Equestria At War - In the Shadow of the Sun

Cipher sat on the bed - a luxury he had lost over half a year ago. He sat after attempting to stand up - which resulted him in falling down on the ground. Of course - the hoof that was taken happened to be his favorite. He sat facing the window - the rays of dawn upon his face. He looked at the sunrise, the light not too damaging for his eyes anymore now that he got used to it. He missed this room so much - and the sunrise was always a sign of hope and peace.

Now...Remembering past events, he was not so sure anymore. An odd distaste was left in his mouth after the fact. Once, the sun was warm and pleasant. Now - the sun was oppressive in its almost omnipotent presence. It was a reminder. He supposed he understood his apprehensive feelings considering what had happened in Equestria.

After all, he only needed to look once at his charred hoof - where the fur had singed off to reveal flesh; a sight not common to see on a pony. It healed somewhat...

But now, he had a new injury. The other hoof was missing - one that was also burned terribly like this one, but now was severed.

He was unsure why this terrifying loss had no profound effect on him. Of course like any mortal - he screamed and sobbed the whole time it was being hacked off - before passing out. But he had largely forgot about it while he was kept in the prison. Now however - he had time to adjust and understand what was really happening to him, now that he was no longer in a constantly extreme situation. Now he could regroup his feelings somewhat.

It was awful, tragic, and merciless; but in the end...

He stood as best as he could on three hooves, for ultimately he thought...How would a missing limb really compromise his ability to do his work?

Especially since there was a solution.

He was able to awkwardly hobble and limp over to a contraption in the room. It was a device with a built-in crane, which required him to attach a harness to his own body. He had followed the instructions given, before operating the machine. The crane had lifted his body up partially - before descending it to properly fit the crucial component of the device.

A metallic hoof had connected to him...incompletely. He had been instructed on how to work with this process - but it wasn't any more pleasant. He pulled out a leather belt that was nearby - and bit it as hard as his teeth would allow; the same teeth that only recently received a surgery to make up for the losses and damages when he bit the Stalliongrad agent's neck.

With the pull of a lever, a terrible mechanical whir came from the device. With the whir came movement - intense movement in the smaller mechanisms of the device. Small bolts would spin and begin to violently push in. There were many components - needles, screws, nuts & bolts, and clamps. They dug into his flesh - in specific areas. His missing hoof already had a contraption in its stump - a metallic socket - and so this device fit into it.

The pain that came was akin to having the limb returned to him, but then having it set on fire, electrified, and made cold all at the same time. It was the sort of pain that made it sure he didn't need any coffee this morning. The mechanical hoof had several straps attached to it - for if it was set loose now, his hoof would perform several involuntary movements that could damage his body. His only outlet for the pain was the leather belt in his teeth, and tears.

This lasted for a minute - which had seemingly dragged onto 10 minutes. The device had released, prompting Cipher to move away from it as far as possible, limping and cursing as more tears were shed...

But as the fog cleared, he looked down to see that...He finally had his leg back. Albeit - temporarily. It was a metallic hoof - with the same size of his original leg, but heavier, adding several dozens of kilograms to his weight. This hoof had a simple, memorable - and very inspired name; the Rockbell.

More important was the soft whirring he heard. He knew what it was - for he was informed by the engineers. This was the complicated, possibly even volatile - blend of modern-day technology and unicorn magic.

It may seem redundant - for prosthetics work as they need be. There is a mare in the world known as Kerfuffle, a brilliant engineer herself who very comfortably moves however she pleases with a prosthetic that has not even a fraction of the complexity of Cipher's leg.

Yet - Cipher, together with the Research & Development Department of the Sunset Intelligence Bureau, knew to seize opportunities. The Rockbell was his way to seize the opportunity of losing something dear to him.

He had left his room, going through the dormitory's halls. Wherever he went, he was met by familiar faces. Colleagues and friends. They had all delayed him by some minutes - those unaware of his return were astonished, gasping and yelping at the sight of him, and full of questions. Still - everycreature who knew him was happy to see him again, and albeit it made him anxious, he enjoyed knowing that there were those who had missed him, a selfish little scratch itched.

