The vehicle we had been given was just barely big enough to hold all of us. During our flight I read over the instructions of what we were supposed to do when our hooves hit the ground.

One of the two pegasi flying talked through a little mic. “We’re five minutes from the LZ. After that you’re on your own until this is over.”

“You heard the stallion. Get yourselves ready we’ve got a job to do.” I positioned the earpiece so I could hear everypony else.

Rose whispered into her mic. “Equipment check. Everything good?”

Everypony nodded. “Yep everything works properly. Three minutes till hooves on the ground.”

I unholstered the .45 they had given me. It held just under ten bullets when fully loaded and packed a shit ton of power. I pulled the slide back and chambered a round. “Let’s bucking do this.”

The doors opened up as we made our final descent. “Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Go go go!”

The two stallions in armor jumped first. I could hear the colossal thud as they hit the ground.

I grabbed the others with my magic. “Hold on to something.” I dived out the back letting the wind catch me.

With the ground rapidly approaching I opened my wings up and slowed down. I touched down a few seconds later making no sound at all.

“Could you put us down.” Freedom was holding her rifle tightly.

I set them all down. “Alright everypony clear on the plan?”

They all nodded. “Sir yes sir.”

“We’ve got a few minutes until we’ll be close enough to split. When that time comes I want Comet to escort Freedom to a vantage point. If things look bad contact us before taking that first shot. I don’t want them to know what’s coming until we’re on top of them.” I holstered my pistol.

“Alright.” Freedom nonchalantly trotted away from the group.

“I’ll go after her Sir.” Comet followed close behind.

“Alright that part's done. Balefire.” I turned to my remaining three soldiers.

“Yes Sir.” He stood perfectly at attention.

“At ease. If shit goes south I want a backup plan ready for us.” I drew the compound in the sand. “I want you and Steamroller to get into this place and set up explosives. Here, here, and here. If we need a distraction for our get away blow the charges and send the bastards to tartarus.”

“What about me Sergeant?” Rose took a half step forward.

“You and I will be sneaking into the compound to retrieve what we were ordered to. Everypony else is our backup if things go wrong.” I considered kissing her.

“Steamroller we’ve got our orders. Let’s move.” Balefire cloaked.

“Good luck.” I saluted them.

“It’s all skill Sir.” Steamroller cloaked as well.

I picked Rose up. “I’ll fly us closer, but as soon as we’re in sight it’s straight to the ground.”

Rose nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

I went quiet listening for any word from Freedom and Comet. Nothing immediately caught my attention.

I had to reassure myself that I could actually do this. Every time I had killed up until now I wasn’t in control. I know I can do this. They’re trying to kill those who are my friends. I can kill them because of that. My doubts were through the roof but I kept pushing forward.

A small whisper sounded in my left ear. “We’re in position. The compound is crawling with boars please advise.”

I heard a small smack followed by a few quiet curse words. “Pick off those that you can without being noticed. If that’s not an option wait until we get in there before going loud.”

I heard a single shot. “Got em. One less boar for you two lovebirds.”

“Can it Freedom. We’ve got work to do.” Comet went silent.

“Shit buck.” I heard some shuffling and a second shot. “Come on Comet get your ass up.”

“What the buck happened?” I brought us down to the ground.

“Boar motherbuckers shot him. Looks worse than it is. I’ll tend to him, you two get in there and get what we came for.” A potion bottle opened. “Open your mouth and drink this.”

“Oh buck that hurt.” Comet moaned in pain. “Next time warn me before you go and draw attention to us.”

“Boars aren’t that skilled with detecting us. I’d bet they’ve got a few traitors on there side.” Freedom tore a bandage. “And keep your voice down. They could still send one of them to look for us.”

I could see the compound not to far away. It was surrounded by a large wall topped in barbed wire. No doubt there was a bucking minefield that surrounded this place.

“Balefire, Steamroller report.” I pulled out a pair of binoculars and took a look at the camp.

Steamroller answered me. “Just passed through the first minefield infiltrating now.”

A neck snapped over the radio. “Stupid boar. Just had to go and look here didn’t you.” A closet door opened and shut quickly. “The first area is just up ahead. We’ll plant the explosives and move on.”

I shut my mic off. “That’s a great way to start this off. Sounds like the minefield won’t be to hard to traverse. Follow my lead and if you hear beeping hold on.”

We trotted forward sticking to what little cover we could. After a few hundred yards the compound was right at our hooves. The last bit of cover before the wall was well over a hundred meters out.

Rose ducked behind it pulling me down with her. “Guard towers. Snipers along the wall and a big bucking gun right there.”

I followed her hoof to the big gun at the door. “Balefire I have a new target for you.”

“You mean the big gun next to the door? Already armed it with explosives. We’ll be moving to a secluded spot and waiting.” His mic cut out and all was quiet.

“Freedom report.” I waited a few seconds for her mic to come on.

“We moved to a new area. I’ve got eyes on you and the stupid guard towers in your way.” I could barely hear the shot without my earpiece.

One of the guard towers went silent after the shot. “Nice shot now keep that up and draw their attention away.”

“Understood.” Another shot came in quick sending another tower out of commission.

“Come on.” I trotted forward keeping a watchful eye on the towers.

The minefield wasn’t complex. The mines were easily visible from the surface. I examined one of them carefully.

“They’re not armed. These mines aren’t armed.” I bolted for the wall.

Rose fell a few steps behind me. “What do you mean the mines aren’t armed.”

I lifted a mine out of the ground after stopping. “I mean they aren’t armed. Something’s not right here.”

Freedom’s voice came back. “Did you two just run through the minefield?”

“They’re not bucking armed. Not a single goddesses damned one. Something’s not right here.” I crept slowly towards the main entrance.

The door burst open unleashing the large gun. It was mounted on a moving platform with enough armor to stop pretty much anything.

A stallion in a dull red trotted out. “I take it this stupid thing works. Because if it doesn’t I’ll sell you to the slavers.”

A rather agitated mare trotted out behind him. “Yes I’m sure it works. We just need to do some testing with it to make sure it does exactly what it was designed to do.”

The behemoth of a machine moved slowly forward. “How long of a range does it have?”

The mare tapped on the back a few times. “Enough. Under the absolute worst conditions probably no less than 25 miles. Nothing can stop it either. A yard and a half thick armor plating. Good lucking getting anything short of a balefire bomb to touch this.”

