A splash of frigid water ripped Jack back into the conscious world, causing him to yell in shock as he bucked forward. He stopped short of leaping out of his chair, as he swiftly found that he was chained to the chair and pinned in with thick leather straps. Blinking hard against the harsh light that shone in his eye, Jack struggled to piece together prior events in his head.

“Is he awake?” Jack struggled to place the male voice as he shut his eye to the blinding light.

“Yes.” A woman's voice, quiet and monotone. He recognized the voice as one he knew well, if only he could place it…

Jack opened his eye again as he looked to the pair of silhouettes as they stepped before the harsh light. A griffon stood next to Ada, clad in what he could only assume was regal garb from the gold that shone under the light. “Where am I?” He asked with a croak. He hadn't realized how dry his mouth was until he'd opened it, and now he found himself wishing they'd throw more water at him.

“Hunter's Perch.” The griffon was male, and sounded oh so very confident. Jack took an immediate disliking to him. “Specifically, the dungeon. Are you comfortable?”

Slowly closing his eye, Jack let out a hard breath through his nose. Things were falling into place now. He'd been captured, again. Snake was dead, the Elements turned.

They're going to torture you. Until you crack, and give them what they want.

He recognised the voice in his head, and knew the words to be true. “I could use some water.” He spoke quietly to the male griffon, and earned an amused laugh in return.

“You didn't get enough during your wake up call? Very well. Bitch! Fetch our guest some water.”

“Yes my emperor…” Ada turned, and walked out briskly, leaving Jack to scowl.

“Now.” The griffon turned the light to the side, sparing Jack's eye. “We're going to get to know each other, very, very well these coming days. You're going to tell me everything I want to know, and then you're going to help me topple the corrupt regime of the Equestrians. Their chaos ridden society cannot be left to stand as it is in the eyes of our Lord.”

Jack didn't answer as he watched Ada re-enter the cell, and cross over to him. She lifted a metal canteen and pressed it gently against his lips. He drank greedily, despite the foul copper taste it held. Letting out a soft sigh, He looked up at Ada as she stepped away, and looked to the griffon for direction. “So.” Jack licked his teeth and frowned as he too turned his attentions to the griffon. “Who are you?”

“Hm, I suppose it won't hurt for you to know the name of your new master. I am Emperor Carolus, appointed of the Empire, and first to our Lord, Jalgromak, god of Order.”

“Staff Sergeant Jack Kessle, serial 5467-7123-0019. I'm going to kill you.” Jack leveled a smoldering gaze at Carolus, who smirked in return at him.

“Oh I'm sure you think that. Tell me, how many ships do the Equestrians have?”

“Staff Sergeant Jack Kessle serial 5467-7123-0019.” Jack repeated, keeping his features blank as he looked down.

Carolus rolled his eyes at the act. “Bitch, loosen his tongue.”

On command, Ada strode forward, balling her fists. She struck him hard in the stomach, hard enough to drive the air from his lungs. The second fist met his tensed abdominal muscles, and didn't hurt nearly as much, though he was still reminded of how badly she'd beaten him in the ring months ago. Ada continued to gut punch him, until Carolus spoke.

“That's enough. I'll ask you again, how many ships do the Equestrians have?”

“Staff Sergeant Jack Kessle serial 5467-7123-0019.” Jack spat on to the floor.

Now Carolus was frowning. “Your resistance only serves to annoy me. You will tell me everything I wish to know, and you'll do it soon.” The Emperor placed a claw against Jack's ruined cheek, and dug the tip into the thick scar tissue, earning a dribble of blood. Grunting, Jack surprised Carolus by spitting in his eye. “Gah! You swine!” Carolus recoiled as the glob of spit ran down his cheek, before he wiped it away.

“I hope you don't have any plans, fucker. I'm not telling you a goddamn thing.” Jack grinned at the enraged griffon. “You ugly little bitch.”

“Ada!” Carolus shrieked. “Get the battery!”

Jack chuckled as Ada turned on her heels and marched out of the room like a toy soldier. “You think this is my first time? We're gonna be here foreeeeever~”

Carolus sneered hotly as Jack as he cleaned the spit from his fur. “Your bravery only means more suffering for you!” He looked to the door as Ada pushed a trolley through, which held a large, crude battery and a set of jumper cables upon it.

Jack clenched his jaw, knowing full well what was coming. You just can't seem to escape from it, can you Jack? Mark whispered in his mind as Ada approached with the cables, and clamped them to his tense muscles. If I were you… I'd find a hole to hide in. Jack grimaced, knowing that Mark was right, again. Completing the circuit, Ada stepped back as Jack's body went rigid against the straps that held him in place. Energy pulsed through him, causing his vision to shudder as his eyelid flickered rapidly. Jack clenched his teeth tightly and fought back against the pain.

“Enough!” Carolus yelled, and the energy flowing through his body stopped, seeing Jack collapse back into the chair and pant. “Let's ask a more pointed question. What are the Princesses planning to do next? When is their next operation?”

“Staff Sergeant Jack Kessle serial 5467-7123-0019!”

“What are they planning!” Carolus demanded.

“They're planning to fuck you in the ass.” Jack muttered with a grunt of pain.

Casting a look to Ada, Carolus nodded. “Again.”

This time, Jack couldn't keep his scream inside. As his body jerked and pressed into the chains and straps, he screamed. His body felt as if it was going to overload his mind with the pain. In the cold of the room, his sweat wafted off him as steam while Ada continued to torture him. His screams of pain echoed through the dungeons.

They would stop sometimes, and ask him a question, but all they would get in return was “Staff Sergeant Jack Kessle serial 5467-7123-0019.” Eventually, Carolus became enraged, and excused himself from the room. Jack heaved weakly as his body rebelled against the agony it had been forced to undergo, but as Ada moved for the door, he managed to lift his head, and speak. “Ada… if you're still in there… I'm gonna get you out… I'm not leaving you behind…”

The woman paused at the door, her hand trembling softly as it hung before the door handle. She slowly looked over her shoulder at him, the blue magic wafting off her eyes like smoke. “Stay...strong… Jack…” the magic in her eyes strengthened, and she turned away from him. Ada opened the door, and left, leaving him cold, wet, and alone in the stone cell.

Welcome to hell, Jackie boy.

“This isn't hell… I've been to hell, and I got out of there too.” Jack grit his teeth. “Sammy.”

