Family and Friends

You ever pass out and wake up where you just DONT want to? Yeah... that's me... I've only been in Canterlot one night but well.... Guess who woke up IN A FUCKING CELL SOMEWHERE?! I honestly dont know where I am but I am pretty much naked, somewhat cold and just... Pissed. I got up and just looked around... Still felt tired but most of all weak... weaker than I usually should feel... the room was completely solid. Only one light above me, no window out. There was a door, a toilet , sink and a bed. Door was solid metal with what looked to be a few slots in it, One for arms to be cuffed while in here, one for someone to look in and one towards the bottom where there was supposed to be a way food could get in. Guessing this was solitary... and if there was a camera in here it's very hidden... nothing in the corners, not even anything small. On the bed was a stack of clothing. I just picked it up only to find it was a jumpsuit... It was just a dark grey and there was some slip on shoes. I just carefully put the jumpsuit on and my god was it fucking uncomfortable. Actually too tight for me to even bring it up over my shoulders. Rather these things run a little long so I can roll em up here and there and not have them hug my junk. I just fucking took em back off and just went over to the door banging on it. "HEY! HEY NEED SOMEONE HERE TO GET ME NEW CLOTHES AND TELL ME WHY THE FUCK I'M HERE!" I yelled. Just threw the fucking jumpsuit to the floor and went and sat down on the bed. I'd rather not piss off whoever is holding me captive because I feel like as soon as I ripped open that door there would be five guys in a crossfire ready to fucking end me. I huffed looking at the room. "...Alright... Judging by the room this is high security.... Might be strong right now but last thing I want is to cause an alert to just have me against an army alone....

I waited a while before the slot opened up and a hook was put through to drag out the jumpsuit and another moment before a tray was slid in with a new jumpsuit and a note on top of it. I waited until the slot closed and I went over grabbing the clothing and the note. I just put the jumpsuit on first... Even rolled up the sleeves once it was on. Fit comfortably this time... I just sat down and started reading the note. 'You are here because we want to enlist you into our army. You have a choice but we do have location on your families if you refuse. Not only will your family die one by one every time you refuse, but you will as well when there is nobody left. Say yes, they are safe as well as you but once you do, you are with us until you die. Follow orders and things will be fine. Signed, The Warden.' I just sighed tossing the note aside.

"Fuck.... Now what...? Gotta wait, see what I'm up against.... These fuckers are not gonna keep me here for long..." I just waited..... No meal at that time. I think I waited for hours just to get something.

There was a banging on the door before the slot up top opened up. Just saw some red goggles that were just a straight line. High tech bullshit like how the Elites would have... but these arent elites and this isnt the bunker. "Alright... Back to the door, hands in the slot!" The stallion on the otherside demanded. I honestly just wondered if these guys actually know who I am.... I just got up and walked over to the door, stopped a few feet and turned around putting my hands behind my back. I carefully stepped back just before feeling someone grab my wrists and pull me closer to the door and slapping cuffs on me. "Stay still. Do not try anything funny or you will be tazed!" I huffed and decided to test my luck.

"Try not to do anything funny? Have you seen my life? Its an entire fucking joke!" I chuckled a little before my arms were grabbed and I was just pulled back slamming into the door. That was uncomfortable but it didnt hurt.

"Try it again you clown. We wont hesitate next time! Now stay the fuck still. You're coming with us!" Yep.... Not gonna fucking try that again but... hey got me to see how well they take a joke... I just sighed and waited a moment before they opened the door. Once the door was opened they grabbed my arms and pulled me out. I just looked at the guards who had a hold of me. Yeah.... Armed to the teeth with submachine guns, pistols at their sides in secure holsters and armor that looked like it could stop a shotgun at point blank range. Think even had some knives just in case they somehow ran out of ammo and were in close enough range. So yeah these guys do not fuck with... at least alone. I was patted down once the door closed making sure I had nothing on me... Then again pretty sure they might've seen me get dressed. "Alright. Schedule for you. First, meal time. You eat the same thing as everyone else so dont go asking for something else. After that, its yard time. All sealed so you wont escape... And dont even bother trying to fly. There's a strength sapping serum in you that weakens both you and your magic, wings and anything else you might have. You have time to get to know the other recruits. Any issues arise, they know what happens and hopefully you do as well. After that, training and you will be expected to do as you are told. Any strays from the course will result in a beating for you or anyone you know. After that, dinner. Again, expected to eat what you are given and after that, lights out. You dont have to sleep but it would help for your sanity as well as your performance. Since you are new, we'll give you a little slack but only for today. Am I understood? And before you go mouthing off, you will refer to your superiors as sir or ma'am. And you will reply 'sir yes sir' or 'ma'am yes ma'am'." ...And here's where this can and will backfire. I just grinned.

"Ma'am yes ma'am!" Oh that guy just reeled back and punched me in the gut. Lucky with my training in the guard and later the Elites I was able to take the hit and not get winded from it.

"Real funny smartass! Now... Lets try this again.... DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"

"Sir yes sir!" I replied.

"Good! Now come on. Follow close otherwise you'll be hit again." He turned around and just started walking down this long hallway. Lots of doors, same slots, same fucking way to get in... There were few marked with signs saying 'deceased, fit for cleaning' or 'diseased, fit for execution' or just 'sick, medicinal treatment issued..." the latter being the least worrying. At least they take care of us. We walked until we came upon a door that went into a room separating us off from others... looked kind of like a check in mixed with a safety net just in case anything happened inside here... or outside... not sure.

