//------------------------------//
// A Change of Plan (Re-written) 
// Story: Tanks for the Memories 
// by BillyMays 
//------------------------------//

"Utah, what about the locals?" Alex asked.

"They'll panic. But don't worry." Utah nonchalantly replied.

"Uh, If you say so."

Alex looked over the small town. He could see a tower poking out from the middle and brightly coloured cottages surrounding it. They looked a bit like something you'd see from the Middle Ages. A few dull apartment buildings stood out.  A small river revealed itself as the convoy got closer and the only way over was a small bridge. Alex judged by the size of it that it wouldn't be able to support the weight of an Abrams, LAV or Leopard.

"Utah, we're not going to be able to get over the bridge, I want to to stop just before the bridge so we can inspect the river." Alex ordered.

"Yes, sir."

"Deep water wading are we?" Roger asked from inside the turret.

"Hardly. How's the pup doing?" Alex said.

"She's sleeping."

"Good. We don't need any interruptions right now."

The sun was then suddenly blocked by a cloud, Rainbow's cloud. Alex reveled in the sudden shade but it was short lived as the cloud moved away to the front of the convoy.

"Son of a..." Alex muttered.

"We're coming up on the river, Captain." Utah announced.

"Alright, all units halt. Commanders, meet down at the river."

The convoy came to a stop and the commanders of the individual vehicles hopped out and met up at the bank of the river. Their boots crunched under pebbles and the sound of rushing water filled everyone's ears. The water was almost crystal clear and looked pollutant free aside from to occasional piece of driftwood.

"Gentlemen, and uhh mare." Alex said with a nod.

Daseal, Adam and Ironluck stood in a small group looking at the river.

"Now I'm sure all of you noticed that our tanks are not going to get over that bridge."

They all nodded.

"We'll go through the river instead, Utah will continue over the bridge and clear the path."

More nodding.

"Utah, we're good down here, continue on ahead and scout out the path." Alex ordered into the headset.

"Got it."

The Humvee's engine started up with a growl, the crewmen watched as it slowly and cautiously rolled over the bridge.

"I want full attention on me." Alex said clearly, "you all know the drill. I want to keep this as clean as possible. If you notice something fishy going on I want you to report it, understood?"

"Yes, sir." The men and pony replied.

"Alright, Ironluck, how deep is this river?" Alex asked.

"I'm not sure but I think a meter or so." Ironluck guessed.

"Easy enough, everyone back to the tanks, we'll follow your lead Daseal."

"You can count on me sir."

"Ironluck, a word?" Alex asked as he stepped in front of the pony.

"What do you need?"

"You're probably the only pony on this planet that has a tank right now. I'm sure you remember our talk from before and it still stands. I don't know what we're going to face in that town but I want you on your best behaviour. I've been very lenient about you and the Leopard, I don't want to regret my decisions. Is that clear?"

"Crystal clear, dad." Ironluck said with a smirk.

"Uh, good."

The pair walked away from the riverbank and back to their vehicles. As Alex climbed atop of the Retribution II he informed the crew about the change of plan. He hopped into the commander's seat and closed the cupola.

"Close those hatches." He ordered into the headset.

There were dull thunks and clangs as hatches along the convoy closed and locked. Every vehicle became as airtight as possible.

"Lead the way Daseal."

The sounds of engines revving filled the air, they echoed deep into the seemingly quite pony village. The LAV pulled off the path, headed down towards the bank of the river and slowed down. The LAV drove over a few large rocks and finally splashed down into the rushing water. It beat upon her hull but posed no threat. The Retribution II followed the lead of the LAV, making sure to take great care while rolling over the large rocks. Machine and water finally met as the Retribution II sunk into the river. Soon the whole convoy was in the water with the exception of the LAV which had already reached the other side. Water pounded against the hulls of the tanks and began to throw the occasional piece of driftwood at them.

