The following day Luna and I kept to the barracks by ourselves going over some more plans for the wedding. Luna had continued to work on the majority of them with Twilight, Cadence and her sister while I was away in the south. Luna made it quite clear as to what the plans were on the big day and the schedule Twilight had insisted must be adhered to strictly; that meant that I couldn't spend the night before the wedding getting totally plastered to turn up at the wedding hungover and stinking of booze.

I had even been informed of some of Chaser's plans for my stag-do, although even Luna didn't know the details behind it. All she could tell me is that Chaser asked Twilight to use the transfiguration spell so that I would be a pony for the duration to 'ensure we could enjoy ourselves without being followed'. I wasn't too keen to be a pony again, but I suppose that I wouldn't give a damn after a few pints and that being drunk would mask my poor motor skills.

Once Luna had left in the evening to return to Canterlot I returned to Twilight's castle to see her and the girls since my last visit to them was cut short. I spent the evening enjoying a couple of drinks while regaling them with my stories, much to Rainbow's joy as I made sure to paint her in a good light from our adventure in the tunnels together.

While I was with them, I noticed Starlight keeping away from me as she occasionally passed in the halls. Although Twilight and the others forgave her, I'm certain that she could still tell that I was less than amused and would likely use any opportunity to get her. I found myself going in circles with Twilight over the points previously made, until I told her that it was her decision and I wouldn't actively go against it, despite not agreeing with it.

The last portion of the night was spent hearing the stories from the girls as to what they've been up to while I was away. Although It doesn't seem as though I missed much, it was good to hear that they were enjoying the company of one another and keeping themselves busy. Before the night came to a close, Twilight once again healed the new scar on my face before telling me to avoid needing her to use that spell in the future. A good point, but likely one which will fall on deaf ears.

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Monday 1st September 2014
07:25
Camp Birmingham Train Depot
Ponyville Outskirts

Stepping onto the military train platform, I weave between the groups of soldiers as they load various sized crates onto the armoured train. Pacing through a narrow gap, my field pack scrapes against the lid of one of the crates, knocking a small booklet onto the ground. As Tempest continues towards the officer's carriage of the military train, I kneeling down to pick up the dropped booklet, pausing as I examine the cover of the booklet. 'EMG-Mk1 .303 inch user handbook'.

Before I can study the cover any further, a shadow quickly fills my view as I lift my head. "You've ruined the surprise," Parabellum remarks with a slight chuckle.

Standing up, I place the booklet back onto the crate as a fresh pair of soldiers begin to transport it onto the train. "So, this was your new project? I seem to recall that you wanted to try working on replicating a variant of my SA80."

"I did. For now, manufacturing the parts are too difficult to mass produce and replicating the rifle proved to be... challenging."

"You picked an SA80 to replicate." Shaking my head, I release a soft chuckle. "It's not exactly renowned for its engineering prowess."

"That was only one of the issues. The next being the ammunition." Parabellum paces towards the open door of the carriage to look over the collection of crates. "Mass producing ammunition is already at its breaking point with the current Equestrian industry. This is with us primarily producing a single calibre, with small manufacturing dedicated to your 9mm and 5.56mm for your personal weapons. Making weapons that fire that many rounds for every soldier will push us to the breaking point. We wouldn't be able to keep up."

"So you went for the next best thing? A machine gun?"

"It's a prototype," Parabellum smiles as he turns back to me. "I'm sending the army twenty to go through field testing. Two of which will be going directly towards the SOG. I'm hoping that you yourself will personally test and provide me with feedback on the Equestrian Machine Gun, or EMG."

"I'm not a gunner, but I'm sure I can give it a whirl." Leaning against the open door of the train, I examine the contents within. Twenty boxes seem to be loaded with the main weapon and a tripod while the rest seem to be filled with ammunition and ammo belts. "I'll have a read of the manual on the train or once I get to where I'm heading so that I can at least show it to the others at the base so they know how to use it. But for now, how about you give me a quick rundown."

Parabellum back from the train, opening the last box with his magic which has yet to be loaded. Removing its contents, he replaces the lid and rests the weapon on top of the wooden support. The main weapon has a large rectangular steel receiver which extends out of the rear, a large cocking handle rests on the right side of the weapon alongside what appears to be a belt feed slide for the ammunition. Fixed directly to the rear is a rather peculiar looking grip, likely to accommodate ponies. Two metal bars naturally curve around to make a circle, inside at the bottom half of the right grip is a conventional trigger with a smaller flick switch positioned above.

The front half of the weapon reminds me of that of an old First World War era heavy machine gun. A wider barrel extends out of the front with a small connection port positioned on the underside and towards the end likely meaning that the machine gun is intended to be operated using a water cooled barrel. The very tip contains a cone-shaped flash eliminator with its base connecting directly to the water-cooled barrel and an iron sight fixed at the top

"Here it is, Equestria's first machine gun. I have to warn you, it has got some weight to it so it can't be fired on the go. The EMG is a .303 calibre water cooled machine gun. It weighs thirty-six-kilograms along with its tripod which weighs twenty-five-kilograms. It is fed using a cloth ammunition belt which holds two-hundred-and-fifty rounds of ammunition. This weapon fires four-hundred-and-fifty rounds a minute and can fire continuously for a substantial period of time due to it being water cooled. It requires a minimum of three ponies to operate, one to carry the weapon and to shoot, one to carry the tripod and one to carry ammunition."

"Why water cooled?" I ask as I step towards the weapon.

