Chapters When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when there time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home - Tecumseh.
"Listen up troops we got a job!" said the large man at he back of the tent.
"What is it Lt. I thought our op was up and we were Oscar Mike?" Said the tall, slender, Brooklynite with the classic 'forgetta bout it' accent.
Looking at him the Lieutenant smirked."Always another bad guy out there Capone. Now listen up; you guys are going to be doing a little hiking. There's a research facility in the mountains four clicks east of here. You boys will go and find the scientist camping up there. Main priority A scientist named Wrangler call sign four eyes. This is high priority so your gonna meet up with air-force and rangers. Now we can only send four of you so hold a lotto or something to pick who's going. I don't care just don't fuck up. We need this guy alive so protect him by all cost."
Each troop got up and left except for one. "Lt. Listen I gotta go on this op both my bro's sent me messages specifying there going on this mission. You have to let me go. Please." Nodding the CO agreed.
"But know this anything happens cause you fucked up it's on my hands which means it's on your head. Cause there out there don't mean you get some slack!" Nodding the Sargent got up and left.
Next Day
"Over watch this is dust storm, how far are we from the rendezvous?" Said SgtMaj. Sulfridge over the radio. Only a day ago the message came his brothers were on this mission. His step brother leading the Tac-P group and his Brother in arms leading the Rangers. Why the seals weren't called in was pure mystery to the Marines.
"Dust storm your about half a click from the rendezvous. Continue east. Over." He set down the mic and re-positioned his M4 and tapped the roof of the Humvee.
"Capone how's it look up there?" Looking back was an o.k symbol from the gunner.
"Sarge do you know why we're after this egg head. I mean unless he's got a new boomstick for us to use what use is he to us?"
"I don't know Pinch it's not in my job description to know things." About a half an hour later they found the ridge line." Matt, Patton.. I mean Captain. Huff, Commander Sargent Major. Wesley. Good to see you." He said shaking there hands.
"Sargent Major. Sulfridge ready to move?" Nodding he motioned on. Walking off they made pace for the mountain. They continued on foot with Marines on point. They reached the compound and knocked.
"Honey I'm home!" said one of the Rangers.
"Chad cut the shit now," said Patton. 'Huffy put his M4 to the side and inspected the door.
"Aranda breaching now I think about one stic-" he was cut off by a boot coming over his head and slamming into the door forcing it open.
"Good job Gunny. Next time though White let him move heart attacks ain't good in the field." Getting up Huff grabbed his rifle and Walked in.
"Marines take this floor we'll take the upper lever Rangers you go lower."
"Anything yet," asked one of the Rangers. "Not yet Liam you know this stuff takes time. At that moment a load groan came from down the hall. Patton Motioned forward telling the troops to head point." Star" boomed the soldier's. "UGGHHHHHH," came the response. Moving forward the troops found the source of the noise.
A man lay against the wall his arm under a piece of collapsed wall. "Sir you o.k," asked Tate the combat medic.
"Try moving the wall off his arm see if that helps." Said another soldier.
"If I die it'll be for you!"
Each soldier shouldered their rifle. No one dared move; If their focus was any harder the ponies head would have exploded. Walker stepped forward lowering his rifle and pulling his M9. He still couldn't believe what was ahead of him. He got close then turned the butt of his gun and racked the side of its head. He called over one of the Rangers to grab her. Holstering the pistol he walked to the near by hill. "Matt come here."
"Little bro, what is it?" his brother asked curiously. His little brother had come so far. Joining such a little time ago he was so fierce but still looked and sounded 18.
Walker merely pointed. He shot his finger north-north west where a barn was sticking up in the distance. "We head there and camp. I say we bag it up and move now; the thing should be out till then. We camp and move in the morning. I should get a goo view of the area from there." He shot out the words not as a suggestion but an order.
"I'll tell everyone just don't stress it."
Walker got up and walked down the hill. Heading to the barn only about a mile away. He focused on the task nothing more, nothing less.
One mile later
He sat on the roof of the barn staring at the night sky. His mind wandered and drifted never once coming through to the world around him. He remembered the distant memory's from before he was sent away. The things he did and planed, his friends always loyal and honest. The ball; that distant memory from before the violence. The magic he felt that night.
He woke late in the evening and dressed. His blues were as good as ever. All the leather and buttons shined and the cloth perfectly groomed. Not a thread was out of place. He smiled not at what he saw but what he would see. It took a little over a month of begging but he got it to work. The girl of his dreams, whom he'd been constantly trying to date or at least get a hug from since middle school. He finally got a date to the Marine gala send off event from a girl he loved.
As He got in the old Mustang his brother gave him he sped off to pick her up. Stopping down the street of her home. he would go to the front but.... Her father was a bit mean. He kinda hated Walker since he started talking to his daughter. Abbey. He stopped and waited texting her he was there. He was as giddy as a school girl and could hardly contain himself. This was by far going to be the best night of his life.
She stepped out in a sleek black dress. The body outlined her curves and all; it stopped just below her shoulders and had straps coming over them. Honestly with as beautiful her face looked he couldn't tell if she was wearing make-up. Her fair skin and large brown eyes were playing merry hell with him. Her sleek tall body was incredible in the acute light of the evening.
