Reluctantly my eyes begin to finally open as my surrounding become reality. Fuck... I feel like shite. Pulling slightly on my arm I find a cannula inserted along the inside of my elbow, connected to the side of my bed is a bag of what appears to be IV fluid. Studying the room reveals that I am in what appears to be a medical tent, I seem to be primarily enclosed behind a medical curtain. I can hear various conversations throughout the tent along with the sound of marching soldiers in the distance.

Trying to sit up I hiss as a tenderness is evident across my chest, looking down I examine the three bruises from having been shot. Along my shoulder is a layer of bandages from where the gauntlet had dug into my muscle, the bandages seem clean indicating that I may have been here for some time and it has been regularly replaced. Finally I press my hand gently against my nose to thankfully find that it has been set, it's still a bit tender to touch and seems to have swollen but at least I shouldn't have a deformed nose in the future.

I lay back on the bed and try to relax, though having been in bed for however long doesn't exactly leave you very comfortable. I'm left alone with my thoughts for a while until I hear approaching footsteps or hoofsteps, I won't get used to that anytime soon. The curtain opens up to reveal both Sunny and Chaser.

Sunny's face immediately lights up when she sees that I'm awake, "John! Thank Celestia you're awake!" -She jumps over and wraps me in a hug causing me to release a pained groan- "Sorry!" She releases me from the hug with a slight blush on her face.

Chaser steps to the side of my bed and lightly punches my arm, "Good to see you're finally awake."

I sit up in the bed, "You have no fucking idea how crap I feel right now. How long was I out?"

Sunny sits at the end of the bed, "Three days. The blades on Gisela's gauntlet were coated with a poison intended for Griffins, although it affected you, your immune system was able to fight it off until you were given an antidote."

Chaser ruffles his wings, "Basically if you were a Pony or a Griffin you'd be dead right about now."

Lifting my quilt slightly I find myself to be naked once again, "Where are my fucking clothes? I'm getting sick of waking up in strange beds naked."

Sunny levitates a footlocker from under the bed and rests it against the bedside table, "The doctor said you should stay here for a couple of days after you've woken up."

Wrapping the quilt around my waist I shakily stand from the bed, my vision blurs as I threaten to lose my balance and crash face first into the floor, "Fuck that. I'm not staying in bed any longer," I grasp the cannula on my arm and slowly remove it from my flesh.

Chaser stands with his wing stretched out to support me, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

I throw the lid open and select all my clothes, they've even been cleaned and patched up, "Probably not. Has the rest of the town been taken?"

Sunny shuffles on the spot, "They captured the last district early this morning. Wingston has now been liberated."

I slide my pants on under the sheet covers before dropping the sheets to the floor, "I could really do with a strong drink."

Sunny presses her hoof on my bare chest, "Are you sure that is a good idea? Drinking may not be the best idea."

Looking down to her hoof she quickly pulls it back as she averts her gaze. I chuckle as I watch her reaction, "It's an awful idea, and that's what makes it a great plan."

Chaser just shakes his head, "That makes no sense."

"Yes, it does. The best things often come from the stupidest ideas," I pull my trousers up and pull my t-shirt over my head.

Sunny moves to leave, "Well I suppose we have been given a few days to rest. The other Companies are now taking the lead to keep the offensive moving,"

"There we go then, I intend to have a few drinks. Where are you going?" I sit back on the bed to put my socks and boots on.

Sunny looks to me, "I'm going to inform the Captain that you're awake. He wanted to know as soon as you were up," She takes her leave as she moves through the curtain.

I shout over the curtains after her, "Come and see me later tonight."

Chaser just glances to me, "She just felt you up."

Picking up my personal belonging and pocketing them I push him to the side, "Grow up."

As I go to leave he grasps my arm with his wing, "John, In all seriousness she did spend most nights in here sleeping alongside your bed. She was really worried about you, the medics initially thought that you wouldn't make it through the night."

