The Story of Samantha Frostby shadowpheonChaptersThe BeginingThe Fight BeginsBloody ConflictTearful EscapeThe Begining"It's a beautiful girl!" The doctor exclaimed. He carried the small newborn to General Lydia Frost, whom of which was in the bed, panting with a smile. Colonel Hector Frost held her hoof, and released it as the newborn was delivered to them. "What should we call her?" Hector asked, softly touching his new daughter. "Samantha." Lydia answered, smiling to Hector as she offered the infant. He took her up, gently cradling her. "That's perfect." He smiled. "Little Samantha Frost." He chuckled lightly. Samantha stirred as her parents gave her their love and affection. The doctor turned to a nurse and said, "Time and date of birth. Nine twenty three P.M. February seventh, twenty seventy six." *** Seven Years Later *** "Come on mom! It's starting soon!" The young Samantha Frost called, bounding on a couch. "Alright, alright. I'm coming. Settle down Samantha." Lydia chuckled as she entered the living quarters, taking a seat in one of the chairs. Samantha leapt over to her, making herself comfortable on Lydia's lap. Lydia turned on the view screen. "Why isn't dad home with us tonight?" Samantha asked. "He was needed in the office for some important work." Lydia explained. Samantha put on her pouting face. "Don't give me that look young lady. You know very well how important your father's job is. And you know he can't just come home anytime you want him to." Samantha sighed in defeat, "I know. I just like him here because he likes to watch the negotiations with us." Lydia smiled, petting her softly. "I'm sure he'll be watching them from the office." They both silenced as what they had been waiting for came on. The announcer introduced in his gruff voice, "Next on Equestrian News Network, our live broadcast from the Dragon Negotiations." The view screen then brought them the live feed. Samantha watched it like a hawk, soaking up everything she saw. Lydia soon passed out, leaving Samantha in silence for the two hour broadcast. A few months later, Samantha was sitting at home alone, for Lydia and Hector were both doing their respected jobs at the base. Just then, an emergency broadcast came on the view screen. "Breaking news from the Dragon Negotiations, as a pact may be reached within the hour and peace may be made. We take you there live!" Samantha smiled and climbed into the chair, for she was strangely fascinated by the negotiations. She watched the live feed for about twenty minutes before something completely unexpected happened. The dragon leader stood suddenly, pounding on the table before lashing out at one of the Elements of Harmony. The unsuspecting pony was caught off guard, being swept away in a blur before he was slammed into a wall, falling to the ground motionless. The other dragons reacted equally, taking out whatever pony was closest to them. The princesses jumped up, blasting dragons with their magic, all the while their guards, the Elements of Harmony, and soon themselves were slaughtered. Samantha watched in horror at the bloodshed. She sat motionless, unable to look away as she watched the dragons slaughter every pony in the room. The feed cut back to the reporter. "This just in, the dragons have gone ramped! They have killed our beloved princesses, and are now attacking cities all across Equestria! Hide your families! Hide yourselves! Just-" The screen cut to static. Samantha ran over to the communicator, picking it up in a panic. She quickly connected to her mother's. "Samantha! Is that you?" "Mom! Please come home now! I'm scared!" Samantha cried out. "Don't worry sweetie, I'm on my way there right now! Your father should be there soon!" Suddenly, an explosion went off nearby, causing Samantha to scream and drop the communicator. She ran for the closet as Lydia called, "Samantha? Samantha!" Samantha opened the closet and picked up the heavy combat shotgun her mother kept in there. She retreated to a corner, doing as her father taught her, checking to make sure the shotgun was loaded, and cocking it to ensure one was in the tube. She held up the weapon, ready for any threat to come at her. She became fearful for her parents as she heard more explosions. Suddenly, the ceiling collapsed in a loud crash. A large dragon in armor rose from the dust, growling deeply as he advanced upon the small filly. Samantha screamed in fear, pulling the trigger to the large shotgun. The weapon's powerful slug-round left the tube, implanting itself in the dragon's skull, while the equally powerful recoil snapped Samantha's arm. She screamed out bloody murder in pain. The dragon fell to the floor with a loud thud, and Hector kicked the door open. "Samantha!" He yelled as he ran to her, picking her up and hugging her. He then noticed the combat shotgun lying on the floor with a spent shell, and the dragon with a hole in his skull. "Did you kill that dragon?" Samantha only nodded. Lydia appeared in the doorway, "Oh thank god you're both safe!" She ran over and embraced the two of them. She then picked up the shotgun. "Samantha's arm is broken, Lydia. She needs to be taken to the medical wing." Hector informed her. "Well, let's get a move on. It's gonna be the safest there anyway." Lydia replied, leading the way out the door. Samantha was crying with a mixture of pain and fear. "Shh. We'll be fine. We're gonna be alright. You're gonna be alright. We're gonna make it." Hector comforted his distraught daughter. *** Eleven Years Later *** "We're so proud of you sweetie." Lydia smiled. "You look like you're gonna make one fine pilot." Hector added. "Thank you. You both pushed me to become this, and I couldn't be happier." Samantha thanked her parents, standing in front of them in her new pilot recruit uniform. She hugged them, then turned and began walking for the entrance of the EDF Academy of Flight. "Good luck Samantha." Lydia and Hector waved as she left them. Samantha entered and did her eight weeks of flight training. She left a corporal in the EDF, and a pilot. Two weeks later, she entered the briefing room. "Take a seat pilots." Ordered the captain. The numerous pilots found their seats, and the captain began, "We have a new piece of equipment for our arsenal. The Vertical Take Off and Landing craft, or VTOL," He activated a screen, and a three dimensional model of a VTOL began screening, "Is a versatile attack aircraft. We will use this to replace our jets, and eliminate the need for a runway, clearing space for refugees." Samantha raised her hoof. "Yes Corporal Frost?" "Sir, when do we get them?" She asked. The captain smiled. "We already have them. Two hundred were delivered by Stable Tech yesterday." Samantha fell silent as he continued on about the VTOL. After the briefing, she walked to the barracks and undressed, climbing into her bunk and sighing loudly. "Long day Frost?" Asked her bunk mate, a young stallion, just older than her. "You know it Keeting." She smiled as he poked his head over the edge of the bunk and grinned. "Need any means to relax?" He asked. "Keeting, you can stare at my nude body all you want, but you ain't ever gonna get to feel it." Samantha chuckled as his grin disappeared. "Eh, I'll work you around one of these days." He sighed in defeat as he returned to his own bunk. "Keep dreaming." Samantha closed her eyes, ready for some sleep. Just then, the intercom echoed, "Corporal Frost to the command center. Corporal Frost to the command center." Samantha groaned. She sat up and grabbed her pilot tech under armor. "Can never get any sleep 'round this damn place..." She grumbled. After dressing, she walked in the direction of the command center. During her walk, she used her arm computer to search up Intel on the DRA. She soon arrived at the command center's doors, only to be stopped by the guards. "No entry is permitted at this time pilot. Return to your duties." One of the guards said in a firm voice. "But, I was called down here." Samantha protested. "No entry. General's orders. Now get a move on pilot before I have you court marshaled!" The guard threatened. Samantha grumbled in defeat as she turned and began walking away. Lydia stepped out from the doors and called, "Samantha. There you are. Where are you going?" Samantha turned back, "These guys say I'm not permitted to enter." Lydia turned to face the two guards. "This is my daughter, and she is permitted to enter as she pleases. Understood?" She practically growled. "Yes Ma'am!" The two answered, stepping aside. "Come now darling. We have some important business to attend to." Lydia walked back into the command center with Samantha right on her heels. Once inside, Lydia steered Samantha to a table, two other generals standing by it with a few other officers. "Sorry for the interruption. Had to let my daughter in." Lydia apologized as the two walked up to the table. "No worries General. This is Samantha?" One of the other generals asked. "Yes. Samantha?" Lydia asked. "Yes mother?" The others showed visible signs of irk at Samantha’s lack of formality to Lydia, though the two didn't care. "The reason I called you down here is because this involves your father, and I believe you have the right to know about it." Samantha nodded. "So where were we?" An officer started, "Well General, Colonel Frost has been imprisoned by Stable Tech on the grounds of suspected treason. We have tried to reason with them, but they threatened to cut our contract if we persisted. They will be putting him on trial, and they say if they find treason, they will execute him." Samantha's heart sank as she paled slightly. "Samantha? Are you alright darling?" Samantha said nothing, but turned and calmly walked out of the command center. Lydia watched her daughter leave, choosing not to bother her. The Fight BeginsOne Year Later *** "It's mine?" Samantha asked the flight deck officer, looking over the VTOL. "Yes Sergeant. All yours. Command says you can add your own personal touch as well, morale booster or something." The officer confirmed. He wrote on a clip board, and then walked away. Samantha opened the passenger compartment of her new VTOL, and climbed into it, looking around. "Hey Sarge!" Keeting called from behind. Samantha turned, "Hey Keeting. Good thing you showed up." "Why's that?" He asked, leaning against the side of the VTOL. "I need you to get the others so I can give them a rundown of our new equipment." Samantha smiled as she climbed out. She was a Master Sergeant, and the leader of a squad. Her squad members consisted of Corporals Grid, Kard, Jenson, and Keeting. "Copy that Sarge." He turned and left. Samantha began painting on the VTOL. By the time Keeting returned, she was working on the other side. "Sarge? I'm back with the others." Samantha stepped out. "Hey guys. Check out our new VTOL." She motioned to her hoof work. She had painted a bucket of ice with a dragon skull sitting on the bucket with a bullet hole in its head, a playing card sticking out of a crack, a compass in one of the eyes, and a wrench and screwdriver crossed behind the whole thing. It had 'On the Rocks' written under it. "Whaddya think?" She leaned against the VTOL. "What does it mean Sarge?" Jenson asked. "The bucket represents me, and how I support the squad. The bullet hole is you Jenson, and your dead eye accuracy watching our front. The Jack of Spades is you Kard, and how you keep our spirits high. The compass is you Grid, and your ability to lead us safely. And the tools are you Keeting, and how you always have our back." She smiled, pointing out each one. "And the dragon's skull?" Kard pointed. "That's our prey, and how we all surround and kill them." She chuckled. "'On the Rocks'? Interesting name. I like it." Grid input. "Our motto, our name, and our goal all in one." Samantha pointed out. "Wanted to show you all what you'll be representing." "It's phenomenal work Sarge." Keeting said. Samantha chuckled. "Here," She tossed them some bits, "Go get yourselves some drinks. My treat. Just bring me back one." "Betcha want an On the Rocks?" Kard smiled. The others had a chuckle, then left. Samantha returned to her work. A few minutes later, Keeting returned with two drinks. He sat down in the hold of the VTOL. "Got your drink Sarge. You can take a break now." He smiled at her. "Thank Keeting." She sat next to him, taking a drink. "No problem. We're friends, and that's what we do." Samantha chuckled at this. "What?" "I don't have friends Keeting. Only allies and advisories." She explained. "You guys are just closer allies than the rest." Keeting nodded. "I see." He drank, looking down. "What's up?" She looked at him. "Nothing Sarge." He lied. "Keeting. I can tell when you're lying. Especially to me. What's wrong?" She set her drink down, moving a bit closer to him. "It's just..." He sighs. "I got a letter earlier today. My family was killed in an attack. I lost everyone. And I had no friends prior to joining. Hell..." He drinks. "I still have no friends." He sighed again