//------------------------------// // 14: Prelude to War // Story: The Jolly Rogers // by lockheed //------------------------------// “So, here’s the plan. The intel says that Hitler is staying in the palace in Gryphus on the second floor. He’s supposed to speak from the balcony outside his room tomorrow at noon. We can send in a team of five assassins to take him out. Then it’s all good.” “What about that parade you were scheduled to be in out in Fillydelphia?” Dad asked me with obvious concern in his voice. “It got moved to the twelfth. I need you to make sure this gets taken care of.” “No problem.” “Now, you probably ought to go home. It’s late.” “Yeah. The parade’s supposed to be on TV. I guess I’ll see you then.” He walked out without another word and left to return to Canterlot. I walked out into the living room and turned on the radio where the news had just ended. “Sweetie, what did your dad want?” “Nothing dear. Just business stuff.” “Alright, now come get your dinner or you’re going to be wearing it.” ~~~~~ 10:00 Hours Ponyville Aerodrome December 10, 1986 ~~~~~ “Attention!” Major Rainbow Dash barked to the fifty flyers in front of us. They all snapped to attention and waited for orders. “You are about to embark on a great crusade into the war that will end all wars. You are the first Equestrians to enter combat and you will succeed. When you reach the Crystal Empire I want the griffins to tremble in fear when they see our fighters. I want you to prove to me, the princesses, and the world that you are the greatest pilots in history.” Rainbow continued, “And now, with the support of your nation behind you, fly. Fly and prove to the enemy we are a force to be reckoned with.” “Yes ma’am!” They all shouted and they climbed into their aircraft. Of the fifty fighters a few were the red tailed P-40’s of the all-mare squadron but most were stallions who snagged the positions before more mares could sign up. The engines fired up and they all rolled towards the runway like a gaggle of geese. “Well, once they takeoff they’re now pilots for the Crystal Empire. We can do no more Dash. Oh, and my files say you haven’t had your tetanus shot. Can you go get that so I don’t need to bitch about it?” “Yeah. But, can you talk to Thunderstreak about being less forceful with needles? She’s giving medicine not trying to stab somepony to death.” “Yeah. She’s probably gonna kill me when I have to get my shots.” Walking away I headed for my office and was only about fifty yards away when a sergeant approached me with a clipboard. “General, can you sign off on these parts orders for me? We’re stuck using tape and cannibal planes for repairs.” “No problem.” I was writing my name on the paper when a blast made me and everyone else nearly dive for cover. Looking around I saw smoldering rubble where my office had been in the headquarters building. “Fucking hell! Miller! Tarr! Marko! Will!” I shouted as I ran towards the building and ponies poured out of it. Just as I reached the building the four men in question walked out covered in dust and a few cuts. “Are you boys okay?” “Yeah. Just shaken up.” Will replied as he wiped away the blood that was running down from a cut on his forehead. “General, what the hell happened?” “If I had to guess I’d say someone was tryin’ to kill me.” Walking into the dusty rubble I found nothing left of my office or its contents. Suddenly two hooves wrapped around my neck and I could tell by the softness and color that they belonged to Thunderstreak. “I was so worried! I thought you were inside. When I saw your office, I…” She broke down sobbing and I turned around and pulled her into my embrace. “Honey, it’s fine. I’m alright. See? Not a scratch.” She continued crying and I had to lead her home after giving the order to put the base on high alert and that only those with my permission could come and go. ~~~~~ 12:30 Hours 1237 N. Main St. Ponyville ~~~~~ Thunderstreak sat at the table with a bottle of cola. It had been over two hours since the explosion and she had calmed down. Pulling up a chair I sat down with her and looked over at her. “Honey, I want an honest answer. That note from a few months ago, did it have something to do with today?” She nodded and looked down at the table. “It was a threat against you.” “What did it say?” “The man must fall as all men must. The fate of all is always dust.” “And look at me. I’m fine. You have no need to worry.” In the corner of the room the young stallion in his black dress uniform stood at attention and watched our conversation. “And if anyone did try to pull anything here we have Corporal Charger to help protect us.” “I’m always here ma’am. Anyone who dares to attack any of you will have to go through me