassery' were second priority - the survival of her squad came first.

"STRETCH THOSE WINGS SOLDIERS - get a cramp out there and you're OUT OF THE GAME BEFORE IT STA-"

*BANG*

" RAAAAAAIIINBOOOOOW! HEEEELLLP!" Fluttershy cried out as the dropship lurched and shook violently - the squad hung onto the seat's armrests desperately, literally shaken and with no guarantee that the Griffon might hold together much longer.

" PIIILLOOOT! WHAT HAPPENED? WE'RE RATTLIN' LIKE A SALT SHAKER BACK HERE!!" Dash demanded urgently over the chaos into her radio.

" Sergeant - We've been hit bad! We've identified a couple of anti-air batteries that were hidden in town - they're clearly guarding the comms array ma'am! GAH!!!" The Griffon lurched again - Now it was tilted 60 degrees on the left side - Fluttershy and Dash along with three others on the right side hung onto the rails, literally hanging almost vertically over the rest of the squad, having slid on top of each other in a great big pony pile.

"DAMNIT PILOT - try and level it out for TEN SECONDS FLAT. RECON - we are LEAVING!! PILOT - open the bucking dooor!!" Rainbow cried over the radio, still trying to cling on to the right side rails.

"AGH - you got it Serge-*PSSSSSSSSHHHHHH*-t, you're being dro- *PSSSSHHH* bout' a mile north of the arra- *CRACKLE* stabiliz-*PSSSH* NOW! GO, GO, GO!" The Griffon still shook and even creaked, but as sure as could be, the Griffon stabilized, though for how long, neither Fluttershy or Dash wanted to stick around to find out. The moment the door opened, Fluttershy took the words out of her mouth.

"EVERYPONY OOOOOUUUUT!!!" She screeched, and as if the mere force of her panic were enough to toss everyone out the hatch and beyond, the squad leaped of the dropship, and spread their wings in an instant, gliding at breakneck speed away from the damaged Griffon.

"PILOT? Can you make it back to Delta Base?" Dash questioned over the shortwave radio while she was still in range.

"*PSSSSSH* -an make it back - I'm hit heavy on the starboard si-*PZZZZ* -I'll get there! GAHH*PPSSSSSH*-ING DOOOWN!!! MAYDAAAAYY*PZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ*..." The transmission went black, and Rainbow glanced over her shoulder just in time to see the Griffon give one last lurch before imploding with tremendous force and violence, still hammered with AA fire from the batteries below. Rainbow choked, and her eyes watered, but only for an instant - because the party was just getting started.

"Sergeant Dash! Incoming!!" cried Pvt. Helia - and the squad, still gliding down to safety peered in hindsight to find that the explosion had propelled several large, flaming, ostensibly threatening pieces of scrap metal their way.

"GAH! Beta Squad - evasive maneuvers!" Dash led the way dodging and rolling around the debris. Tragically, not everyone could be Rainbow Dash.

*WUMP*

"AAAAIIIIIEEEEEE!!!"

"NO! PEPPER! COME BACK! NOOOOOOO!" Dash cried out in agony, as Pvt. Peppermint Crunch was hit full on the back with a blazing slab of metal... and was sent tumbling unconscious to the ground hundreds of feet below.

"Sergeant Dash!" Dash looking below at the tragedy she had just witnessed, slowly found the voice, which somewhat surprisingly was Fluttershy's. She looked at her, hurt and confused. Fluttershy stared back, clearly sobbing and her face stained with tears. They were gliding at a steep angle downwards - almost diving in fact. Neither mare really understood, just how so much could go wrong... how much could be lost before one hoof was raised, before one hostile was in sight. And up until now, nopony truly grasped the reality of war. It was all a joke - a hit and run operation - a game. Until somepony was hurt... killed to be specific. If Dash couldn't get each and everypony under her wings onto the battlefield alive... what kind of leader did that make here?

Pvt. Fluttershy didn't say anything more to Rainbow Dash. But she didn't need too - as her pitiful, sobbing face penetrated her field of vision, it said one thing, although she technically said nothing at all. It said, "Rainbow Dash - not Sergeant Dash - Rainbow Dash, we need you more than ever. We need you to lead us to victory. We need you to get us out of this alive. And we need you now." Rainbow's sorrow was shoved aside. Replaced with austere and infallible determination, and a face to match it.

"Beta Squad!" Rainbow announced. "Form on me - hard landing or not, we're getting to that comms array! Now keep up for Celestia's sake - watch the crossfire and stay together!" And with that the five remaining members of Beta Squad, including Dash and Fluttershy made haste for a rectangular facility at the outskirts of Apploosa distinguished by a large satellite dish and a radio tower adjacent. As they soared over the province's capitol city, they couldn't help how it had changed so drastically from their prior visit. No longer quite a shanty 'wild wild west' menagerie of wooden huts, sheriffs, farmers and rustic bars that smelled of whisky.

Once an enormous reserve of oil had been discovered (was it... three, four years ago?), the town sprang up like the springtime flowers which even now adorned the town hall as they passed over it. Now it was not so much a town, as a fledgling trade center and agricultural powerhouse. In the distance Fluttershy could glimpse the thin smog floating eerily over the oil fields and processing facilities. Yet at the other end of town she could clearly observe the Apple trees and their gorgeous blossoms adorning the lustrous green leaves - no doubt the handiwork of Applejack's cousin Braeburn... Fluttershy had recently caught wind in her final days of peace in Ponyville, that he had kept the business afloat in the modernized Apploosa by teaming up with none other than the Flim- Flam Brothers themselves... and what had become of them, she wondered. Such a deceivingly innocent and beautiful town becoming a city... yet as Fluttershy peeked below her she 'eeped!' silently to herself as she became conscious of the direness of her.. of their situation. The town was crawling with ponies carrying all kinds of melee weapons and firearms, patrolling the town vigilantly. And they weren't wearing Equestrian uniforms. More interestingly. Most of them were townspeople wearing ammo belts and carrying rifles. They were cooperating with the enemy... but why? Some of them noticed Fluttershy - muzzles flared.

