Red Field’s hooves sat in a cold film of rainwater. The detention cell leaked above his head. He’d sat for so long in the fine, cold mist his legs had gone numb.

Silence entombed him.

He sat on a bed no different than his bunk back in the barracks. The smeared and milky light of the moon shone through the single window above his head and illuminated a crooked square of concrete before the locked door.

Red Field sat with his back against the wall.

He could still feel the tingle in his hoof from where he’d kicked Flashpoint. He hadn’t stopped thinking about that moment.

He would be kicked out of Gale Force. He wouldn’t get his tuition for the Academy.

Red Field closed his eyes and lowered his head into his hooves.

In the seconds after breaking Flashpoint’s leg, Red Field had made all of the connections regarding the consequences of his actions.
He’d let his temper throttle him without considering what it might push him into doing. Now, sitting in the cell with no more distractions, Red Field could no longer hold back the thought.

He’d destroyed his future.

The cell faded into a grey blur as his eyes teared. He’d go back to Rockvale, he’d probably become a shaft inspector with Elroy.

He’d kill himself before that.

The mist of the rain cooled the beading sweat on his heck and he got up.

He began to pace.

He needed to be rational. He needed a plan. He should start with his court martial.
How would that affect his future? Would it become a mark for his entire life? Could he expunge it?

Red Field took two steps toward the door, then stopped and turned and paced back.

He heard the door at the end of the hall close and a clopping parade of wet horseshoes moving toward his cell. He sat back down on his bed and took a deep breath. He needed to make a plan for going home. No sense in wasting his time trying to defend himself during the trial.

Somepony outside the door spoke, they sounded a bit like Blitzkrieg.

A mare spoke and Red Field looked up. He stopped breathing as the key clicked in the door. The single tumbler snapped and the door swung open.

Red Field drew back.

Two black horseshoes ran up a pair of long blue legs that disappeared into the darkness on the other side of the threshold. One lifted hoof landed in the cold pool of rainwater and Luna stepped into the tiny cell with him.

“Red Field?”

Red Field knew next to nothing about the second Princess of Cantorlot. After the Blast he’d heard the speculation about her involvement in Celestia’s death. But Red Field didn’t have much of an opinion of Luna. Terror wasn’t an opinion, so Red Field’s views didn’t change.

She could only take a single step into the tiny room and stood directly over him as she did. Red Field stood on two hooves and Luna smiled.

“I understand you are the newest member of Gale Force’s UAT.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“Please, call me madam, or ma’am if you prefer.”

“Yes madam, sorry madam.”

“I understand you recently got into some trouble.” She gestured to the room around them and laughed, like he’d gotten into some trouble with firecrackers.

“Yes madam, I-”

“First time?”

“Yes madam.”

“Well, as a member of the most capable military force in existence, you are probably going to butt heads with other such ponies.”

“Yes madam.”

“As acting commander of Gale Force Company, I hereby absolve you of all consequences and judgment for your actions.” Red Field didn’t have time to comprehend this. “Are you prepared to conduct operations on behalf of Equestria, soldier?” Luna drew slightly closer. “You are going to help our nation in her greatest hour.” Luna set a hoof on Red Field’s shoulder. Her horseshoe was cold from the rain and the wetness sank into his skin. He didn’t dare blink.

“Yes madam.”

“Good.” She turned and exited the cell. “It’s time we got started.”

A unicorn with a grey body and wearing a dark grey overcoat waited in the hallway and walked with them. His face had the slight frown of a pony not suited to talking out of line. His steps landed in an automaton march. He said nothing to Red Field as Luna led them out of the tiny detention building and into the rainy night. Luna did not introduce him and Red Field and the silent pony walked side by side after her.

The base was lit by the brilliant white floodlights of the guard towers, but the grounds were deserted. Nearly everypony was in bed after the game. Luna led the trio to one of the officer’s houses. She let herself in without knocking.
The grey pony stepped ahead of Red Field and followed her, leaving Red Field to close the door behind them.

The low murmur of ponies drifted from the kitchen. Red Field followed the grey unicorn into the room.
Blitzkrieg, along with Bombs Away and a few other officers stood around a table covered with maps and notes. Red Field recognized a few members of the UATs with them. Everypony saluted as Luna entered.

“Do we have any other copies of these terrain maps?” Lewerc wore a wrinkled uniform as he climbed the last few stairs out of the basement, which led directly to Luna. “Oh, madam.” He said, realizing the room had gone silent, save for him.

“We’ll be fine on standard topographical.” Luna said. Lewerc set the maps down, before walking to the table and taking his place beside the other officers.

