Doom Thyself
Crimson stared quietly into the misty lengths of the starlit forest. His expression hung between two poles, and neither of them all too cheerful.
"I mean it, Crimson," Zenith's voice said from behind him. "We've gotta ditch them."
Crimson's nostrils flared. Turning around, the stallion glared at his two subordinates. "Out of the question."
Phoenix trembled slightly.
Zenith... not quite so much. Gripping the sound stone, he frowned in Crimson's direction. "And just what is part of the equation? Huh? Us getting caught by those flying Queen-humpers and skinned alive for harboring terrorists?"
"They're just three ponies trying to make their way across Ledomare—"
"Crimson, the Enforcers have sent friggin' cannon shells and a bunch of managliders after them!" Zenith hissed. "Look, I know you love your ponykind, but—"
"Do you even remember what we're doing out here to begin with?" Crimson asked.
Zenith sighed, shutting his eyes and trying to remain calm. "We're trying to get our flanks home—"
"We're soldiers tasked with protecting the interests of innocent citizenry."
Zenith reopened his eyes, and when he did so, he was frowning. "No, we're trying to get home, Captain. If I may be so bold, our duty to the citizens of this stinkin' Confederacy ended the very moment we all decided to go AWOL—"
"That doesn't change the fact that we are defenders of peace!" Crimson said, snarling slightly. "It's a doctrine we've held steadfast to since the day we set out from Franzington! It's the reason we disobeyed our commandments in the end!"
"Crimson, it's not like these three are even 'citizens' anymore!" Zenith gestured towards the ruins looming a dilapidated wall or two away. "Spark knows what they've done to deserve the entire friggin' sky armada of Ledo after them—"
"Nor should we care."
"Even when it's something crazy enough for the airforce to level this forest down for?!"
"If that was the case, they would have razed the ground we are standing on as well."
"And who's to say that won't happen yet?! Blast it, Captain..." Zenith took a few steps over and spoke in a lower tone, "You're having an awful lot of faith in these three strangers, especially considering all that they've cost us."
"We still have our lives, our wits, and the majority of our supplies," Crimson said. "If necessary, we'll set up an observation post elsewhere—north instead of west this time."
"Do you even hear yourself?" Zenith's voice murmured hoarsely. "You're going flank over elbow to excuse having them under our watch! What about your faith in us?! We're your soldiers and we think enough is enough!"
Crimson looked at Zenith. Silently, his hard eyes darted over towards Phoenix.
Phoenix bit his mustached lip.
Crimson nodded. "What about you, Phoenix? Do you feel the same way, or is Zenith speaking for you?" He exhaled. "As usual..."
"To be perfectly honest, Captain, I think this whole situation is nuts," Phoenix remarked. "I mean, this whole thing started with that winged blue freak beating the ever-living-crap out of us. I nearly had my very own teeth kicked in, and what happens next? We give them a helping hoof. How are we rewarded? Crap has been flying down over our heads all day. These Enforcers aren't messing around. They want these three ponies and they want them bad. Just how is anypony being helped by our harboring them?"
"It's only a matter of time before these forces from the sky overwhelm us!" Zenith said.
"So what do you propose?" Crimson remarked, frowning and hissing back. "That we betray them? That we hoof them over to the forces of Ledo? That's virtual execution!"
"We'll be lined up against the wall just as much as they will be, Captain," Phoenix added. "But if... y'know... we give them up—"
"We'll still be dead!" Crimson barked. "Have you both lost your minds?! Never mind your hearts—think about this! I'm quite certain you understimate just how vicious and unmerciful the Ledomaritans can be!"
"And I think you—sir—are misunderstanding just how badly the bad guys want these ponies," Zenith retorted. "Face it. There's a hulking battleship out there. Foxtaur doesn't go on forever. At some point or another, our backs will be up against the wall. Then what would you have us do?"
"Fight," Crimson said.
