A small group of Vertibuck pilots in a race against time to stop a Zebra plot.
Fallout Equestria: Wings of Steel The Steel Wings, a Vertibuck squadron famed for flying into the most dangerous situations of the war, and getting out alive. So when the Equestrian Intelligence Service receives word of a new zebra weapon, they send in the Steel Wings with a simple mission: get in, get the weapon, and get out. In a harrowing tale of action and adventure, the Steel Wings stumble upon something far more dangerous than what they're after, and find themselves in a race against time to stop it.
The steady drone of eight turboprop engines cut through the cold night air as four Vertibucks in a tight ‘V’ formation crossed over into Zebra airspace. They bore the markings of the Equestrian Air Force, the EAF.
Inside each of the Vertibucks, eight pegasus jump troopers, also known as PJs for short, lined the sides of the cargo bay, four on each side, while the pilot and the co-pilot stood up front.
Both the pilot and co-pilot stood in front of a control panel displaying all the information needed to fly the Vertibuck, as well as weapon controls and various other knobs and switches. They were secured by a harness consisting of two straps, one strap running over their shoulders and down to the floor, and the second running over their chest and straight back to a firewall right behind them.
Inside the lead Vertibuck, the pilot was a dark teal stallion, with a dark red mane and moustache. He sported a pair of mirrored Aviator sunglasses, covering his blue eyes. His cutie mark was a red star with two white wings on either side of it. His co-pilot was a young yellow coated mare with a long brown mane and green eyes. Her cutie mark was a golden shooting star. Both of them wore black EAF pilots barding and a helmet with a microphone, and the stallion had a large .357 Magnum revolver tucked into a holster on the side of the barding. The unit patch sewn onto their uniforms was a shield with a Vertibuck rotor on it that read ‘Steel Wings’ across the top, and ‘109th Vertibuck Squadron’ along the bottom. According to the rank patches they also wore, the pilot was a Sergeant, while his co-pilot was a Private.
The stallion spoke into the mic on his helmet. “We are crossing into Zebra airspace now. Keep it dark until we’re back in our airspace, Swept Wing out.”
The four Vertibucks flew further into Zebra territory, avoiding sporadic anti-aircraft fire from scattered Zebra AA guns until they were within a few klicks of their target. They dropped altitude until they were skimming along only a mere 50 feet or so from the Zebra badlands, the lights of a compound approaching in the distance.
Swept Wing glanced back at the eight jump troopers in the back. “Get ready to jump back there, the target is in sight.” He said, nodding to his co-pilot.
“Opening rear door!” She yelled, hitting a button with a hoof.
The back door of the Vertibuck lowered down into a ramp, the ground whipping by below. A red light came on above it, and the jump troopers got up and lined up by the ramp.
The four Vertibucks shot towards the compound at top speed, and as they closed in the sky around them was suddenly filled with the bright streaks of tracer fire.
“Here we go, 30 seconds till jump!” Swept Wing yelled, a few of the tracer rounds pinging off the armored sides of the Vertibuck. “It’s going to be hot going in too, I’ll see if I can stick around for a minute and give some supporting fire.”
As the flight of Vertibucks roared over the compound, the light above the ramp turned green and the jump troopers bailed out the back of each of the Vertibucks, down into the compound below.
Swept Wing threw his Vertibuck into a hard banking turn as soon as they were away, bringing the twin .50 caliber machine guns mounted on either side of the cockpit and the gatling laser mounted underneath it to bear, strafing the compound.
The Zebra guns returned fire as Swept Wing made his strafing run, several 20mm rounds slamming straight through the plexiglass windshield of the Vertibuck.
Swept Wing yanked the Vertibuck up and away from the compound as he heard his co-pilot shriek in pain, climbing rapidly away from the compound. He looked over at his co-pilot, his eyes widening at her state.
She had been hit by two of the 20mm rounds. She had taken one of the rounds to her right foreleg, severing it halfway between her shoulder and her knee, and the other round had gone straight through her barding and clean through her shoulder, impacting into the firewall behind her. There was blood everywhere.
“Oh sweet Celestia.” Swept Wing muttered before speaking quickly into his mic. “My co-pilot is hurt bad. I’m heading back to base, see you bucks back in Seaddle.” He said, flipping on the Vertibuck’s autopilot before unstrapping himself. “Hang in there rookie, I’ll get you back.”
He carefully unstrapped her, laying her on the floor behind the firewall before trotting back into the cargo bay, pulling the first aid kit off of the wall and trotting back to her. Kneeling down next to her, he flipped it open and pulled out a tourniquet, wrapping it tightly around the bloody stump that had once been her leg until the blood stopped pouring out of the wound. He then pulled out a couple of healing potions, pouring them directly into the wound on her shoulder, wrapping it tightly in bandages as it began to heal. He pulled out a couple blood packs next, starting an IV in her leg. “Come on rookie, stay with me!”
She gave a quiet moan of pain, on the brink of passing out from blood loss. “D-don’t know, if, if I’m gonna make it Sarge.” She said quietly. “My leg still there?”
“Kind of, but I’m sure the docs will give you one of those fancy cybernetic ones.” Swept Wing replied. “Just hang in there, okay?”
The co-pilot nodded, and Swept Wing got back up, heading back to his station and strapping back in just as they exited Zebra airspace. He took off the autopilot, and turned the Vertibuck northwest, towards Seaddle. “Oh boy, I sure hope those PJs get something out of this raid.” He muttered, glancing back once more at his co-pilot. “Just hang in there rookie, we’re almost home.”
The Luna Needle was a swarm of activity along with the rest of Equestria today, for the Equestrian forces had just routed the Zebra invaders in Flankorage a few hours earlier, with the help of Steel Rangers with a new model of power armor, the T-51b.
