“Hey Chief, I’ve got a plan.” Long Shot announced as he made his way back into the town hall’s main room. The rest of his team followed close behind.

The leader of all bison looked up from the multitude of charts and other such things he had been perusing, a look of severe interest on his face. “You have my attention, commander.”

“It’s not entirely worked out, but it’s a good basic idea. Clockwork?”

“Right.” the pegasus took a seat at one of the table’s many chairs. “Steam is the gaseous form of water, and in order to achieve its gas form, it must be heated past the boiling point, which is done through heat. Now, I’ve deduced that the locomotive the Supremacy's new Railgun is being transported on is likely propelled using good old steam power, and as such must utilize one of two major heating methods. The first is good old fashioned coal, and the other is some kind of gem the dogs have been using. Unless the Consortium discovered infinite energy, then that thing has to stop to refuel somewhere. So, what is the only inhabited area with a large supply of fuel for a few dozen miles in every direction?”

“Appleloosa!” Strongheart called out from her father’s side.

“Excuse me, winged pony,” Bull Rush interrupted from his seat. “but I don’t get how that’s supposed to help us. One field trip, and at night no less, doesn’t give us the needed information to determine exactly when the Railgun's ammunition supply needs to be restocked or the locomotive refueled.”

Clockwork grinned. “We don’t need to.”

“Young one.” Thunderhooves’ voice gently boomed through the pegasus’ head. “I appreciate your knowledge of the subject but it is urgent that you get to the point. Another moment wasted is another the Supremacy and their bugs will use to plot our demise.”

“I’ll take back the helm.” Long Shot cleared his throat. “myself, Clockwork, and Bull Rush weren’t detected by the enemy crew despite following it at close range. We wait at Red Sand Stretch for the infernal contraption to pass by, board it, and wreak havoc from the inside.”

“And what of the rest of my soldiers? They are all itching to dirty their armor.”

“You guys, all of you, will amass just outside of Dodge Junction and wait for my signal.”

“Which would be?” Strongheart asked.

Long Shot smirked. “A huge boom, with a lot of fire and smoke.”

“You intend to destroy the cannon?” Charger finally spoke out. “Surely we could learn something from it.”

“You are correct, lightning mare,” Mganga responded. “Unfortunately though, I highly doubt that the Supremacy would allow us to take their fancy new toy intact.”

“So, in summation,” Chief Thunderhooves gathered a large number of red triangles and blue squares and placed them on the map before him. “You three take over the locomotive and destroy it as it enters Appleloosa. During that commotion, my soldiers shall rush the city and take it back by sheer force?”

“Bingo.”

“It is a good a plan as any, but what of the rest of your squad, Commander? I believe they wish to assist in the assault some way.”

“Well, I can’t be sure whether or not our successful avoidance of detection was a fluke or not, so I won’t risk any more lives than necessary by taking more soldiers. If Meteor Squad approves, I will assign them to assist the bison in their primary charge. After that, you will rendezvous with us at what remains of the town’s train station.” The Nocturni leaned back in his chair and breathed a deep sigh. “That’s all I’ve got. What do you think?”

Switcher was the first to voice his thoughts. “While I regret that I will be unable to assist you personally in the destruction of the Supremacy’s newest asset, your plan accounts for no discernable Supremacy recovery. If all goes well, the city will be under Alliance control before the sun sets.”

“I will follow with this plan as well, Commander. Simply assign me a task and I shall perform to the best of my ability.” Mganga nodded.

“Same here,” Charger added.

“Well alrighty then.” Long Shout chuckled under his breath. “Chief, we’re ready when you and your soldiers are. When will the attack commence?”

“Hmph!” The huge bison let out a confident snort, steam powering from his nostrils. “No more hiding, no more defensive action! I shall assemble and inform my troops at once! Meteor squad, I sincerely thank you for your assistance in this manner, and give you all leave for the rest of the night. We attack at dawn!”

Clockwork breathed deeply, glad that clean, dry heat was much more forgiving than the smog-tasting air of the large Equestrian cities, or the jungles from whence he had just been relieved. He smiled as he looked downward, the confident war cries of bison and the steady beating of drums signalled that every buffalo within Dodge Junction was ready to take back their city. The sea of lights below him, mixing with the sweet-smelling wisps of smoke rising from the many teepees, made it appear as a gently refracting sea of golden stars that well mimicked the dark blue ocean of true stars above. The pegasus had never been one for crowded areas, and Ponyville had been about just as much as he could take. Hmph, must’ve come with being a pegasus and all, what with their heightened sense of awareness and the-

“Hello, Clockwork. Do you mind if I join you?” a familiar, angelic voice reached Clockwork’s ears.

The stallion turned around to find none other than Charger, the robes around her head removed for the time being, walking towards him. He smiled, hoping that it wouldn’t be too apparent in the night light. “Not at all. I think this town’s big enough for the two of us.”

