Sent January 2nd, 1011
Dear Paige,
Happy New Year. I meant to tell you that when you made your ‘visit’. Sophie won’t stop talking about it. She keeps asking me questions that I can’t answer about magic, how it works, all that noise. Honestly, I understand just enough to comprehend -how- you did it, so I can’t really tell her how you shouldn’t have been able to and how it -doesn’t- make sense.
More news of a military nature; we’re cleared of suspicion. Sergeant Hellseig told us the 41st has been recalled after MfÖS finished their investigation. Which means now I get to return to camp, get back on Sabine and actually get back to the business of doing my job. Mother and Sophie are safe now. It’s a New Year’s miracle.
But now the bad news. We’ve been called up again. Apparently there’s something going on to the east called Operation: Tartarus. The Reformisten are spearheading it, and all I’m allowed to say is that they’re requesting panzer support. That means us in the 41st. I can’t say much, you know the way things go. But word is now that Lushi is flying the flag of the Empire again, its a certain rogue nation gone the way of civil war recently. I know that doesn’t narrow it down, but a lot of secrecy’s going into this operation.
We’re being deployed eastwards. Once we reach (the location has been clipped by a censor), we’re to spend a month or so training with the Reformisten so they can get their heads around combined arms tactics with panzers. From what I hear, they’ve already got Imperial advisors on the ground, but no armor of their own. That’s where the Empire comes in. We go in with a few other panzer regiments and an infantry division or two, some aircraft loaned to the Reformisten and a whole lot of suppression forces behind us. That’s the plan, at least.
I’ve been told not to think about this as a war, not like what happened with the Holy League. The Grenzwald Territories aren’t supposed to be capable of that sort of coordination or advanced resistance. But you and I know better. We’ll see.
Thank you, by the way. I know how much it means to have done what you did, using up the crystal’s energy like that. I don’t know much about magic and how it works, but I know you’ve been working on that thing since we met. I didn’t get the chance to say all that when we ‘talked’. It means more than I could ever say that you gave that up just for a few minutes.
So. Remember Haul? My new Reformisten loader? Turns out, he caught sight of you that night. I don’t know if it’s somehow illegal or not, but so far as I can tell, he hasn’t ratted on us. Which kind of surprised me. He did mention how much effort you must have gone through to send that message. I don’t know what to think about it. I’ll keep an eye on him. Less worried they’ll freak over the use of magic thing. More worried they’ll see me talking to a ‘Harmonist’ as a problem. Political agendas are always an issue here with the Republic still sniffing at our claws.
You know what? With the end of the war and everything happening over here, I completely forgot our three questions thing going on. So, in light of everything that’s happened, I’m hereby resurrecting it.
Question one: Birthday. This is a bit of a free one. You still haven’t told me, and I’d like to know ahead of time so I can send a letter, and a gift. I may not make many idols, but what I set aside for myself is just spent on booze and other little shit at this point. I can put it to much better use for you, especially on your birthday. After all, I have three years to make up for at this point.
Two: what kind of language would you want to learn next? I know you’re fluent in a couple more tongues than I am. So what’s next to learn? I think I might go Wingbardian, given all the ‘mercenaries’ we keep running into. Maybe Aquileian (kind of a weird complex on that. We’re encouraged to learn it so we can be useful in the field but nogriff wants to because of the whole ‘Republican/Harmonist suspicion’ sort of thing). Kind of sad that I’m looking at this by what’ll be useful for the next war, but you know everything happening over here on that. Anyway.
Three: do you have an idol in your life? Like, anypony or anygriff you look up to? I know you’ve always been drawn to science and magic types. You spoke highly of your meeting with Princess Luna, and you seem to know more about the scientists in Griffonia than I ever thought to ask. But who do you get inspired by? I’ve always got my father to look up to. My mother is a great source of strength. And the stories of heroes out here are good inspiration. But with everything happening, I’ve been really looking to Uncle August for motivation. He wrote me again after everything that happened. We don’t talk much these days, to his regret. But he told me it would be alright. Turns out, he was the one who arranged my transfer to the east. A whole division sent east for my own sake. To ‘get my head on straight’ he said. I’m thankful he’s looking out for me. I’m also a little glad I don’t have any cousins.
You asked me a question some time ago, and I’ve had time to think it over. And given what happened the other night, and what’s happening in the world, I feel maybe I have the chance to tell you what conclusion I came to. I answered this my last letter, but I was too bitter about it. I wasn’t thinking, and I said a few insensitive things.
Yes. If we had the chance, and we were happy, I would want to try and make a family with you. I’m not sure how much success we’d have. But if we are ever handed the chance, I’d be an idiot not to try if you wanted to. Someday, when we’re ready.
I know we’ll not see each other until we can get face to face again. But I’m looking forward to that with renewed eagerness, however long it takes.
Love,
~Cyril
Sent January 28th
Dear Cyril,
First off, I’m glad you’re doing better. You certainly didn’t wait long to write. I’m glad to hear that. I wasn’t sure who does what after making the equivalent of a magical telephone call.
So, your Reformisten comrade is...interesting. I’m a little unsettled by his discretion. Part of me wants to believe the pony in him is just letting us have this. The other part thinks he hasn’t sold you out to his ‘buddies’ because he’s waiting until the right moment. I don’t know. He isn’t natural, if you ask me. Joining an organization like that. And from what you told me of his Cutie Mark. I don’t think there’s a single pony between Equestria and even the Riverlands with a mark meant for war. Field Marshal Lipzig would be our best candidate for that (dedicated his whole life to the Republican Army), and he certainly doesn’t have it. If Marks are able to be shaped into war instruments too, I’m afraid of what that could mean. Just keep an eye on Haul. I don’t trust him, and neither should you.
Maybe I’m getting overly paranoid. You’re closest to the situation. You know what to do. You’ve always been good at that.
First of all, Happy Hearts and Hooves Day. If I’m right, this letter will get to you just before (or just after). It would mean the world to me to say it. Enjoy the attached cookies! I sent a bag to your mother and Sophie. Made them myself, with Static’s help. Static says hi.
Second, your question about my birthday doesn’t count, since that was something we were planning to discuss before. But I’ll grant you this information out of my own grace and kindness regardless. May 15th. My birthday is May 15, so if you plan to get me a happy birthday letter and a gift, I’d recommend you start soon.
Remember, I like purple.
Though, on second thought, I know what I really want. Shame that I can’t have it.
University is still going, as it does. Midterms were kind of a blur, but I’m still plodding along. Well, I say plodding. I’ve been trying to keep up my high-level classes while balancing my job at the office, but it's a bit difficult. Before the RAF, I was more flexible with my time. Now, it grates me when I’m awake at night. It’s an annoying thing I wish I could drop. I was in for only a year. But the Reserves keeps me in the habit, so the night shift is terrible for my health.
