During the week leading up to the war games I intensified training and preparations, all the local guards joined in with our unit as we underwent extensive physical training. I focused primarily on movement orders, patrol formations, tabbing with full kit and fire orders. Based on an update from military command, top brass from both the Lunar and Solar Guard would be in attendance to spectate the games. On the day they will decide the objective to win the games. Until that day, we need to prepare for every possibility.

Along with that, I also continued on making some adjustments to the new scope design I had developed. I was able to construct a more sturdy frame which allowed the operator to adjust the sighting on the scope, the rifle required an additional mount on the body to allow the scope to be fitted. That task wasn't too difficult, we had to make regular workarounds when it came to using SA80's in Afghanistan which didn't have the Daniel defence rail.

The project for additional Glock magazines was also a success, I crafted and additional two magazines to provide me with twice the ammunition when I'm on the field. Dawnstar was able to create me a few training variants of our 9mm rounds, she only made enough to fill the magazines since I doubted I'd need more for my pistol. There was only one other weapon myself and Matrix worked on together... flour bombs.

After a few tests, which involved placing one in Slicer's doorway to get back at her for the Christmas prank, the bombs functioned on a basic pressure plate which discharged flour over the target and surrounding area. We decided to construct a number of these to act as anti-personnel mines on the field. Shining will likely erect a shield wall to defend his advancing forces protecting them from bullets, but they won't expect munitions to activate from below them.

The helmets were rapidly distributed to every member of the Rangers for the upcoming games, with everyone having one as standard issue we also had a few spare which would be stored in the armoury. The mesh mask that Dawnstar used during the rifle test was also produced for everyone, these gave everyone's face some form of protection instead of leaving us exposed.

Whilst we were due to be away for the games Luna had arranged for members of the Guard in Canterlot to take over duties for us in Ponyville. With all our preparations made and training being carried out on a regular basis, we were as ready as we'd ever be.

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Monday 24th March 2014
Ponyville train station
10:12

"Get all that kit loaded and ready to go! We're going to needing all the ammunition we've got!" I continue to bark orders at everyone as our supplies are loaded onto the train, we were provided with a military supply train since we couldn't exactly load a large quantity of supplies and troops onto a civilian train. Captain Hussar arranged for every other Ranger to board the train as it passed through their garrison towns, by the time it reached Ponyville we were the only ones left to board giving me a total of one-hundred and fifty troops at my command.

Lieutenant Venture steps up to me as he finishes checking off a number of items, "This is the last of our equipment to be loaded, sir. Once it's on board we're set to go."

"Are you sure that's everything," Hussar asks him.

"Positive, ma'am. Standard munitions, additional rifles and swords along with the flour bombs the Captain made... so that's everything."

Patting his back I step past him, "Good. Can you finish loading the supplies?"

Nodding he makes his way towards the last few soldiers, "I'll handle it, sir."

As myself and Hussar pace along the platform, she glances back to Venture, "I see that he hasn't followed your policy of 'no formalities.'"

Shrugging I rest my hands on my utility belt, "He's happy with it. He only tends to do it around other soldiers so it doesn't bother me too much."

As Hussar opens her mouth to respond she pauses as she looks past me, to my rear I can hear the sound of clattering hooves as something impacts with the floor. Pivoting I look to the source, to my surprise I find Dawnstar wearing a spare Rangers uniform with a rifle strapped to her back as she clumsily picks up the helmet she dropped to the floor. Resting it back on her head she looks up to me, "John... I want to come along."

In confusion, Hussar and I share a quick glance to one another. Focusing on Dawnstar I fold my arms, "Why?"

"I can be of use."

Hussar steps alongside me to inspect Dawnstar, "But you're not a soldier. You've not received any combat training with the unit and aren't even enlisted as a Guard."

"Hussar is right, Dawnstar." I agree as I nod my head, "You're not in the military. You're a civilian employee."