I take a clumsy step as I move around him, "Well at least one of you lot care for me," Moving further down the tent I stop to look back to Chaser. I let out a sigh, "Don't worry, I will figure things out," Nodding to me he manoeuvres around and exits the tent, slowly but surely I follow his lead and exit the tent.

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With the town now under our control we had all been provided with better accommodations, we have been given hotel rooms for us to share while we remain stationed within Wingston. Being an officer I have been given my own room, a large King-sized bed is a much better substitute for the sleeping bag I have had throughout this conflict. I had spent most of the day checking up with the rest of the Section, they generally seem to be okay despite what had happen to Firefly.

It's now late in the evening as I check and maintain my weapons. As I remove the bolt from the bolt carrier of my SA-80 a succession of knocks come from my door, "Come in!" The door opens as I hear two sets of hooves enter the room. Placing the bolt and carrier on the table I look up to see Shining Armor and a yellow Pegasus mare with the same fire mane that I saw during the assault. I stand and salute Shining, "Sir!"

He gives a quick salute in response, "As you were, John. How are you feeling?"

I slowly walk over to a bedside table with a bottle of brandy sitting on the surface, "Pretty shit, but I'll live." -reaching the table I unscrew the cap- "Either of you two want a drink?"

Shining shakes his head, "No, thank you."

The mare steps closer, "Sure."

I grab two glasses and fill them. I make my way to her and present her the glass, "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."

She takes her glass, How they hold glasses makes no sense to me whatsoever, "Spitfire."

"Captain Spitfire? Of the Wonderbolts?"

She looks towards me with surprise on her face, "You've heard of me?"

I take a sip of my drink, "I've heard of you. A friend back in Ponyville told me about the Wonderbolts and that you're their Captain."

Spitfire just gives a small smirk, "I haven't heard much about you apart from the usual. Lieutenant in your worlds army, an engineer with a highly advanced weapon who is experienced with war."

I lightly scoff, "I wouldn't say experienced, just luck more than anything that kept me alive."

"Well, it was definitely luck which brought you here for me. Without you, I likely wouldn't have gotten off that bridge."

I raise my glass to her which she meets with her own, "Well you're most certainly welcome," -We both toss our drinks back draining the glasses- "To what do I owe this pleasure anyways?"

Shining clears his throat, "The Princesses have heard about your involvement in the last operation. They have requested a report on the actions your Section have taken out here. Princess Luna has also specified that you express your opinion on how the operations out here are going as a whole, she seems to value your opinion highly on these matters."

I refill my own glass, "Understood, I shall get on it as soon as possible."

"Then we shall leave you to it. Come and see me for a new assignment once you feel fit to return to service," They both begin to head back for the door, as soon as he opens the door we find Sunny standing behind the door with her hoof raised. She quickly salutes Shining and Spitfire as they leave the room.

I wave for Sunny to enter, "Come in. Fancy a drink?"

Entering the room she closes the door with her magic, "No, thank you."

I shrug as I have more of my drink, "Fair enough. How are you feeling?"

Sunny removes her armour and rests it against the side of the bed, "I don't even know anymore,"

"What do you mean?"

Sighing she sits on the end of the bed, "I should feel guilty for killing them... but I don't. What is wrong with me?"

I join her on the bed, "Nothing is wrong with you. You did what anyone else would do in that situation, your actions saved my life and the lives of everyone else."

"...I guess"

I move off the bed and kneel in front of her. Raising my arms I rest my hand on her shoulders, "Sunny look at me," She raises her eyes to look directly into mine, "You have done incredibly out here with me. I would likely be dead now if you hadn't come along to save me, I feel better knowing I have you to watch my back. We're a team, remember that I won't let anything bad happen to you."

