//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: New Comrades // Story: Colonial Marine in Equestria // by Bastinator //------------------------------// Location- Home. Time- 0800 hours. Day 3 in Ponyville. Those things that attacked me in the temple are here in Equestria. Celestia has asked that I let her handle it, and I’m inclined to agree. My emotions would wind up with me dead. Besides, now you have a job. Vinyl Scratch, the owner or a nightclub, offered you a job as a bouncer. Throw out a drunk and get offered a job, good enough for me. I can start making these ‘bits’ and as a bonus I get free drinks. This could be the start of a better life for me. Going out to shoot off some rounds for practice. I’ll go ahead and invite Twilight. She wanted to study me, so here’s her chance. [End of Entry] Slinging a variety of weapons behind your back you head to Twilight’s house. *knock knock* Silence. She should be up by now. *knock knock* ”Yeah yeah, I’m coming.” Spike’s voice comes from inside. He opens the door, slamming it when your face is in view. Damn dragons. “I’m just looking for Twilight, do you know where she is?” ”She went off with Applejack, now go away.” “Where did she go?” ”Sweet Apple Acres, now leave before I make you!” You tap the door with your foot causing Spike to crash around in fear. “I’ll be seeing you then… soon…” You head down the road in search of Twilight and someone called Applejack. You’ve never been to Sweet Apple Acres before instead just hearing about the spectacular apples that are grown there. Trees paint the landscape in a spectacle of green and red. It takes about a half hour to reach the top of the hill, a barn residing at the peak. The more places you visit, the more Equestria looks like Earth’s past. It’s certainly a sight to behold. You patrol the residence, Twilight nowhere about. Where the hell could she be? ”Whatcha looking for stranger?” An orange pony wearing a cowboy hat addresses you. She’s got a blonde mane tied back in a ponytail and has a southern accent. I wonder if she works here. “Sorry ma’am, I’m looking for Twilight Sparkle. Someone called Applejack is supposed to be with her, have you seen them? ”Well, that’d be me. What business you got with Twilight?” She doesn’t trust you, that’s for sure. “I was going to test fire some of my equipment and I thought she’d like to watch. Good enough?” She stares at you for a minute, formulating a response. ”You’re that Anon kid aren’t ya?” “I wouldn’t say kid, but yeah, I’m him.” ”Figured you’d be bigger,” she says trotting toward the trees, “Twilight’s talked about you something fierce.” You follow her into the lush fields of Sweet Apple Acres. ”I heard about that entrance of yours in Ponyville, scared all of ‘em they say.” “Pretty sure everyone has by now. Hopefully they won’t mind me being here though.” ”Give ‘em a few days, they’ll warm up to you sooner or later.” “Hopefully sooner.” You reply giving her a smile. ”You know, you’re not as bad as those ponies made you out to be. Guess Twilight was right.” “Speaking of that, what exactly has Twilight said about me?” ”Just that you aren’t all that different than us, even with the whole ‘meat eating’ thing.” “She told you about that?” ”She did. I don’t like the thought of it, but I understand.” “Pinkie sure didn’t.” ”Well that’s Pinkie for you, she never could take a hint.” The two of you make your way into a clearing, Twilight reading those papers you gave the princess. ”Hiya Twilight, we got ourselves a guest.” Twilight looks over to you, greeting you. ”I didn’t think I’d see you so soon.” “What can I say, I missed you.” Placing the papers in her bag she trots over to you and Applejack. ”What are you doing here? I thought Celestia-“ “She’s handling it don’t worry, I just figured you’d like to get your chance at ‘studying’ me.” You ready your pulse rifle. “So here’s your chance.” Twilight is brimming with excitement now. She rambles off, spewing out all sorts of different experiments. You don’t know exactly what a Helux Trisplice is, but it sounds terrifying. You put your hand over her mouth shutting her up. “I have a better idea.” Removing your hand from Twilight. “I thought you might enjoy a demonstration.” ”B-but I can-“ ”Don’t push it Twilight, he’s trying to be nice here.” She purses her lips, almost like a pouting baby would, ”I guess…” “So, which one do you want me to test out first?” ”How about that one?” Applejacks says pointing to your pulse rifle. “I see you have an eye for guns, this here is the M41A Pulse Rifle, the backbone of any military platoon. It’s got a 99 round magazine containing10x28mm caseless bullets. It features an underhand grenade launcher firing 30x71mm grenades. If handled correctly, this bad boy can unleash a world of hurt.” Twilight is hastily scribbling down your every word while Applejack looks bored out of her mind. “Something wrong Applejack?” ”Just waiting something to happen.” Impatient isn’t she. “Give me a target.” Whipping out a lasso she snatches an apple out of a nearby tree. ”This big enough for ya?” She asks mocking you. “Just throw it,” you reply, securing the rifle’s stock