The Equestrian Civil War

The sun rose lazily over the Republican-held airfield outside of Nipponi City. The city had largely been spared of destruction, and the citizens went along their daily lives. Fluttershy sat on a bench close to the air traffic controller tower, watching Su-30s take off and fly towards their targets.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but want to be in the air, to be free from the war. Before this all happened, she never got Rainbow Dash’s apparent obsession with the air. But, after clocking dozens of hours in her Mi-28 Havoc, she found herself sitting on the edge of her seat, waiting for the next chance to lift off into the air.

Fluttershy sighed, and watched a flock of birds fly across the airfield. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like, being a bird. No worries, no wars, no conflict, there would be nothing Fluttershy wouldn’t have to worry about.

She was brought back to reality after a Su-30 thundered over her head, startling her. She shook her head, and looked back at the sunset. She was surprised Celestia still allowed the sun to rise over the East now.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Fluttershy jumped out of her seat, and saw Solar Chaser standing behind the bench.

“Did I scare you, Flutter?” He asked, “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, it’s quite alright.” Fluttershy responded, “I was just thinking. About everything.”

“Sounds entertaining.” Solar Chaser jumped over the back of the bench, and sat down, “So, what’re you doing up so early? Couldn’t sleep?”

“Oh, um, yeah.” Fluttershy shyly said, “I thought I would catch the sunrise.”

“Your file said you were from Ponyville.” Solar Chaser said, “That’s rural, right? You must’ve seen a million of these.”

“Oh, yes.” Fluttershy answered, “And you were from...?”

“Hooflyn,” Solar Chaser replied, “It’s next to Manehattan. I’ve never really seen a true sunrise.”

“That’s so sad.” Fluttershy sat down beside her copilot. “I usually took these for granted.”

“You learn something new everyday.” Solar Chaser said, “Our next sortie’s in a few hours. We’ve got some time to kill.”

Fluttershy only nodded. It was odd, she had never really spoken with a stallion like this before. She had always been a little frightened of them, and especially their rough demeanors. But, Solar Chaser was always different. He laughed with her, and always sat with her when they ate. She thought of him as a good friend.

“You know, Flutter,” Solar Chaser said, “Have you ever thought of what would happen after the war?”

“Oh, no, I haven’t.” Fluttershy said, “I would think I would return to Ponyville, and all my animals...”

“That’s nice.” Solar Chaser replied, “I was thinking of moving away from Hooflyn, you know? I’ve kind of grown tired of the city. Maybe I’ll move south, maybe near Tampa Neigh. It’s nice and warm there.”

“Tampa Neigh’s nice.” Fluttershy agreed. “Don’t you have any family in Hooflyn?”

“Ah, I can’t get enough of them!” Solar Chaser said, “They’re always in my business. I joined the Republic just to get away from them! I needed the freedom, you know?”

"No, I don't think I do." Fluttershy , "My family was almost always supportive of me. They never intruded on me."

Solar Chaser sighed, “I guess we just come from different worlds. You’re a country mare, and I’m a city colt. That’s cool.” He reached into his pocket, and took out a pack of cigarettes, and offered one to Fluttershy, “You smoke?”

“Oh, no.” Fluttershy replied, “I’ve always been too shy.”

“It’s not for everypony.” Solar Chaser lit up, and took a puff. “You know, I guess the country isn’t too bad. You get to see this everyday.”

Fluttershy nodded, and she sat back down. Fluttershy’s father, Flutterbrave, had smoked, but Fluttershy could never bring herself to smoke, especially after he died of cancer. Her mother was devastated, and Fluttershy couldn’t think of it anymore, thinking about what her mother would think.

