The Equestrian Civil War

The cabin of the Havoc was silent as Fluttershy and War Horse Squadron flew through the skies of Nipponi Island. The grasslands below the helicopters were littered with craters, shelled out tanks, bodies and scorched earth. Fluttershy preferred to not look down to see the carnage.

"This is FULL MOON to War Horse Squadron," Fluttershy's radio crackled, "Come in War Horse Squadron."

"This is Fluttershy, FULL MOON," Fluttershy responded, "We read you."

"Good, you all need to listen up." FULL MOON said, "Reports from the front line are telling us that the Celestials have had their defenses shattered along the Hoofshu Hills. They are retreating en masse towards the northern city of Pyongmane. Your mission is to harass the Celestial tanks and vehicles all the way there. Reports tell me that there is intense air traffic there, so be on the lookout for enemy jets and helicopters."

"Roger that," Fluttershy said, "War Horse Squadron moving to objective. Let's move out."

Fluttershy was beginning to become more and more cold as this war moved on. She was less resistant to kill, and was actually beginning to enjoy watching the explosions blossom from the ground. While this was concerning her, her superior officers were welcoming the changes. They were glad that Fluttershy was finally beginning to toughen up. They thought that the sooner Fluttershy toughened up, the better it was for the Republican cause. Fluttershy, despite wanting to help the Republicans and Luna, was beginning to fear that she might not embody the Element of Kindness like she was supposed to.

She pondered about this for a while, as they flew towards the front line. Was this war really changing Fluttershy? Fluttershy had heard of war changing ponies, but she thought that it would never happen to her, because she was the Element of Kindness. Somehow she thought that she was immune to the evil allure of killing and destruction.

Minutes passed as she thought about this. It really concerned her that she might not embody kindness anymore because of this war.

“FULL MOON to War Horse Squadron, you are entering the combat zone. Weapons free.”

Fluttershy blinked, and returned to reality. Kind or not, she needed to make sure she made it out of here alive.

“War Horse Squadron engage!” Fluttershy ordered, “Make sure not a single tank makes it out in one piece!”

“Yeah, let’s go!” Solar Chaser shouted behind Fluttershy. “You ready, Flutter?”

“Oh,” Fluttershy said, “Yes. I’m ready.”

“Something the matter?” Chaser asked.

“No, nothing’s wrong.” Fluttershy said, dismissing his concerns, “I need to focus here, if it doesn’t offend you.”

Solar Chaser only shook his head. Fluttershy then focused on flying her instrument of death. She could see smoke billowing from just over this one hill in the distance, and Fluttershy could only imagine what was on the other side.

She leaned the attack helicopter forward, and sped towards the hill. The rest of the squadron followed behind as Fluttershy led the charge into hell.

When they reached the other side of the hill, they found a mass of Celestial troops and light vehicles retreating while tanks were on distant hills, pounding the advancing Republican forces with artillery fire. It also didn’t help that AH-IZ Viper attack helicopters swarmed the air, peppering the Republican tanks.

Fluttershy turned on the weapons systems, and activated her head’s-up-display, or HUD. As it blinked to life, it identified the enemy tanks and helicopters, and Fluttershy placed a waypoint over a hill where Celestial ground troops, light armor and main battle tanks were entrenched, making advance impossible for Fluttershy’s allies.

The Havoc flew high above the hill, and Fluttershy locked onto a group of two Stallion tanks with a guided missile. She pulled the trigger, and watched the missile as it sped towards its target. It slammed into the ground between the two tanks, and a fantastic explosion tore apart the hill. It flipped over one of the tanks, and left the other unharmed.

Fluttershy switched to unguided missiles, and fired a volley of seven rockets at the hill. It whaled on the trenches and light armor, and explosions destroyed anything in its path. Still, Fluttershy fired the helicopter’s cannon, and saw bodies fly from the trenches.

When the smoke cleared, it was apparent there was little left of the hill. The one tank left standing was disabled as its treads were torn to shreds as if it were butter. The crew clambered out, and ran for their lives. Fluttershy decided to spare them, and move onto the next target.

Only, when she turned to attack the next hill, she looked straight at an enemy AH-1Z Viper. It was flying right at Fluttershy, and she could only imagine the carnage the gun could do to the aircraft. She yanked the joystick left, and pulled the trigger for the cannon. Bullets streaked past the Celestial helicopter as Fluttershy desperately tried to evade the wrath of her foe.

“Damn, Flutter,” Solar Chaser said, “That was quite the shock.”

“That was terrifying!” Fluttershy quietly exclaimed, “But I don’t think it’s going to leave us alone.”