and looked down. Samantha pat his back. "Don't worry Keeting. You may not have friends, but you have a squad. We will be there for you." *** One Year Later *** Hector Frost stood in front of the small crowd. Lydia and Samantha stood next to him. An official of Stable Tech walked up, and pulled out a piece of paper. He read, "Colonel Hector T. Frost. You have been tried and found guilty of treason to the Stable Tech Corporation. You have been sentenced to death, and as per requested, your daughter, Master Sergeant Samantha F. Frost, will be the shooter." The official handed Samantha a .44 revolver. "You have five minutes with your family." He walked away. Lydia instantly cut Hector's wrist restraints, and embraced him. Samantha stood nearby quietly, holding back any emotions. "Well. This is it." He sighed and rubbed his graying mane. He was an old stallion, roughly fifty eight. "Goodbye my love. We shall always remember you for the great stallion you are." Lydia said tearfully. They embraced once more before he turned to Samantha. "Ready sweetheart?" He asked her. She simply nodded. He was escorted to his stand by Lydia, and Samantha walked to her spot. She cocked the revolver's hammer. She raised the revolver, took aim, but found herself unable to pull the trigger. The harder she tried, the closer she felt to bursting. "It's ok sweetheart. It has to be done." Samantha burst, unable to hold her emotions back any longer. She leapt forward, catching Hector in a hug, crying into his chest. He hugged her back, petting her gently. "There there. It's alright. We both know it needs to be done. I'm so proud it gets to be you who does it. I love you Samantha. I love you both so very much." He planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. The gunshot rang out loudly, Samantha pulling the trigger to the revolver stuck to the side of his head. Hector Frost fell limp as Samantha collapsed, still clinging to the body. She cried uncontrollably now. Lydia knelt next to her as she let go of him and grabbed onto her now. She held her distraught daughter close, gently patting her. A morgue worker wrote on his clipboard while multiple tears of sorrow were shed, 'Hector T. Frost. Died on April Eighteenth, Twenty Ninety Six.' Samantha and Lydia soon after returned to Ponyville base. Corporal Keeting sat with the others. Kard was playing Blackjack with the others, whooping them bad. They were on the topic of mares they would do in the base. They somehow got to General Lydia Frost. "Would you do her Jenson?" "Hell no! Besides her being Sarge's mother, she's gotta be close to sixty!" He exclaimed. "I might, depending on how much you'd pay me." Grid said. "I mean, every mare needs love. And apparently her husband was killed this morning. Sarge shot him dead as the two hugged for the last time." Keeting leapt over. "What was that?" He interrupted their game. "Sarge killed her father. He was sentenced to death by Stable Tech. He requested that Sarge be the one to shoot him." Grid clarified. Just then, Samantha walked by. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she passed without a sound. "Should we do something?" Keeting turned back to them. "What can we do? She shot him. Not much we can do about that." Kard said. The three resumed their game. Keeting stood, and began after Samantha. "Where you going Keeting?" Grid asked. "To comfort her. She needs us, and I'll be the first to help." He told them. "Boy, you must have a death wish." Jenson input. "No. I'm simply returning the favor." Keeting sighed as he left the three. They looked at each other. "We'll help after this hand." Kard said. The others nodded in agreement. Keeting followed Samantha to the showers. She was standing nude in a corner shower, the cold water flowing down on her. Keeting stepped into the shower room. "Sarge? You alright?" He asked, walking up to the shower. He was frightened as she turned around and grabbed onto him, pulling him into a hug, beginning to sob heavily into his shoulder. He was scared. He had seen her walk right through the Hell of Hell, and never shed a tear. The other stallions and mares in the shower glanced in their direction, and Keeting gave them a terrified, yet understanding look. He wrapped his arms around Samantha, holding her, gently patting her back. He tried to give her the comfort she deserved. She cried on for about half an hour before lifting her head, sniffling. "He didn't deserve to die Keeting. He was the loyalist stallion I've ever know. Hell, he could’ve been the Element of Loyalty." Keeting nodded. "Stable Tech is just a bunch of power hungry assholes. Anyone that gets in their way gets eliminated." Samantha nodded. She sniffled once more before releasing him. She gathered her things that lay in the floor of the shower. She then returned to the barracks and sat on her bunk, Keeting taking a seat next to her. He draped an arm over her shoulder. "Keeting. Thank you. You truly are a great friend." Keeting took these words heavily. She had said it herself, 'I don't have friends Keeting. Only allies and advisories.' Yet right there, she had called him her friend. That meant the world to him. "You're welcome Sarge. I'll always be here for you." He smiled. "As will we." Kard said, walking up with the other two. "Sorry for the late arrival. Lost track of where you went." Samantha nodded with a smile. "Thank you all." Bloody ConflictEight Years Later *** Samantha stormed into the barracks and right up to her squad. She stomped up to them and threw her helmet on the floor, hollering, "We're done for!" The others looked at her. "What's wrong Major?" Keeting asked. "Canterlot has fallen! The EFD's Main Command is decimated!" She angrily ripped off her armor plates. Her squad looked at each other worriedly. "If Canterlot has fallen, that means we're all that's left." Grid noted. The Dragon Wars had done its job. It had finally almost made the Pony Race extinct. Ponyville Base was the most secure, well defended base around, but it could not be expected to last forever. Their ammo and rations would eventually run out, and they would be forced to surrender. No pony wanted to surrender. They all knew the dragons would kill whoever still lived at the end of it. Keeting sat next to Samantha. "What are we gonna do Major?" She sighed. "Command has enacted Operation Celestia. We're going in, full force, to take back Canterlot. They expect high casualties." Keeting draped an arm around her shoulder. The two of them had developed quite the friendship. Unknown to anyone else, they even had a secret relationship. The two of them met often in a storage room. They sat and talked, sometimes kissed, and even pleased one another. One day after a 'session', Keeting said, "Heh... Told ya' I'd work you around." "Shut it..." Said Samantha as she lay winded. The two had many such 'sessions', but they never took it up a notch to sex. They were both afraid of the consequences it may bring. So they decided to remain fresh, and stick to hoof work. "Get some rest. We bounce at Eleven Hundred." Samantha sighed. She lay back in her bed, as the others nodded. "Yes ma'am." They said, returning to their bunks. Soon the lights were out, and Samantha heard the familiar noise. Keeting slipped into bed with her. "Hey there." She smiled as she kissed him. "Hey." He whispered. "Keeting?" She poked him. "Yeah?" "Should we take the next step?" "Here?" His face grew worried that she had lost it. "No. In our spot. I figured we could try since we're both probably gonna die tomorrow." She blushed in the darkness. "You have a point. Alright. Let's go." He kissed her once more. She slipped out, and led the way to their storage room. Once inside, they moved the crate in front of the door, and lit the lamp. "Well... How should we begin?" Samantha blushed. "We should first warm up..." She ran her hoof from his face, down his chest, and past his stomach. "Oh boy..." ***** "MAJOR! WAKE UP!" Kard shook Samantha. She snapped awake, becoming aware of the blaring alarms. "What's going on?" She asked, leaping out of bed. She was sore, but ready for anything. "The DRA launched an attack! We need you Major!" Kard explained, running to the door, looking out it with his SMG. He was surprised to see Samantha run past him, nude. "Major! Your armor!" "Fuck it! No time for that!" She yelled as she entered the armory, draping two large machine gun belts over her. She then picked up the Browning Heavy Machine Gun. She proceeded to follow Kard to the courtyard, where the .25mm Rapid fire guns were blazing, the .40mm Anti Air cannons were thundering, and the large .75 Flak cannons were booming. Even the Homing Missile launchers were doing their part. Dragons swooped everywhere, crushing, burning, and smashing what they could. Many went down quick due to the cannons. Samantha followed Kard to her squad. "Major! Good to see you in one piece!" Keeting greeted her. "Likewise! How we doing?" She asked as she cut loose on a dragon, killing him. "Fuckers caught us of guard! Lucky us the cannon's are tearing them apart!" Keeting explained. "Good. Let's finish this fight!" She yelled as she opened up on another dragon. She suddenly felt squeezed, as she was lifted violently into the air. "MAJOR!" Her squad yelled, unable to shoot her captor. Samantha looked up at the large dragon that now held her. "LET GO OF ME YOU BASTARD!" She yelled, yanking free a bullet from her belt, jamming it in the dragon's eye. He yelled out in agonizing pain, dropping her. She then realized how high up she was. She began plummeting to the ground. She suddenly landed on the back of a dragon, narrowly missing his spines. The dragon growled and turned his head to face her, just as a flak round collided with his stomach. He grunted, not dying, but weakening, and descending quite a bit. She rode him down to a level, and spotted her opportunity. She leapt from his back, right as he lashed at her, catching her across the back, and as a homing missile hit him in the back. The flames singed Samantha's back as well. She fell twenty feet before sliding down the sloped wall of a building that had collapsed. She hit the ground hard, hearing a loud snap. She grunted with pain, ignoring it and running back to her squad. Keeting had picked up the Browning, and was firing away. He saw her coming back. "Major! You're alive!" He handed back the Browning to her. "It takes more than a few dragons to kill me." She stated. They engaged in heavy fighting for another half hour until the dragons retreated. The ponies cheered at their victory. "Major, you're hurt!" Keeting noticed. Samantha looked at herself, and collapsed. Her ankles were broken good, and she was sitting in a small pool of her own blood. The dragon had given her a good gash across her back. "Ah fuck!" She yelled. The pain finally setting in. "Come on, help me get her to med bay!" Keeting shouted to the others. Two grabbed her up, while one made a path, and one brought up the rear. "Out of the way! We got a bad wounded!" Jenson shouted, trying to get scrambled soldiers and civilians out of their way. Samantha began blacking out. She fought it, and was rewarded. She saw her mother pass, and take point with Jenson. The two made a quick clear path. She coughed painfully, her back hurting beyond belief. "Put me down!" She ordered, "Before my innards spill out of my back!" She was set down, feeling some of the pressure release. "Get a stretcher!" Ordered Lydia. One was brought, and Samantha was set on it. They moved faster, and with less stress. Once in the med bay, they left Samantha, and Lydia herded the others out into the hall. "Someone explain why my daughter is naked, and about ready to fall apart!" Kard spoke up, "I woke her, and she refused to armor up. She ran out like that, and was carried off by a dragon. We didn't see what happened after that, but she returned to us like that." Lydia sighed. "She stubborn... Just like her father. Right. Go, rest. I'll keep you informed on her condition." "Ma'am? What about Operation Celestia?" Keeting asked. "Canceled. We'll try again some other time." She sighed. "Now go." The others left. Lydia walked back into the med bay, finding Samantha on her stomach while doctors worked to stitch her up. Lydia noticed how the gash crossed from her left ribs, all the way up to her right shoulder. Lydia sighed again. Her daughter looked like hell, and it saddened her deeply. She sat down next to the bed, allowing the doctors to finish their work. After a few more minutes, they were done. Lydia stood next to the bed, while Samantha lay on her stomach, keeping pressure off her back. "I'm sorry mother. I got careless." She sighed. "It's ok sweetheart. You only had the welfare of your squad in mind. Though, you need to keep in mind your own safety. I do not want to lose you too Samantha." She sighed. "Now rest. Do not worry about anything for now." Lydia stood and left. About a week later and Samantha was released to her squad. She walked in the barracks, her