The rest of the day was spent working in the armoury and labs below the barracks to get everything in order for the war games, we have a lot of equipment to develop and distribute to ensure every soldier has the newest kit for the battle. Dawnstar was able to give us a few demonstrations of the defensive capabilities of the new helmets. If a bullet struck the helmet at the right angle it had the potential to deflect the round, this would save the life of the wearer but the force still had potential to cause sufficient harm.

I decided to look into developing some new optics for our rifles, even though our weapons had reduced range with the training rounds it would be good to have this equipment ready for future operations. By the end of the day, I was able to create the base of a standard rifle scope which had the ability to provide the user with increased vision at range. With the main optics set and a basic frame constructed, I would be able to tinker with the design further to increase its durability and allow for better sight alignments.

I also started creating additional magazines for my Glock 17. I only came here with the two and following the attack on the Children installation, I would likely need more for close quarters combat. I even threw the idea of elemental rounds towards Dawnstar, she did say that in theory, they could be possible but it would require extensive research and development. Due to the lower surface area of the bullet, the effects of elemental spells would be reduced from the effectiveness I had witnessed with arrows.

Crimson seemed to relax more as she got stuck into some work, I'm sure it helped her to take her mind off things. It was also good to see that everyone else welcomed her back with open arms when we headed to the common room after our work... or would it be with open hooves? It didn't take long for her to come out of her shell and interact with everyone like she did prior to Comets death. She even had her old room left for her, since Matrix was our newest member he had been assigned to Comets old room.

With little sleep the previous night we all decided to have an early night, especially when I announced to everyone that the entire week we'd be training and organising kit ready for the war games. After two weeks of food, lots of booze and relaxation it would do us some good to get back into shape before we're expected to run around on the battlefield.

After having a hot shower and a quick shave I let out a resounding yawn as I stroll from my ensuite to my bedroom, after a few months away from this comfortable bed I was more than eager to jump straight under the covers. As I grasp onto the sheets to pull them back I hear the door behind me creek open following a quiet succession of knocks.

Groaning I turn to the door, "What now?" Once the door is fully open I pause as Luna steps through, "Luna? What are you doing here?"

Sauntering into the room she closes the door behind her with her magic, "I just came by to see if you were beginning preparations for the war games. After all, you've got to make sure that you don't let down the Lunar Guard."

Releasing my bed sheets I stroll to the centre of the room to meet with Luna, "We're getting there. We've just got to finish developing a few pieces, the new helmets are due to be issued out to every member of the Rangers tomorrow. I don't see why we won't win these games, I've got more experience than Shining when it comes to implementing tactics on the battlefield."

"That may be, but don't think he hasn't studied and reviewed numerous strategies for combat. You may be experienced, but he has knowledge on his side."

Raising a hand I caress Luna's cheek, "I take it you'll be spectating? Are you going to be rooting for me on the sidelines? Maybe I should get you a cheerleaders outfit."

Raising her hoof she rests it on my hand, "Unfortunately, no. My sister and I have to meet with delegates in the Crystal Empire, both Cadence and Twilight will also be in attendance with us. And good luck trying to get me to wear an outfit like that."

"I'll have to make sure I've got plenty of war stories for you then, ones which tell of my heroism and skill on the battlefield."

Chuckling Luna lowers her hoof, "It doesn't count in a training exercise, nice try, John."

"I thought it was." Leaning closer I place a soft kiss on Luna's lips, to which she responds with a soft moan. Pulling back I start to idly run my hand over the fur on her neck, "Was there any other reason you decided to visit me during the night?"

Luna smirks as she looks to the suggestive expression on my face, "Although it would be an enjoyable way to spend the night, I didn't come for that. I wanted to assist you with preparations."

"Preparations? How?"

With a glow of her horn, Luna's magical energy collides with my chest knocking me back slightly towards my bed. As I try to respond my eyes feel immediately heavy as my body weakens, despite my efforts my legs give out from underneath me sending me backwards onto my bed as my eyes drift closed. W-what are you playing at Luna?