"Simply put, ease of manufacturing. It's better if the barrel lasts a significant amount of time and firing before being changed. Not to mention the fact that I'm sure you'll appreciate continuous fire with fewer breaks."

Although outdated nowadays due to the ease of barrel changes, water-cooled machine guns were renowned for being highly effective in the battlefield. They would fire for long periods of time before the barrel needed to be changed, meaning you had a constant suppression effect on the enemy. The only major issues they had came down to the weight for transportation and the fact that if you couldn't get water to cool the barrel then it would defeat the purpose and the weapon would suffer as a result.

"I'm sure I'll be able to put it through the ropes." Taking hold of the machine gun, I lift it up in both hands as I examine it closely, quickly realising the weight of it as I keep it held in both arms. "You know, this has quite a resemblance of a weapon back home. But what's with the trigger?"

"We don't have fingers like you," Parabellum states with a deadpan expression. "The way the locking pins and tripod are designed means that the weapon can continuously fire without requiring readjustment. Aim towards a target and it will remain steady as you fire. The top trigger is a safety catch while the bottom one is the trigger."

"Right. I'll be sure to figure out how to operate it. Besides, I'm sure we'll have a need for it soon enough." Reopening the crate, I carefully rest the weighty weapon within before the two soldiers begin to transport it onto the train. "I'll let you know how well it operates in the field."

"Be sure you do. I've got some other concepts I'll be working on in the meantime. For now-" Parabellum levitates the user manual and places it into my fieldpack "-make sure you study how it operates." With that, I make my way further along the train platform and enter the officer's carriage.

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Once the train came to a stop in Coltchester to unload the supplies for the army, I changed to a new line and boarded a cargo train which was bound for the main firewater field in the south of the badlands. The intel Tempest provided had shown us that this was the target for the next attack from the Diamond Dogs. Their attack previously diverted attention to the settlements, in the hopes of leaving the valuable firewater undefended and easy to secure for themselves.

With this intel, the SOG had taken the role of civilian workers and soon integrated themselves among the workers. They would take turns 'working the wells', allowing them to recon the approaches and to check for gaps in the fenced perimeter. While doing this, the others would remain in hiding, acting as sentries for upcoming threats and ready to act accordingly. The SOG wouldn't be the only ones taking the place of workers as they'd be alongside the Guard as the army are currently committed with other operations.

With the train coming to a stop within the central depot, I was quick to disembark and rush inside the main warehouse and offices to avoid being seen from any scouts. The main building was filled with large storage crates and oil drums filled with the liquid gold with workers rushing back and forth to fill their quotas. The side wall had a steel staircase leading to a catwalk which stretched across the work floor in numerous directions, leading into the worker's offices and of those in management roles.

Walking across the steel platform to the centre of the work floor, I come to a large exposed ladder which stretches to the raised roof overhead. Straight up leads to a large tower which was initially constructed with the building but had since been disused, but it would be ideal to provide a key vantage point in every angle for snipers and machine guns.

Climbing the tower, I pull myself up onto the dirty wooden floor as I come into the central tower. The main room is fairly cramped, expanding around me in only a few metres squared. This would make it a tight squeeze for myself, Tempest, whichever sniper would be on duty and the new machinegun. Each wall had large clear windows which opened outwards, these were covered with dark coloured tarps with small slits cut at various points, this was to prevent anyone from looking in but allowing those stationed in the tower to observe their surroundings.

Stepping up to the shrouded window, I peer through the slit to get a look at our surroundings. From our position, we are perfectly in the centre of the main supply yard. The inner yard to the north has open tracks with a small industrial crane positioned to the side to load the trains. Reaching beyond the perimeter fence lies the open expanse of the badlands, stretching out in barren hills and dried grass before being cut by a large ravine which is connected by the only rail route into the yard as the bridge connects either side.

Both the East and the West sides of the inner compound are filled with facilities for the workers. Sleeping quarters, kitchen, canteen and social rooms were constructed from flimsy wooden shacks, giving some shelter to the workers but nothing which one would consider luxury.

Finally, the south was the main target for the Diamond Dogs, the fire water itself. This expanse of land was littered with firewater wells, reaching over the cracked land and mining the valuable liquid underneath the surface. This side of the facility also had the main mine passages which lead underneath. This would be the only way into the natural wells for the dogs, the natural structure of the surrounding rocks underground meant that you'd require heavy duty industrial equipment to get into the system. This meant that even the Diamond Dogs couldn't dig their way through, not without alerting everyone to their presence in the process. Their only way in would be over the surface.

Striping off my field pack, I drop it onto the dusty floor as I look down to Tempest as she climbs up behind me. "This is cosy. Five-star luxury accommodation for two." Leaning down to the field pack, I pull out the sleeping roll which is affixed to the underside and roll it out along the eastern wall. "I call big spoon."

Tempest snorts as she drops her own pack in the opposite corner. "You ain't my type," Tempest jokes as she starts to lay out her equipment.

"I'm hurt," I mock with a hand on my heart. "And here I thought I was irresistible."

Looking down the ladder passage, I wait until Sunny levitates up the crate containing the new machinegun. Ensuring I have a secure grip, I pull it away and press it against the northern window before returning to the opening to retrieve the tripod and various ammunition boxes which follow afterwards.

Once everything is secure in the tower, I take off my helmet and place it on the pile of my equipment. "Did you miss me, Sunny?" I ask aloud as I hear her beginning to move away.

