To Steal a Secret

by SilverDoorBell

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Thriller, Original Character
Length: 10285

A tale of Olenian resistance and Equestrian commandos in an attempt to steal the enigma machine.

Submission for the 2020 Equestria at War writing contest.

The story takes place in the final weeks of November 1014. Following the Olenian conquest of 1008 and Equestrian invasion in 1011, where the Changelings have made rapid advances into the Equestrian heartland within the last few months.

The Equestrian High Command, desperate to retake core industrial land and population centre, plans a summer offensive. Knowing hundreds of thousands may die should it fail, they now seek all possible alleyway to gain the most advantage as possible before winter ends.

While within Olenia, a general in hiding organized a dormant resistance cell across the southern region, where the largest cities are located. Vital information would come to her which will force both the Changeling and Equestrian to frantically scramble for drastic measure of paramount importance, one that may win them the war.

Published 2020-03-31 13:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-03-31 13:00:01 UTC

Thinking

15.49---12th-November-1014
Ansa Sito sat in her dining room. She began to weigh in her options.

Yesterday, an urgent report had arrived from one of her swallow. They have managed to acquire classified information regarding a high ranking navy officer moving to Hjortland.

The Equestrian attaché, Major Padded Mane, present at yesterday's meeting, had pushed for a mission to assassinate him. The war had brought Equestria to its knee. Changeling u-boats raided their sea faring convoys while the Kriegsmarine rules the Lunar Seas. Eliminating him would prove useful in regaining control of said ocean.

Yet, the attack will reveal the true strength of the Grey State, her resistance movement. So far, she believes the Changeling Queendom to not be aware of their true size. Only minor raids have been launched against their holding and on a rare basis. They have so far kept assemblies and troop movement to a minimum, preferring to lie low until the right time.

Should the presence of a highly organized resistance movement be known by killing an eminent officer, undoubtedly a reprisal towards the civilian population can be expected. And with her entire forces congregated in the southern peninsulas, what hope of surviving to they have once the changeling make their move?

But the Equestrian do need their support. The lost of Los Pegasus three months ago decimated an entire army group. The fall of Canterlot last month brought down their morale while losing Cloudsdale meant defeat in the sky. Major Padded Mane made it clear that a victory at the seas could mean cutting off the Changeling from the resources they need. In doing so, they hope that the enemy won't be able to replace their loses.

Yet she also needs them to win. It would all be for nothing if Equestria loses the war.

Following a long deliberation, she made a decision for the forthcoming assembly.

With that, the world waits for midnight.

To Talk Silently

21.20---12th-November-1014
Through a secret door behind her cupboard, Ansa enters the labyrinth beneath Hjortland.

She walks for twenty minutes before reaching a ladder. She begins to knock on the trapdoor above. Twice in a row followed by another two. Someone answered, three knocks followed by one. She unlocked the latch on her side while they, theirs.

As the door opens, three guns points directly at her. Yet she paid them no fear nor fright. The three soldiers lowered their weapons as she climbed above.

Inside, a location known as Site Kilo, stood several soldiers. They guard the entrance to the hidden facility. She walks to the command room. Dozens of fighters stood to salute her as she passed.

Then she opens a steel door. Inside, a brown deer and a blue pony stood around a map table. It paints the city of Hjortland in excruciating detail. Pawns of deer and changeling alongside pins dotted the large map.

Major Padded Mane began, "Will you do it?" He's anxious, she could tell.

"Only if Equestria prove they can win. We're killing an admiral, not a general." She replied sternly.

The Equestrian major closes his eyes and exhaled in relief. Opening them back, he replied, "Well have I got the news for you! I just got word, we destroyed an entire division at Whinnyapolis. This'll improve coordination with the Crystal Empire to the north and allow us to counter attack deeper into..." He stops. Looking at the unimpressed Olenian general, his ear dropping.

"You took back a city. That doesn't prove anything." Ansa dully said.
"It's a major supply hub, we could stage further assault," he replied.
"It's a city, you took it back. By tomorrow they'll launch a counter offensive. They'll lose one division today, you'll lose ten tomorrow. Give me more." At this point, Ansa is very much irritated. In her eyes, this proves no point of Equestrian ability to wage an offensive capable of threatening the hegemony.

"It's a critical part in connecting with the Crystal Empire, by taking the city, we'll be able to threaten." He stops, sighing. "Look, Princess Luna is forming a plan. I asked, trust me I pleaded and begged for any information, anything, that could help you. But she won't tell me much. Please understand, the enemy has spies all over the place, she can't risk a leak. But I can tell you this. The Changeling are overstretched. The long Canterlot salient is reaching near to the sea. We outnumber them maybe three to one. She promised me they can cut the spearhead off."

The room went quiet for a moment. She looks toward the map in front of her, then the people in the room before looking up on the light above. She thinks and weigh. The gears in her head grinds and churns. Until she looks back toward the major.

"Get your troops ready."

To Finally Strike

15.49---14th-November-1014
Lysander, head of the U-Boat command arrived at an airport outside Hjortland. As he exits the aircraft, several officers and soldier lined up to meet him. They gave pleasantries as they walked towards a car. A notable individual walked the closest to him, the commander of the 33rd wolfpack squadron.

His car is in the middle, guarded by 6 different vehicles. They begin their journey to the harbour.

The motorcade enters a residential zone, soldiers lined through intersections and the general route. The admiral himself felt safe, in the case of an attack, he brought with him his P-38. Under his seat lies a suitcase, secured by a padlock.

They passed through the main avenue, cruising at high velocity. It was then when they approached a green warehouse did things go south.

In a blink, the thin aluminium roll-up door of the building opens, revealing a light anti-tank gun, sending its payload. The shell found its mark, hitting the front-most half-track. Behind it, a truck, going at high speed, was unable to stop in time and hits the wreckage. While the rear-most vehicle didn't even stop when an explosion from underneath it blew the tracks out, sending it on its side.

Instinctively, he ducked low. Bullets slammed his car window, before finally breaking under the intense punishment. His driver took one straight to the head. The admiral pulls out the pistol and begins to fire blindly, hoping to hit anyone.

The anti-tank reloaded, turning towards the centre of the convoy. But before it could fire, a changeling took aim and emptied his rifle. His shot pierced through the neck of the gunner, an orange earth pony.