As quickly as my eyes close they once again reopen. In the brief seconds I lost control of my body I find myself in a completely different setting, lying on what seems to be thin air I appear to be in some sort of empty void, in every direction I can see what appears to see the night sky with stars lighting the surrounding area.

Rising to my feet I swivel on the spot to try and get my bearings. "Luna!?" I call out to my empty surroundings. "Luna, where are you!?"

"I'm right here," Luna's voice responds yet I'm unable to determine its source. Without warning, a white flash disrupts my vision as an opening appears in the sky overhead. From the opening Luna emerges as she seems to effortlessly descend as she walks towards me, it's almost as though she's walking down a set of invisible steps.

Once she reaches me I continue to survey my surroundings as the passage behind her seals, "Where the hell are we?"

"Isn't it obvious? We're in the dreamscape," She states matter-of-factly.

"Dreamscape? Why have you brought us here? Every other time you met me here you generated my flat, so why are we suddenly in the vacuum of space?"

Shaking her head Luna looks to the side, "I'm going to help your team train, once again, by allowing you to engage in another battle. This time, however, I'm going to allow you to chose the battle."

"But we're not in the same room? We're scattered around the building."

Chuckling Luna turns back to me, "I don't need to have you all nearby in order to allow you to share a dream. Granted, it would make it easier but it isn't a necessity. Besides, you're all in the same building."

Stepping back I turn my back on Luna as I think, "I don't know what battle to throw us all into. Shining will likely implement magic to grant him an advantage, I don't have any memories or knowledge of battles which could help us prepare for that."

"It is true, from what you've said humans don't possess any form of magic. Shining has also ensured that his Company is well trained in the use of combat magic, he will likely use that to his advantage."

I don't even know how to fully implement my teams magic into combat. It's useless to me, humans have never needed magic when we could rely on... I suddenly lift my head and turn back to Luna as an idea come to me. "That's it!"

Luna cocks a brow as she watches me curiously, "What is?"

"Humans never had magic, instead we relied on one thing to advance our species both in and out of combat... technology."

"I'm not following you, John. How is this going to help your team?"

"Simple, I need to show my team the effects technology can have on the battlefield. Magic can only be harnessed by the few who have the power to wield it, technology on the other hand-"

"-Can be used by anypony," Luna finishes.

Grinning I grab hold of her, "Exactly. I'll show them how humanity has used technology, from that I can hopefully get the idea through to them that technological development for the Rangers is the way forward. We'll prioritise superior equipment and training to give us the edge in battle."

"I must admit, it does sound promising. But what technology are you referring to? Do you mean those machines we witnessed from your memories whilst you were serving in the army?"

Shaking my head I release a sigh, "No. There's no point in showing them modern combat vehicles like the Apache or Challenger, that technology will be out of your reach for centuries. No... what I need is an early form of mechanised vehicles to show you the potential it has, from there you'll see how its introduction had a dramatic change on the battlefield."

Nodding Luna takes a step back, "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking the largest mechanised assault of the first world war, tanks used to their full potential... Amiens 1918. It may not have been the greatest tank, but that assault was the biggest ever push into German lines of the entire war. Tanks turned the tide of the war for us. If I can show everyone the potential technology has, maybe I'll make them realise the importance advanced equipment can have on the battlefield."

"Okay, I'll bring the others into the dreamscape. Though, I have one request."

Cocking a brow I eye her curiously, "And that is?"

There is a brief pause before Luna replies, "I wish to join you in combat."

My eyes widen at Luna's request, "Really? The tank isn't exactly going to be comfortable, not to mention that we'll still be engaged in a battle."

"If this technology is a promising as you make it out to be, I want to experience it for myself. Should it prove to be effective then I may prioritise future technological development for the Guard. We've already made rapid changes since your arrival, we've gone from no growth to rapid development in a number of months."

With a crisp nod, I turn to the side, "Okay, but on the battlefield, you take orders from me. You may be a Princess, but I'm still a Captain."

