Echo Sierra Bravo

Walker stared into the dust at his feet. The stuff caked everything, stirred up by a thousand feet running every which way. It was a mixture of fine white and dirt brown, likely the result of ash mixing with the fine Virginia topsoil. The rain was gone, had been for hours, but instead of the usual soupy mud that followed a rainstorm, the ground had dried out, and the dust had begun, clogging rifles and stifling the breathing of man and pony alike. Walker snorted. At least it wasn’t more bug goo.

His eyes did not leave his boots, however. The dust was merely something to lose his mind to, the only reason he was still awake. The sun had risen well over an hour ago, and with it had come relief. The ponies had established a “portal” that allowed them to travel between their world and Earth permanently. While the notion of magic was mind boggling, Walker had simply accepted it. It was better than trying to wrap his head around everything. Thinking too hard would only give him a migraine.

The men sitting in a semi-circle around him shared his dead stare. Each one was exhausted beyond comprehension. After Princess Luna had left, they had come under attack twice more. While there were no further casualties, ammo ran short again. As the first fingers of light poked through the trees, Walker was positive there was a grand total of three bullets between the remains of his company. Bayonets had been re-fixed, and the humans had waited in tense silence with the Equestrians at their sides. The ponies had decided to send primarily support staff through with Princess Luna, designed to support the vanguard of her sister, a pony Walker had only heard referred to as Princess Celestia. She had yet to make another appearance however, so the waning hours of darkness were filled with nerve wracking paranoia as the men prayed that the enemy wouldn’t come back. They wouldn’t abandon the six pony soldiers and the host of pony medics, but the fight wouldn’t be a lengthy one either.

Once the sun was up however, Captain Armor had established the portal and another wave of soldiers had poured through, quickly assuming the human positions as the men drifted numbly away, their duty temporarily completed. Hunger quickly found the men, not for food, but for something far more powerful for a tired mind. Coffee.

Even the word made Walker groan as he rubbed at his grit encrusted eyes. There had been a mad scramble as they plundered the meager supply tent. And then… the horrors truly began. During the night, beams had been flying everywhere, and nobody had noticed one go into the tent, didn’t notice it strike the precious slim supply of caffeinated gold. When his men pulled out the charred corpse of the coffee crate, Walker felt a real pang of grief. Army coffee tasted like shit, squeezed from the asshole of a goose, fresh and steamy; but it was still coffee. Now they had nothing. Well, except…

Walker smirked lightly, his eyes finding the brutalized crate that was sitting a few feet away. His men had found only one box in the tent undamaged in anyway, and they had all cursed fate as Richardson pulled out a full five-pound crate of Charms. With no coffee, no sleep, and an overwhelming rage at their situation, two of his men had lost it. They grabbed tent poles, took the box to the center of the helipad, and began wailing on it. The other men joined in, shouting encouragements as they all watched with glee as the horrible Charms were taught their place. For the first few minutes, Walker had remained silent, his smile wide as he watched the scene. He hated the candies as much as any man, was glad to see them gone. When the men didn’t stop wailing on the shattered box however, it became an issue. Laughs at the violence dropped away, replaced by concerned calls. The pair kept going, making sure each and every package was obliterated. When they were hitting little more than mush, Walker physically restrained them, dragging them away as he disarmed them of their makeshift weapons. One man had simply collapsed, his mind breaking. Phillips escorted him to the medical area. The other man sat in the dirt beside Walker now, his face still holding traces of anger as he stared at the Charms. Throughout it all, the Equestrians had simply watched. Walker wondered what they thought of the display. The ponies likely wondered how a box of candy could bring out such deep, violent emotions. He snorted again. They wouldn’t understand, couldn’t. They lacked the context, didn’t likely even know what Charms were.

Walker rubbed at his eyes as sunlight creeped under his helmet to stab him in the face. Here they sat, seven men in a semi-circle. The eighth worked like a mad man as he helped the wounded. Walker coughed; his throat dry. He would kill for something to drink. He would do absolutely anything at all if that drink was a steaming hot cup of coffee.

It was in this state that Captain Armor approached him. Caked in all manner of filth, held up by a flimsy plastic chair, his eyes dead, and his body limp, coated in all manner of gore, most of it not his own. Walker suspected he looked a lot like a corpse, but he didn’t care one bit. He squinted one eye closed and looked at the pony as he approached. Captain Armor stopped within the semi-circle his eyes scanning the battered faces that lifelessly stared back. Finally, the pony spoke.

“Captain Walker, the princesses are requesting your presence in the command tent.”

Walker nodded slowly, bracing himself as he got slowly to his feet. He groaned as his muscles strained and his knees popped. He rubbed the back of his neck roughly as he tried to work the tension out, closing his eyes as he gave out orders.

“Richardson, you’re with me. Everyone else, hold fast. Rest up.”

Cook looked at him.

“Captain, we need water.”

Walker nodded and sighed.

“I know Private. We’ll see what we can do after I talk with the princesses.”

Cook nodded and his eyes drifted down again as he tucked his knees in under his arms. Captain Armor looked stunned.

“You don’t have any water?” the pony asked.

Walker shrugged.

“We weren’t supposed to be at this position forever. We only brought what we could carry and the emergency stock. Most of that has been destroyed or given to evacuees. We don’t have anything left.”

Captain Armor looked at him in bewilderment.

“T-that’s… Look, we have plenty of everything; food, water, buck if you need tents, we have extra of those too. Give me a list and I’ll get it to you.”

Energy seemed to creep into the humans sitting in the dirt.

“Well shit, I could use me a real nice spaghetti dinner. Get some garlic bread, a nice wine…” Private Bell said wistfully, clutching at his chest.

“Spoken like a true Italian mama’s boy,” Martinez interrupted. “What we need to get is a big mess of tortillas, load them up with some Chinese takeout, and then we get the tabasco sauce….”

The man was silenced by a round of boos as the men threw their empty canteens at him.

“Christ Martinez, you can’t just go mixing anything together and calling it food,” Cook said, shaking his head. “Besides, what you got to do is drizzle chocolate on the tortillas first and then get the Chinese food…”

More boos rang out as the men began to laugh. Bell nudged the as of yet silent Sergeant White.

“What about you Sarge? What can our mystical saviors get you for Christmas three months early?”

The man rolled his tongue around in his cheek.

