The Equestrian Civil War

“Derpy, be a dear and get me another cup of coffee.”

The Doctor shivered. It was deathly cold outside the warmth of Stalliongrad. And the fact that the hut they were living in didn’t have heating either didn’t help.

“Yeah, sure,” Derpy smiled, “It’s coming up.”

“Thanks.” The Doctor replied. He rapidly tapped the keys on the keyboard, sending commands to the supercomputer set up in the middle of the hut. He was desperately finding a back door into the OFC Database in Manehattan, but so far, he was having no luck.

Suddenly, the phone rang. The Doctor swiveled on his chair, picked it up, and immediately went back to the computer.

“Yes?” He said into the phone.

“Doctor?” He heard a staunch Canterlot accent that he recognized as Luna. “Has there been any progress?”

“I am afraid not,” he replied, “Celestia’s got some good programmers. Although it’s only a matter of time until I break into the central database.”

“I would hope so, Doctor.” Luna replied, with static almost drowning her out. “I need that cannon in our hands.”

“Of course,” the Doctor replied, smiling in thanks as his coffee was put beside him. “I’m working on it now. Have fun in…”

“Sibearia City, Doctor,” Luna replied.

“Yes, yes, Sibearia City.” The Doctor murmured, “I’ll have that cannon ready and operational. You can count on that.”

“I better.” Luna then hung up her phone. The Doctor sighed, and replaced the receiver. He took a sip of the black coffee, and turned back to the computer screen.

“Come on,” he said, “There’s got to be something going into the database that I can bug…”

“Um, Doctor?” Derpy asked, “Are you going to sleep? It’s getting pretty dark outside.”

“Sleep?” The Doctor replied, “I haven’t slept in thirty six hours! I need to stay awake, or else I’ll miss my chance to get into the database!”

“Yeah…” Derpy said, trying to understand. “I guess this is good night?”

“Why, yes, of course.” The Doctor said, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Derpy smiled, and walked off. The Doctor sighed. He couldn’t have picked a better assistant. Sure, Derpy was ditzy, but that meant she didn’t question his methods. He always hated those pestering assistants. He would rather be alone.

But, there was something, magnetic, about her bubbly personality. Something that made him laugh. Yes, that was it. She made him laugh. You don’t run into ponies that are in the field of science and technology that can make a pony laugh.

He shook his head. He turned back to the computer screen, and began sending commands into the computer. He tried again and again, but there was almost no way to get inside the firewall. IT almost made him pull his disheveled mane out.
He took another sip of coffee, and shook his head. There was no way to get inside.

Except, from the inside!

The Doctor turned, and picked up his phone, and dialed the number for the Republican Intelligence Ministry. He was onto something, he was certain.
***

Rarity was finally able to move her arm without pain. It had taken her almost two months, but now it was back to normal.
She was just walking out of physical therapy, when she saw Dapper Crescent pass by. She followed him instinctively, but from a distance. She didn’t want to seem stalkerish. Besides, her room was down the hall.

When Rarity reached her door, she coughed purposely, and very loudly. Dapper Crescent turned, and smiled when he saw her. He started to walk over, and Rarity’s heart fluttered in her chest.

“Hello Rarity,” he greeted, “How is the arm feeling?”

“Oh, it’s just delightful!” Rarity exclaimed, “It doesn’t hurt anymore. I can move it fully now.”

“That’s very good.” Dapper Crescent looked outside, and sighed. “It’s a shame we had to move north to Murmanesk.”

“Well having an air strike pummel your airfield, which is your only line of supply will do that.” Rarity answered. “Besides, I think the snow is prettier than the sands of the Sahayra.”

“I guess you’re right.” Dapper replied. “So, I believe you’ll be leaving soon?”

Rarity’s stomach dropped hearing him say that. She knew she didn’t want to go back to combat, but what say did she have? She sighed, and nodded.

“Yes, I believe I will.”

“Well, I think I’ll be staying here.” Dapper Crescent said, “I guess I’ll see you around then.”

He turned to walk away, but Rarity grabbed his shoulder. He turned, and looked annoyed.

“Well,” Rarity said, “I was thinking about going out tonight,” she said, “Since I’m being discharged today. I was thinking that it is dangerous for a mare to be out in the cold at night.”

Dapper Crescent looked out the window again, and turned to her. “I could come with you. Because that arm could still be acting up, you know?”

Rarity smiled. Dapper Crescent really sucked at covering up his emotions. She blushed, and said goodbye to him. He left, and she opened the door.

When she walked inside, she was met by a gray Unicorn mare with a dirty blonde mane. She wore a jacket and tie, all black. She wore sunglasses, which were also black, and carried a tan suitcase. She was flanked by two black-coated Pegasus stallions wearing matching suits. Beside her as well was a face she had not seen in months: Honey Song.

“Honey Song!” Rarity beamed, “It’s been too long! It was so sweet of you to visit me!”

The Unicorn cleared her throat obnoxiously, and said to Rarity, “I trust that you are Rarity, bearer of the Element of Generosity, and resident of Ponyville?”

“Why, who would I be then?” Rarity scoffed. “Who are you?”

“That is classified,” the Unicorn replied, “But I go by the alias Diamond Treasure. I was sent here by Princess Luna and
General Loyal Shadow to speak with you.”

She motioned for Rarity to sit down. She sat down on her bed as Diamond Treasure briefed her.