Luna gives a soft chuckle as her horn glows, "You forget that my sister and I have complete control of the Guard, but I shall do as you say."

Matching her chuckle I shake my head, "Shit, you're right. I didn't really think that through. I'm a professional soldier then."

After a few moments I watch as our surroundings rapidly change, the first thing to form is the dark sky overhead as it fills with heavy clouds. It doesn't take long for a mild fog to appear as trees and fields materialise from the ground and rise before us to create a thin woodland. After a few moments, Luna turns to me as she raises her hoof to point behind me.

Turning I look to my team as they all suddenly pick themselves up from the floor, a set of familiar khaki overalls covering their bodies. With a quick glance to myself, I also find myself wrapped in a khaki uniform from the first world war with an officer's cap resting on top of my head to symbolise my seniority. Along with the standard uniform, there are a number of patches on my arm showing the outline of a tank and with the text 'Tank corps,' our epaulettes have 'TC' sewn onto them to symbolise our unit. As the others all look to one another in confusion I step up to them, "Welcome to training."

Rubbing his eyes Chaser looks around, "I... I thought we weren't starting till tomorrow."

"Yeah, but since we're asleep and Luna offered to throw this together I figured we could start now." As I turn to Luna I pause briefly as I notice that she is also wrapped in the khaki uniform, although it sounds weird I can't help but think how good she makes that uniform look. Regaining my thoughts I turn to the side where I can see campfires lighting the woods in the distance, "I'm guessing camp is this way. Follow me, guys."

As we walk, Matrix slowly flies alongside me to keep up, "Care to explain what the heck is going on? One minute I was having a pleasant dream, the next minute I'm stuck in some foggy woodland with all of you and the Princess. That's another point, why is the Princess here?"

Tilting my head I glance to him then Luna as she catches up to walk along my other side, "We have been able to use dreams based on my memories and knowledge to allow us to engage in past battles from human history. We've been using it to allow us to train... kinda like a simulation if you guys even know what that is. Last time we were on the beaches of Normandy on D-day, today we're on the outskirts of Amiens."

"But why is Princess Luna here?" After a brief pause, he turns to Luna as a sheepish smile spreads across his muzzle, "No offence."

Shrugging Luna focuses on the uneven terrain, "None taken."

As we reach an incline I start to pick up the speed as a number of outlines begin to move through the fog, "She wished to be here. Since it's a dream and she's allowing us to do this, I'm not going to object." As we all make our way towards an opening in the trees I can hear a number of engines running and mechanics working as they prepare the tanks for the push.

As we near a small group of soldiers one of them breaks off and steps up to me, "Captain Davies, your Mk V is ready and waiting for you. I'll show you to her." All of us follow the soldier as he escorts us around a number of tents and supply crates until we reach our destination. Sitting alongside a small repair station sits the metal beast, our very own Mk V tank.

The large contraption sits with two tracks on either side of the main body, protruding from each side rests an additional unit which houses the 6-pounder guns along with an additional Lewis machine gun, two more machine guns were set up at the front and rear of the tank providing it with a total of six guns. Painted along the main body at the front of the tracks were three vertical stripes of white, red then white to symbolise that it was in control by the British.

As our escort leaves us I turn to the others as they all look to the tank with a mixture of awe and bewilderment. Grinning I step up to the tank and knock against the metal frame, "Welcome to the future everyone."

As they all slowly step closer, Sunny turns her focuses to me, "John, what is it?"

Flying overhead, Chaser lands on the roof, "It looks like a giant metal shed."

Grinning I turn to him, "You aren't far off. This is the Mk V tank, developed by the British army to punch through the German trench lines. The reason I'm showing you all this is because you may have noticed that I rely on technology and equipment on the battlefield, compared to others such as Shining who relies on magic. I'm going to show you how technology and industry can turn the tide of battle."

Kicking the tracks with her hoof, Shadow strolls around the tank, "How does it work? How would anypony even be able to drag this along a battlefield?"

