January 2nd, 1973 1000 Hours (10:00 AM)
Undiscovered West, Equestria, Equus

The ARVN convoy stretched far to the young mare. In addition to the column of six APC's that she, Daleering, and An were riding on, there were four strange tracked things with double-barrelled contraptions that An called "Dusters," explaining that those contraptions were used to defend the group against enemies in the air. There were also those strange machines with tubes and boxes she had seen earlier that An called "Tanks". For the past two days, they had been scouting the area for the missing colonel and the enemy. The searching had been tedious, and recently, they had been following the trail near the location where the colonel was last reported to be, and just now they had found the wreck.

"Dismount and search the wreck for any bodies, if there are any survivors, treat them!" An yelled as troops dashed out the back of their vehicle.The sight before her was horrific, pieces of the flying machine were strewn around the area; though there was no fire, smoke still remained, and the charred hulk of the machine stood there in its skeletal glory, adding to the sickening feel was the blood splattered across the fuselage of the chopper. Much to her relief, and much to the panic of her surrogate guardian, the troops had yelled out that the crash site was clear. There were no bodies, as if they had faded into oblivion. There were a set of hoofprints, but they seemed small, like those belonging to a teenager, and they led to nowhere.

"Fucking shit." An muttered, "And it was barely New Year's as well. Lieutenant, any report?"

"Nothing as of yet, sir!" His subordinate yelled, haunched over the M60's and looking over the ammo boxes in an attempt to see if they were salvageable.

"We'll remount and move on in twenty minutes. We'll map out the areas to search, at least an 80 Kilometer radius. Until then, search the nearby area and look for any trace of the crew."

January 2nd, 1973, 1020 Hours (10:20 AM)
Undiscovered West, Equestria, Equus

As ARVN troops moved in a column, they swiveled their 30 caliber machine guns* around in search of enemy movement. The dusters swiveled their turrets to the sky in search of enemy air movements, and tank commanders looked around the heavily forested area as their fire mission slowly turned to a matter of search and rescue, and search and destroy. For hours on end, the ARVN searched hamlets and villages scattered around the area, any caribou found was either captured, or killed if they tried to put up a fight. Crystal was of good use, helping translate for An as they asked village leaders for the whereabouts of their officer, and mentioned goodwill, often leaving propaganda leaflets in English, and marking them on the map for future reference. It was a constant process: Search, find, report, repeat, over, and over, and over. Sure, there were the occasional touches with some of the fleeing troops from the camp they captured, and the bandits of the area, but they were soon dealt by with machine gun and anti-aircraft fire.

"At this rate, the colonel might've been captured, or killed." An muttered.

"We can't give up hope, Captain." Daleering said, "There were no signs of a struggle, and no bodies."

"That just means they might've been captured without a fight, which implies they were unconscious, meaning they were either comatose, or worse."

"Let's not worry for the worst yet, Captain."

"I'm an officer, I have to plan for these things."

"Sir, movement upon the horizon!"

It wasn't long on their drive until they found their first raided village. Ponies were starving, and there was hardly a trace of any caribou forces. The homes were ransacked and in ruins, many of the villagers were nothing but skin and bones, the female caribou left weren't any better. Quickly, An dismounted with Daleering and Crystal behind him, and walked up to the ponies who stepped in front of the convoy.

"So you are the men in green that the Caribou fear." The elder, an old Caribou doe with a dull brown, wrinkled, and greying coat and an equally-whitening mane said as Daleering translated for Crystal, who translated for An. "You are shorter than they had described."

An nodded. "How many people are in the village?"

"We used to be a village of around two-hundred, the Caribou took our sons for war, and our daughters for slavery, and most of our food for their armies. Then our magistrate left without a trace, leaving us to fend for ourselves. Now we're down to a village of fifty, the children and babies are starving, and mothers are crying from hunger because they have to sacrifice their meals for them."

An turned back to the convoy, and yelled, "Lieutenant!?"

"Sir!"

"Get Corporal Diem here, on the double, tell him to bring the long range radio!"

"Yes sir!" Soon the lieutenant and the corporal arrived, with the radio. The corporal unhooked his receiver, and handed it to the captain.