In the distance, there was a rumbling, and Fluttershy knew from experience that it was artillery. Republican forces had been bogged down in the Hoofshu Hills for a week now. Fluttershy knew the area well, and hid behind the hills, and struck whenever the time was right. She was glad that she was in a helicopter, and not on the ground, she wouldn’t be able to handle it. Killing zombies animated by Discord was one thing, but Fluttershy knew she didn’t have the guts to pull the trigger on a pony she could see with her own eyes. To Fluttershy, she just destroyed vehicles and equipment, she never hurt anypony. Or, that was what she forced herself to think. She knew she was a killer, but she wouldn’t dare think of it.

After a few minutes, Solar Chaser put out his cigarette, and asked if Fluttershy wanted some breakfast. She answered yes, and they stood and left for the mess hall. As they walked, another Su-30 took off, startling Fluttershy. Solar Chaser laughed, and Fluttershy blushed. She had embarrassed herself once again!

“It’s fine.” Solar Chaser chuckled, “Those things used to scare me too. Come on, I heard there’s going to be recognizable oranges in the mess hall.”

They entered into the mess hall not too long after. Fluttershy sat down, while Solar Chaser got the food. He returned with a small stack of pancakes, eight slices of toast, two oranges, and a cup of coffee for the both of them.

“The early bird catches the worm, eh?” Solar Chaser sat down, and split the food between them. Fluttershy quietly ate her pancakes and toast, thinking about Ponyville, and her friends. Would things ever be the same? Only time would tell.

Fluttershy was shaken from her trance when Solar Chaser nearly choked on his coffee, and yelled at the cook, “What the hell is this? This is liquid scat!”

“Not my problem!” The cook yelled back, “Live with it, faggot!”

“I’m not in a warzone cooking!” Solar Chaser yelled back. The cook looked like he was about to burst, but decided that Solar Chaser wasn’t worth the trouble. Solar Chaser laughed, and bit into a slice of toast.

“That wasn’t very nice.” Fluttershy said.

“What? He started it.” Solar Chaser replied, acting like a little foal. “Anyway, don’t drink the coffee.”

Fluttershy nodded, and continued eating the rest of her large breakfast. When she finished, she looked at the clock on the wall, and noticed her sortie would be in just over five hours.

Strangely, Fluttershy wasn’t beginning to dread the time when she had to climb into the cockpit. She hoped it wouldn’t last.
***

Twilight had grown sick of sea travel. She thanked Celestia that it would only be a few more hours until they arrived in Las Pegasus. She needed some R&R.

Pinkie Pie, meanwhile, didn’t care in the slightest. She was always bouncing off the walls as always, and it annoyed Twilight to no end, considering they were roommates. To try and tune her out, Twilight pored over two novels she brought with her to Jerhoofalem, Broken Wings and Equestrian Sniper. Both were war related, and took place during the Zecor War. Twilight had grown to like war novels, especially when it delved into the strategy of the opposing armies.

“Hey, Twilight, whatcha reading?” Pinkie Pie asked for the thousandth time.

“The same ones I’ve been reading, Pinkie.” Twilight said as calmly as she could. “If you haven’t noticed, there really isn’t a library on the Princess Celestia.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot!” Pinkie laughed, “I’m really forgetful about that, aren’t I?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe.” Twilight chuckled. “Pinkie, have you ever played chess?”

“Chess?” Pinkie tilted her head, and blinked, “What’s chess?”

“Come on, I’ll show you.” Twilight said, “There’s a set in the rec room.”

Twilight stood, and Pinkie followed. Of course, Pinkie pestered her with questions about the game of chess, but Twilight ignored them, saying all would be answered when they got there. When they did, Twilight led Pinkie to the chess set, and sat down, and instructed Pinkie to do the same.

“I thought we were playing chess,” Pinkie complained, “But we’re just playing checkers!”

“They’re played on the same board.” Twilight then explained the rules of the game. Pinkie listened intently, and was excited when she was allowed to make the first move. She moved the pawn in front of her King forward two spaces. Twilight responded by moving her right knight forward and to the left.

Surprisingly, Pinkie was good at chess. While Twilight won the first game, she had been reduced to her King, a Rook, and a Bishop. The second game ended with both Twilight and Pinkie having only their Kings remaining. They declared it a tie, and started the third game.