“I trust you know the Pegasus mare by the name of Derpy Hooves?” She said, showing her a picture of Derpy.

“Why yes, of course.” Rarity answered, “But what does she have to do with…”

“Then by extension you know Doctor Whooves, resident doctor of Ponyville?” Diamond Treasure asked, handing her a picture of the Doctor.

“Yes, I am quite acquainted, but…” Rarity said.

“They are in an undisclosed location outside of Stalliongrad.” Diamond Treasure said, “They are attempting to swing the balance of the war in our favor.”

“And what is that, exactly?” Rarity asked, “I demand an answer!”

“The good Doctor is having some difficulties with this task.” Diamond Treasure continued.

“But what in the name of Discord is he doing?!” Rarity asked, very annoyed.

“He is attempting to break into the Orbital Friendship Cannon Database,” Diamond Treasure answered, “But the firewalls are too sophisticated for even him to handle. But, if we can get somepony into Manehattan, and deactivate the firewalls, the Doctor should be able to take control of the cannon.”

“And where do I fit in?” Rarity asked, “I am flattered by this attention, but…”

“What we mean to tell you is that Princess Luna and General Loyal Shadow have agreed that you are the mare that should do this task.” Diamond Treasure answered, “Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will comprise of Miss Honey Song transporting you to Manehattan.

“From there, you will disable the firewalls in the Central Database by implanting a virus designed by the Equestrian Intelligence Agency. From there, the Doctor will be able to wrench control of the cannon over to our side.” Diamond Treasure said. “Do you accept the task given to you?”

“I have always wanted to go back to Manehattan since the plague,” Rarity muttered. She couldn’t decide then. She knew that the expectations of a princess and the Head of the Army were on her shoulders, but she was afraid she would be captured.

“What of my identity?” Rarity asked, “Won’t the Celestials recognize me?”

“We have that covered.” Diamond Treasure answered coldly. “Now, do you accept?”

“I believe I have no choice.” Rarity answered. “Yes, I accept.”

“Good,” Diamond Treasure said. “You will embark for Manehattan in four days.”

The four ponies walked out of her room. Rarity was left there, sitting on the foot of her bed. In the span of twenty minutes, she went from bachelorette to spy.

Well, at least espionage was more graceful than sniping.
***

The column of APCs and Marekava Mark IV main battle tanks rolled through the main boulevard of the ruined Financial District of Jerhoofalem. Ironically, they passed the Marekava Weapons Industries headquarters, the arms manufacturers who developed the Shermane and Mark IV tanks.

Pinkie Pie sat bored inside one of the APCs. Her leg was in a splint after the fall she had taken, but not much else could have been done. She stroked the top of her M240B, and counted the number of bolts going up the wall.

There was intelligence that suggested that a high-ranking Republican officer was hiding in the Financial District, primarily in the rubble of the M.R. Sahayran Coffee building. M.R. Sahayran was a popular coffee manufacturing company, and accounted for 23% of all coffee sales in the last year.

Pinkie Pie shook her head as she looked at the picture of the officer. The officer was a Pegasus mare, with a navy blue mane, with a light magenta coat, which was similar to Pinkie Pie’s.

She shrugged, and stuffed the photograph in her pocket. She looked at the pony across from her.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie.” She said, “What’s yours?”

“Mine?” The mare asked. “Mine’s Vinyl Scratch. And her over there, she’s Octavia. We enlisted together.”

“Oh I remember you guys!” Pinkie Pie said, “I threw a party for you before the war!”

“Oh yeah,” Vinyl said, “You’re the one! You sure know how to throw a party.”

“That’s my special talent!” Pinkie Pie smiled.

“Would you three keep it quiet?” The gruff, gray-coated Sergeant Major hissed, “We need to be ready for anything!”

“Yes sir.” Octavia answered, “Won’t happen again, sir.”

The three ponies fell into silence. Only the rocking of the APC kept the cabin from being completely silent. Octavia looked her rifle, a standard M4A1 equipped with a holographic sight and a foregrip. Pinkie Pie began to look through the sights of her LMG, which was pointed at the floor. Vinyl put rounds inside of her Uzi submachine gun magazine, and placed the filled one in a pocket on her left side.

Without warning, the convoy slowed to a stop. All three of the mares looked up in confusion, and squinted their eyes when the back door opened, allowing the cabin to be drenched in sunlight.

“Alright, we’re here.” The Sergeant Major said, “Let’s go. Stay close to the convoy. There’re Republican snipers everywhere.”

They got out of the APC, and turned the safeties off of their weapons. Pinkie Pie could hardly contain her excitement. She loved playing a good game of hide-and-go-seek! She was beaming as they walked to the side of the desert-camouflaged APC.

“Alright everypony,” the Sergeant Major began, “Fan out. Holler if you find any Republicans.”

Pinkie Pie nodded, and moved to search in a hotel, which wasn’t hit as hard as the others.

The rubble from bombings and general warfare littered the streets. The buildings that were left standing were missing walls and floors, so only the skeletons of the once towering skyscrapers remained. Of course, there were a few relatively unharmed buildings, but the walls were riddled with bullets and all of the windows blown out.

Pinkie Pie kept close to one wall, with Octavia and Vinyl right behind her. They crept up to where the door should have been, and entered the building. The main lobby was completely ruined. Bodies in various stages of decay littered the floor, and bullet holes were everywhere.