“I’d say, he’s coming right at us!” Solar Chaser cried. “Evasive maneuvers, Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy rotated the helicopter again, and saw the Viper streak past her nose. It was going too fast for the cannon, but Fluttershy skillfully maneuvered behind the Viper, and attempted to get a lock with a guided missile.

“It’s not going to work!” Solar Chaser said, “He’s got friends!”

“Oh no!” Fluttershy said, “What are we going to do?”

“I thought you knew!” Solar Chaser said, “You’re the pilot!”

Fluttershy sighed, and looked around. There were another two helicopters moving in. Given the ferocity of this fight, she assumed that there would be air support. If she could only survive until MiGs and Su’s destroyed the helicopters, Fluttershy would have it made.

“This is War Horse 1,” Fluttershy said, “I need jet support on my AO! They’re too many enemies on me!”

“We read you, War Horse 1.” FULL MOON replied, “Shadowbolt Squadron is inbound. Get ready for the storm, ETA is five minutes.”

“Oh, I think it’s here.” Solar Chaser remarked.

Fluttershy meanwhile, had blocked it all from her mind, and was focusing on getting out of this confrontation alive. There were three Vipers wishing her dead, and she had about five minutes to survive. It seemed easy.

Fluttershy climbed, and flew backwards, attempting to get a good shot on the enemy helicopters. They climbed to her level in the clouds, and tried to get a shot as well. But, Fluttershy had employed a strategy Rainbow Dash had taught her: lose them in the clouds.

She flew through the clouds, while her HUD told her where the enemies were. They were flying forward, trying to find her, and she was right on their left side. Their radars must have been malfunctioning in the clouds. Fluttershy smirked, and she felt her warfighting side of her personality take over.

She turned to the left, and found herself behind the enemy. She kept flying, until the Celestials got out of the clouds. They stopped, and looked around for Fluttershy. They never thought of looking behind them though.

Fluttershy was right behind them, and stabilized the Havoc. Her fingers wrapped around the trigger, and she fired the cannon, and fired a guided missile at one of the helicopters. She nicked one with the cannon, and hit another with the missile. It tore apart the tail, and it tumbled down towards the hills.

Fluttershy overshot the other helicopters, and she immediately tried to evade the returning fire. She rolled to the right, and dove towards the ground. Her helicopter was now moving like a jet as Fluttershy tried to avoid the Celestials.

She guided the helicopter masterfully. As she was diving towards the ground, she had her rotor exposed to the Celestials. But, she was moving too fast, and they couldn’t get a shot. Fluttershy stabilized the helicopter, and flew above the road as the two remaining Vipers pursued.

Fluttershy looked behind her, and saw one of the Vipers above her, looking straight at her. She gasped as she saw bullets impact the ground right next to the helicopter. She then pulled back on the joystick, and stopped the helicopter. The Vipers overshot, and tried to turn around.

The timing could not have been more perfect. Right then, Shadowbolt Squadron streaked across the sky, and fired on the Vipers. They imploded in the sky as gunfire and missiles struck them, and Fluttershy watched as they crashed onto the ground below.

“Shadowbolt Squadron to War Horse 1,” Fluttershy heard, “Looks like your problem is gone.”

“Thank you for the assist, Shadowbolt Squadron.” Fluttershy said, “I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t arrived when you did.”

“Glad we could help.” Shadowbolt Squadron then broke formation, and began strafing the retreating Celestials.

Fluttershy shook her head, and climbed back into the sky. She had just barely survived that encounter.

Applejack would not believe her.
***

Rain fell softly onto the jungle floor as Applejack rode in an unmarked pickup truck. The driver, a pale blue stallion with a light magenta mane and goatee beard silently guided the truck through the muddy roads.

“You picked the wrong time of year.” He said in a thick Marelaysian accent, “It’s right in the middle of the monsoon. If you had waited a month and a half...”

“We don’ have time.” Applejack said bluntly. She wore a dark green uniform and beret, showing her rank plainly. On her chest, there were ribbons for active combat, twenty confirmed kills, rescuing a wounded soldier, and being an Element of Harmony Bearer, just in case anypony forgot.

“Oh, I see.” The stallion said, “You military types don’t give a damn about the weather, and I end up risking my neck to get an officer out into the middle of the jungle.”

“Ya complain one more time,” Applejack said, “And Ah’ll make sure you were risking ya neck.”

“Republicans.” The stallion snorted. “Just like Celestia.”

Applejack decided to let that comment slide. He had two strikes, the next time he complained about getting her out here, he’d have a bullet in his head. She reached for her thigh, and found her .44 Magnum there. Yes, that would do the trick.