Sunny eyes seem to flicker from my eyes to my face as she smiles at me. Slowly she brings her muzzle closer to me, before I can even react I feel her lips press softly against mine. Initially at first I was taken aback by her actions, however I could tell that she had some feelings towards me. Before I can react however she pulls back from the kiss, a blush evident on her cheeks as a smile curls the tips of her mouth.

Raising my hand I rub it against her warm cheek, I swear I can feel my own cheeks heat up following that kiss. Although a part of my brain tells me this is wrong it feels... strangely right. I bring her closer to me again as I plant my lips to hers in a strong kiss, her eyes flutter closed as the passion of the kiss begins to take over. Her tongue begins to push forward against my lips, granting her access I part my lips allowing our tongues to engage in their own private dance.

Her tongue caresses the edge of my teeth, I'm guessing the sensation of my sharp canines adds to the thrill for her. Her hoofs grasp around my waist pulling my body closer to hers, the warmth radiating from her body can be felt clearly through my clothing. Is she fighting for control? Moaning further into the kiss I push further on her body resting her back against the top of the covers.

With myself on top, my hand soon runs over the fur on her body, I'm met with a response as her tail continuously flicks to the side rubbing along my leg. Bringing my body further up against hers I break away from the kiss to switch to nibbling gently on the tip of her ear earning a moan as a reward, her hoof begins to caress my chest over the top of my shirt.

I'm pulled away from her as her magic raises me to kneel on the bed, I just watch as her magic rapidly pulls at my top and t-shirt in an attempt to get them off. I just smirk as she fails to remove them, "Need a hand there?" She just glances at me as her magic dissipates. Unzipping the top I throw it immediately to the floor, Sunny now manages to run her hoof under my t-shirt raising it for me to remove it. With my upper body now exposed she keeps her hooves pressed against my body.

Sunny surprises me as she is successful in wrapping here hooves around me and rolling me to the side bringing her on top. She begins to unleash a flurry of kisses along my neck and begins making her way down my torso. She attempts to remove my belt and trouser with her magic but gives up with a frustrated growl, "Why do you have to have the most awkward clothes?"

I push her up slightly as my hands move to my trousers to remove them for her, "I didn't choose them," Kicking my trousers down to my ankles I look to her as she eyes the bulge which is now the centre of her attention, "Do me a favour and unzip the side of my boots," Without hesitation she immediately pulls them down with her magic allowing me to kick them and my trousers off.

I lean my head back as I feel her mouth fiddle with the edge of my boxers, she manages to initially pull them down with her teeth allowing my cock to recoil back against my stomach, "Well... You're certainly ready," Before I can even respond a sudden jolt of pleasure shoots through my body as I find my member encased in a warm sensation. Looking down I watch as her head gently bobs against the tip of my cock, her tongue coils around adding to the pleasure coursing through me.

Sunny shifts her body around on the bed to give her a better position. Her rump rests alongside my body, her pink slit hovering next to my arms. With an evil grin, I rest my hand on her rump and brush my thumb along her damp marehood earning a surprised squeak from her. This only acts to increase her enthusiasm as she increases the pace her tongue runs around my shaft, not wanting to be beaten I insert two fingers into her wet folds.

A pleasured moan escapes her mouth as I push my fingers inside her, soon we find ourselves locked in a battle to best one another. Sunny continues to move along my entire length as I pump my fingers inside her. We both find it difficult to contain our moans of ecstasy though I find myself coming on top in our little battle. Sunny's slit tightens around my fingers as she hits her peak, releasing my cock from her mouth she screams in pleasure as my fingers are coated in her juices. Her body shudders as the orgasm washes over, her head rests against the sheets as she attempts to regain her composure.

Sunny manages to raise her head from the bed after a number of breaths, "Sweet Celestia... those fingers are amazing!"

I just chuckle as I run my hand along her cutiemark, "I'm so glad that you value my fingers over me."