Alex's headset crackled to life and a distorted message came through, "This is Utah, I've spotted what appears to be a roadblock up ahead."

"Roadblock?" Alex radioed back, his confusion was loud and clear.

"Yes, sir. Small concrete barriers, sandbag barriers and other furniture."

"Keep me posted."

"There are Royal Guards stationed at the roadblock, they trying to- hey what are you-?!" There was some grunting then the line went dead.

"Utah, do you read? Gunnery Sergeant do you read?"

Static greeted him.

"Lead foot, pick up the pace, Right now! Fucking floor it!" Alex yelled.

"You got it!"

The Retribution II put on a burst of speed, throwing angry waves of water around them. The tank slammed into the riverbank and rose out of the river. Water poured from the hull as the tank tilted up.

"Daseal, what do you see?" Alex asked.

"The Humvee is gone, sir!" Daseal reported.

"What the fuck do you mean gone?!"

"It's not there, sir!"

"Is the roadblock still there?"

"Yes sir. By the looks of it there are at least 20 armored ponies there. And they look pissed."

"Sit tight and wait for the rest of the convoy, we'll deal with this very shortly." Alex ordered angrily.

The Leopard announced itself by the sound of water pouring off the hull.

"I think you should just ram the damned barrier, sir ." Daseal suggested.

"On any other day that would be a sound plan, Sergeant. But today isn't that day."

"Aye, sir."

The LAV slowed down and pulled to the side of the path. The Retribution II pulled up alongside her followed by the Leopard and Kangaroo. At this angle Alex could see the roadblock. It looked hastily constructed but solid in design. It sat right at the entrance of Ponyville, in between two large sturdy buildings that started the town. It was time for some inside information.

"Ironluck some of your Royal Guard friends have set up a roadblock at the entrance of Ponyville."

"And what do you want me to do about it?"

"What would these guards be equipped with?"

"I dunno. Probably spears, that seems to be the standard issue weapon."

"Just spears?"

"Well they've probably got some spell casters too."

Alex sighed and raised a hand to rub his bandaged forehead.

"Well they've taken Utah and his Humvee so I'm going to have to take this as a Hostile act."

"You're sure about this, sir?" Adam said.

"I have no choice but to take this as a hostile act. They've taken one of our Armored Vehicles and one of our men, and I'm not going to let them get away with that."

Alex felt something tap his knee and he looked down, Roger was staring at him with an urgent look.

"Sir, I'm seeing a lot of movement around that barrier. They know we're coming."

"Thanks Roger. Keep watching them."

"Will do." Roger replied with a quick nod.

The compartment fell quiet and the only noise as the sound of the idling engine. It was showtime.

"All units follow my lead and hold your fire. I repeat hold your fire do not engage any of the ponies. Unless I say so."

A string of acknowledges were sent back.  Alex opened up the cupola and pulled himself out. He carefully reached for the bustle rack and pulled out his M4. The Leopards cupola swung open and Ironluck popped her head out. Alex gave the pony a quick wave with his free hand and she waved back. He dropped back down into the cupola, slung his M4, grabbed the .50 cal and racked the bolt.

"Take us in, Sam. Nice and slow."

"Aye, Captain."

The Retribution II lurched steadily forward, they pulled back onto the path and kicked up dirt. Her engine purred as they did so, she sounded ready and eager to deal some damage. As the roadblock came closer Alex could distinguish several Royal Guards and one pony in purple armor.

"Stop a few meters from the roadblock." Alex ordered.

The sun glinted off one of the Guards armor and Alex squinted.

"David, get up here and man the M240!" He barked.

The loaders hatch opened and David popped out.

"You rang?" He said.

"Yes I did. Now man that MG." Alex ordered.

David grabbed the handle of the M240 and gave a thumbs up which Alex returned. The houses loomed closer and the sun disappeared behind them.

"Alright, this is it!" Alex yelled over his shoulder.