Adjusting the helmet on her head, Dawnstar steps closer, "Normally I would agree but this is different. This is a training exercise, not real combat. I could provide you with logistical support and battlefield analysis, I also need to study the weapons to see how effectively they operate out on the field."

Sighing Hussar turns to me, "This is highly unorthodox, John."

Groaning I rub my chin, "You'll listen to every order given to you? If you come you'll be expected to fight should you need to."

Nodding Dawnstar looks to me with a hopeful expression, "Yes...sir."

Stepping to the side I point to the main passenger carriage, "Store your kit and join the team. Don't make me regret this, Dawnstar."

"I won't. Thank you!" Trotting past me she quickly boards the train, the butt of her rifle clipping the doorway as she makes her way inside.

"Are you sure about this?" Hussar asks.

Shrugging I move towards the carriage, "This is only a training exercise and I'll take everybody that I can get. I'll assign her to a support role to begin with, I don't think she'll exactly dive head first into the fight. I'd rather know if she can handle herself in an emergency instead of learning the hard way when it comes around. Officially, she's here to carry out admin and research." As the last of the crew secure the supplies and board the train, Hussar and I join them in the carriage for the hour-long journey to the plains and valleys where the war games are taking place.

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With the train approaching our destination I start to search through my kit as my phone plays the next song 'Ain't No Rest For The Wicked.' Grabbing my field pack I make sure that I've got everything I need before everyone else starts claiming additional kit from our reserve. Secured in my pack I've got additional magazines giving me over one-hundred rifle rounds, a map of the training site to allow strategic planning, a pair of binoculars, five flour bombs and my MTP folded at the bottom in case I have the need for switching to camouflage.

Flicking through a list of supplies, I refresh my mind on all the resources available to us. Packed away on the train is a large quantity of defensive fortifications we can use, should the game involve some sort of defence. Basic metal low walls, rolls of barbed wire and large construction sacks of sand can be used to erect a small defensive wall and to create our own sand bags on sight. Depending on how defensive the event goes, I've also packed additional shovels and wooden supports for the creation of foxholes and trenches.

Throughout the journey, Venture and Hussar went over numerous strategies and scenarios with me, we were trying our best to prepare for every eventuality. I was primarily relying on the event being carried out a similar way to exercises I took part in during basic training. Anything from capture the flag, defending a VIP, hostage extraction, patrol zones and even team deathmatch.

As I make the last few checks Chaser begins to equip his webbing, "So what's the plan?"

Glancing to him I load my rifle ready for the upcoming engagement, "Fuck knows. We'll be briefed by the officers on site about the objective, until they tell me what the mission is I won't be able to make an efficient plan."

Scoffing he looks out the window, "Well that certainly inspires confidence."

"It's called intelligence. Although you may lack it, I'm not going to make a plan of action without it."

"You know, I preferred it when we just winged it. It was a lot more fun."

Stepping past him I pat his back, "It is, but we need to play things smart. I'm not having that twat beat me."

Chuckling Chaser begins to follow me, "You'll never hear the end of it."

"Exactly. I want to rub his face in it, not the other way around. So do me a favour... don't fuck up."

"I'll try my best. Maybe you should tell the others that?"

As the train grinds to a halt I open the door ready so I can jump out, "I'll let you do that. It's called the chain of command, Sergeant. Orders go down, now up."

Once the train stops, Chaser scoffs as I step off the train, "Typical Rupert." Moving along the side of the train I take out my phone and pause my music before returning it to its home. As my Company disembark, a number of them quickly set out with Venture to unload our supplies while the others follow Hussar and fall in for parade. Standing further down the track is Shining Armor's company as they stand on parade, all of the soldiers have been equipped with the new spears along with their usual golden armour.

Standing between the Company and me is a number of higher ranking officers as they speak to Shining. Stepping up to them I come to a halt and salute the two highest ranking officers, Colonels from both the Lunar and Solar Guard. Turning to me they both salute as they scan over me. Stepping forward the Colonel of the Lunar Guard addresses me, "I take it your unit is ready, Captain?"