There was one area, however, that was in a flurry of activity for an entirely different reason. The Equestrian Intelligence Service, or EIS, offices had just received the reports from the raid on a Zebra compound last night, and as they sifted through them, they had uncovered something disturbing.
“Sir, you might want to come take a look at this.” A young unicorn mare said.
An older earth pony stallion with a blue coat and forest green mane came trotting over. “What is it?” He asked.
The mare pointed at the screen of her terminal, which displayed a 3D model of what looked like a large anti-material rifle. “The reports the team recovered detailed the production of this rifle, a 20mm anti-material rifle with repair, incendiary, and explosive talismans. It has an effective range of just over four and a half kilometers. There are a very limited number of things we have that can stand up to that sort of firepower, but there is some good news. It isn’t scheduled to begin production until September, and the first shipment will be transported in bulk to the coast.” She said.
The stallion nodded. “Keep an eye on it. I want to know when production begins, and when the first shipment is scheduled to be shipped out to the coast. We’re not letting that kind of firepower get in the hooves of the Zebra troops over here.”
The mare nodded. “Yes sir.”
***
September 20th, 2077, 06:00 Shadow Field, Seaddle
16 pegasi filed into a small briefing room, most of them grabbing cups of pitch black EAF coffee from the counter just inside the door. Each wore the black EAF pilot barding, with the Steel Wings unit patch sewn onto the side.
“Please, take your seats.” The rainbow maned pegasus standing at the front of the room said.
The pegasi took their seats, pulling out notebooks and pencils as the mare began the briefing.
“Good morning mares and gentlecolts. I know you have all heard the rumors floating around the base about an upcoming ‘secret mission.’ Well, this is that mission. Earlier this year, back in January, the EIS received information pertaining to the development of a new Zebra weapon. The first shipment of this weapon was completed sometime last week, and is scheduled to be transported via convoy to the coast over the next two days, after which it would be flown over here and issued to Zebra troops. Your mission, is to not let that convoy reach the coast.” She said, pulling down a diagram of the weapon. “The weapon is a large anti-material rifle chambered in 20mm. The Zebras have put incendiary, repair, and explosive talismans on it, and on top of that, it has an effective range of just over 4.5 kilometers. We cannot let that kind of firepower fall into the hooves of Zebra troops here, so you are to intercept and destroy this convoy at all costs.” She pauses, giving a small grin. “Something which I know your squad is renowned for doing.” She pulled down a map of Zebrica over the diagram. “Now, your intercept point will be between the towns of Gao and Kiffa, where these two highways intersect. The target will be there between 01:30 and 01:40.” She indicated the location, which was marked with a yellow tack, on the map. “You will land in Hoofington to refuel, as per normal, and then continue on to Zebrica. An escort will be waiting for you there. Are there any questions?”
When nopony raised their hoof, she nodded. “You sixteen were hoofpicked by Princess Luna herself for this mission because you’re the best damn Vertibuck pilots the EAF has, so good luck, and Goddess-speed. You are dismissed.”
The 16 pilots filed out of the briefing room, heading for the Vertibuck hangar on the other end of base.
Swept Wing trotted along next to his co-pilot, Golden Star, a yellow mare with a cybernetic right foreleg. Next to them was a pair of orange stallions, Tail ‘20/20’ Feather, who wore a pair of thick glasses, and Dark Cloud, who had a pitch black mane.
The pilots trotted into the open-roof hangar, eight Vertibucks silently awaiting them. The Steel Wings’ Vertibucks were slightly different from the standard EAF ones, sporting several modifications that made them more versatile in combat. The most obvious ones being the external fuel tanks, mounted underneath the aircraft, and the addition of a rear ramp, eliminating the two side doors normally used for entrance. The slightly less obvious modifications were the two .50 caliber machine guns mounted on the sides of the Vertibuck, two rocket pods mounted under each of the wings, and a full windshield like the transport Vertibucks had.
The pilots all trotted into their Vertibucks, finishing the last of the pre-flight checks before giving the ready signal to Swept Wing.
Once Swept Wing had completed his pre-flight and gotten the ready signal from the others, he spoke into his mic. “This is Steel Wing One, we are wheels up and engines hot. Leave the light on for us Command.” He said.
“Roger that Steel Wing One, good luck.” Came the reply.
“Thanks Command, Steel Wing One out.” Swept replied, powering up the Vertibuck. “Man, I’d hate to have that buck’s job.”
Eight pairs of rotors began to spin up to full rev, and the eight Vertibucks lifted out of the hanger into the air, the sun glinting off their sides as it rose over the horizon. The flight formed into two ‘V’s, and sped off towards Hoofington.
***
September 20th, 2077, 13:00 Macintosh Air Force Base, Hoofington.
The eight Vertibucks sat on the runway of the Macintosh Air Force Base, fuel trucks sitting beside them and pumping fuel into the internal, as well as the two external fuel tanks.
Six Interceptors pulled onto the runway behind the Vertibucks as the fuel trucks finished fueling and pulled away.
Swept Wing’s earpiece crackled. “Steel One, this is Red One. We are ready and standing by, over.”
“Roger that Red One, standby for takeoff. Steel One out.”
The Vertibucks’ turboshaft engines spun up to speed, blowing bits of dust and loose tarmac up into a big cloud around them as they took off, moving into formation before speeding off towards Zebrica. The flight of Interceptors rocketed off the runway shortly afterwards, forming up above the flight of Vertibucks.
***
September 21st, 2077, 01:30 Somewhere over Zebrica.
The ground raced by below, the Steel Wings employing their signature tactic as they flew mere yards above the Zebra plains, below the radar. Their escorts flew several thousand feet above and behind them, drawing attention away from the Steel Wings.