Heard back from my parents, wishing me happy holidays. They’ve mellowed out. My father will never like me being in Equestria, and my mother will always be so passive about it all. But they’re coming around to me being gone so long.
No word from my brother yet. Starting to wonder if something bad happened to him in...well, you know where. No way to tell until he comes up for air, I suppose. Brook’s always been good at getting out of trouble. He has to, with how talented he is at getting -into- trouble.
So, I know you’re burning for my answers to your two other questions.
Language to learn next. Well, I’ve done Herzlandisch, my own mother tongue, Equestrian, a little bit of Aquileian myself, a bit of a few others here and there. I even picked up a bit of Bison, but don’t ask me to carry on a conversation with a buffalo. They’re very protective of their culture. So I’d have to say the next language I’d want to learn might be Greneclyfian. I’ve been hearing they’re getting more involved back east, and if or when I ever go back it might be of good benefit to be able to speak to the Changelings. I assume they’ll have a greater role with the Riverlands. It’s kind of sad, to hear the distrust and discrimination they’ve faced, all because they’re shapeshifters, different creatures coming from strange lands that nopony understands. It’s a lot like the thestrals out here in Equestria. But from what I’m reading, the situation’s turned around at home for the Changelings too. Good.
Next, idol. Well, that is a tough one. I’ve tried to expand my horizons for so long, I haven’t focused on one for a big amount of time. Ooh, except for one. Morgend Longpaw. If you haven’t heard of him, that’s okay. Even among the scientific community he’s a bit of a recluse, and somewhat of a pariah. The theories he’s proposed are not widely accepted but he refuses to renege, so the Griffonian scientific community has made it difficult for him to get any legitimacy. Firstly, he’s been forced to take over the family business in Flowena, so that’s not going to get him many fans. But I’ve loved his work, because it really inspired my own. He’s currently the leading theorist in renewable crystal energy being implemented on a wide scale in things such as automobiles and city power plants. Sound familiar? Well, in Morgend’s case, he has happened to infuriate the oil and coal barons of Griffonia while also refusing to back down under pressure from other Griffonian scientists. There’s been a lot of controversy around him. There’s even been attempts on his life, his family. But he inspired me to start looking into crystals. I always wanted to do magic of some kind, but here was my way in. Someone else who wasn’t a unicorn, who could work with magic anyway. How could I stay away from that? Word is he even has a prototype for his design, and it uses a little something called ambient charge enchanting. Can you imagine that? A crystal that recharges itself from the magic in the air? No unicorns or anything like that needed? Just put it down somewhere with magical energy and leave it alone.
Okay, so since you’re going to war, again, I’ll ask the three questions -before- I start worrying about you all over again. I know you said it's not the same, but I’m not going to stop fretting over here. See, there I go stressing out when I said I wouldn’t.
Okay, question one: dream job. Let’s say, for one reason or another, rather than stay in the army or even rather than ever enlisting in the first place, you decided to do something else. What would that be? I think you can already guess mine, from everything up until now. The topic of magic crystals used in industrial applications and power substitutes is a brand new frontier, and I want to be at the forefront of that discovery. It’s one of the few schools of magic I can pursue, since I’m not a unicorn. But what about you? You’re great with machines, and I know you’ve never had a chance for higher schooling, but you’ve got a natural gift, Cyril. You should do something with it!
Next: have you had any accomplishments you’re particularly proud of? You’ve done a lot with your life, and there’s got to be something you look back fondly on. I know you’re full of doubt, so let me tell you what I’m proud of; you took the problem of feeding your family the second it came up, you love your sister to death, you’re incredibly respectful of your mother, loyal to the Empire regardless of the crap they keep throwing at you. You always have your morals and ideals, you stick to doing the right thing. Cyril, there are so many things you’ve done I’m proud of, and love you all the more for. C’mon, pull one thing out for me?
I’m proud of the fact that I’m here, in Equestria, doing what everypony told me was impossible; learning magic. True, I’m no longer at Luna Nova, but I’m on the way despite what they all thought of me. Take that, Professor Slide!
Okay, last one; would you ever want to be famous? Have your name on marquees and newspapers, be recognized wherever you went and have whole countries talking about you? I’m not one of those glory types myself, but I must admit that after talking about Longpaw, the idea of being in the headlines is a bit alluring. Though, maybe not butting heads with the scientific community. The need for bodyguards. Family being harassed. Death threats.
Maybe not.
Okay, the part where I worry over you. I already told you I’m concerned. You survived the Herzland Wars, don’t go getting blown up by some communist landmine, okay? If you die after everything that’s been thrown at you, after what we both went through with this long-distance relationship the past three years, I will kill you myself.
Seriously, though. Stay safe. We both know the worst things can happen at the flip of a riverbit. I don’t want to lose you after coming so close to getting you back. Keep your eyes open, head on a swivel. And come back to me.
Love,
~Paige
Sent February 19th
Dear Paige,
I’m glad your letter came in today. They’re putting our panzers on the trains next week, destination; eastwards. (I’ve started figuring out what specific information the censors are looking to clip. Victory at last) I’ve got everything packed up, and we’re getting one more weekend of leave before we hit the Grenzwald. I would take it at home in Griffenheim, but by the time I get there by train or wing I’d have to get ready to come right back out again. So me and the lads are planning to hit the town tonight, get some beers as a kompanie. I pity the pubs we choose to pillage; they don’t stand a chance once a military unit on leave gets underway.
We’ve got a few Bronzehill units here with us at this location which shall not be named. Apparently they’ve been entrusted with marching north and putting down the Sunstriker berserkers. Serves them right. Those Maar cultists are nothing but murderous anarchists. From all news, every free Bronzehill division is going north. They’ve got a pretty impressive set of all-dog air wings assembled too from what I hear. Good luck to them, they’re the best suited for the task. Spotsley wants to go with, I can see it. But she hasn’t said a word about leaving. Complains about not being sent in, of course, but never asks to be transferred.
You got the math pretty close, by the way. I know Hearts and Hooves Day passed for you already, and I appreciate the cookies. They’re quite tasty, and the rest of the crew thinks so too (bunch of thieving vultures). I bought you some Flowenan chocolates, managed to hide them long enough to wait for your letter. So it’ll be a little late, but I hope you appreciate the gesture at least.
About Haul: I don’t really trust him either. The rest of the crew is a bit offput by him, but he’s professional enough and does his job with no issue. We can put up with some ultranationalist preaching for a job well done. Doesn’t mean I trust he won’t eventually sell me out to MfOS or the Geheimstaat, but I at least know I can do my job too.
By the way; is this your way of saying pony culture is the only good one out there?
I’m kidding.
May 15. Purple. Got it. Let’s hope I get the math right too.
