With the chemical leak contained and the hostiles within the immediate area eliminated specialist hazmat units from the fire and rescue service were able to move in, since the military had little to no training with how to deal with these sorts of situations the fire service took charge, though they were more used to dealing with chemical fires at industrial complexes they were able to decontaminate some of the outer areas exposed to small concentrations of the gas. It would take some time but they would be able to slowly move into the epicentre.

With the main device disarmed we continued to search the surrounding buildings to ensure there were no other devices, we spent a good few hours carrying out a thorough search yet turned up no traces of any other bombs either explosive or chemical. With the area search complete we were able to leave the area, the military were reinforced with members of the local guard who were able to procure protective equipment from nearby industrial facilities.

Leaving the financial district we slowly made our way back towards the Capitol building, as we make our way down the main road we pass numerous medical personnel as they prioritise which casualties to treat on scene and who to transport to hospital. None of us said a single word as we walked, after seeing what we did it was safe to say that morale was low. It was by far the worst devastation I've ever seen in person, chemical warfare is a horror which nobody should witness.

Once we're safely out of the radius of the gas I finally remove my helmet and hold it by my side, glancing to the others they mimic my actions by quickly removing their masks and helmets. Sighing I run my hand through my hair as I look to everyone else, "Once we're back make sure you immediately jump in a shower, we need to get rid of any chemical traces still left on us. Though any remnants which remains on us will be minor and shouldn't be a dangerous dose, it's better to be safe then sorry. Clean up and meet me in the south courtyard... we've got business to take care of."

Moving through the main gate of the Capitol building I hold my hand out to Shadow who returns my rifle to me, as I hook it over my back we move into the main building where everyone splits up to head to their own rooms. Instead of heading straight for mine I instead take a detour, moving through the corridors I find the room I'm after which has a large concentration of guards stood outside.

They all look to me with interest as I stop in front of a Sergeant and point to the door. "Are they in there?" As soon as he nods I push the doors open and quickly move inside where I find the Prime Minister alongside the four Princesses and a selection of both Solar and Crystal guards. As I stop in front of them I can see the concern on their faces as they look to me, after seeing what I've seen and being confined in that mask I must look like complete shit. "The gas bomb has now been disarmed... it will be some time before is dissipates but emergency crews are working to clear it."

Bernhard gets up from his seat and grasps onto the earlier file, "Thank you, Captain. Without your intervention who knows how things would have turned out. These Children have gone too far, we must act now."

"Then give me the intelligence... my team are getting their kit ready then I'll lead an assault and get those fuckers." Bernhard considers me for a moment before finally reaching a decision.

He holds the file to me which I take from his hold, "I will provide you with whatever resources you need. Make sure you remove that filth from this Empire, they have betrayed their own country with this act of treachery."

As I turn to step out of the room Luna calls to me, "John? Are you alright?"

Stopping momentarily I glance back over my shoulder. "I'm fine," My voice is filled with anger betraying my words.

"You don't so-"

"I said I'm fine!" I snap back at her as I spin on the spot. "I just..." Lowering my head I let out a shallow groan as I rub my face. "I need to prepare." I don't even look to Luna as I leave the room, part of myself hates the fact that I just snapped when she was worried about me. Moving as a fast pace I storm straight into my room and slam the door, grasping onto my sword, pistol and rifle I throw them straight on top of the bed along with the rest of my pocket contents before moving for the bathroom.

Not even bothering to close the door I rush to the sink where I quickly splash cold water of my face. As my face drips I slowly look up to the mirror and stare into my own eyes, heavy bags rest under my eyes as a dark outline surrounds them, it's almost as though you could tell I was feeling like shit just from looking at them. Pushing away from the sink I turn the taps on in the shower and immediately throw off my armour, webbing and field pack before stepping in while I'm still wearing my uniform.

As the water finally begins to warm up I slump forwards and rest my hands on the wall as I lean forward to stare directly to the swirling water as it escapes down the drain. I just stand there and let the water run over me. I never thought I'd see chemical weapons, if someone used them on Earth it would have been a guaranteed death sentence for the user. But here... this group happily and willingly used it to target civilians.