They were racing along above a highway, towards the intersection where there target would be, and sure enough, the highway light up with headlights as the convoy crested the hill before the intersection.
“01:35, right on time.” Swept said, grinning. “Alright, Steel 2 through 4, you’re with me on the first pass. Use your fifties and gatling lasers. Steel 5 through 8, you come in behind us with rockets, and then we switch. Engage on my mark.”
Swept Wing watched at the distance between him and the convoy closed to barley 100 yards. “Mark!”
The sky was suddenly ablaze with white streaks of tracer fire, and red bolts of laser energy as the Steel Wings opened fire on the convoy.
The convoy came grinding to a halt, the three lead trucks wrecked and on fire, others simply shot to pieces as Swept’s group of Vertibucks pulled up and around, the second group coming in for their pass.
Rockets streaked out from the pods mounted beneath the Vertibucks’ wings, blowing about half the convoy sky high, giant fireballs scorching the night air.
“Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!” Swept yelled, leading his group around for their pass with the rockets, rendering the rest of the trucks into giant burning hulks of twisted metal.
“Steel 3 through 8, you keep on circling. Steel 2, you land with me and check for survivors.” Swept Wing said, coming to a hover next to the burning convoy. He set the Vertibuck on the ground, the engines spinning down as he and Golden unstrapped and trotted out the back ramp, Dark Cloud and 20/20 of Steel 2 landing and trotting after them.
Each of the pilots carried a standard issue 9mm pistol, with the exception of Swept Wing with his Dan Wesson PPC revolver, chambered in .357 Magnum. 20/20 had grabbed the .32 Survival Rifle from the side panel of his Vertibuck as well.
The four pegasi searched the wrecks, finding no survivors in any of the escort trucks, most of which were burning quietly. When they approached the first of the transport trucks though, they found the driver still clinging to life.
“Hey, buddy, you speak Equestrian?” Swept Wing asked.
The zebra nodded weakly. “I speak little.” He rasped.
“Alright then, we’re gonna get you outta there.” He turned to Cloud and Golden. “Pull him out and get him on my Vertibuck. Make sure he doesn't die. I’ll finish checking the rest of the trucks with 20/20.”
They nodded, and Swept trotted off with 20/20, checking the other trucks. They found no survivors, but they did find something else. Whatever these trucks were carrying, it sure as hell wasn’t rifles.
“What in Luna’s name are those?” 20/20 asked, looking into the back of the overturned transport truck.
“Looks like parts for missiles, and a whole lot of ‘em to.” Swept Wing said. “And this is the convoy we were supposed to hit too, was right on time and everything.” He picked up a slightly dented piece of missile, the main body and fins. “Grab one of the nosecones, I’ll check the other truck to see if it was carrying anything else.”
Swept Wing trotted to the second transport truck, which was still upright. The cab had been riddled with so many bullet holes he could see through the engine. He moved around to the back, finding a single heavy duty metal chest sitting in the truck’s bed.
“Well, looks like we’ll be hauling this back with us too.”
It turned out that the case had actually been welded onto the truck, and since they didn’t have any welding equipment with them, Swept Wing decided to just take the entire truck with them.
“Steady, steady, just a few more inches, stop!” 20/20 called out, guiding Swept Wing’s Vertibuck over the top of the truck, a hoof shielding his face from the rotor wash. “Alright, lower the winch.”
A cable descended from the bottom of the Vertibuck, a sling attached to the end of it. 20/20 looped it around the truck, making sure it was secure. “Alright, we’re good down here!”
“Roger, get back to your bird and let’s get out o’ here.” Swept replied. He pushed the throttle up, the Vertibuck’s engines whining as he pushed their RPM towards the redline. “Come on girl, you can do it.”
With a groan, the truck came off the ground, swaying slightly in the rotor wash. “Got it!”
Swept gained altitude, forming up with the rest of his squadron, and headed for home.
***
September 21st, 2077, 12:00 Shadow Field, Seaddle
“This is Steel One to Shadow Tower. We have injured aboard and Class 0 cargo. Requesting immediate landing clearance, over.”
“Roger that Steel One. You are cleared for landing on Pads 2 and 3. Deliver cargo to Hangar 7. A medical team will be waiting for you. Shadow Tower out.”
The other seven Vertibucks landed, a medical team loading the injured zebra on a gunnery and carting him off to the ER. Swept Wing headed for the Steel Wing’s hangar, Hangar 7, the truck still safely secured on his Vertibuck’s winch as he hovered over the top of it, waiting as the roof swung open.
He set the truck down gently, the ground crew detaching it from his winch before landing himself. The other Vertibucks taxied inside shortly afterward, engines powering down after yet another successful mission.
Swept Wing trotted out of his Vertibuck, telling the ground crew to get welding torches and start freeing the case before trotting off to the debriefing room with the rest of his squad.
The pilots took their seats, Dark Cloud setting the nosecone and missile body on the table at the front of the room before waiting for Commander Dash to enter.
The cyan blue mare entered moments later, looking worried. “Pilots, Princess Luna will be debriefing you today.” She said, stepping to the side as Princess Luna entered the room.
“Pilots, atteshun!” As one, the 16 pilots snapped to attention, saluting the Princess.
Luna smiled, returning the salute. “At ease.” She said, examining the missile parts Dark Cloud had placed on the table. “So, tell me what you found on this mission. From what I can tell, it wasn’t what our intelligence told you it was.”