"AAH!" Fluttershy screeched. Dash growled and cursed them.

"Listen up ponies! We're almost, there, we don't need anypony else to get hurt before we even hit the floor - fly fast, fly low, in between the buildings - we'll go WHOOF, right past em' and they won't know what hit em'!" Dash may have been shocked at how violent things were turning, and quickly too... but she still had her wits about her. And that, she thought, is why you're the sergeant Rainbow. She more or less gave herself a mental high five - but busy Pegasus is busy.

"Hey Serge! While we're givin' em' the slip, why don't we strafe em' with our rifles and give em' a run for their money?" questioned Brolly, a white blue maned Pegasus with... and umbrella of all things on his flank. He knew Dash and Fluttershy as acquaintances prior to the war - he had helped Rarity after her fall when her false wings went poof at Cloudsdale, and more recently he had participated in the creation of the giant tornado for the water season with them. Though the question had been asked on occasion, Brolly was never one to discuss how exactly an umbrella could be one's special talent. Pvt. Helia, a minty mare with blond hair and a sunflower for her cutie mark, suggested Brolly was simply waterproof. Dash just thought it was a mistake - if he had joined the army sooner, it would've been a machine gun. He was a 'trigger enthusiast' if that could be called a talent.

Rainbow sighed impatiently at Brolly's overzealous request. "Brolly, we would probably hurt some of the innocent townsfolk, if there are any around, and besides - we're not entirely sure who's the enemy, and who's a friend, so just ease off trigger-boy... for now. In fact, let me just institute as a rule right now - don't shoot unless shot at - clear?" Brolly nodded solemnly and that was the end of it.

"Alright - dead ahead ponies! The roof, land on the roof! Keep a low profile and avoid contact for the time being - We'll break down that door..." Dash gestured at the roof level door which likely led to a stairway into the facility.” And we're going to clear out the building ASAP, got it everypony? Yes?" Nobody responded. "Yes, good, great, let's do this Recon..."

The squad landed on the roof of the Comms Array. For being offline, Fluttershy noticed that the building appeared to be in perfect shape. It could have been built yesterday for all she knew. She sighed as she realized that the possibility of a simple maintenance issue was moot at this point. They were in for a fight, and she was almost entirely certain of it. And to think... poor Pepper was already... Fluttershy sobbed a bit under her somewhat oversized sandy helmet adorned with the Pegasus Corps emblem (A pair of silver wings place over an olive wreath and a single gray star.) and the red cross on the sides denoting her as a medic. She hoped she would not be forced to assert that fact by watching another friend fall in battle... or before the battle has even started. But no Fluttershy told herself subconsciously. These ponies need you... Rainbow Dash needs you. Whether you pick up a gun and... and... and take care of them yourself... or whether you're there to stop the bleeding... But that was just it - it didn't matter what Fluttershy could do when it came to fulfilling her duty as a soldier - she was a nurse, a caretaker, a softie and a lover - how could she bring herself to stand on two legs, pick up a gun, and end Celestia knows how many lives with the pull of a trigger. No matter what the 'enemy' believed in, they were still ponies, living creatures with friends and feelings, just like anypony else... who was Fluttershy to kill them in cold blood for what they believed in and what they didn't?

Rainbow Dash removed her goggles and placed them on her helmet... she motioned for the squad to crouch on their hooves. She proceeded to whisper, only audible enough for them to hear clearly, "Alright everypony - so far so good... stay low and ready your weapons - I'm just gonna take a quick look around and see what we're dealing with before we sneak in and secure the facility... Pvt. Lavender! Get in touch with the rest of 12th Recon, I want to know where they are and that we're going to be... improvising a little bit. Let em' know we'd appreciate a little backup, or at least they can distract the rebels and keep some heat of our backs you know?" Dash gestured at Pvt. Lavender Skies, a pale yellow pegasus with light lavender mane to match her name. She was the communications handler for the squad, and she always had a headset wired to a cellular transceiver for long range situations in addition to the standard issue helmet and goggles headgear, and a walkie-talkie for short range encounters. Fluttershy remembered her from Winter Wrap-Up a year or two back... fittingly enough, she always kept a small stalk of Lavender attached to her helmet. Nopony really knew where she kept getting fresh Lavender but nopony minded either - it was refreshing anyways.

Dash crept cautiously to the outcrop of the building, about two feet high, so that the squad could hide effectively from anyone below or at the same level if they crouched next to the outcrop. Dash did just that, before taking a pair of small binoculars from her side and peering around the perimeter. A patrol here and there - Dash could see several squads from the 12th Recon being deployed by several griffons - according to plan, unlike her squad, of course. Of course her team would just happen to get the end of the stick. On the other hand, she surmised, this little mishap could turn things around. Whereas every fire team was a dozen blocks away at best, they were already in position, if not hopelessly outnumbered. However, seeing as the bulk of forces appeared to be busy with the rest of 12th Recon... Beta Squad would have the element of surprise and an opportunity to secure the facility. Once they were dug in, Beta Squad could hold position and wait for fire teams Alpha, Charlie, and Delta to join them to fortify. Meanwhile, Lavender could use satellite communications to request backup from Delta Base - but that was a lot of guesswork and a lot of assumption.

"Sergeant Dash! I've hooked up with the other NCO's in the area - a few Griffons got shot down like ours but aside from a few casualties in air..." The squad exchanged concerned looks - even Hoops, who quite literally could not see the dire circumstances at hand (His helmet and his thick bangs obscured what appeared to be his entire field of vision). "Everyone made it to the rendezvous and they're fighting their way to the comms array as we speak - 1st Lieutenant Sparkle told us t-" Dash went wide eyed and all formality aside, interrupted Lavender.

"Hold on Pvt - Lieutenant Sparkle? As in Lieutenant Twilight Sparkle?"

"Yes ma'am... you're... you're friends aren't you?"

"Haha!" Dash almost leaped in excitement before realizing she, as a leader should demonstrate better self-control.