"You think we tow this?" Scoffing I move to the main door and open it up, "You drive it. It operates by using an engine to provide power to the tracks allowing it to move on its own accord. You only need someone to operate the controls to select the gears for the tracks which feeds power into them." Turning back to the others I look to them all as I block the door, "So... who wants to drive?"

Everyone pauses as they all look to each other with scepticism, it's almost as if they don't even expect it to be capable of any form of movement. With nobody else volunteering Luna steps forward, "I'll give it a try."

Grinning I step to the side allowing her access to the main tank, "Head to the front seat and wait for me there. I'll show you the basic controls, I should be able to figure it out with you." Turning back to the others I run a hand through my hair, "For the rest of you, I will need six members to operate the guns. The rest of you will be outside the tank making a push with the infantry."

Looking between everyone I pause as an idea hits me. I highly doubt those who can fly will want to be cooped up in her like a caged bird, they could advance behind us then fly overhead as we cross the trenches to ensure we don't get any Germans sneaking up on us. "Crimson, Silver, Colbalt, Sunny, and Slicer, since you guys can't fly I want you all in the tank with me."

As they all climb into the tank I look back to the others, with the rest of them having wings I'd rather have them outside the tank but I'll still need one more to operate one of the weapons. I'll obviously be the tank commander and main engineer, but I will need someone to assist me if the engine fails on us. Looking over the last few I stop when I look to Matrix. He shuffles slightly as he looks to me, "W-what?"

"Didn't you say you were an engineer?"

"...Yeah."

Grinning I point into the tank, "In you go then."

As he steps to the opening he comes to a sudden halt as he notices the engine, "I'm not a train conductor, I don't know what to do with an engine. I only work on constructing barricades, fortifications and demolition."

"You were told that I was going to 'mentor' you. So get your arse in there so I can teach you how to be a proper engineer." Grumbling to himself he finally enters the tank as I turn to the others, "For the rest of you, I want you all advancing behind the tank when it comes to the assault. Find the quartermaster and get weapons and ammo, I'll brief you all once I've shown everyone in here how to operate the tank."

As they all cautiously step off in search of the quartermaster I can't help but grin as I step into the tank and seal the door behind me.

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Following our briefing I had time to give everyone their individual orders, those on the ground would follow Chaser's lead as they provide infantry support to our flanks. I went around everyone in the tank and explained their roles and how the equipment worked, the only major difficulty was explaining how the driving controls worked for Luna. After a brief demonstration of the gears and steering levers she was able to get the hang of it.

We're based in the Tronville woods, three miles back from the frontline. Our primary objective is to launch a surprise attack on the German trenches to allow us to break through their defences, make way for infantry support, neutralise their artillery then secure a position seven miles past the crossing point. In modern combat, a seven-mile push may seem like nothing, but during the war that push had never been made by allied forces on the western front... until today.

This battle will consist primarily of tanks and infantry pushing on the ground, following an aerial strike from the airforce which will mask the sound of the advancing tanks. The purpose of the assault is to smash a line which is wide and deep enough that the German army will be unable to recover, seeing as a few months later the war came to an end I'd say this battle played a vital role in ending the war. This battle will allow the team to see how technology can turn the tide, before this mechanised assault the war was locked in a constant stalemate.

With everyone kitted up and the assault due to begin shortly, we needed to get into position ready to make the push. Due to her height, Luna was able to effectively see where she was going as she sat in the driver's seat, I highly doubt the others would have been able to operate the driving role. With everyone at their stations, I move to the rear of the engine.

"Matrix, get over here." Moving from his position on the rear gun, he joins me at the starting handle which acts as the tanks ignition. Grasping onto it we both hold it at the top position, "Ready? One, two." We both rotate it as quickly as we can, pushing it to the bottom then back up in an attempt to start the engine. In true British fashion it failed to start, "One, two." Again... nothing. "One, two." With a final push, the engine releases a bellowing roar as the engine comes to life.