Swept Wing nodded. “Yes ma’am. Now, the mission went exactly as planned. The convoy arrived at the target area at 01:35, and we engaged them soon after. The convoy was destroyed, and I took Golden Star, Dark Cloud, and 20/20-err, Tail Feather down with me to check for survivors. We found one, the driver of the first transport truck. He is currently being attended to by the medical staff. We also checked the contents of his truck, and instead of rifles, we found these.”
Swept nodded at the missile parts. “The back of the truck was filled with piles of nosecones and missile bodies, not what we were expecting. Now, the other transport truck had a large metal case in the back of it, which was also welded to the truck’s bed. We hauled the truck here, and our ground crew is currently freeing it from the bed.”
Princess Luna nodded. “This is most disturbing. The Zebras deliberately gave some of their own troops false information about what was being constructed, which is not like them. I will have to consult our intelligence service about this later, but for now I’d like to see what’s inside of that case.”
Swept Wing nodded. “Of course ma’am, right this way.”
Swept Wing lead Princess Luna, his squad, and Rainbow Dash out of the room and to their hangar, where the ground crew had finished freeing the case and set it on the floor next to the truck.
“Do yer thing Corporal.” Swept said, nodding to Dark Cloud.
Dark Cloud trotted forward, pulling out a stack of bobby pins, a screwdriver, and a crowbar from his bags, and got to work. Within a minute, there was a small click from the box, and he jammed the crowbar into the lip, prying the case open.
Nestled inside the case, were 40 more cases, all lined up neatly. “Now that’s just weird.” Dark muttered, pulling out one of the smaller cases. He didn’t bother with a bobby pin on this one, just knocking the lock clean off with one solid whack from the crowbar.
Dark flicked the case open, taking a step back at the sight of the glowing object inside. “The hell is that?”
Princess Luna stepped forward, her face an expression of fear. “That, is a weaponized megaspell, a balefire bomb. We’ve been developing them in secret, but how-“ She was cut off at the sound of an explosion nearby, the lights in the hangar swaying ominously.
A moment later red lights began flashing, klaxon alarms accompanying them. A stallion’s voice came on the PA system. “Attention, we are under attack. This is not a drill. Repeat, we are under attack. Zebras headed towards hangars 5 through 7. All ponies report to their battle stations. This is not a drill.”
The ground crew scattered, heading for the armory, while all of the pilots drew their sidearms.
“Grab the .32s out of the Verts, we’re gonna need them.” Swept yelled over the alarms. He turned to the Princess, who was levitating a previously unseen Colt M1911 next to her.
“Sergeant, I think I’ll be much safer with you and your squad than somewhere else.” Luna said.
Swept nodded. “Yes ma’am.” He turned to Rainbow Dash, who had a very large revolver of her own drawn. “Commander, my bet is that they’re here for that.” He indicates the box full of megaspells.
Dash nodded. “I’ll take that bet. I don’t know how they found out it was here, but they sure as hell ain’t leaving with it.” She said, moving behind a stack of boxes nearby for cover. She began calling out orders to the pilots, placing them in strategic locations.
“Alright, the eight of you with the rifles, I want half concealed up in the rafters, two behind the boxes on that landing, and two behind that Vertibuck. The rest of you each take position behind one of the stacks of crates off to each side. Four over here and four over there.” She said, pointing to each position as the sound of gunfire outside got closer. “Don’t reveal yourselves until my signal. Princess, you’re with me.”
The pilots got into position, Swept Wing taking position behind a pile of boxes on the right side of the hangar with Dark Cloud, Grey Ash, and Thunder Twister.
A moment later, the front door of the hangar was wrenched open, a squad of zebras moving inside. They wore armored cloaks, and each carried Zebra Carbines.
“There it is. You six clear the room, you three with me on the case.” One of the zebras said, six of the zebras fanning out and beginning to clear the hangar, while the four others moved towards the case.
“Now!”
At Dash’s yell, the hangar erupted into gunfire, the hollow pop of 9 mms and cracking of .32 rifles amplified by the echo of it.
Swept Wing’s Dan Wesson threw one of the zebras into the ground as he caught it three times in the chest, a large pool of blood soaking the cement.
Rainbow Dash fired carefully, each shot sending a zebra down in a spray of red.
Princess Luna was holding her own too, a second M1911 having appeared floating on her other side as she fired away at the zebras closest to the case. They all went down.
“Nice shooting Princess!” Swept Wing called over to Luna, stepping out from around his boxes. “That’s all of them, well, all that were in here at least.”
Luna smiled. “Thank you Sergeant.” She said, the two pistols disappearing into her mane?!
Swept Wing nodded, his eyes travelling over the room, almost missing the shimmer in the corner. “You’re welcome Prince- Get down!” He yelled as he saw it, diving towards the Princess and tackling her to the ground at the same moment a rifle fired. He let out a scream as the bullet went clean through his right hind leg, shattering the bone and cutting the artery.
The zebra got five S&W .500s to his chest before he could fire again, Dash galloping over to Swept Wing as he lay, bleeding, atop the Princess. Dash dragged him off, one of the pilots galloping over a moment later with the trauma kit from one of the Vertibucks. “Get a medical team in here now!”
A medical team had arrived and taken Swept Wing to a nearby clinic, his leg wrapped tightly in bandages. Princess Luna and Rainbow Dash had gone with them as an escort, as there were reports of more zebras in the area. The ground crew had returned from the armory with a mix of machine guns and assault rifles, and was left to cover the hangar with the rest of the pilots. 20/20 had been left in command.
“Alright, I want all the pilots up in the rafters. Make sure there’s crossfire all around that case, I don’t want any of those zebras within 20 feet of it! Ground crew, I want the machine guns mounted on top of boxes, and the ponies with assault rifles behind different boxes.” 20/20 said, moving up into the rafters with the rest of the pilots. “And now we wait.”