Dream job? Honestly, I never had much chance to do anything but work in the factory until I got old enough to enlist. Then the idea of moving on to something else never occured to me. I’ve never had a dream job, I’ve just always wanted to do what I can where I’m at. I suppose, if I was ever not shooting the Empire’s enemies, I might want to go into fixing automobiles. After you pointed out to me that my role here gives me good knowledge of machines, I talked to a few mechanics in the motor pool. It's not a dream job by any stretch, but it is something I could do in peacetime.
Accomplishments I’m proud of. I don’t know about that. I’ve done a lot in my life. I’m not sure I’m proud of any of it. It always seems to come with some drawback to rob it of any integrity it used to have. The closest I could come to thinking of something I hold with pride is Sophie. She’s only ten, but she’s already got a sharp mind, and it seems like she’s going to go down the right path when she grows up. I’m already proud of her and what she’s getting set up to do, and I know I had a part in helping her learn those lessons.,
Do I want to be famous? No. I don’t want that kind of attention. I can live my life without griffons watching me in the papers or on the television.
It’s odd. Ever since I spoke to you face to face in my house, you’ve been on my mind more and more, but the ache of you not being here has gotten worse too. As if with how close we got I could almost feel you there, and the fact I was that close and still so far from you makes me feel cheated. Don’t feel bad. I don’t regret what you did. Just wish I was there even more now.
Okay, questions for you. Let’s say you get a million bits in the mail. No strings attached, like a prize or an inheritance or something. It’s a lot of funds, I will admit. If I got a fortune like that, I don’t know what I’d do with it myself. Maybe buy Mother a better house, closer to the Imperial District. After that, maybe invest or buy shares? I’d have to find out how the stock market works before I do that. It’s got numbers, right?
Favorite festival or holiday? I’ve got to tell you, I don’t know much about pony traditions, and I know less about Equestrian ones than Riverpony ones. But mine would of course have to be Geheimesnacht. I think we had this conversation years back. The idea that the magic of the past seeps into the world around us is so intriguing to me, even if it does bring unsettled spirits with it. Of course, there’s also Imperial Day. The marches, the songs, the cookwagons in the streets. Anygriff with even a shred of patriotism in their veins has got to feel their heart swell at the sights, sounds and smells. Mind, they both come with beer and a day off. That might have something to do with it.
Final question: what’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited? I know this one is a bit subjective, but you’ve been all across Griffonia and now over to Equestria. Something has to have stuck with you from all that. For me, I remember when I was in Griefenmarschen. Not the best of memories, but we were out on anti-partisan patrol during the occupation one night (overkill? Maybe, but we weren’t taking chances). We were on our way back when dawn came up over the horizon. Now, the panzer column was going through a valley, so when the sun came up over the hills and spilled down, it was like a golden curtain falling on the snow. I haven’t seen anything else like that before or since.
I’ll try to stay in contact as best I can out east. We’ll be using the Reichsarmee mail train, and I would prefer that over whatever frontier system has to be rigged up, as unreliable as you know it is. Let’s hope for once our cynicism is unfounded.
Keep up your studies. I know you have it in you to do this. Just a few years of suffering to go, after all. Remember, put my unit on the envelope instead of my address to get the letter sent to my position. Otherwise, it’ll go home to Mother. Just a reminder.
Love,
~Cyril
(The letter is attached to a package of chocolates from Flowena, which carry quite a hefty price tag on them.)
Sent March 14
Dear Cyril,
I am sorry to have to watch you go to war again. Well, read about it. The Herzland War is only just over, and now they’re asking you to go follow a bunch of mad knights to conquer in the name of ‘imperial glory’. Big surprise there. Empires will be empires. But it doesn’t make it easier on you, me, your mother, your sister or your uncle. Still, no point complaining, I guess. I’ve only just realized how much I already said that part. But I’m allowed to worry about my buckfriend.
Thank you so much for the chocolates. They were delicious, but that was quite an expensive gift! You didn’t have to do that. I don’t care they were late either. You got them to me, and that’s all that matters.
I just want you to stay on your toes. The Reformisten may be playing the whole ‘reformed’ bit nowadays, but you can’t completely alter an organization without parts of it remaining. Anypony that willingly associates with what they once stood for, especially one from Longsword, I’d bet is brainwashed. Or worse.
Moving on.
School is still plugging onwards. I’m past the point where the excitement has worn off. Now, I’m just trying to get through and earn a degree so I can maybe stop for a few years and do some actual work. Static’s radio show is getting more popular, but she’s too political for me to listen to everyday. Still, she’s gotten a small following from the Southrons (their word for themselves, apparently) who believe the Royal government is ignoring the signs around the world. First she started about the fixed articles in the papers keeping ponies from knowing about what was really going on in Griffonia, but now apparently there’s some word from up north about trouble in the Wastes. And apparently the army is doing nothing about it. So a bunch of these ‘survivalist’ ponies have started using Static as sort of their sounding horn to pass news out. She does it, of course. They pay bits for her to read flyers, and we’re hard up for what we can get for rent and food. Oh, right. I lost my job. Apparently, a thestral can do my work better and with more ‘energy.’ So they hired one. Ironic, really.
There are some days I think going back to the military isn’t a bad idea.
Also, I know you were only joking about it, but I do feel I have to point out; no pony culture in the world has the foundation of taking things from others by force. Which is kind of how half or more of the griffon nations do things.
Okay, question time. We’re getting good at these, aren’t we? Favourite holiday. It has a complicated name in Rijekan, but in Equestrian it translates roughly to Ancestor’s Day. Basically, we remember our ancestors (surprise), what they did in life and how they lived. Great-grandparents, granduncle, some more distant relatives, you get the idea. It’s a saying back home, that you really die two times – first in the body and later when you’re forgotten. It's a big thing in the Republic, and in most of the Riverlands really, though I do know the Deponyan and Ponaidhean ponies have their spirit worship, so it winds up being a different affair for them. Though lately spending time here in Equestria I’ve really gotten involved with Hearths’ Warming Eve and Hearts and Hooves Day. You know about H&H Day, but the first one’s got more history to it. The Equestrians celebrate the union of the Pegasus, Earth Pony and Unicorn tribes that formed the country; so the holiday is meant as a celebration of friendship and harmony. Though since I’m not Equestrian I can’t really celebrate that part (from a cultural point of view) you can see how the story permeates into the wider attitude the ponies here have. I know my letters have focused on some of the bad parts, and it’s soured a bit with the recent world events, but you can’t believe how friendly Equestrian ponies are, at least compared to home. If you are walking down a street, expect somepony to say ‘hi’ to you with a smile randomly or ask how you’re doing. It's really nice, especially compared to what you or I are used to back east.