The soldier tucked back low into the side of the truck. He begins to realize of the peculiar composition the attacker had. They were here fighting ponies? That did not matter, as soon as he finished inserting a new clip, he fights once more.

An Equestrian commando threw his grenade towards the admiral's car. It detonates underneath, but caused little apparent damage. The admiral however, was knocked unconscious. The submarine captain, in turn, took his weapon and continued firing.

Another changeling soldier rushed towards the car to check on the admiral. Opening the door under fire, he dragged the body out the vehicle. The wolfpack commander exits the vehicle soon after.

The head of security, wounded on his left hoof, orders a charge towards the closed diner next to the warehouse. Gunfire from there had been silenced. He hopes to clear more any defender before holding out in there. His soldiers rushed through the hell-storm of lead. One arrived and tried in vain to open the locked door before a bullet took his life. Another smashed the window and enters, only to be gunned by a commando. The second to enter was wiser, throwing a grenade before entering. Inside, he smashed the puny padlock holding the door, allowing his comrade to enter. Swiftly, a soldier enters, the body of the admiral on his back. The wolfpack commander however, was not so lucky, As he reached the door, a bullet hits him on the back, putting him down to earth.

In response to the charge, the ambusher ran towards the convoy, taking a new forward firing position. A unicorn, next to the admiral's vehicle, looked inside. A suitcase, lies on the floor, he stared at it for a bit before a nearby bullet landing close wakes him up.

The changeling guard secured the unconscious admiral in the freezer, where they believe it would be safe.

The commandos stationed on the warehouse began encircling the building. They were able to shoot a changeling exiting through the back door. A soldier behind him slams it close and locks it. He shouted, "Verdammt!! In the alley!"

A radio operator desperately calls for help. Blood drips from his head, injured by a shrapnel or bullet, he does not know nor care. The reply came quick, a company of reinforcement are on their way.

As the commandos fired from outside, they received a sudden yet expected surprise. A small team of changeling, numbering only four, fired from their right. They are part of the security team stationed on the street, rushing to aid their besieged compatriot.

Realizing they had squandered their chance, the Equestrian retreats before further reinforcement arrives. Some lays cover fire as their companions retreated from the wreckage. The unicorn, remembering the suitcase, picked it up before running back. Those on the alleyway fell-back to the warehouse. Within a minute, the firefight had ceased.

The adrenalin filled soldier inside the diner peek their heads out. They had won. Many cheered, many cried, many simply stood silent.

For the fight is not yet over.

Victory in Defeat

22.15---14th-November-1014
Ansa enters Site Kilo once again. The general was briefed of the botched mission, but is unsure on why the major had called him there. As she enters the room, she looks at the officer, his face showing both happiness and sorrow.

"I believe you have something to say?" she asks.
"The raid, it's not a failure," the major replied. He began to smile, "We recovered something special, something, dangerous."

It piqued her interest, the news tells the admiral is alive, she had thought that maybe they had actually killed him, which would explain his cheeriness. "What did you find?"

He puts a black suitcase on the table. The lock, had clearly been torn. He opens the suitcase and turns it around so Ansa could see. A brown box. Her eyes widen as her mouth fell.

Her second in command, a dark grey Colonel named Karl, looks at her and him before asking what it is.

"An enigma machine," she breathlessly replied, not believing what they had secured.

"We need to bring this to Equestria, they'll be able to take it apart, learn it, and use it to win the war. No longer will the changeling rule the world of cloak and dagger," he proudly declares, a wide grin on his face.

"They will be coming for it. We need to get it out of here," she said, worry filled her once joyful heart. "This is worse than killing the admiral." Her emotion began to turn into anger. "I said you can kill him with your own men to avoid a retaliation strike against my people. With this here, they'll raze the city to the ground just to find it."

The colonel begins to speak, "Worse, scouts are reporting the movement of an entire Jäger army from Van Hoover. They crossed the border six hours ago. If they don't stop, they'll be here by tomorrow's noon."

The major ears dropped, "The Van Hoover Jäger, the…"
"...the first brigade, the Grey Wolf," Ansa finished his sentence. "We need to send it to the forest, while letting the enemy know. We... we have to spread out the word that the enigma machine is out of the city."

The major replies, "With all due respect, we can not simply throw it out to the jungle. They'll run down our men in those hills. If they are truly bringing a whole army, then it won't be safe within the wilds. Not if we plan on actually using it."

Ansa bites him on that, "And what do you suggest!? We can't hide it here, Equestria is half a continent away so it's not exactly a walk in the park to get it there, now is it?"

"Edvard knows someone," Karl said. "There's a teacher. Professor. We had him on our sight since day one, he had helped our military back when they used an older enigma model, before the war that is. But he has since refused to join us. If we can get this to him, he can figure it out. Then we'll be able to transmit our finding by coded message."

"But the changeling will know that we succeed. In a week they'll roll out a new machine" the major said.

Ansa begins to think, as the two argued. She closed her eyes and made a decision. "The changeling already knew they lost a machine. It's a matter of how we use it now that matters. If we can help the Equestrian built one of their own, or an even better one at it, then it'll help us in the long run. And it'll take time for the enemy to change every single one of their units using that are using it." She took a breath, "We need to move it close enough to Vaverfront, but not inside the city proper. We have a hidden base, disguised as a winter's lodge not far from Kuuvaloranta."

The major adds, "I truly appreciate your effort to spare the city from potential fight, but will the professor join us when he had refused before?"

Karl replied, "We didn't have the enigma machine back then, this, might entice him to join."

Ansa adds in, "Whether he likes it or not, this if for the greater good. If he agrees, good. If he doesn't, well let's say he'll be given an offer he can't refuse."

Karl hesitates for a moment, before adding, "I'll get in contact with our Vaverfront cell."
Major Padded Mane speaks again, "I'll speak with my CO, see what they can do."

The two moved to the door, leaving behind Ansa in the war room. She took in a breath.
They will do, what they must do.

Receiving Order

A juvenile marches along with his compeer on the street outside. They wore light grey uniform, the sign of the Pioneer Corp of the Changeling youth organization. In front of their column, an army sergeant leads them towards the city train station. Upon arriving, he could see many of the nearby ranks are already present.