Remaining at attention I give a crisp nod, "Yes, sir."

"We haven't been introduced. Colonel Swift." The officer is a Thestral with a jet black coat and a coal coloured mane, his eyes are a sharp amber which seems to access my worth as they flick over my body. Holding out his hoof he grins to me, "I will be responsible for providing the Rangers with resources and supplies in the future, if you require anything then you send the requests directly to me."

Taking hold of his hoof I give it a firm shake, to my surprise he's got quite a bit of strength as he applies some force to the gesture. As he steps back the Solar officer steps forward to take his place, "Colonel Lightning." Repeating the same action I take hold of his hoof, the Unicorn officer has a strong ivory coat with pale emerald eyes, a silver and white short-cropped mane resting on his head.

"So... what is the order of business, sir?"

Colonel Swift steps past me and begins to observe my unit, "Once your unit is ready and all the equipment is unloaded you'll move to the starting positions where you'll have an hour to prepare for the upcoming war games. We will be observing the events to evaluate the performance of soldiers and the officers, this will allow us to witness the effectiveness of both weapons to decide which will play a role within the Guard in the future." Grinning he turns to me, "No pressure, Captain. But since you're representing the Lunar Guard I'm expecting you to win."

Matching his grin I observe my unit, "That won't be an issue."

Stepping forward, Shining removes his helmet, "You seem fairly confident about that."

"You've seen me fight. You should know of my capabilities on the battlefield."

With a smug grin he shakes his head, "I seem to recall you losing to Princess Luna in a sparring match."

Glaring at him I fold my arms, "You try fighting an immortal and all-powerful Alicorn. Somehow I doubt you'd even win one round like I did."

"You only won because you cheated and threw dirt in her face." This gets a surprised chuckle for Swift as he watches us both.

"It worked, didn't it? I saw a weakness and I exploited it. I seem to recall you collapsing on the field at Griffonstone. Who was the officer who attacked the palace and killed the General? Wait... I think I know this answer. Oh yeah, it was me."

As we both glare at one another, Colonel Lightning steps between us. "Saddlebags down, mares. Settle it on the battlefield." As we both return to attention he switches his gaze between us, "Now that you're both here I'll go over the objective. The game is capture the flag. Both sides will have a base to defend whilst they must assault the enemy position to retrieve their flag and return it to their base. You must control both flags in your own base to win. All units except for officers will have three lives, when they're killed on the field they will return to their base and respawn after an hour to symbolise reinforcements."

Capture the flag? Sweet, we can win this hands down. I'll leave one Platoon to defend our flag while the rest of the unit will be split into two Platoons to keep the pressure on the opposition. Levitating two flags from a crate he presents me with the Lunar Guard banner and Shining with the banner of the Solar Guard. "The game will last for a maximum of twenty-four hours from the starting signal. If you have both flags you must keep control of them for thirty minutes in order to win. If no winner emerges in the time period then we will decide who is the victor based on a number of factors, number of kills, casualties, strategic planning and combat capabilities. Any questions?"

"No, sir," Shining and I both respond in unison.

Grinning the two officers step back as they present us with a map marking the base locations, "You've got one hour to set up defences before the games begin. Good luck." With that, we both quickly move back to our Companies and prepare them to move to our bases, since I'm an engineer I should be able to establish some basic fortifications.

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With our flag set up at the specified location, I assigned everyone to a variety of jobs to ensure the defences were quickly and effectively set up. Our base location was positioned at the base of a valley, it wasn't exactly ideal but it allowed for me to set up some high vantage points to watch the entrance giving us the high ground. Hussar took charge of organising the first two Platoons to engage the enemy once the games begin, Venture would be joining her once he had completed his job at erecting sandbag lines and barbed wire over the field leading to our base to slow the enemy down and provide us with cover.

