//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Resonance of Chaos // by Broznik //------------------------------// A rusty brown pegasus shuddered in the icy wind. The same thoughts ran through his mind over and over. Thoughts that kept kept him going during the past six and a half frigid hours. “I’m a lieutenant,” he grumbled at nopony in particular. “So why am I on guard duty? This is work for the recruits, or anypony else other than me. I haven’t even seen anypony in hours, and nopony’s going to steal food from the vault. My being here is pointless. I swear, the next time I see the commander, I’ll...” he sighed, trailing off. As if he’d be able to confront the commander and keep his hide intact. Besides, he knew the importance of what he was doing. Food was getting scarce, and winter didn’t seem to feel like going away. Rationing was stricter than ever, and he was actually surprised that he hadn’t seen anypony else. His mind was wandering as he nibbled on a bit of dried fruit, made bitter from the cold, but a nearby voice caused him to snap to attention. “Uhm... Lieutenant Tempest? I have a message for you, it’s from the commander.” The voice came from a shy, pink haired mare that Tempest instantly recognized as Private Pansy, the commander’s chosen recruit. “Well, you see... she said that she wanted to see you at once. If that’s okay. She was very insistent. I’m here to relieve you from your post as well.” Tempest scoffed, but quickly apologized as the mare shrunk back in response. “I’ll be right there. Try to make my tombstone sound meaningful, I have a bad feeling about this.” The private nodded meekly, and Tempest flew off towards the commander’s office. When he arrived, he became acutely aware of all the flaws in his appearance. His fiery orange mane was sticking out from his helmet, and his armor was lopsided. He fixed both before announcing his entry. ‘Probably a moot point’, he thought. On the other hand, however, he didn’t want his superior to see any flaws if he could help it. The commander’s office always impressed him. Murals of great pegasi warriors covered the walls, and a large table in the center served as both her personal desk and a place for the military leaders to discuss important matters. The table itself had maps scattered all over it, with a cyan mare poring over each one in turn. Once he was satisfied with his appearance, Tempest took a deep breath and stepped inside. “Commander Hurricane, sir?” He made sure to speak loud to mask his nervousness, causing the mare in front of him to raise her head. “Lieutenant Flame Tempest, reporting. I was told that you needed to see me?” “Good, it’s about time you showed up,” Hurricane said in a forceful voice. Tempest was used to her volume, as she always yelled to keep everypony in line. “We have a situation, as I’m sure you’re well aware. Winter hit us hard and fast, and we won’t have the supplies to last much longer. We simply cannot survive the next several months at this rate, especially considering how early this all happened. I know those unicorns are behind it, but that doesn’t matter now. What’s important now is that we need to leave.” “Leave, sir?” Tempest was taken aback. “As in leave the country?” “I thought that was clear, Lieutenant. We won’t survive if we stay.” “But...” He hesitated. Tempest had lived here his entire life, and knew the commander had as well. Leaving was an option that she would only consider in the most dire of circumstances, yet he was still skeptical. After a moment to think, he continued. “With respect, that seems too risky. We don’t know for sure whether we can find a place to sustain us. Much less be able to get everypony there. I... I just...” The commander stared him down, causing him to withdraw and trail off. “Lieutenant, let me explain the situation better, since this isn’t something to be taken lightly. That vault of food I had you guarding, how much is left?” “I... uh, not much, I suppose. Maybe enough to last another month or so?” Tempest said, confused at the question. “And did you also know the reason I had somepony of your rank guarding it? Because it wasn’t because of your diligence,” Hurricane snapped, glaring at the lieutenant. She then sighed, her face softening. “That is our entire food store for the moment.” “What?!” Tempest recoiled, his mind beginning to race. “But... No, that’s impossible. We had at least three other identical stores to last us until spring! How can-” Hurricane raised her hoof, silencing her lieutenant. “That’s my point. Unless there are some very drastic weather changes, we’re done for. I’ll also take the opportunity to remind you that our weather teams can’t seem to get this under control.” The commander’s tone darkened. “However, we don’t know of any other lands suitable close by, that’s why I’m personally scouting out a lead with another pony.” “I’ll do my best, sir,” Tempest said, giving a salute. “No, not you. This needs to be kept quiet,” she clarified, causing her lieutenant’s face to flash indignant for a split second. “If two high ranking officials disappear in a time of crisis, the people could panic. No, I’ll be taking Private Pansy. She has a good eye for scouting, and she’s the only other pony that knows about this plan. Besides, nopony will notice her missing. You, on the other hand, will be staying. I need somepony to keep everypony else in line, and you’re the one I trust most to do this. Understood?” “Yes, but-” “Lieutenant? I need your cooperation here. Am I going to get it?” It was amazing how she could be yelling and sound sincere at the same time. Tempest hesitated. He wasn’t ready for this, but forced himself to look calm. He wanted to at least appear confident if the commander was trusting him with so much. “I understand, Commander,” he said, putting on a bravado.