She turns her head to face me, "You know what I mean," She pushes her body up and raises her rump to me presenting me with a clear view of her cum soaked slit, "You want your reward?" Grinning I adjust behind her and grasp her flanks. I can't believe I'm about to do this. Pulling her closer my body shudders as I feel my member become encased. Each time I pull her against me I fully slide my length inside her, "Fuck... John."

I chuckle as I begin to pick up the pace, "Hey... you swore like me," We keep at this for... I don't even know how long, her moans turn more intense as she pushes her face against the sheets. I can feel myself hitting the edge, it's taking all of my effort to keep myself from peaking before Sunny does.

Sunny tilts her head back to me as she continues to pant and moan, her moans rise in tone as they begin to turn into cries of pure bliss. I feel my body tremble as she screams out, her pussy begins to clamp down repeatedly on my cock sending me over the edge. With one last thrust I groan as I fill her up with cum, the sexual bliss is so overwhelming that I find myself pulling her fully back as I fall back on the bed with her on top of me.

We both remain in that position as we attempt to regain our composure, my hand idly running softly through the fur on her belly. She tilts her head towards me and places another passionate kiss on my lips which I'm more than happy to return. She slowly begins to run her face along the top of my chest as she sighs with content, "I don't want to lose you, John."

I kiss her on the forehead as I grab the side of the sheets and pull it over us to keep us both warm, "You won't lose me. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." I run my hand through her mane as she snuggles up against me, before too long she falls into a peaceful sleep. With her now relaxed I adjust a pillow and lay it behind my head, closing my eyes I let myself fall into perhaps one of the best nights of sleep I've had in a while.

I'm woken up by a succession of knocks at the door, I raise my head to glance at the door as the knocking continues. Despite the regular knocks Sunny is still sleeping soundly as she remains curled on my chest. Laying back I try to ignore the door in the hope they will go away but get no such luck. Giving up I take hold of Sunny and slowly lay her on the bed, with her still asleep I get up and make my way to the door. Pulling the door open I find Chaser standing there with his hoof raised ready to knock again.

His eyes widen as he quickly turns his head away, "Oh Celestia! John, put it away."

I'm initially confused before it finally hits me, glancing down I find that I'm standing at the door stark bollock naked. I push the door closed as I dart across the room and put on my boxers, turning back I see the door open with Chaser looking between me and Sunny on the bed. I raise my hand and point to the door which he thankfully gets. He quickly leaves the room with myself immediately following and closing the door behind me, "What?"

He just gives me a cocky grin as he points towards the door, "That's Sunny-"

"-Yes"

"In your bed-"

"-Yes"

He punches his hoof against my arm, "You actually did it!"

Crossing my arms I lean back against the door, "Yes, I did. Happy now?"

He just chuckles, "Happy is not really the word I'd use. At least you finally found yourself a mare."

"This may not be a permanent thing, who knows where it will end up."

Chaser tilts his head, "You two aren't together? Don't you think it will go anywhere?"

I run my hand through my hair, "We didn't exactly plan for it to happen, It just happened. It could have been a one night stand, just a friends with benefits deal or maybe more. I don't know."

Chaser paces down the corridor, "Yeah... Maybe she is just in heat."

My eyes instantly widen upon hearing this, "Wait... heat? You have heat cycles?"

Chaser turns back "Yeah, don't Humans?"

"No, we don't. I think most or all animals back home do except for Humans, but don't quote me on that.." I step down the hall and stop in front of Chaser. "So she was just horny and saw me as relief?"

Shrugging he looks to the door, "Hard to tell really, you'd have to talk to her about that. The Equestrian Guard are given potions and various herbs to help reduce the heat cycle whilst they are on tours of duty, not exactly good to have horny mares parading around the castle."

I crack open the door slightly and look inside, Sunny is still fast asleep on the bed. I whisper back to Chaser, "Why did you come here anyways?"

Chaser blinks momentarily before it all comes back to him, "Oh right... Prince Gerlach has arrived in town and has requested that you see him."

"The Prince wants to see me?" Chaser nods, "Where is he?"