first.” “See? We’re completely safe here.” The words had barley left my lips when the kitchen window shattered into millions of shards and we all dived to the floor. Corporal Charger drew his pistol and quickly made his way to the window where the familiar rat-tat-tat of machine guns started and sent him ducking down again. “Looked like five charlies outside equipped with sub-machine guns. Where’s a grenade when you fucking need it?” I grabbed a napkin off the table and crawled over under the window by Charger. Slowly lifting the napkin I let it slide into the view of the gunners outside who immediately fired at the movement. Crawling back to the table side by Thunderstreak I told her to stay low and I crawled as fast as I could up the stairs to the bedroom. I hurriedly grabbed the .44 and extra rounds from the drawer and made my way over to the window at the end of the second floor hallway. Peeking outside I saw three zebras with tommy guns and two griffins with MP 40s. They were focused on the lower level and obviously had no idea that someone had escaped up stairs. Making sure the gun was loaded I stood up just enough to get one of the griffins in my site. Squeezing the trigger I saw the window shatter and the side of the griffin’s head explode into a cloud of blood and brain matter. “Fucking shit! One’s upstairs!” The other griffin screamed and I hurriedly ducked down. Crawling back downstairs I heard two shots from the kitchen and the amount of machine gun fire decreased. On my hands and knees I went into the kitchen where Thunderstreak still hid under the table. “Get to the living room. Get the phone and call the base. Tell them to send soldiers, an air strike, I don’t care. Just get help down here. The code to mobilize is ‘Danny Boy needs a doctor’. Say that three times and tell them General Jones’ house as the location.” “Alright.” She replied and hurriedly crawled as best she could into the living room. Making my way to the spot under the window I sat next to Charger and we both looked at each other. “Corporal, how much ammo you got?” “Two more rounds sir. I doubt I can do very much with this.” “Then do what you can. And if need be we’ll shoot those bastards with spare ammo for mine and a hammer.” “Yes sir.” He said just before he peeked up and over the window sill and a bullet whizzed past his head. “Alright. We need something to distract them.” Stroking my chin for a moment I thought of an idea and handed Charger my gun. “What in tartarus are you doing?!” “Giving them something to shoot at.” Crawling out of the kitchen I made my way to the front door which had a few dozen bullet holes in it from the initial random firing. Flinging the door open I jumped out and shouted “Look at me, I’m a target!” before diving for cover around the corner of the house as bullets whizzed past my head. I heard two loud bangs in rapid succession and the machine gun fire ceased. Looking around the corner I saw the two remaining attackers lying dead on the street by the fence. As I stepped out from my hiding spot I saw three jeeps with gun mounts in the back and a couple of troop trucks close behind. They screeched to a stop near the corpses and troops poured out of the trucks. A grey pony in a khaki Navy uniform stepped out of the lead jeep and walked up the walkway towards me with aviators on and a corncob pipe clenched firmly in his mouth. “For fucks sake dad, you ain't MacArthur. Get rid of the pipe.” “Nice to see you can critique my appearance even after getting shot at.” “I got it from mom. Now, why are you here in Ponyville?” “Am I not allowed to check on my son after a bomb was placed in his office?” “It would be nice if you called first.” “Your wife called me.” We stood in the yard as MPs roped off the area. Another jeep came flying up to the house and before it had fully stopped the three kids had jumped out and came running up. “Are you all okay?” “Why did they do this?” “Is Charger okay?” The bombardment of questions made me snap and I had to yell to quiet them. “Yes we’re fine; I don’t know why they did it; and Typhoon it’s high time you learned Charger bats for the other team. Now everyone inside.” They all went inside single-file and I remained outside to help in any way I could. There was a sudden cry of “There’s a live one!” from one of the soldiers moving the attacker’s bodies. We ran over and found the zebra barely conscious and struggling to breath. A medic hurried over and began to work on him but shook his head. “He’s losing blood internally and I can’t get him to an ER fast enough to save him.” We nodded in acknowledgement and the zebra tried to say a few words that became mixed with the gurgling of blood. Kneeling down next to him I listened to the words