As Matrix moves back to his gun I navigate around the others and join Luna and Slicer at the front. Resting a hand on Luna's back I look forward through the driving hatch, "Take it steady to begin with. Once you're familiar with the controls kick it into full speed, these things aren't exactly very quick so the sooner the better."

With a soft nod, she uses her magic to compress the handles on the levers and pushes them into first gear. The tank jolts violently as it sets off causing me to back peddle in the tank, the others are also required to grasp onto their positions to stop them from falling. It doesn't take long until Luna gets a feel for the controls and increases the speed. Chuckling I pat her on the back, "Who would have guessed that the Princess of the night would know how to drive a tank."

Tilting her head back to me, Luna grins, "It certainly is an experience."

Leaning from her position, Slicer turns to us both, "I would never have expected the Princess to be doing this."

Luna turns back to Slicer, "I bet you never expected you'd be in a situation like this when I trained you."

"I never knew what to expect with you. You always taught me to adapt to the situation when required, but never did I think I'd have to adapt to something like this."

Before I move back to my position, I lean closer to Luna, "I know that you will have a lot of magical power and could probably wipe the battlefield clean, but for the purpose of training could you only use... basic spells if you use any? We won't be able to fight alongside you in the real world."

Tilting her head back, Luna pauses before nodding, "I suppose that makes sense. Very well, I shall only use 'basic' spells."

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As the early dawn light forces the fog away, the armada of tanks all close in with one another as the sound of engines overhead break the silence that fell over the tank... when I say silence I mean the lack of conversation since the engine produces a constant level of noise. Moving to the overhead hatch I shout out to Luna, "Cut the speed! We need to be moving at a snail's pace!"

"It's not like we could go any faster than a snail anyways," Matrix remarks under his breath.

As Luna cuts the speed I open the hatch overhead allowing the natural light to fill the dark shell of the tank. The volume of engines overhead intensifies as a fleet of aircraft fly overhead towards the German line, according to our briefing we have to hold a mile from the enemy position until the bombing runs commence.

The others quickly gather around to look at the planes overhead as they advance on the enemy positions. Nudging me, Sunny watches them in astonishment, "Is that how humans fly?"

Nodding I climb up onto the frame surrounding the engine to poke my head out, "Yeah. We can't naturally fly, so we developed vehicles to allow us to reach the skies. This war not only saw the creation of mechanised warfare but also aerial combat." Turning to the rear of the tank I look to the fleet of tanks and infantry which match our speed as we wait for the bombing run to commence, Chaser and the others are positioned directly behind our tank as they stare upwards.

Following a stretched pause the sound and shockwave of distant bombs finally hit us. Climbing back into the tank I close the hatch, "Full speed, Luna! Everyone man your guns! Colbalt, Silver, load grapeshots and prepare to engage the enemy as we near the trenches! Wait for my order!"

Luna once again puts the tank into full power as the engine begins to work overtime. Everyone waits nervously as they clasp onto their weapons, the sound of distant bombs sending shivers down our spines. It still takes us time to reach our target, scaling a small incline our tank starts to crush the barbed wire lines as we crawl over numerous craters.

Peeking through the commander's hatch I can see the heads of Germans as they lean out of their trenches to find the large mechanised force advancing on them. "Open fire!" As soon as the order is given the two 6-pounder guns immediately fire forward on the enemy position, the grape shots tearing through the flesh of the targets in front sending them back down into their trench in a bloody heap. Slicer's machine gun fire is able to suppress the enemy as they all duck, those who lift their heads quickly meet their end as a high calibre round rips them apart.

Many of the soldier in the trench attempt to fire back with their rifles, but to no avail. Their rounds aren't enough to pierce the armour of the tank as they're effortlessly halted by the metal case protecting us. As their rounds fail to cause us any harm they quickly attempt to climb out of the rear of their trench in an attempt to escape our path.

As the front of the tracks crosses over the trench both Sunny and Crimson have angles to fire on the Germans below from their machinegun positions, their rounds rinse through the trench lines exterminating all life within the confines of the defensive line. With three machine guns constantly firing and the cannons unleashing havoc the interior of the tank quickly fills with smoke as the weapons discharge.