"He's upstairs in the presidential suit and under heavy guard, you are the only member of the Equestrian forces authorised to meet with him or to even be on that entire floor."

I pat Chaser on the back, "Okay I best go and see him then," I enter my room and collect all my clothing. With my rifle still disassembled I'm only able to take my pistol and sword with me, despite meeting Royalty I'm still in a combat zone and I will not go around unarmed.

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Climbing up the last step I'm immediately met with a squad of Royal Guards alongside Georg, he steps up to me and pats my arm, "It's good to see you up and about, John. How are you feeling?"

"Better than I was yesterday, alcohol and sleep in an amazing cure for all problems," Georg just waves down the corridor for me to follow. Stepping alongside him I scan over the large number of Griffin guards, "So why does the Prince want to see me?"

"Prince Gerlach had heard of our infiltration into Wingston and wishes to request your assistance."

"So why didn't he go through Equestrian high command or my Captain? If I wanted to help I would have to run it by at least one of them first."

"He wishes to keep this... Off the record."

I halt on the spot causing Georg to stop and look to me, "He wants me to conduct a black op? I'm not the SAS."

Georg continues to walk, "You can explain it to the Prince. Don't shoot the messenger, John." Reaching the door to the room I am blocked when two guards step in front of me, "You will also have to surrender your weapons before you can enter."

I fold my arms, "You are not getting my weapons, we are still in a war zone."

One of the guards steps up to me, "Then you won't enter!"

I just look up to him, "Then you can tell the Prince that I won't be seeing him. He's not my Prince so I don't care if I displease him."

We stare each other down as neither of us refuses to back down. We are broken from our staring match when the double doors open and every other guard stands at attention. An unfamiliar voice calls from the room, "I'm sure we can make the one exception. Let him pass," Looking to the side I step around and walk into the room seeing the source of the voice. A male Griffin with a body of grey feathers and a cream coloured head, he is dressed in red outfit similar to the officers but instead has a golden breastplate and a long flowing violet cape.

Halting in the room I stand to attention as he closes the door. Scanning the room I find another six guards scattered at various points all armed with captured rifles. How many rifles have the Militarists already constructed. "You wanted to see me, your Majesty?"

He moves around to a large armchair and relaxes into the cushions, "That I did. I've heard some good things about you from Georg and my officers in the field. I was hoping you could assist me in a... sensitive matter."

"As I told Georg outside I'm not exactly equipped for special operations, I am not the SAS."

Gerlach looks to his guard with a confused expression before focusing on me again, "What or who is the SAS?" I'm about to open my mouth before he interrupts, "Actually, I don't care. I need someone with basic intelligence and is semi-capable in combat to retrieve something for me behind enemy lines. You managed to find your way through Wingston without being detected so that makes you the one I need."

I can already tell his guy is an over-entitled twat. "I need details before I agree to anything, I won't send my team on a suicide mission."

Gerlach leans to the side of his chair and selects a cigarette from the side table, "I need you to understand one thing, if you tell anyone this information then you may find the next battlefield to be your last. Is that clear?"

He's trying the threaten me? That isn't going to fly! "It isn't wise to threaten me, I don't serve you. If you want further Equestrian support you best not piss me off. I was the one who even got you this much support in the first place, you make threats then I will advise the Princesses that we need to withdraw entirely from this war. I have a lot of sway with Princess Luna."

The guards all shift slightly at my words. To my surprise the Prince just starts to laugh, "This creature has stones, I love it! You are defiantly the one I want for this. We need a force to move to the town of Beakmund on the coast of the Celestial sea, I have a key individual who I want extracting and brought back to me."

"Who is it?"

"Major Gaston in the Militarist army has been providing us intelligence throughout this entire war. His position has been compromised and I want him brought back immediately, the catch is that the town is only ten miles from a military base which is currently occupied by approximately ten-thousand soldiers."