Yes father?

“How… how far away is your body?”

The woman has me.

Jack squeezed his eyes shut and mutters a soft curse. “This isn't gonna be easy. At least… Flitter, and my crew… they'll find me. Nobody gets left behind…”

Flitter awoke in the hospital, staring up at the softly humming lights. She scrunched up her features, and moved her hoof to shield her eyes from their glare. Only, no hoof appeared in front of her eyes. Furrowing her brow in confusion, Flitter looked over, to find that her entire right front leg was missing at the shoulder. The memories of how it had been lost trickled in through the drugs that flooded her brain. Slowly closing her eyes, Flitter mutter a soft curse, before perking at the sound of an opening curtain. Jack smiled softly at her as he brushed by the hospital curtain.

“Hey.” He approached the side of her bed, and sat down next to her. “You had us all worried.”

Flitter smiled back at him as brightly as she could manage, which wasn't very well. “Hey… is… did we get everybody out?”

Placing a hand on her side, Jack nodded. “Yes, you got them all out. The Princesses want to give you a big fat medal.” He began softly stroking her side, a move that earned a happy murmur from the injured officer.

“I… didn't do it for medals…” She swallowed lightly, and licked her lips. “I'm… I'm glad you're alright Jack… glad you came back for us…”

Brushing his hand up to her cheek, Jack gently gave her ear a rub. “Of course I came back, I couldn't leave you behind. You rest up, okay? I'll come in and visit you again soon.” Cupping the side of her face with his hand, he leaned in, and kissed her deeply upon the lips. Flitter's eyes widened in shock, before fluttering as she leaned into it. It ended all too soon for her, as Jack pulled away, and left her alone in the hospital room.

Walking confidently down the halls, Jack, or rather, Darneil, smirked to himself, and wiped his mouth. That had been by far the best meal he'd ever had. He needed more. He craved it like a drug, and like an addict, he decided he would do whatever it would take to get more. His mind went to his mission for a brief moment, before he pushed it aside. He'd do it all later. Right now, he had to dig in with the help of his fellow operatives, and become the man he was portraying.

“Jack!” A voice called from behind him, drawing his attention. His heart skipped a beat in fear as he found himself staring at Princess Celestia, and a large female minotaur in a bright red military coat sporting a crude metal prosthetic arm. “Do you have a moment?”

“I'll always have a moment for you, Princess.” Jack smiled amiably at the princess, causing her to blink in surprise, before smiling.

“Good. Do you remember Chief Yuma?” She gestured to the large minotaur, who straightened her back and saluted him.

“Of course!” Jack nodded to the minotaur, despite having no idea who she was. “You joined the end of the battle, didn't you?”

“Yes.” Yuma fell into parade rest, and looked down upon him. “We heard of the trouble in your lands, and came as quickly as we could. After all, it is thanks to you that we have the strength to defend ourselves.”

Celestia smiled, before speaking. “The Imperials seem to be leaving the minotaur tribes alone for now, and the newly united tribes have decided to send us help, which we are very grateful for. However, Yuma has a request, if you would have it.”

Nodding, Jack gestured to Yuma to speak. The minotaur shifted in a nervous manner, her bovine tail swishing slightly. “I ask that you take me and my soldiers, and use us as you would in your Jay Sog. We have trained long and hard since you left us, doing our best to mirror you and yours.”

Jack blinked, and internally, Darneil wondered what the generally pissy human would do. “... We would be honored to fight alongside you, but entry into the unit is for only the best. I'll meet with you later, and we'll talk things over.” He nodded to Yuma, who gave a crashing salute that caused him to flinch ever so slightly. As the minotaur chieftain excused herself, Jack found himself alone with Celestia.

“Jack. I understand that you gave a full debriefing of the events that happened over the last six days, but I wish to ask you some questions.” Celestia fixed him with a flat gaze that made Darneil feel anxious.

“Of course… I'll answer as well as I can.” Jack laced his fingers behind his back, and followed Celestia as she beckoned. Walking a short ways, the Princess guided him into a side room, where she turned to him.

“What happened in the crash? I wish to know everything. I need to know how the elements fell.” Celestia held him under her gaze, but he could feel the sadness hiding under her emotionless eyes.

Shifting, and leaning against the wall, Jack sighed as he ran a hand through his short cropped hair. “We made the pickup at Apple Acres, but came under fire as we waited for our pilot. As we flew out, we were hit by an imperial weapon that caused the vehicle to crash. The older mare was killed in the crash, and my armour was damaged. I would have broken my legs if… you know.” He gestured to his legs, indicating the prosthetics that supposedly hid under his fatigues. “Imperial special forces attacked us as we exited the wreck, and the elements attempted to use the Elements of Harmony on them. There was… a flash. A flash of light, and everybody stopped fighting. Corporal Forth stepped out as I tried to get my bearings, and she struck me with a weapon that destroyed my armour. I was forced to retreat as everybody in the clearing began to fire on me. After that, I don't know what happened. I heard a couple more shots, but that was it. I… I ended up getting hunted through the woods by their special forces.

That's why it took me so long to regroup with the forces at Stalwart.”

Celestia nodded slowly as she listened, and at the end, she let out a slow breath through her nose. “Thank you, Jack. I know you did everything you could… How are you feeling?”

Jack looked down and scratched the back of his head to avoid her searching eyes. “I feel awful, almost like I'm not myself. I feel guilty about leaving my team, and what happened to Flitter, but… there's nothing I can do about it now. All I can do is stay by her side.”

To his relief, Celestia nodded in understanding, and placed a hoof over his hand. “If you ever need to speak, I will listen. As for Flitter, we have our best doctors working towards having her back to full health and create a prosthetic for her. JSOG is on stand down for now.”

He smiled to her, and nodded his understanding. “Thank you, I'll come see you soon.” Breaking away from the princess, Jack's lips twisted in a cruel smirk. He was going to see her very soon indeed. Walking through the halls, he allowed his smirk to remain as human cleaning staff slowly joined him on his trip to his new quarters. All told, he had ten operatives at his beck and call. It felt good to be amongst his kin again. Opening the door to his new room, Jack took a moment to gaze around at his accommodations. “Very nice… very nice indeed. Asmodeus, have you discovered where the core resides?”

