Fall Of Equestria-Liberatorsby Mkchief34
Chapters
- Prologue-Times Change
- Chapter 1-The Iron Warriors
- Chapter 2-Preemptive Strike
- Chapter 3-Tidings of War
- Chapter 4-Red Winter
- Chapter 5-Crystal War
- Chapter 6-Two Armies
- Chapter 7-Starved
- Chapter 8-Battle for the Gate
Prologue-Times Change
Earth events
====
September 2, 1945
The Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, ending the Second World War. The world rejoices as six years of war come to a close.
====
September 10, 1945
The United Nations discovers the Unendlich program in a secured secondary cavern in Merkers, Germany. The technology developed includes...
-Directed energy weaponry (Lasers)
-Single unit PanzSoldat exoskeletons.
-Fusion propeller engines, capable of doubling an aircraft carrier's top speed.
-Radio-controlled robot soldiers.
====
November 11, 1945
The United Nations distributes the technology needed to mass-produce the Unendlich tech, now revealed to the public. World GPD soars. A post-war economic miracle develops, and the Soviet Union ceases hostilities and starts diplomatic negotiations in exchange for Unendlich tech. A treaty is soon signed, and the Soviets enter the United Nations. China also enters the UN. The United States takes command of the Future Technological Development branch of the United Nations.
====
November 26, 1945
The USS Traveler, the first fusion propeller Aircraft Carrier, makes its debut.
====
December 25, 1945
A UN security guard at the Unen-1 facility in Merkers discovers the reality device, and records the message he hears.
Please...help us...
====
January 1, 1946
The UN, Security Council along with the Soviet Union, decides to send the newly developed Great Fleet through a newly built reality device to scout the message's origin. Admiral Chester Nimitz is appointed to lead the fleet's 23,000 seamen, while Allied Supreme Commander Eisenhower and his new subordinate, General Ryan Paige, known as "Old Ink-face" is appointed to lead the 22,000 Army, Marine, and Air Force units, newly outfitted with Unendlich tech and the latest technology. The Traveler heads the fleet, with its sister ships, the Tampa Bay and the Houston. The fleet enters the reality storm, ready for war.
====
Equestria events-No timeline here, names mark events
====Unification day
The Caribou unify and declare themselves the Caribou Dynasty, under Dainn Stonehoof. He quickly sets his sights on turning the Equis landmass into a Caribou empire.
====The Week of aggression
The Caribou pursue a course of aggression, conquering territories and ushering total Caribou domination. The Equestrian Diarchy condemns the actions, calling them "barbaric" and "despotic."
====The slap letter
The Caribou respond with a sharp criticism of the Diarchy, stating "The Ponies have their ways, we have ours. It is not right to interfere in each other's paths."
==== The first day to war
The Equestrian Diarchy declares a state of preparedness, and defense lines and communication arrays are built. The Caribou see this as an act of war. Formal Diplomatic relations end between the two nations.
====The week of declarations
The Griffons, Diamond Dogs, Dragons, Minotaurs, Zebras, Deer, and Changelings declare neutrality to both sides. The Caribou war preparations, supposedly in secret, are detected by Equestrian border agents.
====The Nights of Lightning
Caribou strike at several key defense locations over two destructive nights, causing over 5,000 total casualties, and prompting the Equestrians to declare war. The Caribou declare war in response to the Equestrian declaration.
====The "incident"
Reports from Caribou spies allied with the Equestrians known as the "Resistance" send photos of a Caribou general's troops massacring several pony civilians. Equestrian fury boils over through an offensive to drive the Caribou out of the Dovetail Valley. It is a mixed success, causing a total of 8,000 casualties.
====The Status as of Now.
The war drags on, with Resistance forces supplying info that Ponyville, and Twilight Sparkle, to be the next target, with Twilight's role as King Dainn's concubine and wife clear. She is evacuated to Canterlot with the Element Bearers. Defense lines are increasingly fortified.
====Crystal War
The Crystal Empire allies with the Equestrians, and the Griffons offer financial support. This angers the Caribou, prompting Dainn to declare "The alicorns shall be my servants!" The Crystal Empire's fresh troops are desperately welcomed bby weary Equestrian units.
====Hurricane-Current time
An unexpected storm emerges in the Southern Sea. Ponyville defense lines hold against Caribou assaults. Luna takes control of the Equestrian War Department. The Caribou declare that whoever captures Princess Twilight will be declared a Caribou Hero. At the Battle of Three Fields, the Equestrians turn back a numerically superior Caribou force three times their size, though with significant casualties. The Caribou resort to guerrilla raids on towns they can reach, hoping to spread fear.
=====
Twilight sighed and turned back to her work. Ever since the War Declaration three months ago, and her evacuation to Canterlot, she had less and less time on her hands. Celestia had gone to Ponyville to investigate the large storm cloud that had appeared off the southern coast, and Luna had little time, as she was now the Minister of War. Her friends were all busy with their own attempts to help the war effort, but for all the successes, such as Three Fields, the constant reports of casualties and captured towns were dragging down morale. Twilight shook her head and looked out the window. Canterlot had changed. Refugee camps had been built outside the main city, and the Equestrian parliament had given war powers to Celestia. Thought everypony in Equestria for the most part supported the war, a few factions had hawked peace cries, which were not successful, but constant.
"Great." Twilight said, throwing away another peace petition. "Third one today."
She sighed once more and looked over at Spike, who was sleeping peacefully. She smiled at the dragon and turned once more to her reports. Then, a letter appeared in Twilight's face.
Dearest Twilight
I don't have much time to write. I need you and Spike ALONE in Ponyville as soon as possible. Don't worry, I'm not in danger. It's the caribou that are now. You'll see why when you arrive.
Celestia.
Twilight sighed, woke a grumpy Spike, and teleported out of her room. As the flash faded, she smiled at the welcome sight of her old castle. As she walked downstairs, she found Celestia at the table, though Twilight was confused.
For the first time in a while, Celestia was smiling. Smiling so brightly that Twilight raised her eyebrows.
"What's going on?" Twilight asked, and Celestia sighed.
"It's a rather long story. Thought I can't tell it, I can show it. Follow me."
Celestia and Twilight walked out to the beach, and as soon as it came into view, Twilight's jaw hit the sand in shock. A massive gray ship, almost 400 meters long, was docked offshore, along with at least sixty five different ships of varying shapes and sizes. All were flying a flag, emblazoned with a grid-lined sphere on a white background.
"What..." Twilight stammered, and Spike was completely lost for words.
"That's what I wanted to show you." Celestia said.
"How did that..." Twilight said, stammering.
"It's not ours." Celestia said. "It's theirs."
At that moment, three bipedal beings came into view from the forest. Two were clad in green uniforms, the other in blue. One had an admiral's regalia, the others seemed to be generals or high-ranking officers. The first had a kind face, with a worn build. The second had a tough-as-nails demeanor. The final one seemed to be crackling with energy, reflected by his smile.
"Who are you? What are you?" Twilight asked.