against your shoulder. She tosses the apple to Twilight, who holds it with her magic. ”Ready?” You nod, aiming toward the open field. The apple speeds off into the sky as you take aim. You squeeze the trigger, the familiar recoil pounding into your shoulder. Before you can blink the apple explodes into a citrusy mist. “Still bored AJ?” ”That’s what I’ve been waiting for! Do it again!” Three apples later, and she’s ready for something new. You go over the ZX-76 shotgun and your VP-78 Pistol, both giving the same reaction. “I think that’s about it.” ”What about that last one there.” Oh my, you forgot about that one. “I don’t think you’re ready for that one just yet. Besides I’m getting pretty hungry.” They both sigh in disappointment, wanting to see it. *sigh* You draw your last weapon. “This is the M240 Incinerator Unit, it uses pressurized Napthal fuel to… well you’ll see.” You take a step back, turning to each of them. “I’d advise putting on some sunscreen, because I’m about to heat things up.” Easing on the trigger, a cone of flame jets out of your weapon, scorching the air above. This is the first time you fired on of these outside basic, and boy is it worth it. The fascination is almost primal. You let go of the trigger, both p0nies in utter amazement. “I told you…” Slinging your Incinerator, you stand between the two of them, both of them frozen in time. “Knock knock, anyone home?” Twilight comes to first and jots down a few more notes. ”That was uh-“ ”That was bucking sweet!” Applejack hollers. “I aim to please.” ”Let’s head back, me and Anon need something to eat. How about you Twilight?” ”Huh?” She says picking up her head. “I’ll take that as a yes.” You, Twilight and Applejack walk back to the barn, bellies rumbling. Twilight and you sit down at a table while Applejack prepares some food for you. You set down your guns on the seat next to you lightening your load. ”Why do you wear that all the time?” Twilight asks. “The armor?” She nods. “Regulation and such.” She shakes her head, “You’re not in the military here though, so you’re not forced into wearing it. So why then?” “I just- I like wearing it. Why does it matter so much?” ”I’m interested in your behavior, the more I know the better.” Applejack comes in carrying a platter of food on her back. ”Eat up, I know I will.” She bumps the platter onto the table and starts to dig in. You help yourself to some salad and apples. ”So Anon,” Applejack says chewing her food, “Where can I get one of them doohickeys?” “Can’t I’m afraid. Besides, you couldn’t even pull the trigger.” ”I’m sure Twilight could do something, couldn’t ya?” She swallows before replying, “I’m not sure, I don’t even know how it works.” “Even if Twilight could make it pony-friendly, I wouldn’t give one up.” ”So that means you’ve got more of ‘em?” You really don’t like where this is headed. “These aren’t toys Applejack, I got a bit carried away with them myself, and I’ve had training with them.” ”So you just don’t trust us? Is that it?” “No, I just can’t take the chance that somep0ny might make a mistake and harm somep0ny else. It’s too risky.” ”He’s right Applejack, you saw what those things could do, if something were to happen…” ”Shucks, I know. Sorry I went all crazy on ya.” “Forget about it.” The rest of lunch was fairly uneventful; Applejack’s sister, Applebloom, and her friends came over. They call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. You never liked children, and they don’t seem to change your opinion. Applejack had to continue work, so you and Twilight said your goodbyes and headed back to town. You’ll have to go back sometime; AJ seems pretty down to earth. You follow Twilight back home, not having to go to work until the sun starts to set. ”So did you reconsider some of my experiments?” “I think I’ll stave off judgment for now.” Twilight walks around grabbing various books of the shelf and clearing a circle in the middle. “Where’s Spike? I had hoped to scare him a bit.” ”He’s probably off with Rarity, another one of my friends.” “You seem to have a lot of those. I may have to steal a few if you don’t mind.” “You’re doing good so far. Fluttershy and Applejack seem to like you.” “Yeah well, my devilish charm can only take me so far.” She laughs and heads into another room before bringing a large machine back with her. What have you gotten yourself into? Unfolding the monstrous piece of metal, it appears to be some sort of treadmill. ”This is a little invention of mine. I use it to record various bodily functions for whatever research I see fit.” “And all you need me to do is run right?” ”Yes actually,” her bewilderment quite evident, “You know what this is?” “It reminds me of the treadmills in medbay, they used it the same way.” ”How fascinating, I’ll have to record that.” You unfasten your armor and strip off your shirt. ”W-what are you doing?” “If I remember correctly, you’re supposed to place those cable things on me. My clothes interfere with that.” ”Of course, good thinking.” After configuring the machine and attaching the cables to you, Twilight fires up the machine. The ramp inclines a bit as the track