//------------------------------// // Restructuring. // Story: The Wayfaring Strangers // by BiasedAmerican //------------------------------// "Ready. 3, 2, 1, jump!" Starlight instructed as Tankery jumped through a portal. A flash of light filled the room for a moment, with Tankery not seen in the room anymore. "I'm here. I see the equipment, packing them up." Tankery spoke through his radio. "Understood 1-2, hurry up and get that shit back." Soviet spoke back. "Roger that 1-1. Hurrying-" Tankery was cut off. "Tankery? TANKERY?!" Starlight started to get worried as his sentence was cut off abruptly. "Who are you?!" A woman's voice came through the radio. "Uhh.. hard to explain." Tankery responded. "Shit. I forgot she was there!" Soviet spoke to absolutely no one. Starlight started to become curious as she does not know where Tankery is or who he's talking about. "I need you to get out of my brothers room right now! Or I'm calling the Police!" She said. She then looked behind Tankery and saw a tear in the fabric of the universe. "Wait.. what's that?" She asked. "Fuck it, bring her in 1-2." Soviet ordered. "Roger that 1-1." Tankery replied. "1-1? Are you talking to someone on a radio?!" She asked. Tankery then grabbed her and pushed her through the portal. He then grabbed the rest of the stuff in the room that seemed interesting but all seemed like prototype equipment. He then jumped through the portal as the room was basically empty at this point. She looked up, wondering where she is. She felt normal, but it was cooler and the air felt different. She then saw a soldier dressed in USMC Mixpat combat gear and a pinkish pony. "Wait.. I remember you!" She spoke out to Starlight. "How do you know me exactly? And who are YOU?" Starlight asked. Soviet nodded his head "no" to the woman as she kept her mouth shut. "Uhh, I am Stephanie." She answered. "Hi Stephanie. I'm pretty sure you remember me. I'm Alex." Soviet reached out his hand to her as she grabbed his arm and he pulled her up. "Alex?! It's been so long!" She then hugged Soviet tightly. "Uhh... What's exactly going on here?" Starlight asked Tankery who had just jumped back from the portal as he cleared the floor of the prototype equipment and placed them on a large table in the Library. "Stephanie is Ewok's sister. Ewok and Soviet were close friends until we basically fell out as a group and Soviet returned to Alaska after visiting Ewok in Australia. Stephanie and Soviet were closer friends, as they basically became inseparable like he was his actual brother. But Ewok and Soviet held strong together, but they all thought as each other as family so nothing happened until we all got busy and Soviet had to return to Alaska. Oh and his real name is Alex." Starlight took this information in. Wondering on this new insight on Soviet's life before entering Equestria. "Ah, then that explains their bond. But this is the only human's face I saw. Still wondering what the rest of yours looks like." "No. But also it somewhat explains. Yes. But it's still sort of awkward since they had a fight and Soviet had left so nothing would get worse. But hey, who knows, things might change now since she's here. And that reminds me, she's a medical expert aka she's a doctor. Which uhm... it's going to be hard trying to explain what happened to Ewok." Tankery scratched his head. Or helmet. "Wait, what happened and why are you guys in military gear and why is there a talking pony?" Sephanie asked. She then got out of the hug, towering over Soviet and Tankery. "Ah.. I forgot you were taller than me." Soviet remarked. Stephanie is 6'7, white, and a redhead, sadly. "Ewok is uhh.. in a critical condition. It's best that you follow me quickly." Tankery said as he lead her out of the Library and into their barracks. Stephanie's eyes went wide open and her jaw dropped. "Kyle! What the hell happened to you?!" Stacy screamed. "Oh.. Stephanie. Don't mind me. Can you lend me a hand though?" Ewok jokingly said as he looked down on his missing arm. "Jesus christ. Even at a time like this you act like an idiot." "Who do you think I learned it from?" Ewok then looked behind her as Soviet entered the room. Soviet approached the local Ewok on his bed and went in for a handshake. "Nice cock bro." Giving his hand to the missing arm Ewok was missing. Tim, Tankery, Soviet, Ewok, and Shining Armor who was guarding the room personally during Celestia's, Luna's, and Cadance's visit to Twilight's castle, all laughed. Only the girls didn't laugh as they were confused. Tim and Tankery