Sunday 15th June 2014
Canterlot - Ponyville train line
09:07

"Do we really need to do a recruitment drive in Ponyville?" Chaser asks as he slumps back into his seat. "There's no point. Everypony in town already knows about us. Let's just say we did it and rest for the next few days."

I run my hand over the bottom of my chin as I look to the complaining Pegasus, "Stop being such a little bitch about it. We stick up a sign, then smile and wave for anyone who has questions. It's the exact same thing we've been doing all month, except it'll be for those that we already know."

"Exactly, so it's a waste of time." Chaser stretches out his wings as he looks out the window. "You told us that we've got a month before deploying to the Badlands. We should spend this month preparing for more important things and enjoying every small break we can get. Who knows how long we'll be out there."

"I'll admit, spending two more days getting new recruits isn't a priority, but the Brigadier hasn't sent us new orders. Until he does, we're to continue with the recruitment."

"I've had enough of being the centre of attention," Slicer adds as she slouches against the frame of the carriage window. "Just give the job to some other members of the Rangers in town and let us slink away, back into the shadows and away from the limelight."

Georg chuckles as he finally awakens from his nap, "I like the sound of that."

I roll my eyes as a small smirk appears on my face. "Trust you to only wake up when you hear something that interests you."

"If you talked about something more interesting, then I'd contribute. Until then, I'm going back to sleep." Closing his eyes once again, he rolls to the side as he curls up on the seat of the train.

"Lazy git," I say under my breath as I look back towards Chaser. "Just take the thing in shifts then. Swap around every few hours so you all have an opportunity to do your own thing."

Chaser's expression finally picks up as he begins to smirk, "Now that's more like it."

I climb out of my seat as I stretch my arms, "Yeah, well guess what. You're on first shift."

Chaser's ears droop as he throws out his forehooves in irritation, "You can't be serious!" Smirking at his little tantrum, I step away from the others as I move towards the end of the carriage. Leaning against the far wall, I look out of the window at the far-reaching outskirts of the Everfree forest.

As we move closer to Ponyville, the forest slowly crawls more into view, along with a new set of constructions which I have never seen before. A large metal fence surrounds the entire area, barbed wire lining the top with watch towers being spread out along the perimeter. numerous wooden structures litter the enclosed location, some buildings made of brick and mortar are currently in construction with numerous ponies moving around the building site.

As the train moves further along the tracks, I notice a new line breaking away from the route we're travelling which seems to travel directly into new construction. A train is currently parked with supplies being offloaded and carried into the new site. Looking closer, I'm able to make out that a number of those moving about the site and carrying equipment are Rangers. What the hell is this? Is this what Luna meant by Swift being busy? This is an army base.

Releasing a sigh, I look back to the others as I gesture outside. "I think I know what will keep us busy until we deploy." Everyone's eyes drift outside, scanning over the new structures. "Something tells me that this may be our new home."

"That place is huge," Sunny states as she looks over the area. "Are they expecting all four-thousand soldiers to live there?"

"That is the point of a garrison, to house soldiers and to act as a base of operations. You didn't expect for every soldier in the Regiment to squeeze into the barracks, did you?"

Sunny releases a sarcastic laugh as she looks at me, "Of course not. It's just that we all were based across the entire country. Now we'll have one area to work from."

Smirking, I rejoin the others as the train begin to slow as it approaches the Ponyville train station. "It looks like they've got a lot to work to do on that site. We'll be busy all month making preparations and training the new transfers to get them ready to fight. I'll need all of you to help me train them. I'll give everyone special roles in the training to familiarise yourselves with in order to train the newbies." Picking up my things, I begin to pace back towards the end of the carriage, "Everyone... Welcome to the army."

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Upon entering the town, we set up our usual stand near the town hall and began to set shifts for everyone to work in. I quickly left the others to work as I returned to the barracks to speak to Swift. He began to quickly fill me in with the information that the Princess provided him with regards to our deployment. She had sent orders for all transfers to attend the new army base on Monday 23rd of June for extensive training.

Luna and Swift apparently began the work on the new base once she left Trottingham. The base was to serve as an academy, housing the Everfree Rangers and training all future army recruits before they join different Regiments. Since the army was to be founded using the principles and training I developed for the Rangers, Luna decided to name the army base based upon something from human culture, to show how our training has been incorporated into the training.