I cursed under my breath. “Buck. Alright Balefire this might sound crazy but I want you to plant more explosives on that bastard.”

Balefire came back quickly. “On my way Sir. I’ll see what I can do about destroying it.”

“Good.” I inched closer to the main entrance.

The guards didn’t notice me as I crept right behind them. Every moment of this was pure torture. Just waiting for them to turn around and shoot us down. Buck I hate this.

I slid through the open door making sure Rose stayed right behind me.

Balefire uncloaked for half a second to talk with us. “Steamroller’s waiting inside the compound for you. I’ll rig this thing to blow.”

I nodded. “Keep quiet guards everywhere out there protecting that thing.”

We parted ways. Rose and I trotted as quickly and quietly as we could into the heart of the compound.

“Sergeant I’ve got a clear shot on the bastard in red. Do you want me to drop him?” Freedom faded in and out.

“Do not take that shot. Balefire is doing his damndest to rig that machine to blow.” I pushed open a door.

“We’ve got a problem.” Comet came in loud and clear.

“What’s wrong?” Rose joined in on the converstaion.

“They’ve got Balefire sitting at their hooves.” Freedom lined up her shot. “Can I take the shot now?”

“Blast those bastards as fast as you can. Balefire if it’s safe to do so blow the bucking charges.” I pulled Rose into the room slamming the door behind us.

In that moment all I could hear was explosions. The first was that of a fifty caliber bullet being fired. The second was the charges around this compound detonating. And the last was the tank out front firing off it’s main cannon after getting hit hard with explosives.

“Everypony go loud. Kill them all and take no prisoners.” I galloped forward slamming through doors heading towards the sound of gatling gun fire.

Steamroller was fending off a small wave of soldiers clad in the most basic armor ever. “Glad you two are here.”

I unsheathed my sword swinging at the closest soldier. The blade sliced cleanly through him spilling his blood and guts on the floor.

I was almost sick to my stomach at the thought of what I had just done. Under my own power I just killed someone.

My sword whistled through the air again cleaving a sow in two right down the middle. I looked away and kept swinging at anybody that charged us.

A minute passed before the gunfire stopped and all was silent once again. “Everypony report.”

“Freedom and I are still alive and kicking.” That was a slight relief to hear.

“Specialist Balefire report.” I waited for a few seconds. “I said report.” Another few seconds. “Dammit.”

His voice came through a staticy mess. “I’m here. The explosions damaged my mic.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “This isn’t over yet who knows what type of reinforcements they’ve got here.”

“Sergeant I disabled the tank it won’t be going anywhere.” Balefire began his trot back to us.

“Is it still in working condition?” I looked around for any enemy soldiers.

“From what I can tell the main cannon might still work. Other than that the thing crumpled in on itself just trying to lift the gun.” I could see Balefire round the corner, one side of his armor was scorched.

“Good to hear. Now then let’s find their headquarters and get what information we can.” I went silent.

“Is something wrong?” Everypony kept their eyes moving.

I shook my head. “Nothing. Keep moving and leave nothing to chance. Check everywhere. I don’t want a single boar left alive.”

Rubble was scattered around the compound from the numerous explosions. It made traversing this place a little more dangerous but it made a large portion of potential hiding spots disappear.

A sow trotted out of a door. Both of her tusks were shattered in half and she was bleeding profusely from a gaping hole in her side. “You buckers did this.”

I gave her a quick look before stabbing the Knight’s Bane through her spine.

The last noise she made was an ear piercing shriek. The shriek gave way to the sound of blood soaking into the ground at our hooves.

“Don’t stop. Get a move on and make sure this place is clear.” I looked around for a few seconds. “Maybe consider getting a team in here to clean this place up. Maybe make it into a command center for further assaults.”

Comet came through on the radio. “I’ll send a message back to base. We should have their opinion soon enough.”

“Stay low to the ground if you’re going to fly back. At least for a good mile or two so you don’t give away my position.” Freedom’s voice was still coming through but very quietly.

“Alright colonel bitchface.” Wings flapped and his mic went silent.

I shook my head and trotted forward. Everything was silent as I moved over rubble heading to the one small building left standing.

It wasn’t much to look at but I hoped it had what we were looking for. I threw the door open.

A lone boar was there looking over what little documents he had. He said nothing and charged at me.

I levitated the Knight’s Bane up and waited for the boar to reach it. When he did the sword pierced his skull killing him.

“Dumbass.” Steamroller trotted over to the pile of documents. “Nothing special here.” He shuffled through the papers. “This looks interesting.”

I trotted over to look at the piece of paper he had isolated. “Part of the plans for the tank outside? Why only one part of it?”

“And why so little information? I thought this place was supposed to be top secret.” Rose picked up all of the papers and deposited them in a little folder.

“We’ll take what we can get. If it helps to stop this war from getting out of control then it’s worth it.” I trotted over to the one functioning terminal along the wall.

An encrypted message had been sent here not long ago. “Anypony know anything about their encryptions?”

Balefire trotted over and looked over the message. “It’s a request for a sow to return to a research facility. I think it’s due north of this compound.”

“Think or know?” Steamroller trotted over to give the message a look.

“Beats me. I haven’t studied their latest encryptions. I’ve got a little knowledge of how they encrypt things though.” Balefire moved aside.

Rose looked around the terminal before putting a USB into the side. “They gave us a special set of decoding software. Give it a few minutes and we should have the message decoded.”

“You four better hurry it up in there. We’ve got reinforcements inbound.” Freedom was galloping.

I looked out a window. “Steamroller I need you to get set up outside and prepare for an onslaught.”

Steamroller galloped out the door leaving the rest of us. “Balefire I’m going to need your help for this.”

Balefire galloped through the door breaking it off it’s hinges. “Buck me.”

“How long do you need to get that message decoded?” I unholstered my gun.

“Two maybe three more minutes. Just give it some time this stupid terminal is bucking old.” Rose drew out her own pistol.

Twin gatling guns spun up just outside. I peeked out to see another wave of boars jump over the rubble and towards our position.

The frontline of their soldiers wore heavy metal plating. Those behind them wore less armor but were heavily armed.