Once they entered, Octavia went on all fours, and began to vomit at the sight of a half-decayed mare. Vinyl knelt next to her, and tried to calm her.

“Come on now, Octavia,” Vinyl said soothingly, “It’s alright. You’ve got to get up. Come on, we’ve got work to do.”

But Octavia stayed on the floor, vomiting. Vinyl looked up at Pinkie Pie, thinking she would have an idea.

“You stay here with her,” Pinkie Pie said in a surprisingly serious tone, “I’ll go have a little look-see.”

Vinyl nodded, and watched Pinkie Pie walk up the stairs, silent as a mouse. Though she didn’t act like one. She crept on her tippy-toes, with a very serious look on her face and with her LMG pointed forward. It almost looked comical, seeing a fully armed Equestrian soldier sneaking around on her tippy-toes.

But Pinkie Pie didn’t care. It’s how she sneaked around places silently. Any other way, and she would be heard a mile away. Pinkie Pie tip-toed up the stairs silently, getting onto the second floor with no problems at all. Now, she crouched close to the floor, and crept up to a door.

She stopped when she heard voices.

“We’re set to go, Colonel.” Pinkie Pie heard a male voice say.

“Good,” she heard a mare voice reply. It had to be the officer they were looking for. “We’ll wait until they start leaving.
Just stay quiet, and they won’t find us here.”

“Yes ma’am.” The stallion said, “Oh, and Major Applejack has given us the thumbs-up across the street.”

“Tell Applejack that they’ll fire after us.” The officer ordered.

“Yes ma’am.”

“Applejack?!” Pinkie Pie said, and then covered her mouth in horror.

“What was that?” The officer asked, “Private, check to see.”

Pinkie Pie heard a rifle being cocked, and footsteps towards the door. Pinkie Pie got up, grabbed her M240B, and ran down the stairs to where Vinyl and Octavia were sitting.

“Have you found anything yet, Pinkie?” Vinyl asked. She saw the look on Pinkie’s face, and asked, “What’s the matter?”

“They’re coming!” Pinkie Pie said, training her weapon at the door leading to the stairwell.

“Who?” Octavia asked, “Who’s coming?”

“The Republicans!” Pinkie Pie said almost incoherently because she was scared out of her mind. “I was upstairs, and I heard their voices, and then I heard something about Applejack and…”

“Wait, Applejack?” Vinyl asked, “You mean from Sweet Apple Acres?”

“CELESTIALS!”

Everypony turned their heads, and ducked down as bullets peppered the wall behind them. All across the street, gunfire erupted, and the shouts of officers filled the air.

Pinkie Pie, Vinyl and Octavia had all taken cover behind an overturned marble desk. It had to have been the concierge desk. Pinkie Pie rolled on the floor to the edge of the desk, and fired a burst of her M240B before rolling back into cover.

“They’ve got us pinned down!” Vinyl screamed, “Octavia, you got a frag on you?”

Octavia reached for her vest, and unlatched a standard-issue fragmentation grenade. She tossed it to Vinyl, who caught it with one hand. In the same motion, with her other hand, she pulled the pin off the grenade, starting the fuse. She stood up, and threw the grenade at the doorway.

“Get down!” She shouted, “This is going to be loud!”

And loud it was. After the grenade exploded, all the mares could hear was ringing. When they got their hearing back, they saw that the doorway as they had known it, rectangular in shape, was gone. All that was left was some dust and debris, and a huge opening in the wall. The Republican soldiers that had followed Pinkie Pie lay on the floor, mutilated and dead lying in a pool of blood.

Octavia whimpered at the sight of the carnage, but stopped when Vinyl finally slapped her across the face.

“You’ve got to get it together!” Vinyl said, “I’m not gonna drag your ass through this battle, okay? You need to do this.”

“Yeah… yeah okay,” Octavia said, “Let’s… let’s go.”

“There we go.” Vinyl said, pecking Octavia on the cheek, and brushing her hand across it. “Let’s go, Pinkie. I’ll take point.”

“Wait a minute,” Pinkie said, “You’re filly-foolers?”

“Yeah,” Vinyl replied, “What’s it to you?”

She then began to walk over the bodies and up the stairs. The other two followed behind her.

They were then pinned down by Republican fire from the second floor, which might as well have been the top floor, as the others had been blown out by bombing.

Pinkie Pie set up her M240B, and began to suppress them while Vinyl and Octavia moved forward to neutralize the threat.

This is going to be a long day, Pinkie thought.
***

“What the hay is goin’ on, Private?!” Applejack yelled over the outburst of gunfire.

“I don’t know!” The mare replied, “Apparently somepony shot at somepony else across the street!”

“Ah know that!” Applejack replied, “What caused it?”

“Celestials meeting us?” The private said unsurely, “It’s the most logical explanation.”

They were then silenced by machinegun fire from a Marekava tank’s machinegun turret. Applejack dropped to the ground, and grabbed her UMP-45. She turned off the safety, and turned it to semi-automatic. She needed to conserve ammo.

“Protect the Colonel, y’all!” Applejack ordered, “We can’t let ‘er fall into their hands!”

She got up, and fired four shots at the gunner. All of them missed, and only served to get his attention. He turned to .50cal machinegun, and fired into the office space they were hiding in. Applejack took cover behind a desk, and flinched as she felt bullets slam into the other end.

“Damn it,” Applejack shouted, “We gotta take out that there tank!”

