9 miles out from the Alamein line; command detail, Kampfgrupper Pharynx.

Pharynx always hated the hours before a battle, the anticipation of the coming bloodshed always weighed heavily on him. But after so many years of war, he’d gotten his pre-battle routine down. It always helped relax him before hours of slaughter.

A dozen paces from the fortified camp, the changeling general sat under a lone tree, a newspaper clutched in his magic. Next to the changeling, rested a tin of jam tarts. For whatever reason, the sweet treats always calmed him down. The sweet treats took an unholy amount of requisition forms to get out here, but damn was it worth it.

Blocking out all sound around him, Pharynx was engrossed in the passages and columns of the Vestiopolis times. Although mostly about the war, stories of children’s plays and carpenter awards were a welcome refresher from the usual grim casualty figures.

The crossword was always a favourite of his, although the times had received numerous angry letters from the general over some truly horrible clues on occasion. The racing page was also a highlight, newer technologies pushing ever more advanced cars to even higher speeds.

All was perfect, except for the griffon lying just a few feet away from him. Pharynx detested the Griffons presence, but it wasn’t like he could do anything about it. The mercenary was assigned here personally by the Great Queen, nothing he said or did would get rid of him.

Gerhardus Omsclaw, of Skyfall heritage. Pharynx hadn’t met him until last week, but he’d always kept his type at legs length; soldiers of fortune who actively sought out the horror of war for money and ‘glory’. There was no glory in war, just death.

According to Trimmel and Queen Chrysalis, he came very highly recommended from Archon Boreas himself. Rumours even persisted that Prince Grover VI considered Gerhardus a friend. How a common mercenary could manage that was beyond him. Pharynx hadn’t read his record, but he at least knew that the mercenary wasn’t just a product of nepotism.

Luckily he was quiet enough, not disturbing the changelings quiet time, perhaps he had a similar routine? The Griffon was currently lying face up underneath the tree, a pitch-black beret covering his face, and rosary beads of the trinity clutched in his paw. Quiet prayers in his native Skyfall tongue were the only sound he made.

Aside from the pitch-black beret, his attire was utilitarian. Patchy white and grey arctic camo covered virtually his whole body. Meanwhile a unique sort of cape had also been fastened over his wings; camouflaging the one part of the body most griffons forgot or simply couldn’t cover.

Pharynx had also sent a few infiltrators to examine the rest of his luggage. Among the various other types of camouflage he packed, a combat vest was also found, small steel plates hidden in the layers of fabric made it a rare bulletproof vest.

Lastly were his weapons, one of which lay in the snow next to him. The Reich pattern FG-42 assault rifle was a rare weapon even inside the Reichsmarine, a formidable rifle which the rest of the world could only dream of. Packed away in his luggage, was an Aquileia MAS-36, a solid rifle. A collection of grenades also adored his belt. Finally, a Browning Hi-power pistol and selection of fairbairn-Sykes knives finished the ensemble.

A selection of rare and high-quality weapons, a personal recommendation from the Imperial regent, and a career apparently illustrious enough for Chrysalis to give him joint command? Either he was very good at marketing, or a damned good soldier. Admittedly Pharynx was quite behind in military news outside of Eqqus.

Pharynx lowered his newspaper and briefly glanced across the rolling hills, devoid of any life. 9 miles that way, were the concentrated forces of the Crystal Imperial army, holding the Alamein line. Recon aircraft had painted a grim picture, a strong position reinforced with major earthworks and forts.

The ponies had dug in around a railway junction connected straight to the Crystal city, they’d be getting constant and undisrupted resupplies. Their position also had a height advantage and was anchored on impassible mountains and dense snowdrifts. Nothing but a frontal attack was remotely possible without weeks of preparation.

It wouldn’t be easy to break, but it was possible. As long as the Equestrians somewhere to their south didn’t dash north, then it would be a relatively even fight. The Imperial army had concentrated almost all of their armour in this narrow battlefield, and enough infantry to make him sweat. It would probably shape up to be the largest tank battle fought on Eqqus.

Begrudgingly, the Griffons skillset would be useful here. Pharynx had asked around about his experience, apparently he was a veteran siege engineer, of Skyfall fame. A fortress buster with experience in Griffonia probably wasn’t the worst individual to have around, even if Pharynx didn’t like him.

