//------------------------------//
// Meet your enemy. Meet the ponies 
// Story: Mercs on a Mission 
// by Gairenard 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 3: Meet your enemy. Meet the ponies

"You guys ready back there!?" Called the pilot. Looking left and right and receiving nods from every face, Soldier noded to Scout who called back through the small air vent. “Ready!" With no response back the furniture carriage jerked forward with slight unexpectancy, and the crew felt momentum build until the unique sensation of liftoff hit everyone at once.

Our ten mercenaries sat either on the floor, on each other, or on a small shelf inside of the movers carriage. It would be a long flight to their target, Tall Tale. Perfect time for briefing!
Soldier wanted to get it started right away, they had yet to be informed in detail about the ponies they would be fighting. "Medic, Spy, what have you found out from your pocket books?" 

Spy held up his hand in a “hold on a moment” gesture. “First of all, Medic got a clinical version of this book and I got a more, combat detailed book.” Spy explained holding up his book and Medic did the same. The titles appeared the same but for those who looked closely, in small black print was “Medical Edition” and “Spy Edition” why they would do such a thing was beyond their knowledge. 
There are three different types of ponies we will be facing." Spy started before Medic jumped in. "Vell, technically vour, but we shouldn't vory about it  too much." 
The two who has center stage looked at each other.
“We should take turns then.”
“Ya.”

Medic went on. “Virst it tells us about za general anatomy, I vill list of only vhat matters. ahem!- Ponies are vour legged quadruped mammals who resemble horses in both body and mind and have three sensory advantages in sight, hearing, and veel. Zey have a larger range of sight that can stretch up to 180 degrees and the overall field of view is bigger and more detailed thanks to large eyes. Zeir ears have a greater pitch range and are more acute. Lastly they can more easily detect ground vibrations.” 
"The virst kind ar called, Earth Ponies." Medic read from his pocket book now the types of ponies. "Earth Ponies are za most basic species of pony. Lacking any magic or flying abilities, zey rely on zeir brute strength to make zeir stand among others. Packing impressive stamina for both long distance galloping and strenuous phzsical vork, these horses can also reach impressive speeds.” Medic broke from reading the text to a tone of observation, and for a breath. “Zey have unusually thick bones compared to their brethren, and have thick muscles to pull their own veight, and then zome." Medic paused to let anyone comment. The only noise in the background being the soft rattle of the flying carriage. 
Spy took over from his book. “Earth ponies are melee fighters wielding a poll-arm, sword, flail, axe or mace. Another unique fighting tactic, is a weapon fastened to the end of their tails. For example: spike balls and chain, or chain/rope used like whips, many times a combination of the two.”

"Sounds like something you wanna keep your distance from." Sniper stated.  Engie added to this, "Now I have had experience with both horses and ponies, and either one of them can buck your bones to barnyard dust if they land a solid hit." Scout softly nodded his head from his perch on a low shelf next to Sniper. “I ain't too worried about em, I can stay out of their range with my scattergun.” 

“Not unless they have a chain whip twinkle toes.” Soldier reminded him.
“Sounds like something Rifle would be good at, it's an easy target anyhow.” Demo said, slightly tipsy. Rifleman took this as a double edge comment, saying you'll be good at shooting an easy target is not exactly a flattering compliment. 
Noticing the sour expression on his face, Engie felt some sympathy. “Son, look here, you can take them out quickly even while staying out of their range. Take it as a complement.” Engie said, almost as if reading Rifle’s mind.
Nothing more was said before Medic read in his own fashion. “Za second kind are called Pegasi, flying bird ponies- and if I may, zeir bone structure is very interesting, the illustrations show that zeir flight comes from both wings and hollow bones.” Medic jumped back to the main text. “While athletic in ze air, zese ponies have little muscle strength in zeir legs due to lack of use with zem, but remain extremely quick and agile. Speed records have apparently broken the speed of sound, but rarely are zey seen flying at such speeds.”

“Pegasi also have ze unique ability to manually manipulate clouds, and zerefore surrounding weather as well. Mmm- I must have a specimen to look into this, well, another experiment to look forvard to.” Medic started mumbling to himself, whether it was about mad future procedures, or mad scientific reasoning was indistinguishable with his german tongue.
Spy rolled his eyes and picked up the talk. “Pegasi are also melee fighters, but use lightning from clouds to attack at range. Any weapons used will either be a stab or slash tool. They attack then retreat, and can decimate targets quickly when in flocks.”