Charger giggled as she took a seat next to her squadmate. “You’re not going to start making bad western movie references, are you?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Good. I have far too much to worry about right now.”

“What do you mean?”

Charger was silent for a long while. “A large number of things depend on this assault’s success. The control of two entire cities and their orchards, the Supremacy’s combat capabilities and whether or not they will improve, as well as the moral of our own troops, to name just a select few.”

Clockwork sighed and nodded. “I know, but I figured something out a while back. If I keep worrying about what might happen, something equally as bad and completely unexpected will occur instead. I’m not saying I don’t care, far from it. It’s just that-”

“Your safety is at the top of my list of concerns.”

What.

“Oh, did I say that out loud?” Charger blushed red enough to be seen even in the moonlight. “I didn’t mean it like that, it is just that I care deeply for the safety of all my teammates. Umm. . . are you absolutely certain that the rest of the squad cannot accompany you and the Commander?”

Clockwork shook his head. “I’m not saying I wouldn’t like you to come with me. If our small number was the reason the enemy didn’t detect us, then we’ll exploit that. Long Shot told me once that there’s no such thing as luck, so he and I aren’t going to depend on it. Long story short, I’m not going to take you with me even if I could.”

“Then. . . at least take this with you.”

Before the pegasus could even begin to fathom a response to the odd statement, his mind was suddenly focused on something else entirely. There was a distinct pressure against his lips, specifically, Charger’s own. It was sudden, unexpected, inexperienced.

It was the best kiss of his life so far.

After Charger had pulled back, Clockwork was left without any sense whatsoever for several moments. “Umm. . . what was that?”

“My first kiss.” Charger answered as she enveloped her head in her robes, concealing all but her perfect blue eyes. “Take it as a wish of good fortune. I believe Penyelamat did something similar before the assault on the Consortium base in Zebrica?”

Clockwork had no idea who or what she was talking about, and by the time his mind had pulled itself together enough to remember what Charger was referring to, she was long gone.

Clockwork looked back to the heavens, for everything seemed to twinkle just a bit stronger now. He licked his lips; they tasted like mint, lilies, and bluebells.

“Hey kid. Look alive, significant heat distortion waves at my eleven.”

Clockwork looked in the direction his commander had signified, squinting to make out anything through the blistering heat and scorching sun. It was difficult to notice, but the steady heat waves were suddenly warped one way or the other by the addition of another source of heat. The pegasus took a moment to unwrap his wings and reappropriate the robes further around his head. The last thing he needed was sand in his eyes with bullets flying at him. It was finally time to go.

“Rush.”

“Got it.” the large warrior scooped up his brothers in arms and took off in whichever direction his comrades pointed him. However, no plan survives contact with the enemy, and within moments, the trio had come under sustained heavy fire from an unknown source.

“Shit!” Long Shot exclaimed as a round glanced off his armor. He immediately drew his rifle and began to return fire.

For a brief moment, Clockwork went stiff. Dammit, so it was all just a fluke. Of course, what with the low levels of light in the evenings mixed with long patrols and the noise-dampening sand, it was no wonder the train’s crew hadn’t-

“Rush! Take us in as close as you can. We’ll find a way onboard and get you inside! Kid! Snap out of your daze and get crackin’ we’ve got a train to rob!”

Clockwork shook his head to rapidly clear it of any stray thoughts. This was it. Now or never. “Yessir!”

Even as he fell under heavy fire, Bull Rush steadily made his way over to the train tracks until he reported that his fur was brushing against something metallic. After a few quick maneuvers, Clockwork had successfully carved a hole in the side of the car and Long Shot had dropped its occupants. They jumped inside.

“Rush!” Long Shot called out. “Fall back as far as you can without burning yourself or getting shot. Anti-air cannons can’t fire horizontally so you should be okay until we find you way inside!”

“Sir!”

Like that, the bison kicked up an immense cloud of dust to cover his retreat. With only a nod, the equine duo began carving their way through the locomotive’s rear cars. Many of them allowed for very little room to move through, all being crammed full of either boxes of gems, horrifically massive rounds of ammunition, or griffon sword wielders unknowingly awaiting their fate. Clockwork almost felt sorry for his opponents as they fell like saplings in a hurricane. They were all just doing their duty, but a simple conflict of interests led them to war. The pegasus steeled his nerve, reminding himself that he wasn’t a killer. He was not a murderer nor a maniac. No, he was a soldier of the Alliance, and he was going to do everything in his power to destroy this infernal machine and help the Alliance regain control of the midland desert.