"Miss, my name is Supreme Commander Dwight David Eisenhower. That's Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, and Lieutenant General Ryan C. Paige." Eisenhower said, as he shook Celestia's hand.
"Why are you here?' Spike asked, and Paige laughed.
"We came to help. In any way we can."
Chapter 1-The Iron Warriors
As the five of them walked over to the main dock, Twilight's mind was ablaze with questions.
They said they came to help...Why? How do they know about Equestria?
"All aboard." Paige said, motioning to a Patrol Boat docked and guarded by five other humans. They were clad in green uniforms, and each of their limbs was attached to a metal frame, linked to a pack they were carrying. Each of them carried a long metal object, (Which Twilight assumed was a weapon), and on their right sleeve was a starred-and-striped patch, and a Wolf's head with two laurels.
"Sergeant." Paige said, and the lead solider saluted.
'Yes, General?"
"Let's go." Paige said, and the soldiers boarded, along with the rest of the ponies and the humans. As they pulled away from the dock, the wind blew Twilight's hair askew.
"You okay?" Paige yelled over the noise.
"I'm fine! Just flustered. We've all known humans to be myth!"
"We could say the same thing. We've always considered pegasi and unicorns to be the same."
"How did you know?" Twilight replied.
"I spoke with them when they initially landed." Celestia said. "We decided to hold formal talks aboard their main ship, the Traveler."
"Okay!" Twilight replied. As they pulled alongside the Traveler, a hatch opened, and the group walked inside. Twilight gasped at the sheer amount of activity. Humans of all shapes and sizes bustled about their duties, and they didn't seem to give the ponies a second glance.
"We've been busy." Paige said, noting Twilight's confused look. "Being ready on a moment's notice is one thing we humans are known for."
As they walked up to the war room, where the talks were to take place, Twilight asked Paige what the Wolf's head patches were for.
"They're members of the Wolfpack. We formed the 11th Special Operations Brigade, known as the Wolfpack, for covert operations of extreme danger and importance. There are five different squads, each consisting of twenty members. There may only be one hundred, but we have more in training. When the Soviets arrive with their fleet in a few weeks' time, they'll arrive as well."
"Soviets?" Twilight asked/
"Humans from another nation, the Soviet Union. The UN, the multinational organization that organized all this collaborated with the Soviet Union so we could have more supplies and resources. They also donated around 45,000 additional troops to our UN reserve force of 95,000. They're all still being mobilized and trained, so for now, we have 76,000 troops from across the UN nations aboard sixty five total ships. Plus enough supplies to last the crew and soldiers a very long time." Paige said.
"Are you on good terms with the Soviets?"
"We fought with them in the Second World War, so you could say that. We do have conflicting forms of government, and there's many things we don't share with them, but for the most part, we are friendly." Nimitz said.
"Second World War?" Twilight asked, abhorred.
"It's an incredibly long story. We fought Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy for six years, from 1939 to 1945. Millions died, and many more wounded or missing, plus nations were left in ruins, but in the end, we won. The tyrannical Nazis were overthrown, and the Empire of Japan toppled." Paige said.
Twilight sighed.
"Until recently, we haven't had a war in a very long time. That was the case until the Caribou arrived."
"I see. Celestia already told us a bit about them, and to be honest, they're just like the Nazis, in my opinion."
"Why?" Twilight asked.
"The Nazis committed genocide, the intentional destruction of a group, in this case, anyone they didn't like, just because they considered them inferior. Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, hated the Jews, members of a specific religion, most, and they, along with over Six million total others, were slaughtered. They were gassed, shot, hung, worked, starved, or just plain murdered. The Nazis built camps designed to work them out or just straight up kill the people they hated. I visited one of them. The indescribable horror to the utmost degree that I saw, I swear I didn't sleep for two weeks after I saw that camp." Eisenhower said. "We or the Soviets liberated all of them, and Hitler, as popular as he was with the German people, couldn't escape death in the end. He committed suicide as Soviet troops neared his bunker, in his war-ruined capital. He didn't deserve to live in the first place, he was that demented and evil."
The ponies gasped. They were silent as they walked to the war room. After an hour of answering questions from the various reporters, Celestia stepped down from the podium and sighed.
"Now that's all said and done, shall we discuss..."
"Admiral!"
A Wolfpack soldier ran up and saluted.
"We captured three deer like beings attempting to board the Traveler. We detained them at gunpoint and we have them on the flight deck, sir. They insisted on meeting with the captain."
"Shall we?" Paige asked, and everyone nodded. As they walked to the flight deck, Twilight growled at the sight of the three Caribou warriors. As soon as the Alicorns came into view, they smiled hungrily, but the smiles vanished when the soldier's guns came closer to their heads. Eisenhower walked up and knelled in front of them.
"What are you doing aboard my ship?" he asked.
"We attempted to open negotiations. It seems we were too late." The first caribou said.
"Why should I open negotiations with you, If I may know?"
"Our glorious King Dainn requests it." they replied.
Eisenhower smiled.
"Tell your king this..."
"Go..."
"Fuck..."
"Yourself!"
The Caribou and everyone else there gasped. Eisenhower turned away and sighed.
"Get these bastards off my ship, and back to where they came from."
As the soldiers hustled the Caribou off the flight deck, who were spitting insults at the alicorns and humans, Twilight walked over to Eisenhower.
"You do realize you are now at war, right?" Twilight said, and Spike nodded. "With that, Dainn's going to be on the warpath!"
"Princess..." Eisenhower said, smiling.
"War is what we humans do best."
Chapter 2-Preemptive Strike
As the ponies and the humans walked into the war room, Twilight gasped. Displayed on a table was a picture-perfect map of the Equestrian coastline. Small wooden pegs, shaped like ships, were arranged on the ocean. Three arrows led to positions behind the Caribou lines. Twilight asked what it was all for, and Eisenhower laughed.
"Since we're assisting you, we thought it reasonable that your troops wouldn't have to do all of the fighting. These are plans for Operation TROPHY SHOOT."
"An invasion?" Twilight asked.
"Right in one." Page said. "The Caribou lines are heavily fortified from the front, but hey neglected to protect their flanks. If it's one thing we humans can pull off, it's an amphibious invasion. We hit them from the side, with three Marine divisions, One Armored brigade, and several army divisions. The landing craft hit the beach, then they raise hell. Once the Caribou have been pushed back, we can start landing our main forces. Then, it's search and destroy."
"When can we expect it to begin?" Celestial asked.
"Within the hour. We're also going to launch a naval bombardment to keep their forces occupied, alongside air squadrons to take command of the skies."
"That's easier said than done. Caribou airships are heavily armored and armed with cannons." Twilight said. "Their top speed is 35 miles per hour."
"Our P-51E Mustangs can do better. Besides, cannons are best used for air to ground combat, not air to air. They'll be shot out of the sky like turkeys." Page said.
"Sounds good." Celestia said. "I'll radio our forces for a frontal assault."
"With all due respect, Princess." Eisenhower said. "We can handle this. We've fought against worse odds, and won with even worse still. Keep your forces on standby, but keep them in reserve."