“Sasha loves shooting down little flocks of little birds in little spare time!” Heavy’s mini-gun does possess decent bullet spray, providing good anti air coverage. “Murph Murr?” Pyro asked pointing to himself. “Thats right, you can grill some chicken you mumbling sarcophagus.” Sniper said in a cold but heartfelt joke. Engineer scratched his head and smiled. "I could possibly design something to keep them out of the sky, but for now my sentries should still be effective." 

“Hudda! Huda, murph murph murr murr, murph.” A fair point, for who knows how fast pegasi can prove to be when they are close to the ground? They might be impossible to hit! “Well, we will have to find that out first hand, now won't we?” Solider concluded.

"Ahem! Finally we have za unicorns. Instantly recognizable from zeir horn, zese ponies are za only kind to possess natural magic capabilities. Zey are not very fast nor are zey strong, but unicorns have strength in magical power. Enough levitate whole buildings, and possess a large selection of spells.” Medic looked up from the book. “Down zer road I want to do some magical experimentation, try and use magic to our advantage.”

Spy went on, his tone suggesting that this was the last of the info, “Known relevant spells are as follows: Levitation, Projectile Shields, Heal beams and the like, Fire magic, Water magic, Ice magic, Electric magic, and Lasers. If not wielding a form of destruction magic, unicorns use bows and arrows, crossbows, dual wield melee, or melee and shield.”
" OK-won't unicorns just take our weapons and gear with levitation?" Rifleman pointed out. This trait and ability alone gave unicorns and ponies a huge advantage over humans. 
Soldier sat up proudly, as if he was presented a medal. "Not too worry! Before my team left for the airport prior to this mission, we said hi to my good friend Marasmus."
"Who?"
"A wizard who owed us a favor after giving him back his castle. He gave our team magical resistance! As long as any your equipment is within a foot of your reach, no one can take it from you."
"Well I wasn't there." Spy shifted in his spot. "Its OK, I had Spy sneak some magical pills into your coffee. You'll get the same benefits." Rifle quickly but softly grabbed his throat before glaring showers of bullets at Spy, who felt grateful to be sitting next to Heavy. “On this matter, I was told by Marasmus that pony magic is similar to our understanding of magic. Therefore, as the one with the most experience with it, I am your go-to person on magic! CALL ME THE GREAT SOLDIER OF OZ!”
Scout agreed with his proposal, “Yeah, you boast your ass about magic but you can't cast squat! Perfect title for ya Solly.” Soldier mumbled cursed words of rue at Scout who happily loafed on his secure little shelf. 
Demo spoke up with a slurr. "Those bloody unicorns don't sound like much of a threat up close. Eyelander has been itchen for magical heads and I am more than (BURP).. to oblige him." Before Rifle could ask, Demoman answered with a snap in his voice. "My best great sword and good friend, ya worthless noobie!"
"Don't take what he says to heart. He's drunk." Rifleman appreciated Spy words, but still the insult made impact.
“Men, lets summarize. Earth ponies: powerful melee attackers, say out of their reach and their helpless. Should you get too close avoid their rear legs at all costs, and say nimble.” Nods came from around the room, “Pegasi: fast, evasive, and soft hitters, but hard to hit. Either get close or spray and pray.” More nods, “Unicorns, powerful magic users, but weak in every other category. Get point blank, and they are at a disadvantage. Otherwise they will try to pick you off at range.” Final round of nodding. “While weak as individuals, these horses complement each other very well, we need to stay sharp when we face these guys in groups.”
Silence. As with the conclusion of the brief. The soft sound of the flying carriage and the pegasi wing beat would be heard.
“Scout, what you see?” Obliging, Heavy’s request, Scout peered through the air vent. Six flying ponies were pulling them all, half mares, half stallions. Postal uniforms, adorned their forms but they did not appear to do anything of interest. Around them, Scout could see clouds moving by at decent speeds, but not much else, the air vent did not provide enough field of view to see the ground. “Nothing good.”

-An hour passed-

“~Ive got a lovely, bunch of Jarate jars, here they are sitting in a row~, big ones, small ones, one as big as your head!~” True to his playful song, a full jar as big as Heavy’s head was present on what little space there was on the shelf. “PUT THOSE AWAY BEFORE ONE FALLS ON ME MAGGOT!”