Their quiet moment was interrupted by the arrival of another changeling, General Elvir Roland. The other panzer general had merged his forces with Pharynx’s for the upcoming battle, now he reported to Pharynx. Luckily the two had a fine working relationship, so command wouldn’t devolve into an arguing committee.

“The men are doing good, well-motivated and ready for a fight. The double rations are helping.” Roland reported as he collapsed to the ground and levitated his hat off. “Gerhardus right?” Roland asked, pointing a hoof at the griffon.

The griffon in question pushed himself up, pulling the beret off his face and returning it to his head. Slowly he returned the Trinity beads to his pocket and turned to face Roland “Yes that is I. Roland right?”

“Yeah that’s me.” Roland replied, glad to be recognised “I’ve done some reading on you, distinguished career you’ve got.”

“Thanks, I mostly follow the money and bullet. It just so happens that the most money often means the most bullets.” Gerhardus laughed and Roland joined in, although Pharynx doubted he knew what was funny.

“You’ve done a lot of work for the Reich I hear.” Roland continued “you got some big wig shelling out the idols over there?”

“Archon Eros actually.” Gerhardus chuckled “good Griff. Actually appreciates my skills, plus he thinks I’m a good influence on Grover.”

Of course Roland would be interested in the griffon, Roland was a media personality and absolutely would get the mercenaries details, another story to spout off to a camera. At least the spotlight hadn’t affected Roland’s ability and judgements as a battlefield commander.

“Got any interesting contracts lined up? Except us obviously.” Roland asked. “Or maybe just interesting jobs you’ve had in the past?”

The griffon brought a clawed paw up to his face, running the talon through the slightly ruffled feathers. “I get a lot of interesting job offers, lot of boring ones I turn down as well; worst was when Flowerina offered me 250G idols to guard their vaults. I mean that’s a lot of money, but my skills would be wasted there. Most interesting one I’ve had recently, which I’m allowed to talk about, would be the Rider one. Heard of them?”

Pharynx actually lowered his newspaper, he’d heard the name Rider get tossed around recently, although he didn’t have any clue who they were. It seemed as if Roland didn’t know either, judging by the way his head tilted. Perhaps he’d listen in on this one.

“Interesting group, also go by the Rhidesians on occasion. They’re a griffon movement seeking to establish a new home for griffons on Zebrica, a place for the exiles and refugees of the continent displaced by war. They’re led by an interesting chap, Cedric Rhides, of New Mareland descent. Former entrepreneur, may have heard of his North Zebrican railway project a few years back.” Gerhardus explained.

“Railway got mentioned once or twice, why’d it fall through?” Pharynx surprised himself by answering this one, was he part of this conversation now?

“Well you know how Coltage has been in constant civil war since Boreas created the universe, and that the Knife eared bastards just suck generally? That’s why.” Gerhardus explained “good plan, unfortunately those two screwed it up for everyone else.”

Pharynx could understand that, Coltage being in near constant infighting, and the Chirropterans generally hating everyone would have messed it up. There were increasing border clashes between them and the Hippogriffs though, if the fishes finally went to war and won it, perhaps a North Zebrican Railway could finally be made.

“Anyway, these Rhidesians have been steadily building up for a few years now. They’re still a small group, but Cedric’s personal wealth and a lot of outside funding, no I can’t tell you who, means they’re surprisingly well equipped. Plus, they’re mostly vets from the various conquered countries of Griffonia, so battle hardened, well-funded, and with a clear goal.” Gerhardus explained.

“What did a rebel group like them want from you?” Pharynx questioned.

“Well they’re not rebels, currently they’re an unaligned paramilitary group. From me, they were just testing the waters, seeing if I’m worth hiring at some point in the future. Good news is that I impressed, made a downpayment for services in the future.” The griffon smugly chuckled.

“You think they can do it? Take over a country in Zebrica I mean.” Roland sceptically asked.

“I think they can. Sure they don’t have the resources for pitched battles right now; but give it a few years, and a particularly weak government, and they’ve got a real shot.” The griffon nodded. “But enough about me, how’s the campaign going?”

