Tanks for the Memories

Chapters

Briefing
Testing Begins
Awakening
Contact!
Not Alone
Better and Better
Something Big
Ground Floor
Old and New Wounds
A Town Called Panic
Cooldown
A Change of Plan (Re-written)
The Formalities
First Impressions

Briefing

“So all the test vehicles are ready, Major?” General Vandenburg asked, walking along the row of tanks, LAVs and Humvees.

“Yes, sir. The following vehicles have been refitted with the shielding equipment; The tanks; Retribution II, Deathwatch and Kangaroo. The LAVs; Honeybadger, Eveready IV and Old Tom. And the Humvees; .50 cal Gal, Recon 1 and…” Major Phress looked slowly up from the list, an eyebrow raised.

“Go on Major” Vandenburg ordered.

“… and the Friendship is Magic.” The Major finished, with an amused look on his face.

“I’ve heard and seen stranger things Major.” The General mused. “Get the Mechanics to finish up and make any final checks, I’ll be talking to Doctor Hanguard. “

“Yes, sir. When do you want me to wake up the crews?” Phress asked.

The General looked at his watch and thought for a second.

“Wake them up at 0800.” Vandenburg said as he turned towards the Doctors office.

“Yes, sir.” Phress replied as he hurried off.

Vandenburg was about to check on the Doctor as a Mechanic quickly rushed up behind him and saluted.

“What is it, son?”

“Well, sir, the Abrams “Kangaroo” is equipped with a Mine plow. Should we remove it?”

The General thought about it for a minute. Would it really matter is it was attached?

“No, leave it on for now.”

“Yes, sir.” The Mechanic quickly returned to the Kangaroo and informed his co-workers.

“Alright with that out of the way…” Vandenburg said to himself.

He turned around and knocked on the Doctors door. When he received no reply he knocked again, harder this time.

“Just a second!” A strained voice said.

“Doctor, are you alright?”

“Yes I’m fine. Give me a minute”

After 5 minutes the Generals patience began to wither.

“Doctor wh-“

He didn’t get the chance to finish, the door had finally opened and Dr. Hanguard waved him inside.

“Come in General, do you want anything to drink?” Hanguard asked.

“Just a Coffee Doctor, if you have any.”

Vandenburg was greeted with a room crammed full of desks and tables, covered in paperwork, blueprints and computers.

“Are my test vehicles ready General?”

“That’s why I came for the visit Doctor; all 9 vehicles are being double checked by mechanics as we speak.”

“Ah good, good. We’ll begin testing within the hour I hope?”

“When the crews are woken up at 0800 which is in… about 40 minutes.” Vandenburg confirmed.

“Your coffee, General.” Hanguard said as he passed the General his coffee.

“Thank you doctor.” He took a sip and smiled to himself. “You know Doctor, you make some damn good coffee.”

“Shall we take a seat?” Hanguard asked as he cleared papers and blueprints from a desk. “Do you mind grabbing those chairs from over there, General?”

“These ones?”

“Yes those will do, thank you.”

Hanguard took his seat as the General took his.

“Doctor, you never really told me how this shielding device works.”

Hanguard laughed and took a sip of his coffee.

“Do you want it in English?”

“Preferably.” The General grunted

“Well this will take a while…”

“Captain, you and your crew will report to the firing range in 10 minutes, where testing will begin.”

Alex sighed inwardly. He and his crew had been woken up by Major Phress to attend the ‘testing’.

“Major, we don’t even know this ‘testing’ is!” Sam exclaimed.

“Well it could be new equipment.” Roger suggested.

“That doesn’t explain why they were pulling off TUSK armour off her turret, sir.” Alex mumbled.

“THEY WHAT?!” The crew yelled in unison.

“Major, what the is going on?” Roger asked, his temper flaring.

“ Watch your tone, Sergeant. As I said last night to the Captain, I can not reveal that information yet.”

“Why not, sir?” Sam said.

“Because, Corporal, General Vandenburg will be briefing you and the other crews personally.”

Everyone went quiet. David let out a low whistle. Briefing from the top? Shit.

“Wait, wait, wait. Other crews? You mean more tanks were under ‘repairs’?”

“Not just tanks Captain. You’ll find out in due time.” With that he left the barracks and some confused crewmen.

“What just happened?” David asked scratching his head.

“I don’t know, but I don’t think we should keep a General waiting.” Sam said equally confused.

“I can agree with that.” Alex said with a laugh.

And with that they began the process of kitting up. Alex strapped on his holster and walked to gun rack, a grabbed his grandfathers old M1911, pulled out the clip and checked the .45 ACP rounds,1…2…3…4…5…6…7. All there. He slapped the clip in and cocked it, flipping the safety on.

“You still have that old thing?” Sam said as he checked his own M9.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Alex asked, holstering his pistol. “I’m not throwing away my grandfathers M1911 anytime soon.”

“Just thought you would want the latest sidearm, is all.” Sam grunted, loading a clip into his pistol and holstering it.

Alex grabbed his vest and put it on; he opened a pouch and filled it with extra mags for his sidearm, as did the rest of the crew. He then opened the opposite pouch and plopped in his lucky charm and sunglasses.

“Blitz, sir?” Rogers’s voice sung out.

“Yeah?” Alex replied.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this shit, sir.”

“Don’t we all…”

Alex grabbed his helmet off the side of his bed and slung it in his arm.

All we need now is an explosion and slow-mo walking

“You guys ready?” Alex yelled over his shoulder.

A chorus of “Yes, sirs” rung out. He turned around to see them standing in line at attention.

“Well now, I’m not one for speeches… but I can offer advice. Don’t fuck up, follow your orders and prepare for the worst. I know some of you have bad feelings about this, I do myself, but at any rate this should be a walk in the park. Treat it as such.” Alex addressed his crew, pacing back and forth.

“Alright now boys, let's get this over and done with.”

“Yes, sir!” They sung out again.

They walked out the barracks door and headed towards the firing range. Halfway there they met up the crew of the Kangaroo.

“Sergeant Adam, commander of the Kangaroo, Royal Australian Armoured Corps, 1st Armoured Regiment.” He said with a thick Australian accent.

“Captain Noah, commander of the Retribution II, USMC.” Alex replied, shaking his hand.

“We’re heading on down to the firing range to test some new equipment, Captain.”

Alex and the rest of the crew stopped briefly to show their surprise.

“I thought this was an American test not an Australian one, sir.” Sam muttered.

“You’re heading down there too, sir?” Sgt. Adam asked.

“Yeah, testing something even though we don’t know what it is.” Roger said, his annoyance clear.

“Well we have an idea of what it is. Our government has been pushing for our military to get new equipment with the threat of a nuclear war arising. Your government agreed but only if we helped funding. They also needed an Australian test vehicle so we volunteered.” Sgt Adam explained. “It has something to do with a shielding device but they couldn’t go into detail.”

The crew stood there, their jaws hitting the ground.

“Shielding devices? I call bullshit, sir.” Roger said shaking his head.

“I don’t know… could explain why we haven’t gotten any info.” Alex slowly said.

“Well it’s what I know, and it’s the bloody truth, sir.” Sgt. Adam assured them.

“Well come on, if we keep standing here we’ll be late.” The Australian gunner said.

“Good point Dash, let’s get going.” Sgt. Adam agreed, turning to continue.

“Dash?” Sam snickered.

“The name’s Oscar to you.” The gunner growled as he turned around.

“Gentlemen!”

They turned to see Second Lieutenant Offand and his crew walking towards them, they too were
kitted up.

“I don’t think we need to start a fight right now, especially when we have a date with the General. Let’s get a fucking move on!” Offand said as he and his crew quickly walked past.

“He’s right let’s go!” Alex shouted to his crew.

“Come on lads you heard the Captain.” Sgt. Adam said to his crew.

The group of tankers quickly reached their destination but on the way they were met by Gunnery Sergeant Utah, the Driver of the Humvee “Friendship is Magic” that was also undergoing tests.

“Friendship is Magic?” David asked as they entered the firing range.

“Oh that… one of my friends used to watch a show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. He also drove the Humvee. Until while on patrol an IED exploded underneath it, killing him instantly but leaving the Humvee, strangely, mostly intact. So I named it Friendship is Magic, after him.” GySgt. Utah said sadly.

“Sorry to hear that… I think my little sister watches that show…” David said rubbing his chin, going into deep thought.

A large tent stood to the side of the firing range, with two guards posted to the entrance.

“Well it looks like this shit is Top secret…” Sgt. Adam mumbled.

“Ah! Good to see you made it, the rest of the crews are waiting inside the briefing tent.”

The group of men jumped and Roger actually went for his sidearm before realizing it was just the Major.

“Not going to shoot me are you sergeant? “ The Major laughed.

“I was thinking about it, sir.” Roger said in a mock serious tone.

The Majors face dropped and the crewmen laughed.

“Get in the tent.” The Major said, his voice sour.

“Yes, sir!” The group sung out.

They walked into the tent, the Major in tow. Chairs were lined out, half were already occupied by crewmen like themselves and soldiers like GySgt. Utah. They stopped and saluted as they saw the General talking to a man in a white coat.

“At ease men. Take a seat, we will begin shortly.” The General said, returning a salute briskly and waving them to sit.

The crewmen took a set in the middle row and began idly talking amongst one another as other crews entered and seated themselves. Once all the seats were taken up the General began the briefing.

“Alright men, what’s being said in this room today is Top Secret. Not a word shall be said outside of this room. Is that understood?” The General said.

“Yes, Sir!” The men called out.

“Good. We’ve picked you men because of your outstanding record and dependability. It should be considered an honor to test this groundbreaking new equipment, although this is short notice your vehicles have been upgraded with experimental shielding devices.”

With this being said, a murmur went up from the crewmen and soldiers alike.

“Told you.” Sgt. Adams whispered to Roger who was sitting next to him.

“I know this probably sounds strange but we’ve been working on this for just over 8 years now, it’s gone under constant development and upgrading with some of the best minds working on it. You specially selected men will have the honor of testing it today. In a moment Doctor Hanguard will fill you in on what it exactly does. He will answer any questions or concerns you may have. Doctor. ”

“Thank you General, as he already stated my name is Doctor Hanguard, I designed the Experimental Adaptive Shielding Technology or E.A.S.T. Its goal is to provide superior and lifesaving protection to armoured vehicles. What is basically does in easy to understand terms is it defects or absorbs up to 30 direct hits from an 120mm M256 smoothbore cannon before overloading. When it overloads it requires at least 24 hours to recharge its power cells, while it does have solar panels attached they only provide a minuscule recharge rate. For a full recharge you would need to connect the main power cables to the recharge port, here.” He pointed towards the rear of an Abrams then an LAV and finally the side of a Humvee. “You will become familiar with the recharging we begin testing shortly.” The Doctor paused and took a sip of his water.

“Now are there any questions?”

When no-one raised their hands the Doctor raised an eyebrow.

“No-one? In that case, General I think these men are ready to see their upgraded vehicles.”

“Alright then. Crewmen report to your vehicles and familiarize yourself with the new upgrades. I’ll be out shortly. Major Phress will take you there.” The General said as he turned to talk to Doctor Hanguard once again.

“Alright you heard the General!” The major thundered. “Let’s go see your new toys.”

Testing Begins

The group of crewmen made their ways outside, everyone was talking in an excited attitude, everyone but the crew of the Retribution II.

“This shit still doesn’t feel right.” Sam mumbled.

“I know what you mean, this is fucked. My bad feeling just turned into very mother fucking bad feeling.” David said.

“It couldn’t be that bad, if it can stop 30 direct hits, then I couldn’t care less.” Sgt. Adam piped in.

“Sgt. Adam, sir.” Sam said.

“Yeah?”

“Shut up.” The crewmen said in unison.

Sgt. Adam grumbled something and walked away to join his fellow crewmembers.

“Blitz what do you think, sir?” Roger asked.

“I-I’m not sure really, this could be one of the biggest technological advances and could stop the threat of a nuclear war. On the other hand this would ensure American dominance which is good for us, but other countries wouldn’t agree.” Alex said rubbing his head.

“When did you get good at this stuff, sir?” Sam said in bewilderment.

“Eh. It happens from time to time.” Alex said waving it off.

After another minute of walking they finally arrived at their vehicles. It was not at all what they expected.

“What. Did. They. Do?” The crew said in union.

She was still an M1A2 Abrams, she was still the Retribution II, but she was definitely different. There were electrical wires running along her hull like veins and on the back of her turret in the storage was a box engraved with high voltage warnings and was pulsating blue, wiring coming out on the sides.

Alex looked at the other crews; they had similar looks of confusion and wonder on their faces.

“Hey Blitz!” Sam called out from inside the Retribution II. “It’s fucking awesome in here, sir!”

“Right, just a second.” Alex said as he put his helmet on.
He climbed up onto her hull then hopped onto her turret; before he was even inside he could see the blue pulsating lights emanating from the inside.

“Whoa.” He said as he hopped in.

There was thick clear tubing pulsating with blue light along her walls. It looked… it was… indescribable. The pulsating lights made it look like the Retribution II was alive her metal heart slowly beating.

“Hey you guys get in here!” He shouted to the rest of the crew, which were still inspecting her outside.

“You have to see this.”

They clambered up onto her turret and peered in.

“No. Fucking. Way.”

“Can you imagine this shit at night?!” Roger exclaimed.

“Yea man, that would be awesome.” David agreed.

“But a dead giveaway.” Alex said, looking around.

“Hah, I can imagine it now, they’d probably think it’s-“

A loud thunderclap stopped David mid-sentence and they all looked up. They were greeted by dark grey clouds that covered the entire sky.

“Where the fuck did this blow in from?” Sam asked.

“That’s global warming for you…” Alex muttered.

“First it’s bad feelings and now it’s a fucking super storm outta nowhere! This couldn’t get any
worse.” David grumbled.

“Don’t say that you dickhead!” Roger exclaimed as he hit him over the head.

As if on cue it slowly started raining and the wind slowly started to pick up.

“Good going genius.” Sam mumbled.

The crew looked around the see other crewmen hopping into their tanks, eager to escape the wind and rain.

“Well fuck. Everybody pile in!” Alex said, moving to make room.

David and Roger hopped in and took their seats; Alex closed the cupola as they did. The only thing heard was the wind whistling and the rain heavily beating down upon the Abrams tank. It was darker than usual, but the pulsating lights made up for it.

“What now?” David asked, while shifting his helmet.

The headset crackled as the Retribution received a message.

“All E.A.S.T vehicles report in.”

“Deathwatch reporting.”

“Kangaroo, reporting in.”

“Retribution II, reporting in.”

“Old Tom reporting.”

“Eveready IV, reporting in.”

“Honeybadger reporting.”

“Friendship is Magic, reporting in.”

“Recon 1, reporting in.”

“.50 cal Gal reporting.”

“Due to the sudden appearance of the storm we’re postponing the tests until it subsides.” The Major said glumly. “We need to move into cover before the E.A.S.T is damaged. Alright, start your engines men.”

“Start her up, Lead foot.”

The Retribution IIs engines roared to life and the pulsing became quicker as if she’d woken up.

“Move to the hangars behind the firing range, we’ll leave the vehicles there for the time being. The Retribution II will take lead. You copy Captain?”

“Copy that, sir.” Alex acknowledged.

“Corporal, take us to the hangars round back. You know where they are?”

“I know this place like the back of my hand, sir.” Sam said with pride.

There was another loud clap of thunder as the Retribution II lurched forward, exhaust spluttering up into the sky. What they didn’t notice however was that lightning had hit her and she was slowly glowing from a light blue to a bright blue.

“Uhh, Captain!” Arran’s voice exclaimed over the headset.

“Go ahead Second Lieutenant.” Alex said, blissfully unaware the he and the tank were glowing blue.

“You’re glowing MOTHERFUCKING BLUE, SIR!” He screamed over the headset.

Alex surprised by the sudden change of tone, slammed his head on the cupola.

“We’re WHAT?!”

“YOU’RE GLOWING BLUE, SIR!”

The crew was looking up at Alex with confused looks on their faces.

“Stop the tank.”

“What, sir?” Sam exclaimed.

“I said stop the tank!” Alex yelled.

The Retribution II came to a screeching halt. Alex and the rest of the crew looked around at the lights to see they were pulsing faster and faster.

“What the fuck is going on, sir?” Roger asked looking worriedly at the pulsing lights.

“I don’t know.” Alex said as he reached to open the cupolas hatch. “But I’m going to find out.”

He opened it and was welcomed by strong winds and rain so hard he couldn’t see a meter in front of him, oh and a glowing blue tank.

Glowing blue tank?! How the fuck does this even happen?

The last time I saw a tank glowing blue was when I was playing Command and Conquer: Red Alert, and it fucking teleported across the map! Teleported…? Oh fuck!

“We need to get out, right fucking now!” Alex screamed down to his crew.

But before he could do anything the tank became a bright white and shot blue electric bolts at other tanks, making them glow too.

“Holy fucking Jesus!” Arran crackled over the headset.

“What the holdup?” Major Phress’s asked over the headset.
“And what’s this bullshit about glowing blue?”

The Kangaroo, Retribution II, Friendship is Magic, Old Tom and Recon 1 were all now glowing a very bright blue, almost white.

“What the fuck do we do, sir?” An Australian voice said over the headset.

“How the hell should I know?!” Alex retorted.

He looked up in time to see another lightning bolt hit him and knock him unconscious, his body slumped back into the cupola and laid to rest in an awkward and uncomfortable position.

“Shit!” Roger shouted as he went to check on the Captain.

But before he could move an inch, the Retribution II and the rest of the glowing vehicles gave out a blinding blue flash, knocking all of the crewmen inside their vehicles unconscious. When the blinding light finally dissipated all the previously glowing armoured vehicles were now gone.

Another clap of thunder made Fluttershy squee and bury herself deeper in her bed.
She’d heard plenty of storms coming from the Everfree Forest before but this one sounded different, she couldn’t quite describe how. The claps of thunder sounded different more distorted and electrical.
Another very loud clap of thunder followed by a flash of blue light made Fluttershy squee again and cover her head with her pillow.

“What was that?” She asked herself.

But before she could think of what it was she fell asleep, her exhaustion from helping all the animals finally catching up with her and allowing her well-earned beauty sleep.

Twilight looked up from her telescope and listened to the faint sound of a storm coming from the Everfree Forest. It was an unusual one, she could hear no rain but she could hear a lot of strange sounding thunder. A bright flash of blue caught her attention as she looked over towards
the Everfree Forest.

“Unusual…” She whispered to herself.

She turned the telescope towards the Everfree and peered through. All she could see were trees, trees and more trees.

Wait, are those lights?

She focused her telescope and what she saw surprised her. She could see a dim blue light slowly fading through the foliage of the trees, what interested her even more was the fact it was pulsing, like a vein.
A feeling panged through her, a bad one.
Should she warn the Princess? No, she didn’t want to disturb her now. It’s just a blue light, I’ll
check it out tomorrow, she thought to herself as she walked to her bed. It’s just a blue light.

What’s the worst that could happen?

She hopped into bed and snuggled under the sheets, falling asleep almost instantly.

Pinkie Pie bounced around her bed preparing to go to sleep when she suddenly had a fit, it lasted
a couple of seconds and she didn’t seem to care in the slightest.

“Tomorrow is going to be a doozy!” She happily announced as she hopped into bed.

She bobbed up and down for a while in excitement.

“OH! I need to throw a welcoming party!” She exclaimed.

Her mind raced as she thought about all the games she could play and all the sugary food she could make and-. She stopped thinking and abruptly fell asleep, snoring lightly.

Awakening

Authors note:
I’d like the thank Warrensable32 for helping me out with the details and editing.

Alex slowly opened his eyes and looked around. Everything was black. All he could see was black.

Am I dead?

He panicked and reached for something, anything. In his panic he slammed his head on something hard. Reaching out to touch what he hit, his hands felt a familiar surface. It was the hatch of the cupola. Fumbling with the handle for a minute, he tried to open his escape route. He finally succeeded and slowly swung the hatch open. He jumped out, eager to escape his metal prison.

Wait. Why am I falling?

He hit the ground headfirst, feeling a sickening snap.

"Fuck!" Alex yelled as he felt a sharp pain in his hand.

He looked up to see his right hand bent back at an odd angle. Taking a few breaths he grabbed it and snapped it back into place, causing another loud cry of pain. The swelling was already starting. Looking away from his hand he saw the Retribution II laying vertically against a large slab of rock.

How the hell...?

Trying not to use his injured hand he slowly stood up, swaying slightly as he regained his balance. Walking cautiously over to his tank, he grabbed a med-kit that was dangling off the cargo rack. It was then, he looked around and froze; he wasn't in the deserts of Afghanistan any more. He was in a forest.

How the fuck did I get in a forest?!

Instinctively, he reached for his grandfathers sidearm with his right hand, stopping himself as a jolt of pain shot through his arm. Instead, he unholstered the pistol with his left hand. He held it unsteadily. He'd never fired a weapon with his left hand before. Looking down at his feet he saw he was standing in... sand?

If I'm in a forest, shouldn't I be standing on dirt?

He took another good look around, making sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him.

Nope I'm definitely in a forest, I can smell the trees, the grass and flowers... oh shit!

His attention was drawn to a Humvee laying upside-down few metres from him, he wouldn't of noticed it if it wasn't for the pulsing blue light of the E.A.S.T.. He looked at his watch, apparently it was 0500. The sun should be coming up soon. With that, he headed over towards the flipped Humvee and peered inside, where he saw the driver hanging upside-down and still strapped into his seat. Alex went to open the armoured door and was stopped by a small white rabbit looking at him.

"Well hey there little guy," He said as he knelt next to it. "You probably shouldn't be here."

He couldn't help but notice that the rabbit seemed a bit... strange. Before he could say anything else it quickly hopped away. Shrugging, Alex went back and opened the Humvee door. He cringed as he saw the drivers neck twisted at an angle, knowing instantly that the unfortunate driver was dead with a broken neck. With a muffled thump, he slammed his fist on the Humvees underside. Alex couldn't do anything for the man now. Sitting down and resting against the Humvees back door he thought. He thought about how the hell he'd gotten here, what had happened to make them appear in a forest. Had they accidentally discovered chrono tech? His thoughts were halted by the sound of a stick snapping. He quickly stood up, aiming his M1911 towards the disturbance.

"This is Captain Noah of the United States Marine Corps, come out slowly with your hands in the air and identify yourself." He flicked the safety off, expecting the worst.

"Private Gem," An Australian voice called back. "Royal Australian Armoured Corps. Don't shoot me ok?"

Alex gave a sigh of relief and lowered his pistol. Just an Australian. The Private wandered over towards the Captain, his own sidearm drawn.

"Permission to speak freely, sir?" Pvt. Gem asked as he sat down next to the Captain.

"Go ahead."

"What the hell happened?" PTE. Gem asked, laying his pistol on the ground and cracking his knuckles. "Last thing I remember was some sort of storm, some lightning, thunder, and a ton of rain."

"That about sums it up Private," Alex replied. "Except we're here in the middle of a damn forest. Anyhow the sun should be up soon, then we can check the surrounding area for any indications of where we are."

"Captain, why don't you just check the GPS on your tank?"

Alex looked at the Private with a surprised look on his face.

Why didn’t I think of that?

"Good thinking Private, there's only one problem with that."

"What's the problem?"

Alex pointed to the Retribution II sitting almost vertically against the rock.

"That."

He then pointed at his hand.

“And this.”

"Ah." The Private said, rubbing his chin. "Captain are your men still inside?"

He did a double take at that. He'd forgotten about his crew. Leaping up, he ran towards the Retribution II and tried to climb back in.However his injured right hand prevented him from doing so. Sighing, he formed a plan in his head.

"Private, where's your crew?" He called over to the Australian crewman.

"Still in the Kangaroo unconscious, sir." The Private replied.

"Alright Private, I want you to head over and see if you can wake up your crew. When and if they do, I want them to drive over here and help me move my tank and flip the Humvee. You got that?"

"Aye, sir." He saluted and quickly darted off.

Alex returned his attention back to the Humvee and gave it a quick look over. Nothing seemed to be broken or damaged, it was just upside down. Looking up at the dark blue sky, he saw light slowly pouring over the forest.

Finally, daylight!

He opened the Humvee door once again, this time to move the dead drivers body out. Carefully unclipping the seatbelt he caught the Marine as he fell and slowly pulled him outside. He laid him in the middle of the clearing and closed his eyes pulling the dog tags off the fallen Marine.

Staff Sergeant John van Decc. Poor Bastard.

The sky was now lined with orange and the first rays of sunlight were shining through the canopy. Birds were chirping merrily away. Alex even saw a few rabbits hop past. In the sunlight he could see his immediate surroundings. What he saw stopped him in his tracks. Everything looked abnormally brighter. The brown of the trees was too bright and the moss hanging off of it was too green. It just didn’t look right. The roar of an engine cranking brought his senses back.

Good work, Private.

The roar of another engine made him stop again. How many other vehicles had been teleported with him? This one, however, didn't sound like an Abrams starting up. Alex guessed it was probably an LAV.

"Captain?" A weak voice called from the Retribution II.

Alex recognised it as Sam's voice. He rushed back over to his tank and pulled himself high up just enough to see into her.

"You ok in there Corporal?" Alex asked, his concern evident.

"Just a few bruises, sir. Roger and David are starting to come around now."

"That's good to hear, when they come around I'll need you to hop out. Careful though, she's at an almost vertical rest on this rock."

"I noticed, sir."

Alex heard some grunting and shuffling followed by a gasp of pain.

“Captain, Roger has a deep gash along his left arm. Could you pass up a med-kit, sir?”

“Right.”

He bent over and grabbed the med-kit from where he left it.

“Here it comes.” He said as he tossed it in.

“Thanks Captain.” Sam said. “Roger, hold your arm still, I’m going to patch you up.”

Alex slowly turned away from the tank and studied his surroundings again. The trees were still there. As the sun rose even higher, he could see that some of the trees had... faces? Rubbing his eyes, he walked towards a “faced” tree and stared at it for a moment.

