Conflict in Bloom

by aDerangedBrony


Checkpoint Charlie: Chapter 8

Chapter 8

An Equestrian flag flew at half mast over Checkpoint Charlie. The base was like a crowded ghost town. Soldiers floated about slowly as they completed their duties in silence. No pony really had the energy to exchange war stories. It was too soon. The initial shock of losing a soldier was wearing off, and the grim reality of the situation was settling in. Rebels had finally crossed the line in the sand. Some important and powerful ponies, sitting safely in the Everfree, had decided it was time to strike. It was only a matter of time before some important and powerful ponies, sitting safely in Canterlot, decided it was time to retaliate. For whatever reason, these two groups were determined to clash.

If the soldiers were to have any chance of surviving the clash, they needed to be ready. Guns needed cleaning, holes needed repairing, wounds needed tending and reports needed writing. A PBR arrived to take the dead soldier’s body to her home town for burial. A brief parade was held to see her off, and every pony paid their respects to their fallen comrade. The Major gave a big speech, commending the soldiers for their bravery and sacrifice. The rebels’ bodies were piled up and burned, except for the medic who had a grave hidden in the forest.

Once all the weapons were immaculate, all the repairs made and all the requests for supplies sent, the base heaved a sigh of relief. Orders to stand down were finally issued to Malum’s platoon. Much to the lieutenant’s disgust, the enlisted ponies were allowed into the officers’ club. It was the only place on the checkpoint that served alcohol, and the Major felt her soldiers deserved a stiff drink. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, being underage, called it an early night.

Apple Bloom was awoken at midnight by a hoof in her mouth and a sinister looking Chief Sergeant Whistle standing over her. Twitching her eyes to the bed next to her, she saw that Sweetie Belle was missing. She started to panic. The chief dragged her out of bed and forced her to stand up, hoof still in her mouth. With more force than necessary, Whistle escorted the private out of the barracks.

As her superior NCO pushed her through the checkpoint, Apple Bloom began to think of what she might have done to offend her. Maybe she didn’t like the way she’d handled the medic incident. Apple Bloom already blamed herself for his death to some degree. Maybe the other soldiers also blamed her. That was probably it. She was probably supposed to stand up to the officer. She had let her platoon down, and the chief was leading her off to some cruel punishment.

The pair eventually came across a circle of ponies. They all looked very serious and very angry. Among them were Sergeant Avalon, Sweetie Belle and three other NCOs that Apple Bloom didn’t recognise. As they approached, the chief sergeant loosened her hold and let her go. “Sit down,” she demanded. The private complied obediently.

“Bloom, you must know why we’re here,” said the chief in little more than a whisper, “you’re little more than a filly, but you’re not stupid. A war’s coming. Only way we’ll survive is if the platoon stays solid. If we have any more little events like what happened out in the forest today, we have no chance.”

Apple Bloom felt her lip quivering as she shrank beneath the chief sergeant. Swallowing hard to quench her dry throat, she managed to blubber “I’m sorry,” before being struck by silence.

The ponies around her glanced at one another in confusion, before looking to their chief for guidance. Whistle frowned as she studied the fearful private. Her lips twitched into a smile as she realised what was happening.

“I don’t think you know why we’re here after all,” she said with a little chuckle, “you’re not in trouble. You did fine, private. We’re not here because of you. No. See, I don’t much like the idea of that stallion being in command in a life or death situation. I took it upon myself to form this little conspiracy.”

It took her a moment, but Apple Bloom finally came to see what the chief sergeant was getting at. Blushing with embarrassment, she sat upright and smiled weakly. “Well,” she said, “how’re we going to deal with that crazy commanding officer of ours?”