She was tall, beautiful, smart, funny, interesting, and WAY out of his league. He was thrilled for the night. As she entered the car all he could do was mumble a hello. She smiled and said hello. He started the car and drove away. Arriving only a little later at the event hall. He hopped out and opened her door. "Thank you kind sir." she said.
They walked in and found their table. He sat and drifted off thinking about how fabulous this night was. He heard a slow song come on and motioned for the dance floor. "Shall we milady?"
She giggled and got up walking to the dance floor. Most of the men here he didn't know or vaguely saw from Boot camp. Song after song they danced he sat out most of the more 'modern' songs. After an hour his good friends showed up and he greeted them warmly. The night dragged on as they enjoyed them self. Near the end at 11 o' clock he moved to the camera pulling her along. "I want something to take with me to the field."
The camera man snapped a pic as the gala came to a close. He got the pic and shoved it into his pocket. She grabbed his arm and snagged him out of the hall. He dropped into the drivers seat and started the car. He drove out and around until he came upon an old dirt road. Stopping in an old field south of his fathers farm. The stars were out as he sat on the car with her by his side. The old story's that hung int that hung in the night sky illuminated everything in their dull glow. He looked over at the amazing girl next to him and said. "Hey before the night is over...before I leave for a year. I want you to know that if I don't come back and I die in the field. I'll have died trying to get back and see you and your amazingness."
She rolled over and looked him in the eye. "If you don't come back who am I supposed to pick on hun?" Giggling at it.
"I'm serious if I don't make it back then it's because I've died trying to get back here. To moments like these." He smiled weekly and looked back to the stars. She took his hand in hers and did the same.
he drove her home around mid-night and walked her to the door. "I'll miss you, you know." she said a slight hint of sadness in her voice.
'I'll miss you too but in a year. When I get back..." he leaned in close. "If i hear you did anything bad I'm tickling the crap out of you.
She scoffed and hit him in the chest. "Jerk....goodnight." and with a swift peck on the cheek she was gone.
He stood there a moment holding his hand to his cheek. If he was any happier he would honestly have just shot to the moon and back. That had been the best night of his life. The next day he shipped out and never saw her again. He talked as much as he could on the satphone but that was it. He kept their under his helm and thought about her each night.
He put his helmet on and sat up. Looking around he watched the night. In the distance he saw the faint glow of a town in the distance. Laying back down he went back to sleep.
"I might have to come back..."
As the morning light shown over the mountains and peaked through the barn doors the troops were already up. Each one was doing a task that was really only a time filler. The three commanders sat in the loft joking amongst each other. “So we sat there just fucking hammering on this wall. By the time we got it open the fucking rats had already eatin half the food.” The stories were not very amusing but did keep the soldier preoccupied. Walker stood up and walked to his small corner of the barn.
“Matt… Can we talk…on the roof? It’s important.” He said trying not to make the words seem to…sad.
“Bro what’s up? Is something wrong?” His older brother asked with concern and curiosity.
“I…Listen, I need to think and I trust you the most. We didn’t bring a lot of rations and need food. I saw a town in the distance, I’m gonna take Patton with me and see what we can do. That horse…thing will have to come. Watch the troops and keep a watch. Anything happens send someone after us.”
His brother nodded and turned to go down. ‘Just because they’re there doesn’t mean you don’t pull slack’ the words of his commander echoed in Walkers head. He shook it off and followed suit.
Patton held a firm grip on the back of the ponies head. Its mouth had been duct taped shut and was walking or trotting in front of the brothers. “So think this town will have mystical ass ponies too or that this is the only one?”
“I dunno Patton, Maybe.” He replied watching ahead of them. A slight rustling came from nearby. Walker instantly trained his rifle on the noise and walked toward it. “Come out bambi... is this your momma bambi… I won’t shoot your momma bambi…” he said taunting the cause of the noise.
A little white rabbit jumped out and started thumping its foot impatiently. “Gosh rabbit stew sounds good now man!” said Patton. He licked his lips at the thought.
Walker put his hand on the hilt of his knife attached to his belt. He reached toward the bunny and spoke softly. “Hi little bunny, are you alone out here?” as his finger got close to the little animal it opened its jaws and clamped on his middle finger. He yelped and threw the little animal on the ground stomping it with his boot. “Little fuck!” he screamed.
Pulling his knife he skinned it and sealed the meat in a baggy. The fur was pristinely white but had a big slash of red along the side from the cut of his knife. He liked the blade, his mother gave it to him for Christmas and he decided to use it as a personal knife in the core. The long tanto blade shot out and conjoined with the handle below a large print of the developer of the knife ‘Ka-Bar.’
He shoved the fur in his bag and stood up. Grimly he handed the bag to his brother. “Yummy!” was his reply. They kept marching until they saw a building close by. “Ok we will now let you go. Take two hundred paces in one direction then another hundred to your left. Take off the hood only then, if you do not, we will kill you. Understand?”
The pony nodded and started walking. Walker peaked around the corner of the building and saw no one. He walked slowly and still nothing. They snuck over to a nearby cart of hay and snuck on. They saw more ponies but no humans.