"Command, requesting a helicopter drop of a platoon of troops, and an airdrop of food, and medical supplies at mark two, seven, niner, eight for humanitarian aid."

"Captain, what did you find?"

"A raided village with wrecked homes and starving civilians. They don't have a lot of food left, sir, requesting a fire mission at my location with a platoon, over."

"There was commotion on the side of command, as many personnel were heard discussing the options they had before the operator replied with, "Granted, mark the LZ with a flare, and a platoon of troops will arrive in addition to an airdrop of supplies. How copy?"

"Copy that, command, will set up candles and smokes." An replied back.

"Wilco, over and out."

"Over and out." An repeated back, and handed back the receiver. "Corporal, have the men dismount and provide a perimeter for the village, and have one of your men find a safe LZ, and throw some grape smoke for the choppers, we're expecting a supply drop from Chinooks and Hueys."

"Yes sir." Diem replied, and he rushed back to the convoy. Troops climbed out of their APC's and provided a perimeter, as their steeds, and the tanks rolled into the village and created a perimeter as well.

An turned back to the elder. "We've called in an airlift of supplies and troops to secure your village and to help rebuild it, and help you recover. They'll be here in minutes."

The elder teared up and said, "Thank you." And so An helped the old doe and her entourage get to the landing zone, as a sergeant threw purple smoke and marked the area for landing. The distinct sound of Hueys and Chinooks soon filled the air, and the corporal rushed back to the captain, radio in hand.

"This is Swallow-Two-Three, confirm, is the LZ marked grape, over?"

"This is Romeo-Uniform-Seven-Three, confirmed, LZ is marked grape, over."

"Copy, commencing operation, I have orders from command for your team to continue searching for the special target, over."

"Copy, will commence embark and movement, over and out."

"Copy, over and out." The radio cut out. An turned to the lieutenant and said, "Prepare the men to move on the double, we're continuing the search."

"Yes sir." And so, the Lieutenant ran off to gather the NCO's and order all troops to get back on the APC's. VNAF Chinooks landed once the LZ cleared up as ARVN troops rushed to unload them.

January 2nd, 1973, 1040 Hours (10:40 AM)
Undiscovered West, Equestria, Equus

The convoy went back on track, as the ARVN convoy trudged on through the dense jungle. In his APC, An crumpled up his map in frustration and yelled, "This is getting us nowhere! They could be dead by now!"

Noticing the captain's turmoil, Daleering and Crystal scooched closer to him. "Captain?" Crystal ventured to say.

An looked up and said, "Hmm, yes?"

"Why is it important for you to find this Colonel? I understand that you don't want any loss, but he can't be this important."

An sighed as he took a seat and unclipped his canteen, "The colonel taught at the officer's academy I went to, he taught everyone how to aim and shoot a pistol properly without shooting our own heads off. He's a good teacher, takes after his wife. It was a pleasant surprise that he was switching posts into the DAO. Sure, he was bossy as hell, but he has a good heart. Plus, it's New Years, I don't want his seven children to mark this day as the day their father died."

"Seven children?" Daleering remarked with a gaping mouth and a raised eyebrow.

"Seven children. Their oldest one is planning to become a teacher. Education is in their blood, I can tell, the colonel's father was a principal, like I said, his wife is a teacher, and he himself was a weapons instructor for a time. I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of his children takes the ma-"

"Attention, all Coalition forces within the facility, this is Major Đặng of the Vietnamese Air Force, we are besieged in the city of Los Pegasus, if there are any additional forces out there, please respond on this channel."

An jolted up and turned to the APC's communications officer, "Reply to the distress signal, goddamn it! It's clear that they need help!" The officer nodded quickly, then turned to work his magic, before handing the receiver over to the captain. "This is Captain Nguyen Bao An of the 25th ARVN division, we are in the vicinity with elements of the third armored brigade and can respond to back you up, ETA is 20 minutes."

"Copy, We'll hold our ground until then. Be advised, our location is hot, approach from the Eastern flank. This is Major Đặng signing off."

"Copy, out." An turned and yelled to the commander, "Tell your men to set course for Las Pegasus, and step on it!"

The Captain nodded, and ordered his radio operator to spread the word to the other vehicles of their new movement. It was now a race against time for the ARVN, as they rushed to defend their officer against god knows what.

