//------------------------------// // Stitching Up // Story: Operation Iron Hoof // by thewookie1 //------------------------------// Robert’s Tent HQ The sound of scavenger birds outside the tent brought Robert out of sleep much to his chagrin. Reacting as if he were in a warzone he rose rapidly while drawing his knife before hitting his head. “Ow!” The sound of birds flying in mass rapidly followed as the officer rubbed his head. With a grimace he shoved the table top off the bed’s side and rose from his, hastily made, mini-bunker and stretched his arms being sure not to reopen any of his wounds. “Twilight, its morning.” Robert said as he grabbed a new shirt that wasn’t bloodied from the box sitting in the corner. “What, huh, I feel like someone dropped a piano on me. Oh my, someone did!” Twilight yelled she panicked attempting to use magic little effect. “Twilight calm down, you’re just under my bed.” Robert said as he lifted the light bed up revealing the unicorn below. “Sorry, I guess I just got a little scared.” Twilight said as she blushed sheepishly. “From that I can tell you’re magic isn’t getting us to the Ponyville Hospital, there is one of those right?” Robert said as he never remembered seeing a hospital. “Yes Oberst, we have a hospital. How do you hope to get there though? It’s a bit too long of a walk for a wounded pony or I guess a human in your case.” Twilight said as she placed her hoof under her chin. “I’ll drive us there.” Robert said as he looked for his officer’s jacket and cap. “What? We can’t let other ponies see you! Couldn’t Fluttershy….” Twilight began before being interrupted by Robert. “Unless Ms. Timid has a mass supply of painkillers in her tree, I’ll need to see an actual doctor; not a veterinarian.“ he said sternly as he draped his officer’s jacket over his shoulders not bothering to button it. “But I don’t remember any carriages Robert.” Twilight said with much confusion. “Remember that thing you were fascinated by outside, that’s what were heading to Ponyville on.” Robert said as he grabbed his Holster off the floor and picked up his rifle. “Is it safe?” Twilight said worriedly. “Yes, and before you ask; it runs on gasoline which is a byproduct of oil which is formed through the biodegrading of ancient creatures and plants.” he added as he placed his hat on his head before sifting through some boxes for ammo. “Why do you need those?” Twilight asked curiously observing the Oberst. “Habit…..and I guess I don’t want any more unfriendly locals trying to kill me….” Robert replied as he placed multiple clips of ammo in a small sack on the ground. “Oh would you mind grabbing the egg too; put it in that bag.” Twilight nodded and nicely laid it in the other nearby sack but this one with weird straps. “Thank you, wouldn’t want some baby getting a rude awakening now would we? I’m amazed it’s still intact.” he continued as he grabbed a strange sharp object out of a box with a small ring on it. “Dragon eggs are the most durable eggs on the planet. According to one of my books they can be dropped from heights up to 5 meters, survive being submerged in lava, and Manticore attacks.” she replied with a grin at the end. “Twilight….., now let’s go before my glue undoes itself.” Robert responded with a short chuckle which was abruptly stopped when he felt a sting go through his chest. “Oh, sorry!” Twilight apologized before blushing in embarrassment. The two then made their way through the Manticore graveyard, made the night prior, and approached the tracked vehicle with wheel in the front. “Hop on, Twilight. Oh and you may want to hold on to something back there.” Robert said as he placed the bags on the back of the vehicle and gingerly putting himself in the driver’s seat. “Ok” she replied as she climbed aboard, “But why would I need to….. nevermind” Twilight said as she nearly topple off the Kettenkrad as it lurched forward. “See….” Robert said with a chuckle as they sped north at around 25mph toward the ponies of Ponyville. They then drove in silence since Twilight, was both too fascinated and terrified of the vehicle to even speak. After a few minutes Robert noticed that Fluttershy’s house and then hopped on the dirt road so he could pick up some more speed. January 14, 1944 Dregen, German held Austria “Standartenführer Fransheim, sir it appears we have a situation.” An SS soldier stated as he flung open the door to his officer’s office. “This had better be good soldier!” the startled officer stated with a scowl. “Obersturmbannführer von Falst’s base was discovered by the Wehrmacht officer.” the soldier quickly replied. “How did he find it? What did Falst do?” Fransheim demanded. “A soldier was discovered watching his location and then forced by the officer to show the HQ’s location.” the soldier explained. “What was that incompetent soldier doing; doing a dance in the brush outside his tent!” Fransheim yelled. “I don’t know sir. I know Obersturmbannführer von Falst’s response to this was to have the Wehrmacht officer contact the local government to arrange a diplomatic meeting.” the soldier continued. “I guess it can work, but that moves up the plans a good three weeks. Bring me the intended diplomats soldier. Also tell the hanger we need that Junkers by the end of this week.” Fransheim ordered as he began sifting through his paperwork. “Yes sir, Standartenführer Fransheim!” the soldier replied. “Heil Hitler!” Fransheim and the SS soldier saluted one another before the soldier left. January 14, 1944 Ponyville, Equestria The growl of the Kettenkrad startled many ponies and sent them running for their homes which they promptly put on lockdown. A few braver ponies though went to investigate where the odd noise was coming from and the sight terrified them for on the road was a strange beast that was kicking up dust while approaching them at great speed. Fearing for their lives even the braver ponies fled to their houses. Robert sped into town at 30mph and became curious on where the ponies were. “Twilight? You still alive back there?” Robert asked glancing behind him and seeing the purple pony. “Yes…. “ Twilight stuttered weakly. “What was that?” he yelled in replied trying to overcome the engine’s noise. “Yes!” Twilight yelped. “What’s wrong, magic overuse causing drowsiness?” Robert questioned loudly as they rolled through the town passing the Library. “Speed.” Twilight babbled holding on to the vehicle for dear life. “Aah, well where’s the Hospital? Sooner we arrive there the sooner we slow down.” Robert replied grinning. “Keep to the road, it should be nearby. It’s hard to miss; it’s on a hill.” she explained nervously. “Alright then.” Robert replied as he continued to look over the houses as he went by. {Quills and sofas? How do those things have anything in common? Feathers maybe?