We went out into a large main area. Cells upon cells in a large complex but you could see the sky above, sun shining bright overhead. I just looked around a little before being pushed off to the side forced to follow the guard. I briefly saw a large window with someone standing in it... They wore armor but I could see they were a unicorn, buzz cut and sunglasses.... Fucking serious fucker. Soon we came to the mess hall which was just packed with ponies.... Unicorn with magic suppressing rings on their horns, pegasai with their wings either free or tied... some missing but with a large red not even moving prosthetic and earth ponies. I was pushed up against the wall and uncuffed before just being thrown to the floor. I just heard some stallions around me just doing that childish 'ooooh' before I just got back up and dusted myself off. Wanted to just go for them but by the time I got up the door to the mess hall was shutting with them on the other side. I just looked around. Saw a window where they just gave out the food. Just walked over and they slid out a tray with a box on it and a can of soda.... Weird but... Okay. I took the tray and just went to find the best seat... Wandered down an aisle before I saw... A fucking familiar face that usually Im not happy to see but this? I was actually glad. Someone I could.... Well... Someone I could trust in this situation.... Mythic. Just saw him without his usual eyepatch. Mohawk just a bit of a mess but eh... He's looked worse. I just grabbed a seat across from him. Set my tray down and grabbed my drink just cracking it making him look up from his food. Fucking hayburger. Yeah. That good of food. He took a doubletake at me as I sipped my drink. "Lad? The fuck're you doin' here?" He asked.

I huffed setting the sweet cola down... not my usual but this is actually fucking too sweet even for me. "If I knew I'd tell ya.... Just think I'm here because some dumbfuck guards in Canterlot couldnt see any intruders that wanted to kidnap someone..." I replied. I opened up my box and just as I do someone reached over to grab it. You do not know how fast I grabbed his wrist and started squeezing.... Oh that made him cry out in pain and everyone around us shut up. I looked over at him. Bat pony. Red eyes. Black mane and light grey coat. "....I dont know who you think you are trying to steal from me... But you try again... this arm comes off... Got me?" The stallion nodded before I just threw him back off the bench and just started eating. Everyone just went back to business... I just watched the stallion just go off to the side against the wall making sure he could still move it and shake it around without any big pain. Mythic leaned forward.

"Lad best you watch what you do. These soldiers are like nothing I've seen and they've got us in their midst. They've executed ponies just for disobeying orders. Been here for weeks...." He looked up over towards where I came from. "Hurry and finish what you can. Got company coming because of your stunt... If you're still good to come out to the yard, come find me. Near the weight area." I gave a slight nod and just started scarfing this burger hearing boots just coming my way. Hearing still good through all the voices babbling on about training and shit... I think I may have gotten my burger half way if that down before it was slapped outta my hands and I was pulled to my feet.

"The fuck? I wasnt done with that! And here i thought you took care of us wanting us to eat and be in shape for you guys!" Oh they just didnt like me I guess. Forced me to the ground and just cuffed me again... Again, doing this on my own not wanting to fuck with these guys alone.... Though with Mythic wanting me to meet him? I think there's a riot on the horizon. I was quickly taken out of the room and down the hall almost being dragged at some points. We walked down the hall a bit before I was taken into an empty room with just a table, a few chairs and I'm assuming a one way window. See from one side, a mirror on the other side.... Just stared at it letting whoever on the otherside knows I see em. My hands were uncuffed for a moment before being forced in front of me and one of the soldiers sat in front of me. "Wow one on one time! I must be REAL special if you're doing this...." One of the guys behind me just hit me with the butt of his gun in the head.... Yeah it hurt.

The stallion in front of me just gave a sigh. "Lay off him. He can be of use to us.... No matter how much of a smartass he is...." He said. "Leave us.... And make sure this talk is truly private...."

The other soliders saluted. "Yes sir!" They both said before leaving the room.

We waited just as they left the room and closed the door behind them. The room was silent. Just waited a few moments more before I just huffed. "Well thanks to that jackass I have more brain damage...." I said. "...Might have a thick skull but that hurt..."

The solider sighed. "Some of these guys are hot heads... Like you... But we do see that you're not one to be messed with by anyone in here..." He said. "...I'd like to at least give you a proposition.... Secretly join our ranks, tell us of anything going on the inmates might be planning and we'll take care of it. You can think on it. We'll make contact with you tomorrow, same way but... Perhaps less violent as we know you can be.... Still for today, you might be under watch after what happened in the mess hall. Though if things do get rowdy for you.... During some trainings we allow sparring matches with anyone who can volunteer. Gives you a chance to put someone in their place... and if they wrong you enough you do have right to kill them if you so please... But it will remain to be seen. As for now, we can be in here until its time to send you out to the yard. Any questions you have?" I stayed silent for a moment.

"...This place.... what is it?"

"Maximum security prison as well as a training facility for an army... And that letter you had when you first woke up? It is true we do use somepony's family as leverage so they'll do as we ask. Yours is a target... nothing has happened as of yet but consider this as something for joining us in secret. If you do, they'll be less likely hurt during any outbursts you might have... but they're still going to be a target just to keep you in line. So... The chance they'll get hurt isnt zero but it isnt as high as it is now...."

"Fair... Take it where I was is solitary?"