"Like a thorn in rump," She replies with a soft chuckle before walking away.

Digging through her possessions with her magic, Tempest lifts her forehoof to point towards the machine gun. "So, you wanna get that setup? I personally don't know if I trust that machine."

"It isn't gonna bite." Opening the tripod case, I remove the weighty piece of metal and lower it alongside me before removing the main weapon and leaning it in the corner. Closing the now empty boxes, I stack them on top of each other before placing the tripod on top, giving it enough height to effectively aim out of the northern window.

"I didn't mean like that. I meant that it is untested and... unique. You sure it'll work?"

"That's what we'll find out." Inserting the EMG into position on the tripod, I insert the locking pins to ensure that the main weapon remains locked into the tripod. Once I'm satisfied that it is secure, I connect the water hose to the barrel and wrap it around as the container is currently empty. Finally, I open the first ammunition container and take out the first belt. Taking the tag at the end of the belt, I insert it from the right-hand side so it extends through the opposite end, allowing me to gradually pull on it and lock the first round into place. Lifting my hand, I point it towards the empty water canister. "Can you get that filled with water?"

Taking hold of the canister in her magic, Tempest gradually lowers herself down the narrow passage in the centre and disappears from view. As I hear her walking away, I begin to slowly remove my armour. Unfastening the breastplate, I examine it in my grip as I idly twist it from side to side. Despite the armour still being in good condition, I can still clearly make out small indentations and scratches where debris and shrapnel have been stopped by the armour.

Sighing, I lay it down before sitting down on my bedroll. Rubbing my eyes, I sift through my pockets and take out my phone. Cycling through the music, I find a song which takes my fancy and play it out loud, the sound of the bass guitar opening soon filling the small space around me.

Sitting in the corner with my equipment I quickly get out the user manual for my new weapon and begin to scan over the contents. Despite the weapon being entirely new to this world, its similarities to the early machine guns of our world are almost spot on.

The weapon is fed by an ammunition belt which feeds from the right, ejecting from the underside so that the spent cartridges land around the tripod instead of being actively thrown to the side. The weapon itself requires cocking twice to ensure that the rounds feed correctly and prepare the weapon to feed automatically as it fires. Once the ammunition is spent, just pull the last of the belt through and insert the next one.

As I find myself reading through the more technical aspects of the weapon Tempest returns and places the canister alongside the end of the hose. "Before you connect the hose," I interrupt as she holds the end of the plastic tubing in her magic, "You need to pour some into the outer jacket itself. There is a catch towards the rear as it connects to the body."

Doing as instructed, she pours the cold liquid into the outer jacket before returning the canister to the original position and connecting the hose. "Do you know how to operate it?"

"I will once I finish reading. But it's fairly simple." Kneeling, I move across the floor to the rear of the weapon. "I was told it needs a three-pony crew to operate it, but a pair will work fine now that it is set up. We'll be staying in here until trouble comes. If it remains at a distance, we'll be using this. So come over here and I'll teach you how to load it."

"Load it?"

"Yes, load it," I repeat as I pat the floor alongside me. Recognising my gesture, Tempest sits to the right of me. "Your job will be to ensure the belt is straight as it feeds into the weapon to prevent any jams. Other than that, you need to feed through fresh belts to keep this shooting."

"You know, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind when you said I'd be your guard." Tempest stands up as she looks out over the rolling plains through the gap in the tarp. "You've seen me fight. I'm better up close than personal than with this...thing."

"Times are changing," I reply with a shrug. "It makes no difference how good you are up close if you can't get there. This will pick them off before they get close, or at the very least it'll slow them down."

"Yeah, once you've had time to set it up."

"True, but it's a stepping stone." Gesturing to my SA80, I run my hand along the scratched metal body. "Over time the technology will improve and become more reliable until the point where more advanced weapons are developed. Light machine guns which one person can operate, repeating rifles, submachine guns, assault rifles. These things developed rapidly in times of war."

"But this isn't a war," Tempest points out. "This is a few Diamond Dogs being a thorn in the flank. The closest thing Equestria had to an active war was in the Griffin Empire. Even that was relatively small scale compared to the war against Sombra. And we have more than just technology, there is also magic."

"True. I'm sure combat magic will continue to develop, along with the Lance. I don't reckon I'll be any help in that area. I'll leave those who are skilled in magic to continue developing that side while I work on what I'm familiar with. I'm not just gonna side with one over the other. The Aerial Gauntlets have been introduced to the army, and I'm sure more weapons of a similar nature will be developed for the army in the future. It's just not my area of expertise."

"Oh, yeah? Like what?"

"I dunno," I offer weakly with a shrug of my shoulders. "Further development of the Lance. Give it more sufficient range, and rolled out as an additional rifle alongside the Valkyrie for versatility. Traditional bolt-action rifles for longer range engagements with the Lance up close? I have toyed with an idea in my head."

"And what was that?" Tempest asks with some intrigue.

"I suppose a Gatling Gun of sorts. It's a weapon which uses multiple barrels which rotate to fire each one in sequence. I suppose you could simply attach a few Lances in a similar fashion and make it so each trigger fires at a certain point. A basic machine gun using magic. You rotate it by hand... or hoof, and it continues firing. Obviously, there comes the issue of reloading each one and waiting for it to 'recharge' between shots. Crank it too fast and it'll fire out of sequence. But you see my point, a fairly basic design."