As an engineer I decided that it would be logical to remain for the first defence, it would allow me to oversee defences and deploy our flour bombs before the enemy begin their assault. Chaser and the rest of the Platoon took the first hour to dig a large trench line for our defence, I was hoping it would give us sufficient cover from the magical spears as we engaged them. Following Chasers advice we would station a few Pegasi in the clouds over our base to keep the sky defended, they quickly set about removing all clouds above the advance to our base to ensure no Pegasi could sneak up on us in the clouds.

With the trenches and defensive structures being constructed by the team, I set about on my own task with Crimson and two members of the local Guard. On one of the hills behind our base, we were busy working on digging out our own pillbox. By the end, we were able to construct some wooden supports to hold a canvas over their heads allowing their position to remain concealed at ground level yet providing them with a line of sight on the advance. The three in the pill box were all issued with the new scopes I had developed, they would act as our sniper line in order to pick off any major threats.

By the time the main defensive lines were constructed a flare was fired off into the air to signal the beginning of the game, Venture and Hussar quickly gathered their Platoons and made their way towards the enemy base. I arranged a number of patrol routes on the outskirts of the valley to allow the base to have some form of early warning prior to an assault, the rest would man their positions and patrol the base as myself and Matrix went about constructing our own minefield.

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Pushing myself back onto my knees I cautiously drag the surrounding dirt back over the mine in order to conceal it, once it's mostly covered I arm the device by removing its safety catch which will allow the pressure plate to function. Running my hand over my forehead I glance to Matrix as he lays down his last mine, "Hows it going? Are they all set?"

As he arms the device he nods his head as he quickly jumps to hover above the minefield, "Mines are all set and ready to go. I still don't see how this will work when the Pegasi can fly over them." To emphasise his point he glides over the top of the mines and comes to a stop above me.

"Have a little faith in your officer. We can deal with the Pegasi by other means, but I already know how Shining operates." Climbing to my feet I follow the path I set with a thin string of rope to the main corridor we left to allow us to pass the mine field. "In the war, he erected a large shield wall allowing us to advance. No projectiles were able to pass through, but I'm sure they can go underneath it. His unit will advance thinking they're safe only for them to activate the mines."

With a soft chuckle, he follows overhead as we start to stroll back to the main trench line one-hundred meters back, "Are all humans so dastardly?"

Grinning I turn my head to him as I pretend to twirl and imaginary moustache between my fingers, "Yes. Just call me Dick Dastardly, you can be Muttley."

Tilting his head he looks to me in confusion, "What?"

"Nothing, It was wishful thinking that you'd understand." Before he can respond the sound of distant gunshots ring out through the air causing us both to pivot on the spot. Facing its source I take a knee as I draw my binoculars and scan the distance ahead in an attempt to spot the engagement.

"You got eyes on?" Upon hearing that phrase my body freezes as my mind suddenly runs away from me. Images start to flash through my head of Afghanistan alongside Williams and the others, particularly the engagement where Taylor lost his life. "John?" My heart rate increases as my eyes dart back and forth across the surrounding, my grip on the binoculars faltering causing them to fall to the floor. You got eyes on? My head turns to the side where my eyes lock onto the base of a pair of boots, lifting my head slowly I find Williams kneeling alongside me wearing full kit and an SA80 resting in his hands. Time seems to slow as he turns his head to me. You okay, John? You look like you've seen a ghost.

Releasing the rifle he leans closer to me and both his hands grasp onto my shoulders. I watch as his mouth moves yet I fail to comprehend anything he says to me, his lips seem to move as though he's repeating the same phrase over and over again. As quickly as time distorted itself it soon returns as my eyes force themselves closed. Inhaling a deep breath I reopen my eyes to find Matrix shaking me, "John!? Snap out of it!"

Rapidly blinking my eyes I shake my head as my hands run over my head, "W-what?"