Now, what I would do with a million riverbits? That’s more difficult. I would definitely send some back to my family in Rijekograd, but even then it leaves me with a lot of money. Really, like the amount, there’s a million things I could spend it on. Though, with Morgend’s theory, I would really like to spend it on research dealing with renewable crystal energy. If you think about it, the return benefits of it succeeding easily surpasses the million bits; it would be way, way more than that, and I’d never have to worry about securing funds for myself after.
Favorite place? That’s a bit easy. So, basically, when I was a filly we went to visit some relatives in the northeast, near the border with Nimbusia. It's a really mountainous region, with a lot of forests as well. Now when I think about it, it's similar to your story: the last day before we left, I woke up at dawn and went to the window, which faced over the valley. I saw the sun rising up over the mountains and just spilling down to light up the whole place, letting the trees cast long shadows across the landscape. That whole scene stuck with me, to this day. It's gets better when you realize that this part of the world is one of the first to see dawn, so I was one of the first creatures on the entire planet to see the new day. It's nice when you think about it that way.
Okay, three from me. First of all, is there anything you do to reduce your stress? I understand you drink and hang out and don’t have much else when you’re out in the field, no real time for hobbies, but you’ve got to do something to pass the time, live with the army life. You know I love my music and sinking into my studies, but every once in a while, Static and I take a night and go to the cinema. It doesn’t even matter what the picture is, just as long as we get out. Then we go for drinks after. But what about you?
Question two: wardrobe accessories. Not to say any pony or griff needs clothes, but sometimes there’s that something you just can’t live without. Since I’m letting my mane grow out again, I’ve found it gets a little awkward to groom, so I’ve started braiding it. Not quite an accessory, but I always make sure to start my morning with the brush and a few hair ties. Twenty minutes later, braided mane. And I get you wear a uniform, but there’s got to be something else you just can’t go out without, right?
Third: drinks. I know what your favorite beer is, but is that your absolute favorite? Mine is strawberry milkshakes. It’s so odd, in the Riverlands you don’t find milkshakes all that often, but with how much Equestria loves ice cream, I can find a parlor on almost every corner. I don’t know what I’ll do when I go home.
I understand your issues with the mail system. Though I do have to say it seems to be getting a bit more efficient. Obviously you can’t tell me where you’re going, but if it’s where I think it is, you’ll be closer to home than I’ve been in years. A bit ironic. And it makes me homesick and missing you all over again.
Do me a favor; I know you and my father don’t get along, but try writing them again. It takes so long for my letters to reach them, I just want them to know I’m doing okay and thinking about them. It’s a lot less time for you to write, and you only have to go over once border, whereas I have a whole ocean to write across. And besides, I want you guys to get better. Find something you can relate to, even if it’s a little thing. Otherwise, this barrier between you two is never going to get better, and we’re going to be in for a rough ride. At least try. I can understand if it doesn’t work out anyway, but at least you’ll have made the attempt. For me?
Don’t ask about my brother, by the way.
Love,
~Paige
Sent April 12th
Dear Paige,
First, Happy Birthday. I know it’s still a month off, but I know I won’t get another chance to say it before, and I’m tired of writing about events after the fact. I couldn’t get you much out here in the middle of I can’t tell you where’s-ville, but I know you always love a good read, so I picked up a local storybook on myths and legends, “Raganų Istorijos”, which I’ve been told roughly translates to “Witch Stories.” Have fun with the language, I can barely read the title. Gives you a twofer, a new language to figure out and a book to go with it.
What I -can- tell you about was our short stay in Hellsword. As it turns out, the target we were moving towards has not yet had its rail network set up to the Imperial standard gauge (though from what I’m seeing, the whole thing needs to be ripped up and replaced regardless). So we offloaded in Visaginas to move southwards. Traveling with us we have several battalions of Reformisten soldiers, who had to march most of the countryside due to bad roads and lacking trucks. First off, the thing that got me was just how overwhelmingly the pony population outnumbers griffs out here. Aside from you and Haul, I’ve only seen a few in my time. And on some level, I knew this was pony country (Visagina was the center of the pony socialist uprising during the civil war). But I’ve never seen this many in one place. For every one griffon I saw in the city, there had to be a dozen ponies, but strangely the force we travelled with were mostly griffs. As you might have expected, there was propaganda everywhere, even more than in the Empire. Posters and banners and some kind of police with those special badges, ponies and griffs shouting Wingfried and the Emperor’s name all over the place or going “Angriff”, a lot of saluting and the Reformisten flag flying under the Imperial one. It’s actually really disconcerting. Oddly though, it didn’t seem like they were miserable about it all. So they’re doing this hot-stepping either out of passive fear or they actively believe this crap. Maybe both.
The roads we went down in the panzers seemed just like anything back in the Empire. Markets were bustling, shops were open, colts and fillies chased after our vehicles pestering us about the panzers over the noise. They seemed happy, though I suppose I’m a poor judge. A few even came out with Imperial banners, started waving them. That’s...probably the friendliest greeting I’ve gotten when we rolled through a place. I’m not saying I like it. The amount of conditioning is evident, and these ponies are okay with just letting a bunch of griffs rule over them who just a few years ago were committed to their very genocide. Wingfried be damned, who’s to say someone worse doesn’t take power when he dies?
We went south from there. The terrain is hilly, mountainous in some places. Their railroads might not be very good, but their roads are pretty well taken care of. Even the dirt ones. Every once in a while, we passed a militia watch station, and behind said station are a set of gallows. They’re usually bedecked with the rotten corpses of griffons marked as traitors, either hardline Blackcloaks or Pallas’ followers. Little more than dried skin over bones inside scraps of uniforms by now. But they apparently keep changing the signs, replacing the paint or the old wood. Someone wants everypony and everygriff to remember this. We passed one, just like any other, and Haul out on the turret getting some air, he points to one and said “That’s Pallas Dusktalon.” Just put out to rot like the rest. The sheer amount of control the Reformisten exert on their lands kind of answers my question of just how everygriff and pony here seems so happy. Not sure they’re really given a choice otherwise.
At least the Reformisten troops are decently drilled. The non-Knights are well-trained. They apparently use a similar structure to the Reichsarmee, calling themselves the Ostheer. These pony troopers don’t stick around long to chat, they mostly come look at Sabine and then take off when we try to ask them questions. But while their officers will talk with us, we don’t like doing it for long. They’re like Haul, continuing to go on about the purity of Imperial culture, the benevolence of King Wingfried and the filth that is communism. While I agree with the last one, the fact they can all pull a lecture out of their ass is equal parts annoying and worrying. ‘Angriff’ indeed.