"Solitary yes, but its mostly where new recruits wake up and receive their initiation. Only time someone does go into solitary is if they've gotten multiple strikes against them and they havent been executed yet... We've had some ponies not care about their families, watched them die one by one.... Some didnt have any family to begin with and went until they either conformed or were executed. Those who conformed were treated for many things, injuries and mental trauma but they work for us with slight glitches here and there.... To be expected and you have some as well...." My eyes opened a bit wide. Almost sounded like these guys were elites... but not?

"You've.... been watching me?"

"Oh yes. Your life is very tragic yet... very interesting.... We havent watched your entire life but we've checked in here and there.... Kidnappings, the war.... Oh you get very bloodthirsty when someone does your family wrong and we'd like to avoid that as much as we can. I do realize if we do have to hurt one of your family members, you may descend into a rage so deep you might rip most of us in half as payback for say... plucking a feather off your sweet little sisters wings..." My eyes opened a bit wide and my heart dropped a little. "No worries... We wont touch her. All you need to do is work for us..." I just took a deep breath and just gave a long sigh.

"Alright.... I can help.... But maybe while I help you.... you might be able to help me with something.... Maybe a list of ponies that might be causing trouble for you that need to be taken care of? Maybe ways you can have me take care of em?"

"....Sounds alright but the ways arent needed much.... Some would pull attention away from you yes but as a convict like the others, you might not have much opportunity to do anything with ways so you will have to find ways to do it yourself. We might be able to give you a little aid for this but you will have to keep it hidden and it will be given to you later tonight as well as a list of potential trouble makers for you to take out. Any order, just be sure to take em out quietly if possible."

"Alright.... Maybe for today, you give me time to adjust to this... Tomorrow the work starts unless someone tries to push their luck... and I have a feeling someone will..."

"That happens, put them in their place, we'll act like this would be a normal punishment but we'll be in here, get debriefed on what happened. Seems quite fair eh?" I gave a nod. "Good. Then we are in agreement. You take care of trouble makers for us, we give you some power in our order. Might not be something too high up.... We do understand you were a General but we do require enforcers and you can fit the bill. Could still impress us and depending on what happens to our higher ups.... Might open more of an opportunity."

"...Liking the sound of that... Could go more into depth later but uh... how about I get something more to eat? Didnt get much before my meal was so rudely slapped out of my hands for this meeting...."

"But of course. Yard time isnt for a while longer and these meetings usually take quite a while because of the trouble that gets these meetings called... Usually there's a little more yelling and maybe some blood that comes with it... But we'll just say you were compliant... For now lets just get you your meal." I gave a nod and he just left the room for a moment before coming back in moments later. Waited a while longer before I was given another hayburger and a soda.

Not much longer later I was cuffed behind my back yet again. We walked all the way back through the mess hall and then out another door that lead to the outside. Once in the yard I just looked around as I was uncuffed. Stallions everywhere. All wearing the same things. Even thought about where Mythic would be... Near the weights area he said. Once they uncuffed me I was pushed forward, this time I was able to balance myself and just wandered out into the open area. I just looked up and saw some pegasai flying around, stretching their wings.... Even racing. I flew up just to look around trying to see where I could find him. Saw a corner where there were lots of stallions lifting or waiting for weights. I landed quickly just to head on over. I just walked through the crowd just trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I just waited for the bench to open up... Just undid my jumpsuit and tied it around my waist, tight as I could. Once the stallion using it got up I just plopped myself down.... Best part? I was kinda looking for a fight here on someone who wanted to look good... I just pretended to struggle with the bar... Two weights on either side... thinking forty pounds. Not including the bar... bar itself is around forty itself... Pressing eighty which I could do one handed. As I did the pony I was seeking came right up. "Need a bit of a spot there lad?" Mythic asked giving a grin. Gave a nod. He knelt down just as I was starting to do a few reps, struggling with one or two. "Alright.... Dont look too worse for wear.... What happened?"

I huffed just giving a little grunt acting like I was using all the strength I could just to lift this bar. "...they took me into a room and I think we may have our ticket out of here...." I said. "Did get the butt of a gun to my dome but... ground's a bit harder than that...."

"Oh yea? What'd they say if'n you dont mind?" He stood up just to kinda help me push the bar up a little as I struggled a bit. Held the bar up and just got a little second wind in me after that. He knelt back down.

"Well.. They wanna give me a spot to work with em.... and i might become a little bit of a hitman in here... Though if we can figure out their hierarchy I might be able to climb the ladder though it might have to look like they went missing or had a little bit of an accident.... Might be a ticket out of here if we can take em out... Though thing is I dont think massing an army ourselves is gonna go well with their armor and firepower... might have to try to be in secret... might try to talk about you, see if you cant get in there but they might suspect something.... Though I wonder... how much do you know about factions in here?"

"Not much. But enough to pinpoint leaders." He looked up for a moment and just sighed. "...Speakin of.... Stay calm as much as you can... Thinking that one you fucked with during meal time is coming over...."

"Distance yourself, maybe alert the guards to what's going on, see if you cant get in their good graces... Just make sure you're not seen snitching.... Rather you be at my side without stitches..."