The pickup bumped along, and soon, there was a clearing in the woods. Applejack saw the Republican flag flying, and she knew she was at the right place. The stallion stopped at the gate, and Applejack opened the door, and climbed out of the truck, knapsack in hand.

Two sentries walked out from the guardhouse to greet her. She smiled, and pointed at the pickup truck.

“He comes ‘round here again,” Applejack said, “Ah want ya both to make sure he don’ come back.”

They saluted, and saw the truck off. Applejack sloshed through the mud, and walked up to the only other concrete structure apart from the guardhouse. She knocked on the door, and it opened within seconds. She was greeted by a stoic-looking gray Unicorn mare with a yellow and baby blue mane. She wore slick black glasses, and held the rank of Corporal.

“Ah’m Major Applejack,” Applejack said, “Ah need to see General Battle Bowler.”

“Of course.” The mare said in a Hooviet accent, “Right this way, Major. Did you have a nice flight from Damarescus?”

Applejack had to admit, the flight to Ho Chi Mane City was much more enjoyable than the flight she took with Fluttershy and Rarity to Stalliongrad. Thinking about that flight reminded her that she had not seen either of them in months. She had heard that Fluttershy was leading War Horse Squadron, but she hadn’t heard anything about Rarity. She would have to check to see if the General knew anything.

The mare guided her to a door, and the mare knocked on it, and said softly, “General, it is Major Applejack.”

“Oh, yes, let her in.”

The mare nodded at Applejack, and she opened the door and walked inside. General Battle Bowler looked up from paperwork, and smiled at the sight of Applejack. He was smoking a cigar, and smoke hung around him, but it went towards the door before the Hooviet mare closed it.

“Major!” Bowler greeted, “Please, have a seat. Would you like some coffee?”

“No sir,” Applejack said as she took off her now soaked beret and sat down.

“Well then,” the old General said, “We better get down to business then. The recruits will be here tomorrow at 0600 hours. You will greet them, and what you do for initiation is up to you. Make them run through the jungle for an hour or two, or maybe just make them do one hundred pushups in the mud. But that’s not important.”

The General opened a manila folder, and said, “Princess Luna and General Thunder Roller are very interested in the Harmony Initiative, but they are not naive. They know that some of the Pony recruits will be, prejudiced, against our Zebra and Bear counterparts. I have assigned Sergeant Leatherneck to deal with the day to day conflicts, but you will mediate anything that gets out of hand.”

The General paused to take a puff from his cigar, and exhaled smoke as he said, “The Zebras and Bears are watching the Harmony Initiative even more scrutinously than the Princess. Any fuck-ups at this stage will deal a major blow to Prime Minister Zeboro and Premier Ivan’s faith in Luna and the New World Order.”

“So, if Ah screw it up,” Applejack said, “It all falls apart then?”

“Exactly.” Battle Bowler said, “Now, I can tell you this. If this crashes and burns, you will just be sent to the front. I, meanwhile will be ‘liquidated’, and transported to Stalliongrad and dishonorably discharged. Our careers in the military depend on the success of the Initiative."

“Ah didn’ think of it like that.” Applejack said.

“Well now you know.” Battle Bowler said, “I just wanted to let you know, so that you know that we’re all depending on you.”

“Sir, Ah am up to the challenge.” Applejack said.

“Good.” The General took yet another puff, and said, “Dismissed, Major.”

Applejack turned to leave, but Battle Bowler said, “Oh, but if this succeeds, you can count on being promoted. I just thought I’d let you know of the reward of the success of the Harmony Initiative.”

“Thank ya, sir.” Applejack saluted, and turned to leave the office. She had no idea there was so much pressure when she took the job. But, there was no turning back now.
***

Rainbow Dash had only been in Baton Hoof for a week now, but already the environment was changing her. For the most part, the citizens of this city were unconcerned with the war, unless something big appeared on the news, or they saw somepony in uniform. Dash had ditched her uniform in her apartment for just this reason, and stuck with a gray tank top and brown khaki slacks. She wore her mane in a ponytail, though it was much tighter than Applejack's.

Dash walked the streets alone, and wandered through the city. Since they had gotten here, Dash had felt foreign. She was a country mare, unused to having so many ponies in close proximity to her. Cloudsdale and Canterlot were never like this.

Now, she sat in a bar, with a Flankfurt lager sitting in front of her. She took a small sip as her mind drifted to different, easier times. It had only been five months since Canterlot was firebombed, and now the New Lunar Republic ruled the East. It could only get worse now. Newspapers had told Dash that the Bears and Zebras had recognized and were now allied with Luna. It was rumored that now Empress Celestia would call on the Deer and Elk for assistance.