January 2nd, 1973, 1100 Hours (11:00 AM)
Las Pegasus Governmental War Room, Las Pegasus, Equestria, Equus

"And that concludes our briefing, supplies are low, and so is morale. The City Watch and the Provisional Guard are helping to bolster up defenses, but our numbers are low. The Magistrates are doing their best to try to maintain order within the city and ration supplies, and the nearest garrison is many miles away from here. Have your men had any luck contacting the men in green?" Governor Freiheit asked.

Truc shook his head, "No such luck. Our radio is short range, it would be pretty difficult for anyone to pick up our signal"

Suddenly, the chopper crew chief, Major Đặng, ran back into the war room. "We've established contact with one of our units, sir, some elements of the 25th with some squads from the third armored brigade. They should arrive within the hour, sir!"

The governor smiled in relief, "It appears some of your men have heard the call."

"So it has, so it has. Major, any word on where they'll be approaching?"

"The eastern flank, sir!"

The colonel nodded, "We'll head over there then, Major, give them a rendezvous."

"And I'll come along, dear Colonel."

Truck looked back at Freiheit, "Are you sure that is safe, Governor?" Freiheit nodded "I need to make sure my troops don't do anything rash to make anything worse."

January 2nd, 1973, 1200 Hours (12:00 PM)
Eastern Wall Entrance, Las Pegasus, Equestria, Equus

The sounds of machinery rolling into the area filled the air. Freiheit looked on in amazement as a column of green box-like vehicles ground to a halt in front of his gateway. He raised his hoof to prevent anyone from attacking as one of the strange creatures climbed out of the box with a Crystal Unicorn and strangely, a freed Caribou cow.

"Let me do the talking, we're going out there to talk to them. If we play our cards right, we'll have a defense built up long enough for more of our men to arrive. Understood?" Truc told Freiheit in a calm voice.

Freiheit nodded , "Anything to protect this city, Colonel."

"Alright, let's go."

Time seemed to slow down as he and the Colonel walked to the gateway. Two Caribou guards stomped in attentioned and, with a nod from the Governor, they unlocked and opened the gate, and slowly walked out. Freiheit noticed the humans tensing and lifting their weapons, readying up in a standoff as ARVN and Caribou troops stared each other down. Soon they were met with the Captain and his entourage face to face.

"Glad to see you are alive, sir."

"Likewise."

The Captain nodded to the Governor, "Are they keeping you prisoner?"

"He's not, in fact, he is offering to us a proposition. Right now they are in a precarious situation, I'll let him explain. Captain An, this is Governor Freiheit." Truc nodded to the Governor.

"I am not sure what you did to the Caribou forces, but some of the forces posted in the Undiscovered West routed to here, looking for a 'real war'. They have been besieging our city for the past two days. We are low on food, supplies, and options. I don't like to say this, but we need your help."

"How many people are in the city, Governor?"

"Around two thousand, maybe more, some of them are women and children."

"He offered this city to be annexed in return for the defense of it. He's willing to defect." Truc interjected.

"I did not."

"You laid down your sword, and asked to defect to our side."

"I am wary as to the ability of your troops in defending this city, all I see are several armored machines and very little men."

Truc turned to Freiheit and stared him down, "Well, your city is on the verge of going up in flames, we're all you got."

"And I am aware, but I want to be sure I can be safe, should I cut my allegiance to that mad man."

"With all due respect, Governor, do we have permission to move into the city, or not? Your people's lives are on the line!" An yelled, "We can simply leave you here to rot!" To the side, Crystal and Daleering looked on, eyes widened in horror at the sudden anger the captain showcased.

"Not without your Colonel, Captain, I'm sure you don't want him to die. Unless you accept, he will remain a prisoner of war for the Caribou Empire."

"What makes you so sure that we can't just storm the city?"

"There are civilian lives, in addition, you can't take the city and instantly defend yourself against this horde. Now will you help us, or not!?"

The Captain hovered his left hand over his holster, and stared the Governor down, before he took his hand away from the holster and asked. "Where do you want us, Governor?"

