//------------------------------// // 18: Jones' Heroes // Story: The Jolly Rogers // by lockheed //------------------------------// ~~~~~ 23:50 Hours January 15, 1987 A Field in North Western Romaneigha ~~~~~ I tossed my cigarette butt away and looked back over my shoulder at the C-47 sitting in the snow covered grass waiting for me to give the order. Around me several ponies and Marko all sat with shoe polish smeared on their faces to help them blend in with the night. Standing up I heard my back pop and the others stood up in anticipation. Looking around at all of them I slung my M1 over my shoulder. “Alright, let’s go.” With those three words they all grabbed their rifles, machine guns, and pistols. Their helmets rustled in the breeze from the dead leaves in their helmet netting. The pilots saw us coming and tossed their cigarettes away and climbed in to start the engines. As we climbed up the steps we all grabbed a parachute and strapped it on before finding a spot on the bucket seats that lined the wall of the C-47. Outside the engines roared to life and we could barely hear the sound of the flaps lowering underneath us. Around me I could see the blank empty stares of those in the aircraft. Next to me Marko leaned over towards me and shouted over the engines “Did you get that air cover we need?!” “The best in Equestria!” “Good!” He leaned back and laid his head back against the wall of the plane as the engines roared louder as we took off for Hayburg. ~~~~~ 02:00 Hours January 16, 1987 The Sky over Hayburg, Germareny ~~~~~ Standing next to the open door I looked at the glowing red light on the wall. As I watched it I saw it change to the green light directly below it and I could see the lights of the city glowing ahead of us. ‘God help me if this chute’s a dud.’ Jumping out the open door I counted to ten then pulled the ripcord and felt a jerk as I began to slowly drift down out of the night sky. Looking down I saw the open field that we had decided as the drop zone. Bending my knees I tumbled and rolled through the grass. Finally stopping I picked myself up and unhooked the parachute and heard grunts in the dark from the other parachutists as they landed. In a loud whisper I rounded them all together and looked around for the pony with the field radio. ~~~~~ Meanwhile West of Hayburg ~~~~~ The grey army captain looked at his watch as his tanks sat ready to provide backup for our attack. Just as he was about to give the order to fall back into Romaneigha one of the crew of the lead tank stuck their head up out of the turret hatch. “Sir, just got the message from Red Rose to move towards the base but hold out of sight. Do we acknowledge?” “Tell them Bad Wolf will meet them short of objective and wait for further orders.” “Yes sir.” The enlisted pony nodded and slid back down into his seat to radio us back. Nodding to the tank drivers who had their heads stuck outside the captain looked forwards towards the distant glow of the lights of Hayburg. ~~~~~ Back in the Field West of Hayburg ~~~~~ “Red Rose this is Bad Wolf. We’ll meet you short of objective and await further orders.” “Roger that Bad Wolf. Red Rose out.” Waving my hand for the radiopony to go back to his spot in our little circle I pulled a fabric map out of my pocket and unfolded it to reveal Hayburg with the prison camp just south of it. “Alright, we’re in this field here. We need to get here before dawn.” I told them as I pointed to our position on the map and slid my finger over to the location of the camp. “Once we’re within a couple hundred yards we’ll radio the air force colonel that’s running the secret intel operations and get the location of the night guards. We’ll then plant the explosives in Mac’s pack at strategic points along the camp perimeter to create a bit of chaos Discord himself would be proud of.” A hoof shot up in the air and got everyone’s attention. “Yes corporal?” “Sir, won’t the guards notice ten ponies and two humans running around near their fence?” “What do you think the camo and shoe polish is for?” “What about the guards with the search lights?” “That’s what we have a sniper for corporal. He’s one of the best snipers that Equestria has. He could castrate a gnat at fifty yards if he wanted. Right sergeant?” A black unicorn pony looked up from preparing his gun and nodded before going back to cleaning his rifle. “What type of gun is he using sir?” “Twenty two caliber. It’s quiet and if you hit in the right spot it’ll scramble their brain like eggs. Now, enough talking. Let’s move out.” Folding up the map up, I put it back in my pocket and pulled my rifle off my shoulder. Walking southeast towards the camp I kept my head on a swivel looking for griffin patrols. “Sir, message from Hawk. He reports heavy flak fire over Hayburg. He wants to know if he can strike yet.” “Tell him not yet. Climb higher if he needs to.” “Yes sir.” Looking towards Hayburg I could hear the sound of the flak guns and air raid sirens as search lights scanned the sky. In the black of the night I could see the shells bursting and hear the distant roar of the F-14’s engines. Nearly an hour later we reached the camp and planted the charges where the colonel had radioed us to place them. As I planted the last charge I ran for cover with the spool of wire leaving a thin