An Apple cart was sitting next to a thing of pears and the guys loaded up. Walker put the bags behind some bushes to get on their way out. As they walked a bear came up behind them and tapped on Patton’s shoulder. He turned and looked up at the beast standing on its hind legs behind them. He whispered for Walker to turn around.
“When I say now pull your knife and try and get behind it I’ll distract it you slit its throat. We can live for a week off this thing.” He said to the Marine. Walker nodded and put his hand on his knife. “NOW!” yelled the Ranger.
Walker jumped to the side and rolled behind the bear. He jumped and pulled his knife. Grabbing to the bears back he jammed the knife deep into its skull. It yelled loudly and fell over bleeding through the wound in its head. Each soldier went to work on the beast. Walker was going to take most of the food back in exchange for getting to keep the pelt. “Fucking best score ever.” He exclaimed chopping meat off the dead carnivore.
They loaded it up and circled back for the fruits. As they traveled across the country side a faint voice was heard close by.” Angel, honey where are you? Oh my please be ok…”
“I’m going to see if that lady needs help. Stay here Patton.” Walker said as he dropped his bags and hiked up the small hill toward the voice. He found a small dense forest area where sobbing was easily heard from within the thicket… But the voice sounded familiar…Abbey? No it couldn’t be.
“Abbey that you?” he asked. He sobs stopped and he found an opening to the dense forest. A butter yellow pony sat within the clearing on a fallen log.
“Wh-what are you? Are you like a talking monkey or something?” The pony asked.
“No I’m a human, My names Walker miss I’m a sergeant in the Marine corps. Can you tell me your name please?” He asked walking closer and sitting next to her.
“I’m fuffersly” she said in a light voice looking down.
“One more time miss a little louder.” He said putting his arm around the little pony.
“Fluttershy” she said clearly and loudly.
“Ma’am I’m here to help,” he said looking down at her. “Now what’s wrong huh? How can I help?”
She practically fell on him and started sobbing again. “My pet bunnies ran away. I can’t find them and I’m worried. Please help me!” she said still sobbing.
“Shhhh shh shh, just calm down ma’am. Now where do you live I’m gonna take you there and then I’m gonna look for these pets of yours. OK?” he said soothingly. She nodded and pointed him to her cottage. He picked her up and carried her like a baby all the way there.
Sitting her down he walked out and started looking around for the bunnies. He did find one… up a tree. Reaching up it hopped in his hands and he took it back to the cottage. Fluttershy practically screamed with joy. But… was saddened to hear he couldn’t find Angel.
He didn’t tell her that he killed it. The resemblance to Abbey was uncanny in traits. She was timid, slightly shy, apologetic, and quite nice to be around. He got up and began to walk out. “W-wait. I-I…um… wanted to thank you for finding my little friend here…um…” She fluttered up and pecked him on the cheek, stunning him. She grinned sheepishly and ran upstairs. He walked out and back to Patton still standing by the bags.
“Fucks wrong with you? Find the source of that crying?” he asked him.
He nodded yes and picked up his bags. “I helped a little yellow pony out is all. Let’s move out.”
“Wait… you helped one like legit? Um ain’t that risky?”
He shrugged and walked off. He was happy about all this. He might have to come back here.
As Walker and Patton got back to the barn the sun was just starting its downward decent. They opened the door to the makeshift base and shouted word of their triumph over hunger in the most medieval way they could. “Hear ye my fair warriors we bring food of plenty. Start a fire and prepare the feast!” Yelled Walker
“We bring word of a treaty with a small pony in the wood, a window to talk through into town.” Patton said relaying the info of his brother helping the small pony. They talked over what he did and decided that it could be a good thing. Though… they would have to try and keep them self’s under the radar. If anything or one came by they would have to hide… that is if she let them come around her little cottage again.
“Good job guys, this’ll work for now.” Matt said walking up,” Now how about this treaty?” he asked curiously.
“On our way back we found a little pony in the woods sobbing over her pets. I looked for them and helped her. We think this might, MIGHT, help us get around here.” Walker said.
“We thought maybe Walker could take a team up there and try and work something out… Me, you, and him leave or seconds here to command and watch out?” Patton threw out. Matt nodded and agreed.
“Tomorrow at noon, we make for this place and see what it’s about. Now one quick question; why are you taking us? Couldn’t you take your own men?” As Walker formulated his answer Patton spoke.
“The branches. We got three branches and that’ll cover all fields. You got air, Air Force and the high ground. I am army or the ground. The lower parts of the battle, ya know? Then Walker has the ground and the sea; Aquatic stuff and the other half of the ground plus a little bit of the air. The Marines are part Navy so we got all of it.” He answered the airman. Matt nodded and walked away.
“One more thing,” He asked. “Why the fuck is Walker wearing a bear skin rug?” He asked grinning.
They all started laughing, even the most rough assed of soldiers cracked up. With that they all headed to their small sleeping areas. The night was quick and progressed just so.