The city was filled with curious onlookers from civilians, militia, and city watch guards alike as the strange metal creatures rolled onto the city streets. Some of them came to a stop, as their rear doors opened and ARVN troops ran out into their positions. All around them, the men in green set up perimeters along the walls, set up emplacements, and sat their strange vehicles at intersections and corners for defensive purposes.

"My men are radioing for additional reinforcements via a long range radio. With any luck, the troops at the village we passed by can relay the message to the camp, and they can relay it to the airfield." An clinically said, looking at how his troops were setting up positions with the Caribou guard.

"How long will it take them to arrive?"

"It could take anywhere from hours, to days." An replied back, looking through some binoculars at the besieging troops, and measuring out their strength with Truc and the Governor.

Quickly, the radioman rushed up to Truc, receiver in hand. "Colonel Truc, we have established communications with the troops at Camp Roughneck, they have patched us through to Bà Triệu, command is on the line, sir."

"Excellent." Truc nodded, accepting the receiver. "Lieutenant Colonel Truc to home base, can you read? Over?"

"We read you loud and clear, Colonel."

"Excellent, it's nice hearing some familiar voices again. Did the camp give you a rundown on the situation?"

"They did, Colonel, we can send some reinforcements by daybreak tomorrow. ANZAC troops will be dispatched from the camp, while additional ARVN units will be airlifted to the city, you will have to hold your position until the rest of the coalition forces can arrive."

"We'll do our best to hold our position until you arrive, over, and out."

"Over and out, Colonel."

Truc handed the receiver back to the corporal, and turned to the group, "Reinforcements will be able to arrive by daybreak tomorrow, we just have to hold here for the night."

"Understood, Colonel, Flurry Heart will be pleased to hear that. I have to say, I am impressed with the type of machinery you have present at the moment." Freiheit commented as he saw a few of the APC's, Dusters, and tanks roll by.

"We have a lot more where they come from, Governor, I hope this may dispel any fears or doubts you may have about our forces." An replied back to the Governor in a retort.

"I still doubt your merits against a large group of mercenaries, but I am no fool, that is why I have a plan." The governor motioned the ARVN officers to a dirt floor, where he grabbed a stick, and drew simple patterns of X's for enemy troops, O's for Imperial troops, and Y's for ARVN troops. My idea is to lure the mercenaries into a trap, by laying the bulk of your infantry and some of your...machines, here." He pointed to the southern wall. "You mentioned that your 'tanks' as you call them had lights that can see body heat, correct?"

An nodded and said, "They're usually used for driving, but we can use them to search for the enemy."

"Wonderful, that means you wouldn't have a need for fires. That lack of light will attract the enemy to attempt an attack at your wall. As soon as your vehicle's spot them, they talk to your men, the trap is sprung, and hopefully, you can hold out until we can dispatch additional guards from the watch if needed." Freiheit concluded.

Truc faced An, and whispered, "I have a feeling Freiheit intends to use us."

"Why's that?"

"The southern wall's door collapsed before you arrived, I'm assuming the M48's and some M113's are going to plug up that hole?"

"That and some Dusters if you have fears of any aerial attack."

"Good, good." Truc turned back to Freiheit. "An will order his armored Lieutenant to move some of the tanks and APC's to cover the gap in defenses."

"A wise choice, Captain."

"Just do your part of the job and we'll be fine."

Freiheit turned and faced the perimeter of the battlements, "Let's just hope that will be enough until your help arrives."

January 2nd, 1973, 2100 Hours (9:00 PM)
Southern Wall Entrance, Las Pegasus, Equestria, Equus

"Alpha-One, what is your status, over?"

"All quiet on my end, Alpha-Actual, no movement whatsoever. Out."

"Copy that, Alpha-Actual, over and out."

"Alpha-One to Alpha-Actual, out." An handed the receiver back to Corporal Khiem and looked back towards the setting sun as Crystal looked at the radio from different angles, while Daleering looked at the devices, eyes widened in curious fascination, still thriving since witnessing their first use. Finally, Crystal broke the ice by asking the much needed question. "An, how does that device work?"