“I couldn’t care less. I’d eat a horse’s ass and drink its piss at this point.” he said, his voice serious. The men stared at him in silence, Captain Armor even more so. Then the Sergeant cleared his throat. “Just so long as it isn’t any fucking Charms.” He spit at the box, the spittle landing with a wet splat dead center in the crushed mess.

That set the men off. Bell slapped White’s back as he fell over, his face red as he laughed loudly. Walker smiled and shook his head as the men all laughed, with even White cracking a smile. Walker tried to wipe his smile away, but found that he couldn’t. Every time he looked at the expression on Captain Armor’s face, it just made the situation funnier.

“I think we’ll take just about anything you’ll give us Captain.” he said, chuckling. “Just so long as it isn’t a box of Charms.”

His men cheered in agreement, each man launching into a story about the horrid candy. Walker wisely tuned it out while Armor nodded dumbly.

“Yeah, I think I can arrange that. I’ll send somepony over with some breakfast for you guys in a few minutes. Follow me Captain.”

Walker gestured for the pony to lead the way as his men continued to laugh behind him. Walker made sure to kick a bit of dust over the Charms as he walked past, his own way of demonstrating his hatred. Captain Armor fell in beside him, matching his long strides with a steady trot.

“If you don’t mind me asking Captain Walker, but… Charms?”

Walker grinned.

“Just candy I’m afraid. Rumor says their bad luck, and that if you have any on your person, then you can expect it to rain, especially if you don’t have any cover.”

“Any truth to those rumors?”

Walker sighed.

“I believe them. We had one case of coffee in our supplies Captain. Would have been just the thing we all needed. It was destroyed with everything else, but the box of Charms survived. That’s bad enough luck for me.”

Captain Armor nodded in understanding.

“I see. So, no Charms then?”

Walker laughed.

“No, no Charms.”

Captain Armor fell into silence as they approached the Equestrian command tent. It seemed a bit small to Walker, though it looked miles above anything they had. The sides seemed to shimmer in a rich purple, while the threads looked like they were made from gold. A stark contrast to the desert camouflage pattern of his own command tent. As they approached the entrance of the tent, Captain Armor cleared his throat nervously.

“So, Captain Walker...”

“Yes, Captain Armor?”

“Was that man serious?”

“About Charms? I can assure you that we are all very serious about Charms.”

“Not that,” Captain Armor replied as he lifted the tent flap. “Did he really mean he could eat a horse’s as-…”

The words died in his throat as he quickly snapped into a salute at the sight of the two princesses. Walker really wanted to say something. He was tired, and everything hurt, and he had no coffee, and he needed a win. Unfortunately, Princess Luna beat him to the punch.

“Captain Armor, Captain Walker, it is good to see you. Please, finish your question Captain, I am sure it is very important.”

Armor flushed red.

“N-no Princess, it’s quite alright. We were just discussing… logistics! That’s all, just logistics.”

“Then by all means continue Captain, such important matters should be discussed openly, and without fear.”

Captain Armor looked to Walker for help. The human grinned, intended to give him none.

“I think I understood the meaning behind your question. The answer is no, in a literal sense, Sergeant White was not being serious about eating a horse’s ass, and drinking horse piss.”

Walker wished he had a camera. Armor was sweating bullets, while both princesses, while a bit shocked at the coarse nature of the question, were amused, nonetheless. Walker continued with a smile.

“In fact, it’s a fairly common metaphor in… certain circles.”

Princess Luna knew. She had to. There was no other reason she phrased her question like she did. She knew what Walker was doing and she wanted to see it happen.

“What circles might those be Captain?” she asked playfully.

Walker passed a hand over his face to hide his growing smile. His hand came away grimy, so Walker made a show of wiping it on his pants.

“Well funny that you ask, but the metaphor is used to indicate when a man of a certain… inclination expresses interest in a new, uh, associate. He’s been with us for years, so that only stands to reason that he is interested in a new party.”

Captain Armor’s tail whipped back and forth. His pupils were the size of pinpricks.

“M-me?” he sputtered.

Both princesses giggled. The one Walker believed to be Princess Celestia spoke.

“Why Captain, are you considering the human’s proposition? Think of your wife.”

Captain Armor flushed a deeper red. Walker couldn’t help it, he burst out laughing. He slapped the pony on the back as he doubled over, tears streaming from his eyes. The princesses joined in, though not nearly as enthusiastically. Their laughter was much more dignified than Walker’s. Throughout it, Armor simply remained frozen like a plank. Walker wiped his eyes and patted the pony on the back again.

“I’m just yanking your chain Captain. It is a metaphor, but not for anything like that. The Sergeant was simply expressing that he was extremely hungry and thirsty.”

“Nothing else?”

Walker shrugged.

“Not that he’s indicated to me. You’ll need to bring it up with him.”

Captain Armor nodded dumbly, his tail still swishing.

“I-if you’ll excuse me Princess, I-I’ll be outside.”

The pony bowed and departed swiftly. Walker opened his mouth to say something, but could not find words. He felt a twinge of guilt, hoped he had not just created an awkward situation.

“I’m sorry, that was inappropriate.” he said finally, turning to the princesses. “I didn’t know he was married. I hope I haven’t created any problems for him.”

Princess Celestia waved his doubts away.

“Do not fret Captain. Shining Armor merely misses home. The jest was in good spirit. His wife would have certainly found it funny, and she is the Princess of Love. I do hope your man is prepared, however. Our soldiers are more romantically inclined when far from home. Will this Sergeant welcome the advances of a stallion?”

“For confidentiality reasons I cannot say Princess," Walker replied. "That information is between Sergeant White and the United States Army. From personal experience however, White has always been a good man. Once you get past the Sergeant, he can become… adventurous.”

Princess Celestia smiled.

“Then all is well Captain. We too jest in such a manner with our ponies. It helps them release tension during these trying days. If anything, this may bring our two races closer together no?””

Walker nodded, a touch of guilt still sitting in the back of his mind. He dismissed it and straightened, letting the officer take control once again. He gave the princesses a stiff salute.

“Captain Cornelius J. Walker reporting for duty.”

The princesses quickly waved him down from attention.

“Please Captain, there is no need for such formalities. You and your friend may have a seat, we have much to discuss.”

“Friend…?” Walker echoed, he looked beside him and saw Richardson standing at a rigid attention.

He had completely forgotten the man; forgot he told him to follow. Walker waved the private toward an unoccupied chair as he sat down. The princesses sat down as well, though on cushions rather than chairs. Walker slumped in his seat once his rump contacted it. He was still tired, though the movement had brought him back to a state of semi-awareness. Evidently, this was noticed by the ponies, as Walker soon found a steaming cup of black liquid placed in front of him by a waiting guard.