red trail behind me. Taking a seat behind a boulder I felt the snow melting beneath me and drench my pants as I cut the wire. “Private. Radio Hawk, Hammerhead, and Bad Wolf and tell them the mission is a go.” The radiopony nodded as he went to work and I hooked up the wire to the plunger and signaled to the others who were waiting to detonate their charges. With my signal seven explosions rocked the night and sirens began to wail in the camp. As the twelve of us that had parachuted in charged over the destroyed fence into the camp we opened fire on anything that resembled a griffin. As we continued through the camp we dodged machine gun fire from the camp guards and some prisoners picked up the MP 40s of the dead guards. As we all took cover from an MG 42 in a guard tower I peeked around the corner to take a pot shot at the gunner. Just as I was about to squeeze the trigger I heard the familiar roar of the F-14 as it came in to take care of the gunner. As the olive drab and grey blur passed I saw something drop from under the belly of the plane and slam into the ground with a fireball. I stepped out from the cover to look at the burning guard tower as the smell of the flames reached me. “God I love the smell of napalm in the morning!” As I was about to start looking for the few remaining guards I felt a tug at my pant leg and I turned around to see a bruised light green unicorn in a specialist’s uniform. “Hey dad.” I immediately bent down and hugged him where he returned it despite wincing in pain from all his bruises. Pulling back I turned around to see over three hundred ponies shoving nine griffin guards forwards and dozens of guns aimed at them in case they tried to run. They all kneeled down in front of me and several begged for mercy as I looked down at them. Just as the supporting tanks rolled in late I raised my rifle to a griffin officer’s head. “Are you afraid captain?” “No. I would find it an honor to be killed for my country.” “Then looks like you’re the one going back to our POW camps alive.” Moving to the next griffin I noticed a skull and crossbones on his collar. “SS. Ya know sergeant; I don’t care much for the SS. All that heiling and goose stepping really irritates me. What was your job here?” “Firing squad.” “Good.” I replied just before squeezing the trigger and watching him drop. Moving on to the next griffin I saw another set of skull and crossbones. Without a moment’s hesitation I pulled the trigger and stepped over his now limp body. “Let this serve as a warning to all griffins that as of now those who wear the emblem of the SS will be shot on sight!” Continuing down the line I shot one more griffin before it was all over and the rest were lead out of the camp at gunpoint. Walking behind the now free prisoners I looked down at Sabre who broke into a smile when he stepped through the opening in the camp’s fence. Making our way up a nearby hill I called forth the radiopony who gave me the microphone. “Hammerhead! Camp is clear! Light it up!” Through the static there was a gurgled “roger that” and the roar of eight jet engines to our right made everyone turn and look. From behind the trees on the hill emerged a B-52 Stratofortress with its bomb bay doors open. As it passed over the camp at nearly a thousand feet it released its payload. We all watched as the bombs screamed towards their target and obliterated over half of the camp on impact. As the fireballs rose into the sky a cheer erupted from our little hill as I began to organize our escape from Germareny. “Alright, everypony listen up! We’re gonna walk ten miles west of here where planes and trucks are waiting to take us to Romaneigha and then Equestria!” Another cheer went up at me saying they were going home and I lead the way down the hill towards the rendezvous point. ~~~~~ 14:00 Hours January 16, 1987 Ponyville Aerodrome ~~~~~ The tires of the C-47 let out a squeal as we touched down. Taxiing over to the transports parking area we looked out the window where there were dozens of reporters and most of Ponyville waiting for us. When the plane came to a stop we opened the door and hopped down to the ground. As we approached the area where the MPs had roped off I saw a familiar olive colored mare flying towards us in her nurse’s uniform. She immediately wrapped her hooves around Sabre who seemed in a bit of shock at the sudden hug. As she pulled back she flew up and wrapped her arms around my neck as tears streamed down her cheeks. “You can come home now. Thank you.” “Honey I had this all planned before you even knew. I was getting him back one way or another.” She pulled away and we all walked towards the crowd where Big Macintosh talked to a reporter about the operation. Walking through the space through the press area I suddenly noticed it was lined with Ponyville military personnel standing at attention saluting as I walked past. Suddenly a hoof stuck out in front of me and I looked up the leg to the dark red reporter who had a notepad and pencil in his magic. “General Jones! How long was this mission planned before being carried out?” “Several weeks.” “Is it true that six griffin guards were captured?” “Yes it is.” “Is it also true that you executed three more in cold blood?” “I don’t classify it as killing them in cold blood if they’re SS. We’ve