The gatling gun fire slowly whittled away the front lines but it wouldn’t be enough. “Damnit. Balefire light these bastards up with some explosives.”

A few small packs of explosives found their home at the ground just at the hooves of the boars. “Goodnight buckers.”

The explosives tore the tough frontline apart leaving a hole for gatling gun fire to tear into the soldiers within.

The boars started dropping like flies. What little armored boars remained move towards the middle in a last ditch effort to stop the death of the more well armed soldiers.

I lopped three of the boars in two creating another gap for Steamroller. “Rose.”

“Just a little bit longer.” A window broke near Rose.

I shot a few times at the boar that had just jumped in. “Get away from her!”

The boar looked once at me before stumbling backwards. His every move drew me closer.

I stopped when I was standing next to Rose. I put a bullet in the boar's skull and helped Rose to her hooves.

“Thanks.” Rose plucked the drive from the terminal. “That’s it we can get out of here. We’ve got everything that we are going to get.”

I slammed the door open and galloped out. Steamroller was fending off the boars with his hooves. Balefire was preparing to blow up a few sticks of dynamite. A single shot fired from somewhere outside camp struck one of the boars in the skull.

I fired twice more before my gun clicked. “Damnit.” I unsheathed the Knight’s bane and started swinging.

Rose followed not far behind firing her assault rifle into the boar ranks. Her words were muffled but I could tell she was cursing at the boars and the gun she was firing.

What few boars that remained were laying on the ground slowly bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds.

I took what little pity I could on them and made their suffering end. I knew this wasn’t right. No matter how much danger they were causing there had to be some other way to stop this. “What’s wrong with your gatling guns soldier?”

“They stopped firing sir. Might be a possible weapons malfunction or I could be out of ammo.” Steamroller tapped on his guns a few times.

I trotted over and gave a quick look over the guns. “I don’t know a lot about these guns but I think you’re out of ammo.”

Steamroller nodded. “I thought I might be.”

I popped out the fusion cell lodged in his gun. “Might find some around. Until then we’ll need to find a different weapon for you.”

Balefire trotted over quickly. “I have an idea Sergeant.”

“Well anything will work. What do ya got?” I pulled the other fusion cell out.

“Well I was thinking. This armor is high quality and most weapons shouldn’t pierce it. So why not put some spikes on the armor and make a moving wall of death.” Balefire grabbed a few nearby pieces of rebar.

“In the wasteland we’ve got a piece of technology that is basically the same thing and might be easy enough to make.” I looked around for what I needed.

Inside the tent we had just left was the one most important part, an actuator. It was about the perfect size for making a powerhoof. I grabbed it and a few other rusty pieces of metal and trotted back out to my squad.

They looked at me like I was crazy for thinking I could build something with that. “Are you sure we couldn’t just strap different weapons to his battle saddle?”

I shook my head. “We’re going to need those to stay with us. Can’t let the enemy get ahold of this type of equipment. Does one of you have a welder by chance?”

Balefire pulled a welder out of his saddlebags. “It’s not got much left in the tank but it’ll do work.”

I grabbed the welder and started putting pieces together. It took very little time to put together something that resembles the weapon I was trying to make. I levitated the rebar into place and attached it.

“What exactly is that?” Rose was looking over my shoulder at the weapon I had just made.

I slid the powerhoof on so I could test it out. I levitated up a corpse at random. “Now let’s see if it works.” I threw my hoof forward at the target.

The powerhoof actually worked the way I had intended. The actuator was a little slow but it still fired the rebar forward tearing holes into the target.

“That’s what you want me to use?” Steamroller inspected the weapon.

I slid the hoof off and fiddled with the actuator. “After I fix it so it works the way it should.” After a few more seconds I hoofed Steamroller the powerhoof.

“If I’ve got nothing else I suppose I can use it.” Steamroller put the hoof to the ground.

“Does the rebar slow him down when he walks?” Balefire looked over the hoof I had created.

“If I made it correctly it shouldn’t slow him down at all. If not it won’t be enough to notice.” I turned my mic on. “Freedom where are you?”

Her voice came back loud and clear. “In one of the guard towers. Everything looks quiet from up here.”

“If everything looks clear get down here we’ve got more work to do.” I pulled the radio command had given me out of my saddlebags. “Private Rose radio command and deliver that intel.”

Rose nodded and started fiddling with the radio.

Freedom vaulted over a wall. “Well aren’t you all just a sight for sore eyes.”

“How bad were Comet’s injuries?” Steamroller looked over the powerhoof I had given him.

“The bullet nearly tore his wing off. Damn lucky he’s still able to fly.” Freedom holstered her rifle at her side.

“It’s a bitch not to be able to fly. Good thing he’s fine. We still need him.” I trotted off to sit down and think.

I could hear the rest of my squadron talking. Nothing of importance as far as I could tell. Rose was the only one with anything important to do right now.

I shut the door to the tent behind me and sighed. “Buck.” I kicked one of the terminals on the ground shattering the screen. “Why?”

The corpse in the center of the room stared at me. Those lifeless eyes were haunting. I knew that he was dead. I was used to seeing death. Everywhere around me it was always happening. What made this worse was the fact I had done it.

I had been trained to be a killing machine, but why? Why was it that I had made it this far and others hadn’t? I had met with a few of those who returned from battle before we left.

They were horribly disfigured from the combat. Many were missing legs or eyes. Shit some of them didn’t have their horns anymore. Why was I still unharmed and they weren’t?

I had just walked into a shitstorm without thinking about it and was still untouched by the madness of war. A few of those I had talked to were brought to tears when Spitfire had asked where the rest were.

I couldn’t remember the private’s name but I remembered his face and message so clearly. “They killed him. They made me watch while they slowly tore his hooves off. He was bleeding to death before I could even break free.”

I had to leave before I could hear anymore. How was I the lucky one in all of this? What did I deserve to trot into this war and become a killer?

I sat on the ground. All was quiet once again and I sat and stared at the ground. I let a few tears roll down my cheeks.

No. I can do this. I still have an obligation to keep. I can’t let those who have given their lives for our cause just die in vain. I stood up and trotted towards the door.

A small knock stopped me in my tracks. “Sergeant are you alright?” Rose’s voice was quiet on the other side.