Finally after some short hours, he was able to make his way to his destination, the briefing room.

The Handler had just finished going over the details of Tull's case - and in the room, all of his teammates sat watching a projector. As Cipher entered, there were smiles.

The Handler scoffed softly. "Cipher - still not kicked the habit of coming late for debriefs?"

"Zebrica helped me kick my teeth out, my bones, and a lot of blood; but no, not my nasty habits." Giggled the pony.

Even the Handler produced a warm smile. "I jest. It is good to have you back here, Cipher. This team really needed you."

Gomer reclined on his chair and waved his talon. "Mhm - now all we need is our personal stripper troupe and brewery, and this team would be really perfect."

"Gomer - I think at your age, those strippers aren't gonna do much for you, especially not after some beer." Cipher smirked, earning a challenging smile from the bird.

"What, you scared of some mature gals and a strong drink, wuss?" The griffon laughed.

"I'm worried about your heart and blood pressure, old bastard." The earth pony scoffed.

"Can't hear ya from the other side of the room, small fry!" Gomer bellowed.

"Limp-dick." Cipher grunted.

"Virgin!" Gomer shouted.

"Whiskey-dick." Cipher retorted.

"Small-dick!" Gomer exclaimed.

"Retirement home resident!" Cipher barked.

"Cipher!" Chari cried out. "The Gomer curse, remember!?"

"...Ah, to derail the conversation at a whim." Cipher shook his head. "You got me good this time, Gomer."

"Heheh..."

Colton stood up, and patted Umi on the shoulder. The Zebra nodded, and the two males stood up, approaching Cipher. "Cipher - somebody I'd like you to meet. When you disappeared, we had to get someone to fill in your position in order to help with your search - and I'd say he proved himself to the point we can have a sixth team member. This is Umfuni - but he insists on being called Umi."

The Zebra smiled, holding out his hoof. "It is an honor, Mister Cipher. I have heard much about you from the team. I'm honored to have assisted in your rescue and to have the chance to work with you."

Cipher was only happy, returning the hoof shake eagerly. "The pleasure's mine, Umi. No need for the "mister" stuff."

"Yeah - he likes being called "Miss" instead!" Gomer said from the other end of the room.

Umi rolled his eyes, and smiled. "I understand, Cipher. I'd love to see you in action - your decryption skills are second to none."

Cipher chuckled. "I had a short brief on the Zebra who led the team my way; someone who's got a knack for languages and cultures, as well as all the other stuff I've heard; I think I'm equally excited."

"Get a room you two!" Plymouth yelped.

"Rude!" Chari chastised.

Colton coughed. "Now - for the pressing matter...Handler informed me that our assignment is going to change as of 00:00 sharp today."

Gomer tilted his head. "You mean, last-night midnight, or this night midnight?"

"Last night." Colton dryly said. "I wanted us to get Cipher in here and adjusted, because we're about to receive our mission details."

"Re-assignment?" Plymouth whined. "Again? First it's MARESOC, then Fascists, then Stalliongrad's backup plans, and now we're changing again?"

"Is that a problem?" Handler rose a brow as he asked the unicorn.

Plymouth softly sighed, taking out a cigarette and putting it between his lips. "Feels like we're just going in circles not finishing the job...I get that we've severed most of our ex-target's assets and knocked them down a peg, but if MARESOC keeps popping up on our radar ever five or so years, or if the Fascists are still fighting the new Wingbardy government from the shadows, or if Zebrica and Griffonia are still threatened by Serov's plans to take back Stalliongrad by building up a large enough communist bloc...Are we really doing our job? And are we even fighting an enemy worth fighting this time?"

Before Plymouth could light his cigarette - Colton's hoof swiftly took it out of his subordinate's lips, who growled once - but softly.

"Trust me." Colton put the cigarette back into Plymouth's breast pocket. "This time, I think we're fighting a pretty worthy enemy. Perhaps too worthy. But first, we'll be meeting someone who might not like having a smoker in his office."