all heard about those black shirted bastards in the media. They deserve nothing more than death.” “Seems a bit dark doesn’t it?” “No it does not. I have no sympathy for the SS, the Nazis, or quite frankly anyone who supports them. As far as I’m concerned they can all rot in hell. No further comments.” Walking away I climbed into the waiting staff car with Thunderstreak and Sabre. As we drove away I tipped my helmet to those who lined the street by the base. When we reached the house I placed the helmet on the hat rack and made for the phone to call the palace. After nearly three minutes on hold Celestia finally answered. “Hello?” “I want Sabre’s discharge papers in the mail this week.” “Ah, General Jones. I figured you’d call about that. I’ve already had them sent this morning and somepony at headquarters got a report from another freed prisoner Sabre was beaten and suffered a broken leg not long after he arrived. They’ve decided to award him the first of the new Injury Medal that your father helped institute and the Prisoner of War Medal.” “Alright. Do we need to go to some ceremony or something?” “Well we will have a ceremony for the Injury Medal so we’ll present both to him then.” “When is the ceremony?” “In two days here at the palace.” “Alright. Well I’ll see you then I suppose.” She hung up and I looked into the living room where Saber walked towards his chair with a noticeable limp. Going into the living room I sat down on the couch next to his chair and I looked at his front right leg. “How’d it get broke?” “What?” “Your leg. How’d it get broke?” “Just a little accident at the camp. Nothing to worry about.” “It might be. You never know what diseases are in a POW camp.” “Dad, it’s fine. No need to worry about it. Just don’t let mom know.” “I won’t but if she asks about the limp and goes off and asks if I knew, just go Shultz on her.” “What?” “I know nothing. Nothing!” He gave a small laugh at my terrible Sergeant Shultz impersonation just as the door opened and the other two came in from their day at school. As soon as they saw Sabre they ran over and hugged him while Charger stood guard in the corner. They began to ramble off questions to him but he raised his hoof, visibly wincing as he did, and they both went silent. “I’ll answer all questions later but right now I’m going to go get washed up and see Brush Stroke.” He got up and made his way upstairs where we heard the bathroom door shut. Picking up a copy of the morning paper off the coffee table I flipped through it and ignored all parts that discussed the war or anyone I knew. After reading only one article in the paper I set it down and had Lancaster turn on the TV where a light grey earth stallion was on the screen smiling next to the words ‘Miss me?’. Suddenly the phone rang and I got up to answer it where Princess Luna was on the other end. “General, we need you in Canterlot at once.” “What’s going on?” “Classified.” The phone clicked and I looked at it before hanging it up on the wall again. Walking into the living room I saw the TV was off, Lancaster was on the floor with a book and a small record player, and Typhoon sat on the couch snuggled up with Charger. “Hey, fucknuts, what was one of the rules I told you when we got back?” He hurriedly got up and resumed his position in the corner of the room as Sabre came downstairs in a clean uniform on and a comb being held by his magic. Trotting over to a mirror he slicked his hair back in his regular ducktail do before heading out the door. Heading upstairs I went into the bedroom to put on my blue dress uniform and looked over at Thunderstreak who was sitting on the bed with a photo album. “What’s that?” “Pictures of Sabre from when he was a colt.” Sitting down next to her I switched into my blue pants as I looked at the pictures of the young Sabre in their old apartment. She turned the page and I saw the picture in the center of the left page and pointed to it. “What’s this from?” “My second wedding. He hated wearing that suit. Now it seems he wears one for damn near every occasion.” “That or his uniform. His discharge papers are in the mail by the way.” “They better be. What happened to his leg though?” ‘Fuck’ “Sweetie, just tell me the truth. I know it has to do with the camp so you may as well just tell me.” “Alright, he suffered a broken leg pretty much as soon as he got there. He’s good now but he’ll probably have that limp for a while. Hopefully it’s not permanent.” “Yeah. So what’s got you getting dressed up?” “Luna called and I’m needed in Canterlot. Hopefully I’ll be back before nightfall but if not I’ll see you in the morning.” “But you just got back.” “Well until we’ve got those big flappy bastards in the Griffin Empire defeated I’ll have to report to Canterlot at a moment’s notice.” “Don’t forget those bugs on the other side of the globe too.” “Wouldn’t think of it.” Getting up I planted a kiss on her cheek and hurried downstairs for the airfield. As I walked along the streets of Ponyville I got many happy greetings and some salutes from pilots in a café. When I reached the airfield I told the ground crew to get my C-47 out of its hangar and I leaned against the side of the hangar as I waited. Reaching into my inside chest pocket I pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one as Six Jerks in