Closing the door behind himself, a rather burly human maid nodded. “Yes Darneil. It resides in the petrified corpse of Discord, south lawn.”

Jack smiled a little more as he lifted a black rifle off the workbench and gave it a quick aim down sights. “Even now, they're full of themselves. What about the project? Has anybody learned it's location?”

The youngest of them stepped forward, and bowed her head slightly. “We have not found the project entrance yet. We believe it's somewhere in the labs, but we can't get passed the feral human who resides there. She seems able to detect us despite our disguises.”

Nodding his head slowly, Jack slowly licked his lips, before his eyes fell on a small box of cigarettes. Remembering the dossier he'd read on the real Jack, he knew he would have to light the end and stick them between his lips if he were to complete his disguise. Doing so, he inhaled once the cigarette was lit, and immediately broke down into a coughing fit. “By the crown!-” He spat and tossed the cigarette to the floor. “Oh that was awful… eugh…” Shaking his head, Jack sighed. “At least we have an idea where the entrance may be. What of the sympathisers? Carolus wouldn't shut up about them.”

Another of his operatives answered. “We've made contact, and they've constructed a teleportation enchantment ring as per instruction. If they did it right, we can receive materials and reinforcements from Hunter's Perch of needed, and retreat through it when the time comes.”

“Well, that's something. We should eliminate and replace them as quickly as possible, I don't want any of them growing a conscience. Alright, back-” Jack paused as a hoof knocked at the door, and everyone in the room went silent. Gently placing the black rifle back on the table, Jack pulled a jet black stiletto from his boot, and walked toward the door. Opening it slightly, he found himself face to face with an Omega Hive changeling.

“Oh good, you're here.” The changeling looked to the side. “We need to speak about the infiltrators. I think they're planning something, and the princesses don't seem to be taking the threat as seriously as they should be.”

Jack nodded, and motioned for the operative to enter. As he did, the operative came to a sudden halt as he spotted the other humans. Grabbing the orange agent by the head, Jack jammed the stiletto into his neck, eliciting a choked gasp from the changeling. “It's under control.” He pulled the stilleto out, only to drive it in again, cracking the smaller changeling's carapace as it struck his heart. The changeling began to fight, but it was far too late, as the operatives pounced upon him, and saw to his demise.

Standing back from the cooling corpse of the operative, Jack wiped some of the viscous blood off his cheek and smiled. “Dispose of that body. That's one more obstacle out of the way.”

Jack wasn't sure when he'd lost consciousness, but again, he was awoken rudely with an icy cold bucket of water. Grunting in shock, he tested his bonds as he blinked hard.

“Good morning Knight Captain!” Carolus sounded very chipper today indeed. “How did you sleep? Oh who am I kidding, I don't care! Today another army joined our cause, the savage Zebras!” Carolus grinned at Jack. “How many armies can your soldiers beat without you, I wonder?”

Letting out a slow groan, Jack leaned back in the chair and closed his eye. “May as well get started, turkey boy.”

Carolus smirked as he waved Ada forward with a trolley of tools and implements. “With pleasure! Bitch, if he denies my answers again, you are to start with the top tools, and work your way down. Now, Knight Captain, I realize that a tiny cog such as yourself may not know the machinations of the princesses, so I'll ask you some more appropriate questions. How does your armour work?”

“Come talk to me when you know what a nanite is.” Jack answered briefly.

“Answer the question!”

Jack simply shrugged. “Dunno. It's above my nerd grade. Nanites, son.”

Carolus scowled at the man strapped to the chair. “Bitch, loosen his tongue.” Nodding simply, Ada strode over, and struck him harshly across the chest with a metal rod, earning a grunt of pain, then a laugh from Jack. She struck him again, this time in the stomach. Again, he grunted, before laughing as furious red welts grew across the lashings.

“If this is your idea of torture, I should introduce you to my ex fiance, she could teach you a thing or two…” Jack grunted as Ada struck him hard in the ribs, before grinning defiantly at Carolus.

Frowning deeply, Carolus motioned for Ada to halt, before moving to the door. “Bring water.”

“How thoughtful.” Jack straightened himself in his chair.

“Bag.” Carolus motioned to Jack, just before his vision went black as Ada pulled a burlap sack over his head. “Get him on his back.” Jack bit his tongue as Ada's boot impacted his sternum roughly, and both him and the chair toppled over backwards. Jack saw stars as his head hit the ground hard, and for a moment he felt woozy. As he struggled against his bonds, the bottom of the chair was lifted, before being propped up on something. Jack knew what was coming next, but it didn't help him.

The waterboarding lasted hours, as far as Jack could tell. At some point he lost consciousness, only to be revived by a griffon doctor. His head was soaked, and he couldn't stop himself from coughing roughly.

“I'm curious.” Carolus sat himself down on the edge of the chair, looking down on Jack's prone position. “What has the princess done to secure such loyalty from you? She's done nothing but lie to you.”

“Save me the crap-”

Listen to him. He's not lying.

Jack paused at Mark's statement, trepidation filling his mind. “Explain.”

Carolus smiled confidently. “You just realized it, didn't you? You're like Ada here, a lost human, just trying to get home. Celestia said that she couldn't send you home. She lied to your face, kept you here for her own needs.”

“Bullshit.” Jack spat as he glared up at Carolus. “She might be a bitch, but she wouldn't do something like that.” He spat more water as Carolus laughed.

“Why wouldn't she? Without your work and interventions, she would not stand a chance against the storm that is my new world order! Under her reign, hundreds of your kind have been imprisoned, tortured, raped, and killed. For all you have done for her, what has she done for you, but be mistrustful, and send you back into the fire with nary a days rest? Just wait, she will not send anybody for you, either. She has abandoned you.”

Jack didn't need to be told by Mark that Carolus was speaking truths. It didn't mean he had to like them though. “I'm not going to tell you a damn thing. And there is no way for me to go back. She dislikes me enough, if there was one, I'd already be gone.”

“Project Fartouch. I found my father's documents on it. A project between the two of them, to plunder the rest of space and time for what we lack here. Do you know why she didn't send you home?” Carolus smiled down at Jack, who scowled and growled in response.

“Why.”

“Because she loves Discord more than she cares for your life.”

Now don't do anything rash Jackie boy. He's telling the truth. Mostly.

“The hell you mean?” Jack growled again, but not at Carolus. Regardless, the griffon answered.