Corporal Khiem looked at the unicorn, and unhooked his receiver. "When you press the button on this phone handle, the device on my back sends out waves at a frequency set from the device. Any other device on that same frequency can hear me from a certain distance." He unslung the radio, and set it on the ground and adjusted the dials accordingly, he then picked up the receiver and said, "This is Romeo-Uniform-Seven-Three, conducting radio check with control, how copy?"

"This is control, we read you loud and clear, was there any other reason you radioed in?" A feminine voice replied back.

"Just giving a little demonstration for someone, stand by." Khiem handed Crystal the receiver and said, "Remember, just press the button on this phone to begin transmitting, understood?" Crystal nodded. "Excellent."

Crystal took the receiver with her magic - now strengthened since her horn grew from its original stump - held it near her ear and mouth, and pressed the button to transmit. "This is, umm, Romeo-Uniform-Seven-Three, how are you doing?"

"This is control, everything is well, over. How are you?" The feminine voice replied back. Crystal smiled in excitement, and Khiem gestured for her to go on. She pressed the receiver button again.

"We are doing well. The night is clear and quiet, I wish you a good night."

"We wish you a good night as well." Crystal returned the receiver to Corporal Khiem. He took the receiver, and finished the conversation.

"This is Corporal Khiem, we will check in at zero-hundred, this is Romeo-Uniform-Seven-Three, signing off."

"Copy Romeo-Uniform-Seven-Three, out." Khiem switched the dial back on the squad frequency and nodded to Crystal. "Amazing, isn't it?" Crystal nodded, before Daleering tapped Khiem on his elbow. "Yes, Daleering?"

"Why was there a woman talking to you? Is she a slave as well?"

Khiem shook his head. "No, slavery is illegal in most of the world we come from. We have women here because they enlisted to be here."

Daleering tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't women banned from the military? They're weak physically and mentally."

"Well, for starters, you and Crystal are volunteering to help us, that makes you both servicewomen. Second, times have changed. In World War II, many of the armed forces had women in their ranks to do domestic things, like typing, or office work. There were exceptions though, members of the Viet Minh, if I remember correctly were women."

Khiem stroked his chin and continued, "In our case, that is usually so, our women are supposed to do office work and nursing, as well as care for the military families on bases, but in some cases, that isn't their only case. I remember hearing tales from other units of women in nearby villages in the CIDG* and in the mountains who took up arms to defend their home bases against the Viet Cong. Without any pay, or any prospect for awards, and, if they died, no serial numbers to identify them with."

Khiem slung his radio over his back before continuing. "One of our most decorated rangers was a woman, she was nicknamed the Tiger Lady. Just before she died, she and her unit faced an enemy numbering in the thousands without a single scratch, with just a pistol in her hand.* We've always had a tradition of women fighting for Vietnam, she wasn't the first, and she won't be the last. The point is, anyone can have a chance in the South Vietnamese armed forces, just like any other developed nation does, just mostly not in the front lines, they're usually too dangerous for women."

Daleering nodded in understanding. "So, is there a chance I can enlist in the army?"

"Only when you've become eighteen, though technically, you already are serving as a translator for us. It just means your enlistment might be easier once you get your citizenship." the corporal looked out to the night sky. "It's getting late, why don't you and Crystal get some sleep? We'll let you know when anything happens, alright?"

Crystal nodded and said, "Of course, goodnight, Khiem, goodnight An." Both the officer and the NCO waved their goodbyes, as Crystal wrapped her fore hoof with Daleering, and walked her to one of the nearby, safer emplacements to fall asleep. That night, Daleering dreamed of a perfect life. She imagined fierce battles and glorious victories, and fillies cheering wherever she went, as she and her friends liberated every single town they came across. She slept with a smile that perfect night.

January 3rd, 1973, 0300 Hours (3:00 AM)
Eastern Wall Entrance, Las Pegasus, Equestria, Equus

"Anything to report, Captain of the Watch?" Governor Freiheit asked a plumed caribou with purple and gold armor, as he took off his helmet and looked out at the distance.

"Nothing to report, Governor, there have been no lights, and no signs of movement. The men in green have also reported nothing." The captain replied.