I run my fingers over the edge of my belt, "I hope you have a good plan for getting me in and out of that town."

Lighting his cigarette with a match he takes a long drag before releasing a plume of smoke towards me, "We can send you on a small civilian boat, luckily for you the town has a very small garrison as they rely on their navy to defend the coastline. You will need to use a small ship to prevent being engaged. He was able to escape the base but has been injured, he is held up in the town with a former combat medic who left the military prior to the beginning of the war."

"I will do it on one condition."

He tilts his head, "And what would that be?"

Raising my hand I point to one of the guards, "I need four rifles and pistols for the Unicorns in my Section and Georg, along with powder and bullets."

Standing he pulls out a slip of paper from one of his pockets, "I shall have it arranged for you. This note will contain all the information you'll require." Saving Major Gaston? Doesn't really have a ring to it like 'Saving Private Ryan'. Maybe after this war I should make that film here? Steven Spielberg would be pissed if he ever found out.

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I had to convince Shining Armor to allow me to engage in this mission, after explaining the circumstances and the massive potential gain in intelligence he was willing to authorise the mission. I quickly received the weapons I had requested from the Prince, they seemed to operate similar to muskets so based on my knowledge I soon determined how to operate them. As everyone got ready I ran a quick firing drill with Silver Spark, Sunny, Colbalt and Georg to teach them some basic firing drills and how to effectively operate them, with the shape of the weapons it was only physically possible to give them to the Unicorns and any Griffins that join me.

Under the cover of night we managed to leave the town along the river Guto in a fishing boat, we had to keep close to the coast in order to avoid enemy naval patrols. On the boat journey I had a Pegasus from the logistical Company join us as I completed the reports requested by the Princesses, I was able to complete the reports fairly quickly and gave them to the Pegasus to deliver them to the appropriate bodies to get them sent directly to Canterlot.

Sunny and I didn't really have an opportunity to talk about the previous night, she slept on the boat along with the others as we made our way towards Beakmund. I was the only one to stay awake as we advanced on the town, I had to keep watch along the coast line for the boat crew in order to avoid enemy movement on the coast as they watched the sea.

We land on the outskirt of the town at 04:15, I gather everyone around me as I pull out a map of the town provided by the Griffins, "We are looking for a Militarist Major by the name of Gaston. The safe house we are expecting him to be in is located along the harbour, it should be a warehouse which was used for the storage of Equestrian imports before the war. The enemy can be engaged if required but we don't know how many are garrisoned here, there is a military base ten miles to the east which may cause issues if we engage with the enemy and they're able to warn the base. An assault is due to take place on the front south of Wingston which may relieve some of the pressure off us."

Sunny examines the map, "What's so important about the Major?"

"He is an informant directly to the Prince, he has vital information which he is using to buy his extraction from the area. He will only give the information to the Prince, I don't like the idea but at least it will keep us out of artillery fire and off the front line."

Silver Spark raises his rifle, "Then let's get a move on and get there before morning."

Standing I load a magazine into my rifle and cock it, "That's what I like to hear. Lets get moving. Arrowhead formation, Colbalt you take front, Sunny and Silver go on either side, make sure you keep your spacing."

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We manage to push through the narrow streets of the town with complete ease. The patrols are very rare and are made up of small numbers armed with a combination of crossbows and rifles. The concern I have is the fact that we can hear the occasional succession of gunshots in the distance, I didn't think there was a battlefield near this location.

According to the map we should be about half a mile from the harbour, rounding a corner I clock a squad of five aiming their rifles to somewhere or someone out of view.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

The gunshots put the Section on alert as they all move to cover at the sides of the road, my riflemen join me on the corner and aim their rifles down the street towards the Militarists. We keep our rifles locked onto them as they begin to move further down the road, signalling the others we slowly and cautiously advance down the road.