"Only Best Friends Forever! Do you still have her on the line?"

"Yes ma'am!" Lavender removed a rather generic looking phone wired to the transceiver pack on her back with her mouth and held it to Rainbow's ear. Rainbow's excitement turned to fearful concern for the rest of 12th Recon - gunshots and explosions echoed in the background - get used to it filly' Dash told herself.

"Hello?! Hello?! Lavender?!! Beta Squad, NCO respond!" The voice practically shouted over the comm line. Oh well, how was Twilight supposed to realize how relatively quiet it was on the other side?

"Twilight?? TWILIGHT, it is you! It's Rainbow... err well, Sergeant Rainbow!"

"WHAAAT? Rainbow!? What in Celestia's name are you doing out he- *BANG-BANG-BANG* GRENADE! HOOF THE DECK EVERYPONY!! *BOOM* "

"I'm Beta Squad's NCO - what the heck is going on over there! Our Griffon got hit hard, we leaped out midflight and landed at the Comms Array!"

"THAT'S IT PONIES - PUSH EM' BACK! Give it all you got everypon- wait what?! Rainbow? Ahh... alright! Here's the plan, and listen up because we're a little busy on my end! Take the facility by any means possible, then dig in and wait for us - Expect us to be there in half an hour, give or take a minute... If you can, get your communications specialist to contact Delta Base - they'll know what to do! Otherwise wait, and we'll cross that bridge when we get there! Understood?"

Rainbow understood perfectly - and though she would never admit it, she felt that much better off with Twilight calling the shots.

"You got it Twiligh- err, Lieutenant Sparkle!... oh, and Private Fluttershy says hi!" Rainbow teased affably - glancing at Fluttershy over her shoulder listening, she could not help but feel enormous pleasure in seeing Fluttershy smile genuinely for the first time since they'd been dumped onto this oasis quickly turning to god forsaken wasteland. She heard Twilight giggle despite the less than ideal circumstances for laughter.

"That'll do Sergeant Dash... and... keep Fluttershy... keep everypony - even you, safe... Alpha Squad, out." The line went dead. Dash motioned for Lavender to put the phone away. She turned to fast her four squad mates. Fluttershy looked at Dash expectantly, still concerned and scared for everypony's wellbeing, but cheered by the presence of even just one more friendly voice.

"Beta Squad," Dash began firmly. "Load weapons! We're going in. Form on me - Pvt. Helia!" Helia ran from gazing over the ledge to meet Dash. "Satchel charges, on the door, now!"

"But Sergeant..."

"But what soldier?!"

"The door is unlocked... see?" Helia pushed down on the handle and the door clicked open with practically no effort. Rainbow Dash flushed beet red.

"Ahh.. well, uhhh, nix that! Save the charges... follow me - in combat stance... quietly... don't shoot unless I say so... good luck Beta." The squad got into biped combat stance - everyone, even Fluttershy drew their weapons (though she was obviously going through some moral conflict in doing so). They had their favorites of course, but at the moment it was just standard issue PAR-44 Battle Rifles. As the owner’s manual might tell you, it was an 8lb, gas-operated, rotating bolt, magazine-fed, selective fire assault rifle. However, Sergeant Dash acknowledged that manuals are for eggheads, so she wouldn’t tell you that. Following Rainbow Dash single column, the squad marched quietly, crouching into the descending, dark staircase. Not a word was spoken

========================================================================

February 13th, 1252 - 1800 Hours, EST
OLYMPIAN 'Uno' A001, SpecOps Sector 3 - Office of Pony Intelligence
En route to Equestrian province of Ponyville
Mission Objectives: Escort her Majesty Princess Luna to Ponyville safely
Secondary Objectives: Eat Something

"Your majesty, do you... wish to rest when we arrive?" Uno queried the softly, yet clearly yawning monarch as they trotted at a moderate pace along the road to Ponyville, their identities hidden under brown, hooded cloaks.

"Surely not fair subject! We... ahh, sincerest apologies. I do believe there will be work to be done in the interest of Equestrian security... and, perhaps some festive gratification to be had? We do so remember our last appearance to thy fellow villagers... in the event of the holiday 'Nightmare Night' in which they all seek to be frightened and surprised by me!" Luna made a 'scary' face at Uno, promptly giggling at her antics posthumously.

"They... actually seek to be scared by you? That is.. in the form of Nightmare Moon... but why? Doesn't that associate feelings of... of terror or fear with you?" Uno couldn't quite grasp the concept that anyone would like to be scared - and he especially despised surprises. Indeed, inceptively, Uno's was xenophobic as such - he couldn't stand to not know, it terrified him. Partly because no surprise he had ever received had been anything close to pleasant. And Uno had received quite a bit of surprises in his relatively dull lifetime..

"Oh well... do not misunderstand us - I felt the same way at first - I arrived at the celebration only to discover that our subjects treated us with fearful shrieks and enmity... 'your Princess of the Night, hath arrived!" I would say - but still, they would cower and flee like insects in our dear sister's sunlight..."

"That's... that sounds dreadful... but what did you do about that? And why would they feel that way about you? I mean honestly, in my opinion... that is, if I may your majesty, you don't look like a monster or something to be frightened of." Uno wasn't sure if he would offend the godlike alicorn or appease her with his perception of reality, but from where he was standing, she didn't look scary at all. He didn't have much to compare her to, but she certainly wasn't the most unattractive mare Uno could have been caught with. Of course, he thought, perhaps every mare in Equestria looked like as regal as Luna and Celestia - when you're coerced into an almost complete lack of social associations, or even an actual identity, you can't exactly stroll out of the training facilities to take note of who has the best mane, or eyes, or flank in Canterlot. In his lifetime, minus Celestia, his training 'handlers', the palace guards, and more recently Luna, Uno had seen, at best, ten ponies who were by no apparent means associated to his life, female or otherwise.

"Well... as circumstance revealed, our tone of voice was somewhat... intimidating, and according to, Twilight Sparkle, one of my few new friends..."