He just sat and stared at it for a moment. The steam rose in wisps, and he could smell the sweet aroma, even from so far away. His hand twitched. Walker looked up from the cup, his eyes flicking to the princesses. They silently encouraged him to drink, and so his eyes fell back to the cup. Tentatively, Walker reached out, he didn’t want to seem like he was desperate. The cup touched his lips, and Walker let it lean back just a little, the black liquid inching toward his tongue.

And then he pumped back the whole cup in one go. To say it burned as it went down was an understatement. Walker nearly fell from his seat as he started choking on the coffee; he pounded his chest as he tried to alleviate the burning in his esophagus by brute force. Richardson merely grinned as he sipped at his cup, and for a moment Walker hated the man for his self-control.

“Captain! Are you alright?” Princess Celestia asked. Richardson laughed, both at Walker’s plight, as well as the Princess’ concern.

“He’s fine, the Captain just really loves his coffee. Wary are those who face him if he ever goes without.” The man chuckled treacherously as he sipped at his cup again. Walker wanted to strangle him.

Walker got his breathing back under control and sat up. The princesses looked at him with concern, but he smiled.

“That…” he said gaspingly “Was a good cup of joe. Probably shouldn’t drink it so fast, huh?”

Richardson chuckled again. Responding to his mild joke, the princesses laughed.

“No Captain,” Princess Luna said. “I don’t think you should drink a boiling liquid quite so fast.”

Walker nodded in agreement, coughing once more as he properly cleared his throat. The guard refilled his cup, and this one Walker simply held in both hands as he carefully sipped at it, savoring the taste. It was singlehandedly the best coffee had ever tasted, and it required no cream or sugar either.

Walker looked to the princesses, his mind shifting focus as the caffeine went to work. He leaned his elbows on the table and set the cup down.

“So, to business then. What can I do for you this fine morning?”

Princess Celestia smiled.

“Breakfast first. Like you, I have had an understandably long night and need something to replenish my energy. I hope you do not mind Captain.”

Walker shook his head.

“Not at all Princess.”

A guard in yellow armor stepped forward.

“Scrambled eggs and hash browns should suffice.” Princess Celestia told him with a smile. Princess Luna ordered the same. Princess Celestia looked to him.

“For you Captain?”

“The same, though I like my hash browns a bit crispy.” he replied. She looked to Richardson, who also asked for the same.

“Just so long as the eggs are real and not that dehydrated MRE crap.” he muttered as the guard left with a salute.

“MRE’s?” Princess Luna asked.

“The finest cuisine the US Army supplies her brave men and women.” Captain Walker said with a smile. Richardson spat into his now empty coffee cup. Princess Luna looked between the two, a confused expression on her face.

“They are not good?” she asked.

Walker laughed.

“No ma’am they are not. If you’ve eaten soup that had little pieces of sand and gravel in it, then you’ve gotten a taste of an MRE.”

“And that’s the good ones.” Richardson said, shaking his head.

“Quit your bellyaching Private. When its weight or taste, we both know you choose weight every time. It’s common sense.”

Richardson nodded in silent agreement. The princesses still seemed confused, but Walker left it. It wasn’t like they had any of the brown packets with them. If the ponies were lucky, they would never have to taste the dehydrated wonders of a veggie omelet. Walker felt a chill run up his spine and he cringed at the thought of the foul-tasting dish. Luckily for him, the food that wasn’t evil incarnate came out, served quickly by the same guard from before. Like the coffee, the plates were steaming as they were set down. Learning his lesson from earlier, Walker only attacked the food with mild aggression, though he was still the first to finish his plate, stopping short of licking it clean. The princesses ate with calm dignity, and Walker waited in silence as they ate. He watched the silverware lift in their magic, thought it a bit odd, but simply accepted it. Life was easier that way. Besides, it’s not like they had thumbs to grip the utensils with.

Once they were finished, the guard collected the plates and disappeared. With food and coffee covered, they were now ready to begin. As she began to speak, Princess Celestia made a roll of paper vanish with her magic.

“So, Captain, as a broaching subject, what do you know about us?”

Walker pondered the question for a moment, piercing the blurred events of the last few hours together in his mind.

“Well,” he started slowly, “I know you call yourselves Equestrians. I know you are called Princess Celestia, and you are called Princess Luna.” He said, pointing at each of them respectively. “I know you are similar to a creature here on earth called a horse, or pony. I know you use magic, and I know you pulled us out of the frying pan last night. I can’t express my appreciation of that enough either. My boys and I were in a rough spot and you just dove in.”

Princess Celestia smiled.

“Merely doing the right thing Captain.”

“Wish there was more of that. Doing the right thing I mean. You just don’t see it enough these days.” Walker replied as he leaned back in his chair a bit.

“I wish that were not the case, but continue Captain.”

Walker bit his lip. After he came up with nothing else significant, he shook his head.

“I’m afraid that’s it. Everything else is a big unknown quantity. To be honest, I don’t much care though. As long as you give me coffee and eggs, you’re likely to stay my best friend Princess.”

She laughed softly. Her eyes hardened however, and the tone in the tent shifted dramatically.

“Now tell me what you know about the changelings.”

Walker rolled his tongue in his mouth as he scowled.

“Bugs. Ugly and mean. They don’t go down easy and even then, if they aren’t dead, they aren’t done. They don’t care about dying, they don’t care about their wounded. All they seem to want is you and me dead and they don’t seem to care how many bodies it takes for that to happen. I’m going to kill as many as possible to make them pay for what they’ve done here. I have lost far too many men to think anything else.”

Princess Celestia nodded slowly, her face serious. Walker noticed a small grin on Princess Luna’s muzzle.

“Would it be accurate to say that you hate them Captain Walker?” Princess Celestia asked.

He stared at her, catching her eyes with his.

“Princess, I had two hundred men under my command and now have seven. Hate does not begin to describe how I feel for those little rats.”

Richardson nodded in agreement, anger plain on his face. His fists rested on the table, clenched so that his knuckles had started to turn white. Princess Celestia sighed.

“I will be honest with you Captain; I am both glad and mortified to hear that. Mortified because I do not like violence. I wish that we could all live together in peace and harmony, as friends and allies all.”

She paused, her face darkening.