were crying on the floor as their laughs were the loudest amongst all of them. Soviet then somewhat calmed down and said while still laughing, "So we need this idiot patched up until we can sort out the stuff he told us to get." He hit Ewok's head with his hand to exaggerate on "This idiot". Stephanie laughed and said, "Fine. But I swear if you guys do something stupid again causing another one of you to lose a limb." "We'll try not to Stephanie." Soviet then looked to everyone else, "Time to give these guys some room. Or this room specifically." Soviet said as everyone who wasn't Ewok or Stephanie left the room. With Celestia, Shining Armor, Luna, and Cadance saying their thanks to Ewok. "Alright. Tankery and Tim, go figure out the gadgets Ewok told us to get. I'll see you guys soon." Soviet said as he started jogging out of the castle. "And where the hell are you going?" Tim asked. "I got a job! Remember?" Soviet said as he exited the castle. "Oh that's right. Well, an American in military gear at a school always bodes well. Well let's go an check whatever shit Ewok had in his garage." Tim said. "Roger that." They both went to the Library. 20 minutes later... "I'm not late I'm not late I'm not late!" Soviet repeated as he ran towards the counselor's office. He barged into the door causing Starlight who teleported to the School to scream his name. "SOVIET?!" Soviet then tripped and landed face first onto the ground. His new HECU uniform and equipment really saved his nose... this time. He got up, to reveal a crack in his black tinted goggles, revealing that he wears prescription glasses. Soviet groaned. "Considering that you were yelling that you're not late. I think that you're late." Starlight looked over her desk onto the fallen Soviet. "Now hurry up and get ready. You have to sub for Fluttershy. She's taking a break for the day because of what happened in the Crystal Empire." "Yeah, that's fair. But what class is she teaching?" Soviet asked. "Kidness class." "Sound about right." Starlight then pointed out, "Also I had a promotion! I'm a Principle now, and Twilight is the Founder. I still basically work as a counselor but with more administrative powers since Twilight still handles most of the administrative work. It's her 'specialty' and I shouldn't have to worry about it. But hurry up, the class is waiting for you." Starlight rushed. "Yes, Ma'am." Soviet then got back up and ran to Fluttershy's classroom. He entered the room in American equipment with UN patches and camo for his helmet. "Good morning class. I am Soviet." The class cheered and exclaimed, "Is that the hero of Equestria?!" Soviet then became awkward as he didn't know how to handle this kind of attention. "Alrighty class, calm down." Soviet asked kindly. Which surprisingly the class followed his command. "So, what class is this?" "Kindness." The class responded. "Ah. Well my name is Soviet, or you may call me Sir or... well you can call me anything I'm okay with nicknames. But... ah I wasn't prepared for this. But anyways, I have a lesson for you that involves kindness. This lesson will be emotional and traumatic for those of you who do not wish to continue on, as this is part of Human history." Soviet warned. No one resisted, they all looked in curiosity. Soviet pulled out his special crystal and it displayed multiple horrific images. The students gasped. Even Yona didn't dare to speak out and brag about how Yaks are stronger. It was just brutal horrific images. Silverstream wept up into tears, Smolder couldn't express her emotions as she was confused, and Sandbar's jaw dropping with the rest of the class. "War. War on Earth. This isn't one of the major ones Humanity has experienced. This was during a small conflict in the former nation of Yugoslavia. As the nation states in that country fought each other. One of the most recent ethnic cleansing wars. They wanted to wipe each other out, men, women, and children. No one was going to survive." Soviet explained. "A minor conflict?! If this is minor, I can't image what major wars are like..." Smolder broke her emotionless stance and started to panic. "What did everyone else do?! What did you do to help?!" Soviet chuckled a bit. "Oh, I wasn't born yet. But the first question is what the lesson today is about. Kindness." "Where is the existence of kindness in these?!" Sandbar asked. "Oh, this conflict stopped. With a major reason. The United Nations." Soviet then portrayed the UN flag onto the crystal with him pointing at his helmet. "The UN's Mission is not exactly