"Twilight Sparkle?!!" Uno exclaimed suddenly. Luna stared at him wide-eyed and astonished by the sudden intervention.

"Err... yes subject... you are familiar with her?"

"Well umm... no... I don't think... I'm not sure... no, it's just that the name kinda' rang a bell and I... ugh never mind! Sorry for interrupting you your majesty..." Uno looked down, disappointed, as a fisherpony might after failing to catch a ten-foot Rainbow Trout. Twilight Sparkle... he had heard it before, he was sure of it!

Luna put a hoof on Uno's shoulder. "Subject... err, well, may we call you by your nickname?"

"Uhh... sure, I don't really see why not. You're my supreme ruler after all... certainly."

Luna didn't like the sound of that. "Subje- err, Uno, we ask for your choice because it plays it's part! Despite popular belief, you must understand that when we ask for your opinion, we treat you as equals...." She lowered her head and sighed in resignation. Still with her hoof on his shoulder she went on. " You realize that you can trust us... I mean, me, do you not?" She smiled at Uno, who in his mind couldn't deny that it was hard to say no when she shot him adorable glances as such.

"Well... umm, listen, your majest-"

"Call us Luna... Uno... please? Twilight feels that it makes us more... accessible." Again with the smiling. Why would she bother trying to befriend him? He was a subordinate wind-up toy soldier for what it was worth - didn't this pony have any other friends to harass?

"Well, alright, Luna..." The princess grinned appreciatively. "I'm really sorry to tell you this... both as my princess and... as an acquaintance but... I don't really have any friends, and the way I've been raised, I honestly have trouble trusting anyone."

"Even?"

"Yes..." Uno sighed in exasperation. "Even you Luna."

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear so... it is only that... well, quite frankly we were under the impression that we were friends - you see, we have found it difficult to adapt to the radical changes which our sister has borne witness too over our period of seclusion on the moon... and honestly... oh come now Uno, you are our only companion thus far whom we can speak to freely! Can we not place our trust in thy care?" Although Uno himself didn't see her placing trust in him fair (for Luna) as he could not do the same for her, he simultaneously couldn't see why not. Besides, he was trained to keep secrets - giving them out was just another story

"Certainly Luna - I'll listen to anything you have to say and..." He bit his lip. Careful what you tell this mare, very careful.

"And if you don't wish me too, I won't tell a soul." Uno probably threw half the OPI loyalty protocols out the window in one sentence, but hey. Score one for the kidnapping victim.

"Truly subject? Thou canst keep thy word?!" Luna pushed excitedly, an equally eager look of hopeful anticipation on her face. Uno could hardly believe how... how unlike her sister Luna could be. Back at Canterlot her dark, ominous appearance in contrast to her sister gave Uno the impression she might have been the more serious of the two.. just howmuch younger exactly was Luna than Celestia to begin with?

"Yes, yes, calm yourself princess! I guess uhh... I suppose... we're friends. Happy your majesty?"

"Oh most joyous night! Certainly we are!" Luna's face lit up like a flare. But her mood tones down as she prepared to inform Uno of something rather important. "But Uno, I thought I might explain... you see, now that we may trust you as a friend... well... don't tell our sister..."

Uno couldn't exactly lie to Luna or himself at this point. If a princess had something to say she would only say to her personal bodyguard, it was probably something worth hearing. "I won't Luna... go on?"

"Well... we don't share our sisters anxious viewpoint on the events unfolding as far as, 'rebellion', or 'insurgency'. We don't... we do not feel as if something such as idle threats from local leaders or even the communications incident occurring in Apploosa is a matter worth attending to - because in our eyes, they are nothing more than idle threats. In all straightforwardness, we expect the 12th Recon to mend the array, whatever ails it, and to return immediately with nothing noteworthy. Similar.. how may we put it? Several..."

"False alarms?"

"Yes! Exactly - several 'false alarms' similar to Apploosa have taken place in the recent, and even distant pass, prior to our... uhh.. our own coup d'état against our sister." Luna blushed furiously at the very irony of the concept.

"I see..." Uno could relate to such views. He simply could not imagine an Equestria without Celestia or her sister, the very masters of the Sun and Moon respectively. What could possibly compete with, not only the vast, formidable armies of modern Equestria AND the two seemingly demi-gods themselves? But then again, he had been raised under the impression that the monarchy was infallible, flawless, and omniscient... although his recent travels with Luna were bending those principle teachings.

"But then, why are we here to begin with? Why bother expending resources and risking your life to put on a show for a town of ostensibly loyal townspeople?" Uno just had to know this.

"Well... you see, that was not our brainchild - it was my sister's intention and plot all along. She explained to you how placing a military force here along with half of the bipartisan monarchy..." She puffed her chest out in mock pride followed by a sparse giggling fit. Uno smiled slightly - who knew royalty could in fact be permissible company. " Would serve to deter rebellious thought here. While that is entirely an applicable reason to our being here, it is not the proprietary concern. In fact, I only consented to come along on this seemingly redundant journey because... well." Luna was looking nervous now. Yup. The puppeteer of the moon, co-ruler of Equestria, wielder of magic almost unimaginable. nervous.

"Well... what is it? It's not as if I can really criticize you or scold you for anything. You're the princess." Uno noted dully.

"Hmm... true. Very well... we came because we thought it would be an ideal excuse to engage in social endearment."

" Err.. beg you're pardon ma'am?"

Luna sighed irritably. "We used our sisters plan as an excuse to have fun. To remove ourselves from the confines of the palace and our royal duties... we did it to ease our sister's concern of course, to please her, but we could not simply refuse an opportunity to indulge in all that we have missed after so many years of desolation! Besides - our sister finds time for her subjects, she always mingles with the public and her own friends - it is only fitting that we follow suit."

Well, isn't somepony considerate? Uno could hardly believe what the buck he was hearing.

"Princess I... I just don't know what to say."

"Oh..." Luna's ears dropped and she frowned slightly.