squad playing a game of cards once more. They noticed her as she approached. "Major. Good to see your boots on the ground once more" Kard greeted her. Samantha smiled. "I don't die so easily. Could just be a talent." The others chuckled. "That what your Cutie Mark is? A shield or something? Proving you don't die?" Samantha lost her smile. "No. As a matter of fact, I never got my Cutie Mark. I could never find my talent or purpose." She sighed, sitting in the bed. "Go on. Make fun of me. Just like every other filly and colt in my childhood." The others stood from their game and sat with her. "Come on now major. Why would we make fun of you? We're a family, believe it or not. And families don't do that." "Yeah." Kard began, "If a family ain't strong and united, then they fall apart the second they step together into hell." The group sat together, a smile on their face. They were in fact a family. They had forged it out of years of hatred for a common enemy, out of years of living together, sleeping together, and working together. They were one of the strongest families there could be. But that family would face another hardship, for Operation Celestia had been rescheduled. And it was soon. Far sooner than they would have preferred. But as one strong family, they would step together into the flames of hell, and they would hold together all the way through. The squad gathered at their VTOL as Kard began his prayer for them he uttered before every mission. "Lord, we ask for you to watch over us today, and help us fly high and mighty like you, raining down upon those who seek to destroy our kin. May you help us to perform above and beyond the rest, and put our adversaries on the rocks!" "Amen!" The others ended. They began getting set in the VTOL. Samantha took her seat in the cockpit, powering up the rotors. Grid got in the navigators seat directly above and behind her. Keeting and Kard got on their separate Heavy Machine Guns on either side of the VTOL. Jenson got in his seat, readying his sniper. They lift off the pad and joined the massive formation of the EDF's air force en route to Canterlot. Operation Celestia was under way. "Check your weapons! Make sure there's a round in the chamber! Make sure you're strapped in! We're probably gonna be doing a lot of maneuvering, and I'd like to not lose any of you!" She reminded her crew. A few clicks later, the 'Ready' signal was passed up. Canterlot soon came into view, its massive ancient castle looming in the distance. The sheer number of dragons flying around was ungodly. Then again, so was their own numbers. Their simple objective was to fight and kill most of the dragons, clearing way for the tanks waiting outside the city walls. The operation was expected to be easy, except for one small detail. "Oh shit!" Samantha yelled, narrowly dodging a homing missile. "They hacked our defenses!" She yelled in the radio. They began circling the castle, dodging their own projectiles, and fighting the dragons. They found themselves three pursuers. "Kill those assholes!" Samantha yelled, dodging a burst of flak. "Trying!" Came Keeting's response. Both heavy guns were blazing. Suddenly, a burst of flak scored a direct hit on the VTOL's left engine. They fell into a spin. Samantha saw the castle growing close. "BRACE YOURSELVES!" She yelled as they smashed through one of the ancient stained glass windows, hitting the floor hard and skidding into one of the stone walls. Samantha was dazed, and she blinked a few times. "Are you all ok back there?" She called. Her crew stumbled out, a few scratches and bruises apparent. “We’re good.” Jenson told her. Samantha tried getting up, but found herself unable. “Come on Major. They’ll be looking for us.” He urged her. She continued to struggle, getting nowhere. It was then she noticed the rotor blade that had come off, and impaled itself through the cockpit, and held Samantha in her seat by passing through her leg. “Major. We need to go, now!” Keeting hurried her. She lay her head back and blinked. She looked back down at the blade and touched it. It was very real. She lay her head back again and almost screamed out, “FUCK!” Her squad ran to the broken cockpit to assist her. They were not ready for what they saw. “Go on without me.” She coughed. “I’ll hold them off.” “We can’t leave you Major!” Protested Keeting. “Go…” She said flatly, wiping some blood from her mouth. “But-“ He was cut off. “GO! Now! Carry on without me!” Samantha yelled. Tears moistened her eyes. “That’s an order! All of you get the hell out of here!” Her squad reluctantly turned and left her. All but Keeting. “I will be back for you. Don’t worry.” He leaned in and kissed her. She smiled as some more blood dripped off her lip. “I know. Now save yourself.” A loud roar near the window signaled the time to leave. Keeting ran off, joining the squad. Samantha gripped the blade and yanked at it, then forced on it, but it was wedged tightly by the wall. “It went down in here!” A thunderous voice yelled. The dragons had arrived. “There it is.” “But where are the bodies?” A second voice added. “They obviously survived! Search it!” Growled a third, more authoritive voice. Samantha yanked more at the blade. A large red dragon turned the corner to the cockpit and looked in at Samantha as she coughed her breathing heavy from pain. “There is still one here!” He yelled, motioning to the others. A green dragon and a purple dragon came over to the other side of the cockpit. Samantha gave them a bloody smile and said, “Morning boys. Wonderful weather we’re having, eh?” She coughed, a bit of blood in it. “Don’t move pony! Or we will kill you!” Growled the purple one, obviously the leader of the squad. Samantha chuckled and pat the blade. “Trust me, I ain’t going anywhere anytime soon.” She pushed on the blade again. “What should we do with her?” Asked the green dragon. “We take her. She is a pilot, and they could maybe trade something good for her.” Smiled the leader. “Come here pony!” He yelled at Samantha. She laughed at him. “You think I’m moving?” She smacked the blade. “Why not help a girl out first?” The three dragons moved the VTOL as if it was a wad of paper. Samantha shoved the blade from her leg, causing some heavy bleeding to begin. She rolled out of the broken cockpit, and yelped as she fell on her back, her stitching not fully healed yet. The red dragon picked her up. “You’re coming with us.” Chuckled the squad leader. “Likely story. Just kill me already!” She yelled at him, her pain peaking out and blood dripping out of her leg. “Oh no, we can’t do that. We could get some use out of you.” Smiled the squad leader, gently petting her mane with a claw. “I will fucking kill you in your sleep…” Growled Samantha. “Ooh, the little pony is getting feisty. Would you rather go back to your machine?” Countered the squad leader. Samantha sighed and quiet down. “That’s what I thought. Let’s go.” He motioned to the others. The three took flight, leaving Samantha’s squad standing in shock in the doorway. They ran to the VTOL. “Check the radio!” Ordered Keeting. He was in fact second in command for the squad, should Samantha be unfit to perform her duties. His orders were followed, and to his surprise, the radio worked. He picked it up, speaking into it, “This is HAS 22! Mayday! Mayday! We are downed and need assistance!” “HAS 22. This is Ponyville Control. Where is your commanding office-“ The officer was cut off. Lydia came back to them on the radio. “Keeting? Is that you? Where is Samantha?” Keeting sighed. “She’s gone General. The dragons took her. We did all we could Ma’am, but she was pinned by our VTOL. I’m so sorry.” “It’s ok Keeting. She’s tough. She’ll pull through. I am inbound, hold out for ten minutes! We will get her back.” Lydia cut out. Keeting set down the radio. “Let’s go. General’s coming.” He motioned for the others to follow him through the castle, and out the main doors to the gardens. A pleasant surprise was waiting for them. Four manual Anti Dragon Cannons. “Let’s give our boys in the sky some support.” The squad slipped in the four cannons. They opened fire on the dragons, and a multitude of chatter came over the radio. “What the hell? Are those cannons helping?” “Yeah! Are they defective?” "Who cares? They ain’t shooting at me anymore!” “Let’s tear these fuckers up now!” The battle raged on for a while, until General Frost came up in a truck with a dormant VTOL on the back of it. She shut it off and hopped out with her two body guards. They waited while Keeting and the squad came out of the turrets and to her. “This is General Frost. All units fall back to base. Repeat. All units fall back to base. Operation Celestia is a failure.” They all looked up to see the air units spin around and head back at full speed. They soon were surrounded by at least fifty dragons. The dragon field commander landed. He smiled at Lydia as she gave a brief smile back. They seemed as if they knew each other. “General Frost. How may I help you on this fine day?” “You have one of my officers Commander. And I want her back.” Lydia simply stated. “Oh? And what will you trade for this officer?” He smiled. “What do you want?” She asked. “Oh, nothing to important. Just the destruction of your race.” He chuckled. Lydia stomped hard in frustration and anger” GOD DAMNIT LANSLEY! Your dragons took my daughter! How would you like it if I took yours?” The commander identified as Lansley sighed and gently put a claw on her shoulder. “I am sorry Lydia. I didn’t know. What can I do to help?” “Take me and my troops here right now to the cave. I’ll escort her home myself.” Lydia told him. He sighed and thought for a moment. “Ok. Follow close behind us, and make no hostile moves.” He nodded. Lydia signaled for her troops to board the VTOL. They soon were en route to the dragon’s nest. After another short flight, they were landing next to the mouth of a massive cave. Lydia stepped out and walked to Lansley. “Feel’s all too strange being back.” She admitted. “Yes. It’s been to long old friend.” He smiled. “This way.” He began leading them. Tearful EscapeSamantha lay on her back. Her captors had stripped her, but tried to patch her leg. The guard shuffled by, and Samantha looked over. “Hey…” She called. He stopped and turned around, “What do you want pony?” She sat up, wincing. “What the hell is gonna happen to me?” “Our leader requests that you become his slave.” The guard smiled. Samantha sighed and walked to the bars of her cage. “Of course… Why should I expect anything else from a bunch of fucking savages?” She growled. The guards grew angry and struck her. She yelped, stumbling backwards to the ground. “Shut up you fucking whore! I ‘Ought to kill you now!” He snapped at her. “I wouldn’t do that if I was you.” A calm, yet menacing voice said. The dragon leader walked into view. “Now get out of my sight.” “Yes sir!” The guard ran off. Samantha lie on her side, bleeding from her face as she looked at the dragon leader. He seemed almost familiar. “I’m terribly sorry for that. He has marital problems.” The leader smiled. His friendliness was unnerving. “You’re not hurt too bad, are you?” He asked. Samantha remained silent. “Oh come now. I only want you as my ‘slave’ per say, so I can protect you.” He explained. “Oh really? How would that protect me?” She snapped at him. “If you are claimed as mine, the others wouldn’t dare even look at you.” He gave another friendly smile. “But where would that leave me?” She thought, slowly getting to her hooves. “You would do a few simple tasks, and sit with me sometimes to not draw suspicion.” He told her. He motioned for her to come to the door of the cage. She uneasily stepped forward, feeling a sense of trust for him, unsure of why or where it came from. He opened the door, “Now, if you would allow me, I wish to inspect you of your injuries.” Samantha nodded, “Alright. Just, please be careful… I’m not sure I can take any more pain.” “I will do my best.” He reassured her, kneeling to get a closer look at her. She stood still, his massive hands and claws being surprisingly gentle. He looked over her body, asking and confirming her injuries. “Now, this may sound odd, but I need you to lie on your back and spread your legs.” “What!” She jumped away, startled by his request. He remained as he was, and explained, “Please. I need to be sure my dragons did nothing to you. It’s all for your well being.” “You’re lying! You’re just trying to trick me!” She accused him, stepping back some more. He stood now. “Dear Samantha, Please. I’m only trying to help you.” He told her. Her face paled, shock setting in. “H-how do you know my name?” She asked. “What? I thought you recognized me.” He sighed. “I guess times have changed. I am your uncle Samantha. I used to watch you for your mother when she would work while you were young.” Samantha fell to her knees, not sure what to think. “Please Samantha. I would never do anything to hurt you. I only want what’s best for you.” She sighed and lay on