Five box cars and two dozen or so enemies later, the duo reached the caboose, finding it surprisingly roomy and equipped with a ramp likely used for loading supplies onboard. After a quick bout of tinkering, Clockwork dropped the loading ramp, letting in hot air, sand, and blinding white light. After his eyes had acclimatized to the sudden change in brightness, the pegasus found himself watching as Long Shot beckoned for a seemingly wounded Bull Rush to hurry onboard.

The stallion’s focus was drawn away from his allies as a heavily armored griffon barged inside and drew his sword. However, not all the training in the world could’ve prepared the eagle-lion hybrid for a twelve gram shotgun slug to the chest at point blank range as well as a sniper round to the beak from a little ways off. However, a third, much louder, explosive discharged accompanied the two. It was unlike anything Clockwork had heard in his life up until that point, and when he looked over his shoulder to see if his bison ally was aboard, he found in Bull Rush’s place a rapidly dissipating cloud of red mist.

“NO!” the stallion cried out as he collapsed to his nears. His eyes tearing up in equal parts due to the loss of a capable ally as well as the scorching wind.

“His death won’t have been in vain, kid. We’ll make sure of that. Come on! We’re nearing Appleloosa!”

After being wrenched to his hooves, the pegasus hastily wiped his eyes and followed close behind his squad leader. He gritted his teeth as rage began to flow through him, the stallion not bothering to control it as it blanketed his sense in adrenaline. He was going to make every single last creature aboard this train pay!

And pay they did, for the walls gradually grew stronger shades of red with each passing car. Utilizing his wing as an impromptu shield, it protected both Clockwork and his nocturni comrade from harm as well as acting as a stable and mobile platform for the commander's rifle. It almost wasn't fair, but then again, all's fair in love and war.

The two soldiers kicked in another door and were stunned by harsh sunlight. When their eyes adjusted, they were met with by an unusual sight.

Clockwork realized three things in those few moments.

One: that the Onyx did not cover every available surface of the train, rather projecting a field of warped light to render the locomotive invisible.

Two: the Railgun the Supremacy had been testing ruthlessly was, in fact, a cannon capable of magnetically propelling large projectile to supersonic speeds with deadly accuracy with next to no recoil.

Three: Clockwork was staring straight at the third warrior Long Shot had told him about. The warrior's arms revealed themselves from behind his emerald green cloak, revealing a pair of massive, golden-hued gauntlets that enveloped his paws entirely. The warrior carefully removed his hood, revealing the head of a light-brown Diamond Dog. A light scar was easily visible across his throat, but it didn't seem to bother him in the slightest.

Nopony spoke for long time. No questions were asked nor answered. The Dog suddenly dropped into a position that signaled he was preparing to leap. His gauntlets suddenly emitted a metallic shink! as large blades extended from the tip of each digit. Clockwork brought his wing to bear as Long Shot took aim.

The Dog pounced.

Much to Clockwork's surprise, the force behind the dog's attack was far more than anticipated. The pegasus was suddenly launched upwards and onto the top of a box car before rolling for a significant distance, his doggish adversary trying all the while to rip him to shreds.

"Kid! I can't get a clear shot! Pin him for just a second!"

The grappling match went on for some time, both soldiers stabbing and carving away at the top of the car until one of them hit something important. A sharp ping ran the length of the entire train, followed soon after by a low electrical buzz as the invisibility field dropped. Clockwork took advantage of the dog's momentary hesitation to tackle him to the ground, finally giving Long Shot the opportunity he needed to-

A sound unlike any other tore through the entirety of reality, and the source was just above Appleloosa, which had grown ever nearer. Clockwork squinted as he gazed skyward. An immense, pure white sphere of fire appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and from within it an airship began to materialize. Clockwork felt his knees begin to buckle out of fear. The zeppelin was massive, a textbook griffon dreadnought at its finest. Its hull was painted in equal amounts crimson and gold, and a familiar symbol was inscribed on its surface, it was the very same one his Diamond Dog foe had on both his gauntlets. The word "Fury" was etched below the symbol.

It was relatively simple in design, a griffon talon grasping at an orb which was likely the sun. However, unlike the standard flag of the Empire, four wings lay in the background. Clockwork's memory flashed back to Cloudsdale. It was the symbol of the Red Order.

It all made sense as several gears fell in place.

This train didn't need steam to power itself. It didn't need refueling or repairs. It was all testing and calibration of a prototype, and this was a delivery run.

The destination being the Fury.

The Dog warrior took the opportunity to exploit Clockwork's fear and wrestled him to the ground faster than he could blink. He pinned the stallion's throat with one gauntlet and raised the other high, covering the sun for a moment. Clockwork struggled against his fate, but it was no use.

Until something shook the train nearly off its tracks.

The sudden shift in momentum destabilized the Dog, causing his attack to go wide and embed his claws in the roof of the car. He wrenched his limbs in an attempt to secure freedom, but to no avail.