***

Umi shook softly as he sat on the seat. Everything was dark, cramped...and volatile - shaking and rocking side-to-side. He felt a metallic hoof put itself on his shoulder, as Cipher leaned in with concern. The zebra saw this, and offered a warm smile. "Don't worry, Cipher." He said. "I am quite claustrophobic...I understand that this form of transport isn't dangerous, but it is unpleasant to consider there aren't many escape routes..."

Cipher smiled reassuringly. "I figured as much. I've had too much exposure therapy over these last few months to get too claustrophobic..." He chuckled. They, alongside the others, sat in a small underground train car, as it traveled through the tunnels. Cipher had never used it, but he knew what it was. Sunset had a special underground system, which was essentially designed to be used by important creatures within the military and government...And judging by the direction he deemed they were traveling, he knew where they were going...

"Has he changed much since our last meeting?" Colton rose a brow, standing next to Handler.

"Heh..." The Handler shook his head. "Never changing is why he's so good at his job."

"Sooo, is there some kinda special etiquette we oughta hang onto when we meet 'im?" Asked Plymouth, leaning against the doors.

"He's not a Princess or anything of the like." Handler said. "Just be polite. Oh, and don't get too friendly with his wife, aight? That includes you too, Chari."

"Psht - what, do I look like I'm gonna swoon over any cute mare?" Plymouth scoffed.

"Yeah, Handler." Chari joined in with a pout. "A "cute mare", as he put, won't enchant me."

***

Plymouth and Chari were sweating bullets as they sat around the table, eyes pinned onto the yellow unicorn mare that had passed around the table with a tray of teacups, her lavender-and-beige mane finely sparkling, as was her entire facial expression - one of total loveliness and sweetness.

"She's so..." Plymouth and Chari whispered in unison. "Cute!"

As Upper Crust set the tea-cups in-front of the two, she noticed the odd look, but wasn't sure what it was about. But all she could do was smile warmly and lean in. "Hey, don't worry! My husband's not the kinda stallion you should be all so worried about meeting! He's very sweet and nice! And even if you're still worried, just know that everything's gonna be okay! You've got this!" She exclaimed, giving them a smile so warm that Plymouth's heartbeat matched the pace of a rigorous cardio exercise, while Chari actively changed her body into losing the ability to blush. They both received a bump under the table - Plymouth getting his from Colton, and Chari getting hers from the Handler.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Upper Crust." Colton smiled warmly.

"Heh, now if only he always came before everycreature had been seated...Anyhow, you are welcome, darlings. I suppose I won't be too welcome in this room due as I know how secret your dealings get. Can I guess what it is, though? Oh, did you uncover a mole? Perhaps a daring plan to retrieve lost artifacts lost during the war? Or maybe rescuing someone important?"

"Mrs. Upper Crust..." Cipher chuckled softly. "At this point, the SIB's archives would've been indistinguishable from a Daring Do book..." He smiled.

She laughed heartily. "What can I say, A.K. Yearling's captured my heart all those years ago when I was a filly. Can't blame a young gal for letting it shape her fantasies. Anyhow, I shall leave you to it! He'll be here any time. Have a good meeting, all!" She smiled, and left the room.

Once she did however, voices could be heard on the other side of the door.

"Oh, there you are!" Upper Crust's voice could be heard. "Honey, would it kill you to perhaps greet you guests just a little bit prior to them entering the chamber?"

"Ah..." A stallion's voice sighed. "Sorry sweetheart, you know how my schedule can get..."

"Aw, it's alright sweetie. I understand...Here, let me adjust your tie."

"Dear, it's fine--"

"Nah-uh, you must look dashing in-front of your spy colleagues, hehe~...Okay, here we go! Don't forget about the school's opening ceremony you're to attend at six, okay honey?"

"Alright honey." The stallion laughed. "Love you."

"Love you too sweetie. Have a nice meet!"

Gomer, hearing everything, was unable but chuckle - but immediately stopped as he heard the door handle turn.

The doors had opened, and through it stepped in a stallion that all recognized immediately; the President of New Mareland, Jet Set.