“But I am gladdened because the changelings have largely spat in the face of that cause, have forced us into a war for the very universe with their reckless hatred for life. Your answer tells me that you share our struggle, but I ask you to make sure we are clear and honest with one another. Captain, will you join our fight against the changelings?”

Walker laughed, drawing a surprised expression from the ponies. He shook his head.

“Princess, if I think you have me confused with a politician. My actions speak loud and clear my intentions, as I believe yours do as well. Join you? Please; point me at a target and let’s get to work. We have to teach these bugs a nasty lesson about messing with our lives.”

Princess Celestia smiled.

“Excellent, to business then.”

As she said this, a purple pony walked into the tent, decked out in black armor similar to that of Princess Luna. She ignored everyone though, as she had a packet of papers levitating in front of her face, along with a handheld radio. An Army radio.

“I’m sorry Princess, I just can’t seem to figure this code out! The messages mean what they say, though the words are a bit non-descriptive. I believe the names have to do with locations, but they seem to have no real set meaning! I can figure it out with just a little more time, I promise!”

Princess Celestia halted the pony’s rambling with a raised hoof. With the pony’s eyes following it, she then pointed it at Walker and Richardson, both of whom were now staring at the floating radio. She eeped and hid behind her scroll.

“Sorry Princess! I didn’t realize you had guests.” she said sheepishly.

“It is alright Twilight, Captain Walker is an ally, as are all the humans. What is discussed with me can be discussed with him.”

The pony nodded. She smiled and extended a hoof to Walker.

“H-hello” she said tentatively “My name is Twilight Sparkle, I’m Princess Celestia’s protégé.”

Walker ignored the hoof, his eyes transfixed on the radio. He pointed at it.

“Where did you get that?” he asked firmly.

The pony flinched.

“This?” she said, waving the radio back and forth.

Walker’s face curled slightly, and his tone held a touch more of anger.

“Yes, that. Where?”

“T-the m-man outside said I could have it.” she answered meekly. Walker felt the tension drain away swiftly, replaced by relief that she hadn’t looted it from a corpse. That was soon replaced by excitement.

“Man? What man? Did he come in with you?” he said, the questions rapid fire.

“Y-yes.” she said in reply. “We were coming back from a recuse mission when Princess Celestia sent me a letter. I came as quickly as I could. I asked the man if I could keep his “radio” so I could study it more. He said yes, said he was just glad to see friendly faces.”

Walker seized the hoof that had remained outstretched and shook it with enthusiasm, shaking the poor pony. Both princesses laughed at the sight. Walker released the pony, a smile on his face.

“You, Ms. Sparkle, are my new best friend. I’m Captain Walker.”

She smiled nervously.

“Pleased to meet you Captain. I’m glad I could bring you good news.”

Walker sat in the glow of the news for a moment before his mind reasserted itself.

“So how many? Where from? What unit did you grab?” he said, firing off the questions again.

Princess Celestia chuckled.

“Twilight I believe you’ve met your match when it comes to asking questions.”

Twilight sputtered at the accusation. Walker waited while the ponies had their laugh, but once it wrapped up, he eagerly waved for the purple pony to speak.

“W-well, I didn’t really understand all what the man said, but I took notes!” she chirped. She flipped through the pages in her packet until she found what she was looking for.

“Ah! Here we go. The man was one Sergeant Charlie Davis,” The name sounded vaguely familiar to Walker, but he couldn’t think of the man’s face. Twilight continued. “the unit was the “Big Red One”,” First division, excellent. That meant they weren’t the only ones left. “and the location was, whatever these words mean.”

Twilight flipped the packet and it floated toward Walker. He rubbed at his eyes, forcing moisture into them. He squinted at the messy writing, but picked out the words easily enough.

“Echo Sierra Alpha.” he read out. Alpha; that position was to their west. Walker pondered why they had come back east. If they needed to evacuate, they should have pushed west to Overlord. That didn’t bode well. Still, Walker was glad. Alpha had been one of the better supplied positions, and if he remembered correctly, acted as an ammo dump.

“How many men did you bring back?” Walker asked.

Twilight flipped through her notes.

“Ummm, uninjured? Thirty-seven. They rode in the hmmmmm-vees.”

Richardson laughed when she actually hummed instead of saying hum. Walker imagined that was the work of Alpha. Still, his mind was tallying numbers in his head. They had active motor transport, that was good.

“How many wounded?”

Another page flipped.

“Fifty-eight. There were more, but….”

Walker nodded solemnly. There would be time to grieve later.

“Dead?” he asked.

Twilight looked away. Walker spotted tears, but remained silent.

“I haven’t counted yet. It’s a lot though.”

Walker felt his heart stiffen.

“Did you get them all back?” he asked, his throat suddenly dry.

She nodded. Walker heard a whimper, elected to ignore it.

“Good. That’s what matters. They did their jobs, it’s only right that we make sure their taken care of. You did good work Ms. Sparkle. Thank you.”

She nodded again. Princess Celestia pulled her close and whispered something in her ear. She sat down beside the princess and slowly resumed writing on the pages. Princess Celestia’s wing stayed around the purple pony, glancing down occasionally to make sure that she was alright.

Walker stared silently at the wall of the tent. In a part of his heart he sympathized with the pony, but the rest of it had a job to do. His mind combed through the numbers. Another company meant he had a lot of work that needed done. Supplies, wounded, burial. First of which would be finding their CO and getting him up to speed. That could wait, however.

“Captain,” Princess Celestia began, “You said those words like you understood their meaning. You understand this radio code?”

Walker nodded.

“Yes ma’am. It’s how all radio transmissions are encoded. It helps keep the enemy on its toes, especially if they aren’t natural English speakers. Richardson here is my radio man; he can do it better than anyone.”

Twilight seemed to perk up slightly at the new information. She slid the packet toward Richardson.

“So, you understand what this is?”

Richardson picked up the packet. He scanned the page for a second, then nodded and slid it back.

“Yep. Echo Sierra Delta, or Evacuation Site D.”

Twilight quickly wrote something down. The packet slid across again.

“And this one?”

“Foxtrot Echo 2. Firebase E, grid section 2.”

Twilight scratched her head in confusion.

“But you just said that Echo stands for Evacuation. How can it also stand for E?”

Walker chuckled.

“Don’t try to think about it too hard. If you try to rationalize it, it stops making sense, especially when you throw in mission specific callsigns.”

Twilight frowned and began scribbling away at her packet. Princess Celestia seized the radio and floated it to Walker.