As they got up so did the flames of a fire and the thumping of boots on the ground. All the troops were doing something just to fill space. Some were working on the barn or cleaning their rifles. Most were enjoying a nice breakfast of rations and bear meat…not that great.
Walker was tweaking the sights on his ACOG scope; trying to make the sights more accurate at long range. Him along with Matt and Patton had all joined and signed to train as snipers. After a while they got their fill and wanted to get into the fight. Though… Walker did keep a scope in his bag and always tried keeping his combat scope at the furthest range he could. Since this mission was a stealth op he and all the others had silencers in their tac-pacs. He certainly hoped it was just going to be a pick up but the enemy hated plans it seemed.
On the roof Matt was looking over the countryside opposite of the town. He saw a dessert in the distance and remembered the hatred of Afghanistan. He remembered a small town his squad camped in where the locals were nice enough. They helped them hide their vehicles and scout the area… until one day. They were ordered to camp until further notice and just watch for any movement.
So they sat and looked through the dessert. Always keeping note of anything weird; they decided to switch positions and let second squad or the other half of their team keep watch the road. As they moved to their makeshift base across the little town. A load rumbling came from down the street. A car with a local inside. Upon a closer look they saw the vest he wore was a bomb.
“BOMB!” someone yelled as they all jumped to the side. He shot past and into a building where he hit the detonator and the car exploded. At that moment as many other moments throughout the history of war it seemed that all hell actually broke loose and released its self upon them. Mortars rained down from all around and gun shots could be heard.
They ran for the small reinforced building they called a shit-hole but now it was sanctuary and the place they could be safe for even a second. Bullets whizzed by and impacted on random objects. As they ran civilians and ducked into houses. They knew the peace here wouldn’t last long; they were behind enemy lines as the normal role of a Tactical Positioning unit would disclose. This was different though; this location was devoid of any activity from the enemy, ANY ENEMY. The militias were gone, the Taliban didn’t need the area or care about its people, the religious quacks didn’t care; there was no church for miles in this place. Closest thing to an enemy was a rude old man who didn’t care to strongly because they were Christian and didn’t believe Muhammad yet accepted them for accepting god.
They raced to the base as a pair of trucks raced behind them. Now insurgents in a truck not that bad right? Right, unless they have a fucking machine gun on the back. Technicals as they are called are shitty pick-ups with old .50’s on the back. The trucks shot after them and fired the large guns straight at them. Now they were inaccurate but the bullets could be felt flying past them and impacting on the ground.
As they reached the building and ran in two men looked over the top of the small building and shot the gunners and drivers. “Command this is dark bird. We are flying on clipped wings here. We have at least sixty plus foot mobiles advancing on us. Heavy mortar fire is eminent. Back up requested; do you read?” said the comms operator into the radio.
“This is command dark bird we read. All force are currently engaged and cannot lend support. BUT there is a SEAl detachment in your area heading that way ETA five minutes. Be advised we will require you act while they move.”
“Understood command, Boys you heard him move out!” He said. They made for either the latter or the back door. Matt ran for the back looking over to see his battle buddy a guy named Heart just behind him. Heart was a good guy he always kept a heart poker card in his helm through a rip that had formed while in the field. The guy was his recruiter back home and now his best friend in the field beside the twenty year difference in their age. As they filed out they ran for a near building. Smashing in the door they cleared the place and set up near the door till they heard footsteps.
“FRAG OUT MOTHER FUCKERS!” yelled one of the point guys tossing a grenade into the center of the insurgents. The explosion took out most of the bad guys and the assault rifles took out the others. That was fifteen down and 45 to go plus the mortar crews. But… where’d the fire from the mortars go.
“Heard you boys needed some help. We decided to come and lend a hand. Going to have to skip the introductions looks like another wave is heading that way.” Said the seal over their radios. As they looked the guys on the rooftops saw a few flashes from the mountain and then insurgents were falling left and right. 40 left good. They went on the offensive. Pushing the enemy back and mopping up the stragglers.
When the smoke cleared and the cheering started Matt saw a group kneeling around someone. He walked close and finally saw the face of the guy. Heart was lying with a large bullet wound in his vest just above his heart. He was twitching and bleeding horribly. “M-matt h-here…” he said sticking out his hand. Matt reached forward tears in his eyes and streaming down his face. Heart gave him two things; one was one of his tags and the other was his playing card.
“I-I can’t take this man. I can’t...I” he trailed off sobbing clutching the items as Heart slowly faded into death. “NO, NO YOU CAN’T DIE HEART YOU CAN’T MAN THIS AIN’T RIGHT! YOUR WIFE AND KIDS MAN! DON’T FUCKING DIE MAN!” He screamed punching the ground in anger.
“He’s gone man…I’m sorry but he’s dead. We gotta move….” Said the SEAL walking up and putting a hand on his shoulder. He was unresponsive; all he did was stare blankly at the ground. “Ok… come on give him some space guys...” he said backing the surrounding soldiers away.
Matt just sat there for what seemed like hours. Eventually he got up and walked to their base camp.
The funeral was slow and silent. All his men gave their final respects and fell in line as the squad firing team gave the twenty-one gun send off. As they left Matt stood and dropped a pack of playing cards with a combat knife through the top into the grave. This pack was different though... it was filled with nothing but hearts. He walked away and let the diggers fill the grave. He was...better now.