With a smile, Carolus waved Ada over, and with her, she carried a manilla folder. Taking it, Carolus showed several concept blueprints of what appeared to be a heavily runed circle ten feet tall and ten feet wide, a gate. “If my father's notes are correct, then the machine should have been finished for months, if not years. All they lack, is a power source of immense chaotic magic. The Chaos Core, that resides in the petrified corpse of Discord himself.”

Doubt wrapped around the stem of Jack's brain, causing him to close his eye and breath out through his nose. “Why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because, you have been misled. You've been tricked into taking the fall, and I believe that once you see the truth, you will no longer rebel so wholeheartedly against my questions. If you help me, if you rise up against your oppressor, I will forget about your transgressions toward me and my movement. I will give you what you want. The girl.” He gestured to Ada. “And a way home.” He tapped the folder.

Jack closed his eye again, and focused on taking calm, if labored breathes. inhale. Count to four. Exhale. Count to four.

Setting the folder away, Carolus turned to regard Jack once again. “Until you agree, you'll suffer agony for a country that has no love for you, and a princess who would sacrifice you a thousand times to save the lowliest scum of her own.”

Jack opened his eye, and licked his lips as if he were about to speak. Carolus paused, a smirk tickling the edge of his beak. Jack met his eyes as he spoke. “Staff Sergeant, Jack Kessle. Serial 5467-7123-0019. United American-Canadian Marines, Oo-fuckin'-rah.” He spoke slowly and methodically, driving each letter and syllable home as Carolus’ smirk crept into a scowl. He thought he saw the briefest of smile from Ada, before the magic in her eyes flared again, and she returned to her blank expression.

“Bitch, make him regret his insolence. I have better things to do.” Carolus waved a paw in irritation as he treaded toward the door.

“Yes Master.” Ada pulled the active jumper cables off the cart, and approached Jack with her blank expression. As the door clicked shut, she paused, looking down upon him. “I... Am... Sorry... Jack.”

Grunting as she pulled his chair back up, Jack shook his head. “Don't. I know it's not you. I'll get you out of here.” He looked up at her, and forced a weak smile. “Nobody gets left behind.”

“Oo... Rah…” Ada whispered before she clamped the cables to his body, and returned to torturing him.

Slowly opening her eyes, Flitter let out a soft yawn as she rolled over on her side to get the lights out of her eyes. As the light persisted, she let out a grumble of discontent, which earned a surprised gasp.

“Flitter!”

As Flitter cracked open an eye, She didn't have time to identify the voice as a pegasus clamped down on her with a rib cracking hug. “I'm so glad you're alright!”

“Hey Cloudy…” Flitter's brain clicked moments later, having finally recognised the voice of her sister. “What time is it?”

“I- um… noonish?” Cloudy released her ever so slightly to look up at the clock. “Oneish.”

Flitter groaned softly, and forced herself to sit up. “Is the doctor around? I need out of this bed.”

Cloudy blinked in shock, before sputtering. “Y-you can't! Flitter, you're hurt!”

“I know.” Flitter shifted and scooted toward the edge of the bed. “But I can't sit here. Can you get the doctor? Please?” Flitter looked up toward her older sister, and paused at the sight. Cloudy looked on the verge of tears. “I… I'm sorry Cloudy. What's wrong?” Flitter forced herself to relax in the stiff hospital bed.

“How could- I…” Cloudy swallowed, and looked down for a moment before meeting Flitter's eyes. “I um… I joined the militia… after everything that… happened I couldn't… I just…” She paused as Flitter reached over and took her sister's hoof in her own.

“I know how you feel. It's going to be okay.”

“Mom stopped talking to me…” Cloudy murmured softly as she slumped, and rested her muzzle on Flitter's shoulder. “I tried telling her what had happened, but she just called me an idiot and said I was going to regret it…”

Rolling her eyes, Flitter sank into the bed with a groan. “You know what? Fuck her. She's the one who's going to regret alienating her only children. She's got her head so far up her ass, I'm shocked she hasn't found out she doesn't have a heart.” Flitter glanced over and smiled as Cloudy failed to stifle a giggle of amusement. “What? It's true.”

“No, it's just…” Cloudy rested her head on Flitter's intact shoulder. “I'm really glad you're okay… I saw that thing attack you, and I didn't know what to do…” She swallowed thickly, before pressing a smile forward. “I came to see you earlier, but the doctors still had you drugged up. You seem a lot more coherent now.”

“I feel better. I just… you know.” Flitter lifted the shoulder that was missing the leg. “Feel like I've lost weight.”

“You know-” a familiar voice spoke at the curtain and Doctor Sable trotted in. “Having a sense of humor after an injury is a sign of good mental health. Hello again Flitter, Cloud Chaser. I hear you're a Knight Lieutenant now Flitter, Congratulations.”

Flitter smiled lightly at the psychologist as he trotted in and took a seat. Any other time, she may have been actually glad to see him, but now, she only felt trepidation toward the stallion. “Hey Doc. Did you need something?”

“Yes, actually. I'm here to assess your mental health. Concerns were raised over the debriefing that was provided.” The stallion pulled out some papers, and smiled again at her.

Flitter's smile had all but vanished by the time he had finished talking, and now Cloudy shifted nervously, before speaking. “Um… what kind of concerns? I mean, I don't think a lot of ponies would be alive if not for Flitter.”

“Well.” Sable leafed through his notes. “There is the abandonment of Ponyville-”

“It was a tactically nonviable location. We'd evacuated all the civilians who'd reached us, and Stalwart needed reinforcements.” Flitter answered sternly.

“-and the summary execution of a decorated Warlock?” Sable looked up at her, his eyes cold and unfeeling. Cloudy went quiet as Flitter leaned back into the headrest.

“Warlock Hail was going to surrender himself to the enemy. Either that, or he was going to be caught. He'd given up, and had stopped fighting in the middle of an assault. It's all in my report.”

“Yes, I can see that. However, you should have just arrested him, detained him.” Sable flipped a page in his clipboard, and maintained his air of neutrality.

Flitter shook her head. “Not in the middle of a firefight. I regret what happened, what I had to do, but if you put me in the same position again, I'd do it again, every time. Warlock Hail was unwilling, and possibly unable to fight on, and was most certainly going to be captured if he went through with his plan of desertion. If he'd been caught, we would have suffered his full power, something I couldn't let happen.”