a Jeep began to play over the base PA system. As I took a long drag on the cigarette I saw a staff sergeant approaching with a paper form the base radio hut. Taking the paper from him I read it over and hurried off to find Rainbow Dash who was sitting inside a hangar with a number of other pilots. When I entered they all jumped up and snapped to attention. Giving them a small salute I let them sit but pulled Dash aside. “Congrats Miss Dash, your group is being shipped out.” “What? Where?” “Crystal Empire. It’s part of the Equestrian build up to attack the Griffin Empire from bases there.” “I don’t think our P-40s can make that without stopping.” “No,” Giving her the paper I saw her eyes light up “but a Mustang can with drop tanks. At my request the princesses have decided to equip the 332nd with P-51Bs.” “Are you serious?! Is there a hidden camera around here?” “No this isn’t a joke. They’ll be here tomorrow and they want them painted before y’all leave for the Crystal Empire.” “Of course Mustangs don’t have de-icer boots do they?” “Not this batch. They’re supposed to start adding them but the first batch is sort of being hurried. And I suppose if you’re going to the north you’ll need something.” Leading her to my temporary office I pulled a file out of my desk and slid it over to her. “That’s the Griffin Empire’s best pilot. She’s Goldfeather’s niece and their so called ‘General of Fighters’.” Dash opened the file and I saw her ears go back. “Is there a problem Miss Dash?” “It’s just; I was friends with her when I was a filly.” “Miss Dash, there are no friends in war. Only those that want to kill you less than others.” “I know sir. But is there any way we can try to capture her?” “Not without a full-scale invasion of Gryphus there isn’t. Sorry Dash. I truly am. But your duty to your country comes before old friends.” “Yes sir.” “Alright then. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get to a meeting.” Walking out I made my way to the waiting C-47 and took my seat. Setting my peeked cap on the seat next to mine I laid my head back and looked out the window where a few dozen mares, Rainbow Dash among them, all waved to me with enormous grins. Waving back at them I got ready for the couple hour flight to Canterlot. ~~~~~ 18:30 Hours January 16, 1987 Canterlot War Room ~~~~~ “We already have enough of your little goons up there to stage a fucking coup d’état. Why do we need more?” The Crystal Empire delegate asked through his thick Scottish sounding accent. “Sir?” A younger stallion with a black curly mane stood in the doorway trying to get his attention. “Sir?” “What? Either come the fuck in or fuck the fuck off!” The younger stallion hurried over with a piece of paper which the older one proceeded to rip apart. “Now take that fucking paper and shove it so far up your fucking ass you puke it out. Alright? Okay. Fuckity bye.” The younger stallion hurried out and left us all alone in the room again. Celestia stood up and hurried over to take the place of the Crystal Empire delegate. “Thank you for that, interesting, review. Now, I would like to discuss the political gains on both sides of this build up. Any military officers that wish to leave may do so.” Every officer in the room stood up and made their way into the hallway, myself included. As I walked down the hallway I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around to see Austin in his khaki uniform. “James, can we talk?” “Sure. What ya want to talk about?” “Can we actually talk somewhere more private?” He asked as he looked around at all the palace staff and military personnel. “Sure.” We walked down to the open hallways that were along the many courtyards of the palace and I could tell something was wrong with him. “Austin, what’s wrong? We’ve been friends since you bet me I wouldn’t punch you in the nose back in kindergarten. I can always tell when something’s wrong.” “Promise you won’t get mad?” “We became friends after I broke your nose! I’m pretty sure if that’s how we got here in the first place then we can handle whatever it is like civilized men.” “Okay.” We turned and sat down in a courtyard and he looked down at the ground as he dug at the packed snow with the toe of his boot. “So, uh, I’ve sorta met someone.” “Hey! Good for you man! A nice mare is just what you needed.” “Well, about that. It’s not a mare.” “Oh. Well who and what you do off base is your business. If that’s what makes you happy then go for it.” “So you’re not mad?” “Why should I be? If anything I should be happy for you. I was beginning to worry you were gonna be alone forever.” “Thank you for being understanding.” “Not a problem. Hey, you wanna go see dad with me? I figured while I was in town I would.” “Nah. I need to get back to Ponyville.” “Alright.” Getting up I popped my back and walked down to the palace garage where I met the driver of my staff car. We went down the rows of cars and carriages until we found an armored Chevy sedan with a major general’s flag on the side of the hood. Climbing into the back seat I gave the driver dad’s address and he drove the ten blocks to the building where their apartment was. As he pulled up to the address I told him to just go ahead and head back towards the palace. Getting out of the car I headed up the steps and pressed the button for