“You will be leaving to scout new lands, and I am to maintain order among the ranks until you return.” The facade calmed his nerves somewhat, but he was far from assured. “Good, now I need to prepare. Remember, morale is the most important thing here. If anypony realizes that I’m gone or learns of this conversation, it could start a panic. Ultimately, this will be left to your discretion, but keep us out of a fight,” Hurricane said, turning grim. “With the food situation, the pegasi are hostile and desperate. They want to fight because they think it will solve our problems, but we can’t afford to start any conflict. If we got into a war now... well, I don’t think we’d be able to recover from it.” “Yes, sir!” the lieutenant said, giving a salute. “I will try to the best of my ability to keep the pegasi from getting involved in a war, and I will keep your absence a secret. When will you be leaving?” “Dawn tomorrow, I won’t waste time. I know this is sudden, Lieutenant, but I’m glad I can count on you.” Hurricane hesitated a moment, choosing her next words carefully. “One more thing, Lieutenant. This authority of yours, it only lasts until I return... Which is to say, if I don’t, then you’ll take the helm of command permanently.” “I... yes, Commander.” Tempest met her gaze. “Although, if I may speak freely, don’t let me get comfortable in your position. I want you back in command when you lead us to that new land.” “Good,” the cyan pegasus smiled. “Until then, you’ve got a tribe to lead, Commander Tempest.” ----- “So we left those magic-mongers battered and beaten, and scored a bit of food on top of it, too!” a lithe, grey colt bragged to a group of recruits. He was wearing saddlebags over his armor, both stuffed to the brim. “And that isn’t even the best part!” “Oh? Then what is?” a voice came from behind the colt, causing him and his two companions to flinch in surprise. “Please, continue your story.” “Lieutenant, sir! Corporal Gust, reporting!” the grey colt said, giving a hasty and nervous salute. “I was just telling some of the recruits about our raid on the unicorns, sir!” “Really? Because I recall giving some rather specific orders telling all soldiers not to attack either of the two other tribes,” Tempest spat. “So can explain to me why you decided to go against a direct order and attack the unicorns?” “We were provoked,” Gust lied, trying to keep eye contact with his superior. “Oh, well then I suppose it was just and necessary,” the lieutenant snarked. “Tell me everything, Corporal.” “They’re the ones causing the blizzards! It’s their fault that the rationing is strict. They’re trying to starve us and the earth ponies with their magic, any food we steal won’t be missed!” Gust yelled, realizing his mistake a second too late. Tempest chuckled, and gave the corporal a small smile. He managed to keep that smile for a full couple of seconds, but inevitably fell prey to his temper. The recruits flew off, satisfied with hearing about the resulting explosion later. “You hoofbrained dolt!” the lieutenant shouted, punching a small hole in the clouds at his hooves. “I’ve half a mind to knock you into the mountains! You managed to not only disobey several direct orders, but even compromised the truce between the tribes! For pity’s sake, it’s even only been three days since...” “But, sir-” “Do I sound like I’m done? I’m your lieutenant, which means I’m responsible for every foal stunt you pull. You attack another tribe, you steal their food, that’s on me! Now I need to go suck up to Princess Platinum, so that maybe she won’t decide to go to war. So you better hope that she’s in a good mood, because when I get back, you’ll be the first one I come to talk to.” Tempest rubbed his throat. He usually managed to keep his anger in check, but he could scarcely control himself. Gust tried to speak, but could barely open his mouth, much less form the words of any kind of apology. “I’m leaving,” the lieutenant said after a few moments of trying to calm himself down. “You’re lucky this is more important, or I’d be kicking you out of the sky right now. And give me that food, you nimrod.” Gust sat in silence as he watched Tempest fly off towards the unicorns. When he was out of earshot, the corporal let out a small laugh. “I can’t believe he bought it.” ----- End Chapter 1