Zenith double backed from that, his mouth hanging open. "It... but... you're joking."
"We're soldiers, Zenith. We sacrifice our lives for the common good—"
"For a bunch of wayward bums with a continental target on their heads?!"
"It doesn't matter—"
"I have a home to get back to, Crimson! Phoenix has a family! You have a wife—"
"First and foremost we have a duty!"
"To what?!" Zenith cackled. "To what, Captain?! Do you see yourself?! Do you see us?! We're outcasts! We can barely find the food to eat each day! What is there to defend anymore when you don't have a home, much less a country?!"
"Shhh!" Phoenix hissed, raising his mace and spinning towards a rustling movement. "Something's coming!"
With the sound of ringing metal, Zenith and Crimson spun towards the forest.
Eagle Eye froze in mid-step, his violet eyes reflecting the trio of nervous soldiers. "I... come in peace?"
Zenith exhaled heavily and sheathed his polearm. "Put a friggin' bell on, princess. Spark knows, you love accessories."
"Hardy har..." Eagle Eye glared as he passed by Zenith, then smiled up at Crimson. "The north and east sides of the ruins are clear. I'm ready to switch shifts with Phoenix."
Crimson opened his mouth to speak, but lingered. His nerves were still shaking from the heated exchange with the others.
Eagle Eye raised an eyebrow. "Sir? Is something amiss?"
Crimson sighed. With a weary smile, he patted Eagle Eye's shoulder. "Good work, soldier. Yours and Phoenix's patrols are done for the night. I'll keepwatch until morning."
"Oh... uhm... very well." Eagle Eye gave a salute. He glanced at the silent mercenaries, fidgeted, and made for the center of Site Beta.
The others stood still as he departed. At the last second, however, he spoke up.
"You will... alert us the first moment Rainbow Dash shows up, right, Captain?" Eagle Eye asked.
Crimson nodded. "I won't hesitate for a second. Get some rest. We have to set up a solid perimeter tomorrow morning."
"Right. I'll be on the upper levels by the supply trunk." Eagle Eye departed.
Crimson ran a hoof through his short mane, shuddering.
Zenith walked into his view. "You cannot protect him forever, Captain. Nor can you protect all of us. Not while you're trying to juggle that and this crazy party that's fallen into our laps."
Crimson said nothing.
"So, what will it be? Huh?"
"For crying out loud, Zenith," Phoenix grumbled. "At least let him think—"
"Shhh!" Zenith hissed over his shoulder. "Well?"
Crimson took a deep breath. He stood up, the full height of his muscular girth, and he stared into Zenith's eyes. "Give me the sound stone." He stretched his hoof out.
Phoenix glanced from Crimson to Zenith.
Zenith blinked. He looked at the glowing blue shard in his grip, then at his superior.
Crimson's brow furrowed darkly.
Zenith gulped. With a soft sigh, he obediently reached out and held the shard in an open hoof.
Crimson telekinetically took it. Without any ceremony, he slipped it into his vest pocket. "When or if the time comes that we have no other options, I will consider your proposal. For that is what this is, Sergeant Zenith, a proposal."
"Sir, I only feel that—"
"You're not feeling anything. You're thinking. And there's nothing wrong with that, Zenith. After all, using your wits is what you're good at." Crimson then loomed over the stallion as he said, "However, you have a thing or two to learn about loyalty. That's why it will be up to me—and not you—to decide whether or not it will be necessary to do something that will damn our souls. Because if there's anything I hope to bring out of this whole mess, it's that we have those—souls, that is—and when we get back, I want them to be inifnitely cleaner than our military records. After all, why else would be live with ourselves after what we've done?"
Zenith and Phoenix were both silent.
Crimson raised a hoof.
Zenith flinched, only to have the captain's limb patting him on the shoulder.
"I meant what I said to Eagle Eye earlier," Crimson muttered. "This patrol is mine. You go rest." He trotted off towards the thicker edges of the forest. "You will need it as much as our guests—and they are our guests. Do not forget that."