The third game, Pinkie won in four moves. Twilight was shocked when Pinkie used her Queen to take out Twilight’s Bishop, the only piece standing between the Queen and Twilight’s King. With nowhere to go, Pinkie Pie had checkmated Twilight. Twilight never lost at chess.

“Good game, Pinkie.” Twilight said, “You’re good at this.”

“It’s really easy!” Pinkie Pie laughed. “How about whoever wins this games eats the cook’s bean surprise?”

“Really, a wager?” Twilight said, raising her eyebrow. “Fine, you’re on.”

And so, the fourth game began. Sweat dripped from Twilight’s face as she maneuvered her pieces to try and limit Pinkie’s moves, while Pinkie tried to isolate Twilight’s King. Seven moves in, Pinkie lost her Queen at the hands of one of Twilight’s Knights.

“Check,” she said, being one move away from taking Pinkie’s King. Pinkie then used a Pawn to eliminate the threat. Twilight used her magic to move her Queen to the center of the board, and placed Pinkie’s Rooks in harm’s way. Pinkie allowed Twilight to take one, while she placed her other Rook on the warpath, taking a Knight.

Twilight played as hard as she ever had, because it was not only Twilight’s stomach on the line, it was her pride. She knew Pinkie was a master of games, but didn’t think it possible that anypony could just pick up the game of chess, and win after three tries against an experienced player like Twilight.

Twilight moved her Pawn in front of Pinkie’s Rook, baiting her, for she had a Bishop lying in wait. Pinkie didn’t take the bait, but instead moved her last Bishop in line to take Twilight’s Queen.

“Big mistake,” Twilight said, moving her Queen to the Bishop’s spot, and levitating the piece aside. “You’re good, I’ll give you that.”

“Yeah?” Pinkie asked, smirking, “Watch this!”

Twilight watched in shock as Pinkie took Twilight’s Queen with a Pawn. A Pawn! Of all the pieces! Twilight felt embarrassed, as Pinkie chuckled lightly. This game was growing intense, and others were taking note, and were actually wagering on Twilight or Pinkie Pie. Soon, a small crowd surrounded them, and hung on their every move.

Twilight was in a bad situation. With her Queen gone, Twilight had both Bishops, one Knight, one Rook, and four Pawns, along with her King. Pinkie, meanwhile, had one Rook, both Knights, one Bishop, one Rook, and seven pawns, along with her King.

Twilight swallowed, and moved one Pawn two spaces forward, putting Pinkie’s Rook in danger. Pinkie responded by taking the Pawn adjacent to the one threatening her, triggering Twilight’s trap. Her Bishop flew across the board as Pinkie hadn’t seen it coming. Some sailors cheered, while others cursed. Pinkie shook her head, and moved her King one spot to her right, making sure that Twilight’s Bishop would not be able to take it.

Twilight then moved her last Knight up one and two to the left, to little effect, but allowing her to place Pinkie in check the next turn. Pinkie moved her King forward, extinguishing the threat. Twilight silently cursed, and moved the Pawn that had threatened Pinkie’s Rook forward.

Pinkie Pie did not see Twilight’s strategy soon enough. Twilight neglected her other units as her Pawn raced to Pinkie’s end of the board. Pinkie Pie tried to cut Twilight off, but was cut off by one of her own Pawns. Twilight’s Pawn reached the end, and looked up at Pinkie.

“I’ll promote my Pawn to a Queen.” She said, swapping out her Pawn for her once-defeated Queen. Pinkie clenched her fist, but exhaled deeply.

“I’ve still got some tricks, Twilight.” Pinkie Pie said, “Don’t think this game is over.”