They didn’t have to wait long, a pair of flash-bangs rolling into the hangar and going off, stunning the ground crew nearby. These were followed by smoke grenades, which quickly filled the static air around the case.
“Shit! Open fire!”
The hangar filled with gunfire, tracers zipping every which way through the smoke-filled air. This lasted for nearly two minutes, the ponies firing blindly towards the rough location of the case.
“Cease fire! Cease fire!” 20/20 yelled, the gunfire stopping abruptly. “Get the roof open!”
The roof swung slowly open a moment later, the smoke clearing to reveal the scene.
The bodies of ten more zebras lay on the cement, riddled with bullet holes, but the case was gone.
20/20 flipped his radio on. “Commander Dash, the case is gone. The damn zebras got it back.”
“Acknowledged Corporal. Find it.” She replied.
“Roger that.” 20/20 said, his ears perking up at the sound of a helicopter taking off. “That’s not one of our engines! Everypony, get your Verts in the air!” He yelled, diving towards his own Vertibuck.
Swept Wing also heard the helicopter from his bed in the clinic. “Shit.” He muttered, looking around before slipping out of the bed and making a beeline for the hangar, a medic yelling something after him.
Swept Wing’s squad looked curiously at him as he came flying into the hangar, before finishing their very quick pre-flight.
Swept Wing galloped into his Vertibuck, strapping in as Golden Star started the engines. “Glad you could make it Sarge.” She said.
Swept grinned. “A bullet wound isn’t going to stop me from flying with my squad.” He said, shoving his helmet on.
“Alright ponies, form up on me and let’s get that case back!” The squadron lifted out of the hangar, just in time to see a zebra helicopter disappearing into the clouds.
“Shadow Tower, hostile is heading south, altitude roughly 10,000 feet. Requesting permission to engage.” Swept said, throwing the throttle forward.
No response.
“Shadow Tower, do you copy?”
Static still emanated from the other end.
Swept Wing groaned. “Sounds like they took out the tower too.” He muttered. “We’re going after them anyway!” He twirled the dial on the transceiver, tuning it to an open channel.
“This is Steel One broadcasting on an open frequency. A zebra force has just attacked Shadow Field and are currently fleeing, heading due south at 10,000 feet. Assistance is requested and will be much appreciated.” He said, leading his squadron up into the cloud bank the helicopter had disappeared into.
His earpiece crackled with a reply a moment later. “Hey bro! I didn’t think you ever wanted help from others, especially yer sister!”
A Vertibuck gunship flashed by a moment later, red highlighting over its panels.
Swept Wing chuckled. “Hey Swoop, and this is a special case. Fuckers shot me in the leg, not to mention stole back our pickings from last night’s mission.”
“Well, the rest of my squadron will be here shortly. We’ll lend you a hoof.” Swoop replied, forming up behind the Steel Wings as her squad started to arrive.
The flight of 16 Vertibucks was soon joined by four of the matte black EIS Vertibucks, making for a total of 20.
A red warning light began flashing rapidly on Swept Wing’s console. “Shit! Break formation and engage incoming hostiles!” He yelled, diving out of the formation as a large number of Zebra Interceptors dropped in from above.
The sky turned into a desperate dogfight, the nimbler Interceptors holding advantages over the Vertibucks in every aspect except armor and sheer firepower.
The four EIS Vertibucks were the first to go, scorching the air around them as they exploded, sending bits of shrapnel flying in every direction.
The Steel Wings and Swoop’s squadron held their own, downing several of the Interceptors by teaming up on one together.
“Heads up!” Swept and Golden ducked as machine gun rounds slammed through their plexiglass windshield.
“That was close, too close.” Swept muttered, firing off his last missile at one of the Interceptors, sending it spiraling out of sight.
One of Swoop’s squad went tumbling past, following the Interceptor towards the ground.
“Steel Eight to Steel One! We’re pulling out, Thunder Twister isn’t gonna make it I’m afraid. He just took three rounds to his chest.”
Swept Wing groaned. “Roger. All forces fall back, we’re not gonna win this one. Return to Shadow Field.”
***
September 21st, 2077, 17:00 Shadow Field, Seaddle
Swept Wing limped down the ramp of his Vertibuck, Princess Luna and Rainbow Dash waiting for him at the bottom. He snapped off a salute, which was returned in kind by the two mares. “The zebras escaped with the case ma’am.” He said. “We were forced to turn back by superior forces, and casualties of our own.” He looked over at where Thunder Twister laid, his body covered by a sheet.
“Understood Sergeant. The EIS is already working on how the Zebras found out it was here, and how to get it back.” Rainbow Das said. “And now, I believe Princess Luna had something for you.” She stepped back, Luna stepping forward.
“Sergeant Swept A. Wing, I first want to personally thank you for saving my life earlier today.” The Princess began. “And for that, and all the exemplary work you and your squadron have been doing, I hereby bestow upon you the rank of Second Lieutenant of the Equestrian Air Force. Secondly, for your actions today, I am awarding each member of your squadron with the Lunar Star, and you with the Celestial Sunburst in addition to that.”
“Thank you ma’am.” Swept replied. “Just doing my job.” He grinned, snapping off a salute.
Luna returned it. “We will have an official awards ceremony next week. Until then Lieutenant, you are dismissed.”
***
September 28th, 2077, 12:00 Royal Castle, Canterlot
Fifteen pilots walked down the aisle of the throne room, their blue Air Force dress uniforms neatly pressed. At the end of the aisle stood Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, and Commander Dash.
The pilots lined up along the front, and Princess Luna began to speak.