Looks like a halloween pumpkin face, but on a tree.

Looking away from the “faced” tree, he saw his crew carefully hopping out of the tank. Their faces looking somewhere between confused and scared.

Well this is going to be fun to explain.

As Alex opened his mouth to explain, he abruptly stopped at the sound of falling trees behind him. His confused crew pulled out their sidearms and pointed them towards the sounds.

“Lower your weapons.” he ordered. “It’s just the Australian tank.”

At least it should be.

Hesitant at first, they finally lowered their sidearms as another tree fell down, revealing the Kangaroo and her LAV companion. They broke into smiles, relieved to see familiar vehicles and crewmen. The cupola of the Kangaroo opened and Sgt. Adam revealed himself as the Kangaroo slowly drove forward and parked on the edge of the clearing; her main gun facing towards the depths of the brightly coloured forest. The LAV parked up beside her; its 25mm gun sweeping the area.

“Captain, where are we, sir?” Roger asked as he walked up beside Alex.

“I don’t know.” Alex replied. “But it definitely isn’t Afghanistan. Shit, I don’t even know if we’re on the same planet.”

The engines of the LAV and tank both came to a shuddering stop; the last puffs of their exhaust disappearing into the trees. The rest of his crew came up from behind them, lugging their M4s and a small ammunition box.

“Sir, we pulled out the M4s and the ammo box.” Sam said as he dropped the box next to Alex.

“I can see that, Corporal.” Alex said as he grabbed his M4. “But I don’t-”

“Captain?”

Alex turned around to see Sgt. Adam and a USMC Staff Sergeant standing at attention.

“Sergeant Adam reporting as ordered, sir.”

“Staff Sergeant Dasel, reporting, sir.”

“At ease.” Alex said as he returned the salute.

“One thing if I may, sir?” Sgt. Adam asked.

“Go ahead, Sergeant.”

“On our way over we spotted what appeared to be wolves, sir.”

“Wolves, Sergeant? Are you sure?”

“Positive, sir. I recommend pulling out the-” The Sergeant looked at the M4 in Alex's hands.

“Seems you’re one step ahead, sir.”

“It seems so, Sergeant.” He said inspecting his M4. “Did you spot any other vehicles along the way?”

“No, sir.” The sergeant said shaking his head.

“Alright. Sergeant I want you to move your tank in front of mine and hook up a towing cable. I then want you to slowly tow my tank off the rock over there.” He pointed to the Retribution II and her rock. “It shouldn’t take too long, I’ll guide you through it in a moment.”

“Yes, sir.” Sgt. Adam said as he briskly walked back to his tank.

“Staff Sergeant Daseal, I want you and your crew to set up a camp and guard the clearing while we move my tank off that rock, take whatever equipment that you may need off my tank or the Australian tank.”

“Yes, sir.” SSgt. Daseal said as he rushed back to inform his crew.

“You two,” Alex pointed at Sam and David. “I want you to assist SSgt. Daseal with the unpacking, after loading up on ammo. The Sergeant said there were wolves about and I don’t want my crew eaten by them.”

“Yes, sir.” Sam and David said in usion.

Inspecting their M4s, they loaded up with extra ammunition. When they were fully loaded they headed off the help the SSgt. unpack. Alex looked at his watch.

0700 already?

He looked up at the sky once again but this time he saw the most colourful thing he’d seen in his entire life. Alex had seen them before (of course) but he’d never once seen one as bright and as colourful as this one.

It was a Rainbow.

He must of been staring at it for a while because the voice of Sgt. Adam brought him back down the Earth.

“...Captain? Are you ok, sir?” He said as he waved a hand in front of Alex’s face.

Alex shook his head several times and rubbed his face.

“Sir, we’ve hooked up The Retribution II to the Kangaroo. We’re ready to begin on your go, sir.”

“Good work, Sergeant.” Alex said as he walked towards his tank. “We’ll get this underway as soon as-”

“Captain! We’ve got movement over here!” A crewman called.

The distinct bang of a discharging M9 echoed through the forest.

Contact!

“Contact!”

Another shot echoed through the forest, followed shortly by a pained yelp.

“It’s those wolves, Sergeant.” Alex said as he flicked the safety on his M4 off.

“Weapons free!”

The sound of M4s and various side arms firing filled the forest. Alex and the sergeant rushed up to help the crewman; their weapons at the ready. A wolf pounced at Sgt. Adam; caught by surprise he barely managed to keep his face. He raised his hands and grabbed the wolfs snout.

’This is no normal wolf!’

Alex snapped off two shots, obliterating the wolfs chest in a spray of splinters and sap.

“Is it just me, or are these things made of wood?!” Sgt. Adam yelled out to no one in particular.

“Behind you, Captain!”

Alex spun around slamming the wolf with the butt of his M4 and knocking it to the ground. Stomping on its head he turned to see a crewman with a wooden wolf latched firmly to his arm. He fired two shots at it. Both missed.

’Fuck. I knew I should've spent more time at the firing range.’

He popped off another burst this time hitting the wolf in the leg, it yelped and let go of the crewman’s arm. Wasting no time the crewman shot the wolf in the head and nodded in thanks to Alex.

“Crewman, mount that .50 cal!” Alex said pointing at the Kangaroos machine gun.

“Aye, sir!”

The Crewman ran over and quickly clambered into the turret. With a satisfied smile he racked the bolt and swung the .50 cal around to face a group of wooden wolves.

“EAT LEAD YOU WOODEN PRICKS!”

The forest lit up as the .50 cal chugged loudly away, ripping wolves, trees, and bushes apart. Alex turned around, making sure no wolves were sneaking up from behind. Making a quick sweep of the area he saw something that enraged him. Two wolves were slowly dragging the dead body of SSgt. van Decc away.

“I don’t fucking think so!”

With his anger now controlling him, Alex ran over, lifted his M4 to his shoulder and fired wildly at the wolves desperately trying to stop them. By some stroke of luck none of his bullets hit the dead Marine, but half of them found their targets; peppering the wolves with a hail of bullets. They yelped and tried to scramble away. Alex had other ideas. He stomped on the closest wolf, preventing it from running away and put a bullet through its wooden head. Moving up to the other whimpering pile of wood he stomped it to oblivion. Alex looked down at his handy work and frowned.

’My boots are going to need a clean after this.’

Alex looked around at the once peaceful clearing which was now littered with dead and injured wolves. Shots still rang out and the .50 cal continued chugging away. He slung his M4 and pulled out his M1911. Slowly walking towards the closest injured wolf he put a bullet in its head. Walking towards another wolf he noticed it was covering something. He slowly approached it unsure of what to expect. The wolf looked up at Alex with an almost pleading look in its eyes. Alex looked back at it with confusion. What could it be hiding? Instead of shooting it Alex slowly pushed the wolf off of what it was hiding. The wolf continued to stare at him with a pleading look.

’Is that what I think it is?’

A wooden pup sat curled up sleeping, he could see it’s chest rise and fall as it slowly breathed. Alex looked at it then at then at the wolf he moved. Realization struck him.

’It’s mother. But why did she bring it here?’

While he was thinking the pup had awoken and was slowly moving towards him. It reached his feet and began nuzzling him. Alex almost shat himself, he looked down at the little pup and couldn’t help smiling. For something he’d never seen before it was quite adorable. He scooped it up in his arms causing it to yelp in surprise. It looked up at him with it’s yellow eyes and snuggled into his chest. Alex looked back at the mother wolf and realized that it had died. With a sad frown he walked towards the up-side down Humvee and placed the pup slowly inside.

“Stay there ok? It’s not safe out here.”

The pup tilted its head and slowly curled up again.

’What am I doing? I shouldn’t be looking after this thing!’

He turned back to the littered clearing. Holstering his M1911 and unslinging his M4. He noticed that the gunfire had just about stopped, crewmen were now mopping up the injured wolves and patching up their wounds.

“Captain, sir!”

Alex saw SSgt. Daseal running up towards him.

“We’ve driven back the wooden wolves. Sir, I don’t recommend we stay here much longer they could come back.”

Alex nodded his head in agreement.

“Agreed, Sergeant. Load up your crew and equipment, we’re moving out.”

“Aye, sir.” SSgt. Daseal rushed off towards his LAV.

“ATTENTION!” Alex bellowed.

All the crewmen stopped what they were doing at looked towards the Captain.

“WE’RE MOVING OUT! PACK UP ALL THE GEAR!”

The clearing then became abustle with crewmen packing up gear and weapons.

“Sgt. Adam! Report to me on the double!” Alex yelled.

Sgt. Adam appeared up from the behind of the LAV and rushed up towards the Captains position.

“Reporting, sir!” He said as he saluted.

“Sergeant, I want you to begin moving my tank off that damn rock.”

“Aye, sir!” He darted off looking for his crew.

Alex turned his attention back to the upside down Humvee. Looking at it thoughtfully he walked slowly towards it. He looked through the window and spotted the pup still happily sleeping. Opening the door as quietly as he could, he carefully scooped up the pup. Looking around he began walking towards his tank.

“What have you got there, Captain?”

Alex turned around to see Sam looking at him a questioning look on his face.

“None of your concern, Corporal.” Alex quickly said trying to hide the pup.

Sam's eyes widened as he saw the pup.

“Is that what I think it is, sir?”

The pup stirred in Alex’s hands and woke with an adorable yawn. It looked at Alex then at Sam. Sam smiled at the yawn.

“Aww. Didn’t know you had a soft side, sir.”

“Shut it, Corporal.” Alex said, unable to hold back a smile.

“Don’t worry, sir. My lips are sealed but I don’t know how you’re going to hide this from everyone.”

“Maybe I won’t have to hide it.” Alex said with a thoughtful tone. “Anyhow, the Retribution II is being moved now.”

“Really, sir?”

The sound of an Abrams engine starting up confirmed it.

“I’ll need to make sure the Sergeant doesn’t fuck up. Carry on Corporal.” Alex said walking towards the Kangaroo.

“Yes, sir.”

Alex walked across the clearing, a few eyes staring at the pup in his hands.

“Careful now Sergeant.” Alex said as he reached the Kangaroo.

Sgt. Adam looked down at Alex from the turret and then at the pup in his hands.

“With all due respect sir, do you think it’s wise having that thing?”

“It’s not harming anyone so you don’t need to worry about it Sergeant.”

Sgt. Adam look at the pup with worry and finally accepted the fact the Captain had it.

“Aye, sir.”

“Good. Now back to the task at hand, Sergeant are you ready?”

“Yes, sir. We’ll begin on your go.”

Alex looked down at the pup which had fallen asleep again. Then at his tank still sitting on the rock.

“You may begin, Sergeant.”

Sgt. Adam looked down into his tank and said a few things to his crew. The Kangaroo suddenly lurched forward making the Sergeant sway backwards.

“Slow her down a bit.”

The tow chain pulled taut, causing the Kangaroo to stop momentarily. With a burst of power she began moving forward slowly pulling the Retribution II.

’Halfway there.’

“Sergeant, put a burst of speed in the last half. I don’t want her going around the rock.”

“Aye, sir.”

The Kangaroo speed up with a roar from her engine. The Retribution II was almost off the rock.

’There we go!’

The Retribution II slammed down onto the ground, her suspension taking the full impact as she bounced up and down. The pup yelping in surprise at the sudden noise buried itself deeper into Alex’s chest. Laughing he patted its head calming it down.

“Excellent work, Sergeant.” Alex said smiling.

“Thank you, sir.” Sgt. Adam said, also smiling at the pup.

The Kangaroo’s engine stopped and the Sergeant hopped out followed shortly by the rest of his crew. They eyed the pup in Alex’s hands but didn’t question it. The Retribution IIs crew had walked up after hearing the sound of it hitting the ground.

“Thank god.” Roger said holding his arms out wide.

Sam and David looked at Roger and facepalmed.

“What?” Roger asked.

“Sergeant, stop. You look like an idiot.” Alex said also facepalming.

“Yes, sir.” He said sheepishly, lowering his arms.

The group headed towards their tank, smiling and chatting.

“You picked a name yet, sir?” Sam asked, pointing towards the pup.

’A name…’

“No I haven’t, Corporal. I don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl.”

“Well I have plenty of suggestions if you want to hear them, sir.”

Alex rolled his eyes.

“No thank you, Corporal. Maybe later.”

“Suit yourself, sir.”

David and Roger were looking at the pup with interest as they spoke.

“Captain, sir. Where’d you find it?” David asked with curiosity.

“Near the edge of the clearing, under an injured wolf which turned out to be its mother, I think. Anyhow it came up to me and started nuzzling my feet I considered shooting it for a second but instead I scooped it up and put it in the Humvee over there.”

“Oh you mean Recon 1?” Sam said pointing at the Humvee.

“That’s Recon 1? How’d you kno-?”

“It says on its side, sir.”

Alex looked over and frowned. It did indeed say Recon 1 on the side, how he missed it was beyond him.

“Well anyway… where was I?”

“You had just scooped the pup up, sir.”

“Thank you, Private.” Alex nodded to David. “I scooped it up and put it in Recon 1 so no one would shoot it by accident. I picked it up after the fighting had died down and well here we are now.”

They all nodded and looked at the pup as they reached the Retribution II.

“Alright let’s check if she’s in one piece.” Alex ordered.

“Yes, sir.”

Alex placed the pup on the hull and watched as it peered over the edge; its little eyes widening as it saw how high it was off the ground. Alex chuckled lightly to himself and began inspecting the outside of his tank. Everything seemed to be in order except the E.A.S.T. which wasn’t glowing anymore. Alex looked around to see none of the E.A.S.T devices on any of the vehicles were glowing.

’That can’t be good.’

Alex tried to remember the briefing from Doctor Hanguard.

…”For a full recharge you would need to connect the main power cables to the recharge port, here.” He pointed towards the rear of an Abrams then an LAV and the side of a Humvee…

Alex sighed and took off his helmet.

’Must be out of power.’

He rubbed his forehead and pushed his hair out of his eyes. Putting his helmet back on he continued to check his tank. He finished his check and found that nothing on this side of the tank was damaged.

“Nothing damaged here.”

“Nothing here, sir.” Sam called.

“Nothing over here either, sir.” Roger said.

“One solar panel has broken up here, sir.” David called from atop of the turret.

’Damn. That’s going to be a problem.’

“How many solar panels are left, Private?”

“Three, sir.”

“Thank you, Private.”

Alex climbed up onto the hull and sat down his legs dangling off the side.

“Alright, I think it’s time for breakfast. What five-star meals did we bring along?” Alex asked.

Sam looked into the bustle rack rummaging for food and pulled out a few MREs.

“On today’s fine menu is Maple sausage, Pork rib, Beef brisket and beef roast. “ Sam listed; putting on his best posh accent, which to be honest was horrible.

“I’ll take the Pork rib.” Alex said.

Sam tossed over the brown package.

“I’ll have the Beef.” David said.

“Maple sausage, over here.” Roger called.

Sam tossed down the packages to them.

“Looks like I’m stuck with the Beef roast.” Sam mumbled.

Alex opened his MRE packet and began to slowly munch on his pork. The pup trotted over and hopped into Alex’s lap causing him to smile once again.

’This little guy is pretty cute even if he is made from wood.’

He scratched its head and it looked up at his pork.

“You hungry little guy?” Alex asked the pup.

It continued to stare at his pork.

’I’ll take that as a yes.’

Alex tore a piece of pork off and gave it to the pup. It barked happily as it finished eating it. He smiled, pulled out his canteen and took a sip. His eyes wandered over the clearing. Dead wolves were still scattered everywhere. Resting his eyes on the body of SSgt. van Decc he wondered what to do with the dead Marine. He reached a decision.

“You guys finished your food?” Alex asked.

A chorus of “Yes,sir”s sung out.

“Grab some shovels from bustle rack. We’re burying SSgt. van Decc.”

Author's Note

Sorry guys I wanted this out earlier but it's been a busy week.
I'd like to thank Warrensable32 once again for becoming my editor!

Not Alone

“Check that out.”

Alex pointed towards the “gasping” bush and two crewmen saluted and slowly approached the bush with their M4s in the shoulder.

“Everyone else keep your eyes peeled, I don’t need any more wolves pouncing on us today. We move out in five.”

Alex and the group of crewmen gave the grave of SSgt. van Decc one final look over and began to head towards their vehicles.

“Sir! Movement in the bush!” One of the crewmen called.

Alex snapped around just in time to see a yellow and pink blob fly out of the bush and knock over the two crewmen investigating.

“Contact!” He yelled.

Bringing his M4 to his shoulder; Alex realized the yellow and pink blob was heading quickly towards him. He looked down to the pup at his feet.

“Quick get out of here!” Alex yelled at the pup. It yelped and ran off towards the tanks. Turning back he saw that the yellow and pink blob was almost upon him.

’Not enough time!’

Yelling defiantly he squeezed a few shots off at the blob before he heard the dreaded sound of a magazine bottoming out.

*Click*

“FU-“

The blob slammed into him and they tumbled a metre backwards. Alex wrestled with the blob for a minute before he realized what it was. A yellow horse- no pony with a pink mane. It had him pinned to the ground with its front hooves holding down his shoulders. He stopped all attempts at fighting the pony and stared, surprised, into its strangely large teal eyes. It glared back.

“Are you in charge, mister?” The pony said in a quiet but menacing tone.

The entire clearing went deathly silent as the pony spoke, some crewmen even dropped their rifles in surprise, and others simply stood there gaping at the pony. No one fired a shot in fear of hitting the Captain.

“I-I am the ranking officer.” Alex said in bewilderment.

“Then you killed all of these innocent timberwolves.”

Alex was about to argue when the sound of heavy footsteps make him turn his head; Roger was running quickly towards him. He slammed into the yellow pony, knocking it off Alex and throwing them onto the ground next to him in a cloud of dust. Alex coughed as the dust was inhaled into his lungs. He rolled over, stood up and went to pull Roger off the pony. Grabbing the Sergeant by the collar he dragged him off the pinned pony.

“Stand down, Sergeant.”

“Aye, sir.” The Sergeant growled as he dusted himself off.

The rest of the crewmen in the clearing had regained their wits and all had their rifles pointed at the pony on the ground. Alex unholstered his M1911, raised a hand in the air to signal ‘hold your fire’ and crouched down next the yellow pony. It had its head buried underneath its very long pink main and was… crying? Taking another look at the pony Alex noticed it also had wings. One of which was bent at an odd angle, no doubt caused by the Sergeant.

“Everyone else is seeing this?” Alex asked in disbelief and looked around the clearing.

The “gasping” bush rustled again and caught the attention of the two crewmen who were previously investigating it.

“Sir? We’ve got more mov-“ A purple beam struck the crewman in the chest and he crumpled to the ground.

“Contact!” The other crewman yelled.

He raised his M4 at the bush but was also hit by a purple beam. Alex looked up just in time to see the second crewman hit the ground.

“Open fire!”

The clearing was once again filled with gunshots as the bush was riddled with bullets. Alex loaded another magazine into his M4 and fired at the bush. A few more purple beams shot out of the bush and flew over him. Empting his magazine into the bush he noticed that the yellow pony was slowly moving towards him and was trying to say something. Cautiously moving his head closer towards the pony he heard it say something.

“Twilight i-is in the bush.”

“Who’s Twilight?” He asked.

“My friend.”

“Well whatever was in that bush is probably dead now.”

The pony whimpered and moved away.

Alex emptied the rest of his magazine and stood up.

“CEASE FIRE. CEASE FIRE!” He yelled.

Crewmen stopped firing and loaded fresh magazines. Unknown to Alex standing up had made him a target and another purple beam flew towards him. Time seemed to slow down as he watched the beam fly towards his chest. He twisted out of the way and the beam narrowly missed his side. He looked at his side to see the beam had left a burnt mark on his vest. Looking up he looked to what was left of the bush to see a lavender pony staring at him wide eyed. It didn’t even have a scratch.

'How is that purple pony not dead? What was it shooting? HOW was it shooting?'

Slinging his M4 he quickly pulled out his M1911 and fired his entire magazine into where the pony stood, none of the shots found their target. The pony had put up some sort of barrier; the domed purple water like liquid surrounding the pony seemed to absorb the shots. Alex ejected the magazine and it hit the ground with a clatter. The pony watched the magazine hit the ground with unusual interest from behind its barrier. He opened a pouch on his vest, pulled out another magazine and inserted it into his M1911. The slide gave a satisfying click as it locked into place. Alex made a motion with his hand and the crewmen still sanding formed a line on either side of him.

“Open fire!”

Alex and the crewmen fired at the purple barrier. The purple pony’s face scrunched up in concentration as the wall of crewmen fired. Ejecting and loading another clip into his M1911 with lighting speed Alex noticed that the purple barrier was failing.

“Keep it up!” Alex yelled. He looked to his side to see a crewman with an under-barrel M203 Grenade launcher. The crewmen looked at the Captain and the Captain nodded.

“Fire in the hole!”

*WHUMP*

The grenade launcher fired its explosive ordnance at the purple barrier. It detonated against the barrier with an ear splitting explosion and the barrier flickered. The barrier flickered once again and Alex fired the last bullet in his M1911. The bullet whizzed through the barriers opening and hit the purple pony in the leg. It cried out in pain and the barrier dropped permanently.

“Hold your fire! We’ve got it this time.”

Alex quickly rushed up to the injured pony and pointed his M1911 at its head. The rest of the crewmen quickly surrounded the pony.

“You are being detained for firing unprovoked at United States Marines.” Alex said as he moved the M1911 closer to the pony’s head.

“I don’t think so…” The pony said.

“What?”

The pony smiled and the clearing with filled with a flash of light. Alex squeezed the trigger as the light filled his vision.

*Click*

The light blinded and disoriented all of the crewmen. Alex stumbled backwards and almost tripped over.

“What the fuck did that pony do?”

Alex looked at his pistol and noticed that the slide was back. He looked to where the pony lay, it was gone. Inserting another magazine he holstered his pistol and looked wildly around.

“Fuck! Where did it go?”

“I don’t know, sir.”

“It can’t have gone far with a bullet in its leg, fan out.” Alex ordered.

“Aye, sir.”

“Actually, belay that order. We’re getting the hell out of here. Everyone back to the tanks.”

“Yes, sir.”

The group of crewmen made their way back to the small convoy of vehicles, stopping on the way to help downed crewmen. Alex gave one final disapproving look at what was left of the bush and turned back to the tanks.

“Captain, all the men seem to be… in a deep sleep.” An Australian Corporal called out.

“Sleeping? Are you sure, Corporal?”

“Positive, sir.”

“Wake them if you can; we need to get out of this forest.”

“Yes, sir.”

Alex’s eyes wandered over the clearing once again and rested on the injured yellow pony. He motioned for Roger to follow him.

“Sergeant, if this pony makes one wrong move I want you to put a bullet in its head.”

“Yes, sir.”

The two Marines approached the yellow pony only Roger had his weapon raised and ready to use. The pony noticed this and cowered underneath its unusually long pink mane. Alex crouched down next to it.

“Who are you?” Alex asked.

“M-my name is Fluttershy.” The pony whimpered.

“Well Fluttershy, why did you attack US Marines?”

“I-i didn't mean to hurt anypony. I-I just got angry when I saw all the…” Fluttershy trailed off and began to cry again.

Alex sighed and looked to Roger for help; he shrugged.

“Look, ma’am? Is it ma’am?” Alex guessed. “I’m sorry about those wolves, but you can’t do anything for them now. Right now I-we need to get out of this godforsaken forest.”

Fluttershy nodded and looked around with watery eyes.

“Wh-Where’s Twilight?”

“Your friend decided to run away rather than face justice.”

Roger looked at Alex with a small grin.

“Cheesy, sir.”

“Thank you, Sergeant.” Alex said slight grin. “Ma’am, how is your wing?”

“I-it still hurts.” Fluttershy mumbled.

Roger shifted his feet and grinned sheepishly.

“None of my men know how to fix a broken wing, ma’am. Can you fix it?” Alex asked.

“Not without help, you should probably take me to the hospital.”

“Hospital.” Alex echoed. “You have a hospital?”

“Back in Ponyville there’s one.” Fluttershy confirmed.

'Ponyville? Isn’t that original.'

Alex looked towards Roger again both of their faces were painted with puzzlement and surprise. Roger shrugged again and removed his helmet to scratch his head.

“So there’s a town called Ponyville with more walking, talking ponies?” Alex asked in disbelief.

Fluttershy nodded.

“That’s the biggest load of horse shit I've ever heard.” Alex said as he burst into laughter. “No pun intended.”

Fluttershy’s ears splayed back and she moved her head back a little.

“B-but it’s true…”

“Ma’am, please. Ponies don’t live in towns. And if you expect me to believe that there’s a town full of them...” Alex said.

“Sir?” Roger said.

“Go ahead, Sergeant.”

“We’re wasting time here.”

“You can head back to the Retribution, Sergeant. I’ll be with you shortly.”

“Yes, sir.” Roger saluted and walked off.

“Now Fluttershy, are you going to be alright all by yourself?” Alex asked.

“You-You’re leaving?” Fluttershy stammered.

“Yes, we’re getting out of this forest.”

“C-can I come with you?”

“We’re not walking, ma’am.” Alex said as he stood up. “We’re taking the tanks.”

“Oh. I-is that what those big wheeled box things are?” Fluttershy asked with a hint of fear.

“Yes. And I’m sorry, ma’am but civilians are not allowed to ride on tanks.”

Fluttershy whimpered and looked at Alex with large teal puppy dog eyes.

“Ma’am, please. You’re not allowed to…”

Fluttershy’s puppy dog eyes seemed to get impossibly larger.

'Damn this pony and it’s adorableness.'

“Fine. Don’t do anything stupid.”

Fluttershy squeed and gingerly trotted up next to Alex. The unlikely duo began the walk to the small convoy. A small whimper caught Alex’s attention as they walked along and he noticed Fluttershy had a limp in her left foreleg.

“Ma’am, is your leg ok?”

