The Other General

It's been a week since I was dragged to Canterlot for helping Celestia.... I'm not gonna lie when I went to sleep that night I at least went into Celestia's room just to make sure she slept well. She slept well and I was lucky to be in there with nothing to wake me or deal with. The next morning I did have to get Luna for Celestia.... Not gonna say what happened but you know what happened. But now here's this thing, Big Mac moved back in! Few days after Celestia's stuff, a moving truck pulled up and we got Big Mac back into his room. And with me being alive again... its... strange... When I passed, AJ was pregnant and everyone else was younger... not even old enough to drink but old enough to drive... But enough of that. Today? I was glad to be home alone... Glad because what happened would've scared everyone... Applejack would've had a heart attack, Big Mac would've fainted, Scoot would've screamed and... I dont want my baby girl to be worried. I was on the roof shoveling snow off it. Just making sure that the roof wasnt gonna cave in nor avalanche off and block anyone in. Just as I've finished half the roof I looked to the road. Flashing lights caught my eye and sirens my ear. Guard trucks were rushing down the road. I jumped off the roof and landed tossing the shovel into the snow pile I had made. The guard trucks pulled around and I just looked at them confused and got slightly worried. Once they stopped one of the guards driving it got out and rushed to the side opening the back door only for Princess Twilight to step out. I... I honestly still cant believe she took the pill... Shining told me what he had done and... Gotta say even if it was well deserved it still must've hurt. Anywho Twilight was in a thin puffer coat and sweat pants with her boots. She approached me looking worried. "Ryder please please PLEASE... Tell me you've seen Babs today!" She said.

I thought for a moment. Only thing I saw Babs related today was a few texts asking me out for dinner... or for a quickie with her and Gilda... Maybe both. I huffed, steam coming from my mouth. "Nope. Cant say I have." I said. "Why? Something up?"

"....Are Applejack and the family gonna be home soon?"

"Nah. They went back out to Appleoosa to make sure Braeburn is gonna be alright. Mac told me after he left Brae sent him texts crying and drunk. Rather they make sure he's okay than anything else."

"Good... I need you to get your phone, any weapon you might have and come with me. I need your services and I need them yesterday!" ...Yeah.... Fancy talk for 'help now its urgent'.

"Uh... Yes Princess." I replied saluting. After the quick salute I ran back to the house and just kicked my snow boots off before running upstairs. I grabbed my phone, my gun, badge and even my combat boots to wear because of this snow. I came back out, locked the door and hurried on over to the truck getting in with Twilight. Twilight knocked on the window separating us from the driver. They rolled the partition down. Twilight looked to him.

"Keep this house locked down. Nobody in or out after we leave. Guard access only." The guard nodded before bringing up the partition. I heard the door open and shut for a moment before Twilight looked back at me.

"What's happening Princess? What's going on?? Why do you need me and my gun?!" I asked.

"I tell you, DO NOT tell Applejack or ANYONE in the family. Am I understood? Only report to me about this."

"Yes ma'am." She sighed as the door opened and closed on the truck again before we started rolling.

"...I hesitated on using you because of this but you've got connections... I didnt want anything happening to you but.... Its a risk I need to take... As of last night my castle was infiltrated from an unknown enemy. No casualties but a number of guards hit by tranquilizers, Gilda included..."

"Gilda?! Why her?" My heart dropped.

"She was in the same room as Babs who was kidnapped.... Gilda woke up to them entering her room, went for a bat and before she could grab it went down. She recounted what she remembered this morning when guards were on patrol and followed the trail. Gilda was taken immediately to the infirmary and there's no injury. When questioned thats what she told us."

"...And you want me to get my head back in the game and find Babs?" She nodded. "....Is there anything else that we know about what happened?"

"No idea. There was nobody that reported anyone being forced in, nobody outside that got hit with tranq darts...." I hummed as I hit the seat to grab a drink. Needed something because of the work I was doing and to steady my nerves.

"....Sounds almost like an inside job..... But where the hell would they go if not out any door?"

"Surely someone would've had to report it... Either that or someones with holding information thats detrimental to this.... I think we need to question some guards at any way into the castle. Helipad, garage, front door."

"Might throw anywhere around the balcony near the throne room and thank Celestia its weather proofed with magic."

"...But might not be pony proofed.... I'll get kitted out with armor and a strap for a holster and start my investigation there. Might have Gilda there to keep her calm and let her know we're not gonna let them get away with it."

"Well when you do get there, please work quickly.... I'm honestly scared that someone would take her.... She's strong enough to fight back too..." I sipped my soda.

"...She is... And she's got my sledgehammer.... I'm not getting that shit back... My strength is still with me but.... No outright destruction. She very well could've gotten hit with a tranquilizer before she woke up.... I'd ask for swabs in Gilda's bed but I think we both know what they would've been doing..." We both blushed.

"Noted... But... A question if you will. Do you want me to make sure the rest of your family is alright? Guards nearby, escorting them, maybe keep watch just in case?" I thought for a moment. They were in Appleoosa, way away from me and no way for me to protect them... But did I really wanna be worrying them? I huffed.

"....I wanna say regular patrols around the orchard area and no contact unless necessary... but I'm not sure if thats the best form of action... Think we should just give em guards to escort them? I just dont want them to worry.... Or know what's going on...."

"Last thing we want is Applejack having a heart attack... She might be an iron pony but that ticker she's got could be on the decline... Rather we dont push it...."