“The ponies that stand before me now have gone unrecognized for their heroic actions on multiple occasions, and some have even been serving in the war since it began, 17 years ago. This was only recently brought to my attention, and I decided to pay a visit to them last week. Now as you all know, while I was there, there was an attack by Zebra forces on the base. These pilots fought bravely, and one of them even saved my live.” She said.
“Second Lieutenant Swept A. Wing, I present you with the Celestial Sunburst for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.” She levitated out a gold medal that depicted Princess Celestia raising the sun and pinned it to Swept Wing’s uniform. “I also present you and each of your squad members with the Lunar Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of Equestria.” She levitated out a silver six-pointed star, overlaid with a dark purple crescent moon.
Each of the squad members got one, and Thunder Twister was awarded one posthumously. “I’d like to meet with you all after this is over. We have much to discuss.” Princess Luna said quietly.
“Yes ma’am.” Swept replied, he and the rest of his squad snapping off a sharp salute, which was returned in kind by Rainbow Dash, Luna, and Celestia.
September 28th, 2077, 13:00 Royal Castle, Canterlot
The Steel Wings were all gathered in a small room off of the throne room, Rainbow Dash and Princess Luna stood in the front.
“Pilots, as you know, the Zebras have regained their megaspells.” Luna began. “We do not know how they got them, nor is that our priority. Our priority is getting them back, and not losing them again. You are the most experienced Vertibuck pilots this military has, and as such, I am placing you under the direct command of Commander Dash, who is in charge of getting those megaspells back.” She stepped back. “Commander.”
Rainbow Dash stepped forward. “Thank you Princess. Now, I have already alerted the EIS, and they have sent all of their available agents looking for the megaspells. As soon as they are located, I want you in the air and after them. Now Lieutenant, I trust that you can find a suitable replacement for Private Thunder Twister?”
Swept Wing nodded. “Yes ma’am.”
“Good, that’s all for now. Dismissed!”
***
October 2nd, 2077, 18:30 Neighllis Air Force Base, Las Pegas
Swept Wing’s Vertibuck swept across the runway, the tires giving a brief screech as he touched down. “How does Swoop stand this ‘no vertical landings’ thing?” He muttered, taxiing his Vertibuck into a parking area. He trotted down the ramp, and headed for the main building.
Once inside, he made his way towards the living area, easily locating Swoop’s room from the numerous times he had been there before. He could hear music blaring on the other side of the door, and pounded on it hard.
“What!” The reply came, the music going down in volume. Swoop opened the door partway, glaring at whoever was outside. “I was listening to my- oh, hey bro.” She pulled the door the rest of the way open. “What’re you doing here?”
Swept smiled. “Hey sis. I’m just dropping by to see if you’d be interested in filling a slot in my squad. Private Thunder Twister is KIA, so Steel Eight is without a pilot.” He said.
Swoop grinned. “And you want your sister to fill it? Well, I can’t say no now can I; Mom and Dad wouldn’t be pleased if I turned you down.” She said. “Just know this, just because you’re the squadron leader, doesn’t mean I’ll listen to you.”
Swept chuckled. “I figured you wouldn’t. I’ve already got all the transfer papers filed, so we can leave once you’re ready. My Vert is parked next to Hangar 8C, I’ll meet you there.”
Swoop nodded. “Got it, see you in a few bro.”
***
October 22nd, 2077, 05:00 Luna Needle, Seaddle
As thick bank of clouds dumped snow over the Seaddle area early Friday morning, a lone zebra rushed in to the Luna Needle. He waved his ID card at the receptionist. “I need to speak with Major Blueberry immediately.” He said, out of breath.
The receptionist nodded, hoofing him a swipe card for the express elevator.
The zebra took it, rushing over to the express elevator behind the desk. He took it up to the EIS offices, galloping out and through the maze of mostly vacant cubicles. He pounded a hoof on a door marked Major Blueberry, Seaddle EIS Department.
An old blue stallion opened the door, looking very tired. “This better be good.” He grumbled as the zebra stepped into his off. “What have you got Vladis?”
“We found the location of those balefire bombs sir.” The zebra replied, hoofing Blueberry a note.
Blueberry took it, reading through it, his eyes widening. “Good work, we’ll get a team briefed immediately.” He said, waving the zebra out. He sat down at his desk, and picked up the phone.
***
October 22nd, 2077, 06:00 Shadow Field, Seaddle
Rainbow Dash sat at her desk, drinking a cup of coffee. Running both the Ministry of Awesome and the Equestrian Air Force had taken its toll on the mare, leaving her both physically and mentally exhausted.
She groaned as the phone on her desk rang, picking it up slowly. “Commander Dash, what is it? Really? Alright, I’ll get them briefed right away.” She hung up the phone, downing the rest of her coffee before making her way towards the living areas.
***
October 22nd, 2077, 06:30 Shadow Field, Seaddle
Sixteen pilots made their way into a small briefing room, each grabbing a cup of coffee from the small counter next to the door. They took their seats, watching and listening as Commander Dash began.
“Good morning. As you all know, the megaspells that you captured from the zebras were stolen back several weeks ago. Well, one of the EIS informants recently discovered the location of them.” She pulled down a map, pointing at a yellow marker on it. “Their current location is just outside the zebra capitol of Roam, within the main zebra military base. Due to this, we will be sending you in with three flights of interceptors and one flight of bombers. This should provide enough of a distraction to get you close to the base.” She next pulled down a large satellite image of the zebra base, circling an inconspicuous crate that was set off behind a fenced in area. “From what our informant tells us, the megaspells are being held in this crate. It’s too heavy to lift with a Vertibuck, so you’ll have to get the case out of it. How you do that, is up to you. You will depart at 23:00, and your escorts will rendezvous with you over Hoofington. Pilots, you are dismissed.”