that he could get out with his last few breaths. “You will fall. And Equestria will fall with you.” He whispered then let out his last breath. He then went limp and the medic had two MPs haul him away. As we all stood watching the soldiers clean up the bodies the stern voice next to me spoke up. “The mission in Gryphus failed by the way.” “There was a chance it would.” “Celestia isn’t happy we did what we did.” “She’ll get over it. Won’t be the first time we’ll do something stupid. We are from the the Jones family after all. You wanna come inside for coffee or something?” “Naw, I should get back to Canterlot. Explain to Celestia what happened. Oh, and before I forget.” He pulled a manila envelope out of his briefcase and gave it to me. “Intel on locations in the Griffin Empire.” I took the envelope from him and he trotted back to his jeep. The motor roared and the exhaust pipe belched a puff of black smoke before the jeep went flying down the street. As I walked back inside I found the kids rummaging through the cabinets and Charger pressing a hoof to his shoulder. “What the hell happened?” “One of them bastards got a lucky shot in my shoulder.” “Why didn’t you tell one of the medics?” “Cause I don’t want this on my record. If I get it taken care of by somepony who won’t report it I can still fight. Celestia doesn’t want a damaged soldier guarding a VIP and this is the nicest job I’ve had.” “Alright. Sabre, Typhoon, you two help him up to Sabre’s room and we can treat him there. Be discreet though. There are MPs and medics all over outside.” They nodded and helped the wounded marine to his hooves and led him upstairs. Walking into the living room I found Thunderstreak sitting on the couch in silence. Her gaze was directed at the floor and she had sadness in her eyes. Sitting down next to her I reached over and pulled her into me. Her head pressed against my chest and she looked up at me. “James, I don’t want to stay here. I want to go somewhere safe.” “Alright, I’ll look into a house up in the Appaloosa Mountains. That’s out of range for any enemy aircraft and we can have a fence around the property.” “Thank you.” We sat in silence as the soldiers outside finished the quick repair work on the house which mostly consisted of plywood nailed over the bullet holes and shattered windows. A few minutes later Typhoon came downstairs looking for more cotton and gauze in the cabinets. As she started up the stairs I told her that her and the other two needed to pack a bag. “Why?” “Because it has been decided that it would be safer for you guys to be in the countryside than here.” “But, what about school?” “We can get you a tutor. Your safety is more important to me than anything else so go start packing.” She nodded her head and hurried upstairs to tell her brothers and we were again left in silence. We watched the ponies outside the house through the remaining windows and we continued well towards nightfall. When we finally moved from the couch it was five and as I walked into the kitchen to fix dinner I heard a knocking at the front door. Placing my hand on my gun I slowly opened the door but found a brown earth pony sergeant in a Third Armored Division uniform and a letter with the division insignia at the top in his hoof. “For Specialist Rattle.” He said as I took it from him. Shutting the door I looked over the letter and found the words Germareny, deployment, and December 11, 1986 amongst the many others that were now insignificant. Hurrying upstairs I went into Sabre’s room where he was packing a bag to go with Thunderstreak and the others. “Hey dad.” He said without even looking up at me. “Sabre, we need to talk.” In the corner, Charger dozed in a recliner that had been placed by the picture window on the wall facing the street. Sabre plopped down on his bed and sat on the edge like I had seen Lyra sit on the park benches. Sitting down next to him I handed him the letter and saw his face go blank. “I have to report to the train station tomorrow at six to deploy to Germareny. I don’t want to go.” “Well son, you were the one who enlisted so get over it. And as long as you’re a show pony you have nothing to worry about. Now, I’m going to go cook dinner. And Charger is to have your bed tonight so you can use the cot in the garage or sleep on the couch.” Walking out into the hallway I went downstairs and picked up the phone. Pressing zero I was connected with the operator and had her connect me to the Canterlot palace. “Royal Palace. This is the secretary to Princess Celestia, how may I help you?” “This is General Jones. I wish to speak with the princess.” “One moment general.” Tapping my foot I listened to the silence from being on hold. A few moments later the phone