View Online
"Thank you for the Generosity and Kindness!"
Matt came down off the roof and asked his brothers if they were ready to go. Walker checked his watch and saw it was time to move. “Shit let’s go.” He said. They grabbed their gear and headed out. Walker took point and made sure he was the one to knock on the door.
“Hello? Who’s there? Is it you Applejack?” she asked through the door.
“Um...Not exactly miss. It’s the human from yesterday. Walker? Can we talk?” he replied not sure what she would say.
The door swung open and the pony gasped in shock. “Oh my goodness of course we can talk! I never properly thanked you for saving my poor angle. You come in and sit down I’ll make some tea.” She insisted motioning to a small couch across the room. “Oh and you brought friends too...um hello. I’m Fluttershy...” she said her excitement quickly diminishing.
Walker stepped up and motioned to Matt and Patton,” these are my brothers; Matt and Patton. Now miss I’m sorry to cut this short but...” He explained the situation and how they got here and what had happened to this point(excluding the parts about killing the animals) “... well as you could tell we aren’t from around here. We needed help say... slowly getting around. Now trust me this is as weird to me as it is to you but... Ma’am as fucked up as this is we really need help! We are camped up in a barn up the road an-“He was cut-off.
“A barn, the old barn up the road with the decaying walls? Oh my you are the ones who let Applejack go aren’t you?” Unsure of what to do Walker just slowly nodded yes hoping he said the right thing. “Oh this isn’t good; I see nothing wrong I mean from what you’ve told me you didn’t know what to do and just went with what you were taught but... Applejack won’t see that. I’ll see what I can do now, can I ask you a question?” she stated.
“By all means ma’am after all you did agree to help us.”
“Why are your uniforms all different, I mean you are all humans right?” she said inspecting their outfits.
“Like I said I’m a Marine, Patton is A green Beret in the Army and Matt he is Tactical- Position soldier for the Air-Force.” He told her trying to make it sound as simple as possible.
“So you are a swimmer, you are soldier, and you are a flying soldier?” she asked causing the guys to laugh.
“Not at all miss; I’m a Marine which is naval and land war-fare, He is a land soldier but more he is special forces meaning he does all kinds of land task, and Matt well he doesn’t fly well... not much. He jumps from the sky out of this flying machine called a plane and lands behind the bad guys.”
“Ok, well how about we introduce you to Rarity or Twilight before Applejack ok?” she asked ready to start.
“Ok lead the way...but um a couple of questions before we leave?” Asked Matt.
“Yes?”
“Why help us I mean... you don’t know us or our species. The first thing we do is kidnap one of your friends and you blow it off, why?”
“Because I’m the element of kindness and it’s my duty to be kind to everyone and thing; including you especially since Walker helped me get back my pet bunny!” she said smiling at Walker during the last part. This gave him a shit-eating grin and got him to blush a little.
“You reminded me of a girl I know...” he said looking away. And with that they were off to Rarity’s. It was logical she was on the outskirts of town and could be reached without being seen. As they arrived Fluttershy went in first.
“Rarity I um... if you aren’t too busy I um have someone should meet...” Said Fluttershy shyly.
“Yes dear who is it...” she trailed off seeing the three soldiers holding their M4’s and wearing their full gear. Each was about three feet taller than the ponies while standing. Matt was the tallest at 6’2 with Walker coming up next at 6’ flat and Patton at 5’10. She stood wide eyed staring at them before Walker and Patton walked and said in their best ‘proper southern’ accents. “Good day miss Rarity I do say you are quite the pony. We have heard much of your work and I do declare that you are a mighty fiiine tailor!” holding the side of their vest like a pair of suspenders.
“Well thank you kind uh... sirs? It is the truth I am the finest tailor in Ponyville.” She said regaining her posture. “May I ask your names?” she asked.
“I am Sgt. Maj. Walker Sulfridge United States Marine Core.” He said bowing slightly.
“I am Sgt. Maj. Donald Wesley United States Army.” Again bowing.
“Tech. Sgt. Mathew Huff United States Air Force.” Yet again bowing.
“Mmmmm... Well welcome to my abode. Walker Fluttershy told me of how you helped her find her pets yesterday, I would like to thank you myself not many stallions around here would take the time to help a lady let alone a stallion of another species!” she exclaimed.
“I may be a stallion miss,” he said flexing. “But we humans call males Men or Guys.” She nodded and motioned to a side door leading upstairs.
“Please follow me we can talk upstairs.” She walked up the stairs with everybody trailing behind her. “Now Fluttershy you go fetch Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Pinkie I wish to speak to our friends alone... and remember do not tell AJ!” With that Fluttershy shot out the room to grab their friends. “Now you boys must stuffy inside that apparel... OK here it is I want to make you out fits for the three of you for the science of cloths pleeeeeeeaaaaase!” she whined.
“Um.....ok?” they all said simultaneously not sure why she wanted to.
“Yes! Now do you have any pictures of your clothes? Something to base my creations off?” Each offered a picture of them self’s in their formal wear. “Walker dear...who is this young lady you’re with?”