The Retribution II came to a stop just in front of the barrier. Two Royal Guardsmen walked up next the tank. The Retribution II towered over the guards, they looked like dwarves in comparison to her, infact it was so large that the guards had to strain their necks to look up at the Captain.

"By the order of Celestia, you are to leave your Vehicles and surrender your weapons." One said.

"I'm sorry but that ain't happening." Alex said. "This is US Marine's property."

"If you do not comply we are authorized to use force." The Guard said again.

"And so are we." Alex replied.

It was a stalemate, the convoy of tanks had their weapons trained on the Guards and the Guards had their horns charged. Alex felt a tap on his foot and he looked down. Roger was once again looking at Alex with an urgent look on his face.

"What now?" Alex whispered.

"I think it would be best to listen to them." Roger whispered back.

"And lose our tanks and weapons to a bunch of ponies? I don't think so."

"What do you suggest we do then?" Roger hissed.

"If they so much as touch my tank, I'm going to open a can of whoop ass on them. And you know as well as I do that we'd be court martialed if we handed our weapons over. Don't be stupid." Alex hissed back.

Roger bit his bottom lip and brought a hand to the bridge of his nose. Alex sighed and looked back the Guard who looked anxious.

"We are willing to settle this peacefully but we cannot hand over these weapons!" Alex yelled to the guards.

"I... don't know if the Princess..." The Guard grunted.

A deep frown etched it's way along Alex's face.

'Bunch of amateurs.' He thought to himself.

"Well I want to see this Princess."

The Guards mouth opened in shock and the other Guards stationed at the roadblock also dropped their jaws, all except for the Guard in purple which spoke up.

"And why would we let you see the Princess?" The Guard in purple said with a raspy voice.

Alex cringed at the sound of it. "So we can negotiate."

"You are on no grounds to negotiate." The purple Guard said.

"There won't be any ground under you if I can't see the Princess." Alex said coldly.

The purple Guard remained unfazed.

"I don't respond to threats. Get them out of those vehicles."

"There goes negotiating." Alex said to Roger.

Half of the Guards started moving towards the Retribution II.

“Firing a warning shot!”

Alex raised the M4 to his shoulder and fired a single shot at their feet. The guards flinched at the sudden loud sound and jumped back.

"Don't move any further!" Alex barked. "I don't want any blood on my hands! All I want is to see the Princess, is that so much to ask?"

The guards shared glances and then looked back to the purple Guard. One guard walked over to him and began talking.

"Captain, we should just let them see the Princess."

"Get back to your position, Private."

"But, sir, we are clearly outmatched and outgunned. It would be smarter to allow their request."

"And if the Princess doesn't want to see them? Then what, Private?"

"She'll see them, sir. I know it."

The Guard Captain grunted in reply.

"You are to stay here. If you move you will be forcefully taken down." The Guard Captain said.

"I'll stay still if your goons stay still." Alex replied.

The guards didn't respond well to the insult but they kept their composure.

"Stand your ground, men." The Guard Captain barked.

The Guard Captain walked around the barrier and had a quick discussion with two guards which Alex recognized as Lefty and Righty. The Captain left and Lefty and Righty walked over to the Retribution II. Alex watched with glaring eyes as they approached.

"Human." Lefty said with a nod.

"Where's Utah and his Humvee?"

"We're not at the convenience to tell you." Righty said.

"Is Utah hurt? If he is, someone is going to get a bullet to the brain."

"He's fine. Even saying that is too much." Lefty glanced left and right.

"I'm surprised you got Shining to get Celestia." Righty said with a smirk.

"Shining?"

"Shining Armor. Captain of the Royal Guard. He's the brother of the pony you shot; Twilight."

"Yeah well, she shot first." Alex said with a sheepish grin.

"You're lucky he doesn't know that was you, otherwise he'd probably have you in the stockade right now." Lefty said with a laugh.

"I'd like to see him try." Alex crossed his arms and frowned.