"Well, I suppose it would be in both our interests to make haste for town..." Luna's horn glowed for an instant, and in a flash of blue light, the road and the trees and the countryside and Ponyville vanished... and just like that the dynamic duo was at the entrance to Ponyville - colorful houses and quaint shops on either side, Sweet Apple Acres blossoming with springtime fervor in the distance. Ponies of all sorts bustling about their daily business. Uno promptly felt his jaw drop.

"WHOA, WHOA, HOLD ON... you could have done that the whole time?" Uno could not stop himself from leering at the princess... though her horn had vanished, and her cutie mark had been replaced with single white star.

"Well... yes. I apologize Uno, please calm yourself..." the 'incognito' Luna had a laughing fit - but no matter how nice her laugh was, in this context it sounded evil.

"Then why didn't you just teleport us here in the first place?!" Uno hissed through clenched teeth. Luna was giggling softly at his seething anger at this point. She relented however and her face became one of apologetic disposition.

"We are sorry dear subject... we only wished to have an opportunity to converse with you and get to know our bodyguard better - we wanted to see the countryside as any of our villagers might... besides, do cheer up! We have three days before the parade at any rate - why not enjoy it? Come! We remember a culinary establishment we took fancy too during our last visit!"

Uno could hardly believe how quickly his 'mission' had spiraled into ridicule. He had walked several miles undercover, under the impression that he would finally be doing something to prove his mettle, to strike fast and kick ass for a change - do the one thing he was actually allowed to do in life. But no, it was just another joke. He was a joke. And to think, somepony was out there, fighting for princess and country, being the hero, taking names... and ladies too. And he was stuck out here with lonely Luna discussing how there was no war, there wouldn't be any war, and last, but not least, that his assignment was to be her travelling buddy and her 'pin cushion of secrets' while she moseys on down to Ponyville to mingle with the locals, maybe get drunk, and then to quite possibly get assassinated in a parade with hundreds of posers on tanks and steroids who could theoretically be on the front accomplishing all the things. Or maybe everything would go fine. And then they would all party for no apparent reason.

Just as the thought hit him, a bright pink pony with an outrageous head of fluffy, cotton candy-like mane and bright eyes metaphorically oozing with exuberance sprang, seemingly out of nowhere upon Luna and Uno, bouncing as if she were on a pogo stick... ahh wait, check that, thought Uno. She really was on a pogo stick.

And quite unpredictably she cried out, "DID SOMEONE SAY PAR-TAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON??"

Oh, he thought. Did I think that out loud?

The Tandem Menace

February 14th, 1252, 0700 Hours, EST

Appleoosan Insurgent Leader – Identity Unknown

Location Unknown

Mission Objectives: Unknown

Secondary Objectives: Unknown

The leader of the Appleoosan rebellion that had caused so many ponies so much grief sat patiently in his office, completely alone. He had sent his former guard to join the ranks in defense of the fledgling city – everypony counts after all and there were not many to spare. He was running out of time. Given the current situation, his forces could only keep the Equestrians away from the Relay for an hour more at best – that is, if everything went according to plan. Once they had seized it, word of the confirmed insurgency would spread like wildfire. The city would be flooding with Equestrian military forces before noon. His hastily made allies were late for this critical meeting that would mean the difference between victory and defeat, life and death – perhaps they’d been captured? Perhaps they had flaked on him? If so, it was over, and the tyranny of Celestia and her demon sister would prevail… they had to make it!

The leader nearly sprang out of his seat on all fours at a loud banging on his door. Had the Equestrian army found him already? Shoot. He promptly re-seated himself and assumed a business like pose. If he was going to be captured he might as well appear undaunted about it.

“Enter.” He uttered the simple command and to his surprise, his own secretary burst through the door with an apparently urgent piece of paper in her mouth. Her cherry red mane was frazzled and haywire to hell and her pink kerchief was wet with perspiration. And he thought he was nervous.

“Oh… well if it isn’t my charming secretary herself. I was uhh… expecting you?” His take on feigning omniscience was hardly convincing but Cherry Jubilee didn’t care – she was just doing her job. She dropped the note on her table.

“It’s… urgent sir… we’re runnin’ outta time!” She reached across the desk and grabbed his collar and tie by the forehoof and hissed, “Where in the name of Appleoosa are the delegates?!”

The indignant leader pushed her hoof away and responded impatiently, “I don’t know alright?? Anyways what’s this??”

Secretary Jubilee banged her head on the desk before mumbling, “They’ve taken the damn Comms Array.”

“I see…” The brilliant leader stroked his chin, pondering his course of action; with his hoof no less than for the sake of comedic irony. Well, no matter, it’ll take them at least a few hours to repair the hardware we sabotaged…”

“But that’s just it – they managed to get a fire-team into the building while the rest of their force kept us hard pressed on the other side of town – we lost contact with the demolitions team before they confirmed that they finished the job – our team is in a firefight with that team inside the building as we speak. They need backup – soon. Besides, I don’t see why in buck’s name you would destroy that kind of equipment after takin’ the city – it’s a mite hard to get your hands on that kind of technology, and it ain’t like pluckin’ a cherry from a tree – it’s expensive and now that we’re on our own, everythin’ counts...” Jubilee glared at her employer. If they weren’t both for the noble cause of the Federation, she would’ve left Appleoosa and made a fresh start away from trouble. But some quarrels and quirks would have to be put aside for the good of all. Sacrifices, material, ethics and otherwise would have to be made.

“Oh you just hold on there for a minute – last I checked, you’re not in charge, and although I admit that my course of actions was a bit radical, that’s absolutely NO reason for you to romp all over them, and call it a load of flim flam. Why, if you know anything about telecommunications systems then you’ll see me eating my own hat.”