I’m a bit separated from the rest of Imperial news, but I did hear something that caught my ear. I don’t know if you’re aware, but rumor is that there’s some rumblings coming out of the Changeling Lands. Something that’s got Uncle August and the rest of High Kommand getting nervous. By the time this reaches you, it may be too late. Or it could wind up being nothing. If it's leaked down to the lower ranks, even out here, it must be something important, though. I know everygriff says the Changelings are our friends, and that’s still the official story. But recently, every time I’ve seen Changeling troops at Imperial bases, there’s always been this tension. We’d always eat at separate tables, drill in separate yards, practice with different weapons. All that comradery and cooperation from years ago is gone. Something happened between the Changeling mission and High Kommand. I don’t know myself. Call it a weird feeling. Like there’s this gap between us now. You’re closest to the trouble. Stay alert. I don’t know that there’s much more I can do for you from here.
I’ll write your dad again. Not sure what to say to him. I get that this rift needs to be addressed, but if he doesn’t like me now, I’m not sure what to say to change his mind. We don’t exactly have much in common to discuss. As you well know. Not to mention it's a little tricky getting mail to the Riverlands through the Refromisten mail network.
Questions, then. Stress reduction is a bit of an odd one. You were air force, so you may not be aware of just what the front liners do to keep the edge off. I’ll avoid the utter stupidity to keep it tolerable, but we like target shooting cans with our sidearms, playing cards and placing bets on the sports teams we can listen to over the radio. It’s all gambled on, of course. No griff goes into a competition without something to gain, and bragging rights don’t mean much when you’re stuck with each other for weeks on end. Eihol makes a small fortune betting on the automobile races in the paper. Amazing.
This one made me laugh. Then scratch my head. Paige, Mein Leibe, I have worn civilian clothes I think maybe a dozen times or so in the past month. I don’t get much time to accessorize. Although, if I had to take a stab I might say my panzer goggles. We all wear them to protect our eyes in Sabine. I’ve always got my eye on the gunsight, so when Eihol takes us into a dip, I can at least not go blind. And then outside I’ve gotten so accustomed to them I just wear them around my neck everywhere I go. Habit, I suppose. Same with my coveralls, really. Though, on the few times I do go out, I have this blue hat. Nothing special. I picked it up from a cheap clothing stall. But I’m used to headgear. So that hat goes with me everywhere when I’m back home in Griffenheim. I put a pin with the logo of the Reichsarmee panzerwaffen in it. Little things, I suppose.
Well, you know I like my beers. Braufenweisen especially. But I do enjoy a good soda pop. Peach flavored, if I can get it. I told you some time ago that it’s a novelty out here. Doesn’t mean we don’t like it. So if I can get a day in a civilian town, I’ll spare a day where there’s no coffee or beer and look for a fruit-flavored pop. Brand doesn’t matter, as long as they’ve got the flavor.
Three for you right back, then. It’s getting difficult to think these up. We say again for the fifth time. And yet, we somehow keep doing it.
Do you miss your time in the military? I know you’re still in the Air Force reserves, and you had plenty of bad memories, but from what you wrote, it changed a lot of things for you. Might there have been something you remember fondly, at least? I don’t know what I’d do outside the Reichsarmee, as we’ve addressed before. And your input has really got me starting to think about looking into something I can fall back on. Can’t be in a panzer forever, right?
Second, Equestria or the River Republic? Not in a which is better sense, but where do you see yourself settling down? I know Rijekograd is where you grew up and your parents live there, but you seem to be having a great time in Equestria. No shame in staying where you like. I’ve been across the Empire, and now I’m wandering land she used to own, and will again soon. I don’t know where I’m going myself right now.
Finally, and this one might seem a bit awkward, but you’ve got Spotsley to thank for this one. Turns out she’s a fan of those trashy romance novellas. Anyway; if we do wind up having kids one day, how do you think they’d turn out? I know this one’s a bit sensitive because of what we had spoken of before a few letters back, but I guess we can’t afford to step around things in a letter-relationship. And, I didn’t have anything better, really. Personally, I (several sentence starts are scribbled out, smudged, wiped and written into the crease, as if the writer had folded up the letter a few times before continuing to write).
I just hope it all winds up okay. Hybridization’s apparently difficult enough. Four limbs, two eyes, one head. Everything fine. After that, doesn’t matter.
Okay, are you being serious with that one? Need I point out Nimbusia? Lake City? Deponya? Even your River Republic’s princess fell trying to conquer Wittenland (cracked open a history book not too long ago). And Griffonian culture has far more to it than martial prowess. There’s honor to code, chivalry, drive to accomplish. Ponies are creative and cooperative, I’ll give them that, but there’s no reason to ignore the parts of our cultures either one of us dislike.
Love,
~Cyril
Another slip of paper was in the same envelope, and written in a different ink, with a different writing style, were the simple words “YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY. OTHERS ARE READING. THIS IS HELLSWORD NOW. WILL WATCH OUT, SEE WHAT I CAN DO.
-LH”
Sent May 9th
Dear Cyril,
I have to pick up on your power of observation. Our unit’s been put on alert, which is disturbing because I haven’t flown anything in over a year now. My pilot’s license is a bit out of currency. They won’t tell us what’s going on, and the news appears to be blindingly oblivious. The only clear enemy on the continent is the Changelings, so if ponies can’t put the pieces together we kind of deserve to be taken by surprise. Apparently, we’re to report for ‘maneuvers’ near Mariposa. Which is a miracle for me since I have yet to find another job. I could use the extra pay, rent’s coming due. Between what Static and I will make together, we should be able to pay it. I just hope it won’t be for too long. I’d hate to have to clear my school backlog.
First, some good news. I ran into somepony at class today; another thestral that served up north in the Army during the Crystal War. Turns out he was using the same idea as I was, take the money for school after service and use it quick as possible. His name is Hills in Shadow (I think he’s from one of the tribes in the southeast) and he apparently served in Gloaming’s unit. You remember her? We had some good talks about our time in the north. Turned out, to my surprise, she really missed me before she got killed. Talked about me a lot to the unit, which surprised me because she wasn’t much for conversation when I knew her. I don’t even think we hung out a lot outside of study. But I haven’t thought much on her the past year. I feel awful for that. And now to hear she actually thought really highly of me? I considered us friends, but now I’ll never get the chance to have spent more time, done more with her. And I don’t have a lot of friends left.
(The next line has a few scribbles, as if the author made several attempts to write something, but gave up and moved on.)