"Alright. Twilight, Spike, shall we get going?" Celestia said. As the three of them teleported out, Nimitz turned to Eisenhower.
"Shall we get going?"
"Let's." Was the reply. Nimitz turned on the intercom and spoke.
"All units, this is Admiral Nimitz. Battle Stations, I repeat, Battlestations! All units report to launch bays and gear for combat!"
=====================================
PERSPECTIVE-Pvt. John Baker, 1st Battalion, Third Marines.
As we boarded up into the launch craft, I looked over at my buddy Paul, who was shifting in his suit.
"You okay, man?" I asked, and he nodded nervously.
"I'm good. Just jittery."
"We'll be fine." I said. Then, Lieutenant Carlson stood up at the front of the craft.
"We know our mission! Secure the forest with the tanks! Marines! HOORAH!"
"HOORAH!" We all bellowed. As the landing doors opened, and seawater flooded the deployment bay, we were dropped into the ocean. The pilots gunned the engine, and we waited for the flare shot that was the signal to begin the attack.
"How long?" I heard one of the recruits asked.
"Not to long, soldier. Stay focused."
Then, the shot pierced the night sky.
"Let's go!" Carlson yelled, and the boat lurched forward. As the outlines of boats flowed through the night, a Flare shell was fired from one of the ships to illuminate our path. As we swayed around, Paul asked me when we would start being shot at.
"Pretty...."
A cannon shot hit the water, barely missing us. Soon, the big guns aboard the ships were letting loose, and the outlines of Mustangs were flying through the sky. Cannon trails were everywhere as all hell came loose.
"Fuck!" Paul yelled, covering his head.
"Get up, Marine!" Carlson yelled. As the landing craft hit the beach, the door fell, sending up a spray of sand.
"GO!GO!GO!" I heard Carlson yell, and we stumbled out of the craft into a sea of cannon fire. As we strafed from cover to cover, using our exos to mantle, dive, and dodge, I saw a cannon shot slam into one of the boats, a few soldiers dived out as it exploded.
"First deaths of the war." I spoke quietly. Then, I heard a guttural yell, and a horde of Caribou came swarming out of the woods, firing bolts of energy at us. I fired back with my M3 Garand II rifle, scoring two kills. I jumped back into cover to reload, then I saw Paul stick his bayonet into a Caribou's gut. As Paul pulled it out, he sprinted over to me.
"Where's the fucking tanks!" he yelled.
"Dunno! Just hold on!" I yelled back, shooting a Caribou warrior wielding a spear. Then, I heard a dull "THUNK", and a Tank shot flew past us and detonated. As the bodies of Caribou warriors flew into the air, I saw the relieving sight of three M85 Panther tanks drive up. As we climbed up onto the second, I saw the name painted onto the side.
CURB STOMPER.
I chuckled and Paul did too. I looked around for Lt. Carlson, and I sighed in relief at seeing him directing the first tank into the woods. As we moved into the dark forest, Paul tapped me on the shoulder.
"Think we'll make it out of this alive?"
"I sure hope so." I replied, reloading my rifle. "I sure fucking hope so."
==============================================
As the guns echoed in the distance, General Prias of the Caribou Dynasty sprinted into his command center. As he hastily summoned a communication ritual, he start to sweat nervously. Then, the voice of King Dainn appeared in his head.
"What is going on?"
"It's the humans, sire. They have allied with the Equestrians. They outflanked us and have our troops on the run. I ask permission to retreat."
"No! Hold the line at all costs! Curse the humans for allying with the alicorn whores! Damn them to Tartarus! Kill as many as you can or possess…"
"They can't be possessed, Sire! The sages tell me their minds are like iron! They cannot be turned! And their are no females for them to turn on!"
"DAMN THEM! Hold the line, I say! DO NOT RETREAT!"
As the ritual ended, Prias looked over at the rapidly collapsing trench lines. The soldiers were fleeing from metal machines that were mounted with cannons beyond comparison. Their fire-lances were cutting down his troops before they could get in close, and even the spellcaster's spells did not harm them. He sighed, and drew his knife to place it to his throat. Then, there was a gunshot, and he collapsed, shot in the leg. He saw through his pained vision one of the metal machines, accompanied by seven humans, near his tent. As the humans rushed up to him, he could hear them speaking.
"Nice find. The General's going to want to see it."
"Him, I think."
"How can you tell?" A soldier said.
"His dick's out, dumbass."
As the soldiers chuckled, Prias growled slightly. Then, a soldier struck him in the face with the butt of his rifle, and he knew no more.
======================================================
Back on the Traveler, the ponies watched in shock and awe as the humans smashed...no...ripped through the Caribou lines like a hot knife through butter. Twilight was taken back by the human's strategy. Then, Paige walked up.
"How's...the invasion?" Spike asked.
"Going fine. Resistance is crumbling, and our tanks have 'em on the run. Celestia, should we advance further?"
"I do not know, General." Celestia replied. "I have a feeling we could end the war right now, but...I doesn't seem like a fair fight."
"Then, give it the benefit of the doubt. I'll tell all units to hold position, and let them regroup. We might see a few more skirmishes during the day, but for the moment, we'll lock down our current locations and let your units occupy them and clear out resistance."
"Sounds like a plan." Celestia said.
"Let's head to the radio room, then." Paige said. As the ponies walked back into the ship, the sun rose in the sky, illuminating the bodies of human and Caribou.
Chapter 3-Tidings of War
As Celestia, Spike, and Twilight were escorted via boat back to Ponyville beach, Twilight couldn't help but look once more at the various bodies covering the beach the humans had stormed. Twilight grimaced slightly at the sight of dead humans, lying where they had fallen.
"So young." Twilight said. "So young."
"It's true." Paige said, walking over. "We normally recruit or conscript people once they reach eighteen. Many career soldiers are older."
"How'd you even find out about Equestria?" Spike asked.
"Well, after the Second World War ended, we were investigating a Salt Mine in Merkers, Germany. THe Nazis had used the mine as a Cache for all the Gold they had looted. We found a secret passageway leading to the lab where the Germans had developed Unendlich. A military program developed to make the impossible...possible. Unendlich gave us the needed resources to make the Exoskeleton Combat Armor that most infantry wear. The suit's a real marvel of engineering, really. Most suits are made by Brett-Conrad, the firm that we tasked with developing the Unendlich tech from notes, schematics and protoypes into working models. Later, a soldier assigned to guard the lab discovered the Reality Device, which the Germans were developing to move large amounts of troops long distances in a short while. Eventually, we got a message from no known location, pleading for help. We made a Reality Device Mark II thanks to Unendlich tech, and we triggered a reality storm that would send the fleet through the the message's origin."
"How'd you meet Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"Well, Celestia came to us. She told us she was in Your capital when she saw our ships emerge from the storm. She came over and boarded the Traveler, and things just went from there." Paige said.
"Why are you being so casual about all...this?" Twilight said. "We're in the midst of a war and you're acting as if it's a five-star vacation!"
