The third world war is raging across Earth. A Grenadier of the European Federation Enforcer Corps lands in Equestria. Can he convince the ponies, that he is friendly and not the enemy?
We have the year 2020. The third world war broke out. A 35 old Grenadier who is a brony and loving father lands in Equestria. Can he convince Princess Celestia that the war hasn't reached Equestria and protect four fillies from it?
They promised the shield would save us from nuclear annihilation. They were right. They also promised, a new era of peace.
They were wrong.
After the Freedom 4 was destroyed by our own laser satellite that was hacked by the Russians, they and the USA declared war on the European Federation. The Freedom 4 was the final payload, to complete the Freedom Star, The USA’s first military Space station. While blaming us for this, the European Federation Enforcer Corps was successful against both sides. We will win this war soon.
I was a Grenadier in Battlegroup 20. My Platoon had the call sign “Locksmith.” I had fought in many battles. I was hardened. Our commander gave us state-of-the-art equipment. Target acquisition system, Range finder and a Squad Taser. I loved the Squad Taser as I was a pacifist when it comes to killing. For survival we had Acoustic coagulation and a Battlefield Target Identification Device for defense. We had also Enhanced command. Our orders were to defend an Uplink called Foxtrot.
As we were slow and cumbersome, Badgers transported us to the Uplink. At the Uplink, Kommandos with the call sign “Broadsword” secured Foxtrot.
It was one rank higher than my Platoon. They had Urban Warfare, Grenade Launchers and Marksmen for attacks and Interceptor armor for survival.
Also, Broadsword had Active Camouflage and the ability to storm Buildings.
The Lieutenant of Broadsword, Tom was my best friend. Sure he was Frenchman and I am German, but we both served in Team Rainbow. He could speak fluently German and I French but we mostly talked in English to each other.
Tom sighed. “What’s wrong?” I asked him.
“My wife’s pregnant. I wish I was back home with her.”
I was a father myself, so I could understand his feeling. “You know Tom; I got a little boy back home. I hope I get to see him again. Thought of any names for your child?”
He gave me a smile. “If it is a boy, we will name him Thomas and if it’s a girl, we will name her Jade.”
“My boy is called Otto.” I returned the smile.
“Broadsword, secure Delta.”
“Yes, Sir. See you later, Peter!”
He called out before he left. My Platoon guarded Foxtrot with Ural so was the call sign of the Badgers. They were upgraded with a TOW missile system for attack. For defensive, Ural had ECM Decoy, Laser Countermeasures and a Subsonic Scrambler which emitted a Non-lethal HPM.
I never saw the lethal HPM but I heard reports about the end results. For me, even the non-lethal HPM was horrible. Ural was very fast as it was upgraded with Hydrogen Cells and a Power Unit.
Our commander used the same tactic every time. Kommandos and Grenadiers are guarding the Uplinks with Panthers and Badgers, while Marksmen artillery took care of any target the Cheetahs spotted for them.
It worked every time and we won every battle we fought with no casualties.
This time, we didn’t know if we would encounter the Russians or the Americans. But we got reports about ponies on the area. Not normal ponies but talking ponies.
When I heard this, I couldn’t believe it. But the description fitted for the Ponies from the TV show my little pony friendship is magic. My Son was a fan of the show and so were my wife and I. A 35-old Elite Soldier. Even Tom was a fan of it. Otto liked the CMC and Dinky Hooves or Dinky Doo as she was called sometimes. Otto even liked the idea that she was a member of the CMC.
The Show itself had many fans. The sixth Season was planned for 26th March 2016 but was canceled after the nuclear terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia.
I didn’t know much about my commander but he was a caring man when it came to his men and civilians. He ordered if we should be attacked by Ponies, we should only exercise Non-Lethal Force. I could never hurt or kill a pony from the show. Especially a foal. But we had access to the world's best “less than lethal" weaponry. “’See the world.’ Great. But then they forget to tell, that you get plugged into such a thing!” a crew member of the Badgers complained. We waited in cover for the enemy. If there was one.
While we were no match for riflemen, we could take out any vehicle or Combat Engineers that would get in range. Plus the Badgers could take of any enemy Riflemen.
“Locksmith, upgrade Foxtrot for Force Recon.”
“Yes, Sir.” I entered the Uplink with four of my men to upgrade it. As we were tech experts, it took only a few minutes. After this was done, regular troops of the European Federation Army relieved us.
Then, the Badgers transported us to Delta. The Battlefield was near a forest in Germany. Since we defeated every attack on European territory, it was strange to me why we were deployed here.
At Delta, Broadsword and Panther tanks with the call sign Olympus waited for us.
Olympus was upgraded with Sensor fueled shells and an Auto-Loader making them one of the fastest-firing tanks in the world. Also Olympus had like Ural ECM decoy, Laser Countermeasures for defense and Hydrogen Cells and a Power Unit for mobility.
We upgraded Delta for Air Strikes. As I walked out, I saw Emerald, a group of Cheetah Gunships. Emerald was scouting ahead. Emerald had a Laser Guidance and HOT Missiles. They were also equipped with an ECM Decoy and Warning systems.
For mobility they had also Hydrogen Cells and a Power Unit. “Emerald here, no sight of hostiles.” I heard one of the pilots via radio.
Even Tom scanned with his E3000 for hostiles. I had my Squad Taser and my MP12 4.6MM sub machinegun ready. While it had limited knock down power, it was still effective against body armor.
A Kommando sighed. “The waiting is harder than the fighting. What are we waiting for?”
Two Grenadiers had a conversation.
“I have the feeling that the ponies are our enemies.”
“You’re actually believe that?”
“I am not so sure. But since we drove the Russians back to the gates of Moskau, and the Americans had not even a chance to conquer our territories, it is the only thing I can think of.”
“You cannot be serious. Have you been drinking?”
“No. But it’s the only thing that makes sense.”
“Of course. What brilliant logic.”
“Emerald here. Possible contact.”
“Check North-West Quadrant, eyes on T-80 Tanks.”
“With pleasure, central.”
I could see in the distance how Emerald took care of the tanks.
“What the?” Hostile spotted! 12 o clock!” one of my men shouted. IFVs and Combat Engineers closed in. Ural and Olympus retreated to avoid getting destroyed by them.
We Grenadiers took care of the IFVs, while the Kommandos took care of the Engineers. They were neither Americans nor Russians. They were members of the Forgotten Army.
“The Forgotten Army?! I thought we got rid of those guys!” Tom shouted as the Engineers were killed.
They were not very well-equipped or trained and made poor use of cover and the munitions they carried so they were easily defeated. I reloaded my weapon. “Well, this should be easy.”
Compared to the American JSF and Russians Spetznaz, the Forgotten Army was a joke. “Right, Peter.”
Another attack started. This time, AH-1 HueyCobra’s attacked with Engineers. Again, we defeated them. This is easy. Almost too easy.
“I feel sorry for them, but almost.” Tom said after getting a kill.
“This is Locksmith, we got a kill.” I reported after taking the last Gunship down.
“These clowns do believe in their cause, eh?” Tom taunted after killing the Engineers or Terrorist Irregulars as they were called by the Russians.
The next wave came. This time, they attacked with infantry and tanks. “Broadsword, you have permission to use your marksmen.”
“Yes sir, it’s my turn.” Tom used his sniper rifle and fired. The Marksmen took out an entire squad, while we took care of the Tanks.
“This is Emerald, we engaging.”
The Cheetah Gunships used their HOT missiles on the T-80s completely destroying them. Another group of T-80s entered the battlefield.
“This is Typhoon, inbound on your target.” Eurofighter Hailstorms damaged the tanks heavily.
“This is Selfbow, our fire is effective.” Our Marksmen artillery reported as they destroyed the last of the tanks.
“Well, it appears that this was the last one.” I said, not even break a sweat.
Suddenly I heard a whistle. “Artillery!” One shell was smashing into the ground right next to me. The explosion threw me into ditch in the forest.
“Peter!”
I heard Tom calling out to me before I hit a tree with my head and everything went black.
Still panting, I looked around trying to remember what happened.
The Forgotten Army… the Artillery….
Then it hit me like lighting. I was very lucky that I survived this at all.
Checking myself, I had only a few bruises and scratches but no severe injury like a broken bone. The ditch I fell in was too deep to climb up and it was impossible with my heavy gear.
So I got up and wandered into the forest. Panic was a foreign word in the Enforcers Corps. Still it was quiet. Too quiet.
I was alone. Lost in the forest. No gunfire. No explosions. Not even in the distance. I wondered if the battle was over. If so… Why didn’t my comrades help me?
I just walked as I did not know which way to go.
Everything was so strange. I mean the Forgotten Army had not any type of Artillery.
While being lost in thought, I walked for… I don’t know... 20 minutes in this forest. Suddenly I heard a scream. It sounded like a child.
I started to run into the direction the scream was coming from, my MP12 ready. My legs increased in speed as I heard growling.
Either I was dead or hallucinating. I saw wolves made out of wood. Green eyes, sharp teeth, terrifying, like a beast from hell. They were called Timberwolves if I remember correctly. As in the show, they had a distinctly foul breath. Could be a problem to take them out, but I stayed calm, I was an Enforcer after all, they never panic.
Four fillies were cowering, trapped by the wolves. They were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Dinky Hooves. Wait a moment. This would mean that I am in the Everfree Forest.
Shoot first, think about it later.
There were three wolves. They didn’t saw me but I couldn’t live with myself, if I would let them eat the fillies, so I fired a short burst to kill the Timberwolf that was about to attack them.
It was surprising that it killed him.
This got the attention of the others. Their eyes glowed green with revenge.
While I didn’t think that the Taser could harm them, I still used the ballistic shield to block the attack of the first wolf, and then putted a bullet to this head.
The last one charged at me, but I sidestepped causing him to miss and smashing his head into a tree. As he was stunned now, I stomped his head with my boot.
Turning around, I saw that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were still cowering.
“Are you hurt?” I putted my weapon away to show I meant to harm.
“N-no we’re fine. You’re saved our lives,” Dinky said still shocked in...German. It was clear that none of them had ever seen a human before. I heard the sound of heavy boots in the distance. Actually it sounded more like… hoof steps.
Turning around, MP12 ready, a squad of Royal Guards came from behind.
Five Guards surrounded me. Just like in the show, they had golden armor.
The Pegasus had a white coat and blue eyes and the Unicorns a grey coat.
The fifth unicorn had a purple armor. If I remember correctly, this was Shining Armor the Captain of the guards and Twilight Sparkles brother.
“Scootaloo, are you alright?” One of the Pegasus guards asked her. He had a purple helmet crest instead of blue. Probably a Lieutenant.
“Yes, Daddy. He saved us from Timberwolves.”
Daddy? This must be her father.
“Stay where you are. I must ask you to put down your gun, sir. I am afraid; this war is over for you.” Shining Armor ordered surprising politely.
“I surrender.” I raised my hands.
For me, surrendering was always an option and not a shame.
Besides, prisoners of war had a better chance of survival than their fighting comrades.
We took prisoners, Russians and Americans alike and treated them under the Geneva Convention.
As Equestria was a peaceful country, I expected and hoped that they would treat me well.
I was stripped of my weapons. Still, Scootaloo's father was impressed. “You took all those Timberwolves down by yourself?” I nodded.
My body was trembling, my throat was dry and scratchy, and my legs could barely support my weight. The Adrenaline was wearing off. We walked through the Forest to an exit. After a few minutes, I tripped over a root I didn’t saw.
I tried to stand up with a grunt of pain, but I was exhausted. “You’re alright?” Scootaloos father offered his hoof. He looked like the other Pegasus but I recognized his voice.
Even the CMC helped me up. “Thanks, girls.” They smiled at me which melted my heart. Now, if cuteness could be used as a method of interrogation, would it be torture or would it be still under the Geneva Convention?
I hadn’t time to think as we reached a chariot.
The Guards wasted no time to get me in.
The CMC and Scootaloo's father got into the same chariot while Shining Armor got into another.
I was a little bit nervous as I never got into a flying chariot before.
I looked out of the window. The view was beautiful.
“So, Scootaloo, how did you even get into this?” Her father asked curious.
“Well Daddy, we were playing near the Forest, as we suddenly heard explosions and screams. Scared and in panic, we wandered off into the Everfree Forest where we got lost and surrounded by the Timberwolves.” She explained. “You have my gratitude… Lieutenant Hartmann.” He read my name tag.
“You don’t need to thank me, it’s my duty. Besides, I am a father myself.” I explained.
“We are all very grateful Lieutenant Hartmann. We owe you one.” The filly’s said together.
“You own me nothing.”
Lucky for humanity, the shield protects us from nuclear annihilation. Otherwise, earth and Equestria would be an atomic wasteland now. Still, this war is terrible for the civilians and children. Good thing we are winning the war.
Judging by Shining Armor's reaction, Equestria is neutral. I should have nothing to fear. I just hope that the Forgotten Army does not discover it. Who knows what they will do to the ponies. The Spetznaz and the JSF would not harm them, I am convinced of that.
Looking again out of the window, we were heading towards a mountain. They were taking me to Canterlot.
“Don’t worry Lieutenant, you have nothing to fear. We will treat you well.” Scootaloo's father looked at me with a promising and honest look. I could just hope that Princess Celestia and Luna would do this. Still, I had the feeling that I would regret saving the CMC later for some reason.
I knew that Canterlot was the capital of Equestria, and that Princess Celestia and Luna were ruling the ponies. I tried to get the images of P.O.W. camps from previous wars out of my head by shaking it.
They would never torture me. No. It would be against their nature. They had standards, Scootaloo’s father conformed it to me. Still, I was worried.
After several minutes, I got thirsty.
“Do you have some water?” I asked the father of the Pegasus filly.
“Sure.” Sweetie Belle used her magic to give me a canteen. Fascinating.
“Thanks.” I took the canteen. I could see in the eyes of the fillies that they cared for me already.
“You’re welcome.”
I still had enough strength to get the cap off. Taking a small sip, then a few larger ones, it was very refreshing.
“Much better!” happy, my hand gave the canteen back.
Sweetie Belle flipped it upside down. A single drop fell out. “You were REALLY thirsty.”
“Running with the heavy gear I had to carry is exhausting.”
“Touché. What kind of Soldier, are you exactly?”
"A Combat Engineer. Engineers are heavy anti-vehicle infantry and tech experts.”
“How did you end up in the Forest?” Scootaloo asked.
“I was fighting the Forgotten Army with my men, as Artillery hit me and threw me into the Forest.”
“What’s the Forgotten Army?” Dinky asked curiously.
“Aren’t you a little too young for such information’s?” I asked in return, not wanting to destroy her innocence.
Then, I had a flashback before I had to leave.
“Please don’t die daddy.” My son hugged me.
“I won’t, Otto. We will teach the Americans and Russians not to mess with the European Federation.”
“Just be careful, Peter.”
I kissed my wife. “Careful is my middle name.”
My wife wrote me in letters that she watched the news every day and how much she and Otto missed me.
I wrote back that everything was fine and we were winning every battle.
I met her first on a mission in 2011 where some terrorists had taken her hostage when I was still in the GSG 9. She was very grateful that I saved her.
After this, we dated, married and got our son. He was born 2013. We married 2012. I liked Children. I even thought about finding a job that isn’t so dangerous. But they needed people like me than any other member. I met Tom on a joint operation in Pripyat in 2010 where he was a member of GIGN. We quickly became best friends. Back then, he was a marksman, and I the tech expert just like now. I was even the team medic. Good times, good times. While being an adult, I had a weakness for video games.
Mostly first person and third person shooters like Call of Duty and Star Wars Battlefront. I even played video games with my son. He liked every Lego video game. He even asked me, if I think if there would be ever a video game of MLP. I said back then, “I don’t know, but if such a video game will ever be released, I would play it with you nonstop.” I played some times Payday 2 with Tom. We always had to laugh how stupid the SWAT and FBI teams in the game where. But I hated Cloakers. Good thing they don’t exist in real life.
I took out a family picture of them out of my pocket. “What’s wrong?” Apple Bloom saw my concerned look.
“I got a little boy back home. I hope I get to see him again.”
“Oh, Ah understand. Don’t worry; the princess is a nice pony. And we are with you, no matter what.” She gave me a salute which I returned.
“We’ll be landing soon.” The filly’s father informed me.
The chariot landed in a courtyard next to the castle. In real life, the castle was really impressive.
With the size and detail that had been put into its design, I didn’t want to know how long it took to build Canterlot.
“Hello? Are you still with us?” Dinky waved a hoof in front of my eyes.
“What? Oh sorry, I was distracted.”
Inside the castle, I lost track as every corridor looked the same. Man, how don’t they get lost in there?
After 10 minutes I believe, we reached a large double-door, with a pair of unicorn guards in gold armor.
“Lieutenant Blizzard Storm, the Princess is expecting you.”
“The Princess wishes to see the prisoner. Go right in, Lieutenant.” The other guard finished before they both opened the door.
The throne room was just like in the show. Fancy banners and tapestries, a red carpet leaded to the throne. Detailed stained-glass windows on both walls. Beautiful.
Princess Celestia was talking with Shining Armor who had his helmet removed.
Celestia locked her eyes on me. It was a little bit nerve-consuming. Still, I remained calm.
The guards bowed. While I was trained to salute, I was never trained how to interact with royalty. But I knew that normally a bow should do it.
The Princess was surprised. “The prisoner, as you requested, your Highness.” Blizzard said in a respectful tone.
“Thank you, Lieutenant. Did he caused you trouble?”
“Not at all, Princess. He was amazingly cooperative.”
Celestia walked down the throne. She was as high as in the show. She slowly and carefully examined me.
“I will ask you some questions and please answer them.”
“Jawohl.”
"What's your name, and where are you from?"
“Lieutenant Hartmann. Peter Hartmann. European Federation Enforcer Corps, Battlegroup 20.” I replied. Something tells me she knows about the war.
The Princess examined me one last time, before turning to Lieutenant Blizzard.
“Take him to the dungeon, Lieutenant. Relieve him of his military gear, then place him in a cell. We will begin dealing with him tomorrow.”
He gave the princess a salute. “Yes your highness. Let’s go Lieutenant.” I could hear in his voice that he was not pleased about this.
“I do look forward to our upcoming conversations, Lieutenant.” Celestia called out as I was leaded out of the door.
“Princess, please show mercy! He saved our lives!” The CMC pleaded but I couldn’t hear more as we had left the room.
Blizzard Storm remained friendly and respectful, probably because I saved his daughter. He even didn’t restrain me.
The guards had stripped me of anything that looked like military gear, but I was allowed to keep any personal belongings. I still had a fully charged MP3 player and a smartphone. Both turned off.
Storm was the guard who was guarding me. The cell itself had anything I needed. A sink with a mirror, a bed, and a toilet.
It was looking like an old cell from the middle ages but was still better than nothing.
The cell was made for ponies but was still comfortable.
Looking into the mirror, I would never recognize myself. What a mess. My brown hair was a little bit messy, my face dirty and my green eyes showed how tired I was. I had also light stubble. It was a miracle that the kids weren’t scared of me when they saw me.
Cleaning myself as good as I could by splashing water into my face, I managed to look clean again.
Hoof steps came from the other end of the corridor. It was a unicorn guard in white armor with a red cross on it. I had seen a similar picture of a medic in the Royal Guard on Deviantart.
“Captain Armor ordered a quick medical examination of the prisoner.” Blizzard let him in unhesitatingly.
I folded my arms. The medic stopped a few meters away.
“The Captain said you may have been hurt. I’m here to find out.”
“I won’t stop you.”
His horn lit up. It was fascinating to see the magic. His amber glow surrounded me. “Hold still.”
It felt like an ultrasound or an X-ray.
“I am no expert on humans, but apart from the bruises and scratches you’re fine. Oh, what is that? You have something in your ribs.” I still had a Russian bullet in my ribs. I was hit during the battle of Paris.
“Ja, a piece of Russian steel still in my ribs. It couldn’t be removed or I had died. But if you can do it, I would be grateful.” “No thanks.” He walked out.
Checking my watch, it was 7PM. I could need some sleep. I was tired, too tired to take my boots off.
I took my helmet off and said, “I'm hitting the hay. Goodnight, Lieutenant.”
“Goodnight, Lieutenant. Sleep well.” He said before trying to suppress a yawn. “I could need some sleep too.”
He said before I was asleep.
For some reason I woke up. Checking my watch, I saw that it was… 2AM.
Even in the darkness, I saw that the Guard was no longer Blizzard Storm, but one of Princess Lunas guards. Lavender-colored armor, dark gray coat, bat wings, tufted ears, and cat-like eyes. Cool and awesome.
The guard coughed. “See something you like?”
I chuckled. “I don’t see something I like. I see something that I find awesome!”
The guard did not respond. Just standing around. Royal Guard .exe is not responding. Please reboot.
Snapping my fingers, he “rebooted.”
After rebooting, his look became suspicious.
“What? Can’t I have a little chat?”
The guard was still suspicious. “I am a bat pony. A different race of ponies that lived deep within mountain caves like bats.” Just as I suspected.
“Interesting. I guess you are nocturnal?”
“Correct. Why’re you asking?”
“Just curious. Besides, your country is neutral, right?” the guard nodded.
“So, there’s no war critical intel we could exchange.” The suspicion dropped.
“Right. Plus, I have no order to not talk with you. Sometimes it gets pretty boring. And even if you are a prisoner, the other guards talked about how you saved the sisters of the Elements of harmony. You… got their respect. And mine too.”
As I watched the show before it was canceled, I knew what the Elements were.
“I only did my duty like any other Soldier would.”
“Is true that you defeated three Timberwolves by yourself?” I nodded.
“That was nothing. I was member of a counter-terrorism and special operations unit. We are specialized in the fight against terrorism, hostage rescue and bomb disposal.”
“Really?” “Yes. To get in there, you had to pass these tests:
5000-meter run in a maximum of 23 minutes.
100 meter sprint in 13.4 seconds maximum.
Standing long jump of at least 2.40 meters.
Seven chin ups.
Bench press: at least five repetitions with 75% of your own body weight. (At least 50 kg).
Addressing an obstacle course and a skills course.
I bet your training is nothing compared to this.”
The guard whistled. “Wow, Impressive. Hey, is that an award?” He pointed to my chest. The award was the purple heart of the European Federation. It had the symbol of the European Federation Enforcer Corps on it and the flag of Germany, to show which nationally I was.
“Yes, this is the purple heart. You know what that is?”
“Yes, you’re got wounded.”
I removed my upper part to reveal a large scar. It was where my heart was. “A Russian bullet, still in my ribs. I fought in the battle of Paris when the war begun.”
“You were REALLY lucky back then.” The guard was shocked and impressed.
“Yes I was. But I survived much worse. What’s your name?”
“Sergeant Ash Mark.” He responded.
“Ash Mark. Nice ring to it. Fits a bat pony like you.”
He looked away blushing.
“Thanks. Tell me, do you enjoy killing?”
I raised my arms defensively. “No. But I kill if I have too. And to save lives.”
“I… understand. We never had a war like this before. The last kind of a war like this war was… I don’t know… 1000 of years ago. None of us ever experienced such a war. Except for the war against the changelings but this is nothing against this kind of war. And to be honest with you, I am scared. Scared that the war will reach us.”
I could hear the fear in his voice. “Don’t worry about that. My nation is winning this terrible war. It will be over soon.”
“Good to know.” Suddenly blood came out of his nose.
I got a tissue out of my pocket. “Here.” He took it and was holding his nose.
“Thanks. You’re not gonna do anything crazy, are you?”
“Do I look like I’d do something crazy?” I asked before he leaved for the bathroom.
As he was gone and I tired, I went into my bed again and fell asleep. I wonder about what the princess wants to talk about?
I woke up at 9AM in the morning. I was an early riser, but I always tried to sleep longer when I could. I closed my eyes again. After some while, I heard a, “Good morning.”
As I opened my eyes, I saw that the medic from yesterday was at the door. I believed it was the same medic.
Letting out a yawn and stretching myself I asked, “What do you want?”
“Bringing you your breakfast.” He opened the door and floated a tray of food to me, then secured the cell.
Then he leaved. My breakfast was unusual for a prisoner. A bowl of oatmeal, an apple, two slices of toast, and a glass of orange juice. Even a muffin.
Blizzard saw my confusion. “My daughter and her friends made it for you.”
It was delicious. But the apple was… the best I ever had eaten.
After cleaning my mouth I asked, “Where did your daughter and her friends learn to cook so good?”
“The parents of her friends and my wife helped them. The apple is from Sweet Apple Acres.” Just as I suspected. Man, they really know how to make apples.
“They all want also to visit you. But first, you should get a shower and a shave.”
I hold out my arms. “Go on, cuff me.”
He waved a hoof. “I won’t. Just follow me.”
It was strange. So grateful that he didn’t cuff me? A little bit dangerous, but I didn’t think of fleeing anyway. I really reeked.
I can’t remember the last time I had a hot shower. But it was great and refreshing. While I’d been showering, my clothes were cleaned. I never made a wet shave before as I used a electric razor to shave dry. But first try for everything. I cut myself a few times. But I was clean-shaven afterwards. I liked it that way.
“Should I shave you too?” I asked Blizzard in a joking tone.
“No thanks, I have shaved myself already.”
While I followed him, I wondered if this was normal treatment for prisoners or if it was just a method to get me to talk. No, keep focused soldier. The first option is the only option. They’re neutral after all. Storm brought me to a room that looked like a room for visitors.
Chairs and tables. Storm said I should wait here, while he got the visitors. To be honest, it looked like a cafeteria rather than a normal visitor room in a prison.
I sat down on a chair and waited. For some reason, I drifted off to sleep.
It was like seconds sleep. “Daddy!” I heard Scootaloo from the other side as I woke up. I corrected myself and the door opened.
The CMC walked in; followed by Storm, a mare with an orange mane and tail and a torquiest coat, light blue eyes, and a heart with a blue ribbon tied around it as Cutie Mark I didn’t know, probably his wife, Apple Jack, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Rarity, Her and Sweetie Belle's parents, Rainbow Dash who looked at me suspicious, Derpy Hooves, Dr. Hooves also known as Time Turner, and Amethyst Star also known as Sparkler. I wondered if Time Turner was a time lord or not. I have to ask him later. Only now, I realized that the filly’s had no Cutie Marks. Strange. They got them in Season 5 if I remember correctly. Was this a different universe? I had no time to think as Rainbow Dash looked at me.
“So this is the guy, huh?” Then she hoovered over to my face. “Are you a spy?” Then Applejack grabbed her by the tail, just like in the show.
“Calm down, Rainbow. This human saved the life of mah sister.” She took her hat off.
“Sorry about that. Name’s Applejack. And these are Granny Smith and Big Mac. We are very grateful for saving our youngest family member.”
“Oh please, that was nothing! I only did my duty.”
“Still, we wanted to thank you. Princess Celestia allowed us to make you breakfast.” Dinky smiled at me.
“And it was delicious.”
"Glad to hear it. Those are my mother Derpy, my father Time Turner and my sister Sparkler. They helped me to make the muffins for you.”
They blushed. “Oh, stop it muffin.” Derpy was embarrassed.
“I must say your uniform is very fetching. Anyway, I am Sweetie Belle’s sister Rarity and this are our parents Magnum and Betty Bouffant.”
“And this is my mother Misty Breeze and my awesome sister Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo exclaimed. Rainbow was scratching her back.
“Sorry. Sometimes, I don’t think about it before doing it.”
“None taken. Still, it’s a pleasure to meet you all.” Now I get it why Otto likes the CMC and Dinky so much. He loves his scooter like Scootaloo does, likes to sing like Sweetie Belle, loves also Muffins like Dinky and likes to help my wife in the garden like Apple Bloom helps on the farm. They all reminded me of him.
“Oh, before I forgot, my name is Peter Hartmann but you can call me Peter.”
“If you don’t mind Peter, we all would know more about the European Federation.” Dinky was curious.
I took my visor off. “Well, The European Federation, also known as the United States of Europe, or just simply Europe, is the world's most recent superpower being a mere two years old, founded in 2018 to consolidate political and economic power in the face of the world energy crisis and accelerating security and environmental concerns around the globe. Though publicized as an evolution of the European Union, demanding admission criteria restricted membership to the wealthiest nations in Europe. The European Federation has a population and GNP greater than the United States of America, and has a greater level of military technological advancement.
The European Federation Enforcer Corps is Europe's foremost military organization made up of veteran elite counter-terrorist and peacekeeping forces from throughout Europe. Calm and precise, these highly-trained and experienced soldiers are especially skilled in urban warfare; they are also noted as consummate professionals. They excel in electronic warfare as well as advanced directed energy weapons technology, and have the fastest battlefield vehicles. The Enforcer Corps also have access to the world's best ‘less than lethal’ weaponry. The Kommando Riflemen are noted for their former Rainbow 6, GSG-9 and GIGN members as well as members from other special and elite European forces. The Enforcer Corps is the elite military group within the European military carrying out high risk missions and aimed at the forefront of assaults and placed to defend critical locations.
The European Federation also has a land army and air force besides the Enforcer Corps. The European military is a combination of all the militaries of its member states. These various armed forces have been allocated and combined into a single armed service under the command of Troop Command Europa (TCE) along with a European air force under the control of Air Command Europa (ACE). Europe also has a navy. Regular armed forces that are fighting alongside the Enforcers are clothed in the blue-ish camouflage of Europe and are equipped with FAMAS assault rifles, and also operate Leopard 2 tanks, MOWAG Eagles and combat drones.”
“So, you are an Elite Soldier?”
"Yes, Rainbow. And a former member of GSG-9.”
“Awesome! What kind of units do you have?” She was excited. I putted my smartphone out and turned it on. It had a database of all units if the Enforcer Corps. Just some general overviews and tech overviews. Nothing that would help the enemy.
“This is a smartphone, right? We learned about humanity in school.” I confirmed Sweetie Belle's question with a nod before I showed them a picture of a Kommando.
“Kommandos are the riflemen of the Enforcers Corps. Being a Kommando in the Enforcer Corps is considered one of the highest honors a soldier can have in the European Military. The Enforcers Corps excel in urban and counterterrorism tactics and many of its founders and ranking officers are former Rainbow Six members.
The Enforcer Corps Kommandos includes members that come from many elite special operations groups. This variety is considered an advantage by European commanders. Kommando units are encouraged to stick with the tactics and doctrines of their original units rather than conform to one universal rule set. This means one group of Enforcers Corps Kommandos may behave and function in a manner that is radically different from another. European commanders feel that this will help keep their enemies off balance and allow for more specialized deployments. All Enforcer Corps battalions excel in urban and counterterrorist operations.
Members of the Enforcer Corps Kommandos pride themselves on their professionalism and hold themselves up to a very high standard. In a sense, they are the perfect modern-day embodiment of the medieval knight: chivalrous, brave, and steadfast in their beliefs. However, this should not be mistaken for softness as they are a highly disciplined and trained fighting force with extensive experience. Enforcers Crops Kommandos are capable of carrying out their orders with chilling efficiency and are not afraid to make sacrifices for the ‘greater good.’ Various conflicts in the late 20th and early 21st century showed how lacking the 5.56mm NATO round was. When the European Federation broke away from NATO, it was decided that the Enforcers Corps needed to adopt a new rifle cartridge. Ironically, the Europeans decided to go with a 7mm NATO round that is actually a modernized version of a .280 caliber round created in the late 1940s. Immediately after the decision was made to adopt this cartridge, manufacturers in Belgium (E3000 Carbine), France (FMS AG2 Assault Rifle), and Austria (UAR 7 Bullpup Support Weapon) began mass production of 7mm weapons earmarked for Enforcer Corps Kommandos use.
Tactics and strategies vary from one Enforcer Corps Kommando group to another. European commanders see this as an asset because enemies are always kept on their toes and individual groups are able to make a niche for their abilities, as well as make a name for themselves. The Enforcer Corps Kommandos are especially known for their superb skill in urban combat. Few soldiers can match their ability to storm buildings and secure uplinks. Much of this is due to the dissemination of CQC tactics from a large pool of elite urban combat and counterterrorist groups, such as GIGN and GSG9. The fact that the Enforcer Corps are in many ways a descendant of Rainbow six also furthers this strength.”
“And what about you? You said you’re a Grenadier.” I answered Scootaloo's question with a picture of a Grenadier.
“Grenadiers use the most sophisticated technology of any engineer infantry. Their name is a homage to the grenadiers of Imperial European armies, who originally used hand-thrown grenades before escalating to hand mortars, and so on. Grenadiers in the European Enforcer Corps are highly educated, extremely intelligent, and very well equipped. What sets the EFEC apart from the SGB and JSF is their deployment of non-lethal weaponry and use of ballistic shields. The mentality of the Enforcer Corps is to accomplish the mission, if they can avoid any unnecessary killing, so much the better. Because of the high requirements for EFEC Grenadiers, many members are a bit older than the average soldier serving in the European Federation's armed services. I am 35.