Mythic gave a nod and just watched me do a couple more reps before being pushed away by the stallions into another group who caught him. Three other stallions just 'forced' the bar down onto my chest and held it there while the main guy got in my face. "Oooh fresh meat really fucked up...." He said putting his foot near my head. "....Here's what's gonna happen.... My boys here are gonna hold you in place.... Seems they almost didnt have to but with how strong your fuckin' grip was? I wanted to make sure I could beat the ever loving shit out of you so you know I can take whatever I want, whenever I want from whoever I want and that is gonna include you pussy!" I just spat in his face making him jump back. He went for me a moment before another stallion just body checked him making him stumble. I just started pushing up the bar like it was no trouble and even with the other stallions adding a few hundred more pounds onto that bar. I shook em off before getting up myself. I looked to one of the stallions who was just getting to his knees. Just gave him a little wave telling him to walk away wordlessly. "WHO DID THAT?! FUCKIN' WHO?" I looked back at the stallion who I spit in his face and just saw him looking at everyone else looking at him and laughing or even fucking just not giving him the time of day. The other stallions just ran off as a few guards appeared.

Two restrained the guy real quick while another got in front of him. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE EVEN DOING?" The one guard in front of him yelled. "You are out here to exercise! Not start trouble! Do we need to have a chat with what's left of your family? Or do we need to just do away with you because I'M SICK OF THIS!".... And if that werent a cue I dont know what would be. I was ready to make my presence known... and make sure nobody gets in my corner without praying to whatever god they worship.... I took the weights off the bar setting em down before just grabbing the bar, stretching myself and just bracing myself for what I was about to do. I readied that bar, squeezing it down to a point on one end, other stallions just looking on in shock... They even yelled for a moment to try and warn them but by the time they noticed, it was too late. That spit faced stallion was impaled, held high over me, his blood dripping down the pole, his screams filling the air.... And to shut him up I just used him as a hammer, breaking his neck upon impact. I just let the bar go, turning about and putting my hands up, bloody as they were.

I huffed. "Well... Cant say I'm not caught red handed for this.... But you know he deserved every bit of that.... And you did wanna get rid of him...." I said. The guards were speechless. Two at the side looked as if they'd be sick. One in front... I couldnt tell if he was mad or impressed. Either that or about to be sick on what he had happen in front of him. "Someone wanna help me clean up or am I gonna have to make someone else look guilty?"

One of the guards went for a radio. "Hit him!" He said. Didnt have time to answer before feeling a pinch in my side and I was out.

Woke up back in that solitary area. Again naked, felt drowsy, hungry, and a bit cold actually. The room was dimmed but still bright enough for me to see still everything that included a bag of chips and a bottle of water, a set of new clothes and another note. I went for the chips and water first just scarfing as many chips as I could before drowning myself almost in half the bottle of water before just going for the note.

'You've definitely made your point on wanting things to be discreet and that stunt you pulled out in the yard makes it hard to say no. He was indeed one of our targets but we could handle that situation... Doesnt matter now but that is one target off our list... He's dead and you've saved us some time with him getting him in line... Tried so many times with him but never works... found out the hard way what happens when you dont listen but also fuck with the strongest guy in here... We're getting another bar for that set but since you've demonstrated your strength we've hit you with something that saps that strength. Not our idea. If you do want someone dead, you're being given something that's discreet as well as deadly. Should be under your clothes along with instructions on how to use it.... Lucky you its built in with a safety feature... Prototype cut someones ring finger off and we're trying to make it user friendly... still unfriendly for whoever is on the business end of it. Your strength will return in due time but it will be a while before you get it back so try to remember before you throw eighty pound weights or another stallion at someone... We'll be in touch.' It was signed 'The Order.'

I huffed as I just cracked open the bag and tossed the note aside. "...Note to self, dont do that again... and if I do, it better be damn well worth it...." I just said to myself. I just started shoving chips into my mouth just getting as much as I could in.... Being naked? Yeah i've had to eat stuff naked before.... Blame Gilda.... Came home one day with her, she wanted some fun, pissed on her, fucked a bit... And apparently didnt know this but Big Mac wanted to pull a prank on me and took all my clothes... Gilda had no part in it... He was actually on the way back with a bucket just to put up over the door when he found me and Gilda at the table after a shower completely naked. Asked and got the answer when Gilda grabbed me under the table.... He just went back and got my clothes back. Anyways I just ate what I could... whole bag was good before I just got dressed again... right size this time and there was even something else. Looked like an armor bracer.... It was black with a little bit of an intricate design on the back.... I just ran my fingers over it only to find a slit in it... I turned it over to find straps and almost like a lever. I pushed on it and a long blade came right out of the slit... "Okay... Keep this nearby and not wear it during sleep...." I honestly didnt feel the least bit tired. Especially after sleeping pretty peacefully after getting tranq'd... That's what? The third time in my life I'd been hit with a tranquilizer dart? At least the second I felt and knew I got hit with. I just went and put the wrist blade aside and out of sight and DEFINITELY out of reach before just kicking back, closing my eyes and sleeping the best I could.

I didnt fall into a deep sleep. Just enough to be aware of my surroundings. Was it easy to feel comfy? No. Not in the slightest... especially with my clothes on but figure might as well try to get comfortable... I was gonna be here a while... That next morning... I think was maybe a few hours after that. I heard a banging on my door which got me up. "Come on, up an at em. Hoping that fucking tranq didnt kill you or make you brain dead...." I heard a stallion say. I just huffed getting up, grabbing the blade and getting my shoes on.

"...Gimme a minute to use the toilet and I'll be ready...." I called out.

