The sun rises to replace the night sky, and Soviet had just boarded the morning train to Canterlot. He looks at Ponyville and thinks, "Am I going to stay here?" He wonders if he's going to spend the rest of his days here or not. Earth, he loves it with all his heart and is always patriotic with Humanity. But here, he can assert dominance and spread the influence of what he can essentially do is create his own nation. He wonders what he might call it if he did, the UNSC? Stargate? Who knows, but what he must focus on now, is Luna. He sees a dash of rainbow heading towards Canterlot. The sun rises behind it, causing the outline of Canterlot to be as beautiful as ever.
The train started moving as Soviet sat down on the seat. He'd put down his Alice pack next to him and placed his M16 to lean on his left leg as he leaned his head on the window. He closed his eyes for a bit and opened them again, to see a snowflake land on his window. Soviet let out a sigh and thought, "Tankery would hold off those bugs after I spend time with Luna, right?" He then placed a radio box next to him on the ground in case Tankery would call in again. He closed his eyes as the chugs of the train started to get louder as he fell asleep.
Tankery pulled a stick and started to draw on the ground. He drew defensive positions and possible enemy movement so he can set defenses to counter them. He instructed Trixie and Elta, "You two, I need you gals to stand on these 'X's marked here. You two are going to be standing on places I should add defenses to so I don't lose track, got it?" He asked. The two nodded and Tankery ran to start digging a machine gun nest. Trixie and Elta ran off to stand on their positions.
Tankery looked upwards and saw snow starting to fall, so he got into late Cold War Winter BDU so he can at least stay hidden.
Tankery got on the radio to contact Elta to inform her, "We're only here to deliver the fire mission, then we're heading back to Ponyville. Because apparently I was nominated to be working as a counselor in Twilight's school."
Elta replied, "That sounds cool! At least you got something to do, and I think Soviet is really loving this world. He seemed to be enjoying any interaction he's had. And what is a fire mission?" She asked.
"We bombard their area with artillery, mortars, and aircraft in most cases. Depending on who or what you ask." Tankery responded.
"Interesting, so when are we going to launch the attack?" She asked.
"When we get a response from Soviet. Don't want to act too hastily without informing Canterlot. Oh and also, don't freak out when you see me in white, since it's hard to see me in this." Tankery explained.
An hour later, the train stops and Soviet wakes up with ponies staring at him in fear, confusion, and curiosity. Soviet looked out the window and confirmed it was a snowy Canterlot. He holstered his M16 and grabbed his Alice pack and radio box. He moved through the crowded of ponies staring at him and occasionally apologized for accidentally bumping into somepony.
Soviet got out of the train and looked up at the snowy skies, he looked at his sleeve and noticed he was still wearing his woodland camo. He immediately switched to the same uniform Tankery is using, but doesn't know that he's using it. He then marched to Canterlot Castle, although not knowing where the castle is this time since he's alone. He approached a stylishly dressed pony who looked familiar, he tapped her back and asked. "Hello, I wou-" he paused. He was shocked to see who was here in front of him. The pony turner around and asked, "Yes, Dear-" she too paused as she too was shocked on who was here with her.
"Rarity?!"
"Soviet?!"
The two screamed each other's names in shock and Soviet asked, "Shouldn't you be at the school?"
"Tomorrow, because I'm still getting supplies and my classroom won't be open until tomorrow. But now you owe me an explanation, shouldn't you be there too?" She responded.
"I'm visiting Luna, and I'm going to surprise the students by coming in late tomorrow, none of them know that I'm working there too. But, any idea where the Canterlot Castle is?" Soviet asked.
Rarity chuckled as she knows that he is really into Luna, she took a look around and pointed, "Go straight and take a right, then go straight from there. I'll leave you two lovebirds to your own procedures. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yeah, stay safe. Oh and Rarity, try spending more time with Spike. Trust me." Soviet said as he turned around and headed towards the castle.
Rarity looked confused for a bit and just said, "Uhmm, I will! Good luck!"
Several minutes pass as Soviet takes in the view and scenery of Canterlot and occasionally saluting to patrolling Royal Guardsmen. Who just like their citizens, stared in confusion but the higher ranking officers who knew who he was and saluted back. Soviet found a flower store on his right and had an idea.