Instead of a light machinegun, one soldier in every unit of Enforcer Corps Grenadiers carries a long-range, wide-area, non-lethal Taser weapon which is attached to a ballistic shield. The Grenadiers also have access to a millimeter-wave Active Denial System. This device won't kill its targets, but works well as a suppression device. Plus, if the situation calls for it, any enemy forces disabled by the Taser or ADS can be taken out with lethal force by riflemen equipped with conventional firearms.
The comms system, body armor, and other high-tech components of EFEC Infantry gear is the result of blending French and German next-generation infantry technology. The predecessor to this gear was first issued in 2004 and the systems and weapons used have been continuously updated and improved since then. It is widely accepted that the body armor worn by Grenadiers in the Enforcer Corps is the best-designed body armor in the world as far as comfort and usability are concerned but provides slightly less protection than armor used by the SGB and JSF.
EFEC Engineers are also armed with the German-manufactured MP12 sub machinegun which is chambered in 4.6mm and designed to be effective against body armor. However, the small size of the 4.6mm round limits its ‘knock down’ power. For armored threats, EFEC Grenadiers can deploy the MILANA-2, an advanced anti-armor shoulder-launched missile. As you have seen, it was enough to take the Timber wolves out.”
“The Panther 1A3 is the Main Battle Tank for the European Federation Enforcers Corps. It combines the best features of mounted combat systems from all around Europe.
Once again, the European focus on high technology and speed is evident. The Panther excels in maneuverability and yet is still a very capable weapons platform. By combining its 120mm main gun with a newly-designed automatic loading system the Euros have made the Panther 1A3 one of the fastest-firing tanks in the world. It also uses a more robust version of the same hybrid engine that powers the AMZ-26 Badger.
The Panther is one of the fastest tanks in the world and affords the European Federation considerable advantages against less mobile forces. Panthers will be able to transverse to the areas where they are most needed with reliable speed making the Panther an ideal quick response force for European forces. The Panther can upgrade its main gun to fire high powered microwave shells which can have a devastating effect on opponents, particularly their shields. The THEL is also a deadly close quarter’s defense weapon which will help the Panther shred combat drones and enemy infantry. The 1A3 Panther also has numerous upgrades improving its shielding a very useful trait if they are used for hit and run attacks.
The list of manufacturers for the Panther 1A3 Mounted Combat System reads like a "who's who" of the biggest European auto, tech, and weapons companies. Its main cannon is of German design, its targeting system is French, its power plant is from Austria, its gearbox is from Italy. The European Federation proudly boasts this fact, but keeps quiet about the Panther's chassis which is actually Israeli. In fact, much of the Panther's internal design and layout is 'borrowed' from the Israelis. Much of that technology, e.g. the Merkava tank were originally designed by the Israeli. By using the same hybrid engine technology that powers the AMZ-26 Badger, the Panther 1A3 is able to go much longer between refueling, especially when compared to the M5A2 and T-100 making the logistical problems of supplying Panther units less troublesome or expensive, considering the historical fuel problems of tanks during World War 3 this could be a vital advantage.
However, in order to make the engine powerful enough to move all of the Panther's bulk, some concessions had to be made as far as noise and efficiency are concerned. The Panther is also equipped with a 7.62mm chain gun which can be replaced with a high-power microwave emitter. The high-power microwave transmitter is considered a "cruel" weapon by critics, and a move has been made to have them banned by the Geneva Convention. As a result, the Panther is one of the most feared main battle tanks in the world.”
“Impressive. And what is a Badger?” Time Turner asked.
“Our transports. Compared to Russian and American offerings, the AMZ-26 is an incredibly fuel-efficient vehicle. Its fossil fuel and electric hybrid engine ‘sips’ gasoline rather than guzzles it and is extremely quiet for a military vehicle. What's remarkable is that the Badger can outrun other IFVs while still maintaining its high level of fuel efficiency.
European Federation soldiers often joke that if the AMZ-26 was provided to the British, the unit’s operating it would run out of tea before running out of gasoline. The manufacturers of the Badger's hybrid engine point to it as the very pinnacle of hybrid power plant technology, providing both speed and power while maintaining an astonishing level of fuel efficiency. The Badger is also considerably lighter than other IFVs, which means it can quickly speed towards Uplink points.
The Badger has a Spanish-made 30mm dual-feed chain gun with a firing rate of 700 rounds per minute. It is also a modular design so both its armor and weaponry can be quickly replaced with newer, more advanced upgrades. One popular upgrade is the replacement of the 30mm chain gun with a special multipurpose TOW missile system that is capable of engaging both ground and air targets (albeit at close range only for the latter).
Another unique feature brought about by high tech European engineering is the Badger's High-Powered Microwave emitter. This system has both lethal and non-lethal settings. The non-lethal setting can quickly disperse groups of infantry by inflicting an intense sensation of being burned alive while not actually causing any physical damage. The lethal setting is much more fearsome and some commanders prefer not to use it as the end results are described as ‘horrific’. I never saw the lethal setting and I am glad of it.” The foals shivered a little bit.
“Even the non-lethal setting is cruel.” Dinky didn’t want to imagine.
“I know. The AMZ-50 Marksman is a mobile artillery piece in use by the European Federation's Enforcer Corps.
The AMZ-50 Marksman is a second-generation wheeled howitzer truck. The concept has been used before by Swiss, French, and South African militaries and is now fully embraced by the European Enforcer Corps. The Marksman can be deployed rapidly and fits in perfectly with the EFEC's focus on speed over armor. It also has a fully electric engine thanks to its lightweight, when compared to other self-propelled howitzers, chassis.
Mobile artillery support is no good if all the fighting is done by the time it's put into position. The European Enforcer Corps uses the AMZ-50 Marksman self-propelled 6x6 howitzer because when it comes to speed, it is unmatched. No other artillery unit can be moved into position as quickly as the Marksman. The biggest trade-off for this speed is markedly lighter armor. The Marksman uses a 155mm self-loading howitzer. Its fire control system is developed by a German company and is run by a sophisticated AI program. This system can calculate the location of an enemy unit faster than any other targeting computer in the world.
The AMZ-50 can be upgraded to carry dual Grid Smasher rocket pods which add greatly to its hitting power and versatility. Because wheeled vehicles are lighter than tracked ones, it was no problem for the EFEC to equip the Marksman with an electric engine. Not only that, but a series of generators are linked to the recoil action of the main gun. This means that firing the 155mm howitzer on the AMZ-50 actually helps to charge its batteries. The Marksman is the only artillery piece in the world which has this system in place.”
“You’re, really understand your work.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Breeze. The PAH-6 Cheetah is an attack helicopter in use by the European Federation Enforcer Corps.
The PAH-6 is a technological wonder due to its dual hydrogen-powered turboshaft engines. It is the 2nd generation version of a line of combat helicopters that were first deployed in 2003. Since then this series of attack choppers has demonstrated high lethality and survivability. The Cheetah is lighter, more energy-efficient, and more maneuverable than previous generations by a wide margin. Europe has been on the forefront of alternative energy sources ever since 2009. As a result, units like the PAH-6 Cheetah are powered by some of the most technologically-advanced ‘green’ engines in the entire world. What's amazing is that these ‘green’ engines are just as effective as their fossil fuel-powered counterparts from a generation ago. However, manufacturing these engines is complex and time-consuming.
One unique feature of the Cheetah is its shrouded tail rotor. Not only does this reduce its acoustic signature, but it also protects the tail rotor from damage. The Cheetah is capable of a number of high agility maneuvers and can even perform a loop while equipped with a full combat load out.
The Cheetah is armed with the HOT-3, an optically tracked, laser guided missile using a tandem warhead. This reflects the EFEC’s peace-keeping roots as EFEC decided to equip the PAH-6 with optically-guided missiles to minimize collateral damage. Also keeping with EFEC doctrine is the Cheetah’s emphasis on speed.”
“Able of performing a loop while equipped with a full combat load out? I wish I could that!” Rainbow exclaimed.
I chuckled. “The LV-20 Charlemagne is a command vehicle in use by the European Federation's Enforcer Corps. The LV-20 can detect traps and stealth units, increase battlefield awareness, and can deploy UAVs and sentry drones. The most unique feature of the LV-20 is its armament. The Charlemagne is equipped with a Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) rather than conventional armament and its drones are equipped with advanced directed energy weapon systems. Many consider the LV-20 to be the most advanced wheeled vehicle ever created. The LV-20 is considered the most advanced command vehicle on earth.
The LV-20 Charlemagne allows European Enforcer Corps commanders to acquire and disseminate large amounts of battlefield data quickly and effectively. Its vast array of sensory equipment covers nearly every visible and invisible spectrum from infra-red to ultraviolet and also includes a compliment of advanced audio sensors. This means that very few, if any; modern stealth units are able to go by undetected when an LV-20 is around.
Instead of conventional armaments, the LV-20 is equipped with a Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL). Its power plant is the same electric engine that the AMZ-50 uses. It also has a high-capacity energy generator to power its THEL. Details on this generator are classified. All LV-20s have emergency gas-powered generators attached to the THEL for use when the primary power generator is disabled.
The Charlemagne can deploy EFEC Archer sentry drones which are equipped with the same Active Denial System and Taser systems used by EFEC Grenadiers. Its deployable UAV is an EFEC Eaglefly which has advanced optical systems for threat detection and is equipped with guided air to ground missiles. Proper use of the LV-20 can be a valuable asset when trying to achieve full spectrum dominance over enemy forces.”
“What are an Eaglefly and an Archer drone?” Sparkler asked confused.
I showed them the Archer drone. “The Archer Combat Drone is an autonomous ground unit in use by the European Federation.
The Archer is the most advanced sentry drone in the world. It is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and a single minigun, though Archers are often upgraded to carry a THEL (Thermal High-Energy Laser) instead. This is not always a good thing. The THEL has greater firepower than the minigun, but only half the range. This makes THEL upgraded Archers much less effective against gunships - they have to be directly underneath them to fire. THEL Archers are often destroyed by their targets (gunships as well as others) while they are closing the distance to fire their lasers. Minigun equipped drones can begin delivering damage much sooner. In practical usage, the THEL is only an advantage against infantry running in the open, where the drones can win the damage race.
The drone is battery powered, and while the actual battery life is a strictly-guarded secret, it has been rumored that they can operate for days on a single charge. Archers will often be deployed as escorts for Charlemagne Command Vehicles or as sentries. It’s reminds me of a mini version of the Badger.
The Eaglefly is a UAV in use by the European Federation's Enforcer Corps. It is typically deployed from an LV-20 Charlemagne. This armed, VTOL-capable UAV is ideal for both reconnaissance and attack missions. Its small size and light, aerodynamic design makes it the most agile and quiet UAV in use by any armed force in 2020, giving the enforcers corps unparrelled unmanned Intel. For Air support we have the Eurofighter Hailstorm. Incorporating the best elements of Swedish, French, and German jetfighters first deployed in the early 21st Century, the Hailstorm is one of the most agile fighters ever developed. Hailstorms used to support EFEC missions have been specially modified for improved ground attack capabilities.
For transport, we have the EC 220 Gadfly and the EC 660 Whirlwind.
The EC 220 Gadfly is an infantry transport helicopter in use by the European Federation's Enforcer Corps. Built by the same company that makes the PAH-6 Cheetah, the whimsically-named Gadfly is a reliable light transport helicopter that can endure harsh weather conditions and is surprisingly nimble for its size. Its unique engine can run either hydrogen or fossil fuels. The EC-220 Gadfly is a modernized version of the NH-90.The NH-90 was produced by NHIndustries which was a helicopter manufacturing company established by Eurocopter. This transport helicopter was developed by several countries from Europe; such as France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Finland (members of the EFEC). The NH-90 was then ordered and delivered to several countries around the world.
After the dismemberment of NATO, the NH-90 became the main transport helicopter of European Federation countries. The choice was obvious and several EF manufacturers made adjustments and improvements to the existing aircraft, to further its performance.
Though it is not as versatile as the V-25 (due to the lack of a modern Tiltrotor), its engine makes it a faster and more reliable platform for transporting troops across the battlefields. The Gadfly has an FCR (fire control radar) that incorporates an RFI (radar frequency interferometer), like several attack helos. This allows for a passive location and identification of radar-emitting threats. Technology that other factions' air transports do not use.
The EC 660 Whirlwind is the European Federation's main heavy lift helicopter.
Whether lifting off from a remote airstrip or dropping off supplies and equipment on the battlefield, the immense EC 660 can be relied upon to generate the artificial windstorm that is its namesake. Despite its vast size, the Whirlwind has considerable range.
Little else is known about the design. It is possible the US government would have attempted to sue the European Federation for potentially stealing technology from them. This due to the high likeness with other famous US helicopter designs such as the CH-47 Chinook and CH-46 Sea Knight.
I am German and part of Battlegroup 20. A highly versatile battlegroup of airmobile units specialized in combat against high value targets. Our Motto is ‘United in Battle.’ Before that, I was in Battlegroup 4. This specialized attack and counterstrike force became operational in 2014. The core of the unit is made up of Spanish, German, and Italian units. Their Motto is ‘Who dares, wins.’ The same Motto is used by the British SAS. The commander of Battlegroup 4 is Colonel Antonio Maldini, a former member of team RAINBOW giving him unparalleled insight into anti-terrorist actions that members of team RAINBOW possess. He is one of Europe’s foremost commanders.”
”Is this a scar on your right eye?”
“Yes, Lieutenant. I got it from an accident but it does not affect my vision in any way.”
Before anypony could answer, Shining Armor walked in with Princess Celestia.
“Leave us alone, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, sir.” They all leaved.
Celestia sat down on a chair on the other side of the table, Shining Armor did the same. Celestia was cheerful which surprised me. “How can I help you, your Highness?”
“I just want to ask you how you are.”
“Fine.”
“I see that Lieutenant Storm's daughter seems to like you.”
“Indeed. I even told her about my job in the Enforcer Corps.”
“We heard everything. I must admit very impressive. We also want to know how this war started,” Shining Armor explained.
“It all started 2016. A nuclear attack occurred in Saudi Arabia, killing six million people and crippling the supply of oil from the Middle East, plunging the world into an unprecedented energy crisis. The following year, the United States and the European Union signed the historic SLAMS (Space-Land-Air Missile Shield) Treaty, agreeing to co-develop technologies for a comprehensive, interlocking anti-ballistic missile system. The U.S. and EU test-launched nuclear salvos against each other, which the SLAMS weapons completely destroyed. Emboldened by the success of the tests, the U.S. and the EU pronounced ‘the end of strategic nuclear war,’ and the world celebrated a new age of peace.
With the price of crude oil at USD 800 a barrel, the EU member states were forced to consolidate political, economic, and military power to form a united European superstate, the European Federation (EF), which has a greater population and Gross domestic product GDP than America. The United Kingdom and Ireland decided not to join the new state, however, and instead form their own union known as the ‘New Commonwealth’, which remained neutral like you but allowed European forces to man the missile defense uplink sites on its territory. Nations too weak to join the EF, notably those in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, collapsed completely and were subsequently taken over by Russia, who refer to it as ‘their land.’ The U.S. and the EF regarded each other's power as a threat to their own, and the now fractured former allies embark on a costly space arms race with each other.
Russia, being the world's new number one supplier of natural gas and crude oil, enjoyed a massive economic boom as a result of the worldwide energy crisis. Russia's newfound wealth is spent on modernizing its military, creating its own missile defense system, and utilizing its new-found power to influence world events.
The militarization of space reached its peak in 2020, when the U.S. reveals planned to launch the Freedom Star space station in an effort to regain its position as the premier world superpower. While partly designed for civilian research purposes, the station would also house three companies of U.S. Marines, who can deploy anywhere on Earth within 90 minutes. International reaction was extremely negative, to say the least. The EF and Russia in particular despise the development, seeing it as a way in which the United States could neutralize their portion of anti-ballistic defenses and upset the balance of power. The EF withdrew from the already divided NATO in protest, causing the organization to collapse. Former NATO bases and facilities in Europe, such as Ramstein Air Base, were subsequently taken over by the EF. I am glad that nuclear warfare has come to an end, otherwise earth and Equestria would be an atomic wasteland by now.”
“Interesting. We know about humans but after 2016, we couldn’t saw what was happening afterwards. Now, how did the war begun?” Celestia asked.
I cleared my throat. “On March 23, 2020, European Federation (EF) uplink sites in the ‘lawless zone,’ where Croatia used to be, were attacked by an as-yet unidentified group of terrorists, who were using T-80 tanks, from a beached cargo ship. They were repulsed by EF Enforcers Corps (EFEC) forces. During the battle, the EF attempted to gain access to the cargo ship that the terrorists use but the ship was destroyed before they could gain access. Details of the attack were kept secret.
On April 4, 2020, when the final module of the Freedom Star was set to launch from Kennedy Space Center amid international outcry, the same group of terrorists attacked the module and attempted to destroy it, using the same methods as the Croatian attack. Once again they were repulsed, this time by the United States Joint Strike Force (JSF) as reports of yet another terrorist attack came in, this time of an assault on the Roseburg petrol plant in the Netherlands. After being defeated by EFEC forces, the terrorists identified themselves as the ‘Forgotten Army’ composed of people from a collection of failed states in the Balkans, Africa and South America. Following a final terrorist attack, this time on a Russian power plant near Minsk, the US found ‘conclusive evidence’ that the European Federation's defense minister, François Pulain, funded the Forgotten Army with modern military equipment. We found out that the Russians were behind it.
However the US took the bait and attempted to kidnap him while he inspected the Copenhagen uplink network. An anonymous call informed us about this and we managed to stop them.
On April 7, 2020, the US crashed Copenhagen's uplinks and send in JSF units to rescue the trapped team. The US successfully repelled the EFEC's first attack, but European forces were able to counter-attack and reboot Copenhagen's uplinks in their favor, forcing JSF forces to surrender and allowed US safe passage back.
But as we thought we had prevented a 3rd World War, the Russians disguised as Forgotten Army soldiers uploaded a virus into the European SLAMS network at Rovaniemi air base in Finland. The virus caused an EF orbital laser satellite to shoot down the new Freedom Star module during lift off, thinking it to be an ICBM. They made it look like we Europeans had it shot down.
This started the war between the Federation and the USA. Russia attempted to attack Poland. This was a mistake as the USA saw this as an attempt to reform the Eastern Bloc and also attacked Russia. Despite this, the European Federation is about to win the war.” I explained.
Shining Armor was stunned. “So, they blame you for this?”
"Correct.”
“May I ask what the Forgotten Army is? And what your mission was?"
“As I said before, Princess Celestia, The Forgotten Army comprised of people from a collection of ‘failed’ states in the Balkans, Africa and South America. A terrorist group which is very well equipped but lacks training how to put it to good use. One of their commanders tried to attack Europe on his own, and you heard what had he accomplished. My mission was to guard the Uplinks from hostiles, in that case the Forgotten Army.”
“Yes. You know, Equestria is a civilized country. While we never had contact with humanity, we adhere to the ‘Geneva Convention’ as you call it.”
“Thank you. I just hope that my comrades don’t see me as traitor.”
“Don’t worry about that. I can help you out. You have nothing to fear. I see you are a kind person. You’re no threat to Equestria. If you like, you could be a citizen of our Country until the war is over."
“Very generous from you, but I need to return to my unit.”
“I understand your concern but for now, you should think of something else. Isn’t it nice to get a break from it?”
“Yes.” I realized that it wouldn’t be as bad as I thought.
“Good. Captain, get him his lunch and bring him back into his cell.”
“Yes your Highness.” Lunch? I checked my watch. It was already 2PM. Wow; time went fast if you have something to talk about.
Spending 5 hours with talking. I never thought it would take so long.
The guard was the medic that gave me breakfast. Storm was getting my lunch, Shining Armor was busy somewhere else.
“You’re the medic who brought me breakfast, right?”
“Yes I am. What’s so special about it?”
“Nothing. You guys just have to do the job that must people can’t because it gets too bloody sometimes. You’ve got my respect for that, at the very least. What’s your name?”
“Sergeant Straight Arrow. So, you respect medics, huh?”
“Yeah. They’re safe lives. Plus, I used to be a medic like you.”
He grinned. “You were?”
“Yes. But I've learned from experience that the place to save lives is in the field, not an office. And sometimes the only way to save a life, is to take one.”
“So, you’re not afraid to kill?”
“In this war, I spare civilians and especially children. You know, before the war, I was in a counter-terrorism and special operations unit. In this unit I learned, that sometimes the only way to save a hostage, is to kill the hostage taker. Get what I mean?”
“Yes. We never had a hostage situation in Equestria, but I understand your concept.”
“And you know, as we have something to talk now, your and my ‘shift’ won’t get boring.”
I almost forgot about this song. I listened to it in 1996 but I discovered it again when I played Mob of the Dead with Tom. We broke the circle back then.
Lunch was good. Broad and salad. Better than some MREs.
Instead of Storm or Arrow, a Pegasus guard with orange coat was guarding me.
Flash Sentry if I am not mistaken. I never understood why he got all the hate for what his human counterpart did.
I stopped my player. “Hey, buddy.”
“Yeah?” he responded.
“You’re new here, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I have been transferred from the Crystal Empire just a day ago.”
“You’re young, aren’t you?”
“Yes. And I am scared. Scared to die. I am too young to die.” I could hear the fear in his voice.
“I know this feeling. I have a wife and son back home. I hope to get them to see again. I have fought in many battles; I never thought I would survive. But in the end I did.”
“How did you survive all this?”
“Experience, sometimes just luck. But the most important thing in battle is cover. If you have no cover, keep moving.”
“Thanks for the tip. I became a royal guard just a year ago. I even became a good friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“You did? Impressive.” Actually, it didn’t surprise me, as I knew it already from the show.
“Yeah. But it’s not like you think. We’re not a couple. Just friends.”
“Why the people always have to think when a boy and girl are together, that they are a couple.”
“Don’t know. Don’t care.”
I talked with Flash a little bit before it was night. This time, I woke up when it was midnight.
As last night, Sergeant Ash Mark was the night guard. If it was really him.
Before I could ask, I heard voices coming from the hallway. An earth pony and one unicorn walked into my sight. They were members of Celestia’s guard, so it was strange why they were here at this time. They stopped in front of the Sergeant.
“The Captain of the night guard wants to see you. We take from here.
Ash Mark was not convinced. "And why were you two sent? Your shift ended hours ago.” Yep it was Ash Mark
The unicorn just mumbled, “Are you questioning his authority?”
Mark thought for a moment. “No, but I’ll be back as soon as I can.” As he left, the two new guards took his place.
I had to interest in them and tried to sleep again.
Yet, I heard hoof steps and the opening of the door. Opening my eyes, I saw something I didn’t like. Sadistic expressions.
The unicorn lit his horn and I was yanked off the bed on the floor. I tried to break free but the unicorn held me in a strong grip, unable to move.
What the…The earth pony used his full strength on my solar plexus. The unicorn released me, and I crumpled to the floor.
“Look at you. An Elite soldier? No, a helpless coward. You’re humans are nothing without your guns.”
The unicorn used his magic to get my upright again while I gasped for air.
“You… don’t… scare…me.” I got a small breath out.
“What was that?” the earth pony taunted.
“You… heard… me.”
The unicorn slammed me against the wall, increasing in pressure.
“I don’t understand what the Princess sees in you. Instead of making you a friend of her, she should rip what she wants from you. Nothing can stop her.”
They wanted to kill me. But I didn’t want to die now.
“Coward? You may look strong on the outside, but are weak on the inside.”
The earth pony snorted in anger. “I show you who the real coward is! Let him go.”
“You sure about that?”
“Do it!”
The unicorn released me. I managed to catch myself.
I analyzed my opponent. The weak point was his head and his neck as the armor was exposed. If I could land a few hits, I should be able to knock him out.
In the cell, I had the advantage of mobility as my armor was made for this. Plus if I could distract them long enough, Sergeant Mark would be back. It wasn’t the best plan but that’s okay.
The earth pony charged at me. He was about to kick me with a two-legged buck. I ducked to dodge it and responded with a counterstrike to his neck. He stumbled, so gave him a punch to the head. “I expected better.” I taunted.
Just as the earth pony recovered, his comrade used his magic to throw me against the wall. The other guard brought his hoof down to my chest but fortunately, he hit me where my body armor was the strongest. I felt only little pain.
I responded my kicking him into the gut, then a punch right into his exposed jaw.
This threw him off me, but the unicorn was pinning me against the wall. I heard a cracking noise in my chest. I think that were my rips.
With the unicorn, the earth pony had an unfair advantage against me. I have to take both out at the same time.
“Are you done, yet? If I didn’t help you out, you would lose.”
“Just let me finish this.”
I managed to recover a little bit before the earth pony charged again at me. This time, I sidestepped, grabbed the outstretched leg and threw him back at his partner. Both didn’t saw this coming.
As they both hit the ground I taunted, “That’s all you got? You got nothing!”
The unicorn responded by slamming me back into the wall and choked me.
I tried to breathe without success. The guards had their sadistic expressions again.
“A worthy opponent I must admit. But enough. Finish him off.”
My vision began to blur and darken, for the first time in my life in the Enforcers, I panicked.
No! Not like this! My dear family… I… am… so sorry.
“WHAT IN THE HAY IS GOING ON HERE?!”
Instantly the unicorn released me and I gasped for air as I fell on the ground.
I coughed blood and was holding my chest in pain. The two guards were cowering before… Princess Luna. My and Otto’s favorite princess.
She was furious. “Well?!”
T–the prisoner a–attacked us, Your Highness! W–we were d–defending ourselves!” The earth guard whimpered.
“Princess! What happened?” Ash Mark and two other guards joined us.
“That is what I would like to know, Captain Night Star. I arrived to find the cell unsecured, and these two,” Princess Luna pointed to the two cowering guards, “attempting to kill the prisoner.”
I tried to stand up, but the pain was too much.
“Are these the ones who told you I wanted to see you, Sergeant?”
“Yes, Sir. They said you wanted to see me and that I should not question your authority.”
Night Star just said to the day guards, “Get up!”
Princess Luna saw my condition and knelt next to me. “Are you alright?” She sounded genuinely concerned.
“No. Those bastards broke my rips and I think my lungs are injured.”
“Do not worry. We get a medic for you.”
“Thank you for saving me. If you had not come, I would be dead now.”
“You are welcome. Even as a prisoner, your well-being is important. Private Night, assist the Lieutenant.”
“Yes, Princess.”
She helped me up. “They hurt you pretty bad. Let’s get you on the bed.”
“To assault, and nearly kill, an unarmed prisoner in our custody… No matter the circumstances that brought him here, what you two attempted is appalling. I shall wake Captain Armor and my sister, and you will explain yourselves to them.” Luna looked at the day guards with a disapproving look on her face.
If I go down, I take you with me!” The unicorn lit his horn. I tried to get out of harm’s way, but it was pointless as I was thrown into the wall with my head first. I trembled and saw blood before everything went black.
I woke up under a tree. Strange as I felt no pain from my injuries. Green hills, a blue sky as far as my eyes could see. The tree I was sitting under was the only tree.
What is going on? Am I dead? If this was the case, why I was able to remember everything?
As I tried to thought, I heard the sound of hooves to the left of me.
It was Princess Luna. Wait a moment. This would be meaning that I’m merely unconscious.
She raised a fore hoof and spoke calmly, “Relax, Lieutenant. Everything is fine.”
“I am not dead?”
“No. You are merely unconscious and in the infirmary.” She sat down next to me.
“So this is a dream, right?”
She smiled. “Yes. As Princess of the Night, it is my duty to help my subjects in their dreams. I also have brought your friends.”
Multiple hoof steps came from the left. “Peter!” The CMC called out and hugged me. They were crying. “We thought you died!” Apple bloom was glad to see me.
Luna's smile faded. “You suffered significant head trauma, and are currently unable to wake as a result.”
“How bad?” I patted the foals to calm them down.
Luna had a look of sorrow on her face. “Your skull was fractured, and you have a concussion. But you have been treated, and appear to be recovering well.”
“I feel like it just happened a few minutes ago.”
“Actually you have been unconscious for three days. You even lacked your dreams that even I was not able to reach you.”
“Three days?!” I was shocked.
“The Princess speaks the truth. We are here to wish you a good recovery.”
“Thank you, Scootaloo. I don’t want to be rude, but why were you at my cell that night?”
“After Captain Night reported that the Sergeant was told to report to him, I decided to look after you.”
“Just in time. One minute later and I would be dead now.”
“You’re welcome. And after I heard how friendly and polite you are, I was curious about your dreams.” Just like in the show.
“Really?”
“Yes. It is my duty to patrol the dreams of my ponies, and ward them of nightmares. While you may not be one of mine, I am able to see your dreams just as easily as those of my subjects.”
“Interesting. If this is a dream, can I change it?”
“Of course. Give it a try.”
For some reason, the first thought was my first mission in the GSG-9 in 2010.
“What is that?” Sweetie Belle looked around.
"Pripyat. A city in the Ukraine. I was sent in with a team of the GIGN as a terrorist group called ‘Phoenix Connexion’ kidnapped three Ambassadors. A German, a Frenchman and a Russian.
Our orders were to free them. A Spetznaz team leaded us through the city.”
We saw how my team and the GIGN Team were preparing for our mission.
I hold my monologue. “I've learned from experience that the place to save lives is in the field, not an office. And sometimes the only way to save a life, is to take one.”
“You were the team medic, right?”
“Yes Dinky. And the tech-expert at the same time.”
Tom was preparing his rifle. “Name's Peter.”
“Name's Tom.”
“When did you become a sniper?”
“I used to be undercover. I did time. I had to deal drugs. I even had to kill. And I was so good at it that, it got me a promotion.” He patted his rifle. “I also used to be an artist. Do you know what an artist and a sniper have in common? Details. Like when a touch of color is out of place. When a shadow does not match with its surroundings. Or when a shape is not where it is supposed to be.”
“Enough talking. The Spetznaz team waits here for us.” My squad leader said as a Spetznaz flashed his flashlight at us.
“There's Kamarov's man. Let's go.”
I had a G36C and breaching charges. “The Ambassadors are in a building up ahead.” The Russian said.
“Perfect. Move out.” The leader of the GIGN ordered.
“Servitas vitae.” Tom said as we moved out.
“What does that mean?” That is French for ‘To save lives’. This is the motto of the GIGN.” I explained to Apple Bloom as I saw myself moving out.
“Careful...there's pockets of radiation all over this area. If you absorb too much, you're a dead man.” One of the Spetznaz warned me.
We moved through the city. It was quiet. It was also a gloomy, dark, lonely and scary place with gray skies and long, unkempt grass. After a while we saw a lone terrorist. He did not notice us. “Stay low, he's mine.” Tom sneaked up to the guard.
“Oi, Suzy!” He ran up and knocked him out,
“That's how it's done, let's go.”
We continued to move. A sniper showed up at the top of an apartment building.
“Don't move. Sniper. Fire escape, fourth floor, dead ahead. Take him out, or he'll give away our position, Tom.”
“I am on it.” Tom took the sniper out before he noticed us.
“Beautiful. Move out. Go” The leader of the Spetznaz commanded.
We moved up to another building. Inside, for a moment, the ghostly sounds of children playing could be heard as we moved through the Palace of Culture with a clear view of some abandoned buildings across Pripyat.
Back then, I couldn’t help myself but flinch a little bit as I heard the ghostly sounds.
“Look at this place... Fifty thousand people used to live in this city. Now it's a ghost town... I've never seen anything like it.”
“Neither did I, Tom.”
“What happened?” Scootaloo didn’t like the sounds.
“On 26th April 1986, a reactor in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, contaminating a large area. Pripyat was near Chernobyl. It was evacuated the next day.
It was the worst nuclear accident in human history. Such a major accident, caused by a little mistake.”
“That’s sad." Dinky commented.
"But sadly true. I heard about it. Terrible.” Luna said to us.
“Such an accident like in Chernobyl must not happen again.” I said to them.
Now we reached a hotel. There were a lot of guards. “They are inside this building. I suggest we attacked from the east, The GIGN from the west and you from the here.”
"Good Idea Kamarov. Tom, you give sniper support.”
“Yes, sir.”
We got into position. As Tom fired, we all engaged.
We quickly overran the defensives. The rooms were all empty however.
“Nobody here. Did you have found something?” our leader asked the GIGN and Spetznaz team via radio.
“Non. Nothing here.”
“Njet. Same here.”
Then I saw a bloody trail. “Hey! There's a lot of blood over here. It's going up those stairs.”
“Easy.”
I saw a shadow upstairs. “Contact!”
We heard Russians voices as we got to the third floor. A terrorist quickly closed the door and we heard gunshots.
I quickly planted a breaching charge at the door.
After it exploded, everything went in slow-motion.
I killed a terrorist that was about to execute a hostage, then 4 other guys.
My comrades entered and secured the room. The terrorists had wounded two other hostages. They were shot into the gut. I took care of their wounds.
“Look at me, look at me. It's him.” My leader helped the German Ambassador up. He was tied up and had tape over his mouth and eyes. The other hostages were the other Ambassadors.