As we cross the trench the tank rocks forwards as it hits a sudden ditch, the force is enough to make most of us lose our footing as we're all thrown forward. I have to prop myself against the engine to stop myself headbutting the metal components, Crimson is thrown from her position as her back impacts against the floor.

As the tank remains stationary the others all continue to fire as I quickly move to Crimson. Grabbing hold of her I sit her up as I pull her back over to the gun, "Come on, Crimson! It's just a knock! Get back on the gun!" As she reaches for the weapon I move around to the left side to observe the trench below. Many enemies are attempting to flee the trench as bullets tear through their unprotected bodies causing them to collapse over the top of the trench line.

Before too long Luna is able to get the tank moving again, the front of the tracks are able to push through the top of the ditch, moving the dirt allowing the tank to resume crawling forward. "Keep it up! We're pushing through!" I push forward towards Luna and Slicer as they focus on the path ahead. As Slicer reloads the machine gun I take command of it as she quickly steps to the side.

As we cross the muddy terrain I take aim at the retreating Germans as they attempt to reach the next trench back. Compressing the trigger I fire off fully automatic as I sweep across the ground ahead, the rounds quickly piercing the back of the enemy as they flee. "Come on you fuckers!" A number of them attempt to return fire from the next trench as I unload on them, the rounds destroy their skulls as their bodies are violently thrown backwards.

As we near the trench a large group of Germans lift their heads as they throw their weapons to the ground, their arms raised in the air. "They're surrendering!" Colbalt calls out. This is a dream but we need to treat it as though the situation is real. Normally I'm against killing those who surrender, but this is different. This was full-scale war. We were given our orders before this assault, take no prisoners. We can't leave these defensive positions intact, that includes those who man them.

Taking aim at the first group as they climb out of the trench I pull the trigger, they're quickly dropped as the bullets penetrate their vital organs terminating their lives. I can feel the others looking at me in shock as I continue to fire, "Keep firing! We have our orders!" As I continue to fire another of the machine guns soon fire alongside me, tilting my head back I notice Crimson as she fires on the enemy. Soon the others all return to their weapons as they continue engaging, though I can see the disgust for it in the majority of their faces.

Stepping back from the weapon I allow Slicer to once again take control, once she's in control though she's hesitant to fire on the enemy as they attempt to surrender. Leaning close to her I grasp onto her neck, "Shoot the bloody gun!" Slicer soon begins to fire on the enemy as we continue over the enemy lines. As I move to return to my position I quickly glance to Luna, unlike the others I can't read her as she maintains her focus on operating the tank.

Moving to Matrix's position I observe as he fires on those that we missed as we cross over the trenches. As I look to the distance I can see the rest of the tanks and infantry following in our trail, particularly Chaser and his team as they sweep the trenches they pass. It seems that they initially have issues with engaging those who surrender as they watch the British forces around them firing upon those who are surrendering. Chaser is the first to react as he looks forward to us, as he witnesses our actions he turns back to the trench and fires on the enemy who were left behind.

Crossing the last trench we soon find ourselves crossing over open fields towards the German position in the tree line, directly towards the enemy field guns. Advancing alongside other tanks we soon come under enemy fire, thankfully the guns were pre-sighted to engage enemies pushing on the trenches instead of advancing directly to them resulting in their rounds missing. "Weave, Luna! Make us a harder target for those guns!"

Adjusting the controls we gradually switch positions from side to side, this has the desired effect as one round goes wide following our change in direction. This will only work as we keep our distance, we can't switch directions at the tip of a hat but thankfully that applies to the guns down range. Closing the distance our weapons begin to return fire, due to the conditions Colbalt and Silver switch to HE shells and start to target the gun crews as Slicer attempts to suppress them.

As rounds continue to fly in our direction the sound of the engine dies out, in response our tank grinds to a halt. Everyone freezes as they all glance back to the engine, "John! It won't move!" Luna shouts back to me.