Second, some bad news. I know you’re busy being the mighty hammer of the Empire (only half sarcastic there) so I wanted to report a few things happening at home you may not be aware of. Mostly because it doesn’t mean much to anypony so far away from it and also so you know what to keep an eye on when you get back. Which you will. Anyway. Apparently, there was a bit of stirring in March. Remember that business in 1009, when Lake City and Diamond Mountain almost started a war over Deponya? Well, Heavenly Snow and Lake City have formally left the River Coalition. I kind of saw this coming, with what my parents have been telling me about back home. The River Republic, Bakara and Wittenland have been making strong attempts to unite the region. A series of economic reforms and pacts got signed, railroads built, trade concessions etc. Boring politics you only need to know the gist of. My mother knows how much I like hearing the details (and I know you don’t). All you need to know is that the eastern half of the Coalition wants to draw all the Riverlands together and form a stronger nation, perhaps even a truly united one. While the western half, which is Lake City, Deponya and Diamond Mountain, keep protesting loss of independence. So, with all this going on, of course that’s when socialists in Bakara and the Republic want to start kicking up trouble, right? So keep in mind all of this is happening back in March. Yesterday I see in the news that the Coalition’s been broken. The Principality officially left. And with them, they took Diamond Mountain and Deponya. And as you’ve pointed out, the Empire is getting stronger (so is a greater threat to all the Riverlands according to the paranoid politicians in charge). There’s no way the River Coalition and the new East Griffonian Co-Prosperity Sphere (seriously) are going to leave things alone. So watch yourself.
I want to go home. It sounds like things are getting serious back there, between socialist uprisings in Bakara and the shit with Lake City. I’m worried about my parents. My father wants to stay, stubborn ass that he is. But my mother says she’s looking into the possibility of leaving. Where to, she’s not sure. But neither of them want to get caught in this. I’d send them some bits (the exchange rate is good with all the crashes and whatnot) but I don’t have anything. At this point, I’m already committed here, and I can’t leave without formally being released. Which means I can’t do a damn thing.
I know that doesn’t affect you much. Just felt like getting it out. Nopony here would get it either. Except Static, but you know how she is when it comes to politics.
Listen, I’ve been giving it some thought. Both before and after I got your letter. I’m sorry. The pressure I put on you about kids so long ago wasn’t fair. And after your last letter and how it really must have been hard for you to think it over, I just wanted to take that pressure off. I know the odds of hybridization. And I would love for nothing more than to look forward to that possibility. But I know what we’re thousands of miles apart, have been for years. And making you face what’s been on my mind isn’t fair. While it's sweet that you’re getting worried too, I’m okay. Really. Step 1: get face to beak meeting. Step 2: plan for future. I promise, I’ll stop jumping ahead.
I’ve got my bags packed and waiting by the door. As I write, Static’s closing down her station. Tonight’s the last night we’ve got before we head to the depot. I almost feel like taking a few drinks, but we’ve got to be up early. But I had to take this time to sit down and write to you. Funny thing is, I got your last letter a few days ago. But if I hadn’t, I would have written anyway. Then we’d have another letter in circulation. Wouldn’t that be ridiculous? But I didn’t want to miss my chance to say something. I can’t help but feel like we’re getting close to something here, the world on edge like it is. Everywhere is getting more and more chaotic, like it's all building up to something. I almost feel like, if I don’t write you now when I’ve got the chance, I’ll regret it. Call it a bad feeling, or maybe your sense for danger at long distances is rubbing off on me. I’ll take the latter, personally. Especially if it's literal.
(A few small scrapes, as if the author was considering scratching out the last line)
Wow, that was terrible. Segue to questions and answers so I can actually pretend I got something done with this letter.
For your first question, I find it ironic since I’m being mobilized short notice. Guess we’re in the same boat. But yeah. More than I realized, I missed a few things. The job security, for one. Two lost jobs and a month of unemployment later and I do miss the sense that I at least could keep hold of something. The food was...not good. Quarters were free I guess. And it was amazing to fly airplanes. Until, y’know, the whole battle thing. I know you’re a lot more accustomed to that. Makes my term in uniform seem like a foal playing dress up. I’ll be okay playing Airmare for a little while. Take a break from city life.
River Republic. Hooves down. I like Equestria, I do. It’s calm and quiet, everypony here is nice. Aside from a -small- case of evil invasion, it’s peaceful. But it’s -too- nice. I know that seems a bit odd to say, but I really can’t take the whole “friendship” angle that keeps getting heaped on. It’s nice to cooperate and all, but we both know reality, and ignoring the rest of the world doesn’t mean you’re a paradise in comparison. My family aside, I need to live somewhere that’s in touch with how the world really is.
This one technically doesn’t count either, since I answered it earlier. But I think I have an idea. I gave it a bit of thought when I wanted to apologize for the pressure. But here goes. I still remember your face. Every detail. My eyes would be good with your feathers, I think. A muzzle would make things a bit more comfortable. But claws and talons would let them interact with the world. Wings, of course. Then we could all fly together. Your stubbornness. My artistic flair. They’d never give up on anything in life. That’s the kind of thing I’d want for our children, should we ever succeed. But we do have a few more steps in between to accomplish, don’t we?
Three for you then.
What do you remember of your father? You talk about your mother all the time, but you seem really hesitant to mention anything more about him. Stefan, was it? I understand it is painful to think of him. I just want to know more about you and your family. Your mother doesn’t speak much about him either. I think his loss might have been too much for her. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. My father, Stern Vigil, has been a river worker since he was a foal. I told you my grandfather served in the Deponyan Royal Army, but my father didn’t want anything to do with that. So he moved east to get away from the Empire and settled down in the Republic after he met my mother, Poppy Banks. I know you’ve written him, and you know he’s a bit intense. I thought that might bring you two together, given how like him your mother is. I’m sorry that hasn’t been the case. I know he’s harsh and judgemental, but he does it because he cares. His father died for a kingdom that barely paid their family back. He doesn’t look well at armies or the Empire for either of that. He tells me all the time he can’t look out for me if I’m across the world, and my brother’s already run off with the criminal lifestyle. I know I disappoint him, but I also know I make him proud. He just has a hard time saying it. Mother has always tried to mediate between us, and her job’s not easy through letters. Now he’s got all the trouble back home, I’m worried he’ll be too focused on Brook and I to keep his eye on what’s happening there.
Do you keep touch with friends? You mention you’ve been moved through a few units, and you go drinking with your comrades. As well as the ones from Industrie you probably see when you go home. Ever since I left the Riverlands, my friends in Rijekograd have been writing me less and less. Now I’m losing touch with my Equestrian friends from Luna Nova. All I seem to have left is Static, a few ponies from my RAF days and the friends I have in Hoofington. And I’m worried that, when I move on somewhere else, I’ll lose touch with everypony there too. More and more, I come to value your letters as my only permanent source of conversation (aside from Static, though some days she’s so dry and sarcastic I just leave her alone).
Finally, to change up the tone a little and make things somewhat cheerier, what’s the most daring thing you’ve done? Aside from what you’ve been through in the army, you mentioned having a pretty wild childhood in Griffenheim. And children, whether foals or chicks, always dare each other to do stupid, intense things. For me, I remember this time when my friends and I found this series of caves. Nopony knew where they went, and we didn’t even know they were so close to home. We were fascinated to see what was inside, but so scared to even try it. So, I went first. And got lost. The place was practically a honeycomb inside. I got out eventually, but let me tell you, I wasn’t too smart when I charged in cause I wanted to impress my friends. I still remember those deep, dark caverns. Beautiful, but I was terrified the whole time that I’d found the lair of a dragon or something. Obviously, I got out, but those caves have stuck with me the whole time. I’ve never just thrown caution to the wind like that again. Always look things over, always have a plan, my father says. And I’ve stuck to that ever since. Well, tried to at least.