“Good job. This round’s on us.” The Spetznaz leader said via radio.
“Mission accomplished! See you next time, mon ami!” Tom said goodbye after the mission was over.
“Wow. Awesome! You’re pretty good for your first mission.” Scootaloo was impressed.
“Thanks.”
“Peter, how did you meet your wife?” Sweetie Belle was curious.
“I met her one year later.”
We saw a patrol man doing a traffic stop. The driver however pulled a pistol out and shot the patrolman serveral times into the chest. before he could react, bloody wounds all over his chest as he fell dead on the ground, the gunner drove away with squealing tires.
“Did he just…”
“Yes he did. But we did find him.” Luna was shocked.
A patrol car with two officers arrived at the scene. There was a camera inside of the car of the killed officer and a Security Camera on a building overlooking the scene.
The police forces managed to find the car of the murder. He was even so stupid to leave the gun in the car. They found out, that the murder was well known to the police and was suspected to be a member of the Phoenix Connexion.
It was conformed as a shootout started, as soon as we found their hideout which was a hotel.
The scene switched to the hotel in Germany. I rappelled down from a helicopter.
I was leading my own squad now. “Listen up, men! We have a hostage situation! We managed to evacuate the guests and personal, but the Phoenix Connexion has still a hostage inside! Our mission is to save the hostage to and take the terrorists out. You got this?”
“Yes, sir!” Before we entered through the roof, two squad members with the codenames Romeo One-One and Charlie One-One had a conversation.
“An airplane reference how originally.” Echo One-One my second in command let out a laugh.
“Weapons free, use of deadly force is authorized.” I got permission to engage from HQ
As we entered, an enemy came out of a bathroom and was killed by Charlie. “Tango down in section One Alpha.” The hostage was on the lower floor.
We eliminated every terrorist we saw on our way down. We moved down to the stairs.
“Stairway clear.” We engaged terrorists on the second floor. “Watch your fire down here. We’re looking for a civilian.” I warned my men.
Eventually we found the hostage. The leader of the terrorists was holding the hostage. A young woman with black hair and blue eyes. She was restrained and tape was on her mouth. I could see the fear in her eyes.
“Stand back! Or I'll shoot her head! I said stand back!” the terrorist threated.
“Throw the weapon! Down on the floor now!” I ordered but had no choice as I was about to kill him with a headshot. Before I shot, I held my monologue again.
"In a life threatening situation, the average person's heartbeat can be upwards of 175 beats per minute. A well trained tango is able to stay cool, keep calm. Their heart rates can be 70 to 100 beats per minute.”
After he was down, I untied the woman. She hugged me crying. I patted her back.
“Shh, it’s over. You’re safe now Ma’am. Let’s get you to the paramedic.”
I carried her out. At the ambulance, the woman said to me, “Thank you. You saved my life.”
“I only did my job Miss…”
“Katrin. You can call me Katrin.”
“Name’s Peter.”
“Die!”
A terrorist that had hidden himself charged at Katrin, but I threw myself in his way to protect her.
Echo killed him, but the terrorist managed to fire a shot.
The bullet grazed my eye.
“Sir! We must get you to the hospital at once!” Echo helped me up, as I was holding my eye.
“You take your job very serious.”
“Just like you, you’re Highness.” I replied politely.
“May I ask how GSG-9 was founded?” Scootaloo seemed to have an interest for things like that.
“On 26th September 1972, Terrorists took hostages in Munich. Germany's law enforcement found itself severely compromised due to their failure to rescue the hostages and stop the terrorists as well as the country's historic relationship to Jews and Israel. That was why GSG-9 was created. To have a unit against it.”
“And how you got married?” Sweetie Belle smiled at me.
As response, they saw how I was recovering in the hospital. I was bandaged around my eye, but the doctor said it wasn’t so bad.
I heard a knock on the door. “Come in.” Katrin walked in.
“Hello beautiful.”
She blushed. “Hello, Peter. I am here to wish you a good recovery. And I-I wanted to tell you that I…” She couldn’t finish it and kissed me on the lips.
“You know, I fell in love you after I saved you.” I replied blushing.
After that, she visited me every day. After I was released from hospital, we dated.
Then we saw my wedding. “I hereby pronounce you husband and wife.” A priest spoke up. We saw my Wedding. I smiled. I was wearing a black suit, my wife a white dress. The guests were cheering, Tom was also here.
“So cute!” Sweetie Belle smiled with tears at the now married couple. After the wedding, we danced in a nightclub to Dance Hall Days - Wang Chung.
“It’s get even better.” Dinky looked around until she saw a woman with a newborn on her arm. “Congratulations! It’s a boy.” A doctor said.
“How shall we call him, Peter?”
“How about Otto?”
“That sounds nice.” We had both tears of joy in our eyes. The Princess of the Night sniffed.
“The birth of a child is always something nice, isn’t it?” Everypony nodded.
Then we saw how I was about to watch the show with my son and wife.
“I hope this doesn’t confuse you too much.”
“What do you mean?” Apple Bloom asked before she saw about what the show was.
“I like the Cutie Mark Crusaders, daddy.”
“Me too, Otto. They remind me of you.” I ruffled his hair.
“I like the idea from the fans to make Dinky a member of the CMC. Do you think they make it canon someday?”
“I hope so.” I replied before we played some Lego video games.
“How…how is this possible?” Dinky was confused.
“You’re asking the wrong guy. But I am a big fan of you and so is my son. I also followed the number one rule: ‘Love and tolerate.’"
“Do you not hate us?” Luna asked me.
“No, I don’t.”
“Even after Stud and Strikes almost killed you? You do not hate them?”
I smiled evil. “Oh, I would love to get them a beating of my own, but I don’t hate them that much that I would kill them.”
“Fascinating. My sister and I thought you would have developed a strong dislike of us, based on that experience.”
“Stuff like that happens. The only thing I hate are terrorists. Most of them are indiscriminate in their victims, disregarding age, religion, gender, or nationality. And a child you like three should not die so soon. You yet have your life ahead of you.”
“You like children very much, don’t you?” Sweetie Belle gave me a big smile.
“Yes.”
“Why are you in the military?”
Scootaloo asked as she saw how I spent time with my son.
“After the European Federation was founded, European counter-terrorism and special operations units were taken over into the Enforcer Corps.”
Now we saw how Locksmith tried to attack the Americans in Copenhagen. But we were taken out by JSF Pioneers that fired from towers before we were able to fire or go to cover. I along with four other Grenadiers was the only survivors.
After that, I was sent home to my wife. We watched together TV.
As the Freedom four was destroyed, we knew what would happen now.
Otto broke out in tears and hugged me tight.
“Please don’t leave us daddy!” he begged. I returned the hug and stroked his hair.
“I have to leave, to protect you.”
“Please don’t die, daddy.”
“I won’t, Otto. We will teach the Americans and Russians not to mess with the European Federation.”
“Just, be careful, Peter.”
I kissed my wife. “Careful is my middle name. I love you.”
"I love you too.”
“I will miss you too, but no matter what happens, I will always love you.”
I hugged my son again. “Goodbye, Otto. Daddy loves you.”
Then I left our home to fight for Europe.
The filly’s had tears in their eyes but Scootaloo cried the most.
“This reminds me when my daddy had to leave.” The other Crusaders hugged her to cheer her up.
“It’s never easy. But my wife and son were what we’re driving me. Still, I miss them.”
Lina patted a wing over me as I struggled not to cry.
“Thank you.”
She said nothing, as she looked in shock on a battlefield. It was the battle of Paris.
Locksmith defended an Uplink with the designation Whiskey.
The Russians crossed the bridge with tanks and IFVs but also Riflemen.
We managed to take out the vehicles, but took heavy casualties before the Riflemen were disabled by an Airstrike and Artillery. “Locksmith here, we lost two squads.” I reported.
“Lieutenant, look out!” a Grenadier shouted.
Before I could react, I was hit by an AK-74 bullet.
I fell on my back, holding my chest where my heart was.
“Medic!” I called out in pain. It was so great, that I closed my eyes and clenched my teeth.
Before everything went black, I heard a comrade say, “Hold on, Lieutenant. Help is on its way.”
“You were very lucky that you survived that.”
“Indeed, Apple Bloom.”
I woke up in a hospital bed as I heard voices. “I can’t remove the bullet. It would only make it worse.” A doctor said.
“This is you got the scar on your chest, right? Sergeant Night Hooves told me about it.”
“Yes, Princess. A Russian bullet still in my rips.”
Then the pony’s saw the all the battles I had fought in.
Then I was reading a letter from my family.
Peter,
We miss you very much. Still, we are happy to hear that Europe is about to win this war.
We are watching the news every day. Sometimes, Otto has nightmares about you. He prays every day that you come back safe and sound and not in a body bag. Everything is quiet back home. Every time I see a parade of the Enforcers, I have to think of you. It’s so empty in the house without you.
I hope that you survive and are coming back to us. We can’t live without you. I have something in the envelope for you.
I miss you too. I am fine and we won every battle so far.
I dream every night about you. To be honest, I am homesick. I just hope that after this war is over, that I can finally return to you.
You two are what are driving me in this war. I love you two with all my heart.
With all my love
Peter
“Writing your family?” a Grenadier asked me.
“Yes. What about you?” He let out a sigh.
“I don’t even dream about home anymore. Still the night is beautiful, don’t you think?”
“Indeed ja. I like the night more than the day. The moon is just beautiful to look at.”
“I wish we could fight the Americans. I heard they are always complaining about Pioneer spam.”
“I don’t hate them or the Russians. Both are just fighting for their families like we do.”
“Interesting. Your love seems to win over your hate.”
“As I said before: Love and tolerate. But I am dead anyway.”
“What do you mean?”
“What I mean Sweetie Belle, is that I would go into prison for desertion and probably treason. While the death sentence is not in Germany, I would be in prison for life. And my family would be molested for it, which I want to avoid.”
“Don’t worry. We can make sure, that they will not see you as traitor or deserter.”
Luna had an honest and promising expression.
“Thank you, your Highness.”
“Please, you can call me Luna.”
“Interesting that you won every battle.”
“You know Scootaloo, Sun Tzu, a general and military strategist said once: ‘If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.’ And we did know ourselves and our enemy’s.
Actually, I am tired of this war. I just want to go home. By the way, if Equestria is in Germany, how it was undetected during the wars?”
“Simple. The magic of Equestria keeps it hidden from any human technology. However if a human enters our Country like you did, he can see it. Still the Explosions could be heard in the distance.”
“Flash Sentry and Ash Mark told me they are scared that the war will reach Equestria. I bet that this became too much for Stud and Strikes and I was their stress relief.”
“How did you even landed in Equestria?” Luna asked with curiosity.
I showed them the mission briefing.
“Our objective is to secure the Uplinks in this area. We don’t know if we will face the Russians or the Americans but be prepared for everything. Also, if you encounter any of those ponies and they attack you, use only non-lethal force, understood?” an officer showed pictures of an earth pony, a Pegasus and a unicorn.
Then, they saw how I rappelled down from the Gadfly, the conversation with Tom and my comrade and the fight with the Forgotten Army.
“So that’s how you landed here.”
“Yes, Apple Bloom. As you could see, the Forgotten Army may be well equipped to some point, but is still a joke. I still wonder why nobody searched for me yet, or what happened to the fight.”
“It was an interesting conversation with you Lieutenant. But we must leave you now.”
“I must thank you. It was a nice relief from the stress I had.”
“Your welcome!” The CMC said together.
“Till we meet again, in the real world.” With a flash of Luna's horn, the dream faded.
I slowly awoke with a groan. My head was hurting and I felt numb. I still had felling in my right arm.
Using my free arm, I reached up and rubbed my eyes.
“I think he’s really awake this time, Sergeant.”
“Looks that way. Stay here, Private, I’ll get the doctor.”
“Yes, Sergeant.”
Everything was blurry at first, but then my vision was slowly becoming clear. I was in a hospital bed. The door was straight ahead and a female bat pony was guarding it.
“Can… can I get a glass of water please?” my voice was weak and dry.
“Of course, Lieutenant.” She left her post to walk to the sink and putted an empty glass under it. She grabbed it like a human would without problems. Interesting.
“Here.” She offered the drink. I took it and it was watering my throat with a very pleasing feeling.
“Thank you Private…”
“Clear Amber, Lieutenant.”
I putted the glass on the table right next to me as Clear Amber returned to her post. I had a warm blanket over me, an IV in my left arm. My clothes were very fancy. A blue shirt and blue pants. I could tell that Rarity made them. Blue was my favorite color after all.
Checking my chest, a bandage was around it. My head wasn’t bandaged which was a good sign. I was in pretty good shape despite the pain.
“Can I ask you something, Lieutenant?”
“Shoot.”
Amber took a deep breath. “I-I heard that human Soldiers are cold-blooded when it comes to killing…Is this true?”
I took a deep breath of my own. “Some Soldiers are like that, some aren’t.”
“And you?” She tried to hide her fear.
“Do I look like I am cold-blooded?”
She shook her head.
“You should know I am a merciful person. I don’t like to kill, but I do if I have to.”
“Have you killed one of us?”
“Ponies? No. Our orders were if we should encounter any of you, that we should use only non-lethal force. After all, the Enforcers have the best less than lethal weaponry and I never would harm a civilian or a child. It is against my honor and I also always show mercy when asked.”
“What do you mean you kill if you have to?”
“Let me put it this way: Would you kill a pony to save the life of another pony?”
Amber nodded. “I get your point. You only kill to safe other lives.”
“Correct. Do all bat ponies look so awesome?”
She looked away with a blush.
Then the door opened and Sergeant Mark along with a unicorn doctor walked in.
Dr. Stable or Dr. Horse I believe.
He asked, “How are you feeling, Lieutenant Hartmann?”
“Pretty good. Can I go now?”
“If your arm is in good shape, yes.” He was sounding confident.
“A little bit numb but no pain. My chest only hurts when I have to cough.”
“Still, I need to check it.” He lit up his horn and scanned me.
“You seem to be fully recovered. You can go now.” He removed the IV.
“Thanks doc.” I got from the bed. “And shouldn’t you supposed to be in the Hospital of Ponyville?” He was confused.
“Actually yes, but I was called here to take care of you. How did you know that?”
“Lucky guess. You don’t look like a doctor from Canterlot.”
“You got that right. Anyway, you can go back now.”
“So, you just leave it with that? Stud and Strikes almost took your head off.”
“I made my stand Sergeant Arrow. Let me tell you something – back in GSG-9 and in the Enforcers that counts for a lot more than you might think.”
“For real?”
“Yes, Private Flash.” He sounded interested in it.
After the attack, I had three guards that were “protecting” me from any more attempts on me. Clear Amber, Ash Mark and a guard I didn’t know were in the night shift, while Storm, Sentry and Arrow were the day shift. All were hoof-picked by Luna and Celestia and since I had had their respect and a good relationship to them, they would never hurt me.
I was never terrified of guns or magic but that night… I will not forget this so fast.
We took the way to the cafeteria again if I remember correctly.
As it was late in the morning, I could need a good breakfast. But as Storm opened the door I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“Nope.” My mind said in the voice of the Engineer of Team Fortress 2.
“That isn’t what you’re thinking Lieutenant.” Storm tried to convince me that this wasn’t a trick.
“There is nothing to fear.” Out of reflex, I drew my imaginary sidearm, as Celestia’s voice came from behind.
“No offense, but can you be so quiet?”
She giggled. “I have my ways.”
“But as far as I know, you don’t eat meat.”
“Yes but despite this, we are prepared to host dignitaries and the ones who eat meat.”
She sighed. “And this is also my apology for what happened to you. I promised you fair treatment and the Royal Guard has this also in the oath they have to make. If a Guard breaks this, I will take the full consequences.”
Just like in the show, she cares really for her subjects.
“And you have visit.” The CMC was behind her. Dinky was holding a big basket.
“We were really worried about you. We got you some treats from Sugarcube corner.” They spoke together.
I smiled. “That’s really nice from you, but that would not have been necessary.”
“Nonsense! After you saved our lives, we have to repay you somehow. And I hope you like the clothes my sister made for you.” Sweetie Belle explained.
“Of course.” Even a Spetznaz couldn’t resist that cute face.
We entered the cafeteria while the guards were outside. I had bacon and juice, the filly’s, oatmeal and juice while Celestia had some tea. Like the British would say: its tea time.
In the basket were muffins, donuts and cake. Even some apples. The bacon was good. It’s been a long time, since I had such good meat.
“Don’t worry Peter; we’re completely fine that you are eating meat.” Scootaloo finished her glass of juice.
“Can I ask you something, your highness?”
“Yes and you can call me Celestia.”
“What happened to Stud and Strikes?”
“They got their punishment. And you should know I am aware that we are just characters in a kids show.”
“You are?”
“Yes. In fact, I was aware since the first episode. And I am happy to hear that you’re a fan of it. And your son. My young subjects told me about you. We have our own language but the Magic allows us to understand you and you us no matter what language you’re speaking.”
So that’s why it sounded like German to me.
“And this is not confusing to you?”
“Not at all. I wish if any of those three Superpowers enters our country, I want to resolve this war peaceful. To make them friends again.”
“Peace… The motto of the Enforcer Corps is ‘Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum’ which means in Latin ‘If you want peace, Prepare for War.’ I can understand this, but I told you how this war started. Peace and friendship does not exist anymore. Diplomacy is dead.”
“But it is worth a try. And after I heard how kindly and polity you are, I allow you to move freely in Equestria.”
“Really? You would?”
“Yes.”
And we wanted you to show Ponyville!” The fillies exclaimed.
Guess this isn’t so bad at all. Not bad at all. But why is this bad feeling still here?
Storm brought me to Ponyville. It was a nice town. However the town was empty. Strange. He led me to Sugarcube Corner. Inside everything was dark. But then the lights went on and several ponies’, including the CMC and their parents shouted “surprise!” Out of all the pony’s, Pinkie Pie came out and invaded my personal space.
“I am Pinkie Pie and you must be the human everypony has heard of and I bet you were surprised! I always throw Welcome parties to new ponies in Ponyville!”
“Nice to meet you too but could you please get off me? You’re invading my personal space.”
“Oh. sorry.” She got off me and helped me up.
“I hope you liking your new clothes.”
“I love them Rarity, as blue is my favorite color. And your style never fails to impress.”
“Thank you.” She blushed at the compliment.
The pony’s wanted to talk to me and even got me hoof shakes. There was a large sign saying: “Welcome to Ponyville!” My first day here and they started to like me.
While I enjoyed the treats, Mr. Cake asked, “How do you like it?”
“They taste good. You and your wife really understand your work.”
“Thank you. Sugarcube Corner is loved by all ponies in Ponyville.” He gave a milkshake to me. “It’s on the house.”
“Thanks.” While I enjoyed my milkshake, I had to think of home.
“Are you enjoying the party?” Pinkie Pie saw my sadness. “
Yes, it’s just… Sugarcube Corner reminds me of a café back home, which was as good as this.”
“I understand. But don’t worry; we will make your stay as you were home.”
“Yes we will!” The kids smiled happy at me. They remind me so much of Otto.
I enjoyed some more snacks, as Lyra and Bon Bon walked to me. Lyra asked me all kind of questions about Humans and I did my best to answer them. Bob Bon offered me some Bonbons. “They taste great. You’re Cutie Mark and name really fits you.”
“That’s too kind.” She looked away embarrassed at my compliment. Seriously, what’s wrong about a compliment?
Then Vinyl Scratch also known as DJ Pon-3 had set up her equipment, ready to rock. “Let’s get this party started!”
Everypony commented how good I danced. I just liked this song.
After the dance, the CMC danced while I had a conversation with Storm. They danced like in Call of the Cutie.
“So Storm, if you look all same how can you distinguish the others?”
“Simple. Our armor is enchanted in magic that makes us look identical to each other, but we see each other still normally.”
“And I thought you were clones.”
His wife Misty laughed. “If he was a clone, I had never fallen in love with him.”
“And why is Flash Sentry not looking identical?”
“He looks different because he was sent to the Crystal Empire after his training was complete. The guards look completely different from us. His armor was never enchanted for the Crystal Empire, that’s why he can be distinguished from us. What about you?”
I chuckled. “My visor has a HUD, you know what that is?”
It sounded stupid but Storm nodded. “Head-up-display.”
“Right. It allows me to identify my comrades and shows me their rank. As for me, it displays my health and ammunition. It also has an aim assistance which also allows me to fire from the hip at close range with good accuracy when aiming down the sight is not an option.”
One of Storm's comrades walked to me. “Princess Celestia wants to talk to you.”
“Excuse me.” I walked outside where the princess waited for me.
So, how did you like the party?” She asked curious.
“I liked it very much.” I replied happy.
“Glad to hear it.” I cleared my throat. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“The guards that attacked me said that you could the information you want from my brain. What did they mean?”
She sighed. “Let me explain. The reason why I sent you into a cell was, because I thought your nation would attack us. But after my subjects told me how you ended here and how you saved them, I overthought my decision. That’s why you can move freely. And what the guards meant: I am cable of reading your mind. However, if done incorrectly, the victim can suffer a fatal metal breakdown. We have only small crimes in Equestria but those who use such spells will receive the highest punishment. I use this only when it’s absolutely necessary.”
With that she could find our base if she wants to.
“I understand. But we deploy from mobile bases when we attack. Only when we are defending we’re deploying from nearby Army and Air bases. And I’m sure that my Battlegroup is busy elsewhere by now. By the time you would get the location, the mobile base would be moved already. And they are heavily defended.”
“As I said before, you have nothing to fear. As long as the European Federation does not force me.” The last sentence sounded slightly menacing.
“Anyway, my former student wants to meet you.”
“She wants?”
“Yes. I show you the way.” I said goodbye to the kids, their parents and the other pony’s. It was Twilight's castle not the library, so this universe took place before Season 5 but after Season 4.
I knocked on the door. Spike opened it. “Yes, can I help you?”
“Hello. I was informed that Princess Twilight Sparkle wanted to talk me.”
“You must be Lieutenant Hartmann. Come right in. I am Spike, her number 1 assistant.”
He leaded me to the throne room. He told that I should wait. After a while, Twilight came through a door.
“Greetings, your Highness, I am Lieutenant Hartmann from the European Federation Enforcer Corps.” I bowed respectful and kissed her hoof.
“Please rise, you don’t have to be such formal to me. It is true that you’re at war?”
“Yes.” I repeated the story how everything begun and how I ended up here. In return, she told me about the parallel word of Equestria where everyone was a human.
It was so much information that I got a headache. Also it was getting late.
“That’s enough. You must be tired.”
“Yes.”
“You can stay here for the night. Spike, would you show him the guest room?”
He saluted. “Yes, Ma’am!”
On the way to the bedroom, Spike told me about his crush on Rarity. The guest room was comfortable. Just like the cell but much MORE comfortable. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.
I stretched myself with a yawn in the morning. It’s been a long time since I had slept that good.
In the throne room, Twilight had hay burgers as breakfast. She waved at me. “Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
“Better than ever. What’s for breakfast?”
“Orange juice and oatmeal for you.”
I couldn’t complain, it tasted good as always. As we finished breakfast, Spike stormed in with concern and was out of breath.
“Twilight! Twilight! A message from Princess Celestia!”
“What does she need?”
“She needs the Lieutenant as soon as possible in Manehattan!”
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He took a deep breath. “You won’t believe this, but we have a hostage situation.”
I was excited. Today, we would make a school trip to Manehattan! I was never before there. “Can you believe we are in Manehattan?” Sweetie Belle was also excited.
“No.” Scootaloo and Apple Bloom spoke together as we leaved the train.
I had heard that Manehattan had many landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty, the pony Square, Manefair Hotel, just to call a few.
“I’m so excited I could burst!” Sweetie Belle’s was causing a spark of her horn. I looked around, enjoying the sights.
“Mah sister told me once about Uncle and Aunt Orange living here. Think Ah could meet them? But Ah’m sure Ah will meet my cousin Babs Seed!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“I’m sure you will! Mommy always told me how exciting it is for her to deliver mail here. After this school trip, I should make a trip with her, sister and daddy here.” I replied, having my magic under control, yet smiling.
“Rarity told me about the Fashion designs here, they’re amazing! I can’t wait to see them!” Sweetie Belle added.
“Yeah, but for me, the buildings are amazing! I wonder how they could build them so high without any Pegasus ponies!” Scootaloo flapped her wings in excitement.
“Alright class, we are going to visit a school here, so behave okay?” Miss Cheerilee was happy as always.
“Yes, Miss Cheerilee!” We all replied.
After some walking, we reached the school. It was a High school and a multistory building. All filly’s and colts were older than our class but friendly and politely. The entire class was excited, even Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara.
Cheerilee was talking with another teacher as suddenly a scream came from the lower floor. Several humans wearing black clothing consisting of black battle dress uniform and pants, Kevlar body armor and balaclavas covered their faces, stormed the floor we were on. They also had headsets and some kind of targeting assistance over one of their eyes. They had the same body as Peter, so I assumed they were also humans.
One of them fired his rifle into the air and shouted, ”Listen up everypony! You will not be harmed! Think of your parents and friends, don’t risk your life! Don’t try to be a hero! Just be quiet and stay down, and this will be over in no time!”
I panicked and tried to run, only to pump into one of them. “Where you think you’re going?!” He pointed his rifle at me. I crawled backwards. “Back to the others!”
“I-I'm sorry, okay, okay...don't hurt me, I'll go back.” In fear, I got up and walked back.
“Why are you doing this?!” Cheerilee demanded but one of the terrorists punched her with his weapon in the nose, causing it to bleed.
“None of your business! Now stay down or you force me to take a children’s life!” He aimed at me and Twist.
“Please, don't kill me.” She whimpered in fear.
"Please, don't hurt me.” I whimpered. I was never so scared before. All other foals were crying, even Tiara and Silver Spoon.
"Then be quiet!" One of the bad guys yelled, aiming at her.
"Okay, just...just don't hurt them." She wimpered before the bad guys got cable ties to retrain us all.
“Please, just end this peacefully.” Cheerilee tried to hide her fear as they restrained us all. “Don’t worry kids, I am here for you.” She tried to comfort us all.
Still, I called quietly out, “Mama, Papa…”
Perspective: Peter
A chariot pulled by Storm and Sentry brought me to Manehattan. It looked like the Manhattan in New York. Sergeant Arrow was riding with me. “What do we know about the hostage takers?”
“They identified themselves as members of the Forgotten Army. They hold Cheerilee’s class and some of the teachers and students of the school as Hostage.”
This enraged me. “Not on my watch.”
“I can shield you if things go violent.” He offered.
“First, we need to get a sitrep of the situation.”
We landed. Ponies in police uniforms, Royal Guards and worried parents were at the scene. Celestia and Shining Armor were also here.
“You’re here! We need your help!” Shining Amor exclaimed.
“What’s the situation?”
“Members of the Forgotten Army stormed the school and took the foals and teachers as hostages. There are at least 20 men. They won't negotiate and I will not risk the lives of my subjects. I wanted you here, as you have experience with situations like this.” Celestia was calm. “Indeed. I was called to rescue hostages when negotiation is no longer an option.”
“Hold still.” Celestia putted a spell on me. I found myself in my uniform after the spell was complete. My Taser and my MP12 were on my back.
“Lieutenant, take a look at this.” The captain showed me the Building plan.
“We suspect that they are holding the hostages on the third and fourth floor. They barricaded the main entrance but forget the basement.”
“Good.” I looked at the map. “I will enter through the basement. Arrow, you cover me. And when I reach the third and fourth floor, Pegasus Guards will attack through the windows. With that, we will surprise them before they can react.”
“Good Idea. I will assist you too.” Shining Armor offered.
“Do you want them alive?” I asked Celestia due her peaceful nature.
“Even if I don’t like it to say this, you have permission to use deadly force.”
“I learned two things about terrorists. First: Don’t negotiate with Terrorists and second: Only a dead Terrorist is a good Terrorist.”
“I can use a spell which allows us to see the operation through your HUD.”
“Do that, princess Celestia.”
Before I entered the basement .a mare shouted in despair, “Please! My daughter Twist is in there!” I saw her before at the party. Ms. Trissie if I remember correctly. It’s been a long time that I read the comic Junior Gala.
“Don’t worry Ma’am; I am a highly trained professional. You all will see your kids again safe and sound!”
The basement was empty. “Clear.” As I moved upstairs, a terrorist ambushed me from the side. Shining and Arrow were caught off guard too.
The Engineer tried to choke with his rifle after he threw me to the ground. I used all my strength to choke him with his own rifle. As I pushed the rifle against him, I hit him with the butt of it, getting him of me. As I got up, he punched me into my face and grabbed the rifle again. He was getting weaker. I managed to hit him with the barrel. “Take that!” He charged at me but I hit him with the butt again and dropped the rifle after he fell dead to the ground.
“You ok?” I asked after Shining and Arrow had taken out their attackers too.
“We’re fine. 3 down, 17 hostiles left. Let’s go.”
At the ground floor, three hostiles had their back to us. I gave both guards a sign to stay back and took the hostiles with my Taser out. 14 left.
“Please, hurry! We got word from the leader that they will kill a foal if we do not withdraw our forces.” I heard Celestia spoke via my radio.
“We are moving to the second floor.”
The second floor was booby-trapped but Arrow and Shining were able to defuse it with their magic. I don’t know how they did that, but as it was silent and quick I didn’t ask.
“Nice work. Keep your eyes peeled.” They nodded.
We came to the third floor to a classroom. “Lieutenant Storm here, we are in position.” Then we heard a shot. I breached the door.
“Kill them all!!! Execute them all!!!” a Terrorist shouted as we moved in. However, none of them could do this, as Pegasus guards breached through the windows and surprised them.
“Clear.” The hostages were the teacher and students of the school. The teacher was shot in the gut.
“I-I was struggling with one of them for his gun as he tried to kill one of my students.” He said to me.
“Don’t worry, I got you.” Arrow took care of the wound.
“Cheerilee’s class is upstairs.” The teacher added.
“Good. Shining, on me.”
“I cover you.”
Upstairs I heard Cheerilee begging, “It's not too late to surrender.”
“Ready?”
“Ready when you are.” I breached the door.
“Kill them all!!! Execute them all!!!” Just like last time, we surprised them. Yet one surviving Terrorist was using the pony teacher as shield. I could see the fear in her eyes and my HUD showed that her heart rate was 180 beats per minute.
“Drop it, now!”
“You come any closer, I’ll pull the trigger.” She struggled in his arms. This gave me a chance to put him down.
The CMC, Twist, Tiara and Silver Spoon were not along them. “Where is my daughter?” Storm was worried.
“They took them to the roof.” Cheerilee replied after she calmed down.
I wasted no time as I run upstairs and killed 1 member of the Forgotten Army by hitting him with his rife into the gut then into his head.
“They're gonna kill us, help!” Dinky screamed in fear. On the roof, a hostile was about was about to kill her, as she was lying on the ground, helpless. The other foals watched in terror, all had heartrates of 180 beats per minute.
However as he saw me, he dived to cover behind a vent. The kids were out of the crossfire so I called out, “Just you and me. You can live to tell the tale.” But he did not oblige. As he disengaged from cover, I putted a bullet into his head.
I was about to untie the kids as Scootaloo shouted, “Watch out! Oh, right behind you!”
I turned around, only to be hit in the face by another Terrorist. He attempted to shoot me, but his rifle jammed. I quickly got up and punched him into the face. He charged at me. We both struggled for the rifle. He tried to throw me over the balcony. I saw how the pony’s gasped in shock.
However, I managed to shove him back. Again he charged, but I grabbed his rifle to turn him around. As I threw him over the balcony, he grabbed me in an attempt to take me with him. He fell down with a scream to the balcony under us, which killed him. I nearly fell myself off but instinctively grabbed the railing and used all my strength to pull myself up. Dinky and Sweetie Belle used their magic to assist me.
I rolled over and got up. Blizzard and Rainbow were joining us. “Daddy!” Scootaloo hugged him tightly with tears after she was untied.
“Shh, it’s over, no more tears shh…”
I looked at the killed terrorist in disgust and looked away. “You look spooked, Peter. I thought you’d been under fire before.”
I sighed. “It never gets any easier, Rainbow.”
As we walked downstairs, another terrorist tried to attack me with a knife. I responded by grabbing his arm and he rammed it into a wall. Then he took it out and we struggled for it. I punched him and he fell on a table. I was kicked out of the window by him. Using both hands to prevent him from killing me, I saw my MP12 next to me. He stumbled after he was hit by the butt of my gun. Spotting a grenade on his pocket protector, I pulled the pin. After he realized what I had done, I shoved him back into the building. No one could survive this explosion.
“Here they are! Safe and sound!” I heard Ms. Trissie.
“Oh, Sweetie Belle! I thought I’d never see you again!” Rarity was glad to see her little sister.
“Mommy! Daddy!” other foals called out for their parents.
I was about to join them, but then, I became dizzy and everything went black.
It was warm. Opening my eyes, I found myself in a bed with a warm blanket over me.