Celestia had just gotten Soviet's letter and thought to herself. "I wonder what this is. A letter to Luna? Who knows..." She took a look at the letter and read the title of the paper. 'Fire Mission' it read, she was confused on what I meant, a mission with fire? Who knows. But she finally stopped in the middle of the hallway and read it. Her eyes widened and she thought. Are the Changelings actually gathering outside of our borders? And is this message new? Could the Changelings have invaded already?! I have to allow this mission.
Celestia read the bottom part of the letter and blushed a little, it calmed her stress to see that Soviet hasn't abandoned her little sister. But just as she finished reading, she saw Soviet. Soviet was walking clad in white camouflage, holding a green box and China Aster flowers. Purple to comment her little sister's colors. She approached Soviet.
"Soviet? I just read your message and I grant permission for the strike. And, I'll knock on Luna's door to wake her up so you can surprise her. She's been keeping ponies dreams free of nightmare all last night, the coming war is scaring them all in different ways, and nightmares are a big part of them." Celestia approached.
Soviet turned around to talk to Celestia as he didn't see her earlier, "Oh, hello Celestia. I'll alert Tankery about the fire mission, and I'll be doing a quick visit to let Luna rest more. But thank you for the help in attracting her attention since she always attracts mine." Soviet cleared his throat to change the subject, "Anyways, I'll alert Tankery about the fire mission."
Soviet got down on his knees and put the flowers and the radio down, he grabbed the phone and said, "Bravo 1-1, do you copy?"
"I'm here. Go on."
"Fire mission approved, eliminate hostiles gathering in your area. And make goddamn sure none of them come out of their hives."
"Roger. Over and out."
Soviet put the radio down, he looked up to see an intrigued alicorn looking at the radio. "That was immensely quick." Celestia stated.
"One of the old but major advancements of human society. Anyways, do you think Princess Luna would appreciate these flowers?" Soviet asked as he picked up the flowers.
Celestia chuckled a bit since her little sister is in love, "I'm sure she'll like them." Celestia reassured. Soviet took a breath and nodded, he followed behind Celestia as they both walked towards Luna's bedroom.
Celestia knocked on the door and Soviet stood still as his nervousness is very clear to Celestia. She leaned to Soviet and whispered, "Don't worry, she isn't expect anything."
Soviet let out a sigh and said, "Alright, let's get the awkward part over with." As he shook his arms to calm down. Celestia chuckled.
They can hear footsteps approach the other side of the door and a familiar voice saying, "Yes? Who is it?"
"It's me, I have a surprise for youuuu." Celestia exaggerated, making Soviet more nervous.
"Alright, what is it." Luna opened the door and only saw Celestia. Luna had a very bored and exhausted face. She looked around and saw nothing.
"Oh, you'll like it." Celestia moved aside and Luna's eyes opened wide and the biggest smile Celestia's ever seen. She immediately moved to Soviet like a bullet and hugged him as tight as she could.
"Hello Princess.. how you doing?" Soviet hugged back as he held his hand with the flowers behind his back to hide it from Luna.
"I'm doing better now that you're here." Luna looked at Celestia and Celestia hasn't seen her this happy since she got back from being Nightmare Moon.
Celestia smiled and said, "Alright, I'll leave you two alone." She walked away but she stopped a bit and whispered to Luna, "Told you I'd bring breakfast today." She said to excuse herself from forgetting to make breakfast for Luna. Luna blushed a bit and saw something behind Soviet's back.
"Ooh, what are those?" Luna backed up asked with the most curious eyes Soviet had ever seen.
Soviet took his hand in front of him and said, "Oh, I thought that you might like these, since they remind me of you." Soviet said as he tried to hide his awe with his baclava.
Luna's heart basically melted and can see Soviet's blush through his mask and goggles. And she hugged him even more and pulled him into her room.
"So, I heard you've been keeping people's dreams nightmare free, and I bet that you must be exhausted." Soviet asked.
Luna sighed, "Yeah, it is. But at least my subjects aren't suffering while they sleep, especially with the tensions rising with the Changelings. Why do you ask?" Luna explained.