Luna decided to call the army base the 'Birmingham Army College' or 'BAC', after my hometown. I must admit that I felt touched that she named the base after my hometown, something about it filled me with a little pride that Luna valued my input and contribution so much. The plan was that the main Regiment would operate from the new base with a specialist Platoon operating from the old barracks, I was to be given control of the Platoon and maintain control of the barracks. The way Swift explained it to me, it reminded me of a special forces unit, allowing me to operate in a similar fashion to how I lead a team during the civil war.

After my quick meeting with the Brigadier, I needed to make sure that we had enough equipment within the armoury to at least get us through training, even if that means sharing weapons and taking turns. Descending the staircase, I make my way into the armoury and push through the heavy steel door. Entering the main armoury, I move into Dawnstar's research lab to find her talking to another pony with a pair of Rangers present. "Sorry, am I interrupting?" I ask as I look to Dawnstar.

"No, not at all," Dawnstar exclaims as she moves towards me. "It's actually good that you're here. There's somepony that you should meet. John, this is Parabellum. He works for the Equestrian Guard, leading the development team for weapon manufacturing. He is now working directly for us, mass producing our weapons for all future Rangers."

I can't help but give a little chuckle at his name, a weapon manufacturer named after a firearm cartridge. It's either that or his name follows the Latin interpretation, 'prepare for war'. He's a copper coloured Unicorn with a pale yellow mane, a green jumpsuit covering his body with his cutie mark displayed over a set of pockets, a black wrench with some sort of optics. Stepping up to me, a slight grin spreads across his muzzle, "So you're the one to thank for keeping me busy with plenty of work."

"Yeah that'll be me, and you've got plenty more work coming your way." Stepping around him, I stand alongside my SA80 as it rests along Dawnstar's worktable. "Plenty of rifles and shotguns to manufacture and in little time."

Parabellum joins alongside me as he studies my rifle, "I'm not complaining, I enjoy the work. You've given my company the kickstart it needed. I only produced crossbows before you came along, and Equestria was very reluctant to manufacture them. You've given me plenty of developments to work on."

"Well, feel free to make some developments of your own with our weapon designs, I'm sure we could do with a few different weapon variants."

"Funny that you mention that," Parabellum looks to Dawnstar as his eyes regularly flick to my SA80. "Dawnstar was telling me about the rifle you brought with you from your own world. She was able to figure out how each part works, but she isn't certain that she can replicate them. With your permission, I'd like to take her research notes and attempt to reproduce your weapon parts so we can make new versions of the weapon system for Equestria."

I cock my brow as I lift my rifle, twisting it in my grip as I examine it closely. Reproducing the SA80 for Equestria? I'm not afraid to admit that it isn't the greatest weapon system in the world, especially the 'A1' variant. My current rifle, the L85A2, is a considerable improvement over the original, but it still has its flaws and will forever have a poor reputation thanks to its dad. Despite its bad reputation in my own world, it probably seems like a highly advanced piece of equipment. Shrugging, I lift the rifle as I rest it against my shoulder. "Fuck it, I don't see why not. Just... try to make it better than it is."

This causes him to look at me in confusion, "Better than it is? I don't understand."

"This rifle is renowned in my world for being a piece of shit, especially compared to other weapons. It also jammed on me a bit during the civil war."

"Right... I think I understand. I'll have to see if I can develop it first." Levitating a selection of papers from the table, he folds them up and inserts them into his pocket before stepping towards the door. "It's likely going to take me a long time to even replicate the weapon as it is, but I'll let you know if I have any major developments." Leaving the room, the escorting guards quickly accompany him, leaving Dawnstar and myself in the research lab.

"His company manufactures all rifles which are being issued to the Guard," Dawnstar states as she moves towards a selection of crates. "Once you're happy with any designs, I'll send them to him to enter production. It seems that the Princess has become eager to mass produce our weapons, she's requested a large order."

"There's a reason for that," I respond as I begin to carry out a weapons check with the SA80, Pulling the bolt to the rear and inspecting the chamber to ensure that it's clear. "We're no longer in the Lunar Guard, we're in the army now." Pressing down on the bolt release catch, the bolt fully closes allowing me to forward assist the cocking handle. "We're being deployed next month to the Badlands, potentially around one-thousand of us." Disengaging the safety, I take aim at an empty section of the room and fire off the action. With that complete, I engage the safety then lower the rear iron sight and reapply the dust cover.

"The Equestrian Army, the first time it's been active since before Luna's banishment." Sighing, Dawnstar Cracks open one of the wooden crates with a crowbar. "Anyway, I've been able to create multiple copies of your prototype armour to provide to your squad and other soldiers. Including yours, we have forty sets of armour, that's including the additional leg plates. And that's not all. I've got a little extra something else for you, Chaser thought you may appreciate it."