“I actually just got off the net with Trimmel, Pharynx you’ll want to hear this too, and I’ve got good news on two fronts.” Roland announced.

The changeling general sighed and dropped his newspaper to the snowy ground. Unfortunately this had turned into a business meeting, shame. At least the news was good, something to lift the men’s moral even further, although a double ration of schnapps would also the job just as well.

“Firstly, our friends in the navy did it. The Olenians and our Kriegsmarine forces sent the joint pony fleets packing with heavy losses. The Red navy of Staliongrad was routed in a close-range night action by the Olenians, a joint force of aircraft from the Olenians and HivesAdmiral Helvia knocked out all but one of the Pony carriers, and Lysander gave them a right thrashing with his battlecruisers. Reports are still coming in, but it seems Mimic went ham during the night as well, and sent an unknown number of Pony ships to the bottom as they retreated.” Roland explained.

“Good fucking news, think we’ll finally start importing oil again?” Pharynx questioned. The chronic oil shortages of the Hedgemony had been their biggest logistical challenge of the entire war, lack of fuel was perhaps the most important factor to this war not already being over. Importing fuel from saddle Arabia again would keep the war industry churning. All they needed now was to reclaim to coal fields in the Northern Protectorate.

“Probably, I hear we’ve already signed a deal with Saddle Arabia.” Roland laughed “horses saw an opportunity for profit and they took it.”

The changeling wiped a tear out of his eye before continuing “In other news, the army of the North retook the coal fields.”

Pharynx’s eyes widened and his head swivelled to face Roland. For once, he didn’t even bother to hide the expression of shock he wore. The army of the north had been in a stalemate for over a year now, failing to advance even a mile. Either they’d hit hard and fast, or some communist was about to get executed for incompetence.

“How in the world did they manage that!” The general exclaimed “I’ve seen those lines, countless forts and readouts, a horrible supply situation and the winter should have made the advance completely impossible.”

“I’ve seen the lines too.” Gerhardus joined in, although markedly less enthusiastically than the changelings “how’d they crack them?”

“From what Trimmel told me, a Jaegar and Panzerbijorn brigade advanced with a blizzard to their back. Infiltrated their lines and created enough of a breech for the army to pour through. Apparently, the communists dismantled their back line defences to reinforce the front a few weeks ago, once the PanzerGrenadiers got through and could manoeuvre, it was all over.” Roland explained. “It’s an ongoing battle, but they’ve advanced 20 miles so far, and seem like they’re going to keep going. The communist Army of the Red facing them seems to be disintegrating.”

“Well good on them then! That’s going to keep Trimmel happy.” Pharynx enthusiastically shouted. He truly meant it as well, the Northern forces had cut their teeth through some truly awful situations and suffered the highest casualty rates for basically nothing. Even Trimmel had written off any advance as impossible, and he could work with basically anything. It was brilliant for moral, even his.

“Speaking of Trimmel, he told me to tell you that he won’t be flying out to take command.” Gerhardus began “Soarin’s launched a surprise attack against Larynx, he’s going to take command over there.”

“The Equestrians are fighting back? Didn’t think they had the fight in them.” Roland chuckled.

“Bluebloods a tough bastard, don’t count his army out while he’s still breathing. Last time I saw him, I got the impression that he had a plan.” The griffon yawned.

Gerhardus got up onto his four paws and began to stretch out. Popping muscles in his back and legs. Then he opened his wings out and started delicately preening them with his razor-sharp claws. If he suddenly needed to take off, cleaned wings and warm muscles would get him in the air quickly.

As a changeling, and thus insect descended, Pharynx and Roland couldn’t really relate to that. Their wings were more fragile than a griffons, but they could grow back given the right circumstances and a good infusion of love. Their maintenance was as simple as a gentle scrub with soapy water.

For a while there was silence between the trio. No one really wanted to discuss military matters just before a battle anyway, too grim. Gerhardus just continued preening his wings, Pharynx turned back to his paper, and Roland idly drew circles in the snow.

In the fortified camp just ahead of them, Heer soldiers went through their own pre battle routines. Some prayed while others laughed, a few cowered and others embraced their imminent deaths. Tank commanders wrote jokes on shells, and some soldiers wrote their names on bullets.