"Just so I know not to exhaust you too much with my visit, you can sleep if you want. I'm fine with it, I'll even sleep on the floor." Soviet suggested.
"Aww, how sweet of you. I'll enjoy every second you're here. And I'll wake you up with a surprise if you don't mind." Luna asked in a seductive voice.
"I'm fine with anything. But I do have a question, where am I sleeping?" Soviet asked.
Luna began thinking, but since she's mostly working at night, she suggested to Soviet, "You can sleep on my bed, I won't be sleeping much at night since I'll be entering people's dreams."
Soviet felt guilty that he's taking the bed that she should be rightfully sleeping in, so he said, "I'll be staying up for as long as I can to keep you company. If I do fall asleep, wake me up if you want to. I'm fine with it." Soviet suggested. "I'll just be needing a lot of coffee." He added.
Luna giggled as she walked to the bed. She rubbed her hoof along the bed to for Soviet to get the message. Soviet was confused but kind of concerned that Luna didn't get any sleep and he said as he got to the bed, "I'm honestly not helping myself right now but I'm going to have to decline, you need to sleep. So please do me a favor and sleep, once you get your rest I'll do whatever you want me to. Got it, hot stuff?" He said.
She frowned but she said as she put her hoof over his shoulder as she sighed, "Fine.. but after you'll have to submit to me on my command." She said in a serious voice.
Soviet blushed as he likes to.. how do you say, dommed? He stood still and said, "Yes, ma'am." As he quivered since this was the first time he's been scared by Luna after their little connection in Ponyville.
"Alright, now. Let's get to sleep, your highness." He said in a formal tone to make Luna feel more in command. She smiled and she got into bed. Soviet saw the balcony where she usually does her job as overwatch, and he saw the view of Canterlot and he thought that it would calming to go on the balcony. He walked and opened the window and Luna questioned him, "Where are you going?"
"I'll be back in a minute, the view looks amazing at the moment. Not as much as you but, I'll be back." He said. Luna blushed and turned the other way to fall asleep. Soviet got on the balcony and closed the windows so he was alone, leaning on the small wall and took in the view. He took a breath and said, "Wasn't it summer for them 2 months ago? Shouldn't it be Halloween for them? Either that, or I brought snow from Alaska." He scoffed as although he is confused, he loves the view. A city full of life, covered in snow. Everybody playing in the snow as the adults drank hot coffee or chocolate as they watch their children have fun. "This place, is peaceful. And I'll make damn sure it'll stay this way." He stated. "Shit, now I want hot coffee." He said as he got back into the room.
Soviet walked over to Luna to check if she was asleep, and sure enough, she was. So Soviet silently walked out of the room and back into the corridor outside. He looked around to see a curious Celestia trying to listen through the walls. Soviet silently closed the door and knocked on the wall near Celestia as she was looking the other way. She was surprised and gasped, "Oh, it's you Soviet. I thought it was Luna."
"Interesting, now mind telling me what you were doing?" He crossed his arms.
She chuckled and awkwardly said, "Just checking...?"
Soviet facepalmed and sighed, "I just got her to sleep and she'll be ordering me around after she wakes up.... But I swear if you're going to enjoy what we're gonna be doing. Just ask to join in, I'm saying this with an annoyed voice because I'm jealous that I'm probably the only person in Canterlot not with hot coco right about now." He said as he started to jog away to find the kitchen.
As he jogged he thought, "If I bang both of them, would that mean I would have power in the kingdom? Who knows, depends on what Celestia would do. What the fuck is Cadence doing? I really could use some military information right now so Tankery won't mess shit up. I'll ask Celestia later. Huh, I'm about to have the seggs but all I can think about is the military, the hell is Tankery doing right about now?"
Meanwhile, the radio that Soviet used to contact Tankery was still outside of Luna's room. And Celestia was still outside of Luna's room, she got bored and started inspecting the radio by picking it up with her magic. It sprung to life, surprising Celestia as she gasped again. "Prophet, do you read?" The voice was familiar but a bit distorted. She saw Soviet pick up the black object to respond and she tried doing the same, she used her magic to pick up the phone and she spoke to it in a formal tone.
"This is Princess Celestia, leader of Equestria. To whom am I speaking to?" She asked.