"You seem too stuck in your own ways." Reaching into her own kit bag, Tempest pulls out a small metal tin and begins peeling the lid from the container. "No matter what, I think you'll do whatever you can to keep things how you remember them rather than adapt. If magical weapons became more available, you'll still insist on keeping your own weapon."

"You're probably right. I've gone my whole military career with this weapon. I'm used to it and know every inch of it. But, that does not mean I'm gonna force it upon everyone else." Taking out a small military cooking block, I place it between myself and Tempest before grabbing the closest ration pack to me. "I know ballistic weapons. It only makes sense that I continue working with them and developing future designs. I know nothing about magic. That's like me trying to build a computer, I know nothing behind it so I'll just make a giant mess of it. Let others develop magic weaponry, I'll stick to what I know."

"Why not just work for the best of both?" She suggests. "Mix and match."

"Yeah... I could do that. Though how would I even go about that? Attach the firing mechanism of a Lance to the underside of my... rifle?" I drift off as the sudden realisation hits me. I could simply attach the firing mechanism to my rifle, make it the equivalent of an under-barrel weapon to give some versatility. I could ask if there is a way to jury-rig the Lance to make it far more powerful to give me something with a bit more punch.

"Did you really only just think of that? And you're supposed to be an engineer," Tempest mocks with a sly grin.

"I think of other things than just work." Unscrewing the lid of my drink canteen, I fill my mess tin before placing it on top of the cooking block. Adding a hexi block, I grab a set of matches and try to ignite the fuel source. "I'm not all work and no play... probably about ninety percent work."

Tempest shakes her head before rearranging all of her own kit, placing her backpack at the head of her roll mat to create a makeshift pillow. "Just don't bore me with technical talk while we're stuck up here." Leaning back, she crosses her forehooves in front of her so that they're covering her eyes as she gets ready to take a nap. Shaking my head, I go back to reading the user manual as I wait for the water to boil.

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Thursday 18th September 2014
22:12
Badlands
Kinghill Fire Water Fields

Two weeks. We've been out here for over two weeks waiting for any assaults from the Diamond Dogs. Although the intel we got was solid when it came to the location, it seems as though their timing was still pretty vague. The plans we studied gave us their most likely line of attack and the rough numbers we'd encounter, but even they seemed to be uncertain as to when they'd have sufficient supplies to carry out this assault. The plans gave a rough time window between September 10th and September 22nd.

With the window coming to a close it was safe to say that everyone was getting more on edge. Despite us only having a small number compared to the attackers, we had the advantage of fortifications and additional support was never too far away. The intel showed that the Diamond Dogs would not be able to dig directly into the natural wells or within the compound without being detected by the workers, this meant their assault was to take place over open ground to the north.

The direction of their assault and the open ground meant that they would be exposed as they made their approach. This gave us a killing ground to target them before they get close, allowing us to pick them off one by one before they potentially get close enough to engage in close quarters combat.

The downside was that there was no natural lighting to the north, so if they attacked at night they'd have natural cover and would get close before we even get the chance to see them. This could easily be bypassed with magic where the Unicorns could cast bolts of energy to illuminate the sky overhead to give us some lighting, similar to flares which would be fired to temporarily illuminate the battlefield.

We'd have to hold off long enough in order to either repel the attack or to wait until reinforcements arrived. We couldn't allow ground forces to remain in close proximity as it could alert the Dogs to our presence, this meant that our reinforcements had to come by air. The Wonderbolts had been placed on standby prior to our arrival; they'd have scouts patrolling overhead to observe for any signs of fighting, to which they'd fetch the cavalry.

With myself and Tempest manning the machine gun at the top of the tower, I decided that my SA80 would be beneficial elsewhere for the defence in order to provide a mobile and lightweight automatic rifle. With that in mind, I entrusted Sunny to take care of it and to use it in the battle since I had previously taught her how to operate it. The second machine gun we were issued with was to remain on standby, ready to be deployed once the fighting started so that it could be set up where it would be needed most.

I had been sure to go over the mechanics of the new weapon system with everyone in the unit, to ensure that in an emergency that anyone could use it. Rationally, it made sense to give the role to some of the engineers of Charlie Section, this meant that Matrix and Von Wahrenhoof were chosen to crew the weapon. They both chose to have Sonar Vigilance as one of the crew to initially help to set up the weapon and to act as their spotter.

As a cool breeze flows through the opening atop the tower, I lean forward against the machine gun as I peer through the opening. With it being so late at night nearly all visibility outside has been lost. The inner confines of the perimeter are lit with industrial lighting, with small concentrations reaching beyond the fencing to illumine segments of the plains beyond.

"Raise," Tempest's voice calls out as I hear a small gathering of coins clatter to the wooden floor behind me.

A sudden rustling of cards fills the small room before abruptly coming to a stop. "I ain't got any more bits on me," Georg remarks with frustration evident in his voice. "Can I call you with these?"

"The poker star came unprepared," Tempest mocks. "Stick it in the pot then." As the sound of something thuds against the stack of coins, I turn to my right with an amused grin as Crimson lowers her rifle and meets my gaze with a similar expression as we hear the small game unfold behind us.

"That's my last pack," Georg comments with irritation.

I chuckle as I instantly realise what he just bet with. "Are you betting with your cigarettes again?"

"It's a valuable commodity here."

"Yeah, 'cause very few ponies smoke them." I shake my head. "I'm surprised Tempest is even letting you bet with them."

"I think she is just happy watching Georg suffer," Crimson jokes as she returns her focus to the window.