Digging through the crate she lifts a soft pouch, the metal contents inside jingling as she passes the pouch to me. When I open it up, I find numerous identification tags tied together with one particular tag sat at the very top. Lifting the pair of tags up, I find all the information that I would have found on my old tags back on Earth. I may have been a bit naughty by Army standards and left mine on my kit bag instead of my around my neck. The tools we used for IED's were specifically non-magnetic, so I'm not gonna have something magnetic around my neck trying to hump a magnetic component of a bomb.

I run my thumb over the inscription as I read it out loud. "A Pos, 23971845, Davies, J-D." Cocking a brow, I look towards Dawnstar with a little confusion on my face. "How does he know my serial number and blood type?"

"He told me that he and the girls entered your dream when you first arrived, seeing your training and memories of combat. He remembered your serial number from when you carried out your own CBRN training, and he said that he remembered reading your blood type on a medical form from the memory. Not that knowing your blood type will be of any help to us, your blood is incompatible with us, that was one of the tests that the castle's medical staff first conducted when you were brought to them for your first treatment upon your arrival. Though, I suppose it's a nice sentiment to replicate your identification tag."

Flipping over the pair of tags, I notice a small gem attached to the rear of one. Lifting under my shirt, I pull out the amulet I was given before leaving for the civil war and realise that it's almost identical, except for being much smaller. Removing the amulet, I pull the tags over my head and tuck them under the shirt before my eyes drift to the other collection. My eyes lock onto Chaser's to see that his blood type is 'D', I've never even heard of that blood type. His identification number is also significantly shorter than mine. "So, we've now got dog tags."

"Dog tags?" Dawnstar asks as she joins alongside me.

"It's a nickname for Identification tags."

Dawnstar lifts her forehoof and twists it from side to side, almost as though she's evaluating the nickname. "I don't think that'll catch on here, especially since you're due to go to an engagement against Diamond Dogs."

"True. I should probably get to the new base and get the tour before I have to train the newbies there."

As I begin to walk towards the door, Dawnstar calls after me. "Newbies? But they're all transferring, how are they newbies?"

"Cause they've never been in Rangers' operations or the army. We do things differently from the Guard." Leaving the lab, I quickly make my way around the cluster of Rangers who are gathering supplies, and make my way upstairs. Leaving the barracks, I step into the fresh air as I look over the groups of Rangers moving back and forth from the barracks and towards the new base. It seems off to me that they attach themselves to carts to tow some of the supplies, but I guess it's no different than us using a wheelbarrow or pallet truck.

I'm quickly distracted from my observations when a pink blur suddenly latches itself onto my chest, nearly knocking me off balance as I stumble to the side. "Johnny, we were wondering when you were coming back!" I instantly recognise Pinkie's fast-paced voice before I even look down to confirm my suspicions. "Did you have fun!?"

I roll my eyes as I try prying the hyperactive pony from my waist, "Pinkie, you don't have to literally lunge at me every time I come back from being away."

As quickly as those words escape my lips, Pinkie releases me with a large and innocent grin on her face. "I know, it's just fun to see your reaction."

"Not when I often end up on my arse, it isn't." Lifting my head, I find the rest of the girls, all with a set of saddlebags on. "Where are you all going?"

"It's our monthly spa day," Rarity exclaims with some excitement. "It's the one day where all six of us can let our manes down and enjoy some relaxation."

I cock a brow as I turn my head to Rainbow, a smug expression on my face. "Really? You, going to a spa? And here I thought you were all about maintaining that cool image of yours."

Rainbow returns a glare in my direction as she responds in a defensive tone, "I don't have any of that frilly stuff. I just go to spend time with the girls, that's all."

I fold my arms as I match her glare, "Is that so?" Rainbow gives a crisp nod.

"John," Twilight interrupts our miniature staring match, "Would you care to join us? We haven't seen you this past month and I'm sure we'd all enjoy hearing about your travels."

I look at the other girls who seem to be looking at me with hopeful expressions. Sighing, I give a slow nod of my head, "I suppose I can do. I've got a few hours to kill."

"Hold on," Rainbow exclaims as she flies up to me. "So, you can go to a spa and it's okay, but I can't go to spend time with my friends?"

I give a sly smirk as I boop Rainbow on the end of her muzzle with my finger, "I've only ever been to the spa once in my entire life, and that was here in Equestria. Since my last visit, I've been in a war, sent on another deployment, shot, stabbed, blown up, fought Tirek, broke up a crazy broads cult and fought with my own inner demons. I think I'm allowed a little relaxation where I do nothing for a couple of hours."