“Oh...That’s a girl I know Abbey she’s...she’s something else.” He said with a sad smile pointing at the photo he added,” That was us at the Marine Core ball... that reminds me... We need more than just enough for us. Think you could do that for us? We don’t have money but we could work it off easily.”
“Hmmm...How many,” She asked nonchalantly.
“There is us then... three more, one per person for each group; so...twelve in all four of each kind? Yeah that’ll do. Should we go get the other guys?” he asked.
“Yes but do be careful not to be seen.” And with that they left all running through the back and off to the barn. Arriving in about ten minutes they opened the door and called attention for everyone to follow them and be quiet doing so.
They marched to the boutique and snuck in the back. Walker peaked through the door and saw three little ponies (even littler than the others) sitting in front of them. He motioned for Matt to come closer while he shut the door. “Go around front and do something to get them out of the way... and don’t get seen, hide in the bushes.” Matt nodded and walked out. Walker peaked again and after a few minutes he saw rocks tapping the window and the fillies going to investigate.
Matt came in as the last troop was filing up the stairs. He ran up behind them and into Rarity’s room. First thing they noticed were three more ponies than before. One was pink all the way, one was purple, and the other was blue with... rainbow hair. “Boys this is Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, And Rainbow Dash. Now please line up for your measuring we can talk after word.
She measured them... then she let them put their cloths back on. The guys didn’t mind really seeing other guys naked was something you got used to with base camp and the physicals you did before. No the ponies were uncomfortable. Never had they seen so much muscle or so many scars. They all tried to avoid looking at them. One of the Rangers was joking and said,” what’s long lady’s ain’t yall ever seen such big strong guys like us? Or have you never seen guys as big as us?” some guys laughed others just smiled; all the girls blushed. They weren’t going to admit to looking there but.... well all the stallions here were JUST ponies.
All dicking (eh, EH,) around aside the guys finished getting their measurements and suited back up while Rarity found good materials to make the outfits. They sat down to listen to the girls,” Now we will help you. Fluttershy told us about your predicament and we will send word to the princesses immediately but! You will have to stay away from the public and apologize to Applejack, deal?” They agreed and tried small talking with the girls .
“I am fiiiniiished!” chimed Rarity happily. The human clothing was much different than most things she had created before. She handed the respected articles to their respected wearers and they all stripped and re-clothed. The Marine suit was very formal as was the Air force And the Army but is looked more like the originals worn by the founders of the Marines back in the Revolutionary war. The Air force wore blue coats and matching pants with a black tie and a white shirt. The Army wore basically the same thing as the Air force but the jacket and pants were green and the cap was the same as the Marines but not white they were the same as the jacket and pants.
“Hey miss could you do something for us?” Asked Pinch.
“Yes?” Said Twilight not sure what they could want.
“Well... us Marines we sometime wear swords, sabers to be exact and I was wondering if... on a small exception to the whole no being seen rule we could go to the local what black smith and get some made up? We would work it off to the dime.” He pleaded like a little kid.
“The closest black smith is the royal one that makes the guards weapons... YES! We take you there we can take out two birds with one stone. A meeting with the princesses and these... swords? Should we trust you with weapons?” Simultaneously they all hid their rifles, pistols, knifes, and grenades behind them and said yes. “Ok it’s settled now; let’s go apologize to Applejack shall we?’ They all nodded and packed up.
They reached to farm easily and knocked on the door. Applejack answered and came out side to her friends,” What’s up yall?”
“Go to the barn AJ.”
“Um...ok?” and with that she was off to see what was up.
“We are sorry Miss Applejack!” yelled all the soldiers in unison as she opened the door.
“Aww shucks it’s you guys. Listen I may not know yall very well but from what I heard yall talkin bout. It is A ok!” she frowned slightly, “Unless you try and do it again!” her little comment made them all crack up laughing.
"Gotta love them ol' Blood and Gut's!"
The troops awoke to knocking on the door. As they got up one of the Rangers got up with his pistol and cracked the door,"Hello? Who's there?" he said looking around. Soon he saw a group of white horses in gold armor standing outside.
"By order of the princess Celestia; ruler of Equstria and patron of the day. All occupants of this barn are to evacuate immediately, turn in all weapons, and report to the transport chariot in Ponyville by Eight A.M today. If you do not then you will be escorted their by this party of guards, and searched for any and all weapons." Said one levitating the parchment ahead of him.
"Sarge, we got a problem!" yelled the Ranger at the door to his NCO.
"What's up?" He called back.
"These guys are making demands, I think we're being arrested."
Walker, Matt , and Patton all looked at each other and ran down stairs. "We got it, go get dressed." Patton said patting his shoulder. They ran outside to see the Guards pulling spears. "Stand the hell down! Or I swear to god we'll turn you into Swiss cheese." He yelled to the gold plated stallions.
"You're bluffing. Nothing but a very powerful spell from a unicorn could do something like that!" yelled what appeared to be the Commander of the guards. As the last word left his mouth Walker kicked the barn door. The doors and the few windows on the barn flew open; each filled with soldiers aiming at the guards with their rifles.