"Princess? Where is Soviet? Nevermind. This is Tankery, we're-"
Celestia cut him off, "Tankery? Shouldn't you be bombarding the Changelings?"
"Yes ma'am, but we're-"
"Then why aren't thou doing it?"
"Princess if you would allow me to spea-" Tankery said in an annoyed voice.
"You shall not address me in that tone of manner!"
"You ain't my Princess, and I'm doing this shit to fucking protect your Royal Ass! Fuck sakes, if you'd let me finish, we're going to start bombarding the Changeling fucks at 2300, and if I sound fucking annoyed. It's because I had to dig so many fucking trenches and dug outs for defense, and I have to deal with the fact that your too royal to be spoken back to by someone who's protecting your bureaucratic ass! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to prepare." Tankery hung up.
Celestia scoffed and was surprised by the ignorance of her royalty and status in the nation. But then again, he was protecting her and he's already at his limit, being in another world and forced to fight.
10 minutes later, Soviet had a cup of hot chocolate and instead of full on combat gear, he had worn the same winter uniform but instead of helmet, he wore only a cap. But still wore the baclava and goggles.
Celestia thought on how to open a conversation with him and said, "Soviet, Tankery has informed me that he's going to attack the Changelings at '2300', whatever that means."
"Almost midnight. Now, I'll need to comfort your little sister." Soviet said as he snuck back into Luna's room. He took sips of the hot chocolate until it had ran out. He sat on the empty side of Luna's bed and looked at her. He took another sip, as in a large sip that made him drink the rest of the chocolate.
Celestia then saw a group of Soldiers walk towards her as they turned the corner. "Your highness, Changeling troops have gathered near our borders. And one of the humans are going to attack them in retaliation for their little scouting mission they did in Ponyville."
"I've granted him permission to attack them. We cannot allow the Changelings to think that we're able to be pushed around in the threat of war." Celestia stated.
He put the empty cup on the nearby desk and he sat on the floor, leaning on the side where Luna was sleeping. He felt tired, and his eyes started closing on him. He closed his eyes as they felt heavy until.....
12 hours later...
Soviet started to wake up, he noticed that he was in the middle of the bed. He noticed that his mask and goggles have been removed. He looks down to see that he still has his clothes, but his hat is missing. He tried moving his hand but it won't, he pulled again but it won't budge. He looks at his hand, it was chained. He checked his other hand and it too was chained. He tried moving his legs but they won't budge either.
His limbs were chained to each corner of the bed, with the exception of his head. He notices movement under the sheets, whatever it was pulled the sheets until Soviet saw a hat on a very familiar dark blue alicorn. She stole Soviet's hat and is right between his legs. He didn't know how to feel, but he didn't move nonetheless, because he couldn't anyways. Luna had a very seductive but yet intimidating and somewhat scary face as she stared at Soviet. Soviet braced for what was to come next.
20 minutes later, Celestia had knocked on Luna's door to check up on her since she didn't see her the entire day. "Luna! Are you okay?"
"Yes. I'm quite alright." Luna said as she opened her door. Celestia let out a sigh of relief, until she looked over Luna and saw a uniformed Soviet, almost dead on the bed but still breathing. He was groaning. She looked at Luna with a concerned face. "Told him I was going to surprise him." She said.
"He's chained?!" She screamed.
"Uhm.. yeah... He didn't mind it nonetheless." She retorted.
"Hi Princess!" Soviet said in the background. Causing Luna to have an awkward smile while Celestia tried to imagine what had happened. "Luna, could you unchain me?"
"No, stay there." Luna ordered.
"Yes ma'am." Soviet sighed.
Celestia then noticed that Luna has had Soviet's hat on her. It couldn't cover her mane of course but it still looked cute on her. "Uhm... Where did you get that?" She questioned.
"I took it from him while he was asleep. I snuck up on him from under the sheets with this." She explained.
"Actually though, can you unhook me? I need to eat something." Soviet asked.
"I'll be right back." Luna said as she closed the door. Celestia was curious so she put her ears on the door. She heard what might be that Luna jumped on the bed. And she heard Soviet's voice, "Luna, I actually like this but you're going to drain me dry!"