As the mass begins to board the train, a changeling hiding close by writes down their numbers. He couldn't believe his eyes, kids, he thought, many aren't even fifteen, moving towards the front. Are they truly that desperate to win this war? Had the war turned against the queen already? Did she really made the outrageous decision to send children to fight? And on what numbers? He's counting a fifth of a thousand just alone, what of the other cities?

Meanwhile, on a hill overlooking a small village, a squad of Olenian border guards begins their patrol. A nutmeg deer trots next to the chain-link fence, leading the team. He could tell something had stirred the top brass so amply that their work had been tripled. The others seem to agree. The small village had been placed under lockdown, as well as the many towns dotting the countryside and the roads leaving the nation.

22.15---16th-November-1014
Edvard, recently received a message from Site Kilo, organized a team of four to secure Marion. They went not long after midnight, arriving at the bakery's alley. Due to the locked door, they decided to let Edvard climb.

Edvard was fit, by all standard, however the climb took every bit of effort from him and his companions. After several labouring minutes later, he perched on the roof and began to move on the balcony in front of the house. Climbing down slowly, he managed to land without making a ruckus.

Knocking on the balcony door, he received no response. He was beginning to get worried, fearing the patrol which could arrive within the next half and hour or so. Knocking once again, this time louder, the curtain finally opens to reveal a fawn, Currie, child of Marion and Marie. He had met the child before, even knowing her personally, now she's his only hope of saving the family.

The tired fawn spoke first, "Setä Ed, what are you doing here?" she said drowsily but happily.
"Hei sweetie, I need to speak to your father, will you please let me in?"
"Isä told me not to do what stranger said," she ponders, "But you're not a stranger!" she cheerily replied. "Though maybe it's Freia I was thinking about?" she smirked.
Realizing what game she is playing, Edvard replies, "Of course my dear, I'll get you lots of candy, and sjokolade, please let me in," he smiled.

Happy that she had won, Currie lets him in. Edvard quickly closes the door and curtain before thanking her. He then slips towards the hallway outside, unsure of their bedroom. Currie passes him, and walks toward her parents room. She knocked on their door, several times, before Marie opened it. Her soporific eyes grew wide at the sight of Edvard, before calling Marion.

One minute passed, and the two talked downstairs, on the dining table. Marion sat and asked for his business on his home, appearing clearly sore for Edvard break in. Edvard for his part, opened the backdoor where his comrade are waiting, they too enter the house, which only further irritates the professor.

Following a short briefing of their situation and need for a cryptologist, Marion was uncertain whether he should help or simply leave them be. He had always wanted to contribute something, and to once again tinker the enigma. But joining the resistance would certainly be a death sentence to him, or even his family should they be caught. He begins to imagine her daughter growing up only with her mother. Or their dead bodies buried in an unmarked grave somewhere in the nearby forest.

He looked at Edvard straight in the eyes, his face stiffens as he asks whether he could guarantee his family safety or not. He promised him security by the Gray State. Marion refused, asking for something better than a makeshift army which held no fort nor ground, fighting a professional juggernaut that is the Wehrmacht. Edvard didn't answer that. He needn't to, for that was all Marion needed. "If you could not secure my family, then I could not secure you my help. However, I do sympathize for your cause, and hope to once again live in a free country. I can direct you to my colleague from my time in helping the government. But no more."

Edvard realizes the professor reluctance once more, knowing that he won't budge, they bid him goodbye and one by one exits into the back alley. Crossing the street, they slipped in the shadows, avoiding further patrols and sentries.

02.18---17th-November-1014
Meanwhile, after the sun had set, on a small farmhouse just beyond the city of Snöflinga, a dark copper deer enters with a satchel on his back. His father, the owner of the stead, was a veteran of the invasion, losing his left rear-left hoof after an explosion.

He wraps the machine with fabric, to prevent any damage during the ride. He placed it inside a sack, before filling it with potatoes. Placing it on his pickup, alongside several other sacks, he left the farm just after midnight.

The Coming Cavalry

Ansa had approved the mathematician demand for a secure exit to a safer land. The obvious answer is to Equestria or Yakyakistan, yet the question now comes on how.

06.17---17th November-1014
On Equestria, Colonel Sun Marble, received the request for extraction of three beings from there, and its strategic importance for it to be carried out soon, his brain scrambles for an answer.

Not only is the Lunar Sea is controlled by the Kriegsmarine, the Luftwaffe scours the salty expanse. There is no way of ensuring a safe passage. Equestrian submarines are painfully outclassed and easily detectable.

The only available route via land, goes through the north, either by Yakyakistan or the Penguins, both neutral nations, though Yakyakistan is more sympathetic to their cause.

One problem plagues them, both routes are far and perilous. Yakyakistan is the easier option than the Penguins in all scenario. The problem persists that they would venture deep into enemy territory. Not to mention they need to get through the mountain sierra in breakneck speed.

It was at this moment, he called on Princess Luna, who with Princess Twilight Sparkle had made the mission to extract the enigma a top priority. He pulled all sort of strings, before he was given a copy of Project Pearl.

Reading it, his spirit rises. Perhaps, this is what they needed. He gave a call to his friend, a fellow commando officer named Allen Spark, to prepare a veteran team for a mission. Then, he sends a reply to Padded Mane. He proceeds to call Air Marshall Soarin to provide three Halifaxes, two to Baltimare and one to the Crystal Empire. On the same day, he boards a plane to Baltimare, telling the local commander to prepare for a vehicle to pick him on the airport.

He names the machination Operation Mark.

Hunting Ground

08.15---17th-November-1014
Generalleutnant Erich Rhine stood reading a document on the Gestapo report of local insurgent movement.

Disappointed, he closed the papers and look towards his men. The secret police had gathered no actionable intel in the area. The only information they had gathered all these years were the present of a known Olenian movement, of which all noted locations had been secured months before.

Luckily, he thought, that within several hours of his target, the Gestapo was able to gather information of the target leaving for Goldenshore. How lucky, he suspiciously thought.

His newly deployed infiltrators won't be able to do much within a day. Covert operations of their field requires weeks, months, even years before they could come up with something useful.

