For Your Eyes Only

Princess Celestia,

I am writing this as a testament to the truth. I have held my tongue for too long, and though I am being watched to ensure this story stays out of the minds of the public, my conscience has gotten the better of me. I have written this as a narrative, in an attempt to accurately confer upon my experiences. I have not slept in weeks, the painful memories of my experiences still fresh in my mind.

I apologize for rambling. I suppose I should explain what I’m going on about. Nearly six months ago, I was on a team sent into the Everfree Forest to research the locale. Not much was known about this area, other than that it doesn’t work like anywhere else in Equestria.

The weather controls itself, strange plants grow everywhere, and the animals act strangely, almost feral. We were hoof picked for this assignment to study as much as we could and prepare a report for the ministry of defense. I’m no scientist, don’t get me wrong. I was chosen as a military representative for the expedition. I was brought along as a go-between for the security team and the egg-heads. I’m smart enough to understand most of what the braniacs are saying, and then translate it into military for the grunts. Overall, it didn’t seem like a bad assignment. There were eighteen of us overall. Seven science-types, ten grunts for security and hauling equipment, and then me. I found it odd that none of us seemed to have come from the same unit, and was aggravated that I didn't know a single one of my troop's names.

Well, turns out I’m not that smart after all. We entered the forest early in the morning, hoping to use as much of the daylight as we could to set up camp and get a perimeter going. Decent plan, but it didn’t really matter. By the time we found a suitable clearing, it was already well into the afternoon, and the dense foliage let little light through. We set up the camp as quickly as possible, and rolled out the concertina wire we’d brought along for a temporary border. It wouldn’t stop anything too big, but they’d sure make a lot of noise if they got tangled up in it, giving us a few seconds to escape.

We finished setting up by around eight-thirty, and after a small meal, decided to call it a night. Since I was assigned specifically to the science team, I wouldn’t have to pull guard duty. It was a small blessing, but I would take whatever I got. I fell asleep quickly, having exhausted myself with the preparations, but soon found myself being shaken awake, far too early.

“Sir! Wake up! Private Twigs is missing!”

I sat up bleary eyed and looked at the young soldier yelling at me. He was a younger stallion, maybe twenty at the most.

“What’s going on, Private?”

“Like I said sir, Private Twigs is gone!” He looked pale, and was shaking slightly.

“Gone? Gone how?” I said, getting up from my bunk and putting on my green fatigue jacket.

“I don’t know sir. He was supposed to take up the shift twenty minutes ago, but when Private Twitch went to go wake him up, there was nobody in his bunk…” The young soldier looked nervous. He kept glancing out the tent flap, as if looking for someone.

“Maybe he went to the bathroom?” I said, slightly annoyed. “Alright. Wake the others, we’ll figure this out. Have everyone gather over by the mess table.”

“Yes sir!” The young soldier saluted, and stepped out of my tent. I realized I still didn’t know his name.

A few minutes later, eight soldiers were standing in front of me, looking expectant. The other three were still patrolling the perimeter.

“Private, what’s your name?” I called to the young soldier who had woken me.

“Ironside, sir.” He replied sharply.

“Good call keeping the others on patrol. Good initiative.” I said, turning to look over my assembled crew, some still rubbing sleep from their eyes.

Private Ironside was practically beaming. Yeah, he was definitely fresh from basic training. A kind word from a Captain shouldn’t have that much of an effect on a soldier.

“Alright troops” I called out to them “One of our own has gone missing. A Private Twigs.”

Some of the troops looked around at each other, worried looks on their faces. They began to mutter amongst each other.

“That’s enough chatter. Now, before we start traipsing through the forest, has anyone seen Private Twigs?” I barked.

The troops looked around at each other, and finally an older stallion stepped forward. “Sir, no one’s seen him since you let us get some rack time.”

“Thank you. What’s your name, soldier?”

“Sergeant Flathoof, sir.”

“Alright Sergeant. You’re my new XO. Anyone has any questions, they go through you, and you come to me, got it?”

“Yes sir, thank you sir.”

“One more thing. None of you will follow orders from the science team without going through Sergeant Flathoof and myself. Am I making myself clear?”

“Crystal, sir!” The troops responded in unison.

“Good.” I gestured for the Sergeant to move towards me. “Alright Sergeant, we have one missing troop, and no clue where he is. Honestly, we have no idea what’s out there, and it’s too dark to see right now. We’re going to wait until first light before we send out a team.”

“Yes sir, but what about the missing private? If he’s injured, waiting that long may kill him.”

“I understand Sergeant, I do. But we don’t know this terrain, and I’d prefer not to lose anyone else. We’re going to wait. Have the watch switch out, and get the rest of them back in their bunks. We’re going to need them fresh for tomorrow.”

“Yes sir.” Sergeant Flathoof saluted and stepped back to the waiting troops, calling out “Alright. We have new orders. Next up for patrol, relieve the current group. Everyone else, back in your bunks. We head out at first light! Move it!”

I could tell I’d make a good decision trusting the Sergeant. The troops snapped to attention quickly and went about their tasks.

I heard a rustling, and turned around to find one of the scientists leaving his tent, rubbing her eyes.

“Something going on? It’s almost three am, and you guys are out here shouting and running around like it’s the middle of the day.”

“Nothing to worry about ma’am. There was a small incident, but we’re taking care of it.”

“Sure. And don’t call me ma’am. You military types are too damn formal. Opal is fine.”

“Alright then ma’a-, er… Opal.”

“Heh, sooo tightly wound…” She said, turning back to her tent. “Try to keep the ruckus down to a low roar next time, please.” And with that she closed the tent flap.

I sat down at the mess table, trying to figure out what could have happened. An animal maybe? We hadn’t seen much more than the occasional squirrel or small bird, and I doubted one of my soldiers could be taken down by such small furry things. He had probably wandered off to go to the bathroom and gotten lost…

I groaned as I stood back up, and returned to my tent. Lying down on the stiff canvas bunk, sleep did not come easily. I found myself listening to the sounds of the forest, every twig snap causing my eyes to shoot open. There was something wrong with this place; I just couldn’t put my hoof on it. Everything just seemed… Off.