It was a normal house, not a hospital. The door opened and Time Turner walked in.
“You’re awake. You were really exhausted. And thank you again, for saving my daughter.”
“I only did my job.” Getting up was no problem. “Where is she?”
“At school. My wife’s at work and so is Sparkler. I work as a watchmaker.”
By his voice, it was clear that it was more than a simple thank you.
“You’re hiding something from me.”
He sighed. “You’re actually the first human I met in a long time.”
“I used to a traveler and a human like you. I am a time lord. My actually name is the Doctor.”
“Is there a proof?”
He smiled. “Yes, follow me.” He walked to the attic. On it was a blue police box. The Tardis.
It was bigger on the inside. “Convinced?” the brown stallion leaned against a wall, smiling proudly.
“Yes. How did you end up here?”
“The Tardis had a malfunction that caused me to show up here, similar when I landed in that parallel universe of London where I met the Cybus Cybermen.” He shook his head and groaned. “Anyway, I was a pony and first met Derpy when I looked for a place to stay which she offered me, happily. She's that kind of mare. Eventually we fell in love, married and got our sweet daughters Sparkler and Dinky. They’re everything to me. She also told me about your life and the show.”
“Did you know that your adventures were also just a show here?”
He nodded. “Yes. Even if there are times that I want to forget, I always smile at the good times. Tell me, what is your favorite doctor?” He looked curious at me.
“The Fourth and the Tenth Doctor. In the fandom, you are also known as Doctor Whooves as you look similar to the Tenth Doctor. My favorite villains are the Cybermen from Mondas not the Cybermen from the other universe. They are just robots with a human brain inside. From the voices and movements, you could see that the Cybermen from Mondas were once humans.”
“Indeed. It is incredible what they did to survive and paid the ultimate price for it. At least no cyberponies showed up in Ponyville. The Earth pony Rose reminds me of my former companion Rose Tyler, but Derpy… reminds me the most of her. I think I finally have found peace with her.”
Downstairs, the door was opened. “Daddy, I am home!” We heard Dinky calling out.
I followed her father down. The filly greeted me with a big smile.
“Peter!” She hugged while I patted her hair.
“Hello again, Dinky. How was school?”
“Great! It’s been only yesterday and the class recovered from the hostage situation pretty fast. They all are very grateful that you risked your life to save us.”
“I did only my job.”
“I know. Twist gave me some peppermint sticks for you.” She reached for her saddlebag.
The sticks were delicious. “Twist can be proud of herself. Her sticks are very delicious. What else have you planned?”
“Nothing. But our class makes a trip to the Crystal Empire tomorrow. Do you want to come with us?”
“Of course, how could I refuse?”
I stayed the night at Dinky’s home.
When we were at the Crystal Empire, I was speechless. Amazing like in the show.
Princess Cadence waited for us. “Greetings children, I am Princess Cadence and I am pleasured to give you a tour. You must be Lieutenant Hartmann, right?”
"Yes I am, your highness.” I bowed.
She giggled. “Please, speak freely.”
She showed us the Crystal Heart, the palace and all the other sights of the Empire. I wonder if a human could also be looking like a Crystal Pony.
Shining Armor joined us and I had a conversation with him.
“How do you like the Crystal Empire?”
“I like it a lot. A nice place.”
“Any Idea how the Forgotten Army got to Manehattan?”
“I suspect that they were just a scattered unit, nothing more.”
“Let’s hope so. Anyway, a lot of pony’s are in your fault and I must say… it was an honor to fight by our side.” He blushed.
“Oh please, we only did our duty as soldiers.”
“Right. Now time for lunch.”
We had lunch in one of the rooms for royalty. A large table just like at a business meeting at a large company.
Then, we were heading to Ponyville again. The foals talked how exciting the trip was but I took a nap.
In Ponyville, the kids said goodbye as they went back to school.
“Hey Lieutenant!” Rainbow landed in front of me. “How’s going, buddy?”
“Pretty good. And you?”
“Awesome as always. I thought about giving you a tour of Cloudsdale.”
A look of worry came across my face. “You know that I am not a Pegasus, right?”
“Don’t worry Lieutenant, Twilight knows a spell that can let anypony walk on clouds, and I am sure it will work on you too.”
“If you say so.”
We both went to Twilight. Rainbow knocked on the door. Twilight opened it.
“Well, hello you two. Please come in.” We entered the castle.
“Hello again, Lieutenant, how are you doing on this fine day?”
“I am doing well. Rainbow wants to show me Cloudsdale.”
“Yes. Do you think you could maybe cast that cloud walking spell on him? You know, the one you casted on Pinkie Pie, and Applejack when you all came to watch me at the young fliers competition?"
Twilight gave her a hopeful smile. “I never tried it on a human, but I am sure it will work. Relax Lieutenant; this should only take a minute.”
“Okay, I trust you.”
I swear if she turns me into a pony… Her purple aura surrounded me and I could feel the warmth of her magic around my body. It was pleasant.
“And we’re done.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. And I hope you will enjoy the tour.”
“I will.” As we left I asked, “You sure I am not too heavy for you?”
She chuckled. “I carried three unconscious Wonderbolts and my friend Rarity back then and I didn’t break a sweat. And an adult human should be no problem.”
“You have a point.” Before I got on her back, Scootaloo's parents and Flash Sentry joined us.
“How are you, Rainbow Dash?”
“Doing well. I was about to show the Lieutenant Cloudsdale. Want to join us?”
"Sure why not. We are off duty anyway. And a visit to my old home feels always good.” Storm replied.
“Next stop, Cloudsdale.” All Pegasus took off. We all landed on a cloud that was above Cloudsdale giving a beautiful view of it. I looked at the cloud city in awe.
“Alright Lieutenant, let’s test if the spell worked.” I carefully climbed off her. I didn’t fell through the cloud.
“It works.” The view of the city was amazing.
“Amazing, isn’t it?”
“Beautiful, Rainbow.”
“Yes it is. This was my home before I fell in love with my wife.” Storm kissed his wife.
“How about we show you the weather factory first Lieutenant?”
“Good idea, Flash.”
The factory was like in the show. Every snowflake was hoof-made, professional and careful. I didn’t even thought about tasting the Rainbow waterfalls, as I knew what happened to Pinkie Pie.
As we walked outside I joked, “You Pegasi understand your job. One mistake in a factory like this and half Cloudsdale would be blown up.”
“Don’t worry about that. My father is the boss of the factory and there was no accident since he got the job.” Rainbow explained.
“Hello again, Lieutenant.”
Derpy was landing on a cloud next to us. “How’s it going, Derpy?” I asked.
“Good. I hope your trip with Dinky was pleasant.”
“Indeed. How’s work?”
She gave me a smile. "Great as always. I love my job. I would love to have a chat with you, but those letters aren’t delivering themselves.” She corrected her uniform and bag before she left us.
Next stop was the Cloudeseum. “This is the place where the young fliers competition and where the Wonderbolts perform.” Flash pointed to it.
Rainbow was smirking proudly. “Hey Rainbow Dash, look time not see.”
“Hello Spitfire, what’s up?”
“Just practicing with the rest of the team for the next show. And you’re the human who rescued the foals in Manehattan, right?”
“Yes I am. Lieutenant Hartmann at your service.” I gave her a salute.
“Pleasure. It’s an honor to meet you. It’s impressive that you got them all. I am the captain of the Wonderbolts, a team of the most elite flyers in all Equestria.”
“And besides me, the greatest flyer in all of Cloudsdale.”
“Oh stop it, Rainbow. I hope the others aren’t sleeping on the job while I am gone.”
“Especially a stallion who likes pie?” We all shared a laugh before Spitfire left.
It was evening. “Well, Scootaloo has a sleepover with her friends at Sweet Apple Acres. If you want, I can drop you there.”
“Yes please.”
After they dropped me off they all said,” See you later!”
“Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres.” Applejack greeted me.
“Hello again. How’s the family?”
“Good. Come in, take a seat.”
Inside, the others greeted me. The filly’s eyes sparkled in joy as they spotted me.
“Peter!” They exclaimed.
“Hi girls. Pleased to see you too.”
The fillies chatted to each other, while Applejack asked me how the trip was. I just said it was very nice. The apple themed meals were filling and delicious.
They even asked me if I wanted more or if I was comfortable. As I asked if I could help with cleaning, Granny just said I should relax.
“So, how did you enjoy the food?” Apple Bloom wanted to know.
“Amazing.”
“Glad to hear you liked it.”
“Before we go to bed, can you help us with our homework?” Dinky asked me.
“Of course.” We went to the clubhouse. Mathematics. “Well, the requirements for the Grenadiers were high knowledge in technology and Mathematics, so this should be easy.”
But training never prepares you for war, killing or calculating when a train departs at 9AM and with a speed of 40km/h, when does it arrive at the station which is about 5 to 6 hours away? I hated this kind of mathematics. This is only useful for people who are controlling trains or snipers that are waiting for their targets.
“I will never understand why we need to learn this.” Dinky groaned.
“Me either.” I yawned as I was very tired.
“Look Peter! We drew you!” The other fillies had drawn a picture of themselves and me.
“It looks very nice.”
“Thank you.” They all yawned and fell asleep in their sleeping bags.
I woke up at 9:30 AM. Blizzard checked me in my cell. “How we doin' today, Lieutenant? Family good?”
“They're doin' great, Lieutenant. My daughter Scootaloo, she can almost fly.”
I took a sip from my juice. “Ain't that swell?”
He was about to walk away as he suddenly collapsed. The key fell next to me to the ground. “Lieutenant!” I unlocked the door to see what was wrong. No heartbeat. I tried to revive him and called for help, to no avail.
I found my weapon right next to the cell.
However as I checked my MP12, I heard a strange moan.
Turning around, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Storm was alive! But then he screamed.
Oh no.
I fired at him as he slowly stumbled towards me, his body shrugged the bullets off like nothing, he took a massive amount of damage before finally falling. It wasn’t easy for me, he was a very close friend to me, regret and pity filled my heart, he hadn’t deserved something like this. Inspecting his body, his fur had turned pale grey but otherwise, nothing else hinted that he was undead. “I’m so sorry.”
Also the cell blocks looked severely damaged.
This ain't right. Somethin' weird's goin' on here...
Then I heard screams. Where are those screams comin' from? Hordes of Guard and prisoner Zombie ponies emerged from their cells.
Run. Just Run. My brain told me.
So I ran from the zombies. Taking random directions, I lost them eventually.
Breathing heavily, I tried to understand what is going on here.
“Oh no, oh no, oh, what's happening? Did I land in hell or something? Or is this just a nightmare?”
I didn’t waste time. The scream came from the end of the corridor I was at the moment.
Zombies surrounded the foals, but I killed them all before they could harm them, yet felling guilty that they had to see this.
“You ok?” The foals looked up crying. completly shocked.
“Peter? You’re not one of them?” Dinky asked shivering.
“No I am alright. Are you bitten?”
“No, we aren’t bitten. Wait… how about my daddy? Did you…” Scootaloo was close to breakdown.
“Scootaloo, your father was possessed, he wasn’t a pony anymore.”
“Did you at least put him out of his misery fast?” She asked in shock, tears leaving her eyes.
“Of course. Any idea what is happening here?”
“We don’t know exactly. We were about to visit you, as some of the guards had to vomit and became zombies. They overrun the survivors. We managed to hide from them.” Sweetie Belle explained shocked.
“FETCH ME THEIR SOULS!” a demonic voice echoed through the corridor. The ground shake and heavy fog covered the ground.
“Don’t worry kids, I protect you.” Zombified dogs attacked but I gunned them all down. Even if I did not knew the dogs, it was not easy for me. Apple Bloom looked sad at them, hoping her dog Winona wasn't along them, as the zombie dogs were unrecognizable.
“We need to get out of here! Do you know a way out?”
“Yes but everything is locked. We need to find the warden’s key. My daddy showed me the office once.” Scootaloo explained still sad about her father’s death, yet determinated to help her friends to get out of here. Storm had it wanted so.
“Okay Scootaloo, lead the way. I cover you.”
While I was killing zombies, I couldn’t help myself but to quote the Weasel from mob of the dead.
“Five, six, seven, nobody's goin' to heaven; it was either you or me! Stop looking for me! 'Cause all you're gonna find, is death!”
We found the office and the key. It was above the Warden's Office, so Sweetie Belle and Dinky used their magic to get it.
A loud roar echoed through the building. “I'M COMING FOR YOU!” What now?
Out of nowhere, a zombified Shining Armor came around the corner. He was wearing his purple armor but it was blood-strained and was heavily-armored than a normal guard. Instead of his normal helmet, he wore a riot control helmet with a heavily damaged visor. Also, he was holding a club with his magic.
He took more damage than his comrades, but I killed him. “NOOOO! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO HURT ME?” he screamed. Every killed pony filled me with more regret, they all saw me as friends and me too, but…I did them a favor, putting them out of their misery. I couldn’t let the children have the same fate, no. I was exhausted and at my limit but I will fight to my last breathe to get them out of here alive. I could see the fear In the foal’s eyes, they didn’t want to die or become part of the undead. It also pained them to see their former friends like this.
“We need to move!” We moved through the cafeteria, the infirmary and finally came to a door, which I prayed was the exit door. Outside it was still light. The city streets were empty.
“Where is everypony?”
“I don’t know, Apple Bloom.”
“Peter, do you copy?”
“Tom, is that you?” I reached for my radio.
“Oui. We’re coming for evac. But be careful. Sensors are showing a Thermobaric Missile Strike heading your way. Eyes to the sky.” As I looked up, we all were knocked down, and I could hear my raised heartbeat and strained breathing.
“Peter, report status! Report status! Lieutenant, this is Tom. Do you copy? Does anyone copy? Is anyone out there? This is Tom. Do you copy?”
I came to when it was night. Parts of Canterlot were destroyed, burning. It was covered in fallout waste. “Welcome back, buddy. I thought we lost you.”
I checked the kids. “Are you hurt?”
"No, we’re fine.” Dinky helped Sweetie Belle up.
I had lost my MP12 but had still my sidearm a P16 which was an enhanced version of the German P12. I found an AK-74 nearby to a dumpster. Old but still gold to me. In Call of Duty Black Ops and Modern Warfare, the AK was my favorite weapon.
“That WMD should have taken you out. Our sensors showing that this wasn’t a normal WMD but some kind of bio-weapon. But why?” Tom wondered.
“Heads up. Something’s heading your way. Fast movers. Lots of them. Be careful.”
Then an animal-like shriek could be heard in the distance. A former member of Luna's guards was rushing at us. I killed him with a clean headshot, parts of his brain got exposed from the hit as he collapsed. While I couldn’t see who he once was, still, the guards were technically my comrades, I felt regret, pity and sadness for doing this but I had no other choice if I wanted that the kids survive this…nightmare. Yes, nightmare. All foals coudn't bear the screams, covering their ears, eyes closed.
Apart from Night guards, civilians attacked us. Most of them were Pegasi so they were very agile as they used their wings to jump to close the distance, rather to fly.
“What the hell are those things?” Tom asked on the radio. I knew the answer but the WMD had an EMP side effect, so I couldn’t use my radio. Was Cloudsdale the target of the Missile Strike? If yes, why was Scootaloo not one of them?
“Death from above!” Scootaloo screamed as an infected Rainbow Dash jumped at her but crashed into an infected Derpy. Derpy made a noise that sounded like, “My bad.”
I took them both out. “I am so sorry for that.”
“I-it’s alright y-you’re put them out of this horrible fate.” Dinky tried to block out the screams.
“Peter report. What the hell are we fighting out there? What the hell’s going on?”
“HELP!” Sweetie Belle screamed at the top of her lungs as a zombie grabbed her. I quickly turned around and shot the former guard which was Flash Sentry in the head. Sweetie Belle breathed heavily after she was free.
“You deserved a better fate.”
Another Night Guard jumped from a roof, and I could swear, It (sounded better then he at this point) briefly posed as though it was holding a weapon.
After I took it down, Tom spoke to me, “I am inbound with the extraction team. Get to the prison yard. Double-time!”
Go to the prison yard! I cover you!” The kids followed me to the yard, scared but they felt safe with me.
The zombie ponies seemed to lose us.
At the prison courtyard, we closed the door behind us, briefly seeing our reflections in the glass. I then lighted up a flare and looked up at the walkway to notice a dead Wonderbolt underneath of the barbed wire.
“LZ's up ahead. Get ready to bail out!”
As I threw the flare, screeches came from behind. We all turned around to find zombies approaching the door, banging on the glass and cracking it. Looking down at my side arm and an empty magazine, I threw them away, before backing up slowly, looking up at the opposite walkway to see more zombies coming, the kids screamed in fear as they dollowed me, almost in panic.
“Keep moving!”
We turned around and sprinted to the to the courtyard, jumping over some barbed wire and metal bars, while briefly looking behind us to see hordes of zombies closing in.
“Over here!”
A Gadfly arrived, revealing Tom inside, who then opened fire on the zombies with a light MG, alongside the Gadfly’s machine gun turret, mowing down the zombies.
“Come on, move it!”
I helped the foals in board, then jumped myself on board. I lost my balance, but Tom pulled me in, and then continued firing at the zombies who jumped at the Gadfly.
“Let's go, let's go!”
The Gadfly ascended. Tom then tended to the kids and me.
“Are you bitten? Soldier, kids look at me! Are you bitten?”
He inspected our arms and legs.
“What happened down there?... You're okay. You're safe now, children. There's not many of us left.”
Zombies could be heard screeching from a distance. We all looked outside towards Canterlot and the prison, where a horde of zombies were amassing at the gates, some of them jumping, with another horde coming over the wall from the west. Many of them were Wonderbolts and Guards.
“Jesus... You’re seeing this?”
Suddenly, a zombified Spitfire in uniform jumped up and pulled Tom out. The last thing, I saw and heard was his scream.
Everything was black. “Are… Are we dead?”
“No you aren’t Dinky. It was just a dream, you are safe now.” Luna came through a white light.
“Princess Luna!” the fillies were glad to see her.
“Hello my dear subjects. I apologize for not coming earlier.”
“That’s okay. I can understand why are you caring for them but why me?”
She smiled. “You helped us in a very serious and difficult situation. I wanted to say thanks. And also I help my subjects against their fears. And you should know I can also see the dreams of your follow humans.”
I sighed. “I just want to survive and see my family again. Is this too much to ask? I am tired of war, of the killing, everything! I just… I just want to see them again.”
I was about to cry as Luna putted a wing around me. The kids hugged me.
“Don’t cry Peter, we’re here for you.”
“Thanks, Sweetie Belle.”
“I can feel the pain. You lost many friends right?”
“Yes Luna. Even before the war. I still remember the most painful loss of all.”
Now everything changed to our house in 2014. New neighbors moved in a house that was completed.
“Greeting’s, we’re the new neighbors. Name’s Jimmy and this is my wife Sarah.”
The young man gave me his hand. Fresh married and 23.
“Name’s Peter and this is my wife Katrin and our son Otto. You look nervous.”
“I am in my training as policeman.”
“Good luck, you need it.”
After some time, he completed his training. We became good friends.
“What happened?” Scootaloo asked.
“Let’s just say, his first day on the job didn’t end well.”
I was during a walk in the evening and it rained. Then I heard shots and squealing tires.
I started to run. Around the corner was a patrol car with turned on lights and a wounded policeman. It was Jimmy! “This was… just a traffic stop… I didn’t saw the gun…”
“Shh, you’re going to be fine.” I called an Ambulance and stopped his bleeding.
“Shot on his first day?!”
“Unfortunately yes Apple Bloom, but the police got the suspect as he tried to shot the next policemen.”
Now we were in a hospital room. Sarah was sitting on a chair next to Jimmy.
Suddenly, the EKG showed a flat line. “NO! Don’t leave me!” I was next to her when it happened.
"Killed on the first day on the job. Nobody deserves that.” Luna was disgusted.
“But it is sadly true in the human world.
War is where the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other.” I chuckled. “Some people say that war is a game. But there are too many little white crosses out there to be a game. But they are also right. Our commanders have the privilege to play it for the very highest stakes. Do you know why? Because if they do not, there are those who will play. And then, there will be even more little crosses. The high ranking generals are safe behind the frontlines, while we soldiers are risking our lives. But our commander is very caring for our lives unlike the Russians. And I am grateful for that.”
“I know, but I wanted to talk with you about something else.” Luna looked away blushing.
“I have visited your world and I am… interested in those games you play.”
One point for the fandom.
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
“Your wish is my command.”
I showed them how I played Payday 2 with Tom once.
“This is Payday 2, a first person shooter. You know my job before the war and here… you play as a heister fighting the police.”
They saw how we both took the blue SWATs down. I was Dallas, Tom his brother Houston. We were playing Watch Dogs on Hard, day 1. “As you can see, the AI of the cops is very stupid compared to real life.”
“They don’t even care for the hostages.” Dinky commented.
“I know. Aside from the lack of realism, this can lead to a surreal situation as the players, playing as crooks, are trying to keep the hostages alive, while the police do not appear to care for their safety.”
“Who’s this guy?” Scootaloo pointed to man in a green suit of heavy armor, which visually resembled a bomb disposal suit.
“This is a Bulldozer. An Armored Assault Unit having high health and headshot immunity until its faceplates are blasted off. They are armed with a shotgun and you need to aim for the head to bring then down quickly. Apart of them, there are Snipers, Shields, Tasers and Cloakers.”
“Cloakers?”
“A special enemy, Sweetie belle, that attacks players from unexpected angles with a kick that incapacitates in one hit. Annoying.”
I got downed by one but got revived by Tom with inspire Aced.
“That noise is really annoying!” Scootaloo was holding her ears as out of nowhere, a Cloaker charged at her, she screamed covering her head but Luna blasted him with her horn.
“Nobody harms my subjects!”
“Nice shot.”
“Thank you.”
Her ears twitched. “Oh dear, I can hear the mind of a young colt. It sounds like the little one is hurt. It’s your son.”
“There’s no time to waste!”
“Right! Allons-y!” Dinky exclaimed.
“Daddy…” I heard Otto crying.
He was curled up into a ball, nothing but blackness.
Luna trotted to him.
“Shh, little one… I’m not going to hurt you. Please don’t’ be afraid.” She spoke in a caring and calming voice.
“Princess Luna? This is really you?”
“Yes I am.”
He slowly stood up. “But-but you can’t be real. You’re only a fictitious character in a TV show.”
“Maybe but Equestria real exists. And I have someone who wants to meet you.”
She stepped aside to reveal me.
“Daddy, is that really you?”
“Yes, it’s me.”
“I can't believe it! You're alive!”
He hugged me tight. “After you were reported MIA, we prayed that you would return!”
I rubbed his hair. “I am safe and sound in Equestria. I don’t know when I am coming home, but I will I promise you that.”
“Let’s make this dream even better.” LunaÄs horn glowed.
We found ourselves in the living room of our house. My wife was sitting on the couch, sobbing, before she looked up and saw me.
“Peter, is that you?”
“Yes Katrin. And I brought some friends.”
“Hello Mrs. Hartmann.” The kids greeted her.
“This can only be a dream. But if it is, why did you appear out of nowhere?”
“Because of me.” My wife bowed at Luna.
“Then I want to enjoy every minute of it.”
My son chatted with the foals about the show and how much of a fan he was of them, while they talked how much they reminded me of him. The fillies blushed at their fan. I kissed my wife as we watched the kids playing together.
“Too cute!” the kids lay flat on the floor, tongue hanging out while Katrin laughed.
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t worry, I am a doctor. But I could need some assistance.”
I whispered in Luna's ear what to do and she agreed.
We tickled the kids until they tried to catch their breath. As Fluttershy would say: “Always works.”
“Well, that was fun. But now, it this time to wake up.”
“We will wait for you, daddy!” Otto said before Luna's horn glowed.
Yawning, my heart melted. The fillies were cuddling in their sleep before they woke up with cute yawns.
“Morning kids.”
"Morning Peter!” They exclaimed happy.
It was Saturday, so the kids had no school.
I helped on the farm. I couldn’t buck apples; instead, I picked them up and placed them into the bucket. I helped my grandfather on his farm when I was little. That was fun.
“Well, thank you for your help. We want to bake an apple pie.”
“Can I help, Applejack?”
“Please, you helped enough. Rest for a while, you deserved it.”
I sat down under a tree. The kids joined me. I loved their company.
Closing my eyes, I tried to take a nap. Dinky started to hum something. She had also her eyes closed, rocking from left to right, a big smile on her face. I didn’t recognize it but it was upbeat and catchy. The other fillies also started to hum.
It sounded so happy that a smile formed on my face and my finger snapped to it. It reminded me of Happy by Pharrell Williams.
After some minutes, Applejack called out, “Cake is ready!”
“That is a very nice song, Dinky.”
“Thanks. My mother taught it to me.”
The pie was delicious. The Apple family makes its name all honor.
“You do like it here?”
“I like it here a lot Applejack. I just wonder if the war is over.”
“I know you don’t enjoy killing, but how are your people seeing you?”
“To be honest Granny Smith, I have seen so much conflict and war that being called inhuman no longer bothers me.” I rested my head in my hands.
“But you aren’t. You the nicest, politest human we have ever met.” Scootaloo smiled at me to make me feel better.
“That’s right.” I gave them a light smile.
“I think I catch some fresh air and take a walk. See you later!”
“Later!” they all called out.
The town was peaceful. All ponies knew each other, smiled and greet each other. Even me. I swear if the war ever reaches Equestria… No don’t even think about it. Even if we don’t use Atomic weapons anymore, the WMDs would only left ruins.
“Daddy over here!” Turning around, Tiara, her father and Silver Spoon trotted to me.
“Hello. You are the human everypony has talking about.”
“Yes. Why?”
“Allow to introduce myself: Mr. Rich, business pony. I wanted to thank you for saving my daughter and her friend.”
“It’s my job. Nothing special.”
“Still I wanted to talk with you.”
“And about what? Business?” If he thinks I become his daughter’s bodyguard, he can forget it.
“We just wanted to know how you are and such. Come, I invite you to a coffee.”
They took me to his house. It was a villa. Beautiful. Rich opened the black gate.
“Now, tell us about yourself.” Inside in the living room, he turned on a gramophone.
I told them, how I joined GSG-9, met my wife, got married, how the European Federation was founded, what I was in the military, how the war begun and such.
“An elite soldier, eh? Impressive. And the hostage takers were members of the Forgotten Army?”
“Yes. But they’re idiots. Rushing at us in the open. Amateurs.” I taunted. “ Fighting to 'end the suppression and poverty of the downtrodden people of the world' certainly loses something when they're hiding behind children.”
“Still, you saved our lives and we are very grateful for that.” Silver Spoon corrected her glasses.
Tomorrow is the Grand Galloping Gala and you are invited. The ticket is in the envelope. Go to Rarity for your suit. She makes the best clothes in Ponyville but you know that already.
Princess Celestia.
The Grand Galloping Gala? Let’s pray it doesn’t end in a disaster.
At Rarity’s home I greeted her, “Milady?”
“Please you don’t have to be so formal Lieutenant. Why are you here?”
I showed her the ticket. “Does that say something for you?”
“Oh no, I forgot to make the dresses!”
“Settle down, what about the dresses from last time?”
“That works too. But you need something for the Gala, right?”
“That’s why I am here.”
She made me a black suit just like at my weeding. “I feel like back at my weeding.”
“Always a nice memory.”
“Yes. And if Blueblood should bother you, I will give him a lesson he will never forget.”
“I don’t think we will encounter him.”
I helped her for the rest of the day. Sunday I helped Mrs. Breeze cleaning the house, and Storm told me about how he fought in the war and Scootaloo showed me the photo album of them.
In the evening, we were all ready. “You look like a gentleman.”
“Thanks, Derpy. You look beautiful yourself.”
She was wearing a pearl necklace, her daughter a purple dress. Time Turner was wearing a brown suit as it was the only thing he could find in his closet.
Misty was wearing a normal necklace, while Storm was on duty.
Sweetie Belle's parents couldn’t come.
The train to Canterlot was quiet. A lot of ponies were in the ball room wearing fancy clothing.
Inside were four golden Statues, one of Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Cadence.
It was one of the most beautiful party’s I had ever seen.
“Good evening Peter. You look very gorgeous tonight.”
“Thank you, your highness.”
Together we eat some cake, talked and laughed. I had never such a good time after the war started.
Storm walked to me. “Sorry to interrupt the party, but Spitfire wants to talk with you.”
The Wonderbolts were at the VIP area. Everypony leaved, special order from Spitfire as I was told. Spitfire came over with Soarin.
“Good evening, Lieutenant.”
“Hello, captain.” Spitfire introduced the entire team to me.
Soarin had to sneeze, causing his googles to come down. “Gesundheit.”
“Thanks. Hey Rainbow, how’s going?” He putted his googles back up.
She blushed. “Good.”
Something’s going on between those two.
“Well, we would like to stay for a chat, but we have a show tomorrow. It was nice to see you again.” The Wonderbolts leaved in formation.
I also saw how Applejack talked with Caramel. They blushed while they chatted. Interesting.
Then we danced. It was good to have fun and getting a nice break from the sounds of battle.
At 10PM, the kids were tired, so Celestia offered a guest room. I putted them in. “Sweet dreams.” I said before I fell asleep in the same bed too, unware that tomorrow, everything would change.
In the morning, someone knocked on the door. “Just a moment.” I got up and opened the door.
It was Primcess Luna. “Good morning. Luna.”
“Same to you, Peter. The foals have left for school already.”
We walked through the hallway as Luna smiled at me. “The kids do really enjoy every minute with you.”
“And you know why.” We shared a laugh. “Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
I was a little bit nervous. “You were banned for 1000 years on the moon. But there’s no food, water or air. How did you manage to survive that long?”
She thought for a moment. “When my sister used the elements, they putted me into a deep sleep. It only felt like it was five minutes. For some reason, it supplied me with everything I needed. Also, I was able to hear the dreams of the humans. The elements put a spell on me that made me undetectable by humans. I was trapped in Nightmare Moon and had no control but could hear and see everything that happened. Still, the moon landing was fascinating.”
“Indeed it was. But the Americans had never made it with our technology.”
“Yes. But I will never forget the sentence that Armstrong said back then: ‘That’s one small step for man… one… giant leap for mankind.’ Incredible that humanity managed to do that without magic.”
“Yes a moment history will never forget. Any other reason why you woke me up?”
“I just wanted to see how you are.”
“Good. I think I enjoy the day in Canterlot. Shouldn’t you sleep at day after you’re… eh, ‘dream shift’?”
She giggled. “As Princess of the Night, I can operate long without sleep. And I also enjoy the day.”
Oh, ok.”
Outside, the formal ponies were very friendly. I even met Fancypants and his wife Fleur de Lily. They commented how well Rarity had made my suit.
Canterlot reminded me for some reason of Paris and the Eifel Tower, Both beautiful capitals.
Maybe, I should look how Flash and Arrow are.
The way to the barracks wasn’t so hard to remember.
The entrance was guarded by a unicorn. “Halt, who goes…? Lieutenant? What are you doing here?” It was Sergeant Arrow.
“I just wanted to check how my colleague is.”
He laughed. “I am doing well. Frankly, I missed you. Come in.”
We came along a locker room, a room for the weapons and a motor pool. The mechanicals were guards which surprised me. They greeted me which I returned.
Flash was at an obstacle course.” Lieutenant, welcome back!” he saluted.
“Hello again. How’s going Flash?”
“Everything is fine. I wanted to practice on the track. You’re in?”
“I'd like to but I am in the wrong clothes.”
"No problem!" Somepony from above said and we saw how Derpy landed again.
“Rarity wanted that I bring your other clothes, so you have something to change.”
“Thank you, Derpy. Send Rarity my thanks.”
“Will do.”
I changed to my uniform. You gonna run too?”
“No thanks, I need a break.” Arrow sat down under a tree.
Instead of running, Flash was flying.
It wasn’t a race, but he was a worthy opponent. Running a few rounds, I checked my time on my watch. 2 minutes and 30 seconds. New record. My time in training was 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
Then I tried the obstacle course. It was no problem for me, but Flash was out of breath. “That was impressive, Lieutenant.”
“Same to you private. That was fun.”
Arrow sighed.
“Something wrong?”
“It’s just; you’re the first medic I met in a long time. I am the only medic here in Canterlot.”
I showed sympathy. “I know how boring that can be. Before the war, my Platoon was stationed at Ramstein Airbase. And we were the only Enforcer Corps unit.”
“Guess we aren’t so different from each other.” He smiled.
For the rest of the day we had a happy conversation about medical stuff.
I think this was the beginning of a good comradeship.
In the evening, I headed back to Ponyville. It looked as it would rain any minute now
“Peter! Do you have seen Dinky?!” Derpy sounded desperate as she almost crashed into me.
“Sorry, I haven’t seen her. What’s wrong?”
“She and her friends left to play after school. But nopony has since her since.”
Octavia, AJ, Rarity, Storm, Ms. Trissie and Mr. Rich joined us.