"It is priceless to watch him squirm," Tempest teases. "Now, what have you got?"

There's a brief pause before I hear card being thrown to the floor, "Full house. King's over Ten's," Georg announces triumphantly.

"...That's very good. But not good enough." Tempest laughs as I hear her own cards being thrown onto the pile. "Straight flush."

"How the actual fuck!?" Georg exclaims as he jumps up, causing me to turn to watch his display. "You've got to be shitting me."

"Afraid not," Tempest mocks as she levitates open the pack of cigarettes and places one in her mouth before igniting it with a spark of magic. "I think I'll enjoy my spoils of war right now."

Rubbing his talons over his face, Georg releases a shallow groan before collecting his cards. "Just my luck." Once he has everything gathered, he steps to the opening in the floor and glances back to me. "I'm gonna get some shut eye before my watch." Bringing his wings in close, he compacts his body as much as he can before jumping through the opening to go below.

"You probably shouldn't have taken his fags," I state as I look back to the dark expanse outside. "He's gonna be cranky in a few hours without them. Do you even smoke?"

"Not really," Tempest says as she comes into view in the corner of my eye and leans against the corner support. Levitating the cigarette out of her mouth as she exhales a plume of smoke, she holds it in front of me. Despite having given up smoking months ago, the offer before me seems very appealing. After being cooped up in a small room for two weeks, with hardly any sleep and terrible rations, it is safe to say that I'm not too far from the breaking point myself.

Leaning closer to the offered cigarette, I wrap my lips around it as Tempest releases her magical hold of it. Closing my eyes, I take a long drag as I keep the cigarette held effortlessly between my lips. After having not smoked one in some time, I find myself initially spluttering as I try to get used to it once again. As daft as it sounds, but if you don't have on for a few months then it takes some getting used to again.

"John," Crimson nudges me as she peers intently through the scope of her rifle, "I've got movement on the outer perimeter."

Quickly springing to life, I rack the charging handle of the machinegun to make the weapon ready. "You got a point of reference? Rough distance?"

"It's hard to say in this darkness." Crimson readjusts the dial atop her scope. "I'd say around... eight hundred metres. At the base of the first set of hills."

Looking out at the direction in question, I take out my binoculars and try to find the source of movement myself. Seeing nothing but darkness, I pull the cigarette from my lips and rest it on top of an adjacent crate. "How did you even see anything out there?"

"A few of them are pretty stupid and have lanterns on." Crimson chuckles to herself as she cocks her rifle, "I guess they didn't get your training on concealment."

Placing her forehoof on my binoculars, she pulls them slightly to the side so that I'm able to find the Dogs in question. True to her word, I can make out the silhouette of a large group of Dogs as they gather around a collection of lanterns. "I don't think they're expecting anyone to be actively looking for them." Flicking up the rear sight of the machine gun, I adjust the rear sight ladder and set it to eight-hundred metres before twisting the rear elevation wheel to raise the front of the weapon.

"Give it a minute then take a shot when ready. Once you've engaged I'll hit them with the machine gun. We'll catch them before they're ready to attack. It'll force them to attack us when they're unprepared." Reaching to the side, I tap Tempest on her back. "Tell the others to kit up and get into their defensive positions. I want the second machine gun set up at the base of the train depot."

Tempest does as instructed and quickly disappears. I wait anxiously as I watch Crimson who seems to be judging the elevation required for her rifle in order to make the shot. Running my hand back and forth over the handles, I flick the safety switch to make the weapon live.

It doesn't take long until everyone from the three Sections rush out of the central warehouse and run across the opening onto the train yard ahead of my position, carrying out crates of ammunition as they all jump into their defensive positions, giving them a clear sight line over the train tracks and through the chain link fence separating us from the Dogs. Despite the pressure to quickly set up, the gun crew seem to set up the weapon with ease as Von Wahrenhoof lays out the spare ammunition belts ready.

Tempest returns to me shortly afterwards, sitting alongside the weapon as she holds onto the ammunition belt. "Crimson, fire when ready."

As Crimson slowly exhales, she fires off the round into the distance as the gunshot cracks through the night. I immediately join her as I begin to fire in a series of short bursts into the enemy. With each compression of the trigger, the exterior charging handle repeatedly darts back and forth as the weapon cycles the next round and simultaneously ejects the spent cartridge.

As I continue to blindly fire the first belt towards the large crowd, the others hold their lines as they wait for the enemy to come into range. In order to expose the assaulting force, the magical flares are launched overhead in order to illuminate the battlefield and to expose the Dogs.

By the time the first belt is fully spent the rolling plains ahead are illuminated as the panicked horde of Dogs are brought into everyone's view. Although my rounds were fired blindly towards the crowd the rapid rate of fire and continue rounds being put down range has had the desired effect as it has caused the Dogs to throw caution to the wind and attack unprepared as their groups begin to scatter and advance towards us in an unorganised manner, whilst having picked off small clusters which were unprepared for the heavy barrage of automatic fire.

Rapidly adjusting the elevation wheel, I bring the weapon level and lower the rear sight ladder so that it's ready for when the Dog's get within range of the rifles below. As Tempest passes me a fresh belt, I begin to pull it through the weapon as the lower machine gun begins to engage the enemy, firing off fully automatic into the advancing crowd.

I glance towards the charging horde of what must be hundreds of Diamond Dogs as a sea of dark figures rush towards the perimeter fence. Their unorganised charge towards us allows the gun below to pick them off as it strafes from side to side, the heavy calibre tearing holes and ripping flesh from the front row as they drop to the floor to be either trampled or jumped over by the rest.