But Dash wasn't thinking of the war. She thought of the times she and her had in Ponyville. Why did Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack have to be so damn stupid and leave? Dash shook her head, and drank her beer. It was times like this when Dash began to doubt herself. She never had any time to do this during the Plague, but now she had plenty of time to.

Dash was shaken from her thoughts when a hand touched her shoulder. She turned, and saw a light green Pegasus stallion with a white mane standing next to her.

"Mind if I join you?" He asked. Dash nodded.

"Why not?" She answered, "Sit down."

The stallion did, and introduced , "My name's Jazzy Cider, what's yours?"

"I don't think my name matters now." Dash said.

"Alright then," Cider said, "You from around here?"

"No, I'm from Ponyville." Dash took another sip of her beer. "It's near Canterlot."

"Now why is a fair mare like you doing in Baton Hoof, so far from home?" Cider asked, "You a soldier or something?"

"Yeah, I'm a pilot." Dash said.

"Does that mean you've been in combat?" Cider asked.

"Look, if all you're going to do is ask questions," Dash said, "You'd better find another drinking friend."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you." Cider said, "It's just that I haven't seen a new face here in a while..."

"Yeah, I was in combat." Dash interrupted, "I was in Jerhoofalem. Even though I was up in the air, I could see the desperation of those down there. It was awful. We just got transferred here a week ago, and I've been taking it solo. I just happened to walk into this bar tonight."

"Wow, Jerhoofalem." Jazzy Cider said, "I had a friend in the Army. He died in the first few days of fighting in Jerhoofalem."

"I'm so sorry." Dash said.

"Don't be." The stallion replied, "Let's not talk about the war. We're in a bar after all, right?"

Dash nodded, and slowly finished her beer. While she liked the taste of it, she wasn't one to rush drinking. Jazzy Cider ordered a glass of brandy on the rocks, and they both drank together. Dash could feel her spirits rising as she drank more and more, but knew that this was because of the alcohol.

"You know," Dash said, "Being a pilot is not that bad. It is so beautiful in the sky."

"And so peaceful too." Cider said, "Is that why you joined the military?"

"No," Dash said, "I joined because I was offered a spot with the Wonderbolts."

"You're it the Wonderbolts?" Jazzy Cider exclaimed, "Why didn't you say so?"

"I'm not one to tell somepony everything about my life." Dash answered. "I guess I should tell you my name now."

"You've got to be Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty!" Cider said, "You were in the papers everywhere when you joined. Wow, I cannot believe I just drank with a Wonderbolt and the Element of Loyalty!"

"Yeah, well the novelty wears off eventually." Dash said, "Once three of the other Elements left for Luna, it doesn't matter that I embody an Element of Harmony."

“What do you mean by that?" Cider said, "You can't just say that. Empress Celestia picked you to be an Element bearer, bearer and now you say it doesn't matter? You must be a sad and pathetic pony to think that."

"Do you know what I've been through, Mr. Judge of my life? I've been fighting a war for half a year, and all you've been doing is getting drunk here!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" The stallion said sarcastically, "I forgot who I was speaking to. A depressed, half-drunk, dead-beat mare."

Dash stood up from her stool, and promptly punched the stallion in the face. He fell to the floor with blood trickling from his nose. Dash walked over him to get to the door.

"Bastard," she muttered, "I'd like to see him in a warzone."
***

Twilight was sick of sea travel. She had been on the Princess Celestia for well over a week now, and she wanted off. She had been told that it would be another nine days before they reached the port of Flankfurt.

Of course, she had had her hands full during the evacuation. The evacuation process was slow, as thousands of soldiers needed a place on crowded ships. And all the while Republican helicopters and jets were harassing them. But, Admiral Wave Roller accredited Twilight for the success of the evacuation, and she had been told that she would receive a promotion and pay raise when they reached Flankfurt. She would be a First Lieutenant.

Right now, Twilight sat in the cafeteria, and read a pocket novel, titled The Troubled Lands of the East. It was telling her about the troubled histories of Zecornia, the Hooviet Union, and Camelus. It was very interesting, and it allowed Twilight to forget where she was.

She sipped from her bitter black coffee, and then took a sip from a water bottle she kept next to her coffee. Twilight was used to putting cream and sugar in her coffee, but that was a luxury that she couldn’t get. So, water was her savior.

After placing her water bottle down, Twilight turned back to her book, only to find it missing from her table. She looked around, but couldn’t find it anywhere.