"Oh he'd get you. Trust me." Lefty said with another laugh.

"Like I said, I'd like to see him try. But anyhow, why is this happening?"

"Why is what happening?"

"This whole "give up your weapons and vehicles" thing? I mean come on! Things were going smoothly until this shit happened."

"You can blame Captain Armor for that."

"I already am." Alex grunted.

There was a strong gust of wind and Alex had to grab the edge of cupola to keep himself in place. Lefty looked up and let out a low whistle of admiration.

"I'd say that's a new record."

"Huh?" Alex looked up and watched with amazement as winged ponies whizzed around with clouds, forming one large, rumbling, grey cloud.

"Huh?" He said, slack jawed.

"Utah had that same look." Lefty said with a chuckle. "That's the Cloudsdale weather team, the finest around."

"Well that's great and all, but why are they moving clouds?"

"Utah asked that same question too."

"I don't care what Utah asked!" Alex snapped. "What I NEED to know is where and why one of my men have taken."

"I-I can't say." Lefty stammered.

"Well I can."

Alex turned his attention away from the two Guards and towards the new regal sounding voice at the barricade. A white horse with a flowing multi-colored mane was walking with Captain Armor.

"My apologies." The white horse said.

The guards bowed as the horse walked past them.

’This is the Princess? Jesus Christ, talking ponies and horses.’

"But I could not be certain with what was in store of us. After hearing about Twilight's run in with you I decided it was best for you to be disarmed for the time being."

Alex blinked a few times and glanced at David who was doing the same.

"You're the Princess?" Alex asked, the disbelief was evident in his voice.

"Yes." The Princess said with a slight nod.

"Captain Noah of the United States Marines. On behalf of the human race, it is both a pleasure and an honor to meet you." Alex said with a bow.

The roadblock went quiet in surprise at the sudden change of character. David was staring at Alex with a lopsided smile while Captain Armor gave a somewhat approving nod.

"The pleasure is mine, Captain. Now you seem to have a problem...?" Celestia’s voice trailed off to signal Alex to the stage.

"Yes I do. You see, I cannot and will not relinquish these weapons."

"I see.” Celestia nodded her head in thought. ”Is there an agreement we can come to?"

"That depends. But I simply cannot allow any of your Guards to lay a single finger- uh, hoof on these weapons."

"Cannot you simply store these weapons somewhere safe?" She suggested.

"Ah well-" Alex was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder.

"We do have the LAV." David whispered.

"That could work. Great idea, David." Alex whispered back.

Alex cleared his throat. "We could store our weapons in our LAV but on two conditions."

"Yes?"

"One: that we keep our sidearms on us at all times. Two: you will release Gunnery Sergeant Utah and his Humvee."

"Of course! Your Gunnery Sergeant was never a prisoners. I have but one complaint. Your vehicles, what will become of them?"

Alex paused to think. ’Do we still have the protective caps? Will they fall for that?’

"What if they were... disarmed?"

Princess Celestia looked at Captain Armor who took the idea into consideration and nodded.

"That is acceptable."

"All units, take out any weaponry that you may have and bring it out, that does not, I repeat, does not include your sidearms. Daseal open those doors, you're receiving some cargo."

Alex heard a faint "Oh boy".

"Aye, sir."

Alex pulled himself out of the cupola and over to the bustle rack. He pulled out three G36s and an M4. He slung all of them over his shoulder and jumped down.

"I'll be dumping weapons, feel free to join me if you wish."

Princess Celestia smiled and nodded. She trotted next to Alex and examined the Retribution II. The Captain could see the admiration and fear in her eyes, it brought a faint smile to his lips. The old girl was still doing her job well. Alex walked up to the driver hatch and hit it twice. It swung open and a head popped out. Alex gave sam a quick assuring nod and contributed on. The Princess looked puzzled.

"How many are in this "tank"?" Her eyes wandered back to the Captain.

"Four, if you’re including me."