He turns toward the telephone at his desk. Whether it was correct or not, he takes no risk. He would call for backup, close the border to occupied Equestria and his homeland. Enforce further curfews and lockdowns.

As the telephone operator connects him to Vesalipolis, he looks outside. Gunfire rings out from the far reaches of the city, as Jäger clears out building after building.

The clock is now ticking.

Out of Luck

09.19---17th-November-1014
The dark copper deer who had been carrying the enigma machine was lucky enough to escape the city before lockdown. As he finally arrived at an abandoned mill outside Manty Creek, he began to search for signs of his brothers in arm.

The weather had covered the landscape in a layer of snow. The road from where he had came from was practically frozen, a still manageable hurdle for his pickup should he need a swift escape.

He eyes a nearby cabin from the safety of his car. The dusty dark windows refuses to let him see the inner content of the hut. Then the door opens, showing a lime green doe, a friend of his from times gone by.

Relieved, he exits the vehicle to meet her. They greeted each other for a short time before unloading the pack of potatoes. Together, they moved it to where her own pickup had been parked, behind the wooden lodge.

Vera has the papers to transport food up to Vaverfront, while he does not. It was this exchange where Vera would continue the mission.

They depart not long after, going different way. Little do they realize, they will never see the other again.

The veteran's son was stopped outside the city of Hovenhamn by a road block. They have been ordered to arrest anyone driving, with or without permit. He was the seventh unlucky soul to be caught outside the lockdown. Luckily for him, they did not suspect him of illicit activity, as he had with him official permit from the government.

Vera, however, was not so lucky. Her arrest too, was seen as inconspicuous. Her pickup was parked outside the changeling camp, while she was detained in a nearby cabin serving as an impromptu prison.

Generalleutnant Erich convoy slows down for the checkpoint, when he noticed the pickup carrying food. He told his driver to stop aside, wishing to see the peculiar cargo.

Erich knows that with the onset of winter, food will dwindle scarce. His operation has upset the people enough with a whole lockdown and building-to-building clearing. The last thing he wants to do is stir up a riot caused by a famine. Yet, there shouldn't be any food delivery at this time of the year, at least not by a farmer, and from the type of the vehicle used, he could deduce this is no food corporation making a winter haul.

Guided by a corporal, he requests the driver to be brought to him. The enlisted soldier sends off three of his men, returning not long after with a young doe.

He asks her of her destination, Vaverfront, she replies. He asks if she knew she was breaking curfew, she replies she wasn't aware of the new schedule. He asks where she was, she answered Manty Creek. He asks her of her home, Kuuvaloranta, she replied. At that, something ticks on the general.

"Interessant. It is an unusually long distance to travel, just for a sack of potato, tell me dear, does the job pay off?" He asks. "Joo, people need food all year, ja?" He tried to smile the general off, seemingly failing to do so.

Squinting, the general orders to the guards to empty the bag and search the vehicle.
"Ei! Please! I need them to feed my family! Rukoilen sinua! I beg you!" her cries for help fell upon deaf ears.
"The food will be fine gnädige Frau, it's just a little snow," as he said, the soldiers tossed the white sacks on to the snowy ground. One by one, the bag emptied themselves, meanwhile, two soldiers searched the driver's compartment and the engine.

Then, one of the soldiers shouted, "ich habe etwas gefunden! Sieht aus wie eine Kiste?" he said. Vera knows not what he said, but the general does. He found something, a box. He walks over to the pickup truck, as the soldier revealed a wooden box covered in torn down fabric.

Vera looked out in horror, as the general smiled.

At All Cost

10.45---17th-November-1014
Sun Marble gallops on his way towards a large industrial door within a jungle facility. On it, is written in yellow, Storage Bay 3. A green unicorn chased after him, levitating a report regarding Project Pearl. He eventually took the lead and guides the colonel towards the back. There, his eyes widen in glee as he looks over several vehicle covered in grey tarp.

He summoned the mechanics and technician. Till the night, they worked. Throwing heavy steel away in favour of lighter aluminium frame. Weapons are dismantled, as they do not intend to fight. Over twenty engineers worked to the project, eventually they towed their brainchild outside. There, a transport aircraft roars its engine, taking off with the colonel and the several boxes of crate.

12.03---17th-November-1014
In the skies above neutral Yakyakistan, three Halifaxes flew just over seven kilometres, near their service ceiling. The lead vehicle, carries two dozen New Marelandians paratrooper while the two tails carry supplies.

The heavy cloud hinders their vision. All crew and pilots pinch their eyes for a beacon that never appears. A decision is made, they'll circle around while dropping their height. They discuss it for a minute, as they were briefed to not fall below angels seven unless mission is compromised.

Going just below two kilometres, the clouds finally clears. A red light shines upon the land on an empty field near the Yaket range. They flew close, signalling for the trooper to prepare for a drop.

Inside the bay, the light turns red. Major Rapid "The Phantom Major" Stirring rose along his squad mates. In front, a pegasus opens the door. The light blares green and the first paratrooper threw himself towards the freezing empyrean. Then the second follows, then the third, and fourth, and so on. Being the last to jump, he looks over the pegasus and shouts, "Thanks for the ride!" before himself jumping out.

Within a few long minutes, all the commandos are on the ground. They regrouped before heading towards the cargo drop. The snow is chest deep as they waddle their way on to the drop locus. They arrived as a snow storm begins to form; the team looked up to realize they had dropped just in time before the window had closed.

The platoon unloads the materials. They read the instruction provided within the boxes. Small iron hull covers a crystal based engine, while an interchangeable wheel and skiing track is placed underneath. Dozens of crystal batteries, unstable and expensive yet silent in their operation, are plugged into the engine aperture. They attached the propeller on to the back, meekly connected by wiring with the engine. Food and water are placed on the seat behind them.

Hours passed, as the platoon of twenty-four climbs the mountain. With them are eleven RF-B aerosan. Each unit is able to hold three individual. Most of the parts had been scrapped to save weight, such as the machine gun and armour belt. The engine had been modified on the last minute, sections of it are hastily removed or retrofitted to be lighter with newer materials.