"Just patrols then. For now, lets just compose ourselves and let me meditate." She gave a nod and grabbed herself a drink.

We sat in silence for a while. I just sat there keeping myself composed. It may have been about ten years since I've passed but I was still there when my sister, Bloom, Sweetie and Babs were kidnapped out of Babs home... Once we actually got to the castle I did give word to send an investigative squad to her home anyways to see if they could find something. Other than that I went up to the infirmary where I found Gilda just laying there tightly holding a pillow. She saw me and... Honestly I've never seen her so broken... She sat up and just looked at me like Mash does when she wets the bed. I just took the pillow from her and she hugged me. She was still in her pajamas. Cut shirt tanktop, sweat pants and socks. "....Wh-Why would someone take her...?" She asked whimpering in my ear. I sighed.

"...I dont know... Can you walk? I wanna walk and talk, see what you remember if you dont mind recounting what happened last night." She carefully stepped down onto the floor before stumbling slightly. I helped her to her feet and just held her. I just held her hand as we started walking. She just breathed as we stepped outside the room and started going towards her room. "Alright... Just start talking any time you feel comfortable. Anything you could say might be able to help me find Babs." She whimpered a bit before taking a big breath.

"....We went out to dinner last night and she broke off to go to the bathroom last night. When she got back she seemed pretty annoyed but I just assumed some asshole was hitting on her just because she was wearing a cute outfit.... Asked her what happened, she told me to not worry about it...."

"Doing good so far Gil.... Anything else?"

"She.... She drove us in your old car.... Thought someone was following us but she says I was just jumpy because of whatever I drank last night." I looked to her confused.

"Dont remember what you had last night to drink?"

"Nah... Didnt order it myself... Babs did... But she pulled in and we went up to my room for... well... cuddle time.... and we both fell asleep.... She slept deeply but I still felt something was wrong. Slept lightly and what really got me was hearing someone in armor hit the floor outside..... Babs was still out of it... I just waited a moment hoping if we stayed quiet enough they wouldnt come in..."

"What happened when they did?" She stayed quiet for a moment.

"....Once that door opened I went for the bat I keep nearby... you know that thing.... your sister nearly beat us with it when we were sharing a mind...."

"Yeah... dont remind me of that... After I got back to the goddess she didnt know that I did that but she did say I suffered enough with that but.... Honesty was weirdly interested with that... But yeah... Something tells me you didnt get far with that bat..."

"...All I felt was a pinch and next thing I know I'm being hooked up to machines and guards hounding me asking what happened... Lucky me I didnt hit my head. Just slammed against the wall and slid down I guess.... Yeah they did check me over, flushed my system, just.... Still feeling it I guess but at least I'm on my feet..."

"Thats good. Any description?" She shook her head.

"No... The door opened, I jumped up and I was down again.... Of course I asked where Babs was but the guards just didnt know...." She whimpered a bit more just as we got to her room. I hugged her and it didnt take long for her to break down. "...I... I want Babs back....." I just carefully picked her up, brought her into the room and put her in a beanbag she had in the corner for when she smokes. I turned the light on and just looked at her room. It was a mess but it usually was. The covers were dragged off towards the door, Gilda's bat set aside from the corner. Everything marked with investigation markers. I just looked over everything and even went to the bed. I was glad the marker was near the floor because I just started picking up the blankets and checking the sheets. Of course... my answer hit the floor with a metal 'tink'. I tossed the blanket to the other side of the bed and even looked close at the sheet. A little red spot. Blood. I looked to Gilda as I carefully picked up the what I now knew was a metal dart syringe. "Was Babs closer to the door when they came in?" Gilda nodded just trying to calm herself. She's tough but... Shit really got to her. I took the dart and went over to her kneeling down. "Gil... Here's what I'm gonna do here... First I wanna get you back to the infirmary... I'd rather not have anything happen to you... you're strong but you just had someone you love taken from you... I know that feeling.... I'm gonna do something about it. Gonna need a few guards to do some analysis on this.... Should be a dart that hit Babs... might still have something left in it." I showed her the dart.

"...That.... That thing.... Just...."

"Dont worry... I'll get it away... Let me just call some guards, get this looked at and get you back... I need to get to the throne room... see if they came in that way since no guards at any entrance saw anything." She sniffled.

"....Please... just find her... bring her back to me... I... I'll do anything if you bring her back safe...." I sighed.

"I will... I'll save her and goddess help me if I die trying..." Gilda sat up quickly and grabbed me by the jacket. Just pissed, still crying.

"...You die... I'm never. EVER. Gonna forgive you...." I huffed.

"Gil.... I've been out of the picture, out of action for who knows how long... I'm rustier than a car thats been sitting at the bottom of a river for years. Just... breathe. I'll do everything the best I can..." She sniffled and released me just holding herself... the enraged look now scared.

"....Sorry... I just-"

"Its fine Gil... you're scared, stressed and worried." I stood up and just slowly backed out of the room. I found one guard and gave him the tranquilizer dart telling him to bring it back to the infirmary, see if they cant identify whats in it. That and get Gilda back to her bed in there.