her back. “Ok. I believe you.” She reluctantly spread her legs, revealing herself to a dragon who just claimed to be her uncle. He knelt to her. “May I?” He asked politely. She nodded, and he leaned in, inhaling. “You have the scent of one that remains fresh.” He carefully placed a claw on either side, and gently part her. She moaned quietly. “You remain sensitive, and it would seem it from the outside. But are you really intact? May I?” He tried to remain polite, despite their uncomfortable situation. Blushing, she nodded. He carefully and slowly inserted a claw, earning a loud moan from her. Lydia was followed by her few troops, while she followed Lansley through the cave. “Lansley? I’m nervous. I know you dragons are not wild beasts. But what if one can’t control himself around Samantha?” “Do not fret my friend. I’m sure she is fine. Karanstan will have no doubt done everything in his power to ensure her safety.” At that moment though, Samantha’s moan could be heard by them. The entire group broke to a sprint, reaching the hall where captured were brought. They saw Karanstan, Dragon leader, knelt over Samantha, who was on her back, legs spread, blushing heavily. “Karanstan! You son of a bitch!” Lydia yelled. The two in the hall looked over, shock on their faces. Karanstan stood first, his claw glistening with Samantha’s fluids. Samantha stood as well, backing to the wall. “Lydia? It is not as it seems.” He began. Lydia pushed past him, grabbing onto Samantha, hugging her tightly. Samantha yelped in pain as she did. “Oh sweetheart. He didn’t hurt you, did he?” She asked Samantha. Samantha shook her head. “No mother. He was only helping me.” Lydia let go of her, but heading her to the other ponies. Lydia turned to Karanstan, glaring. “I fucking swear I will wear your skin as a coat if you did anything to her.” “Lydia. Why would I do anything to dear little Samantha? You know I cared for her as if she was my own before everything happened.” He explained. Lydia sighed. “You’re right. But I still don’t approve of what you were just doing.” He nodded. “I understand. It was not something I wanted to do, but I had to, to ensure she was safe.” He sighed. “Ok. Kara?” Lydia began. “Look at us. We’re conversing like there isn’t a war going on out there. What happened to us?” “I am not sure Lydia. But I can tell you, this war never should have happened. I regret fully my decision those years ago. I was mortified to find out later that night that dear little Samantha was almost killed. I never would have been able to live with myself had she died from my doing.” He sighed. “Look, I know how much she means to you. Why not come with us? Sign a peace treaty, and end this useless bloodshed.” She tried to reason with him. “I couldn’t… The damage we have done already is too great. My mistake will always be remembered. Always." He lowered his head. Lydia walked up to him. "Karanstan. They will remember more how your love for peace and the ponies ended the war. Please. Come with us." She pleaded. He began thinking. "Alright. I shall. It is time this ended. All of it." He smiled. The others nodded in agreement, and the group now walked back to the VTOL. They arrived, and were surprised to see a group of dragons waiting for them. “Leader. You wish to end this war, and we support your decision. We shall fly with you, one last time. For honor.” One of them said. Karanstan smiled, as did the ponies. Soon, the group was inbound for Ponyville base. “Ponyville Control, this is General Frost. Deactivate all ADD Cannons, and tell all soldiers to stand down. I am inbound with the DRA Leader, and we are to sign a peace treaty.” Lydia called in the radio. “Yes General! We shall make preparations in the command center!” Came the reply. The group set down in the courtyard, a large crowd of soldiers waiting for them. Lydia jumped out of the VTOL and led the way for the dragons o the command center. She entered, and the soldiers inside filed out. The doors were shut and locked. The few there sat at a briefing table. Lydia, Samantha, her squad, and Lydia’s two personal body guards were the pony representatives. Karanstan, Lansley, and his three dragons were representing their race. They all began talking, but were cut off by the sudden announcement that came over the intercom. “This is Colonel Starbright. All EDF forces on sight are ordered to ignore the General’s previous order. She has defected and left us for dead. Kill any and all dragons, for the survival of pony kind!” The intercom cut, and a multitude of gunfire was heard outside. Lydia slumped in her chair. “No…” She sighed. “He’s finally lost it. We’re done for now…” Karanstan pat her shoulder. “Fret not, for we can return to the nest, and we shall be safe there. My dragons will welcome you as our allies.” He assured her. Lydia nodded. “But how will we go? Our cannons will no doubt blast any VTOL we take right out of the sky. We are trapped here.” “Well… Not exactly…” Samantha spoke up. “What do you mean?” All eyes were on her now. She walked to the console control for the briefing table and pulled up a VTOL. But this one was different. It was a sleek black, with no rotors, and it had no outside weaponry. “What is that?” “This is a gift from my father.” Samantha began. “This is a Stealth VTOL. It is coated in reflective plates so radar can’t pick it up. The exhaust from the jet engines runs through a series of pipes that cool it, rendering no heat for thermal imaging. And it is fitted with a stealth field generator, making it invisible to any eyes. The fact that it is a jet makes it extremely fast, so that nothing flying may match its speed.” “But… How did he acquire such a thing?” Lydia questioned. Samantha couldn’t answer, as the door was blasted open, and soldiers came in firing. The auto turrets took this attack as hostile and tore up the soldiers. “We need to move to it now! Otherwise we’ll die here!” Samantha ordered, picking up a rife. “Don’t fire unless we’re not around any turrets. Any firing will be taken as a hostile action, and they will shoot you!” The group set out, heading for an unknown destination with Samantha leading them. They soon arrived at the storage room where Samantha and Keeting had shared many moment together. Samantha blocked the door, and explained, “Now listen to me. We are not going to the cave. We are going somewhere else. I have a place prepared for us, a place where we can be safe, where we can live on. I found us a Stable. We’re going there, and we’re locking it down.” “What? How did you find one, let alone get in it?” Lydia asked. Samantha didn’t answer as she ran to a switch hidden behind a crate, and flipped it. The wall of crates slid away, revealing a hidden landing pad. The pad itself was empty. “In! NOW!” Samantha ordered. The group ran on the pad and she shot the switch, causing the wall of crates to close. Samantha stood with the group on the pad. “Deactivate Cloaking Device.” She said aloud. A mirage of waves set in at the middle of the pad, and the large SVTOL sat waiting for them. Samantha ran to it, starting it up. It whirred to life with the humming of a small lamp. The four corners of the pad lit up as four turrets popped out. “Pay them no mind! They’re my personal protection! Now get in!” She ordered the ponies. She walked to Karanstan as the ponies got in the hold of the SVTOL. “We will fly fast to keep up with you dear Samantha. You lead the way.” He smiled to her. She hugged him and began walking back to the SVTOL. But then the wall of crates exploded, and gunfire erupted into the pad. The turrets turned and opened up on the attackers. Samantha climbed into the cockpit, opening the false roof. “Alright! We’re leaving!” She yelled as she began to lift it off the pad. She got it up and began away. The loud crack of a sniper rang out from below. “UNF!” Came the grunt from Samantha. She flipped the cloaking switch, and flew them away. “Samantha? Are you ok up there? You sounded like you were hit.” Called Lydia from the back. Samantha looked down to herself, noticing the hole in her right breast plate. The blood had been seeping from it quite a bit. “Oh god…” She groaned. “I’m hit. Pretty bad too.” She called back. A collective gasp came from the back. “I think it passed through my right lung… I’m having a hard time breathing now.” She coughed out. Her breathing was becoming strained. “Hang in there Samantha! Just fly us where we need to be.” Called up Lydia. “I… I can’t… Fuck!” She flipped the auto pilot switch, activating the Stable’s landing pad as the destination. “I’m going into auto pilot… Oh god… I’m bleeding pretty bad up here… I think there is some BioFoam back there in the hold medical kit… Take a look for me.” “Yeah, there’s a can of it! Just hold on!” Samantha wheezed as she felt the pain setting in. She could not bear what she just did. She was a true hero; she gave her life saving those who deserved to live. She broke down into tears as she felt the honor and horror of this though. She began to pray out loud. Her radio was still on, and the others, including the dragons, could hear her. “Most Merciful Jesus, lover of souls, I pray You, by the agony of Your most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Your Immaculate Mother, to wash in Your Most Precious Blood, the sinners of the world who are now in their agony, and who will die today. “Remember most especially the soul I spiritually adopt with the intention of entrusting him or her to Thy Shepherd's care: I beseech Thee for the grace to move this sinner, who is in danger of going to Hell, to repent. I ask this because of my trust in Thy great mercy. “If it should please Thy Majesty to send me a suffering this day in exchange for the grace I ask for this soul, then, it, too, shall please me very much, and I thank Thee, Most Sweet Jesus, Shepherd and Lover of Souls; I thank Thee for this opportunity to give mercy in thanksgiving for all the mercies Thou hast shown me. Heart of Jesus, once in agony, have mercy on the dying…” She began to repeat the prayer. The ponies in the hold along with the dragons shed tears of sorrow. They had nothing they could do to help her. They then became aware of the towering mountain they were closing in on. The SVTOL slowed, and soon sat down on a rusting landing pad outside the mouth of a large cave. Lydia ran to the cockpit once they were down. Samantha sat with her head back, her eyes closed. She was mumbling her prayer. Lydia drug her out and picked her up. “Let’s go! She’s close to death!” She ordered. The group made their way to a large steel door. A control panel sat nearby, and Lydia ran to it. “What’s the code Samantha!” She asked. Samantha continued praying. Lydia shook her. “Samantha! What’s the code? We need to get you inside!” Samantha did nothing, but grab a bloody piece of paper from her pocket. She dropped it and Lydia picked it up. The paper read, ‘Nine Two Three Dash Two Seven Two Zero Seven Six.’ Lydia quickly punched in the code. The door hissed, and made a loud grinding noise as it slowly opened. Lydia quickly picked up Samantha and hauled her inside, the others in the group in tow. The door automatically shut behind them. Lydia followed the signs to the medical bay, and lay Samantha in a bed. She looked over herself, and noticed she was soaked in her daughters blood. This sickened her, and she threw up in a nearby trash. Karanstan came to her. “Are you all right Lydia?” Lydia shook her head and pointed to Samantha, sending the message to him that she needed the attention first. Karanstan nodded and walked to the medical bed. He spotted a small button on the table which read, ‘Press for auto doc assistance.’ He did so, and a wall panel opened while an older model of an auto doc came out. It automatically began to work on Samantha, heeding her accomplices no mind as they watched in a close proximity. Their faces held hope as she seemed to come back, then of horror as the doc injected her with a black liquid, which caused her to completely stop moving. The doc backed up. Lydia touched the bloody body that was her daughter. It was cold and lifeless. She growled with anger and sorrow. Samantha Frost was dead. *** Five Years Later *** Karanstan walked down the halls of Stable Seventy Six with his son. The stable was happy, healthy, and fully functional. The two walked into the entertainment wing, and up to a sleek black SVTOL. The bullet hole in the cockpit windshield and the blood stains on the side of it told it’s long gone story. As did the set of bloody pilot’s armor with a hole in the right breast plate that stood next to the SVTOL. “Daddy? What is that?” The young Nansti asked. Karanstan smiled and told him, “That is our tribute.” “To who?” The young dragon studied the SVTOL. “To a brave pony who paid the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loved and cared for. The pony who saved our two races.” Karanstan sighed a bit as he told his son. “Is she dead daddy?” Nansti asked, looking over the machine. “Well…” Began a voice behind the two, “I’d sure hope I’m not dead.”
