//------------------------------// // The Trip Part 1 // Story: The Guardian // by NYChris824 //------------------------------// "Glad to see you again General, what services do you require of me?” Colonel Grinder asked. It was Saturday morning and I was being shipped out to the Remot clan tomorrow morning. Colonel Gear Grinder was in charge of R&D in the army, he decided what ideas should be tried out. When the princesses asked for a mobile off road vehicle, my plans to copy the HUMVEE were rejected, but his Jeep look a like won. Black fur hid oil and grease well and so did his dark blue hair, which by the smell he had some on him. He was on the younger side, but it’s the younger ones who help modernize the army. Hopefully we would have a good working relationship and he wanted to pick my brains for ideas. I called ahead to tell him that we should meet thanks to some ideas I needed drawn up. He already was working on mounting guns to my trucks and he was giddy about that project and couldn’t wait for my own ideas in person. He even picked me up in his prototype Jeep, just so I can provide feedback. What better why to provide feedback than to test it? "Colonel! If you don’t mi-“ I went quiet for a moment to keep my tongue in one piece. "Slow down a bit, or maybe some flatter ground?" The road was barely a hundred yards away, a nice paved road, but the forest was better for testing. I would’ve preferred the road over the path. "Nonsense, General! We’re going to be fi-“ "Finish that sentence and I swear to God you won’t see a screw ever again.” I warned. “It's okay General.” Grinder said as we began to climb up a hill and started to gain more speed. “Let’s see how the shock system is. I think we can get some air on this hill." A half rotted log acted like a speed bump and helped us get airborne. We both began to scream, mine was one of fear and his was joyful. We bounced off the ground and went back up before we began to fishtail around trees. Grinder slammed on the brakes and we pulled a one eighty degree spin. We sat there for a moment trying to calm down. As Grinder began to give the vehicle gas, a grinding noise came from under us, I wasn’t a mechanic,but I knew what it was, especially after such a hard landing. “Busted axle." Grinder said and slid down in the seat. "How far is the base from here?" "Miles away, probably at least fifteen and I didn’t install a radio. Didn’t think I’d need it." “Let’s get walking.” "I can call them instead. Save us some time ya know. I was tempted to bring some designs with me for you to look at, but I didn’t." "What ideas you got worked up?” I asked. “How are the auto-cannons coming along? And I believe you were working on breech loading cannons?" "The auto-cannons is still have feed issues, it jams and there isn’t really a reason why. I think it has some sort of issue with heating. Cannons are coming along just fine, I hope to get them under production by the end of fall. And we got your new trucks in last week and we’ve begun to fix them. Let me call base real quick.” "Do you have any unmodified trucks hanging around? I still have some ideas to try. You wouldn’t happen to have some spare mortar tubes around do you? The current cannons are too slow and the mortars can be put on the beds and ammo around it, trade power for speed. I'll let you figure it out. Plus, if one machine gun is good, then four will be even better.” I turned back to Grinder to see what he thought. “10 minutes? Yea that'll do. Thank you Major. Sorry, what’d you say?” He told the person on his phone. "I need mortars mounted on trucks instead of towing cannons and place a set of four machine guns mounted on the bed of a truck.” "Interesting.” He rubbed his chin for a moment. The floors of both will have to be reinforced, the recoil of the mortar and weight of the all the guns. I assume the machine guns can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees.” "Yes and I would prefer if the engine could power the rotation of it as well. Hand crank sucks." “That would most likely need a bigger engine. What size of the mortar?” “Something on the larger side, needs to do more than tickle them." I pulled out my cigarettes. "You mind?" "Go ahead. We should have some mortars at base that could work. I'll have to play around with it. How much of a firing angle?” “One eighty is fine. I don’t need a dumbfuck shooting backwards at me.” "Understandable. Just wondering General, what was tech was your country working on that was pushing the boundaries. That you know of.” *** Canterlot Celestia was tired. The kind of tired that would take days to recover from. Perhaps having a case of those cotton candy flavored energy drinks delivered could help. Meetings with changelings, meetings with the ambassadors and leaders of other nations about changelings. Ponies weren’t the only species on the changeling menu. Nobles and press at home demanding answers that even she didn’t have. Ponies calling for a changeling head for every pony they took or killed, or more. Or young General Kroger's head for even thinking ponies and changelings could get along. She