"Well, to be honest, we've fought more wars then we can count, so It's fairly easy to get used to fighting. Plus, since we've existed for a couple million years, we've grown to like new things and new places." Paige said. "It doesn't make fighting the wars any better, but It at least gives us reassurance that they'll end one day."
"I see." Twilight said. "Apparently King Dainn has made me his next...conquest."
"Damn him." Paige said.
"I know. Plus, the Peace Groups are sending petitions daily for peace with the Caribou. If they had their way, we'd just be a stepping stone for total Caribou domination."
"That's not going to happen. Trust us." Eisenhower said.
I do trust you." Celestia said. "But will my citizens?"
"Leave that to us." Paige said cryptically.
Then, as the boat docked and the ponies stepped off, Celestia and the human leadership exchanged goodbyes. As the humans returned to the Traveler, Twilight yawned loudly.
"Let's head back to Canterlot." Celestia said. "I daresay we've been up all night."
"And I bet everypony in Equestria is going to want an explanation as to the giant fleet of ships in the Bay." Twilight sighed.
"We'll handle that when we need to." Celestia replied. As they teleported to Canterlot, meanwhile, in the Caribou lines, General Doruse watched as the bodies of the dead were gathered. The human assualt had brought significant casualties, and many more wounded. Doruse sighed and summoned a Communication ritual with King Dainn.
"What is the matter?" Dainn asked.
"My king, we have counted the dead."
"And?"
"Half of our forces are dead or wounded. Many are missing. Allow us to retreat to safer territory, sire."
"I shan't allow it." Dainn said. "No matter the casualties. Press the attack. Equestria will fall by my will, no matter the cost."
"We cannot press any further." Doruse said. "We have no available warriors left. Every warrior is gathering the dead, treating the wounded, or guarding the lines. We simply do not ahve the needed troops to launch another attack."
Dainn was silent for af few moments.
"Then wait. Wait for the humans to advance. When they do, I order you all not to fight, but to DIE. I order this. Any warrior who deserts or flees before the enemy shall be killed. Anyone who attempts to join the enemy shall be killed. There will be no mercy."
"Sire, there are no warriors left!" Doruse said. "We do not have the forces to whistand another assault!"
"Those are your orders." Dainn said. "Obey them."
As the ritual ended, Doruse sighed sadly. Dainn, ever since launching this conquest of Equestria, had grown mad with delusions of taking over Equestria and its riches. "There can never be too many does in the harem.", Dainn could be quoted as saying at one of his most recent war councils. Doruse groaned as a warrior came in.
"General, you asked for me?" he said.
"What is the total?"
"Worse than expected. We've lost a third of our forces to the humans and the ponies. Many warriors are calling for a mutiny."
Doruse sighed.
"Consolidate our forces and abandon the line. We are retreating to the Blue Cliff River."
"And disobey the king?" The warrior asked.
"It is a death sentence, I know." Doruse said. "But a sentence I will bear. Tell the generals at the other defensive lines that we are now in a defensive war. Ask for aid and reinforcements, but nothing more."
The warrior bowed and walked out. Doruse looked down at his sword, made of black ebony, given by the King himself to his most trusted generals. Doruse sighed and sheathed his sword, knowing that if his actions were made known, and they definetely will be made known, he will be expected to fall on it.
"I pray to the stars above..." Doruse said. "That the Iron Liberators spare our souls from the Underworld."
==================================
EARTH
ATLANTIC OCEAN
REALITY SITE, CLASSIFIED COORDINATES
General Ashurkov watched from the bow of his ship as the Soviet World Fleet lay strewn before him. Allowed passage through the Dardanelles by Turkey, the fleet may have only been thirty in number, but on each ship were fresh, battle-hardened Soviet troops, armed with the latest Unendlich weaponry. Ashurkov smiled as the Reality device began to warm up from its position off the front bow.
"All ships, this is the Great White." Ashurkov said over the radio. "Prepare to enter!"
As the replies came in, the Great White lurched forward into the reality storm, ready to enter the fight.
Chapter 4-Red Winter
Celestia and Twilight reappeared in a flash, inside The Throne Room. As Celestia sat down, she sighed in exhaustion.
"You okay, Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"I am late raising the sun." Celestia replied. "It drains my strength."
"Then why's it rising?" Twilight asked, noting the bright glow on the horizon.
"Ah, yes. I forgot I asked Luna to cover for me when I left to board the Traveler. I guess I'm just tired, then." Celestia said.'
"You certainly seem to be."
Twilight and Celestia looked over at Princess Luna, who walked in.
"I've been looking for you, Sister." Luna said. "Where did you go off to?"
"Well, I didn't mean to cause any trouble." Celestia replied. "And it's quite the long story."
"I see. Does it have to do with the fleet of vessels that occupt Ponyville harbor, and are currently sending the citizenry into a frenzy?" Luna asked, pointing to the UN fleet.
"It does." Celestia said. "They're allies. Twilight and I met with the humans aboard those ships. Surely you recieved the reports from the battle?"
"I haven't gotten any reports..." Luna started, when a scroll appeared in front of her face. She read it, sighed, and put it away.
"Scratch that. I have gotten a report as of now." Luna replied.
"Well, first, we need to clam everypony down." Twilight said. "Then, we can ask Eisenhower to commence with his address."
"Right." Celestia replied. "How are we going to contact them?"
"Maybe we use this?" Spike said, holding up a military-issue radio.
"Where'd you ge that?" Twilight asked.
"Paige gave it to me before we left. Said if we needed it, we hit the switch, make the little marker move to 90, and we talk." Spike did so, and picked up the mic.
"Hey, anyone there?"
"I'm here, Spike." came Paige's voice. "How are things on your end? I notice you got that radio working, as it seems to me."
"Just now." Celestia said, taking the mic. "My citizens are in a panic. They apparently believe your fleet arriving was the end of the world."
"Sorry about that." Paige replied. "Eisenhower's ready to give the address once everything's good on your end."
"Sounds fine." Celestia said. "Any word on the Soviets you mentioned would come?"
"They just arrived, actually. A bit more south and what we wanted them to end up, but not too off-couse. Admiral Ashurkov radioed that he and his thirty ships would be arriving momentarily. Any word on the Caribou's status?"
"Nothing yet." Celestia replied.
"Well, no news is good news, so, clean things up on your end, we'll prepare on ours. See you soon."
"See you soon." Celestia replied. Spike shut off the radio and sighed.
"We'll have a riot when this gets out."
"Not on the watch of three alicorns, and soon to be four." Celestia said.
"Cadance and Shining are coming?" Twilight asked, instantly perked up.
"Yes. They are coming with Crystal Guard reinforcements. I daresay we'll have a fun time explaining our new allies." Luna said, looking outside.
"Speaking of..." Twilight said. "Why'd you ask for me and Spike to come alone?"
"Because I needed a pony who could keep this quiet until was no longer needed. The Elements of Harmony suddenly disappearing? That would cause quite a stir." Celestia said.
"I see. Well, let's go calm down the citizenry." Twilight said. As she and Celestia walked out towards the city, Luna looked at the report.