All rose - softly saying, "Mr. President", even Umi who acted by very swiftly repeating after his colleagues, very well able of adapting to match the appropriate etiquette as displayed by the others.

Jet Set shook his head as he walked to his seat. "Please, filly and gentlecolts - sit." He softly spoke, and they had done as told. Jet Set would take a seat at the head of the table, directly facing Handler on the other end. The table was somewhat shorter than what one would've expected, and the distance between him and the Handler was no more than two meters at the most, therefore both Colton and Cipher had been seating at such a distance that they were mindful of not accidentally touching legs under the table with the president.

Jet Set looked at all the present creatures at the table, moving his head to address them clockwise starting with Colton.

"Mister Colton, Mister Cipher, Mister Umfuni, Mister Gomer, Mister Handler, Miss Chari, and Mister Plymouth..." He said, making eye contact with each. "I've worked together with the Sunset Intelligence Bureau for many years starting with the recent catastrophic wars that washed over the world. The SIB has been responsible for handling the most threatening and malicious threats to New Mareland without fail. And from what I have gathered, your team - Mister Colton - is the best the SIB has."

"Thank you, Mister President." Colton bowed his head.

"As such..." Jet Set sighed. "It befalls upon me to make a decision to assign you to what I can only consider the most difficult and dangerous mission I have ever I have ever assigned to any SIB operatives - and hopefully one that I will never need to assign ever again. I will only ask however...Are you willing to risk your lives more than I could ever ask you to?"

Colton looked at his team - and no wavering glances came. He looked back at Jet Set, and smiled. "Yes, sir. We're willing."

Jet Set nodded to the Handler, who stood up to fetch something, in the meantime, Jet Set continued.

"The SIB, following this meeting and once we have confirmed your participation and the security of its assets, will launch Operation Sunset. The Handler will give you all the necessary documents - but I think you should understand what we are set to do based on my words alone...and the name of the operation."

Plymouth blinked, and leaned in. "Mister President, you don't mean...?"

Cipher sighed, and closed his eyes.

Colton reclined back and did the same, nodding. "...Daybreaker."

Jet Set sadly lowered his head - a nod he tried to make more confident, but couldn't. "...Yes."

"Wait..." Chari squeaked. "We are going to act against Daybreaker? But...Why?"

Gomer put a talon to his beak, scratching thoughtfully. "Yeah - I don't get it either. I assumed The Solar Empire isn't that big of a deal for us - considering it's not only an entire ocean apart, but also 'cause as far as everyone's concerned, Daybreaker is only interested in Equus."

"At the beginning, this was the accepted belief." Jet Set stated. "New Mareland's independence, but support for Equestria - has ensured that we have minimized hostilities as much as we could while seeking complete autonomy for the sake of advancing our economy and state. When Daybreaker had ascended, all diplomatic channels were cut, but we had not seen any indication that Daybreaker would set her sights on anything that wasn't Equestria. Even Nova Griffonia remains untouched thanks to its neutrality in the Great Wars..."

"...But then...?" Umfuni softly asked.

"...Certain sources within Equestria, alongside the SIB, made disturbing discoveries, and have even been able to record Cele--...Daybreaker's conversations with her generals and other trusted personnel. All points out that she believes West Griffonia to be a security concern, believing that not only would Aquileia and Wingbardy attempt to invade with the help of its neighbors - which includes us - but she also is aware of Stalliongrad's "resurrection" plan, so her sights are on Prywhen and any communist nation in the tri-continent area...And of course, the elephant in the room; she may ignore New Mareland's independence entirely."

The Handler went around the table, placing dossiers for the team to peruse.

"As it stands..." Jet said said. "Recent trends in the Solar Empire's war industry point to alarming possibilities. Of them, the most outstanding are their developments and increase of equipment that would enable massive naval invasions. On top of this, an increase of their strategic bombers has been noted...With very unfortunate possibilities."

"Soooo..." Plymouth coughed. "How're we going to fight them? We don't really have a lot of ponypower - but I assume we might be able to easily make a formal military alliance with our neighbors and stand some kinda chance, right?"