their apartment. “Hello?” “Hey Amelia, it’s James.” “Come on up.” There was a buzzing and I opened the door to head upstairs. Walking over to the elevator I hit the up button and waited next to a young colt who stared up at me in awe. When the elevator arrived I stepped inside and the colt followed me in. “Are you a soldier?” “I’m a general but I try to be like my airmen.” “Do you know my dad?” “That depends. Where is he?” “He said he was going to the Crystal Empire to fight the griffins but they can’t find him.” I felt a pit in my stomach at that and I silently thanked god for the innocence of youth. “I’m sure he’ll turn up buddy.” I told him as we reached the floor where dad and Amelia’s apartment was. Getting off the elevator I turned and saw the colt wave to me as the doors closed and I gave a small wave back. Walking down the hallway I knocked on the door to their apartment and a few moments later Amelia opened the door. “Hey James. Come on in.” Walking inside I was surprised to see that everything inside was human sized. “Where’d you guys get all this?” “It’s custom made.” Sitting down on the couch across from dad who was in his chair I grabbed a cup of coffee off the tray on the table as Amelia came in and sat down next to me. Looking over at her out of the corner of my eye I saw a few small grey streaks in her hair. “James Glenn Senior, you put your paper down. We have a guest.” Dad put his paper down and looked over at me. “Hey.” “Is that all you have to say to your son? No wonder you two don’t talk much.” “There are many reasons why we don’t talk much but let’s not go into that.” I said and I saw dad’s glare over at me and apparently I wasn’t the only one to notice. “James, don’t you look at your son like that.” Amelia scolded and he picked up his paper again. “Sorry about your dad. He’s been so uptight lately you could shove a lump of coal up his ass and get a diamond.” “It’s fine. Can we talk on the balcony for a moment?” “Sure.” She got up and led the way over to the sliding door to the balcony. Going out I slid the door shut behind us as she zipped up her jacket. “Amelia, I need you to tell me something.” “Okay.” “Has he been drinking?” “I don’t see-“ “Has he been drinking? Yes or no?” “Yes but not that much.” “That’s how it starts but once he starts he keeps drinking more every time. If he’s drinking then I’m done with him. I dealt with his drinking when I was younger and while I have quite a few good memories from when he was sober, I have more bad ones from when he was drunk. It’s odd how even if they beat you, you still look up to them as though they could do no wrong.” “James, if there’s something I know about it’s drunks. My father was my best friend and he was also a drunk. He let me down my whole life but I still loved him unconditionally. I’ll see what I can do about his drinking but I’ll need you to be patient with him.” “Alright.” Looking down at my watch I excused myself and went downstairs where I waved down a taxi to take me to the airbase on the edge of Canterlot. When we arrived I paid the stallion and went to enter the base but the MPs blocked my path. “What’s the deal fellas?” “We have orders to keep you here.” “Orders from who?” “Orders from me.” A voice replied from behind me and I turned around. “Ya know Luna; some warning before you show up would be nice.” “Well then he’s some warning for you. My sister wants you to help with a naval attack on an enemy fleet. You’re leaving for the battleship Neighvada in three days.” “Are you serious? My son just returned from a POW camp and now you want me on a battleship?” “Yes. Duty to country comes first.” “Fine. Send the information to my house and I’ll look it over.” “I will. See you in two days general.” Luna flew away and the guards let me pass. Climbing into the C-47 I headed for Ponyville. ~~~~~ 12:00 Hours January 18, 1987 Canterlot Palace ~~~~~ Sabre stood at attention as Celestia pinned the two medals onto his uniform before extending her hoof. Sabre then extend his and shook Celestia’s while camera flashbulbs popped in front of them. After their hoofshake they stepped off stage and Sabre happily showed off his medals to Brush Stroke. As I was about to excuse myself I felt a small tugging on the left side of my uniform. Looking down I saw three medals being pinned onto my uniform. “The fuck are these for?” “For your mission into Germareny.” Celestia replied before walking out into the press room to answer questions from reporters. Looking down at them I saw a bronze and silver star on either side of a merit medal. “They look good on you.” Thunderstreak said as she flew up to get a better look at the medals. “I never got the purpose of medals. You get them for doing what you’re ordered. It’s like when you were in school and the teacher gave you a sticker for being good. Don’t get me wrong, I’m honored to have them but I don’t see why I need to get something like a medal for doing my duty.” “Well just wear them during meetings and whatnot when they expect you to.” “I will. Now, let’s get out of here and go home. I would like at least one peaceful night with you before I have to go somewhere.” “Alright but if we’re gonna watch TV then I’m picking the station.” “Not gonna argue with the moody pregnant mare.” “I am not moody!” “Whatever you say honey.”