specific to anything. They help stop genocide, ethnic cleansing, they help during catastrophe's or natural disasters. And they help nations economically if they need it. Not to mention their humanitarian aid, giving food, water, and other essentials to citizens who need them in warzones. Humanity is complicated. But we make up for it. War is a mistake that is necessary. We had just 2 and almost 3 world wars within the span of 100 years. And here I am, the world still at peace back on Earth and no 3rd World War with nuclear weapons being launched or massive frontlines causing millions upon millions dead." Soviet spoke. "Millions?! That's more than the population of Equestria alone!" Silverstream spoke out. Now the class was scared that one of these warmongering humans are now in the classroom with them. "Now hold on there Silverstream." Soviet tried to calm her down. "The redeeming factor of Humanity is that we fall down one step, war, and we jump up two steps. After the Second World War, the Nazis were defeated and a stable World Peace was established between 2 major superpowers who at a press of a button could end the world. But they didn't, instead they tried to beat each other in other fronts. We went to space and started exploring our Galaxy. Technology is advancing and pollution is starting to go down. And smaller conflicts across the globe are getting more attention with the UN being at the forefront of them sending humanitarian aid to help the suffering citizens." Soviet explained. "So the lesson here is that, kindness will reach anywhere and anyone. Not even war can stop it, it may seem rash at first, but in the long run it has less suffering and it was necessary." As the class was confused, they then slowly began understanding what he was trying to say. "Wait, was that it?" Sandbar asked. Soviet looked at his non-existent watch under his sleeve. Realizing he had spent less than 30 minutes on the lesson and speedrunning it basically. "Oh! That was. But uhh, just to make it look like we did something let's review." Soviet then grabbed a piece of chalk and wrote on the board. "Organization that helps in time of need?" He asked the class without looking back at them. "United Nations!" Smolder screamed in excitement. "Why are you excited?" Sandbar asked as he was comforting Silverstream. "If we get through this faster we might have some free time." She responded. "Oh, that's fair." "Food, water, shelter, and other essential supplies..?" Soviet asked the class again. "Something aid..." Sandbar and Smolder started to look through their memory. "Humanitarian!" Silverstream yelled. "Exactly!" Soviet said with enthusiasm. Soviet then drew a staircase on the board and drew 2 arrows, one going up and one going down. "Humanity goes how many times down?" "One!" The class rung out. "And we go back up how many?" Soviet got excited and raised his voice with enthusiasm. "Two!" The class yelled. The class was excited to answer as they got a sneak peek into Human history but still somewhat learning their original lessons. But they still had free time.. they hoped. "Well, that was it. Congrats class, and whoever wants a UN helmet come approach the desk here in the front." Soviet smacked the desk. "But other than that, free time from now on. We have about an hour and 30 minutes until lunch." Soviet said as he sat down on a seat. The class cheered. Grabbing the attention of Rarity and Applejack's class next to his. Soviet then thought in his head as some students lined up around the table to receive helmets, "Shit.. they're going to beat my ass for this." He thought. "Sir?" Sandbar asked. "Oh, that's right. I apologize." Soviet said as he snapped out of his train of thought. Spawning a PASGT Helmet with a blue UN cover. "And class, this is a one time opportunity so it'll show that you guys are special that you had the lazy sub!" Soviet hyped the class. Now the entire class was waiting in the line. Sandbar put his helmet on, it was a perfect fit, as Soviet resized them as he spawned them in. "Also I heard that they close the classrooms during lunch, but since I'm here this one is open if you guys want to hang out here. I'll probably play some movies if you guys aren't bored enough. Depends on what kind of movie that is, I'll just ask you guys when lunch starts." The entire class nodded. 