A few things were universal, before every big push, the sheer issued a ration of: Schnapps, tobacco and Scho-Ka-Kola. The niceties put frayed nerves at ease, and the caffeine stimulants would keep soldiers active if the fighting dragged on and on.

Even the officers indulged in it, Pharynx himself had a small box of Scho-Ka-Kola next to him which he would grab bite sized pieces from. Roland was a smoker, so he’d be participating in the tobacco ration. ‘Bullets and nicotine make the world go around’, that’s what he’d always say. Pharynx popped another piece of chocolate into his mouth and began to chew, chocolate made the world move for him.

“So what’s the deal with Trimmel and Chrysalis?” Their griffon friend blurted out.

Both tanker generals glanced at each other, confused, and then back at Gerhardus. Frankly, neither knew what he was talking about. “What do you mean?” Roland questioned.

“They shagging or what?” He elaborated.

Two distinct reactions came from Roland and Pharynx. The formers pupils seemed to shrink, his mouth uselessly opening and closing without any words coming out. The latter meanwhile sucked in a hard breath and proceeded to begin choking on the chocolate.

After uttering a long string of curses and saving himself from death by chocolate, Pharynx uttered “you what?”

“Guess that’s news to you then.” The griffon muttered, a smirk gracing his beak “I’ve met them separately and together, if those two haven’t gotten freaky at least once, shoot me.”

A strange strangling sound came from Roland next to them. The changeling didn’t seem to know how to react, obviously it made a lot of sense. “I think you broke Elvir.”

“I think I have, let me just reset him quickly.” Gerhardus quickly grabbed a grenade from his belt and tossed it at Roland.

Shaking out of his stupor, Roland caught the grenade in one hoof and began comically juggling it “oh shit oh shit oh shit!”

He shouted before tossing it somewhere down the hill “are you crazy!”

Their griffon companion let out a hearty laugh “Relax I didn’t pull the pin. Now you’re back, you think they fucking?”

“I mean…” the tanker began “now that you say it, I can see it. But the queen can be crazy, how would he…”

“Well if anyone’s got the guts,” Pharynx intervened “it’d be Trimmel. Guess he really is the bravest changeling alive.”

“Only if it’s true!” Roland tried to defend.

“Which I’m sure it is.” Gerhardus interrupted, his voice going all sing song.

“But there’s no proof, you’ve got no proof!” The changeling angrily shouted.

“And I didn’t have any proof when I told the tabloids that Gherita Zarfatti was Beakolinis mistress. Look how that turned out.” A toothy smile graced his beak, a humorous sight. “Tell you what, of all the times I’ve run for the border, that was by far the best.”

“You’re crazy.” Pharynx murmured, getting another piece of chocolate.

Their griffon friend just snorted indignantly “Our jobs are to get shot at and try not to die, I think all of us are crazy.”

“Best for you, you’ve not got any family to go back to.” Roland uttered “My wife would kill me if I died out here.”

Privately, Elvir was quite the family man. Happily married for a decade at this point, and father to a pair of little girls. Pharynx had met them once at an officers ball, they were such sweet little things. Of all the generals who could have a happy home life, Elvir definitely wouldn’t be anylings first guess.

“The joys of being an orphan.” The griffon chuckled. There was no regret in his voice, just acceptance. “I’ve got a few friends, mostly griffs from the same orphanage as me. What about you Pharynx, got anyone asides from your brother?”

The changeling in question stiffened; and Roland coughed as he turned away, suddenly finding the clouds very interesting. Talking about Thorax was a no-go around Pharynx. Everling believed it was because of his burning hatred of his brother; when actually it was because he could barely live with himself to fight him.

The truth was, if Thorax walked up right now and asked him to defect, he would. It was a truth never spoken aloud, and one he wouldn’t survive voicing. He was already on thin ice with the Queen, only Trimmel defending his skills, and his own vigorous pursuit of war saved him from the chopping block. Vaspier was a bloody ling, even thinking those thoughts was dangerous.

He often wondered what Thorax was doing now. His Free Army was still active somewhere in Equestria, fighting for the liberation of the hives alongside the ponies. Perhaps he was somewhere out there, lined up for battle alongside the Crystal imperial army.