Jet Set shook his head. "Direct conflict is to be avoided. We cannot drag West Griffonia into a war, and especially if we'd be by ourselves, we would be obliterated in mere hours."

"I'd disagree. A cold war can be more damaging than a hot one." Gomer folded his talons. "We're more or less aware of the military might of West Griffonia and Equus. So - an alliance between us, Wingbardy, Aquileia, the Griffon Republic, Vartai; and hopefully of whatever remains of the River Federation...It should be enough to fight her - even fight her back. Otherwise, we got no idea what kinds of tricks she's got in her sleeves."

Jet Set smiled. "I appreciate your enthusiasm and your willingness to make solutions, Mr. Gomer." He then frowned. "But you are right - there are tricks involved. Please look at appendix one."

"..."

The sound of furling pages filled the room.

"...What is it?" Asked Colton. "An explosion?"

"Its aftermath." Jet Set said. "Note its strange shape - that of a mushroom cloud."

"...So you think that the Solar Empire has developed a weapon capable of doing intense amount of damage - and are increasing their bombers capabilities to send them across the ocean?"

"Yes." Jet Set nodded. "Therefore, open warfare is possible - but if this weapon is to be used...it'd be more catastrophic than we could ever imagine. The pictures were taken in an unknown area - the quality of the photograph is unable to discern any geographic features, and the operatives who took this photograph haven't been able to identify the source of the picture either. The only information we have is a word that was drawn on the back of the photograph with a marker; the phrase..."Vividvale".

"...What's the mission, Mr. President?" Asked Colton.

"As I said, open warfare is not an option - not between New Mareland and the Solar Empire, and not between Griffonia as a whole. In the current state of things, our actions must be done from the shadows - behind the scenes to keep the world colder than it needs to get." Jet Set declared. "Therefore, our mission here is to remove Daybreaker from power, and prevent the Solar Empire from seizing the upper hand that will allow it to wage a destructive war on West Griffonia. We are to identify the cause of the explosion, and neutralize it."

"To remove Daybreaker...Sir, that may not imply that we will be able to return Princess Celestia." Umfuni spoke up.

Jet Set sighed. "I understand. I chose your team because I know you have the strongest ability to adapt and make the best choices on the field. As you will be able to view the situation with your own eyes, I trust your judgement the most."

Cipher spoke afterwards. "Mr. President; we are dealing with Daybreaker and the combined might of Equus. She is cunning - all surviving assets that belonged to Stalliongrad, Nightmare Moon, Sombra, and the Changelings are under her command. This would be akin to trying to fight an entire continent; and yet we are barely tenth its size."

Jet Set nodded softly. "I know. I wouldn't have even thought of conducting an operation if I had no faith in its possibility. The operation has been planned thoroughly for some time now, and there a few crucial elements to it all. We would need to get support from some of our neighbors - particularly Aquileia, Wingbardy, the Griffon Republic, and SFR Vartai, hopefully as well from whoever else would be willing to join the fight. I have already made some plans to attend the upcoming summit."

"Then..." Umfuni leaned in. "What trump card do we actually have to have such determination for this operation, sir - if even allies are not guaranteed?"

The President slowly looked at the window, gazing outside. "...Much of the crucial information we received on this situation was granted to us by someone who we've been searching for some years now...The ones we've tried to bring to safety."

"Wait..." Cipher leaned in, eyes full of hope, anticipation, and anxiety. "You mean...the..."

"The Elements of Harmony." Jet Set stated. "Our mission to safely bring them to New Mareland was a success...A partial success."

The temperature in the room had shifted from warm to freezing by the time the sentence ended.

"P-Partial!?" Plymouth yelped, not liking the intonation one bit.

Jet Set frowned. "We were unable to locate one of the elements...Namely; the unicorn who goes by the name of Rarity."

"Rarity is missing?" Cipher whimpered.