Jubilee and her (self-proclaimed) fearless leader paused for a moment. What to do, what to do? The latter of the two rose from his chair and turned to gaze at the strategic map of Equestria. In red were the domains under the absolute control of Celestia and company. In green was the leader’s territory, the Appleoosan Federation – which in reality was little more than a noble name for a small unity consisting of Appleoosa itself and the few villages and settlements in the region which had pledged their allegiance to the Federations cause – that is, to liberate the innocent and brainwashed denizens of Equestria from Celestia’s iron grip. A cause that was much easier said than done of course. He could not do it alone. And in yellow were the countries and provinces whose allegiance was wavering towards the Federation’s cause.

“You blithering fool – the council told you specifically not to jump the gun did we not?” Speak of the devil.

The leader of the Appleoosan rebellion, formally known as the Mayor of the Appleoosan City Board, turned his attention to his office door to see the delegates from several factions entering the room. They were all in hooded cloaks of different colors with emblems representing their faction, yet concealing their identities for the most part, and there were ten delegates in total. The one accusing the aforementioned mayor of idiocy was in a dark blue cloak adorned with the emblem of Manehattan. Her voice had a cultivated Mid-Atlantic accent, akin to Rarity’s in some ways, but deeper. And in most ways a great deal more posh. Assume such a notion is viable.

“I know what you’re lot told me, but this might be our only chance to catch the Equestrian Military off guard – you all know well enough that they were getting suspicious… the signs were all over. “We had to take action FIRST... see, I don’t know about you slackers, but it’s immensely frustrating to watch Celestia and her precious Office of Pony Intelligence hoarding weapons and technology to use against anypony who won’t agree with her political views, while we sit here and lie in the shadows waiting to have our flanks handed to us on a silver platter!” The suddenly assertive leader pounded his hoof on the desk vigorously. Murmurs of mixed opinion amongst the delegates flooded the modest office.

“Please,” insisted a firm and deep voice emanating from the largest of the delegates (by far), wearing a tan cloak of weathered rawhide – adorned with the simple insignia of the local Buffalo (fittingly, an oil and sand Native Equestrian painting of ye’ olde average Buffalo). “We all, make great journey, from native land… We come now, no to fight – we come now, to unite… we different – but together…” Chief Thunderhooves held his last words, gesturing with his hoof to the council. “Together – our difference, make us mighty.”

Chief Thunderhooves wasn’t the most eloquent when it came to diction or creativity using the Equestrian language – yet there were times when his very wisdom and understanding of the situation and needs at hand eclipsed all else. He had come a long way since the conclusion of his quarrels with the Appleoosans in the forms of various accusations and pie fights. A good thing too – subsequently, Celestia’s Royal Reforms of 1247 which had made all kinds of technology available meant that deadly firearms such as the PAR-44 Battle Rifle, or the PMP-40 Submachine Gun had soon replaced the trivial Apple Pie and Assault Cake as the conventional weapons of choice.

The pacified delegation and the mayor proceeded to the meeting room through a side door in the mayor’s office instinctively. The delegates, still murmuring briskly amongst one another about plausible unified currency in the new federation, future justice administration and legislation, and other aspects of politics promptly hopped onto their respective seats at the end of a long, conference style meeting table, three delegates seated on the right, two delegates and the mayor on the left. Chief Thunderhooves being the only exception due to his tremendous size, politely removed his seat and instead chose to stand where he would have been sitting if Appleoosan rump receptacles had kept Buffalo in mind. They all took a wandering gaze at the meeting room – quaint, tidy, simplistic, having been unoccupied since their last meeting in mid-December to discuss the coming conflict. And to enjoy a Hearth’s Warming Eve party and feast in the very same meeting room before becoming drunk. Needless to say, if Secretary Jubilee had not kept extensive records of that night’s careful planning, nopony would recall that a meeting had taken place to begin with. The mayor called everyone to immediate attention. Playtime was over.

“Excellent, now that we’re all here, we have urgent matters to discuss on the rapidly descending matter of… our conflict with, not Equestria itself, but it’s undisputed ruling class who imposes it’s policies and jurisdiction upon Equestria’s inhabitants.”

The mayor’s passionate interpretation of what was quite blatantly, a coup, stirred the council. Murmurs of assent spread through the assembly like wildfire. The mayor called for silence.

“For well over a decade now, that very ruling class has watched us through espionage and conferences because said class fears our ideals and our intentions – five years ago, in the light of her Majesty’s Royal Reformation Acts…” The mayor sneered almost viciously at the mention of the term. The Federation Council grimaced quite nearly in unison. “…A military base, plainly known as Delta Base was established within the province of Appleoosa, who has since imposed intolerable civil restrictions, unfair trade regulations, and at times… martial law upon our people…”

Evidently sharing such experiences, the assembly burst into an uproar of incriminating cries against the ‘Celestial Tyrant’ and her ‘Wind-Up-Tin-Minions’, the latter a degrading of her ‘Royal Guard’.

The mayor grinned in satisfaction at the crowd, crying, rallying for the cause of righteousness. Now. Now we can truly begin. He continued his rattling speech.

“NOW…” His suddenly booming voice shook the antique chandelier above the meeting table. The delegates ceased bickering and looked upward almost expecting it to shake loose and fall. “…Now, as of four days ago, I have made the move that we have all in truth been too fearful to make. I, have led my people away from the dictatorial rule of Princess Celestia and her accomplice Princess Luna – four days ago, under my authorization as well as the town councils’, I ordered the Appleoosan Militia to seize this province for itself, eliminating the local Equestrian Military personnel present, and disabling a communications relay on the outskirts of the city…”

A delegate in a red cloak rose to speak – the mayor could not identify the emblem on his cloak as it was adorned on the back. He spoke in an articulate, icy voice with a hint of melodramatic poise. “Well I say Mayor, that’s all high and mighty of you to proclaim, however, let us shove aside all of this grandeur and face the music that’s quite frankly banging on your doorstep. The fact of the matter is that in small numbers or not, Celestia’s forces are here, and if something is not done swiftly, they will be here in force by the day’s end, quite possibly sooner. ” The delegate strode to the end of the table opposite to the mayor to gesture towards Appleoosa on a typical political map of Equestria. The official answer to the question of Equestria’s unity was reflected by the map of 1251, which showed an undivided green mass with Canterlot slightly north of its center. Unofficially, the country had been divided by dissident province governors and cry’s against Celestia’s tyranny for over a decade. ‘Unofficial’ being the keyword

“The fact of the matter is, that within the hour everypony in Equestria will know that a province has made a decisive offense, and act of treason against her majesty’s rule – and you will be held accountable – the council warned you not to, and yet you proceeded, and as such, the cause of the Federation and Equestria’s future, free from the iron will of two goddesses is now endangered by YOU!” The red cloaked stallion pointed an accusing hoof and glared at the mayor sitting opposite of him. “Now TELL ME MAYORI…” His voice boomed before settling to a deceivingly casual tone. “Why should any of us waste our lives, our foals, and our foals’ foals, to die and fail attempting to save you and your miserable bushel of apples at the edge of the known world?”