-Another hour-

“Do you have any fives?” 
“Murph. Murr Murph.” Rifle took one card from the deck. “Hudda hudda, murph murr murph?” Disgruntled, Rifle handed Pyro half his hand. “Threes?” Medic and Demo handed Heavy a total of five threes. "Vours?" Pyro and Heavy gave Medic cards. "Ones?" Rifleman handed over two. “Do ye have any nines?” Medic shook his head, “Nein.”
“Well, give them ta me.”
“Demo I said nein.”
“Com’on doc.”
“No, not nine, but nein.”
“The bloody hells your point? Give me your nines!”
“Nein!”

Suddenly, the feeling of flight that had captivated the crew when they started became rejuvenated from the confides of dull boredom. A new sensation was taking hold of the party. They were descending. Scout looked out his air vent and saw the same picture as last time but the ground  could now be seen rapidly approaching. “Yo! The hell is going on?!” he called to the nearest flyer. The mare to his right responded without turning her head. “Pitstop before dropping you outside the city limits.”
The landing was surprisingly smooth, but the air vent still prohibited a great view of the scenery on the way down, nevertheless from what could be seen, one would still agree that never before had a land like this be seen in such beauty. Such perfection. Such freedom from the human stain.

They all landed in an open field surrounded by trees. Next to where they landed was a large log cabin. The cabin appeared to be long abandoned seeing the moss, rot and decay overtaking the wood logs it was made of. After a quick leg stretch, both humans and ponies went their separate ways for bathroom breaks in the bushes. Rifleman was the first human to return to the carriage and, feeling the need to exercise his legs more, decided to investigate the cabin. 

Opening the short door and ducking inside, Rifle reached into his pocket and pulled out his gun’s flashlight, as it was quite dim from within. Before proceeding any further, he also took out his pistol should he encounter an animal who made this cabin it’s new home. Apart from insects and cobwebs the cabin was void on any large critters, or anything else for that matter. The purpose of the house when it was in its heyday was unclear as only a wooden table remained as a solitary piece of furniture. The short oval table was about the length of two human household toilets back to back. Condition wise it wasn't that bad. “Some elbow grease and this thing would look as good as new.” As Rifle was observing the dining table, his foot put pressure on a particularly fragile piece of flooring. “Ack!” Catching himself before his leg fell through the hole he threw himself of balance… “OoF!” right onto the floor. After recovering from the fumble, Rifle cautiously shone his light down the hole.

A box, an ornate wooden box. Ripping way a few more boards with little trouble, the box was freed from its coffin, and placed on the table. Feeling for hinges or a key hole, Rifleman eventually found out how to open the box. Inside was a large number of,  “Poker chips? Must be a gambling set.” The chips were finely crafted but not painted, instead each one treated with a form of finish to bring out the beauty of the wood they were made of. Their purpose was likely to be used in the dead of deep winter, when there wasn't much point in going outside. In a small pouch, old dust and degraded paper could be seen within the box.  “Mmm. You can't do much with a bunch of poker chips without..cards… (Gasp) Li-ght-bu-lb!”

“I didn't know you were proficient as a dealer Scout.” Spy said, pointing out Scout shuffling Soldier’s deck. “I grew up in Boston, learned from a part time job in a back alley.” The vintage table was placed with the mercs in the movers carriage, and a game of Texas Hold'em was about to begin using the chips in combination with Solly’s deck. The only ones not partaking was Medic and Sniper whose job was to restrain and distract Pyro from lighting the only source of entertainment. “Rifle, this is the best idea you have come up with since joining.” Soldier remarked, anxious to begin. Rifleman gave a genuine smile, grateful to be truly complemented.
“Alright punks, lets pass the time with a nice game or two.” Scout dealt the first set.

-Time Passes-

Three cards from the flop have been dealt, two nines and a jack. 
“I fold.” Heavy leans back. 
“I check.” Soldier sits quietly. 
“I raise.” Demo adds a small stack to the centre of the table. 
“Shoot.” Engie “folds” his cards over. 
“I raise.” Spy tosses in a small stack as well, challenging Demo. 
“I check.” Rifleman waits, tapping the table anxiously. 
Scout puts down the next card, his face is unusually straight, a trademark for dealers. The card is a two of hearts. 
“I che-no!, I raise.” Soldier tosses in a small stack. 
“I raise.” Demo looked confident in his move. 
“I fold.” Spy’s face remains emotionless, but you could hear his disappointment. 
“Raise,” Rifleman throws in a slightly larger stack. 
The next card is a two of spades. 
“HA! All in!” An unexpected turn from Soldier, he pushes all his poker chips in to the now large pile. 
“Ach, fold.” Demo backs out, afraid that his opponent has a good hand. 
Rifleman looks at Soldier, with a smirk. “Lets tussle Soldier. All in.” The pile of chips became impressively round much like Soldier's helmet. 