It doesn't take long before the first flaw of the prototype shows itself. Two had combusted into flames, following an explosion by their unstable crystal batteries. Not long after, one more would be abandoned, following an engine failure. During a dangerous narrow pass, one of the vehicle suddenly surged in power. The crew, losing control, fell towards their snowy death below.

When they had arrived at the Thoraxian base, an inspection was made, they found faults and damages within the vehicles. Having no spare part to work with, they dismantled two of the vehicle to repair the rest. The remaining were hauled as spare part for the mission ahead, occupying the seats. Similarly, they had lost a good chunk of their food on the last vehicle.

Realizing the intense reliability issues plaguing their automobile, Major Stirring request five volunteers to follow him on the mission ahead. With only six vehicles, he wishes not to leave anyone on the enemy's mercy. The rest would stay behind.

When they finally enter the lowland of the cold changeling land. Snow covers the landscape as far as the eye could see. As the sun rises over the horizon, he marks the date, 19th November 1014.

The major now hopes that he is not too late.

The Hunt is On

23.48---17th November-1014
A deer dashed through the night, bleeding on his right shoulder. Sounds of soldiers, screaming in their foreign tongues echoed through the air.

He rounds a corner only to meet a half-track stationed at the end of the street. The soldiers shouted him to stop, but he ran back.

Hoof steps can be heard from behind him as he gallops as fast as possible, but his wounds did him in. He fell hard. Trying to get up, a body slammed into him, pinning him to the ground.

Turning his head, he tried to fight back, but his injury betrayed him. The butt of a rifle hits hard on his forehead as he went out cold.

He wakes up in the garage of his house. His wife, stood outside guarded by soldiers, was restrained after trying to reach him. His blurry eyes finally came to focus on a colonel, no, general, he could tell. He stood overlooking the bodies of his comrades, who had been slain tonight. Their blood are still wet on the ground, minutes after they had expired.

Generalleutnant Erich Rhine looks at him, then his wife. He nods for them to release her, and she rushed to his side. Turning slightly, the sprucely dressed general spoke, "Your fellow soldat had fought bravely, yet where were you tonight, Kommandant?"

Her wife, turned to him and pleaded, "He's wounded, he can't speak, please, get a doctor! Please!"
"I shot the first two that went through that door," he smartly said.
Ignoring the deer's answer, he replied. "I promise meine Liebchen, he'll receive it if he is to tell me the location of the package."

Remaining silent, he could only ponders of the fatal error he had made tonight. They should not have met after a mission, that was the number one rule. Now his error lies in the past; he, to the future must face.

"Fräulein, please step away," he said. His wife refused. He nods once again towards the soldier to take her away. As they move in, their hoof held each other, only to be forcibly separated by the guards. She tried to fight them, and he tried to reach her, but to no avail.

When Erich saw it, he pulled his Lugher. Trying to force a confession by threatening the loved one of the person is effective, especially if you can back the claim with a real gun, Erich knows this from experience. He told the soldiers to restrain her, before brandishing his weapon.

"Freund, your men had fought to protect you and died. For their sacrifice, I will let you live." The couple were surprised by this declaration. "But not the Feigling." He took aim at him.

Firing, the shot landed dangerously close to his head. The sound pierced his wife's ear like needle, yet the pain was overwhelmed by relief when she sees him still alive.

"Now, listen closely. Where is the package headed? Where it will go from there? Why is it going there? I need you to answer me, and we will leave your family alone. You can trust my word." The general had a solemn look on his eye, the same look for a child wishing for a treat.

When he didn't answer, Erich told her men to release her and leave them alone. His wife, came rushing back to him, staying by her side. As the soldier exits, he told them to close the door.

When the door finally closes, Erich walked around the room. The wounded stag adjusted his position before the general spoke.

"Do know that I understand your struggle. You fight for a freedom you once had. But tell me, do you truly believe in the old rule? Under the king the people suffered-" he was cut off. "My loyalty lies to the rightful heir to the throne. I shall await the return of Queen Velvet, who will liberate us as soon as Equestria knocks down your tyrannical regime," he grits his teeth as he said that.

"Such a dream, yet you do not see yourself in that world no more now, do you? You're now in the gnade, mercy of the enemy. Think this very carefully mein Freund, I am offering you a life in the service of her majesty Queen Chrysalis with your wife. You owe the old world nothing and the new offers you peace. Offers you harmony which you so desire, as long as you help me. Live happily, with your wife, have as much Kinde as you wish. But live in a world that can exist." He took a breath, before telling them softly, "Equestria will lose. Without Canterlot they won't be able to coordinate an effective army. They are strained so much that your queen, Queen Velvet, has already fled into Griffonia, losing her faith on the war effort."

"Liar," he said slowly.

"This is true, take a look," he took out from within his jacket, a paper cutout of a newspaper. In it, The Equestria Daily reports Queen Velvet leaving to the newly formed nation of River Federation. The article reads on how Velvet has left for a more stable nation to ensure her persistence in the foreseeable future.

Within that, something broke inside him.

The changeling Jäger would leave their house soon after.

On his car towards Vaverfront, the general took out the piece of paper he had brought. Smiling, he placed it back into a black case where he had stored it. Amazing what lies Ministry of Propaganda was able to manufacture.

It does appear, that the pen is mightier than the sword.

The Brewing of Battle

22,18---20th-November-1014
Mist began to form on her flower shop. Yet today, she is closed not for the winter. Inside Site Kilo, she and her two closest confidant sat solemnly around the table map.

The border, they had found out, was suddenly manned for at least a hundred kilometre by juvenile soldiers, numbering possibly above ten thousand. Vaverfront local garrison had been deployed, sweeping the streets in addition of further reinforcing any check point.

A long-delayed message had arrived, reporting mass movement of changeling soldiers from the north and western Olenia. Their destination, Vaverfront. Major Padded Mane also conveys a report of additional Jäger movement from Tall Tale and Anchorage.

They predict, that in total, the Vaverfront cell of 8000, of which only 2000 are armed, would be facing the massive force of 9000 garrisons, 5000 Jäger of the 1st brigade, 2000-3000 callow soldiers, and 7000-11000 Jäger from the pony cities.

The major had sadly given them further bad news. The promised rescue team had shrunk to a fourth of their size, now unable to cross against the changeling perimeter wall.