At that moment, an auburn Earth Pony stallion grabbed an RPG-7V1 rocket launcher, and aimed it at the tank. He fired it, and watched as it impacted the engine compartment, but it didn’t explode.

“Buck it all,” the stallion shouted, “It was a dud, Major!”

“Ya think Ah don’t know that?!” Applejack shouted. She sighed, and looked at the column of tanks and APCs. There had to be four tanks, and three APCs. That meant about thirty Celestial soldiers against Colonel Diamond Darling’s force of about forty. Still, Applejack reasoned the Celestials were better equipped, so the Republicans were at a disadvantage.

She looked across the street to see in the ruined hotel, Colonel Diamond Darling firing down a staircase. She looked back, and saw Applejack. She shook her head in disgust, and turned back. Applejack hoped it was the situation. She never did like Applejack.

Diamond Darling was the daughter of an influential jewel dealer in Damarescus. Her flowing black mane, coupled with her tan coat, made for a very attractive mare in these parts. She had many a stallion looking for her affection, but she had vowed to never marry. When given the chance, she signed up for the Republican Army, and was granted the commission of Colonel to secure for Luna the trust of the Diamond family.

Applejack snapped back to reality when an explosion assaulted her eardrums. She looked down on the street, and saw a flaming APC. She also saw ponies, burning alive, run everywhere across the ruined street, screaming their heads off. She aimed her UMP-45 at them, and put two out of their misery.

“Direct fire at them APCs,” she instructed, “And PRG fire on those tanks. Then we can take the advantage.”

The soldiers around Applejack grunted in compliance. One of the soldiers set up a PKP Pecheneg Light Machinegun, and began to suppress the Celestials still on the street. The RPG-bearing stallion stood up again, and fired at another tank. This time, it went up in flames, and it was rendered useless in seconds.

Applejack stood up, leaning against the desk, and began to fire down onto Celestial soldiers. She shot one down before the others turned in her direction, and fired at her. She ducked in cover, and fired blindly at them.

“We gotta get outta here y’all!” She said, “Take the fight to ‘em!”

“Yes ma’am!” The group responded.

She got up, and fired three more rounds at the soldiers on the ground, emptying her magazine. She ran down the stairs, and was soon onto the street where the convoy was located. She ran outside, and took cover behind a ruined tank. There she pulled out her empty magazine, and loaded a new one. She pulled back the charging handle, and motioned for the others to follow.

They were coming out, when one soldier was shot in the neck. The poor mare fell to the ground, and began to choke on her own blood. One soldier tried to get to her to administer aid, but was shot in the chest four times, and fell next to her, dead.

“Buck!” She shouted, “Stay back! She’s baited!”

She crouched beside the tank, and fired at the Celestial soldiers. They were falling more and more, and the Republicans were gaining the advantage.

Maybe screwing up the plan was the best thing to happen to the plan.
***

After the airfield at Jerhoofalem had been destroyed, Fluttershy’s squadron, which by her request was now War Horse Squadron, was stationed at the port city of Neighjing, only thirty miles away from Nipponi Island, where the Republican Air Force and Navy was battering the last major stronghold Celestia held in the East.

Fluttershy was enjoying the more mild weather of Neighjing. It was cooler thanks to the ocean air, and there weren’t any major air strikes. While the Celestials occasionally sent a few planes to Neighjing, most of the air force on Nipponi Island was dealing with the naval blockade.

Fluttershy was busy finishing up the paperwork finalizing her transfer to War Horse Squadron. It was tiring work, and she hoped she would never have to do it again.

“Fluttershy, ma’am,” she heard on the speaker phone, “This is Lieutenant Colonel Lightning Strike.”

She immediately picked up the phone, and answered, saying, “Yes? What is it, sir?”

“We have a sortie for you and your squadron.” Lightning Chaser said in a thick Neighjing accent. “Your squadron is waiting for you in the briefing room.”

“Oh my,” Fluttershy said, “I’ll be right there. I hope I wasn’t a bother.”

“No, no!” Lightning Chaser replied, “Just get here, now.”

“Oh, okay then.” Fluttershy hung up the phone, and put on her cap, showing her new rank of Captain. After serving valiantly in Jerhoofalem, she was promoted so that she could take over War Horse Squadron. She fitted the navy blue cap on her head, made sure her mane went nicely with it, and walked out of her office.

She walked down a few corridors, until she came to the briefing room. She opened the door, and walked inside. Lightning Chaser turned to see her as she opened the door.

Lightning Chaser was a slight Pegasus stallion. He had a light yellow coat, not unlike Fluttershy’s, a jet black mane and matching black, slightly slanted eyes. He displayed a sense of arrogance; his family was very influential in the industrial city
of Neighjing.

“Lieutenant Colonel,” Fluttershy greeted, snapping to attention and throwing a smart salute. “Captain Fluttershy is reporting for duty, sir.”

“Captain, take a seat.” Lightning Chaser replied. Fluttershy nodded, and sat down, flattening her skirt before she did. She looked at the Lieutenant Colonel, who was referring to a map projected onto the wall.

“As you all know,” Lightning Chaser began, “We have been using Neighjing as a base of operations for our naval siege of Nipponi Island, a highly industrialized and technologically advanced region. If we were to take this, it is in Princess Luna’s best interests that Intelligence finds out all the secrets Celestia is hiding there.