Sable nodded slowly as he wrote down something. “I understand-”

“You don't. And I don't expect you to. Was there anything else?”

Flipping through his pages, Sable read quietly. “Allowing civilians into a military defence line. What possessed you to let them out of the ship?”

“You've got to be yanking my tail…” Flitter muttered.

Clearing her throat, Cloudy leaned forward and spoke. “There was a lot of us that volunteered. Don't mistake that, we all wanted to help, but Flitter didn't want us to. She had most of our group help in the ship. The rest of us were told exactly what was going to happen when we went outside, and what would happen if we didn't follow orders. She kept us safe.”

“Right, of course.” Sable scribbled something on his paper, before flipping it again. “I have some reports here that worry me, regarding the savagery that you, and to a lesser extent, your team displayed during combat.”

Despite her hardpressed self control, Flitter couldn't contain her disgusted snort. “If the generals have a problem with how we defended ourselves, you tell them, and I mean that, YOU tell them, that I'll gladly welcome them on the field, having to fend off ponies and griffons who don't feel any goddamn pain with nothing but an empty gun, your hooves, and a fucking seven inch bayonet.”

“So you're saying-”

“I'm saying it was a fucking meat grinder! The only reason you and those overstuffed fucks have a chance to ride my cunt is because of what we did to survive! I'm never going to get the images of what I did out of my head, I'm going to have to live with those memories every night for the rest of my life! And you know what? I know, deep in my gut, that no matter what you write on your papers, I'm going to be sent back out, to murder more poor bastards so ponies like you can sleep soundly without shells falling on your head.” Flitter fumed as she glared hotly at the stallion.

Swallowing thickly as he shifted in his seat, fixing his tie, Doctor Sable nodded slowly all while avoiding Flitter's piercing gaze. “Any other colourful insights?”

Flitter's brow furrowed hard into a hateful scowl. “This interview is over.”

At that, he nodded in agreement. “Indeed it is. Good day, Knight Lieutenant.” Without another word, the good doctor stood, and quickly walked out of the small curtained off area. As he left, Flitter became aware of just how quiet the busy hospital had become.

Coughing into her hoof, Cloudy scooted closer ever so slightly. “You sounded like dad.” She smiled weakly as she laid bother her hooves over Flitter's remaining one. “That was really scary, but also really awesome.”

Blushing ever so slightly, Flitter looked down as she smiled softly. “Thanks Cloudy. I'm really glad you were here. I just… ow… shoulder is starting to ache now.” Flitter pulled her hoof away from her sister's, and rubbed at her shoulder as if the action would relieve any of the pain she was feeling.

“Should I get a real doctor?”

“Yeah… please. And no reporters, they're almost as bad as psychologists.” Flitter relaxed as Cloudy trotted out of the room. She was alone for a short time after, alone with her thoughts and pained body. Thankfully, Cloudy soon returned with a doctor in tow. “Doc. How are things looking?”

“Well.” The mare fixed her glasses as she flipped through a clipboard full of papers. “We were concerned about the scope of damage caused to your shoulder by your injury, but it seems to be healing nicely. I'm told that your new leg is nearly finished, so hopefully we can have you walking again within the month.”

“A month?” Flitter slumped into her bed and let out a long breath. “Is there anything I can do to help it go faster? Anything?”

The doctor seemed confused as she tilted her head and furrowed her brow. “I'm sorry, but… no. This is almost a brand new field of medicine, there will be no rushing this, we can't afford for anything to go wrong.” The doctor paused, casting a glance over her shoulder. “It appears you have visitors. I'll get you some medication and leave you be.” Turning away, the doctor trotted off as a gaggle of ponies crushed into Flitter's 'room’.

Flitter smiled broadly as her team surrounded her, though she couldn't help but notice the wounds on them. Taven had bandages across his forehead, though his mane covered it mostly. Minerva was missing two teeth and had a bandage across her cheek. Mythic was hardly smiling, and held a haunted look in his eyes, though Baron was with him, and she seemed to comfort him. The others had a myriad of wounds, spanning from cuts and scrapes, to more major wounds that still bore bandages. They were alive though, and that's all that mattered to her.

“See? I told you idiots the Lt. Was too damn stubborn to let some ugly beast keep her down.” Minerva dusted her chest off with a hoof as she smirked. Some of the others chattered in return, filling the small space with a comfortable din.

Flitter sat up as he sister shrank slightly at the array of soldiers before her. “What's our status? Nobody has told me what's going on yet.”

Chuckling as he shook his head, Taven gave Flitter a comforting smile. “I should have assumed you'd be right down to business. We're on stand down while everybody gets healed, and that means you too. How are you feeling?” Again, a chorus of voices spoke after Taven, all bearing the same question, and concern for her health.

As she rolled her eyes, Flitter couldn't keep herself from smiling as her heart swelled with joy. “You guys worry too much! I'll be fine, the docs say I'll be walking in under a month. Are we missing anybody? It looks like we're missing some ponies.” Flitter tried to look over the faces of everybody present. “Where's Fangmeyer? And Peregrine?”

Minerva sighed, as the others lowered their gazes out of respect. Flitter knew what had happened before her sergeant spoke. “Fangmeyer jumped on a grenade, and Peregrine… died as well. Right at the end, caught a ricochet. Medics couldn't do anything.”

With the mood in the room having turned suddenly sombre, Flitter looked to each of her remaining soldiers. It felt like every time they went out, they came back a few heads less. A moment of silence passed over the group as they hung their heads respectfully. “I want you all to know.” Flitter started softly as she looked up at them all. “That no matter what happens, it was an honour knowing, and serving with all of you. You are the bravest, craziest bastards I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.” She smiled proudly as the others nodded.

Suddenly chuckling, Taven cracked a large grin. “It's only the end of the world as we know it, we've trained for that.” A chorus of laughs and groans was elicited from the pack of soldiers. Minerva smiled wide, and bumped Taven's shoulder lightly.

“Speaking of the end of the world, where the hell is our resident loose cannon?” Minerva asked, causing the others to look around at each other, shrugging in turn.

“He's probably in debriefing hell for losing the Elements.” Mythic muttered, and earned some nods of agreement. Baron nudged the comms jockey lightly, and spoke quietly into his ear. Mythic shook his head, as if disagreeing. “He still lost them. He had backup available and he sent them back.” Some murmurs rose up among the group.