"Alright. But hurry. Need to get you down to the medical office to see what the damage is." I quickly went over, put the blade on my forearm.... Actually on the top. Ran the risk of what would happen if I had put it on on my wrist.... Yeah losing fingers isnt gonna wanna be an option in any sense. I did use the toilet... at least pissed for right now and went to wash my hands being careful of the new toy. I hid it and just dried my hands on my clothes. I just went over and just turned my back to the door, hands behind my back. Slot opened and I was cuffed. These ones looser than the ones I had on yesterday. Not like around the wrists but... between wrists. They knew. Hundred percent. Guess they didnt wanna trigger my little surprise and end up hurting their ace in the hole for control. I stepped forth a few steps hearing the door open behind me. Slowly I stepped back into waiting arms who just grabbed me and nudged me along one holding my arm. The others followed behind and walked in front.

I was quickly lead to a medical bay where there were just cells, clear with injured ponies either laying in beds, on their feet but being examined and I think one just.... Undergoing some surgery or something... Hard to tell with the darkened glass and the curtains. It was quiet. Just heard the medical jargon, patient numbers instead of names, the usual shit you find in a medical office. I was herded into a room and just sat down on a chair in the middle of everything. There was a cot, the chair and not much else. They left me in there, still cuffed. Not long later a few soldiers and a doctor came in. Doctor was a mare. "Alright.... Prisoner number 35837... Cause to be in here, hit with a tranquilizer dart..." The doctor said. "...Patient is said to have ungodly amount of strength, caution advised...." The doctor looked to me. "Do me a favor, try breaking those cuffs if your strength is so great!" I just looked to my feet and back up. They nodded and I stood up and just started to try to pull them apart... Keyword try... its either these things were stolen from the guards in Twilight's castle or I really got my strength sapped. Chain would not break no matter how hard I tried. I just huffed and sat back down. "Alright... that's good... Any reported nausea or sickness?"

I huffed. "None that I could tell of." I said. "...Ate what was given to me, same with the drink, nothing came back up."

"....Good.... Gonna cut imbalances out while standing because no stumbling trying to get those cuffs destroyed.... Guards told me you walked here with no issues either.... Now... Any lapse in memory I wonder? Tell me what you remember before waking up."

"Had a meal in the mess hall of a hayburger and a soda, it got slapped out of my hand because I was defending myself from someone trying to steal it, got taken to interrogation, fucked around a bit only to be hit and warned, brought out to the yard, same fucker tried to gang up on me, guards broke it up, I made sure he didnt do it again." The doctor hummed.

"Descriptive.... So... no memory loss... very forthcoming with violent tendencies...."

"Most of it was self defense. Last one... Eh.... Guess that's more of his problem that he pissed off the wrong stallion...." One of the guards hit me in the back of the head. I just looked up at him giving a little bit of an annoyed grunt.

"Uhuh.... Well... this is alright.... Considering you were hit by a tranquilizer dart I recommend that you are limited to light activities for the time being so I'd stay away from lifting weights for a bit... maybe stick to light jogging and light activities that dont involve quick or straining movements." She looked to the guards. "I'd say keep him doing light labor projects for the time being... background says he's a mechanic so he could be useful during maintenance calls... Might be able to keep him busy as well and out of his cell for a while."

The guard huffed. "We can keep him out of the yard for a while but with being on maintenance we're gonna have to talk with the warden about this. He's already got one infraction against him but we're looking the other way because he's new and being hit with a tranquilizer is punishment enough. Warden still has final say in it but we're on board since he's being compliant... albeit being a smartass..."

"Well have him talk to me for my input but unless he has any other ideas of what 35837 can do that isnt putting him near any weapons you jackasses use then just keep him in his cell, watch him wither away going insane without any activity to stimulate his brain!"

"Doctor, I advise you to not speak like that to us. You are already on your second infraction and you know what happens if you get to your third!"

"My apologies if I'm short sir but I've been working round the clock with barely any down time and if anyone wants me working to the best of my abilities then my colleagues here could take over while I rest but no, if everyone has to be on their feet doing something within this complex nobody gets a break and goddess forbid I go on break everything falls apart because the warden has my top medical officers making sure you jarheads dont overdose on a single aspirin pill!" She huffed after a moment of silence. "You two wait outside, I still need to check this prisoners vitals to make sure he's alright... And for fucks sake undo his restraints. Cant take an accurate reading with something cutting off blood supply! And before you say it, this prisoner is COMPLIANT. You said it yourself and I can trust him to not leave me as a corpse on the ground because he's being on his best behavior in here! So either take his restraints off and wait outside for me to knock, otherwise I'm going straight to the warden and letting him know my medical expertise isnt going to be the best because I couldnt find any signs of a failing heart!" I just sat there like a fucking child with their parents arguing... something mom and dad did a little bit when I was younger.... Especially when it came to me breaking my father's prized record... still glad he doesnt hold it over my head anymore... The guards didnt argue. They just took my wrists and unlocked the cuffs.

"Alright... be a good boy and listen to the doctor, otherwise you'll be double bound next time."

I huffed rubbing my wrists. "Talk to me like that again, I'll be the one talking to your superiors if she doesnt. Now why dont you go fetch the doctors things for her?" I could just see how he wanted to hit me again. The doctor just stood up next to me and crossed her arms just giving him an evil look. He buckled like a stick holding up a twenty pound concrete ball. we just watched as they both left just leaving the doctor and I alone.