As I walked I started thinking. Memories that just sat at the back of my mind creeping up. This wasnt the same as those jackasses who got the girls the first time. They're all dead. I would know. But... I needed to make a call but this wasnt something even I wanted to do.... I took out my phone and just scrolled down to 'Uncle Orange' and yeah... I know he's still going but my dad isnt.... I was told by Heaven's Light and... I gotta say I forgave him for doing what he did to my mother... But he still ended up with Hellfire... Though he started to work for him so I guess he got a good ending in that? Anywho I just tapped call and put it up to my ear. Was only a minute before he picked up. "Ryder? Been a while since I've heard from you... How are you? How've you been?" I heard him ask.

"I've been good but I need help from our mutual friends... maybe you if you can spare something to help me."

"Something happened... What?"

"I tell you, nothing goes to Applejack or the rest of the family..."

"What about Babs?" I stayed silent. I heard him gasp after a moment. "...I.... Ryder.... What happened to Babs?"

"Kidnapped. I dont know if you still have the chip in her active but I might need it as well as some armored clothes, weapons, maybe a team if possible. I'm going after her and you know I wont go easy...." He gave a dry chuckle.

"You know I cant help but track her... she's my princess and you know I wouldnt stop tracking her unless its her or me in the ground. And that hasnt happened yet..." I heard him start typing on a computer. "I'm remotely downloading an app to your phone, basically jailbreak it and more."

"What's it got?"

"Paired with a visor gives you increased perception. Increased hearing, increased visuals through sound too. Camera is upgraded as well to analyze chemicals, blood and it goes and matches it to a profiler for someone or something. I'm even allowing you to track Babs with the app just so you can get her. Best part about this is if there's a locked door with anything mechanical attached it will be high lighted. Your phone will pick it up, tell you how far it is, once you confirm thats what you're looking at, tap the one you want and just hold it down for a second or however long it takes."

"Wow... Lots of new tech since I last got a taste of this..."

"Yep. Lots of advancements thanks to a little undisclosed payments here and there. Oh and speaking of which, any time you hack something whether it be a computer or a power box or whatever you wont be traced. Work fast enough and you may not set alarms off if theres a firewall but that should be the worst you should get. You can even use any camera system. If you see a camera with the visor you can use it."

"First person or through the phone?"

"Toggleable. First person might be a tad disorienting but you'll see that it might be easier either way. Keeping you away from anything that can steal money but I can give you access to locate encrypter keys, download from anywhere within ten meters.... Theres more but I cant explain it all day. Got meetings later. Just be on the lookout after you find what you need. Get my girl home and I'll make sure you're rewarded and I wont take no for an answer."

"Alright... I'll get her home as fast and as carefully as I can. Tell your guy to ping me once he's here... I'm driving myself to where she is."

"Will do. Smoke out." And just like that he hung up. I pocketed my phone and made my way to the throne room. I just made my investigation quick. Dirt was left on the ground leading from the balcony. Floor wasnt snow covered but the railing was. It was slightly mishapen here and there around a corner but thats all of what I saw. I just looked up and down knocking snow off. The thin layer of fog almost disrupting my view of the ground. Almost. I pulled out my phone to test one of those things. The camera thing. I just hovered the camera over the dirt prints and just saw little information bubbles pop up just connected to the stain. Dirt, rubber, shit like that. But there was something more. Sand. Lots of it. Like... More than the dirt and around here the only sand we find is either by a lake or in a sand box. Thats when I just started walking back down the hall towards the elevator checking the ping from Babs chip. I hated that I know this. I really did. I had Babs location. It was somewhere in the middle of the desert to the south. And yeah... just outside Appleoosa...

I just huffed and stayed silent as I walked. As I was getting to the elevator I found Twilight there. She was leaning against the wall. "So? Find anything?" She asked. I sighed.

"Two things... Dart that was used to knock Gilda and a number of guards out. And sure enough.... The throne room balcony was their way in but it was too high up for them to get grappling hooks in... Though it its a bit high doesnt mean they couldnt have jumped down from high altitude or even were pegasus. And from what I'm gathering... highly trained...."

"Nothing that tells you where they went?" I looked up and down the halls. Nothing. I got closer to her.

"...Friend gave me a few toys... I know where she is and I have means to get to her.... Only thing is... its somewhere too close to home if you get my meaning..."

"...Near AJ?" I nodded. She sighed. "...Do what you need and for fucks sake get her back safe...." I gave a quick salute before getting down the elevator. I've honestly been meaning to get myself a new car but havent gotten the chance and you know I dont like help with it. But I didnt have the keys to the car.... Though I did just grab a guard truck and took it. I met a contact out near an abandoned shop. Just got changed into a coat, ballcap and neck gaiter. Even grabbed a silenced pistol and enough ammo to stash in the coat pocket. Even grabbed a vest just to be safe. My strength is a godsend to be honest... carrying everything because I can. After that I was carted off to a helicopter just to get there faster. Oh even with the door closed it was freezing. I just sat there monitoring the location of Babs on my phone. Felt like every ten minutes we were closer and closer. Took around forty five minutes when I told the pilot to hover. Now... I really regretted.... I just shoved my hat into my coat and just jumped. And holy shit it was cold. I didnt fall for long before I opened my wings. I'm ballsy yes but I'd rather not miss time it and run my ass into the ground. I flew around doing small dives here and there to just make sure I got to the ground faster. Once I landed, mask was up, cap was back on and the phone was out. It was strange seeing yellow sand poking through small amounts of white powder. I just looked around hoping my ass wasnt a sitting duck for someone to shoot me. I just pulled my phone out and just started looking around at pings to any automatic doors or some shit. I just wandered over the ping where Babs was and just sat down before pulling out a visor I had in my coat pocket. This was like a pair of glasses. I activated the sight and everything just started glowing weirdly. I saw stuff start glowing yellow like a large door, camera and other computer stuff. The yellow dor quickly flashed green and I heard something loud and mechanical sound off. The door I saw started to lift up. I hit the dirt just around a bush. I kept out of sight only to see the ground lift up and someone come out. They had a strange helmet on. Looked ballistic. He huffed as he took the helmet off setting it down before grabbing a pack of smokes from his pocket. I just grabbed my pistol, attached the silencer and stood up before giving it a quick aim and all it took was one quick shot and he was down. I rushed over and just looked at his uniform. I hummed.