Utter silence penetrated the room awkwardly as the mayor considered his rebuke – but before he could answer the silence was broken by a flash of blinding green light emerging from the door to the meeting room, as it slammed open so hard it fell off its hinges. The assembly gasped and squinted blindly around the room helplessly, before the light faded and the room settled to its previous dim, serious demeanor. A frightening coarse voice filled the room. When they could see again, a new cloaked figure in a forest green and black garment had appeared next to the red-cloaked stallion near the map.

The figure hissed eerily and loud enough for everypony in the assembly to hear, “Becauuse… you shall have MY support!” It laughed a cruel cold laugh that sent shivers up everyponies’ spine. How archetypically villainous.

The formerly astute red-cloaked stallion cringed in fear for the duration of the meeting and promptly wet himself in front of the entire assembly. The mayor was the first to recover from shock.

“Who in BUCK’S name are you,” demanded the mayor as he reached a hoof up to straighten his collar tie.

The assembly’s new ‘guest’ chuckled beneath its hood. “Who do you want me to be?”

The mayor glared in annoyance. “WE’RE KINDA BUSY HERE, SO I’M GUESSING YOU MADE SUCH A GRAND ENTRANCE BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO TELL US SOMETHING!!”

“Now, now… do calm yourself… we are… a friend, for your purposes, take that whichever way you choose, and we have come to offer our assistance in your… valiant cause against everyponies’ dear friend, Princess Celestia…”

The assembly, having accepted their previous state of shock, proceeded to bicker about the newly suggested alliance with a complete stranger. The Manehattan delegate raised her hoof gracefully requesting to speak. A tradition the other unrefined delegates including the mayor had evidently forgotten since the last assembly.

“Ahh, it appears that somepony here has manners.” The mayor waved a hoof dismissively at the newcomer’s suggestion. “You have something to say?”

“Yes, as a matter a fact, if I may ‘point out’, we, even collectively are in no position to take on Celestia’s forces head on and without sufficient planning – she is simply superiorly equipped. We must abandon the province… even if that means the mayor,” She said mockingly while giving the mayor a rare dirty look, who returned with a dropped jaw. “Must face the consequences himself so that the rest of us will live to fight another day when we are capable of doing so… soon perhaps, but not now, it simply can’t be done!” She waved her hooves with her exclamation in the air dramatically. Having finished she flipped her mane delicately.

The newcomer only proceeded to laugh her icebound laugh once more. “Ohh, yes, you’re little county is under attack now isn’t it Mr. Mayor?” She strode over to his side and rubbed his hoof against his cheek playfully as if he were some sort of adorable pet. Mr. Mayor did not approve. “Well don’t worry. As a token of goodwill towards you’re cause, an… initiation into this council of sorts, I will make sure that the Equestrians will be dying to run home to see their precious Celestia…”

The assembly murmured in concern.

“That is what you want isn’t it? I hope you all realize, that whatever you do, the war for Equestria’s… independence, begins today. You’re chief executive friend here has guaranteed that…”

The mayor sighed in resignation as the delegates took turns shaking heads and discontent hooves at him. The strange and assertive newcomer patted him on the back amiably.

“However, do not despair – and do not fret – is this not the chance you’ve all waited for?”

Murmurs of reluctant assent characterized the assembly once more.

“Then have no fear – together, we will stand strong and vanquish Celestia’s regime once and for all! I will personally see to it, that the Battle of Appleoosa will end in a Federation victory – I will let you decide afterwards if I am… worthy of your council, and if you will continue to need my assistance – leave the details to me…”

The council approved patriotically, crying ‘Mow down her Majesty!’ and ‘Long live the Federation!’

“In the meantime, consider your little meeting concluded – I will see you all again on…” The stranger pursed her lips. “The 20th of February at 4:00 PM sharp, no later… you shall receive enclosed information by courier on the details of where exactly at your normal places of residence… good day to you all. Until then, your evacuat- that is, your transportation is waiting outside… I suggest you take your respective airships and escorts to a remote location before heading back to your places of origin, as the Equestrian military will likely be tracking unidentified aircraft hailing from a territory which is in rebellion…”

The assembly paused, taking in the advice from the stranger. They bickered curiously as they all rose from their chairs and left the meeting room casting mystified glances at the unexpected stranger on their way out.

“One last piece of wisdom to you all…”

Everypony stopped and turned their attention.

“Although, officially, the conflict that will ensue today will not affect your provinces for the time being negatively, prepare yourselves. Your assistance for… the cause will be required soon… sooner than you’d expect too. You have been warned.” With that, the stranger proceeded to cross the room again to gaze at the map as the assembly cantered out, discussing the meetings outcome with each other. Within’ moments, the mayor and the stranger were left in the dimly lit room alone. The mayor approached the stranger awkwardly, half expecting her to eat him or something of the sort. The stranger was the first to speak.

“Mr. Mayor – I hope you understand that victory against Celestia will not be easily afforded… I hope you comprehend that sacrifice… must be made.” The mayor shuddered and shook his mane loosely as a chill ran up his spine. WHY does she have to be so… so creepy?