The doctor sighed as the door shut even giving a slight chuckle. "There we are....." She said. "...Never had a prisoner speak up against the guards in my defense before...."

"Well when you've been leading guards for as long as I have and having some talk down about you because you were given your position prematurely you have to show whos in charge and with me being high up in that guard ladder, you learn how to deal with the stupidity... and just hoping this stays under some sort of medical confidentiality but.... There's a sharp object on my right arm and you might need to do my left arm for more accuracy. If not possible.... Make something up to try to hide us more to hide the object if possible..." She gave a little smirk.

"...Forthcoming arent we? You know nothing about me yet you trust me with this information?" I gave a nod.

"Trust is given and if broken that can be turned to anger and that sharp object already has some blood that needs to be drawn.... Rather the only ones that need to do blood drawing are you and your medical officers."

"Agreed 35837 but-"

"Ryder." She looked to me confused. "While they're out there. Call me Ryder. Only call me by that when they're in here. Understand?"

"Sure thing Ryder. But why trust me?"

"You're one to treat me right here. Trust is there for me not to hurt you so I wont. If anything... Maybe give me a few targets to dispose of discretely to climb my way up the ladder of this organization but only when in here for checking in on my conditions.... You probably want to get out of here as bad as I do considering your treatment right?" She gave a slight nod. "Then we have something in common.... There's another one in here who I dont mind knowing... my father... Good with remembering my medical reports if need be. Mohawk, one eye."

"Hm... So.... You're related to him... I wondered why he wanted a patch.... Probably could keep some notes in that thing if it doesnt get too sweaty under there.... Might be able to find something that doesnt look too suspicious and would mess something up there..." I looked up and just saw one of the guards coming back with a machine wheeling alongside him.

"Alright... Enough talk for now. Just be careful with the arm...." She nodded and just looked to the door as it opened.

I just kept my head down as he just wheeled the thing next to me. "Here. Do what you need to fucking do so we can get him down to the mess hall for a proper meal." He said.

The doctor huffed. "I'll be as fast as this thing will allow me! Now leave and let me get an accurate reading!" She said. "Longer you're in here, higher his blood pressure is and the closer we're gonna think he is to a heart attack! Stand outside, wait for me to finish!" The guard wanted to argue but he knew he couldnt. I just watched as he left. The doctor followed and just locked the door before hitting a switch by the door turning on the privacy glass. "Alright... we've got five minutes before they question us. Take off your jumpsuit and maybe take off that device. Maybe let me get a good look at it." I gave a nod before standing up and just carefully undoing my jumpsuit with one hand. Had to keep the other one at my side because I would rather not trigger the blade and either pierce my own chest or cut myself. Once i unzipped it I just pulled it over my arm with the blade and pulled my arm out and just carefully took my other arm out. I just held out my arm for the doctor to see. She hummed as she looked it over. "Okay.... they gave you one of these things didnt they? Wrist mounted blade capable of leaving near unnoticeable marks unless you hit an artery... minimal bleeding will still happen but when it will be noticed is a good question..... and the way you have it mounted could make it look like you were in a fist fight and one hit could be disastrous for anyone you hit.... Might mean more bodies for the morgue and if the guards want to know cause of death it could just be written down as blunt force trauma.... Better than 'rammed through the chest cavity with a twenty pound barbell twisted to make a spear'...."

I huffed. "Gotta admit, that wasnt the first time I've done something like that.... least this one tasted blood... The other one is pinned to a wall inside of Tartarus if you can believe it..." I said.

"...I'll have to ask about that another time... By the by call me Forceps. Doctor Forceps. Doc is fine too if you dont wanna be too personal about it.... But seriously now just slip this thing off and let me do my job... Maybe whoever gave you this thing can teach you the best ways to use it. I gave a nod and carefully took it off just putting it beside my chair. I just sat back down just so she could get the reading. Was a quick minute. Even allowed me a minute to get my blade back on comfortably and then get my jumpsuit back on. I zipped up real quick and sat back down just before the doctor turned off the two way glass and then knocked. The guards turned around just as she opened the door. "Alright you two, all done with the reading. Still healthy. Now get him down for a meal and get him outfitted for something to fix!"

"Still need to pass it by the Warden. Until then he eats and rests."

"Still make sure he gets at least brought to me every so often so i can keep tabs on his condition. Now maybe find something for him to do that's gonna stimulate his brain. Rather him having quick wits than mashed potatoes for brains!"

They just huffed and left with me. They walked with me down the hall and just lead me to a library. Told me to find some books I could take back to my cell and gave me a limit of a dozen or so. I picked out a few novels, few Daring Do... One of them questioned if I was alright in the head considering I chose those and I told them it would remind me why I need to behave considering my family reads that and even asked if I could get a pen and a notebook to write things down... they agreed and didnt give me anything to think about when writing in it.... here's a nice documentation to my time in here as well as writing down target names and descriptions.... Both sides... I stayed in my cell the rest of the day. They gave me meals and drinks when I needed them. That night I sat against the wall and just started writing.