“It’s fin-“

Her left foreleg gave way before she could finish and she fell flat on her face. Alex sighed and carefully scooped up the yellow pony. Fluttershy squeaked in surprise.

“This is the only time I'm going to pick you up, understand?” Alex grunted.

Fluttershy nodded and fidgeted in Alex’s grip. They continued their way to the small convoy. The Retribution II started up with a whine and a loud roar, making Fluttershy bury her head in Alex’s arm. He sighed and slowly walked towards his tank clutching Fluttershy. The Kangaroo and Old Tom also started their engines in loud roars. Fluttershy buried her head deeper into Alex’s arm causing him to sigh again.

“Ma’am, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s just the tanks starting up.” Alex said trying to comfort the shaking pony.

“Why are they so loud?” Fluttershy asked, her voice muffled by Alex’s sleeve.

‘That’s just when they start up ma’am. They’re a lot quieter on the move.”

Fluttershy reluctantly removed her head from Alex’s arm. They arrived and many surprised faces greeted them. Reaching the Retribution II he found that the pup was already sitting on the hull, waiting for his arrival. Smiling he carefully placed Fluttershy down on the hull next the pup and scratched its head.

“Are you going to look after her?” Fluttershy asked

“It’s a her?” Alex exclaimed.

The drivers hatch swung open and Sam poked his head out.

“Come on, Captain. We haven’t got all day.” He said and quickly closed the hatch once again.

Alex rolled his eyes, climbed up onto the hull of the tank and picked up the pup. Lifting it up; he dropped it on the turret next to the cupola. He did the same with Fluttershy. Finally climbing atop the turret himself, Alex opened the cupola and lowered himself inside and dragged the pup in with him. The loaders hatch opened much to the surprise of Fluttershy and she peered in, only to be hit in the nose as David emerged.

“Oh sorry ma’am...” David said as he turned to the yellow pony.

“That’s ok…” Fluttershy mumbled as she rubbed her nose.

“Alright,” Alex said as he joined in with the conversation. “Fluttershy will you be ok up here on the turret?”

“I-I think so.” Fluttershy said still rubbing her nose.

“Private,” Alex said turning to David. “This is Fluttershy she'll be leading us out of this bloody forest. I want you to keep an eye on her.”

“Yes, sir.” David nodded to the pony.

Alex turned back to Fluttershy. “If you’d kindly, ma’am.”

Fluttershy pointed towards what was left of the bush she emerged from.

“Oh um... G-go that way and then you should come across a path. Take a right and follow it. It leads straight to Ponyville.”

“Uh, ma’am. Would you happen to know where the cloest-“

A distant boom echoed from deep within the forest.

David emerged from the loaders hatch. His and many other heads turned in the direction of the sound.

“That sounded like…” David began.

“…a tank firing its main gun.” Alex finished.

Author's Note

This is completely unedited so I'm sorry if the quality has dropped or if anything is slightly OOC/unrealistic. Criticism is most welcome.

Better and Better

"Sir, we’re not getting anything on coms."

Alex nodded and turned to look at the Kangaroo which was sitting behind them.

"Should we check it out, sir?"

Fluttershy obviously didn't like that idea. Her eyes widened and her pupils dilated into pinpricks.

"Y-you want to go deeper into the Everfree?"

"All units, we're checking out that shot. Prepare to move out." Alex said into his headset. A series of “Roger”s and “Yes, sir”s were sent back.

"Don't worry, ma'am. We’ll get you to your hospital. We’ll just check this out first." Alex pat the turret as he spoke. "Corporal, you know which way to go, correct?"

"Yes, sir. But I may need some directions from the local." Sam replied.

"Alright all units follow my lead. Do not engage hostiles unless provoked. Report any movement." Alex ordered.

"Step on it, Corporal!"

Engines revved and hatches closed with loud clunks as the convoy slowly lurched around. The Retribution II took the lead with Old Tom bringing up the rear. Alex turned to face the grave of SSgt. van Decc for one final time and gave a salute to the fallen Marine.

The Retribution II reached the edge of the clearing a halted for a second. In the momentary pause Alex gave Fluttershy a word of advice.

"Hold onto something, ma'am. This is going to be a bumpy ride."

Fluttershy frantically looked for something to cling on to as the Retribution II lurched forward again and knocked over a tree. She was appalled as the tank knocked down the tree.

"Do you have to hurt the poor trees?" She asked.

Alex didn't hear her over the sound of the tree cracking and slamming into the ground.

"What was that, ma'am?" Alex said leaning closer to her.

"Do you have to hurt the poor trees?" She repeated.

"Sorry, ma'am. We need to carve a path through. Unless you already know of a quicker way?"

"I do know of a path-"

Fluttershy was cut off as the Retribution slammed into another tree making it crack and fall to the ground.

"Just a second ma'am." Alex said as he ducked back into the turret.

"Have we got a spare headset in here, Sergeant?"

"I think so, sir." Roger said.

The pair of tankers rummaged around the turret looking for the spare headset. The pup barked and startled the searching crewmen. They looked at it and found it sitting on the spare headset. Roger reached down to the pup and scratched its head. He lifted the pup off the helmet and placed it next to him.

"Here we go, sir." Roger said as he held up the helmet.

"Thank you, Sergeant." Alex said with a relieved smile.

The tank jerked again as another tree was knocked over.

"Let's hope Fluttershy knows of a quicker route." Alex said as he popped out again; holding the helmet.

"Ma’am?"

Fluttershy was shaking as the convoy continued its rumbling advance.

"Could you put this on?" Alex adjusted the frequency on the headset. The pony looked over at the helmet in Alex's hands.

"What's that for?" She asked nervously.

"It'll help us communicate better, ma'am." Alex said as he moved the helmet above Fluttershy's head.

She closed her eyes as Alex lowered the helmet onto her pink haired head. He found that it fitted surprisingly well on her.

’Must be all that hair of hers.’

"Can you hear me, ma'am?" Alex asked.

She flung her eyes open in surprise and tried to adjust the helmet.

"Here let me, ma'am." Alex adjusted the strap and the position of the boom.

"This is a headset ma'am. This will allow us to talk through the sound a jet engine."

"What's a jet engine?" She asked through the headset.

"Wait a second. Who's this?" Another voice said through the headset.

"It's just Fluttershy, Corporal. No need to worry."

Alex looked over to Fluttershy.

"While you're still in this channel, ma'am, could you give the Corporal some directions to the path you were telling me about before?"

Fluttershy quickly mumbled the directions to the Corporal.

"Thank you, ma'am." Sam said as he charged course.

"You're welcome." Fluttershy said sweetly.

Alex leaned over to adjust the frequency of Fluttershy's new headset once again.

"...there we go. Now only I can hear you, ma'am."

"Who was that?" She asked staring intently at the microphone attached to her headset.

"That was just Corporal Evern. He drives the tank." Alex answered.

“Oh ok. I um... don’t know who you are yet.” Fluttershy nervously said.

“Captain Noah, ma’am.” Alex said with a slight nod.

“You don’t have to call me “ma’am” all the time. You can call me Fluttershy... if you want.” Fluttershy said with a nervous smile.

"Very well Fluttershy." Alex said returning the smile.

The Retribution II slammed into another tree and Fluttershy lost her footing. Giving a squeal of surprise she fell forwards and began to slip of the turret. Alex quickly leaned forward and grabbed her back hoof.

"Gotcha!" He exclaimed.

He pulled her back up and onto the top of the turret again. Fluttershy sat petrified for a moment.

"Are you ok Fluttershy?" Alex asked.

She suddenly jumped into Alex's chest and began to sob. He was confused for a moment but hesitantly hugged the crying pony. He looked down into his chest and his heart melted a little.

"It's ok." He said softly.

’This is like looking after a child.’

A pang of sadness and guilt slowly flowed through him; bringing an unwanted tear to his eye. The sad feelings subsided as he looked away from the sobbing pony. The tear continued it’s trip freely down Alex's face as he listened the pony cry. He took a deep breath and the feelings disappeared; suppressed by years of experience.

Alex wiped the tear off his cheek as Fluttershy stopped crying and looked up at him.

’That’s better.’

"Are you ok ma’am?" Alex asked softly.

"I’m fine. Thank you for catching me." She said.

"Anytime, Ma’am."

Fluttershy lowered her head but remained in Alex's grip.

"Um..." Fluttershy said.

"Oh, sorry." Alex let go of Fluttershy. She sat down in front of him and tried to fold her legs beneath her but she winced. The loaders hatch suddenly opened and David poked his head out.

“Just getting some air, sir.”

“Is the First aid kit still in there, Private?” Alex asked.

“I’ll have a look, sir.” David said as he disappeared back into the loaders compartment.

Alex nodded and his headset crackled.

"Sir, this is Old Tom. I've spotted large amount of movement to the rear of us, over."

"Copy that Old Tom. Do not engage, just keep watching. If whatever it is gets closer, alert me. How copy?"

"Understood. Old Tom out."

Alex looked at Fluttershy. "It looks like we have a friend following us."

David popped out again holding the med-kit in one hand.

“Here we go, sir. What do you need?”

“Painkillers, if we have any.”

“Uh, no painkillers in here, sir.”

“Alright then put it back.”

David dropped the First aid kit into the loaders compartment.

Alex’s headset crackled again.

“Sir, if you look ahead you’ll notice we’re almost on the path now.” Sam said.

“Thank you, Corporal.”

“Brace yourselves!” Alex warned.

Alex tightly gripped the .50 in front of him as the Retribution II pulled a tight left. David groaned and clutched on the rim of the loaders hatch and Fluttershy also gripped the .50 cal. Alex frowned and radioed the rest of the convoy.

“All units, eyes open. This is a tight space so use of main cannons is out of the question. Use of mounted weapons is authorized.”

Alex racked the bolt of his .50 cal and flicked the safety off. The dirt path was just wide enough to support the width of an Abrams tank. Thick moss covered trees lined the path and the further the convoy went along it the darker it became. Weary crewmen swung their mounted weapons from left to right. An eerie Silence filled the forest as the convoy continued its slow advance through the forest.

“Corporal, switch on the lights.” Alex ordered.

The lights came to life and the dark path was filled with brilliant white light. Alex kept his gaze straight ahead but quickly glanced over at David and Fluttershy. David seemed to be mouthing a song and was tapping the turret. Fluttershy on the other hand sat peacefully next to Alex with her all but one of her legs still tucked under her. Alex looked back at the path, seeing it abruptly end into another clearing. The Retribution IIs headlights swept the clearing and rested on a somewhat familiar hulk. The Retribution II came to a stop and the Kangaroo parked alongside them, Old Tom parked on the other side of the Retribution II. Alex looked at Fluttershy.

“Stay here.” He said.

He pulled himself out from the cupola and moved to the bustle rack. He pulled out his and his crews M4s. Holding the rifles he passed one down into the turret and another into the loaders compartment. Alex hopped down onto the ground with a soft thump with Roger right behind him. David had his M4 slung on his back and instead was manning the M240. The drivers hatch swung open and Sam climbed out. Alex tossed him an M4 which Sam caught with ease. Alex looked around to see other crewmen coming up from behind him.

“Fan out, look for any signs of activity. If you have a mounted light I suggest you use it. If you find something drop a chemlight next to it. Move out.” He ordered.

The crewmen split up; lights dancing around the clearing. Alex and his men approached the familiar shape and Roger let out a low whistle and he pointed his mounted light at the object.

“Well, well. What’s this doing here?” Roger said.

“What tank is that?” Sam asked.

“It’s a German tank, A Leopard 2A5 or 6 I believe.” Alex said.

“And how the fuck did it get here?” Sam asked.

“Damned if I knew.” Roger said.

The Leopard 2 sported a dark green camouflage with brown and black splotches along it. Alex pointed his mounted torch at the turret and noticed the word “Box” painted over the German cross in… pink?

“Come and have a look at this, Sergeant.” Alex said his voice full of confusion.

“Hmm, well that’s... interesting, sir.” David said.

“The more important question is who fired its gun?” Sam asked.

“Where’s the crew?” Roger asked.

Alex quickly climbed atop of the turret, pulled opened the cupola hatch and aimed his M4 inside. His light swept the inside of the turret.

“Clear!” He yelled.

“Well someone must have been here to fire it.” Sam stated.

“How do we know it was this tank that fired?” Roger asked.

Alex hopped back down and landed on something cylindrical. Swinging his arms around; he grabbed onto the hull of the Leopard 2 and regained his balance. He looked down to see the casing of a shell.

’Convenient.’

“This, Sergeant.” Alex said he kicked the shell towards him.

Roger looked down at the shell and then back at the tank. The turret was pointed directly ahead.

“So we have Germans running around the place now?” Roger asked.

“I highly doubt it.” Sam said slowly pacing around the Leopard 2.

“Well this day just keeps getting better and better.” Alex said.

Alex's headset crackled.

“Corporal Gadeas here, sir. I’ve found what appears to be a small pile of weapons and supplies, probably from the tank you’ve found, just on the edge of the clearing near our tanks.”

“Roger that, Corporal. Guard those supplies, I’ll be sending men to have a look shortly, out.” Alex looked at his crew.

“We’ve found a pile of supplies that no doubt came from the Leopard. Sergeant, I want you to go and check out those supplies. They’re over near our tanks.”

“Aye, sir.” Roger said and walked off.

“You’re with me, Corporal.” Alex said to Sam.

They walked around inspecting the Leopard 2 and they found that it looked almost factory fresh. Aside from the tracks and track guards which were filthy; Mud was caked on almost every inch of them, but there were no tracks indicating it was driven there. A sound behind Alex caught his attention, he turned and pointed his M4 behind him with the light painting the area. A glint caught his eye. He motioned Sam to follow him and they cautiously approached the glint with their M4s raised. As Alex got closer he could see that it was just a toolbox with an oily spanner lying next to it.

“Well it looks like someone’s been trying to fix that Leopard.” Alex said.

“Really, sir?”

A gush of wind blew and the comforting sound of tree leaves rustling filled the dark clearing. Alex let out a tired sigh and lowered his M4. The sound of footsteps distracted him.

“Corporal, could you stop moving around?”

“Uh… I’m not moving, sir.”

“Is there anyone in the area?”

“No, sir.”

Alex raised his M4 to his shoulder once again and tried to pinpoint the direction of the footsteps, the wind rustling the tree leaves made it very difficult to do so.

“Dammit wind...” Alex muttered under his breath.

A bush behind him rustled.

“There!” Alex yelled as he wildly spun around.

Two ponies walked out of the bush quietly talking amongst themselves. Their calm looks turned to ones of horror as they looked at Alex and Sam pointing their M4s at them.

“Hands where I can see them!” Alex barked.

“You mean hooves, sir.” Sam said as he hefted his M4.

Alex turned to look at the Corporal with a “shut the fuck up” face. Sam smirked and motioned with his head towards the two ponies. One pony was a matt grey with a short spiky silver and red striped mane with a horn sticking out and had lime green eyes. The other was dark green with a long lighter green mane; its eyes were covered by a pair of black aviator sunglasses.

“Hey! What are you doing with box?” The grey one said.

“You mean the Leopard?” Alex asked quickly glancing at the Leopard.

“Leopard? So that’s what it is... wait a second how would you know?” The green pony said.

“Because the Germans build and use these tanks.” Alex said.

“What are Germans?”

“Quiet.” Alex barked. “Corporal, get Fluttershy over here.”

“What should I tell her, sir?”

“Tell them we found some pony guests. Oh and Corporal?”

“Yes, sir?” Sam said and he turned around.

“You might have to carry her.”

Sam grumbled something under his breath and continued walking.

“You know Fluttershy?” The grey pony seemed shocked.

“We didn’t meet under the best of circumstances, what with everyone trying to kill her and all.” Alex said with a sly grin.

The green pony’s jaw hit the ground and its sunglasses fell off; revealing a pair of bright orange eyes.

“Now who are you two?” Alex asked pointing his M4 from one pony to the other.

“Ironluck.” The grey pony said.

“Pathfinder.” The green pony said as it picked its sunglasses back up.

’I’m going to guess they’re female. Mares is it?’

“What are you doing out here?” Alex asked.

The two ponies looked at each other and shared worried glances.

“We’re just checking up on Box.” Ironluck said.

“What do you mean? How long have you had the Leopard?” Alex asked bringing a hand to the bridge of his nose.

The sounds of footsteps announced the arrival of Sam and Fluttershy.

“Heya Fluttershy!” Pathfinder said waving a leg in the air.

Sam and Alex stared at the limb waving back and forth.

“That isn’t possible.” Alex and Sam said in usion.

“Oh, hi Pathfinder! What are you talking about, Captain?” Fluttershy asked.

“You can’t move your leg like that.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked, she obviously didn’t understand what was wrong.

“You would have to-” Alex shook his head. “-you know what, don’t worry about it. Just tell me one thing; do you know these two?”

Alex gestured with his M4 towards Ironluck and Pathfinder. Fluttershy nodded.

“Ok good. So they’re friendly?”

Fluttershy nodded again. Alex let out a long sigh and lowered his M4.

“Now that we have that figured out.” Alex cleared his throat and looked at Ironluck. “Which one of you fired the gun and why?”

Alex received quizzical looks from all the ponies and decided to dumb it down a bit.

“Long hollow stick that goes boom...”

Ironluck’s green eyes lit up and she bounced on the spot.

“Oh! That was me!” She said happily. “I didn’t mean to but it was pretty cool.”

“Yeah until you kill another person with it.” Alex deadpanned. “That isn’t a toy, ma’am. It’s a weapon of war.”

She stopped bouncing at that and Sam’s face hardened. Alex crouched down next to Ironluck.

“I suggest you DON’T touch that gun again, ma’am. Are we clear?”

Ironluck shrunk back a little.

“Are. We. Clear?”

“Crystal.” Ironluck whimpered.

“Hey! Who made you in charge?” Pathfinder yelled angrily.

Alex stood up straight and turned to the green pony. He pointed at his shoulder. “These Captain pins and too many years of service made me.” Alex replied. “Why? Do you have a problem with it?”

“That’s enough.” Fluttershy said; finally joining in on the heated conversation.

“Yeah, Captain. What’s got you all worked up?” Sam asked.

“This damned forest that’s what! Full of too many goddamn unknowns.” Alex said pacing back and forth. “Oh and the fact there are TALKING PONIES!” Exasperated; Alex threw his arms in the air.

“Hey, at least it ain’t talking hippos.” Sam said with a tired smile.

’Now there’s a thought.’

Alex stopped pacing and let out another long sigh. “I guess you’re right Corporal. I don’t know how you’re so calm about this. Anyhow I want out of this forest. Now.”

“Could we tag along?” Ironluck gingerly asked. “I’ve been meaning to get Box out of the Everfree.”

“Wait, you can drive it?” Alex asked with a touch of surprise.

“Pathfinder can! She’s a natural!” Ironluck said patting Pathfinder on the back. Pathfinder blushed and quickly trotted to the Leopard.

Alex thought about it for a while.

“Very well, you can tag along ma’am. But don’t do anything stupid, we’ll be keeping an eye on you. Load your gear we’ll be heading out in 5.” Alex said walking back towards the Leopard.

“Could you lend a hoof? There’s a lot of gear.” Ironluck said trotting next to him.

Alex shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

Ironluck smiled and made a squee noise. Alex just rolled his eyes.

“Does the Leopard have fuel?” Alex asked.

“Box needs fuel? Like coal?” Ironluck asked.

“Not coal, probably diesel.”

“Diesel?”

“It’s a liquid fuel that powers a tanks engine.”

Ironluck stared at Alex with a dumbstruck face.

“You need it to drive.”

“Oh, ok.” Ironluck said.

“You didn’t get a word I said, didn’t you?”

“Not a word.”

“Thought so...” Alex said as he shook his head and laughed. “This is going to be one strange and long day.”

Author's Note

Once again this is completely un-edited, only I went over it a few times, so if there are any mistakes or if something isn't right please tell me and I'll fix it up.

Something Big

“Come on, load that damned gear already. We need to get out of this forest.”

Sgt. Adam grunted as he hefted an MG3 and carried it across to Old Tom. Other crewmen were loading boxes of ammunition and other supplies; Food, spare uniforms, rifles, etc.

“This is going slowly.” Alex said as he lifted an eskie. “Ironluck! Aren’t you going to help out?”

Ironluck and Pathfinder were idly chatting away in the sidelines.

“Oh yeah.” Ironluck said sheepishly. Her horn started to glow. Alex saw this, dropped the eskie and raised his M4.

“WAIT!” Fluttershy squeaked from atop of the Retribution II.

Alex aimed his M4 at Ironluck but held his fire. “What is it?”

“She’s just helping.” At that the eskie was surrounded in a red glow and floated off towards Old Tom.

Alex lowered his M4 with a dumbstruck look on his face. “...What?”

Other crewmen paused to watch the eskie float past.

“What’s going on here?” Alex mumbled to himself.

Slinging his M4 he walked towards Ironluck who was watching the eskie go through the

passenger’s door.

“How are you doing that?” Alex asked.

“With my horn silly.” Ironluck said.

The last bundle of supplies glowed red and floated away. Ironluck giggled as Alex watched with a dumbstruck face.

“I’m going to check up on the Leopard. Staff Sergeant Daseal, I’ll be leaving you in charge. Tell me when you’re done here.”

“Yes, sir.” Staff Sergeant Daseal replied.

“Righto.” Ironluck said as she levitated a G36.

“Pass me that, ma’am.”

“You talking about this thing?” She spun the G36 around in the air.

“Yes.”

The G36 flew through the air and landed at Alex’s feet.

“Pathetic!” Alex yelled.

He picked up the G36 and examined it in his hands.

’Always loved the look of these rifles.’

Alex turned towards the Leopard 2 with the G36 in hand but was stopped by the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned to see Pathfinder walking gingerly behind him.

“Ma’am.” Alex nodded.

“Hello.” Pathfinder said.

“Since you’re here, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

“Uh sure.”

Alex motioned with his hand for her to walk next to him.

“Firstly; where did you find the Leopard?”

“We found it out here.”

“In this exact same spot?”

“Well Box has moved a little.”

“How much is ‘a little’?”

“A metre.”

“Alright. Secondly; this tank has a crew of four, where’d they go?

Pathfinder paused and looked up at Alex.

“I don’t know. We found Box by itself, nopony else was here.” She said.

“So the Leopard was just sitting there, loaded up with gear and the crew wasn’t there?”

“Yep.”

“Sorry if I find that hard to believe.”

“I’m just telling you what I know.”

Alex nodded. “Very well. Thirdly; how do you know how to drive it?”

“Well it took about a year to figure it all out, but we got it moving in the end, even if it was just a metre.”

Alex played that over in his mind again.

“Did you say ‘a year’? How long have you had it?”

“Hmmm, we found it about… two? Yeah. Two and a half years ago.”

Alex’s jaw fell open as he heard that. “Two and a half years ago?”

“Yup.”

“Ok. Well I wasn’t expecting that.” Alex said as he shook his head. “One other thing, can you even see out of those sunglasses?”

“Of course.”

“Do you mind if I move Box up with the rest of your tanks?”

Alex stood quietly for a moment.

“I don’t. Just watch what you’re doing.”

They quickly reached the Leopard and Alex boosted Pathfinder up onto the hull.

“Now, you’re sure you know what you’re doing? These things are not toys.”

“Jeez you sound like my dad. I know what I’m doing.” Pathfinder said as she somehow swung the drivers hatch open.

“Aren’t you a bit small to be driving that?” Alex stated.

“I’ve made a few adjustments.” Pathfinder said as she hopped into the driver’s seat.

“All units, just a quick heads up. The Leopard is starting up.” Alex said into his headset.

Alex walked to stand in front of the Leopard and gave a quick thumbs up. Pathfinder nodded and swung the drivers hatch closed. Alex walked to the front of the Leopard and banged the hull twice. He stepped back as the Leopards engine roared to life. Previously unseen wires along the hull began to glow in a light blue.

’Of course! Why didn’t I see this before?’

Alex threw his arms into the air and turned around in frustration.

’This is absolute bullshit! They knew about this!’

He turned back to the Leopard, took a deep breath, cleared his mind and motioned for it to move forward. The Leopard lurched forwards with a splutter of exhaust and flicked mud into the air.

’Well I’ll be damned. She can actually drive it.’

Alex waved the Leopard forward and it slowly followed him. He walked alongside the Leopard making sure that Pathfinder didn’t screw up. Luckily nothing went wrong and the Leopard reached the end of the convoy safely. The Leopard came to a stop and the engine died. Alex climbed onto the hull and banged the drivers hatch twice. It swung open to reveal a beaming pony.

“I told you I could drive it!” Pathfinder boasted.

“You’re full of it, you know?” Alex replied.

Pathfinder laughed and pulled herself out of the driver’s seat.

“Sir.”

Alex turned around to face the newcomer.

“Staff Sergeant?”

“We’ve finished moving the supplies into the back of Old Tom.”

“Excellent. Anything else to report?”

“We’re running low on ammunition, sir. We used up a lot of it on that purple pony.”

Alex sighed and peered over the shoulders of the Staff Sergeant to look at the LAV. An idea formed in his head and he looked back down to the G36 in his hands. He shoved the rifle into the Staff Sergeants hands.

“Distribute what G36 rifles we have amongst the men. Take any magazines from the previous weapon they had. Hand those few magazines out equally.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Pathfinder, stay with the tank for now.”

“Whatever.” She replied.

Before the Staff Sergeant left Alex grabbed the G36 out of his hands and gave him his

almost depleted M4 in return.

“I’ll take that back.”

The Staff Sergeant was about to say something but was interrupted by a yell.

“Sir! Sir!” An Australian crewmen yelled.

“What is it?” Alex yelled back.

“Something big is coming down the path!”

“Well if it isn’t one thing it’s another. Back to the tanks!” Alex bellowed across the clearing.

Rushed footsteps and clunks echoed through the forest as crewmen ran around. Alex and the Staff Sergeant ran back to their tanks.

“What’s going on?” Fluttershy asked as Alex approached the Retribution II.