“Today, General Loyal Shadow has given the go-ahead to Rear Admiral Regal Wave and General Thunder Strike to commence ground operations on Nipponi Island.” Lightning Chaser continued, saying, “Aerial intelligence has showed a decreased amount of anti-air missile batteries on the island, as many were destroyed by the Navy. The Army has already begun shipping ponies to the shores. We will be assisting the 76th Infantry Battalion on the shores near the city of Sappony, a medium-sized industrial city. The first wave has come ashore, and the close-air support accompanying it is coming back for fuel, and they have called on War Horse Squadron to assist.

“You will be serving as close-air support for the ground forces.” Lightning Chaser explained, with the sternest of stern looks on his sullen face, “There are no set objectives, and there are no restrictions on targets. Civilian casualties are unavoidable, but do not go out of your way to attack hospitals or schools unless it has been cleared by myself or AWACS FULL MOON.”

Lightning Chaser turned to face the congregation of twenty five pilots and copilots, and said, “Operation Smoldering Dragon has begun. Nipponi Island will be under our control, and Celestia will no longer have the East to rule. Dismissed, and may the moon guard you.”
***

Nightmare Moon was being driven once again to the Zamok, Iberian for “Castle”, which was the residence of Premier Ivan and the meeting house of the heads of the ruling, and only, political party in Ibearia: the Ibearian Socialist Worker’s Party.

Sibearia City was a dreary city. It was almost always overcast and raining. The citizens looked sullen and depressed as they walked down the streets. Nightmare Moon took mental notes. There was a fine line between totalitarian communism and slightly imposing socialism. She was intrigued by the way the Ibearian Worker’s Party ruled the country, but she noted all of the things that they did wrong. She wondered if she could make her Republic a better-oiled machine than Ibearia.

Before Nightmare Moon could come up with any concrete ideas, her limousine stopped at the Foreign Ministry Office, where she spoke with Premier Ivan and Foreign Minister Maxim the Ambitious. Nightmare Moon stepped out of the limousine, and was escorted by armed bear guards into the office where Maxim and Ivan waited for her.

“Your Highness,” Ivan falsely smiled as he greeted her, “How nice it is to see you again. I trust you have met Maxim, my Foreign Minister?”

Maxim was much more disheveled than Ivan, but not too much. His hair was disorderly, and his clothes did not match each other. His tiny bifocals made his small eyes much larger, and intimidating. He had a small black moustache, which complimented his brown fur. He smiled as Nightmare Moon looked over at him, and he stood to greet her personally.

“I cannot believe Ivan would keep such an important figure away from me.” He chuckled in a thick Ibearian accent, “It is appalling. Now, I hope these talks will be, fruitful, yes?”

“I agree,” Ivan said, sitting down behind an ornate desk, decorated with personal items of his, “Let’s get down to business, shall we?”

Nightmare Moon and Maxim sat down, and Ivan began speaking.

“Princess Luna,” he said, “I know the talks of the past three days have gotten us nowhere. It is apparent that a full military alliance coupled with financial and military aid is out of the question.”

“Unfortunately,” Nightmare Moon responded coldly, “This is just what the Republic needs, a nation that will recognize us and join us in the crusade against Celestia.”

“It is no illusion that we hate Celestia,” Maxim replied, “But to join you and assist you in the fight, that is suicide. Celestia has the most powerful military in the world. It is a wonder why you are even claiming victory!”

“We are claiming victory,” Nightmare Moon replied, “Because the Royal Equestrian Army is frail, Minister Maxim. It poses as steel, when it is nothing more than fragile ply board. We have taken most of the East, and we will need your assistance if we are ever to invade the West.”

“Are you telling us that you plan to take over all of Equestria?” Ivan asked, “I know you seem confident because of your victories, but it is just not possible!”

“Which is why I need your assistance.” Nightmare Moon said, “Why else would I be here? It is obvious that Jerhoofalem and Nipponi Island will fall, and the East will be ours. But I have no plans on coexisting with my sister. I will not rest until I see her paraded through the streets of Stalliongrad, a shell of her former self.”

“Princess Luna,” Maxim said, folding his immense clawed hands, “We would join your crusade, but, we are not well-liked in the world. Celestia’s allies, the Deer and Elk, would jump at the chance to attack Ibearia. If we were to ally ourselves with you, there would be an invasion.”

“That is a shame,” Nightmare Moon said, “But, what if the Deer and Elk were not a problem?”

“Then we would cautiously join you.” Ivan replied, “But what do you mean by that, Your Highness?”

“I’m going to let you in on a little secret.” Nightmare Moon said, “You know of the Equestrian Space Program, yes?” Both bears nodded in agreement. “Then, you know of the terrible power of the Orbital Friendship Cannon, and how it possesses the power of two hydrogen bombs in one powerful beam.”

“Where are you going with this?” Maxim asked, “We all know that Celestia can destroy a country in three hours, but what does that have to do with this?”

“Imagine if the cannon were to go offline.” Nightmare Moon continued, “And rebooted, but not by the technicians in Manehattan, but in Neighjing, Shanghoof and Stalliongrad. This is going to be a reality. We are beginning the first steps of taking over the cosmos from Celestia.”

“So, if you had control of the Cannon, that would deter an Elkian and Vandeer invasion!” Maxim exclaimed.

“Yes.” Nightmare Moon said, “If this were to happen, your stance on us would be?”

“Well,” Ivan said, “It would be no question. We would recognize you, and fight with you.”