Site Tango had tragically reported the enigma machine recovery by the changeling. Worse still, someone had spilled the beans. The Changeling are in possession of information regarding the professor's knowledge. Edvard reported fights breaking out between the city watch and his forces. Their position, he reported, unsustainable.

The major began to speak, "My comrades the truth which we must adhere is that the key now lies on the professor's knowledge. Even without the machine, his insight can and will help our war effort. I do believe, that it is imperative that we assure his safety, guarantee an escape to the extraction team currently waiting just beyond the border."

Karl spoke, "I believe we all now know that is true, but the problems remains. They can not even leave their hiding, more over the city. The airbase is controlled by the enemy, the sea is controlled by the enemy, and now we have lost our tunnel network, to the enemy. Yet we hope for them to cross the border back into a nation far to the north. To trek the enemy homeland. What chance do they have?"

Padded mane replies, "They have managed to cross the expanse within three days, they can do the same once again. And of our problem from the city, I dare say our solution is a breakout."

Ansa turns towards him, dumbfounded by his word, "It does not solve the main issue, that an entire army is stationed just outside their doorstep. We have no way of ensuring a success against such large opponent."

He replies, "Then what if the entire movement rises up? Think about it, we know they are short on staff at the front. They're mobilizing kids for Celestia's sake! The northern garrison is a joke, the west is practically empty!" His eagerness grew, "We can take back your land, hold out until Equestria arrives. We'll take back your home, our number will only grow as the people see us triumphant!"

Ansa took a breath to calm herself, "Your army, major, is thousands of kilometre away, still braving a professional army headed by the most competent military leaders the world has ever seen. Even if they pushed, the front will only shrink for the changeling. They'll be able to send more reinforcement this way." He stopped for a second, "It is not more bodies we need, but weapons! We can't win without guns, and we can only win if Equestria wins."

The major took on her word, "General, the enigma is the key to victory. If I were to bring proof of our ability to win the war, will you mobilize?"

Ansa thinks for a moment, before uttering one word,

yes.

A Fool's Gold

23.49---20th-November-1014
The Equestrian high command had received Major Padded Mane request, to bring their upcoming battleplan which Princess Luna had described as "devastating" towards the changeling regime. It was, once again, no easy task.

This was a gamble they can not afford to lose. If the plan is captured, their whole offensive would be checked.

In preparation, it was placed inside a container ready to incinerate the content with a push of a button. In desperate rationalizing, high command expects the changeling to believe it was a decoy, seeing how it was dropped straight into an occupational zone.

Padded Mane had requested the delivery within 2 days, as the vital asset currently besieged within the city will either perish after the deadline or the window for escape will close.

Air Marshall Soarin proposed a plan. Bomber Command would provide a single Halifax, to depart from a newly built airbase south of Los Pegasus. They would circle west to the Lunar Sea, avoiding Luftwaffe detection and patrol, before heading north. It is hoped, that with the current weather condition, they would be able to pass the ocean undetected.

When nearing Olenian coast, a pegasus team would drop and continue the flight. The bomber, would turn back south.

When asked what will happen should the team met their demise before even getting near the ground, Soarin simply replied,

"I guess we'll just send another one."

A Mission Darkens

To maintain confidentiality, no radio were used to transmit the request. Luna talked to the troops herself, orders the plane herself, and prepared the package herself.

12.35---21st-November-1014
She now boards an airliner to Airbase 55, she would arrive in the next 10 hour. Upon arrival, she gives the container to a team of four pegasi of the newly minted Special Pegasus Service. They salute her before boarding the aircraft.

The pilot were told to head due west, a parcel inside the cockpit contains further instruction. It would reveal the content within an hour of takeoff.

The clock strikes eleven, the bomber heads north towards the Olenian coast. The dark skies shroud their approach above the salty sea.

A Kriegsmarine destroyer, not three kilometres past, spots the lone aircraft via radar. They transmit the sighting to Hjortland command, believing it was a scouting plane.

Three interceptors from the 75th air squadron took off from Van Hoover, planning to intercept the intruder. Meanwhile, two pilots took to the sky from Hjortland, on a routine night patrol.

The interceptor scour the region for half an hour, missing their target by 50 kilometres. They turned back home, but the Luftwaffe would have their prey.

The two patrol spot the lone bomber, however they maintain radio silence. They ascend, challenging it from below, machine-guns rattling the surprised Halifax.

One of the shot pierced the fuselage, hitting a pegasus in the wing joint. He held his pain as blood spews forth to the metal floor below.

The rear gunner looked for their hunter, tracking where the bullets had come from. He spots muzzle flashes in the distance, followed by a hail of bullets. But before he could discharge the weapon, they flew high.

The gunner adjust as the two predator dives once again, taking aim at the cockpit in front. Dorsal weapons blazes the fighters, but their shots found no mark.

The 20 mm weapons of the twin 109's fired once again, this time, they were lucky. Several rounds pierced the pilot in front, sending the vehicle on a downward thrust. The engineer, as co-pilot, rushed to control the vehicle, but another burst from the Messerschmitt took his life as well. Their dive hasten toward the watery grave below.

The pegasi unbuckled themselves, hoping to leap off the chariot of doom. They rushed to the door, opening it for the rushing winds beyond.

One jumps, followed by another. The third tries to help his wounded comrade to no avail. He would stay with him till the vehicle hits the ocean.

The two pegasi, escaping certain doom, now flew low by the sea. They circled where the aircraft had crashed, looking for survivor. None came. And for worse still, they lost the package.

Breakout

Grim news Ansa could tell from Vaverfront. The men are trapped in pockets. The Jäger flushed them from their burrows beneath the city. Now they hold several pockets, untenable and precarious in nature.

Should they had risen up earlier, perhaps they could seize vital targets within the city. Perhaps, by then, they could stand a chance to fight or flee.

No word had come from her team in the rendezvous point for the Equestrian messenger. Could they be killed or could the Equestrian had backed off? Neither really matters now.

The city had been fully cut off an hour ago, no more message will arrive.

03.14---22-November-1014
Edvard sat on the table in the middle of Old Town, where the Lucky Pot Tavern stood. They now hold three pocket within the city, the largest of which is his district. One is found in the 3rd avenue and one by the park. They had sent him a message by radio, playing the tune of a folk song about fishing the sea. A tune of death, he knows, for it signals their inability to fight no more, and affirm their inescapable demise.