“The simple question Captain, is can you understand it? The voices from your “radio” are clearly distress calls, but we cannot respond to them if we cannot find them.”

Walker nodded and grabbed the radio, setting it on the table. He pointed to Richardson.

“Go draft a couple guys and bring our radio in here. I want something with a bit more range. The maps too.”

The man nodded silently and darted from the tent. Walker heard a shout go up as the man called out for help.

To Princess Celestia, Walker said,

“I hope you don’t mind Princess, but I’m going to use your tent for operations. It’s nicer than mine.”

She smiled in reply.

“Of course, Captain, I am grateful that you are willing to include us with your radio transmissions. We may not understand them quickly, but such cooperation will only make any efforts that much more successful.”

“That’s the hope.” Walker sighed.

He looked over his shoulder as Richardson briskly entered the tent, the bulk of the equipment in his arms. A trio of men, Cook, Phillips, and White followed with the rest, as well as the grid maps. As Richardson set up the radio, Walker unrolled the maps, spreading them out over the table. While he did so, Walker also removed his helmet, setting the sweat ridden thing beside his coffee cup. The air was cool on his damp hair, and he ran a hand across his already fading crew cut.

Walker pulled out a spare scrap of paper from between two maps, and almost as if on que, Richardson handed him a pen before going back to work on the radio. Walker put the map of their section over top the rest, his brow furrowed as he circled their position, while crossing out Alpha. He wrote down the estimates for troops on the paper scrap and pinned it to their location. Throughout it all the Equestrians simply watched; Twilight took more notes, her eyes largely on Richardson as he fiddled with the radio; while the princesses watched Walker, analyzing the man as he silently worked to piece together an accurate picture of the situation.

Walker glanced up as he vaguely heard when someone else entered the tent. Captain Armor and Sergeant White exchanged a look, with White giving the pony a wink before re-assuming his usual hard glare. Captain Armor flushed furiously and moved to stand near Twilight. Walker smirked and looked back at the maps.

‘Good for you Sergeant White.’ he thought to himself.

Richardson pulled on his headset and took a seat as the radio crackled to life. Walker quickly found the transceiver pushed into his hand. Everyone waited with bated breath as the airwave sat, silent. Walker looked to the princesses.

“Alright, we’re up. Who do you want to talk to first?”

“If you don’t mind Captain,” Princess Celestia started, “we were hoping to contact with your commanders. We have yet to make any sort of diplomatic contact with them, and while you have been most hospitable to us, we would like to confirm our actions with your leaders.”

Walker nodded to Richardson, who quickly dialed onto the proper channel. The radio remained silent. For some reason, Walker felt uneasy, like he should have been hearing chatter of some kind. He shrugged it off, attributing the sensation to his rushed breakfast. He depressed the function button.

“Overlord, this is Echo Sierra Bravo, seeking immediate contact, how copy? Over.”

The radio remained silent. The mood in the tent was tense, the air seeming to press down. Evidently his nervousness was shared. Walker cleared his throat and tried again.

“Overlord this is Echo Sierra Bravo, seeking immediate radio acknowledgement, how copy? Over.”

Again silence. Walker looked to Richardson.

“Is this the right channel?”

The radio operator nodded.

“Yes sir. This is the same channel we used last night. Their end seems to be receiving sir, but nobody is picking up.”

Walker swallowed audibly. He tried again.

“Overlord this is Captain Walker of the First Infantry Division at Echo Sierra Bravo, I am requesting immediate radio acknowledgement. Do you copy? Over.”

The radio crackled with static, but nothing else came through. Walker shook his head.

“They might have changed channels Captain.” Richardson offered. “There might have been a breach and they wanted to be safe. Do you want me to try another channel?”

Walker shook his head.

“They would have tried to alert us if they changed the channel. You are absolutely sure this is the same as last night?”

Richardson nodded. Walker sighed.

“Then that means nobody is home. Switch to an open channel to-…“

The radio crackled and what sounded like a voice spoke, though it was garbled and covered by static. Walker seized on it, however.

“Overlord, this is Captain Walker, do you copy?”

The radio crackled again. The voice seemed a bit clearer, but Walker still couldn’t understand it. It was definitely there, just scrambled.

“Overlord, I repeat, do you copy?”

The radio fell dead silent. Walker stared at it, frustration beginning to build.

“Overlord? Is anyone there?”

The radio sat. Walker shook his head and dropped the receiver. Useless tra-…

“Captain Walker this is Overlord we can hear you.”

Walker’s eyes lit up and he scooped up the transceiver once more. He felt a slight grin creep across his face.

“Overlord this is Echo Sierra Bravo, our situation has updated since our last contact. We have encountered heavy enemy forces, but have pushed them back. We are still in need of immediate reinforcement and resupply, how copy? Over.”

“Captain Walker have you made contact with the enemy?”

Walker looked at Richardson, confused. The radio man shrugged, sharing his expression.

“Overlord, that is an affirmative. We have been in contact with the enemy all night. They’ve been hammering us. We received allied assistance to drive them back.”

“Walker, describe the enemy.”

Walker looked at the princesses as they shifted nervously. Their eyes seemed to rotate between looking at the radio and looking at him. He wanted to ask them if something was wrong, but decided not to. He needed to focus on the radio.

“Overlord, enemy contacts are as follows. They can best be described as medium size, black bug creatures resembling a small horse. They have blue eyes and horns that shoot green energy.” Walker paused, then added; “Overlord I was made to believe that we were fighting these things on all fronts. Do you mean to tell me nobody else has described to you the enemy contacts?”

“Walker have you made contact with any other enemies?”

Walker was at a loss.

“Overlord is there something I should know? This position has made contact with one enemy and one enemy only. If there is another threat, I need to be made aware of it so that I can prepare to counter it effectively.”

“Walker, have you made contact with any other enemies?”

The ponies inched around the table. Princess Celestia and Captain Armor moved to Walker’s left, while Princess Luna moved to the right.

“Captain,” Princess Luna said slowly, “please step away from your radio.”

Walker ignored her. He pressed the function button again.

“Overlord I have been in hot contact with the unknown bug contacts all night. I have taken heavy casualties at the hands of these things. If there is another enemy creeping around, I need to know about it so that I can make accurate troop assessments in the field. Please describe what you are trying to have me look for so that I might best provide you with the intel I have. Over.” He finished forcefully.

“Sir, Overlord isn’t using callsigns. Their radio protocol is all over the place.” Richardson said. Walker held up a hand to silence the man.