Nightmare Moon smiled wickedly on the inside. “This is what I thought. Gentlemen, I can assure you that the nation of Equestria will be quaking in its boots by the end of next week. After that, I will expect full cooperation from your military forces, yes?”

“I will discuss with the Head General of the Army,” Ivan said, “And I am sure he will agree.”

Oh, he will. Nightmare Moon thought, he better.
***

“Sweet Luna is Murmanesk cold!”

Rarity chuckled at Dapper’s interjection. They were walking together down a large boulevard. The bright lights illuminated the night, and Republican banners flew across the city. There was nothing in the city that conveyed war in any way, to the couple, it was just a cold city during the night.

Small black sedans sped down the boulevard, and Dapper was growing increasingly jealous of the drivers. They went on for another block, before he hailed a cab, and they drove to their restaurant, a classy joint that required a dress code.

Rarity wore a magnificent purple dress that had gems encrusted into the slender skirt that went to her shins. They sparkled under city lights, and she wore a matching hat with an elaborate white feather along the right side. She wore black heels that gave her an extra two inches in height, and she carried a little magenta change purse. She let her curled mane go down to her shoulders, which gave her a dazzling appearance.

Dapper wore a plain suit, with a red tie. His black slacks fit him perfectly, and his brown dress shoes complimented his pants and jacket. The tie itself had a design showing a Unicornian emblem, tow Unicorn heads looking at each other, horns crossing each other, making an x-shape. Dapper wore a black fedora to shield himself from the snow and wind, and wore a brown coat over his suit.

The little cab sped down the streets of Murmanesk, and gave them a shelter from the cold and snow. Rarity looked outside the window, and watched the snowflakes fall onto the city. Dapper, meanwhile, couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was simply beautiful. Everything from her long, slender legs to her bright blue eyes attracted Dapper to her. There was just no way for him to put into words what she truly looked like.

The cab stopped in front of the restaurant a few minutes later, and Rarity paid the fare, at Dapper’s resistance.

“Please,” Rarity said, “I can take care of myself. Besides, I’d rather pay the cab than the dinner.”

“So I’m paying for dinner?” Dapper chuckled, and ran his hand through his mane, “Alright then. Just don’t order everything.”

“How do you think I stay this thin?” She asked, “I can’t just eat, I have to pick what I eat, and eat a little then. It’s very hard being a successful fashion designer and stay thin at the same time.”

They walked in giggling, and Rarity went up to the waiter, and whispered something incoherent to him through the waiter’s ear. His eyes went wide, and he nodded. The waiter guided them throughout the restaurant, towards a small booth towards the back of the restaurant. Here, there was a quintet playing classical music; there would be nopony eavesdropping here.

Rarity and Dapper sat down, and smelled the fragrances of the restaurant before looking at each other.

“This is nice.” Dapper said, “Nopony can listen to us.”

“That’s exactly what I was looking for.” Rarity mumbled. She looked at Dapper, and blushed, “Oh, excuse me. Yes, I requested this, because I hate it when somepony listens in on my conversations.”

Dapper smiled in agreement, and reached for a menu. He opened it up, and looked through its contents. Rarity grabbed the one on the bottom of the pile. She opened it up, and grabbed a small SD card. She grabbed out her phone, and placed it inside the slot. She would play it back at the hotel she was staying at. For now, she would enjoy the meal.

She looked at the menu, and browsed through the options. She couldn’t decide what she wanted to eat, but she had decided on a drink. It was not a moment too soon. A slightly attractive white Unicorn waiter walked up to the table, and asked if they wanted something to drink.

“I will take the Lundy Cocktail.” Dapper Crescent said, “With ice and an olive.”

The waiter looked at Rarity, and she said, “And I will take the very best Elkian wine you have to offer.”

“Does Elkenburgian Wine, aged twenty years sound fine, madame?” The waiter asked in an old Hooviet accent.

“Yes, that will suffice.” Rarity said, “It will be awhile before we order.”

The waiter nodded, and walked off. Rarity turned to Dapper, and smiled.

“So, how is work at the hospital?” Rarity asked, “You always seemed glum until you came into my room.”

“Oh, I did?” Dapper Crescent blushed a little, and said, “It’s very stressful. I have to remember one pony can’t take antibiotics, while another can only take flupirtine. It can get annoying when you are whisked around the Emergency Room for a five-hour shift. I’m glad I didn’t have to come in tonight.”

“Yes, I am glad as well.” Rarity said, “Because I’ll be leaving Murmanesk tomorrow afternoon.”

“Are you going back to the front?” Dapper asked nervously. “With that arm, I don’t think it would be wise at all…”

“Don’t worry, darling!” Rarity smiled, “I’ll be riding a desk in Stalliongrad for a few weeks, and I’ll be back here before the winter solstice.”

“That’s good.” Dapper said, “It would be terrible if your arm got damaged again.”

“Yes, yes it would.” Rarity said, instinctively rubbing her arm as if it hurt. She hated lying to Dapper, but Intelligence said that not even he could know her occupation now. It tore her apart. She just wanted to blurt it out to him, but she knew that if she did, her cover would be blown to potential Celestial spies.

“Stalliongrad’s a beautiful city.” Dapper said, “I traveled the former Hooviet Union a few years ago when I was young. I found out my great-grandfather emigrated from St. Ponysburg to Baton Hoof, and I wanted to see if there were records. Of course, all I found was an empty bottle of vodka.”