Marion sat on the next room, embracing his family for possibly the last time. The child is nervous, so is her wife. He looks toward a drawer nearby, a red children book lay neatly atop several more. He takes it and begins reading, of a little fairy in the woods, as artillery crashes not a block away.

An hour later, the fighting had concentrated by three blocks of land. Edvard leads the family once again below ground, where a company of soldiers are stationed. They were able to hold the Jäger out, but not for long. It had however, given them a window of escape.

For a wedge had been made between the enemy forces. A dicey window of chance for freedom, for salvation.

As a high-explosive shot from a panzer explodes in the street above, a ballet of death and gunpowder took the sewers below.

Bloody Dawn

09.52---23rd-November-1014
Erich Rhine exits the forlorn building that was once an apartment. The flat is now covered in dust and debris, leftover from the fighting overnight. Crumbling stone walls and burning wood paints a scene of eerie melody.

He passes bodies of fallen insurgents littering the street, lined across the black asphalt and white snow. The bloody insurrection had burnt itself out, but the hunt is not yet over. Among the dead are missing a certain mathematician. His predators prowl the wasteland labyrinth below, tracking what remains of the enemy.

Driving in his car, he arrived at a barn not far from the eastern winter's market, where the supposed body of the fugitive is found. The Jäger were able to track their movement here, where they had made their last stand.

He parks his car under a tree, by a half-track and an armoured car. Their gunners eye the surrounding landscape, fearing an assault. The gate of the brown barn is wide open, soldiers dotted the scene.

Inside, unmoved from where they had fallen, lie the bodies of the fallen fighters. The farm building itself was littered with holes, no doubt from the parked vehicle weapons outside. There, behind a stack of hay stands two soldiers and two deer bodies, male and female.

He took out the photo on his jacket, comparing their faces. A match, he thought. The professor is dead, so is the wife.

Either fortunately or not, there is no sign of their daughter. No matter, he thought, such child would not understand the inner working of the machine. However, he takes no risk, ordering for the platoon to scour the nearby field and ordering the platoon leader to guard the area for three days.

He was however true, that the child did not understand the machine, for her age is nigh seven.

Last Light

17.39---24th-November-1014
Major Rapid Stirring has finally made his way to a hill near Vaverfront following a whole day of detour around the enemy line. On his binocular, he could see the barn had been a battleground, bloodied red snow are still present and the building itself took heavy punishment.

His heart begins to sink, but he still maintains hope. His party now only boast three snowmobiles, they had lost another on their way here.

He tells two of them to wait and maintain overwatch as they venture closer. The two aerosans slides toward the wooden structure. Parking in the shrubbery, they then dismount.

They moved to the brown barn, hugging the structure's wall. They are looking for the slim chance of the enigma machine, unaware of its current holder, and to confirm whether the professor is dead or not. How, they do not know. What they know is to try.

As they round the corner, they faced two startled changeling guard. A rifle is laid standing on the wall while the other is hung on one of the changeling's back. The commandos beat them to the draw, barking order for them to surrender.

The two complied, not wishing to join the dead today. They were secured using rope, and their mouth stuffed with rag. Major Stirring asks what happened here and what do they know, promising that they would not be harmed. When the two agreed, he removed their cloths.

They answered his inquiry. The two of them were to guard the building, in case further resistance member appears. All they know is that no one had arrived since the initial firefight, of which they didn't partake. They had heard of a kid currently living in the woods nearby, where a search team had found her during their attempt of locating further insurgent. He blinks, then thanked them for their cooperation before putting the rag back on.

After he exits the barn and signals for the two on the hill to join them. Now they race to the nearby woodland.

Settling Dust

General Ansa Sito moved in the night alongside Colonel Karl and Major Padded Mane. They are headed towards a secondary base in the countryside, driven out by the shapeshifting hunters.

The child gave Thorax a red fairy tale book. She opens the last page, revealing scribbles made about the enigma machine, written in Olenian. He hands it over to the commandos, who scrambled to send a message regarding their find.

Generalleutnant Erich Rhine was awarded the Cross in Silver for his action for safeguarding a national secret. He would later continue his repression against the resistance organization, eventually securing Hjortland and Cervus.

The four pegasi who had not returned from the perilous mission was posthumously given the Distinguished Flying Medal, their family were informed of their demise after its conclusion.

18 Equestrian special forces were killed in action during the ambush on Admiral Lysander convoy.
395 resistance members in Vaverfront was killed in action during the crackdown.
145 changeling soldiers were killed in action throughout the operation. Two were given the Iron Cross first class.

The dead has seen the end of war.
What is worth of their sacrifice, remains to be seen.

Author's Note

A tribute to the polish codebreakers, Marian Rejewski, Henryk Zygalski and Jerzy Różycki; British commandos during Operation Crusader and subsequent mission, Captain David Stirling and Major Paddy Mayne; and the resistance member of the Grey Ranks alongside their compatriot during World War 2.

In hindsight, I should not have overestimated my ability to maintain quality with the little space that is 10 000 words. As to maintain a word count below the boundary, many aspects had to be cut out entirely or simplified to oblivion, such as Marion story, how the Grey State came to be, how the resistance was able to maintain a force of 2000 armed soldiers, the problem with underground communication between resistance cell, the problem with the Equestrian Fool's Gold gamble and subsequent solution, Equestrian high command lying to the resistance for their own national goal, the extent of the changeling supply issue, the state of the Equestrian military in the front, the inability to communicate properly with Equestria, the logistical titan of hurdle that is of imposing an emergency nation-wide lockdown, the resistance cutting off changeling communication and supply line, and most of the fighting chapters.

The Accident Which Started it All

A packet had arrived in Vaverfront. Officials are worried regarding the content, as it featured only the flag of the harmonic movement within the changeling society. They believe it contains explosive or hazardous material. Worse, they worry that it may upset the currently ruling government of Queen Chrysalis.

The latter came true. Envoys sent from Vesalipolis requested the return of the package, naming it a radio which had been mistakenly sent to Vaverfront. How did they know, and whether it was true or not, the police could not tell.