leaned back in her armchair, horn glowing. The door of the small fridge opened and a bottle of wine along with a chilled glass came out. A sigh escaped her lips as she poured a glass. “Oh Ambassador Steel Ring,” Celestia grumbled to herself, “the changelings barely attacked your people. Why should you subjugate them?” Monterey payments seemed to be the best option to her. But would be incredibly tricky to form some sort of an agreement over. These weren’t broken windows, although the damages done during the attack on Canterlot would have to be addressed. These were lives she was dealing with, what’s the price of a life? What about those who lost their jobs after being taken away? Her own niece wanted to see them all pay. While out of character, Celestia still couldn’t blame Cadence for wanting justice. What did Kroger tell her right before he left for the Remot clan? Ah yes, a hundred years ago, Germany taking money from American bank to pay of the other allied nations, who used it to pay off debt to the Americans. When one cog stopped, the whole thing grounded to a halt. Which led to the rise of dictators and another world war. Or something like that if she remembered her human history right. Another few sips finished the glass. Celestia enjoyed giving others just a nudge in the right way, never spelling it out unless needed. It showed her little ponies how to overcome any obstacle and she suspected Kroger gave her a nudge. Too many demands could see blood spilled. It would take years, maybe even decades before whatever demands made would be fulfilled. Without being too dark, Celestia was almost glad Chrysalis was killed in the attack. Almost everyone wanted to try her and throw her in jail for her crimes. A knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Only one pony would disturb her this late. “Come in Luna.” The door opened and the lunar alicorn entered, “Sister, you should try and get some sleep. It is after midnight. I can look over the proposals that are laid out.” “I should but there is still so much to be done. At the meeting tomorrow morning, I am going to propose a new position be formed to focus on the changelings. This is growing more complex by the day and we need somepony who only focuses on them. And perhaps once it’s all done, whoever we choose will become the ambassador for us to them." "Very well. We will also have to impose that changelings register their disguises and to no longer use actual ponies a a disguise. Several petitions have come forward tonight with these requests.” Luna added as one of her guards walked in. "Message from the delegation to the Griffons, Princess.” He announced as he passed over a note. “Thank you Sergeant.” He saluted and left. Luna let a small laugh out she read it over, “We arrived. From, Dan. I imagine the message from Ambassador Will shall shed some light on how it goes. I will see you in the morning Tia.” “Good night Luna.” Celestia said as her sister left. Perhaps she was right, the paperwork would still be here when she would raise the sun. *** Remot Clan Capital Dan POV I left the office after sending a message of my arrival back to Canterlot. We got in late last night and were met by some guards who brought us to the liaison office for the clan. “You sent the message right?” Twilight asked, who was the big secret friend who joined me. “Yea went through no problem.” I responded. She wanted to send some letter that we made and we would meet with the griffons tomorrow for lunch. I instead sent a message that had four words. The liaison office was a large house renovated into a small barracks for a dozen soldiers and equipment. Office with documents, a radio and telegram as a backup. Kitchen and supplies for a few weeks if needed. “You have your titles figured out yet?” She asked me. “Guard of Afghanistan, Bane of Taliban and Al-Qaeda and something with changelings obviously. Shame I couldn’t wear my medals from the Corps.” In order to look more impressive, I asked Celestia if I could wear my medals and ribbons from home. My request was denied, but I still brought them with me. “I believe you mean ‘It’s a shame.” She corrected as I grunted how little I cared. “What about Liberator?” “That’s seemed too generic but none of the others really seemed good. Plus I technically didn’t liberate since I was like eight years old during the invasion.” “Savior?” “Too godly.” “Rescuer?” “I didn’t rescue them so much as,” my wrist rolled as I looked for the right words, “saved them from tyranny.” “So back to Savior?” “Nah. Like I said Liberator is kinda the least worst option.” “We should go get ready.” Twilight suggested, “We leave in an hour for the castle.” “Of course, your stomach strong enough? From what I understand, it’s going to look like a church barbecue on Memorial Day weekend. There might even be raw meat, which even I find nasty.” To help her get used to seeing meat, I was allowed to turn into a carnivore for a few days. Plenty of steaks, chicken and seafood. “I should be fine. Ambassadors Will is going to be fine as well.” I threw my hand dramatically into the air, “The curse