“Peter, did Sweetie Belle tell you where they went? It’s cold and dark and I can’t have a little foal getting stuck in the rain.”
“And is Twist with them? I can’t find her anywhere… She really shouldn’t be out in this kind of weather, it’s not healthy for her—“
Mr. Rich interrupted her. “And my Diamond Tiara went with them for some reason.”
“And my sister Silver Spoon too.”
“I am sorry, but I just came from Canterlot. I haven’t seen them this day. But aren’t Silver Spoon and Tiara, mean to them? No offense.”
“After you saved them in Manehattan, they get along with Apple Bloom and her friends.” Octavia explained.
“I’d search them but in the rain we would lost their trail. But I am sure they just forgot the time and are safe from the rain. Right now, we can just hope and pray.”
“You’re right. Panic won’t help us right now.” Storm realized that I was right.
The next day Twist, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara returned home. Their fur was dirty and they were dehydrated and cold. They could us only tell, that the others were trapped in a fox hole.
However, it was empty when we arrived, so we feared for the worst.
One week passed and they were still missed. I noticed that it affected the mood of Ponyville. Everypony was worried and talked everyday about the missing foals.
I entered Sugarcube Corner, as I saw Storm with his wife, depressed at one of the tables.
“You’re worried about your daughter, right?”
“Correct. Scootaloo is everything for us. You know how worried she was about me when I was at war. Now we are worried about her and are praying every day that she is stay alive.” He was close to a breakdown.
“I know your felling. My son was once kidnapped when he was just 5. We were worried sick about him just as you. But we found him safe and sound and arrested his kidnapper. And I promise you: If someone hurts your daughter, I will hunt him down.”
“You think she’s still alive?”
“Yes Misty, I am.”
Celestia paid us a visit as we talked. She was passive, studying me for a moment.
“How can I help you?” I asked politely but doubted it was good.
“Lieutenant, restrain him, that’s an order.” She ordered, pointing to me.
He hesitated but complied. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
“What are you doing? What’s going on?”
Celestia stared at me. “Unfortunately for you, your comrades have forced my hoof.”
My mind told me about the question about what the guards meant. Oh, crap! What did they do?!
Celestia spoke again, “No more playing nice. You will tell me what I want to know, Lieutenant Hartmann, whether you want to or not.”
I was brought to Canterlot again. They took me into a large interrogation room. Nopony answered my questions. Frankly they did but all guards said they didn’t know why I was brought in here.
In the room, they surrounded me, spears pointed at me. Celestia would join us shortly.
I showed no fear. But something told me it had to do with the missing kids. We had order not to kill ponies. No Enforcer would disobey his orders. Either something changed after I got here or someone disobeyed. I could only image that a soldier of the regular army lost his nerves and hurt somepony, since they weren’t so good to stay calm like we Enforcers do in battle. I need to know what happened.
The door was opened. Princess Celestia was still passive, staring at me after she took position between Flash and Arrow.
After a long uncomfortable silence, I decided to break it. “Do you just stare at me, or what?” I raised my arms and looked around.
She said nothing for a few seconds. “There is a reason, and you will be told soon enough, but know we have to wait till my sister is here.”
“Can’t you just tell me right now?”
The guards were surprised about that, but Celestia stayed quiet. I expected that she would ignore me or would repeat her answer, but she did neither.
“So you want to know the truth right now?”
Her voice sounded slightly aggressive. I waited for the truth.
“About an hour ago, one of my subjects reported that your comrades killed four of my citizen… they were civilians. They killed the foals that went missing a week ago.”
Blinking for a moment trying to understand what I’d just been told, I came to a conclusion.
“This must be a mistake.”
The princess looked down at me. “And what, Lieutenant, makes you think that?”
Ignoring her glare I answered, “We don’t kill civilians. It’s against our honor. Besides, we had order only to use non-lethal force if we would have contact with your ponies.”
“Is this what you do then? You humans? Just come up with more and more excuses to brush off the murder of innocent children? Not here, not in Equestria. You have not been here a week and you have repaid our kindness, honesty, generosity, loyalty, laughter and friendship...with war, terror, deceit, confusion, despair and death. If you believe I will allow this to go unpunished, if you belief Equestria cannot defend itself and make its outrage known to your kind YOU ARE SADLY MISTAKEN! I have four dead foals that say that some of your comrades do not have honor, or followed that order.”
I shook my head. “This can’t be. The only possibility is that some soldiers accidently killed them. Collateral damage.”
“Four foals...Four innocent foals, beloved and treasured by their gentle and hard-working parents, four foals barely old enough to receive their cutie marks. Four foals who enjoyed nothing more than admiring and appreciating the gift of life in Equestria wherever they saw it.
Four foals, killed far from their homes and families, slaughtered without mercy by soldiers from another world fighting a war they, of all ponies, neither had nor wanted any part in, their bodies stolen, unable to be buried on Equestrian soil or even seen by their friends and family one last time...
You dare call that COLLATERAL DAMAGE?” Her eyes slowly glared at me in rage.
And you will tell me where your base is, so I can punish those responsible.”
Either she was acting very well, or my comrades had killed them. But wait! What if they used less-then-lethal weapons and for the pony looked it like it was deadly? This could be the way to me. I couldn’t explain my theory, as the door opened again and Princess Luna walked through.
“Now we can begin.” Celestia had an uncharacteristically dark tone in her voice, as she joined Luna.
“Where is your base of operations? I give this only chance to avoid the pain.”
“I told you already, we are using a mobile base, I can’t say where it is.”
“And about the other bases?”
“You get nothing from me.” For some reason, my patriotism took full control of me. I will not let them to go to war against us. They would lose within five minutes.
“You brought this on yourself.”
“Do it. See my mind. You won’t find anything.” This wasn’t me but I couldn’t control myself anymore.
Celestia stayed emotionless, Luna seemed to have compassion.
“I will only use it as last resort.” Celestia’s horn ignited. A bolt of electricity hit me.
Groaning in pain, I fell to the ground. “Your loyalty to your country is remarkable. But it won’t help you.” The Princess of the sun commented.
I spit blood. “I was trained not to break.” I gave her a mocking laugh.
“We will see.” She fired another bolt at me. I received special training against interrogation but nothing against that.
This time, I managed to keep my balance. “If this is the best you got, then you’re wasting your time.”
“We’re just getting started.” This time when the bolt hit me, I felt like I was burned alive. While there was no fire, my body acted like I was on fire. I rolled around to put it out.
“The more you resist, the more the pain.” As I got up again, Celestia looked still passive but sounded like she was enjoying it. I think she has lost her mind.
“For Europe. Victory always.” Suddenly I gasped for air. As my vision faded, Celestia let me breathe again.
“Tell us where the next base is, and the pain stops.”
After I caught my breath, I looked to Luna. “I will not betray my country, my friend and comrades.”
“We don’t want to do this as much as you do. Think of your family!” Luna pleaded.
I want to see my family again. But I would die rather honorable, then as traitor.
Shaking my head, Celestia eyed me with fire in her eyes. “What drives you, Peter Hartmann? Are you truly this loyal to Europe? Perhaps you’re more loyal then you should.”
I let out an insane laugh, causing some of the guards to back up.
“I only do this to save your subjects from a decision you would regret. If you think you can fight against a superpower, you are wrong. You wouldn’t last five minutes.”
She zapped me again, then grabbed me in her magic and threw me against the wall. I blacked out, as I found myself on my side. Everything hurts so I didn’t move. Eyes closed, hearing Celestia’s hoofs coming closer, I knew now she would finish it.
“How dare you to say this! I know what’s best for my kingdom! You imagine your weapons and technology make you superior. But let's be clear. They're only useful as long as there's anyone left to use them. And when I go into battle...I make sure that doesn't happen! Now, time to end this.”
“Sister, stop! He won’t survive, if you try to read his mind in this condition!”
“And how else should we find those responsible for the death of our citizens? Luna, he won’t tell us.”
“But killing him won’t help us either! It would make it worse!” she cried.
My MP3 player fell out of my pocket. It was surprisingly undamaged and started to play Firestorm by Sabaton. The first words of the song seemed to make Celestia realizing what she was about to do.
“But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being. Nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.” Luna turned it off.
Opening my right eye, Celestia looked at her hooves, then at me in shock. “What have I done?!”
“Almost turned into your vision of Nightmare Moon.” The pain was incredible.
The guards were in shock after those words. However, Celestia calmed down.
“Bring him to the infirmary.”
“Yes, you’re Highness. Easy, Lieutenant. Relax.” Arrow helped me up. He used a spell on me equal to painkillers.
It was over. But did my comrades really kill them? I hope not. And if I was wrong, I hope it was quick and painless. But why? Why would they do something like this?
Back in the cell, it was according to my watch, 11PM. I couldn’t sleep, my mind was working tirelessly. What happened over there? Was it really true? If they’re still alive, are they safe and sound?
My back ached, so I got up. Much better. Trying to walk was a bad idea. I tripped as my leg started to ache. With my right hand, I grabbed the bar and held my knee with the left hand.
“Everything alright?”
“Everything hurts but else fine.” I sat down on the bed.
“You sure?”
“Yes."
“You know, that’s not what I am meaning.” Amber sighed. “You should try to lie down again.”
The pain was less as I lay down. My boots were still on my feet, so I took them off this time.
“You’re lost in thought. Worried about your little friends.”
“What’s so special about that?” I looked Amber into the eyes.
“Yes Private, why do you care?” Mark asked her.
“He’s still our prisoner, and we have to take care of him. And compassion is never wrong to show. He cared for the four fillies like a father.”
That surprised me. After they were killed by my comrades, they shouldn’t like me anymore.
“And why for Celestia’s sake?” He walked up to his partner. “He doesn’t deserve compassion, not after his comrades killed them!”
Amber stayed calm.
“Oh, blaming him for the actions of others?”
Interesting that she defended me but humans in general? Wait, maybe they know more.
“Did this really happen?” Looking at both guards, they stopped and stared at me.
“You think they’re still alive?”
“Yes Amber. The way Celestia told me makes no sense. We Enforcers are soldiers of Europe, not takers of innocent lives. As she tortured me, she said that the kids were relentless and ruthless killed.”
“She tortured you?!” Amber covered her mouth, with a gasp.
“Yeah. I thought you had order not to talk to me after this.”
“You were in the infirmary again, but that…” Mark shook his head. “No, can’t be! The princess would never do something terrible!”
“Neither would we kill civilians as it is against our honor. Something’s wrong.” I explained to him
“That’s correct. But it was confirmed by a pony that saw it.” Ash replied.
“That’s right too, but I am sure that the pony panicked and mistook what it witnessed. After all, nopony’s perfect, even the princesses and you know that. Even they are susceptible to their emotions too. Nightmare Night is a perfect example. There was also no report why he was in the infirmary. So, something must have happened.” Amber added to our conversation.
Mark’s nose was bleeding again. Again, I gave him a tissue and he leaved for the bathroom.
“What’s his problem?”
“His nose always bleeds when he’s stuck in a long conversation for some reason.” Amber sat down, looking to the ground with a sigh.
“I can’t believe that the princess used torture. But the citizens of Equestria need to know that.” She looked at me. “But the lack of a report of your last infirmary visit supports that.”
“It is true. She wanted retribution for the death of the kids. Is this a problem?”
“YES!” Amber exclaimed, jumping into the air. “Never in the history of ponies and Equestria torture has been used! How will her subjects react to that?” She paused to breathe. “And shouldn’t you be upset about that?”
I chuckled, before putting my hands behind my head and closing my eyes. “I was.” Opening them, I looked at the bat pony. “But in the end, it doesn’t matter. I let hate no place in my heart for things like that. Love and tolerate. And you can’t stay mad at something forever. In the end, you have to face it.”
“You just let it go?”
“Eeyup. If I want to take out my anger, I listen to music or play a video game. Or use the old thing, punch the pillow.”
I grabbed it and held it against the door and Amber playfully punched it a few times. “You’re right, that helps.”
“Indeed.” I putted it back on the bed. “Still I’m not thrilled, that your comrades just watched.
“I talked with Flash. He and Arrow were too scared by Celestia’s rage to say something.”
“Can’t blame them. But at least they apologized.”
“That’s how they are.”
“And I am surprised.”
“Huh? Why?” Amber tilted her head to the side. It looked so cute when a pony does that.
“After that incident, I thought you all deployed a dislike for me. Still, you talk to me and treat me decently.”
She looked down before up to me. “Is just a few days I’ve been guarding you, but after Storm told me how his daughter spent time with you and how good you treat kids, I see you’re not a bad person. And I want to show that not everypony is upset on you.”
“You’re doing a fine job.”
She smiled. “Thanks. You’re a father yourself, right?”
“Yes.”
“This might sound kind of odd, but can I ask a favor of you?”
“Shoot.”
“C-could you tell me about your family and home? I am a mother myself.”
“Sure, why not.” This war’s almost over anyway. Plus, I talked with her comrades about my family and home before.
I don’t knew when I fell asleep, but it felt like it was one or two hours ago. Still, I was tired and felt like I hadn’t slept for days, as Arrow woke me up. He and Flash stayed respectful to me and told me the same as Amber. I told them the same as I told her. Breakfast, shower, and then brought to the interrogation room again for some reason. Then I reminded something.
“How’s Storm?”
“We don’t know. Before you were interrogated, he was sent home. But he must be pretty depressed right now.” Arrow answered me.
Still tired, I took a nap on the chair in the room. After 5 to 10 minutes, the door opened.
Sleepy, I saw both princesses taking place at the other side of the table.
“What is it your highnesses?”
“We want to apologize.” They looked really sorry.
Celestia spoke to me first. “I never should have use torture. When the death of the foals was confirmed, my anger controlled me.” She looked away. “I took my anger out on you, since I could not find the perpetrator and believed it makes me feel better.” Remorse was in her eyes. “Not only it was wrong, we brought shame upon Equestria and us.”
“And I was too upset about the loss, that I didn’t stop her until I saw your condition and the words of the song your device played. We have wronged you, Lieutenant.” They bowed their heads. “We offer our sincerest apologies.”
“Can you forgive us?” Celestia sounded almost pleading.
My answer was clear.
“Yes.”
“So easily?”
“First,” I yawned, “I’ve been where you were. In Paris when I was shot, I lost half of my men and I cared for every single one of them. Romeo One-One, Charlie One-One and Echo One-One were along them. My best friends apart from Tom and my best and most loyal men. After I went back, I was angry and wanted to avenge them by killing as many Russians as possible. But revenge cannot bring them back. And the Russians are only soldiers like I am, fighting for their country. Being a survivor is curse and blessing at the same time.”
Both looked at me curious. “Second, as I said to Amber this night, you can’t stay mad at something forever. In the end, you have to face it.”
“Agreed. And we need your help with something.”
“And that is, Luna?”
“An Eaglefly crashed yesterday near Ponyville. Could you help us to recover the Data it was recording? We believe it could give us more information about the incident.”
“Just give me Tools and I take care of the rest. I was wrong to act like none of this was my fault and even more wrong to threaten you and your kingdom. That was...that was stupid. None of your subjects are to blame and I think it would be best it we tried to keep them out of this, for their sakes. I understand why you're angry. I'd be angry. I just want to help. In some way, I feel I'm responsible. Whether or not the Forgotten Army followed me here, whether or not they found this place the same way I did...I promised I'd look after those foals...And it's a promise I plan to keep And you’re lucky that you did not go to war. Not because of strength but because of this.” I showed them the WMDs on my phone.
“Yes, it was good that you tried to warn me. I accept your apologize, we both got lost in our feelings.” Celestia was glad she listened to me. “Now, let me take you to the Eaglefly.”
“War should always be the last option. Back in Copenhagen, we had a truce and wanted to talk on neutral ground next week.”
“That’s right.” Celestia smiled.
She leaded me to a room with a Workbench where the Eaglefly was on it. Must been taken down by an RPG. Despite the damage, it looked mostly intact.
“I leave you alone, so you can work concentrated.” After he she left, I heard a strange sound.
Turning around, the Tardis appeared and Time Turner stepped out.
“Doc, what’s up?”
“I thought I help you.” He got his sonic screwdriver. “After all, I want to find out if my daughter is still alive.”
I cracked my knuckles. “Let’s do this.”
The data storage took the most damage, but with my knowledge and his sonic screwdriver we managed to restore it. What we saw was a shock. “Oh my god…”
After I saw what happened, I reported to Celestia. The families of the foals were with her. “I could restore the data, but what you will see is horrible.”
“Play it, I must know what happened!” Derpy was in tears.
It started completely normal. My battlegroup was fighting another battle. They were fighting the Forgotten Army again.
The Eaglefly was launched from our command vehicle. It flew to foxtrot where Broadsword was holding position with Ural. The camera switched to Tom.
He was nervous “What’s wrong, sir?”
“I am just worried about my best friend, that’s’ all.”
“I am sure sir, he is safe and sound. We will find him. Europe always.”
“Thanks, soldier.”
“Heads up! Terrorist Heavy Infantry, 12 o clock!”
Tom was shocked as he saw the hostile soldiers. “Come in, HQ!”
“This is HQ.”
“The enemy uses children as soldiers! Repeat, they’re using children!”
“Understood Broadsword, Ural, use Non-lethal HPM.”
“Yes, Colonel.”
The foals screamed in pain, as they got hit. “I am on fire, put it out!” Sweetie Belle screamed before she passed out.
“I am burning!” Scootaloo followed.
“The pain! Make it stop!” Apple Bloom rolled on the ground to put the “fire” out. After they were down, Broadsword got order to check them. Tom was startled by a sound that came from behind a wall.
An exhausted and cowering unicorn foal in uniform of the Terrorists with tear filled eyes was held at gunpoint by him.
“I surrender! I surrender! Please, please! Show mercy! Please! Don't kill me! I want to go home; I want to leave from here…” She passed out.
The Kommando checked her pulse. “She’s still breathing. And the others?” His men nodded.
“Broadsword here, they’re still alive.”
“Excellent. Get them out of those uniforms, and bring them out of here. Kill the others.”
“Yes, sir.”
A Kommando killed one of the passed out Terrorists with a headshot. “Forcing children to fight for them?!”
Tom looked at Dinky in compassion. “I know them all. Poor kids. None of you deserve this. What did they do to you, Dinky?”
The last thing I saw, before everything went black, was that the soldier lowered his weapon. I awoke with a groan and moaned in pain.
What… what happened? Where am I? Blinking my eyes, looking around, I saw that I was in a hospital room in a bed with a warm blanket. Sweetie belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were still unconscious but alive. EKGs showed their heart rates. I had one too.
“Ah, you’re woken up.” A young woman with black hair walked in. She had an Italian accent. “I am Captain Ilaria Cimino.”
“I am Dinky Hooves. Where am I?”
She gave me a sad smile. “You are in the infirmary at Le CEITO, a Federation Army base in France. Are you hungry? I made you some fried eggs.”
She putted the plate on the table. I ate them and took a sip from the glass of water she also made for me. “Thank you, Captain.”
“You’re welcome. Can you tell you how you got into this? This is no interrogation; we want to punish the people who did this to you.” As she said this, the EKG began beeping rapidly and I hugged her with tears in my eyes. The captain responded by rubbing my back.
“It’s okay little one,” she patted me. “Nobody’s going to hurt you anymore.”
“I was so scared!”
“Shh, you’re safe now, calm down.”
I took a deep breath.
“We were lost in the forest, as we fell into a foxhole we didn’t saw. My friends Twist, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon promised to get help. After a while, we heard the sounds of engines. Calling out for help, someone helped us out.
To our horror, it was the Forgotten Army. They restrained us, forced us into their transports and blindfolded us. It was only when we reached the cages; they took them off, saying they had plans for us. I feared for my life. They gave us bread and water, but threated to kill us if we tried to resist. Despite this, we tried to hold on to hope and attempted to cheer each other up by reassuring one another that help would eventually come. But this only angered them. They screamed that our parents and European friend would only find our corpses once they were finished with us. T-then, they forced us to use guns and said our first fight would be next week. They even forced us to wear their uniforms. I-I…” Not able to finish, I buried my head into her chest.
“It’s alright sweetie, we’ll get you some help right away. What do you mean with European friend?”
“That’s Peter.” Then I explained to her how Peter saved us, and how he feared that he would be seen as traitor.
“Don’t worry, Dinky. I will take care of that. I will be back soon.” She walked outside.
I took a deep breath of relief. I was safe. I had never killed before and I was glad I didn’t have to. I just hope they inform our parents somehow.
After a few minutes, the Captain walked in with a strong build man. He was a high ranking General by his uniform and medals, and of West African origin. Next to him was another woman. She had brown hair.
“Hello Dinky, I am Nathalie Pérreau the President of the European Federation. After I heard what happened, I decided to visit you and your friends. In the name of the Federation, I offer our sincerest apologies. How are you at the moment?”
I was honored to talk to a president. “I feel like someone put me into the sauna for hours and it hurts to move a little bit, Ms. President.”
“A side effect from the High-Powered Microwave. I am General Amadou de Bankole and I also offer my sincerest apologies in the name of the European Federation Enforcer Corps. We will haunt down your captors. And given your information’s, the Lieutenant isn’t a deserter or a traitor. He kept his honor in a way I never thought would be possible. You can stay here until you are fully recovered. And we will inform your parents, don’t worry about that.”
“Thank you General, this means a lot to me.” They leaved but a Kommando and a regular soldier stayed with us. The Kommando was Peter’s best friend Tom. He had Black hair and brown eyes. We had a happy conversation about the show, as he was also a fan or a “Brony” as they were called. He also told me about his wife and that she was pregnant. He apologized for scaring me and he never meant to harm me. I forgave him. He offered that we could help out on the base, until we would go home. And that he would protect us, should the base be attacked.
The regular soldier looked very young, like he had just finished school. He had brown hair and every now and then, he looked at me and the other foals. His face turned red in embarrassment and he seemed nervous and worried. Then I noticed that he had a patch on his uniform. It was a pink six-pointed sparkle surrounded by five small white sparkles. Next to it was a two-toned blue shield behind a yellow lightning bolt.
“Are this Princess Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry’s Cutie Marks on your uniform?”
Perspective: Peter
“They forced my daughter to fight as soldier?!” Derpy was enraged.
“Yes but your daughter is still alive and safe and sound.”
“But how? They screamed as they burned alive.” Applejack seemed to forget what I told them.
“Yes, but the High-Powered Microwave was used in less-than-lethal mode. It causes feeling of intense burning to the targets without actual lasting physical damage. It is a directed energy weapon which transfers energy to targets via ultra-high frequency radio waves.”
“Oh right, Ah forgot what you told us about it. Good thing they didn’t use the lethal setting.” Applejack let out a breath of relief.
“Indeed. I never saw it, only heard of it. The targets spontaneously combust, a rather disgusting sight and feeling which I don’t want to experience. By the way, who was the pony who reported it?” I looked at Celestia for answers.
“Rose. She saw it from the woods as she looked for flowers for her friends.”
I rolled my eyes. “I knew it. As easy as she panics, it wouldn’t wonder me that she mistook what she saw.” Twilight and her friends let out a nervous laugh as they remembered their first encounter with Zecora.
I looked on my watch. It was already evening. Did I really spend almost the rest of the day to repair the drone? “I suggest we catch some sleep and tomorrow we’ll see.”
“Good idea.” They all agreed.
Damn Terrorists! They will pay for what they did to them! They will definitely pay!
It’s been one day after they released us from the infirmary. My friends had woken up and I explained them where we were and what happened. They agreed to help out and were also glad that we were safe.
The young soldier was from Spain and also a big fan of the show and us, which explained why he was embarrassed. The reason why he was so nervous and worried was that he felt sorry for us and hoped that we would make it.
His name was Pablo. He was very young. Yesterday was his birthday and he got 22. He had never been in combat before and his pure nature made him look younger like 18. The armbands he was wearing were a birthday gift from his girlfriend, which loved to read like Twilight. She said to him that he was just like Flash Sentry. And to our surprise, every soldier of the European Federation Army here was a fan of the show and us. This was so embarrassing!
But every soldier smiled when they saw us and helped us. As Tom offered, we helped where we could and do best. Sweetie Belle entertained the troops with her beautiful singing, which also boosted their morale. Apple Bloom helped in the kitchen and the soldiers said that the apple products she made were the best. Scootaloo and I teamed up. She drove around the base with a scooter with trailer, while I distributed the mail. Like mommy.
We even got our Cutie Marks! We all had a red, pink and purple shield. Apple Bloom had an apple with a heart inside the shield, Scootaloo a wing with a lightning bolt, Sweetie Belle a star and musical note, and I a letter. Pablo and Tom commented that our parents would be so proud and so were they and every other soldier.
Apart of the regular soldiers, Tom’s Platoon of Kommandos, a Platoon of Grenadiers, Badgers, Cheetah Gunships, and Marksman artillery of the Enforcers Corps were deployed here.
I took a break with Scootaloo as Tom joined us. “How’s going, you two?” he smiled.
“Great! I just hope, that I can go soon home.” I looked down as I missed my father, mother and sister.
“That’s why I am here. I go to Equestria and bring him here. And then we bring you home.”
“Really?” Scootaloo couldn’t believe what she just heard.
“Yes my dear. Just wait at the barracks until I return. You all have done an excellent work. Now I must go. See you later!” He leaved.
Finally we can go home! I can’t wait to see my family again!
Perspective: Peter.
The next day, we all talked what we going to do. “We could you bring to the base with a chariot.” Celestia’s offered.
I waved my hands in disagreement. “That would be too dangerous. We don’t know at which base they are, and the anti-air defenses would turn the chariot into dust.”
“What about the Eaglefly? We could repair it and program it to find the base where they are.” Turner suggested.
“Good idea. This could work.”
The doors slammed open and a guard galloped in. “Your Highness, we got reports about a human troop transport heading towards Ponyville!”
“Oh no! The humans are coming! We’re doomed!” a young guard panicked.
“Do you know to which nations it belongs?” Celestia stayed calm.
“Yes, princess.” The guard was a unicorn and casted a spell which showed us a picture of the transport.
“That’s a MOWAG Eagle IV, the standard transport for the European Federation Army. They are coming to get me back.”
“But what if it is a ruse to get us into a false hope?” Twilight was suspicious.
“Twilight, they saved the foals and the Eagle has a white flag on the roof, so they either bring the kids back or get me back first and then them.”
“Then, I have an Idea.” Celestia's horn glowed like a light bulb in a cartoon.
In Ponyville, everypony said goodbye to me. They all had closed me into their hearts.
“I wish I could throw you a goodbye party!” Pinkie Pie cried. “I will miss you too Pinkie Pie.”
“Now hold up!” the Wonderbolts all landed in front of me. “Nobody who has our respect leaves without getting a goodbye from us!” Spitfire said as she and the others stood at attention.
“And a lot of the guards have respect for you too.” Arrow also saluted. “I could go with you. Shield you if somethings goes wrong.”
“Thanks for the offer but I go alone. If somethings goes wrong, you’ll get to test your skills as medic.”
He grinned. “You already know you’re in good hooves.”
“And we will be ready if you need us.” Flash Sentry saluted too.
“Here, let me try something.” Twilight’s horn glowed and she putted a spell on me.
“The spell I used, allows us to see everything with your eyes and we can communicate through your mind.”
“Okay. Now goodbye.” I left.
I almost forgot how heavy my gear was. After a while of walking along the road, I saw the Eagle. It stopped and a single Kommando stepped out.
“Tom! Man, I am glad to see you!”
“Me too. And don’t worry. I know you, you’re not a traitor. Now get in.” I got on the passenger seat.
“It’s nice to have you back.”
“Yes, it feels good to be back. What happened while I was gone?”
Tom looked disappointed. “War’s still raging and we didn’t win it yet. But victory is at hand. Every day we are getting closer.”
“And what about the Artillery and the battle we fought together?”
“Turns out, the Forgotten Army somehow managed to raid a Russian Army Base and got their hands on Russian Artillery. We won the battle, but we were needed somewhere else immediately after it was over. We looked for you still. And your little friends told me about you.”
“How got they into this?”
Tom expression went angry. “They were trapped in a Foxhole. The Forgotten Army found them and forced them to fight. Good thing, we used less-then-lethal weapons. I could never kill or hurt them. General Amadou de Bankole and even President Pérreau visited them and apologized.”
“President Pérreau and General Bankole?”
“General Bankole is the Commander of the Enforcer Corps and Pérreau is the President of the European Federation.” I explained to Twilight.
“Bastards.”
“I know. But after they recovered, they helped us out. Sweetie Belle entertained with her beautiful singing which also boosted the morale, Apple Bloom helped in the kitchen, and Scootaloo distributed with Dinky the mail. And the best is that they got their Cutie Marks.”
“For real?”
"Yep, mon ami. I show you when we arrive.”
After a long trip, we arrived. “Before we get to them, can you help me with the new recruits?”
"Sure thing Tom.” We got to the shooting range.
“Good day Gentleman, and welcome to the shooting range. My buddy here is gonna do a quick weapons demonstration to show you recruits how it’s done. No offense, but I see a lot of you guys firing from the hip and spraying bullets all over the range. You don't end up hitting a damn thing and it makes you look like an idiot. Lieutenant, show 'em what I'm talking about.”
I fired from the hip with my MP12.
“See what I mean? He sprayed bullets all over the damn place. You've got to pick your targets by aiming deliberately down your sights from a stable stance. Lieutenant, show our comrades here how the Enforcers take down a target. Crouch first, then aim down your sight at the targets.”
I did as ordered.
“That's all there is to it. You want your targets to go down? You gotta aim down your sights. Aiming down your sights also works for switching quickly between targets. Aim down your sights, then pop in and out to acquire new targets. Show 'em Lieutenant. If your target is close to where you are aiming, you can snap to it quickly by aiming down your sights.”
I quickly shot as many targets as they pop out.
“Now that's how you do it. You want to take down your targets quickly and with control. Now if your target is behind light cover, remember that certain weapons can penetrate and hit your target. The Lieutenant here will demonstrate.”
I shot through some wood and hit the target.
“And don’t forget: Switching to your sidearm is always faster than reloading.” I switched to my pistol and fired.
“Last but not least, you need to know how to toss a frag grenade. Lieutenant Hartmann, pick up some frag grenades from the table."
I picked them up.
“Toss the grenade down range and take out several targets at once.”
Said, done.
“Good. Note that frags tend to roll on sloped surfaces. So think twice before throwing one up hill.” Tom turned to me. “All right, thanks for the help, Lieutenant Hartmann.” Then he turned to the recruits again. “All right, who here wants to go first? Show me what you've learned so far.” A young soldier named Pablo used his sidearm. His aim was good but he was firing it like a revolver.
“Again.” He fired but then his gun jammed. I took his gun and fixed it. “You see that in the movies and video games? That’s an automatic; don’t bother trying to dampen the recoil. You do that with a revolver. You are soldiers of Europe, not a poorly trained militia. So don’t act like one. You will learn how a real soldier fights. You will forget everything movies and games taught you.” I gave Pablo his gun back. “Engravings… give you no tactical advantage whatsoever. But that was some fancy shooting. You’re pretty good.”
“Th-thank you sir.” He stuttered.
Then I leaved for the barracks. I saw soldier’s playing cards, repairing an Eagle IV, on guard towers, exercising, looking at their phones, smoking, and eating chocolate.
Those are the regular soldiers, right?”
“Yes, Twilight. These soldiers are equipped with combat helmets, BDU uniforms and FAMAS assault rifles. For transport they use the MOWAG Eagle and the Leopard 2 as their Main Battle Tank. Also they admire us Enforcers.”
Some soldiers talked about me. “Look, Enforcers! Now those are true Soldiers.”
“Perhaps, someday, you’ll be good enough to join them, eh?”
“Enforcers! Very impressive.”
“Look at them! Their equipment is magnificent.”
“I can’t wait to see the Enforcers in action.”
“I have seen them in battle, they’re unbeatable!”
“Enforcers are the best of the best.”
“An Enforcer! Now that is what a soldier should be.”
“It’s an honor to fight by the side of the Enforcers.”
“The Enforcers are the finest soldiers in the world!”
“You can see why Enforcers have the repetition they do.”
“It’s like us Wonderbolts! Ponies everywhere love us!”
“And one more we have in common is comradeship, Spitfire. I know and care for everyone in my squad and Platoon. They watch my back and I watch their back.”
I smiled proudly. After all, we had earned it.
I opened the door and was greeted by four foals. “Peter!” They hugged me.
“I missed you too kids. I and your parents are so glad that you’re alive and safe and sound.”
“And we got our Cutie Marks!”
They showed them me. Letting out a tear of joy, I replied, “I am so proud of you, and so are your parents.” I heard Derpy sniffing.
“And you know what? Everyone in this base is a fan of us too like you and Tom!” Sweetie Belle’s voice cracked.
“Really?” I looked at a squad of soldiers who smiled at us.
“Absolutely!”
“That’s right!”
“That’s it the truth!”
“That’s exactly right!” They said one after another.