"Nah... Too small..." I looked to the hole before me. "Alright... Just take this slow, listen to your surroundings...." I quickly looked back to the body quickly grabbing him and tossing him aside. I grabbed his helmet and just checked it real quick....Nothing needed so I crushed it before tossing it at the guys body. I slowly descended turning the sight the visor gave me into a slow ping just because it was well lit in here. It still high lighted everything I could use. I just quickly went for the nearest room to hide. And I made sure nobody else was gonna use it. Janitors closet. I huffed just starting to use my phone to hack into cameras.

Just started sliding from camera to camera until I found Babs. She was in a cell looking awful. Her hands bound and she was just sitting on a bed with a strength sapping collar. Yeah... Definitely guards. This was used on me before as a test. Never had it actually used. Oh I was pissed at this point but the last thing I wanted was to just have enemies swarming me with nothing but a peashooter to protect myself. I just huffed. As I started looking through cameras, starting to mark enemies. Only could mark about half a dozen. Even found the closet from where I was. And of course.... bad thing there. Two guards on patrol and talking. "...Really surprised nobody has gone and sent an army after this bitch... probably not enough evidence to go on... We are DAMN thorough." One of the guards said.

The other guard huffed. "Assuming nobody saw where we went or left anything behind..." He said. "We made sure not to leave anyone to see our uniforms. Griffon bitch nearly did... Honestly would've loved to see her put up a fight if one of our guns jammed... would give us a story to talk about..." They both stopped in front of the door.

"From the research we've done we honestly couldnt have pulled off that shit better... Went in, grabbed an Equestrian General and got out, no alarms raised. They're probably doing everything they can to try and find her...."

"Well if we left anything behind, we're gonna expect an army to roll down on us... if they can trace us..." I just kept my composure watching them talk.

They jawed for a few more minutes literally just STANDING THERE. Oh you dont know how bad I wanted to go out, pop a few bullets into em and continue but again, rather not without a secondary or something faster than a silenced semi automatic pistol. Though I wouldnt mind a couple knives... or machete... Or my sledgehammer. But as I watched someone yelled out. "PRIVATES! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TALKING TO EACH OTHER?!" I heard someone yell out. "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE ON PATROL!" I just kept watching while another stallion walked in from off screen. Could actually hear his yells through the door. The private's stood in attention. Heheh... I'm a child.

"We were just-"

"I DONT CARE IF YOU WERE SHOOTING THE SHIT OR TALKING ABOUT THE MISSION!" The stallion growled a bit. "AND ADDRESS ME AS SERGEANT! I WORK FOR A LIVING YOU MORONS!"

"YES SERGEANT!" Both stallion yelled saluting. The Sergeant sighed annoyed.

"Thats better!" He looked to one stallion. "You! Report to the messhall for your punishment and for fucks sake I better not see you sitting down!"

"YES SERGEANT!" He said as the sergeant looked to the other stallion.

"And you! I'm getting fucking sick and tired of your dumbass thinking you can do whatever you fucking please! Your punishment is I want you to walk into that fucking closet, grab cleaning supplies and if I dont see you working on cleaning this entire facility top to bottom I'm gonna personally kick your ass so hard the whole base will feel it! From there only the colonel will have your ass for dinner! Am I understood?"

The stallion gave a nod. "Yes sergeant!" He replied.

"GOOD! I'm going to continue this patrol and if I dont see you anywhere but the halls with a mop or someone in your place because you're being allowed to the restroom, or running for your damn life! DISMISSED!" The stallions jumped and I had to act fast. I just looked around the closet quickly.That was until I saw the sergeant walk away while the other guy ran. The private huffed.

"...jackass.... I had an idea but... honestly there was a fifty fifty of it working. I got ready by the door. When it opened I quickly grabbed the guy and closed the door pinning him against the wall before closing the door.

I shoved my gun in his chest and just started breathing heavily, my heart racing. "You scream, or alert anyone, you're dead. Now... What happened with this Equestrian General! I know you have her!"

"I... We..." He stayed silent for a moment before slowly raising his hands and removing his helmet. I watched as he took out an ear piece and shushed me silently before I plucked it from his fingers and crushed it in my hand. He sighed. "A-Alright... now nobody will hear us... She's safe for now but... Th-They may want to kill her or use her as leverage for power... weapons, whatever they want...."

"They? Who's They?"

"I... I dont know.... We're just the protection... Its a need to know basis and only the Sergeant has clearance for that knowledge... I just know destroying that comm link will get them to lay into my ass but... I just wanna get out of here..."

"Any way for them to track you? Maybe make your life a wreck?"