***
October 22nd, 2077, 23:00 Shadow Field, Seaddle
Eight Vertibucks took off from Shadow Field, headed towards Hoofington and then Roam. Though none of them knew it, events were transpiring that would make this mission their last.
A few hours after departing from Seaddle, the Steel Wings flew over Hoofington, their escort and distraction forming up above them as they left Equestrian airspace.
Swept Wing addressed his squad over the radio. “Alright, you know the drill. Low and fast, get in get out. Our escorts should draw most of the zebra fighters away from the base, and provide enough of a distraction for us to get in close before they notice. Steel 4 through 8, you’re going to cover me, Steel 2, and Steel 3 as we go in for the case. We’re simply going to blow the top of that crate open, drop the winch, get the case, and go.”
***
October 23rd, 2077, 06:00 Somewhere over Zebrica
The flight of Vertibucks hugged the ground, their escort starting their distraction, which was a bombing run, up ahead. As predicted, the bombers and interceptors drew away most of the zebra forces, a huge dogfight unfolding above the city of Roam.
As this happened, the Steel Wings struck the base, coming in guns blazing. Machine gun and gatling laser fire tore through any of the still-grounded aircraft, rockets and missiles streaking forth and destroying anti-aircraft guns while Swept Wing went straight for the crate.
“Fire in the hole!” He let loose a pair of rockets at the top of the case, blowing a hole in the top. He maneuvered his Vertibuck over the top of the hole, Steel Two and Three providing him with covering fire. Golden dropped the winch down into the crate.
“Got it!” Golden yelled, a green light on the console indicating the winch had attached. She brought it up, the case emerging from the depths of the crate.
“Bring it into the cargo bay. I’ll go check it out while you help out the others.” Swept Wing said, unstrapping and moving back into the cargo bay as the winch brought the case inside via a hatch in the floor.
“Yes sir.” Golden replied, bringing the Vertibuck out of a hover and bringing its guns to bear on the zebra base.
Swept Wing knelt down next to the case and opened it, the case popping open with a hiss. He lifted the lid, only to find that the case, was empty. “Shit!” He galloped back into the cockpit, strapping in and shouting orders into the radio. “The case was empty, I repeat, the case was- HOLY SHIT!”
A large cement slab in the middle of the zebra base slid apart, a large missile appearing beneath it.
“Abort! Abort!” Swept yelled, flipping his Vertibuck around and slamming the throttle forward. “Form up on me, we’re getting out of here.”
As the Steels Wings raced away from the base, the missile launched, rocketing up through the clouds an out of sight.
Swept Wing twirled the dial on his transceiver, switching over the long range radio. “Seaddle Tower, this is Steel One. The case was empty and there’s a big ass missile headed your way. Notify Princess Luna immediately.”
“Roger that Steel One, see you-“ The transmission cut off.
“Oh, they’re jamming us, wonderful.” Swept Wing muttered, switching back to the local radio. “Long range radios are being jammed, we’re on our own out here.” He said, seeing several more missiles launching around them. “And it seems like the zebras are putting those megaspells to use.”
October 23rd, 2077, 10:00 Somewhere over Northern Equestria
"Hey Lieutenant, where are we going?" Golden asked, looking over at Swept Wing.
"A military base up in Moosecow. There's a cryo room there that we can ride out this shitstorm in." Swept replied.
"I see. Are you sure we'll have clearance for that sir?"
"Private, the world as we know it is coming to an end. I don't give a damn about clearance."
The rest of the flight continued in silence, and soon Moosecow was below them, the air tinged green.
Swept Wing hit the console with his hoof. "Damnit! Zebras hit here too!" He groaned, but suddenly his radio crackled to life.
"Unidentified aircraft, this is Moosecow Control. You have 10 seconds to identify yourself before we blow you out of the air."
"Moosecow Control, this is Second Lieutenant Swept Wing of the E.A.F., 109th Vertibuck Squadron, call sign Steel One."
"Acknowledged Steel One. Maintain a holding pattern and stand by for further instruction."
"Roger that, standing by."
A few minutes later, the radio came to life again. "Steel One, you and your squad have been cleared to land in Hangar 1B. Be advised, the air is toxic, so don't exit your Vertibucks until the hangar doors have closed. Moosecow Control out."
"Roger that, Steel One out."
Swept Wing lead his squadron to the specified hangar. The roof swung open, and they descended down a large shaft into an underground hangar. As instructed, they waited for the hangar doors above to swing closed before exiting their Vertibucks.
Swept Wing lead his squad over to where a large green earth pony stallion, with a single Brigadier General star on his uniform, waited for them.
Swept Wing saluted. "Sir."
"At ease Lieutenant. I am Brigadier General Challenger, commander of this base. What is your business here?"
"The cryo chambers sir. It's gone way past FUBAR out there, and I'd like-"
Swept Wing was cut off as the base shook, sounds of artillery fire being exchanged coming from above.
The General swore. "Take your squad inside, the cryo chambers are two floors down. I've heard about your squad Lieutenant, and we can't afford to lose you."
Swept Wing saluted. "Thank you sir." He turned, nodding to his squad and leading them out of the hangar, 20/20 trotting up next to him.
"Lieutenant, how will anypony know when to wake us up?" He asked.
Swept Wing looked over at his friend and wingmate. "We'll leave a message on one of the terminals Sergeant." He replied.
20/20 nodded. "Of course sir, but what if there's no pony left to get it?"
Swept didn't reply, and the squad continued in silence, eventually reaching the cryo room.
"Alright, choose a pod and get in. I'll seal them for you."
The fifteen other pilots obeyed, all clambering into one of the various pods. Swept Wing going around and sealing them in turn, having a brief word with each of them. When he got to Swoop, he hugged her. "See you when you wake up sis." He said.