I leaned my head against the door. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”

“Well we don’t have much time left if we’re going to leave today. We could set up here and move out in the morning if you’d like.” Rose’s voice was the most calming thing I had heard all day.

I pulled the door open. “What say you ponies? Are we going to give those boars more of what they deserve today?”

“Yes Sir!” They all saluted me.

“Then what are you all waiting for? Move out!” I kept Rose close to my side.

“What is it?” Rose looked into my eyes.

I brought her in close and kissed her. “I just needed something to take my mind off this.”

Rose smiled and brought me back into the kiss. “Just you wait until we get some time alone. I’ll give you something better to take your mind off of this.”

Freedom was within earshot. “If you two are going to do something like that I suggest you stay far enough away that we can’t hear you.”

“I’ll have your ass if you don’t keep up with the rest of the squad Freedom!” Rose and I started trotting forward.

“I wouldn’t mind that. Seeing as Comet’s gone back to command I’ve got nopony for that.” I could see her smile.

“Shut your mouth or I’ll get that rifle of yours destroyed.” I sent back my own devilish smile.

Freedom’s magic enveloped the rifle. She stayed silent and galloped to catch up with the rest of the squad.

“Come on Silver we’ve got some ground to cover before we can do anything.” Rose pulled me forward.

I hopped into the air wrapping my hooves around Rose. “Hold on.”

I flew forward as fast as I could to catch up with the rest of the squad. They hadn’t gotten much of a headstart but that armor those stallions wore made it easy for them to move quickly.

When we eventually caught up Freedom was riding atop Balefire as they galloped along. “Good to see you can keep up Sergeant. Now we’ll see if you can keep up with Private Rose in your private time.”

“Your ass is going to be getting some private time with command’s dick.” I couldn’t help but laugh at Steamroller’s comment.

“So who’s command in this situation? You or Sergeant Thunder?” Freedom laughed at Steamroller.

I called back. “Both if you really want it that way.”

Rose hit me in the stomach. “What the buck!"

“I was just kidding. I’ve still got a mare of my own to take care of. Nothing’s gonna get between you and I.” I pulled Rose in tighter.

“You damn well better make up for this.” Rose sighed.

I whispered into Rose’s ear. “I’ve only got one mare I want. No other mare has a more appealing plot than you.”

“Wow calm down there Sergeant. Nopony said I wanted you right now.” Rose pushed away just a little bit.

“Can you blame me? I’ve got the sexiest mare who ever lived wrapped in my hooves. I can’t help that I want to show her a good time.” I smiled and gave Rose a kiss on her cheek.

Rose sighed. “Dammit. You do know how to make a mare feel loved.”

“Anything for you.” I brought us low to the ground. “Slow it down you two.”

Steamroller and Balefire came to almost a grinding halt. “Yes Sergeant?”

“Rose do you want to trot on the ground?” I set Rose’s hooves on the ground gently.

“I like the feeling of the wind flowing through my mane. I’d prefer to stick to the sky if it’s all the same to you.” Rose rolled over to look into my eyes.

“Don’t be getting any ideas up there.” Freedom sighed and leaned back to keep an eye on the sky.

I flapped my wings faster and rose to a decent height. I liked it up here. I could see everything for miles around me. It usually was a very pretty place this world. Our line of work seemed to forget that and destroy what beauty the world held for us.

I had a weird feeling stemming from beneath me. “Rose what are you doing?”

Rose giggled. “Just trying to take your mind off all of this.”

I had to try my best not to let my face change. “That feels great but it is really distracting.”

“I know you can handle it. You are a big, strong, stallion after all.” Rose kept at her teasing.

I waited a few minutes before finally losing it. “Don’t just tease me. Just hurry up and buck me.”

It took her a few seconds to respond to me. “Are you sure you can handle that in the air? On the ground I know you can handle anything I throw your way, but up here I’m not to sure.”

“It’s a long ways up, but I won’t drop you.” I kissed her dragging the kiss out as long as I could.

Steamroller’s voice sounded in my ear. “Sun’s setting Sergeant. Do you want to keep moving forward through the night?”

I flipped my mic on a little annoyed they were interrupting. “We’ll keep moving for a few more minutes. If you find a good spot to set up camp radio up to me.”

“Understood Sergeant.” All radio communication went silent.

Rose whispered in my ear. “In a few minutes we’ll get us a place set up for the night and you can do anything you want to me.”

“Sergeant I think I’ve got a good enough place for us to camp out tonight.” I could see the glint of a scope down below us.

I dived towards the ground gaining speed as I went. There was a small building surrounded by rubble. “Well I don’t exactly like the looks of this place, but I suppose it will do for the night.”

I set my hooves down after letting Rose get down on the ground.

“I thought I told you two not to get any ideas.” Freedom had her rifle shouldered.

“Were you?” I would have continued but Rose kissed me.

“Yes I was. I told you two not to get any ideas. We’ve still got work to do and we can’t have you to fooling around and getting us killed.” Freedom slid to the ground off of Steamroller.

I kept my voice low. “Yeah keep talking like that and I’ll buck you until you feel otherwise.”

Freedom and Rose both gave me looks but said nothing further on the subject.

I pushed open the door to the small building. Inside it was a mess but had plenty of room for all of us to hold up for the night. “Stay away from the windows and lock this place down.”

Rose pushed me into the back room and shut the door. “Take me.”

“Ok.” I shed just enough of my armor.

“Oh my goddesses. Are those two going to stop anytime soon?” Freedom rolled over closing her ears as much as possible.

“Doubtful. If we’re going to be up anyways, yall wanna play some poker?” Steamroller sat up.

“Deal me in.” I sat up discarding my helmet.

“Balefire how are you going to play cards? Your a bucking earth pony for Celestia's sake.” Steamroller discarded his own helmet.

“Same way I use explosives you dick. I’ve got a built in sort of magical generator. Not super powerful but still good enough.” I tapped my hoof on the ground.

“Fine, but if you run out of juice for that generator don’t coming crying to me about it. You won’t get very far.” Steamroller began dealing.

“I would prefer to ask Freedom. Afterall she is the one who's supposed to supply my magic.” I picked up my cards.

“If you buck me just right I might help you out with your generator.” Freedom looked her cards over.

I tossed a few bits into the area between us. “I bet two bits.”

Steamroller eyed his cards. “I see that and raise you five bits.”