As soon as Clockwork had wiggled out from under him, Long Shot readjusted his aim and fired.

The dog finally managed to get his paw free, raising both of his gauntlets to block the incoming round. Without a sound, the dog was launched off the car and into the unforgiving desert below.

Clockwork, struggling to gather his breath, wiggled towards the edge of the car to see if his enemy was, in fact, dead. However, he felt a tugging force on his shoulder as Long Shot helped him to his hooves.

"Thanks for the help, sir, but we need to confirm the kill. We don't want him popping up at a later time and causing any more trouble."

"No need to, shot at this close of a range, with such a high caliber bullet, as well as falling from this height at this speed all add up to instantaneous death before he even hit the ground. Now come on and help me lift the guy who saved your life on board!"

Clockwork didn't have time to form a response as he made his way back to the flatbed car housing the railgun. Much to his shock and joy, an ever familiar bison was running alongside them at top speed.

"Hey! I can't keep this up forever, you know!"

Bull Rush was alive and. . . not necessarily well. A large chunk of flesh was missing from his shoulder, and his remarkable speed and endurance were starting to fail him. With only a nod, the pegasus reached over and strained to lift the behemoth onto the platform. With some help from Long Shot, Bull Rush was lifted onboard and rested on his uninjured side.

The behemoth was without armor and panting heavily as Long Shot looked him over for any further injuries. When he found none, he knelt down to look the desert warrior in the eye. "Hey Rush, you okay?"

"I took a damned cannon round in the shoulder. What do you think?" the bison asked through gritted teeth.

Long Shot groaned. "You're fine. Clockwork," the commander looked towards his able-bodied comrade. "Move up and deal with any remaining hostiles. I'll have to hang back and fix up our friend here. We're getting close so make sure to blow this thing quick!"

"Hey!" Bull Rush struggled weakly to get up. "You said I was fine!"

"I was being sarcastic. There's more adrenaline in your veins than there is blood, and in about thirty seconds you're going to go into severe shock. Just breath and I'll keep you alive. Clockwork, go!"

The pegasus nodded before kicking in the door at the far end of the railgun. He hurried inside, glad to find it without hostile occupants, and reloaded his pistol. The cabin grew dark as the Fury cast its shadow over the transport. He had five minutes tops before this whole plan went to Tatarus.

Surprisingly, there was very little in the way of opposition as Clockwork hurried towards the locomotive's engine. In fact, the only griffon the pegasus encountered was the operator, dead by a self inflicted sword through his gut. The stallion stopped for a moment to contemplate who the operator was before steeling his nerve. No mourning, no remembrance, only action.

If there was a lever, Clockwork pulled it as far as he could until it broke. If there was a button, it was pressed, if there was a gem to be broken, Clockwork made it so. It would've pained him to destroy such intricate machinery, but the fact that he could clearly make out the individual faces of griffon soldiers now meant that there was no time for emotion. After a shrill metallic groaning overtook the room, Clockwork felt his job had been accomplished, about-faced, and sprinted as fast as he could. Just as Clockwork reached his comrades, a bright flash engulfed the corners of his vision. No sooner had he shielded his comrades with his artificial wing , when a searing wave of heat passed over everything.

Charger gazed forlornly off into the distance, her eyes coming to rest on the blurred, waverly image of Appleloosa. As the train the Supremacy's prototype Railgun was on was capable of rendering itself invisible to the naked eye, she had no way to tell if her allies were successful in their mission. Well, there was the theorized explo-

A blinding sphere of pure fire engulfed the sky just above Appleloosa, an immense griffon dreadnought with a hull of scarlet and gold slowly materializing out of it. The amassed bison, as well as Switcher and Mganga, were noticeably disturbed by the sudden appearance of an unexpected factor. Charger took several deep breaths to calm herself, but still couldn't rid herself of concern.

"Worry not, my bretheren!" Chief Thunderhooves shouted. "A single airship does not turn the battle in the enemy's favor, no matter how large! Prepare to stampede!"

Charger struggled to stay atop Strongheart, who had been assigned as her mount until they reached the city. After the bison readjusted her stance, she glanced upwards and spoke. "You are nervous, and I believe I may know why. The way you look at that pegasus, I haven't seen that kind of gaze in a very long time. Tell me, mare of lightning, what is he to you?"

The yellow earth pony sighed before checking her rifle for even the slightest hint of damage. “He is a teammate and a good friend.”

“Do you harbor feelings for him?”

Before Charger could respond, a resounding explosion followed by an equally impressive pressure wave engulfed the sea of warriors. The resulting cloud of smoke and multi-colored fire slathered the underside of the griffon dreadnought and then some, resulting in the airship teleporting away and several of the city’s rear buildings simple ceasing to exist.

“That is the signal!” Chief Thunderhooves roared. “STAMPEDE!”