"Keep a stern eye out, they are still out..." Freiheit's voice died down as he saw out in front of him, millions of torches being lit. The light approached them at a closing distance. "Get down!" The Governor yelled, as soon, millions of fire arrows pelted the battlements, starting fires, and creating burning wounds for any unlucky soldier they hit. A bombardment of catapult fire and spell fire followed suit, and soon, yelling was heard as the bandits charged the gates again.

"Bolster our defenses, fire back with everything you've got! We need to protect this city!" Freiheit yelled at Caribou and Ponies from the regular army, to the City Watch, to everyday civilians and even slaves. Armed with improvised weapons, the masses began to club and charge against the enemy.

Suddenly, the gates to the Eastern Entrance blew off their hinges, as a young Griffoness charged in, several old style grenades in hand.

"Our ranks our collapsing, prepare to- aarrrgh!" One of the squad leaders yelled, as a mace hit him.

"Where are the men in green?! Can't they see the-" The soldier never finished his sentence, as he, too, got hit with the same mace.

A large, muscular minotaur swung his mace around, wiping out soldier after soldier, causing many to rout and panic. The governor and the Captain of the Guard were soon swept up in the fight, each of them had their sword drawn, swinging and slashing for their lives.

"Governor! Why aren't we calling the men in green?!"

"They'll never come! They're too cautious of us, we are both enemies to them! I used them for bait in a trap, what makes you think they'll come to our aid, Captain?!" The Governor, with a grunt of effort, pushed his foe off-balance, and slashed his abdomen, causing his intestines to fall out, and for his ribs, heart, and lungs to be exposed. He turned afterwards, only to face a horrific sight.

His subordinate was currently being hacked to pieces by an overzealous bandit as he laughed maniacally with a wide, disturbed, smile. With the sight of their commanding officer falling, the Imperial troops began to panic.

"Our leader has been killed! Fall back!"

"Hold the line, men! Hold the line!"

"It's no use, we're done for! Ruuun!" The forces that were brave enough to continue the fight were soon overwhelmed, mobbed, and killed. The troops who retreated were also shot, both by the bandits, and by their own officers. The Governor, paralysed with shock, could only fathom what he was supposed to do.

January 3rd, 1973, 0330 Hours (3:30 AM)
Southern Wall Entrance, Las Pegasus, Equestria, Equus

"Sir! Contacts to the east! It looks to be that the Eastern wall has fallen!" An ARVN Sergeant yelled, rushing up to An, the two Equestrians, and the group of officers.

Lieutenant Hoàng turned from the burning city to his superior, "Sir, what do we do?"

An turned to the Sergeant. "Has the Eastern wall called for reinforcements?"

"Negative, sir."

An lifted his left arm to hold his chin in thought, "They haven't called for help."

"Does it really matter, sir?" Hoàng said with a little urgency, looking out at the impending disaster in front of them.

"It's his battle, his city. He should know what he's doing." An replied back.

"That isn't your only concern, Captain." Truc said, looking through some binoculars. "We still have to guide the reinforcements in from the air and from the land."

"That is true." An said, turning back to face the battle, muttering under his breath, "Come on Governor, it's your call, call us in already." Tension hung thick in the air, as the South Vietnamese troops could do nothing but watch the unfolding horror in front of them.

Author's Notes:

Well, we leave off with our gang probably being murdered by a mob of criminals. Wow, hey guys, two chapters in one month! Hurray! Don't worry, chapter seven is in the works. In the meantime, I have created a timeline to smooth out the fanfiction lore, here! So please, check it out. And as usual, I don't own anything but my precious OC's. And I'll see you in country, real soon.

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Fast Facts!

*South Vietnamese armored vehicles were often armed with Browning .30 caliber mahine guns instead of M60 machine guns.

*Acronym for the Civilian Irregular Defense Group. The CIA organized the program as an idea to train villagers in tactics to counter the Viet Cong. Most of the units eventually became boarder ranger units.

*Ho Thi Que was a former Viet Minh spy who defected In 1953 when she discovered the communist involvement in the group. She was a field medic, ranked as a Master Sergeant, and was awarded for her ferocity and bravery, to the point where the VC named her "Madame death." She died when her husband, the commander of her ranger unit, shot her in self-defense in a domestic dispute over his interactions with a girl in the village they were stationed in 1965. (Yes this is an actual historical figure.)