Leaning back, Flitter rubbed at her eyes. “Look guys, we don't know what happened out there, all we know, is that it was bad enough Jack couldn't do anything. I think that says enough. What happened, happened. We can't go back and fix it, no matter how much we want to. We have to live with it, but I think that so long as we're together, we can handle the weight.”

“Oorah.” Taven nodded to her, as a murmured chorus slowly copied him. Flitter watched Mythic, as he eventually nodded and muttered the word.

“Maybe somebody should check on Jack?” Baron said lightly as she looked about.

Patting Flitter's bottom hoof, Minerva gave her a little smirk. “I'm sure he's fine.”

Jack wasn't sure what day it was, or how long he'd been locked up as a prisoner. The days were running together like bleeding paint, blurring his perception of things. To make matters worse, his mind was filled with the things Carolus had told him. How Celestia had betrayed him, betrayed everything he'd done for her and her land. The understanding between them that he was sure was fake. Hate festered in his mind like a voracious seed, until it was all his thoughts remained upon. No longer did he deny Carolus for the sake of Equestria, but for the simple sake of spite. Up until now, every tactic the Imperials had tried upon him had been unsuccessful in earning more than a long memorized name, rank, and serial number. Often Ada was instructed to stay behind after the interrogations, and beat him senseless. He hadn't left the chair since his arrival.

When the metal door swung open, Jack didn't both looking up at the griffon entering. The click of talons on the cold stone told him that he didn't need to, or so he thought. When the griffon spoke, Jack didn't feel hate for once. He felt fear.

“Well well well… so he has been hiding you from me.”

Jack jerked his head upwards as cold talons gripped his chin. Doctor Forge stared back at him, bearing a small smile as he inspected Jack's nude body. “Get the hell away from me, you cunt!” Jack thrashed at his bonds, but to no avail.

Forge seemed to ignore Jack's protest as he pulled a cart forward, covered in medical tools Jack was all too familiar with. “I just need a few more samples. This may hurt, just a little bit~”

Jack opened his mouth to roar at the doctor, but was cut off as the large needle was slid into his chest. Clenching his teeth hard enough to threaten cracking them, Jack clamped his eyes shut as he felt the needle begin to draw fluids out.

“Thank you for holding so still.” Doctor Forge murmured softly, as if speaking to a child scared of a flu shot. “Next, we need more marrow. I think… yes, spinal fluid will follow after, yes.” Doctor Forge looked up at Jack. “You have a wonderful body, 4859.”

“Go to hell!” Jack spat through clenched teeth as Forge retrieved a needle meant to draw bone marrow out.

Forge simply shook his head, and spoke as if he were gently chastising a child. “Have some pride, 4859. Your body will aid in bringing God back to this world. Feel pride.”

As the needle punched into his bones, Jack let his head fall back as he loosed an agonized howl. Fury and hate flooded his veins and mind as the blindingly hot pain stabbed at him. Wrenching his arm in its shackles, he was rewarded with the sound of a snapping needle, and white hot agony that spread through his entire right side like acid. Now shaking uncontrollably, Jack opened his eye and glared at Forge, as the hippogriff pulled out half the needle and regarded it with idle wonder. “Fuck your God.”

The door behind Forge opened with a groan, and Jack's usual torturers walked in. Jack had closed his eyes, and fallen back into his chair, so all he heard was the anger in Carolus’ voice. “Forge! What are you doing in here without a guard!? And without my permission!”

Forge turned to face Carolus and Ada; dropping the broken needle on the tray. “3901’s body was not enough for God's vessel. I required fluids and matter from 4859 to continue my work. You will not allow me to take the female’s, so I must have 4859’s.”

“How could that fat bastard’s body not be enough!?” Carolus squawked in shock. “Just how big are you making the vessel?”

“Befitting God.”

Carolus grunted quietly as he shook his head, before looking back to Jack. “He's bleeding all over the floor! Bitch, see to that wound! I won't have him bleeding to death before he gives me what I want!”

With a nod, Ada moved forward, and opened up the ragged tear Jack had ripped in his arm from breaking the needle. Without a gentle touch, the woman pushed her fingers into the ragged hole, causing the wound to squelch and squirt blood as she hunted for the needle. Jack jerked as her fingers dug into the meat of his body, his mouth falling open silently as the long needle was pulled out of his bone. His vision flickered from the agony, and the blood loss saw him shivering in the cold chair. The needle end clattered as Ada tossed it onto the trolley, and began bandaging the ragged hole. He panted weakly as his body convulsed; he was already trying to drag himself into his little mental hideaway.

“Good. Forge, what else do you need?” Carolus asked as Jack mumbled a mantra about fours.

“Cerebrospinal fluid. I require only a sample.” The doctor grabbed another needle as he stored what marrow he'd retrieved in a vial.

“Do it when I say. Knight Captain! Are you still with us?” Carolus pushed Jack's head up to look him in the eyes.

Spitting into Carolus’ eyes, Jack grinned like a feral savage. “I'm gonna eat your fuckin spleen.”

Stepping back as he wiped the spit from his face, Carolus failed to cover his disgust. “I'll ask you again, does Princess Celestia have any more weapons of mass destruction! We know you collected items for her!”

“She's got me.” Jack spat again, this time to the floor. “And whether she wants me to or not, I'm going to skin you, rape you to death, and then eat you.”

“How quaint. Take what you need Doctor.”

Jack went rigid as the needle pressed against the back of his neck, an agonizingly pained shriek loosed from his lips before he fell unconscious.

Awakening to the chirping of birds, Darneil smiled to himself as he rolled over and splayed himself out on the big bed. Today was going to be a very big day for him, and his operatives. Pulling himself out of bed, Darneil, now Jack, stretched out with a happy groan as he let the warm sun bathe his body. Throwing on some clothes, Darneil began his walk down to the hospital wing. As he walked, he did his best to hide his good mood; masking it with a one eyed scowl and an angry pace. It did wonders, as the busy halls saw a path being cleared for him out of fear and respect.

As he walked in, he found one of the doctors finishing the mounting of Flitter's new leg. He stood by, watching with idle curiosity as the magically motivated prosthetic was attached to a new metal mounting plate that merged with Flitter's flesh. The fur around it was entirely absent, revealing pale flesh under it that was ringed with angry red. The mare winced in pain as the leg finally clicked, and flexed.