"The buck is going on with you!? You just... froze," Matrix looks to me with concern as I tilt my head to look back towards the opening of the valley.

W-what the fuck was that? I just froze, I couldn't control myself. As soon as Matrix spoke I just lost it. Why the fuck did Williams appear? I thought this was all behind me, yet he just surfaces once again. I don't think I can hide this, it's only getting worse. Before he'd only appear and I'd just talk to him, but now my body seems to be going into... shock or some shit. If others find out about this...

"John!" Matrix pushes me once again with his hooves bringing me back. With a quick glance to him, I lean down to retrieve my binoculars and begin to scan the valley entrance once again. In the distance, I can see our outer patrols making a tactical withdrawal back towards our line, one group would stop to provide covering fire as the others continued their retreat.

Sighing I push myself onto my feet, "Fly back and get everyone into their defensive positions."

"But what about-"

"-Just do it!" I quickly jolt my head to the side as I snap at him. With no response, he quickly flies back towards our base to get the others ready. Closing my eyes I try to slow my heart rate by taking slow and deep breaths yet this fails to achieve anything. What the fuck is happening to me!? I can't be breaking down! I just can't!

I remain stationary as I try to clear my head, slowly but surely my heart rate begins to return to normal. I only open my eyes once a succession of hoofsteps brings me back to the world, "Sir, Shining Armor is advancing on us." Lifting my head I open my eyes to look to the Corporal as the rest of his patrol team move past us.

Standing up I can see a few units of the Solar Guard surveying us as they seem to be preparing for an assault. Retrieving my rifle from my back I load a round into the chamber, "Get back to the defensive line. We'll hold the attack off." As the Corporal gallops past me I begin to rush after him in order to reach the defensive line, making sure to stick to the corridor we made to avoid my own mines. Glancing to each side of the valley I observe a number of Rangers as they start to take their positions to fire down at the opening.

Reaching the defensive line I jump into the trench alongside Dawnstar and Georg as they keep their rifles aimed down the valley. As I glance to Dawnstar I notice the rifle shaking slightly in her grasp as her ears regularly flick, "Are you okay?"

Without responding she tightens her grip as she gives a crisp nod, "I-I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"Whats the plan, boss?" Georg asks as he lays his spare magazines out in front of him.

Lifting my hand I point to a post on the route leading to us, "That's the two-hundred-meter mark. Once they pass that then they're within range. Wait for my order then shoot the shit out of them, we can't lose this line."

Poking her head over the sandbags behind us, Sunny puts on her helmet, "How did they get past Venture and Hussar? We have two Platoons out there."

"Shining must have his other Platoons engaging our assault force keeping them occupied. This will be his main assault, if we hold them back then we can take the fight to them."

Landing above us, Matrix lowers his head into our trench, "Aerial team are in position and ready. Once we start to engage they'll keep the skies clear above us and commence quick strikes on their flanks."

"Good, join them and get ready."

"But what about-"

"-Now, Matrix. That's an order," I quickly swivel my head as I glare at him, knowing that he's trying to bring up my little episode. Once he leaves I look back over the valley and spot the Solar Guard as they begin to advance. They seem to be in a formation similar to that of line infantry you'd expect to see during the revolutionary war, they've got a bright uniform which makes them stand out just like the redcoats did during that war.

Seriously, what were they thinking with golden armour? If it was used for parade and ceremonial duties only then I'd be okay with it, but expecting to use it as a set of combat armour is just stupid. Underneath the sunlight, it does nothing but reflects its rays lighting them up like Christmas trees as they advance. At least we have a darker uniform which will be useful for night operations since we're the guards for the Princess of the night, even then our breastplates are a grey steel so they don't stand out a mile away.

As they begin to march towards us I keep my rifle at the ready as I scan the advancing lines. Located on the second-row dead-centre is Shining Armor, his purple variation of the armour making him stand out like a sore thumb. So you decided to lead from the front for once? Good. That way I can put a bullet in you. With my main target sighted I grasp on the mesh mask hanging around the front of my neck and raise it over my face ready for the fight.