I stand in the shower for ages, I don't even bother to move from that position as I try to force all the images from today out of my head. If something like this was to happen in London, Washington or even Paris there would be millions out for blood hunting those who were responsible. The Children will have hell crashing down on them for this.

After some time passes I hear the door to my bedroom open then close shortly afterwards. "John?" Twilight's voice calls out from the bedroom as I hear her hooves getting closer. "Is everything alright?" Sighing I turn the shower off and step over to the doorway where I find Twilight looking to me with worry, "John, you need to rest."

Looking to her I grunt as I lean down to peel away the drenched duct tape over my boots, "I'm fine." Stepping over to my wardrobe I quickly remove my boots and kick them to the side, "I can rest once the job is done."

"The job? This is more then just a job, John. What about your well being? You can't keep throwing yourself in harms way."

Grasping my waterlogged shirt I throw it in the corner as I grasp a towel from out of the wardrobe and begin to dry my hair and chest. "I can't just sit by as those fuckers carry out these sickening attacks. I've got an opportunity to get them, I need to act before I miss my window."

"You can't just charge in and face this head on. You need to plan this out, you need help."

"Help? I've got the Griffin military to support me courtesy of the Prime Minister, I've get plenty of help." With my upper body dried I look inside at the fresh uniform, reaching for my regular black and purple shirt I pause as my eyes catch my MTP folded at the bottom of my bag resting at the foot of the wardrobe. Leaning down I pick up my old faithful camouflaged uniform and start to put on my t-shirt and shirt. Before I start to pull down my trousers I glance to Twilight, "You may want to look away for a minute."

Once Twilight turns to admire the detail of the wallpaper I strip out of my trousers and boxers and equip a clean pair of pants and my camo trousers. It's been too long since I've been in my MTP, it's good to be back in my faithful uniform. As I step back into the bathroom to grab my armour and webbing I glance to Twilight, "Don't worry, I'm going to plan everything out with the others. I need to be quick though, the longer we wait the more chance there is of the Children relocating or potentially initiating another attack."

As I begin to strap my armour on Twilight moves into the doorway, "Is this really the best option? Engaging in a battle? What about diplomacy?"

As the last strap is secured I let out a loud sarcastic laugh as I throw on my webbing and field pack, "Diplomacy has come and passed. We've reached a stage where that is going to be impossible, now it's time for bullets to do the talking. They set things in motion, if they want a fight I'll give them one."

Moving around Twilight I reattach my scabbard and thigh holster before slinging my rifle over my back. With all of my kit sorted I glance back to the dossier and begin to flick through the pages as I leave the room. As I look through the intelligence reports, Twilight quickly leaves my room and moves alongside me. "John, listen to me. We don't need more conflict, this isn't how we move forward."

Stopping I let out a sigh as I close the dossier, "Twilight, I understand things work differently here but I don't see any other way to deal with this issue. If you want diplomacy then you're talking to the wrong person, I'm a soldier not a politician. If it's what you wish then take it up with the Prime Minister or Princess Celestia and Luna, until I'm told otherwise I'm going to do what I do best and prepare for a fight."

Twilight lets out a frustrated growl as she moves past me to likely find the Princesses, following her direction I instead move to the opposite doorway which leads me into the courtyard where I find my entire team in fresh and clean uniforms. Alongside my unit I find Gabrielle's unit consisting of her own squad and a large concentration of regular guards easily providing me with over one-hundred soldiers, all of whom are waiting on parade. As I step in front of them all Gabrielle joins me at the front as I look over the rest, "Company! Company shun!" Everyone in front of me immediately snaps to attention and keep their eyes locked forward as I begin pacing back and forth.

As I step back and forth in front of the parade I read over the information as quickly as I can. "We will be moving to assault a complex which is built into the side of the mountains, the location is approximately fifty miles east of Griffonstone in the old site of the Falgrif mines. Alpha Platoon will consist of mine and Gabrielle's unit, Bravo Platoon will be made of the rest of you, who is your senior officer?"