"Nope. Thank fuck.... I can just go and the only thing they'll do to me is keep my last paycheck... not worth getting shot at.... Or held hostage like this..." I sighed putting the gun away.

"Good... When we leave this room, go straight for the door and watch the body at the top... if thats a guy you knew, I'm sorry..."

"If its a guy who smokes alot, fuck him.... Always makes it seem like the shit he does wrong is my fault..."

"Good. Now get out of here. And if you ever find yourself in Ponyville I may have work for you if there's no trouble... if there is, tell me, I'll handle it..." He nodded and put the helmet back on before leaving. I just watched him through the cameras before he just bolted for the door. I grabbed the weapon he dropped into a nearby bucket... SMG and it looks like it was already silenced from what I saw. I checked the chamber, even the clip itself. Seemed to be a good chunk of bullets but rather keep this in single fire and use it as a projectile if I run out of ammo... And yeah... throwing things hard enough is a specialty of mine.... Shining tested me once before I died. Gave me a throwing knife, taught me how to throw it, I did and it went through a tree and into another. Yeah... AJ was pissed.To be honest I could probably throw bullets at a good speed or even fire em off in my hand. Rather not do that but I'd be lying if I said I didnt wanna try it. I went down the halls just being careful and quiet just keeping eyes out for patrols... Especially from that asshat Sergeant. I came upon two guards patrolling. I just came up behind them, snapping ones neck, the other got my gun point blank to his chest.... I took ones hidden knife. Curved bade, end had a ring lined with glass beaker spikes. Oh you bet I took the sheathe to that and attached it to my belt. But next thing I knew I found an armory. Unguarded.

I slipped in and just grabbed everything in my coat before ditching it. To be honest I was kinda burning up in that jacket... Best I ditch it and get into something that makes me blend in more.... Even found some more ammo for this SMG. Though just as I came out in a vest and a helmet that actually fit my head (had to stuff my hat into the vest and just made sure I wasnt gonna be suspicious.... Though I got the last thing I wanted to hear. "YOU THERE!" I heard someone shout. "You wanna explain to me what you were doing in there?!" I looked over hesitantly and just saw the Sergeant... Same loud and obnoxious voice.

"I uh... I was getting my issue Sergeant! I'm a new recruit!" The Sergeant looked me up and down before just standing in front of me... Rant coming.

"YOU'RE OUT OF UNIFORM SOLDIER! WHERE IS YOUR COMBAT SHIRT?!"

"I wasnt issued one and this was approved by the one who brought me on!"

"YOU EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE THAT MAGGOT?! THE TRUTH IS, YOU'VE LOST AN EXPENSIVE PIECE OF YOUR FUCKING UNIFORM! THAT PIECE IS GOING TO COME OUT OF YOUR PAY!"

"But sir I-"

"I AM NOT A SIR! I WORK FOR A LIVING YOU MORON! GET BACK IN THERE AND FIND SOMETHING OTHER THAN THAT FUCKING EYESORE!" I took a deep breath and huffed.

"Yes Sergeant! But are you able to help me out finding one that might fit? Sizes arent usually similar with my luck." He gave an annoyed grunt.

"Since you're willing I'll give you the once in a life time opportunity for this... I'll pretend to be a nice guy and aid your sorry ass before sending you on your first assignment! Move it rookie!" I turned back inside and just stood off to the side just waiting for him to enter. Once he got in I closed the door.... I spent no time dispatching him as cleanly as possible. Grabbed his helmet, ripped it off, shot him in his stupid face and just frisked him. Found a keycard and key ring. Took both of those and pocketed them before dumping his body into some laundry before exiting. I huffed walking down the hall once more.

"...One more stop like this and I'm gonna rip into someone and just find a fucking mini gun or something big and just walk my ass into the fucking mess hall and unload... Honestly getting too old for this shit." ....I'm honestly feeling old but I'm what... like... forty somethin'? No idea. Anywho I just went on a patrol... Just made it seem like I knew what I was doing passing everyone with no salute, no words, not even any attention. Surprisingly my visor fit in here but I didnt wanna use it considering my vision was already blocked enough. I did keep my phone within reach though just in case. I did stop and hide just to find where I was and where I needed to go. Just so close to her.

I went and found the cells just to patrol there, being weary of other guards. Yet there was one.... He was at the end of the corridor. Just looking into one of the cells. I got closer and just listened. "We're lucky to have you.... God damn General of Equestria and being so well mannered in her cell...." The guard said. "...We had our eyes on the last one but we knew he'd be trouble so we'd've had to go and refined that serum we knocked you out with.... Thankfully he bit a bullet.... It was only a matter of time before we found someone else." I let my SMG dangle on the strap I had. I slowly approached him from behind and slowly unsheathed the knife before giving it a twirl on my finger... Oh I stuck that thing right under his helmet, pulled him right back onto it and just made sure he wasnt gonna get back up. After I took the knife out I put a couple rounds in his chest before looking into the cell. Babs. She was just backed up against the wall just looking at me in fear. I wiped the blood from the knife on the uniform before sheathing it again.

After that I just put my finger up to where my mouth would be, wordlessly shushing her before raising up the helmet and pulling on my mane. She immediately gave a sigh and came off the wall. I just pulled my phone again and just immediately started looking for things to hack. First I ended up hacking her cell door, and then her shackles. That door opened and she hobbled her way out. I just kept her at arms length for a sec while I took the strength suppressing collar off her and immediately she just hugged me. She sighed looking to me. "And here I thought I was fucked.... How did you find me?" She asked.