“It's slow.” Flitter said quietly to the doctor. “And it pinches…”

“I'll come by later to make some calibrations, but for now you'll just have to get used to it. It'll take time.” The doctor said as she attached the metal covering to the ugly metal limb.

Nodding slowly, Flitter made small, deliberate motions with her new limb. Soon, the doctor left, giving Jack his entrance. Upon seeing him, Flitter smiled softly, and sat up straight, though her new leg continued to squirm and flex. “Jack, hey…”

“Hey yourself, fuzzy face.” He pulled the curtain closed, before walking over and sitting beside her bed. The taste wafting off of Flitter urged him forward like the smell of cooking food on the wind.

Brushing her short cropped mane out of her eyes, Flitter shifted and smiled a little more. “I missed you these last couple of days… the doctors say I'll be walking again soon.”

He smiled warmly at her as he set a hand on her metal hoof, ceasing its endless movements. “That's good news. We'll have to celebrate somehow.” He ran his fingers slowly across the cold metal, causing Flitter to blush ever so slightly and shift awkwardly again.

“So… about that… uh…” Her blush was steadily building, and it took all the willpower Jack had to keep from grinning wide. Coughing lightly, Flitter smiled nervously. “It's…”

“Good to see you.” He finished her sentence, and earned a nod. For a moment, the two sat in silence, though Jack was swiftly growing annoyed. He could feel everything she felt, he knew what she wanted to do, possibly even what she was going to say, but the mare refused to make a peep as she continued to look at his hand as it held her hoof. “There's something on your mind.”

Shifting nervously again, Flitter laughed. “Y-yeah… kind of a… weird place to say it though… that… when you kissed me, it was… out of the blue? I mean, not to say I didn't like it! I just-”

Jack held her hoof as he chuckled. “Want more?”

“Eheh… y-yes…” Flitter had blushed fully, and averted her eyes. “Is that-” Flitter squeaked, cutting herself off as Jack leaned forward. Cupping her cheek, he pulled her into a deep passionate kiss. Flitter's eyelids fluttered as she pressed into it, greedily kissing the man for all she was worth. When they parted, she found herself short of breath, and feeling slightly drained. “I've… I've wanted that for so long… Jack… Jack, I lo-” She gasped in surprise as he pulled her closer, his hands gripping her flanks. “J-jack-!”

He leaned in close again, kissing her ear, causing a shiver of pleasure to run down her spine. “If you've been waiting so long for that, I wonder what else you want…” As his magic fed into her innate feelings, Jack smiled slyly as her eyes flashed a soft green.

Shuddering at his touch, Flitter found herself throwing her inhibitions to the wind. “I want it all…”

“Say it.” He breathed into her ear as his hands fumbled with the unfamiliar belt that held his pants up.

Consumed by her feelings, Flitter stared up at him with lust filled eyes. “Fuck me…” The words came out a husky murmur, but they were all the imposter needed as he mounted her, and began his feast.

Flitter gasped sharply, and clung to his shoulders. Closing her eyes, she felt the need to cry out in ecstasy. Everything was right in the world, just for that moment.

“AAAAAAAAHHHH! FUCK!” Jack cried out as the needles were carefully inserted into his flesh, triggering pinpoints of agonizing pain. They were under his nails, in his joints, and scraping across his bones. Foam lined his lips as he forced himself to breath every four seconds. He could feel his grasp on reality continuing to slip; he couldn't tell how long he had been down in the dungeons, he could hardly remember the last time he'd eaten. As another needle struck the nerves in his shoulder, Jack's eyes fluttered as he fell unconscious from the pain.

He awoke, surrounded by blood, boiling oil, and sand. The smell of burning flesh and crude oil filled his nose, intermingled with the acrid stench of cordite and death. The tar-slicked skies greeted him once again as he opened his eye, and found himself laying on his back, halfway buried in oily sand. Great flaming pyres of crude oil lit the land, as no sun could ever pierce the deathly thick blanket that covered it thoroughly. The sensation of sinking clung to him, though he paid it no mind.

Leaning against the body of an overturned and thoroughly torched Bradley IFV, Mark spat a glob of chewing tobacco to the ground before speaking. “You know Jack, I've always wondered why this place is your little slice of hell, considering all the other places that would fit the bill.”

Shrugging lightly, Jack remained on his back as the oily sand continued to creep up his body. “Maybe I like it here.”

Pursing his lips, Mark slowly began to meander over. “You humans are so melodramatic. How's that escape going?”

“I'm working on it.” Jack closed his eyes, and exhaled through his nose as the oily sand covered his chest.

“Oh! You're working on it, well that's comforting, because, from here it looks like you're just having your ass handed to you on a platter. I'd very much so appreciate it if you didn't die, you're the last vessel I have, and I'd hate to die with you.” Mark crouched down, and looked at Jack as the ground continued to consume him. “Are you even listening?”

Jack cracked open an eye as the roiling sand crept up to his jaw. “You're afraid to die. Pretty pathetic for someone who claims he was a god.”

“You wound me! And, let me guess. You aren't?” Mark crossed his arms over his chest.

“Of course I am. I'm human.” Jack answered softly. “It's quiet here. I like it.”

“Father!” Samhain's voice reached his ears, just as they were submerged by the viscous muck. The olive skinned girl jogged over, and shouldered passed Mark. “Father, I have discovered where your escape lies. I know where to go.” Samhain's eyes went wide with panic as Jack finally sank below the surface. “Father?”

Slowly but surely, Jack pushed a hand out of the oil, and thankfully, Samhain took it. Hauling him out of the cloying muck, the girl looked him over with concern. With his skin stained pitch black, Jack began to walk to the road. “If you know the way, then all we need to do is escape. Ada's the key. Mark, can you disrupt Order's control on her?”

Following Jack, Mark barked a harsh laughed. “You're joking, right? Tell me you're joking.” When Jack said nothing, Mark groaned loudly. “I'm a splinter of a shade of my former self, and you're asking me to stand against my resurgent brother?”

“She's strong. She just needs a little push in the right direction.” Jack stood upon the road, his eye going to the boiling hellscape that stretched across the sky. “One moment, is all I'm asking for.”