We all remain on alert as we wait for the Solar Guard to get closer, glancing to everyone they all keep their rifles ready as they flick their safeties off ready to engage. As soon as the enemy pass the two-hundred-meter marker I line up my shot on Shining and begin to ease the trigger.

PHAT

The round heads towards my target but is instead intercepted by one of the soldiers marching in front of him, the round seems to knock his footing off track causing him to fall down to the side. "OPEN FIRE!" As soon as the order is given the entire line immediately fire off their rounds towards the advancing crowd, a large concentration of the first row falling down as the rounds impact their armour.

Loading another round I again take aim for Shining.

PHAT

Before the round reached the target he is able to erect a shield wall just as I predicted he would, the shield easily stops my round along with the rest as they're fired towards them. From the advancing troop, a large concentration of Pegasi jump up and rush over the shield towards our location. Switching targets I aim towards one of the flying units.

PHAT

The round collides with her wing and knocks her flight path off course, from below I can see a yellow mark as she begins to rapidly descend towards the ground. As she tries to fly back up Sunny take a shot from behind me catching her centre mass painting her red as she falls the last of the short distance to the floor. Rolling over the grass she manages to avoid any of the mines.

As the enemy Pegasi advance, Chaser and the rest of the aerial team take to the sky to intercept them. Pretty soon the air space above us breaks out into a makeshift dog fight, the occasional gunshot and spear lance being fired off. I watch the spectacle as a Solar Guard fires his spear at one of the Rangers. The initial shot of energy is a sky blue until the magical energy impacts the centre of the mesh mask causing a large red field to envelop the Ranger likely symbolising his death.

Turning back to the frontline the Solar Guard are occasionally losing a soldier from the shots being fired on their flanks, they soon dispatch small units to advance on our hilltop positions to neutralise them. It won't be long before they are in range to return fire on us, unfortunately for them that will also put them in the minefield.

As if on queue, as they start to break off from their formation to move between the gaps in the barbed wire one of the guards steps on a mine. He is quickly covered in flour as a cloud spreads outs to canvass the nearby soldiers, thanks to Dawnstar also casting a duelling spell on the mines the golden armour of the guards is turned red as the flour transforms their colour.

The mine seems to have the desired effect as a large group of the advancing guards rapidly come to a halt, their eyes fixed on the cloud of flour as it settles on the ground. As we continue to fire on them they start to move once again, a few of the guards activate additional mines we placed eliminating a number of the attackers from the games.

Adapting to the new threat Shining holds his position and stretches the shield wall to stretch in front of the group, as the glow of his horn intensifies he throws the shield forward. A large quantity of the mines are thrown from the floor as they're detonated by the shockwave of the shield. My eyes widen as the shield doesn't seem to show any sign of slowing as it makes its push towards us. As it reaches the fifty-meter mark I'm taken off guard as a large royal purple pulse of energy collides with the shield wall.

Turning my head to the side I watch Dawnstar as her magical energy is thrown towards the shield, to my surprise it seems to be having an effect on Shining's shield. Dawnstar's magic is working to counteract his shield preventing it from extending, keeping it in place. This creates a wall in front of us which neither force can shoot through.

Well that was what I thought. The Solar Guards raise their spears and fire towards us, the magical bolts are able to pierce through the shield as if it was nothing but pure air. My eyes widen as I see a bolt coming directly towards my head, as I duck the bolt flies over my head just a second after. Okay, so their rounds can bypass shields but take longer to travel and can physically be seen.

As they continue to fire they move towards the shield wall and take cover behind it, getting as close to us as possible whilst maintaining their cover. Sunny tries to throw her own shield around us but just like Shining's the magical bolts are able to pass through. Looking over the battlefield I notice a mine which had been left exposed, "Sunny! Use your magic and pick up that mine! Don't put any pressure on the pressure plate!"