Navigating around the others I move to the engine, "Matrix, get the tools! We can't stay here! Everyone else, keep firing on the enemy!" Kneeling down by the engine I start to examine the components on it. Typical fucking British engineering! The one time you need it to work it dies on you.

Reaching my position Matrix slides the tools to me as he holds a small torch in his mouth in an attempt to illuminate the engine. Taking hold of a spanner I test all the main nuts on the engine and find one has shaken loose, clamping the tool in place I tighten the nut on the engine as I look over everything else. Looking closer I notice that one of the hoses has also come out of place.

The sound of an explosion nearby sends my heart racing as the unmistakable sound of steel tearing rings through the air. "John! Hurry up!" Sunny shouts to me, "Those guns just took out the tank next to us!"

"One minute!" Slipping on a pair of reinforced gloves I grasp the hot hose and try and move it back into position, despite the protection the hot oil soon starts to burn my skin as it pisses over the engine and my hand. Securing it in place I turn to Silver and Matrix as they put the starting handle in position, "Try it now!"

They both immediately pump on the starting handle causing the engine to grumble, with it failing to start I lean forward once again and make sure all the connections are still intact. Once I move away from the engine I take Matrix's position as I push on the handle, the engine fails to start as I push on the handle. "Come on you fucking piece of shit! Work!" With all my force I push the handle once again, this time I have some luck as the engine finally restarts.

As soon as the engine springs to life we're immediately met with another issue, the exhaust system seems to have failed as fumes start to fill the interior of our tank. Can I please get a fucking break? As the others all move back to their positions we continue our advance on the enemy field guns. Looking through one of the slats I find the tank alongside us is engulfed in flames, a number of the crew are scattered on the grass as their bodies are left to burn.

Silver and Colbalt fire another succession of high-explosive shells at the last field gun knocking it out of commission, with the threat cleared our tanks can push on through the tree line to reach the next objective behind enemy lines. Our tank pushes into the trees as I move to the engine once again, exhaust fumes are leaking from the engine and rapidly filling the cabin. The entire crew are soon entering coughing fits as they try to breathe in the filthy air.

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My own head starts to spin as we push further across the terrain, by now any resistance is light allowing us to advance with Chaser and his team moving on the outside of the tank. It doesn't take long until the conditions become unbearable, the heat is excruciating as every breath feels more toxic than the last.

"J-John?" Luna calls to me from the front. Wrapping a cloth over my mouth I move through the tank towards Luna. As her head sways slightly she turns to me, "It will be... morning soon."

Nodding I rest a hand on her back, "We'll be safe out here. Stop the tank, we'll debrief outside." Nodding she pulls on the levers bringing the tank to a stop. Turning back to the others I rapidly move to open the main door, "E-everyone out!" Nobody even hesitates as they all instantly push for the exit, after spending that long cooped up inside that oven I don't exactly blame them.

As I join them all outside I rapidly gasp for air, looking to the others they all seem exhausted as they try to fill their lungs with clean air. Rubbing my face I rip the cloth from my face and drop it to the floor, "This will do... it's nearly morning and we already completed our main objective, we've broken through the defensive line."

Coughing violently, Sunny lifts her head, "What exactly was that back there?"

"What do you-"

"-You kicked up a giant fuss when it came to firing on those who surrendered, yet here you fired on those large groups which threw down their arms!"

Groaning I turn to the side and support myself against the tank, "This is different. The rules of engagement in this war were to shoot the enemy on sight, in these conditions prisoners couldn't really be taken. This war had been going on for four years, at this point the only objective was to end the war."

"That still doesn't justify it," Spectre states as she steps forward.

"I know it doesn't. You know I'd rather capture those who surrendered instead of killing them, but it sometimes isn't an option. In the army you learn one thing, you are expected to follow orders. You may not agree with them, you may hate them, but you must follow them. We were ordered to take no prisoners, I was only following orders."

"And that makes it alright?"