The Caribou were caught completely off-guard by the human attack. They fled in droves, with humans and strange war-machines pursuing. Caribou sages attemtped to possess them, but were unsucessful. The humans have also captured a Caribou General named Prias, who is being held at Forward Camp Eleven under heavy guard. Captured Caribou have dubbed the humans the "Iron Liberators". Scouts have also reported the Caribou have retreated to the Blue Cliff river....
Luna rolled the scroll up and looked out the window. As the new Minister of War, through her brief service, she had never known the Caribou to retreat under a Pony assault, preferring to fight until killed. But the humans forced them back and sent them running in a shambles so easily. Luna was impressed, but also scared.
"Iron Liberators...." she sighed. "What a fitting name."
She set the scroll away and walked towards the rooms where the Elements were staying.
=======================================
As Eisenhower and several Wolfpack soldiers boarded the C-47, along with Paige, he smiled.
"Sir?" Paige said. "We're ready to take off for the capital. Celestia just wired us the location of a temporary airstrip."
"Good. Let's get going when the Soviets arrive." Eisernhower said.
"Sir?" a soldier said. "The Soivets have boarded the Traveler and are ready to depart."
"Good. Bring them here." Eisenhower said. Soon, a large, burly man in Soviet General's attire boarded the plane and hastily but warmly shook hands with Eisenhower.
"I presume you are the Admiral Ashurkov?" Eisenhower asked.
"Da, my friend. I am Admiral Vosil Ashurkov. A pleasure, Supreme Commander." Ashurkov replied, booming with laughter.
"The pleasure is ours, Admiral. Shall we get going?"
"Let's!" Ashurkov replied as the two of them sat down. Paige soon boarded with a second Soviet General, and the two of them were in deep conversation. As the C-47 soared into the sky, Eisenhower glanced at the landscape.
"This world is beautiful.' Ashurkov said. "Pity it is at war with such a...barbaric species."
"It is a pity, admiral." Eisenhower replied. "Let's see they don't cause any more trouble for the Equestrians again when we are through with them."
Ashurkov nodded heartily. After an hour-long flight, they landed. Eisenhower, Ashurkov, General Kovelai, and Paige walked out of the plane to meet Celestia and Luna, who approaced them. As introductions proceeded, they were escorted to the main hall, where a makeshift press room had been set up.
"Now it seems it's your turn to face the press." Celestia joked, to which the humans laughed.
"It does seem that way. Let's get our seats." Eisenhower said. As the humans sat down, the reporters filed in, along with several nobles. Celestia cleared her throat, and spoke.
"Ponies...we have an ally in our fight. The humans of Earth have come to join our cause against the Caribou. They willingly sided with us, and made an assault on Caribou lines of their own accord, with such ferocity that the Caribou retreated sevearl miles to the Blue Cliff River."
There were murmurs of shock and awe.
"Human lives had joined our dead, and their "United Nations" has promised to continue the fight, no matter the cost. We started this war as the underdogs, when we fled from the Caribou onslaught. Now, we are rising up, and we will take back what we have lost, and more. For Equestria and for the future, we will fight for peace until peace is achieved."
There was a loud round of applause.
"Supreme Commander Eisenhower will speak now."
Eisenhower took the microphone.
"Equestrians, and to those who inhabit this world, I send my greetings. I am Allied Supreme Commander Dwight David Eisenhower, with my associates, General Ryan Paige, and representatives of the Soviet Union, Admiral Ashurkov and Kovelai. We arrived in this world to answer a strange message, one of pleading for help. When we arrived we found ourselves in a situation of nothing liek we had seen before. We had long believed that we were the only sentient life known. That changed quickly. During our negotiations with the Equestrian Diarchy, Caribou attempted to board our flagship. We detained them, and then sent them packing. Soon, we launched an assault on thea Caribou lines. Our tally stands that for every soldier we lost, three to five Caribou were taken with that soldier."
There were murmurs of shock and disbelief.
"Believe me, I know." Eisenhower said. "I've seen my fair share of warfare. Humanity as a whole has seen more than a fair share of warfare. But know this. We will fight until the war is won. I promise this to the Diarchy, to the Citizens of Equestria, and to the world. To the Caribou, I offer you this...."
"My God have mercy on your souls." Eisnehower finished. There was such uproarious applause that Celestia had to use magic to calm the crowd. Then, Eisenhower and Ashurkov both shook hands with Celestia, as reporters's cameras flashed. Paige adn Korelai watched this with determination.
"Think we'll see action soon?" Paige asked Korelai, who nodded gravely.
"I pray..." Korelai said. "That God feels merciful to these monsters and takes only their souls."
============================
Far away, in the Caribou capital, Dainn presided over a war council with his Generals regarding the recent human assault.
"Many of our warriors are dead." A general stated. "General Doruse reports that the Blue Cliff River is one of the last secure territories we hold in Equestria."
"What of the....humans?" Dainn spat with disgust.
"They are fortifying their lines and holding position at the Equestrian lines." a second General said. "Any attempts to get near to their lines have resulted in failure."
"What of the northern holdings?" Dainn asked, pointing to the Crystal Empire.
"The Generals there are holding firm, but without reinforcements, there will not be enough warriors left to mount an offensive."
"Then strike while we still have power." Dainn said. "Attack the Empire."
"Your highness, the Empire is a stone's throw away from the current Human lines!" A general protested. "Human forces could be there in an hour!"
"DO YOU RISE AGAINST YOUR KING?" Dainn bellowed. The General backed up, shaking.
"I want every available warrior in the northern territories ready on a minute's notice. The assault will begin at dusk." Dainn said.
The Generals bowed and left. As they exited, one General sighed.
"Do you think we'll be able to take the Empire?"
"No." General Revias said. "We will most certainly be crushed."
"And if we are crushed?"
"Then pray the Iron Liberators take only the spoils of war, and nothing more."
Chapter 5-Crystal War
As the press dispersed, Celestia turned to Admiral Ashurkov with a smile.
"Admiral, when can your forces be expected to join our own?"
Ashurkov laughed.
"Whenever we are ready. My troops are gunning for battle, as they wish to prove themselves."
"Then…"
Celestia's sentence was interrupted by a letter appearing in front of her face. As she finished reading it, her face paled.
"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.
"It appears that King Dainn has diverted a large amount of troops towards the Crystal Empire." Celestia said. "That can mean only one thing."
"An invasion." Ashurkov said. "We can fight them off."
"You will need transport." Celestia said. 'Have your forces board our trains at Ponyville depot. They will take you to the Empire."
"Good. We shall wipe them out!" Ashurkov said. "General, let's move!"
"Yes, sir!" Korelai replied as they walked out. Celestia turned to Twilight, who had been struck deep by the news.
"If the Crystal Empire falls…" Twilight said.
"They would control our northern flank." Celestia replied. "And be in a very advantageous position."
"Let's hope the Soviets can hold the line." Spike said.
=============================
Back aboard the C-47, Korelai and Ashurkov were talking with Eisenhower and Paige.
"What's your yield in heavy armor?" Eisenhower asked.