'Day 1

I'm in what I'm calling a stronghold.... Might be a day in this hell hole but at least I have a familiar face.... Rather it be him than be alone with nobody to help with a plan... Got the doctor in on this as well... She may be of use to me but I still need to be careful with what I say and who I say it around. They both offered to help me get out of here, maybe I can bring em both out.... Though I'm having to do this as stealthy as I can and with how clumsy my dumbass is, stealth is an option I dont take very often... I've been given a weapon by some shady organization after someone realized I'm not to be fucked with in any way. Only reason I have it is because they A: want me to be discreet in doing their dirty work and B: not make myself known when I do it like with the fucker I impaled... Yet that got me a date with a tranquilizer and getting my strength sapped.... I feel like if I were a normal pony I'd be unable to walk or something.... Doctor said I should be fine given time.... Though where I am is still a mystery... where my family is as well... The biggest question I have is how in the FUCK these guys snuck past all the security in Canterlot to nab me and how they nabbed Mythic as well.... Might find out in time... might not.... Either way... I'm spilling blood and flooding the room to get to freedom whether I want to or not....' Didnt sign it like it was a letter to Celestia... Wish I could've sent this to Celestia and ask for help but I know nothing is gonna get out of here unless its a brainwashed soldier or a bodybag.

I ended up just getting some sleep after.... Didnt sleep great all things considering but I slept.... More of like a light sleep ready for someone to attack me or something. I woke up and stretched, got to use the bathroom again before grabbing my blade and putting it on before grabbing a book. This one wasnt Daring Do. This one was a griffon becoming a dragon tamer in days of old. Different dragons that helped control different elements but this griffon was crippled in his legs, walked with a cane. He had a dragon that never picked anyone. And I mean ANYONE. Ponies from all walks of life, alicorn, earth ponies, unicorn, pegasai, even other griffons and some zebra tried. Yet this happened. Once this griffon stepped up he was the last to make his gift of bits he had found with his friend who ended up getting murdered in an attempt to mug him for the bits in question. His friend gave his life so he could make the gift to the altar for the dragon. The dragon appeared for him and he managed to become a very important creature even with his disabilities. He had servants, he had a great place to sleep, he even had someone helping him wash himself.... Yet his favor of the dragon wasnt all that well received by everyone else. He awoke one day to find his new home being invaded by those who wished him harm. Thankfully the dragon protected him and the guards that served their emperor captured them and locked them away, and promised if anyone had tried to hurt him it would only make his claim to the dragon stronger. And that's only the first three chapters. Soon they came to the door and banged on it. I sighed knowing what that meant. I put my pencil in the book as a marker before setting it on my bed and going over to the door. "We might be a bit late but we've got a small meeting with the warden about your new assignment." The guard said.

I huffed getting a thought in my head.... Am I going to be patted down or is he just going to assume I'm not gonna have any weapons? Part of me wanted to ditch my blade but I could feel Schrivechnya telling me to take it.... She wanted to come out but even she was afraid of coming out to help me.... That's how bad this was. I just took a deep breath, hid the blade on my arm and just turned about. I put my hands behind my back and just was promptly cuffed. I stepped away from the door for a moment before it opened and I was pulled out. Came face to face with a few guards and they started walking me through the halls. Pretty much just walked me through the halls and into an elevator and then out and down another hall and straight to an office. It was a nice office. Minimalistic but very furnished. Few recliners, a big screen TV on the wall, more than likely connected to security systems. Record machine on the back wall, bed, even a small kitchen and a mini bar with some sort of alcohol in a decanter.... God i need some whiskey after this. If anything I'm stealing that first chance I get. Anyhow I sat there while one of the guards walked off into a side room and moments later he came back out with a stallion following behind him. The Warden. Armor looked high tech. White, black and red. No notable marks but it was powered. And heavy. Each step he took was loud... even sounded like each step was like someone running on metal grating but with him he wasnt fast about it. "....Well well... You've certainly made a name for yourself and you've only been here a couple of days...." He said. His voice was rough but he sounded of a drill sergeant. "Caused a little trouble but paving your way to being a feared soldier among my army. Though the way you need to go about it requires secrecy, taking down empires from the inside. We have no interest in Equestria as of yet but we still need others to help us with that..."

I huffed. "Permission to speak sir?" I asked. He smiled a bit.

"Well yes since you asked nicely. Normally I'm doing most of the talking but you're already acting the part of our organization."

"I'm not sure how much research you've done when choosing recruits.... But you've probably chose the best and worst recruit when getting me. You took me out of Canterlot right under the Princesses noses. That's the worst part. The best part? You may already have someone on the inside with me." His face turned to curiosity hearing him hum.

"...I'll admit we have done research... most of these recruits are either ex militants from armies all over the world, some that dont have the might of others. You? You were probably the one I needed the most.... Ex General of the royal guards for Celestia and Luna, favored by them so much you still dine with them after you step down to being a lowly apple farmer."

"And there's where your information falls short. Yes I might still help my family out at an Apple farm... but I'm declared Royalty by Luna and Celestia themselves. I honestly suffer a little from PTSD because of everything I've had to go through.... Killing, saving, events that nearly killed me that include plane crashes and terrorist attacks... Probably the most experienced yet most damaged in that way."

"And you always intend to make your presence known with those who wrong you. I do like that for when you really want someone dead but cant see a way to get at them through stealth.... Speaking of stealth your hidden blade looks to be a bit wrong there.... No worries there... not gonna confiscate it from you... just try to teach you to use it before you get your assignments and new work orders." I gave a hefty sigh feeling my heart jump slightly.