"Surely this machine could fit more?"

"No, not a chance. That's the LAVs job." Alex jabbed a thumb at Daseal’s LAV.

"And this "LAV", how many does it hold?"

"Three crewmen and six passengers."

Alex started walking past the Leopard and Captain Armor coughed.

"What about this vehicle?"

"The crewmen in that vehicle are not carrying any weapons apart from the horns on their head."

Celestia caught on to Alex's implication and raised an eyebrow.

"But let us continue." Alex motioned with his hand for them to follow him.

Alex walked up to the Kangaroo just as Adam hopped down holding a bundle of Austeyr rifles.

"Sir." Adam greeted with a nod.

"Sergeant." Alex said with a nod of his own.

"What is this device on the front?" Celestia asked while motioning to the plough on the front of the Kangaroo.

"That, ma'am, is a mine plough." Adam stated.

"I see. And what does it do?"

"It ploughs into the ground and forces any mines or IEDs to either detonate or emerge from the ground."

"You've come very prepared." Captain Armor said with narrowed eyes.

"Wasn't my choice to come here." Adam said.

"I don't think anyone had a choice." Alex muttered.

"You were brought here against your will?" The Princess had a touch of concern in her voice.

"Well it was an accident." Alex said.

"Yeah, it was an accident. The good Doctor didn't think this would happen, did he?" Adam said.

"They probably think we're dead..."

The conversation came to an abrupt halt as the two tankers thought about what they had just said. There was an uncomfortable silence as the group made their way to the LAV, it was finally broken by the Princess.

"So, Captain. My faithful student had told me an interesting story about that mishap that happened not too long ago."

"Hmm?" Alex said, half listening.

"She claims she was "shot" by a tall creature."

Alex and Captain Armor stopped dead in their tracks.

"Twily was hurt?" Captain Armor’s mouth opened and his pupils dilated..

"Oh." Was all Alex could manage to say.

"Do you mind telling me who shot her?" Celestia asked.

"Well we all did. But I was the only person that managed to actually hit her. And for that I am sorry, but I assure you it was purely in self defense. She and her friend Fluttershy-"

Alex heard a snarl and barely had time to register a very angry Captain. He quickly turned to face the Guard Captain with a deep frown.

“Don’t you even think about it.” Alex warned as he dug his feet into the ground and prepared for the white pony to strike.

“We fired in self defense. Nothing more.”

Shining Armor’s nostrils flared as he dug his armoured hoof into the ground. The pony took a step forward and Alex quickly dropped all but one of the rifles in his hands. Men along the convoy had taken notice of the Captain’s stance and had begun to mount their weapons. Alex took aim and repeated himself.

“I said, don’t even think about it.”

Shining Armor grunted and stepped back. Celestia turned and gave Alex a quick appreciative nod. He quickly looked away and began to pick up the rifles that littered the ground. Adam helped him out by grabbing the M4 at his feet.

"I think we'd better hurry this up." Adam whispered.

"Yep, this shit is going downhill." Alex whispered back.

Alex and Adam picked up the pace and quickly made a break for the LAV. Daseal was waiting for them at the passengers door.

"We've already loaded our guns into the back, sir."

"Very good."

Alex carefully placed the rifles down onto the floor of the LAV. Adam followed suit and carefully laid down his rifles. The Princesses and Shining Armors curiosity got the better of them and they peered inside the LAV.

"Not very roomy." Celestia said as she inspected the interior.

"There's more than enough room." Alex said.

"What's that?" Shining Armor pointed to the MG3 lying across the seats. 

Alex ducked inside the LAV and went to grab the MG3 but stopped.

"You mind?" Alex asked the Princess.

She remained quiet for a short while but finally made a decision. "If you must."

Crewmen watched and gathered around as Alex grabbed the MG3 and hauled it out of the LAV.