"T-34/U tanks, straight from the factory." Korelai replied. "Several Katyusha rocket batteries have been acquired. With a rocket barrage, our tanks and shock forces will rush in and slaughter them."
"We'll be on standby to reinforce you, in case things don't work out." Eisenhower replied.
"Good. We shall alert you if that happens." Ashurkov said as the plane landed aboard the Traveler. As the Soviets boarded a boat that would take them to the Soviet flagship, the Markovis, Eisenhower and Paige smiled.
"Think the Soviets can take the Caribou?" Paige said.
"I don't think so." Eisenhower said. "I know so."
==============================
Several hours later…
==============================
Dusk was settling over the Crystal Empire. Cadance, in preparation for the Caribou attack, had put up the Shield around the Empire. Cadance had also received a letter from her aunt that human "Soviet" forces would be supporting her troops in the field. She had heard of the human's first assault on the Caribou lines, which had driven their normally stalwart warriors back several miles. As dusk settled, she saw the guards depart to their trenches.
"Cady?"
Cadance turned to see her husband walk up with a war-weary expression.
"I've diverted all civilians behind the shield."
"Alright. Let's hope these...Soviets…can fight them off."
Shining placed his arm on her shoulder.
"From what I've heard from Twily, they will."
===========================
PERSPECTIVE-Ashali Koretski, 3rd Shock Brigade
As I loaded my SVT-50 rifle, I looked over at Commissar Markov, who was directing our forces.
"Listen up, troops! The enemy is advancing rapidly. Protect the Crystal Empire! For us! For Russia! URAH!"
"URAH!" we bellowed in response.
"Mount on the tanks! MOVE OUT!" Markov yelled. My best friend Viktor smiled in his reckless way and boarded a T-34/U tank, fresh from the foundry. As I boarded next to him, he laughed.
"Quite a hunting trip we have gotten ourselves into, my friend." he said jauntily.
"Indeed." I replied. "When should the attack start?"
"Now!" a soldier replied as the sky was filled with the trails of Katyusha rockets. As they landed in the distance, explosions shook the ground. Our tank lurched forward, and the battle began. Soon, we saw Caribou lines, peppered with craters and explosions.
"Open fire!" Viktor yelled as we loaded our rifles. Giving them a volley of rifle fire, those who were not killed immediately attempted to stand and fight or flee. Those who fled were wiser as our tank's machine gun killed any who stood. As I ended a warrior's life, Viktor laughed and kept shooting, killing several Caribou.
"Keep moving!" Viktor cried as our Tank fired a shell towards a group of Caribou. The explosion sent bodies flying into the air. It was a sickening and yet somehow beautiful sight. As my rifle echoed with a spray of bullets, I saw several of our infantrymen bayoneting survivors and shooting the wounded. I was stricken by guilt, yet I knew this was war.
"Stay quick, Ashali!" Viktor yelled as I had nearly fallen off the tank. I settled myself and fired my rifle at a Caribou group. Several fell, but one rushed Viktor, who was dragged off the tank. As they wrestled, I couldn't fire my rifle, as I did not want to hurt my friend. Then, Viktor kneed the warrior in his loins and cut his throat with a knife. As he leaped back onto the tank, I slapped him on the back.
"A worthy opponent." I said.
"Was." Viktor said, laughing.
===============================
As the thunder of war raged, General Revias sat in his command tent, with a melancholy face. His forces had been ambushed by the human Soviets, and they had been all but routed by the Iron Liberator's war machines. Revias knew the end was near. Drawing his sword, he sighed and placed it to his throat.
"I failed you, my King." he said before two warriors rushed in.
"General! The camp has been breached!" one said.
"They are killing survivors!" the other added.
Revias placed his sword down.
"Tell all units to surrender. This battle is lost. Lay down our arms and submit."
"Sir?" A warrior replied.
"Do as I say. The humans will be more merciful than Dainn." he said simply.
The two warriors nodded and departed. Soon, three Russian soldiers had their rifles in his face.
"You surrendered?" a soldier asked.
"Yes. My name is Revias, of the Caribou Dynasty. I submit my forces and myself to you." he said.
A soldier nodded and restrained him. As he was dragged out of his tent, he saw a large group of warriors sheltered by Russian soldiers. As he joined them, the once proud general became a prisoner.
Chapter 6-Two Armies
As Eisenhower and Ashurkov watched as Soviet and UN soldiers gathered the dead and prisoners, Eisenhower sighed.
"Such ferocity." he admitted.
"Indeed." Ashurkov said. "The resistance was greater than anticipated. The drive to the Caribou lands will be difficult if all of them resist."
"Quite." Paige said, walking up. "We've got two of their generals in custody. It's only a matter of time before they run out of soldiers."
"We'll fight them until that happens." Eisenhower said.
"A fine sentiment, Supreme Commander." Ashurkov said. "Drink?"
"My pleasure." Eisenhower said as they headed back to the combined UN and Soviet camp.
====================================
As Dainn presided over a War council, he growled increasingly loud as reports of the capture of Revias and nearly 5,600 warriors were relayed to him.
"...Furthermore, the humans have driven our forces out of Equestria's northern flank completely, and we have lost the Blue Cliff valley in a subsequent attack. We have lost Equestria, your highness." A shaking General reported.
Dainn growled, and then screamed in rage.
"DAMN THEM!"
"Your highness, it might not be a bad idea to retreat." General Sorvus said. "We are low on forces, and by your decree females cannot be recruited."
Dainn growled again.
"As you wish, General. Our warriors may retreat. As long as I rule, we will fight until slain. Put a shield around the city and reinforce the wall. If we are to die and be sent to hell, it shall be in battle."
"Yes, sire."
As the generals walked out, Dainn growled and stared towards Equestria. Long had he waited to strike, to see their rulers bowing before him, begging him for mery. To take them and their lands, their riches, their cities, their princesses. His dream had almost come to bear, only for the accursed Iron Warriors to intervene and protect everything he so longed to conquer. Dainn smashed his fist against the war table and screamed, as if he had felt a burning pain.
"CURSE THEM ALL!" he roared before walking into his private chambers and collapsing on his bed. "CURSE THEM TO HELL AND BEYOND!"
Soon, Dainn's exhaustion overtook him, and he fell asleep.
==============
Perspective-John Baker
As I walked over to the mess, I saluted the Generals who were sipping drinks. Then, I heard voices.
"Kick his ass!"
"Get them, Comrade!"
I walked over to see a few of our guys and some Soviets watching a soldier of each side sparring in a fistfight. I walked over and stood next to Paul, who was cheering his ass off.
"How's the fight going?" I asked.
"Pretty good, man." Paul replied. "That Ashali guy's a monster. He beat Straker."
"Straker?" I said in disbelief. Straker was our squad's machine gunner. He was huge, and he played football before enlisting. He was called "Straker the Breaker" for a reason.
"Yeah. Ashali's a freaking rabbit, man. Bouncing all over the place before a few pops to the jaw put Straker down. Real astonishing if you ask me."
I scoffed and watched Ashali kick our guy's ass to the ground before giving us a mock bow. I saluted him, and he gave me a nod.