“I’m going to take your silence as a no then.” Pharynx was torn from his thoughts by the griffon.

“I don’t want to talk about my traitor of a brother.” He spat at the griffon. However much it repulsed him to call Thorax a traitor.

“Fair enough.” Gerhardus was silent for a moment, before he procured an envelope from seemingly thin air and tossed it at Pharynx.

The changeling caught the letter with his magic and grumbled quietly. It was amazing how quickly his opinion of their griffon could be swayed. It was steadily increasing just before he’d pried in Pharynx’s personal life. Now it had dropped back to him being a scummy mercenary.

He glanced at the envelope, wait that wasn’t right. His name was written on the front, but it was his brothers hoof-writing. So many questions rattled around in his head, one was louder than all the others. He turned to stare at the Griffon, still preening his wings, and asked the most obvious question “How?”

“I thought you didn’t want to talk about your brother.” He sounded so smug, a cocky grin covering his beak. Pharynx could have punched him “My last job was for the Reich, I was escorting Princess Flurry Heart across the border. Goof cub by the way, a lot like Grover. Anyway, I briefly interacted with the Crystal Royal family while picking here up and your brother was with them. That letter is to be opened in the event of his death.” The Griffon explained.

Pharynx said nothing more as he stuffed the letter into his coat. This was mental baggage to unpack later. The only loose end was…

“I heard nothing.” Roland coughed.

…Not a problem anymore, that went unexpectedly well. Perhaps having a family made Roland uniquely able to sympathise with him or something. Whatever the reason was, at least he knew to keep his mouth shut this time. Hopefully, if V.O.P.S. showed up tonight then he’d blabbed.

“Soooo, going past secret stuff. Are you worried about the upcoming battle?” Roland asked.

“No more than normal, why do you ask?” Pharynx replied. It wasn’t like Elvir to get cold hooves.

“Because somethings wrong.” Surprisingly it was Gerhardus who replied “I’ve nearly died enough times to know the feeling, the heaviness in the air, way my feathers feel electrified. Somethings going to go wrong.”

Pharynx only scoffed at that “Sure, I’m going to listen to your feathers over our intelligence. It’ll be a hard fight sure, but we’ll either win or withdraw.”

“Your confidence doesn’t fill me with confidence.” Gerhardus grumbled “If we withdraw from this position, the troops around Chicoltgo will be cut off. We’re fully committed to this position, which is never a good thing. If the Equestrians march north and bypass Chicoltgo, we’re outflanked and have to retreat or be encircled.”

“I thought you were a siege engineer, not a strategic analyst?” Pharynx huffed.

“I’ve been in the war game since I was 10 years old, you pick up a few things in that time.” The reply was stern, no mirth or smug grins accompanied it.

“You’ve been fighting that long? Why not just retire, I’m sure you’ve got enough money to.” Roland questioned. Like many, war was his job, but not his passion. He would certainly take peacetime parades over tank charges in war.

“A wise woman once told me ‘once your hearts in the battle, there’s no turning back’.” The Griffon simply replied.

Their companion flapped his wings twice, running air through the feathers. Nodding in approval, he folded them back up and slid them underneath the cape on his back. As he passed by Pharynx, Gerhardus reached into the forgotten tin of jam tarts and took one for himself. The engineer cast a glance around before starting to walk towards the camp.

“I’m going to drill your artillery crews and make sure they know what to do. Try to win this one would you.” Gerhardus took a few steps before turning his head to face Pharynx “And Pharynx, your brother has good intentions, you know what the road to Tartarus is paved by?” With that the griffon plodded away, not looking back.

Watching him leave, Roland hummed before nodded after the Griffon “I like him, bit rough around the edges but decent all-around.”

“I must confess” Pharynx began “He pisses me off, and I hate his lifestyle. But he’s not as terrible as I thought he would be, helps that he seems mentally stable.” The comments about his brother also annoyed the changeling to no end.

“He’s got a point, we shouldn’t cross out the Crystal imperial army. A few bad moves, and we’re in hot water.” Roland sighed “Call the ball, I’ll follow your lead.”