clicked as someone picked it up. “Hello?” “Princess?” “Ah, General Jones. I hope you know I’m not very happy about that little stunt you and your father pulled.” “Oh well. Now listen, I need to use you and Luna’s mountain retreat for a few weeks.” “What for?” “To smuggle coke, what do you think for? My wife is terrified of being in town after two attempts on my life in one day.” “Alright general, you can use our mountain house. There’ll be a car there to pick you up between noon and one tomorrow afternoon. Is Corporal Charger going with you?” “I’m actually staying here. Thunderstreak, Corporal Charger, and two of the kids are going.” “Which one of them is not going?” “Sabre. He’s supposed to ship out for Germareny tomorrow morning.” “My apologies general. Also, I’m sending Lieutenant Colonel Loginov to Honoluna tonight for inspection. So to repeat what I said earlier, the car will be there between noon and one tomorrow.” “Thank you. And while I have you on the phone, how far along are those aircraft carriers that the Navy’s building?” “The first one is supposed to be launched on the seventeenth.” “Which one is that?” “I believe your father said it’s called the Hornet.” “Oh the Hornet! I liked that one. Did he add the larger aircraft elevators like I told him?” “I think so.” “Good, good. Well I have to go. Thank you for letting Thunderstreak and the kids stay at your mountain house. I truly appreciate it.” “It isn’t a problem general. Have a nice evening.” “You too.” Hanging up I went over to the stove and placed a pan on the front right burner and a pot on the left. I grabbed a jar of alfredo sauce from the cabinet and scraped the contents into the pot with a spoon. Going through the rest of the movements that had become routine for me if Thunderstreak had to stay at the base later than me I whipped up a meal of fettuccini alfredo for everyone. “Alright everybody, dinner’s ready!” I called to anyone in the house that cared. A few moments later hoof steps were heard on the stairs and only Lancaster came down to eat. “Where’re your brother and sister?” “They've locked themselves in their rooms. Can I eat in the living room?” “Sure buddy.” I watched him balance the plate on his hoof and a thought came to me. Sitting down in the living room I handed Thunderstreak her plate and she ate slowly. “Honey, I called Celestia and she said you and the kids can stay at her and Luna’s mountain house for a few weeks. Oh and Sabre’s getting deployed tomorrow.” “That’s nic- wait what?!” “Sabre has to report to the train station tomorrow at six. If you want to spend some time with him he’s up in his room.” She hurriedly scurried up the stairs in her attempt to spend as much time with her only blood child as possible. As soon as I was sure she wasn't coming down for a while I slid my plate over to Lancaster. “What’s this for dad?” “I need to go into town so you can have the rest of my food.” “Why do you have to go to town?” “Never you mind why buddy. It’s just something I have to do.” Grabbing my officer’s cap from the hat rack I headed out the door. ~~~~~ 19:45 Hours Golden Oaks Library Ponyville December 10, 1986 ~~~~~ “You want me to do what?!” Twilight asked almost in complete shock. “I told you, I want you to use a transformation spell to turn me into a pony.” “Why in Equestria would you want to do that?” “We’re seemingly on the brink of war, my air crews are suffering from low morale, and quite frankly I want to know what they think of me. So I’m going to take you to the base where I have a sergeant’s uniform ready.” “Alright, I’ll do it. But won’t the guard ponies notice you going in and a different species coming out?” “Already covered. I have fake papers and IDs in the uniform.” “Fine.” We left the library and made our way to the base which was only a twenty minute walk from the library. I tipped my cap to the MPs at the gate who then did the same with their black and white helmets. Walking past the rubble of my office we went to the hangar where the two Tomcats and the only helicopter on base were housed. The Bell UH-1 Iroquois was built to the exterior specifications of the one from the other airbase that I was supposed to visit after Area 13 but with a VIP interior. We walked past the helicopter and took a hiding spot behind the Tomcats where lockers lined a ten foot spot on the wall. “Alright, let me get the uniform out of my locker and we can get this over with.” Opening the locker door I reached in and grabbed the olive colored sergeant major’s uniform. Placing my officer’s cap on the hook inside I shut the door and stood in front of Twilight. “Okay, I’m ready.” “Alright then. Let’s see if I remember how to do this.” Her horn lit up and a few seconds later a purple