“Something big is coming down the path!” He replied.

He climbed atop of the turret and quickly swung open the cupola. He was about to hop in when a very loud howl filled the forest.

’Not fucking good!’

Fluttershy whimpered and buried herself under her mane.

“Private make room, you’re going to squeeze in Fluttershy!”

“Uhh- Yes, sir!”

Fluttershy squeaked as she was hastily lifted by David and lowered into the loaders compartment. Alex quickly leaned over and closed the loaders hatch as they descended. He slid back down into the turret to find Roger looking at him with a pale face.

“Is there a problem?” Alex asked as he reached to close the cupola.

“That didn’t sound good, sir.” Roger said weakly.

“You don’t say? Corporal start her up.”

The engine whined and then roared to life the other tanks followed suit including the Leopard.

“What are they doing?” Alex asked himself as he craned his neck around to see the Leopard.

“All units form a line! Use of main cannons is authorized.” Alex ordered into the headset.

The Kangaroo revved her engine and parked to the left of the Retribution II, Old Tom reversed to the right side of the Retribution II. Alex eyed the Leopard; it sat still for a while and then it suddenly moved forward and stopped next to the Kangaroo. The line of tanks had their main guns facing the path, waiting for whatever it was to make an appearance.

“I don’t like this.” Roger whispered.

“Can’t say I like this either, Sergeant.”

The crack of a tree falling down made the Roger stiffen.

“Private, load a HEAT round!” Alex ordered.

There was a clank and a thud as the shell was loaded.

“Loaded!” David announced.

Movement further along the path caught Alex’s attention.

“You see that sir?” Roger asked.

“I saw it, I saw it. Keep your eyes open.” Alex replied.

A rumbling from above announced the presence of rainclouds. There was another rumble and it started to rain.

“Just what we need, more rain.” Alex said.

There was a crack of lightning and the forest was lit up. Alex thought he saw what appeared to be a giant wooden wolf towering over the path.

“Sergeant?!” He blurted out.

“Holy shit! That thing is the size of a house!” Roger exclaimed.

“Did you get its exact location?”

“No, sir.”

“Retribution II to all units, can anyone confirm the presence of a large wolf down the path?”

“Kangaroo here, sir. I saw it but I didn’t believe it.”

“Roger that. If anyone gets a clear shot on it; take it. Retribution II out.”

There was a loud rumble as rain clouds crashed into each other in the sky.

“Get ready for the lightning, Sergeant.” Alex ordered

“Ready, sir.”

There was another crack and the forest was once again lit up. The giant wolf stood in the middle of the path; it's yellow eyes glaring at the row of armoured vehicles.

“I have it in our sights, sir!”

“Fire!”

The main gun roared and the HEAT shell soared down the path, it smacked right into the side of the giant wolfs head. Half of its head was destroyed in a shower of splinters as the HEAT shell exploded. The casing was ejected from the main gun with a clatter and another HEAT was loaded.

“All units the target has been marked. Open fire.”

The wall of armoured vehicles opened up, including the Leopard which fired its main gun with a deep boom. The giant wolf was bombarded with shells, 50 Cal bullets and 25mm rounds. It roared every time a shot landed. Very quickly the once house sized wolf was transformed into a burning pile of splinters, sticks and logs.

“Do you think there are any more of those things, sir?”

“Probably, but we’re not going to stick around to find out.”

Another loud howl filled the forest; confirming Alex’s suspicions.

“All units we’re rolling out, follow my lead.” He ordered. “Corporal, get us moving back down that path.”

“Aye, sir.”

The Retribution II pulled forward and began the journey out of the clearing.

“Fluttershy?” Alex asked into his headset as the Retribution ploughed through the smoldering remains of the wooden wolf.

“Private, is Fluttershy alright?”

“Uh she’s fine, sir. She’s just in shock I think.”

“Ask her if the path we’re on now will take us out of this forest.”

There was a moment of silence as David tried to get Fluttershy to talk.

“She won’t talk, sir.”

Alex sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Very well, tell me when she starts talking, Private.”

“Yes, sir.”

The convoy sped down the narrow path with haste. After five tense minutes of driving the path started to get brighter and brighter, confirming that they were going the right way. The once heavy rain became very light and eventually stopped as they drove along.

“Slow her down, Corporal I don’t think we’re in any danger right now.”

“If you say so, sir.”

The convoy slowed down but continued unopposed along the path.

“Sir, Fluttershy is talking now.”

“Thank you, Private.” Alex switched channels. “Fluttershy are you ok?”

“M-my wing and hoof still hurts.” Fluttershy replied over the radio.

“Don’t worry, ma’am, we should be getting out of this forest soon.”

‘Oh ok.”

“Speaking of which does, the path we’re currently on lead out of the forest?”

“Yes. It should.”

“Care to make sure? I don’t want to get lost.”

There was a clunk as the loaders hatch opened.

“This is the right path.”

“Alright, that’s good. How long until we reach the edge?”

“Any minute now.”

“Excellent.”

Alex swung open the cupola and breathed in the fresh air. He turned to look at the convoy behind him; the Kangaroo was directly behind the Retribution followed by Old Tom and the pony driven Leopard.

’Convoy of misfits right here.’

Alex turned back around to face Fluttershy who was still poking her head out of the drivers hatch. He then looked back up to see the trees thin and clear. The path dipped as they reached the edge of the forest and the Retribution II bounced as the suspension absorbed it.

“Corporal bring us to a stop.” Alex ordered.

The tank swayed forward as it came to a halt.

“Well now...” He said as he took in the scenery.

The path continued down a lush green hill dotted with bushes and colourful flowers. Alex looked further along the path he could barely make out what appeared to a town at the bottom of the hill.

“...Ponyville?” Alex asked.

“Yes.” Fluttershy confirmed.

He looked up at the cloudless blue sky.

“Take us in, Corporal.”

Author's Note

Alright guys, sorry this is late but I got a new computer and I haven't had much time to write lately either. So here it is once again un-edited. If you spot something wrong please point it out.
On a more positive note, 500 likes and almost 4000 views! Holy crap I never expected this to get so big. I only have you guys to thank, so thanks! Without you guys I wouldn't be writing this story.
Love you all.

Ground Floor

*Beep*

GySgt Utah rolled over and reached for the alarm clock.

“Five more minutes…” He mumbled.

His hand searched the table next to him and it bumped something.

*Beep*

He opened his eyes to see a bleach white ceiling with a fan slowly spinning.

’Odd. I don’t remember the ceiling being white.’

Turning his head to the left he saw a plain blue wall with a small window.

’Where am I?’

*Beep*

He turned his head to the right and saw what was causing the noise.

’Is that a Heart Monitor? I’m in a hospital?’

His memories slowly began to return to him, one by one.

’Equestria.’

Bolting upright he looked around. He sat in a bed that was far too small for him, a small wardrobe sat in the far right corner with a small chair next to it and to the left of him stood his escape route. A small Door. He pulled the wires off of his chest it was then he realized that he was naked.

’Wardrobe equals clothes.’

Spinning around he placed his feet on the ground and cautiously rose to his feet. He put his arms into the air and stretched.

“Ahh...”

He made the short trip over to the wardrobe and opened it. His uniform, vest and helmet sat in a small pile at the bottom; his M4 on the other hand was nowhere to be seen.

“Fuckers took my gun!”

He patted down his uniform to find that that they had taken almost everything from his vest, everything but his M9. As he dressed himself he examined the M9 in his hands. He had no spare ammo in his vest, only the currently loaded magazine.

’15 rounds. Let’s hope I don’t have to use any.’

He slipped his socks then boots on and tied them up. Then picking up his holster he tied it around his waist and proceeded to pick up his helmet. He stopped when he heard clopping come towards the door. He reached down to the helmet, picked it up, placed it on his head and squeezed into the wardrobe. Just after he closed the wardrobe the door to his room opened.

“Now what did you say this thing was?” A male voice said.

“Well it told me it was a “Marine” or something.” A female said with a southern accent.

’Applejack?’

“…You sure this is the right room doc? I don’t see anypony here.”

“It’s gone?! It should still be asleep! Miss Applejack, could you please go and get security?”

“I’m on it.”

There was a loud clopping and GySgt Utah assumed that Applejack had run out. He was about to open the wardrobe when he heard hoofsteps right in front of him. He froze and gripped his M9 tightly. The wardrobe doors opened to reveal an orange pony with a doctor’s coat and a stethoscope around his neck.

“Sorry about this doc.” GySgt Utah said.

He wrapped his hand around the barrel of his M9 and hit the doctor with the butt of the pistol. The doctor crumpled to the ground with a thud. The Gunnery Sergeant hopped over the unconscious body and closed the door. He then looked around the room for another possible escape route. The window was far too small to jump out of and there were no other ways to get out, unless he bashed down the wall.

’The door it is then.’

He picked up the doctors body and placed it carefully in the wardrobe. Closing the wardrobe doors he looked back to the small door he would soon be walking out of. He pulled the slide of his M9 back and released it; making a loud Chlick sound.

“Let’s get this over with.”

He walked over to the door and cautiously opened it. His room sat at the very end of a long hallway lined with doors. He ducked under the small doorway, stepped outside of the room and closed the door quietly behind him. Pointing his M9 down the hallway he slowly began to walk forward.

’Wait, isn’t Applejack getting security?’

At that thought he broke into a sprint. Rushing down the hallway he quickly noticed how big the hospital was. He stopped when he reached a four way intersection. Looking down each corridor he realized he was lost. He looked to the right and saw something that jump started his legs. Applejack stood, surprised, at the end of the hallway with 4 pony security guards behind her. GySgt Utah picked a random path and sprinted down it, the hallway winded into corners and turns. He rounded a corner and found himself at a dead end, a large window stood before him with a table underneath it. He turned around and saw Applejack standing a few metres behind him.

“You again.” He said.

“Likewise.” Applejack retorted.

The security guards run up from behind her.

“Let us handle this, ma’am.”

The guards pushed Applejack to one side and rushed at the Gunnery Sergeant.

“I don’t think so lads.” He yelled.

Turning around; he flicked the safety off, ran towards the window and fired two shots. The glass shattered and he jumped through.

’Next stop: Ground floor.’

He flew through the air with glass shards spinning and falling around him. The ground rapidly approached and he positioned himself for a roll. He hit the ground hard. Glass rained on him as he stood up. He adjusted his vest, wiped glass off of him and looked up to the window, the security guards were staring at him with their mouths hanging open.

“See you guys later then?” GySgt Utah said.

The security guards shook their heads and moved away from the window. The Gunnery Sergeant was about to move off when Applejack stuck her head out of the window.

“That was just plain stupid.” She said.

“Well it worked. See you later!” He replied.

“I don’t think so partner.”

“It’s been a pleasure.” GySgt Utah waved at the pony then turned around.

His vision was filled with white as he bumped into something large and fluffy.

“What.”

He took a step backwards and his jaw hit the ground. Before his stood a brilliant white horse with a multicolored mane and tail that billowed in the wind.

“Oh crap.” He mumbled.

He dived to the side and ran past the horse. Looking over his shoulder he saw the horse look at him in bewilderment which then turned into a soft smile. He continued to run down the path not bothering to look back again. When he thought he’d ran far enough he stopped for a short breather and looked behind him again. The white horse was nowhere to be seen. He stood up straight and stretched. Turning around he tripped over something purple and fluffy.

’My luck these days.’

He flipped over and looked at the purple object that tripped him.

’Oh shit, is that another pony?’

He rose from the ground and examined the purple pony. The first thing he noticed was the dark red blood oozing from it’s foreleg. He tore the scarf from his neck and wrapped it tightly around it’s leg. Pressing his ear against its chest he listened for a heartbeat.

’God dammit, I was just about to leave this place. But i’m not going to sit here and watch this pony die.’

Scooping the pony up he rushed back towards the hospital. As the hospital came back into view, so did the white horse. He hesitated.

’Fuck it, i’m going in.’

As he rushed towards the hospital the white horse turned around with a soft smile on it’s face which soon fell as he got closer.

“No time to explain, just follow me.” He yelled as he ran past the horse.

He kicked open what he assumed was the front doors to the hospital. Several ponies that were sitting in the lobby looked up in surprise.

“I need a doctor.” He announced.

“With haste.” The white horse said in a majestic female voice as it trotted up next to him.

Several ponies with nurses caps rushed out with a gurney and wheeled it in front of the Gunnery Sergeant. He carefully placed the pony on the gurney and they nurses quickly rushed off. He looked around and then plopped into a nearby chair.

“What the hell is going on here?” He asked himself as he put his face in his hands.

He looked back up as he felt a hoof rest on his shoulder.

“You did the sensible thing.” The horse said.

“I’m glad you think so.” He mumbled in reply.

“I will have more questions for you later, but right now I must attend to my faithful student.”

‘You do that.”

The horse removed it’s hoof from his shoulder and looked around.

“Guards?”

There was a clunking and two more ponies walked through the door. These white ponies were clad in shining golden armour with blue plumes on the helmets. A pair of wings poked out of their armour.

“Princess?” One of them said.

’Talking horse Princesses? Ponies in golden armour? Yep, I’ve definitely lost it.’

“Could you please watch over our guest?”

“Of course, Princess.”

The guards came clanking over and stood on either side of the Gunnery Sergeant. The white horse smiled again and then left to follow the path of the gurney.

“You know that gold makes for bad armour?” He said as the horse disappeared around the corner.

The guards stood rock still and continued looking straight ahead.

“Oh I see how it is.”

The Gunnery Sergeant crossed him arms and sighed.

’I could leave right now, but what good would that do? I don’t even know where the Humvee is and even if I do find it, where am I going to go? Looks like i’m in a bit of a pickle.’

“What do you guys think? Should I leave?” He asked the guards.

“I wouldn’t advise that.” The guard on the left said.

“Good to see you can actually speak. I have a few questions if you don’t mind?”

He took the silence as a “No” but asked anyway.

“Who was that Princess horse person?”

The Guard pony on the left actually turned around to face him.

“What did you just say about the Princess, you ape?” It growled.

“Private! You are out of line.” The Guard on the right barked.

‘You heard what that thing said about the Princess!”

“Aye, that I did. It’s just trying to get a reaction out of us and it’s succeeding.”

“Look Lefty, do you mind if I call you Lefty?” He asked the guard on the left.

The pony grunted in reply.

“I honestly have no idea who the Princess is!”

“Really?” Lefty asked.

“Private...” The Guard on the right said.

The Gunnery Sergeant stopped talking and pointed a finger to the guard on the right.

“Look here Righty. Yes I’m calling you Righty. I’m just asking a question, what’s wrong with that?”

“...Fine. After this, no more questions. Alright?” Righty grunted.

“You have my word.”

“Very well, go ahead Private.” Righty reluctantly said

“Princess Celestia is the ruler of Equestria.”

“That all? Nothing special there.” The Gunnery Sergeant asked.

“She also lowers and raises the sun everyday.” Lefty stated.

“Whoa, what? She lowers and raises the sun? Buddy, are you high? Everyone knows that the sun stays still and that the Earth moves.”

“Listen to yourself, ape! Do you have any-”

“Private!” Righty barked. “Enough.”

“Yes, sir.” Lefty said.

Lefty turned back around and stood at attention again.

“Fun chat.” GySgt. Utah said.

He leaned back and put his hands behind his head. Taking a good look around the lobby he noticed every single pony giving him a frightened look. He looked to the main desk to see Applejack having a chat with the receptionist. He covered his face with his hand and looked down.

’Yeah, that’s going to work.’

“Fuck you brain.” He muttered.

“Well hey there sugarcube.”

’Fuck. What did I tell you?’

“Yeah, hey Applejack.” He replied.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were leaving.” Applejack smugly said.

“Yeah, I found a purple pony on the ground bleeding so I came back.”

“A purple pony?”

“Yep. A bit too much purple on that one.”

’Wait, wait. I think I know this pony. Memories don’t fail me now. Magical purple one... part of the mane six? Heh, mane. Wait that’s right, Applejack is a part of them too. So that means...’

“Jesus christ on a pushbike!” He exclaimed. “Twilight!”

“What the hay?” Applejack exclaimed as she jumped back.

“The purple pony I picked up was Twilight!” He said frantically. “And I think I know what caused it.”

’Bullet wound. Which means only one thing.’

“Where is she?! Is she alright?” Applejack burst out.

“Some nurses came out and took her from me. I think she’ll be fine, that Princess is with her.”

The Gunnery Sergeant stood up and towered over Applejack and the guards. The guards turned to face him and he held up a hand.

“Don’t worry fellas I’m just going for a walk.” He assured them.

“Well I’m going to have to ask you to sit down.” Lefty said.

“Up yours Lefty.”

He walked past the guards and Applejack who shouted objections at him. Walking to the front desk he saw the pony sitting there shrink as he got closer. He stopped right in front of the desk and smiled down at the receptionist.

“H-how can I help you uh, sir?” The pony stammered.

“Which room was Twilight taken to?” He asked.

“S-she just came out of surgery and is now in R-room 31. Down the h-hallway to the left.”

The pony managed to mumble.

“Thank you.” He said as he turned away from the desk. “Applejack? You wanted to see Twilight didn’t you?”

“O’ Course.” She replied.

“Well follow me.” He waved her over and began to walk.

“Halt!” Righty yelled.

The Gunnery Sergeant stopped, unholstered his pistol and pointed it at the pair of guards.

“I’ve had it up to here with your shit, so shut up before I do something I regret.” He barked.

“Sugarcube, put that away please.” Applejack pleaded.

He looked down to the orange pony and sighed.

“You guys are lucky she’s here.” He mumbled.

Flicking the safety back on he spun the pistol on his finger and then holstered it. He waved his hand forward and continued walking. Applejack walked nervously beside him while the guards walked cautiously behind him.

“27… 28… 29… 30… 31. Here we go.” GySgt Utah announced.

He stood next to the door and motioned with his hand for Applejack to go first.

“Thank you.”

Applejack raised a hoof to the small door and it swung open. She stepped inside and gasped.

“I’m sorry Princess, I didn’t know you were busy with Twi.”

“Whoa, what’s going on in there?” The Gunnery Sergeant asked out loud.

“Applejack!” A voice tired squeaked.

“Twi!” Applejack said happily.

“Who else is out there, Applejack? I heard someone.”

“Oh that’s just um… Oh get in here.” Applejack ordered.

The Gunnery Sergeant ducked his head under the small door frame and stepped into the small room. Twilight was lying in bed with bandages wrapped around her left foreleg with multiple medical machines wired to her. Princess Celestia sitting to the left of her and Applejack was standing to the right of the bed.

Twilight’s eyes widened as he entered the room and she cowered in fear.

“Was it something I said?” GySgt. Utah asked, confused.

’Oh right, bullet wound. Someone shot her, probably someone like me.’

The Princess gave him a funny look and then moved her head closer to Twilights. Her eyes widened and her face twisted with anger as Twilight whispered things to her.

’I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Chewie.’

The Princess was fuming when she looked up from Twilight and the Gunnery Sergeant shifted uncomfortably in his spot from her gaze.

“How dare you!” The Princess yelled.

“Hey, I didn’t do shit!” He yelled back. “I woke up on the edge of some farm and the only pony I met was Applejack.”

‘Is this true?” Celestia asked Applejack.

“That it is, Princess.” She replied.

The Princess sat quiet for a minute.

“If it wasn’t me, then it was probably another Marine. But the only reason they would of shot is if it was in self defence. You must of done something to provoke them.”

“F-fluttershy got angry and attacked their... “Ranking officer” I think.” Twilight muttered.

“That might of done it. What else can you tell me?”

Twilight went into detail about the storm she had heard last night and the unusual lights, going into the everfree to investigate, hearing explosions which turned out to be gunshots, stumbling across a clearing full of dead timberwolves, Fluttershy getting angry, flying in and getting “captured”, then finally Twilight coming under fire by the combined forces of the Marines and teleporting away after getting shot.

“Anything else?” GySgt. Utah asked.

“... They also had some big machine thing with lots of wheels.” Twilight said after a moment of thought.

“Wait. Did it have a long barrel coming out of it?” GySgt. Utah asked.

“Uh... it did.”

“Was it a yellow colour?”

“Yes? Why?”

“Where is the Everfree forest?” Gysgt Utah blurted out.

“Just on the outside of Ponyville.” Twilight said.

“We need to get there. NOW!” The Gunnery Sergeant said urgently.

“Why?” Celestia asked.

“Why? I’ll tell you why. They have tanks and they’re going to want to get out of the forest right? They also have Fluttershy who will tell them the quickest way out, which would be the way she first went in. They’ll drive out, see Ponyville and if they’re pissed off enough they’re going to come out of that forest guns possibly blazing.”

“Oh my.” Twilight gasped.

“Applejack, you need to take me back to my Humvee.” GySgt. Utah asked Applejack.

“Huh?” Applejack said in confusion.

“The box thing with four wheels.”

“Oh. Princess?”

“You may go. Be quick.” The Princess said.

“One more thing before we go?” The Gunnery Sergeant nervously asked.

“What is it?”

“Where’s the toilet?”

Author's Note

Alright guys, here's another chapter with the Gunnery Sergeant! I hope you enjoyed it because it's probably going to be a while until the next chapter comes out, the reason is school. Yes, year 10 started late last week and I've already got a lot of homework. Sadly I might have to place the story on hiatus if I get too much work. As always if there is anything wrong or if you have any questions, please put them in the comments section.

Old and New Wounds

"Nice place isn't it, sir?"

Alex averted his eyes from the path and turned to David.

"Seems nice enough." He said.

With the forest now well behind them, the crewmen had set their sights to the small town known as Ponyville. The convoy of vehicles roared and bounced down the path spewing up clouds of dust behind them.

"Sir? What's the plan?" David asked.

"Plan." Alex repeated.

"Yes, sir. Plan. These ponies are probably going to be scared shitless when they see a column of tanks coming towards their town."

"Too true, Private. Alright, if everything goes peacefully we'll drop off Fluttershy, try to get in contact with any other US forces and high tail our asses out of there."

"Well if all goes to plan we could spend some time here." David tried to say subtly.

"You can not be serious, Private." Alex said mockingly.

"You really need the R&R, sir."

Alex grunted and moved his eyes back to the path.

"The chances of that happening are about 1000 to 1, Private."

"Just a suggestion, sir."

The Retribution II bounced as it hit a pothole and the suspension squeaked. A soft yelp emanated from the turret and Alex smiled. The timberwolf pup was running around on the inside of the turret much to the displeasure of Roger.

"Sir, could you calm this thing down?" Roger asked.

"If it's excited, it's not going to calm down any time soon, Sergeant. You'll have to wait until we reach Ponyville." Alex said smugly.

"Very well, sir." Roger said sadly.

Alex's headset crackled.

"This is Old Tom, the German tank is overtaking us, sir."

"It's what?"

He spun around and sure enough the Leopard had pulled off the path and was overtaking the other vehicles in a cloud of dust.

Alex's headset cracked again.

"Sir, this is the Kangaroo. Do you want me to do something about that Leopard?"

"Hold your fire. I'll deal with this." Alex replied.

He watched as the Leopard passed the Australian tank and slowly gained upon his.

"Sergeant, target the Leopard but hold your fire."

The turret whirred and spun around to lock on to the German tank as it sped closer. As it came along side the Retribution II the cupola opened and Ironluck poked out.

"This is cool!" She yelled.

"What are you doing?!" He yelled back.

"I want to see how fast Box can go." Ironluck giddily said.

The Leopard pulled forward, overtook the Retribution II and took her place at the head of the convoy.

"Sir, are these ponies challenging us to race?" Sam asked over the headset.

"Dammit, Corporal. This is no time to be thinking about racing." Alex hastily replied.

"But in all seriousness, what do you want to do about them, sir?"

"Thinking about blowing them to hell right now." Alex said angrily.

"How about we cut them off, sir?"

"Corporal. Bring us along side of them."

"Yes, sir."

The Retribution II swung off the road and pulled up along side of the Leopard. Ironluck’s mane was billowing in the wind as they sped closer towards the town.

“Slow down!” Alex yelled.

“What?!” Ironluck yelled back.

“Oh for fucks sake... Slow down and get back into formation!”

“Why?”

’That’s a good question. These ponies aren’t even part of the Army, but they do have a tank so...’

"How about you find your top speed later, we don't want you crashing into a building!" He motioned with his hand to the rapidly approaching town.

"Huh, I guess you're right. But you shouldn't be telling me this, Pathfinder is the one who's driving."

"Can't you use the radio?!"

"What's a radio?"

"Son of a bitch!" Alex yelled as he slammed his fist on the turret.

Ironluck smiled awkwardly and Alex scowled.

"Corporal, cut that tank off!"

The Retribution II sped up and slowly pulled in past the Leopard. They hit a bump, caught a bit of air and landed heavily in front of the Leopard. There was another yelp from inside the turret and some swearing.

"All units, move off of the path. I'm bringing that Leopard to a stop." Alex ordered.

Alex watched as the Australian tank and the LAV pulled off the path.

"Hit the breaks, Corporal." Alex ordered.

The tracks came to a complete stop and the Retribution II skidded to a halt. Alex quickly turned around just in time to see the Leopard roaring towards them.

"They’re not going to stop in time! Brace!" He yelled.

The Leopard pulled the brakes too late and slammed violently into the Retribution II. The two tanks skidded forwards and the crewmen inside were flung about like toys. Alex watched as the .50 cal approached his face in slow motion. He tried to raise his hands but it was too late.

*Whack*

A road.

Alex stood in the middle of a small two lane road that was lined with houses. The road was perfectly smooth with white stripes painted smartly down the middle. The houses that lined the road were all identical. They were all an average two story house with an inbuilt garage to the side and with a small perfectly kept garden at the front. There were no light posts or mailboxes lining the side of the road. A low rumble caught his attention and Alex looked up. The sky was completely grey with rain clouds and the smell of rain filled the air. Alex looked down at his watch and found it was 5:31 in the afternoon. It wasn't quite night yet, there was just enough light to see everything clearly but that would change soon. He turned his attention back to the road he stood on and began to walk forwards. The sound of his footsteps was the only thing he could hear, apart from the occasional rumble of thunder.