Freedom dropped a bag of bits into the center. “I raise you both fifty.”

“Buck it I fold.” Steamroller tossed his cards to the floor.

I looked over my hand. I had a full house. “Alright.”

That pot was looking good. “Are you ready then?”

I nodded. “Full house queens high.”

Freedom giggled at me. “Four of a kind.”

“Dammit. Well played.” I pushed the bits her way.

“Thank you.” Freedom pulled the bits into a bag. “We’ve still got time before those two are done.”

“Steamroller you up for another hand?” I picked all the cards up and shuffled the deck.

Steamroller muttered a few words under his breath before turning his attention back to me. “Yeah. Deal me in.”

I dealt out the hand hoping I could kick Freedom’s ass into the ground this hand.

Steamroller threw a few bits into the center. “Three bits.”

Freedom tossed three bits into the center. “I’ll see that.”

I was happy with my hand. “I raise you both fifty bits.”

They both looked between each other. Freedom tossed all her bits into the middle. “That’s all I’ve got. So are you enough of a stallion to see that.”

I tossed what I had left into the pot. “You in or not Steamroller?”

“Nope.” Steamroller tossed his cards away and trotted towards the closest window.

“Lay em down.” Freedom presented two pair.

I laid down my cards. “Royal flush.”

“Well shit. Guess I lost.” Freedom pushed the bits my way.

I deposited them all into my saddlebags. “So is that bucking you just right?”

Freedom sighed. “What do I need to do to recharge your stupid generator?”

I opened a small compartment on my armor and pulled out the electrode that needed to be charged with magic. “Just stick this on your horn and let your magic flow through it. Nothing more than that.”

Freedom hooked up the little electrode and sent magic flooding through my armor. “How long do I have to have this thing on my horn for?”

I looked down at the little battery indicator. “At most an hour before it’s fully charged. Or a few minutes if you overcharge your horn.”

The room light up in that bright purple aura we so rarely got to see. “Let’s get this over with then.”

“For the love of Celestia couldn’t you warn before you do that? Damn near blinded me you bitch.” Steamroller’s voice was strained.

“Well buck you two asshat. I want to get this over with. Maybe just avert your little virgin eyes from the glory that is my aura.” The aura grew even brighter.

I couldn’t hear what he muttered under his breath, but I assumed it was something bad. “Just another minute or so before my armor’s fully charged.”

The glow started to fade. “Shut up and let me concentrate.” Freedom slumped to the floor. “That’s all I’ve got.”

She was bucking cute this way. I knew I didn’t have a chance with her though. She and Comet had been bucking since they got grouped together. “Well that’s fine. I don’t need a full charge to use my armor effectively.”

Freedom was already asleep on the floor. I removed the electrode and shut my armor.

“Sounds like they finally stopped. Maybe now I can get some shut eye.” Steamroller shed his armor.

I followed suit. “Let’s hope so.”

“Aren’t you going to take watch?” Steamroller looked at me.

I shook my head. “Armor sentry mode.”

Two rifles slid out of my armor and aimed at the door we had entered from. A single red light lit up in the helmet.

“You got one of the model’s that does that? How?” Steamroller looked the piece of work.

“It’s supposed to compliment your armor if we run out of explosives. It’s usually standard but you have a special set don’t you?” I took a seat on the floor setting up my bed for the night.

“Yeah Phoenix armor. Specially designed for pegasi.” Steamroller tapped the flank of his armor.

“I can’t remember what you said was so cool about it. Shit.” I laid my head down.

“After taking enough damage it lights on fire burning everything in the generally area. It’s a self defense mechanism and should give me enough time to activate self destruct need be. Command really doesn’t want this armor to get into the enemies hooves.” Steamroller went quiet.

I gave him one last look before going to sleep.

We got up early in the morning to cover the distance between us and our next target before the sun got high in the sky.

I let Rose sleep for a little longer while I woke the rest of the squad. “Everypony off their plots. We’ve got boars to kill.”

Steamroller and Balefire jumped up and into their armor. “Yes sir.”

Freedom opened one eye to look at me. “Yeah alright.”

It took all of a minute for the two stallions to be battle ready. “So how were the trenches last night Sergeant? They sounded a bit rough.”

I had to think about that for a second to make sure I heard that right. “Buck you.”

“Not me. Private Rose on the other hoof.” Balefire ducked below an incoming hoof. “What the buck Steamroller? You asshole. That was bucking funny.”

“Both of you are about to be face first in the dirt if you don’t shut your mouths! Is That Understood?!” I kept an eye on both of them.

The both went to attention. “Yes Sir.”

“Good. Now get your asses out the door. That goes for you too Freedom.” I cast a glance her way.

Freedom shrugged at me and trotted out the door. “Come on you dumbasses. We’ve got work to do still.”

I thought for a half second. “Steamroller.”

“Yes sir?” He stopped to look at me.

I tossed him a fusion core. “It’s got a little charge left. Not much but it should be enough to power one of your gatling lasers for a while.”

“Thank you Sir.” Steamroller slid the core into his left laser.

“Now get a move on. I want this next outpost destroyed before noon today.” I waved a hoof at Rose.

Rose trotted up next to me giving me a devious smile. “They did get that part right. It was quite rough.”

I had to stop myself from blushing. “I know it was. I’m just not comfortable with them talking about our sex life. It’s weird.”

Rose grabbed my hoof and pulled me out the door. “Don’t worry about it honey. Live your life the way you want to.”

I jumped into the air and grabbed Rose in my hooves. “Let’s go. Our work on this mission is almost over. Just one more outpost.”

“How far until next outpost Sergeant?” Steamroller panted as he galloped along.

“Just a small distance. Keep your eyes peeled.” I pulled out a set of binoculars.

In the distance I could see the outline of our next target. A small outpost that recon squads said had something of interest inside. They gave me little information to work with. All I knew is they wanted the outpost taken with as little damage done to it as possible.

Freedom’s voice was as quiet as ever. “We’ve got an incoming squadron of boars. Get your asses in cover and stay quiet.”

“Shit.” I dived towards the ground looking for a good place to hide.

Rose tapped at me with her tail. “Right there.”

Down below us was a tan tattered tent. “Alright. Hold on cause this might get dicey.”

“Go ahead and do what you need to.” Rose held on as best she could.