Now’s my usual time to say I miss you. Things are getting more and more tense on both our ends. You back at war already and me still unemployed and struggling. Still haven’t heard back from the EEA (Equestrian Education Association) about my scholarship. If I could at least get them to help me with some things like bills and rent, it would be a lot easier. But military education only covers tuition, not food and board. The decision to move out of the dorms may have not been a good one, but if I go back I lose Static as a roommate. But don’t worry about me. There’s nothing for you to do, so there’s no point in you freaking out too. I always have a plan. Right now, that’s to report for these exercises and rack up a bit more reserve pay for rent. But you’re the one at very real risk of getting killed, not me. So do me a favor; don’t go sticking your head out for some communist sniper to take it off. If you die, I’ll fly over to Griffonia and dig you up just so I can bitch you out myself.
Love,
~Paige
P.S.: In case you’ve forgotten, I still have your medal. Keep it close to my heart. I’ll be carrying it everyday on these maneuvers.
(Inside is a photograph of Paige, in her RAF fatigues. From the background, it appears this was taken in her apartment. Her smile is wide and energetic still, wings flared excitedly, her photo of Cyril held up so the camera can see it. Flipping it over, the writing on the back reads “To Cyril, Now you have one too.
-Paige”)
Sent June 14th
Dear Paige,
I’m finally allowed to speak on our destination and what I’ve been up to with details, though I’m pretty sure you figured out where we’ve been going. We’re in Prywhen now, heading south towards Cyanolisia. The 41st Panzergrenadiers’ main objective is to beat Beakolini to the border before Wingbardy absorbs the entire south, like he did with Falcor. Like he’s doing now with Sicameon. It’s not dramatic to say on my part, but we’ve been rolling through the Griffonian Liberation Army like a knife through ancient scroll paper. The communists don’t have any panzers of their own, and with the Reformisten and their Knights backing us, I’m reminded pretty firmly of Griefenmarsch. It’s not a good memory. Everyday it’s the same thing. Wake up, move on enemy positions, overwhelm them, move on. The GLA griffs don’t even have a sufficient amount of artillery, no panzers, no airplanes. The Reformisten troops and Grenadiers we have with us are our only limiting factor. These militia fighters seem so...tired, I guess. The city fights aren’t even really fights anymore, and a lot of these towns barely deserve the name. We’re fighting an enemy with his wings clipped and a claw behind his back. I’m sitting behind thick centimeters of steel armor plate with an MG and a cannon, and the most they seem to have is hand grenades and the occasional artillery piece.
The only upside? A lot of them are choosing to surrender. More and more each day. Good. Less for me to have to mow down.
We’ve all had to soften our approach here. At first, it was slaughter all resistance inside a town. We weren’t taking many prisoners then. Now, as more griffs are just giving up, the Reformisten are moving to the propaganda campaign. They keep going on about “integralism” and restoration of Imperial glory. Given what I’ve seen here, it's not like the revolution did them much good. We’ve started escorting food convoys recently. These griffs are so thin. A lot of them are giving up now they understand we’re willing to feed them. I’ve heard most of our POW camps are turning into aide stations. Landwehr, Reformisten, Reichsarmee. We’re doing more garrisoning than fighting lately. Only the harcore GLA communist fanatics are really holding out. They’re getting thinner by the day.
Imperial and Hellsword divisions are moving east from Blackrock. Apparently, the bandits there didn’t put up much better fight. They’re coming towards our lines to join up and catch the GLA forces in a vice. And behind us, behind both thrusts, comes the Landwehr. More and more occupation forces. If it keeps up like this, we’ll be to Cyanolisia before month’s end. Faster if negotiations with Gryphus are successful. From all accounts, we might be able to convince them to return to the Imperial banner without a fight. I don’t know how much you know about Gryphus, but they have two very powerful political forces down there controlling the Free Towns (what, you thought the Free Towns were actually in charge?); the first is the Militärorden der Brüder vom Herzlandisch Haus der Heiligen Opinicus. You might have heard of them simply as the Order of Opinicus. Long story short, they’re a bunch of crusader nuts left over from Grover II’s days. Bringing them back in would be a huge source of local griffpower. I know they’ve apparently become very vocal about carrying on their crusade. Well, now they can purge to their murderous hearts’ content without starting a civil war in Gryphus. The second I know you’ve heard about. De Gryphusische Südkontinent-Gesellschaft. The Southern Continent Company is notorious, and securing their trade networks and spreading their assets out over the Empire again would mean huge things back home (not to mention their huge Landsknechte army). Apparently, King Wingfried and Grand Duke Gerlach are negotiating with the Grandmaster and Governor-Executive, and the news the officers are telling us sounds promising. One more Imperial territory returned, one more war avoided.
Don’t ask about Griffonstone. Apparently we’re staring over gunsights with Wingbardy. Nogriff wants to start that war.
Less politics. Most of what I’m getting is from the Reformisten, the newspapers and the officers, so you know at least half of it is bullshit. I don’t want to keep going on about war stuff with you anyway. Much better things to talk about.
The way this war has been going has given me time to think. I have a few of your letters here, and I’ve been looking through them a lot. Rereading them. I’ve got your photo taped over my gunsight. I’m back to you stuck on the brain. The hills make me think of you, talking about your home in Rijekograd. I roll into a town and I think about how you’d want to try and help all these griffs out of their suffering. I talk to Reformisten soldiers and I can’t help but remember your warnings (Haul had a talk with me, by the way. Apparently he’s trying to make sure we understand at both ends how to not draw attention). I see Imperial planes overhead and can’t help but think of you. You’ve literally wormed your way into my head at this point, and refused to leave. I can’t say I mind too terribly. I miss you. But it's the better kind of missing you now, instead of just being bitter about being so far apart. I’m getting hope back that we’ll have our chance after all. This war won’t last much longer. The frontier is falling faster than the Black Knights or High Kommand predicted.
Nogriff is really happy with this farce of a war. Spotsley keeps track of the northern campaign. The Sunstriker Front has bogged down. Bronzehill’s troops are refusing to back down, but Sunstriker’s not giving an inch either. I can tell it’s getting to her. But she doesn’t ever want to talk about it. I’m worried about her. There’s something else going on there she isn’t telling us. Sergeant Hellseig is just as enigmatic as ever. Eihol’s kind of getting quiet. Dipping into his drinks more. We’re watching him as best we can. Seems the only one whose spirits are up is Haul. He’s in a chipper mood. Goes on and on about the same old rhetoric. Bringing prosperity to the land, restoring the Empire through Operation Tartarus. I think he just likes being with his ‘people’ again. Much as the Reformisten say they’re on our side, they feel like a separate nation. They claim they’re here to restore the Empire, but they shout Wingfried’s name a lot. They don’t really seem to declare any victories for the Kaiser. They’re invaluable as combat troops, and the Vollstrecker don’t seem to have a problem with them. They certainly have a loyal following. But I’m not alone in thinking the sooner we finish here, the better.