"That's the plan!"
"Oh sweet Jesus..."
Then Celestia started to move away once she started hearing her sister's voice and the bed starting to move a lot.
10 minutes later...
"Everything set up?" He asked.
"Yup!" Elta responded.
"Of course, I always get things done perfectly, if my name isn't the Great and Powerful-"
"I was just asking a question." He cut her off.
"Alright, you guys choose." Tankery pulled out a chart with short descriptions of each round for the mortar.
"White Phosphorus" Trixie answered.
"High Explosive." Elta responded.
"White Phosphorus it is!" Tankery said as he dropped a mortar shell with white lining on it, a thump was heard and they looked in the horizon. It was basically pitch black except the small camp fires the Changelings set up. The sky over their camps lit up in bright white clouds that then landed on the ground, with plenty of more fires starting.
"Firing!" Tankery launched another shell.
"Adjusting!" Tankery turned the mortar to face another came, "Firing!" He fired another shell.
The skies over the camps lit up, and just like the skies, everyone and everything on the ground burnt. "Firing HE!" Tankery loaded another shell.
This time, there was no bright lights, except a loud boom echoing throughout the open fields.
Trixie didn't realize what was happening until the echoing screams can be heard from the bugs. She thought that the descriptions were actually true to their word, she thought it was fake since no one could force such a powerful spell until she saw it with her own eyes. She began to break down as she chose the worst way to die for the Changelings and Griffons.
Elta noticed this and began to comfort her. Tankery walked up to her and said, "Get ahold of yourself! It's either them or us, do you want them to kill you, Starlight? Or even Celestia herself?! Or do you want to prevent that!"
"Bu- but isn't there another way?" She asked.
"If there was, I wouldn't be here doing what I'm doing! Now hand me that map." Tankery pointed, instead of Trixie doing it, it was Elta.
She handed him the map and Tankery used his flashlight to see. He used a pencil to mark targets so he can recalibrate his mortar barrage.
He put down the map near him as he crouched down to continue his barrage.
Tankery looked through night vision binoculars, he didn't use the goggles so he can handicap himself to see if the Changelings are as bad as he expects.
He checks for any advancing troops, but none are approaching. He only sees them scattering and running around as they're either on fire, plain scared, or missing limbs from the high explosive rounds. Tankery looked behind him to check on the two, "Okay, which one of you gals aren't going to vomit their stomachs out if they see this?" Tankery Shaked the binoculars a bit.
"Why?" Elta asked.
"For this." Tankery threw the binoculars, which Elta caught with her claws. She looked through them and gasped, with her jaw dropping. She tried to hold back her tears.
"You can't see shit, but you heard the explosions and saw the 'Willie Pete', but you can't see the effects until sunrise. But with those bino's, you can at least see what's happening." Tankery explained.
Elta saw a running Griffon on fire as it fell into a crater. She started to cry as Tankery removed any human weaponry he placed for defense earlier. "Alright, let's get a move on. I need to get to Ponyville, and we need to hurry before they find out position." Tankery ordered as he started jogging to the city.
Trixie and Elta got up and started walking. He saw that he was far ahead and he turned on his radio, "Move it or lose it. Tell Trixie to start running, and you Elta, watch over her by flying. I'll await at the station. Try hiding yourselves in some clothes and try to find me, because we don't know if there will be any Changelings in the area. Our identification code is: Zulu 1-1. I'll see you then. Over and out." The radio cut off.
Now that they were out of the clearing and Tankery packed his winter blanket to keep them warm while camouflaged, they were now freezing in the cold winter. Elta couldn't fly but the two booked it to a local clothing store.
A bright pink pony with a white mane greeted the two as they entered. "Welcome to my store, I see that you two don't have winter clothing, we have some if you need." She said as she saw the two shaking from the cold as she ran to get some clothing.
"Thank you, we were supposed to meet someone at the train station. Have you seen anyone pass by here?" Elta asked.
"Wait, are you talking about those 'Strange Heroes of Equestria'? Then of course! They're the only creatures in Equestria that are like them! Wait, you're meeting them?! Send them my Thanks, from Water Swirl. Here, take these." Water passed a heavy brown jacket, with Trixie getting a dark blue jacket. Both jackets were winter clothes, very heavy to keep them warm from the suddenly early winter.