10 minutes later... "Finally, a place to finally rest in private." Smolder exhaled. "Yes! Yak likes to spend time with friends, not with rest of school." Yona added. "At least I don't have to eat awkwardly in the middle of school." Gallus said. "But hey, I thought we weren't allowed to hang out in the classrooms. And why ARE you four wearing those helmets?" "Oh, Soviet gave them to us and allowed us to hang out here. Oh, that's right, what movie are we watching, sir?" Smolder asked. "Depends, what do you guys want? Action? Comedy? Non-fiction?" Soviet said as he leaned back into his chair. Since it seemed like the neutral option, they chose non-fiction. "Non-fiction should be good." Smolder said. "Roger that." Soviet said as he readied the crystal. It then began displaying the entire movie of Black Hawk Down. And he spawned in his own speakers for the "Immersion" which basically scared the shit of everyone in the classroom, except him of course. He goes to an American school after all. Twilight entered the room to see what the commotion was all about. But as she entered, loud gunfire and explosions rung the room and can be heard from the hallway with the door now open. "Soviet?!" She screamed out. "Outside, right now!" Soviet then awkwardly walked out of the classroom. Leaving the Crystal behind to the Young Six. "I wonder if it'll work for us." Gallus questioned. "Probably, who knows." Sandbar added. "But probably not, who knows who's privacy it'll invade." "So what? I'm just curious on what the sub's history was like." Gallus said as he approached the crystal. Gallus then tried various ways to make it invade Soviet's privacy through his history in Equestria. Which surprisingly it worked. It changed from Black hawk down to a First Person view of Soviet's viewpoint. "Is that.. the Everfree?" Sandbar asked. "Seems like it." Smolder responded. "Skip a bit forwards." Then it went to when Soviet and Tankery scared the living shit out of Fluttershy once she found them in her house. The six chuckled, "Alright let's see what else is here." Gallus said. The screen then showed an open field with Guards surrounding him and Tankery with a mortar. "Fire!" A hollow thwump was heard. "Hit them again!" Soviet said, with Tankery launching another mortar. Soviet looked in his binoculars and he saw the recon squad burning and they can hear his silent chuckles. "Skip! Please!" Yona begged. It skipped through the mortar sequence to a dark room. "I can't take no as an answer." A garbled voice said as the Changeling was being shocked. "Change it!" Oellus screamed and slowly but silently began tearing. Then it showed a bodycam view of Soviet unloading multiple rounds and holding multiple weapons as he, Tim, Ewok, and Tankery fought through the horde at Canterlot during the wedding. Then as they skipped again, it showed a green screen and gunfire all over. The footage was mostly blinded by bright gunfire and him screaming. Then they skipped, he was in the air and he unloaded multiple rounds on his pistol into Sombra's skull. And kicked him away and fired a M72 at Sombra. Smolder then said out of curiosity, "Wait, try the future." It then showed short but interesting snips of footage in a cinematic way. It showed a suit of armor crashing into the ground causing a giant explosion. A still alive hanging body with the same suit of armor rested next to the body. Then an explosion with the same suit of armor jumping off of a giant machine that explodes. Then it searching a dark empty corridor made entirely of crystals but looked abandoned, underground, and the environment overflowing into the area. It then cuts to a flash of light, the suit of armor fighting 4 other humans, and Celestia wounding the suit of armor. And.. a wedding. A sniper scope was being aimed at Luna as she was the Bride. It then cuts out. "That's.. a lot maybe we should try the past instead." Sandbar suggested. Now it showed a first person view. He screen looked to the right and it was a gun, a familiar voice was screaming and the gun clicked. It was empty. Then a silent "Fuck." Came out. Then a car crash, an explosion, what can be heard as people yelling. And more crying. Then a montage of military footage from throughout all time, showing a screen and a bored face as it stopped. "This really isn't what I expected." Gallus said as the crystal stopped projecting. Then muffled voices began to get louder as the door opened. "So when do I leave?" Soviet asked as he entered the room first. He let out a sigh as he had just gotten back and began to relax. "Tomorrow. We both have too. I'll try to find someone to sub us all. It's best to start getting ready." Twilight said. "Yes, Ma'am." Soviet saluted and then immediately rushed back out of the classroom.