“Pheh, humans.” Mark grumbled, before sighing in annoyance. “I'll try, not like I have much of a choice.”

Nodding to the unwanted rider in his mind, Jack looked back to Samhain. “You found their teleportation rune then? Carolus talked about it briefly. What about my armour and rifle?”

“Your arms and armour are in a nearby laboratory, Father. The woman and that griffon saw them several times.” Samhain let out a noise of confusion as Jack reached out, and gently pulled her closer before lightly kissing her forehead.

“You're a good girl Sammy.”

“Aw, do I get a kiss too?” Mark chided as he stood nearby. The flaming pyres in the distance were beginning to blaze uncontrollably, turning the skies into an inferno.

“Do your job and we'll talk.” Jack turned back to the fields as he breathed in deeply, taking in the violent stench of the place. “Send me back in.”

Planting his hand on the back of Jack's head, Mark smiled. “You got it, boss.” With a shove, Jack lurched violently back into the land of the living.

With a smile hiding under his scowl, Jack walked calmly through the halls of Canterlot castle, in search of the gardens. He felt good. Very good. He'd fed well off of Flitter, and she was going to prove to be a very useful thrall on the coming days once he finished infiltrating her mind with his magic. She was all too willing, and it made his work so much easier. Pushing open a pair of heavy double doors, Jack found himself outside, in the gardens. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he began what appeared to be an aimless wander, when in fact it was a methodical path toward the statue of Discord.

Finding the statue was a fair bit tougher than he'd originally imagined, if only because he walked by it once, not recognizing it under all of the bird shit that caked the rough marble.

“So here you are, god of chaos…” Jack muttered to himself as he came to a stop and looked over the statue. Looking it over, he soon found several cracked points in the marble that would take well to applied explosive force. Supposedly, inside the statue was the chaos core, an object of immense chaotic power. Carolus wanted it badly, but whether he'd use it for his own ends, or the ends of Jalgromak remained to be seen.

“There he is!” A voice sounded behind him, immediately shaking Jack from his musing and seeding a brief moment of panic in his mind as he turned around. A small group of JSOG operatives were trotting toward him, Taven, Minerva, and Baron included. “He's been hiding from us, I'm telling you.” Taven was the one speaking, and the Batpony gave him a light smile as they approached. “What gives, Jack?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Jack pushed a brief smile forward. “Sorry guys. I've just been… busy.”

Taven smiled back, while Baron cocked an eyebrow. “That's alright, we were just-” Taven stopped mid sentence as he sniffed the air, and blinked in surprise.

Minerva’s nose crinkled and her ears flicked about as she slowly adopted a mildly horrified expression. “You-”

Apparently unaware of the other's issues, Baron looked at them in confusion, before looking to Jack. “Have you visited Flitter recently? She was talking about you earlier.”

It was his turn to smile a little wider now. “I just saw her.”

Minerva's expression turned to full blown horror, her emotions tasting of jealousy and betrayal. “I… I need to… go do a thing.” Without another word, the burly mare cantered off, leaving Baron looking even more confused.

Shaking his head in shock, Taven sneezed and blinked hard as he tried to clear his head. “I can… tell. You dog.”

Now forcing his smile, Jack leaned against the statue. “Did you guys need something?”

“No?” Baron looked to Taven, clearly confused. “We just saw you and came over. Are you feeling alright? You're…”

“I'm what, Baron?” Jack asked with a stern voice, causing the disguised changeling's ears to flatten against her head.

“Nothing, I just… sorry.”

Taven cleared his throat loudly as he gestured over his shoulder. “We were going to go and get a bite to eat. Did you want to join us?”

“No. No thank you. I ate recently.”

“Oh. Well, alright.” Taven nodded to Jack. “See you around. Let's go, Match.” The pair split off from their captain, and exited the gardens. Once they were out of earshot however, Taven leaned a little closer to Baron. “Did Jack… seem off to you? He's acting weird.”

“You know…” Baron frowned as she thought. “He did. He really did. I could barely get any emotion off him.”

“He did seem a little cold, but that's not exactly what I meant. Something's… wrong. I don't like it.” Taven pushed open the door, and entered the castle.

Baron glanced at the one winged Batpony. “What should we do? Report it to the princess?”

“Gods no! Who knows how bad it could get if we did that. No, I think I'll keep an eye on him. He might have just messed himself up more this last mission…”

“True.” Baron continued to follow Taven through the halls. “But I can't remember when he ever smiled so much.”

Taven chuckled as he thought things over. “And with what he and Flitter did…”

“What did they do?” Baron asked innocently.

Quirking a brow, Taven looked to the mare. “You didn't smell that? At all?”

“Smell what? I'm serious.”

Taven slowly looked back forward, before shaking his head. “Changelings.”

________

Late that night, Jack exited his room in the castle, and began his late night stroll toward the gardens. In his small satchel, lay a block of plastic explosives and a detonator. He'd trained in setting the explosives back in the hive, but in the back of his mind the trepidation remained. He could get it wrong. The multicoloured wires still served to confuse him, and he had no real idea how the strange trigger assembly would detonate the explosives. The ponies out in the gardens were mostly asleep, and his target was far away from their tent city. As he walked, Jack was soon met by Asmodeus, and another operative.

“Are the others ready?”

Asmodeus nodded quickly. “Yes Darneil, they're ready to attack the labs on command. What is your plan?”

Approaching the statue of Discord, Jack took a quick look around to check if the coast were clear. “We still need to prepare more, infiltrate deeper. I'm currently converting the JSOG lieutenant, and the others don't expect a thing. When the time comes, I'll kill the princess, then destroy the statue and collect the core. You and your team will attack the laboratory at the same time, and destroy whatever they have. The others will secure our exit.”

“A simple plan.” Asmodeus watched as his disguised leader fumbled with the wires. “Will it work?”

Jack simply shrugged. “We shall see. As for simplicity, the simple plans are the most likely to succeed.”

“I was speaking of the device. I have full confidence in your plan.” The burly maid shifted, and looked about, still keeping watch.

“Eheh… I have no idea. We'll see soon though. Help me cover it up with this bird seed.”

Together, the pair worked diligently under the cover of darkness. Very soon, all of Canterlot would feel the vengeance of Chrysalis's hive, and learn to fear the reach of the Empire.

Author's Notes:

Feels good to get a chapter out in under a month. More inbound.