With my weapon reloaded I once again begin to fire as they close within distance of the rifles, allowing a volley of bullets to pepper those who had taken the place at the front. The high power of the weapon and the sheer volume of rounds being thrown down range soon has the desired effect of suppressing the enemy as many of them soon give up with the suicidal advance, dropping to the floor where they stand to find any natural obstruction or piece of cover to cower behind.

"They have no fucking clue what to do!" I laugh out loud as I continue to fire, the spent casings clattering against one another on the floor as the metallic clattering rings throughout the watchtower.

"I'd still prefer to get up close and personal!" Tempest shouts over the constant fire as she assists with feeding the belt through the weapon.

"Give it time! We only have so much ammo! Then you can get down there and play to your heart's content!"

Adjusting the weapon to the left, I take aim at a trio as they're the first group to reach the fence. Compressing the trigger, the weapon kicks against me as it begins to hurl a barrage of bullets down range. The large cartridge and closer proximity is powerful enough to tear chunks of flesh from their bodies, fragments of bones and heavy sprays of blood propelling from the rear of their bodies as the rounds penetrate.

As the last of the trio drops, I turn to the next group only to find that the weapon refuses to fire. "Fuck! It's jammed!" Reaching for the top compartment, I lift the top cover before taking a hold of the second cover which sits over the feedway. I'm able to identify the problem in seconds as one the casings has failed to eject successfully, remaining locked in position as the cartridge deformed and became lodged.

"I guess there are a few teething issues to sort out," I remark to myself as I draw my knife. Not wanting to grab hold of the empty cartridge I instead press the tip of my blade into the small opening left alongside the cartridge and flick it free before returning the belt to its original position and closing the top covers.

Racking the charging handle, I'm once again able to fire as a number of Dogs reach the chain link fence and begin to tear through the weak barrier. The rounds make quick work of the cluster as they quickly drop as they're able to make an opening and the surrounding Dogs around them begin to return fire at the soldiers and guards within the compound.

Hearing that the second gun below has stopped firing, I raise my position to examine the crew down below. I watch as the trio attempt to lift the cover of their own weapon, signalling that their machine gun has jammed. "Fuck... we need both guns working." Turning to Crimson, I grab hold of her back and pull her to my position. "I need you to get on this gun."

"What?" She asks in confusion as she removes the empty magazine from her rifle.

"We need constant fire down there while they get their machinegun working. Take over for me and I'll get theirs working." Although the weapon works best with a loader, it can technically be operated with just one individual crewing the weapon. It could potentially lead to more blockaged, but it is a good way to test the reliability of the weapon mechanism.

Crimson nods to me as we trade places. As she begins to fire towards those below, I step over the ladder as Tempest follows me close. "I'm going with you," She adds with determination.

Reaching into my holster, I take out my pistol and pull the slide back before returning it to its home. "I can only engage them up close, so we'll have to get down there and hold till they close the gap." Lowering myself down the hatch, I drop down and land low to the catwalk before sprinting towards the stairs.

Jumping down numerous steps at a time, I quickly reach the warehouse doors as a group of guards run past me to reinforce the defensive line. Sprinting through the opening towards the rail depot, the bombardment of gunfire from both sides tears through the night. As I move towards the machine gun position I can hear the whistle of rounds going over my head as my appearance on the battlefield quickly makes me a target.

Sliding low to the floor, I fall backwards rather unceremoniously alongside Matrix as he attempts to repair the weapon. Scrambling to my knees, I move to the other side of the open weapon system to try and identify the issue. "Is it blocked!?" I shout out the rapid fire of the machine gun overhead and Sunny to my side as she used the SA80.

"If there is then I can't find it!" Matrix yells back. "Barrel is clear and there is nothing in the feed! It's not a blockage."

Leaning over the main weapon, I open the last compartment to show all of the internals which are tightly compact. My eyes frantically scan over all of the parts until I find the issue. One of the pins inside the action has shaken loose on the cocking lever, knocking the lever and the extractor loose, preventing the weapon from cycling. "Screwdriver!" I demand as I hold my hand out.

Being passed the tool, I reach into the confined space and navigate the various fragile components until I get the right angle to tighten the pin. Manually moving the parts back into position, I tighten the pin so that it is aligned with the rest of the mechanisms before closing up the weapon. Pulling the partially used belt through the weapon I pull the charging handle before slapping Von Wahrenhoof on the back, "Fire!"

The weapon springs back to life as it spits the deadly rounds down range towards the Dogs who rush through the fence openings to find cover within the compound. Although the new weapon clearly has its teething problems, it is so far proving to be effective on the battlefield.

Kneeling down alongside Sunny, I take out my pistol and rest it on my knee. "Are you taking care of my baby?"

Firing off her last round, she looks at me as the cocking handle locks to the rear. "It's a good thing I have magic to use this or I don't know how we'd get this to work."

"That's why it’s mine; I don't have magic." Looking around, I find a downed Guard on the other side of Sunny who is being tended to by a medic. Shuffling behind Sunny, I reach down and pick up the Guard's Lance, noticing a flame orange gemstone fitted within the weapon. Resting the armament on the makeshift cover before me, I fire off the first bolt which misses my target by going over the Dog's head.

"What's the plan?" Sunny asks as she loads a fresh magazine into the rifle.