Twilight smiled, and said, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Pinkie Pie responded by moving her lone Bishop out of harm’s way. Twilight then moved her Queen out of the end of the board, and placed it three spots away from Pinkie’s King, one up, and two to Twilight’s left. Pinkie moved her Rook down to Twilight’s end of the board, and placed Twilight in check. Twilight got her King out of harm’s way, but Pinkie then moved in on Twilight’s Queen, moving a Knight in a position to take Twilight’s Queen. Twilight moved her Queen diagonally backwards and to the left, taking a Pawn. Pinkie frowned, and moved her Rook away from Twilight’s King, and to Pinkie’s end of the board.

Twilight then moved her Rook to take another Pawn. Slowly, Twilight was draining Pinkie’s chances at another Queen. It was at this point that Pinkie lost her nerve, and began to make small mistakes that added up, and after another fifteen moves, only three Pawns and her King.

Pinkie looked at her units, and tipped over her King, surrendering to Twilight. There was applause from the sailors as Twilight stood, and walked over to Pinkie.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve got bean surprise waiting for me.” Pinkie said.

“How about we split it?” Twilight asked, “That was almost your game at one point.”

“Really?” Pinkie asked, “You would do that for me?”

“What’re friends for?” Twilight asked. “We’re docking in three hours. Why not?”
***

“I don’t know guys, I’m not so sure about this.”

“Come on, Dash, this is going to be fun.” Soarin’ said, parking their car in front of a bowling alley. “Are you telling me that you don’t like bowling?”

“What? No, I like bowling.” Dash said, “But...”

“Is it that you’re just so bad you don’t want to embarrass yourself?” Spitfire teased, “I thought the Rainbow Dash was the best at everything.”

“Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be?” Dash replied, “You’re both on! I’m going to beat you both so bad you’ll wish you hadn’t said that!”

Soarin’ laughed, and said, “Well, if you don’t win, you’re paying!”

“And when I win, you’ll be the one who’s paying, Soarin’!” Dash said, getting out of the car. She opened the door to the alley, and opened a tab for food, shoes and drinks. Soarin’ and Spitfire entered, and then rented a lane for the three of them.

The bowling alley was largely empty. There were only four others in the entire alley, and they were on the other side of the building. Dash, Spitfire and Soarin’ came to their alley, and picked out their balls.

Dash set up the game on the console, and placed Soarin’ going first, and then Dash, followed by Spitfire. The pins were set up automatically, and Soarin’ walked to the lanebed. He grabbed his ball, and raised it to his face. He then pivoted his arm back, and launched the ball towards the pins.

Six pins fell, and Soarin’ waited for his ball to return. Dash wasn’t impressed by Soarin’s throw. She did better when she was just a foal. It would be easy to beat him.

That is, until Soarin’ sinked the spare. The were three of the four pins clustered together, while one was spread out from the rest. Soarin’ knocked the three pins easily, and one rolled over, and toppled the lone pin. Soarin’ turned, and smiled at Dash.

“So, how about that spare, eh?” He chuckled.

“Oh, that’s foal’s play.” Dash said, “Let me show you how a real pony plays bowling!”

She grabbed her ball, a pale blue ball with a streak of lightning going down the middle, and walked to the edge of the lanebed. She lined up her approach, and rolled the ball down the lane. It toppled eight pins, and left an easy spare. She grabbed her ball again, and sank them without trying.

Spitfire then went, and left only one ball standing after two shots. The game then went by quickly, as Soarin’ and Rainbow Dash desperately tried to outdo the other, leaving Spitfire in the dust. When Soarin’ got a spare, Rainbow Dash sank an easier spare. When Soarin’ got a strike, Dash matched him.

At last, the tenth frame came, and Soarin’ was leading Dash by only three points. He went to the edge of the lanebed once more, and fired the ball down. He got a strike, and smiled as he watched the pins fall.

He then grabbed his ball again, and lazily sank seven more pins. He looked back at Dash, and winked as his ball returned. He then turned, and threw the ball down. To his surprise, only two went down. His eyes went wide, and Dash snickered.