"This is the German made MG3." He rolled the MG in his hands. "It fires 7.65 NATO rounds at around 1200 rounds per minute. It, I believe, is based heavily off the MG42 from the Second World War."

Shining Armor watched with curiosity and admiration as Alex examined the MG in his hands.

"Second World War?" Celestia asked with concern.

"I'll tell you about that later." Alex said quickly. "But anyhow this is the MG3. A deadly weapon." 

"You really have come prepared." Shining Armor said.

"Once again, we didn’t want to be here." Alex stepped back inside the LAV and placed the Machinegun back on the seats.

"But anyhow, that's all of our weapons." He pointed to the pile of guns sitting on the floor of the LAV.

"Very good." Celestia said with a nod.

"Now Princess, this is the most we're going to do for you. Our people have a strict policy with these weapons and we cannot simply give them up, they MUST remain with us."

"I understand, Captain. And now about your machines..." The Princess began.

"Captain!" A voice called out.

Alex turned away from the Princess and looked over to the LAV. Roger was ushering him over.

"One moment." Alex said to the Princess with a raised finger.

He jogged over to the group of crewmen. "What's up?"

"Sir, what's happening with the tanks?" Adam asked.

"I'll explain that now. Do you guys still have your protective caps for the main guns?"

"Of course. But why?" Adam asked in confusion.

"...I think I see what you're getting at, Captain." Daseal said with a devilish grin.

"I want you to get them out and place them over the main canons. I told the Princess we could 'disarm' them and this was the best I could come up with."

"Sounds good, sir." A crewman said.

"I'll make sure the Princess doesn't want anything else. Alright, wait until I give the order. Oh and make sure you inform your crews." Alex said with a firm nod. 

He gave the crewmen a final look over and walked back over to the Princess. She was looking at Alex with a small smile.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, ma'am." Alex said with a small bow.

“Not to worry." Celestia said. “I'll have to admit that I'm slightly concerned about your vehicles, Captain Noah. The size of the weapons on these vehicles indicate they can do massive amounts of damage. Am I assuming correctly?” Celestia asked.

“Yes, they can.” Alex confirmed.

“I will not allow these vehicles to roam the streets of this humble town, you will cause confusion and chaos if ponies were to see this.”

“But Princess-”

“I will, however, let you take them to the town square where you will leave them for the time being.”

“But how can I trust that you won't touch my vehicles while they're there?"

“You’re just going to have to trust me. This is how friendships are forged.” Celestia said with a smile.

"If I may, I would like to make a request."

Celestia nodded in approval. 

"That we are able to at least drive our vehicles to and from the square. These tanks will slowly fall into disrepair while not in use."

Celestia pondered it for a while and Alex could have sworn he heard cogs turning.

"I'll have to talk to Shining Armor about this, Captain."

"Of course, Princess."

She trotted away and over to the flock of anxious guards. Alex walked back over to his own batch of anxious men.

"How'd it go?" 

"Well enough. Though the Princess has said that she doesn't want the tanks driving around her town, so we're going to have to leave them in the town square."

There was a chorus of groans.

"But I've asked the Princess about letting us drive them around outside of town, she's talking to the Guard Captain now." Alex continued.

"We'll that's something." Daseal said.

"Don't worry, the Princess said we'd get out tanks back later when she could "trust us"." Alex said.

"We'll at least we're getting them back."

"Sir, I don't like the idea of leaving the tanks out in the open, especially with this Jackass of a Guard Captain." Sam grumbled.

The conversation was halted by an outside voice.

"Captain." Celestia called.

"That's my cue." Alex said with a final nod.

Alex rushed over to where Celestia now stood.

"Ma'am?"

"We've decided that you can drive your vehicles away from the town. And your Humvee will be returned shortly with its driver."

"Very good." Alex visibly calmed at the good news.

"Now Captain, if you don't mind, could you please tell your men to disarm your vehicles."

Alex gave Celestia a quick nod. "All units, 'disarm' your vehicles."