“I had it here just a second ago.” She muttered, “Where could it have gone?”

“Looking for this? Looks boring, Twilight.”

Twilight turned around, and looked at a familiar pony. When she recognized who was standing in front of her, Twilight could only chuckle and shake her head in disbelief.

“Come on, give it back.” Twilight said.

“That’s the hello I get? Way to be a sour puss, Twilight.” Pinkie Pie said. “Here, have it back. I wasn’t going to keep it anyway.”

“How did you get here, Pinkie?” Twilight said, “I took a headcount of everypony who stepped foot onto this ship.”

“Well you missed me!” Pinkie Pie laughed. “I just thought I would surprise you. SURPRIIIIIIIIIIISE!!!!!!!!!!”

“It’s been too long, Pinkie.” Twilight got up, and Pinkie Pie smiled as she jumped Twilight in a surprise hug.

“I have so much to tell you!” Pinkie cried.

“I do, too, Pinkie.” Twilight let go of her friend, and sat down, “Want a coffee?”

“Coffee?” Pinkie asked, then laughed, “I already had three!” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Ha, I was just kidding! I don’t need coffee!”

“So, you said that you had a lot to tell me?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, yeah!” Pinkie Pie sat down next to her friend, and then said, “I saw Applejack.”

“What? Really?” Twilight was shocked to hear that name. She had forgotten for just a moment that Applejack, Fluttershy and Rarity had abandoned them for the Republic.

“Yeah,” Pinkie said, “She’s a Major. We were fighting in Jerhoofalem, and Vinyl Scratch and I found Applejack aiming her gun at us. We stopped fighting, and we talked for a few minutes. She wasn’t like herself, though. She didn’t even call me sugar cube!”

“Well, that is odd.” Twilight said, “What happened next?”

“Then,” Pinkie Pie said, “She told us that she was the highest ranking officer alive, and we were supposed to take an officer alive.”

“Did you take her into custody?” Twilight almost stood up in excitement.

“No, silly!” Pinkie Pie said, “Vinyl and I let her go!”

“Why?” Twilight nearly shouted. “Pinkie, if we had taken her in, we would only need Rarity and Fluttershy, and then we could use the Elements of Harmony to defeat Luna!”

“Oh, well I didn’t think of that!” Pinkie laughed. “That’s why I leave the thinking to you, Twilight!”

“I guess it’s nice that you saw her.” Twilight said, “Was she like what she was before?”

“What do you mean by that?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Oh, nothing. Forget I said it.” Twilight replied. She began to think of the Colonel she had extracted not too long ago. She particularly remembered what the Colonel said about Applejack, and that she thought Twilight was naïve and indoctrinated. It had shaken Twilight to her core, and she wondered if Applejack had said anything like that to Pinkie Pie.

“Well, Applejack seemed normal,” Pinkie had her thumb against her front tooth in thought. “Yeah, she was like what she was before, Twilight.”

“Good,” Twilight sighed. “Say, where are you staying?”

“Not too far from the cafeteria.” Pinkie said, “Which would be nice, if we had some cupcakes!” She directed the last part at the chef behind the counter.

“You’ll eat all the damn cupcakes you want when we reach Flankfurt!”

Twilight chuckled, and said, “How would you like to stay with me? I’ve got an extra bunk.”

“Really?” Pinkie Pie’s face lit up with excitement, “You do?”

“Yeah,” Twilight said, “Let me show you to my room.”
***

Rarity tensed up as she walked up to an Equestrian Customs Officer. The Officer was a bored-looking tan Earth Pony mare with a black coat and blue eyes. Her uniform was a plain blue, with a badge.

Rarity was wearing a red t-shirt, with a pair of blue skinny jeans. She wore eyeglasses, which was a central piece to her fake identity as Illustrious, the mare from Baton Hoof. The Customs Officer looked at Rarity’s papers, and then at her face. The Officer stared for a few uncomfortable seconds, and handed Rarity her papers back. Rarity smiled in thanks, but received no response.

Rarity then walked through the exit of Manehattan International Airport, and was assaulted by the overwhelming bombardment of different sounds, sights and smells. There was a line of yellow taxi cabs taking Camels, Elk, Deer, Griffons and Ponies to their destinations.

Rarity walked to the curb, and found an empty cab. She walked over, and tapped on the glass window. The driver, a light yellow Unicorn stallion with a green mane and beard, stirred, and awoke from a light slumber. He jolted when he saw Rarity, and got out of the cab.

“You got luggage, Miss?” He asked in a thick Manehattan accent.