“Looks like even the best succumb to mistakes.” Dash said as she stood. “Now, I’m going to win!”

The score was Soarin’s 188 to Dash’s 154. She needed to get a strike and a spare to win. She grabbed her ball, and lined up her roll. She rolled the ball down at a furious speed, and watched as it sank all ten pins.

Dash breathed a sigh of relief. The hard part was over. The next ten pins were set up, and Dash turned around to reach for her ball. Soarin’ and Spitfire were silent, watching intently to see what would happen next.

As Dash grabbed her ball, she looked at Soarin’, and smirked. She would show him. She turned, and walked to the edge of the lanebed once again. She raised the ball, and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, and opened them. She then rolled her arm backwards, and threw the ball down the lane as she rolled it forward.

The ball sped towards the pins, and took a slight left list as it made its way down the lane. It struck the second pin to the left, and smashed down another six. Dash blinked, and knew what was standing in her way: three pins at the far right of the lane.

She grabbed her ball for the last time, and faced those pins. She raised the ball, and rolled it down the lane. The ball headed straight for the one in the center of the cluster. It sank all three effortlessly. She smiled, and turned back to face Soarin’. He chuckled, and held up his hands.

“Alright, alright, you win.” He said. He was then smacked by Spitfire.

“What about me? I haven’t finished up yet!” She said indignantly. She then smiled, and laughed, and said, “Ah, this is fun.”

Dash couldn’t agree more. For the first time in a while, she was having a blast.
***

It was a little past noon when three large trucks entered the Marelaysian base. Applejack looked up from paperwork, and left her office to see the trucks pull up into the middle of the base, and unload the passengers. It was a nice mix of Equestrian ponies, Ibearian bears, and Zecor zebras. She smiled as she saw there was some disharmony between the races, and walked forward to greet the.

“Howdy,” she said, “Mah name is Applejack, but y’all can refer to me as Colonel Applejack, or God.” There were strange looks as the recruits did not know what she meant by that. “I control everything here, I can control who becomes a soldier, and who gets sent home. If Ah see anyone disrespecting another, y’all are gonna run a mile. Y’all do it again, two miles. It goes on from there. Ah will not tolerate racism or prejudice, because a bullet does not discriminate.”

Behind Applejack, a burly tan Earth Pony stallion with a black crew cut walked next to her. Applejack turned, and nodded at the stallion, who held the rank of Sergeant. “This here is Sergeant Bristle. He is my chosen disciple, and Ah have given him total jurisdiction over all of y’all. He will be the one you see more of, as Ah will only deal with racism. Everythin’ else, y’all can expect Sergeant Bristle breathing down ya neck.”

“All right, jackasses, my name is Bristle, because you will feel like a bristled broom has been up your ass when this is all over!” The sergeant shouted, “You are to refer to me as ‘Sir’, nothing else!”

He then walked down the line of one hundred recruits, and stopped at the first one, a mare Pegasus. “Who the hell are you, Private?”

“Private Daring Gust, sir!” The mare responded.

“Well ain’t that a pretty name?” Bristle said sarcastically, “Why the hell are you here and not in a fighter jet, Private?”

“I prefer the infantry, sir!” Daring Gust said.

“Why, can’t you fly?” Bristle shouted, “You answer me now, dammit, can you fly?!”

“Yes sir, I can fly, sir!” Daring Gust said, a tear forming in her eye.

“Aw, are you gonna cry?” Bristle said, “Is this how it’s gonna be? I chew you out, and you cry? Well, if you’re gonna be a pussy and do that everytime this happens, you better get your pussy ass out of here! Now tell me, are you gonna cry?!”

“No sir!” Daring Gust shouted back.

“Good!” Bristle said, “I’m glad we straightened that out!”

Applejack sighed. This was going to be a long thirteen weeks indeed. Still, it was better than being in combat. But not by much.
***

The traffic in Manehattan was terrible. Rarity was always impatient when it came to traffic, but when Ponyville’s traffic was compared to downtown Manehattan, it was a cakewalk. She sighed as the red sedan she was riding in with Quirky Code was idling in a traffic jam that extended as far as the eye could see.