The silence of the forest resumed after the muscular leader was gone.
Phoenix and Zenith exchanged glances.
"Well?" Phoenix murmured.
Zenith gulped and muttered back, "We're doomed."
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I'm liking Phoenix and Zenith less and less.
Thank goodness that Crimson can hold to his morals. Zenith's soul may just be saved.
2113367
Crimson presents another interesting study in the traits of Loyalty and its different flavors. He is much like Sam Rose in that he holds an ideal for loftier than any immediate situation. It will be interesting to watch unfold, especially since he's not being presented counter to Dash, like Sam Rose was, but still holds a lot of the same values.
BU2B - Rush
That was deep, man.
Crimson is so awesomely solid. Literally and mentally.
Also... When the hell is Dashie gonna frickin' show up! we haven't seen her in about Eight chapters!
This is Australia...
fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/320/d/9/shit_just_got_real_by_dbzsgtjustin-d4ge0j2.jpg
Well in a verbal way at least.
images.wikia.com/mlp/images/c/c5/Rainbow_Dash_Disappointed_S1E16.PNG
Things are starting to fall apart.
Won't be long now.
2113356
They appear to be good soldiers, burnt from constantly being on edge, driven to the point of exhaustion, to the point that even the falsest hope is preferable to the disparity of their reality. They're not morally reprehensible heels. They're tired soldiers who just want to go home.
You're building up some great tension, ):(. No push-ups this go.
2113544 Yes, but to even consider damning the lives of these escapees.... *shudder*
Oh.
Okay then. They're all going to die. That's cool.
2113560
Yes, to us, it is abominable. But again, these ponies have been fighting a losing battle, struggling to stay alive, separated from everypony they know and love, their wives and kids, mothers and fathers for SO long.And now to have a possible, albeit slim, chance at a free ticket home?
Man is no more dangerous than when he is desperate.
2113636 *sigh* I s'pose....
2113636 One who gives up their freedom for a little security deserves neither freedom nor security.
Pretty sure I said that earlier somewhere, but it bears repeating.
Know what Jake? I like your analysis of this whole thing. Rational, level-headed... you know how this story works from a unique perspective.
Sound stones eh? I hope you got SS&E's permission for those.
2113671 we're pretty sure that Imploding Colon is SS&E's alt account...
i do like this focus shift to Crimson. having such a dilemma makes for a great storyline.
Crimson has an odd attitude for a mercenary. Soldiers of fortune aren't known to be loyal to much other than themselves and their paychecks. It's strange (albeit fortunate) that he has such strong values that he sticks to in such an adverse situation.
To think, none of this would have ever happened if Dash had just decided not to throw OASIS at an enforcer.
come to think of it, none of Austraeoh would have happened if Dash hadn't broken Discord's statue. Though i probably would have done the same in that situation.
I guess it was to be expected.
Wow Zenith... if dash finds out...
2113696 ... Pretty sure? You must be new here. He's all but said it's him. I just pretend that it isn't for kicks
2113407 We take our time with nursing Heroes back to full health
Well now I feel like a colossal dickweed.
2114820
Gosh, man. Clean up your act!
Scolon. Come on, work with me here. That title was intentionally misleading, wasn't it? I was so sure that this chapter would have Rainbow Dash talking to Luna...
2114493 Yes but Dashie can't remain strung up in some vines forever. I miss having that crazy mare in the story. Also you know we're going to get a parallel storyline sometime soon between Dash and Roarke. Or perhaps I'm just hopeful of some epic scenes with my namesake.
I hope we see more of Dashie again soon. I'm starting to get antsy...
Well, now I really don't like Phoenix and Zenith. They honestly seem like the kind of pony that would get on my nerve.
On the other hand, I'm getting quite concerned for Dash now at this stage. It's been a while. Gawd. I'm worried.
Onwards!
IIIIIt's Dashie's evaluation time!