“Yes,” Rarity walked to the trunk, which was immediately opened. Rarity placed her bags inside, and climbed into the back seat of the cab. The driver then got behind the wheel, and turned around to look at Rarity in the eye.

“Where do you need to go?” He asked.

Rarity looked down at a slip of paper, which read “Hoofdorf-Astoria”. She looked up at the driver, and said, “The Hoofdorf-Astoria Hotel, please.”

“Oh, you’re a high roller, eh?” The driver said as he left the airport and turned onto a large avenue. Buildings towered high into the sky, and the streets were overly congested with cars, bikes, buses and taxis. The sidewalks were not much better either, as pedestrians were squished in between the large buildings and numerous street vendors.

So, this was Manehattan when it was full. The driver was already in the thick of the traffic, and he was getting frustrated at the obvious incompetence the other drivers had that Rarity couldn’t see. In Ponyville, very few ponies had cars, because you could walk everywhere. But, in a city like Manehattan, cars were a great way to get around, if you enjoyed being trapped in traffic.

“Can you please turn on the radio?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah, any music you like in particular?” The driver asked, “Or would you like some talk radio?”

“Just get me the news, please.” Rarity said, “Particularly the Coyote News Network?”

“Alrighty then.” The driver then turned on the radio, and tuned in to Coyote News, the primary center-right wing news agency in Equestria. Coyote was one of the most popular, being surpassed only by the Equestrian Broadcasting Company, or EBC.

“Welcome to Coyote News at Six,” the radio buzzed, “I am Star Cloud, your anchor. Headlining this newscast today is that the countries of Ibearia and Zecornia have begun troop movements, and are meeting with Republican forces for the first time. We now go to Daytime Ace, live in Whoazambique.

“Thank you, Star Cloud.” The radio spat out some static, but Rarity could understand it for the most part. “The atmosphere here in Whoazambique today is tense as the citizens remember to Zecor War not too far back, which devastated the economy of this Eastern country. Chief Magistrate Zeboro today has said that ‘The rule of Celestia over Equestria and the world will now come to an end. The oppressed ones of this world are uniting to fight against the privileged, and our forces will find victory.’

“While the Zecor Army is outdated with old military technology,” Rarity listened as the cab was slowly crawling down the avenue, “The fact that they will be joining forces will Ibearian and Republican forces means that they will be seen as a real threat...”

Rarity then began to think about her mission. She was to meet Quirky Code in a room that was prepared for her. She had her resumé filled out already, all she needed to do was hand it in to the OFC Database, and she would be in. The only thing she needed to work on now was her Baton Hoof accent.

While she was practicing in the back, the driver asked, “You an actor or something?”

“Whaih would ya think thayat?” Rarity said in her accent.

“You had a different voice when you got in.” The driver responded.

“Oh, yes, Ah am an actor.” Rarity improvised, “Ah am going to traih out for a role in tha theatre.”

“Must be nice...” The driver trailed off.

Rarity sighed silently, and still practiced her accent all the way to the Hoofdorf-Astoria. She got out, and paid the extremely high fare of 35 bits. She gave another 5 bits, just because she was feeling generous. The driver thanked her, and drove out into the street.

Rarity turned around, and looked up at the 45 floor building that was the Hoofdorf-Astoria Hotel. It had the flags of Equestria, Elkia and the Vandeerlands flapping in the wind above the doors. Rarity was almost intimidated, but walked in after she was bumped into more than a few times.

When she walked inside, she was greeted with silence, which seemed to be a gift from Luna herself given the noise just outside the doors. Rarity walked up to the concierge, who looked up at Rarity, and smiled in greeting.

“Hello, and welcome to the Hoofdorf-Astoria Hotel.” The Unicorn mare greeted, “Do you have a reservation?”

“Actually, Ah am hyar for a Mr. Quirky Code.” Rarity said, “Can ya tell him that tomorrow will be beautiful in Baton Hoof?”

“Oh, of course.” The receptionist smiled, and said, “He is in room 34F. Have a nice stay.”

Rarity nodded in thanks, and walked over to the elevator. She pressed a button for the 34th Floor. The elevator doors closed, and it crawled slowly upwards towards the 34th Floor. The music was bland and boring. If Rarity had been put in charge, she would have made sure that Octavia would be in charge of composing it.

Or was it Vinyl that liked the classical music?

Rarity had no time to think that, because as soon as the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by who she assumed was Quirky Code. He had a red coat, and a gray mane that was dishevelled. He was a Unicorn, and wore thick horn-rim glasses, and his Cutie Mark was a sequence of 1s and 0s, which showed his proficiency in coding and computers.