The mercenary was right, if the Equestrian army made a dash north, then they wouldn’t last long. It was a risk, but they likely wouldn’t have to face; inside intelligence suggested otherwise. Their spies had solid information that Princess Luna was planning to withdraw the army further south, and had drafted order for an immediate withdrawal in the event of a major Changeling attack.

“We go ahead, let him worry about those forts while we worry about that army.” Pharynx confidently affirmed “If the Equestrians do come after us, we’ll be ready.”

11 Hours later Alamein line

They weren’t ready. That single thought was all the bounced around Roland’s head as bits of dirt rolled off said head. Shells exploded around his tank, artillery from the Crystal Imperial army zeroed in on their position and hadn’t relented for the past few minutes. The ponies were the ones who were ready.

At a glance, Roland had assumed that Shining Armour was using his regular strategy of hard defensive boxes. So he’d deployed his forces in the regular formation as well, bypassing the presumed outer boxes and getting behind the Crystal army. His initial attacks had been repulsed with heavy losses, well sited Crystal batteries had created deadly killing fields and softened up the tip of the spear before Cromwell and Crusader tank brigades began to encircle the outer elements.

Elsewhere the battle was going poorly, the infantry attacks on the forts and boxes had been driven back with heavy losses. Only the attacks led by Gerhardus had seen any success, pushing the ponies back from the 1st line. Then the Equestrians had started to show up, and things truly went to shit.

Apparently, Marshal Blueblood had personally led the Equestrian 1st army north and was cutting deep into their flank. 103rd and 12th infantry blocking them had virtually disintegrated in the face of such awesome firepower. The units still intact had fled into Chicoltgo, but were under threat of encirclement there, the corridor to the city narrowing every minute.

Things were very confused down in Chicoltgo, surrounding units and formations were chaotically retreating in and out of the city, trying to get away from Bluebloods marauding 1st army. A few Jaegar and rifle divisions were holding the narrowing corridor out of the city, but Roland knew that the panzer’s and Jaegers in the city were doomed. If they managed to hold out a while, a breakout was possible; however unlikely.

Now Roland was doing all he could, trying to hold his position against attacks from Bluebloods forces and the Crystal Imperial Army from 3 different directions. His men were also doing their best, repulsing the attacks and staggering their retreats. They fought well, fighting for the Queen and their lives.

The Changelings gaze fell upon an unnamed hill just a mile east of his position, the Hegemony’s flag proudly flapping over it. The hill itself was anarchy, the blue flashes of magical weapons covering it, and the dust of artillery strikes hitting the far side of it. Jachs 96th rifles on that hill were possibly the only reason his position hadn’t been overrun yet, they were holding up two entire tank brigades beyond that rise. One of his spotters even reckoned he saw Jachs Jaegers fighting hand to hand with the Imperial Guard in their trenches.

Jachs was a good leader, and his men were veterans, Roland could count on them to hold the hill. Roland rose his head above the rim of his tank once again and growled at the battle around him. They weren’t ready for a defensive battle, and the ponies had the terrain advantage, attacking off the high ground and onto their flat and exposed position. Growling as he surveyed the situation around him, Roland knew they wouldn’t hold.

He’d have to pull the 96th off the hill or lose them entirely. This wasn’t an enviable situation; he’d have to pull back and reform on better ground or risk destruction. But pulling back would mean Pharynx would have to retreat as well, or lose contact with each other. Risk total destruction at the Equestrians hand, or Pharynx and the Queens for retreating.

At the same time, pulling the 96th off the hill early would release hundreds of deadly Cromwell and Firefly tanks onto his position. This manoeuvre would take some carful timing, especially since the Cromwells would easily run his slower tanks down.

“You!” he shouted at a random radioling “Tell General Pharynx that this position is untenable and I’m going to begin a withdrawal west, he should start doing the same as well.”

Gunfire erupted around Roland as he once again ducked for cover in his tanks turret. The blue beams of light indicating magical weaponry flew by the open air above him and scorched the armour of his tank black. The mixed automatic and bolt action fire returned as the general peered through his periscope.

Roland command centre was located just atop a very slight rise in the terrain, a fortified camp surrounded by hastily put up concrete walls and prefab pillboxes. It had the standard layout, a few wooden barriers and lots of temporary structures filled out the interior. A motor pool of various vehicles and especially tanks was also located somewhere else in the camp. Rolands personal brigade of PanzerGrenadiers and vehicles.