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Entering the spa, I was once again met with the issue of clothes within the spa itself. As the girls moved off ahead to the main spa, I diverted to the locker room in order to store my clothes and to get a towel in order to cover up. Opening the metal door, I begin to unbutton my tunic as I look at myself in the mirror. The month of constant travels hasn't done me any wonders when it comes to sleeping as heavy bags hang underneath my eyes.

Quickly stripping out of my clothes, I grasp onto one of the clean towels provided and secure it around my waist. Unlike last time, this towel doesn't seem as long as the other, leaving me forced to keep a hold of it in my hand to ensure that it stays around the body. Well, that's either a sign that I've either gotten bigger since I've come here or that the towel is simply smaller.

Securing the locker, I secure the locker key and band around my wrist before moving into the main spa. Making my way into the room, the six girls seem to be spread out slightly as they converse idly. Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rainbow are in what appears to be a large hot tub, with Twilight, Applejack and Rarity resting on a set of massage tables. Although I'd like to relax in a hot tub, I don't particularly feel keen on joining the girls when I'd be naked.

Remembering how relaxed I felt after the last massage, I opt to climb onto a free table between Twilight and Applejack as I lie on my chest. Just like last time, I'm once again met my Lotus as she steps over in order to carry out my massage. You'd better not offer me another happy ending. She immediately sets to work as her hooves press into my shoulder blades, the sensation instantly causing a groan to escape my lips, causing the other girls to laugh softly at my approval of the massage.

"Which cities did y'all visit on your trip?" Applejack asks me from my left.

Opening my eyes, I turn my head to face her as Lotus continues to move lower on my back. "I think I went to most major towns and cities. Cloudsdale, the Crystal Empire, Trottingham, Vanhoover, Las Pegasus, Dodge Junction, Canterlot."

"I'd imagine that Canterlot would have been fairly busy," Rarity adds. "Especially with the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration."

I shrug my shoulders as I reposition my arms to use them as a makeshift pillow. "I honestly wasn't paying attention whilst I was there. I was a bit preoccupied with meeting the Princesses and preparing plans for next month. That new base on the outskirts isn't just for show, it'll be operational within the week."

"Hopefully the situation in the Badlands can be resolved peacefully," Twilight states. "I know the Princesses are currently occupied with numerous tasks. Resolving the situation in the south, preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration and the Gala. Princess Celestia has asked me to help with the Gala this year. She did ask Luna, but she said that Luna has been sick on a few occasions the last month, not to mention she now has to complete the preparations for the reformation of the army."

I turn my head to face Twilight as I readjust my position, "She's been ill? I didn't notice anything off when I saw her. What's wrong with her?"

"The Princess didn't go into too much detail in the letters. Apparently, she's been sick on occasion, nauseous and more tired than usual. Princess Celestia seems to think that it may just be the stress of Luna's duties. She has been doing many duties for Equestria within the last year."

"Well, she has got an army to prepare for deployment, not to mention the concerns from nobles that'll likely arise from it. Hopefully, we won't be needed out there, but it's better to be safe than sorry."

So, what exactly are you doing out there?" Rainbow asks from across the room. "Not only are you getting deployed, but the Wonderbolts have already gone to the south."

"So has my brother," Twilight adds.

"We're there to try and keep the peace," I state as I look back and forth between the two girls. "Diplomacy is still the main aim to end the situation before it can develop, but we're still required to defend Equestrian settlements, such as Coltchester. I've been tasked with trying to track down their leader. If diplomacy fails, I am required to detain him and return him to Canterlot to stand trial."

"Won't that be dangerous?" Fluttershy asks with concern evident in her voice.

"The army isn't known for being a safe job. I'll have a quarter of an army Regiment to support me, not to mention the Crystal Guard and Wonderbolts. We can handle it."

"You'll also have me," Rainbow announces with a confident grin on her muzzle.

I look at Rainbow in confusion, "You? What do you mean?"

"The Wonderbolts are preparing to send my reserve Company to aid the regulars. We're due to go there for a month, and I've been chosen."

The other girls all look to Rainbow in shock, Applejack being the one to speak out. "And y'all didn't say anythin'?"

Rainbow offers a weak shrug and a sheepish smile in response, "Nopony asked?"

"That's the best y'all can come up with?" Applejack counters with an irritated expression on her face. "Ain't you heard how dangerous it is out there? Y'all could get hurt."