“I know Private.”

“Walker be advised; the enemy you have described is a friendly contact. I repeat, the changelings are friendly. You have been attacking our allies. Any further hostilities should be ceased immediately.”

“I didn’t say changelings.” Walker muttered to himself. Richardson shifted in his seat.

“Sir, I think something is up at command. They aren’t responding like they should be.”

“I got it Private,” Walker snapped, “now shut it.”

He pressed the function button again.

“Overlord that is a negative on your last. We have been knee deep in bugs all night. They engaged us. They are confirmed hostile forces.”

“Captain please step away from the radio.” Princess Celestia said firmly. The ponies all seemed on edge now. Walker ignored the fact that they all seemed to be staring at him. Maybe it was just because he was tired. He waved the princess away as he listened to the reply.

“Walker, you will cease all hostilities with changeling forces. You will turn your weapons on all Equestrian targets.”

That got a reaction. Swords were swiftly drawn. Cook, and Phillips raised their rifles as a shouting match began, each side demanding the other drop their weapons. Walker however had eyes only for Princess Celestia, who hadn’t moved. Richardson tugged on his sleeve.

“Captain this is crazy! You can’t seriously be listening to this crap!”

Walker ignored him. Instead he and Princess Celestia continued to stare at each other. Slowly, Walker pressed the function button and talked into the radio.

“Overlord, I didn’t catch your last.” he said without breaking eye contact.

Princess Celestia slowly shook her head.

“Do not do this Captain. Your commanders are being controlled and now they are trying to control you. Please step away from the radio so that we can figure this out together.”

The radio crackled.

“Walker I repeat, The Equestrians are our enemy. The changelings are here to help.”

“The changelings are trying to tear us apart Captain. They are trying to spread deception. Remember who your friends are.” Princess Celestia said.

Walker tilted his head.

“And who are our friends Princess? I must say, suddenly a lot of things seem too good to be true. You knew just how to get us on your side, and that nasty human suspicion of mine has some questions now.”

“Captain!” Richardson protested. Walker ignored him again. Cook and Phillips shifted nervously, and Walker could feel their eyes on his back.

Princess Celestia’s eyes narrowed.

“Captain, I assure you our intentions have been nothing but genuine. These thoughts are not your own. You are being manipulated.”

“By who?” Walker asked calmly. He raised a finger. “I’d like to run a test. Depending on the results, I will beg my forgiveness and pray that you accept me as an ally again,” He paused, his gaze hardening. “but if the results are in anyway suspicious, I’m going to ask you to leave my position.”

“And what test would that be Captain?” Princess Luna asked, her voice angry.

“One of trust.” Walker said, breaking his stare with Princess Celestia to look at the blue pony. “You have said that we are equal as allies, but the minute a potential enemy attempts to manipulate me, you put my judgement into question. I have been given no opportunity to test if Overlord has been compromised, or if their operator is simply tired and misinformed. Yet, you have deemed me a threat, and have questioned me to the point that my own soldiers do not fully trust my judgement.”

His eyes flicked to Richardson, who flinched back in response. Walker shifted his gaze back to Princess Celestia.

“So, I am going to see if you mean what you say. I will prove that I can trust your word, that we are equal allies. I am also going to test Overlord; we will find out together if they have been compromised or not.”

Walker smiled.

“Depending on what they say, and how I respond will show that I have not been compromised, and if I have, then you have two fine American soldiers with m4’s who can blow me away at a second’s notice. In this way we all win.”

His thumb hovered dangerously over the function button and Walker matched Princess Celestia’s stare with his own, his smile dangerous.

“A whole lot of words have been said, but very little real trust has been shared. You say we are your equals, prove it. Put your trust in me.”

Princess Celestia didn’t blink. Walker continued.

“What will it be? Either way you answer, I will have mine.”

Her eyes flickered down in thought. Next to her, Twilight and Captain Armor shifted. The purple pony looked terrified, while Armor had an angry expression on his face. What that anger was directed at, whether him or the voice on the radio that had brought this doubt to the table, was unclear. Walker felt his eyes drift back to the princess.

She looked up at him, then slowly nodded, her face a mask.

“Proceed Captain.”

His thumb pressed down.

“Overlord, I believe I may have valuable intel concerning enemy leadership, how copy? Over.”

Princess Luna’s wings flared slightly, and all of the ponies inched just a bit closer. Richardson was simply staring at Walker, aghast. Walker ignored all of this; his ears remained tuned to the radio while his eyes remained focused on Princess Celestia. The radio crackled.

“Walker, you have information? Speak it.”

Walker ran his tongue of his teeth. Now even he was beginning to question this decision. Should he really be risking the good relationship he had already established with the ponies just for a stupid test? It could cost him everything, including the lives of his men if he was wrong. He bit his cheek, then sighed. He had to know, had to trust his own instincts, and this was the only sure-fire way to find out if he was right.

“I have what I believe to be two Equestrian princesses at my position. We are at Echo Sierra Bravo. Over.”

Richardson stood from his seat.

“Captain!”

The Equestrians began to move, but Walker turned to face his wayward private.

“Overlord has our grid squares Private!” he shouted. Everyone froze. Richardson’s eyes were wide as Walker got in his face. “Their maps, like our own, are based around names. Just like us, those maps will have Evacuation Site B on it, not the callsign. If it’s the bugs they shouldn’t know any better. I get my answer if they ask where we are.”

The man flinched back, then as he thought it out, he nodded and sat back down, his face downcast. Walker looked at the Equestrians, and they all seemed to accept the logic and moved back a step. Princess Celestia was the only one who hadn’t moved. When his eyes found her, she nodded, the corners of her mouth turning upward slightly.

The radio crackled loudly.

“Walker, where are you?” the voice asked, its tone slightly more aggressive now. Walker spread his hands wide, with the look of ‘I told you so’ written on his face. The ponies seemed to retreat; shame written on their faces. Swords were sheathed and his men lowered their rifles. Walker depressed the button again.

“Overlord, we are at position Echo Sierra Bravo. Over.”

“Where Captain!” the voice shouted. “Give us your location!”

Walker dropped the transceiver on its hook. The voice slowly became more distorted as it raged at his silence.

“Walker! Tell me where the princesses are! Walker! Walker!”

Motioning to Richardson he said,

“Get that thing on an open channel. We need to make sure everyone knows who the enemy is. Overlord has been compromised.”

The man nodded and he began to fiddle with the channel switch. The radio continued to crackle, the voice on the other end no longer even sounding human.