So we've got a bit to cover in this chapter. For starters, even though Zenith and Phoenix are starting to look like the bad guys, remember that we can't judge them too harshly. They have families that they want to return to and they, on the inside, are scared. Crimson wants to remain loyal (another Elemental reference) to the innocent travelers as well as protect EE to the best of his ability. However, staying in character, and being a good leader, he entertains Zenith and Phoenix's proposal and keeps it as a possibility. These are my thoughts so far.
-MASH
P.S. I suppose I could've gone farther with this one, but it's late and I'm tired.
Yay Crimson! Damn, Zenith, just peace off on your own if you think they're so much trouble. Actually, just ask to separate your group from theirs, instead of turning them in. I get what he's saying - if a bunch of kick-happy randos waltzed into my party and landed me in a whole zeppelin full of trouble, I'd be more than a little miffed, but handing them over to be murdered/manipulated is a bit cold. Anywho, even if Zenith is being a bit of a douchewaffle, I like the different mentalities within the group. If everyone blindly agreed that Dash and Co. were the cat's pyjamas it'd be a bit unrealistic. Well, you know, more unrelaistic than a bunch of magical talking horses gallivanting around on adventures, anyway
Zenith just doesn't get the difference between a soldier's duty and his moral responsibility - and they said he's the smart flank! Every chapter, I like Crimson a little bit more than the last.
I mean, seriously, this is not a matter of loyalty, as nicely as that would fit in the story's general theme, it's one of stupidity. Zenith is not thinking instead of feeling, quite the contrary: he is completely controlled by one particular feeling, fear. If he used his common sense, he would see that the Ledomartians had no reason whatsoever to spare the Blades Guild once they've delivered Dash to them. He would understand that going AWOL has nothing do to with responsibilities. And above all, if anyone but Belle and Pilate would finally understand just how ridiculously important the survival of Rainbow Dash is, maybe they'd stop measuring her life against others. Her death means the end of the world for crying out loud, is that so hard to take that into account?
Well, two soldiers are going to get a bad ending. At least, one will.
grace and peace,
-Psyco Josho
Bad betrayers. Bad.
Like Zaponator said, things are starting to fall apart. 
It won't be long before it all goes to utter chaos and then Dash has to come and save everypony.
You know, Zenith and Phoenix aren't really bad guys. It's called self-preservation, and that's not a sin. In the end, doing what needs to be done to survive is what matters. Some choose that over morals.
4756154 very true. Which is why they have my sympathies, rather than my hatred.
dunno, i'm on the "it wouldn't help anyway, so it's just stupid" side. also, isn't there a middle way? like - just split up? wait until they are asleep and make a midnight exit if necessary, but there are more options than just helping & betraying.
2113491 The center cannot hold...
As zecora would say; "You're doomed."
Amen.
2114820
Well on the bright side Zenith didn't crucify a whole bunch of innocent ponies.
I guess it’s only a matter of time until we find out whether Phoenix and Zenith will give them up. I hope they don’t, I’m starting to like these new four.
Speaking as a former U.S. Marine, it is actually part of training to instill in each marine/soldier that while you are expected to follow orders, you are also expected to question orders that are wrong. Be it an action that is suicidal with no benefit to the whole, immoral, or even illegal. Officers are just humans (or ponies) who have a higher pay grade, that doesn't make them infallible, and in the end it is up to the individual to decide whether an order is right to follow. In this exchange both parties are right, from a certain point of view.
I'm beginning to sense a break in the eschelon.
The chain of command seems to be a trail one, and it seems we already have some blooming Mavericks in this 4 pony show
So what is that link directing to another story about another Eagle Eye about again?
Crimson is at least trying to put Zenith and Phoenix in their places, I like that. Someone has mentioned it, and I’m compelled to agree, every chaoter, I like Crimson a little more than the last.
There’s also a major rift between the military people right now, so I wonder what’s going to happen.