"I'm not the only one going out there, AJ. I've got John and the rest of the Rangers with me. We're only conducting reconnaissance and patrols. We're not to go into the fights, that’s for the grunts in the Rangers." Rainbow suddenly pauses as she turns her head to me, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. "Uh... no offence."

I shrug as Lotus moves onto my legs, "None taken, weekend warrior. At least you know who to call when the shit hits the fan."

"Eww..." Rarity exclaims as she scrunches up her muzzle. "Thank you, for putting that image in my head, John."

I chuckle to myself as I give an innocent smile, "You wouldn't like the film 'Airplane'. The shit literally hits the fan in that."

"Stop saying that," Rarity orders as she narrows her eyes.

"Fine." I turn my head back to Rainbow, "Come to us when things turn FUBAR." I turn my gaze slowly back to Rarity, "Is that better?"

"That depends. I don't think I even want to know what it means."

"It isn't that bad. It just means 'fucked up beyond all recognition.' Equestria doesn't even have the word 'fuck' at its disposal, so it's fine."

"Not when we know what it means," Twilight states.

I release an exasperated sigh, "There's just no pleasing you girls."

Pinkie giggles to herself as she suddenly jumps out of the hot tub, "You're clearly not doing it right, Johnny."

I laugh in disbelief as the other all turn to Pinkie in surprise from her outburst. "I've never had any complaints about that."

"Really? Oh! Maybe we should ask Moon Glow!"

"Pinkie!" The girls exclaim in unison.

"Darling, you can't go asking other ponies about their... love lives." Rarity states.

"Why not?" Pinkie asks defensively. "We all did it when we played that game when John first arrived."

"That was different," Rarity remarks with a mild blush. "We were inebriated."

"Oh, I get you." Pinkie begins to bounce across the floor towards me, "Come on, Johnny, we're going to the tavern."

I can't help but laugh at Pinkie as she seems to look at me with a hopeful smile. Standing up, I climb off the table as I hold the towel around my body. "I'm on duty later, Pinkie. I can't drink. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to the steam room."

"Aww, come on Johnny." Pinkie pouts as she looks at me. As I begin to walk around her, Pinkie tries to latch onto my leg in a further attempt at begging. However, she misses her mark, grasping hold of my towel as she falls back and peels it away from my body. "...Oops."

"Pinkie!" I shout as I try to cover up with my hands. "Give me back my towel!" My eyes drift to the other girls who all seem to be watching the spectacle with light blushes on their faces. I can't help but notice Applejack adjusting her position as she tries to look around Pinkie who's blocking her view.

"I still don't see why humans wear clothes all the time. It can't be needed so badly."

I can feel my own cheeks heating up slightly from all the eyes that are on me. "I've explained it a million times, Pinkie. It's to cover up, to give myself a little..." Exclaiming with a heavy sigh, I shake my head. "You know what? Fuck it." Standing straight, I remove my hands from my member as I look to the girls. "I'm gonna strut around like this until you all get the hint as to why I like to cover up."

I can instantly see the blush of all the girls intensifying as they all try to turn their heads away, all of their eyes still taking a sneak peek at every opportunity. I remain motionless for a few minutes as I remain fixed on the spot, determine to make the point as to why I wear clothes. Rainbow eventually breaks the silence, "Is that it? For someone as big as you I would have thought it would have been bigger."

A knife, a knife has just pierced my ego and made me feel insignificant. "It's a grower!"

"But it's out... so you must be... you know."

I roll my eyes as I look at her, "I am not turned on. Like I've said a million times, human penises are external. If I was aroused, it would be bigger."

Once again, silence breaks out over the room as I remain motionless, determined to make a point. As time ticks by, I notice the girls occasionally looking at my member. Twilight, Rarity and Fluttershy seem to be looking out of curiosity, Pinkie and Rainbow just seem to occasionally glance before looking away. Applejack seems to be looking at it closely before eventually shifting her eyes away in an attempt not to get caught looking, her cheeks burning the brightest out of everyone.

"John," Twilight finally finds the courage to speak, "Please... put your towel back on."

I fold my arms as I lean forward, "Sorry, couldn't catch that. Were you telling the human to cover up?"

"Yes," Twilight responds as she levitates the towel from the floor and holds it in front of me.

Grabbing the towel, I wrap it around my waist. "There, now you all know why I wear clothes." Pivoting on the spot, I continue on my earlier journey for the steam room as the girls still seem to be locked in a state of shock and embarrassment.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do? It clearly doesn't apply to Equestria.