War Was All We Knew.

Chapter Nineteen

As per request, here is the report on the casualties we took during the battle. All figures are an approximation as we are still searching for MIA Gears. We also added the number of Changelings killed during the battle so that you can know that our troops fought hard and were fully capable of taking on this enemy and winning.

Total number of COG Gears in Canterlot: 1,500.

Total number of COG vehicles in Canterlot: 200.

Total estimated Changeling numbers in Canterlot during battle: 3,695.

Total estimated COG Gears KIA: 184.

Total estimated COG Gears WIA: 493.

Total estimated COG Gears MIA: 18.

Total number of COG vehicles destroyed: 23.

Total estimated number of Changelings killed: 2,480.

Total number of Changelings escaped: 210.

Addendum: Oh yeah, we really kicked some ass. ~Damon Baird.

(Segment of the report on the battle of Canterlot.)

***

Streets of Canterlot.
48 hours after the battle of Canterlot.

It wasn't the fact that Marcus has been shot, it was how much residual pain he was going through. The bullet may have been made of gel but analysis of the entry and exit wound showed that it had cleanly punched through his muscle and still had enough force to ricochet off the floor and embed itself into the back of Cole's armor. He winced slightly as he placed his foot on the floor and stood up from the bench he was sitting at, he glanced over his shoulder to the ruined store behind him. It was the same store from two days ago where he and Delta found out that the Changelings had been taking prisoners, it was unknown what they Changelings wanted with the prisoners but as of now, Marcus couldn't care less. He was amazed how quickly the bodies had been extracted and the shop cleaned and fixed up. Through the newly installed glass window he could see ponies shopping for groceries, happily talking to each other, one even looked at Marcus and gave him a friendly wave. Marcus rose his hand in response, turned and then walked away. As he limped down the street, the cleanup detail had done a great job of fixing the city up merely two days after the battle. Gears and ponies were all working side by side to restore Canterlot back to the way it was. The only real signs of the battle were the bulletholes in various objects, bodybags that were stacked up on the sides of the road being loaded into Packhorses and the stains of blood that was splattered over the white walls of the buildings and pooled up in the roads and the occasional crashed Raven jutting out of the roof of a building. Marcus stopped on the sidewalk of a crossroads and watched as the Ravens swooped overhead, blowing dust and smoke and obstructing the sunlight, the Assault Derricks carrying Gears, alive, wounded and dead back to base or the Castle. He sighed and turned on his radio, most of the chatter was reports from the Raven pilots or Gears just simply looking for their buddies so they could get together afterwards and have a drink. Something that Marcus wanted to do.

"Yo, Marcus," Cole's voice said from behind him. Marcus turned around and leaned against the lamppost he was next to.

"Cole Train, I thought you were on patrol."

"Nah, Command's gotten enough Gears looking after the place. Besides, we busted our asses trying to save Hoffman."

"Truer words have never been spoken."

"Something up?" Cole asked Marcus, noticing that he seemed to be in pain.

"Yeah, my fucking leg hurts like hell."

"Shit, really? Didn't you get that checked?"

"I did, but there's nothing I can do until it heals."

"Some painkillers might help. Well, if we had any to spare."

"I can tough it out," Marcus said, "So why'd you come to find me, I know that's why you're here."

"Damn, he's good at reading minds," Cole thought, "Chairman Hoffman actually sent me to find you. Said it's important."

"I'd get a place to sit down," Marcus said as he followed Cole through the streets of a rebuilding Canterlot.

Canterlot Castle COG barracks.

All was surprisingly quiet in the barracks, most of the Gears that were in the room seemed to be sleeping or eating with their squad. Carmine didn't pay attention to them, he was too busy with the CMC, who were all fast asleep on his lap and in his arms. Carmine had found them sleeping on his bed earlier, when he woke them up they said that they'd had nightmares and didn't feel safe so they went to sleep on Carmine's bed in the barracks. Carmine could only chuckle and keep watch on the foals until the older ponies arrived to take them back home. He picked up his ruined helmet and looked it over, one side was crushed badly, the eye pieces were shattered beyond repair and there was a large chunk of shrapnel embedded in the back of it, very close to where Carmine's spine would be if he were wearing it. Carmine sighed and placed the helmet back on the table, finally glad he didn't need to wear a helmet anymore.

"Is it too hot in this castle to wear helmet?" Sam said as she walked over to Carmine. Carmine chuckled and sat up, careful not to wake the fillies.

"Nah, just got sick of wearing that thing for so long. And it smelled."

Sam smiled and sat down next to Carmine, stroking Apple Bloom's ears making the filly giggle and roll over in Carmine's arms.

"So what do you think will happen now?" she asked as she watched the fillies sleep.

"I dunno, Bernie told me that Hoffman was planning something with Celestia. Don't know what it is."

"We might find out soon. Anyways, where's the rest of the squad?"

"One of them is right behind you."

Sam and Carmine turned around and saw Jace walking over to them with Dizzy, in his arms was a keg of what was definitely Appleshine. He strided over and slammed the keg on the table, waking up the fillies.

"Huh? What was that?" Scootaloo groaned.