The Begining"It's a beautiful girl!" The doctor exclaimed. He carried the small newborn to General Lydia Frost, whom of which was in the bed, panting with a smile. Colonel Hector Frost held her hoof, and released it as the newborn was delivered to them. "What should we call her?" Hector asked, softly touching his new daughter. "Samantha." Lydia answered, smiling to Hector as she offered the infant. He took her up, gently cradling her. "That's perfect." He smiled. "Little Samantha Frost." He chuckled lightly. Samantha stirred as her parents gave her their love and affection. The doctor turned to a nurse and said, "Time and date of birth. Nine twenty three P.M. February seventh, twenty seventy six." *** Seven Years Later *** "Come on mom! It's starting soon!" The young Samantha Frost called, bounding on a couch. "Alright, alright. I'm coming. Settle down Samantha." Lydia chuckled as she entered the living quarters, taking a seat in one of the chairs. Samantha leapt over to her, making herself comfortable on Lydia's lap. Lydia turned on the view screen. "Why isn't dad home with us tonight?" Samantha asked. "He was needed in the office for some important work." Lydia explained. Samantha put on her pouting face. "Don't give me that look young lady. You know very well how important your father's job is. And you know he can't just come home anytime you want him to." Samantha sighed in defeat, "I know. I just like him here because he likes to watch the negotiations with us." Lydia smiled, petting her softly. "I'm sure he'll be watching them from the office." They both silenced as what they had been waiting for came on. The announcer introduced in his gruff voice, "Next on Equestrian News Network, our live broadcast from the Dragon Negotiations." The view screen then brought them the live feed. Samantha watched it like a hawk, soaking up everything she saw. Lydia soon passed out, leaving Samantha in silence for the two hour broadcast. A few months later, Samantha was sitting at home alone, for Lydia and Hector were both doing their respected jobs at the base. Just then, an emergency broadcast came on the view screen. "Breaking news from the Dragon Negotiations, as a pact may be reached within the hour and peace may be made. We take you there live!" Samantha smiled and climbed into the chair, for she was strangely fascinated by the negotiations. She watched the live feed for about twenty minutes before something completely unexpected happened. The dragon leader stood suddenly, pounding on the table before lashing out at one of the Elements of Harmony. The unsuspecting pony was caught off guard, being swept away in a blur before he was slammed into a wall, falling to the ground motionless. The other dragons reacted equally, taking out whatever pony was closest to them. The princesses jumped up, blasting dragons with their magic, all the while their guards, the Elements of Harmony, and soon themselves were slaughtered. Samantha watched in horror at the bloodshed. She sat motionless, unable to look away as she watched the dragons slaughter every pony in the room. The feed cut back to the reporter. "This just in, the dragons have gone ramped! They have killed our beloved princesses, and are now attacking cities all across Equestria! Hide your families! Hide yourselves! Just-" The screen cut to static. Samantha ran over to the communicator, picking it up in a panic. She quickly connected to her mother's. "Samantha! Is that you?" "Mom! Please come home now! I'm scared!" Samantha cried out. "Don't worry sweetie, I'm on my way there right now! Your father should be there soon!" Suddenly, an explosion went off nearby, causing Samantha to scream and drop the communicator. She ran for the closet as Lydia called, "Samantha? Samantha!" Samantha opened the closet and picked up the heavy combat shotgun her mother kept in there. She retreated to a corner, doing as her father taught her, checking to make sure the shotgun was loaded, and cocking it to ensure one was in the tube. She held up the weapon, ready for any threat to come at her. She became fearful for her parents as she heard more explosions. Suddenly, the ceiling collapsed in a loud crash. A large dragon in armor rose from the dust, growling deeply as he advanced upon the small filly. Samantha screamed in fear, pulling the trigger to the large shotgun. The weapon's powerful slug-round left the tube, implanting itself in the dragon's skull, while the equally powerful recoil snapped Samantha's arm. She screamed out bloody murder in pain. The dragon fell to the floor with a loud thud, and Hector kicked the door open. "Samantha!" He yelled as he ran to her, picking her up and hugging her. He then noticed the combat shotgun lying on the floor with a spent shell, and the dragon with a hole in his skull. "Did you kill that dragon?" Samantha only nodded. Lydia appeared in the doorway, "Oh thank god you're both safe!" She ran over and embraced the two of them. She then picked up the shotgun. "Samantha's arm is broken, Lydia. She needs to be taken to the medical wing." Hector informed her. "Well, let's get a move on. It's gonna be the safest there anyway." Lydia replied, leading the way out the door. Samantha was crying with a mixture of pain and fear. "Shh. We'll be fine. We're gonna be alright. You're gonna be alright. We're gonna make it." Hector comforted his distraught daughter. *** Eleven Years Later *** "We're so proud of you sweetie." Lydia smiled. "You look like you're gonna make one fine pilot." Hector added. "Thank you. You both pushed me to become this, and I couldn't be happier." Samantha thanked her parents, standing in front of them in her new pilot recruit uniform. She hugged them, then turned and began walking for the entrance of the EDF Academy of Flight. "Good luck Samantha." Lydia and Hector waved as she left them. Samantha entered and did her eight weeks of flight training. She left a corporal in the EDF, and a pilot. Two weeks later, she entered the briefing room. "Take a seat pilots." Ordered the captain. The numerous pilots found their seats, and the captain began, "We have a new piece of equipment for our arsenal. The Vertical Take Off and Landing craft, or VTOL," He activated a screen, and a three dimensional model of a VTOL began screening, "Is a versatile attack aircraft. We will use this to replace our jets, and eliminate the need for a runway, clearing space for refugees." Samantha raised her hoof. "Yes Corporal Frost?" "Sir, when do we get them?" She asked. The captain smiled. "We already have them. Two hundred were delivered by Stable Tech yesterday." Samantha fell silent as he continued on about the VTOL. After the briefing, she walked to the barracks and undressed, climbing into her bunk and sighing loudly. "Long day Frost?" Asked her bunk mate, a young stallion, just older than her. "You know it Keeting." She smiled as he poked his head over the edge of the bunk and grinned. "Need any means to relax?" He asked. "Keeting, you can stare at my nude body all you want, but you ain't ever gonna get to feel it." Samantha chuckled as his grin disappeared. "Eh, I'll work you around one of these days." He sighed in defeat as he returned to his own bunk. "Keep dreaming." Samantha closed her eyes, ready for some sleep. Just then, the intercom echoed, "Corporal Frost to the command center. Corporal Frost to the command center." Samantha groaned. She sat up and grabbed her pilot tech under armor. "Can never get any sleep 'round this damn place..." She grumbled. After dressing, she walked in the direction of the command center. During her walk, she used her arm computer to search up Intel on the DRA. She soon arrived at the command center's doors, only to be stopped by the guards. "No entry is permitted at this time pilot. Return to your duties." One of the guards said in a firm voice. "But, I was called down here." Samantha protested. "No entry. General's orders. Now get a move on pilot before I have you court marshaled!" The guard threatened. Samantha grumbled in defeat as she turned and began walking away. Lydia stepped out from the doors and called, "Samantha. There you are. Where are you going?" Samantha turned back, "These guys say I'm not permitted to enter." Lydia turned to face the two guards. "This is my daughter, and she is permitted to enter as she pleases. Understood?" She practically growled. "Yes Ma'am!" The two answered, stepping aside. "Come now darling. We have some important business to attend to." Lydia walked back into the command center with Samantha right on her heels. Once inside, Lydia steered Samantha to a table, two other generals standing by it with a few other officers. "Sorry for the interruption. Had to let my daughter in." Lydia apologized as the two walked up to the table. "No worries General. This is Samantha?" One of the other generals asked. "Yes. Samantha?" Lydia asked. "Yes mother?" The others showed visible signs of irk at Samantha’s lack of formality to Lydia, though the two didn't care. "The reason I called you down here is because this involves your father, and I believe you have the right to know about it." Samantha nodded. "So where were we?" An officer started, "Well General, Colonel Frost has been imprisoned by Stable Tech on the grounds of suspected treason. We have tried to reason with them, but they threatened to cut our contract if we persisted. They will be putting him on trial, and they say if they find treason, they will execute him." Samantha's heart sank as she paled slightly. "Samantha? Are you alright darling?" Samantha said nothing, but turned and calmly walked out of the command center. Lydia watched her daughter leave, choosing not to bother her.
The Fight BeginsOne Year Later *** "It's mine?" Samantha asked the flight deck officer, looking over the VTOL. "Yes Sergeant. All yours. Command says you can add your own personal touch as well, morale booster or something." The officer confirmed. He wrote on a clip board, and then walked away. Samantha opened the passenger compartment of her new VTOL, and climbed into it, looking around. "Hey Sarge!" Keeting called from behind. Samantha turned, "Hey Keeting. Good thing you showed up." "Why's that?" He asked, leaning against the side of the VTOL. "I need you to get the others so I can give them a rundown of our new equipment." Samantha smiled as she climbed out. She was a Master Sergeant, and the leader of a squad. Her squad members consisted of Corporals Grid, Kard, Jenson, and Keeting. "Copy that Sarge." He turned and left. Samantha began painting on the VTOL. By the time Keeting returned, she was working on the other side. "Sarge? I'm back with the others." Samantha stepped out. "Hey guys. Check out our new VTOL." She motioned to her hoof work. She had painted a bucket of ice with a dragon skull sitting on the bucket with a bullet hole in its head, a playing card sticking out of a crack, a compass in one of the eyes, and a wrench and screwdriver crossed behind the whole thing. It had 'On the Rocks' written under it. "Whaddya think?" She leaned against the VTOL. "What does it mean Sarge?" Jenson asked. "The bucket represents me, and how I support the squad. The bullet hole is you Jenson, and your dead eye accuracy watching our front. The Jack of Spades is you Kard, and how you keep our spirits high. The compass is you Grid, and your ability to lead us safely. And the tools are you Keeting, and how you always have our back." She smiled, pointing out each one. "And the dragon's skull?" Kard pointed. "That's our prey, and how we all surround and kill them." She chuckled. "'On the Rocks'? Interesting name. I like it." Grid input. "Our motto, our name, and our goal all in one." Samantha pointed out. "Wanted to show you all what you'll be representing." "It's phenomenal work Sarge." Keeting said. Samantha chuckled. "Here," She tossed them some bits, "Go get yourselves some drinks. My treat. Just bring me back one." "Betcha want an On the Rocks?" Kard smiled. The others had a chuckle, then left. Samantha returned to her work. A few minutes later, Keeting returned with two drinks. He sat down in the hold of the VTOL. "Got your drink Sarge. You can take a break now." He smiled at her. "Thank Keeting." She sat next to him, taking a drink. "No problem. We're friends, and that's what we do." Samantha chuckled at this. "What?" "I don't have friends Keeting. Only allies and advisories." She explained. "You guys are just closer allies than the rest." Keeting nodded. "I see." He drank, looking down. "What's up?" She looked at him. "Nothing Sarge." He lied. "Keeting. I can tell when you're lying. Especially to me. What's wrong?" She set her drink down, moving a bit closer to him. "It's just..." He sighs. "I got a letter earlier today. My family was killed in an attack. I lost everyone. And I had no friends prior to joining. Hell..." He drinks. "I still have no friends." He sighed again and looked down. Samantha pat his back. "Don't