The site which greeted him outside was a horrible one, Pegasi wearing full body covering armour and faceless masks were storming his command position. Their armour was painted in an intimidating, if impractical, white and light blue camouflage. Their magic weapons, armour and colourings allowed him to easily identify their unit. These were Pegasi of Marshal Bluebloods House guard.

The professional troops of the former Princes household guard were one of the most feared units in the ponies arsenal. In the personal employ of Marshal Blueblood, the troops were arguably the best equipped and led in Eqqus, and had formed the most effective resistance to the Heer’s attacks thus far. A very stubborn all Pegasi unit, that had been employed by the Blueblood family for generations now.

Unhelpfully for Roland at this particular moment, they also didn’t take many prisoners. “Gunner, give those ponies the Coaxe!”

His tanks gunner gave no reply except the sound of the coaxial machinegun opening up and spraying the ground ahead of them. The front gunner also opened up, spraying the ahead of them and cutting into the troops. Meanwhile the Panzergrenadiers on the ground did their best to throw the Pegasi back over the barricade.

A confused close-range battle ensued, with almost no cover beyond the temporary buildings, it was deadly. The camp essentially turned into a shooting gallery, Ponies and changelings gunning each other down at close range and praying they weren’t next. Amid it all, Roland’s tank became a fortress which his men rallied around.

The machineguns of the Heer banged against the soft hum of the magic rifles as the PanzerGrenadiers held their camp. The pony attackers were in a bad position, to get into the camp they’d had to fly over the outer concrete wall; but with the defenders now alerted, AA guns made the sky the absolute last place anyling wanted to be. Once the ponies already in the camp were cut down, this attack was over.

Roland climbed out of his tank turret, wrapping both of his hooved around the 50 cal turret. The changeling was about to start randomly spraying into the growing cloud of smoke at the front of his command post when he was suddenly in the air. The wind seemed to have been knocked out of him as the changeling crashed down onto the ground.

Unknown to Roland, the entire purpose of this attack was his death. Killing the commander of the right flank, and one of the best tank commanders on the continent, would all but guarantee a crushing Heer defeat. When he’d dared to show his face, one of the Pegasi had flown straight at him and brought him out into the open where he could be executed for all to see.

This attack was a show of the unwavering loyalty the House guard had for their former prince, a one way mission to take out the changeling leader. The suicidal courage displayed was something rarely seen outside the knightly orders of Griffonia. Indeed the only other equivalent on Eqqus were the Queens guard.

As Roland opened his eyes and stared down the barrel of a gun, he accepted his fate. He made a silent prayer to whoever was listening, hoping they kept his family safe. Thankfully, the bullet didn’t have his name on it. A burst of gunfire cut down the Pegasi standing over Roland, and automatic fire ripped through the air. On instinct he drew his lugar, the pistol wrapped in a green magical aura, and began to fire at the ponies forms.

As the last of the pony forms either fell or disappeared, Roland turned to thank his rescuer. Of everyone on the battlefield, it was Gerhardus Omsclaw who’d come to his rescue. The Griffon in question clutching his FG-42 in both paws, as he walked around on two legs. The Griffon fired in short bursts before quickly changing target and firing again.

His aim was also good, never missing a shot. Finally, the droning of bullets ended, and the beams of magic return fire danced no more. Gerhardus held his ground, not lowering his guard or dipping the barrel of his gun. After a few second of silence he fired two more shots into a corpse lying nearby, the pony let out a cry before dying.

“Sound off, we clear?” he shouted in accented Hertzlandic.

A platoon of PanzerGrenadiers quickly combed the area, before one of them held up a hoof and shouted back “Clear!”

The Griffon finally relaxed, throwing his FG-42 around his shoulder in a practiced motion. Still on two legs, Gerhardus strolled over to the fallen changeling general and pulled the general to his feet. Walking around on two feet was really weird and would never not freak him out. Brushing the red snow and mud off Roland, Gerhardus finally collapsed onto all fours and huffed. “You seem to be doing well for yourself then.”