He walked for ages but the road lined with identical houses never seemed to end, it stretched forever. He sat sat down on the road for a short rest and looked at his watch again. 5:31. The time hadn’t changed. He pushed the watch against his ear to see if it was working.

*Tick*

It worked. He looked at the watch and frowned.

Pushing himself off the road he heard something coming from behind. He moved off the road when he recognized it as the sound of an engine. He peered into the horizon and an Abrams tank rolled into his vision followed by another and another. Soon a whole convoy of tanks was roaring towards him. He stepped back and watched in awe as the convoy rumbled past. As the last tank rolled over the horizon another sound caught his attention, the sound of a car engine. He turned around to see a black Land Rover Discovery come over the horizon.

That was his Land Rover.

It whizzed past him and he bolted after it; waving his hands in the air like a maniac. It rounded a corner that practically came out of nowhere and pulled over in front the only unique house.

That was his house.

Alex watched as the drivers door opened and a man in a suit hopped out.

’That's me! ...This seems oddly familiar...’

The front door of his house opened and a woman stepped outside with a large grin on her face.

’Jasmine.’

She had long brown hair that reached her shoulders and deep brown eyes. They stood staring at one another for a split second before they ran up to embrace each other. They clung to one another tightly. They let go of each other and began to talk.

"She missed you so much, Alex." Jasmine said.

"Not as much as I missed you." He replied.

Alex cringed at how corny that sounded and shook his head.

’Stupid younger me.’

Jasmine laughed and hugged him again. This time Alex broke the hug and asked her something.

"Where's Summer?" The past Alex asked.

'Oh no! No, no, no... anything but this.'

"She's inside. She'll be so happy to see you again-"

*BANG*

The past Alex and Jasmine looked towards the house and the Alex watching fell to his knees.

’Oh god, no.’

There was a loud rumble of thunder and the past Alex quickly rushed inside the house. There was a cry of pain and anguish and the past Alex found something that would change him forever. There were footsteps behind him and Alex craned his neck around to see who was there. To his utter amazement there stood a dark blue horse with a mane that looked like the night sky. He rubbed his misty eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things; it wouldn't be the first time. But to his surprise the horse still stood there, he rose and slowly walked towards the horse. He fell backwards in surprise as a large pair of wings folded out from the sides of the horse.

"Wh-what?" He said shakily.

The horse leaned its head closer to him and Alex also noticed it had a long horn on its head.

"We are Princess Luna. What are you?" It said in a loud majestic voice.

Alex was about to reply when he heard someone call his name from afar.

"Captain? Are you alright?"

"Sir? Can you hear me?"

"Sir!"

"Captain!"

Alex woke up to a numb and upside down feeling that surrounded him, his body ached all over and he felt like he'd been hit with a truck. He opened his eyes and everything was red, blood was pouring out of a deep gash from his forehead and his helmet was missing from his head. It was then Alex realized he was hanging upside down on the turret; his vest had caught the edge of one on the solar panels. His legs were limp and sitting uselessly above him. He tried pulling himself up but ended up losing his grip on the solar panel and began to slide. His bloodied hands reached for purchase but found none. As he slid down the turret he heard the sound of a jet flying overhead.

'Jets?'

He smiled weakly at the familiar and more than welcome sound. His body hit the ground and he landed in an uncomfortable heap right next to the tracks.

"Sir?"

He craned his blood soaked face around to the voice. Sam was stumbling towards him, cradling his left arm.

"Sir? Are you alright?" He asked again.

Alex tried to speak but gagged on blood that had gotten into his mouth. He rolled over onto his side and spat what blood he could.

"I... I'll live, Corporal." Alex managed.

"That's good to hear, sir." Sam said. He then stumbled, fell forwards and cried out as he landed on his left arm.

"I've got you, Corporal." Said an Australian voice.

Sgt. Adam ran up to Sam and slowly help him to his feet. Sam nodded his thanks as he dusted himself off with his right hand. Sgt. Adam then turned to Alex and rushed towards him.

"I've got you, sir." The Sergeant assured him.

Sgt. Adam hooked his arm under the Captains and hefted him up. Alex pushed his blood soaked hair out of his eyes as the Sergeant did so.

"W-what happened, Sergeant?" Alex unsteadily said.

"The German tank rammed right into the ass of your tank, sir."

Alex looked at his tank to see the Leopard leaning on the back of the Retribution II’s hull.

"How..?" Alex asked.

"If you'll recall, sir, the Leopard had overtaken you and you had tried to stop it by cutting them off." Sgt. Adam explained.

"I remember." Alex grunted.

"And as you can probably see, it didn't go as plan."

"Nothing ever goes according to plan, Sergeant." Alex said with a weak smile.

"Very true, sir." Sgt. Adam agreed.

Alex wiped a hand across his face in hopes of removing some of the blood, all he succeeded in doing was smearing the blood across more of his face. He grunted in frustration and spat more blood.

"Could I get this bloody gash patched up?!" Alex said.

"Of course, sir. Dash! Grab me a med-kit!" The Sergeant yelled to an Australian counterpart.

"Aye, sir."

The Aussie gunner climbed atop the tank and pulled a med-kit from the bustle rack. He jumped down and jogged over to Alex's position.

"Here you go, sir."

"Thanks, Dash. Patch up the Captain will you?"

"Yes, sir."

The gunner opened the med-kit and pulled out a bundle of tangled bandages.

"Damned things" The Australian said under his breath.

He successfully untangled the bandages and wrapped them around Alex's head. Alex grabbed some of the spare bandages and wiped some of the blood off his face.

"Thank you, Corporal." Alex said as he slumped down on the grass.

"Sir?" Dash asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, Corporal, just a bit shaky."

The gunner nodded and then looked away. Alex followed the gunners gaze and saw two Marines pull Pathfinder out of the drivers seat and drop her heavily on the ground. Pathfinder whimpered and curled up into a ball. Another two Marines were pulling an unconscious Ironluck out of the cupola. Alex shook his head at the sight. The Marines then passed Ironluck to two Australians waiting next to the Leopard. The Aussies then placed Ironluck next to the whimpering green ball known as Pathfinder. Alex once again shook his head.

'Stupid ponies. Should've taken that tank right off of them when I had the chance

Alex pulled himself up and straightened his vest. He walked over to the Marines guarding the ponies, they saluted as Alex approached and he half heartedly saluted back.

"Don't worry about them, they're not going anywhere. Get back to your vehicles."

The two Marines looked at each other, shrugged, saluted and then walked away. Another jet whizzed by and Alex looked to the sky. There wasn't a single sign of any jets or aircraft for that matter, only a small white cloud that was slowly drifting towards them. He strained his eyes and saw something... Rainbow? Sticking over the side. The glare from the sun made it difficult to tell what it was.

"Captain!" A voice called

Alex looked over his shoulder to see David walking towards him.

"Private." He said back.

"Cloud watching are we?" David asked.

Alex pointed to the rainbow object hanging off the cloud.

"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

David narrowed his eyes and looked at the cloud.

"If it’s a rainbow tail, then yes, sir."

Alex crossed his arms and looked back up to the cloud.

"A tail, eh?"

"Looks like it, sir. Oh and here," David lifted up a helmet and placed it in Alex's hands. "Your helmet, sir."

Alex smiled and placed the helmet gently back onto his head.

"Thank you Pri-"

His thoughts about the rainbow tail were thrown from his mind as the headset crackled.

"This is Gunnery Sergeant Utah of the USMC to any US personnel in the area, do you read me? Over."

Alex blinked a few times and shook his head.

"What is it, sir?" David asked.

"I’m getting something." Alex replied.

"What do you mean, sir?" David asked with confusion.

Alex leaned forward and adjusted the Privates frequency. The message repeated.

"I repeat, This is Gunnery Sergeant Utah of the USMC to any US personnel in the area, do you read me? Over."

"You get that, Private?" Alex asked smugly.

"I did, sir." David nodded.

Alex held up a hand to hush the Private and spoke into the headset.

"This is Captain Noah of the USMC. I read you Gunnery Sergeant, what is your current position? Over." Alex replied.

There was a moment of silence.

"My current position is, uh, on a farm just on the outskirts of the town Ponyville. Over." The Gunnery Sergeant replied.

“You’re in Ponyville? Over.” Alex asked, surprised.

“Yes, sir. Where are you? Over.”

“We’re about...a kilometre from the town now. Over.” Alex guessed.

“Sir I recommend you stay where you are. Also all persons, uh ponies are friendly. I repeat, all ponies inside that town are friendly. Over.”

“I read you, Gunnery Sergeant.” Alex said.

He covered the boom with his hand and looked at David.

“We’re staying put.” He quickly said.

“What about these two, sir?” David said. He motioned with his hand to the two ponies on the ground.

“I’ll deal with them in a second.” He hastily replied.

David nodded and crossed his arms.

“Gunnery Sergeant we’ll stay where we are. Do you have transport? Over.”

“I have my Humvee, sir. Over.”

“Very well, Gunnery Sergeant. I hope you know what you’re doing. Over.” Alex unwillingly said.

“I do, sir. I do. Utah out.” GySgt. Utah assured him.

The line went dead and Alex sighed.

"Go spread the word, Private, while I deal with these ponies."

David saluted and walked off. As David turned his back Alex put a hand to his forehead and looked at the ponies. Pathfinder was still curled into ball and Ironluck was still unconscious. Alex took a step forward and watched as Pathfinders ears flicked at the sound. He took another step and she curled up tighter.

"Pathfinder." Alex said.

She whimpered.

"Pathfinder?" He repeated.

"Y-yes?" She whispered.

"What were you thinking?" Alex asked angrily.

"I-" Pathfinder tried to say.

"Look." He removed his helmet and pointed the his blood soaked bandages. "This is what happens when you go over the top."

"I-" Pathfinder tried to say again.

"You're lucky this didn't happen while we were in the town." Alex continued.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." She said weakly.

"Think next time." Alex said a little too harshly than intended.

Pathfinder nodded and sniffled.

"Alright, that's a start. Are you alright?" Alex asked.

She rose shakily to her hoofs and nodded again. Alex looked her over a found a small trickle of blood running down her right hind leg.

"What's that?" He asked as he pointed to it.

"A scratch." She said flatly.

Alex looked her over again and found a small picture of compass on her thigh.

"This a tattoo?" He asked.

"A what?" Pathfinder tilted her head.

"You've got a compass on your ass." Alex bluntly stated.

"That's my cutie mark." She stated.

"A what?" Alex disbelievingly said.

“Cutie mark.” Pathfinder said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“And what's the point of it...?”

She sighed and sat down.

"A cutie mark represents a ponies special talent."

"So being a compass is your talent? I don't see how that works." Alex thoughtfully said.

Pathfinder shook her head and face hoofed.

"No. I know my way around and I never get lost." She said.

"Never get lost." He repeated.

"Yeah. Funny how I discovered that."

Alex raised his hand to silence the pony.

"I don't need your life story."

Pathfinder laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head.

"Ha. Yeah."

"Sit here, don't move." Alex ordered.

"Why?" She said innocently.

"Oh, you know why." Alex said angrily.

She shrunk back and whimpered once again. Alex turned to Ironluck who was still laying in a heap on the grass. As he crouched down he looked at his watch. It was now 1000 hours.

’Time flies when you're having fun’

He chuckled to himself and checked Ironluck for any injuries. Another mark was on the thigh of her this time a spanner overlapping an oil drop. Alex shook his head at how stupid it looked.

"Well your friend is probably going to be alright but she might have a minor concision. I can't be sure."

Pathfinder grunted in reply.

"I'll be posting a guard, so don't try anything, you're in enough shit as it is." Alex stated.

He began to walk away but stopped. He peered over his shoulder and watched Pathfinder sadly lay her head on the ground. Frowning, he continued walking back to his tank. The other Marines and Australians were standing around it, chatting loudly.

"Gentlemen." Alex said as became within earshot.

The group turned to face the Captain and saluted.

"At ease. You all know the current situation."

The men nodded.

"Well I've just been in contact with another Marine who just so happens to be inside the town we're approaching. Now he's urged us to sit here and wait for him to come to us. So that's what we'll do."

More nodding and a few raised eyebrows.

“Damage report?” Alex asked.

“Everything looks fine, sir. Just a few scrapes where the Leopard bumped into the Retribution II.” Sgt. Adam stated.

"Excellent. Staff Sergeant Daseal please step forward."

The Staff Sergeant stepped forward.

"Sir?" He asked.

"You stated the men were running low on ammo."

"Yes, sir."

"Do you remember the task I gave you back in the forest?"

"Distribute the German rifles and ammo?"

"That's the one. Get to it now. Take whatever men you need to help."

The Staff Sergeant nodded and then turned away.

"Kat, Gadeas, you're with me." He said.

The crewmen then walked off to the LAV.

"Sergeant Adams?" Alex called out.

"Sir?"

"Pull that Leopard off my tank."

"Yes, sir." The Sergeant said.

Sgt. Adam then turned around.

"Come on you lot, we've got a tank to move." He yelled.

The Aussies then rushed away to prep their vehicle. Alex was now left with his faithful crew.

"Alright you guys, how's our passengers?" He asked.

"Fluttershy, luckily, wasn't hurt in the collision but her previous wounds are still killing her, sir."

David reported.

"Anything else?"

"The pup finally stopped being a fucking pain, sir." Roger said happily.

"Thank you Sergeant." Alex said with a faint smile. "Nothing else to report? Very well."

Alex turned to Sam who was still clutching his arm.

"Are you fit to drive, Corporal?" He asked.

"Yes, sir. Just a sprain." Sam said quickly.

"Very good."

"What about you, sir?" Roger said, pointing to the gash on the Captains head.

"Just a gash." Alex said.

"You sure, sir?"

"I'm fine, Sergeant." Alex assured him.

"Very good, sir."

"I'm glad you think so. Now you guys can help out the Staff Sergeant distributing ammo. Corporal

you can stay behind."

David and Roger nodded their goodbyes and headed off.

"Corporal, I’m assigning you to Sergeant Adam."

"Got it, sir."

"When he tells you to, move the Retribution II away."

“Yes, sir.”

Sam saluted and walked off.

’Looks like I'm guarding the ponies’

He briskly walked over to Pathfinder who was still sulking on the ground and heavily plopped down next to her.

"What do you want?" Pathfinder said harshly.

"I'm going to be the one guarding you." Alex said with a false cheeriness.

Pathfinder groaned and let her face fall into the grass.

"Great." She mumbled.

He pulled out his M1911 and began to idly polish it.

“It'll get better.” Alex muttered as he looked at the sky. “This day never stops getting better and better...”

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter guys, sorry for the wait. School has been keeping me very busy.
As always if you feel something isn't right about this chapter, just let me know in the comments down below.

A Town Called Panic

"How did you do that?" Applejack asked.

"Do what?" Utah said.

After being reunited with his M4 and other gear, Applejack had taken the Gunnery Sergeant down to the farm but, to much of his annoyance, Lefty and Righty had been tasked to watch over them. Right now the Gunnery Sergeant was standing just outside the open drivers door with the microphone in his hand.

"That voice, where'd it come from?" Applejack asked.

"The speakers." He said as he placed the microphone back into its slot.

"But how?" Applejack asked again.

"Magic." Utah said sarcastically.

"Oh."

The Gunnery Sergeant rolled his eyes and sat down in the drivers seat. He swung open the passengers door.

"Hop in." He said.

"What, in this thing?" Applejack almost yelled.

Lefty and Righty looked at each other but remained quiet.

"Come on, hop in." He said again.

"I don't know..." Applejack mumbled.

"Look there's no way in hell that my Humvee is going to hurt you in any way, if that's what you're worried about."

"It's not that." Applejack stated.

"What is it then?"

"I don't trust machines."

"Well I'm sorry to hear that, but you're going to have to get past that." He urged.

Applejack gulped and then placed a hoof on the rim of the door.

"Stop." Righty ordered.

"Don't you start again buddy." Utah shot out.

"How can we be sure this isn't a trap?" Righty asked.

"A trap." The Gunnery Sergeant echoed.

"Yes, a trap." Righty repeated.

"Look if I wanted to capture Applejack or something I would have done it a while ago." Utah said in an annoyed tone.

"Oh really now?" Lefty said.

"Just get in the bloody Humvee, all of you! We don't have time for this shit!" The Gunnery Sergeant yelled angrily.

Applejacks ears splayed back and both guard ponies frowned.

"Please!" He added desperately.

Applejack hesitantly leaped into the front passengers seat and got herself comfortable.

"What about us?" Lefty asked.

"What about you?" The Gunnery Sergeant said with a smirk.

"Sugarcube." Applejack said.

"Yeah. Don't worry." He said with a wave of his hand. He reached over the seat and opened the rear passenger door.

"Hop in."

He watched through the rear view mirror as the guards leaped in and also made themselves

comfortable.

"All good?" Utah asked.

Lefty and Righty nodded.

"Alright. Close the door."

He started the engine when the door closed and all the ponies became very startled.

"What was that?" Righty asked.

"The engine." Utah said.

"That was the engine?! Sounded like an animal roar!" Lefty exclaimed.

"She's got a powerful engine." Utah simply said.

Utah glanced at Applejack who's eyes were now pinpricks, she was staring right at him.

"It's alive?" She asked.

"In a sense, yes. But enough of this, we're wasting valuable time."

He pushed down the accelerator and drove down the hill and headed towards the fence.

"Why is this thing so big?" Lefty asked.

"Armor plating, to stop bullets." Utah stated. "But if you think this is big, wait till you seen an Abrams."

"Abrams?"

"Tank. Could crush this car, no problem."

"We need a few of those." Lefty said with a grin.

"Somehow I don't think you'd be very good at driving them." Utah said with a laugh.

"...but why do you need such monsters?" Applejack asked.

Utah pulled alongside the fence and slowed down.

"Well back where I'm from some places aren’t the safest so we built armoured vehicles to keep us safe. The tank is like a mobile fortress but quick and agile. Earlier tanks back in the First World War were pretty much big metal boxes with guns attached, the designs progressed, stronger and faster tanks were built but it wasn't until the Second World War that tanks really proved their worth. Since the end of that war tanks have been constantly upgraded and used in armies around the world." Utah said casually. "These vehicles have also been used to keep the peace."

"World wars?" Lefty asked with interest.

"I'll give you a crash course on my history later but yeah, the reason these "monsters" are built is to try and keep the peace."

’Bullshit and you know it.’

"I see..." Applejack said, trying to take in the load of information that was just thrown at her.

"Any other questions?" He asked.

He rounded the fence and found the path the Ponyville. As he pulled onto the path he noticed clouds whizzing through the sky at unusual speeds.

’You’re still tripping.’

"Huh?" He said in confusion.

"That's tonight's storm." Applejack said.

"Don't look like no storm to me." Utah said. "All I see are clouds flying around like jets."

"The cloudsdale weather team are moving them around."

Utah slammed his foot down on the brakes and turned to face Applejack.

"I'm sorry, but what?"

"What is it, sugarcube?"

"Weather team moving clouds? What is this?" He exclaimed.

"It's what happens around these parts." Applejack said with a raised eyebrow.

"But you can't touch clouds. You go right through them!"

"I can't touch them clouds either, only the Pegasi can."

"And how in gods name does that work?"

"Who?" Applejack asked.

Utah raised his hands into the air and shook his head.

"You know what, don't worry about it. This place, I swear..."

"Let's get a move on." Righty barked

Utah put his foot back down on the accelerator and shook his head again. As the Humvee sped down the path Utah kept a lookout for any other ponies.

"Alright, how do we want to play this?" Utah asked.

"What do you mean?" Righty said.

"Do you want me to go straight through the town or go around it?"

Utah turned to face Righty as he spoke.

Righty frowned and began to open his mouth but was interrupted by Applejack’s voice.

"I think it's a bit too late for that."

Utah turned his attention to the path and found himself driving towards a cart being pulled by a mint green pony.

"Well there goes subtly."

He pushed the accelerator down and whizzed past the frightened pony. The first few buildings of Ponyville came into view followed by more ponies.

Utah slammed his fist down on the horn and pushed the brakes. The ponies inside and outside the Humvee jumped from the sudden loud noise.

"Whoa!"

Utah spun the steering wheel wildly as he avoided screaming and running ponies.

"What are you doing?!" Righty yelled. "You've got the whole town panicked!"

"They were going to panic anyway!" Utah shot back.

He beeped the horn a few more times and slowed down. He whizzed past houses that looked like there where from the Middle Ages and a house that looked like it was made from gingerbread.

"What the hell kind of town is this?" He yelled to himself.

"This is my town!" Applejack said proudly.

"You sure this isn't a circus?"

Her proud smile was replaced with an annoyed frown.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just not your everyday town is all."

"Right." Applejack said slowly.

Utah slowed down when he approached the towns centre.

"Where did everyone go?" He asked as he peered through the windscreen.

"Oh they're hiding." Applejack stated.

"What from- oh yeah." Utah said sheepishly.

"Good going, Ape." Lefty hissed.

"If you call me Ape one more time I will remove your tongue." Utah threatened.

"Do your worst... Ape." Lefty said slyly.

Utah smiled and shook his head slowly.

"You're asking for it, buddy."

"You think?"

"Enough. Private, stand down." Righty barked.

"Yes, sir."

"All talk and no action eh, Lefty?"

Lefty opened his mouth but stopped when he saw the disapproving look from Righty.

"Sugarcube, could we just get to your "tanks"?"

"Which direction was the Everfree forest?"

Applejack pointed to his right.

"Cheers."

He spun the wheel and drove through the streets of Ponyville. As the Humvee approached a bridge Utah noticed a grey pony following them in the sky. He quickly glanced up through the roof hatch to confirm his suspicions. The grey pony was now soaring directly towards the Humvee. He pushed his foot down on the accelerator and roared towards the small bridge.

"Bad. Feeling."

The Humvee treated the bridge and a road hump and bounced over it, everyone and pony bounced with the Humvee.

"Slow down will you?" Righty ordered.

"Sorry, I don't take orders from ponies." Utah said.

Righty was fuming from the response and even Lefty looked scared.

"I'd slow down if I were you." Lefty advised.

Utah peered over his shoulder and reached a conclusion; he grinned and pushed the accelerator down further. He had checked that path before, it was clear so there was no chance of hitting a pony.

"You guys want to listen to some music?"

There was a grunt from Lefty and Righty, Applejack on the other hand nodded and smiled. Utah removed a hand from the wheel, opened a pocket on his vest and pulled out his iPod. Applejack stared at the iPod as Utah plugged it into the iPod docking station he had sitting on the dashboard.

(Song)

Utah smiled and shook his head.

"Ha, oh god. Not this song again..." He muttered.

"Well it's..." Applejack struggled for words.

Lefty and Righty seemed to be enjoying it, they were bobbing their heads to the beat.

"DJ Pony?" Lefty asked.

"Who?"

"DJ Pon-3.” Lefty repeated. "This sounds like one of her songs."

"Nah man, this is Skrillex, an oldie but a goodie."

"Skrillex? Interesting name." Lefty rubbed his chin with a hoof.

"Yeah I always thought so too."

They whizzed past houses and soon they began to clear showing Utah a lush open field. He brought the Humvee to a stop as peered out the window. He could barely see a forest sitting on the other side if the field, he however, could already see the outlines of the Tanks. The door popped open and he stepped out.

"I'll be just a second."

Utah walked around to the rear of the Humvee and rummaged through some of his luggage. When he found what he was looking for he walked back to the front and sat down on the bonnet. He raised his pair of newfound Rangefinders and examined the field. The tanks were 950 meters away he was looking them over when a green object caught his eye.

’Another tank? Are they pulling these things out of their asses?’

An Abrams with a mine plow was pulling it off of another Abrams.

’How the fuck?’

He moved the Rangefinder away from his face and placed it next to him. He looked back into the sky and saw a cloud hovering above the tanks with a rainbow object on it. He snatched his Rangefinder and examined the cloud. A cyan pony with a rainbow mane and tail was peering over the cloud, ready to pounce at the Tankers. He moved the Rangefinder back towards the tanks, a crewman was sitting on the ground polishing a pistol and chatting with a green ball on the ground. He did a double take at that and found out it was only a green pony.

"What are you doing, Sugarcube?" Applejack called out.

The sound of music and voices filled his ears again as he brought his attention back to the ponies sitting in the Humvee.

"Just scanning the area."

He hopped off the bonnet and walked back to the drivers seat. As he swung the door closed he placed the Rangefinder next to the iPod docking station. He placed his foot on the accelerator but stopped when he heard someone faintly yell above him. Utah and the ponies looked up and saw a grey blob flying straight towards them.

"The hell...?" Utah mumbled.

The grey blob came closer, close enough for Utah to recognize it as the pony from before.

"She's not stopping, is she?" Applejack said.

"She?" Utah said with a raised eyebrow. "You know that pony?"

"Ditzy."

Lefty and Righty groaned. Utah shifted his gaze from pony to pony. His eyebrow raised higher.

"Is there something I should know about this "Ditzy"?" Utah asked in confusion.

"We've gotten several complaints about this pony. She a natural klutz." Righty said.

"Well isn't that a bit harsh? She couldn't be that bad, Right?"

Utah looked up again and was welcomed with a grey smiling face.

"Whoa!" He reared back in surprise.

Ditzy had a grey coat, blonde mane and golden eyes.

"Hi!" She said happily.

"Hello." Utah said slowly.

"I've never seen anything like you before!"

Utah could feel the happiness and enthusiasm pouring off Ditzy's smiling face and he couldn't help but smile with the cheerful pony.

"My name is Utah, I'm human." He pointed to himself as he said human.

"Hoo-man? What's that? Oh my name is Ditzy!" Her smile became impossibly larger.

"Pleased to meet you, Ditzy." Utah said with a grin.

"Nice music!"

"Thanks. Um, Ditzy? Could you please get off the roof?" Utah asked.

"Okie!"

She hopped into the Humvee and looked around.