"Wanna bet, now stand down and turn away before we fire." Out numbered 3:6 the guard commander turned and marched away. His troops fallowed soon after. They went back in and got dressed, as each troop walked out the barn door Walker and Matt were already walking toward town. They arrived at Twilight's tree house only to find the alleged 'transport' waiting outside.
They all walked in and called for Twilight, she stuck her head out from the kitchen and asked them to join her. "Boys this is Corporal Swiftwing. Celestia sent him to invite you to Canterlot."
"More like arrest..." said Matt. Twilight looked confused and asked the Corporal what he meant by that. His only response was handing her the parchment with his orders on it.
"What? This doesn't make sense, why would the princess do something like this?"
"If I may interject," said Swiftwing with a heavy Canterlot accent that sounded very British to the guys. "Perhaps because she doesn't trust these killers, I mean no one in Equestria kills. We guards don't even hurt people, we just look tough and make arrest." he said inspecting the tip of his spear.
"It doesn't matter why, let's go meet this 'Princess Celestia' and see what she wants." said Walker lifting his rifle. The other soldiers nodded and turned toward the door and went out to the transport. Twilight and Swiftwing just shrugged at each other and followed along to the transport.
The ride to Canterlot was long and boring, the heavy transport was slow and had to have guards in the back and front to keep it stabilized. Along the way Swiftwing apologized. "I was just following orders, I actually asked Celestia and Luna to just have us invite you to Canterlot for a brief meeting. With the brewing storm a few men like you would do us good."
"What kind of brewing storm?" asked Tate.
"Apparently some big light show over the Everfree happened a few nights back and then the Discord statue disappeared. The princesses are so damn scared they've practically had us turn the city into a fortress. With the captain of the guard up in the northern kingdom with his wife. We've been trying hard but if anything happens we'll be screwed harder than Philips head."
"What's a Discord statue?" asked Aranda.
"He's the god of chaos, we trapped him in a stone prison using the elements of Harmony, or the elements of Kindness, Magic, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty." The guys snickered. "To girl for you guys?" he asked with a smirk.
"Little, now about our weapons... we ain't giving them up. And we damn sure ain't gonna find a compromise. These guns are sticking with us." said Walker. Swiftwing simply nodded, he didn't seem to care.
Some Time Later
They arrived in front of the Castle doors to the palace only to be greeted by a presentation of arms. They were surrounded by guards all holding large pikes, the tips only a few feet from the group who had just emerged from the transport. "Put away your damn weapons before I have you all court marshaled. Now!" The guards stood their ground.
"They won't be doing anything Corporal." said a deep gravely voice from behind them. "Not unless I say so." The guards parted and up stepped a large stallion in a red dress blouse and a blue sache, much in the style of British royal guards that stand guard around Buckingham Palace. He had a dark green drab coat and a light blonde mane. He had a set of bloody sabers as his Cutie Mark (Not so cute). His piercing green eyes shot through Swiftwing like a hot knife through butter.
"General Gut Saber, Sir. What are you doing here? I thought you retired?" asked Swiftwing.
"When Shining Armor left; Celestia asked me to come back until she could find a replacement. I accepted, and I plan on thoroughly whipping these lily liveried little fillies into War Horses. Now I'll take care of our friends here, you go and get into formal, I'm giving a speech to everyone tonight." Saber said. Corporal Swiftwing saluted and marched off to get ready. "And as for you, what'd she say....humans, you will follow me. I will take you to the throne room, and you will not give me back talk. Now come." and with that the General turned and marched away. The guys looked at each other and followed suit.
They arrived in the throne room where two large thrones sat. One was solid cold with a red velvet cushions, gem stones were engraved in the top. The other was what looked to be black marble and had blue silk cushions, pearls were engraved into the top. The golden throne was the largest. In it sat a large white pony, almost the size of a real horse. She had large pink eyes and a rainbow flowing main. She wore a large golden crown.
"Hello Gentleman, we have a lot to talk about."
9 hours before Dust Platoons arrival in Equestria
Wrangler stirred from his sleep to a man standing over him. "Wh-where am I?" He asked.
The Ranger over him smiled. "You're still in the compound sir, and you're alive. What happened here?"
"I- I don't know. One second we were working on a new design for an atomic collider and the next we were under attack. I tried to run b-but... IS everyone dead?" Wrangler said sitting up and looking around. He put small pressure on his right arm and winced.
"Easy sir, we're the U.S Army Rangers. When we entered there wasn't anyone in the building; only collapsed walls and scuff marks. We found you down here in the basement with some wall on your arm. Now tell us all that happened here." Tate said looking at his arm.
"Well I was in the lab working on the collider when I heard a scream from down the hall. Then the alarms went off and I saw tons of militia coming through the doors. I ran for the door and got down here. Next I felt an explosion and the wall fell on me. That's all I remember before passing out." He told the Army Ranger.
Tate helped him up and they went back to the upper level. Patton radioed the other guys and told them what happened. As they all joined up in the foyer the commanders went to a nearby table and talked of what they found. "Nothing, not a single person or even some blood." Matt said.