"That'll be me, sir." One of the Griffins steps out of the parade and joins me at the front, looking over his uniform I find a single bar on his collar signifying that he's a Lieutenant

"Can you lead a Platoon?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good... we've got a lot to prepare before we move out."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We spent the next hour going over various plans, each Section commander took the time to ensure their units kit were all in order as myself and the other two officers planned the main assault. We were able to meet the Prime Minister again in order to attempt to get some resources, since the attack he had little to no hesitation in granting us what we wanted. We were to be supported by two heavy airships fitted with heavy guns and fully crewed with one-hundred and fifty units on board each ship.

The Princesses tried to listen into the details of the attack, however they were too distracted having Shining talking their ears off about 'allowing me to carry out such a reckless move.' I swear to god I really want to slap some fucking sense into the cunt, he likes to do nothing but oppose me at every opportunity he can get.

With our plan prepared we make our way back to the courtyard to address the Company, as we step to the front Chaser brings them all to attention as I notice the Princesses and Bernhard watch from the rear. "Listen up! We are moving out in ten minutes, as soon as the airships arrive I want Alpha Platoon on the one ship and Bravo on the other! As we close the distance on the complex both ships will provide heavy ordinance as the rest of us move in on foot, they'll target the walls and gate weakening it so we should be able to enter with little opposition! They'll cease fire as we close in on the ground, once the fire has ended you can take to the air and assault from above! Listen to your commanders and any orders they give you, I'll give them their orders during the journey!"

Holding up a photo I pace back and forth as I show everyone Silverwing, "This is your main target, Silverwing! Suspected leader of the Children of the Motherland, and likely responsible for organising the gas attack earlier today!" Pausing I glance to the Princesses as I consider my next order, "You are to shoot to kill, only attempt apprehending him if he is trapped, unarmed or injured! He's too dangerous, if he escapes then he will just reorganise the Children and this will just repeat itself! This order goes for everyone else on site as well, if anyone is armed with any sort of weapon then they are a threat and must be eliminated unless they physically surrender! These fuckers will face justice, if that means we've personally got to send them to hell for that to happen then so be it! Get your kit sorted and head to the front of the building to get on the airships once they arrive! Fall out!"

As everyone begins to move out I open the dossier once gain and look to the other photo which show's Silverwing conversing with the cloaked figure which is apparently Tirek. Should I tell the others of Tirek? Is this even him or just a completely different pony who is working with the Children? I haven't got enough evidence to confirm this is even Tirek, I've got the frame of a pony, grey legs with cloven hooves and intelligence which only mentions him by name. It's not enough to confirm that it is Tirek at this time, besides Luna told me that he's imprisoned however there is always the possibility that it's far from the truth.

Deciding against it, for the time being, I close the dossier and look towards the Princesses. As Bernhard moves away to talk to Gabrielle I make my move and approach them. Once I reach them I place the dossier in my bag as I look between them, "We should be back tomorrow morning, if everything goes smoothly."

Shining steps forward and tries to glare at me, "This is a foolish move. If you go in now there's no telling of the repercussions which will result from this assault."

Taking out my pistol I reach into my field pack and take out a small box of spare ammunition. Removing my magazine I refill my used magazine as I talk to them, "If we wait they may carry out additional attacks, relocate key personnel and equipment once they realise we're aware of their location or even build up stronger defences. They don't know of the knowledge we have, so I'm going to hit them with their pants down."

"You're just rushing in without taking in the possi-"

Once my magazine is full I reinsert it into my pistol and holster it before moving my hand to keep my middle finger raised directly in front of Shining's muzzle. "-You're complaints are noted, Rupert. Fortunately for me I'm in the Lunar Guard so your complaint mean fuck all to me."

As Shining scowls at me Celestia shakes her head slowly, "Lunar Guard or not we still need to consider what is best for everypony. Having you constantly butting heads with Shining Armor is not beneficial for any of us. Not to mention that this assault could have repercussions for the Guard, many may view this as an act of aggression on our part. Engaging in combat should be a last resort, we need to consider our options."