"Oh there's a party going on in here!" She exclaimed. Her wings flapped in happiness and her

smile grew even more.

"Yeah..."

Utah looked to Applejack for assistance but she only gave him an uneasy smile.

"Miss Doo." Righty said. "Could you please exit the..."

"Humvee." Utah said.

"...Humvee." Righty finished.

Ditzy's mood changed instantly, her face fell and her ears splayed back.

"Oh." She said sadly.

’Oh wow, that's depressing.’

Utah looked at Righty with a "good going" look.

She began to flap her wings but Utah put a hand on her back.

"What are you doing?!" Lefty hissed.

"She can stay if she wants." Utah said sternly.

"I can?!" Ditzy returned to her happy state and flapped her wings.

"Sure, I see no harm in it."

Ditzy flew into Utah's chest and hugged him.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"

"Whoa now."

Utah looked over Ditzy's shoulder and received two looks of disapproval and one look of approval. Ditzy removed herself from his chest and hovered over to the front passengers seat. Applejack shuffled over to make room as Ditzy landed next to her. The seat easily fitted both of

them. Utah fidgeted around in his seat until he got comfortable and placed his hands on the wheel.

"You comfortable?" Utah asked Ditzy.

"Yup!"

He put his foot down on the accelerator and continued the drive.

"Oh this is like a roller coaster!"

"You've got roller coasters around here?"

"Yeah, of course! Some of the biggest!"

"...That's actually pretty cool." Utah admitted.

"I know!" Ditzy giggled.

She turned to Applejack and began to have a quiet chat with her.

’Best idea ever!’

Utah reached for his iPod and unplugged it.

"Hey, I was enjoying that!"

"Sorry but I've always wanted to do this and this is probably the only chance I'm ever going to

get."

Ditzy nodded and smiled.

’Why do I even have this song on my iPod?’

He selected the song and placed the iPod back into the dock.

"You're playing Octavia's music now are you?" Righty asked.

"Who in gods name is Octavia?"

"She plays classical music."

"Right. Well this isn't Octavia's music..." A smile crept up onto Utah's face. "This is Wagner's."

"What's the name of the song? It sounds familiar." Righty asked.

Utah laughed and shook his head.

"Ride of the Valkyries."

The Ponies gave him looks that questioned his sanity.

"Oh you guys won't understand."

He turned the volume on full blast and began laughing again.

’This is going to be interesting!’

Ditzy giggled like a little girl.

"You're weird."

"In a good way I hope."

"I wouldn't count on it Sugarcube." Applejack said.

Ditzy was now in a cute fit of laughter.

"Ouch. That really hurt." Utah said with fake sadness.

"By Celestia you are immature!" Lefty exclaimed.

"You just noticed?"

Ditzy was now struggling for air and Applejack was laughing along with her.

"Right I think my friends here are going to die if I don't shut up."

Lefty and Righty looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

Ditzy was holding her chest and taking deep breaths.

"I like you Utah!" She said between breaths.

Utah reached over and ruffled her mane. Ditzy squeaked in surprise and blushed deeply.

"I like you too Ditz." Utah said with a large smile.

"Are all you humans like this?" Applejack asked as she wiped a tear from her eye.

"Sadly not. I think I might be a one of a kind."

"Well I'm telling you now, Pinkie is definitely going to take a liking to you."

"Pinkie, eh?"

"Yup."

"Well that is if we ever meet."

"Whatcha mean?"

"...oh? Just a thought. Don't worry."

"If you say so."

Utah reached over for the mic and stopped. He paused the music and then picked up the mic.

"Alright everyone quiet please."

The ponies watched quietly as he spoke into the microphone.

"This is Gunnery Sergeant Utah to Captain Noah, do you read? Over."

"Loud and clear Gunnery Sergeant, is there a problem? Over."

"No, sir. Just letting you know I'll be with you in about a Minute. Over."

"Roger that. I'll be seeing you soon then, Gunnery Sergeant. Utah out."

Utah placed the microphone back into its holder and resumed the music. Ride of the Valkyries continued blaring and Utah smiled for the 100th time that day.

Author's Note

600 likes?! Holy balls! To celebrate this unexpected achievement I'm going to put another armoured vehicle into our adventure, but of your choice. That's right, you guys get to pick one! The suggested vehicle with the most likes will be selected.
See any errors? Point them out in the comments below.

Cooldown

"So you're saying that these "Elements of Harmony" defeated some guy called Discord."

"That's exactly what I'm saying!"

Alex stopped polishing his pistol and looked up.

"But how does that work? None of that works! There's no such thing as Magic, just illusions." Alex argued.

"Magic is real you doughnut." Pathfinder said.

"Yeah next you'll be telling me there are dragons flying around."

"There actually are, but they normally sit in caves."

"You're full of shit!" Alex shook his head.

"Why don't you believe me?" Pathfinder sulked.

"Not until I see it with my own eyes."

Pathfinder stood up and began walking in circles.

"Sit down will you?"

"No! Iron still hasn't woken up! How do you know if she'll ever wake up again?!"

Alex rose to his feet and held out his hands.

"Hey now, calm down, your friend WILL be alright. I promise."

Pathfinder sniffled and took a few deep breaths.

"Stupid Box. This never would've happened if it wasn't for that stupid thing..." Pathfinder mumbled under her breath.

"Just sit down, alright?" Alex suggested.

He sat down, crossed his legs and began to polish his gun again. Pathfinder trotted up next to him and sat down with her legs folded underneath her.

"You see? Easy." Alex said.

Pathfinder grunted and rested her head on the grass. Alex took another look over Pathfinder.

"Why don't you get some rest, you look tired." He said.

Pathfinder looked up at him with the faintest of smiles.

"That sounds like a good idea." She said.

And with that her head fell softly onto the ground and she began to snore lightly. Alex chuckled and went to stand but froze when he heard faint music coming from the distance. The commotion in the background made it difficult to pinpoint the music's direction.

"Everyone! Quiet!" Alex yelled.

The commotion died down almost instantly.

"Is that...?" Alex began.

Crewmen in the background began to laugh and sing along to the tune.

"Well I'll be damned. Ride of the Valkyries." Alex said, astonished.

He and the crewmen walked forwards towards the music. A Humvee loaded with gear and spare wheels sped up the grass covered field towards them.

"That'll be, Utah." Alex stated.

Utah beeped the horn and pulled up next to the group just as the song ended. The rear passenger door opened and two ponies in golden armour hopped out. The mood changed greatly. The front passenger door then opened, an orange pony and a grey pony hopped out. The drivers door finally opened, the Gunnery Sergeant stepped out, took a deep breath and smiled.

"Good to see you Gunnery Sergeant." Alex said as Utah walked over.

"Good to see you too, sir." Utah said with a salute.

"Who are your friends?"

If Utah had noticed many of the crewmen eyeing the ponies in armour he didn't say anything.

"The ponies in armour are Lefty and Righty. The orange pony with the hat is Applejack-"

"Howdy." Applejack said with a tip of her hat.

"-and the grey pony is Ditzy." Utah finished.

"Hello!" Ditzy said happily. "There are more of you!"

"Yes there are." Utah said.

"Why did you bring armoured ponies along?"

"Wasn't my choice, Captain, Princess Celestia ordered them to accompany me."

"Princess who?"

"Celestia. She's the ruler of this land."

"You've met up with royalty?"

"Yes, sir."

Alex looked at the Gunnery Sergeant in wonder and shook his head.

"So we've settled diplomatic relations then?"

Utah who was just taking a sip of his canteen, sprayed water out of his mouth in surprise.

"W-what? Was I meant to?"

Alex laughed and shook his head again.

"No. You didn't need to, that will be handled later. But how did this Princess react?"

"She didn't seem surprised to see a human, unlike Applejack. But when she found out someone had shot Twilight she lost it."

’How did Twilight get back to the town so quickly? ...fucking Magic.’

"So she's not very happy?" Alex said as he crossed his arms.

"No, sir."

"Well we're going to have a little more careful."

"Excuse me, mister."

Alex looked down at the voice and found Applejack at his feet.

"Where's Fluttershy?"

"She's in the Retribution II. The first tank in the convoy." Alex pointed with a thumb at his tank.

Applejack looked over at the tank and her jaw dropped.

"You weren't lying, Utah." She said in awe.

She trotted cautiously over with a worried looking Lefty in tow. Ditzy just stood close to Utah, looking at the other crewmen with a contagious smile on her face. Righty stood next to the Humvee casting random glances at crewmen.

"What's she doing here?" Alex asked.

"Ditzy? Well she uhh..." Utah trailed off.

"It's my day off!" Ditzy burst out.

"Alrighty then." Alex said slowly.

"It doesn't matter, sir. She's harmless."

"...Very well then."

There was a sudden yell and some barking.

"Sweet Jesus! The pup!" Alex yelled. "Don't touch that pup!"

Applejack was standing on the turret and looking into the cupola.

"You've got a Timberwolf in here! I'll get it for you!" She exclaimed.

"Please Applejack it's alright..." Fluttershy said, but Applejack didn't hear her.

"Wait, wait! Don't you touch that fucking pup!" Alex yelled as he ran up.

Applejack looked at Alex and tilted her head in confusion.

"What?"

"I said don't touch that pup."

"Why in Celestia's name do you have a Timberwolf pup?!" Applejack asked.

"Found her." Alex stated. "Now get the fuck down from there!"

"And what have you done to Fluttershy?!"

"Look, ma'am, all these questions will be answered at a later time. Right now I need you to hop down from that turret."

Applejack looked angrily at Alex and finally hopped down.

"Who do you think you are coming down to my town and ordering us around?"

’Oh boy, here we go!’

"Ma'am," Alex said through gritted teeth. "Look at this from my point of view, you've got talking, intelligent ponies that can drive tanks for fucks sake. You don't think that would make you a little worried or cautious?"

"No."

"Argh!" Alex threw his hands in the air. "Of course not, you're a pony too!"

"Um excuse me, Noah?" Fluttershy asked meekly.

"What is it Fluttershy?"

"Could I come down from the uhh..."

"Turret."

"Thank you. Could I come down from the turret, please?"

"Yeah, whatever."

“You see? You’re treating us like dirt!” Applejack yelled angrily.

"Sorry but I'm not in the best of moods right now." Alex growled.

"Come on Fluttershy, lets go." Applejack was about to say something more but decided against it.

Alex helped Fluttershy down and watched as the two ponies walked away.

"Good going." Utah said.

Alex grumbled and shoved past him.

"Let's just take these ponies to where they need to go, then we'll leave." He grumbled angrily.

"Human."

Alex turned around to face Lefty.

"What?"

"I know you're not in a good mood, neither am I, but you have to calm down."

"And just who do you think you are?"

"I'm going to have to agree with the pony." Roger said.

"We're all in a bad mood, Captain." David said.

Sam walked up to Alex and placed a hand on his shoulder which Alex shrugged off.

"Look, Biltz. You've already made one bad choice by stopping our tank, we don't need you making more. You're in a bad mood, we all understand that but we're going to need to think straight if we're going to get out of this mess."

"I..." Alex was stunned. "I've done it again haven't I?"

"You have."

"Thank you, Sam. Thanks all of you. Now... lets get this show on the road! Daseal, front and

center!" Alex said with renewed vigor.

"Captain!"

"The ammunition has been handed out?"

"Yes, sir. It's been handled."

"Good man. Prep your LAV."

"Aye. Come on guys." Daseal waved his hand forward and moved off with his crew.

"Adam?" Alex called out.

"Sir!" The Australian said.

"Good job with the Leopard."

"Thank you, sir!"

"Prep your tank."

"Let's go lads!" The Aussie yelled.

Alex was once again left with his faithful crew.

"Come with me you guys, we've got some shit to do."

Alex walked off towards Pathfinder with his crew leaving Utah and Lefty behind.

"Well that went well." Utah said.

"I'd have to agree with you there, Ape." Lefty said.

Utah slowly turned to face the armor clad pony. Lefty grinned like a madman and galloped off.

"Oh no you fucking don't!" Utah said as he chased after him.

As this had happened the crew of the Retribution and made it to Pathfinder and had discovered that Ironluck had regained consciousness.

"How's the head?" Alex asked Ironluck.

"Uh, it hurts." Ironluck said groggily.

"I'm not surprised. Now are you fit to command?"

"Uh, Captain, what are you doing?" Roger asked carefully.

"If we're going to get through this we're going to need their trust. Also we don't have the men to spare for that tank." Alex said.

"I see."

"You're letting us keep Box?" Pathfinder asked, surprised.

"Borrow. That's German property you're driving."

"But you're letting us drive it?" Pathfinder asked in disbelief.

"One chance. That's all you're getting, you hear me? One chance. Don't. Screw. Up." Alex said.

Pathfinder looked at Ironluck. Ironluck looked at Pathfinder. They both smiled and bumped each others hoofs, much like a brofist.

"Sweet." They both said.

"Prep your tank, if you can, we leave in 10." Alex said as he cracked his knuckles.

There was a cheer from behind them and everyone turned to the sound. Ditzy was hovering behind them with a large grin on her face. The crewmen smiled awkwardly and turned back to the tanker ponies.

"Well what are you waiting for?" Roger said.

Ironluck and Pathfinder looked at each other again and ran off.

"You sure that was a good choice, Cap'n?" David asked.

"I can only hope." Alex admitted. "Now, where's the Gunnery Sergeant?"

The crewmen split up and looked around for the Gunnery Sergeant but he was nowhere in to be seen.

"Wait, I think- yep that him!" Roger called from the Humvee.

Alex ran over to Roger and looked a little down the field. Utah was chasing Lefty with a wild look on his face, Lefty was laughing his ass off.

"Well they're having fun." Sam announced.

"You don't fucking say." Roger said with grin.

"What's all the commotion?" Righty said as he nudged through the crowd of Marines.

The ponies look was priceless to the Marines, Righty looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel in his forehead. He ran down yelling curses at Utah and Lefty, they both stopped, looked at each other and began to run away from the enraged Royal Guard.

"Do you think should I stop this guy?" Alex asked.

"Give 'em a few more minutes." Sam said.

David and Roger nodded their heads in agreement with Sam.

"Alright. A few more minutes then." Alex agreed.

The crewmen continued to watch the frenzied chase, many of them had taken seats on the Humvee's bonnet. It wasn't long until it had attracted the attention of Applejack and Fluttershy who reluctantly trotted over.

"What in tarnation is going on here?" Applejack asked.

"Take a look yourself." Alex said with a gesture of his hand.

"Oh look here they come." Roger announced.

Utah and Lefty had turned around and were now running back towards the Humvee.

"Oh my..." Fluttershy whispered.

They were almost at the Humvee when Lefty tripped and his helmet flew away revealing a sand coloured mane. Utah then fell over Lefty and they landed in a heap together. They both looked at each other and began to laugh. Utah ruffled Lefty's mane just as Righty pounced.

"Ouch." The group said in unison.

Righty and Utah rolled around in the grass as Lefty tried to find his helmet.

"Has someone got a megaphone?" Alex asked.

"No." David said.

"Alright, cover your ears."

Alex took a deep breath and cupped his hands around his mouth.

"OK THAT'S ENOUGH! GET BACK OVER HERE, WE NEED TO GET A MOVE ON!" Alex

bellowed.

Utah looked up from Righty who he had pinned and nodded, Lefty was still frantically searching for his helmet. Utah stood up, dusted himself off, offered a hand to Righty, which he accepted and pulled him up. Utah and Righty starting walking back towards the Humvee but stopped when they heard Lefty call something out. Lefty held his helmet high into the air and the replaced on his head. Righty said something and Utah laughed. All three of them approached the Humvee with beaming and exhausted faces. They were all handed canteens which they greedily drank up.

"I think I went a bit over the top." Utah said between sips.

"You think?" Lefty panted.

"You're lucky I don't teach you two a lesson." Righty said with a deep breath.

"Keep dreaming." Utah said with another laugh.

"Alright you guys. That's more than enough." Alex said.

"Aye sir."

"Utah, you'll be leading us into Ponyville."

"I'll be happy to, sir."

"We'll be heading out in 5, so you better get a move on." Alex suggested.

"Yep, give me a second." Utah said.

Alex and his crew walked off towards their tank. The dirt crunched under their boots as they walked.

"Well that was interesting." Roger said.

"I'd say so." Sam agreed.

David also nodded his silent agreement.

"Get the tank ready, I'm going to have a chat to Pathfinder about the formation. I'll see you in a bit."

They waved and nodded their goodbyes and Alex walked off. The Leopard was still sitting behind the Retribution II where the Kangaroo had left it. Pathfinder and Ironluck noticed Alex walk up and

they nervously waved at him.

"Alright this time I want you to say in formation, no speeding, going off the path or anything that will hinder our process. You will be behind my tank, the Kangaroo will be behind you, making sure you don't muck around."

"Ok." Pathfinder said.

"Ok you got that?" Alex asked.

"Yep." Ironluck said.

"Good."

Alex then quickly instructed them on how to use the headsets. When he had finished he walked to the Kangaroo and Old Tom to inform them of the changes.

"Daseal, you'll be in front of my tank and behind Utah's Humvee."

"Got it, sir."

Alex walked back to his tank with a pleased smile on his face. He whistled happily to himself and admired the view. The sky was free of clouds and the sun was shining brightly into the field, the grass swayed as a light breeze blew in. Alex took in a deep breath and picked up his pace.

"Hello!" A voice called happily.

Alex looked up to see Ditzy hovering above him.

"Ma'am." Alex nodded.

She swooped down and landed softly next to him.

"What's your name?" She asked.

"Captain Noah."

"Do you have a boat?"

Alex raised an eyebrow at the strange question

"...Well yes I have one back at home."

Alex could feel the happiness and enthusiasm radiating from the grey pony.

"Cool!"

Alex raised his eyebrow further and Ditzy laughed.

"Yeah, it is." He agreed.

They walked quietly for a moment until Alex decided to break the silence.

"You said it was your day off? What do you do?"

"Oh, I'm the mailmare!" She said proudly.

"Mailmare? Like a mailman?"

"Mailman? That's silly." Ditzy said with a giggle.

"I suppose." Alex said.

He walked up to the hull of his tank and turned around.

"Well you had better go meet up with Utah if you're going to get a lift from him."

"Where is he?"

"The head of the convoy."

"Ok thanks! Bye!"

Ditzy took off into the sky once again and Alex watched her leave with a puzzled frown. He

shrugged it off, climbed up onto his tank and slid into the cupola.

"Good to see you made it, Captain." Roger said.

"Shove off." Alex said with a laugh.

"All units, report your status." Alex ordered into the headset.

"This is the Kangaroo, we're ready to go."

"Old Tom here, ready to move out."

"This is Utah, everybody is aboard and comfortable."

There was some commotion on one of the microphones and then Ironluck finally reported in.

"Box is good to go."

"Confirmed. All units move into formation." Alex ordered.

Engines roared to life and dirt crunched under moving treads.

"Easy now, Old Tom is moving up." Alex warned Sam.

"I see her."

Old Tom rolled in front of the Retribution II and came to a slow stop.

"Old Tom is in position."

"Retribution II is in position."

"Box is in place."

"Kangaroo is in position."

"So far so good..." Alex muttered. "Utah! Take us out, nice and slow."

The convoy slowly began to make progress once again.

"Utah here, sir. I should have told you this earlier but there a pony sitting up on a cloud watching us."

"Rainbow tail?" Alex asked.

"Yes. How'd you know-?"

"Rainbow-?!" A voice interrupted Utah.

"Applejack quiet please."

"I spotted it before but I wasn't sure what it was. You've just confirmed my suspicions."

"You're welcome."

Alex popped his head out of the cupola and watched the Humvee and LAV bounce along the dirt path. The soft breeze was still blowing and Alex soon found himself captivated by the swaying grass. Movement to the left caught his eye and he turned. A cloud was hovering low to the ground, this cloud has a rainbow tail.

;Let's give this pony a fright.’

Alex grabbed hold of the .50 cal, spun it around to face the cloud and yelled.

"Oi! I know you're in the cloud! Come out slowly and you won't be harmed!"

A rainbow mane slowly emerged from the cloud followed shortly by a cyan head with glaring magenta eyes.

"Alright you got me." The pony said begrudgingly.

"Come on out of there and join us." Alex yelled.

The pony raised an eyebrow.

"And why would I want to do that? I'm not going to become one of your prisoners."

"Prisoners? You serious?"

"You've captured AJ and Fluttershy and you're forcing others to drive your machines! You won't

take me!"

Alex facepalmed hard.

"It's not like that-" Alex tried to say.

The pony suddenly put on a burst of speed and flew right for the Captain. He ducked back into the cupola just as the cyan pony flew over.

"Utah! I've got that rainbow pony hassling me!" Alex said urgently.

"That ponies name is Rainbow Dash." Utah said.

"Fitting."

"Hmm. Do you want to stop? Applejack is friends with her, she can get her to stop."

"That sounds like a good idea."

Alex popped back out of the cupola and looked into the sky.

"All units prepare to stop on my mark. I repeat, prepare to stop on my mark." Alex said over the headset.

Rainbow whizzed over Alex's head again.

"Mark!"

The convoy came to a gradual halt.

"Do your magic, Utah!" Alex said once the convoy was still.

The doors of the Humvee opened and the ponies stepped out.

"Rainbow!" Applejack called.

She turned to Applejack in surprised and flew down to her.

"What in the hay do you think you're doing?" Applejack said.

"I'm stopping these hoo-mans from taking over Ponyville." She said urgently.

Applejack's eye twitched and she ushered Rainbow to move closer. Their conversion was inaudible but it definitely looked heated. Rainbow had a sheepish grin on her face and she was red with embarrassment. Alex looked over to Ironluck who was also watching with a large grin on her face. They both shrugged and continued to watch.

"So you see Rainbow that they're just trying to help." Applejack said.

"Heh, yeah." Rainbow rubbed the back of her head.

She flew back towards Alex and landed on the turret.

"I'm uh... Sorry." She said quickly.

"No hard feelings." Alex said with the nod of his head. “Just don’t do it again.”

Rainbow flew back up into the air and onto her cloud.

“All units, we’re moving out. Utah, lead the way.” Alex said into his headset.

“Got it sir.”

Alex closed his eyes as the convoy starting moving again. Ride of the Valkyries continued to play in his head.

Author's Note

The new tank will be announced at the 700th like. As usual see something that isn't right? Tell me in the comments below.

A Change of Plan (Re-written)

"Utah, what about the locals?" Alex asked.

"They'll panic. But don't worry." Utah nonchalantly replied.

"Uh, If you say so."

Alex looked over the small town. He could see a tower poking out from the middle and brightly coloured cottages surrounding it. They looked a bit like something you'd see from the Middle Ages. A few dull apartment buildings stood out. A small river revealed itself as the convoy got closer and the only way over was a small bridge. Alex judged by the size of it that it wouldn't be able to support the weight of an Abrams, LAV or Leopard.

"Utah, we're not going to be able to get over the bridge, I want to to stop just before the bridge so we can inspect the river." Alex ordered.

"Yes, sir."

"Deep water wading are we?" Roger asked from inside the turret.

"Hardly. How's the pup doing?" Alex said.

"She's sleeping."

"Good. We don't need any interruptions right now."

The sun was then suddenly blocked by a cloud, Rainbow's cloud. Alex reveled in the sudden shade but it was short lived as the cloud moved away to the front of the convoy.

"Son of a..." Alex muttered.

"We're coming up on the river, Captain." Utah announced.

"Alright, all units halt. Commanders, meet down at the river."

The convoy came to a stop and the commanders of the individual vehicles hopped out and met up at the bank of the river. Their boots crunched under pebbles and the sound of rushing water filled everyone's ears. The water was almost crystal clear and looked pollutant free aside from to occasional piece of driftwood.

"Gentlemen, and uhh mare." Alex said with a nod.

Daseal, Adam and Ironluck stood in a small group looking at the river.

"Now I'm sure all of you noticed that our tanks are not going to get over that bridge."

They all nodded.

"We'll go through the river instead, Utah will continue over the bridge and clear the path."

More nodding.

"Utah, we're good down here, continue on ahead and scout out the path." Alex ordered into the headset.

"Got it."

The Humvee's engine started up with a growl, the crewmen watched as it slowly and cautiously rolled over the bridge.

"I want full attention on me." Alex said clearly, "you all know the drill. I want to keep this as clean as possible. If you notice something fishy going on I want you to report it, understood?"

"Yes, sir." The men and pony replied.

"Alright, Ironluck, how deep is this river?" Alex asked.

"I'm not sure but I think a meter or so." Ironluck guessed.

"Easy enough, everyone back to the tanks, we'll follow your lead Daseal."

"You can count on me sir."

"Ironluck, a word?" Alex asked as he stepped in front of the pony.

"What do you need?"

"You're probably the only pony on this planet that has a tank right now. I'm sure you remember our talk from before and it still stands. I don't know what we're going to face in that town but I want you on your best behaviour. I've been very lenient about you and the Leopard, I don't want to regret my decisions. Is that clear?"

"Crystal clear, dad." Ironluck said with a smirk.

"Uh, good."

The pair walked away from the riverbank and back to their vehicles. As Alex climbed atop of the Retribution II he informed the crew about the change of plan. He hopped into the commander's seat and closed the cupola.

"Close those hatches." He ordered into the headset.

There were dull thunks and clangs as hatches along the convoy closed and locked. Every vehicle became as airtight as possible.

"Lead the way Daseal."

The sounds of engines revving filled the air, they echoed deep into the seemingly quite pony village. The LAV pulled off the path, headed down towards the bank of the river and slowed down. The LAV drove over a few large rocks and finally splashed down into the rushing water. It beat upon her hull but posed no threat. The Retribution II followed the lead of the LAV, making sure to take great care while rolling over the large rocks. Machine and water finally met as the Retribution II sunk into the river. Soon the whole convoy was in the water with the exception of the LAV which had already reached the other side. Water pounded against the hulls of the tanks and began to throw the occasional piece of driftwood at them.