beam shot from it and struck me directly in the chest. The sensation was somewhere between pain and being tickled but I looked down and saw my hands slowly begin to turn into hooves. Likewise my nose slowly transformed into a snout and I didn't have to go too far cross-eyed to see the end of it. About a minute later I felt the sensation stop and my human uniform hung off my body. Looking down at my hooves I saw my fur was a deep blue. “How’s my hair?” I asked Twilight who looked utterly exhausted after performing the spell. She looked up and gave a weak smile. I began to unbutton my jacket and Twilight’s eyes suddenly widened. “What are you doing?!” “Getting undressed so I can put on my other uniform.” “Well you’re not used to your new body so what if, you know, is out?” She asked with her cheeks turning a bright red. “Then turn around if it embarrasses you.” I replied as I turned around to throw my jacket into my locker. Sliding off the oversized pants I tossed them into the locker as well before putting on my new uniform. As I turned around I buttoned the top button on my uniform and Twilight’s cheeks were still bright red. “You didn't turn around did you?” “No.” “You enjoy the show?” Just when I thought her cheeks couldn't get any redder I saw them go another shade deeper. I chucked as I kicked the locker shut and I patted her on the shoulder. Walking past her I went out the door of the hangar and waited for her to catch up with me. When she had caught up I led her to the gate but the two MPs stepped in my way. “No one goes off base without the general’s orders.” “I have the pass. Let me find it.” I said as I reached a hoof into my pocket. Pulling out a piece of wrinkled paper I presented it to the MPs who stepped aside. Just before we got passed the gate they stopped us again. “General Jones entered with Miss Sparkle. Why is she leaving with you?” “Well he had something to give me and he told me to find the sergeant major since he was supposed to be leaving.” She quickly lied to the two grey ponies in black helmets who seemed to accept the answer. Stepping back they let us pass and Twilight gave me a wink. We continued on and I found a bar that was filled with air force personnel. Trotting inside I looked around through the light blue haze of cigarette smoke at the other ponies. From privates to a familiar rainbow maned major, it seemed the bar was full of pilots and many others. The waitresses had at least five mugs of beer per tray and quite a few were swatting away hooves with their tails. Taking a seat at the bar I ordered a beer while Twilight ordered a glass of wine. Suddenly a hoof wrapped around us and a head poked between ours. “Hey Twilight! Who’s your friend? He your boy toy?” Dash asked her with a sly grin and looked over at me with a serious look. “So, you banging my friend or what?” “Rainbow Dash!” “What? I was only asking him a question.” Leaning over I told Twilight it was fine and explained to Dash that I wasn’t doing what, or who, she thought. Taking a drink from my mug I looked over at Rainbow Dash who was looking back at me with a suspicious look. “You sound a lot like General Jones.” “So?” “Nothing. Just that you’re here with Twi, she knows transformation spells, and you’re cute.” “Alright Dash, you’re drunk. Maybe you should go home.” Twilight said as she hopped of her barstool. “No! Now tell me yes or no, is he General Jones?” “No! Now go home before I tell James about your behavior here while you’re in uniform.” “Just one more drink?” “No. Go home.” “Fine.” Dash replied and she made her way to the door. Looking back at us she frowned but went outside. Twilight apologized for Rainbow Dash’s behavior and took a sip of her wine. “I’m sorry about Rainbow Dash. She can be a hoofful when she drinks.” “Obviously.” “Hey, you wanted to get to know your troops, there’s a card game right over there.” “You’re right. Let’s play a game of cards.” I hopped off my barstool and went to help Twilight off hers but she slipped when she landed and accidently made me bump into somepony and I felt their beer spill all over my back. “Watch it you lousy fuck!” “Hey, can you not see the lady slipped?” “I do and now my beer’s all over her back.” “Alright asshole. I was being nice but you done pissed me off.” Drawing my hoof back I threw a hit and landed it square on the side of his jaw. He went flailing through the small space between stool and floor and was quickly up and ready to fight. He charged at me and on the advice of Twilight who was yelling “buck him in the face” I turned around and raised my hooves. Sending a buck in his direction I hit him in the nose and he reeled back in pain. Shaking his head as more ponies joined the fight he charged again but