Rarity chuckled at his story. It was typical of tourists to get drunk this far north in the East. She looked back at her menu, and asked if Dapper had decided.

“Well,” he said, “The Murmanesk Salad looks good to me. How about you Rarity?”

“I don’t know yet,” Rarity said, “I’m thinking the Fettuccine Alfredo with butter and broccoli sounds delectable.”

Rarity and Dapper exchanged small talk before the waiter came with their drinks in a few minutes and took their orders. Dapper sipped from his Lundy Cocktail, a shot of whiskey watered down and mixed with lemon juice and sugar, while Rarity reminisced out loud about Ponyville.

“… and my sister, Sweetie Bell,” she said, “Oh, she was just a delight to have around! She and I would give each other makeovers, and bake together, and sometimes, she helped me design a dress. Though most of the time, she was with her friends, trying to get her Cutie Mark.”

“Did she ever get it?” Dapper asked.

“No,” Rarity sighed, “I hope she still hasn’t. I would’ve missed it.”

Suddenly, a twinge of guilt shot through Rarity. She couldn’t bear to think what she would say to Sweetie Bell if she came home to see Sweetie Bell flaunting her Cutie Mark to her. She felt like a terrible sister to her.

Dapper, as if he was reading her mind, said, “Hey, if it happens, it happens. It’s not your fault. War can do so many things to a pony, and that includes getting a Cutie Mark. I’m sure she will understand if you missed it now.”

“But what if I feel like a terrible sister?” Rarity asked.

“You are not a terrible sister.” He said, “From what I heard, you sound like the best sister a pony could ever ask for. So what if you miss her getting her Cutie Mark? You’ll still be there for her as she grows up from a filly to a mare. If you miss it, just make sure to make extra time for her. It’s all you can do.”

By now, Rarity was tearing up. She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, and sniffed her nose. “Thank you. I really needed that.”

“Why else am I here?” He asked. He smiled, and Rarity smiled too. This had to be the first stallion she had dated who made her feel comfortable. There was no awkwardness. It just felt, natural.

Finally, their food came, and Rarity ate her food slowly, and sipped her wine. It was bitter, just the way she liked it. It was the most perfect shade of red, and it tickled her throat as it trickled down. The Fettuccine she ordered was cooked to perfection, and she loved every bite of it.

“I’m so glad we could do this tonight.” Rarity said, “I really wanted to do this before I left.”

“I’m glad I’m here, too.” Dapper said, “Though I wished I paid the cab instead of the dinner.”

“You think a mare like me couldn’t think about when to pay?” Rarity chuckled, “Dapper, you should be ashamed.”

The dinner went on like that, with Rarity and Dapper ribbing each other while eating their gourmet food and drinking their fancy drinks. By the time the bill came, two hours had passed, while it had only felt like thirty minutes. Both Dapper and Rarity were loosened by the alcohol, but they weren’t entirely drunk. Besides, they were taking a cab back. Dapper paid the bill, and they walked out of the restaurant.

As they waited for a cab, Rarity barely noticed Dapper’s hand lock with hers. She figured it was the alcohol, or maybe it was that everything just felt so natural.

The cab took them back to Rarity’s hotel, and Rarity pecked Dapper on the cheek. That would be the last time she would see him for weeks.
***

The whirling of helicopter rotors broke the silence of early dawn in the city of Neighjing. The thick smog hindered transportation for Republican forces, but they had learned to adapt. Fluttershy looked back to Solar Chaser, who gave her a thumbs-up and a smirk.

She lifted her new Mi-28 gingerly into the air, and turned it towards the sea. She led War Horse Squadron in formation over the naval armada that was carrying the second wave of the invading force. Intelligence reports stated that there would be little air resistance, as they had been dealt with during the three-month blockade. Fluttershy relaxed when she heard that in the briefing; she would not like a repeat of Jerhoofalem.

“War Horse 1 to War Horse Squadron,” Fluttershy said quietly, “Report in, please.”

One by one, the eleven helicopter crews of War Horse Squadron responded. Fluttershy leaned the helicopter forward, and the helicopter was off towards Nipponi Island.

“This is AWACS FULL MOON to War Horse Squadron,” Fluttershy’s radio came to life, “The 76th Infantry Brigade are facing heavy resistance from Celestial forces inside Sappony. You will provide close air support. Beware, just because there is no aircraft doesn’t mean there are no SAMs. Be on guard.”

“War Horse 1 reads you, FULL MOON.” Fluttershy answered shyly, “We’ll try to not get killed.”

For the next fifteen minutes, the squadron of helicopters cruised at 150 miles an hour before reaching the shores of Nipponi Island, more particularly, the port town of Hoofoshima.

“FULL MOON to War Horse Squadron, you are approaching Hoofoshima. Sappony is twelve clicks to the northeast. Continue on until further orders.”

Fluttershy complied, and turned the helicopter towards the digital waypoint FULL MOON had placed on radar. It was another two minutes before they saw the shores of Sappony. What they saw was complete carnage. There were burnt-out shells of tanks, jeeps, APCs, and pillbox fortifications. Smoke streaked from the buildings in the city as jets streaked across the sky to drop their payloads inside the city.

“FULL MOON to War Horse, War Horse come in.”

“This is War Horse 1,” Fluttershy said, “Go, FULL MOON.”