worry Keeting. You may not have friends, but you have a squad. We will be there for you." *** One Year Later *** Hector Frost stood in front of the small crowd. Lydia and Samantha stood next to him. An official of Stable Tech walked up, and pulled out a piece of paper. He read, "Colonel Hector T. Frost. You have been tried and found guilty of treason to the Stable Tech Corporation. You have been sentenced to death, and as per requested, your daughter, Master Sergeant Samantha F. Frost, will be the shooter." The official handed Samantha a .44 revolver. "You have five minutes with your family." He walked away. Lydia instantly cut Hector's wrist restraints, and embraced him. Samantha stood nearby quietly, holding back any emotions. "Well. This is it." He sighed and rubbed his graying mane. He was an old stallion, roughly fifty eight. "Goodbye my love. We shall always remember you for the great stallion you are." Lydia said tearfully. They embraced once more before he turned to Samantha. "Ready sweetheart?" He asked her. She simply nodded. He was escorted to his stand by Lydia, and Samantha walked to her spot. She cocked the revolver's hammer. She raised the revolver, took aim, but found herself unable to pull the trigger. The harder she tried, the closer she felt to bursting. "It's ok sweetheart. It has to be done." Samantha burst, unable to hold her emotions back any longer. She leapt forward, catching Hector in a hug, crying into his chest. He hugged her back, petting her gently. "There there. It's alright. We both know it needs to be done. I'm so proud it gets to be you who does it. I love you Samantha. I love you both so very much." He planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. The gunshot rang out loudly, Samantha pulling the trigger to the revolver stuck to the side of his head. Hector Frost fell limp as Samantha collapsed, still clinging to the body. She cried uncontrollably now. Lydia knelt next to her as she let go of him and grabbed onto her now. She held her distraught daughter close, gently patting her. A morgue worker wrote on his clipboard while multiple tears of sorrow were shed, 'Hector T. Frost. Died on April Eighteenth, Twenty Ninety Six.' Samantha and Lydia soon after returned to Ponyville base. Corporal Keeting sat with the others. Kard was playing Blackjack with the others, whooping them bad. They were on the topic of mares they would do in the base. They somehow got to General Lydia Frost. "Would you do her Jenson?" "Hell no! Besides her being Sarge's mother, she's gotta be close to sixty!" He exclaimed. "I might, depending on how much you'd pay me." Grid said. "I mean, every mare needs love. And apparently her husband was killed this morning. Sarge shot him dead as the two hugged for the last time." Keeting leapt over. "What was that?" He interrupted their game. "Sarge killed her father. He was sentenced to death by Stable Tech. He requested that Sarge be the one to shoot him." Grid clarified. Just then, Samantha walked by. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she passed without a sound. "Should we do something?" Keeting turned back to them. "What can we do? She shot him. Not much we can do about that." Kard said. The three resumed their game. Keeting stood, and began after Samantha. "Where you going Keeting?" Grid asked. "To comfort her. She needs us, and I'll be the first to help." He told them. "Boy, you must have a death wish." Jenson input. "No. I'm simply returning the favor." Keeting sighed as he left the three. They looked at each other. "We'll help after this hand." Kard said. The others nodded in agreement. Keeting followed Samantha to the showers. She was standing nude in a corner shower, the cold water flowing down on her. Keeting stepped into the shower room. "Sarge? You alright?" He asked, walking up to the shower. He was frightened as she turned around and grabbed onto him, pulling him into a hug, beginning to sob heavily into his shoulder. He was scared. He had seen her walk right through the Hell of Hell, and never shed a tear. The other stallions and mares in the shower glanced in their direction, and Keeting gave them a terrified, yet understanding look. He wrapped his arms around Samantha, holding her, gently patting her back. He tried to give her the comfort she deserved. She cried on for about half an hour before lifting her head, sniffling. "He didn't deserve to die Keeting. He was the loyalist stallion I've ever know. Hell, he could’ve been the Element of Loyalty." Keeting nodded. "Stable Tech is just a bunch of power hungry assholes. Anyone that gets in their way gets eliminated." Samantha nodded. She sniffled once more before releasing him. She gathered her things that lay in the floor of the shower. She then returned to the barracks and sat on her bunk, Keeting taking a seat next to her. He draped an arm over her shoulder. "Keeting. Thank you. You truly are a great friend." Keeting took these words heavily. She had said it herself, 'I don't have friends Keeting. Only allies and advisories.' Yet right there, she had called him her friend. That meant the world to him. "You're welcome Sarge. I'll always be here for you." He smiled. "As will we." Kard said, walking up with the other two. "Sorry for the late arrival. Lost track of where you went." Samantha nodded with a smile. "Thank you all."
Bloody ConflictEight Years Later *** Samantha stormed into the barracks and right up to her squad. She stomped up to them and threw her helmet on the floor, hollering, "We're done for!" The others looked at her. "What's wrong Major?" Keeting asked. "Canterlot has fallen! The EFD's Main Command is decimated!" She angrily ripped off her armor plates. Her squad looked at each other worriedly. "If Canterlot has fallen, that means we're all that's left." Grid noted. The Dragon Wars had done its job. It had finally almost made the Pony Race extinct. Ponyville Base was the most secure, well defended base around, but it could not be expected to last forever. Their ammo and rations would eventually run out, and they would be forced to surrender. No pony wanted to surrender. They all knew the dragons would kill whoever still lived at the end of it. Keeting sat next to Samantha. "What are we gonna do Major?" She sighed. "Command has enacted Operation Celestia. We're going in, full force, to take back Canterlot. They expect high casualties." Keeting draped an arm around her shoulder. The two of them had developed quite the friendship. Unknown to anyone else, they even had a secret relationship. The two of them met often in a storage room. They sat and talked, sometimes kissed, and even pleased one another. One day after a 'session', Keeting said, "Heh... Told ya' I'd work you around." "Shut it..." Said Samantha as she lay winded. The two had many such 'sessions', but they never took it up a notch to sex. They were both afraid of the consequences it may bring. So they decided to remain fresh, and stick to hoof work. "Get some rest. We bounce at Eleven Hundred." Samantha sighed. She lay back in her bed, as the others nodded. "Yes ma'am." They said, returning to their bunks. Soon the lights were out, and Samantha heard the familiar noise. Keeting slipped into bed with her. "Hey there." She smiled as she kissed him. "Hey." He whispered. "Keeting?" She poked him. "Yeah?" "Should we take the next step?" "Here?" His face grew worried that she had lost it. "No. In our spot. I figured we could try since we're both probably gonna die tomorrow." She blushed in the darkness. "You have a point. Alright. Let's go." He kissed her once more. She slipped out, and led the way to their storage room. Once inside, they moved the crate in front of the door, and lit the lamp. "Well... How should we begin?" Samantha blushed. "We should first warm up..." She ran her hoof from his face, down his chest, and past his stomach. "Oh boy..." ***** "MAJOR! WAKE UP!" Kard shook Samantha. She snapped awake, becoming aware of the blaring alarms. "What's going on?" She asked, leaping out of bed. She was sore, but ready for anything. "The DRA launched an attack! We need you Major!" Kard explained, running to the door, looking out it with his SMG. He was surprised to see Samantha run past him, nude. "Major! Your armor!" "Fuck it! No time for that!" She yelled as she entered the armory, draping two large machine gun belts over her. She then picked up the Browning Heavy Machine Gun. She proceeded to follow Kard to the courtyard, where the .25mm Rapid fire guns were blazing, the .40mm Anti Air cannons were thundering, and the large .75 Flak cannons were booming. Even the Homing Missile launchers were doing their part. Dragons swooped everywhere, crushing, burning, and smashing what they could. Many went down quick due to the cannons. Samantha followed Kard to her squad. "Major! Good to see you in one piece!" Keeting greeted her. "Likewise! How we doing?" She asked as she cut loose on a dragon, killing him. "Fuckers caught us of guard! Lucky us the cannon's are tearing them apart!" Keeting explained. "Good. Let's finish this fight!" She yelled as she opened up on another dragon. She suddenly felt squeezed, as she was lifted violently into the air. "MAJOR!" Her squad yelled, unable to shoot her captor. Samantha looked up at the large dragon that now held her. "LET GO OF ME YOU BASTARD!" She yelled, yanking free a bullet from her belt, jamming it in the dragon's eye. He yelled out in agonizing pain, dropping her. She then realized how high up she was. She began plummeting to the ground. She suddenly landed on the back of a dragon, narrowly missing his spines. The dragon growled and turned his head to face her, just as a flak round collided with his stomach. He grunted, not dying, but weakening, and descending quite a bit. She rode him down to a level, and spotted her opportunity. She leapt from his back, right as he lashed at her, catching her across the back, and as a homing missile hit him in the back. The flames singed Samantha's back as well. She fell twenty feet before sliding down the sloped wall of a building that had collapsed. She hit the ground hard, hearing a loud snap. She grunted with pain, ignoring it and running back to her squad. Keeting had picked up the Browning, and was firing away. He saw her coming back. "Major! You're alive!" He handed back the Browning to her. "It takes more than a few dragons to kill me." She stated. They engaged in heavy fighting for another half hour until the dragons retreated. The ponies cheered at their victory. "Major, you're hurt!" Keeting noticed. Samantha looked at herself, and collapsed. Her ankles were broken good, and she was sitting in a small pool of her own blood. The dragon had given her a good gash across her back. "Ah fuck!" She yelled. The pain finally setting in. "Come on, help me get her to med bay!" Keeting shouted to the others. Two grabbed her up, while one made a path, and one brought up the rear. "Out of the way! We got a bad wounded!" Jenson shouted, trying to get scrambled soldiers and civilians out of their way. Samantha began blacking out. She fought it, and was rewarded. She saw her mother pass, and take point with Jenson. The two made a quick clear path. She coughed painfully, her back hurting beyond belief. "Put me down!" She ordered, "Before my innards spill out of my back!" She was set down, feeling some of the pressure release. "Get a stretcher!" Ordered Lydia. One was brought, and Samantha was set on it. They moved faster, and with less stress. Once in the med bay, they left Samantha, and Lydia herded the others out into the hall. "Someone explain why my daughter is naked, and about ready to fall apart!" Kard spoke up, "I woke her, and she refused to armor up. She ran out like that, and was carried off by a dragon. We didn't see what happened after that, but she returned to us like that." Lydia sighed. "She stubborn... Just like her father. Right. Go, rest. I'll keep you informed on her condition." "Ma'am? What about Operation Celestia?" Keeting asked. "Canceled. We'll try again some other time." She sighed. "Now go." The others left. Lydia walked back into the med bay, finding Samantha on her stomach while doctors worked to stitch her up. Lydia noticed how the gash crossed from her left ribs, all the way up to her right shoulder. Lydia sighed again. Her daughter looked like hell, and it saddened her deeply. She sat down next to the bed, allowing the doctors to finish their work. After a few more minutes, they were done. Lydia stood next to the bed, while Samantha lay on her stomach, keeping pressure off her back. "I'm sorry mother. I got careless." She sighed. "It's ok sweetheart. You only had the welfare of your squad in mind. Though, you need to keep in mind your own safety. I do not want to lose you too Samantha." She sighed. "Now rest. Do not worry about anything for now." Lydia stood and left. About a week later and Samantha was released to her squad. She walked in the barracks, her squad playing a game of cards once more. They