“You never told us about this rifle.” Dinky pointed to a FAMAS rifle.
“Let me explain. It read about Russian weapons and I also one about this one.” I cleared my throat. “The FAMAS is the standard rifle for the European Federation Army. It has a magazine of 25 rounds. It can be fired fully-automatic, semi-automatic or in three-shot bursts. With that, it is useable in any situation.”
“And why is the action behind the trigger and not in front of it like at your MP12?”
“Simple Scootaloo. This is called bullpup. A bullpup is a firearm with its action behind its trigger group. This configuration permits a shorter overall weapon for a given barrel length. This maintains the advantages of a longer barrel in muzzle velocity and accuracy, while improving maneuverability and reducing weight. An often cited shortcoming of the bullpup configuration is spent casings being ejected into the face of a left-handed shooter, preventing effective use. To counter this, you can adjust the Cheek rest if you’re left-handed instead of forced to be right-handed.”
Apple Bloom shivered. “The bullpup rifles we were forced to use, weren’t so user-friendly.”
One of the soldiers patted her.
“That’s the OTs-14 Groza. 20-round magazine. It is as reliable as the Kalashnikov assault rifle, as it is based on the same internal design. And it provides high stopping power and lethality with Good accuracy, along with high damage and penetration of bullets and a decent rate of fire. Also an advantage is the Weapon compactness, relatively small weight and bullpup layout provide a good balance and reduced barrel jump. However, the short sight radius makes aiming problematic. The curved trajectory of the 9×39mm round makes it difficult to choose the aiming point. And left-handed shooting is impossible, because of an extractor situated close to the face on the right side of the weapon. Also the focus is at the pistol grip, which loads the right hand and decreases accuracy. Still, the forward placed grip makes the assault rifle compact, suitable for concealed carrying and so well balanced that it can be fired using just one hand.”
“How do you know so much about that?” Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow.
Scratching nervously my back, I answered, “Well, I deployed an interest for soviet firearms when I was young, especially the AK rifle. But enough lessons about firearms, let’s get you home, shall we?” Tom stopped a jeep next to us. We got in. The radio played CCR Fortunate Son.
“I think one last battle and then it will be over.”
“Do you think we will go home when the war is over?”
“I hope so, Peter... I hope so.”
“Hey look! An Eaglefly! Spooky.” Scootaloo spotted an Eaglefly that flew past us.
A Marksman drove past us. “I heard when a Marksman fires, that you’ll deaf for a week.” Dinky looked after the Marksman until it was out of sight.
“How were you able to use the rifles?”
“Simple, Peter. The Magic in Equestria allows us to grab and use objects like we have hands.” Sweetie Belle explained.
“Clear the street! Clear the street!” a soldier screamed. “INCOMING!” As the jeep reached the street, the rotor of a damaged cargo helicopter hurled toward us. It killed the driver and the jeep spun out of control, ramming over a soldier. We fell out and explosions were around us. The foals were unharmed but disoriented.
“Peter, over here!” I picked Dinky up, while Tom got Sweetie Belle. Two regular soldiers got Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. We moved toward the trenches.
“Get them to the bunker. GO!” Tom ordered. Two killed soldiers were in the trenches and a house was destroyed by an explosion. An officer waved at us to get in but was also killed.
The bunker was connected to the trenches and was rumbling from the explosives. We sat the kids down in a corner. “Protect them with your lives!” I ordered the two soldiers that helped us.
“Jawohl!”
“We won’t failure you sir!” The other saluted before firing at the enemy. The four ponies now realized that we were attacked.
“Stay here! You will be safe from the fighting!” I left with Tom and other soldiers for the trenches.
“Peter! Wait what are you doing!?! Peter!!!” The foals cried out as we were heading for the trenches. I could tell that they were crying. I’d would stay with them and comfort them, but holding the line and clearing the trenches was now more important to guarantee their safety.
“GRENADE!”
“Goddamnit! Let's go!”
“We're on it, six.”
“On station six, standing by.” The soldiers reported.
It was the Forgotten Army again. They were attacking from a hill and in large numbers. One hostile jumped down to stab an ally but I saved him by scoring a headshot on said enemy. Then my gun jammed. I switched it for the OTs-14 Groza. Cocking it, I fired at the enemy. It was like hell. I never saw such a massive attack before. I preferred rifles over MG’s and SMGs anyway and ammo should be no problem.
A Cheetah Gunship was giving support. I was about to walk under a bridge, as an Engineer jumped on me from above and struggled with me. Spotting a grenade on his chest, I first punched him into the face, then pulled the pin of the grenade he was wearing on his belt. Pushing him back, and crawling back, the explosion tore him in half, and limbs even pieces of bones were left of him. Disgusting, but I was used to it.
Joining Tom, the hostiles used ladders to get across the trenches. “Check the ladders, Peter!” He was engaged in a fist fight with a hostile, but pinned him down and knocked him out.
“Watch out! They’re using flamethrowers!” I warned him as a regular soldier was burned, screaming in pain as he died. I took the flamethrower out so we could move forward and reloaded. The Russian rifle was not bad but my right hand was getting tired.
They came from all directions. “Incoming!” a soldier warned. Even if we were now a distance away, I still took a quick glance where the bunker was and prayed that they would survive this hell of an attack.
Tom was holding me back, as a Badger was hit by RPGs. Tom moved on first but the Badger exploded and collapsed over the trench, so I crawled under it.
“Move it, Peter! Come on!” We were now at a more open area of the trenches. “Give me cover! Merde! Infantry coming right at us! We got a minefield up ahead, but we couldn’t activate it! Here use this…” He grabbed a detonator and activated the mines, killing many hostiles.
We regrouped with other soldiers as the Cheetah was hit and went down. “Ugh! God damnit! Mayday, Mayday! Jesus Christ!” The pilot shouted via radio.
“Here they come, Peter!” I grabbed the detonator for the next line of mines.
Hey that rhymes! No stay focused.
“Wait for it.” They came closer. “Now! Do it!”
The mine killed many hostiles. “Get the stragglers!”
I waited for the signal. “Net yet...” Another wave of Terrorists came in. “Do it!” The bastards took heavy casualties but they kept coming.
“Fall back! Fall back!” a soldier shouted.
We retreated up the hill to some bunkers and defended our position with regular forces. Tom fired a mounted MG while I fired along with my OTs-14.
T-80 tanks moved in. “Tanks on the way!”
“Merde, we got armor moving up! Russian T-80’s!” A T-80 fired at the bunker putting me into shellshock. As my vison became clear and the ringing stopped, Tom shouted, “Russian tanks! No wonder they're getting bold... Grab that Milana 2 missile launcher and take out those tanks!” “Got it!”
With the Milana 2 I destroyed all 4 tanks. “Roger that, Einstein, Typhoon is inbound. 2 minutes, please stand by. Be advised, Typhoon on station. Keep your head down.”
A Eurofighter dropped High Energy Bombs on the hill, killing the remaining hostiles. “High explosive ordnance on target. Have a nice day. Typhoon out.”
Tom cheered. We moved to the end of the trenches while the regular forces covered us. A ladder leaded into a tunnel which rumbled from artillery. Tom and I got out of the tunnel to meet up with a group of regular forces on a hill. A lot of radio chatter was in my radio.
“Galileo, this is Typhoon, over. What's your status?”
“Low on fuel, inbound two minutes.” The Forgotten Army advanced up the hill. The Kommando took cover and talked to the squad leader of the soldiers.
A medic tried to help a wounded soldier but was killed by a headshot.
“Talk to me!”
“We're almost out of ammo. There's a weapon cache in that bunker on the right-“ Bullets flew past overhead. “Damn!...but we can't get to it. They closed our right flank!”
“Stand fast, Two-Nine, you're covered.”
“Negative, I'm on final right now!” two pilots talked on the radio.
Tom spotted some explosive barrels. “Those barrels, they’re explosive?”
“Yeah, we got pushed back before we could take them away.”
“Good to know...Soldiers! Hold your positions!”
“Six, Typhoon.”
“What's your position?”
“Just hang tight.”
“Okay, standing by.” A Eurofighter bombarded a treeline at the bottom of the hill.
“Go, go, go.” We advanced to the bottom of the hill near the barrels. “We need to improvise, Peter.”
“I know!” We took out knifes to cut holes into the barrels. Then we kicked it towards the enemy.
They burned. “That should hold them.”
“They're making another push! South East side!”
“They won’t stop!” I reloaded as we moved into a decaying forest that was burning. Artillery strikes almost hit us.
“This is our own Artillery! Does she know we're here?”
“I doubt it as there is too much radio chatter!” I replied while firing.
“Get up the hill!”
Another Cheetah Gunship supported us. We pushed them back. “Keep pushing!”
Finally at the top of the hill, I was knocked down into shellshock. Getting up, I saw Terrorists and soldiers fighting. A hostile kicked a soldier to the ground and killed him without remorse or mercy. Tom was behind him and pulled the trigger but his rifle jammed. The enemy punched him with the butt of his rifle in the head and ge fell stunned on his back. I saved Tom by killing his attacker with my sidearm before he could kill him.
We came into another bunker which was damaged and burning. A medic took care of a wounded soldier. A regular soldier removed blocks of wood off his body and got up to join the fight. Another was coughing from all the smoke from the fire. God, I hope the bunker where the kids are, hasn’t taken damage.
“Do not, I repeat, Do not engage.”
“Fire. Put it right there.”
"I'm coming around again, stay with me!”
“Belay that order; get your ass out of there!”
“Repeat your last!”
“More hostiles moving in!...infantry and armor! They must have a damn division hid out there!”
At the end of the bunker was a jeep with a TOW on his back. Tom and I jumped into it.
I destroyed 6 tanks with it. Then Eurofighters killed the remaining hostiles.
“The battle is over, but not the war.”
“Yeah another victory for Europe. But I never saw such an intensive attack on a base. I bet those guys were Russians disguised as Forgotten Army just like in Rovaniemi back then.”
“Could be. This attack was way too good organized for the Forgotten Army. Unless they’re got better.”
“Maybe. But you better check on the kids. I will help with the clean-up.”
“Yeah I should.”
I did not forget them. I jogged back to the bunker, hoping it was still there. The damage by the attack was unbelievable. Destroyed vehicles, bodies of ally’s and enemies were everywhere. But the base itself was intact. If it was a raid by the Russians, they failed. “Lieutenant, come in! You’re alright?” Twilight reached me. “We lost the connection after the attack.”
“I am fine, we have won the battle.”
“What about my daughter?”
“I am about to check on her, Mrs. Breeze.”
The bunker was still intact. But it was littered with bullets holes.
Once inside, my heart broke. The scared foals were covered in dusk and crying while the two soldiers tried their best to comfort them.
“Thank you for your help. You have done well.” I thanked them.
“Kids?” I kneeled down to them.
They hugged me with tears in their eyes. “We were so scared! The explosions, the screams, we thought we would die!” Dinky said through sobs.
“Shh, it’s over now, shh…” I patted her. I even had to rock back and forth with them.
“We did you leave us? Why couldn’t you stay with us?” Scootaloo looked around.
“I have to fight as soldier. I leaved to guarantee your safety. What was I supposed to do?” I patted the dusk off them.
“You’re right. It had been too dangerous outside for us.” Sweetie Belle let out a weak smile.
“I am afraid; your trip home has to wait. I suggest we bring you back to the barracks.”
Good for us, the bodies were already brought away so they hadn’t to see another dark side of war. European soldiers saluted me and looked at the fillies with sadness, pity or even happiness as they were glad that our guests were not hurt.
Pablo was at the barracks. He was shocked by the battle but was also happy that the kids were alright.
“Kids! You’re alright!”
“Pablo!” They hugged him. Then Petro told me about him and his girlfriend. He was knocked out when the attack begun.
Suddenly the loudspeakers played a song. Wind of Change by the Scorpions. All soldiers singed. The CMC singed with us too in very happy voices.
“This was fun!” Sweetie Belle jumped in the air.
“Yes it was.” I laughed. I loved this song. It was one of my favorites. I showed them some of the videos that were used for our commanders. Combat Chain, WMD’s, etc. They hoped that a WMD wouldn’t hit their home.
A Badger stopped outside the door and opened its back door. “There is your cab home.”
“We will miss you!” They gave me, Pablo and Tom a last hug.
“Don’t worry Lieutenant, they are safe with us. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.” The driver said before the Badger leaved the base. He was escorted by two Eagles. Pablo was riding in one of them.
After they leaved, I helped on the base out. We prepared for another attack. We had no Intel about the attack and they hit us by surprise. Better safe than sorry.
In the evening, I repaired an Eagle as Tom joined me.
“What’s up?”
“I just miss them already. Do you think we will see them again, Peter?”
“Of course. They remind me so much of my son. I see them as my own daughters.” Tom chuckled.
“I know. The entire base has closed them into their hearts. And if the war ever reaches Equestria, we will defend it. Strange.” He looked on his watch. “It’s getting dark. Shouldn’t be the Badger and the Eagles back at this time? The ride isn’t that long.”
“That is why I am concerned. I will never forgive myself if they get hurt, killed or traumatized.”
“We haven’t seen them yet.” Twilight spoke to me.
“I am sure that they just got delayed by engine problems or something like that. They like daughters to me too.”
Several Gadflies’ landed and wounded soldiers were carried out. Also the alarm ringed.
“The convoy got ambushed! We gotta move!” a soldier reported.
“All Enforcers, get to your transports. We're heading out.” Our Commander ordered.
“Yes sir!” I prepared to enter a Gadfly with my Grenadiers.
“We got survivors but they are trapped behind enemy lines! We've lost contact!” a wounded soldier said.
“Everyone get to your vehicles! We're moving out!” a squad leader said to his men as also the regular troops prepared to move out. This is it. The war reached Equestria. The end… has begun.
We were heading for the Crystal Mountains were the signal was before we lost it. How did they even end up there anyway? This is way too far from Ponyville.
“Grenadiers! Listen up! The convoy got ambushed and is pinned down! We’re here to get them out, not to fight the citizens of this country. You got that?” My men nodded.
I saw Manehattan in the distance. Twilight and the others must be asleep right now as it was night.
“Get on the rope! Go, go!” We rappelled down from the Gadfly.
“Locksmith, Broadsword was scouting ahead but we lost contact. Can you check it?”
“Yes, HQ. Are Badgers available?”
“No, we have no Badgers available at the moment. But Panther tanks are close by.”
“Copy that, HQ.”
As we moved out, HQ radioed me again. “Locksmith, Tom just activated his emergency transponder. He's half a klick to your southwest, over.”
“Roger that. Let’s do this!”
An enemy IFV came along the road. “Stop! Stay in the forest. Ambush them.” In cover, we took the IFV, an RG-31 Nyala out with its passengers. The Forgotten Army again. They must have a base around here.
At the end of the woods was a house. “He must be in this house. There's an entry point through that basement door. We'll go room to room from there. Keep it quiet. Move out.”
We had no silencers but the Taser was quiet enough. “Room clear. This floor's clear. Move up to the second.” I moved up and heard voices.
“Where are the others?”
“You get nothing from me!”
“You know, European, the Geneva Convention is a nice idea in theory, you know? Why don't you save yourself the trouble and simply answer my question. How many others are there?”
“I won’t tell you!”
“I kill your men one by one if you don’t tell me!”
“Looks like they’re in that room. Get ready to breach.” One of my men kicked the door and we killed the interrogators with shots to the chests and heads. They wear wearing the uniform of those Terrorist Heavy infantry guys and were so surprised that they had no time to draw their weapons. Tom and his remaining men were tied up, covered in dusk but otherwise fine.
I untied my friend. “You’re okay?”
“Yeah I'm good to go. Seven men standing. We got shot down. The others died in the crash.”
“Sorry for your loss but we still have a mission to do.” I gave him his rifle.
“Oui. The kid’s in hell right now. An Eaglefly found them in a building northeast from here.”
“Then let’s go.”
Perspective: Dinky
Everything went so fast. The last thing I remembered was that the Badger was hit by an RPG. We got out in time but then, everything went black. I came to in a house.
I wanted to move but was tied up. “Ah, you’re awake. Did you really think you would get away that easily? WRONG!”
Looking up I saw a member of the Forgotten Army. My heart started to race and I crawled backwards against the wall. “P-please d-don’t hurt m-me. Oh please, don't hurt me.” I begged.
He putted tape on my mouth. “Be quiet!” I started to cry. “If you can’t shut up, I have to make you! And I will punish you for your treachery! Yura! Where is the hacksaw?”
“I thought, it was with you!”
“If I had the hacksaw, I would not ask you-“ The power cut out.
“Check it out! I watch her!” The man who wanted to hurt me ordered. I couldn’t see anything which scared me more. I huddled in a corner.
“Hm? What happened with electricity? Viktor! The electricity went out!” One of them called out downstairs.
“Sasha...? Are you here? Sasha...?” Another of them was downstairs.
I breathed scared. Then Gunshots. The man used a flashlight but was killed and it shined into my face, blinding me. Then someone removed the tape.
“W-whose t-there? P-please don’t hurt me.”
“Shh Dinky, it’s me and Tom.” Peter untied me.
“Where are the others?”
“We don’t know. But we will find them, I promise.” I cried into Peter’s chest. He patted me. “Shh, you’re safe now shh…”
Then he carried me out. “Wait, how could you see in there?”
Tom chuckled. “Night vision. Makes it too easy.” I didn’t know what that was, but I didn’t care at the moment.
A Gadfly waited outside. Onboard, I rested my head on Peters shoulder. Tom was talking with his commander.
“We have one. Any intel about the others?”
“The soldiers that escorted them are pinned down in a city nearby. The foals are with them.”
“Don’t worry Dinky, we will save them. Try to sleep for a while.” Peter patted me and I fell asleep.
I woke up after an hour or so. The Gadfly was traveling across the countryside. Suddenly I heard a beeping noise. “What the?! Incoming missile! Hang on!” Tom shouted. Peter clenched me protectively as the Gadfly was hit and spun towards the ground.
I came to in Peter’s arms. We were thrown away from the chopper in the crash. Tom saw us and helped us up. “You're still in one piece. Get up.” The wrecked helicopter exploded.
“Come on, we need to get moving before the search parties get here.”
“Casualty report.”
“Both pilots, 3 Kommandos and half of the Grenadiers are dead, sir.”
“Darn. Let’s move.” Peter carried me. “Keep a low profile. Let's stay out of trouble. Don’t worry Dinky; we will bring you home I promise.” He smiled at me.
A Kommando was scouting ahead behind a fence by the street. “Sir, vehicles coming from the north.”
“Under the bridge, move it.” We took cover under the bridge as a convoy drove past. Also, I saw a helicopter with a search beam scouting the crash site.
“Let’s move.” Peter carried me to a back door of an old wooden garage.
I heard laughter. “This place is a dump.”
"Hold up. We've got company.” He sat me down. “Stay here, until we’re clear.” I nodded not wanting to blow our cover. In a farmyard, a farmer was questioned by a group of bad guys. The leader of them was aggressive.
“What's going on here? What do you want?” The farmer was scared.
“Do not pretend to be a fool. We know that you have them hiding somewhere.”
“Hiding? Who?”
“You have a foal and European soldiers in there?”
“European?”
“You're wasting my time.”
“Take them out before they kill the pony.” As they opened fire, I looked away. I didn’t like what I saw, but Peter, Tom and their men killed to protect me and other ponies like this farmer. He ran back into his house after the enemies were dead.
In a long field of grass, the helicopter came back. “Spotlight, hit the deck.”
My heart raced as the spotlight went past me. This was close, as it was almost on me.
“The heli's moving away. Let's go.” I let out a sigh of relief. At a wooden house at the far end of the field, a fast hiss flew past my ears.
“There is that little brat!”
Tom got me to cover behind a hay bale. “Peter, get that basement door open now!” “I'm on it!”
Enemy reinforcements rappelled down from the helicopter. The hay bale made surprisingly excellent cover. Still I was covering my ears from the loud gunfire.
“The door's open, get in!” I got in first. After everyone was in, Peter and Tom barricaded the door. Then they scouted ahead. “Flashbang!”
A small cylinder landed in front of me. It exploded. “My eyes!” My ears were ringing and everything was white. I stumbled, hitting my head on something and fell on my back.
My vision returned. “That’s better.” Peter helped me up. Leaving the house, we came to a deserted farmyard. “It's too quiet...where did they go?” It was frightening.
“They're probably regrouping. Trying to cut us off somewhere up ahead.” Tom scanned for bad guys.
“Stay sharp.” Peter took the lead.
The silence was short, as we heard shouting and dogs barking after we reached a courtyard.
3 dogs came around the corner. The first knocked Peter down. Peter broke the neck of the dog. The second dog knocked Tom down. Instead of breaking the dog’s neck, Tom shot in the side of the dog’s head with his sidearm. The third knocked me down.
He was about to go for my throat but Peter reacted quickly, putting a bullet into the dog's head. “Nobody hurts or kills a child on my watch!”
He helped me up. “Thanks for saving my life. Again.”
“No reason to be embarrassed. Damn, the helicopter’s back.”
“It doesn't look like they know where we are. Let's keep it that way.” Tom opened the courtyard gate as the helicopter moved away.
We moved down a shallow riverbed. “Hold up, sentries on the bridge up ahead. Stay out of the spotlight.” Tom said as the search light moved towards us.
Peter putted a hand on my shoulder to calm me down as I trembled in fear. Relaxing, I gave him a smile.
At a field, bad guys searched for us with flashlights. I tripped, blowing our cover. “There they are!”
Peter grabbed me and got me to cover behind a haystack. “I’m sorry for blowing our cover!”
“Don’t blame yourself, it was inevitable.” Bullets flew past us. “Gunner in the helicopter! Tom, can you take him out?”
“No problem!”
Tom got his sniper rifle out, and the blue laser beam aimed at the gunner. “Say goodnight, McMurphy!” With a very loud shot, the gunner fell out of the helicopter. Then a Grenadier fired his missile launcher at the helicopter, but he popped flares.
“This won't be easy! Let's put him to the test!” This time, Peter fired and scored a direct hit. The helicopter spun out of control and crashed into the ground.
“Nice shooting Peter.” Tom spotted 3 IFVs on the road. “Looks like we took the crews out as well. Let’s take them so we can get to the others.”
He and his men took the first while I took the second with Peter.
“I am glad when this is over.”
“Me too Dinky, me too.”
After a while we reached the city. I didn’t know the name but it was abandoned.
In the distance, Anti-aircraft fire and burning buildings lighted the night. We got out and Peter and Tom got their instructions. “Untersberg’s last remaining tank is stuck half a click north of here. We gotta hustle! Let's go!”
Suddenly, gunfire came down on us from a darkened building.
“Ambush! Contact right! Contact right!” a Kommando shouted.
“Get suppressing fire on that building! We have to move forward!” The Grenadiers got to cover behind a barrier, while the Kommandos stormed the building. Trembling, I closed my eyes and was holding my ears.
Distracted by the Grenadiers, the bad guys were surprised by the Kommandos. “Building is cleared.”
I was scared but the only way to go home was to go through this. I have to be strong for my family.
“We will protect you from all harm.” A Grenadier patted me.
“Be advised, more enemy troops are converging on the tank. Get there A.S.A.P!”
“Roger that!”
However, at the rear of the building was heavy resistance. “Sir there's a ton of 'em out there!”
“Keep them suppressed, Kommando!”
“Roger that!”
Together, the soldiers defeated the enemy’s. “U.A.V. recon has spotted enemy tanks headed this way!”
“There they are!” I pointed at 4 T-80s rolling in from the other end of the street.
“Don’t worry Dinky, we got this.” Peter and his men took them out.
“Target destroyed!”
We made our way through the flare-lit marketplace as Tom and Peter got a message. “Broadsword, Locksmith, we're taking heavy fire on our position north of the market place! Where are you?!”
“We're almost there! Hang on!” Peter replied.
At the end of the market, we saw the stranded tank. He was under heavy fire. The other girls were cowering behind sandbags. At least they were safe from there.
“Pablo, what's your status, over?”
“We're still surrounded Sir! There's just the four of us left but the tank's still ok over! And the kids are safe behind sandbags!”
He replied to Tom. Peter gave me a sign to go to my friends. The soldiers took defensive positions around the tank. “Girls, are you alright?”
“D-dinky? I thought we had lost you!”
“Peter and Tom saved me from the bad guys. Scootaloo. I know this is hard but together we can make it through this!” This sounded pretty grown up, although I was as much scared as them. They all nodded.
“Contacts to the east and more flanking to the south! Hold the perimeter!”
“Broadsword, this is Untersberg! The main gun's offline but we still have our machine gun!”
“They're movin' in with det-packs! Don't let 'em get close to the tank!” Peter shouted.
Peeking around the sandbags, I saw that they held off waves and waves of enemy advances.
“We need air support, there too many of them!”
“Copy that, Locksmith, Emerald is on his way.”
Tom marked a building where the bad guys were in.
“Emerald here, we’re engaging.” 4 Cheetah Gunships arrived and fired their rockets and guns on the fortified building.
“Uh, Two, you see anyone left down there?” One of pilots asked after the building collapsed.
“Negative, we got 'em.”
“Roger that. All targets destroyed and we're outta here. Good luck boys. Out.”
The Gunships leaved. “Alright, let's get this tank moving.” Peter waved at us, then, he sketched a crude plan of the surrounding area on the side of the tank.
“Listen up. We don't have much time to get this tank and the kids out of here. We'll take up defensive positions around the bog here, here, and here. You have done well, Pablo.”
“Thank you, sir.” Pablo was out of breath.
“Lieutenant, take a rest with them, we can handle this.” One of the Grenadiers said to him.
“Are you hurt?” Peter asked my friends.
“We’re fine. But all those screams and…” Peter gave Sweetie Belle a tight hug.
“Shh, it’s over now. Let’s sleep now and tomorrow, you will be home again, I promise.”
He got a blanket and we all snuggled in. My friends were fast asleep. I and Peter couldn’t sleep. Turning my head, he stroked my mane and smiled. He listened to music. Thirty Seconds to Mars - This Is War. Never heard of it but it fitted our situation. We were victims of war and we all wanted that it would end.
After a few minutes, we were asleep. Tomorrow, I would be home again. He promised.
I woke up in my bed. I am home again? Finally! Suddenly the door to my room was kicked open. I screamed in fear as the bad guys grabbed me and dragged me out of our house. My family was nowhere to be seen.
Outside, I saw soldiers on top of buildings and helicopters swarmed the area. “Today, we rise again as one nation, in the face of betrayal and corruption!” a man said over a radio. The soldiers dragged me into a car. To make sure, I would stay, one of them hit me into the face with his weapon as i tried in panic to get out. That hurt.
Scared, I looked around, as the car started to move. Soldiers were running down the sidewalk in the opposite direction of the car. At a fork soldiers stood on the side, firing into the air. Soldiers were strangling ponies back on the road. The car was driving down a sandy, uphill drive, after an IFV. Soldiers were smoking on the sides.
What’s going on? Took the Forgotten Army control over Ponyville?
On one side of the road a soldier was pinning a pony and then gutting him. On the other several soldiers are firing into buildings. An IFV came out of an alley closely followed by ponies. Soldiers aren't far behind. The IFV stopped near a market place, soldiers got out and started shooting and stabbing the shoppers. The car went down a hill. At the bottom a garbage can was rolling with a pony under it. The pony got out and was shot from behind. The car came to an intersection. A truck chock full of soldiers went ahead of the car. The other roads were swarmed with soldiers. The car followed the truck. They came to a fork. The truck went left. In the middle was an empty concrete area behind a building. Many Ponies were lined up against it with their hooves behind their heads and their faces against the brick. Several Ponies were on the ground being arrested by soldiers.
“Collusion breeds slavery! And we shall not be enslaved!”
On a corner bend there was another empty area behind a building where some more Ponies were being killed and arrested for resisting the soldiers.
Some Ponies stole guns from soldiers and fired upon soldiers of the Forgotten Army in a small courtyard. They were all killed. Other Soldiers exited an IFV and ran down the sidewalk. The car went right at a fork into an alley.
“The time has come to show our true strength. They underestimate our resolve. Let us show that we do not fear them. As one people, we shall free our brethren from the yoke of foreign oppression!”
After the alley, the car went to a road. Here, Soldiers ran across from the right end to the left. The car turned right and followed the soldiers. On the left several soldiers sneaked around a crashed truck and started firing up the road. The car went straight. On the left many ponies were lined up with their backs facing the road. Soldiers reloaded and aimed at them. As the car passed they fired and the bodies dropped in a hail of gunfire.
How can they do something cruel? Where are Princess Celestia and Luna?
“Our armies are strong and our cause is just.”
The car turned left at a small courtyard where soldiers were lined up and tanks were parked.
“As I speak, our armies are nearing their objectives, by which we will restore the independence of our once great nations.”
The car traveled down a deserted road. At the end were some soldiers talking and smoking. At the very end there was a marketplace on the right. Many soldiers were lined up here. They all fired their guns into the air as they cheered. The car stopped outside the marketplace. A soldier opened the back door; another pulled me out, and threw me onto the ground.
“Our noble crusade has begun.”
The soldier kicked me in the face, my vision blacked out. As my vision came to, two soldiers took take one of my forelegs and lead me down the long hallway into the market place. They lead me towards a bloody, wooden stake in the middle of the market place. The bodies of my family and friends were tied on some others.
“Just as they lay waste to our country, we shall lay waste to theirs. We will show the Europeans, Americans and Russians that we are capable of defeating them, as we defeated the princesses.”
The soldiers tied me up and other soldiers cheered very loudly. A man with a beret and a pistol in his hand walked towards me. He looked into a camera and said, “This is how it begins.”
Everything went in slow-motion and I heard my heartbeat as he aimed the pistol at my face. My vision instantly blacked out after he fired.
Then I was in a room out of blackness. Crying, I curled up into a ball.
“Dinky? Can you hear me? Please don’t cry.” That sounded like my mother.
Looking up, I saw a light and my family stood in front of me with tears.
“Mama?”
“Yes sweetie, it’s me.”
“MAMA!” I ran up to her and hugged her tightly. “I miss you!” Tears leaved my eyes.
“We too. But we are also happy that you’re alright.”
“Princess Luna connected our dreams.” Daddy stroked my mane as Luna joined us.
“What happened?” My sister asked. I took a deep breath.
“The convoy that was supposed to bring us home got ambushed. We managed to flee to an abandoned city in the Crystal Mountains. Enforcers were deployed to rescue us.” I told them.
“The war has reached Equestria?” Mommy asked in shock.
“Not exactly. The Enforcers are fighting the Forgotten Army who makes heavy resistance.”
“Then, we will send guards to assist. This threat must be eliminated.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary Princess Luna, as the Enforcers have sent everything they got. Right now, they are repairing a tank that will help us out of the city.”
“Still, we will send some guards to overlook the situation.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow!”
“Stay safe, Dinky.” Mommy gave me a kiss on the forehead before they left.
Then I woke up by a strange noise. Yawning, I saw that the others were still asleep.
I could swear I saw something in an alley. 3 green googles or something like that. “Psst, over here.” I was suspicious but the other soldiers were too far away and I didn’t want to leave my friends alone.
Using my horn as flashlight, I checked the alley. Then I heard a whistle.
Moving slowly and careful to the direction where the whistle came from, I could feel my heartbeat was high from the fear. “Must been my imagination.” I turned around.
Then, someone grabbed me and was holding a knife near my throat. “A truly beautiful night.”
“What…”
“Shh, I’m not going to hurt you.”
“W-who are you?”
“I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
“P-please no…” Tears leaved my eyes and I wet myself.
“I'm only mucking about, relax.” That didn’t help me to relax. “Just tell me how many soldiers are there.”
“T-there’s 19 in total. 4 regular soldiers, 10 Grenadiers and 5 Kommandos. T-there are here to bring me and my friends’ home. T-that’s everything I know.”
“Thanks. I think it’s time for you to take a nap then.”
Then he choked me until I passed out.
Must be another dream. I thought after I woke up in a helicopter.
It was flying away from the city. “All European forces, be advised, we have a confirmed nuclear threat in the city. NEST teams are on site and attempting to disarm. I repeat, we're...” The ramp was still open. Suddenly, before the warning could be repeated, it was cut off by static as a nuclear explosion went off in the distance. Tom looked away and shielded his eyes with his free arm not holding his rifle to avoid witnessing the flash of the detonation, I did the same with my hoof. We stared in shock and disbelief at what has just happened. The familiar mushroom cloud began to rise into the air; the shock wave knocked down many helicopters and destroyed everything in its path.
“Everyone, hang on!” Peter shouted as the shockwave hit us and the Gadfly spun out of control. Tom tried to hang on, but was sliding out out of the chopper due to the G-forces caused by the spin. I lunged and grabbed him by the hand, trying to pull him back in, but the force was too strong and his hand slipped and he fell out of the chopper. I fell on my back and hanged into the seats.
As the Gadfly crashed, my vision immediately blacked out upon impact.