Apparently somepony had to be a nitwit and run a red light. A large truck t-boned the tiny hybrid the idiot was driving, and it was engulfed in flames from the impact. Cleanup was still continuing, three hours after the original accident.

“It’s almost never this bad.” Quirky Code said, “I’m so sorry about this, Illustrious. We’re going to be so late now.”

“It’s quite alright, Quirk.” Rarity said, not using her accent. “The boss’ll understand, won’t he?”

“I don’t know.” Quirky Code said as he whipped out his cell phone. “I thought I told you to keep up your accent.”

“Raight. Ah’m sorry.” Rarity said. This accent was quite annoying to speak in, and she knew that she would never, ever, make fun of Applejack’s accent again.

“Mr. Source? Yes, it’s Quirky. There’s a bit of a traffic jam along 45th Avenue, and... Oh, you’re in it as well? Nopony from the 9:00 shift is at the Database yet? That’s odd...”

As Quirky Code talked with his boss, Rarity looked up at the skyscrapers. She still could not get over the size of this city. Of course, she had been to Manehattan before, but she had never been able to take in the scope of the city, especially since there was a horde after her every minute she was inside the city.

Quirky Code hung up his phone, and said, “Everypony is late. We’re not getting in trouble.”

“That’s good,” Rarity said, “It’d be a shame if we all did, considerin’ the traffic.”

After another half an hour of sitting in the jam, they finally found a place to park the car. Quirky Code placed the correct amount of change in the parking meter, and led Rarity to the Database, using the sidewalk this time.

Seeing Manehattan from the road, and on the sidewalk were two completely different things. Rarity was jostled, shouted at, and asked to buy a range of products from pedestrians, bums and others. She hadn’t been exposed to it for long, but Rarity could tell that she did not like walking in Manehattan at all.

After about ten minutes of walking, Quirky Code and Rarity walked up to a large, fifteen-story building. In front of the large glass doors flew the flag of Equestria. Quirky Code looked back on Rarity, and smiled.

“Illustrious, welcome to the Royal Equestrian Military Database. Remember your manners, someponies can have a short fuse.”

“Ah understand.” Rarity said, “The buildin’ looks pretty borin’ from the outside.”

“That’s the point, Illustrious.” Quirky Code said as he opened the door for Rarity. “I’ll clock in, and I’ll show you around, ok?”

Rarity nodded, and walked into the lobby of the Database. It looked intimidating, with the huge Equestrian Royal Coat of Arms behind the receptionist’s desk. Quirky Code walked hurriedly to the receptionist, a magenta Earth Pony with a cyan mane, and she typed a few commands on her keyboard.

“I also have a new intern.” Quirky Code said, beckoning Rarity over. “Her name is Illustrious, and she’s from Baton Hoof.”

“How do ya do?” Rarity asked, “Mah name’s Illustrious, oh, but ya already knew that! It’s just so amazin’ bein’ in Manehattan for the first time.”

“Oh, so it’s your first time being here?” The receptionist asked, “Believe me when I say the novelty wears off pretty quick. Now, if you would look into the camera. Don’t smile.”

Rarity looked sternly into the small desktop camera, and the receptionist clicked her mouse, taking a picture of her face. The receptionist then typed in her basic information: age, height, birthplace, etc.

She then reached towards a small machine, and handed Rarity an identification card. “So we know who you are. Welcome to the Database, Ms. Illustrious.”

“Well Ah thank ya kindly!” Rarity said, “Now ya have a great day.”

“You too.” The receptionist was already typing away on her keyboard. Quirky Code then guided Rarity towards his office, but he stopped to get a cup of coffee. He offered Rarity a cup, and she accepted. She put in two packets of milk and sugar, and walked with Quirky Code. Along the way, a green stallion with a yellow mane stopped Quirky Code, and said hello.