"Besides a few scuff marks I didn't find anything... we did find some oil stains and a few warm computers, they were active not to long before after the alarm went off." Walker said looking at the others.
As Patton went to speak a large lurching almost as if an explosion on a ship ripped through the building. They looked around and realized either an earthquake or an attack was happening. They all grabbed their gear and looked around. Patton looked at Tate. "Where is the most stable place in the building?" he asked.
If it was an attack they did not have the man power to survive an attack large enough to shake such a large building. "In the lab down the hall." he said. They all sprinted down the hall to the lab with Tate lingering behind slightly to help Wrangler. They reached the room in under two minutes.
It looked a lot like an empty safe room. As they entered Walker shut the door and secured it tightly. Tate sat Wrangler against a wall and turned around. Without anyone noticing Wrangler hit a button on a panel behind him. A light went off outside the room and many computers lit up. He slid the remote he used to start the engines down stairs that caused the rumbling outside. " Time to test this theory." he mumbled.
He slid the remote into the panel and clicked it like a key. The light went off as a bright flashed went off in the room. In an instant everyone in the room dissipated as they were ripped apart and put back together repeatedly through the time space continuum. Eventually they stopped on one universe and landed on the ground in on of the untamed forest of the place.
Thirty Minutes since Dust Platoons arrival in Equestria
Wrangler woke up and looked around. Slowly he sat up and crawled toward the cliff. Out below spread a great valley of apples. "It worked! We did it! We made a teloporter!" He said jumping up and dancing around, he looked at the passed out soldiers then at the bushes were two eyes peared out. "Who's there?" he asked.
Out jumped a lion with bat wings and a large pincer tail. It growled and pounced at him. He ran down the hill and toward a small cottage in the distance.
"I'm not saying we're fucked but..."
Ten hours after Dust Platoon Left for Operation:Learning experience
Walker woke up with a weird feeling on his neck... it was grass. "any one still alive?" he asked.
"Might be a little FUBAR but still alive." replied White. He looked around to see all the troops there. He checked his rifle to find it all right might need cleaning but all right.
"Head count," he yelled. "Check...Check...face is FUBAR but check.." these filled the air for a couple of minutes.
"Sargent Major you might wanna take a look at this," yelled a Marine. He got up and wondered over.
"what is it Pinch it better help figure out where...we..are..." stopped as he saw the sight before him. A giant valley filled with apple trees spread out below them.
"We ain't in Kansas no more Sarge," said Tate to his commander Patton.
They walked down the mountain to the apple valley. Each soldier coming up with a different theory. Aliens...Military experiment...etc...etc. They neared the fence when a loud howl came from behind them. "Fuck was tha?" asked one of the Tac-P guys. Each troop turned to see a pack of brown wolves with green...moss on them closing on them.
"Get cover," the commanders yelled. Each took up a tree.
"Sarge Major I have visual, engage target?" He nodded,
"Positive fire for effect,"yelled Walker. He let out a burst from his M16. A direct shot to the head dropped the creature. Another shot from another tree hit a wolf in the side only causing the wolf to wince. "Um what the fuck that thing should be dead it merely winced what the fuck?"
"Grenade out,"yelled Huffy. The grenade sailed over and bounced to the side of a tree; exploding a moment later. The tree cracked and tumbled leaving a barrier between them and most of the wolves. Two last wolves ran toward the platoon. Walker shot at it and put two rounds in it's shoulder and one in it's eye. Patton primed a shell and shot it in front of the wolf. The M203 released the shell and it landed not under but ON the wolf blasting it to pieces.
Continuing to the fence they climbed it and walked to a tree. Huff grabbed an apple and took a bite. "Guys try this shit's delicious," he said mouth full of apple. Each took an apple and a large bite, and soon the air was filled with mmmm's and oooohh yeahs.
Mean while in Ponyville
Dear Princess Celestia,
I have no info on the large Aurora Borealis that happened last night I will continue to study it for now. In a perhaps related note Applejack just sent news of loud ruckus on the far end of her farm.
Your faithful Student,
Twilight Sparkle.
Back in the Orchard.
The Soldiers were unloaded and snacking on apples. Each vest was close just in case of an attack. They were smiling and cheering with each other."Hey Pinch how did you get yer name?" one of the Rangers asked.
"He has some of the best reflexes in tight situation or a pinch. he also pinched his finger while reloading his rifle and thought he would have to be med evacd out." Responded Capone.
"Why is Pattons name 'Patton' I mean ain't his name Donald?" Patton smiled and nodded to Walker.
"It's his middle name Donald Patton Wesley." Laughter filled the air with each story.
"Now why ain't walker in the Rangers I mean 'Walker Texas RANGER' it's in the name." He laughed
"Brothers choice trust me."
A noise form a little way's a way caught there attention. "Star?" yelled Chad. No response. "Star, answer or we will shoot." he yelled again, no response. Chad and Patton got up and walked over aiming at the noises direction.
"Who are you pony's" came a voice. Ponies filled the air in a murmur. A small orange horse stepped out of the bush. "What in carnation are you things," it yelled.
"What the fuck is that thing," yelled one of the Marines.