"Alright... But... Think I'd rather have it this way than another. Seems like a danger to lose a finger and it seems like the way I have it if I get into a brawl it might fall under the radar with a puncture wound and it might look like a little bit of a trauma split... and with how many fights I've been in, you see it enough... Might even class the death up to some sort of brain bleed that happens to kill them... Might not be what you want if you want secrecy but that might only be if I get caught...."

"Well.... Alright.... See your point... still wanna put you through some training." He looked to the guard at my side. "Take him to the training station. Anyone there ask why there's a prisoner there, tell em to come to me. They get uppity, have our friend spar with them so they know to not do that..."

"Well hopefully I still have my speed... Might not have the strength but if they cant keep up with me they may still go to the ground...."

"We'll see there. But before we get you down to the training area how would you fancy a meal?"

"Sounds mighty fine sir."

"Good good... Keep an attitude like that and you'll find yourself climbing rank."

I gave him a smile and a nod. The guards just stood me up and just brought me downstairs to the mess hall. Still loud and noisy. Seemed like everyone was already done or just starting to clear out. I just grabbed my food and just wandered until I found Mythic. He just looked to me like he'd seen a ghost before just realizing I was alive. He just scooted over a bit and I sat next to him. "Lad y'gotta stop scarin' me like that! Might be a hardened stallion but yer gonna give me a heart attack with the shite you pull!" He said just as I took a bite. "Guards wanted to know what happened from me since I saw the whole thing. Told em the one you ran through tried to take your food, you made sure he didnt need any and that his friends were trying to hurt you. Keyword try. What the hell happened to ya after you got tranq'd? Havent seen you drop that hard for a while."

I huffed and just swallowed what I had before drinking the soda. Great stuff. "Where do I start?" I asked. "Waking up stark naked, no strength to hurt anyone the way that fuck found out the hard way... but I've been given some duty that keeps me out of trouble and out of my cell... though I met with a doctor.... Said I was in good health and well... she might be a key in plans... You might be part of em too..... but real quick.... just roll up my sleeve a bit... not all the way but enough to see something." I stuck my arm straight out below the table between us. He rolled my sleeve up a bit before I gave him a thumbs up and triggered the blade. He jumped slightly but I put it back in and just rubbed the sleeve onto the seat rolling it back down. "Little present that they probably shouldnt have given me.... Though there's a reason for this... I'm a hitman on the inside... rather not do this but I feel like this is a way to gain more trust.... After this I'm gonna be brought to a training area to know how to use this thing... Might be a little while before we get out but I'd rather be breaking them up from the inside rather than come at them head on. Cant beat em, join em... but only if you get more reward than risk... and I'd say freedom is reward enough... Might try to see about kissing a little ass old man. Might be able to join me if I can ask for a little help during maintenance duty."

"Think they'll go for it?"

"They should.... Just gotta make yourself open to orders no matter how bad it is.... as I said. Be a kiss ass." He sighed.

"....You better be buying the drinks after we get out of here.... Fuckin' dont like takin' orders from some jackass... But if it gets us out, it gets us out... Just gotta spill a little blood to get where we need...." Wasnt the first time we did something like that and wouldnt be the last.

"I may need to ask during training to see about you identifying and pointing out targets for me.... Maybe even help cover tracks if I need a getaway... You can improvise an alibi and maybe even go and report back the target I was assigned is dead. Course I'm probably gonna be swept away after it happens.... Though you still may need to keep an eye out for maybe some sort of heirarchy... Maybe see about getting something from the doctor because she seems a bit fed up with how she's treated... might be a good medic for the Elites when we escape..."

"...Hm... Might see if you cant get a cell with me so we can plan something.... Doubt they have many cells with more than one bed.... Perhaps you doing what they want gains some favor with that...."

"....Yeah... Just... gotta try not to get myself killed..." I ate some more of my sandwich... still better than i've had at a McHoovians but... eh... rather have home made stuff.

"Do what you need. If you do end up getting caught just keep your head down, do what they say and if our friends know what to do.... Families will be safe...." I gave a nod and just finished my meal with Mythic at my side... Felt weird having him and I both captured... Dont know how he got captured and I sure as HELL know I'm gonna rip into someone- possibly literally unless the Princess stop me... After this I was cuffed and brought down to a rather large training yard. Guards with rifles stood atop towers, while I was put to the test. I didnt do well the first time. Got the idea. ... The dummies they had moved and I didnt know... Even had cameras installed. Drove the blade into a dummies neck from a bench, a dummies back before dumping it behind a few boxes, then even got up high before dropping down on one, blade right in the top of the head. I even got creative. Asked them if they could set up a group protecting someone killed one behind the target, joined the group before taking them out and dipping out into another group for a getaway before hiding in one of the boxes where I dumped a dummy. After a few hours of that and a little jog I asked to do to keep my legs limber and such from all the crouching and stuff I had to do. After that I was given assignment back inside but I had to wear a tracking anklet so they could keep eye on me while I fixed a few things around. They really made sure I didnt have any weaponry to fix and 'accidentally' break. Already had someone tuning up their stuff I guess. Worst one I had to fix was wiring... I know next to nothing about wiring on anything that isnt in cars. I told the guy I was mechanic, not an electrician.... Guy told me to figure it out and I managed to break a door kinda.... This one an electronic mag locked door and I managed to undo the maglock. Re-connected things for the lock and the door worked like new... somehow... me and my fucking dumb luck there. Anyways... Later.... Tired of talking right now...