Alex's headset crackled to life and a distorted message came through, "This is Utah, I've spotted what appears to be a roadblock up ahead."

"Roadblock?" Alex radioed back, his confusion was loud and clear.

"Yes, sir. Small concrete barriers, sandbag barriers and other furniture."

"Keep me posted."

"There are Royal Guards stationed at the roadblock, they trying to- hey what are you-?!" There was some grunting then the line went dead.

"Utah, do you read? Gunnery Sergeant do you read?"

Static greeted him.

"Lead foot, pick up the pace, Right now! Fucking floor it!" Alex yelled.

"You got it!"

The Retribution II put on a burst of speed, throwing angry waves of water around them. The tank slammed into the riverbank and rose out of the river. Water poured from the hull as the tank tilted up.

"Daseal, what do you see?" Alex asked.

"The Humvee is gone, sir!" Daseal reported.

"What the fuck do you mean gone?!"

"It's not there, sir!"

"Is the roadblock still there?"

"Yes sir. By the looks of it there are at least 20 armored ponies there. And they look pissed."

"Sit tight and wait for the rest of the convoy, we'll deal with this very shortly." Alex ordered angrily.

The Leopard announced itself by the sound of water pouring off the hull.

"I think you should just ram the damned barrier, sir ." Daseal suggested.

"On any other day that would be a sound plan, Sergeant. But today isn't that day."

"Aye, sir."

The LAV slowed down and pulled to the side of the path. The Retribution II pulled up alongside her followed by the Leopard and Kangaroo. At this angle Alex could see the roadblock. It looked hastily constructed but solid in design. It sat right at the entrance of Ponyville, in between two large sturdy buildings that started the town. It was time for some inside information.

"Ironluck some of your Royal Guard friends have set up a roadblock at the entrance of Ponyville."

"And what do you want me to do about it?"

"What would these guards be equipped with?"

"I dunno. Probably spears, that seems to be the standard issue weapon."

"Just spears?"

"Well they've probably got some spell casters too."

Alex sighed and raised a hand to rub his bandaged forehead.

"Well they've taken Utah and his Humvee so I'm going to have to take this as a Hostile act."

"You're sure about this, sir?" Adam said.

"I have no choice but to take this as a hostile act. They've taken one of our Armored Vehicles and one of our men, and I'm not going to let them get away with that."

Alex felt something tap his knee and he looked down, Roger was staring at him with an urgent look.

"Sir, I'm seeing a lot of movement around that barrier. They know we're coming."

"Thanks Roger. Keep watching them."

"Will do." Roger replied with a quick nod.

The compartment fell quiet and the only noise as the sound of the idling engine. It was showtime.

"All units follow my lead and hold your fire. I repeat hold your fire do not engage any of the ponies. Unless I say so."

A string of acknowledges were sent back. Alex opened up the cupola and pulled himself out. He carefully reached for the bustle rack and pulled out his M4. The Leopards cupola swung open and Ironluck popped her head out. Alex gave the pony a quick wave with his free hand and she waved back. He dropped back down into the cupola, slung his M4, grabbed the .50 cal and racked the bolt.

"Take us in, Sam. Nice and slow."

"Aye, Captain."

The Retribution II lurched steadily forward, they pulled back onto the path and kicked up dirt. Her engine purred as they did so, she sounded ready and eager to deal some damage. As the roadblock came closer Alex could distinguish several Royal Guards and one pony in purple armor.

"Stop a few meters from the roadblock." Alex ordered.

The sun glinted off one of the Guards armor and Alex squinted.

"David, get up here and man the M240!" He barked.

The loaders hatch opened and David popped out.

"You rang?" He said.

"Yes I did. Now man that MG." Alex ordered.

David grabbed the handle of the M240 and gave a thumbs up which Alex returned. The houses loomed closer and the sun disappeared behind them.

"Alright, this is it!" Alex yelled over his shoulder.

The Retribution II came to a stop just in front of the barrier. Two Royal Guardsmen walked up next the tank. The Retribution II towered over the guards, they looked like dwarves in comparison to her, infact it was so large that the guards had to strain their necks to look up at the Captain.

"By the order of Celestia, you are to leave your Vehicles and surrender your weapons." One said.

"I'm sorry but that ain't happening." Alex said. "This is US Marine's property."

"If you do not comply we are authorized to use force." The Guard said again.

"And so are we." Alex replied.

It was a stalemate, the convoy of tanks had their weapons trained on the Guards and the Guards had their horns charged. Alex felt a tap on his foot and he looked down. Roger was once again looking at Alex with an urgent look on his face.

"What now?" Alex whispered.

"I think it would be best to listen to them." Roger whispered back.

"And lose our tanks and weapons to a bunch of ponies? I don't think so."

"What do you suggest we do then?" Roger hissed.

"If they so much as touch my tank, I'm going to open a can of whoop ass on them. And you know as well as I do that we'd be court martialed if we handed our weapons over. Don't be stupid." Alex hissed back.

Roger bit his bottom lip and brought a hand to the bridge of his nose. Alex sighed and looked back the Guard who looked anxious.

"We are willing to settle this peacefully but we cannot hand over these weapons!" Alex yelled to the guards.

"I... don't know if the Princess..." The Guard grunted.

A deep frown etched it's way along Alex's face.

'Bunch of amateurs.' He thought to himself.

"Well I want to see this Princess."

The Guards mouth opened in shock and the other Guards stationed at the roadblock also dropped their jaws, all except for the Guard in purple which spoke up.

"And why would we let you see the Princess?" The Guard in purple said with a raspy voice.

Alex cringed at the sound of it. "So we can negotiate."

"You are on no grounds to negotiate." The purple Guard said.

"There won't be any ground under you if I can't see the Princess." Alex said coldly.

The purple Guard remained unfazed.

"I don't respond to threats. Get them out of those vehicles."

"There goes negotiating." Alex said to Roger.

Half of the Guards started moving towards the Retribution II.

“Firing a warning shot!”

Alex raised the M4 to his shoulder and fired a single shot at their feet. The guards flinched at the sudden loud sound and jumped back.

"Don't move any further!" Alex barked. "I don't want any blood on my hands! All I want is to see the Princess, is that so much to ask?"

The guards shared glances and then looked back to the purple Guard. One guard walked over to him and began talking.

"Captain, we should just let them see the Princess."

"Get back to your position, Private."

"But, sir, we are clearly outmatched and outgunned. It would be smarter to allow their request."

"And if the Princess doesn't want to see them? Then what, Private?"

"She'll see them, sir. I know it."

The Guard Captain grunted in reply.

"You are to stay here. If you move you will be forcefully taken down." The Guard Captain said.

"I'll stay still if your goons stay still." Alex replied.

The guards didn't respond well to the insult but they kept their composure.

"Stand your ground, men." The Guard Captain barked.

The Guard Captain walked around the barrier and had a quick discussion with two guards which Alex recognized as Lefty and Righty. The Captain left and Lefty and Righty walked over to the Retribution II. Alex watched with glaring eyes as they approached.

"Human." Lefty said with a nod.

"Where's Utah and his Humvee?"

"We're not at the convenience to tell you." Righty said.

"Is Utah hurt? If he is, someone is going to get a bullet to the brain."

"He's fine. Even saying that is too much." Lefty glanced left and right.

"I'm surprised you got Shining to get Celestia." Righty said with a smirk.

"Shining?"

"Shining Armor. Captain of the Royal Guard. He's the brother of the pony you shot; Twilight."

"Yeah well, she shot first." Alex said with a sheepish grin.

"You're lucky he doesn't know that was you, otherwise he'd probably have you in the stockade right now." Lefty said with a laugh.

"I'd like to see him try." Alex crossed his arms and frowned.

"Oh he'd get you. Trust me." Lefty said with another laugh.

"Like I said, I'd like to see him try. But anyhow, why is this happening?"

"Why is what happening?"

"This whole "give up your weapons and vehicles" thing? I mean come on! Things were going smoothly until this shit happened."

"You can blame Captain Armor for that."

"I already am." Alex grunted.

There was a strong gust of wind and Alex had to grab the edge of cupola to keep himself in place. Lefty looked up and let out a low whistle of admiration.

"I'd say that's a new record."

"Huh?" Alex looked up and watched with amazement as winged ponies whizzed around with clouds, forming one large, rumbling, grey cloud.

"Huh?" He said, slack jawed.

"Utah had that same look." Lefty said with a chuckle. "That's the Cloudsdale weather team, the finest around."

"Well that's great and all, but why are they moving clouds?"

"Utah asked that same question too."

"I don't care what Utah asked!" Alex snapped. "What I NEED to know is where and why one of my men have taken."

"I-I can't say." Lefty stammered.

"Well I can."

Alex turned his attention away from the two Guards and towards the new regal sounding voice at the barricade. A white horse with a flowing multi-colored mane was walking with Captain Armor.

"My apologies." The white horse said.

The guards bowed as the horse walked past them.

’This is the Princess? Jesus Christ, talking ponies and horses.’

"But I could not be certain with what was in store of us. After hearing about Twilight's run in with you I decided it was best for you to be disarmed for the time being."

Alex blinked a few times and glanced at David who was doing the same.

"You're the Princess?" Alex asked, the disbelief was evident in his voice.

"Yes." The Princess said with a slight nod.

"Captain Noah of the United States Marines. On behalf of the human race, it is both a pleasure and an honor to meet you." Alex said with a bow.

The roadblock went quiet in surprise at the sudden change of character. David was staring at Alex with a lopsided smile while Captain Armor gave a somewhat approving nod.

"The pleasure is mine, Captain. Now you seem to have a problem...?" Celestia’s voice trailed off to signal Alex to the stage.

"Yes I do. You see, I cannot and will not relinquish these weapons."

"I see.” Celestia nodded her head in thought. ”Is there an agreement we can come to?"

"That depends. But I simply cannot allow any of your Guards to lay a single finger- uh, hoof on these weapons."

"Cannot you simply store these weapons somewhere safe?" She suggested.

"Ah well-" Alex was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder.

"We do have the LAV." David whispered.

"That could work. Great idea, David." Alex whispered back.

Alex cleared his throat. "We could store our weapons in our LAV but on two conditions."

"Yes?"

"One: that we keep our sidearms on us at all times. Two: you will release Gunnery Sergeant Utah and his Humvee."

"Of course! Your Gunnery Sergeant was never a prisoners. I have but one complaint. Your vehicles, what will become of them?"

Alex paused to think. ’Do we still have the protective caps? Will they fall for that?’

"What if they were... disarmed?"

Princess Celestia looked at Captain Armor who took the idea into consideration and nodded.

"That is acceptable."

"All units, take out any weaponry that you may have and bring it out, that does not, I repeat, does not include your sidearms. Daseal open those doors, you're receiving some cargo."

Alex heard a faint "Oh boy".

"Aye, sir."

Alex pulled himself out of the cupola and over to the bustle rack. He pulled out three G36s and an M4. He slung all of them over his shoulder and jumped down.

"I'll be dumping weapons, feel free to join me if you wish."

Princess Celestia smiled and nodded. She trotted next to Alex and examined the Retribution II. The Captain could see the admiration and fear in her eyes, it brought a faint smile to his lips. The old girl was still doing her job well. Alex walked up to the driver hatch and hit it twice. It swung open and a head popped out. Alex gave sam a quick assuring nod and contributed on. The Princess looked puzzled.

"How many are in this "tank"?" Her eyes wandered back to the Captain.

"Four, if you’re including me."

"Surely this machine could fit more?"

"No, not a chance. That's the LAVs job." Alex jabbed a thumb at Daseal’s LAV.

"And this "LAV", how many does it hold?"

"Three crewmen and six passengers."

Alex started walking past the Leopard and Captain Armor coughed.

"What about this vehicle?"

"The crewmen in that vehicle are not carrying any weapons apart from the horns on their head."

Celestia caught on to Alex's implication and raised an eyebrow.

"But let us continue." Alex motioned with his hand for them to follow him.

Alex walked up to the Kangaroo just as Adam hopped down holding a bundle of Austeyr rifles.

"Sir." Adam greeted with a nod.

"Sergeant." Alex said with a nod of his own.

"What is this device on the front?" Celestia asked while motioning to the plough on the front of the Kangaroo.

"That, ma'am, is a mine plough." Adam stated.

"I see. And what does it do?"

"It ploughs into the ground and forces any mines or IEDs to either detonate or emerge from the ground."

"You've come very prepared." Captain Armor said with narrowed eyes.

"Wasn't my choice to come here." Adam said.

"I don't think anyone had a choice." Alex muttered.

"You were brought here against your will?" The Princess had a touch of concern in her voice.

"Well it was an accident." Alex said.

"Yeah, it was an accident. The good Doctor didn't think this would happen, did he?" Adam said.

"They probably think we're dead..."

The conversation came to an abrupt halt as the two tankers thought about what they had just said. There was an uncomfortable silence as the group made their way to the LAV, it was finally broken by the Princess.

"So, Captain. My faithful student had told me an interesting story about that mishap that happened not too long ago."

"Hmm?" Alex said, half listening.

"She claims she was "shot" by a tall creature."

Alex and Captain Armor stopped dead in their tracks.

"Twily was hurt?" Captain Armor’s mouth opened and his pupils dilated..

"Oh." Was all Alex could manage to say.

"Do you mind telling me who shot her?" Celestia asked.

"Well we all did. But I was the only person that managed to actually hit her. And for that I am sorry, but I assure you it was purely in self defense. She and her friend Fluttershy-"

Alex heard a snarl and barely had time to register a very angry Captain. He quickly turned to face the Guard Captain with a deep frown.

“Don’t you even think about it.” Alex warned as he dug his feet into the ground and prepared for the white pony to strike.

“We fired in self defense. Nothing more.”

Shining Armor’s nostrils flared as he dug his armoured hoof into the ground. The pony took a step forward and Alex quickly dropped all but one of the rifles in his hands. Men along the convoy had taken notice of the Captain’s stance and had begun to mount their weapons. Alex took aim and repeated himself.

“I said, don’t even think about it.”

Shining Armor grunted and stepped back. Celestia turned and gave Alex a quick appreciative nod. He quickly looked away and began to pick up the rifles that littered the ground. Adam helped him out by grabbing the M4 at his feet.

"I think we'd better hurry this up." Adam whispered.

"Yep, this shit is going downhill." Alex whispered back.

Alex and Adam picked up the pace and quickly made a break for the LAV. Daseal was waiting for them at the passengers door.

"We've already loaded our guns into the back, sir."

"Very good."

Alex carefully placed the rifles down onto the floor of the LAV. Adam followed suit and carefully laid down his rifles. The Princesses and Shining Armors curiosity got the better of them and they peered inside the LAV.

"Not very roomy." Celestia said as she inspected the interior.

"There's more than enough room." Alex said.

"What's that?" Shining Armor pointed to the MG3 lying across the seats.

Alex ducked inside the LAV and went to grab the MG3 but stopped.

"You mind?" Alex asked the Princess.

She remained quiet for a short while but finally made a decision. "If you must."

Crewmen watched and gathered around as Alex grabbed the MG3 and hauled it out of the LAV.

"This is the German made MG3." He rolled the MG in his hands. "It fires 7.65 NATO rounds at around 1200 rounds per minute. It, I believe, is based heavily off the MG42 from the Second World War."

Shining Armor watched with curiosity and admiration as Alex examined the MG in his hands.

"Second World War?" Celestia asked with concern.

"I'll tell you about that later." Alex said quickly. "But anyhow this is the MG3. A deadly weapon."

"You really have come prepared." Shining Armor said.

"Once again, we didn’t want to be here." Alex stepped back inside the LAV and placed the Machinegun back on the seats.

"But anyhow, that's all of our weapons." He pointed to the pile of guns sitting on the floor of the LAV.

"Very good." Celestia said with a nod.

"Now Princess, this is the most we're going to do for you. Our people have a strict policy with these weapons and we cannot simply give them up, they MUST remain with us."

"I understand, Captain. And now about your machines..." The Princess began.

"Captain!" A voice called out.

Alex turned away from the Princess and looked over to the LAV. Roger was ushering him over.

"One moment." Alex said to the Princess with a raised finger.

He jogged over to the group of crewmen. "What's up?"

"Sir, what's happening with the tanks?" Adam asked.

"I'll explain that now. Do you guys still have your protective caps for the main guns?"

"Of course. But why?" Adam asked in confusion.

"...I think I see what you're getting at, Captain." Daseal said with a devilish grin.

"I want you to get them out and place them over the main canons. I told the Princess we could 'disarm' them and this was the best I could come up with."

"Sounds good, sir." A crewman said.

"I'll make sure the Princess doesn't want anything else. Alright, wait until I give the order. Oh and make sure you inform your crews." Alex said with a firm nod.

He gave the crewmen a final look over and walked back over to the Princess. She was looking at Alex with a small smile.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, ma'am." Alex said with a small bow.

“Not to worry." Celestia said. “I'll have to admit that I'm slightly concerned about your vehicles, Captain Noah. The size of the weapons on these vehicles indicate they can do massive amounts of damage. Am I assuming correctly?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, they can.” Alex confirmed.

“I will not allow these vehicles to roam the streets of this humble town, you will cause confusion and chaos if ponies were to see this.”

“But Princess-”

“I will, however, let you take them to the town square where you will leave them for the time being.”

“But how can I trust that you won't touch my vehicles while they're there?"

“You’re just going to have to trust me. This is how friendships are forged.” Celestia said with a smile.

"If I may, I would like to make a request."

Celestia nodded in approval.

"That we are able to at least drive our vehicles to and from the square. These tanks will slowly fall into disrepair while not in use."

Celestia pondered it for a while and Alex could have sworn he heard cogs turning.

"I'll have to talk to Shining Armor about this, Captain."

"Of course, Princess."

She trotted away and over to the flock of anxious guards. Alex walked back over to his own batch of anxious men.

"How'd it go?"

"Well enough. Though the Princess has said that she doesn't want the tanks driving around her town, so we're going to have to leave them in the town square."

There was a chorus of groans.

"But I've asked the Princess about letting us drive them around outside of town, she's talking to the Guard Captain now." Alex continued.

"We'll that's something." Daseal said.

"Don't worry, the Princess said we'd get out tanks back later when she could "trust us"." Alex said.

"We'll at least we're getting them back."

"Sir, I don't like the idea of leaving the tanks out in the open, especially with this Jackass of a Guard Captain." Sam grumbled.

The conversation was halted by an outside voice.

"Captain." Celestia called.

"That's my cue." Alex said with a final nod.

Alex rushed over to where Celestia now stood.

"Ma'am?"

"We've decided that you can drive your vehicles away from the town. And your Humvee will be returned shortly with its driver."

"Very good." Alex visibly calmed at the good news.

"Now Captain, if you don't mind, could you please tell your men to disarm your vehicles."

Alex gave Celestia a quick nod. "All units, 'disarm' your vehicles."

Hatches swung open with creaks and clunks and tired looking crewmen pulled themselves out of their machines. Pathfinder popped out of the Leopard with a nervous look on her face. Each tank commander dug through their own bustle racks in search for their protective caps. All were quickly found and secured to the main weapons of each vehicle.

"Are those ponies?" Shining Armor asked in surprise as he spotted lronluck and Pathfinder having troubles.

"Yes. We found them on the way here." Alex affirmed.

The Guard Captain suddenly galloped off and Alex glanced at the Princess who rolled her eyes in response.

"I would like to apologize for the Captains earlier actions." Celestia said sincerely.

"It's alright, Princess. If Twilight was my sister I would have done the same."

A sudden pressure on Alex's leg made him jump in surprise. Pathfinder had snuck up and bumped his leg.

"Jesus, don't do that again." Alex growled.

"Jeez, calm down grumpy pants." Pathfinder said with a giggle.

The groups attention was shifted when the clanking of guards armor approached them. Lefty and Righty were walking towards them holding long spears.

"Pathfinder?" Righty asked.

Pathfinder moved from behind Alex's leg and squeaked out a reply.

"Yes?"

"You're to come with us."

Pathfinder looked up at Alex with sad eyes.

"Hold on just a second. This pony isn't going anywhere." Alex stated.

"Captain, you have no jurisdiction over us, now step to the side." Righty warned.

He scratched behind Pathfinders ear to try and calm her down, it seemed to work and she let out a relaxed sigh. She took a deep breath and brushed past Alex's legs. The guards moved to stand either side of her and walked off.

"What do you think they'll do with her?" David asked as he walked up to the Captain.

"They'll probably want to know how to drive the tank." Sam said with an annoyed frown.

"I hope not." Alex said. "The Princess here said they wouldn't touch those tanks and the least thing we need is more ponies driving tanks."

"Too right." An Australian said.

"Jesus Christ you guys! Why are you all over here all of a sudden? Go on, back to your tanks, we'll make a formal introduction for you all later." Alex said with a wave of his hand.

The group slowly shuffled back to their vehicles. Two guards walked past them with a confused Ironluck.

"Well that confirms my suspicions." Alex heard Sam say.

"Well shit." David swore.

"Hold on, what about the Leopard?" Alex turned to look at the Princess.

"Hold up guys!" He said with a raised hand.

The hoard of crewmen halted their shuffling and turned around to face the Captain.

"I need someone to watch this Leopard while her "crew" is away. Any volunteers?"

An Australian stepped forward. The name tag on his vest revealed that he was Private Kat.

"I'll look after her, sir."

"Good on you, Private. We'll come and get you soon. But if the original crew return before we do, just make sure to tell them to follow us."

"Can do." The Australian jogged over to the Leopard 2 and stood at the ready.

The rest of the crewmen continued their way back to their vehicles, grumbling and mumbling all the way.

Even the sky seemed to be in a bitter mood; huge dark clouds filled the sky. They rumbled angrily, almost as if in protest. As the rest of the crewmen piled into their vehicles, Alex decided to walk with the Princess and several guards, diplomatic talks did have to continue after all. The LAV rumbled to life just as the heavens opened up. The clouds continued to rumble angrily as the first drops of rain fell. Alex looked up at the sky and allowed the rain to soak his face. Celestia watched in interest and confusion as Alex stood perfectly still, staring up at the sky. She cautiously trotted up next to him and looked at the sky with him.

"It's weird you know? We were out testing some new equipment, everything was going fine until it started raining. I used to like the rain, hell I used to love it. But now..." Alex shook his head and left his sentence unfinished.

Celestia watched sadly as Alex looked back down. Raindrops rolled down his face and splashed onto his vest.

He took a deep breath and made the order, “Follow the guards, David, they’ll be taking us to where we need to go. Everyone else, follow the Retribution II."

The convoy lazily rumbled forward into town escorted by a squad of gleaming golden guards. The rain continued to pour down as Alex walked beside the Retribution II with the Princess. As the rain soaked him further, Alex's bad mood returned. He didn't notice at first but several faces peered out of the small cottage like buildings that lined the cobblestone road, doors opened and ponies curiously emerged. Some of them started following the group but were kept at a distance by royal guards.

"Well it looks like we're getting a crowd." Alex said.

"My ponies are very interested in you." Celestia said with a warm smile.

Alex sighed and the trip lapsed into silence once again, the only sound was the rain bouncing off the metal of the tanks and Guards armor. Rainbow Dash suddenly soared into view and landed on top of the Retribution II with a few loops.

"Down." Alex ordered.

Rainbow smiled sheepishly and hovered down. She still had that smirk on her face, the one that drove Alex mad.

"Captain." She said with a salute.

Alex glared at her and she lost the salute.

"Don't try to play soldier. Not now."

Celestia gave him a curious look and then frowned. Rainbow looked meekly at the ground and pawed at the dirt. Alex walked past her without so much as a second glance. The guards had directed the convoy to the left through an alleyway.

"This is a shortcut to the town square." Celestia explained.

"Right." Alex grunted.

Rainbow suddenly swooped down and hovered in front of Alex with her fore legs crossed much like how a person would cross their arms.

"Hey, what's your problem?"

Alex sighed. "My problem? I don't have a problem," He poked Rainbow's nose and she scrunched it. "I'm just in a bad mood. This entire situation has had me on edge, you know."

"Well cheer up already, will ya?" She said.

"I outrank you." Alex stated. "Now buzz off."

Rainbow stuck her tongue out at Alex and flew off. Celestia chuckled and moved closer to Alex.

"You are quite interesting."

"Trust me, I'm not."

Alex noted that Celestia was examining him right down to the core. Her eyes were searching his body up and down. It felt like he was being searched, layer by layer. He found very little reason to care.

The narrow alleyway could barely fit the convoy and its entourage. The looming cottages only backed up the fact. The crowd of ponies following then had also grown in size, one mint green unicorn in particular was bouncing around yelling something while a cream colored pony tried to hold her down. Alex looked at the crowd with a confused smile which, surprisingly, many of the ponies returned.

"Are they always this welcoming?" Alex asked.

"Not normally. I'm surprised that these ponies aren't hiding as they did with Zecora."

"Zecora? Sounds exotic."

"Indeed. She's a zebra that lives in the Everfree. I'm surprised you didn't meet her."

"I'm sure she heard us though." Alex said with a grin.

"I certainly hope not."

The wind suddenly changed directions and Celestia's flowing mane was all over Alex's face. He fought the tide of hair valiantly but was quickly overcome by the sheer amount.

"Jesus Christ!" Alex exclaimed as he tried pushing more of the hair away.

Celestia seemed to be enjoying the sight of her hair attaching itself onto another person and was laughing softly. There was a rumble of thunder, the wind suddenly changed again and the multicolored hair left Alex's face. He looked up at the raincloud and gave a thumbs up. He was shocked when the raincloud returned it.

’Fucking, what?’

He stared at the fist in the sky. There was some movement within the cloud itself and a grey pony emerged. It was none other than Ditzy. She waved at Alex and he waved uncertainly back.

"She always like that?" He whispered to Celestia.

"Just about." The Princess whispered back. "But wait until you meet Pinkie Pie."

"Pinkie Pie?"

"Pinkie Pie." Celestia repeated. "The element of Laughter."

"She better not be the element of Luger or someone is going to cop it."