"And sitting back as we twiddle out thumbs will be seen as an act of weakness. I'm here for the purpose of aiding the Griffin's against this threat, If I suddenly sit this one out it shows that we are not committed to our agreements. That will look back on my unit and potentially Equestria, we need to honour this." Finally lowering my hand from Shining's muzzle I move past Celestia and stop in front of Luna. "I was first told when I became a Captain that I was expected to follow the orders of the sister who was head of the Guard I chose to join. So, Princess Luna do I have permission to carry out this mission?"

Luna's eyes widen as she realises that I'm defying her sister. Being put on the spot her eyes quickly dart between myself and her sister as she tries to think of a decision. Don't back down, Luna. You know that I can do this. You have as much power as your sister, take a stand for yourself and trust me to get the job done for you. Finally Luna closes her eyes as she nods, "Captain Davies, you have permission to advance as you see fit."

Grinning I step back and salute Luna, "Yes, ma'am." As I turn to leave I can see Celestia's look of resentment towards her sister decision as I move to my team. As Shining glares to me once again I simply flip him the bird as I shout out to my team, "Rangers! Move out!"

Standing there I watch as John waves over the rest of his team, he's clearly earned their respect as they never seem to hesitate following his orders. As he moves away I can feel Celestia as she glares at me. I know she'll be mad that I defied her wishes but John is right, he takes his orders from me not her.

As John moves out of sight I can't help but worry for him, upon his return from the financial district I could tell that he was feeling the strain from what he went through. From the sound of it the sights there must have been horrific, yet he still continues strong with his duties. I can tell he's holding something back though, nopony could go through that and be left unscathed.

Once John is out of sight I move to leave the courtyard and head for my room, I'd rather not deal with my sister trying to lecture me about what I just agreed to. "Luna, may we have a word?" Celestia asks. Well buck... and here I thought I was going to be able to slink away.

Pausing I briefly nod to her, as she follows me we both move in silence as we pass the guards who have been posted following the earlier attack. Once we reach my room we both make our way inside where Celestia locks the door and casts the routine spell to cancel out noise. Sighing she runs her hoof over her muzzle, "Would you care to explain to me why you allowed John's request?"

Stopping I turn to my sister, "You know that he is correct, you said yourself that 'John is certainly a capable warrior.' These circumstances require us to intervene, John is the best pon... person to do the job and you know it."

"But eagerly agreeing for him to lead an offensive within the Griffin's borders? This could come back to bite us."

Groaning I step to the window and look out over the roof of the Capitol building as I watch two ships lower from the air towards the ground. "You always treat these sorts of things with caution, sister, this is why I dealt with these matters before my banishment. We can't always play nice, sometimes we have to act in such a manner, especially in these circumstances."

Celestia joins me at the window to watch as numerous Griffins fly to the lowering ships, "We still need to consider our options before acting, this could have been left for the Griffins to deal with whilst John maintained the security here."

"And what if John was correct with what he said? If he suddenly went back on his pledge and previous actions it would look badly on himself and the rest of us, the Captain's actions alone have earned us good favour with the Prime Minister. This is the best thing for Equestria and the Griffin Empire."

"We rule together, sister. These sorts of decisions should be made by the both of u-"

"-You mean like how you allowed Shining to peruse Tirek but refused to inform my Captain? They're both the same rank and capable at engaging in whatever tasks they're assigned to. If anything John is more capable then Shining, without even being made aware of Tirek he has been able to learn of him and even going as far linking him to the Children. Just because Shining is a Prince and due to become a Major you place him on a pedestal and ignore any of those under my command. If you want to give these roles to your own guards without my say so... well I guess I shall do the same with mine."

Before Celestia can respond I turn and immediately leave the room before pacing down the corridor. The nerve on her, she thinks that just because she is the older sister she can overrule whatever I have to say? Am I not a leader? Are we not to rule together, or has she let the nobles fill her heads with lies that I'm no longer fit to rule following my banishment? Letting out a frustrated groan I look out a passing window as a large shadow looms over the corridor. Looking outside I watch as the two airships lift off from their position and begin to fly south-east towards their target.

Be careful, John. I hope I made the right decision.