I brought Rose and my wings in close to my body. All at once gravity did what it does best and dragged us down towards the ground.

It’s really bucking hard to tell how far off the ground we are. Shit. Alright stay calm dumbass and just be ready to flare your wings. I waited one more second before unfurling my wings and slowing our descent.

I was just a little bit off in my judgment on how high up we were. Luckily I was still a few feet above the ground and not buried slightly in it.

Rose jumped to the ground and galloped towards the tent. “Come on.”

I flew forward catching up instantly. “Let’s hope this works.”

I slid into the tent catching one of the posts that held it up. “Son of a bitch.” I looked down to see a nasty gash on my front right leg.

Rose put a hoof up to my mouth. “Hush. Give me a second and I’ll get you something for that.”

I nodded wincing at the pain. I had managed to bring the post down when I hit it. I grabbed two of the other posts and broke them bringing the tent down.

“What are you doing?” Rose shoved the potion into my mouth.

I drank the potion as swiftly as I could. “I’m trying to make this place less noticeable. If I leave just one of these posts up it might look like this has been abandoned.”

Rose shook her head bandaging up my leg. “Now don’t move your leg for a while. And be more careful. We’ve got medical supplies but not many.”

I grimaced. “Understood. Now quiet down we need to wait these boars out.”

I could hear their hooves hitting the soft sand outside. They were no farther than a few yards off to my right. The hoofsteps drew closer.

I readied my pistol. Alright you bastards take one more step and I’ll personally end you. Do it I bucking dare you.

The final tent post came crashing down burying us in the thick sheet of canvas. “All clear sir.”

“Good send word to the outpost and tell them to get that machine rolling.” A rough deep grunted followed.

“Yes sir.” The sow planted something on the ground. “Everything’s clear. Send the tank through.”

Another one? Great, just bucking great. One more stupid thing to avoid and probably to destroy. I gave Rose a look.

She shook her head ever so slightly at me.

I holstered my pistol and waited.

The boars outside stood around waiting for something. A thunderous roar emanated from the direction of the outpost.

Oh shit they’ve got another one? That's fine. We’ll just blow the bastard up and leave nothing of it for them to salvage.

Time froze for just have a second. I glanced towards where the boars were standing. The first bullet plowed through the sow’s skull killing her and splattering her brains onto our improvised shelter. “Get out of there!”

The second shot sent the boar spiraling over the canvas tearing a hole in it with his tusks.

I grabbed ahold of Rose and shot out of the tent at high speed. It was an amazing feeling moving that fast. I got to a high altitude before pulling a shield around us. “Alright you boar bastards it’s time to die. Balefire blow them to tartarus and leave nothing standing.”

“Yes sir.” Balefire galloped head first into the dangers of battle.

For the first time I saw steamroller fly. His armor was engulfed in flames and I thought I could see wings sticking out of his armor.

Freedom was on a hill just a few hundred yards behind them. She kept that gun firing as fast as she could even with the bolt action slowing her down.

I stared down at the chaos below me. Boars in the hundreds were charging at my squadron.

One of the boars below was wearing a suit of armor similar to Balefire’s. He was surrounded entirely by a dull brown aura.

I focused my magic on that boar. I had one shot to take him out before he could harm anypony. “Come on magic don’t fail me now.”

Crimson had taught me how to do this just a year back and I still had trouble focusing enough magic to pull it off. It took me a good thirty seconds before my horn finally started to use the magic the way I wanted.

The boar in armor let out a ear piercing shriek as I began to pull his skull out. The armor made it more difficult to accomplish but he finally stopped shrieking as his entire head pulled free of his shoulders. I held the skull high for all the boars to see.

Some stared on in astonishment at what had just happened. Their guns fell to the sand and they knelt down before the skull. “We’ll avenge you.” Their words were loud enough to be heard from this high.

“Silver the ground!” Rose hit me to get my attention.

Shit she was right. In my attempt to keep the shield up and kill the boar I had slowed down on my flying. We were falling towards the ground at an alarming rate before I finally got my wings back in working order.

I set Rose down on the ground panting. “Sorry. I’m a little tired after doing that.”

Rose propped me up. “It’s alright honey. Now just take a break for a few seconds and get your breathing under control.”

I took a few deep breaths to restore the natural order of things. It took all of my concentration to stand on my own hooves. “I’m fine. Come on they still need us.” I flipped my mic on again. “Status report.”

“Pinned behind a piece of debris. That damn tank won’t let me get close.” Balefire’s voice was in and out.

“I’m trying Balefire just give me a damn minute. I have to find the armor piercers.” Freedom was scrambling searching through her saddlebags.

“Ran out of gatling laser ammo. Currently trying to pry a roasted boar off of this powerhoof.” Good to hear Steamroller was making the best of a bad situation.

I picked Rose up again and bolted towards the action.

The tank was a lot bigger than I had thought. The first one was dwarfed in comparison to this thing. It looked like it had lighter armor plating but more guns to make up for that. Flak cannons lined the sides and I could see several big machine guns pointing out the sides.

“Command’s going to want that thing back in as few pieces as we can get it. Do not try to destroy it. Disable that main cannon if possible and I’ll do what I can to rid the rest of the boars inside.” I set Rose down and flew towards the tank.

The main gun was slowly spinning towards where command was. Dammit did these assholes have to be pulling out the big guns.

The closer I got to the tank the more dangerous things became. The flak cannons started firing at me. My shield deflected all of the shrapnel but I wasn’t very sure it would last all that long.

I hit the ground and started galloping trying to confuse the flak cannon operators. They kept their guns trained on me until I was within one hundred yards.

The tank started to make a whirring noise. “What the buck type of cannon does it have?”

“Plasma cannon. If we don’t redirect that shot it’ll hit command and everypony there is gone.” Balefire was galloping towards the tank.

I pulled a shield up over him. “Then get your ass over here and rig that cannon to blow.” I ripped one of the hatches off of the tank and dived inside.

Inside was a tight area but that didn’t mean anything for the boars. They all jumped out wielding weapons of all sorts.

I threw a grenade amongst them and jumped behind cover. The following explosion nearly deafened me and covered the floor in a puddle of blood.

The tank rocked back as Balefire’s explosives detonated. The entire tank turned just a few degrees to the right. The main cannon followed in rocking the tank backwards just a few seconds later.