Reaching the location where they were previously positioned my eyes widen at the sight before me. Slumped against the wall are five bodies of Griffin civilians, they have bags covering their heads along with signs wrapped around their necks baring the text 'traitor'. Those fuckers are killing civilians!

Georg pauses as he looks towards the bodies, "They need to be avenged."

Patting him I begin to move off, "They will be, those fuckers are going to get a ticket straight to hell."

Reaching the harbour we are alerted by the sounds of screams and crying. Pointing to a selection of crates we all take cover and aim our weapons over the top. I am horrified by what I see in front of us, the Militarist group are dragging a mother and child towards a wall. Throwing her to the wall one of them hit her with their weapon and steps back to the others.

You're going to save them aren't you?
Get the fuck out of my head!
They slowly raise their rifles.
You were always a fucking moron, sacrificing the mission and the lives of your troops for a couple of civilians.
It was our fucking job!
The cocking hammers are pulled to the rear.
Let them die, they aren't worth the lives of your Section. Just like the lives of those in the convoy weren't worth mine.

"FUCK YOU!" The red mist clouds my brain as I jump from my cover, without aiming I point my rifle towards the firing line.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

They all attempt to turn as I unleash a hailstorm of bullets in their direction turning them into pin cushions, their lifeless bodies all collapse to the ground as they clutch their rifles. Releasing mine I let it drop to my side as the others move past me towards the mother and child.

Sunny stops alongside me, "John! What the hay was that!?"

Looking to Sunny her expression stops when she sees the anger and sadness in my eyes. I try to reply but can't seem to say anything to her, shaking my head I advance on the civilians and kneel alongside them, "Are you hurt?"

The mother looks up to me with panic plastered across her face as she hold her child close, "My son... He is hurt,"

"We need to find the Equestrian import harbour, there should be a medic there. Do you know the way?"

She nods her head, "Yes I do, but I can't walk and my wing is hurt."

Swinging my rifle over my back I take a hold of the child, reluctantly she releases her son as I look to her, "Georg pick her up, we need to get to the medic," Looking to the kid I can see a bandage around his head dampened by blood. Rising to my feet the mother begins to provide us directions as we run off further into the harbour.

We run through the dark streets following the directions the female provided us, the dark silhouettes of troop trying to find the source of the shooting fills the sky where we just were. Before too long we find ourselves outside a large warehouse with what appears to only have onc primary entrance, adjusting the child in my grasp I kick my boot against the door.

...No reply.

The mother starts to shout towards the door, "Doctor! Please! My son needs help!" We continue to stare at the door. Turning to the others I can see a black silhouette standing in the shadow of a dark alley, it steps closer revealing Williams with a satanic grin. Now you are all being hunted, there's the hot head I know and love.

I can feel the anger once again building inside me. So you're just going to follow me throughout my life now? I slide my hand over my holster and grasp my pistol. Before I act however the sound of bolts and locks emanates from the double door, the doors swing open before us as five Griffin civilians exit the warehouse with crossbows aimed at us.

A male voice calls from the warehouse, "Bring in the injured, the rest of you stay outside," I'm unable to see the figure in the darkness of the building, glancing to the others I nod as me and Georg slowly walk into the barn. As I get closer I'm able to see the figure, he's a light brown Griffin who seems to stand a bit taller than most of the others I've come across out here, he has a medical harness across his torso which holds a collection of medical tools and syringes, an iron gauntlet fitted with blades over the talons hangs from a smaller belt around his waist, "I must admit, I never expected to have the fabled Human knocking on my door."

I follow behind him as he leads us in deeper, "Well in all honesty I'm here for someone else."

"That can wait, first I need to examine my new patients," -He points towards a pair of medical beds- "Lay them down there."

I lay the child on the bed and look over his wounds as the medic goes to wash his hand, or talons, or whatever the hell you call them, "Do you need any help?"

He looks over his shoulder to me, "An engineer with medical training? I know you all see the body as a 'living machine' but if I need you to fix my toaster I shall call," He steps past me and begins to examine the child's injuries, "I am Balbean. What is your name Human?"