“Things haven’t been going well here, thanks for the save.” Roland breathed, “So the Equestrians are on us then.” It wasn’t so much a question as a statement.

“Yeah, just heard it from the V.O.P.S guys about the chaos in Equestrian high command. Apparently, the army is in a full-blown mutiny.” Gerhardus took a breath before picking a canteen from his belt and taking a swig. He wiped his beak clear with a paw before offering it to Roland.

The changeling took it in his magic and took a grateful swig of the cool water. Handing it back over to the Griffon, Roland asked one of many burning questions in his mind “What do you mean about the Equestrians being in mutiny?”

“You know how Princess Luna is Commander-in-Chief? Well she ordered the Equestrian army to pull back and demanded the Crystal Imperial army did the same, that was about 10 hours ago. Well 5 minutes later, Marshal Blueblood gave conflicting orders for the Equestrian army to hold their ground.” Gerhardus explained as he checked his gun over and slid bullets into the empty mag “The army’s following Blueblood, they’re just flatly ignoring orders from Canterlot.”

“So the sisters now rule only in name?” Roland questioned.

“Yup, for all intents and purposes; Marshal Blueblood is the leader of Equestria now. The communists aren’t happy, but they’re not going to fight to restore a monarchy to absolute power.” Gerhardus confirmed “You’re pulling back now right?” he suddenly asked Roland.

“Yeah, I just had orders go out. We’re going west, back to the start line some 20 miles back.” Elvir confirmed.

“Good, then I need your fastest car.” The Griffon demanded as he swung the FG-42 onto his back, the gun resting between his wings.

“You aren’t running are you!” Roland near shouted.

“I’m not, I need to get in Chicoltgo before the corridor’s cut. You’re planning on trying to break the city out right?” The griffon pointed a razor-sharp claw at Roland who dumbly nodded “Good, I know the Equestrians siege capabilities, Boreas I taught them everything they know about urban warfare. I can get you at least 13 days, I can’t guarantee anything beyond that.”

The tanker changeling shook his head, debating exactly how crazy the Griffon had to be wanting to sprint into siege warfare. The griffon definitely had guts, and would definitely be worth his probably massive salary if he could pull off a successful defence. Having the siege expert in city would also considerably boost chances of survival for the troops soon-to-be trapped inside.

“Fair enough.” Roland pointed at the platoon of PanzerGrenadiers combing the bodies of the Pegasi attackers “Platoon fall in!” The elite armoured soldiers quickly fell in and awaited orders from their general. “This is Gerhardus Omsclaw, on personal detachment from our great Queen. You’re to get him into Chicoltgo no matter the cost. You’ve got 5 minutes to grab ammo and rations, then you have my permission to get the fastest vehicles from the pool and get him out of here.”

The soldiers saluted before scattering to several temporary structures, hastily assembling supplies and a few personal effects before they’d convene again at the motor pool. As the changelings took off, Gerhardus shook his head “Guess this is goodbye for now. See you in two weeks then.” He held out a clawed paw, and Roland obliged him.

Roland put his hoof in the outstretched paw “Don’t worry, I’ll reorganise the troops and come get you. Be a few days, but I’ll come get you.”

The two beings from different continents shook a hoof and a paw before turning away. One of them was bound to direct an army away, the other bound for urban warfare. Roland climbed back into his tank, and Gerhardus walked to the motorpool. The Griffon gave Roland one last glance, praying to Boreas that the changeling pulled through.

Author's Note

Introducing Gerhardus Omsclaw, an OC. I generally dislike OC's in fics like this, but I just wanted someone who can show up as a persistent villain/side character without awkwardly moving around existing characters. Let me know what you think of him, because his character is up for change personality wise.

I also introduced the Riders (Rhidesians). They're irrelevant now, but they're going to be important later for Grover's arc.

This chapter shows: the ponies being competent for once, Blueblood doing a background coup, Pharynx vibing, Shining doing a good job at fighting a war, Jachs getting into a just horrible situation (that's going to happen a lot), and Trimmel bedding Chrysalis (fkn legend). Fun to write, hope you enjoy.

Also going to be honest, half of this chapter was written on my phone and I haven't proof read it. So its probably a total mess lol.