“Of course I do… contrary to what the delegates from our blasted assembly think, I know that better than most – the ponies that are fighting to defend Appleoosa as we speak know what they signed up for…”

“Good. Then perhaps the bitterness of today’s victory will go well with your soldiers’ sacrifice.”

Ooh. The mayor didn’t like where this was going. “Wh-what are you insinuating? Wh-who do you think you are??!!” The stranger only stared at the map undaunted by the mayor’s demands. With a green glow from beneath her hood, a small flame subsisting on visually nothing appeared in midair in front of her.

“Mr. Mayor, do you encourage your ponies to smoke?”

“This is prepo- wait what? No! Of course not – tobacco does horrors to the mind and body of anypony! That’s beside the point you…you creepy wi-” The mayor was cut off as his mouth was forcibly closed shut by a rush of magic from the stranger. His eyes widened as the stranger turned the little green flame and presented it an inch from his face. She looked him in the eye viciously, and the restrained mayor would’ve shrieked in horror if he could, as he saw her face for the first time.

“It’s a pity my little pony…” She cackled horribly, still looking him in his terrified eyes. She leaned her neck over to whisper in his ear. “Because they will NOW!”

The stranger turned her attention to the map, and thrust the flame towards it. The region labeled ‘The Equestrian Province of Appleoosa’ was burned mercilessly to ashes in an instant. The mayor blacked out to the sound of her cold, rattling laughter.

==================================================================================================================================================================================================

Meanwhile...

Sergeant Rainbow Dash rested her head on the rather enormous Communications Screen console. Relieved at last - the word had gotten out. Reinforcements would be there by the truckload by noon, maybe earlier. Celestia would be furious - she wouldn't show it, but Dash just knew she would be. Heck, I would be furious, she thought with a slight chuckle. She lifted her head off the console as she realized her head resting on it had been pressing various keys. The console screen now read 'asaajsssskljssssfjscerewgdssfse.j92jj2'.

Rainbow scoffed an irritated "Whatever," beneath her breath and pressed and held the 'Backspace' key for a moment with her right hoof - doing so, she glanced at it and was reminded that the previously blue hoof was stained red, streaking up her foreleg. It wasn't fruit punch - and it hadn't come from her. She sighed wearily, and turned to face her squad as the recalled storming the building only a few hours ago. Having been in the upright combat stance for nearly the entire night, clearing the building and then bringing the array back online with some help from Helia, she slung her PAR-44 on her back and resumed walking on all fours, something she relished in. Combat stance was necessary for mobility and dexterity on the field, but it simply wasn't natural. She took another fleeting glance at her blood-stained foreleg. Slaughtering your own kind isn't natural. She turned her head to hide her face for a moment as she wiped a tear from her face with her clean foreleg. She felt someone cleaning her other one.

"It's... it's al-alright Rainbow... you d-did what... what you had to do." Fluttershy said as she tenderly cleaned Dash's leg with a wipe from a first-aid kit. It wasn't really that her leg was dirty and needed to be clean - everyone in Beta Squad was dirty and needed to be cleaned at this point. But Fluttershy could tell the blood of somepony else was bothering Rainbow. She knew it would've made her cry.

"No... we all did what we had to do," Rainbow Dash stated solemnly, and walked slowly down the communications room where the squad was sitting and cleaning their weapons, playing cards, or sitting quietly contemplating their first kills on the battlefield. Private Hoops in particular had proven to be the 'tank' of the unit, and had killed three insurgents before he was caught with an empty rifle, after which he opted to engage in hoof-to-hoof combat killing another two. He had been shot on his left hind-leg however, and even after being given immediate field aid and heavy bandaging by Fluttershy, he found himself delirious at the considerable loss of blood and unable to walk. He was resting on his side in the corner of the room now, with Private Helia who was explaining how he had been very brave, that everybody (especially she) appreciated him, and he they would all be back to Delta Base with air-conditioning, proper beds, and hot meals in no time.

Dash walked outside onto the dusty and slightly battle scarred streets of Appleoosa to meet none other than Lieutenant Twilight Sparkle. Trailing behind here were several remaining squads of Recon, dusty and bloodied from the morning push to link up with Rainbow's unit. Strangely enough, at about 0630 hours that morning, the Appleoosan units quite simply began retreating, only occasional turning to take a pot-shot or toss a grenade at the advancing Recon units. After putting up one hell of a fight on the streets too.

"Twilight!! Sweet CELESTIA it's great to see you!" She promptly hugged the otherwise stern Lieutenant who smiled and responded in kind. They proceeded to discuss accounts of how the offensive had went, reinforcement arrival times, and what would happen next.

"It's so great to see you Rainbow! I just... well, I wish we could've met in better circumstances but... still, it's great to see a friend!" Twilight smile earnestly.

"Better circumstances? We've won!"

"Yes, yes, I suppose we have... but there's just ooone teensy little drawback..." Twilight face turned serious in an instant. Rainbow's followed suit.

"What's that?"

"The ponies who are most likely responsible are nowhere to be found. The town council, the mayor - gone without a trace!" Twilight's face scrunched up in deep thought.

"What? You mean the nutjobs who gave us all this trouble just picked up and left? How? And why would they just decide to stop fighting and head for the hills?" Twilight nodded with an irritated frown. The conversation endured for a minute - before being broken up by Fluttershy's shrieks.

"TWILIGHT! RAINBOW DAASH!! THE SKY!! L-LOOK!" Fluttershy's eyes widened in horror as she looked to the sky from her standing outside the Comms Array's main entrance and pointed a shaking hoof to the impending threat. Twilight and Rainbow gave each the sky a glance, then each other, bearing the same shocked expression. Reinforcements would arrive in half an hour. It would be too late.

"EVERYPONY INDOORS!" Twilight shouted. Rainbow fulfilled her namesake and dashed indoors within' seconds, tackling a stunned Fluttershy and bringing her in doors in a matter of moments. Twilight shut the door and leaned her back against it as if somepony would try to break it down.

"Dash - IS there a basement??"

"uhh... yeah! Yeah there is!"

"Get us there - now."