Hatches swung open with creaks and clunks and tired looking crewmen pulled themselves out of their machines. Pathfinder popped out of the Leopard with a nervous look on her face. Each tank commander dug through their own bustle racks in search for their protective caps. All were quickly found and secured to the main weapons of each vehicle. 

"Are those ponies?" Shining Armor asked in surprise as he spotted lronluck and Pathfinder having troubles.

"Yes. We found them on the way here." Alex affirmed.

The Guard Captain suddenly galloped off and Alex glanced at the Princess who rolled her eyes in response.

"I would like to apologize for the Captains earlier actions." Celestia said sincerely.

"It's alright, Princess. If Twilight was my sister I would have done the same."

A sudden pressure on Alex's leg made him jump in surprise. Pathfinder had snuck up and bumped his leg.

"Jesus, don't do that again." Alex growled.

"Jeez, calm down grumpy pants." Pathfinder said with a giggle.

The groups attention was shifted when the clanking of guards armor approached them. Lefty and Righty were walking towards them holding long spears.

"Pathfinder?" Righty asked.

Pathfinder moved from behind Alex's leg and squeaked out a reply.

"Yes?"

"You're to come with us."

Pathfinder looked up at Alex with sad eyes.

"Hold on just a second. This pony isn't going anywhere." Alex stated.

"Captain, you have no jurisdiction over us, now step to the side." Righty warned.

He scratched behind Pathfinders ear to try and calm her down, it seemed to work and she let out a relaxed sigh. She took a deep breath and brushed past Alex's legs. The guards moved to stand either side of her and walked off.

"What do you think they'll do with her?" David asked as he walked up to the Captain.

"They'll probably want to know how to drive the tank." Sam said with an annoyed frown.

"I hope not." Alex said. "The Princess here said they wouldn't touch those tanks and the least thing we need is more ponies driving tanks."

"Too right." An Australian said.

"Jesus Christ you guys! Why are you all over here all of a sudden? Go on, back to your tanks, we'll make a formal introduction for you all later." Alex said with a wave of his hand.

The group slowly shuffled back to their vehicles. Two guards walked past them with a confused Ironluck.

"Well that confirms my suspicions." Alex heard Sam say.

"Well shit." David swore.

"Hold on, what about the Leopard?" Alex turned to look at the Princess.

"Hold up guys!" He said with a raised hand.

The hoard of crewmen halted their shuffling and turned around to face the Captain.

"I need someone to watch this Leopard while her "crew" is away. Any volunteers?"

An Australian stepped forward. The name tag on his vest revealed that he was Private Kat.

"I'll look after her, sir."

"Good on you, Private. We'll come and get you soon. But if the original crew return before we do, just make sure to tell them to follow us."

"Can do." The Australian jogged over to the Leopard 2 and stood at the ready.

The rest of the crewmen continued their way back to their vehicles, grumbling and mumbling all the way.

Even the sky seemed to be in a bitter mood; huge dark clouds filled the sky. They rumbled angrily, almost as if in protest. As the rest of the crewmen piled into their vehicles, Alex decided to walk with the Princess and several guards, diplomatic talks did have to continue after all. The LAV rumbled to life just as the heavens opened up. The clouds continued to rumble angrily as the first drops of rain fell. Alex looked up at the sky and allowed the rain to soak his face. Celestia watched in interest and confusion as Alex stood perfectly still, staring up at the sky. She cautiously trotted up next to him and looked at the sky with him.

"It's weird you know? We were out testing some new equipment, everything was going fine until it started raining. I used to like the rain, hell I used to love it. But now..." Alex shook his head and left his sentence unfinished.

Celestia watched sadly as Alex looked back down. Raindrops rolled down his face and splashed onto his vest.

He took a deep breath and made the order, “Follow the guards, David, they’ll be taking us to where we need to go. Everyone else, follow the Retribution II."