} Robert then began to see the large cottage styled building with a white cross with a red circle surrounding it at the top. {I guess the whole red cross idea is more universal than I thought} Slowly he brought the vehicle to stop in front of the hospital where two security ponies walked out practically shaking. “Hold it right there beast!” one of the guards said in an assertive tone. “We both have no time for this! She needs magical overuse care of some sort and I am in dire need of stitches and some pain medication.” Robert said as Twilight slowly got off the Kettenkrad and kissed the ground. “Is this true Miss Sparkle?” the guard pony asked. “Yes it is Starry Night.” Twilight said as she began to walk to the door followed by Robert. After they were well inside the two guard ponies just stood there awestruck. “What the hay is that thing Star?” the other guard said as she stared with disbelief at the Kettenkrad. “Whatever it was must know Twilight.” Starry replied. “I guess, where do you think it came from?” she asked. “I don’t know Curity; probably one of Twilight’s spells went crazy again….” Starry responded causing them both to just roll their eyes and return to their guard duty. January 14, 1944 Dregen, German held Austria “Welcome gentlemen, you have been chosen to lead the diplomatic mission to a vastly inferior nation in order to scout out resources and useful information about the planet.“ Fransheim began as he paced in front of a chalkboard with a pointer. “You four shall have specific duties, Hauptsturmführer Klaus shall be the Italian diplomat.” he stated while he handed a tall tan man with black hair a folder. “Hauptsturmführer Von Rylander and Obersturmführer Otto shall be the Reich’s diplomats..” Fransheim continued while handing a bald, sturdy, man in his late 50’s and a younger blonde haired, average size, far younger man folders. “Lastly Hauptsturmführer Berg, you shall represent Hungary.” he finished while handing the folder to tall blonde haired man in his 30’s. “Your mission is to convince the rulers of this ‘Equestria’ that the entire Axis Powers are present and we come only looking for trade and a potential ally.” Fransheim added as he resumed his pacing. “Our first objective is to gain their trust by any means; simple technology, engineering techniques, and factory plans are what we hope to place in their hands. The goal is to have them build factories for us to then use after we seize control, additionally we need to find oil and coal along with a place to build a refinery. The target date of full trust achievement is July 1st, you are to leave Earth tonight and see the Princess Celestal by the end of next week. You are dismissed!” he finished. The four soldiers then stood up and exchange “Heil Hitler”s with the Standartenführer and marched out of the briefing room. Ponyville Hospital January 15, 1944 Ponyville, Equestria Robert lay in his hospital room bed, which barely fit his 5’10” length, and stared at the ceiling wondering what he should do. {It’s been a couple months now since I was thrown into this place; why can’t I just get used to the whole ordeal? I’m an adult dammit, killing yourself isn’t the answer. Twilight was right, would that be how a German officer would solve a hard problem? No, that’s the easy solution; I must come to terms with the new information just as I had to in Africa. At least this time I’m not scorching in a desert with sand on everything. Hell, I’m the man in charge of history in the making!} “Robert? Are you awake sir?” a doctor pony said as he entered the room. “Oh, yes I am.” Robert replied being startled out of his deep thinking. “I am Dr. Stitches and I must say that very few ponies have ever survived a Manticore attack.” the doctor said introducing himself. “Well I guess humans have survived one of two.” Robert retorted as he shook the doctor’s light grey hoof. “Of two?” the doctor replied quirking his eyebrow in confusion. “I saw a casualty caused by one of those foul beasts on one of my allies.” Robert responded with a strain on the word “allies”. “Well then, your stitches have set fine but we will need to keep you a few more days to be sure they all hold. Additionally you appear badly injured so a week should do your body good.” Dr. Stitches explained. “Alright doctor, but what of Twilight Sparkle’s exhaustion?” Robert replied noticing now a sewing needle on the doctor’s flank. “She should be fine, but she’ll needs to take it easy on the magic though for a few days though. Any idea what she had been doing recently? She appeared to have been very magically overworked.” the doctor questioned. “Not sure…” Robert lied knowing full well what she had been doing. “Is she still here?” “Her dragon is here at the moment; do you need me to tell her something?” the doctor asked. “Tell Spike, the dragon, to come here after he finishes with Twilight. I have a message for Princess Celestia.” Robert explained. “And doctor..” “Yes?” “Where are my uniform and personal belongings I arrived here with?” Robert said glancing around the room. “Your clothes are in the cabinet; as for your many strange devices, we placed them in the sheltered area out back.” the doctor explained. “I would like my bags to be brought here, as for the vehicle you can send it to Fluttershy’s house.” {Hopefully she won’t mind, she’d probably too scared to touch it anyway.} Robert stated as he sat up in his bed. “Alright Mr. Robert…” “Actually I’m Oberst Robert Johansson, so just call me Robert.” Robert explained. With that the doctor just nodded and trotted back out the door. Robert waited for about twenty minutes before the small dragon entered his room. Once Spike was ready, Robert dictated a letter stating his country’s diplomat would like to meet with Princess Celestia. After Robert read it back over, Spike sent the letter on it way in a green flame. SS HQ in Equestria (the cave) “Get this plane built men, Junkers already did it job! I wanted it done by yesterday!” the SS officer yelled while overseeing multiple SS men piecing together a JU-52 Transport plane. Notes: The next few chapters shall timeskip much more drastically as we head toward July of 1944.