I woke up in the crashed Gadfly with great pain. I looked at my hooves, they had scratches. Severely injured from the crash, I crawled out of the wreck. I gasped twice and I heard my heartbeat. Also there was a radio faintly transmitting chatter.
“Flash, NBC-1 Nuclear, Bravo, NB-0 6-2, 6-3-4, solid, 90 degree grid, hotel, surface, Juliet, 90 seconds.” The radio got garbled up with noises, and a woman began transmitting.
“...Be advised, nuclear detonation detected, fallout predicted within a radius of 7.4 miles, epicenter located at N-G-0-5-8-6-8-0. Personnel within primary affected zone are ordered to commence immediate evacuation. Contamination centers are being established at this time, and they should be operational within 2 hours. Personnel are advised to be there, I am *static*. Personnel with highly elevated levels are advised to seek medical attention at the first available opportunity.”
I fell out of the wreck and hurt myself mildly. Getting up was painful and I looked around the darkened city. A massive white mushroom cloud was rising in the horizon from the nuclear explosion. Radioactive dust blew all around me and the city. The bodies of the European soldiers and my friends were scattered dead on the ground around the crash site.
I tried to walk but my hindleg was injured, so I leaned right with every step. A building was crumbling down as a result of the nuclear detonation. As I weakly and in pain, walked up to a school playground, my hearing began to deafen with the ghostly sounds of children playing. I fell to the ground, looked up, and my vision whited out. One child called out for his dad, and eventually one calling out for help. I am so sorry mama…
I woke up with a gasp and breathed heavily. Cold sweat was on my face. “Dinky!” Peter hugged me tight. “Shh, it was just a nightmare, calm down.”
It was just a dream. What a relief. It was morning. My friends yawned and woke up.
“Morning, girls.”
“Morning, Dinky.” They said together. An Eaglefly flew by.
“Hello? Can you hear us?”
“Daddy?”
“Yes Dinky, it’s me. I repaired the Eaglefly and can control it remotely. We thought we can look after you.”
“Nice Idea from you, but we have no time for a chat. We got hostiles moving in from the north!” Peter grabbed his weapon.
“Locksmith, we're clear of the Bog, thanks for the assist. We'll hold down the left flank and provide supporting fire, out.”
Tom pointed to the sandbags. He didn’t have to say it twice.
They fought off enemy’s but helicopters were about to drop reinforcements.
“Enemy air assault! Get ready! They're moving on both our flanks!”
“Take out those choppers!” Peter ordered his men and they did it.
“Right flaaaank! They're moving in on the right flank!” Pablo fired at incoming hostiles.
They retreated and we moved up into the streets. “Uh, Locksmith, Broadsword, possible ambush area up front. We'll uh move up when you've cleared the area ahead of us, over.”
“Watch for silhouettes on the rooftops!” Tom told us to stay behind. I was scared and so were my friends. But I felt safe with Tom's, Peter's and Pablo’s men.
“Soldiers stand clear. We're gonna get some rounds into those buildings!” Untersberg told everyone. The Eaglefly followed us. It was not damaged.
“Shining Armor put his shield spell on it, so they can’t destroy it.” Daddy laughed.
“Good to know. Incoming missile, everybody hit the deck now!” Peter screamed as a bad guy fired a RPG from a balcony.
The missile missed us but we coughed from the dust.
“Gunner, three story building, 11o'clock, second floor! Target acquired. Fire!”
As I and my friends were near the tank, it deafened our hearing and our ears ringed. Tom said something but we couldn’t understand it. “What did you said?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I said, move from cover to cover and we’ll keep you alive!”
I gave a weak smile but the fear was still in me. The Europeans suppressed enough enemies in the streets. “Locksmith, Broadsword, we're moving up.”
“Roger that.” Then I saw the firepower of the Panther tank. The buildings collapsed after just one shot.
The tank moved up, we used it as cover, while the infantry cleared building for building.
“Broadsword this is Untersberg we clear to uh...uh we clear to advance, over?”
“Roger that! Move up and hold position at the bend, over!” “Roger, movin'.”
As Untersberg moved, the hostiles retreated. “Hey, they’re fleeing!” Scootaloo pointed that out.
“Stay sharp, could be a trap!” Pablo warned. “Stay close.”
At an alley, Apple Bloom peeked around the corner and was almost hit but Pablo pulled her back. “Open Fire! Pin 'em down!”
Tom assisted Pablo in moving a dumpster for cover. With a well-aimed missile, Peter destroyed the window where an MG was. Then they kicked the door open.
“Breaching! Breaching!” We came up to a blown second floor, as a T-80 and bad guys came up the street.
“Enemy tank! We’re done for!” Apple Bloom panicked.
“Untersberg, Locksmith! T-80 behind the building at your 10 o' clock! Can you engage, over?!”
“Roger that Locksmith, I got him on thermal, switching to manual.”
Sweetie Belle screamed as the T-80 aimed at us and was about to fire, but Untersberg came up to the corner of a building hidden from the enemy tank.
“Takin' the shot.” Untersberg fired through a steel door and wall, and hit the enemy tank, which sparked and exploded and its turret was blown off.
The soldiers cheered. “Woo! Yeah! Woo! Yeah!” a regular soldier threw his arms in the air.
“Did you see that?!” a Kommando commented.
“That's what I'm talking about, baby!” a Grenadier added.
“Nice shot Untersberg. Lot' o secondaries. Now let's get the kids to safety.”
“Comin' through. Roger Locksmith. So...uh, hehe, are we there yet?”
The soldiers helped us down. At the end of the street, a Gadfly and a Whirlwind landed. “Yes.”
We all got in the Gadfly, while Untersberg got into the Whirlwind. It really generated a windstorm.
“Heads up!” Tom and Peter held off enemies as the helicopters took off.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Enjoy the flight.” The pilot said.
“And back home they think this is all fun and games.” Pablo rested.
“You did well out there. You can be proud of yourself.”
“Thanks, Sir.” He replied to Peter.
“Bad news. They hit the fuel tank. We must go to a nearby base.”
We all sighed. “Does that mean we can’t go home today?”
“Don’t worry about that, the next base is close to Ponyville, Scootaloo.” the pilot replied
This surprised and confused not only us but also the soldiers. “I don’t know anything about a base here.”
“You’ll see, Tom.”
After some time, I could see my house. “Hey, I can see my house from here!”
“Yes, a beautiful view.” Sweetie Belle nodded.
The base was hidden in the Mountains. It was an Air force base. We got out and were leaded to the barracks.
“You should rest. You earned it.” Peter said in a fatherly tone. He really cared about us. Frankly, I prayed that he would survive the war and returns to his family. Also I hoped that he would visit Equestria after the war is over.
“Okay.” I yawned and fell asleep.
Perspective: Peter
Pablo watched them for us. I headed to the Gadfly to inspect the damage.
It was a miracle that the fuel was enough to reach the base. It looked like someone had fired a MG on it.
After fixing it, I talked to Tom. “Did you know that we have a base hidden in Equestria?”
He shook his head. “No, but as far as I know, the Germans used this secret base in WW2. It was discovered by the Americans but never used by them. Well, until we started to use it.”
“The Germans were very careful as they built it. That’s why we never discovered it.” Twilight explained to us with the drone.
We repaired the Gadfly but it was low on fuel so we had to find another way to bring them home. Lucky for us, Badgers were on the way here. They were supposed to arrive in the evening or in the next morning.
“Look who we have here.” A known voice came from behind.
We turned around. Another Kommando from the platoon Longsword walked to me.
“Hey, Markus! Long time not see!” Markus was an old school buddy from me. He was not a Brony. But he wasn’t a hater either.
“How’s the family?”
I smiled. “Good, but I miss them and they’re missing me.” He was a caring but aggressive man.
“Then, it’s good for you that Europe is going to win this war. I just wonder why the Forgotten Army is better than ever.”
“Good question.”
The rest of the day went quietly. At night, I stood guard. Nothing to report.
I yawned as someone whistled. “Hello?” I walked into a corner. “Report unnecessary.” I said to myself. Then someone grabbed me from behind.
“Stay quiet and you might live.”
“Who…”
“Shh… Where are the foals?”
“I don’t know what you talking about.”
“I take no joy in killing, but make no mistake. I do what needs to be done.”
“I have a wife and a son. But I am trained against interrogation.”
“It looks like you forgot to shave this morning, let me help you out a bit.”
“What… Hey! Okay. There are asleep in the barracks. And if you harm them, you have my comrades on your tail!”
“I am just here to guarantee their safety like you.” He choked me until everything went black.
Tom and Markus woke me up. “You’re alright?”
“Yes. Some kind of American spy is after the foals.”
“Then let’s move!” Markus took the lead.
They were still asleep. Pablo was sitting next to them. He was tired but checked his gun to make sure that it wouldn’t malfunction and kill or hurt them.
“They’re like angels when they’re sleeping.”
“Indeed. And everyone who tries to harm them must go through me.” Markus was maybe aggressive but he used it to defend others.
We all were startled by an explosion. The kid’s eyes shot up in fear. Then a second explosion, much closer than the first. The foals were so scared that they jumped in mid-air on their beds.
“What’s going on?! Are we under attack!?!” Dinky shouted.
“Yes.” I showed no fear and wrapped her into a blanket and held her close to my chest. Tom took Sweetie Belle, Pablo Apple Bloom, and Markus Scootaloo. They all pressed their heads against our chests and were shaking as they were very frightened.
“To the bunkers!” I shouted before a third explosion that was VERY close, almost threw us all off balance.
“If I get the guy who messed up with the warning…” Markus wasn’t able to finish, as Tom grabbed him by the collar to drag him out.
I and Pablo left the barracks, foals in our arms, ready to protect them of one of the biggest battles we would fight. And one of the most violent.
Never before in my life had I seen such a brutal attack. Artillery shells destroyed everything in their path. Buildings, soldiers who tried to find cover, vehicles in flames.
The warning siren was destroyed, only the bottom-half of the pole remained.
Either it was hit first by the artillery or someone took it out from a distance. Unrealistic, but it was the only explanation I could come up with at the moment.
Dinky shivered in my arms, seeing the explosions and the damage and soldiers who screamed in pain.
Explosions missed us by a few meters and I had to dive to prone to protect her from splinter and Metal.
I had tunnel vision, focused only to the kids and the bunker.
Markus reached it first. I expected nothing else, as he was the best in sport.
“Almost there, hurry!” he shouted. Despite my bet attempts to avoid getting hit, an explosion right next to me threw me to the ground. Recovering quickly, I picked Dinky up who was unharmed.
Inside we gently placed them on the ground. They lost their nerves.
“ENOUGH! STOOOOOOOP!” Sweetie Belle screamed.
“No, please, no more…” Dinky was covering her ears. This reminded me of the cut scene of Company of Heroes when the USS Texas opened fire. It was almost identical with the real life scene we had right now.
I had to cover my ears too. “Lieutenant, what’s happening?! We see explosions and smoke from the mountains!”
“We’re under fire by artillery!” my voice cracked slightly from my nerves as i answered Twilight.
After the artillery stopped, Pablo shouted, “The Russians!” before firing.
Dinky wrapped her forelegs around me with tear filled eyes. “Please don’t leave us here.”
“I’m not leaving the bunker, I’ll be right there. Nothing bad will happen to you.”
They all hugged my tightly, fearing for their lives. Tom, Pablo and Markus fired at the hostiles. “They’re attacking with Riflemen and tanks! Good that air support is on its way!” Tom said as Cheetah Gunships were on the scene.
They managed to take out many Wolves and tanks, but it was too many for them. It didn’t take long until the Gunships crashed to the ground and exploded.
“WHERE DID THE RUSSIANS GET ALL THOSE TROOPS?!” Pablo screamed his lungs out.
Tom reloaded. “THIS IS NOT WORKING!”
Markus despite the chaos was still taunting the enemy. “You should have stuck to the cold war!”
Despite the sounds of battle, my little friends relaxed a bit as they knew that the bunker shielded them from the battle and that I was here to protect them. Still, they were nervous and scared.
But then something happened. Something worse. A regular soldier tried to reach the bunker but was shot as he reached it. “Mother… please, help me.” He cried in pain as blood came from his chest.
“I fix you up in no time!” I quickly pressed my hands onto the wound to slow the bleeding. But it was too late. He went into shock.
Scootaloo's eyes widened and her jaw dropped in dismay. The young man began to writhe uncontrollably in short, violent spasms. “Is he…is he…?” Apple Bloom stared at the deceased man.
Another young life taken by this war. But there are worse things than death. Right now for me, it was what happened right now.
The blood came into contact with Dinky’s hoof. “What?! Get it off, Get it off!!!” She fell to the ground, eyes focused on her blood-strained hoof. She crawled backwards against the wall, leaving blood stains all over the place. Her friends were too shocked to do anything; they stared at Dinky’s hoof, eyes wide, breathing heavy and shaking.
I got on one knee, and grabbed my canteen to wash my hands. Then I tried to get the blood off. Dinky relaxed but still was scared. Getting PTSD or war trauma was much worse than to die. But getting that as child, when your life is still ahead of you is the worst thing that can happen.
The rest of my men got into the bunker to destroy the tanks. They were exhausted and bloodied, their faces covered in greasy sweat and ash, their breathing was heavy. Also their hands were shaking and so did I. Adrenaline, a curse and blessing.
Without saying a word, they helped my comrades to fight off the enemy. But I had something more important in mind.
I hugged all crying foals tightly, patting them and humming something to comfort them. I peeked out the bunker. Waves of Wolves and T-100 attacked. It couldn’t be a raid; otherwise there would be no artillery at the beginning.
“Take no prisoners comrades! Show no mercy! Kill them all! Spare no one! The women of Europe will weep tonight!” a Wolf shouted.
I rubbed the back of the kids, saying that everything would be alright. Their eyes were closed, their breathing rapid and their heart rates were at 180 beats per minute.
I also did this with my son after I found him. Just like them right now, he cried his heart out as he was scared. Very scared.
Eventually, he stopped crying as he was just happy to see us again. But the foals didn’t stop as the bunker rumbled from the fighting outside.
Still in the end, the Russians got defeated. I lifted Dinky up and held her close to my chest. Tom took Sweetie Belle, Pablo Apple Bloom and Markus Scootaloo. My men took care of the body. Dinky didn’t sayed anything; she just stayed curled up in my arms.
Outside I overlooked the damage. Nothing important was destroyed, but unimportant buildings that were used as cover were collapsed, vehicles on fire, and bodies of Russians and Europeans everywhere. Both sides took heavy casualties.
“We took Moskau, but still they don’t give up.” Markus patted Scootaloo.
“How did they even found that base?” I patted Dinky.
“Russian intelligence I suspect.” Tom replied.
An officer came to us. “Enforcers, we need you to recapture Rovaniemi. Be ready in 15 minutes.”
“Yes, sir. And what about our guests?”
“Get rid of them.”
“But all transports have been destroyed.”
“We need that base back and only now we have the opportunity to retake it. We DON’T have the luxury of babysitting those foals.”
“Hey! Who you callin' a baby!? We are still foals but no baby’s!” Apple Bloom growled, causing the officer to take a step back.
“I just mean, you can’t stay here.”
“Tell me straightaway.” She surely got that from her sister.
Just then, Badgers arrived. “Let’s get you home, shall we?” the driver said as they got in. I just hope that it will work this time, before I entered the Gadfly.
While the Gadfly was en route to the battlefield, I was lost in thought. While the base was secured, there were too many questions left. How the Forgotten Army did become so good in fighting? How did the Russians found this secret base? Is the CMC safe and sound back home? Then I heard a voice in my head.
“Lieutenant, can you hear me?”
“Yes, Twilight.” I replied in my mind.
“I decided to keep the link between you and me. Frankly, I am interested in your fighting style. If you don’t mind.” She sounded embarrassed.
“Not at all.”
The Gadfly reached the DZ. We rappelled down. The Captain gave the go.
“Operation Rubicon is go, Operation Rubicon is go. Assault force inbound on DZ… …Uplink positions are confirmed.”
Broadsword and Longsword were on the ground with us, along with the command vehicle.
Snow and forests everywhere as far as I could see. Broadsword got order to secure Whiskey, Longsword moved to Sierra. “Locksmith, follow Broadsword to Whiskey.”
“Yes, sir.”
We met no resistance and secured both Uplinks. Then I upgraded it to Air support. “This is AIR-COMMAND-EUROPA, your signal is conformed!”
Badgers, Marksmen, Panthers and Cheetahs were deployed. We got into the Badgers who brought us to Sierra, so we could upgrade it to Force Recon. “This is TROOP-COMMAND-EUROPA, your signal is confirmed!”
“Hostiles spotted, eyes on T-100 Ogre Tanks.”
“Typhoon here, inbound on your target!” Eurofighters destroyed two of the four tanks, so we had no problems in taling care of the other two.
The T-100 Ogre was indeed one of the most terrifying tanks an enemy could face, but was still vulnerable to Gunships and Combat Engineers like us.
As we destroyed one of the two tanks, a flare was shot in the sky. Evacuation. The surviving crew members climbed out of the hatch. “Should we finish them?” a Grenadier asked.
“No, let them go. They pose no threat anymore. Besides, killing them makes us no better. They have wives and children like we do. And we should give them a second chance.” A Mi-55 Locust arrived to pick the Russians up and flew out of the battlefield.
“You’re a merciful person.”
“Yes Twilight, I am. I always show mercy and so does our commander. The Russians may are our enemy, but they are still soldiers like we are.”
I putted my hand to my radio. “Tom, everything alright over there?”
“No, I am freezing my body off. But apart from that, no contacts or anything.”
Then we got into the Badgers again.
They, the Panthers, and Broadsword regrouped at the road that leaded to Alpha, while regular forces defended Whiskey and Sierra.
Selfbow guarded by Archers was also in position. Emerald scouted ahead.
“Emerald here, Bears and BTR-112 Cockroaches are guarding it.”
“Copy that. Selfbow, take those Bears out.”
“Yes, colonel.” The Marksmen opened fire, causing the Bears to retreat. The Panthers took the IFVs out. Then we took cover behind the walls of Alpha but we did not secure it to avoid DEFCON 1.
Funny how things can turn out. The Russians deployed KA-65 Howler Gunships and Cockroaches which we took out with Ural and Olympus. Sometimes single Bear Platoons were deployed which Broadsword and Longsword took care off.
The Spetznaz did not even tried to secure Foxtrot or Zulu, just focused on Alpha.
It didn’t take long until we heard the Captain say, “It is accomplished Colonel. So much for the legendary Spetznaz. Should have lain off the Vodka. After action report is ready Colonel.”
We threw our arms into the air and cheered.
“Interesting.”
“And that, Is how you do it.” I said to Twilight.
In the Barracks, my Platoon was upgraded with the Ability to deploy Archers, Self-healing mines and a Trap sensor.
We also found out why the Forgotten Army was getting better. As Russia was close to defeat, and many hated the President Vsevelod Vsevelodovich Kapalkin, the 26th Assault Battalion joined the Forgotten Army to defeat not only Europe and the USA but also their own country. All that data was in the Uplink Alpha. The 26th Assault Battalion called himself Ultranationalists now.
Well, this war is getting out of control. The news was shut down. “Did you find anything?”
“Yes, Tom. A splinter group from the Russian Spetznaz has joined the Forgotten Army. They call themselves Ultranationalists. Their goal is to overthrow the president of Russia and they spare no one.”
“That explains why some of the guys we took out when we saved Dinky had Russian names. About your friends, they were brought to a safe house in Cherbourg.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Cherbourg? Why not home?”
“He shrugged his arms. “I don’t know, but at least they’re safe from the war.”
“But they were supposed to be home right now. Who gave that order?” That was a little bit suspicious.
“As far as I know, it came from the President. For their own safety, as we got reports about ambushes.”
“Okay… I just want that this war comes to an end.”
Then a call for help came in.
“This is the 9th Army of the European Federation Army stationed in Cherbourg! We’ve got enemies on all sides. We can’t move!”
I got on the radio. “Come in! Come in! Come in! This is Lieutenant Hartmann! What’s your status, over?”
“Lieutenant! The Russians are charging! They are tackling us from two sides! We need more troops! Everything’s collapsing right now!” There was an explosion in the background. “We need enhancement right now!” Another explosion and static.
“Hello… Hello… Damn it!” I slammed the radio on the table.
“Broadsword, Locksmith, get to your transports.” “Yes Sir, right away.”
A few minutes earlier
Perspective: Dinky
For our own safety, we were moved to Cherbourg, a seaport in France. I missed my home but the city was beautiful. Pablo escorted us.
I had read about the battle of Cherbourg in 1944. Terrible but it belonged to the past now.
The residents didn’t saw us, but the house had a beautiful view of the city and the sea. In the Harbor was a very large container ship.
Sweetie Belle was drawing a picture of Pablo, Scootaloo played table tennis with a soldier, Apple Bloom was reading about French food and I watched the Harbor.
Suddenly, there was an explosion. Pablo looked out of the window. “The Russians!” he screamed as Helicopters dropped Tanks and infantry off.
He got to the radio. “This is the 9th Army of the European Federation Army stationed in Cherbourg! We’ve got enemies on all sides. We can’t move!” an explosion interrupted the connection for a moment.
“Come in! Come in! Come in! This is Lieutenant Hartmann! What’s your status, over?” Peter voice came from the other end.
“Lieutenant! The Russians are charging! They are tackling us from two sides! We need more troops! Everything’s collapsing right now!” another explosion interrupted him.
“We need enhancement right now!” Then the radio was dead. “Hello… Hello… Damn it!” He slammed it on the table and grabbed his gear.
“We must get you all to the safe room!” We were scared but felt safe with him.
But as we moved to the safe room, the building rumbled and a piece of debris fell on me and everything went black.
We were en route to Cherbourg in the evening. Twilight spoke to me again. “Lieutenant, I allowed myself to share the connection with my friends, and the citizens of Ponyville.”
“I would turn it off right now, as we are about to enter hell.”
“What do you mean?”
I saw Cherbourg in the distance. It was burning. “Cherbourg’s getting ripped apart down there!” Tom couldn’t believe it. “But we evacuated the civilians. Yet we lost contact with the security team. They may be in the safe room.”
“If they’re alive, we’ll find them!” I tightened the grip on my gun.
“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.
“We found out, that the 26th Assault Battalion of the Spetznaz joined the Forgotten Army. For their own safety, the CMC was moved here, but it is under attack by them. The Russians call themselves Ultranationalists now.”
It looked like hell. Eurofighters bombed enemies and they returned fire with IFVs.
“Broadsword, Locksmith, hook up.” The pilot told us.
As I and Tom rappelled down, the Gadfly was hit by a Cockroach IFV. “IFV! We're hit! We're hit!”
The Gadfly swung wildly out of control. “LOOK OUT!!!” Tom screamed but luckily we managed to swing from our ropes into a room of the compound. Einstein went down.
“Central, we are going down!”
“Einstein, come back. Einstein, do you Roger? Central, Einstein is gone.” Stunned, I saw how the Gadfly crashed. Tom and I were the only survivors.
A Wolf entered the room we were in. Tom sneaked up and snapped his neck, and attempted to pull the AK-74 from the corpse. He killed 2 more soldiers passing the room with it. Then he threw it to me as I had lost my MP12.
“Move out!”
“Central, I got eyes on Broadsword and Locksmith.” Markus reported. “You got Ultranationalists all over the north wing, Tom.”
We moved to a floor. “Get your heads down!” Emerald shot inside the building, killing many Ultranationalists soldiers.
“Come on, move up!” a civilian crossed our way and held his hands in surrender. “Out of the way, go! Markus, northeast corner.”
“On the way.” In the next room, we killed some Wolves as Markus reported in. “We're breaching the roof.” He and a regular soldier rappelled down from a window from the roof, and cleared the room with us.
“The whole damn building's overrun!”
“Dispatch is next floor down.” Tom replied to Markus.
“You think they’re survived this attack?”
“I hope so!” Tom cared for them as much as I did.
We heard an Ultranationalist outside the building. He gave orders in Russian.
“Markus, what's he saying?” Tom asked.
“Kill the civilians. Spare no one.”
“Please, save them!” Derpy cried.
“That’s’ why we here.”
“Get down!” Tom fired at hostiles that tried to execute unarmed civilians. We saved them all by killing the enemy soldiers before they could execute them.
“Broadsword, this is central, anyone who doesn't get out soon isn't going to. The Ultranationalists have overwhelmed the entire north wing.”
“Roger that central, moving on.”
”Safe room is just ahead.” I pointed to the door.
We entered a room with stairs. I got to cover behind a wall as more hostiles moved in. A bad guy threw a Molotov cocktail from a window high up to the ground.
But that didn’t stop us from moving. “The safe room is down there.”
“Clear!” Markus killed the last soldier. The door to the safe room was destroyed.
“Safe room's been breached.”
“So where are they, Peter?”
“They might have fallen back to the safe room... They may still be alive. They have to be! Let's move, on me.”
AK ready, I kicked the door to the war room down and killed every Russian inside before they could react.
“The safe room's on the other side of the war room. RPG!” Tom pointed at a soldier but I took him down before he was able to shoot.
“Clear!” Markus reported. “Central, sitrep, over!”
“Broadsword, Spetznaz have taken over the south, you are cut off.”
“Damn.”
“Roger that, central.” Tom acknowledged.
“You better hurry if you want an evac.”
“Let’s go.” I took the lead
I kicked a door down that leaded to a damaged hallway. “They should be in one of these rooms.” I said.
“Peter, take the door at the far end of the hallway. Markus, on me.”
As I entered the room, a Wolf ambushed me. He rammed his bayonet into my side and I let out a cry of pain. Clenching my teeth, I fell to the ground. The soldier tried to stab me, but I evaded every stab he made. Then Pablo stabbed him from behind.
“Thanks. Are they alright?”
“Si.” He was exhausted and breathed heavily. The foals were behind a desk. They were shaking, eyes closed. Pablo patched me up.
“Just a flesh wound.” I putted my hand on Apple Bloom, causing her to flinch. Her nose was bleeding.
When she realized she wasn’t in danger, she slowly opened her eyes and looked up at me. The others did the same. They weren’t crying but were more scared than ever.
“Peter? Did you come to safe us?” Her voice was quiet.
“Yes, Apple Bloom. You all will make it out of here alive. Let’s move.”
A small explosion shook the building. “Peter? Are they still alive?”
“Yes Tom, we’re moving out.”
We moved outside to meet up with Markus and Tom. “There they are! Central, where’s our pick up?!”
“Broadsword, be advised, Army forces are engaged in heavy fighting west of your location. Push through to rally point Delta, 2 klicks north on the sea.”
“We'll make it, you just be there!”
“Surrender at once and your lives will be spared! I am sure you will make right choice given the circumstances! Drop your weapons and surrender at once! You will not be harmed if you surrender! Surrender and make it easy on yourselves!” a Russian said on a loudspeaker as we moved to downtown. Wounded soldiers were treated by medics.
“We're gonna need some close air support for this. Peter, grab that radio.” Tom pointed to a soldier who took cover behind a wall.
“Emerald, this is One-One-Five; we need immediate air support in Downtown!” he shouted into the radio.
“One-One-Five, we do not have clearance in Downtown. Everyone’s in hell, son.”
“Damn, screw you!”
I stretched my hand after the radio. “Pull it together, and give me that radio!”
“What are you, Enforcer Corps?”
“Just give me the radio.”
"Good luck with that crap.”
He gave me the radio. “Emerald this is Locksmith. Priority one ordinance on my command.”
“Affirmative, Locksmith. Let us know when you need us.”
I marked a six story building. “Coordinates confirmed. Contact at the six story building.” Emerald destroyed the building. “We have confirmed kills at zero, area secure.”
We entered the streets, supported by a VBCI. I told the kids to stay in cover, until I said it was clear. Emerald destroyed any building where the enemy took cover.
After two blocks, the VBCI was destroyed by a tank. “APC's down! There's a damn tank out there!” Markus took cover from the tank.
“Emerald, we have enemy armor at Viktor, Zulu, Seven Foxtrot!”
“Affirmative Locksmith, standby for strafing run.”
The Gunships came from behind us. “Locksmith, we're coming in hot!” Emerald destroyed the tank, so we could move forward. “Tank destroyed, Locksmith, you are clear to proceed.”
“The LZ's half a klick away, end of the street.” Tom took a soldier down.
Then there was an explosion and a scream behind me. Turning around, I saw something which terrified me to the bone. Dinky was hit by it; her right hind leg was covered in blood and splinters. She screamed in pain, clutching her leg.
“Oh no.” I muttered and ran to her. It looked pretty bad. She was lucky that is wasn’t blown off.
“My leg! It’s hurts!” She cried in shock, tears running down.
“It's not bad, okay? It's not bad.” I tried to calm her down. She was so in shock, that she didn’t hear the voices of her friends.
For Christ’s sake, gave them a break!
“Let me take a look.” I removed the splinters, slowed her blood loss and bandaged it. “You’re going to be alright.” I said to her in a calming tone. “You're alright!” She screamed in pain as I putted my hands on her leg and she muttered over and over again if she would be ever able to walk again.
Her voice was a mix of pain, shock, fear and crying just like when Joe in Band of brothers cried for his helmet when he was hit by artillery and… I better spare you with that.
Emerald went to attack a building but an IFV fired at them.
“Damn…evasive action! Broadsword, we are under heavy fire! Locksmith, the grid is hot, Emerald is pulling out. Take down that anti air and we will return support, over.”
“Understood, Emerald.” I carried Dinky in my arms. She looked at her hoof in shock, unable to process it.
“I see it. Cockroach BTR, end of the street.” Markus pointed it out.
“Sir, we can use this building to flank them.”
“Good idea, Pablo.” Tom tried to open the door.
“We got a tank!” Markus called out as a T-100 rolled in. “Off the street!”
The tank fired, sending a car flying towards us, but we got in just before it hit us.
“Peter, we gotta take out that BTR. Markus, keep these kids safe.”
“Got it.” He took Dinky from me and patted her. “Don’t worry Dinky, it’s not so bad. Your leg will be healed in no time.”
“Yeah, Dinky. As you said before, together we can make it through this!” her friends cheered her up and she calmed down.
“You’re right, we will.”
Upstairs, we surprised the Russians and cleared the first floor, but the floor collapsed.
“Still in one piece, my friend?” Tom asked.
“I'm good.”
Outside, Ultranationalists were about to execute woman and children but we saved them, killing all enemies before they could pull the triggger. The kids cried and it reminded me too much of Otto and the CMC. Almost there. You will make it out of here alive.
The Cockroach was right next to a wall, ignoring us. I putted C4 on it and detonated it. A Missile that was fired from it destroyed a wall that leaded to the rally point.
The T-100 was about to retreat but Emerald destroyed the tank before he could do so.
We got to the rally point and a Gadfly landed. “There's our ride.” Tom was happy that we made it.
I wasn’t sure. “I'm not so sure…”
“Get the wounded and civilians first. More birds on their way, sit tight. Broadsword, air support is offline while we evacuate the wounded and civilians.” Wounded soldiers and the civilians we saved got on board. “Thank you.” a woman said to us.
The Gadfly took off before the foals were able got on board.
“Looks like we got to wait. Everyone load up, I want this LZ secure! Peter, lay mines around the perimeter.” I obeyed Tom's command and laid mines.
Then I manned the mounted MG on sandbags. The foals got also behind it. Pablo took cover with some regular soldiers behind a stone wall next to us.
Smoke was popped and the Russians entered the area. I fired at them, mowing them down. Some of them stepped on mines. The kids covered their ears and eyes.
After a hard fight, they retreated. “They're pulling back!” Pablo shouted.
“They are not retreating, they are regrouping!” Markus reloaded, ready for the next wave.
“Central, we have civilians with us, we need evac at once!”
“Broadsword, hold your position, evac is on its way.”
“Who else is left? Anyone?” Pablo looked to his comrades. Of 20 men, half of them were dead.
“European soldiers, your aggression towards Soviet Russia will not go unpunished! Instead of returning to your families, you will die here.”
“Here they come again.” Pablo was very nervous and constantly looked directly back at me with a horrified expression.
“There are more of them, always more.” Scootaloo whimpered.
“We’re not getting out of this one!” Apple Bloom panicked.
“This is it, this is it!” a soldier accepted his fate.
“There’s blood everywhere!” another soldier shouted in horror.
This time they attacked harder. We tried to hold them off as we made our final stand.
The regular soldiers took heavy casualties. “They’re just keep killing us, KILLING US!”
Pablo looked at the kids in guilty. “I’m so sorry, so very sorry!” His guilt-ridden face twisting into a snarl of grim determination, Pablo spun round, rifle pointing straight at the oncoming Soviets.
There was a bang, almost faint in the ears of the foals watching, ringing on their drums.
Time seemed to slow down completely as Pablo fell backwards, his face betraying little more than mild alarm.
The ringing stopped.
Then, with an awful squelching sound, the back of his head flew away from the front in a shower of viscera, spraying the ground with blood, bone fragments and brain matter. Sweetie Belle shrieked, her front-hooves frantically rubbing at her eyes to wipe away the spatter of dead flesh from her face while Scootaloo desperately tried to fly forwards to help their lifeless friend, screaming his name again and again.