I huffed as I just turned off the camera. "We can talk later. For right now, grab this guys gun and follow me." I said. "I think I'm needing to see if I cant get this place cleaned out for some mutual friends...." She just went for his gun and checked it, same as I did.

"Alright but... I've never killed anyone before..."

"Trust me, its better to do this to survive than not... and these guys might not fuck around.... Its either fight or keep your head down..." She huffed and handed the gun to me. I grabbed it and huffed. "Alright... Just keep your head on a swivel and if you see anything, get out of the way...." She nodded and we started hurrying to the door. I stopped her and just poked my head out of the open door. I looked to her and just looked at my phone real quick... Then I found something that could help us. I took my helmet off and gave it to her. "Here, put this on. Not sure how secure it is but this seems like it could help you see in the dark...."

"But... its not dark..." She said putting the helmet on. I showed her my phone with a button that said 'blackout'

"I know..."

"But... how-"

"Not the time Babs. Just.... Get under the door, hands up and brace yourself."

"What? Why?"

"I dont know if these doors have an auto lock feature for safety reasons." She nodded as the helmet was on. She got under the door and put her arms up. I hit the button and within a few seconds things flickered before going out. I turned on the sight I had before the door just came right on top of her. She held it there for a moment before hearing something burst. Most likely the hydraulics. She carefully bent it just so it would stay and I could hear the prisoners start yelling. That's when I hummed looking back at em. "I might regret this but we need to free these guys. Either that or my friends could...." Babs looked back at me.

"Get your friends to do it... longer we stay here the bigger we are for sitting ducks!" I nodded before we both ran out. I quickly bolted back the way I came and just kept the guns ready. I started hearing more yelling from ahead. I just pointed at a box for Babs to hide before I just crouched down getting ready. I could faintly see some flashlights from around the corner of a hallway. I just kept em ready.

Soon I saw three goons rush around, one took a look at me. "C'mon asshole, we're-" He said... I may have not let him finish. I just sprayed both the guns dropping all three. I looked back to Babs who was just peeking over the box.

"Babs... C'mon... And please just grab a gun or something... Rather you have something even if you dont use it...." She came from behind the box and just carefully approached.

She shuttered seeing the bodies. "...I might be a guard but... I've never been in a gun fight... Only had one pressed up against my fucking skull..." She said. I sighed.

"Look... Its not gonna be easy... It never will be.... I can already tell you right now that I'm probably gonna have to make sure if Applejack comes home that I make myself sleep on the couch... Either that or pretend that Gilda invited me over just so I can sleep at the castle without any suspicion... We're already a fucking stones throw from Appleoosa again..." She huffed as she walked over to one of the bodies and kicked it before taking their side arm. Revolver, snub nosed.

"Cant escape waking up in a fucking desert now can I?" She rolled the chambers on her arm getting a good look at em. "Alright... You do all the shooting, i'm only shooting this if I feel in danger...."

"Keep it around if you want, I might tinker with it if I can get the right parts from the Princesses... Make it yours?" She hummed spinning it in her hand.

"...A keepsake? Fuck it... Rather this than ever lasting memories of death..."

"Please do not give me that attitude... I know you're stressed and I'll forgive it this time but just breathe, aim first and then fire once you know you have your target... Now lets move." She nodded and I just rushed by her. She followed me being careful of the bodies. She huffed.

"I'm glad I was in my underwear last night... Gilda should still have my phone and my wallet... just hoping she didnt use any cash I have...."

"She's been laid up after getting tranq'd. Worried sick too. She's probably not gonna go anywhere until you get back to her.... Just hoping we can get out of here without having to resort to heading towards Brae's place... And unless we make up a story that AJ will believe I dont think that's a good idea...."

"Yeah... Think we can at least get away from here before we think about anything like this?"

"Yeah... Good idea." We just rushed through the halls, being weary of everything around us. Oh I even had her wait so I could try something to a few guys around the corner. Yeah... I know I was told to be careful but they were coming our way. I still have my cocky side and all it took was a dive and a quick burst from both SMG and they dropped like rocks. It got a little laugh from Babs but she just rushed over, helped me up and we just kept on going. That's when we made it to the door. Upward ramp to pretty much nothing. She quickly ran up it and just started pushing. She didnt get much force behind it because she slid down slightly.

"Shit its stuck!" I took my phone out and just looked at it. Nothing to connect to.

"Nothing to help me open that... still might have to use force..." I looked back at her as I pocketed the phone. "Grab that hammer if you still remember how to grab it and give it a swing or two!" I looked back down the hallway getting my guns ready. "Hurry. Think we're gonna have company in a minute!" I hunkered down on the other side of some crates and just peeked over. And once I saw the lights from flashlights you bet your ass I opened fire. Babs put her hand behind her back and grabbed the hammer... I honestly wish I still had it.... But glad I dont. She just readied it before a volley of bullets answered mine. I just hunkered down and she just pulled it back like she was readying a golf swing. She grunted and swung that thing hitting the door. It gave a little and I cold see light. "KEEP GOING!" I glanced over the box again and just sprayed again. Once the one I took was empty I just stood up and gave that thing a good chuck hitting someone with it. I quickly hunkered back down grabbing some extra ammo reloading my gun just before shooting again. She swung the hammer again, sparks flew from the hit. Again I could see more sunlight. "ONCE MORE! WITH FEELING" I quickly spent the ammo in the smg and quickly chucked it before going for my pistol. I just took the silencer off and just started blind firing knowing they were getting closer and growing in number. That last hit couldnt have come sooner. One guy was right on top of me. I shot him used his body as a shield, kicked the box at the rest of them which were still down the hall a bit and just rushed over to the door just before crawling out. Babs of course was out first. She still had the hammer. I took it, put the dead guys head under the door and looked to her. "RUN!" She didnt hesitate before just keeping the gun ready as she ran away. I got up onto that door and it took my weight and just one rage filled slam on top of that door to sever the guys head off letting it drop in. I even put the guys body on top of the door. I even slammed on the door a couple times just to break it and make it unable to open... or at least buy some time. That's when I rushed after Babs.