The convoy lazily rumbled forward into town escorted by a squad of gleaming golden guards. The rain continued to pour down as Alex walked beside the Retribution II with the Princess. As the rain soaked him further, Alex's bad mood returned. He didn't notice at first but several faces peered out of the small cottage like buildings that lined the cobblestone road, doors opened and ponies curiously emerged. Some of them started following the group but were kept at a distance by royal guards.

"Well it looks like we're getting a crowd." Alex said.

"My ponies are very interested in you." Celestia said with a warm smile.

Alex sighed and the trip lapsed into silence once again, the only sound was the rain bouncing off the metal of the tanks and Guards armor. Rainbow Dash suddenly soared into view and landed on top of the Retribution II with a few loops.

"Down." Alex ordered.

Rainbow smiled sheepishly and hovered down. She still had that smirk on her face, the one that drove Alex mad.

"Captain." She said with a salute.

Alex glared at her and she lost the salute.

"Don't try to play soldier. Not now."

Celestia gave him a curious look and then frowned. Rainbow looked meekly at the ground and pawed at the dirt. Alex walked past her without so much as a second glance. The guards had directed the convoy to the left through an alleyway. 

"This is a shortcut to the town square." Celestia explained.

"Right." Alex grunted.

Rainbow suddenly swooped down and hovered in front of Alex with her fore legs crossed much like how a person would cross their arms.

"Hey, what's your problem?"

Alex sighed. "My problem? I don't have a problem," He poked Rainbow's nose and she scrunched it. "I'm just in a bad mood. This entire situation has had me on edge, you know."

"Well cheer up already, will ya?" She said.

"I outrank you." Alex stated. "Now buzz off."

Rainbow stuck her tongue out at Alex and flew off. Celestia chuckled and moved closer to Alex.

"You are quite interesting."

"Trust me, I'm not."

Alex noted that Celestia was examining him right down to the core. Her eyes were searching his body up and down. It felt like he was being searched, layer by layer. He found very little reason to care.

The narrow alleyway could barely fit the convoy and its entourage. The looming cottages only backed up the fact. The crowd of ponies following then had also grown in size, one mint green unicorn in particular was bouncing around yelling something while a cream colored pony tried to hold her down. Alex looked at the crowd with a confused smile which, surprisingly, many of the ponies returned.

"Are they always this welcoming?" Alex asked.

"Not normally. I'm surprised that these ponies aren't hiding as they did with Zecora."

"Zecora? Sounds exotic."

"Indeed. She's a zebra that lives in the Everfree. I'm surprised you didn't meet her."

"I'm sure she heard us though." Alex said with a grin.

"I certainly hope not."

The wind suddenly changed directions and Celestia's flowing mane was all over Alex's face. He fought the tide of hair valiantly but was quickly overcome by the sheer amount.

"Jesus Christ!" Alex exclaimed as he tried pushing more of the hair away.

Celestia seemed to be enjoying the sight of her hair attaching itself onto another person and was laughing softly. There was a rumble of thunder, the wind suddenly changed again and the multicolored hair left Alex's face. He looked up at the raincloud and gave a thumbs up. He was shocked when the raincloud returned it.

’Fucking, what?’

He stared at the fist in the sky. There was some movement within the cloud itself and a grey pony emerged. It was none other than Ditzy. She waved at Alex and he waved uncertainly back.

"She always like that?" He whispered to Celestia.

"Just about." The Princess whispered back. "But wait until you meet Pinkie Pie."

"Pinkie Pie?"

"Pinkie Pie." Celestia repeated. "The element of Laughter."

"She better not be the element of Luger or someone is going to cop it."

The bad joke went completely over Celestia's head.

"Luger?"

"You know the pistol... it was a joke."

"That was a joke?" Celestia said, puzzled.

"...and that's why I don't tell jokes."

"Hmm, yes, well... Ah! We're here!"

The alleyway opened up and Celestia beamed.

"Welcome to Ponyville!"