“Is this everypony pertinent?” She asked politely. “Well then, I suppose you’re all wondering why I’ve called you here today.” She laughed, but none of the stallions followed suit. “Last fall, my sister Celestia was assassinated by a yet unknown Conspiracy. I am here now, we are here now- to find and bring those responsible to justice.” Luna looked over the group. “You are the strongest asset we have in tracking these criminals down and I am prepared to utilize you to bring justice.” She pointed to the two commanders. “Blitzkrieg and Lewerc will retain operational control of their respective divisions, however I will direct our resources. Commander Bombs Away will be advising me directly. I will make it clear that I am the final authority in all matters.” A few officers nodded. “Now then, let’s get to work.” She set her forehooves onto the table.

“Our first operation is the capture of Lieutenant Chrysalis, or queen Chrysalis as she has calls herself now. I trust you have all been briefed on her current status.” The soldiers, all except Red Field, nodded. She put a hoof on the shoulder of the silent grey unicorn beside her. “Good, my agent Nacht will brief you on the specifics of Chrysalis’ whereabouts.”

“Lieutenant Chrysalis leads one of the last groups of changelings left in Equestria. They’re mostly the survivors of her prior battalion, with whoever else she picked up from the remains of the changeling population.” Nacht’s voice was as flat as his expression. “Her current forces number between fifty and one hundred and they are inhibited in terms of capability and force projection. We do not believe her to have acted alone in the bombing. Her forces are much too small to capitalize on the attack. However we do know that the individual who placed the explosives of the Blast was a changeling.” He picked up a marker from the table and circled an area near the Frigid North. “She and her ilk have been predominantly nomadic after her failed coup at Princess Cadence’s wedding, however she’s recently built a small fort up here. She’s the only known changeling leader at present.” He set the marker down on the table. “Your objective is her capture.”

“Any questions?” Asked Luna.

“When do you want it done?” Bombs Away stood closest to Luna and chewed on his cigar.

“As soon as possible.” Luna said.

“We can move tonight, hit them while it’s still dark.” One of the UAT ponies said.

“Make it happen.” Said Bombs Away. The ponies began to shuffle about as they started to plan out the attack.

Red Field looked around for somepony to ask for context. Red Field was so scared of this ignorance that he approached Bombs Away, who was directing the other UAT leaders.

“Sir.” Bombs Away looked up at him. The stallion’s brow was beading up with sweat and he nursed the wet log of his cigar like a pacifier.

“Good, a recon colt.” Said Bombs Away, noticing Red Field’s patch. “Get your team together, we’ll need you for this.” He thumped Red Field on the shoulder “Go now, all of you. Get whoever else is on base and head to barracks. Tell Midlothian to brief you on the terrain.” He pushed Red Field toward the door.

Several other UAT ponies bustled out of the house. One of them looked back at him.

“You’re recon right, new guy?”

“Yes sir.”

“Get your shit from the armory and grab your spotter. We’ll meet you guys at the chariots in ten.” The UAT pony and his cohorts galloped off in all directions as they searched for any other UATs on base.

Red Field tried not to wake anypony but Full Wing. Full Wing moaned upon being shaken and Siplinski flipped on the light. The other members of Squad Six awoke and Black Rain told them to turn the damn light off.

“Red!” Siplinski jumped out of bed. “We heard you broke Flashpoint’s leg.”

“Yeah Red, what happened? Did you get in a knife fight with him?” Bren asked, wiping some sleep from his eyes. Full Wing groaned and pulled the covers tighter around himself. Red Field shook him harder.

“I can’t talk guys.” Red Field said. Full Wing finally opened his eyes and squinted up at Red Field.

“Oh, geez, Red, did you win?” He asked sleepily.

“It doesn’t matter, you need to get up and come with me. Get your uniform on.”

“Hey what the fuck is going on?” Black Rain put a hoof on Red Field’s shoulder. “What happened out there? Who’d you piss off?”

“No one. Full Wing and I have to go now.”

“Hold on, you need to tell us what’s going on.” Bren stepped in front of Red Field. “What happened with Flashpoint?”

“Guys, I can’t talk. UAT is doing something and I need Full Wing to come with me.”

“Why?” Siplinski asked.

Siplinski’s dark eyes met Red Field’s and Red Field saw a look of confusion and hurt.

“Fuckin’ knew it.” Black Rain clopped his hooves. “You guys are always doing something during the war games. It’s UAT business, you guys don’t need to know.” He said to Bren and Siplinski. “And you don’t need to tell anypony about it either.” He said, pointing at Red Field. “Just tell me, did you really break Flashpoint’s leg?”

“It was an-”

“Fuck yeah Red.” He looked to Full Wing, who was sleepily tugging on his uniform. “Hey, hustle up, your sniper needs you.”

“Ugh, hang on.” Full Wing buttoned up his jacket and shook his mane out of his eyes. “Do I need my books and stuff?” Full Wing hadn’t even started his training. He shouldn’t be deployed at all.

Neither of them ought to be deployed.

“No just follow me.” Red Field started toward the door.

“Red?” Asked Siplinski. Red Field stopped in the door. Black Rain hit Siplinski on the shoulder.