"Moreover...The pegasus Rainbow Dash suffered severe injuries, while Pinkamena Diane Pie has not spoken a single word - according to Princess Twilight Sparkle - since the events of Daybreaker's ascension. And, to top it all off; the Earth pony Applejack has expressed intense disapproval to being brought to New Mareland. She insists to remain in Equus due to not wanting to be separate from her family, so her compliance and cooperation are under question."

Colton sighed, scratching his head. "At the very least, is Princess Twilight Sparkle okay? And since you've not mentioned anything in regards to the Element of Kindness, can we rely on the fact she's fine?"

"More or less, yes...Albeit, I fear that post-traumatic stress disorder is not an impossibility between the five present..." Muttered Jet Set.

Gomer raised a talon.

"Yes, Mister Gomer?" Jet Set turned his head.

"I'm gonna make a lil' disclaimer 'fore I speak..." The griffon sighed. "I'm from central Griffonia, right? I haven't met a single pony until I met a communist spy from Longsword, and by then I was pushing my thirties. And the only thing I know about these "Elements of Harmony" is that my commander, General Gilda, was friends with one of them; a pegasus, I think. So, pardon me for my lack of education, but why can't they just fix this whole situation? I've heard stories that they've saved Equestria from the worst of the worst, so what's the matter now?"

Everycreature turned to Jet Set. Cipher, Colton, and the Handler knew the answer, but believed Jet Set had more experience and knowledge to explain it.

"Because the elements must always be together." Jet Set simply explained. "The Elements of Harmony may technically be the mares themselves - rather than a magical set of artifacts - but their power must necessarily be drawn out through their friendship. There must be complete, total synchronization and cooperation should they wish to make it work...Because if it isn't present, then they cannot gather up even a fraction of their power...Not to mention..."

The Handler nodded. "Realistically speaking, in this day and age, the Elements of Harmony have lost their power."

"What...?" Gomer leaned in, taping his talons on the table. "No offense - so why are we so worried about them if they're useless to us?"

"Gomer!" Colton barked. "That's enough."

Jet Set however, answered the question.

"It isn't as simple as "they have no more power", but the Elements of Harmony were used to fight and ward off evil and disharmony...And harmony is something that is essentially non-existent at this time." Jet Set answered. "But that doesn't mean that they're obsolete. On the contrary - they're one of the few sources of hope we've got left. The Elements of Harmony may still have an amount of power, if drawn out somehow, it could be used to fight back Daybreaker. It may take time to discover how to make these elements work effectively in these circumstances - but the first step is to have them here, and together...So, we're halfway there."

"Living on a prayer." Chari chortled silently, heard only by Plymouth and Cipher, the former tried hard not to giggle as he suppressed it with a cough.

"Mr. President, as far as I'm concerned, it's already a big leap forward that we've found at-least five of the elements. W-Where are they right now, though?"

"About that." Jet Set coughed. "Your first assignment is bring them here."

"A...Rather simple task, sir." Colton noted.

The Handler stopped leaning against the wall, stepping forward. "We need someone reliable to protect them, when we believe that infiltrators from Equus may be tailing them. For the time being, they have been residing in a secret location, in a safehouse belonging to the SIB. It's protected - but moving one from point A to B is not so simple. Besides, there was a certain...condition from the Princess."

"A condition, sir?" Cipher asked.

"She requested that once we are able to mobilize a capable team, she has the chance to speak to all of its members privately." Handler noted.

"Sooo..." Gomer chuckled. "We go in there with some recording tools?"

"No." The Handler coldly said.

"Eh...?"

"We don't want to risk that being found. You can relay yourself what the Princess said if you want - but we'd rather stay within Twilight Sparkle's good will." Jet Set explained. "We need to cooperate with the Elements of Harmony fully; this isn't time to manipulate the situation in a way that we seem to be more fit. Besides, we've a common goal."

"But maybe not the same means." Cipher quietly muttered to himself.

"And..." Jet Set observed the room for a moment. "There was another request made by her, a very specific one..."

Cipher's ears perked up.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle asked that whether or not Cipher is a member of this team, that he accompanies too. And that she speaks to him first."

As confusion and surprise rose from his team members...

Cipher sighed softly, and glanced at his hooves. One metallic, the other burned.