//------------------------------//
// Infiltration 
// Story: PonyHammer 40,000: Magic of War 
// by Dragon Heart 
//------------------------------//

	Pegalos and Unidor were standing on a cliff that overlooked the forest that more Hogs were encamped within. Two Earth Pony scouts stood before Pegalos.

"You have your orders, now go, and may the Empress protect you." He said, and the scouts took off into the jungle. Unidor was looking over the forest, thoughts of objection running through his head.

"I do not care for all this sneaking about." He said.

"I know, old friend." said Pegalos, understanding the Unicorn's thoughts. "You always have preferred the direct approach."

Unidor turned to face Pegalos. "We have the Equestrial Guard." He said. "Why not send them into battle instead of treating them like glorified shepherds? If we meet the Hogs in force they cannot possibly stand before us."

Pegalos shook his head. "We have fought the Hog a hundred times before." He stated. "They thrive on war. A direct assault on them would likely improve their morale, and simply attract more of them. The casualties would be enormous."

"What are the Equestrial Guard for if not to die for their Empress?" Unidor asked. "At the very least we should retain a regiment to remain at our call. We have little support this far out. We would not want to be remembered for our carelessness."

"We, old friend? Or me?"

Unidor raised his eyebrows in shock. "We are Siblings, Michael. You know better than to ask that question." The meaning behind Pegalos's self-blaming quickly came to Unidor's realization. "I know what this is about. There was nothing you could have done to save Cyrene."

Pegalos furrowed his brows at the mention of that name. "Do not mention that place again, Unidor." He said with gruff but soft seriousness, "Cyrene was my homeworld..." He sighed, "my responsibility." He was clear that he did not want to talk about his home and everything that happened on that planet.

Unidor looked down, understanding with great sympathy, and then trotted down the hill. Pegalos faced the jungle and put his hoof to his comm link.

"Scout team three, do you copy?" He called.

"Yes my Lord." A scout whispered in response.

The Captain ran through the difficult mission details. "The local Equestrial Waterworks has fallen into Hog hooves. If we are to reclaim this area, we must first retake this position. Scouts have infiltrated ahead of you and will assist you in your reconnaissance. If things prove to be more than you can handle, reinforcements will be mobilized to assist."

"Getting into position." The scouts were deep in Hog-claimed territory, ready to retake the area.