gains speed. Putting one foot in front of the other you walk. Sheets of paper flow out as Twilight inspects every inch of them. “How lon-“ ”No talking please. It throws off the results.” You nod and continue to walk. The track continues to accelerate, putting you into jogging pace. More paper flows out of the machine, Twilight barely able to keep up. You look at the timer, only about half an hour left. Five minutes left the machine jumps up another notch. You’re in a full-on sprint now. They never required this in medbay. Twilight doesn’t bother with the results, now keeping her eye on you. Sweat collects on your chest, the exercise getting to you. Two minutes left. You begin moving backwards, unable to beat the track’s speed. One minute left. This won’t beat you; you sprint as fast as you can, trying to gain ground. ”Time,” she reports turning off the machine. You only slip under the change of speed, but you are able to stay balanced. ”Good job Anon. Only a few ponies have gone through the full cycle.” She tosses you a towel to dry off. “Well, I’m not a p0ny now am I? You both laugh as you cool down. >You dab the towel against your body, absorbing the extensive amount of sweat that had formed. “So how are the results doc,” you joke, “Will I make it?” ”You’ll be just fine Mr. Anon, the results were negative for Hay Fever.” “I would hope.” The front door opens, Spike and a white unicorn stepping through. ”Oh hello you two. What have you been up to?” ”I was helping dig up gemstones for her.” The unicorn doesn’t say anything, fixating her attention on you. Why does everyp0ny do that…? ”I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce you two. Anon this is Rarity, Rarity this is Anon.” You stand up and extend your clean hand. “Pleasure to meet you Ms. Rarity.” She hesitantly shakes your hand, still staring at you. Spike doesn’t seem to like the attention she’s giving you. “Um, Twilight do you mind if I use your shower and wash my clothes? It’s a long walk to my house, and I need to get going.” ”Sure no problem, it’s upstairs and on the left.” “Thanks, I’ll leave you two to it then.” The icy water cascades down your body, instantly relieving you of your discomfort. You make quick work of her shampoo, lathering yourself up and rinsing off. Dilly-dallying was always looked down upon, and you won’t start now. You step out of the shower, holding the towel around your waist. “Twilight! Where’d you put my clothes?” ”They’re just down the hall.” “Thank you!” You pick up your fresh set of clothes and put them on. They could’ve used a good wash days ago. Rarity, Spike and Twilight are talking amongst themselves when you make it downstairs. ”Oh,” Rarity remarks, “I’m so sorry about my behavior before. Let’s start over. My name is Rarity, how do you do.” “Quite well, I’m Anon, nice to meet you.” Well that wasn’t so hard now was it? You check the time, still having about an hour before you head in for work. Rarity and you make small talk to pass the time, much to Spike’s displeasure. She works at a boutique, making clothes for most of her life. She offered to make you a few sets, to which you eagerly agreed. Wearing the same set of clothes gets old fast. The sun begins its descent, cueing your exit. “Hey Twilight can I talk to you for a second?” ”Sure Anon.” You both walk into another room so you can speak in peace. You strip the magazines and fuel tank from your guns, handing them to Twilight, except for your pistol. “I want you to have these, for research.” ”But you said-“ “I know what I said, and I lied. It’s only a precaution, but I want you to do some research and make these usable for ponies.” She hesitates at the offer, though you can understand. If these were to be misused all of Ponyville would be in danger. ”Just a precaution?” “Can you do it? That’s all I need to know.” She sighs, “Yes I can, but let’s hope we never have to use them.” “My thoughts exactly.” She locks them in a nearby chest and you both depart. “It was a pleasure to meet you Rarity; I hope we meet again soon.” You don your armor and head out the door. ”The pleasure is all mine Anon. Do stop by the boutique.” “I will.” You reply as you head to your first day at work. The nightclub has a line out the door. Each p0ny frantic to get the night started. Vinyl and Raúl are going to have their hooves full tonight. You slip in the back door and head to the locker room. Stripping out of your fatigues you place them in your locker. The regular bouncer uniform was fitted to ponies, but Vinyl pulled a few strings and got one altered to your measurements. How she got them so exact is still questionable. Whatever, at least you’re not wearing some raggedy garbage. You put on your clothes and set off into the club. The club hasn’t opened yet, each p0ny still setting up. You see one of the bouncers from yesterday, a unicorn, reviewing a clipboard. He grunts when he sees you, giving you a warm welcome. ”He’s just mad you got his position, nobody likes getting demoted,” Vinyl clarifies. “I hear that, so what exactly am I supposed to do?” ”Just keep watch for disgruntled p0nies and make sure they don’t cause a