We just kept running through the frozen desert. I just started a call to Uncle Orange. It didnt take a few minutes for him to answer. "That was fast... Get her out or do you need saving?" He asked. I huffed.

"Got her but I hope you have that location pinned for the boys.... Dropped a few of em but I think we might need a bit of a bunker buster to get back in there... or a shit ton of breaching charges stacked on each other...."

"Oh I wouldnt let you play without backup... Should be around you momentarily.... Extraction included."

"Good... Get us out of here and somewhere safe... Bring us to Manehattan if you want but if you do that I think you owe her a bit of an explanation on how I found her..." He huffed.

"Alright.... Should see a couple choppers over your location, I'll tell the one coming for you to bring you to my office. I'll have clothes for both of you, maybe a drink and some food... Think she'd need one...."

"Understood. We'll be there. Just... Know if she freaks out just... be gentle... She's been through some shit...."

"Right... I'll see you in a while." I hung up my phone and we rushed for one of the first choppers that landed. They all had masked ponies come out armed to the teeth which honestly scared Babs. I just had to hold the gun she had just out of view before taking it myself. I actually was glad this chopper had holsters for side arms. I just slipped it in there as well as my own before we just sat there relaxed.

Babs looked to me as she slammed the door shut and sat down strapping herself in. "...Oh thank fucking Celestia neither of us caught a bullet...." She said. "...How the fuck do you stay so calm with that?"

I took a deep breath and sighed as we started taking off real quick. I handed her a headset and she put it on while I got mine on just flashing a two for the channel she should use to talk to me. Once I saw her find the channel I huffed. "It's been some time but I had to be... Something tells me we're not gonna sleep soundly tonight..." I said. "And before I forget, I apologize for how I acted down there but rather you be safe rather than dead... Wouldnt forgive myself if you got fragged because I wasnt paying attention or something." She sighed.

"Stressful situations... sorry if I acted the way I did... worried that there was more than just me that was nabbed..." I grabbed my phone and just opened up the camera.

"Wanna smile for the camera? Gotta make sure Gilda and Twilight know you're safe if thats cool." She gave a nod and I just snapped a picture of her. "There... and about that, dont be sorry. You still kept your head on straight despite us both being anxiety, trauma ridden ponies.... Now lets just take a deep breath and relax.... Got a long flight ahead of us..." She nodded and stretched out. I sent off the picture of Babs to Gilda and Twilight and Twilight was the only one to respond. Just said that it was good that we're alive and uninjured.

That flight took a bit. Took so long Babs actually nodded off. I had to swap seats real quick to make sure she stayed upright as we flew. That took about an hour almost. But when we were circling a building I nudged her awake. She jumped a bit and looked around rubbing her eyes. Of course it was snowing here so most of the buildings were covered in snow on top. The chopper came into land and I could just see snow blowing all over the place. We waited a moment before opening the door and Babs just squealed feeling the cold air rush in. I crouched down just so she could get on my back just so she didnt put her bare feet in cold snow. I carefully brought her out from under the blades and we watched as the chopper flew out. Once the airborne snow cleared a bit we saw Uncle Orange coming out of a door, cane in hand supporting him. Suit, faded green gray mane, but still looking good. "C'mon you two! Inside or you'll catch a cold!" He said.

I rushed on over and once we were inside I set Babs down. This place was nice. Old regal rich look. Antique clock, flat screen above a fully stocked bar.... oh it was amazing. An upgrade from what he used to live in before the Manehattan attacks. "Dad...? What are we doing here?" Babs asked. "Why'd the pilot bring us to you and not back to the castle?" He huffed as he came back in having the door shut firmly behind him.

"...Who do ya think sent your boyfriend there?" He asked.

"You? You sent him?"

I huffed. "Wanna sit us down and give us something to warm us up? Its like negative ten up here!" I said.

He gave a chuckle and a sigh. "Right... where are my manners?" He said leading us over to the bar. A bartender quickly appeared. "Whiskey for me and the other Stallion, Vodka Raspberry cocktail for my daughter. Waters too please." The bartender nodded and quickly got to work making our drinks. He sighed looking at Babs just glad to be somewhere safe but confused on why it was here with her dad. "Yeah Babs... I sent him.... Same reason we found you and your friends when you were kidnapped all those years ago... but... I should just up and say something...." The bartender set glasses of whiskey next to me and Uncle Orange. As soon as he did that he started shaking out a shaker that he had quickly got filled up with a few things. I sipped my whiskey and it burned real good on the way down. Once that drink was poured and Babs had it in her hand Uncle Orange sighed. "Babs... I know how you were after what happened here all those years ago... scared that you nearly died, I was scared thinking I'd lost you.... Yet it was better once I found you alive and well... your mother never knew but... I was so scared I'd lose you to a kidnapping or some other attack that.... I was worried.... When I scheduled your shots one day to make sure you were protected from the flu and such... I had implanted a microchip in your arm just so I could track you like this.... And now I know what it seems but.... I'd rather not lose you because you went missing."