"This'll get close and dirty soon. We need to thin them down before that happens." Surveying the others, I call out over the fighting to the Section IC's. "Chaser! Deka! On me!" As the pair rush towards my position, I fire towards the advancing horde. The powerful beam of magic is powerful enough to slice through the Diamond Dog, colliding with his arm and severing the joint as the flesh within contact of the energy blast disintegrates and the skin burns from the excessive heat.

Deka and Cheser duck alongside me, taking the opportunity to reload their weapons as they await their orders. "Chaser, get your Section airborne. Hit the enemy from the rear as they advance. Pick them off before they join the fight. Deka, Keep the flanks secure. They're bound to try to push through the main gate to the right, I want you to be ready for them. I'll hold the centre with the Guard and my Section until the Wonderbolts arrive. Once the enemy disengages, I want you all to push hard and fast. Counterattack and cut down any that don't surrender. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir!" They both respond in unison before calling their respective units and breaking away to carry out their orders. Deka and her section push fast to the side under the covering fire of the overhead machine gun, her trio of gunners quickly packing up their machine gun as they join the rest.

Exhaling, I lower my head as I close my eyes in contemplation as I return my pistol to its holster. We have to hold out long enough for backup to arrive. Fighting against these numbers could prove costly if we fail to sufficiently hold them back. I need to keep them away at all costs. And for that, I'll need a certain someone for the job.

"Davies, time to do what you do best." I mutter internally as I clasp the Lance tightly, my body quickly breaking out into a series of rapid and mind-shattering spasms.

With my body under control, I rise to my feet to stand at my full height. "John!?" Sunny shouts out in disbelief. "What are you doing!? Get your head down!"

Turning my head to her, a devilish grin quickly spreads across my lips as I vault over the cover. "Relax. I know what I'm doing." As the Dog's seem to turn their focus towards the idiotic human standing before them all, I use my newfound speed to rush towards the first set of train cars. Bullets and crossbow bolts fly past me on either side, either trailing behind me or racing in front of my vision.

Lowering my body, I slide out in a football style tackle to come to a stop behind the cover of the first train cart, the metallic ringing of ricocheting bullets colliding with the steel frame of the train car still present as the last rounds come into contact with my cover.

Taking a step back, I fling the Lance in an underarm throw so that it lands on the roof of the cart before me. Preparing my body for the jump, I crack my knuckles before stretching upwards in the leap to grab onto the edge of the roof, allowing me to pull myself up in one fluid motion.

I keep my body low as I take control of the lance, keeping my body low as I lie in wait, my body in such a position so that I can quickly leap from my elevated point above the enemy. Rather than give myself away, I wait patiently as the Dogs slowly push forward. Minute's trickle by as the fighting continues.

I remain stoic, observing the fighting from every angle as I wait for my opportunity to pounce. The aerial team light up the sky behind the slowing horde, their gauntlets creating great bolts of light as they fire off in the night sky, creating an illusion similar to the initial explosions at a fireworks display. The rest of the troops down below fire as quickly as they can, the pair of machine guns creating a constant stream of munitions as the heavy flashes illuminate the defending troops.

Finally, a group of Dogs are brave enough to push closer, bringing themselves into range so that I can fight them up close. Now I can strike. Pushing off from my position, I sprint to the edge before leaping off of the steel cart towards a cluster of five as they try to set up firing positions.

I catch them unawares as they notice me at the last possible second, turning to face me as I reach out with the Lance. Letting gravity do all of the work, I hold the Lance outwards as I fall over the head of the central target. The sharp blade at the end pierces his skull as the force of my weight and momentum pushes him to the floor, allowing the sharpened steel to penetrate the vital organ within.

Jumping up, I pull the weapon free with a fluid motion, twirling the weapon in my grip as the blood splashes on those around me. Pulling it close to my hip, I point the barrel towards the only other target with a rifle as he tries to take aim at me. I've already fired off the first shot before he can even turn his weapon to face me, the heated bolt of energy impacting with the underside of his jaw. The excessive heat and force of the blast severs his head with ease, blood spurting violently from the stump as the surround skin and fur fades away and rains down onto the ground in ashes.

The fear factor of eliminating two in a number of seconds causes all but one of the remaining threats to freeze as they stare at me in horror. The next Dog, the largest of the group, drops his crossbow as he swings his razor sharp claws towards me. I'm able to dodge his slow strike with ease as I hop backwards. Chuckling to myself, I drop the Lance as I lift my hand, wagging my index finger as I grin.

Charging forward, I lower my body as I lean backwards. Striking him in an illegal slide tackle, I force the bottom of my boots into his shin with enough force to make the weighty beast tumble alongside me. Not wanting to give him time to recover, I jam both of my fingers towards his eyes, piercing the delicate orbs with enough force that I feel them pop from the momentum.

Chopping with the rear of my hand, I crush his windpipe with a powerful crunch as he immediately starts wheezing for breath. Climbing to my feet, I then stamp on his paws before delivering a swift uppercut to his muzzle. The bone within breaks with ease, the usually rigid structure buckling from the force as his head rocks back and he collapses to the floor.

Pivoting to face the last pair, they exchange nervous glances before the only female decides to take her chances and swings her paw at me with momentum. Raising my arm, I intercept her attack by deflecting it with the rear of my forearm which causes her to stagger slightly.

Taking advantage of her lost coordination, I perform a sweeping kick and force my shin into her knee, causing her knee to buckle violently as she almost falls to the floor. With her body lowered I deliver a series of rapid strikes, my knuckles connecting with the underside of the jaw then each side of her muzzle.