My father was a good griff. It’s been a long time. And it is still painful. But we’ve been honest with each other. Nothing hidden, nothing obscured. I know everything about you. You deserve to know everything about me. Stefan Richtofen was a career soldier. He gave his life for the Empire. He was always proud to serve, and he told me he would be proud of me when I served. He purposefully avoided going to the akadamie so he could stay in the field with his troops, rather than be stuffed in an office. This was long before the reforms I went through. It was a different time, after the Revolution. He was a bit absent, true. Sophie hardly remembers anything about him. My fondest memories were of him coming home. He’d be tired, but he was already ready to catch me when I flew at him. He never shouted, never got angry. He was stern when he disciplined, but never over the top. Mother said he was the best thing to happen to her. And then, one day, he didn’t come home. Instead there was a Reichsarmee leutnant at the door, cap off and looking awkward. Just like that. He never got to see me enlist. He never saw Sophie start flying. And I never got to see him at his best. Just taken away by some rioter in Romau. I never want to go to that city as long as I live.
My old friends are like yours. We drifted apart. I still have a few comrades I hear from in the Imperial Guard, back before I joined the panzerwaffe. I have a few from other kompanies I talk to. But the ones in my unit, I -know- but I’m not...close with. It's like you’ve said. We’re so afraid of losing each other, we try not to form bonds too deep. We’re all brothers and sisters here, and we’d die for each other. But nogriff really talks much about home. Just a little bit of small talk here and there. It’s different between panzer crews. Infantry squads. That’s where the real brotherhood is. My friends at home are either in the army too or they’ve settled into their own lives. I see them every once in a while. We chat. But I don’t send letters to them. Not nearly as much as I do you.
The most daring thing I’ve done. Well, you hit that nail on the head. Before I had to become ‘responsible’ there was this one time. Back when Industrie was still its half-deserted state when I was a kid, we hosted this ‘gang war’ on our city block. We wound up getting really close to the Imperial quarter, and then the contest became about who was brave enough to try and fly towards the palace. There we are, a bunch of dumb idiot kids standing on top of a factory at the waterfront. We keep trying to fly out towards the palace over the Griffking, only to lose our nerve and turn back. Finally, I just say fuck it and glide out as far as I can...I lost control at the end, smashed into the outer wall and flew back as fast as I could. After that, the Guard finally caught on to us and we scattered. But still. Good memories of a simpler time.
I think I’d like to take a break from the questions. Just for a few letters. It’s been a good way to get to know each other. But I think we’re both struggling for them, both questions and answers. I’d rather talk about what’s going on in your life right now anyway. Just for a bit.
Be careful, Paige. I know these are just training maneuvers. But this is all very strange to me. Nothing feels right about what you’re telling me, what Uncle August isn’t telling me, what the brass is saying. Just stay prepared. I’m just a lowly Korporal. But even I can smell an army on the march. And I don’t know if it's Equestria’s or someone else's.
Stay safe. I love you.
~Cyril
Sent July 10th
Dear Cyril,
Something’s happening. I can tell. The officers don’t want to talk about it, and communication outside the base has been restricted. We’ve been put on constant alerts. Recon squads go out all hours of the day and then they’re confined to quarters for days after. I don’t know how much longer before I can’t send mail.
You were right. There’s more than just our squadron here. A LOT more. Mariposa’s military complex is packed full of air squadrons, army divisions, royal guard, mages, tanks. Thing is, most of them are reservists and National Guard. I talked with a few ponies from other units, and they say the same story. We’re supposed to be here for war games, at the order of Royal Army Command and Princess Luna herself. But so far as I can tell, no mock battles have happened anywhere. We’ve been here for weeks, apparently just training and stockpiling equipment.
I’ve been assigned to a Blenheim, #83. Apparently, taking a crash course in map reading is enough to qualify me for navigator, because I’m running dual duty. It’s this strange heavy-fighter/light bomber mixup. I’m not sure the RAF is really sure what they want it to be. Static is with us as radio mare, and we’ve got a new pilot assigned us. Solar Ace, Flight Lieutenant. He’s an okay sort, one of those stiff upper lip types you hear about from the RAF. Yes, they exist. Fortunately, I was never assigned one of them except as an instructor. But the thing is, he’s professional military, full-time. They never just mash half-qualified crews together in the same flights, much less the same planes.
We’ve been briefed on Changeling weapon systems. And honestly, what they’ve got in the sky outclasses us by a wide margin. These planes are sharp, advanced, lethal. And from what we’re being told (and I’m not allowed to relay) they’ve got a bucking lot of them. But most of this is speculation, from recon reports the brass keeps censoring. They’re hiding something and only giving us the barebones. I really feel like I’m being jerked around here.
It’s like I’m back in the Crystal War again. We wait up every night after exercises, listening for the alerts, trying to pick out something other than our own birds. We’ve got CAP flying all night, every night over the base, and the AA perimeter is always manned. This doesn’t feel like an exercise. This feels like we’re expecting an invasion. The ground units are dispersed between here and Vanhoover, and MPs are checking everypony’s papers everyday. They keep talking about tightening security measures, and at first that didn’t make sense. Until I remembered that Changelings can shapeshift (in my defense, it only took me a few seconds to remind myself). Now I don’t know who to trust, or what to say to anypony. Which is likely what the bugs want.
Cyril, something bad is coming. This may be my last letter for a while. I’m sorry we never got that time to spend together. I’m sorry that Solid ever happened. I’m sorry I had to stick it out here in Equestria. I should have come back to you.
I’m actually really scared, Cyril. And my biggest fear is that I’m going to lose my only way of talking to you. That this -is- going to turn into another war, and I’m not going to hear from you again. I get that I’m just rambling through nerves down here, but I honestly have nothing else to do. Radios are confiscated, telephones are only available to officers and there’s buck all to do here on base that we haven’t done a hundred times already now. We’re not allowed to go into town, and all I brought with me to read are textbooks and that Longsword story book you bought me (nice pictures, but I’m still piecing the language together). I get stuck in my head when I get stressed out, and when I get stuck in that loop, everything appears to get so much worse. I’m starting to wonder if I may be getting anxiety attacks. I don’t know anymore.
Write me back. Now. The second you finish this letter. I don’t care what the buck you’re doing, get me a reply. Don’t leave me alone out here.
Please.
Love,
~Paige