“You have free reign in this combat area. Do anything to assist the infantry. Get going, War Horse!”

Solar Chaser answered confidently, and Fluttershy ordered the squadron to split up. Once the formation had broken, Fluttershy went on a strafe run down a road leading towards the landing beach. Fluttershy let loose a barrage of missiles at a column of tanks and APCs moving to suppress the soldiers on the ground, and watched as the vehicles imploded.

Suddenly, Fluttershy saw flashbacks to Jerhoofalem.

She hoped it would be a quick victory in Nipponi Island.
***

“General, please tell me why I am receiving these reports?” Celestia asked angrily as soon as Shining Armor closed the door.

“Your Highness,” Shining Armor answered, “General Honorable Sword has told me that Nipponi Island has been attacked by Republican forces in the south of the island along the cities of Hoofoshima, Neighasaki, and Sappony. Early reports have stated that Republican forces are advancing at a breakneck speed.”

“And what would you advise we do to stop these rebels?” Celestia said through gritted teeth angrily, “Because it seems that General Honorable Sword is cracking under pressure. And don’t give me a bullshit answer.”
Shining Armor swallowed audibly, and said nervously, “I would advise that we abandon the cities, and combat the Republican in the open countryside of Nipponi Island. We could also destroy the dams along the Neighkong River, and bottleneck their advance. That would allow us to effectively stop their advance, and then we can drive them back to the sea.”

“Are you sure such a tactic will work?” Celestia asked, “Because Honorable Sword has also reported that he has a limited supply of aircraft. If we are to combat them in the open field, the Republicans would have aerial superiority.”
Shining Armor bit his lip, and stood up straight, “Your Highness, how desperate are you?”

“Excuse me?” Celestia asked.

“How desperate are you to find victory?” Shining Armor asked.

“What have you got in mind?” Celestia stood up from her desk, and looked at a map of Nipponi Island, with her back turned to Shining Armor.

“Would you be willing to sacrifice Hoofoshima and Sappony to ultimately drive out the Republicans?” Shining Armor asked with no emotion.

“And how would I be able to sacrifice them?” Celestia turned to look Shining Armor in the eye. She was intrigued in what he
had to say. His face was emotionless. He gave away no hint as to what he would say.

“In this case,” Shining Armor said, “I would call for a full retreat, and blast the city with an orbital strike when the Republicans think they have won. It would mean the deaths of over a million civilians, but war is horrible, is it not?”

“Do you know what you are saying, General?” Celestia asked. “You are telling me to wipe two major Eastern cities off the map. That is preposterous!”

“There is also a chance that the blast will disable most of the Republican Navy.” Shining Armor stood up straight,

“Which will allow for an invasion of the East, preferably around the city of Marelaysia, where Republican garrisons are at its weakest.”

Celestia sighed, and sat back down. She ran her hands through her hair, showing her stress levels to Shining Armor.

“General,” she said, looking up to him, “I will not authorize that until it becomes hopeless. But, there is a way we can pull
a victory out of this. Are you familiar with the Elkenburg Concordant?”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Shining Armor answered.

“Then you know that in extreme crises,” Celestia explained, “Each signatory is compelled to come to the defense of the other signatory nations.”

“What good will the Elk and Deer do?” Shining Armor asked, “With all due respect, Your Highness, if we get the Deer and Elk involved, what will stop Ibearia from invading the Vandeerlands? This will spark an international war on a scale unknown!”

“Do you know how desperate I am, General?” Celestia hissed, “I am rapidly losing land in the East, all because of a band of rebels led by my very sister. Thousands are dead, cities are burning, and you think I’m not desperate?”
Shining Armor said nothing as Celestia continued on her rant.

“This has all made me a desperate Pony. I cannot stand to watch these socialist rebels take over the most powerful country on this planet!” She sighed, and said, “Unless the war turns in our favor, I’m keeping all options on the table. Whether it be through conventional means or weapons of mass destruction, I am considering all options.”

“I understand, Your Highness.” Shining Armor responded, “And what would you have General Honorable Sword do?”

“I know how the Nipponese work,” Celestia said, “They will fight to the last man. You are dismissed, General. Do not come back until you have good news.”

Shining Armor saluted Celestia, and walked out of the office. Suddenly the war had taken a new and probably unintended course after this meeting.

Or was it intended? Shining Armor shook his head as he walked towards his personal limousine. Princess Celestia had mellowed; she wasn’t the war-mongering monarch she was a few hundred years ago. But the thought still nagged him as he sat down in front of his own desk.

He sighed. This war should’ve been decided in one battle.

Tell me what you think! Geez, I sure do love writing long chapters now! Well, as you could tell by my blog posts, I made a map of this MLP universe, it can be found on my deviantart.com account at http://byakuyakuchikiftw.deviantart.com/#/d5t35pm I know the quality is a bit sub-par, but I have a crappy scanner, and it looked much better on the original paper. I am going to be working on a better quality one over the weekend (hopefully) because I feel bad for giving you guys such a crappy map. Anyways, Sappony is a pun for Sapporo, a city in Japan. Nipponi Island is a pun for Nippon, the Japanese word for Japan. I hope you liked how I illustrated the side ponies! I also noticed that Twilight and Rainbow Dash didn’t make an appearance in this chapter, but they will appear in the next chapter. Next chapter: as the invasion of Nipponi Island continues, how will Celestia deal with this war? Find out in the next chapter!