The force of each hit in combination with her weakened knee forces her to fall backwards, the contents of her field pack falling to the floor. Reaching down, I grab onto a glass bottle which had fallen to the floor. Twirling the bottle in my hand, I swing the main body across the end of her muzzle. The glass shatters from the impact as blood and numerous teeth are forced from her mouth before she slumps down and remains motionless.

The last Dog takes the advantage presented to him and leaps onto my back. I'm able to act instinctively, releasing the broken remnants of the bottle as I take a hold of his paws before he is able to sink his claws into my chest. Keeping him held in place, I roll back until we're both hurtling to the floor. My weight and momentum knocks the wind out of him as I release his paws, allowing me to continue the roll over him and come to a stop above his head as I rest on my knees.

As I lean over him, I pull the Glock from the holster in one fluid motion and press the weapon against his forehead before firing off the round as the bullet drills directly into his skull with ease. Standing up, I survey the rest of my surroundings and find a group of ten rushing towards me.

Standing, I raise my pistol and fire the rest of the magazine as quickly as I can, dropping eight of the group before the last pair reaches me. Pressing the slide release, I return the pistol to the holster before stepping over the Lance. Digging my foot underneath the grip of the weapon, I flick it upwards in one fluid motion and catch it. Raising it over my shoulder, I hurl the weapon towards the closest Dog in the style of a javelin.

The bladed weapon soars through the air with ease, quickly making contact and impaling into the chest of the Diamond Dog as he collapses to the side. As the last Dog gets within range, I duck low and roll to the side to escape his attempts to flail his claws wildly towards me.

Standing tall, I draw the sword from my scabbard and wait for him to charge me. As he takes his first step towards me, he quickly collapses to the floor as a concentrated bolt of lightning pierces the side of his head and rushes through his body. Looking towards the source I find Tempest as she confidently strolls towards me, stepping over a cluster of downed Diamond Dogs she must have taken out herself.

She initially pauses once she closes the distance, her eyes fixed on mine as she studies me with curiosity. I lift my hand and gesture to my eyes as I chuckle, "I look stunning, right?" Stepping through the cluster of bodies, I reach for the impaled Lance and pry it free from the Dog's sternum.

"I know what that means," Tempest remarks. Turning to her, she points to my eyes once again, "Someone is in your mind."

"I'll let the boring one answer that for you. For now, I've got the reins and I'm gonna enjoy myself." Examining the Lance in my hand, I study the gemstone closely. The magical power source within is protected by a metal and glass housing, containing the stone within. Running my hand over a crack in the glass I quickly feel a powerful heat emanating from the gem within.

Popping the housing from the main weapon, I step over the cluster of bodies around me and retrieve the captured lever-action Griffonian rifle one of the Dogs were equipped with. Taking control of the rifle, I aim towards a distant group and pull the trigger to test if the rifle is loaded. To my disappointment, the rifle refuses to fire.

Plucking the bandolier from the Dog's corpse, I throw it over my chest and take out one of the cartridges. Pulling the lever of the rifle, I eject the spent casing before replacing it with a fresh one. "Think you can get the gem over that group?" I ask Tempest as I hold the increasingly hot stone for her as I feel it beginning to sear my skin.

She levitates the energy source from my hand, "What are you thinking?"

Looking to the large cluster sat at the breach in the fence, I turn to her with a mischievous grin. "A science experiment." Taking aim towards the targets, I take a knee as I peer down the sights. "Pull." Recognising my command, the gemstone darts past my head and holds in position over the heads of the Dogs. Exhaling slowly, I compress the trigger and fire the powerful round.

The bullet tears through the casing of the gem with ease. I watch in astonishment as all of the magical energy seems to violently escape its containment. A large fireball expands from the housing, setting those caught within the blast in flames. Fire and debris rains down on the surroundings as those beneath flail around frantically, rushing from the fireball and diving to the dirt and rolling in pitiful attempts to quell the flames.

With the breach sealed with flames, I begin to wander back towards the main defensive line as the night sky behind the horde lights up in a series of rapid and bright multicoloured flashes. I watch as the Wonderbolts come into view, firing off a variety of arcane bolts towards the enemy below in a powerful strafing run. Their shots pick off a multitude of targets one by one as they continue to circle around overhead.

Quickly realising that the assault is lost, the majority of the Diamond Dogs turn and flee with their tails between their legs as they frantically scamper towards their tunnels in a bid to escape. Loading another round into the rifle, I take aim at nobody in particular and fire. I chuckle to myself as I notice one of the Dogs jump up from the shot, his paw reaching behind him to grab onto his ass.

Shaking my head, I sling the rifle over my body. "Can I keep this?" I ask John out loud as I continue to walk.

"You'd rather have that then the only automatic rifle?" He asks internally with some confusion evident in his voice.

"Yeah. It's strangely satisfying."

John sighs, "I suppose. But I'm not gonna be taking it out and about with me. I'm keeping my rifle."

"Fine by me." I respond while I'm still out of earshot of everyone else. Stepping onto the platform, I look back over the battlefield. The machine gun overhead still spits out the occasional burst towards the remnants of the troops in the tattered battlefield. Corpses litter the plains before me, a number of injured Dog's writhing on the floor amongst all of the dead.

Welcome to modern warfare.

Author's Notes:

17/07/2019 - Dying Embers has got a new cover art, and I think it looks amazing.
Special thanks to MorphineZombie for creating it for me