noticed her as she approached. "Major. Good to see your boots on the ground once more" Kard greeted her. Samantha smiled. "I don't die so easily. Could just be a talent." The others chuckled. "That what your Cutie Mark is? A shield or something? Proving you don't die?" Samantha lost her smile. "No. As a matter of fact, I never got my Cutie Mark. I could never find my talent or purpose." She sighed, sitting in the bed. "Go on. Make fun of me. Just like every other filly and colt in my childhood." The others stood from their game and sat with her. "Come on now major. Why would we make fun of you? We're a family, believe it or not. And families don't do that." "Yeah." Kard began, "If a family ain't strong and united, then they fall apart the second they step together into hell." The group sat together, a smile on their face. They were in fact a family. They had forged it out of years of hatred for a common enemy, out of years of living together, sleeping together, and working together. They were one of the strongest families there could be. But that family would face another hardship, for Operation Celestia had been rescheduled. And it was soon. Far sooner than they would have preferred. But as one strong family, they would step together into the flames of hell, and they would hold together all the way through. The squad gathered at their VTOL as Kard began his prayer for them he uttered before every mission. "Lord, we ask for you to watch over us today, and help us fly high and mighty like you, raining down upon those who seek to destroy our kin. May you help us to perform above and beyond the rest, and put our adversaries on the rocks!" "Amen!" The others ended. They began getting set in the VTOL. Samantha took her seat in the cockpit, powering up the rotors. Grid got in the navigators seat directly above and behind her. Keeting and Kard got on their separate Heavy Machine Guns on either side of the VTOL. Jenson got in his seat, readying his sniper. They lift off the pad and joined the massive formation of the EDF's air force en route to Canterlot. Operation Celestia was under way. "Check your weapons! Make sure there's a round in the chamber! Make sure you're strapped in! We're probably gonna be doing a lot of maneuvering, and I'd like to not lose any of you!" She reminded her crew. A few clicks later, the 'Ready' signal was passed up. Canterlot soon came into view, its massive ancient castle looming in the distance. The sheer number of dragons flying around was ungodly. Then again, so was their own numbers. Their simple objective was to fight and kill most of the dragons, clearing way for the tanks waiting outside the city walls. The operation was expected to be easy, except for one small detail. "Oh shit!" Samantha yelled, narrowly dodging a homing missile. "They hacked our defenses!" She yelled in the radio. They began circling the castle, dodging their own projectiles, and fighting the dragons. They found themselves three pursuers. "Kill those assholes!" Samantha yelled, dodging a burst of flak. "Trying!" Came Keeting's response. Both heavy guns were blazing. Suddenly, a burst of flak scored a direct hit on the VTOL's left engine. They fell into a spin. Samantha saw the castle growing close. "BRACE YOURSELVES!" She yelled as they smashed through one of the ancient stained glass windows, hitting the floor hard and skidding into one of the stone walls. Samantha was dazed, and she blinked a few times. "Are you all ok back there?" She called. Her crew stumbled out, a few scratches and bruises apparent. “We’re good.” Jenson told her. Samantha tried getting up, but found herself unable. “Come on Major. They’ll be looking for us.” He urged her. She continued to struggle, getting nowhere. It was then she noticed the rotor blade that had come off, and impaled itself through the cockpit, and held Samantha in her seat by passing through her leg. “Major. We need to go, now!” Keeting hurried her. She lay her head back and blinked. She looked back down at the blade and touched it. It was very real. She lay her head back again and almost screamed out, “FUCK!” Her squad ran to the broken cockpit to assist her. They were not ready for what they saw. “Go on without me.” She coughed. “I’ll hold them off.” “We can’t leave you Major!” Protested Keeting. “Go…” She said flatly, wiping some blood from her mouth. “But-“ He was cut off. “GO! Now! Carry on without me!” Samantha yelled. Tears moistened her eyes. “That’s an order! All of you get the hell out of here!” Her squad reluctantly turned and left her. All but Keeting. “I will be back for you. Don’t worry.” He leaned in and kissed her. She smiled as some more blood dripped off her lip. “I know. Now save yourself.” A loud roar near the window signaled the time to leave. Keeting ran off, joining the squad. Samantha gripped the blade and yanked at it, then forced on it, but it was wedged tightly by the wall. “It went down in here!” A thunderous voice yelled. The dragons had arrived. “There it is.” “But where are the bodies?” A second voice added. “They obviously survived! Search it!” Growled a third, more authoritive voice. Samantha yanked more at the blade. A large red dragon turned the corner to the cockpit and looked in at Samantha as she coughed her breathing heavy from pain. “There is still one here!” He yelled, motioning to the others. A green dragon and a purple dragon came over to the other side of the cockpit. Samantha gave them a bloody smile and said, “Morning boys. Wonderful weather we’re having, eh?” She coughed, a bit of blood in it. “Don’t move pony! Or we will kill you!” Growled the purple one, obviously the leader of the squad. Samantha chuckled and pat the blade. “Trust me, I ain’t going anywhere anytime soon.” She pushed on the blade again. “What should we do with her?” Asked the green dragon. “We take her. She is a pilot, and they could maybe trade something good for her.” Smiled the leader. “Come here pony!” He yelled at Samantha. She laughed at him. “You think I’m moving?” She smacked the blade. “Why not help a girl out first?” The three dragons moved the VTOL as if it was a wad of paper. Samantha shoved the blade from her leg, causing some heavy bleeding to begin. She rolled out of the broken cockpit, and yelped as she fell on her back, her stitching not fully healed yet. The red dragon picked her up. “You’re coming with us.” Chuckled the squad leader. “Likely story. Just kill me already!” She yelled at him, her pain peaking out and blood dripping out of her leg. “Oh no, we can’t do that. We could get some use out of you.” Smiled the squad leader, gently petting her mane with a claw. “I will fucking kill you in your sleep…” Growled Samantha. “Ooh, the little pony is getting feisty. Would you rather go back to your machine?” Countered the squad leader. Samantha sighed and quiet down. “That’s what I thought. Let’s go.” He motioned to the others. The three took flight, leaving Samantha’s squad standing in shock in the doorway. They ran to the VTOL. “Check the radio!” Ordered Keeting. He was in fact second in command for the squad, should Samantha be unfit to perform her duties. His orders were followed, and to his surprise, the radio worked. He picked it up, speaking into it, “This is HAS 22! Mayday! Mayday! We are downed and need assistance!” “HAS 22. This is Ponyville Control. Where is your commanding office-“ The officer was cut off. Lydia came back to them on the radio. “Keeting? Is that you? Where is Samantha?” Keeting sighed. “She’s gone General. The dragons took her. We did all we could Ma’am, but she was pinned by our VTOL. I’m so sorry.” “It’s ok Keeting. She’s tough. She’ll pull through. I am inbound, hold out for ten minutes! We will get her back.” Lydia cut out. Keeting set down the radio. “Let’s go. General’s coming.” He motioned for the others to follow him through the castle, and out the main doors to the gardens. A pleasant surprise was waiting for them. Four manual Anti Dragon Cannons. “Let’s give our boys in the sky some support.” The squad slipped in the four cannons. They opened fire on the dragons, and a multitude of chatter came over the radio. “What the hell? Are those cannons helping?” “Yeah! Are they defective?” "Who cares? They ain’t shooting at me anymore!” “Let’s tear these fuckers up now!” The battle raged on for a while, until General Frost came up in a truck with a dormant VTOL on the back of it. She shut it off and hopped out with her two body guards. They waited while Keeting and the squad came out of the turrets and to her. “This is General Frost. All units fall back to base. Repeat. All units fall back to base. Operation Celestia is a failure.” They all looked up to see the air units spin around and head back at full speed. They soon were surrounded by at least fifty dragons. The dragon field commander landed. He smiled at Lydia as she gave a brief smile back. They seemed as if they knew each other. “General Frost. How may I help you on this fine day?” “You have one of my officers Commander. And I want her back.” Lydia simply stated. “Oh? And what will you trade for this officer?” He smiled. “What do you want?” She asked. “Oh, nothing to important. Just the destruction of your race.” He chuckled. Lydia stomped hard in frustration and anger” GOD DAMNIT LANSLEY! Your dragons took my daughter! How would you like it if I took yours?” The commander identified as Lansley sighed and gently put a claw on her shoulder. “I am sorry Lydia. I didn’t know. What can I do to help?” “Take me and my troops here right now to the cave. I’ll escort her home myself.” Lydia told him. He sighed and thought for a moment. “Ok. Follow close behind us, and make no hostile moves.” He nodded. Lydia signaled for her troops to board the VTOL. They soon were en route to the dragon’s nest. After another short flight, they were landing next to the mouth of a massive cave. Lydia stepped out and walked to Lansley. “Feel’s all too strange being back.” She admitted. “Yes. It’s been to long old friend.” He smiled. “This way.” He began leading them.
Tearful EscapeSamantha lay on her back. Her captors had stripped her, but tried to patch her leg. The guard shuffled by, and Samantha looked over. “Hey…” She called. He stopped and turned around, “What do you want pony?” She sat up, wincing. “What the hell is gonna happen to me?” “Our leader requests that you become his slave.” The guard smiled. Samantha sighed and walked to the bars of her cage. “Of course… Why should I expect anything else from a bunch of fucking savages?” She growled. The guards grew angry and struck her. She yelped, stumbling backwards to the ground. “Shut up you fucking whore! I ‘Ought to kill you now!” He snapped at her. “I wouldn’t do that if I was you.” A calm, yet menacing voice said. The dragon leader walked into view. “Now get out of my sight.” “Yes sir!” The guard ran off. Samantha lie on her side, bleeding from her face as she looked at the dragon leader. He seemed almost familiar. “I’m terribly sorry for that. He has marital problems.” The leader smiled. His friendliness was unnerving. “You’re not hurt too bad, are you?” He asked. Samantha remained silent. “Oh come now. I only want you as my ‘slave’ per say, so I can protect you.” He explained. “Oh really? How would that protect me?” She snapped at him. “If you are claimed as mine, the others wouldn’t dare even look at you.” He gave another friendly smile. “But where would that leave me?” She thought, slowly getting to her hooves. “You would do a few simple tasks, and sit with me sometimes to not draw suspicion.” He told her. He motioned for her to come to the door of the cage. She uneasily stepped forward, feeling a sense of trust for him, unsure of why or where it came from. He opened the door, “Now, if you would allow me, I wish to inspect you of your injuries.” Samantha nodded, “Alright. Just, please be careful… I’m not sure I can take any more pain.” “I will do my best.” He reassured her, kneeling to get a closer look at her. She stood still, his massive hands and claws being surprisingly gentle. He looked over her body, asking and confirming her injuries. “Now, this may sound odd, but I need you to lie on your back and spread your legs.” “What!” She jumped away, startled by his request. He remained as he was, and explained, “Please. I need to be sure my dragons did nothing to you. It’s all for your well being.” “You’re lying! You’re just trying to trick me!” She accused him, stepping back some more. He stood now. “Dear Samantha, Please. I’m only trying to help you.” He told her. Her face paled, shock setting in. “H-how do you know my name?” She asked. “What? I thought you recognized me.” He sighed. “I guess times have changed. I am your uncle Samantha. I used to watch you for your mother when she would work while you were young.” Samantha fell to her knees, not sure what to think. “Please Samantha. I would never do anything to hurt you. I only want what’s best for you.” She sighed and lay on her back. “Ok. I believe you.” She reluctantly