“I double dare you maggot.” Solly was visibly loving this, a good old fashioned gambling game with your war pals. The last card is a three of diamonds, and now competitors use the two cards they have, combined with what was on the table, to create the best hand. The winner gets what was tossed in during the round. Soldier flips his cards over to reveal them; a jack and a king of spades. “Soldier has two pair, with nines and jacks.” Scout observes. Rifleman flips his, a two of diamonds and a two of spades. “Gotcha rocket man. Full house.” 
The pilots, and remaining on lookers “ooohh” in response to the victory. The carriage had stopped at the destination, and the ponies decided to let the humans finish their round before they told them to put the game away. “Next long distance trip maggot, I will best you. You will be humiliated!”
“Likely story.”

“Alright humans, its a thirty minute walk until you can see the town, can't risk dropping you into the military district. Now hurry, we have to leave ASAP.” The Pilot explained. Spy looked at his watch, “It is only 10:30, I say we unpack and set up camp. 
“Good plan. ALRIGHT MEN! MOVE OUT!” Soldier set movement in motion.

The landscape was surrounded by a large temperate forest, the wall of mountains was placed to the east, and the town would be further north. After fifteen minutes of walking north, the mercs came to a small hill, from the peak of which the town of Tall Tale could be seen. The team takes a few moments to observe their immediate surroundings, the ground is covered by the soft grass the nation was so well known for, the trees provide decent overhead camouflage, and the trees directly in front of them slightly obscure the image of the city; also obscuring the camp from anyone looking out from the city. They all looked at each other without saying a word, it was a given fact that this was the spot.

From where they stood Tall Tale was a large mundane looking town with houses of wood and stone all packed in relatively closely. The only outstanding features being the three large and wide towers towers made of stone and held together with early age concrete. From the light of the near midday sun, the company could make out long cannon barrels sticking out from the towers pointed toward the ocean coast.

The camp itself, when all said and done, had a fire, some green bedding covered by a large slanted roof, and a dispenser. Rifleman reached behind him and pulled out his assault rifle. He laughed aloud at this action and said to himself, “I love man-co pockets.” Demo looked over to him and added while pulling out his Eyelander from a small pouch on his belt, “Ya mate, they are some deep pockets.” The sword agreed with a gruff ghost voice, “Its warm and cosy in there, like a second sheath.” 

“Yo people!” Scout called attention, standing next to him was Spy and Sniper. “We are gonna do some reconnaissance. Brb in an hour.” Heavy called to them as they departed, “Be careful my baby men! Please return before curfew! OR NO SUPPER!” Heavy looked toward Engineer who had packed food for the mission. “What is dinner any-way?” Heavy asked. Engie picked up a pouch and examined it, “Well big boy, you ever try American Ravioli?”

-Evening-

The trio had returned before curfew just as told. They didn't want to risk the chance of Heavy being serious or not. For two hours they took the map of Tall Tale while eating, and drew in details before calling the group for a meeting. 
Sniper looked up to Soldier from the map laying down on the grass. “Alright, Solly, with your permission we will explain our plan.” 

“Granted, what ya got?”

“Demo, what can you tell from the towers from these pictures?” Spy handed some photos to Demoman. Instantly his face lit up in a cruel smile, “I'm no engineer-(Heck no your not)- shut up Engie! I may be no engineer, but these towers are similar to some used by the Degroots. Strong exterior, but has many weak points on the inside. A few bombs, and CA-BLOWY! Down they'll go.” 

Sniper smiled, “Perfect. Medic, how much do you know about smoke bombs?” 
“Eh, If you mean I know a few recipes vor somezing smoke bomb like with minor biological side effects zen yes.”
“The rest of you, how would you like to blow the military district sky high?”
Rifle rubbed his hands together and hopped up and down like a maniac merc in a gun emporium, “Oooh this is going to be awesome!”
Sniper, Scout and Spy smiled, looked at each other, and chuckled darkly. “Alright, here's the plan…”
-CLIFFHANGER!-