I swear this thing needed to be supported otherwise it was going to tip over and leave this as a worthless endeavour.

“Dammit you morons. Realign the main cannon and fire again.” It was a sow in charge.

I made my way further into the tank looking for a way up. A small hatch separated me from the boars. I tried unsuccessfully to open it. I pulled a grenade out and held it close to the hatch. The pin fell to the floor and it was only a matter of a few seconds before the hatch opened for me.

A boar poked his head through the gap wielding a pistol. I pulled my own and used the boars brains as paint. The last grenade I had went into the main cannon area.

I held it there trying to keep the boars from surviving. The explosion painted the upstairs with blood and smoke.

All noise stopped from the tank. I peeked upstairs to see if it was no longer operational. None of the boars had survived the explosion and neither had the controls.

“All clear. This thing isn’t firing ever again.” I tore apart what little remained of the consoles.

I think it was Balefire who spoke next. “That’s great Sergeant but we’ve got bigger problems.”

I jumped out of the tank putting a shield around the entire tank. Everypony except Freedom was here.

We were surrounded on all sides by boars in bulky armor. They all had us in their sights.

“What’s the plan?” Rose kept her rifle close by.

I saw the glint of Freedom’s sniper rifle. “Just give Freedom a few seconds to do what she does best.”

The bullet pierced the first boars skull sending his rifle to the ground just outside of the shield. The shot bounced off of my shield hitting a sow in the leg.

I took my opportunity and grabbed the discarded rifle and opened fire upon the boars. They took a lot of damage before they fell.

The gun clicked after I killed the third boar. I picked up all the guns on the ground bringing them to bear on the remaining boars.

I stopped being an idiot after the second gun ran dry and started shooting the boars where they had no armor at all.

They retreated back towards the outpost. “That’s right you bastards.” I charged forward at the outpost. “Now get back here and die.”

I wasn’t sure what the others were doing but it didn’t matter at this point. If I could finish the mission and be done then that’s what mattered.

The gates were closing slowly but that wouldn't stop me. I slid through the gate a few seconds before it closed.

The boars stared at me keeping their guns trained on my skull. I could see the fear in their eyes as I lashed out with the Knight’s Bane.

It took only a small amount of time to kill off the boars guarding the gate. I flung the gate open and let the rest of my squad in. “Kill ‘em all.”

A few seconds later and I slammed the gates shut behind us throwing myself into combat once again.

I’m not sure how to explain the carnage and death I caused within just a minute. But really I wasn’t too sure exactly what it was I was doing. That entire time all I knew is I was crushing through the bones of boars.

The next thing I remember I was sitting on the ground putting my wingblade back in place. “Get back on there you bastard.”

“You want a hoof with that Sergeant?” Balefire trotted over.

I held the blade in place and strapped it to my side. “I’m fine thanks. Now where is everypony?” I looked around. “Sound off.”

“Private Rose alive and kicking sir.” Always a good thing to hear her voice.

“Specialist Steamroller just a few rooms ahead of you two.” I could hear the mighty crunch of bone from where he was.

“Give me a second. Also you might want to duck.” The shot sounded loudly.

Something above us exploded. “Good to hear from you Freedom. Everypony back to work.”

“Sergeant I’ve found their HQ. Working on extracting what we came for.” Rose worked quickly.

“Copy. Balefire and Steamroller I want you two to secure the rest of this outpost. None of the boars get left alive.” I trotted towards where I had last seen Rose.

“Understood.” The two stallions trotted in opposite directions.

Come on me. Just a few more hours of this and then hopefully we’ll get some time off. The thought of a break seemed so foreign anymore. Everythings was go, go, go all the time and I had to stay alert and ready for anything.

I swung at the boar charging me cleaving her in twain. Yeah buck you too bitch.

All I had was my squad of highly trained soldiers to keep me company. Truth be told while I liked them for who they were, I wanted nothing more than to just stop. All I wanted was to quit this military business and go home to Rose and live happily. Amethyst was all that was keeping me here.

The next few boars cowered as I trotted forward unfazed by the devastation they thought they had caused.

Their heads rolled along the ground for some time as I continued my path.

Without her what was I? Was I just a well trained killing machine whose only purpose was to kill? Or was I a pony looking for a way to be normal in a world full of hatred and anger? Shit, what were any of us without something to fight for?

I came to one conclusion as I reached the building Rose was in. Without her I was nothing. Just a machine that did one thing and one thing only, and that was to kill.

Rose wrapped her hooves around me. “It’s good to see you. You wouldn’t answer any of us and we were worried about you. Where were you?”

I looked around the room to see everypony but Comet and Freedom were waiting there for me. “I just got caught up making sure this place was secure.”

“We’ve been waiting for a few hours. Like Private Rose said, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” Balefire had a hoof on his helmet.

I managed a small smile. “Did you get what we came for?”

Rose presented a small drive. “All of the secrets they were keeping here are now in your capable hooves. I’ve already sent word to base and we’ll have a carrier here in a few hours time.”

I pulled over a crate and took a seat. “Good. Steamroller is this place secure?”

He nodded. “Yes Sir.”

“Good.” I yawned. “Wake me when the carrier is here.”

“Yes Sir.” Steamroller trotted over to a window to keep watch.

Rose’s POV

I was worried for Silver. He never sounded like this. Even when he had a bad day he was never this melancholy. What’s gotten into to him?

Balefire put a hoof on my shoulder. “I know what you’re thinking. Something’s not quite right with him. It was painfully obvious he was trying to hide it.”

I tapped on Balefire’s hoof a few times. “Thank you for your understanding, but if I know Silver as well as I think I do, he won’t talk about this. It’s best just to keep an eye on him and hope he opens up about it.”

“Are you sure that’s the best idea? I’ve seen ponies hit this stage before and the results usually aren’t pretty.” Balefire took a seat next to me.

I nodded. “If he’s not comfortable talking about it and you push the subject he’ll retreat inwards and never open up about what’s bothering him. Besides, I think as soon as command gives us some time off he’ll perk right back up.”

“I hope your right. I’ve seen too many ponies lose their minds to stuff like this. I don’t want to lose such a damn fine CO.” Balefire trotted back over to a crate.