"I'm sorta impressed how they didn't freak out." Jace said.

"Nah, I managed to calm them down before they went to sleep," Carmine replied, "I dunno why but I'm really good with these kids."

Sweetie Belle giggled and curled up in Carmine's lap and fell back asleep. Scootaloo rubbed her eyes and sat up, she stayed on Carmine's lap and looked up at the keg.

"What's in here?" Scootaloo asked.

"Just a little something to celebrate victory." Dizzy said, smiling widely.

"A big metal barrel thing?" Scootaloo said, smiling. "You humans are weird."

"We're not using the keg," Dizzy said, "It's what's inside that we're using."

"What's inside?"

"Is it that nasty Appleshine you made yesterday?" Carmine asked nervously.

"Nah, Dizzy dumped that stuff last night when the Gears who were lined up by the heads gave up and went into the bushes," Jace said with a slight chuckle.

"I thought I smelled something worse than Baird's personality this morning," Sam retorted with a sly smile which earned her a few short laughs from a few nearby Gears.

Canterlot Castle
Veranda outside Princess Celestia's bedroom.

Celestia stared down at the half ruined and battle scarred city of Canterlot and sighed doefully, if it weren't for the Ravens patrolling the skies could have easily slept through the day. She sat down on her plush floor cushion next to the fire and used her magic to bring her teapot closer so that she could pour herself a warm and soothing herbal tea to ease her growing headache. Unfortunately at that time there was a knock on her door, the noise sent dull thumps through her head.

"Come in," She said quietly. As Celestia stood up in walked Hoffman, a squad of Onyx Guards and a pair of Royal Guards. Between the two Royal Guards was an alicorn that Celestia recognized.

"Luna!" she squeaked with joy as she ran over and embraced her younger sister, tears starting to form in both their eyes.

"My Gears found her in one of those cocoon prisons in a cave that we located under the castle during a patrol." Hoffman said. "She seemed to be unharmed after they pulled her out of that thing, the smell was the worst part of the rescue."

The two princesses let go of one another and smiled, Celestia bowed for Hoffman and spoke.

"My sister and I are in debt to you, Chairman Hoffman. If there is anything we can do in return for you for saving our world from the Changelings, name it and we will make it so."

"Well, did you say that you could help us to fix our world?"

"Oh yes, I'll make it so when you and your soldiers are ready to depart. I'll send as many ponies to your world in order to assist you for as long as possible until your world is fully rebuilt."

"That sounds like a deal to me." Hoffman said as he held out his hand to Celestia. The princess hesitated for a second and then shook his hand with her hoof.

"T-thank you for saving me as well." Luna spoke up.

"Thank the Gears that saved you, not me." Hoffman said, "Actually, can I ask you two of a small favor?"

"Do tell us." Celestia said.

"I'm planning a small memorial ceremony for the Gears who we lost during the battle and I'd be grateful if you could attend."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other and smiled.

"I guess we can do this one little thing for you and your brave soldiers. And I may get some of Canterlot's most talented stonemasons to carve a memorial for those who sacrificed their lives to save our home."

"Thank you," Hoffman said, a small smile starting to form, "That means a lot."

Canterlot Castle Courtyard.
Four hours later.

Anya adjusted her uniform nervously when none of the other Onyx Guards were looking, she wasn't used to being back in her old CIC uniform, not to mention that it seemed slightly smaller than she remembered but it still fit and it looked as if were new. She carefully glanced down the line and saw Marcus and the rest of Delta Squad standing in line next to him, none of them were talking but were staring ahead of them as the crowd consisting of Gears and ponies below gathered and looked up at the pedestal that had been set up on the edge of the stage. Behind them was a very large rectangular object, but they had no idea what it was since it was covered by a large golden sheet and were ordered by Bernie (who was standing next to the object) not to uncover it. A sudden round of applause broke out and Anya straightened her posture just as Hoffman and Celestia walked up the stage, Hoffman silenced the crowd with a single wave of his hand and took his place in front of the stage.

"Thank you citizens of Canterlot and fellow Gears." he started.

"Acknowledge the ponies first. Good move, Hoffman." Anya thought as she continued to stare straight on at the Gears who were guarding the gates with two Centaur tanks. She shivered and listened to Hoffman's speech.

"As many of you know, we are currently helping you rebuild after the battle with the Changelings that ended with a COG victory. Something that would not be possible if wasn't for all of the bravery of the citizens of Canterlot and the help you provided to my troops as they fought to defend your homes and families. Their sacrifices were not in vain. My Gears gave what they could in order for you to live, it is with respect that you show your gratitude towards them the same way you showed your hospitality. In return, we will remain here until we help you rebuild and repair the city and then we shall leave Canterlot so that we don't disturb you and then allow you all to move on from what happened. It's the least we can do for you in this world before we return to ours."

Hoffman sighed and stepped backwards as Celestia took his place. She scanned the crowd and then began.

"Thank you Chairman Hoffman and thank you to the loyal soldiers who fought for the safety of this city and everypony in it. As we promised, we shall help you rebuild your world as a token of our gratitude and thanks. Also, my best stonemasons have taken the liberty of making something for the soldiers who were lost during the battle."