of Murphy is upon our heads!” I cried out, “Ambassador Will must puke upon seeing meat. I’m off to change.” “Shall I grab a fainting couch there for you, Rarity?” Twilight teased. “I don’t make the rules!” The door closed behind me. A quick undressing and slower redressing, have to make sure everything is right. I check my beard, since facial hair isn’t banned here and helps me look like I have more fur. Neatly trimmed and so is my hair. Medals in their proper places, buttons lined up, shoes are polished and zipper up on my pants. Twilight was wearing a rather simple dress all things considered. Knee length and red. A female guard helped curl her hair instead her usual high ponytail style. “Are you ready, General?” She asked with a small laugh. “Of course, Your Majesty. After you.” A wave of my hand had her lead the way. Outside were the guards who would escort us to the castle and two cars, one for us and one for them. We got in ours and headed off. “So this is only griffons from the Remot clan, right?” I asked. “Yes. It’s a small group. Mostly diplomats and military leaders. This town reminds me of Ponyville mixed with Canterlot. The blend of old style and new.” “What is the name of the their capital?” “Remot. Wow!” Twilight pointed a cloud. “Look at that!” “Yea it’s a cloud, don’t know the type. What about it?” “It’s a cumulus and it’s moving by itself!” “Yes that’s how- right.” This place and it’s magic. “Reminds me of home.” Even I was drawn into watching the cloud float aimlessly in the wind. We turned down another road and left the cloud behind along with the town. Surrounded by fields of grain, was the castle. Green and white flags with two interlocked circles flew on the walls. Stone walls and towers offered protection from attack. But even the walls of Constantinople fell to gunpowder. The car pulled through the gates and up to the main staircase. The whole thing was rather simple, just stone. No gems or gold anywhere, at least on the outside. A griffon was waiting for us along with a squad of soldiers armed with muskets, a mental note I tucked away for my report. The driver came around and opened the door for us. He greeted as we stepped out, “Welcome to Remot, Your Majesty and General. My name is Triton the Silver Beaked. I’m the chief diplomat here. Might I inquire your titles?” Silver Beak? Must be their version of silver tongue. Twilight took the initiative and answered. “I am Twilight Sparkle; Princess of Friendship, Bearer of the Element of Magic and Southern Sorceress, among others. This is General Kroger; Guard of Afghanistan, Bane of the Taliban and al-Qaeda and Liberator of changelings.” “An honor and a pleasure to meet both of you. Please follow me.” As we walked I took in the inside of the walls. No windows faced inward from the turrets on the walls and no windows on the first floor of the castle itself. Yet that would matter much since everyone here could fly. I hoped to pass the walk with conversation than awkward silence. “Just wondering here Triton,” I began, “how did the tradition of conquering other lands begin for kings?” “It was after the first fight for the crown, the king at the time, King Bickar the Gold Beak passed away, leaving no heir. So war broke out for the crown and King Galena the Sharp won. Unfortunately he was old and he was challenged for the right to rule by a young griffon whose name is lost to time. King Galena knew he couldn’t win so instead he offered to conquer land elsewhere for griffonkind. The tradition has stuck ever since. If you could sate my curiosity, have you figured how you arrived in our world yet?” “Unfortunately, no. Why? Did you find someone here?” “No I was merely curious. Do you expect more of your kind to arrive?” The thought lingered in my mind, it’s been over year since James arrived. America, Germany, Russia and Britain, we were only missing France, Italy and Japan and they weren’t known for their tanks. “No. It’s been too long since anyone arrived, that we know of. From there it’s too many hypothetical questions about them.” “It makes you wonder if there is one out there or was, it’s a dangerous world out there.” I glanced at Triton from the corner of my eye. What he said rubbed me the wrong way, like they did find someone and killed them. I ignored it for the sake of good relations. Before we could continue we came to the doors to the dining hall. While we had passed guards on the walk, were no guards outside the doors themselves. “Please wait here. I must tell the majordomo your titles.” Triton explained as he slipped through the doors. “His last comment bothered you?” Twilight inquired. “Yea.” I muttered “Something doesn’t make since, the dangerous world part. Like he’s saying they could die to wild animals so we wouldn’t know someone else is here. But they killed them and looked into whatever their tank may be. Also didn’t you and the girls give up the elements?” "Yes but the world doesn’t know.” “I’ll remember that.” The door opened and Triton came back out, “Please, we are ready for you.” I gestured forward with a sweep of my hand, “After you, Your Highness.”