The military stepped in, opening the package revealed a wooden box. Further examination by opening said box reveals a keyboard, lamps with letters on it, and what appears to be rotors. They correctly deduced the item as the enigma machine, currently used by the changeling government in 1005.

Sending the packet to Vaverfront University, the military cooperated with mathematician Marion Wetold Zygalaski, who had studied cryptology. He was unable to create a replica, as the item had been sent back on the day after tomorrow.

The Urban Wolf

17.30---14th-November-1014
Once a toy factory, it is now surrounded by changeling soldiers. These however, are no mere regulars. The men of the 1st Jäger Brigade are infamously known everywhere.

The building they raided today was home to a dozen resistance member; all dead. While the Jäger's count three wounded.

A general walks through the main entrance. His neatly worn uniform stood out among the worn down troops. Yet, this was no fresh officer. Generalleutnant Erich Rhine was himself a Jäger during the conquest of Olenia, commanding the troops which took and held Cervus.

Casually he gestured towards his men to leave, a sign which they all took. Within minutes, the Jäger have left the area, leaving a burning wreck behind, a warning to those who dares to take up arms against them.

Heading towards another recently assaulted base nearby, he thinks to himself of how slow the week had been. Only three raids within a seven days. Down from the usual eight.

Then an order by radio. He is to immediately bring his force to Hjortland. He didn't ask why, he didn't need to. Rhine knows his assignment are always consequential.

He signals his radiomen to instruct the convoy back to base. They would refuel and head directly towards the Olenian city.

A Price too High

08.40---17th-November-1014
Chrysalis stood at the war room in Vesalipolis alone. She had directly ordered the guards to not let anyone in. The emerald-grey walls silently judges her as she looks over a map of the frontline.

They are a stone's throw away from victory. 100 Kilometres away from the Crystal City. Canterlot taken just last month following a gruelling siege on the mountains. Cloudsdale was stormed by Jägers and taken within a week. A deep thrust prevail deep into the city of Los Pegasus, where she had won her greatest victory. Her army could cut the Equestria in two by driving to the sea.

Yet victory comes at a cost, perhaps one that she could not pay. Her generals aren't able to advance any more. They simply don't have the number to cover such a large front. Then came news of an attempt on Admiral Lysander's life. Along with that, the Equestrian was able to capture an enigma machine.

The two problems went head on against each other. Thousands of soldiers are being trained and sent towards the front, but now the general tasked in recovering the contraption has requested a force of 20 000. A number she could not spare for a mission she could not ignore.

She starts to walk around the table, seeing the map of her kingdom; her empire. She looks over a map of Olenia, that seditious thorn. To a map of Equestria, fixing her two eyes on their capital, Canterlot. She will not retreat again, such notion she will not accept.

Turning once again towards the table map, she looks over the position of her army. A mere three division guards the Neighara Falls. Two south of Canterlot and two to its north. She squints as an idea forms. Her gritting teeth loosens as her frown turns to a simper.

She took on her white service cap next to the table.
She won't play the world's game, she'll cheat.

The Closing Move

22.11---18th-November-1014
Once again, in the middle of the night, Edvard approaches the small bakery. This time, with him, resistance member bares their weapons. His crew are nervous, they had every right to be so.

Reports began to arrive from nearby outpost. The movement of the dreaded first brigade has been sighted heading towards Vaverfront, with estimated time of arrival between midnight's and tomorrow's dawn. A reindeer wearing black jacket began to pick on the back door. A click later, and they enter.

Silently, they moved to the second floor. He opens the master bedroom, to the startlement of Marion and Marie inside. Edvard told him that they need to move, immediately. He explains that a team of ponies is currently on their way to pick them out. In addition, he warns them that the changelings are hunting them down. His fellow cryptologist cohort were already arrested.

Marion, already wanting to help the resistance, but unwilling to risk his family, found reason now to throw in his whole weight on them. He wishes not to gamble his family chance with the changeling. He concludes that in their eyes, he would pose more of a threat than an asset; seeing as he never reports the partisans and would not be able to help them improve their encryption, merely possessing the ability to break it.

Marion gathers his family, Edvard rushing them to not bring anything else.
As they exit through the back alley, the group ears were suddenly perked by a cracking sound from the road. Then loud pops are heard from beyond the shop front. Edvard looks at the glass pane of the shop, watching as tracers went pass the front. He hurries the group into the sewage below.

As they enter the frozen muck-ridden shaft, Edvard realized.

He's too late.

Back The Way One Came

Currie dons a red jacket, now covered in thin layer of snow. She had hid in the nearby bushes, before recognizing the stallions as friendly, as her father had told. Somewhat malnourished, she had been living off the earth for the past two days, unwilling to return to the barn.

Within the next one and a half day, they would traverse back north in hope of evading the large amount of changeling still in the border. A problem arose with the falling temperature as they can not create a fire, and the next several days could prove fatal should they tarry.

The major decides to pass through the changeling guard at night, by cutting open the chain link fence. He hopes to be far away enough to be safe when the changeling notice the damage. And notice they did.

The report came back to the Generalleutnant, who was sceptical of its importance. Nevertheless, he organized a small search party near Vraks, alongside a low altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

In the middle of the night, the small team of commandos had to stop. They are now down to two vehicles, when one combusted into flame after overheating. They had been moving non-stop, with the passenger sleeping during the day to drive at night. The overworked machine had broken down in the stressful task. This resulted in two: They had to ditch what little food they have and their positioned was spotted due to the fire.

Erich Rhine received the photo of the burning wreck, unable to recognize the vehicle, he concludes it to be of Equestrian origin. He alerts the Luftwaffe, to perform surveillance on the path to Yakyakistan and Equestria, knowing they could only run north or east. Fighters were placed on high alert, ready to take off and execute a ground attack when need be. Police brigades were sent to watch the vast landscape. But it was too little too late.

The team of now seven arrived in the Yaket range on the morning eve of the 29th November. The child had been sharing seat with one of the commando.

Fearing an unrepairable break down due to heavy weight and stressful climb, the major volunteers to stay. Knowing without the spare part they had abandoned, they could not fix the vehicle.

The two aerosans arrived shortly by the night in the Thoraxian camp, regrouping with the rest of the original platoon.