Nodding she focuses her power on the exposed mine and is easily able to pluck it from the dirt. "Now what!?"

"Float it over and drop it on their heads!" The mine quickly travels through the air as it's positioned on the other side of the shield, the Solar Guards can see this and prioritise targeting Sunny. Before she can move it to target Shining she's hit by a magical bolt, the bolt hits her with enough force to knock her to the floor as her body is cocooned in a red aura.

The mine drops from its position falling short from its target. It is however successful at landing behind Shining's second in command eliminating the officer and his close protection unit from the games. With officers only having one life it will do good to weaken Shining's force for the rest of the event.

One officer down, two to go. How the fuck are we going to get rid of that shield? To answer my question I find Shining being knocked to the side as his shield drops, glancing to the edge of the valley I find that Crimson had relocated from her foxhole and targetted Shining. Expecting him to be out of the games I look to him to see a yellow streak over the front of his breastplate where the round skimmed him.

With his shield take out, Dawnstar is able to focus her magic elsewhere. Mimicking Shinings acting she throws up a magical barrier and propels the rest of the mines towards the enemy in one go. Shining is able to react at the last minute surrounding himself and the closest units within a shield bubble as the mines detonate around the rest of his firing line.

With the minefield cleared and the flour from the bombs disrupting the enemies vision, I decide now would be the best time to close the distance. Leaving the rifle against the trench wall I draw my pistol and sword and aim them towards the enemy, "PUSH FORWARD!" As the order is given everyone who was left on the defence line quickly climb out the trenches to charge the enemies position.

As we charge over the field a number of magical bolts are fired off in our direction, with their vision being obscured most of the rounds seem to be fired in the off chance they'll hit someone. With a bolt heading straight for me, I dive forward falling to the ground as it passes over me causing the front of my webbing and armour to scrape along the floor.

As I climb to my feet I lift my pistol and fire on a trio of Solar Guards on my right flank.

PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT PHAT

Each round makes contact with its target, the first round for each creating a yellow mark before the following shots paint them red. Keeping my pistol ready I push into the enemy position as I notice Shining and a number of his units retreating with the shield providing them with cover. A number of the Rangers are attempting to fire on them but the rounds do nothing other than bounce off the shield.

Despite the main force retreating there are still a few stragglers left amongst us as we begin to engage them in melee combat. Spotting a Sergeant I charge him head on much to his surprise. Bringing up his spear he's able to block my first sword strike followed bt the second as I attempt to bring it across his chest in a backhand motion. As he attempts his own strike I use the length of my blade to keep the spear in a raised position as I casually lift my pistol and point it at his abdomen.

PHAT PHAT PHAT

All three rounds paint red marks at this range, the armour being useless to stop the rounds from this close. The bullets still impact him with enough force at this range causing him to collapse to the floor as he groans, it seems to have been as effective as a gut punch. With the others nearby quickly being eliminated by the Rangers ganging up on them I holster my weapons and pick up the Sergeant's spear. Taking a knee I try to use the primitive sights and take aim towards Shining as he makes his escape.

Pulling on the trigger the spear gives no kick as the magical bolt leaves the barrel. The round however misses the target, not being used to the weapon my round falls short as he quickly escapes the effective range of the weapon. Adjusting my aim I fire off another quick succession of rounds towards him will all but one missing. The one bolt which is on target collides with the rear of a guards helmet knocking him down as he glows bright red.

With Shining's aerial team now leaving to follow him back I look up to Chaser and give him the nod for our air team to pursue and harass the enemy. As he and the others move off the close in on their targets I drop the spear and begin to make my way back to the defensive line. We need to keep our base locked down. Hopefully one of the other Platoons which are out and about will pick them up and finish the job.

Not so good at attacking are you, Captain? Let's see how well you do at defending.