"All right, men, break it up."
We snapped to attention as Supreme Commander Eisenhower walked over, accompanied by the Soviet Admiral.
"Though it was a good fight." The Soviet said.
"True." Eisenhower said. "Let's save the fist-fighting for the Caribou, shall we/"
"Yessir." everyone replied. The Generals gave us a curt nod before walking off. As the soldiers went their separate ways, I walked over to the Ashali guy, who was rubbing his knuckles.
"Heard you beat our machine gunner." I said.
"He was good, but not fast." Ashali said. "It takes two to tango, as you Americans say."
"True." I said. "John Baker."
"Ashali Koretski."
"Wanna grab a drink?" I asked.
"Sure. I show you how we Russians down our liquor." he laughed as we walked over to the mess hall.
=====================
Twilight watched as Caribou prisoners were escorted to a Camp outside Canterlot. Many ponies had gathered as the defeated warriors looked down, humiliated at being captured. One warrior with a limp stumbled and fell, but before anypony present could react, a Guard rushed forward and helped him up. The Caribou nodded, whispered something to the guard, and walked forward. Twilight flew down and walked up to the guard.
"What did he say?' Twilight said the guard.
"He said…" the guard replied.
"...Thank you."
Chapter 7-Starved
Two Weeks after the Battle of the Crystal Empire
PERSPECTIVE-Pvt. John Baker, 1'st Battalion, Third Marines
Evenwel Forest, Caribou Heartland
=======================
I slung my rifle over my shoulder as we continued to walk along our patrol route. Ever since the Crystal Empire, the Caribou had all but packed up and headed back to their homeland, leaving burning fields and dead bodies in their wake.
"Damn!" I swore as I stumbled over a tree root, causing Paul to laugh.
"Quiet!" Lt. Carlson said. "They could be anywhere, so stay sharp!"
"Like those fucking deer can do anything!" a new recruit said. "I've heard they fucking ran when they saw the soviets!"
"They had more tanks." I said. "We didn't have as many."
The recruit shrugged.
"Wait, what's that?" Paul said, raising his BAR-M2. I was about to ask what "That" was, when I heard it. A rustling sound of leaves being tread upon. Before I could react, a dark brown, blurred shape rushed out and lunged towards Paul. Thinking quickly, I fired my entire cartridge into the blur. As I helped Paul up, I recognized the thing was a Caribou. Only, Caribou weren't covered in glowing red markings, shaped like lines and circles.
"Shit." Lt. Carlson said. "Form up...DAMMIT!"
As he swore, the caribou came from all around us, like a swarm of locusts. The gunfire began immediately, and Carlson immediately ordered Straker to mow them down as best he could. I dragged Paul behind a boulder, and I opened fire. Paul nodded and started shooting, and the rest of the patrol quickly took up defensive positions.
"Perez! Get on the fucking radio!" Carlson cried. "Get backup here, now!"
"Roger that!" Our radioman replied, as he was occupied with shooting a warrior that had him pinned. After seven minutes, the Caribou retreated, leaving us with less ammo and a whole lot of questions.
"Where'd they come from?" Paul asked.
"I've got smoke in the distance." Straker said.
"Let's go." Carlson said. We broke from the stone path and headed towards the smoke. Then, we saw a startling sight. A village, walled with wooden posts. Then, I saw a small Caribou, a child by the looks of it, peer over the gate. He the vanished.
"What's going on?" Paul asked. Then, the gates were pushed open.
"Seems we've been invited in." Carlson said. "Weapons down, marines."
As we walked into the village, we saw firsthand what Dainn's rule had done.
"Hey, Lieutenant." The recruit whispered.
"I know, kid. There's no men. Just women and children." Carlson said. As we approached the village center, we found the source of the smoke. A bonfire, upon which four small pheasants were roasting. Nearby were three small baskets full of corn. Other than that, not a crumb of food to be seen.
"There's barely enough for one guy here." I whispered.
"Let alone a goddamn village." Paul whispered back.
"So, the Iron liberators come."
We turned to see an elderly Caribou, crutching a walking stick, stride forward.
"You're the chief here?" Carlson asked.
"Aye. I am Trevas." the old caribou said. "And I wish we had something to offer you."
"Offer us? We like, gods or something?" Paul asked.
"To many caribou, yes." Trevas replied. "They see you as our liberation from the yoke of the tyrant king. For Dainn has seen only to conquest, not one ounce of pity for his home. Food taken, by force if needed. No seeds for the winter harvest. Our males taken to serve his army and females kidnapped for the harems of the capital. No medicine to heal wounds. In you, we see more than gods."
He looked Carlson right in the eye.
"We see hope for the future." Trevas said. "We starve here while the king conquers afar."
Carlson gave a grave nod.
"Perez?"
"Yessir?"
"Get me on the line with Col. Raybourn."
"Yessir."
I raised my eyebrows. Col. Raybourn was in charge of the supplies back at the forward base.
"Sir? Yes, Col. There's a reason I called you. I need a supply drop on our location. Food, water, medicine. Sir, we're in a village full of starving women and children. They don't have enough to survive Sir, I know that. Sir, will all due respect, they need it more than us. Sir, I know that...thank you, sir....Yessir."
Carlson looked at the old caribou.
"You won't starve on my watch, old man. I've got a supply drop incoming, with enough food, water, and meds to get you through this war. It should be here in five minutes or so."
Trevas nodded, and kneeled before Carlson.
"Thank you." he whispered. "Our gratitude cannot be enough to repay you."
Carlson sat down in front of him.
"I won't ask for anything in return. I do have a question, though. We fought some warriors near here, and they were covered in red symbols. Know anything?"
"I do recognize that." Trevas said. "The Bloodrave. A ritual that sends the warrior into a blind rage, forsaking all bonds of friend and foe, and instilling an irresistible urge to kill. It is painful, truly painful."
"I see." Carlson said. "There's the drop."
Carlson threw a purple smoke grenade, marking the drop point. Then, we heard the familiar sound of a C-49 Deliverer plane flying overhead. Three chutes descended from the sky, and a pile of supplies hit the ground. We cut the ropes and began to unload the supplies. I beckoned a few Caribou over, and opened a box. At the sight of the dried beef and wrapped bread inside, their eyes lit up. I nodded to them, and they tore into it, not rapid and furious, but they were slow. Methodical, peeling off the wrappings and eating as if they hadn't in days, yet the food was made of gold. I stood up and walked back over to my squad, who was explaining to Trevas how to use a Penicillin shot.
"And make sure to clean the area before injecting the shot." James, our medic said.
"Understood. We thank you, my village thanks you." Trevas said. "This shall keep us feed for years."
"Don't mention it." Carlson said. "Men, saddle up! We've got to get back to patrol!"
As we headed back to the gate, I saw Trevas wipe a tear out of his eye before waving goodbye.
Chapter 8-Battle for the Gate
One Week later
Eivern Forest, south of the Caribou Capital.