“Walker! Respond damn you! I will mount your head on a pike! Walker!”

Richardson flipped a switch and the radio fell silent. Walker crossed his arms and looked around the room. Most of the Equestrians avoided his eyes, looking at the ground sheepishly. Princess Luna stared at him, but did not meet his eyes, her practiced gaze knowing just where to be so that she didn’t have to register his stare. Princess Celestia was not only willing to meet his eyes, but her face was adorned with a smile as well.

Walker sighed and looked down.

“Princess, I apologize for doubting your intentions. I only ask that you forgive me so that-..”

“Done.” She interrupted; her smile still present.

Walker looked up.

“Captain, I understand your suspicions, and have occasionally felt them myself. In war if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. We have also not treated you as we should, and for that I must apologize. We are merely visitors on your Earth, and as such, the right to command falls to your people. We are here merely to offer what assistance we can to ensure that the changelings are driven away.”

Walker nodded in agreement. He took a deep breath as he stared at the table, then he looked up and extended his hand.

“Allies?” he asked.

Princess Celestia took the hoof in her grasp and shook it firmly.

“Friends.” she replied.

The sigh of relief was audible. The guards resumed their original positions, while Princess Luna finally met Walker’s eyes with a sheepish grin.

“Captain, radio’s up.”

Richardson flipped a switch and a flood of noise poured forth. A hundred different calls rang out as different units screamed over one another as calls for orders and support mingled. The ponies flinched back at the wall of noise, while Walker leaned in close. He grabbed the transceiver.

“All callsigns be advised.” he started. None of the other voices stopped. Walker shook his head and tried again, much louder.

“All callsigns be advised. This is Captain Walker calling for radio silence, I repeat radio silence. I’ve got something to say and you need to hear it.”

A few voices dropped out, so Walker repeated the message, practically screaming it each time. Slowly but surely, the radio fell quiet as each voice responded to his call. Walker caught his breath for a second.

“All callsigns be advised. Overlord has been compromised. Any and all orders received from command are to be disregarded until we can ascertain their situational status. Until someone of higher rank comes in to countermand me, I am taking control of this sector, callsign Charlie Whiskey.”

He paused as he formed the words, thinking carefully as thought of everything he needed to say to make sure everyone was taken care of.

“Listen well, I can’t say for sure what’s going on. We’ve been hammered at my location, and I am sure that you all have faced a similar situation. These bugs are a nasty enemy and they won’t quit until we’re off the playing field. I won’t let that happen. Here’s how we’re going to stop it. From now on, locations and units will be referred to only by callsign; any soldier found to not be using appropriate callsigns will be labeled as compromised and will be treated as a hostile contact.”

It was a harsh stance, but he couldn’t afford infiltrators. The transmission from Overlord was evidence enough that the bugs could make or take spies that mimicked human speech. Walker continued.

“Earlier this morning command issued me an order stating that the Equestrian forces, the uh, the ponies,” he shrugged at Princess Celestia, who simply motioned for him to continue. “should be labeled as hostile contacts. I am countermanding that order. All pony forces should be labeled as friendly contacts. I repeat, ponies are friendly contacts. They saved my ass and in all likelihood will be saving a few more before today is done. They won’t hesitate to stick their necks out for us, so we’re going to do the same. Treat them like they’re our own.”

Walker paused as he took a deep breath.

“I am establishing a rally point for all forces in our sector at my location, site Echo Sierra Bravo; now designated site Romeo Sierra Alpha. The password is who won the World Series last year.”

He paused again, and his thumb slipped from the function button. Walker sighed as he prepared the last part of his speech.

“Look, the enemy is vicious and persistent. They have taken a lot, and are going to try to take a lot more. They have killed many of my men, many of my friends, and I know they have done the same to you. They don’t relent, and they won’t quit until we are all lying in shallow graves.”

“But that isn’t going to happen,” Walker snarled. “Right now, we have been bruised. We’ve taken a few licks, but guess what, so have they. We have survived one night, and now we’re going to do it again, but this time, we’re going to make them pay. They brought this fight to our backyard, so now it’s time we drive them away.”

Walker placed a hand on Richardson’s shoulder, gripping it firmly.

“The enemy has tried to put a wall between us and our friends. I’m here to tell you that it won’t save them. In fact, I intend to hurt them just a little more for the attempt.”

He lifted his thumb from the button again; Walker hesitated as he started to speak again, but found that he had nothing left to say. He let out a stress relieving breath as he began to finish his transmission.

“Anyone who can move, assemble at the rally point. If you are pinned down, call it in. We’ll assemble what we have, and we will come to get you. No man left behind.”

Walker cleared his throat.

“This is Charlie Whiskey, all call signs report in. The sooner we rally, the sooner we can hit these bugs where it hurts. Romeo Sierra Alpha out.”

The calls began filtering in. Richardson found a pad of paper and began to write as fast as he could. Twilight moved around the table and sat next to him. She took the second pair of headphones from their hooks and began working the second half of the radio, quickly falling in as she processed the calls, taking away some of Richardson’s workload. The man gave her a nod of thanks, all while still responding to the radio calls.

Walker felt a burst of energy. One hand replaced the transceiver, while the other grabbed a map. He gestured for Cook, Phillips, and White to come closer. The men quickly found their way around the table as Walker laid out his plan of attack.

“Phillips, I want an inventory check. Get me numbers on everything. We’re going to have wounded pouring in, and we’re going to need beds for them to lay in, covers to protect them from the elements, food to feed them, and ammo to protect them. I need to know exactly what we have down to the last bullet. Draft whoever you need; I want it within the next half hour. Go.”

Phillips saluted and sprinted from the tent. Walker continued.

“Sergeant White, I want you to assemble a squad. Make sure those Humvees Alpha brought in are armed and ready to go.”

Walker pointed to a raised section of lines on the map.

“When you have the vehicles up, I want an OP on this hill to our east. That should give us eyes for at least a mile in all directions. If you have to, clear the trees, but only if it’s absolutely necessary.”

Walker shifted back and forth on his feet, trying to work the tension from his calves.

“While I’m sure the bugs know where we are, there’s no reason to make it easy to spot us. I want as much natural cover as possible.”

White pointed to a position to their southeast.

“Once I’ve set up the OP, do you want me to check in on Charlie? They’re only three miles away. That’s closer than anyone and we haven’t heard a peep from them yet. If I remember correctly, they had a big munitions dump at their site. We could really use the extra ammo.”