I looked to Babs... She just drank her drink and huffed as she set her glass down. "....Honestly makes sense every time I was stopped at venue's for bands and shit..." She said. "...Always get the metal detector to go off, they'd frisk me, wave the wand and somehow it would always pick up around my arm but... Never knew what it was.... Thought there might've been some debris or something from being a scrapper but... I...." She stayed quiet.

"...I do apologize for this sweetie.... though its not easy to admit it.... I was scared and didnt know what else to do.... I could have it shut off and extracted or I could even have someone encrypt it so just in case something like that happens again only a select few can track you just in case...." She looked to him.

"Dad... We can talk about this later.... I think we just need to finish our drinks and go get some food... could go for a hayburger right about now...." He sighed.

"Let me get someone to go get you some clothing and we'll go get something." She nodded and he just took his drink and hobbled away from the bar.

I waited until the bartender just got waters for us and left us alone. "....You good Babs?" I asked. "Thought you'd've yelled more or something...."

Babs sighed swirling her drink in its glass. "...He's right to worry for me... I go missing and dont turn up.... What's stopping you or him for worrying yourselves sick until I do turn up either alive or dead?" She asked. "....I honestly cant yell at my dad no matter what happened... Even if he did pretty much spy on me my entire life..."

"....So... you are mad?"

"Honestly not really.... I kind of applaud him for keeping me in his sights, showing he cares.... Might be some weird helicopter parenting bullshit but.... At least I can say I've got a dad who loves me..." I sighed.

"He's a caring one... Might be going at it a certain way but.... Yeah... true...." I just drank my drink and just got started because my phone started ringing. I nearly dropped my drink because it was Aplejack's ringtone... I set my drink down and just drank my water real quick just to stifle my coughing. Once I got my breathing back I answered it. "Hello? AJ? Whats up?"

I heard Applejack sigh. "I'm calling to tell ya that we WERE gonna be home sometime tonight but somethin's happenin in the desert." She said. "Called the guards and they say its a training exercise and they might be a bit too close for comfort... Just telling us to shelter in place... even telling us any roads out of here are gonna be closed until tomorrow." I looked over to Babs.

"Hopefully everything's alright over there. Actually had to get inside and out of the snow.... Got most of the roof shoveled but I honestly dont wanna go back out there."

"Ah its fine. Aint like you're gonna have to go back up there.... Heard there might be a blizzard headed your way! If I was you I'd get the hell outta there and somewhere else. We should be fine staying here a day or two more."

"Give it two. Might be able to clear up the road if I get the chance and a little help from some friends."

"Just dont go making a giant sledding hill... Aint wanting Mash having any ideas or injuries because of that... Just.... I dont know get it out of the way somewhere. Now I gotta get going. Brae's making some dinner for us."

"Alright, give Mash a hug and call me if you need help moving anything! Dont want you hurting yourself now!"

"Jackass..." I chuckled.

"Love you too AJ, see you later." I hung up and just gave a relieved sigh.. "Well there's our alibi if we end up getting home late...."

"Anyone asks I came by and stole you away just for coming out to see my dad to get away from the storm.... Might have to borrow from my dad just to do anything until we get back to the castle."

"Good.... I forgot my wallet too... Only grabbed my phone and my gun-" I looked back at the helipad. "Which... I left on the chopper... fuck...." I huffed looking back at Babs. "Gonna have to make a side trip unless that thing gets given back to me somewhere...."

"Well if my Dad sent you, ask him and he could get it. For right now... lets finish our drinks. Get ready for later." I nodded. We finished our drinks and I gotta say it was good whiskey. We ended up getting some clothes from a shop just downstairs and across the street. Had to go out with Babs and Uncle Orange. And yeah I had to carry Babs across the street. The way ponies looked at us was weird.... Her in a jumpsuit and no shoes while we were both under dressed. We just got whatever was good, me I just got a thick coat and a beanie, Babs got an entire outfit. We ended up going to a bank shortly there after just for her father to give us about five hundred each- me a bit more considering what I did. That night we did stay up a bit being not really able to sleep. It was however a bit of a light sleep considering she kept rolling and whimpering every now and then. I had to hold her, make her felt good. We actually flew back to the castle early in the morning... We were pissed about it but the fact that Uncle Orange had us ready for this. Gave us new clothes he got, energy drinks for us to be ready for the flight, my gun back and he even put in a call to Princess Twilight after we went to bed just to let her know we'd be coming back... AJ didnt even know what happened thank fuck... rather not put her into the hospital because of my antics and saving her cousin. But Gilda? Oh she got so excited she pissed herself. Like she hugged Babs, next thing you know she's pushed her away and had her hands pushed between her legs with her pants just getting wetter.... Embarrassing but I acted like a father getting her changed. Was glad I got Babs back. I did continue to check in with Babs to let her know I'd be there for her just in case she did start freaking out badly like I used to. But hey... She's good for now... Next time? Yeah... next time...