The bad joke went completely over Celestia's head.

"Luger?"

"You know the pistol... it was a joke."

"That was a joke?" Celestia said, puzzled.

"...and that's why I don't tell jokes."

"Hmm, yes, well... Ah! We're here!"

The alleyway opened up and Celestia beamed.

"Welcome to Ponyville!"

Author's Note

Here is the first re-written chapter, I will most likely go through and edit little parts here and there but the chapter should stay mostly the same. I do feel as this has been an improvement, however, I haven't strayed very far from the original roots of this chapter and I need feedback from you guys. Tell me what you think down in the comments, don't hold back on any criticism. How else am I going to learn? The second and third re-written chapters should be out soon.

The Formalities

“Fire!”

The Abrams main gun roared and scored another kill, the T-72s turret blown sky high.

“Kill confirmed. Good shot!” Captain Alex "Blitz" Noah yelled over the noise of the engine.

“Hoo-rah!” Sergeant Roger Kovarov yelled back with pride.

The Abrams then shuddered as a shot landed next to them, all laughter lost and seriousness returned.

“T-72, 3 o’clock, behind the ruined church,” Alex announced, “Looks like it’s dug in well.” An idea slowly formed in his head, “Sam, move us around for a better position, David load a High Explosive. Looks like it’s time to bring the house down on him.”

A grin formed on Rogers face as he slowly got the idea, facing the turret towards the supports of the church tower.

“HE Loaded,sir!” Private David Farfield shouted.

“In position,sir.” Corporal Sam "Lead Foot" Evern yelled.

“On my mark…” Alex slowly said, “Fire!”

The main gun rocked back and the tower supports were blown to hell, the tower slowly collapsing upon the dug in T-72, covering it in massive chunks of debris, rendering it useless for the time being. A tired cheer went up inside the Abrams which was cut short by another explosion as the Abrams next to them went up in a ball of flames.

“Holy shit, get us out of here!” Alex yelled in shock.

Sam, all too happy to oblige, slammed into reverse pulling away just as the ground in front of them exploded, shells raining down upon the now dwindling tank company.

“This is command, all tank companies pull back. Hostile armour is closing in and the Air Force will be clearing the area within the hour, out.”

“You heard the man,” Alex yelled, “let’s get the hell out of here!”

“Already one step ahead of you, sir!” Sam yelled back.

The Abrams pulled off a 180 turn and began the long trip back to base followed by 10 or so others.

“So how many confirmed kills does the Retribution II have now Blitz? “ Roger piped up.

Alex chuckled lightly, he was never going to get used to being called “Blitz”. He wasn’t sure how the nickname came around but it stuck, but Sam’s nickname, on the other hand, came around due to him being one of the best drivers in the Marines and being able to push a tanks best speed well above normal. No one knew how he did it but he had his ways.

“I’d say about 12 now Sergeant,” Alex replied, “We’ll add the mark when we get back to base.”

“That was a fucking close one, that tank that went up could have been us!” David said worriedly.

“Get used to it man, this shit happens all the time.” Sam joined in on the conversation, his eyes never wandering from the road.

David just stared at the driver thinking about how heartless that sounded, sure it happened all the time but that doesn’t change the fact it could have been them and that good men died.

“So you don’t care in the slightest!?”

“Of course I care you twit, some good guys just died but we can’t mourn their deaths forever.” Sam replied, starting to sound annoyed.

Alex knowing that this argument would last for a while, popped open the cupola and breathed in the fresh sandy air, while listening to the Retribution IIs engine roaring away. Thinking about home and how he longed just to be there with his brother and his wife Jasmine, he pulled out his lucky charm, a small stuffed fluffy hotdog. A lot of people were confused to why that was his lucky charm, plenty of people asked but he refused to tell them, he kept that story to himself. He wasn’t planning on telling anyone anytime soon.

Alex put his sunglasses on as he looked away from the hotdog, now looking at the significantly smaller tank company. Fully realizing how many tanks were lost in the battle. He cringed as he realized over half the company was lost, he hoped the Deathwatch wasn’t amongst them. The Deathwatch was commanded by his best friend, Second Lieutenant Arran Offand, and he considered him family. They had known each other since Officer Candidates School and had gotten along like brothers. Alex decided to radio the Deathwatch and see if Arran was in one piece.

“Hey guys, shut up down there!” Alex yelled down to the crew, as he closed the cupola.

The argument which was still raging slowly subsided; Sam and David argued all the fucking time, their way of passing the time I suppose.

“Retribution II to the Deathwatch, come in, over.” Alex said into his headset.

A couple of tense seconds later a reply came back,

“Deathwatch to the Retribution II, we’re here. Don’t worry, nothing but a scratch, over.”

Alex laughed and sighed in relief.

“Good to hear you’re in one piece Second Lieutenant, considering the losses I feared the worst.” Alex said to his friend.

“Shit Captain, did you miss me that much?” Replied 2nd Lt. Offand, chuckling.

“Piss off.” Laughed Alex.

“This is the Black Bear, limit the chatter. You can catch up when you get to base, over.”

The crew of the Retribution rolled their eyes at the sound of First Lieutenant Bunker’s voice; he was the commander of the “Black Bear” and was the biggest dickhead around. Bunker hated Alex and his crew with a passion, Alex and his crew had a mutual feeling towards him and his crew too.

“Love you too First Lieutenant.” Snickered Arran.

“I’ll talk to you when we get back to base Offand. Out,” Alex finished and then yawned, “Wake me up when we get to base. I need some shut eye.”

He closed his eyes while tucking his hotdog away in his top pocket and placing his glasses in his collar and slowly drifted to sleep as the Retribution rumbled forward.

The rest of the hour and a half long drive back to base went smoothly considering the heat. Roger and David idly chatted away until Sam announced they were coming up towards base.

“Alright ladies we’re just about there, Roger, wake up the Captain.”

Roger softly shook Alex’s shoulder a few times before he finally awoke from his slumber.

“…Hmmmm?” Alex mumbled, licking his lips and cracking his neck.

“We’re here sleepy head- uh, sir.” Sam announced.

“Ah, good I need to stretch these legs.” Roger said, shifting his legs around.

“You and me both, man.” David replied, shifting his own legs as well.

Alex gave a sigh of relief as he opened the cupola to see the bases main walls each corner adorned with a watchtower and a .50 cal. The company slowly formed into a column, The Retribution coming in last. Alex and the rest of the crew were thinking about finally relaxing when a strange noise come from the rear of the Retribution. Alex looked around to see Dark smoke coming from the engine.

“Captain, the temperature of the engine is rising rapidly!” Sam yelled and swore as the Retribution came to a grinding halt.

“Shit!” Alex cursed loudly, “The engine has overheated!”

His headset crackled as he revived a message,

“Well, Captain,” said a smug voice, “looks like you’ve finally pushed the Retribution too hard at last.”

“What do you want First Lieutenant?!” Alex growled back.

“Calm down Captain. I just wanted to know if your man and you would like a lift into base. We can’t have you sitting out there all day.”

Alex sat there his fists balling up. He’d rather have a tea party naked, than let that dickhead give them a lift.The Retribution II had been running perfectly ever since being deployed this morning. All the other tanks –ALL of them- had needed to stop sooner or later for field repairs, but not her. So why the hell did she decide to break down now? Alex smashed his fist against the side of the cupola and said,

“Damn it. Couldn’t you have waited just a few more metres?” He then replied to John, “Move on, First Lieutenant, before my gunner blows you to hell.”

“Why the hostility Captain? Save it for the enemy. Black Bear is moving on. Maybe we’ll see you later in the mess hall? We’ll try and leave some food for you, but no guarantees. Bunker, out.”

Alex threw off his headset and roared in frustration,

“She couldn’t have picked a worse fucking time!”

“Yes, she could.” Sam said, his voice almost a growl.

“What?” said Alex. Sam was normally quiet, but it was the confrontation tone that really surprised him.

“She could have picked a far worse time to give out on us and you bloody well know it, Captain. In fact she’s the last tank to give out in this entire company, and she waited until now, the safest moment since we deployed this morning. I reckon you should give yourself an uppercut just for saying that, sir.”

Alex was speechless.

“Yeah I think so, too!” said Roger with a firm nod.

Alex looked down at David who just smiled in agreement. Alex slowly leant back against the inside of the cupola and just looked at the crew. He’d served with all of them for years now and not once had he gone off like that, looked like his age had caught up with him. He smiled weakly and said,

“Sorry guys, looks like my age has finally caught up with me and I know I haven’t been in a good mood for weeks now.” Alex was 39 turning 40 in just a few weeks; he was the oldest in the crew, David being the youngest at 21, Sam 24 and Roger was 29.

“Don’t worry about it Captain,” Sam said, a smile slowly forming on his face, “You just need a week’s R&R and you’ll good as new.”

“Hah, yea make sure to remind me about that.” Alex said, laughing softly.

Bending to pick up his headset as it crackled, he’d received a message.

“This is the Retribution II, go ahead.”

“Retribution II, this is the M88A2 Recovery Vehicle “Atlanta”, we’ll be pulling up to you now. Give us a minute to get the tow-cables hooked up and we’ll be underway, over.”

“Understood, Atlanta,” he replied, “Let me know when you’re done.”

Alex looked at the crew and with a thoughtful smile on his face said,

“I think this would be a good time to have a stretch.”

“How many tanks did we lose, Major?” General Vandenburg asked his assistant.

“In total General, we lost 11 tanks and 39 crewmen.” Major Phress said grimly.

Vandenburg sighed put his coffee on his desk and sat down, looking at the Major with a frown. Doctor Hanguard’s experimental ‘shielding’ could have prevented over half of the losses, but it was still in its final testing stages and he could not risk putting innocent men’s lives at risk, not with tech like that. He didn’t understand it completely but he knew how dangerous that tech could be.

“Major, send a message down to Doctor Hanguard’s lab and check his progress. I want an update by the end of the day.” Vandenburg said rising from his chair and picking his coffee back up and taking a sip, before putting it down again in disgust.

“Also get me another coffee, this one’s gone cold.”

“Yes, sir.” Phress said before briskly saluting and walking out the door.

Vandenburg watched him leave with a slight smile on his face.

'Phress is a good man.'

He’d been his assistant for just over 5 years now. His thoughts then returned to Doctor Hanguard’s work, and its ground-breaking field. Hanguard’s work was with protective shielding, the kind of stuff from Star Trek and such, but on a much smaller scale, i.e. Tanks, Humvees, and LAVs. The shielding while not permanent provided the vehicle with up to 10 minutes or 30 direct hits from a tank's main gun before it overloaded. While being extremely useful it came at a price, a large one, costing just over $100 Million, and that’s just for one of the fucking things. Equipping the entire US Military would go into the hundreds of Billions.

Vandenburg looked at his watch and realized he’d spent just over an hour sitting here thinking. He silently cursed himself for letting himself become distracted and prepared for his meeting.

The Retribution II was towed away to the motor pool for some much needed repairs, in the meantime her crew received some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

It was now 11 o’clock at night and Alex couldn’t sleep. He had tried to, many times, but he’d always end up dreaming about a flash of blue light and wake up sweating like a pig.

“Fuck this shit.” Alex said, voicing his thoughts out loud.

He hopped out of his bunk and decided to grab a coffee from the mess hall. While walking he pulled out his hotdog again, a tear slowly welling up in his eye as he looked at it.

He quickly shoved it away again as to not start crying. He looked up and realized he was already at the mess hall; he opened the doors and smiled as he saw a familiar face.

“Hey, Second Lieutenant!” Alex said as he walked over to his old friend.

“Hey Blitz. Couldn’t sleep either, sir?” Arran said smiling as he turned around giving Alex a handshake.

“Yea, kept having some fucked up dream, so I decided I’d grab a coffee and sit down for a while.” Alex said while grabbing a plastic cup.

“Same here sir, having some dream with a flash of blue light.” Arran said, shaking his head and taking a sip of his coffee.

Alex stopped halfway through pouring his coffee and stared at his friend with a look of surprise, Arran looked back with a confused look on his face.

“What?”

“I was having that exact same dream, man.” Alex said, slowly pouring the rest of his coffee.

“Really?” Arran asked in surprise.

“Yeah, some massive flash of blue light and then I’d wake up sweating like a pig.” Alex replied, taking a seat next to his friend.

“Sounds about right.” Arran said after taking another sip of his coffee

“This is probably some sort of coincidence?” Alex said not too convincingly.

“Meh, probably, but I don’t believe the ‘two minds linked together shit’.” Arran replied dismissively, “I wouldn’t worry about it, sir”

“Yea I suppose not.” Alex said, moving the dream out of his head.

The pair sat there for hours talking idly until they both decided to finally head off to sleep. They parted ways but before going to bed, Alex decided to check up on the Retribution IIs repairs. Walking across the compound Alex noticed that the Mechanics were removing… armour plating from her turret? He stood there confused for a second thinking about why they would need to remove it; she had taken no damage there, maybe a few scratches, but nothing serious enough to remove an entire area of plating. What he didn’t notice was that 2 other tanks were going under similar ‘repairs’. He ran up and yelled to the Mechanics.

“What that fuck are you doing to her?!”

They all turned around; surprised that anyone would be up at this time and that they were being yelled at.

“What, sir?” A mechanic nervously replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I said, what are you doing?” Alex said, slowly getting closer to his tank.

“Following orders, Captain.”

Upon hearing his voice, Alex looked around to see Major Phress walk from the behind of the Retribution, he briskly saluted, Phress returning the salute, told the Mechanics to continue working and walked towards Alex.

“Major, what are they doing to my tank.” Alex said. It wasn’t a question.

“They’re getting her ready for tomorrows-” Phress looked at his watch and corrected himself, “-or should I say this morning’s test.”

“Test, sir?” Alex echoed. He didn’t like the sound of that.

“Yes, Captain, Test. I can’t reveal what kind of test, so don’t bother asking. You’ll find out in a couple of hours.” Phress said, slowly walking back he stopped and said,

“You should get some rest, Captain. That’s an order.”

“Yes, Sir.” Alex said saluting and walking back to the barracks. He didn't like the sound of this at all.

First Impressions

“Come on Fluttershy!”

Twilight and Fluttershy stood at the edge of the Everfree forest. Twilight had visited all her friends as soon as she had woken up. She had rushed over to their houses but sadly, all of them were busy with one thing or another. Fluttershy was the only pony not doing something.

“W-why couldn’t anypony else come along?” Fluttershy mumbled.

“I already told you; Applejack is busy with the upcoming harvest, Rarity is busy with an important order, Pinkie was busy preparing a party, and Rainbow had to move the clouds for the upcoming storm.”

“Oh. Right.” Fluttershy nervously pawed the ground with her hoof and sighed.

“Alright, let’s go...” Twilight beamed in happiness and trotted into the Everfree with Fluttershy in tow.

“Twilight, you never did tell me what you saw,” Fluttershy said.

“Oh! Sorry Fluttershy!” Twilight said with an apologetic smile. “While I was looking at the stars, I was disturbed by last nights unusual storm in the Everfree.”

Fluttershy shuddered as she remembered the storm.

“There was a bright flash and I pointed my telescope at the Everfree. What I saw appeared to be a blue light, but it was pulsing like it was alive.”

“I don’t know of any animals that glow blue, Twilight.”

“Hmm. I didn’t have much time to-”

What sounded like a small explosion cracked in the distance made them stop in their tracks. Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind Twilight.

“What was th-”

Another distant explosion stopped them and was followed by somepony yelling something. More distant explosions echoed around the forest.

“I think we should head towards the sounds,” Twilight said.

“What?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“It’s the only way we can find out what it is. Come on!” Twilight said as she rushed towards the sounds.

“But-but-but...” Fluttershy tried to argue. Unfortunately, Twilight had already rushed away.

Fluttershy quickly raced after Twilight, running through bushes and leaping over fallen trees.

“EAT LEAD YOU WOODEN PRICKS!”

A deafening series of explosions made both Twilight and Fluttershy fall to their knees covering their ears.

“What in Equestria was that?” Twilight asked, turning to face Fluttershy.

Fluttershy trembled and turned to face Twilight but was too scared to respond.

The duo sat there quivering and waited for the loud bangs to stop. After a while, the rate of the sounds has decreased to almost nothing. Twilight decided it to wait a bit longer for Fluttershy’s sake.

“Are you ok to continue now, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked softly.

“I-I suppose…” Fluttershy mumbled.

Twilight cautiously trotted forward as Fluttershy hesitantly followed.

’Be brave Fluttershy, be brave…’ Fluttershy thought to herself.

They entered a bush that lead into a clearing. Twilight was about to gasp but quickly covered her mouth. Fluttershy nearly fainted. The clearing was with littered with dead Timber wolves and four strange wheeled boxes, one appeared to be upside down. Fluttershy pointed towards the centre of the clearing and Twilights jaw dropped. Four creatures in what appeared to be some sort of armour were digging a hole. Twilight turned to see two more armoured creatures carrying something. Fluttershy began to quietly cry. Twilight moved towards Fluttershy to comfort her.

“It-it’s a grave Twilight.” Fluttershy said between soft sobs.

Twilight looked up from Fluttershy to see the creatures lay what she realized was a dead body carefully in the grave, cross its arms and remove what appeared to be its helmet. They watched as the creatures filled the grave. When they finished one of the creatures approached the head of the grave holding a long black object in its hand, it stabbed the tip of it into the ground and put the helmet on top. It saluted the rest of the creatures followed suit.

“That one must be in command…” Twilight said thoughtfully.

Fluttershy gasped loudly as a Timber wolf cub emerged from behind the "commander’s" legs. The group of creatures heard the gasp and turned in Fluttershy and Twilight’s direction.

“Check that out.” The "commander" said, pointing towards the bush they sat in.

Twilight and Fluttershy sat frozen as two of the creatures moved towards them with their black objects raised.

Gunnery Sergeant Utah opened his eyes and was greeted by the bright sunlight. He quickly closed his eyes and covered them with his hands.

’Where’d the storm go?’

He opened his eyes again and blinked a few times to let them adjust.

’Still in the drivers seat. Good. Wait...’

Peering out the windscreen he saw the he was on the outskirts of a forest.

“Well isn’t this just fucking perfect!” He growled to himself.

’Where the hell am I and how the fuck did I get here?!’

Slamming his fist on the steering wheel he looked out the door window. He could see fields of what looked like apple trees that stretched forever. Looking closer he could also see a bright red barn.

’This definitely isn’t Afghanistan. But it looks strangely familiar...’

The Gunnery Sergeants stomach growled as he looked at the apple trees.

A quick bite couldn’t hurt.

Grabbing his M4 and loading a mag he popped open the door. Catching his foot on the rim he slammed face first into the ground.

’For gods sake...’

Flipping over onto his back he gazed into the cloudless sky and pulled himself up. Dusting himself off, GySgt. Utah headed towards the apple fields with his M4 raised. Slowly walking down the hill he noticed how vibrant and colourful everything was. The hill was a lush green and seemed to roll on forever, it was dotted with assorted flowers and the sky was an amazing blue. He slowed down to admire the view. Taking a deep breath he found that the air was surprisingly fresh.

’This place is something...’

Reaching the low wooden fence he cautiously hopped over and headed towards the closest apple tree. Lowering his M4 he picked an apple and inspected it. Taking a bite he could feel the flavors flowing into his mouth.

“Oh god. This is the best fucking apple I’ve ever had.” GySgt. Utah said smiling.

He took another bite and happily chewed away. Swallowing; he was about to take another bite when he heard footsteps. Dropping the apple he raised his M4 and backed away towards the fence. Seeing an orange pony come from behind a cluster of trees made him stop. It looked down at the half eaten apple and then at him.

’Nope!’

GySgt. Utah hopped over the fence and ran for his life. Peeking over his shoulder he saw the orange pony standing there confused, it shook its head and raced after him.

’It’s got a hat? Oh no. nonononono...’

He reached the top of the hill. Panting he turned to see the orange pony barely 5 metres from him. Eyes widening he stumbled towards his Humvee and remembered he had his M4 in his hands.

’Duh!’

Not wanting to hurt the pony he fired a few shots into the air. It dropped to the ground clutching it’s ears with its hooves. Laughing triumphantly he turned and slammed into the Humvee; losing his grip on his M4. It flew over the top of the Humvee and landed on the other side. Falling backwards he found himself staring into the blue cloudless sky again.

’Why me?’

His view of the sky was suddenly blocked by a pair of large emerald green eyes.

“What in the hay do ya' think you’re doing?” The orange pony said with a strong southern accent.

“Wha…?”

GySgt. Utah rolled over and leant his back against the Humvee staring at the orange pony in surprise and confusion.

“But you’re a pony and ponies can’t talk. Unless… No.”

“What?” The orange pony seemed to be as confused as him. “Who and what are you?!”

“Gunnery Sergeant Utah, ma’am!” He said as he quickly stood up saluting, startling the orange pony.

“The name’s Applejack,” She said as she examined him. “Are you a Royal Guard or something?”

“Royal Guard… No I’m not a Guard.” GySgt. Utah stood there confused and scratched his chin.

“Well what are-?” Applejack began to ask a question.

“Could I ask a question ma’am?” He cut in.

“o’ Course but you’ll have to answer mine first.” Applejack said with an annoyed tone.

“Alright, alright. I’m a United States Marine.” He said. Seeing that Applejack was about to say something so he quickly continued. “Now for my question, Am I in E- erm... is it Ecrustia?”

“It’s Equestria.” Applejack corrected.

“So I’m in Equestria now?”

Applejack looked at the Gunnery Sergeant like he was some sort of idiot.

“Course. Where else would ya’ be?”

“Are you serious? How is this even possible?!” He exclaimed.

GySgt. Utah slumped back down against his Humvee as suppressed memories of his childhood best friend surfaced. He remembered going through school with him and them finally enlisting for the Marines, passing the gruesome training and being deployed to Afghanistan. The IED exploding and flipping the Humvee...

’No, not now!’

He stood up again much to the surprise of Applejack and walked around the Humvee to get his M4.

“Where do ya’ think you’re goin’?” Applejack asked as she blocked GySgt. Utah’s path.

“I have to get out of here.” He said as he tried to push Applejack to the side. She wouldn’t budge.

“I don’t think so partner. I’ve never seen a creature like you before and I’m sure Twilight would like to meet ya.”

“What part of ‘I’m leaving’ don’t you get?” He said beginning to get annoyed at the pony. He successfully shoved Applejack away and grabbed his M4. Applejack’s eyes widened as she remembered the weapon.

“Oh no you don’t!” She cried.

“What no-“

A hard buck to the chest sent him flying through the air and slamming into a tree. He felt a rib break on impact. He slumped onto the ground and let his M4 drop.

“Arghh…”

Wincing, he tried to stand up only to fall back down in pain. He looked at the orange pony in anger.

“What the fuck was that for?!”

Applejack winced at the language but didn't say anything as she trotted up the Gunnery Sergeant. She grabbed the barrel of his M4 with her mouth and with the flick of her head she tossed away.

“Hey! Argh!” He clutched his side as a bolt of pain shot through his body. “God dammit I think you broke a rib.”

Applejack moved her head closer to his and narrowed her eyes.

“What in the hay are you? And why were you eatin’ my apples?!”

“Look here lady I already told you, I’m a US Marine, so you should probably let me go before someone gets hurt. Oh and sorry about your apples but I was hungry.” GySgt. Utah growled. His hand rested over his sidearm holster.

Applejack’s eyes narrowed even further.

“Are you threatening me mister?” She said through gritted teeth.

’Calm. Down. The last thing I need is the death of a cute pony on my hands.’

The Gunnery Sergeant sighed and let his anger disappear.

“No. Look I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’ll make up for the apple later. But right now I nee- Argh!” Another jolt of pain shot through his side and he coughed blood. “Damn you have a mean kick.”

Applejack seemed to believe him, she stepped back and sheepishly rubbed her hoof.

“But I really have to get out of here. I don’t belong here.”

He tried standing up again but Applejack put a hoof on his shoulder and forced him back down.

“I don’t think you should be movin in your state.”

“Yeah well your fault.” The Sergeant said as he gently grabbed Applejacks hoof and moved it off his shoulder. “But thanks for the concern.”

He prepared himself once more. Taking a few deep breaths he rose from the tree and the pain became worse.

’Ignore it. Come on this isn’t that hard.’

He pushed himself harder. He surprised himself when he found himself standing. He laughed in triumph but another jolt of pain made him cry out and clutch the tree for support. Applejack looked at him with a mixture of worry and surprise.

“I’m surprised that you can stand after I bucked you like that.”

The Gunnery Sergeant cracked a smile despite the pain.

“I’ve been bucked by bigger things ma'am.”

His vision swam as he took a step towards his Humvee.

“Oh could you grab my M4 that you tossed away?” He asked.

“M4?” Applejack asked as she went to grab his rifle.

“M4 Carbine to be exact. Be careful with it, it could blow a leg off.”

At that she gasped and dropped the M4 on the ground. He laughed which sent more pain through his side.

“Don’t worry. The safety is on.”

Applejack glared at him and hesitantly picked the M4 back up.

“Doesn’t look like it could.” She stated.

“It can’t. I’m just messing with you. It can put a mean hole in one though.”

“Uh huh.”

GySgt. Utah stopped and grabbed his head as his vision swam and blurred. The sound of banjos filled his head.

What? Banjos? Really? You confuse me brain.

“Uhhh Applejack, ma’am...” He said as he swayed slightly, the world spinning around him.

“What is it sugarcube?”

“I hope you can catch.”

With that he fell to the ground with a hard thud and blacked out.

Author's Note

Hey guys, I know it's been a while since I posted the last chapter and I'm sorry for that. This chapter should of been out ages ago but with my editor being very busy; it was delayed and only the first half of the chapter got around to being edited. Skip a few weeks forward and here we are today. I didn't want to leave you guys hanging so I'm posting this chapter.
Go hard on the criticism and tell me if anyone is OOC.
Happy new year! (Yes I'm late with that too).
Thanks for being patient and staying loyal,
BillyMays.