I simply stepped aside at the last second which made him slam face first into the bar. Grabbing Twilight’s hoof with my own I told her to run and we hurried out of the bar where two hooves grabbed onto my face. Suddenly I felt lips against mine and violet eyes we’re looking at me. Pushing Rainbow Dash away I wiped my mouth and looked over where she sat with a satisfied grin. “Why?” “So I can say I kissed a general.” “Major Dash go home before I have you court marshaled, shot, and sent to the front!” “Fine.” She replied and she hurried off into the night sky with a few sudden falters from the alcohol. Shaking my head I looked over at Twilight who gave me a small smile before apologizing again for Dash’s behavior. Deciding against the idea of continuing into town more I told Twilight that it was probably best we go back to base. Trotting through the edge of town I told Twilight to wait for me out of sight of anypony while I went and got my other uniform. Nodding to the two MPs they gave me a nod back and I hurried to the hangar. Grabbing the other uniform from my locker I stuffed it in an empty garbage bag so as not to arouse suspicion. Trotting out the gate I saw the two guards look at each other with quizzical looks but they shrugged it off and let me go. I looked around for a few minutes before I found Twilight and I hurried behind a tree to put on the oversized human uniform. I finished buttoning up the top of the jacket as I came out from behind the tree. “Alright, hit me with your best shot.” Her horn began to glow and a purple beam shot out again which gave me the same tingling pain I’d experienced before. I felt myself getting taller and I saw my hooves revert back to hands as my uniform began to fit again. Looking down at myself I made sure to do a check to make sure everything was back. “Hands? Two. Eyes? Yes. Nose? Fantastic. Is my hair good?” “It looks fine.” Twilight replied again out of breath. “I’m not ginger am I? It’s still black right?” “Yes. Now can we please stop with these spells?” “Yeah.” “General, I have something that would help you much better than these silly little spells and bar fights.” “Like what?” “There’s a changeling that lives on the outskirts of Ponyville. He’s the first changeling to leave the main hive and live. Maybe he can provide some information on the inner workings of the hive.” “That would be useful for military intelligence. See if you can’t get me a meeting with him tomorrow around noon.” “Alright, I’ll try.” ~~~~~ 12:00 Hours Ponyville Aerodrome December 11, 1986 ~~~~~ “And further more you two blockheads; if you ever pull a stunt again like you did today I will have you discharged! You’re grounded for the next two weeks. Consider yourselves lucky I don’t have you working the shit burners in Vietmane. Do I make myself crystal fucking clear?” “Yes sir.” The two pilots replied and I sent them on their way. Just as they left my makeshift office Twilight entered with the changeling that she had talked about the night before. “James, this is Lieutenant Byrd.” “Lieutenant, it’s a pleasure meeting you.” “You too general. I understand you wish to know the inner workings of the main hive?” “Yes. Please, sit.” I told him as I waved a hand at the chair in front of my new desk. He took a seat and he pulled a piece of paper out of the pocket of his jacket. Taking it from him I unrolled it and found a chart showing the layout of the changeling military. “The military runs the government with the queen as the head of all the branches. The Navy is the one that they tend to focus on with the hive being on an island south of the nation of Neighpon.” “What is their primary tactic when it comes to battle?” “Surprise. They used it during the royal wedding and I am certain they will use it again.” “I’m sure this information will be useful. I’ll make sure it reaches Canterlot immediately.” He stood up and gave a salute which I returned and he made his way out of my office. Twilight made her way in and smiled at me. “So, was his information of any usefulness?” “He gave me a chart of the changeling military. Will you please have Spike send this to Canterlot at once?” “Of course.” I handed her the chart and she hurried out of my office. Looking around at the old part of the medical ward I sat down at my desk again but a commotion outside drew my attention. Just as I was about to get up a corporal barged into my office with a piece of paper. “Sir, urgent message from headquarters in Canterlot.” He said as he hoofed over the telegram. Looking over the message I could only mutter “My god” as I read it over and over again. “Sir, what is it?” “The western fleet at Honoluna and the eastern fleet in Manehattan have been bombed. Equestria is at war.”