The two were surprised from the generosity and the status of the humans, but Trixie immediately took the coat and hugged herself to warm up. "Why thank you, we didn't know that they were this popular." Elta said.
Water started to remember who Elta was, "Wait! Aren't you their Griffon friend that helped them in Canterlot? Oh my gosh! It's so nice to meet you!" She said with a very happy face.
Elta started to feel awkward as she isn't normally praised a lot, "Uhm.. why thank you! They did most of the work, but I'm still happy to help anyways. But we have to get going, I'll tell them to visit sometime!" Elta said as she excused herself out of the shop, dragging Trixie in the process.
The streets were empty, with some of the occasional guards and civilians roaming around. The snow was thick at this point, it was close to being considered as a blizzard because of the strong winds. But as they passed by more people, they kept talking about loud noises last night. Some thought it was thunder or something heavy being dropped. But they still had no idea. The guards have been running around in squads to scan the area for any infiltrating Changelings, while also checking their defenses.
They turned the corner and saw the train station. They got up the stairs and saw only a handful of ponies. The two put their hoodies up because the wind is starting to pick up again. They look around the station but still no Tankery. Elta was thinking that Tankery may be hiding, so she decides to say normally, "Zulu 1-1".
They hear movement behind them in the pile of snow, it was Tankery. He was laying down on the ground with his blanket while the snow piles on him, this surprises everyone at the station. The train stops and Tankery says, "Alright, let's move. We ain't got time to waste." He said as he walked into the train. "Nice clothes by the way." He says while the train doors close as everyone got in.
"Oh shit I forgot!" Tankery said as he got on his knees and pulled out a radio box. "Prophet, come in."
But on the other side of the line, the radio was in a room surrounded by Generals, instructed by Celestia to stand near the radio. One of them picked up the radio, "This is General Helmet Rock, is this Tankery?"
Tankery tried to hold his laugh but he swallowed it down. "Y- yes. This is Tankery. Fire Mission successful. Pulling back to Ponyville until further notice."
"Understood, stay safe."
"Roger that. Over and out." Tankery hung up the phone.
He stood up and said, "Alright. We're allowed to go back home. Wake me up when we're back." Tankery said as he sat on a seat to sleep. He thinks, 'Now once I get back, I gotta park the Bradley for Soviet for his stupid reasons.' he thought himself to sleep.
He woke up, "Oh shit, where am I?" He looks around, he was on the floor. He seems to be in a library, he sees Soviet and Starlight. Soviet was holding a book for Starlight to read while Starlight's horns lit up. "Soviet, what are you guys doing?" Tankery asked.
They didn't turn, as if they didn't hear him. "Yo. Soviet!" He yelled. Nothing happened.
"Is it ready?"
"Yes, I'm activating it now." Starlight's horn got brighter and a blast of magic hit Soviet from her horn. He got pushed back to a pillar.
Starlight ran to Soviet, "Are you okay?!"
Soviet groaned and began to pat her head to signal that he's okay. "What are you doing?" She asked.
"Urghhhhh." He responded in a clear, understandable way. In English- American. He looked up, "So, where are they?"
She rubbed her chin, "Wherever I was thinking..."
"So, where were you thinking?" Soviet got up.
"Oh no..."
"You better not say fucking Vesapolis!" He panicked.
"Exactly there.." she sighed.
"The fuck is in Vesapolis? And where is that?" Tankery thought.
An hour later, he gets woken up by a push on his vest. He gets up on his seat quickly, "Where are we?" He asks as he looks around.
"Ponyville." Said Elta.
He let out a sigh of relief, "Thank God. Question."
"Yes?" Elta said with a very curious face.
"What is Vesapolis?"
Elta's face turned to dread as she never wants to return to that place. During the formation of the alliance between Griffons and Changelings, she was a guard protecting the Griffon diplomat. She abandoned her station after learning their intentions with the alliance. She stuttered, "The- the Changeling capitol..."
"Ah, oh shit then. I had a dream where Soviet and Starlight sent something to Vesapolis by accident. I gotta go check on him just to be sure." Tankery explained.