=============
As the combined US, Soviet, and Equestrian army marched through the forest, the ominous view of the stone-walled Caribou capital of Strunhoven, or in Equish, Stonehaven, was present on the horizon. Nearly three days ago, since the Equestrians and their allies had advanced into the Caribou's Strunh valley, battles had been becoming much more frequent. From what the village chiefs they had encountered had told them, Dainn had pulled out from most of his forward outposts and focused on fortifying the capital into a stronghold no army could breach. Now, as the three armies marched towards their prize, the sun rises.
=============
PERSPECTIVE-Pvt. John Baker
=============
"I see smoke." Straker said.
"Where?" Lt. Carlson asked.
"There." I pointed out, noticing the plume of white smoke coming from various positions ahead and around us.
"Could mean an ambush." Cpl. Jonas Theodore, or "Teddy" said. "Or it's just the Caribou cooking breakfast."
"Might be." Straker said.
"Should we go check it out?" I asked.
"No, stay with the convoy." Carlson said. "I'll talk with the Colonels, see what'll be done. For now, keep marching."
"Yessir." We all said in unison. As we walked, I shuddered slightly at the smell of meat being roasted.
"You smell that?" I asked Jonas.
"Yeah, venison, maybe beef?" He replied. "What? My dad was a butcher."
"Why would they just leave food out for us?" Straker asked.
"Maybe because they want us to take it. It's probably booby-trapped. If you see it, we should leave it alone." I said.
"Says the Private." Straker, a Sergeant, said.
"Hey, were you there when we landed?" I reply. "I was."
"So?" Straker said.
"Experience outranks everything." I say flatly.
"Wait, up ahead, what's that!?" Jonas says. I notice what Jonas was referring to. A pile of game lay in front and to our left, off the road. It was being cooked, but whoever was cooking it was long gone.
"Let's check it out." Straker says. The three of us advance on the game, and I see Jonas reaching for something inside, which was glowing white.
"DON'T!" I cry, shoving him away as the pile explodes. Jonas and I tumble down, and Straker pulls us up. As we watch the pile, now raining pieces of grass and meat down on us, I shrug.
"Told you." I mutter. "Let's go."
As we walk off, Jonas takes one last look at the meat before rushing back to join us. As we walk up to Lt. Carlson, he looks at us.
"Why are you covered in blood?" He asks.
"Eh, some booby-trapped meat, sir. Jonas here set it off." I say.
"Get yourselves cleaned up. I'll alert the Generals." Carlson says, dismissing us. As we head over to the supply truck, Jonas starts chuckling.
"What's so funny?" Straker asks.
"Deer me, that was close." Jonas says, laughing. I punch him in the shoulder as we board the truck.
"For jokes like that, I'll shoot you myself." Straker says.
"It's jokes like those that keep me going." I chuckle. As we grab some fresh shirts, I look outside, back at the forest.
=============
Three days later
=============
Eisenhower, Ashurkov, and Paige were studying maps when three Wolfpack soldiers walked in and saluted.
"Report." Eisenhower says.
"Yessir. The Caribou have set up three command posts outside the city walls, each command post is the epicenter of a town. Problem is, they've rigged up giant crossbows and other anti-tank defenses all around. They've got spikes rammed into the ground, pit traps, whole nine yards. Infantry and Tank assault isn't going to be easy." The lead soldier reports.
"Any air options?" Paige asks.
"They've but a shield around most of the main city, so that's a no-go, sir." The lead soldier replies. "However, we did notice three smaller rear gates at the back of the city. Supply caravans are moving in and out like clockwork through them. Problem is, those three gates are heavily defended and each convoy is checked. We're not going to be able to sneak in that way."
"What about blowing the walls?" Paige asks.
"Doubt it, sir. From what I've seen, they could stand up to a howitzer shell, so I doubt we have the bombs we need to blast it down." A soldier replies.
"Good work, men. Get some rest." Eisenhower says.
"This complicates things." Ashurkov says.
"It does. Dainn's turned it into a fortress. There's multiple ways in, but none of them are easy." Paige says.
"Ryan, one thing I know for certain is this." Eisenhower says. "War is never easy. I have an idea."
"What is it?" Paige asked.
"We make a diversion towards the main gate, and when the Caribou move their troops to defend, we sneak in at the rear gates. They'll be hit from two sides at once." Eisenhower said.
"Right. Once the Caribou fall back, we advance into the city." Ashurkov said. "Good thinking."
"I'll radio the Wolfpack." Paige said. "I'll get our fliers back on the Traveler ready to deploy."
===============
Perspective- Pvt. Harris Jackson, 3rd Army Wolfpack, 1'st Squad
===============
As we slinked through the brush like snakes, I kept my grip steady on my rifle. Captain Gates was leading us towards the gate in the middle, where most of their supplies were going through. Several caravans were already in the gate when we snuck up on two guards. Quick as a flash, we cut their throats and dragged them into the brush.
"1st squad, move up." Captain Gates said. Myself and five other guys nodded and we hid behind the main cart, which was packed with food. We set explosives in the food, and made our getaway.
"Ready?" Lt. Michaels asked.
"Go." I murmured. Michaels hit the detonator, and as the bombs reached the gate, they exploded, clearing the path.
"NOW!" Gates cried as we opened fire, drawing the Caribou's attention. Unlike the warriors we had faced before, these guys were standing their ground and slinging red blasts of energy at us.
"Reloading!" I cried as I dropped my empty magazine and put a new one in my rifle. Then, the gates raised, and a horde of warriors came out, armed to the teeth.
"Shit!" I cried.
"The second assault should begin soon!" Gates cried. "Just keep shooting!"
"Roger that!" We chorused. Problem was that the Caribou kept advancing, and soon, we were in hand-to-hand combat.
"Fall back!" Gates cried. "We're outnumbered!"
"We're screwed!" A Private cried.
"We're not!" Lt. Michaels said. "Get on a radio, and get a swarm in here!"
"Sir! That's insane!" I cried.
"Do it now!" Michaels retorted. Cpl. Lewis got on the radio and began to speak.
"This is Hunter 2-1. We need a swarm strike on the rear gate. Coordinates 1-4-7 niner heading 23 upwards. For chrissakes, get it here now!"
"Roger that, Swarm incoming!" The radio blared.
"We've got to hold out!" I cried, reaching for my last magazine. "I'm low on ammo!"
"Keep shooting till you're empty!" Gates replied. Then, we heard an all-too familiar sound of aircraft engines.
"Swarm's here! Get your heads down!" Gates cried as the Hornets came in fast. From what I remembered, they were copied off the German Stuka, only with two engines and a longer frame. Plus, they could carry guns or bombs, a full load of them.
"Hang on to your teeth!" I cried as the Hornets dive-bombed the gate and explosions came up all around us. I dived to the ground as shrapnel filled the air, and the Hornets droned off. I peeked over our cover to see the Caribou were dead, and a huge hole had been punched in the gate.
"Eisenhower, this is Hunter 2-1. We've broken through. Begin the attack." Gates said.
"Roger that." Eisenhower replied. "Get back here and get some rest, Wolfpack. You've earned it."
As we departed, the sun rose and the attack on the main gate began.