Me and Georg move to a wall and lean against it as we watch him work, "John. John Davies."

"Well then it is a pleasure, John. I hope you don't mind but I enjoy conversation while I work. I seem to work much better with background noise, it helps me think," He selects a stethoscope from his harness and places it on the child's torso.

Georg nudges me with a smirk, "As long as you don't start singing."

Rummaging through my pocket I select my phone, "Actual I have a better idea," Scrolling through the music I decide to play something a bit more mellow and relaxing compared to my usual song choices. Finding the song I press play for 'Happy Together'.

Balbean pauses tilting his head towards me, "Interesting song, quite different to what we have. I suppose that shall do," He continues to treat his patient, moving in front of him in such a position that I fail to see what he is doing. Quietly he begins to mumble to himself, "Young child, aged approximately twelve. Open laceration to the forehead, bleeding appears to have subsided. Pupils are responsive to stimuli and no signs of any severe damage," -Leaning forward he inhales next to the wound- "No signs of any infection and temperature is at a reasonable level," He pauses for a moment as he rummages through a small bag grabbing fluids and fresh bandages. Grabbing what he needs he looks to the mother, "Good news, you're son's injuries are relatively minor. The impact causing the wound just rendered him unconscious, he should be fine once he wakes up, except for feeling a bit sick."

Releasing a sigh of relief the mother smiles from her bed, "Thank you, doctor," Turning her head she then looks to both me and Georg, "And thank you, John. You saved our lives, I can't ever repay you."

I wave my hand, "You don't owe me anything. Balbean can we talk?"

Without looking back he responds, "Yes, yes. Just let me finish cleaning the wound. Soldier if you would get me one of my assistants, they should be down the corridor we came from on the second door on the left," Georg glance to me before leaving the room down the corridor. Shortly he returns with another Griffin who immediately approaches Balbean, receiving his instructions the Griffin begins to treat the injured mother as Balbean approaches me and looks over me, "Come, we shall go to my office. Follow me."

"What about the rest of my squad?"

"They're soldiers, they'll figure out what to do without you. I'm sure your second in command can take charge until you return," I follow Balbean as he leads us through the warehouse. The building appears to have been converted into a makeshift hospital, various medical staff are running about treating those who are laid out on medical beds, a number of civilians are acting as guards armed with swords and crossbows. Entering an office which surely used to belong to the factory owner I find another Griffin sat against a bed. Balbean sits behind his desk and relaxes into the chair, "So who exactly are you looking for?"

Flicking my eyes to the other Griffin I can see his injured wing and shoulder, underneath the bed is a torn green uniform with a rifle and pistol, "That Griffin right there," -I point to him- "Major Gaston."

His stature switches to one of fear as he jumps from his bed grabbing his pistol, swinging it around he aims it directly at my head, "You are not taking me back! I will kill you both before you get the opportunity!"

Balbean taps his desk, "Gaston-"

As soon as Gaston looks to him I leap forward and grab the pistol, twisting it to the side I swing my fist down on top of his joint causing him to release the pistol, swinging my hand back I slap him across the face with a backhand, "I'm with the Equestrians you pillock, so don't point a gun at me again or I will do so much more than just slap-"

PHAT PHAT PHAT

I'm interrupted by the sounds of gunfire breaking through the window behind Balbean's desk, immediately we all drop to the floor. I bring my rifle around and crawl to the window. Standing at the frame I quickly aim my rifle and spot three Militarist soldiers, I line up the shot as they reload their rifles.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT *CLICK

The three drop to the floor, one of them grasps his wounds as he rolls on the floor screaming in agony. I turn back to Georg and point to the door, "Get the others inside, now! Set up a bottleneck at the door and mow down any fuckers who come in!" Nodding he darts out the door as I replace the empty magazine.

Here we go again