Sighing I shake my head, "No... it doesn't. War is hell... nothing during warfare is right."

Stepping past the others, Chaser stands alongside me, "John is right, We have to follow orders. It's what we agreed to when we joined the Guard... in a way we're lucky." Pausing he turns to me, "We're lucky we live in a world where we haven't been dragged into war. We can keep fighting to keep Equestria the way it is. If anything... I feel sorry for John and the humans. They've had to engage in these wars and face these horrors... I for one won't let that happen to Equestria."

Patting him on the back I look to the others, "There are many things I'm proud of humans for accomplishing... but there's much more which disgusts me. My home is now in Equestria with you guys, I want nothing more than to keep it safe. I'll do anything I can to ensure Equestria never ends up in a situation like this... where the entire globe is thrown into conflict and life is needlessly thrown away. We'll work together to keep Equestria safe. If we're given the orders from the top then we still have a duty to follow it, but I won't order you guys to do anything like this."

The others seem to be slightly satisfied with this answer, but not all appear to be content. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Luna stepping around to the rear of the tank to look back over the route we took. Looking back to the others I slowly walk to Luna, "Rest for a few minutes, we'll be home soon." Reaching Luna I look to her as I climb onto the rear of the track to use as a seat, "Is everything okay?"

Staring back over the battlefield Luna doesn't move from her spot, "Did you mean what you said? That you want to keep Equestria safe?"

I'm initially taken aback by Luna's question, "Of course. It's my home now, I want to keep it and my friends safe. It was the reason I joined the army back home, it's the reason I'm still in the army here."

"And you'll follow all orders given to you... even if you don't agree?"

"Don't get me wrong, I'll argue to high hell about it. But if it comes down to it... yes, It's my duty to follow orders."

Turning her head back, Luna looks to me, "Do you honestly believe that? That you're some mindless drone who listens to every instruction given to them?"

Climbing off the track I step up to her, "I'm not some mindless drone. I have a duty to follow orders, Luna. If I don't agree with it I will try to fight it as best as I can, but in the end, I have to follow it. You saw what happens when I feel like an order is shit. Celestia made you keep quiet about Tirek, it was an order you received and I was pissed at it. I argued my point and got it across to her loud and clear, but at the end of the day, it's still an order from a superior."

"John... don't listen to orders blindly." I find myself looking to Luna in confusion as she continues, "You're unique in the sense that you seek your own route to deal with situations. You used your initiative to return to Griffonia to combat the Children, you acted correctly and achieved great things. Following orders would have meant you'd have never returned, you would have just remained in Ponyville. I need an officer who fights for what is best for Equestria, not just following orders."

"What are you saying, Luna?"

"I know you want what is best for Equestria... make sure that you show it. If an order you receive will cause more harm then good I want you to disobey it... even if it comes from me. We all have demons, John. Sometimes we just need somepony to rein us in, I think that individual may be you."

Nodding I look back to my team, "I won't throw those I care about into unnecessary danger. The same goes for Equestira, I won't put it at risk Luna."

Smiling, Luna leans closer and places a quick kiss on my cheek out of sight of my team, "I know you won't." Stepping around the tank, Luna examines it, "With regards to your technology... it certainly is an interesting tool. It has its flaws, but I can see its benefits. However, I can't have you making 'machines of war,' especially with concerns following our involvement in the civil war."

Sighing I rest my hand on my hips, "I understand. I won't be making tanks anytime soon, I wouldn't even know where to begin."

"At least I have seen the advantages technology can have in combat, it has given me much to consider. For now, I think the best way to improve the Guard is with additional defensive capabilities. Could you do that?"

"Yes. Dawnstar was already looking into new armour designs."

Taking a step back, Luna's horn begins to glow, "I'd like to see it once it's completed. For now, let us wake everypony us so you can begin training. You've got a lot of training to complete in order to prepare for the war games." With that our surroundings starts to fade as the dream world starts to collapse, a bright light surfacing likely indicating that I'm finally waking up.

We'll be ready, don't worry.