“How’re you doing, Quirk?” The stallion asked in a thick Hooflyn accent.

“Oh, hey Geeky Gizmo.” Quirky Code said, “I’m fine, except I had to pay 250 bits to park my car for the day.”

“Yeah, that accident on 45th got us all, eh?” Gizmo looked over at Rarity, and said, “Well, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Geeky Gizmo, Quirk’s best friend.”

“Ah’m Illustrious.” Rarity said, “It’s nice tah meet ya.”

“She’s a new intern.” Quirky said, “She’ll be working with me.”

“An intern, eh?” Gizmo said, “I thought the big boss didn’t want any new interns.”

“She submitted her application before he shut them down.” Quirky said, “I volunteered to mentor her while she’s here.”

“Well, Miss Illustrious, you can call me whenever you want a free drink.” The stallion smiled, and turned to Quirky Code, “I’ll see you around, Quirk.”

Geeky Gizmo then walked down the hall. Quirky Code sighed, and said, “That was close. I almost forgot about the restriction on interns. We’ll just make sure to keep you from the boss’ sight until I can hack in and place your ‘application’ into the right location, and date it three weeks ago. Come on, I need to show you my office.”
***

It was late afternoon in Stalliongrad. Nightmare Moon looked over reports from Nipponi Island, stating that the Republican advance was picking up after days of continuous aerial bombardment from Republican aircraft. The road to Pyongman-e was opening up.

A soft knock was heard. Nightmare Moon looked up, and said, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Thunder Roller entered. He seemed cheerful, and Nightmare Moon anticipated good news.

“What news do you have, General?” Nightmare Moon asked.

“I got a message from Republican Intelligence.” He said, “Our sleeper agent known as Quirky Code has successfully gotten Rarity into the Manehattan Military Database.”

“Good,” Nightmare Moon said, “We can begin the process of transferring control of the OFC to us. How long has Rarity been in Manehattan?”

“About twenty-four hours now, Princess.” Thunder Roller said, “Intel has stated that she will begin the process immediately.”

“That is good.” Nightmare Moon said, “Any news on the Harmony Initiative?”

“Da, the recruits entered the camp two days ago, and Colonel Applejack has reported that there have been far fewer, incidents, than we expected.”

“That is very good news.” Nightmare Moon stood, “The sooner we can have them working together as a unit, the sooner we can place them in combat, and the sooner we can get out the propaganda campaign we have been planning.”

Nightmare Moon’s plan was coming together very nicely. She didn’t anticipate to have come together at this pace, but she wasn’t complaining. Since the fall of Jerhoofalem, the Royal Equestrian Army has been in mass retreat wherever they come into contact with Nightmare Moon’s troops.

“Oh, Princess, I also have reports from the Cervidian Front.” Thunder Roller said, “The Bears have begun attacking the border with the Vandeerlands. While there has been no breakthrough yet, the Deer are rapidly losing control of the situation, as their walls are falling apart because of naval and aerial bombardment.”

“Good,” Nightmare Moon said once more, “Tell Premier Ivan that as soon as Nipponi Island is liberated, he can count on Republican reinforcements.”

“Of course.” Thunder Roller said, “Any new orders for the troops in Nipponi Island?”

“Yes,” Nightmare Moon said, “Trample the Equestrians. Take no prisoners.”

“It will be done.”

There we go! So sorry it has been so long since I updated! I have been so focused on working on my novel, and finishing up school, that my fanfics have taken a back seat! Now that summer is here, I can work more on my writing, and I can promise you that I will update more rapidly. Also, Hooflyn=Brooklyn. So, in the next chapter: the training for the Harmony Initiative picks up, the real work in Rarity’s mission begins, the final stages of the Battle of Nipponi Island unfold, Twilight and Pinkie arrive in Western Equestria, and Dash, well, Dash bides her time. See you all next time!