spread her legs, revealing herself to a dragon who just claimed to be her uncle. He knelt to her. “May I?” He asked politely. She nodded, and he leaned in, inhaling. “You have the scent of one that remains fresh.” He carefully placed a claw on either side, and gently part her. She moaned quietly. “You remain sensitive, and it would seem it from the outside. But are you really intact? May I?” He tried to remain polite, despite their uncomfortable situation. Blushing, she nodded. He carefully and slowly inserted a claw, earning a loud moan from her. Lydia was followed by her few troops, while she followed Lansley through the cave. “Lansley? I’m nervous. I know you dragons are not wild beasts. But what if one can’t control himself around Samantha?” “Do not fret my friend. I’m sure she is fine. Karanstan will have no doubt done everything in his power to ensure her safety.” At that moment though, Samantha’s moan could be heard by them. The entire group broke to a sprint, reaching the hall where captured were brought. They saw Karanstan, Dragon leader, knelt over Samantha, who was on her back, legs spread, blushing heavily. “Karanstan! You son of a bitch!” Lydia yelled. The two in the hall looked over, shock on their faces. Karanstan stood first, his claw glistening with Samantha’s fluids. Samantha stood as well, backing to the wall. “Lydia? It is not as it seems.” He began. Lydia pushed past him, grabbing onto Samantha, hugging her tightly. Samantha yelped in pain as she did. “Oh sweetheart. He didn’t hurt you, did he?” She asked Samantha. Samantha shook her head. “No mother. He was only helping me.” Lydia let go of her, but heading her to the other ponies. Lydia turned to Karanstan, glaring. “I fucking swear I will wear your skin as a coat if you did anything to her.” “Lydia. Why would I do anything to dear little Samantha? You know I cared for her as if she was my own before everything happened.” He explained. Lydia sighed. “You’re right. But I still don’t approve of what you were just doing.” He nodded. “I understand. It was not something I wanted to do, but I had to, to ensure she was safe.” He sighed. “Ok. Kara?” Lydia began. “Look at us. We’re conversing like there isn’t a war going on out there. What happened to us?” “I am not sure Lydia. But I can tell you, this war never should have happened. I regret fully my decision those years ago. I was mortified to find out later that night that dear little Samantha was almost killed. I never would have been able to live with myself had she died from my doing.” He sighed. “Look, I know how much she means to you. Why not come with us? Sign a peace treaty, and end this useless bloodshed.” She tried to reason with him. “I couldn’t… The damage we have done already is too great. My mistake will always be remembered. Always." He lowered his head. Lydia walked up to him. "Karanstan. They will remember more how your love for peace and the ponies ended the war. Please. Come with us." She pleaded. He began thinking. "Alright. I shall. It is time this ended. All of it." He smiled. The others nodded in agreement, and the group now walked back to the VTOL. They arrived, and were surprised to see a group of dragons waiting for them. “Leader. You wish to end this war, and we support your decision. We shall fly with you, one last time. For honor.” One of them said. Karanstan smiled, as did the ponies. Soon, the group was inbound for Ponyville base. “Ponyville Control, this is General Frost. Deactivate all ADD Cannons, and tell all soldiers to stand down. I am inbound with the DRA Leader, and we are to sign a peace treaty.” Lydia called in the radio. “Yes General! We shall make preparations in the command center!” Came the reply. The group set down in the courtyard, a large crowd of soldiers waiting for them. Lydia jumped out of the VTOL and led the way for the dragons o the command center. She entered, and the soldiers inside filed out. The doors were shut and locked. The few there sat at a briefing table. Lydia, Samantha, her squad, and Lydia’s two personal body guards were the pony representatives. Karanstan, Lansley, and his three dragons were representing their race. They all began talking, but were cut off by the sudden announcement that came over the intercom. “This is Colonel Starbright. All EDF forces on sight are ordered to ignore the General’s previous order. She has defected and left us for dead. Kill any and all dragons, for the survival of pony kind!” The intercom cut, and a multitude of gunfire was heard outside. Lydia slumped in her chair. “No…” She sighed. “He’s finally lost it. We’re done for now…” Karanstan pat her shoulder. “Fret not, for we can return to the nest, and we shall be safe there. My dragons will welcome you as our allies.” He assured her. Lydia nodded. “But how will we go? Our cannons will no doubt blast any VTOL we take right out of the sky. We are trapped here.” “Well… Not exactly…” Samantha spoke up. “What do you mean?” All eyes were on her now. She walked to the console control for the briefing table and pulled up a VTOL. But this one was different. It was a sleek black, with no rotors, and it had no outside weaponry. “What is that?” “This is a gift from my father.” Samantha began. “This is a Stealth VTOL. It is coated in reflective plates so radar can’t pick it up. The exhaust from the jet engines runs through a series of pipes that cool it, rendering no heat for thermal imaging. And it is fitted with a stealth field generator, making it invisible to any eyes. The fact that it is a jet makes it extremely fast, so that nothing flying may match its speed.” “But… How did he acquire such a thing?” Lydia questioned. Samantha couldn’t answer, as the door was blasted open, and soldiers came in firing. The auto turrets took this attack as hostile and tore up the soldiers. “We need to move to it now! Otherwise we’ll die here!” Samantha ordered, picking up a rife. “Don’t fire unless we’re not around any turrets. Any firing will be taken as a hostile action, and they will shoot you!” The group set out, heading for an unknown destination with Samantha leading them. They soon arrived at the storage room where Samantha and Keeting had shared many moment together. Samantha blocked the door, and explained, “Now listen to me. We are not going to the cave. We are going somewhere else. I have a place prepared for us, a place where we can be safe, where we can live on. I found us a Stable. We’re going there, and we’re locking it down.” “What? How did you find one, let alone get in it?” Lydia asked. Samantha didn’t answer as she ran to a switch hidden behind a crate, and flipped it. The wall of crates slid away, revealing a hidden landing pad. The pad itself was empty. “In! NOW!” Samantha ordered. The group ran on the pad and she shot the switch, causing the wall of crates to close. Samantha stood with the group on the pad. “Deactivate Cloaking Device.” She said aloud. A mirage of waves set in at the middle of the pad, and the large SVTOL sat waiting for them. Samantha ran to it, starting it up. It whirred to life with the humming of a small lamp. The four corners of the pad lit up as four turrets popped out. “Pay them no mind! They’re my personal protection! Now get in!” She ordered the ponies. She walked to Karanstan as the ponies got in the hold of the SVTOL. “We will fly fast to keep up with you dear Samantha. You lead the way.” He smiled to her. She hugged him and began walking back to the SVTOL. But then the wall of crates exploded, and gunfire erupted into the pad. The turrets turned and opened up on the attackers. Samantha climbed into the cockpit, opening the false roof. “Alright! We’re leaving!” She yelled as she began to lift it off the pad. She got it up and began away. The loud crack of a sniper rang out from below. “UNF!” Came the grunt from Samantha. She flipped the cloaking switch, and flew them away. “Samantha? Are you ok up there? You sounded like you were hit.” Called Lydia from the back. Samantha looked down to herself, noticing the hole in her right breast plate. The blood had been seeping from it quite a bit. “Oh god…” She groaned. “I’m hit. Pretty bad too.” She called back. A collective gasp came from the back. “I think it passed through my right lung… I’m having a hard time breathing now.” She coughed out. Her breathing was becoming strained. “Hang in there Samantha! Just fly us where we need to be.” Called up Lydia. “I… I can’t… Fuck!” She flipped the auto pilot switch, activating the Stable’s landing pad as the destination. “I’m going into auto pilot… Oh god… I’m bleeding pretty bad up here… I think there is some BioFoam back there in the hold medical kit… Take a look for me.” “Yeah, there’s a can of it! Just hold on!” Samantha wheezed as she felt the pain setting in. She could not bear what she just did. She was a true hero; she gave her life saving those who deserved to live. She broke down into tears as she felt the honor and horror of this though. She began to pray out loud. Her radio was still on, and the others, including the dragons, could hear her. “Most Merciful Jesus, lover of souls, I pray You, by the agony of Your most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Your Immaculate Mother, to wash in Your Most Precious Blood, the sinners of the world who are now in their agony, and who will die today. “Remember most especially the soul I spiritually adopt with the intention of entrusting him or her to Thy Shepherd's care: I beseech Thee for the grace to move this sinner, who is in danger of going to Hell, to repent. I ask this because of my trust in Thy great mercy. “If it should please Thy Majesty to send me a suffering this day in exchange for the grace I ask for this soul, then, it, too, shall please me very much, and I thank Thee, Most Sweet Jesus, Shepherd and Lover of Souls; I thank Thee for this opportunity to give mercy in thanksgiving for all the mercies Thou hast shown me. Heart of Jesus, once in agony, have mercy on the dying…” She began to repeat the prayer. The ponies in the hold along with the dragons shed tears of sorrow. They had nothing they could do to help her. They then became aware of the towering mountain they were closing in on. The SVTOL slowed, and soon sat down on a rusting landing pad outside the mouth of a large cave. Lydia ran to the cockpit once they were down. Samantha sat with her head back, her eyes closed. She was mumbling her prayer. Lydia drug her out and picked her up. “Let’s go! She’s close to death!” She ordered. The group made their way to a large steel door. A control panel sat nearby, and Lydia ran to it. “What’s the code Samantha!” She asked. Samantha continued praying. Lydia shook her. “Samantha! What’s the code? We need to get you inside!” Samantha did nothing, but grab a bloody piece of paper from her pocket. She dropped it and Lydia picked it up. The paper read, ‘Nine Two Three Dash Two Seven Two Zero Seven Six.’ Lydia quickly punched in the code. The door hissed, and made a loud grinding noise as it slowly opened. Lydia quickly picked up Samantha and hauled her inside, the others in the group in tow. The door automatically shut behind them. Lydia followed the signs to the medical bay, and lay Samantha in a bed. She looked over herself, and noticed she was soaked in her daughters blood. This sickened her, and she threw up in a nearby trash. Karanstan came to her. “Are you all right Lydia?” Lydia shook her head and pointed to Samantha, sending the message to him that she needed the attention first. Karanstan nodded and walked to the medical bed. He spotted a small button on the table which read, ‘Press for auto doc assistance.’ He did so, and a wall panel opened while an older model of an auto doc came out. It automatically began to work on Samantha, heeding her accomplices no mind as they watched in a close proximity. Their faces held hope as she seemed to come back, then of horror as the doc injected her with a black liquid, which caused her to completely stop moving. The doc backed up. Lydia touched the bloody body that was her daughter. It was cold and lifeless. She growled with anger and sorrow. Samantha Frost was dead. *** Five Years Later *** Karanstan walked down the halls of Stable Seventy Six with his son. The stable was happy, healthy, and fully functional. The two walked into the entertainment wing, and up to a sleek black SVTOL. The bullet hole in the cockpit windshield and the blood stains on the side of it told it’s long gone story. As did the set of bloody pilot’s armor with a hole in the right breast plate that stood next to the SVTOL. “Daddy? What is that?” The young Nansti asked. Karanstan smiled and told him, “That is our tribute.” “To who?” The young dragon studied the SVTOL. “To a brave pony who paid the ultimate sacrifice to save those she loved and cared for. The pony who saved our two races.” Karanstan sighed a bit as he told his son. “Is she dead daddy?” Nansti asked, looking over the machine. “Well…” Began a voice behind the two, “I’d sure hope I’m not dead.”