“Illustrious, did you have a nice flight?” Quirky Code asked as Rarity walked out of the elevator.

“Yes, Ah did.” Rarity said, “Though the traffic hyar is darn near impossible to get through!”

“Advice for next time,” Quirky Code said, “Just walk. It’s faster and free. Come now, let’s head into my room so that we can be alone.”

Rarity nodded, and the techie took her into his apartment room. Once Rarity walked through the door, Quirky Code locked the door with both the chain and knob lock, and placed a chair under the knob, making sure that nopony would enter unless they broke down the door.

After he was done, Quirky Code showed Rarity the apartment. It was nicely furnished, with two single mattresses sitting in front of a large television set, which was showing EBC broadcasts. There was a full bathroom, and kitchen as well. There was also a room that had a large computer on top of an even larger table, with a swivel chair placed next to the table.

“Here is where we will be staying, Illustrious.” Quirky Code said, and then said in a hushed voice, “Keep your accent up at all times. You don’t know who is with Equestrian counterintelligence.”

Rarity could only nod.

“Well,” Quirky Code clasped his hands together, and said, “Tomorrow you will come with me to the Central Database. There, I will show you my office. You will be my intern, and everypony who works with me will know that. Still, it couldn’t hurt to get acquainted.”

Rarity looked a little uneasy about the last part, to which Quirky Code said, “Don’t worry. I’ve already hacked into every single one of their personal wireless networks and their accounts on the Database’s network. They’re not hunting for us.”

“Good,” Rarity said, “Ah was gettin’ worried that they were.”

“Now,” Quirky Code said in a quiet tone, “What your job will be mostly is making sure that nopony walks in on me. You will seem busy, but you will watch my door at all times. I will be breaking their firewalls discreetly from an encrypted network. They won’t catch me, but my coworkers might.”

The Unicorn sighed, and said, “Other than that, no stupid mistakes. Are we clear?”

“Crystal, honey.” Rarity answered.

The Unicorn smiled, and sighed. “Good.” He then walked into the computer room, and logged on. He then opened a few windows, and soon, all Rarity could see were 1s and 0s dancing across the screen. Then, they all suddenly disappeared, and then it was all blank, until readable text appeared on the screen.

“> Attempting to establish connection

>> Username: tech_junkie

>>>Password: ***********

>>>> Security Question: Where did my father work in Ibearia?

>>>>> Answer: Yuktobearia Financial, Incorporated
.........................................

> tech_junkie successfully logged in

>> Accessing encrypted server #425967

>>> Access Granted. Welcome, Quirky Code.”

The Unicorn nodded, and typed in a few more commands.

“tech_junkie: Hello, is the Doctor in?

doctor: It’s been awhile, Code.

tech_junkie: You have been quite generous, there were no problems.

doctor: Good. You will show her what she needs to do?

tech_jukie: When the time is right, my friend. She needs to do nothing right now. It is only when I break through to the firewall source.

doctor: Just make sure she knows before we need her.

tech_junkie: You think I didn’t know that?

doctor: There is so much riding on this, Code. We can’t afford a mistake.

tech_junkie: Don’t worry about that. Tell Derpy I said ‘hi’, okay?

doctor: But of course.
......................................

doctor has ended chat. Find another pony to chat with?”

Quirky Code sighed, and closed the program.

“Would you like some dinner?” Quirky Code asked, “I heard that there is a Nipponese restaurant here that has the best fried rice in town.”

“Sounds good,” Rarity said, “Let’s get a goin’ then.”
***

The sun rose slowly over the Fillydelphia skyline. Celestia watched it as she sipped from a cup of espresso. She looked down at a cable from the Elkian Embassy, located in Manehattan. It had narrowly escaped destruction, only because Celestia abhorred foreign policy so much she said that Canterlot would house no embassies. Many had chosen Manehattan as a result.

“Princess Celestia,” the cable read, “Prime Minister Ludovicus has been communicating with the Embassy furiously in the past three days. I show you an exact copy of the cable I received not one day ago:
Celsus,
The actions of the Bears along the border with the Vandeerlands has caused the Foreign Ministry quite the headache. They fear of the war in the East spreading onto our continent. I do not know if the Foreign Minister has spoken with you, but I will send his message regardless: Tell Princess Celestia that given the circumstances with Ibearia, the Elk Congress has given me and the Defense and Foreign Minister emergency powers. We have full control over the Army, Navy and Air Force. We are ready for war, though we would prefer to stay out of this conflict.
Prime Minister Ludovicus

This civil war of yours has the potential to become a global war. While we stand with you in whatever choice you make, I need to tell you this on behalf of Prime Minister Ludovicus. If you intend to drag us and the Deer into this war, you better be sure that we can win.
Sincerely Yours,
Ambassador Celsus”

Celestia sighed, and twirled a tuft of her mane with her finger. The war had been going terribly for the new Solar Empire, and the East was now under Luna’s control. And now with Zecornia and Ibearia declaring war, Celestia had no choice but to call on her allies to help preserve freedom.