Celestia's horn glowed and the golden sheet fell away from the rectangular object, revealing it to be a large memorial with the names of the slain Gears carved into the front of it, each name also had a small epigraph and a personal quote. Most of the Gears in the front of the crowd looked down or shifted uncomfortably but the ponies who were standing next to them offered warms smiles and sympathetic hugs, most of which the Gears returned. Celestia allowed the Gears a few minutes to regain their posture and slip on their helmets before speaking again.

"Now then. I shall return the floor to Chairman Hoffman so that he may proceed with the promotions."

As Celestia stepped back Hoffman returned with a pair of Onyx Guards carrying small boxes. Most of Delta looked at each other then back to the Chairman as he took one of the boxes and walked over to Carmine, Jace and Sam.

"Privates Clayton Carmine, Jace Stratton and Samantha Byrne. Due to your outstanding actions during the defense of Canterlot Castle I hereby promote you all to the rank of Corporal. The COG has never had finer soldiers than you."

The audience applauded as Hoffman opened the box and pinned their new rank insignias on their uniforms. Carmine glanced down at the crowd and saw Dizzy with the Crusaders as they were cheering and waving at Carmine, Dizzy chuckled and picked up the fillies so they could see Carmine better. The applause died down as Hoffman approached Baird and Cole and Hoffman opened up the box.

"Corporal Damon Baird, I hereby promote you to Sergeant due to your actions during the Battle of Canterlot. Private Augustus Cole, I hereby promote you to Corporal due to your actions during the Battle of Canterlot. Both of you make the COG proud."

After Hoffman affixed Baird's new insignia on his uniform his expression changed from neutral to extremely smug. Cole on the other hand seemed to be quite the opposite.

"Huh, I never did accept promotion before. Guess this time I gotta accept it."

"You deserved it a long time ago, Cole," Hoffman said. Cole chuckled and let Hoffman pin the insignia on his armor.

"Yeah, guess I did after all these years."

Everyone in the crowd went silent as Hoffman approached Anya and Marcus, Hoffman went to Anya first and opened the other box that the Onyx guards were holding. He let out a small sigh and turned to face Anya.

"Lieutenant Anya Stroud. In recognition for your actions in the Battle of Canterlot, I hereby promote you to Colonel. We need officers like you, and I hope that you'll inspire many more to come."

"Thank you Chairman Hoffman." Anya said as Hoffman pinned the insignias to her uniform. The applause for Anya was loud enough to echo off the walls of the castle and trigger a small headache in Hoffman's skull, but once he approached Marcus the crowd stopped suddenly. Hoffman took a smaller box out from the larger box that the Onyx Guard was holding, it was about the size of an envelope and thick enough to contain something large.

"Marcus Fenix. In recognition of your actions during the Battle of Canterlot and in honor of your father I hereby promote you to First Lieutenant and award you with the Embry Star."

Hoffman opened up the box and inside was a perfect, polished and almost like new Embry Star. On either side of the medal were Lieutenant insignias, also looking like new. Marcus stared at them for what seemed like an hour before he looked up at Hoffman, his expression no longer his usual battle hardened look but one of confusion.

"Sir? You sure about this? This is one hell of a rank jump that you've given me."

"If that's your bullshit excuse to avoid this I'm not taking it. You're accepting this promotion one way or the other."

Marcus looked at the insignias and then back up, Hoffman was surprised when he saw that Fenix had the slightest smile on his face.

"I never said anything about declining."

Hoffman nodded and pinned the insignias to his uniform before giving him the box with the medal inside. As Hoffman stepped back and then turned to the crowd Marcus looked over at his squad. Most of them were nodding approvals, Baird even gave Marcus a mock salute before facing front towards Hoffman. Bernie looked back at him and smiled.

"Bloody good job you did, rallying the troops like that."

Marcus nodded and returned his gaze forward as Hoffman addressed the crowd once more, he hadn't noticed the massive applause that he had gotten just died down.

"I thank all of the citizens of Canterlot for your support in allowing me and my soldiers to stay here in this amazing place but soon, we must leave. However if all goes to plan we may come back but not to occupy your homes but to introduce our future generations the friendly race of talking ponies who saved our planet."

Most of the ponies looked at the Gears in the crowd and proceeded to lean against or hug them, nearly all the Gears tolerated this and a few of them even picked up the foals and held them in their arms. Hoffman watched the crowd and how the ponies behaved, it seemed that a lot of the ponies didn't want the Gears to leave. The same could even be said with a handful of the Gears, this world was perfect but Hoffman knew that there would be no way they could stay and live in Equestria. They had fought too long and lost too much on Sera to abandon it now. Hoffman felt something on his shoulder and looked back to see Celestia with a saddened look on her face and a hoof on his shoulder.

"It's a shame you and your brave soldiers have to leave, but you have a home to return to."

"You're gonna help us fix the place up, right?"

"Indeed. You saved two towns and helped fix them both and in return we'll help fix your planet as best we can."

"Thanks." Hoffman said he walked up to the edge of the stage and spoke only two words that would end the ceremony be the last that the crowd would hear today.

"Everyone, dismissed."