ruckus.” “And kick them out when they do.” ”Correct, we’ll be opening in a couple minutes so stay sharp.” “Roger that ma’am.” You help Raúl stock the bar with some crates. He’s quite happy you signed up with them. The bouncers didn’t just get creamed last night it seems, but basically every few days before that. Business has declined since they couldn’t keep the rampaging drunks in check. Now that you’re here they’ll have to step up their game. Ponies start moving into the club signaling the opening. You and Raúl brohoof, letting him return to his duties. Settling up against the back wall, you peer over the patrons starting the night off. The night proceeds smoothly with Vinyl’s music keeping everyp0ny happy. You saw the drunk from last night take a seat at the bar. He’s a bit passive now that you put him in his place. The dance floor managed to keep your attention, playing a game of the wills with you. You had to hold back from laughing at how they looked like a bunch of fish out of water. You probably couldn’t do much better, but you certainly couldn’t do worse. Nothing much is happening so you stroll over to the bar, plopping right next to the drunk. “How are we doing tonight?” He doesn’t answer, his body shaking. “I’m not going to hit you unless you deserve it, so just relax.” He calms a little, but still trembling. “What have you got there? Not a beer from the looks of it.” ”It’s uh- an A-applejack Daniels.” “Like Applejack Applejack?” He nods. “Hey Raúl, care to hook me up with one of these?” He slides it across the bar and into your hands. “Applejack Daniels. Whiskey huh?” >You give it a whirl. “Damn this stuff is strong.” ”Only the best,” he comments his nerves quenched. “What’s your name? I’m Anon.” ”Bottoms-Up Duff, but my friends just call me Duff.” You clink glasses. You pat him on the back, “Nice to have met you Duff.” Grabbing your bottle, you continue your patrol. A few ponies begin roughhousing, but they cool off when they see you staring. Doesn’t take much to quiet these guys, are you really that intimidating? ”I said another!” Oh boy, here we go. Some cyan Pegasus is hollering at your bro. Bitch please. Raúl gives you a quick glance, needing some assistance. You take the hint and saunter over to the bar. ”I’m sorry, but you’ve had enough miss.” “Like hay I have. This is only my…” ”Eighth, at least try something lighter.” Raúl retorts. “I wouldn’t be caught dead drinking anything else; don’t you know who I am?” ”Yes, you’ve been rambling on for a while now.” You’d hoped not to have to deal with anyone. It may be your job, but that doesn’t mean you’re exactly looking for a fight. “We got a problem here?” The lady flips her rainbow mane around and looks at you. ”Who’re you?” “I’m Anon the bouncer. So do we have a problem here?” She chuckles a little bit, “If you’re like the other ones then you shouldn’t be.” She bucks you in the face before you can react, stumbling backwards. You look back, the girl sipping at her drink probably thinking she got you down. Everyone is staring at you, Vinyl judging her new bouncer. This lady’s fast you’ll give her that, but you’re a marine. You walk back over, now prepared for her. “So I’ll take that as a yes.” She looks at you blankly before attempting to deliver another blow. You grab her legs and hold them in your arms. ”Let go of me!” “I’ll go with a no on that one,” you reply dragging her off her stool. She flails wildly, the crowd cheering for you. You can feel you grip loosening as you continue walking towards the door. Just a little- *pop* She manages to get her legs free and rushes into the air. ”I said to let me go.” She propels downward preparing to collide with you. You catch her in a headlock, somehow, and continue towards the door. “And you never answered my question.” Managing to make it outside you sit her down on a bench. “Are we still going to have a problem?” “Not now,” she says cracking her neck, “I was hoping somep0ny would put up a fight.” She eyes you over, “You may not be a p0ny, but a fight’s a fight.” “Wait, you pulled that stunt so someone would fight you?” ”Duh, nop0ny would try and take me on without some incentive.” You take a seat, trying to comprehend what she even means. “So you’re that Anon? I hea-“ “Yes, that’s me. Who the hell are you?” She’s taken aback by your words. ”I’m Rainbow Dash! I can’t believe you haven’t heard of the fastest flier in Equestria.” Pompous isn’t she? “Look, I need to get back to work, are you through with your little scheme?” ”For now…” You don’t like the sound of that. “Well, if you’re done then you can come back inside.” ”You gonna stop me if I don’t?” “Don’t test my patience missy.” She humphs and returns to the club with you. “She’s cool.” You assure the patrons upon your return. The ponies go back to their business, drinking and laughing as usual. Rainbow apologizes to Raúl at your behest, clearing any tension that had arisen. ”Why don’t you join me in a drink?” she asks. “Sure…” you say sitting with your back to the bar. Her demeanor has certainly changed, but at least it’s for the better. The two of you tap drinks and talk, sharing the night together.