But was she really fighting for freedom? Luna had proclaimed a Republic, though she was acting much more like a Queen or despot than an elected official. Granted, there was no time for elections, but Celestia was skeptical that the New Lunar Pony’s Republic would really be a Republic at all.

Celestia then used magic to place a typewriter with paper in front of her. While technology had rendered the typewriter obsolete, Celestia preferred this to the computers much of her subjects were drawn to. There were no distractions with this invention.

She began to type out a response to the Elk ambassador, when she heard a knock on her door.

“Come in.” She said louder than necessary. Immediately, Shining Armor and other high-ranking military officers walked into Celestia’s office. They took off their caps, and saluted Celestia.

“What do you need?” Celestia asked with contempt. “It better be good news.”

“Yes, well, Empress,” Sea Breeze, Head Admiral of the Navy, answered, “The Ibearian Navy was mobilized yesterday, and is heading towards one of our southern cities, presumably Baton Hoof or Mexicolt City.”

“Is something being done about it?” Celestia asked, still typing on the typewriter.

“Yes, Your Higness.” Sea Breeze said, “The Fourth Fleet has been tasked with intercepting the Bear Fleet, and submarines in the area have identified exactly where they are. We are readying for a cruise missile strike, and then we will send in our destroyers and cruisers will move in along with aircraft to clean up the rest.”

“Very good.” Celestia said, “General Shining Armor, what have you to say?”

“Your Highness, we have stopped the Republican advance in Nipponi Island. We are fortifying Pyongmane for an assault from Republican forces, and are using the hills in the area to pound them with artillery.”

“Can we drive them back?” Celestia asked.

“Yes,” Shining Armor said, “Their momentum has died, and now we can press home the attack.”

“Give the order.” Celestia said curtly. “Any other reports?”

“Empress Celestia,” Star Clipper, the female Chief of the Air Force, said, “Initial UAV patrols over the Ibearian border show no Bear willingness to engage the Deer fortifications. And on your order, we can begin strikes on Ibearian nuclear power and nuclear enrichment plants.”

“Go ahead, Chief,” Celestia replied, pulling the finished paper from the typewriter, “I don’t want the Bears sending out ICBMs at us. Shining Armor, I want our silos to be put on the highest alert. I want them to be able to launch in five minutes or less at all times.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Shining Armor answered, “And of our nuclear carrying subs and bombers?”

“Have them at full alert.” Celestia said, “Even though we have the OFC, I still want our nuclear arsenal to fall back on. Dismissed.”

The three officers saluted, and left the office. While the door was open, Celestia called out.

“Spike, would you come in here please?”

The small purple dragon walked into the office, and said, “Something I can do, Your Highness?”

“Yes,” Celestia said, “I want this sent to the Elk Embassy in Manehattan.” Spike grabbed the paper, and turned to walk away, but Celestia said, “Oh, and Twilight’s on her way home. I think after this, you’ll want to head to Las Pegasus. That’s where the Fifth Fleet will be stationed.”

“Really?” Spike asked, “Thanks!”

“Well, I’ve still got to have a shred of kindness.” Celestia explained. “I won’t let this war envelop what I was.”

Tell me what you think! In case I haven’t said it before, Pyongmane is a pun for Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. Since it is Asian, and in close proximity to Japan, I figured why not place it on Nipponi Island? Also, the Hoofdorf-Astoria is a pun for Waldorf-Astoria and Coyote News is Fox News and the EBC can be the BBC, ABC, or NBC, I haven't decided yet. I hope Rarity’s Southern accent is good, because dear God is it hard to write! Anyways, I know it has been a long time since I have updated, but I have been hard at work writing my novel, and I was also distracted by the likes of Minecraft and Battlefield 3. I hope I can get the next chapter out sooner. Speaking of the next chapter: Applejack meets her new recruits, Rarity heads to the Database, Twilight and Pinkie arrive in Las Pegasus, Dash bides her time, and Fluttershy is still badass in her helicopter. The stakes are getting higher, who will be victorious? Find out by continuing to read The Equestrian Civil War!