Walker scratched his nose. He really didn’t want a large group of men away from base, but the man did have a point. Having men with empty guns made them no more secure than men out and about searching for ammunition.

Walker sighed, but nodded. He straightened and crossed his arms, a slight frown on his face.

“Do it. Be fast though. We’re already short on men, I don’t need you getting lost out there. Cook, you’re here with me. We’re going to process the calls and see who’s coming in. With Sergeant White gone, we’ll only have a handful of guys to guard the compound, but we’ll just have to make-…”

Walker was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. He looked up from the table to find both princesses grinning at him. He blinked, then realized why. He had not only left them out of his planning, but he had completely forgotten they were there at all. He cleared his throat.

“Sorry Princess,” he said, smiling weakly. “old habits I guess.”

Princess Celestia chuckled.

“Fear not Captain, it is a good sight to witness. In the face of extreme adversity, you seem determined to persevere. I only wish to offer assistance so that you do not wear yourselves thin.”

Captain Armor stepped forward.

“If you’ll allow me, I can take a team of guards to set up the observation post. That will free up the sergeant to look for any weapons at your ‘Charlie’.”

Walker nodded.

“That’ll work. White, take a few extra boys with you, and if you can take a Deuce and a half, last I checked it didn’t take any serious hits, it should still run. The more ammunition we get back from Charlie the better.”

Sergeant White saluted, and then as he left, he blew a kiss to Captain Armor. The pony blushed as he left through the opposite side of the tent. Walker shook his head in amusement.

“Well Princess, once Richardson gets some distress calls,”

Richardson leaned over from his radio and forced a slip of paper into Walker’s hand. He then slid smoothly back, his voice never wavering as he continued to reply to the radio. Walker grunted as he read the paper.

“Alright then, we have a company that abandoned its post in an attempt to withdraw but got pinned down near Foxtrot Bravo India. The forces at India have tried to push out to save them, but they got pinned as well. They say their engaged with at least a company’s worth of bugs, but it’s likely more if they both got hit outside of their positions. Expect anywhere between one-hundred and a thousand hostiles in that area.”

Princess Luna nodded, her face becoming very serious.

“I shall see to it at once.” she said as she slid on her helmet.

Walker circled the positions on the map.

“It’s about eight miles to our northwest. If you can break them out, getting back here should be a breeze.”

Princess Luna nodded. She moved toward the tent flap, a pair of the guards peeling off to follow her. She stopped however, as Princess Celestia spoke, a look of concern on her face.

“Maybe I should go too.” she said. “It sounds like they are in dire straits.”

Princess Luna shook her head.

“Nay sister, you have been on the front lines all night. You need to remain here and rest.”

Princess Celestia looked to Walker for support, but he shook his head.

“Going to agree with Princess Luna on this one. Besides, I need someone to coordinate your forces. They aren’t going to take very many orders from me.”

Princess Celestia huffed and plopped down. Princess Luna stuck out her tongue.

“You have had your fun Tia!” She said lightly. “Now it is my turn to rescue the humans!”

Princess Celestia chuckled lightly at her sister’s antics.

“Fine Luna. Go and play the daring knight in shining armor. I shall remain here and ensure that our ponies are properly divided to support one another.”

Princess Luna laughed as she turned to leave, but Walker called out to stop her.

“Princess! Before you leave, we need to give you a callsign so that our forces can make sure you aren’t a bug.”

She turned and smiled.

“An excellent idea! It should be something daring, and befitting of my princess-ly nature!”

Richardson slid over another slip of paper, a small grin on his face. As Walker read it, he found that he shared the smile. Princess Luna, however, did not. Her eyes narrowed.

“What is to be my callsign Captain?” she asked.

Walker licked his lips, savoring the moment as he chuckled.

“Princess Luna, your callsign is Papa Lima.”

Princess Celestia chortled. Princess Luna looked at him in abject horror.

“B-but…” she stammered. “I am neither a father nor a bean!” she shouted. Walker bit his cheek to stop himself from flat out laughing at her.

“Sorry Princess, that’s how the protocols work. Besides, Richardson has already sent it out, right Private?”

The man nodded as he peaked over the radio set, giving the stunned blue pony a quick thumbs up. Her mouth flapped as her mind tried to find some way to protest. Princess Celestia chuckled.

“Come now Luna, I think it is a very daring name. Certainly, an unforgettable one.”

Walker chuckled as Richardson slid him yet another slip of paper.

“Oh, I wouldn’t be so mocking Princess. We have to give you a callsign as well.”

Princess Luna perked up slightly while Princess Celestia’s eyes narrowed as her smile vanished.

“Choose your next words carefully Captain.”

He laughed.

“Sure thing Big Papa.”

The tent seemed to freeze. Only the sound of the two radio operators continued as they wrote down and answered the incoming calls. Princess Luna had a goofy grin across her face while Princess Celestia stared daggers at Walker. The captain just shrugged, the grin never dropping from his face.

“Sorry Princess. Papa Charlie was already taken. Richardson thought Big Papa would be distinguishable on the battlefield. In fact,” Walker said, turning to the radio man with a grin while slapping a hand on the man’s shoulder, “Richardson just really thought that Big Papa was what a foreign Princess should be designated as, didn’t you Private?”

The man wisely cowered behind the radio, his voice dropping lower as he tried to hide from rage of an Equestrian Princess. Princess Luna saddled up behind her sister and wrapped a hoof around her shoulders.

“Come now sister! I think it is a daring name.” she said, mocking the words Princess Celestia had said only moments earlier. “And I definitely think-…”

Princess Celestia growled.

“Luna….”

“our subjects will have a very difficult time forgetting it. Hmm Tia? Do you think our little ponies will ever forget to call Princess Celestia Big Papa?”

Princess Celestia turned on her sister.

“To the moon Luna!” She shouted. Princess Luna danced away, laughing all the while as she departed the tent. Princess Celestia groaned and buried her head underneath her hooves, her head hitting the table with a dull thud.

“You have no idea what you’ve done Captain. She’s going to go on about this day forever. Centuries shall pass and she shall continue calling me Big Papa. It will never end.”

“I don’t know Princess; I think Big Papa suits you.” Twilight said, never taking her head up from her notes.

Time froze as she realized what she said, and more importantly, to whom. She eeped softly as she joined Richardson in cowering behind the radio. Princess Celestia glared out from beneath her hooves.

Walker only shook his head as he continued to laugh.