Swoop smiled, climbing into her pod. "You too bro, you too." It closed, sealing with a hiss.
Swept Wing went over to the control terminal, making the final entry on it.
>Today the world as we know it ended. My squadron and I managed to survive as the world around us plunged into an abyss of balefire and dark magic. The details are trivial and pointless, but what matters is that my squadron are sealed away in these cryo pods. If somepony reads this in the future, after this shitstorm has blown over, please wake us. Swept Wing out.
Swept Wing stepped into his own pod, looking over his squad one last time, their pods already starting to ice over, before hitting the button to seal it. The front slid closed, and he became drowsy very quickly, and with one final sigh, sleep took him.
As the Steel Wings were consumed by cryo sleep, the world around them continued on. More battles were fought over what was now the Equestrian Wasteland for the next 200 years and beyond, the 16 pegasi sealed away within the depths of the military base fading quickly from memory. When will they wake? Well dear reader, that is a tale yet to be told, for war, war never changes, and once you’ve known it, it doesn’t forget you.
You enter a bar, looking to get a drink. The bar is empty, save for the bartender and a single teal-coated pegasus. He's wearing an E.A.F. Uniform, Aviators, an Officer's Cap, and there is a revolver slung under his shoulder. You get your drink, taking a seat next to the pegasus.
He looks over at you. "Hey." He says. "Name's Swept Wing."
You simply nod in response, taking a drink of your beverage.
The two of you make idle chatter for a while, and before you know it you've told this pegasus your life story.
"You know, as interesting as that may be, I've got several that easily top it." He says.
You raise an eyebrow in disbelief. "Let's hear 'em then!"
The pegasus nods, and begins to speak...
Anecdote 1: The Failed Assassination of Princess Celestia
June 15th, 2075, 15:00: Shattered Hoof Ridge
The Battle for Shattered Hoof Ridge had been a harsh one. So harsh in fact, that the Zebras had called for Princess Luna to sign a peace treaty with them, but the Princess currently seated in the cargo area of Swept Wing's Vertibuck was not Luna, but Celestia. The Princesses were suspicious of the sudden move towards peace by the Zebras, so Celestia had been sent to sign the treaty under the guise that Luna was already busy meeting with the Ministry Mares.
"How much security detail did you put up for this Princess?" Swept Wing asked as they approached Shattered Hoof.
"More than enough Sergeant." Celestia replied. "I'm sure everything will be just fine."
Swept Wing nodded, guiding his Vertibuck over the landing pad and descending. "I'll wait here until you're done signing the treaty Princess."
Celestia nodded, trotting down the now-open ramp of the Vertibuck with two Royal Guards. "Shouldn't take that long Sergeant."
Swept Wing nodded back, watching as the Princess cleared the landing pad with her guards. He got up, trotting down the ramp and flying up on top of his Vertibuck, getting a good look at what the setup was.
There was a single table placed in the middle of the camp, on one side standing a zebra and several guards, while Celestia stood on the other with her guards. A big red stallion in combat barding stood nearby, scanning the high ridges around them, presumably for snipers.
Celestia and the zebra talked for several minutes, while the opposing guards just glared at each other, probably holding a staring contest of some sort.
Swept Wing yawned, turning his gaze upward towards the ridges as he stretched. Something caught his eye at the edge of his vision. He could have sworn it was the sun glinting off the scope of a sniper rifle, but when he turned to face where he saw it, all there was were rocks.
"Hmmm." Swept Wing muttered. He hopped off his Vert, and trotted over to where the big red stallion was standing next to the table, whispering what he had seen into his ear. The stallion nodded, turning his attention in that direction.
Swept Wing turned, and started to head back to his Vertibuck, when he saw the glint of the scope again. This time the big red pony saw it too, and shouted a warning, leaping towards the Princess as the sharp crack of a sniper rifle bounced off the ridges.
"Fuck!" Swept yelled, drawing his Dan Wesson and turning around, seeing the stallion lying on the ground in front of the Princess, the broken remains of the table beneath him, accompanied by a lot of blood.
Swept Wing didn't hesitate. He leapt into the air, and sped off towards where he had seen the scope glinting from as the Royal Guards initiated one hell of a beat down on the zebra guards.
Another shot rang out, this one directed towards Swept Wing as he sped towards the sniper. It missed, whizzing past his ear.
"Oh no you don't!" Swept Wing yelled, catching a glimpse of zebra stripes running up a path along the ridge. He flew up ahead of the retreating zebra sniper, landing around a blind corner ahead of the retreating sniper. He laid in wait, gun drawn.
As the zebra came around the corner, Swept Wing stepped out in front of him, and fired off two shots with his revolver. The zebra went down, clutching his chest and dropping his sniper.
Swept Wing calmly picked up the fallen weapon, slinging it over his back before looking down at the zebra. "And I thought this was supposed to be a peace treaty." He growled. "Doesn't seem so peaceful anymore."
Swept Wing took off again, leaving the zebra to bleed out on the ridge. He flew back towards Shattered Hoof, finding the place in utter chaos. The two zebra guards were dead, while the zebra ambassador who had been sent to sign the treaty was cuffed and being held by no less than six Royal Guards. Celestia had disappeared beneath an armada of guards, while several medics were rushing the red stallion away.
Amid all of this, Swept Wing managed to get back into his Vertibuck, setting the sniper rifle down in the cargo hold before strapping in and spinning up the engines.
Celestia and as many guards that could fit boarded a moment later, the ramp closing behind them. "Return to Canterlot please Sergeant." The Princess said, her voice shaky.
Swept Wing nodded, taking off without another word.