Apple bloom just stared, horrified, her forelegs flung out to her side, shielding her two friends from Pablo's lamentable fate.
"I'm so sorry, girls...I'm so sorry, Pablo" she whispered, her quivering voice drowned out by the screams and gunfire "Ma...Pa...I'll see you soon"
“This is Galileo, inbound to extraction.”
“Evacuate men; Battlegroup 1 will take from here.”
“Affirmative.”
A Gadfly hovered behind us and opened the ramp. I provided covering fire as my friends and comrades got in. Then I abandoned the MG and jumped onboard.
The Gadfly headed for Equestria I guess, as the pilot flew around Cherbourg and headed for Germany. But we didn’t came far, as a missile was launched at us. “Incoming! Incoming!”
We were hit and Galileo spun to the ground. “Mayday, mayday, this is Galileo we’re going down!”
Before we crashed, I clenched the kids protectively. Then everything went black.
“Galileo, this is central, do you copy? Over. Galileo, this is central, how copy? Over.”
I woke up shell-shocked in the wreckage. The kids were fine. Outside, my men and comrades were fighting enemies. I looked at my hands, which had sustained major injuries, bloodly cuts. My gloves were torn and my watch was damaged and no longer functioning. The kids had like me cuts on their body’s and watched in horror.
Markus handed me an E3000. “Take this and stay down!” A stray bullet hit him in the back of his head killing him instantly. Blood sprayed from his head as he fell to the side to the ground.
“Markus’s down!” Tom said as he checked his ammo. “Last mag!” I cocked and loaded my E3000 and began taking out targets from inside the wreckage. I fired at every enemy I saw until my weapon was empty.
“Peter! Last mag! Make it count!” He threw me another mag. But there were too many Russians. Tom was hit in the left shoulder, falling on his back, still allive and I was out of ammo.
Eventually we were overrun. The soldiers closed in and looked at the foals. They were terrified, trembling, Apple Bloom would struggle but she was still in shock from Pablo's bloody death.
“Show mercy! Let us leave here alive! Have a heart! Please! We didn't do anything! We can't hurt you! Please, please don't kill us!” Sweetie Belle begged, not wanting to die, Scoots held her protectively.
Dinky's horn light up as she tried to cast a defensive spell, a Wolf hit her with the butt of his rifle, knocking her back.
This seemed to tore Apple Bloom out of her shock, her expression became one of rage. "Hurt mah friends and you're mess with me!" She lunged at the soldier who hit her with a swift pistol whip, knocking her back too.
"It takes more than that to take out a Spetznaz." He taunted not impressed.
"Wait!" Dinky yelled as his comrades raised their weapons.
They were knocked out and brought into a Locust.
“Colonel, we have them.”
“Good. Remember, no survivors.”
“Da Colonel.”
Tom attempted to reach for his sidearm but a Wolf putted his boot on his arm, causing him to groan in pain.
I tried to hit the soldier who was approching me with my fist but he hit me with the butt of his rifle, knocking me down.
Closing my eyes, I accepted my failure, waiting for the bullet that would end my life.
Time went slow, my heartbeat ringed in my ears, as the sound of Unicorn magic echoed in my ears, a magic bolt hit them and they were knocked out. One of them fired his weapon as he collapsed in my direction but a magic shield protected me. It was Sergeant Arrow. Luna's Guards arrived and secured the area. “Lieutenant! You’re alright! You gonna be fine!” Ash Mark helped me out before my vision went black again.
Warning:This chapter contains content that may be disturbing to some readers, and not meant for some eyes. For any sensitive readers, viewers discretion is advised.
You have been warned
Perspective: Dinky
I awoke slowly with a blurred vision. I tried to move but to no avail. I was restrained on a chair. My magic wasn’t working. Looking up, I saw some kind of ring around it.
“About time you little brat!” a man with a blue shirt and a black ski mask looked evil at me. Another man in a green uniform probably a Colonel was next to him.
“Hello there. I am Colonel Imran Makarov. You’re will be great use to us.”
His voice was cold. “P-please don’t kill me.” I pleaded.
He looked at the masked man. “Do want you like. But don’t kill or hurt her. She and the others are no use to me dead.”
“Yes, sir.” He flipped the chair over.
“This won’t hurt… much. And it is legal.” He putted a cloth over my face.
My heart raced. Panic came as water entered my nose and lungs. He wanted to drown me!
The panic rose as I couldn’t breathe. I will die! Then the water stopped and I gasped for air.
“Please! Stop! I don’t know anything!”
He laughed. “I don’t torture for information’s. I do it for fun.”
Again he tried to drown me. I struggled but to no avail.
“The more you struggle, the more the torture.”
What was I supposed to do?! I feared for my life! Mortal agony for Celestia’s sake!
He stopped again. I coughed. “Make it stop! I beg you!”
“We’re just getting started.”
I will drown! I will drown! I was at my limit. “Please, I can’t take it anymore!”
“That’s enough.”
“Just when the fun was at its best!” My torturer complained.
“We got plans for you. Bring her to the others!”
“Yes, sir!”
They blindfolded me and dragged me somewhere.
I was thrown to the ground. The blindfold was removed. Everything hurt. My friends were unharmed. We were in a basement. “Girls?” My voice was weak.
“Dinky? You look terrible.”
Sweetie belle looked at me in shock. “T-they’re tortured me!” They all hugged me tightly.
“Don’t worry, Dinky. Help will come eventually. We must have faith. And Peter will find and save us.”
“Thanks, Scootaloo.”
“That’s what’s friends are for.” Apple Bloom smiled. But the plan they had, was something which would break our faith.
Perspective: Peter
I came to, only to find myself under a tree. A dream. Man, I must be weigh more injured than I thought.
“You’re awake.” Luna landed next to me.
“Hello again.” I greeted as she sat down.
“That was one of the most brutal battles I have ever seen. But no civilians were killed and Battlegroup 1 defeated the terrorists. And your actions saved many innocent lives, including many children.”
“I only did my duty. And I do whatever is necessary to save the lives of civilians and children. Children don’t deserve to die in war or in the hand of bad guys. They are our future.”
She smiled. “That’s right and you showed it when you saved the hostages in Manehattan. You have a few broken rips from the crash and some cuts but nothing serious. Rarity repaired your gloves and Dr. Whooves repaired your watch. Your friend also survived.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Good to know. He’s the only friend left. Apart from the CMC. Wait, how long was I out of the fight?”
She looked at me worried. “Two days. We couldn’t find them. But the war is over. See for yourself.”
“Colonel, the war is over, and the European Federation is the victor. The torch of our civilization, lit scarcely two years ago, has weathered the tempest of a global conflict to burn as a solitary beacon of hope or all mankind. We are the heroes of this new era. Fighting at my side, you have achieved glory, even perhaps immortality. For Europa Colonel, victory always.”
“The war is finally over.”
“Yes. But we still have to save the foals.”
“What are we waiting for? Wake me up; I have a mission to do!”
“As you wish.” Her horn flashed and my vision became black.
I was in a hospital bed again. Tom was in a bed next to me, awake. EKG’s monitored our heart rates. “You’re alive. I thought I had lost you.” Tom gave me a weak smile.
“Luna showed me that the war is over. Can you believe it?”
“Yes. But we have to find the foals. As you already know, the Spetznaz we’re encountered in Cherbourg are a splinter faction of the Russian Army. They allied themselves with the Phoenix Connexion, as the Forgotten Army was completely wiped out.”
I looked him confused. “That’s strange. The Phoenix Connexion is known for being ruthless towards other factions. Why would they do that?”
Dr. Stable trotted in, interrupting our conversation.
“You’re awake, good. How are you felling?”
“Good, surprisingly good.” I answered.
He smiled cheerful at me and Tom. “The painkillers work better than I expected. Also, both of you are recovering well, so tomorrow, you should be able to leave.”
Clear Amber and Ask Mark were guarding the door so it must be night. Dr. Stable wished a good night and leaved.
Amber looked curious at me. “Do you want something?”
“You spoke about the Phoenix Connexion. What are they?” She asked with fear.
I cleared my throat. “A Terrorist organization. Having established a reputation for killing anyone that gets in their way, the Phoenix Connexion is one of the most feared terrorist groups in Eastern Europe. Formed shortly after the breakup of the USSR. They are responsible for more than 100 murders, and believed to have been involved of the 1985 murder of U.S. Army Col. James Clancy in Berlin. Has carried out Terrorist acts in several countries including Spain, Yugoslavia, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Masters at sniping, and also adept with explosives and reconnaissance. Their strength is not known, but their numbers are increasing. Latest estimates put their numbers as high as 2,500 across Eastern Europe. Many members seem to be ex-Soviet soldiers.”
“C-could it be that they hold the foals as hostages?”
“Could be Ash Mark. But that is what we need to find out.” I yawned. “But now I need some sleep. Goodnight.”
I slept peaceful but prayed that they would be still alive.
In the morning, we were released. Tom and I spent the day with helping out in town. In the evening, Celestia and the CMCs families wanted to talk what would happen now.
“So, the war is over. What now?” I asked Celestia.
“Now, you can go home to your family. We will miss you.” Celestia was sad, loking to the ground.
“We will miss you too.” Storm tried to hold tears back. “But still… If the European Federation finds any life sign of our daughter, can you inform us?”
“Don’t worry, I won’t rest or stop until I have found them.”
For some reason, my Phone showed Breaking News. Thanks to a spell, all residents of Ponyville, including the Wonderbolts could watch it.
“Breaking News! A group calling itself ‘Ultranationalists’ broadcasted this just minute’s ago. Oh my god…”
A man in a colonel uniform of the Spetznaz was in the picture.
“Our so-called leaders prostituted us to the European Federation...Destroyed our culture...Our economies...Our honor. Our blood has been spilled on our soil. I cannot allow Russia to be subjected to the dispensation of Europe. This world is not yours alone. And the civilians are equally guilty as your soldiers of European fascism. At 5:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, European civilians captured in the war of extermination against Russia will be executed. Their death’s broadcast for the world to watch.” The broadcast ended.
“Broadsword, Locksmith, report at once at the base for briefing.”
“Copy that. Sorry but I think one last mission and then I can go home.”
“We will watch everything. Good luck.”
Twilight said goodbye and the guards and Wonderbolts saluted us.
At the base, my and Tom's Platoon get reinforced by new men. “We're losing them as fast as we're getting them.” I commented before we were heading out to the Altay Mountains in Russia where the broadcast came. A former nuclear launch facility that was taken out of operation after the shield went online.
JSF Ghosts were also deployed to assist us in a joint operation.
Unknown to the Europeans, an American Field Operative of Fourth Echelon was scouting ahead.
He was in a fenced open area and was about to move.
“We need to save those kids. If Makarov kills these foals on live broadcast, we're sunk.”
“Are we worrying about the broadcast or the murders?” he asked his officer.
“For now, the broadcast. It'll buy us time to stop the killings. Makarov’s broadcasting from an antenna on the roof. That's your first objective; you'll find the rest on your OpSat.”
The agent activated his night vision and moved up the fence, avoiding guards.
He leaved the area and climbed another fence up as he intercepted a radio chat.
“Colonel, the landmines are in place; make sure nobody without polarized thermal sensor enters the area.” With that as warning, the commando switched from night vision to solar vision which was similar if not equal to Thermal vision.
With that, it was easy to avoid the mines and by pressing against the wall, he avoided a spotlight too.
Then the Field Operative climbed the roof up by jumping on a rubbish can and on the ledge.
On the roof were windows were Makarov prepared the broadcast with his men and members of the Phoenix Connexion.
“I want all identified details straight to the room. Keep the lights off from the walls. Give them fuller highlights. We need to clearly see their faces when they die. Where's our sound-man? Make sure we're close enough to hear prayers.”
The agent reached the antenna and turned it off. “What just happened? The broadcast antenna is down. We've got no outgoing signal.” A Terrorist reported confused.
“We're under attack. The Americans and Europeans are here. They've taken out the broadcast antenna. I want a squad of Bears repairing that antenna. I want the Americans and Europeans found and killed.”
“Yes, sir.” A Wolf replied.
“Sounds like you shook things up pretty well. But it's gonna buy us a few minutes. Find these children, Fisher.”
Fisher waited in the dark and took two Bears out that wanted to repair it.
Then he moved inside to go lower through the stairs. He came to a bathroom as he intercepted another radio chat.
“Kill the foals. Take them to the studio and kill them. We'll release the footage whenever we can. I want the foals prepped and in the studio; the executions are going forward as planned.”
“Yes, sir.”
Also he overheard some soldiers talking. “That was Makarov. He wants us to escort the foals to the studio.”
“You copy that, Fisher? The executions are going forward.”
“I heard. We got any more diversions?”
“You gun's full of them. Make sure that escort doesn't reach the kids. But JSF forces along with European Enforcers are already en route to extract the hostages.”
“Good to know.” He took the escort with his rifle out.
A Phoenix member was sitting at a desk in a small office. Fisher grabbed him to interrogate him.
“What the?”
“Where are you keeping the Children?”
“My comrades will get you and torture you, just like I did torture them!”
“I already don't like you. Don't make it worse for yourself. You're just the stupid one who likes to hurt people, huh?”
“E...Exactly...”
“Can you think of a reason why the world wouldn't be a better place without you?”
“No. But I won’t tell you.” “Where are they?”
Fisher tightened his grip. The Terrorist let out a painful grunt. “Where?!”
“The basement.”
“And why would you work together with a splinter group?”
“Money and resources. Kill me.” Fisher granted him his wish and stabbed him in the back.
“That explains a lot. I just hope they are in good shape.”
“Don’t worry, Grim. White torture is the only possibility I can think of.”
“Let’s hope so.”
He moved to a hatch and crawled into a tunnel and grabbed a pipe taking him to the ceiling. He moved through and reached another hole above three soldiers who were chatting.
“What about the broadcast?”
“It's not our place to question, let's go.” Before they could go, Fisher threw a sleeping gas grenade down to knock them out. Then he jumped down and moved on.
He saw how Combat Engineers placed wall mines. “Last week it was those turrets, this week its wall mines.”
“So? I use the tool they give me.”
“You're obsessed over them.”
“You have dropped mean. These are cool.”
“Yes, but if we plant too many, it's dangerous.”
“They're supposed to be dangerous. They're mines for god sake.”
“Darkness.” Fisher shot the lamp above them then fired at the mine, causing it to explode and killing both of them.
He walked down the corridor. He hides himself in a dark corner as two soldiers crossed his path.
“That's sick. I am a soldier, not a sadist.”
“Come on, you know you want to watch.”
“I don't. Broadcasting murder is barbaric. Civilians, especially, Children?”
“You're naive to think it's anything but history. Sometimes you have to make an example.”
“It's a pointless conversation. We're on patrol until the alert quiets.”
“Don’t tell me you feel pity for them.”
“They are children for Christ’s sake!”
“But they are Europeans and equally guilty as the soldiers of Europe. We should be with the others watching the broadcast.”
“No I won’t.” the soldier knocked his comrade out and ran to the basement but overlooked a mine and was killed by the explosion.
Fisher could hear crying at the far end of the basement. “Grim, I think I found them.”
“Good. Poor kids, they must be scared to death.”
Perspective: Dinky
We’re would die and we knew it. All I could hear was Sweetie Belle sobbing. She had given up. I couldn’t blame her, as all our faith was lost after they told us that we would be executed. The door was open but they placed a wall mine to make sure we would stay here. We were cowering.
They let us starve. My stomach ached. “Psst, over here.” I looked up and saw the man that interrogated me back in the city. “I get you out of here.”
“Please help us. But be careful, these are motion sensitive.”
“Don’t worry, I got this.”
He moved very slowly to the mine and deactivated it as the light was green.
Apple Bloom looked at him. “Ah wanna go home.”
“Makarov wouldn't let them torture us. He kept saying we had to look pretty for our execution. But they tortured her.”
Sweetie Belle pointed at me.
“Thank Celestia, they were gonna kill us. We haven't eaten in two days. I'm not sure I can walk.” Scootaloo was glad.
“You've come to save us. Where the others?” I asked.
“It’s just me at the moment. But JSF forces and European forces are on the way. What’s going on here?”
“I can tell you but your government must hear it.”
“They hear everything I've do. Shoot.”
“As Russia was losing the war, Colonel Imran Makarov from the 26th Assault Battalion went rouge and called his Battalion Ultranationalists now. They do not accept defeat and wish to return the country back to what it was during the days of the Soviet Union. They believe that the government leaved his citizens behind as they surrendered to the European Federation. They allied themselves with the Phoenix Connexion who has similar goals. They want to execute us to show that the war against the European Federation is not over yet, and to start a new war. They are a splinter faction and have a complete disregard for the Geneva Conventions or any of the rules of war. They will kill anyone who gets in their way and they do not spare civilians or children like us. As my friend told you, they tortured me just for fun.”
I quivered after I told him everything. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now.” As he said that, we heard radio chatter.
“Remember, this is bandit country. Shoot everything that moves.” It was Peter.
“It seems that the rescue team has arrived, Fisher.” A woman spoke to him. But then a second radio chat came in.
“Damnation. The Americans and Europeans have taken the basement. I want all available men armed to converge on the basement. We'll kill them all.”
“This is easy! We kill them and then we go home!” another man said on the radio.
“Please, help us!” Sweetie Belle pleaded.
“That’s why I am here.” He dropped a radio and leaved.
We held each other for dear life as we heard screams and shots. The radio allowed us to hear the progress of the rescue team.
“Lieutenant Tom, this is Bullseye, we're clearing the east wing heading for base security, over."
“Roger, Bullseye, we're right above you in the vents, watch your fire.”
“Copy that, sir.”
We heard gunshots on the radio. “Lieutenant Tom, Boxcars reporting in. We're meeting with heavy resistance in the south wing. They've locked down our access point over here, over.”
“Roger Boxcars. Regroup with Locksmith and help them gain control of base security, over.”
“Roger that, sir. We're pulling back to regroup with Locksmith. Boxcars out.”
More screaming and shots, outside and on the radio.
“Peter, this is Tom. We've taken over base security. What's your status, over?”
“Locksmith, we're in position. Open the door.”
“Roger, we're on it.”
On the radio was silence for a brief moment. “Come on, come on! Open that door!”
“Just about… Got it! Doors coming online now.”
Again silence. Outside was very loud. “Peter, can't you make it open faster?”
“Negative sir. But you can try pulling it if it'll make you feel better.”
“Plaisantin.” Tom said in his native language.
“Grim, there’s too many. I could use some help.” Fisher stayed calm.
“Boogeyman, what's your status, over?”
“Boogeyman in position, at the southeast side of the basement. Standing by. Are you at the far wall over?”
“Affirmative. Preparing to breach.”
Two explosions. Peeking around the corner, I saw that Fisher was gone, but Tom and his men flanked from the left side, a Platoon of American soldiers I never saw before from the right.
“Clear!” They moved to us but someone grabbed me from behind.
“Put down your weapons!” my captor screamed, pointing his pistol at me.
I was scared but as Peter handled such situations before, I knew that he would save me. One Grenadier smiled at me. “Sorry Dinky. But we have orders. And you’re in the way.”
Peter was confused and so was everyone else. I feared he would kill me with whatever he was about to do. With a quick move, the Grenadier fired from the hip; a bullet penetrated my gut and killed my captor. “Are you crazy?!” Peter looked at him in anger.
“Sorry Lieutenant, but there was no other way.”
I held my gut and grunted in pain, it felt like very painful, more painful than any injury I suffered before. I really hoped that my stomatch or an other organ wasn't damaged behind repair or that I would die later of it.
“Don’t worry; I got you fixed up in no time.” Peter took care of it. It was painful but not fatal.
“Peter! Look!” Apple Bloom pointed to something next to the dead Terrorist.
“Merde! A bomb! It can blow this entire basement up!” Tom checked it.
“I got this.” Peter was defusing the bomb. But there was not enough time to run or to defuse it.
5 seconds. 4 3 2 1! I closed my eyes and raised my hooves to shield myself from the explosion as the bomb beeped and flashed white. “Aww crap!” One American said.
But the explosion never came. “Bomb has been defused.”
Slowly opening my eyes, the timer stopped at 00:00:01 and the code 115 was on it.
“That was TOO close.” Peter let out a breath of relief. I and my friends had held our breath and were glad that the bomb was defused.
“Now, let’s get you out of here.” He picked me up and removed the ring, while some of his men took the others.
“Sir, this is Müller at the security station. They came in by trucks. I'm thinking we can all use them to get outta here. I'm sending you the coordinates to the vehicle depot.”
“Roger that. We'll meet you at the vehicle depot! Out! Everyone follow me, let's go!” Tom ordered. Apart from us and Peter, one of the Americans followed us. His name tag showed that he had the name Jackson. And that he was a Ghost of the JSF. Whatever that was. Probably the special forces of the USA.
“All teams this is command, recommend you exfil from the area immediately. Large numbers of hostiles are converging on your position. Get outta there now.”
“We got company! Enemy reinforcements movin' in!” He shouted and took them down.
At the vehicle depot, they took out the remaining enemies.
“All right, get in the trucks! Let's go!”
“You heard the man! Move!” Jackson said as Tom entered one of the trucks with us. Saving us from death was easy. Getting away will be more difficult.
“Primary exfil point has been compromised. Proceed to Secondary Extraction South of bridge. Enemy presence... substantial.” Central reported.
“It's just too hot, man...But room temperature? Please, a beer should be ice cold!” Jackson told us.
“A lager maybe, or a glass of water like you drink. But a martini?” Tom replied.
“Heh, I'm gonna have to school y'all both when we get back stateside”
"Yeah, well, either way we're stopping at Berlin first. And I'm buying.” Müller added.
“Well, at least we saved innocent lives...Hit it.”
We were in a UAZ-469 driving down the mountain. We turned into the road.
“Hang on!” Jackson said to the kids. Ural-4320s with open roofs with Bears and Wolves chased us.
“Enemy truck at 6 o'clock!” Jackson called out as he held the kids so they wouldn’t fall out.
A truck speeded up to us and I fired at them.
“Central, this is Broadsword! What's the status on our helicopter, over?”
“Broadsword, the bird has been delayed, E.T.A. fifteen minutes.”
“Not good enough, central! We'll be dead in ten!”
“Truck moving up on the left!” Müller shouted as another truck replaced the first after I took the hostiles down. We entered a tunnel.
“Cover the rear! We're being boxed in!” A third truck came in, attempting to trap the jeep with the other 2 trucks. However, the first truck collided with the tunnel's wall and flipped, causing the second truck to hit its brake and flipped itself.
The remaining truck leaved the tunnel with us. “Hostile with an RPG! Take him down!” Said, done, Jackson. “That’s a kill!” We entered another tunnel.
As we leaved the tunnel, Jackson shouted, “Another RPG on that truck!” I took him down before he could fire. “Nice shootin'!”
“We've got more company! Troop truck closing fast! There's an RPG on that truck! Open fire! He's taking hits! Keep firing!”
I took him out.
An AH-1 'Cobra joined the chase and fired missiles at us. The third truck was caught in the fire and flipped, falling off the highway and down the cliff.
Other Combat Engineers fired at the Cobra but he avoided it by taking evasive action. A Fourth truck caught up to us.
“Take out that truck! Shoot that truck!” It wasn’t necessary, as a yellow car driving the opposite way we took, scratched the truck, and causing him to be unbalanced. A tanker, also going the opposite way, brushed past the jeep, hitting and flipping the fourth truck, creating an explosion and smoke. We had now no more trucks on our tail but the Cobra.
“Cobra, 6 o'clock high!” The Gunship fired a missile, the Cobra's missile hit a cliff, missing the jeeps.
Jackson handled me a RPG. “Fire on that Cobra!” I fired at the Cobra to throw off its aim. Every shot missed but he had problems of avoid them and firing at us at the same time.
The jeeps entered a tunnel supported by columns and pillars. The Cobra destroyed the pillars one by one, attempting to crush the jeeps with the tunnel's ceiling. The kids screamed in fear of being crushed. “Hang on!”
“Cobra, at nine o'clock!” I continued to fire the RPG while the other Combat Engineers continued to fire their missiles at the Cobra, but they missed as the tunnel's wall blocked their view. The convoy leaved the tunnel as the Cobra came into view again in the front.
“Cobra at 12 o'clock!” The allies, once again, fired at the Cobra but it avoided the missiles by taking evasive action. He appeared to slowly leave.
“The Cobra's buggered off!” Tom pointed at it.
“Must've run out of ammo! Good enough for me!” Müller added.
“Yeah no kidd - oh, crap! He's about to take out that bridge!”
The Cobra fired missiles at the bridge and destroyed it. “Stop the damn truck!” Müller shouted. Wait a minute. He was the driver the entire time! To whom is he talking?!
Our jeep flipped over and I blacked out. I woke up immediately, in the middle of the slowly collapsing bridge. I took my MP12 as Tom helped me up. “The bridge isn't going to hold, move! Move! Move!”
You don’t have to tell me twice buddy.
Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle used a destroyed car as cover. They were still stunned from the crash. “Where’s Dinky?” I asked.
“Help!”
She grabbed a pier of the bridge but began to lose her grip on the pier. "I'm slipping!" She yelled.
"Coming! hang on!" I ran as fast as I could to her.
She slipped more and more. "Hurry! I can't hold on much longer!"
In the moment she would have fallen to her death, I grabbed her and pulled her up.
The bridge collapsed along with the pier she was holding on. I got her to the other girls.
A tanker blocked our way. We were trapped and met heavy resistance of Ultranationalist vehicles and troops.
“Central, this is Broadsword! We are under heavy attack at the highway bridge at map grid 244352. Request gunship support! Over!”
Müller fired at the enemy. An Ultranationalist truck came in, hit the brakes, rammed a car, and reversed. Troops jumped out of the truck as helicopters dropped more troops from the bridge's far end. The truck leaved, and more came.
“Workin' on it, Longsword. Forces of the Alpha Brigade in the area may be able to assist, but we cannot confirm at this time. Central out.”
“Useless Idiot!” Müller cursed. “Müller! Gimme a sitrep on those helicopters!” “Lieutenant Tom! We're on our own, sir!”
Jeeps and IFVs carrying more Ultranationalists arrived and the soldiers got off to attack us. We held them off. I turned to the foals. “I’ll keep you alive! You all will go home today! I promise!” Their safety had top priority for me right now. They didn’t respond, just holding each other for dear’s life.
It pained me to see them like this. Then I got a radio chat. “Locksmith, this is Sgt. Kamarov, I understand you and your men could use some help.”
“It's damn good to hear from you mate!”
“Standby, we're almost there. E.T.A. 3 minutes. Kamarov out.”
The battle continued for a little while, we managed to hold them of so far, as the Cobra came out of the trees and fired at the tanker. “The tanker's about to blow! Move!” Jackson warned but it was too late.
The tanker exploded, I was knocked unconscious again. As I woke up, I was in front of a red car. I was wounded, bleeding from the chest. Tom and the girls were also next to me, injured.
Everything went in slow-motion and I could barely hear. My vision was blurry. Jackson pulled me away as he returned fire with a nickel-plated M9. He switched to his SCAR A1 and fired. But then as he looked at me, he was killed by a bullet to the head, falling to the ground in a puddle of blood.
I looked to Tom. He suffered from his own wounds. The girls were luckily not so seriously injured as I and Tom, they'd suffered shallow gashes across their legs and bellies.
Turning back in front of me, The Colonel along with two Riflemen approached Müller and two other Enforcers. Müller raised his hand to beg for mercy, but Makarov killed him with a shot to the head, while the other members were shot by the Wolves.
This is the end. I closed my eyes, making a final prayer, hoping that the ponies could forgive me for failing to safe the kids before opening my eyes again.
They walked towards me, the Cobra exploded, and they were distracted. A Ka-65 Howler appeared and Makarov fired at him with his men. I looked to Tom again. He took out his sidearm and slid it to me. Wanting to end this, I took first the Colonel down as revenge for what he did to Dinky, then his men.
Looking up, a Mi-55 Locust stopped at the end of the bridge as another hovered on top of me and my friends, dropping troops. Kamarov spotted us. I could a little bit Russian, so I could understand what he was saying.
“This man can hardly breathe!” They ran to me. Kamarov knelled down to me. He spoke in English, “You're going to be alright my friend!” He turned to one of his men. We found survivors! Take them away! Quickly, come on! We must take them to the hospital immediately!” He ordered in Russian.
I turned to Tom and the kids. A medic whispered comforting words to them as he placed them into the helicopter, while another tried to revive Tom. As he had no success, he tried even harder by using his fist to hit Tom's chest. I was placed into the helicopter as I fell unconscious from my wounds. My vision began to white out.
I felt nothing. No dream, just blackness. Then I heard an EKG. Slowly but painful, my eyes opened. I was in a Russian hospital. Tom and the CMC were next to me.
They survived! Thank god!
There was a knock on the door. “Come in.”
The door opened and Princess Celestia, Luna and all family members of the CMC, Including Twilight walked in.
“You’re awake. The doctor said you almost died along with your friend.” Twilight looked sad at me.
“But I survived. How long was I unconscious?”
“A few weeks and so were they. But thanks to you, my young subjects survived. You also removed a large threat to my kingdom. For that, I'm eternally grateful.” Celestia bowed her head.
“I only did my job. As the war is over and the mission a success, I can finally return to my family.” I smiled as I could see them again.
“Yes, you’re recovering very well. Before you ask, the European, American and Russian governments keep this top secret and we’re using a disguise spell to move around.” Luna explained.
Derpy walked over to her daughter. “My sweet daughter, I thought we would lose you.”
“Ma- Mama?” She awoke.
“Yes, Dinky.”
“MOMMY!” She hugged Derpy tightly. “We thought we would die! A-also t-they t- tortured me!” She shivered.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. It’s over now.” Time Turner comforted his daughter.
“The doctor said that you can leave as soon as you would wake up. The same applies for the others.” “Twilight looked at the other fillies in pity and relief.
As soon as she said that, they and Tom awoke. Pinkie Pie started to cry as the family members of Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom hugged them. “Well, I think we should celebrate that.”
“Exactly, Tom.”
Back in Ponyville, we had one of the best party’s ever! The pony’s cheered and we all danced and enjoyed food and fun.
Eurofighters flew over Ponyville and deployed fireworks.
In the evening, Celestia held a speech. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, and our royal human subjects. I am honored to present Peter Hartmann and Tom who risked their lives to save my subjects, the Medal of Honor of Equestria!”
Everyone cheered as Celestia gave us the medals. Some of our men fired their guns into the air and waved the European flag.
“Come, Peter." said Celestia. “Go make a speech. I know you've got a lot of great things to say."
“I must thank you for the great time I had here. We have written ourselves into history today. Our victory against terrorists and two superpowers will be long remembered and celebrated!”
The crowd cheered louder and I let Tom speak. “This new era of peace will be long remembered. Let us dedicate this new peace to the heroes who died to earn it! I hate it to say it, but tomorrow we will return home. But we will never forget you!”
“To victory!”
“You two, along with our men and families are always welcome in Equestria and Ponyville.” Celestia gave us a map. We did a victory parade, said goodbye and went to bed.
I couldn’t sleep. There was a knock on the door. “Yes?”
The CMC walked in. “We will miss you. Can we sleep with you this night before you leave?” I smiled warmly.
“Of course, Sweetie Belle.”
As I was sleeping, I had a beautiful dream. My Son played with the CMC in the grass. I could see that this was Princess Luna's work, as she watched from behind a tree. She gave me a wink while smiling.
As I went home, everypony called out, “We’ll miss you!”
My wife and son were overjoyed to see me again. Every soldier got the WW3 Victory medal.
President Pérreau talked with Princess Celestia about joining the European Federation, but Equestria stayed neutral yet allowed EFEC troops to garrison on its soil to defend previously constructed uplink sites and help out in the time of need.
The Ultranationalists had collapsed and the Phoenix Connexion was also defeated, as the base we attacked, was the base of operations. Also, the Russians had strict orders to quell these mutinies and executed those orders unhesitatingly.
A few months passed after the war was over. I was still in the Enforcer Corps but as peacekeeper. I regularly visited Equestria with my and Tom’s family. The ponies were pleased every time. Otto was a good friend of the CMC and they wanted him to be a member which he didn’t refuse. Tom’s wife had given birth to a boy and girl. Thomas and Jade. Pinkie and Cadence loved it to babysit them and make them laugh.
I deployed a strong friend- and comradeship with many guards.
Shining Armor was one of the best, apart from Flash, Storm and the others I knew. The Wonderbolts were no exception. It was traumatic for the CMC but with the help of Twilight and their families, they came over it. I had never forgiven myself if they deployed post-traumatic stress disorder or a war trauma.
They promised a new era of peace. And you know what? They were right.
Order and peace had finally returned to the world, in no small part due to the efforts of the fighting men and women of the Enforcer Corps and the regular Army of the European Federation.