“And you won’t.” I lowered my head and voice. “You’ve just been too strong for too long. You need somepony to help you whether the storm. Isn’t that right my big strong stallion?”

Silver’s POV

Rose’s voice flooded my dreams. Her words were distant but they sounded as cheery as they ever were. She always did know how to make me feel better when I got like this. Her final words before I woke did reach me. “I love you.”

I started to wake up. “I love you too.”

“Sergeant.” Balefire shook me a few times. “Sergeant wake up.”

“Yes what is it?” I sat bolt upright.

“The carrier’s a few mikes out. We’re heading home.” Balefire put his hoof back on the ground.

Rose was curled up next to me sound asleep. She made a few little noises that resembled that sweet tone shook took when she was comforting me.

I kissed he forehead. “Don’t wake up. You need your sleep more than I do.”

Steamroller slowly opened the door. “Carrier’s here. Come on.”

I picked Rose up keeping her as stable as possible. “Go ahead Balefire. I’ll be right behind you.”

The stallion trotted out the door. The sound of his hooves on metal made Rose stir.

“Shh shh shh. It’s fine honey. Just getting you to a more comfortable location.” I sat her down in the chariot.

“Did you get what we came for?” Comet was standing tall strapped to the carrier.

I nodded. “We got everything right here.” I produced both drives Rose had given me.

Comet nodded his head back to the carrier. “Get in and we’ll be home in no time.”

I trotted inside closing the door behind me. “Good to see you Freedom.”

Freedom smiled at me for the first time since we started this. “Well if it ain’t the stallion calling the shots. Never have I ever been so happy to see a CO.”

Her voice was loud and smelled of alcohol. “Are you already drunk?”

Freedom leaned back. “Drunk? No. Just a slight bit buzzed. You want some whiskey? I’ve got a fifth or two left.” She levitated a bottle to me.

I looked the bottle over. “Well…”

“What?” Hiccup. “Has the big bad CO never gotten drunk before?”

I looked the bottle over before giving Freedom another look.

“Oh my goddesses. That’s hilarious. A sergeant like yourself has usually been drunk off his plot more times than a foal can count.” Freedom hiccupped again.

Well what could be the harm right. Maybe I can get this mare to stop riding me if I drink it. I opened the bottle and drank about half of what was there.

It burned going down and about twice as bad as it almost came back up. “Ok. Happy now?”

“Not until you have that all gone. And this time don’t be a pussy about it.” Freedom dumped the rest of the bottle down my throat.

It still burned like a bitch going down but wasn’t all that bad the second time around. I set the bottle aside and took a seat next to Rose.

Freedom giggled at me. “Wow just cuddling up to her? I thought you would have gone ahead and had your way with her. Seeing how much you wanted her earlier.”

“Freedom shut your mouth before our CO slaps the shit out of you.” Comet provided the voice of reason.

“Just you wait till I get my hooves on you. You’re in for the bucking of a lifetime.” Freedom slumped back against the carrier walls.

I ignored her and put a wing over Rose. “Keep sleeping honey. We’ll be home soon enough.”

The carrier hit the ground with a thud and the rear door opened up. “Come on you drunk jackass let’s get you cleaned up and presentable before Skull finds you like this.”

“I don’t want to get cleaned up. I want you to spank my flank like I’ve been a bad filly.” Freedom waved her flanks in the air.

Comet picked her up and trotted out the door. “Sorry about that.”

I looked out into the world a little bit drunk. The light burned my retina and I felt sick.

Rose propped me up. “Are you sure you want to talk to Skull like this? I could go talk to him for you.”

I shook my head. “No. I’ve got to live up to my actions and hope that I get off easy for showing up drunk.”

Rose helped me towards Skull’s office. “Alright. I just don’t want you to get court martialed or some shit for this.”

“And I won’t. I’m not all that drunk. A little bit out of it yes, but not drunk off my plot like Freedom.” I knocked three times.

“Come in Sergeant Thunder.” Skull opened the door for us.

“Thank you.” I took a seat across from Skull.

“Would you like something to drink? Perhaps a fifth of whiskey?” Skull slid me the exact bottle Freedom gave me.

“How did you know?” I shook my head.

“You came into my office smelling like a bar and expected me not to notice that you were buzzed. Next time you do this I will have you court martialed. For now just give me what your squad was sent to extract.” Skull slid the bottle under the table.

I levitated over both of the drives Rose had given me. “This is what we were able to gather.”

Skull placed the first drive into a terminal and went to work looking at what we had gathered. “Partial plans for a machine capable of leveling our outpost. Did you encounter a working model of this.”

“We encountered two more or less working versions of the machine. Both are no longer operational, but you might be able to learn something from their wreckage if they can be recovered.” Rose spoke for me.

“Very impressive. I take it the other drive contains what little is left of the full blueprint?” Skull deposited both drives in a safe.

“Yes Sir. From what we saw, I would bet bits on the entire machine being quite devastating in the right hooves.” Rose stood up.

“Then our business is done here. Take him home and make sure he comes back not an inebriated mess.” Skull turned away from us.

“Yes Sir.” Rose pulled me out of the building. “Now what did I tell you?”

“You told me bad things were going to happen if I didn’t listen. I get that. Can you just get me home and to bed? I think I’m going to hate myself if I don’t get more sleep.” I slumped down a little.

The door to home opened up and Rose dragged me inside. “I’ll do what I can to make you feel better but you’re going to need to be honest with me.”

I nodded as I laid down. “Anything.”

“Why were you gone for so long at the boar outpost?” Rose laid down next to me helping me out of my armor.

“I was thinking.” I kept the answer vague hoping she wouldn’t pursue it.

“That’s too vague of an answer. Please explain what about.” Rose got close.

“I was thinking about who I really was.” I thought carefully before putting these thought into words. “I wanted to know who I was without you. Because who really am I without you? Just a well trained killing machine? Or something more sinister?”

Rose shook her head. “That doesn’t matter because together we can do anything. It’s that simple. Who you were before is who you were. Who you are now is who you are and nothing is going to make me think less of you.”

I brought Rose in close. “Thank you for always being there for me.”

“Who else is around to be a rock for the strong stallion who always seeks to keep his friends safe? Nopony else could handle the job so I took it because I knew I could help you.” Rose hugged me. “Now go to sleep. You need your rest more than I do.”