“Shut up, you’re just slowing him down.”

“I’m sorry.” Said Red Field, trying to look away from Siplinski’s gaze.

Site was dazed and groggy, but didn’t complain upon Red Field’s appearance at his barracks. He pulled on his uniform as they jogged toward the shack of the armory.

“What do you need?” He asked, rifling through his keys as they reached the door.

Red Field had no idea what supplies he’d need for a raid in the north.

“Uh, just my rifle and Full Wing’s gear- standard spotting gear, no LLRP.” Said Red Field. Site shook his head as he jabbed the key into the lock.

“Your rifle’s not finished yet.” He pulled open the door, slapped the lights on, and began to click open the various weapon cases scattered around the room. “If you need precision I have a few bull barrels I still have to thread. I’ve got two semis with good headspace ready to go. What kind of operation is it?” Asked Site, opening the case of a submachine gun.
“It’s a,” Red Field hesitated, not sure what to tell the gunsmith, “it’s a raid of sorts.”

“Take this.” Site snapped open another case. He pulled KKAT’s longer, more precise cousin, the DMR, from the cut foam. “Grab that bandolier on the shelf behind you.” Site pointed to a tan bandolier filled with magazines. “First five mags are match, the rest are AP.” He held out the rifle to Red Field. “Zeroed at a hundred, drop table’s on the stock.” He looked to Full Wing, who was marveling at the room full of guns. “Are you his spotter?”

“Yeah, can I get one of-”

“This is yours then.” Site took a stock KKAT with a thin red dot sight and tossed it to Full Wing. “Your spotting stuff’s by the door.”

“What about my ammo?”

“They’ll have ammo at the staging area.” Site turned back to Red Field. “I’ll have your rifle done by tomorrow. If you have any special shit you need done then tell me as soon as you find out. Stay safe out there.” He nodded to Red Field, then turned to his workbench.

The soft clink of Site’s mallet was silenced as the door to the shop closed. Red Field pointed to the enclosure of chariots.

“That’s where we’re headed.” He said, starting to gallop.

They arrived at the chariots before anypony else and Red Field told Full Wing what he knew about their operation. Full Wing received the news of their assignment with all of the tact and composure that Red Field had come to expect of him

“Dude, we’re going after Chrysalis. That’s really really crazy.” Said Full Wing for the fourth time. He paced back and forth through the wet gravel, his satchel bumping his wing with each step. “Like, what even- I mean, are we seriously going to kill her?”

“We’re just trying to capture her.” Red Field said, trying to sound as informed as he could.

“Dude, she’s got like an army of those like rotten pony things.” Full Wing stopped and his eyes widened. “Dude, are we going to have to like kill anypony?” He looked at Red Field in horror. “I can’t do that dude, like, I’ll seriously quit right now if we have to.”

“The sniper is first at the ready?” Luna asked pleasantly. Both froze.

She had somehow appeared behind them.

“Good to see one of our most valuable soldiers taking his duties seriously. I can tell that business about you getting upset earlier tonight was just an isolated incident.” Red Field still cowered internally upon seeing her, but Full Wing’s rich blue face grew ashen.

“You didn’t say she was here.” Full Wing turned and took a single galloping step toward the gate of the enclosure before Luna spoke.

“Full Wing.” He stopped, his back still turned to her. “I apologize for scaring you.” He turned his neck so he could see her out of the corner of his eye. “I make a point to know the names of everypony under my command- you do know I am ultimately in command of Gale Force Company?”

“No.” Said Full Wing in a whimper.

“Well, I haven’t been around to discharge my duties so I cannot blame you for the confusion.” She chuckled. “Am I so unattractive that you keep your back to me?”

“N-no.” He shuffled around to face her, but kept his eyes to the ground.

“You seem on edge.”

“I guess so.”

“Why is that?” She asked. Full Wing swallowed and took a few short breaths.

“Cause I don’t want to kill anypony, or get shot at. I-I guess that makes me a coward, I’m sorry.”

“It makes you a person.” Luna approached him, then knelt and put her hoof on his shoulder. “I don’t expect every one of my soldiers to be exited to gallop into battle; I only expect them to gallop despite their feelings.” She put her hoof under his chin and lifted his head so their eyes met. “I am proud of ponies like you Full Wing, for having the courage to fight for Equestrian justice.” She shook his shoulder gently. “And so I’m going to tell you to stop talking. Your mouth is betraying the courage I know the rest of you possesses and causing your hooves to second guess you.” She saw the terror in his eyes and smiled. “Look at it this way, you’re going to be with him.” She pointed to Red Field and Full Wing, eager to avoid looking at the Luna, focused on his partner. “Nopony will be shooting at you, assuming he does his job correctly. And you shouldn’t need to shoot at anypony, assuming he does his job correctly.” She looked back at Full Wing and tugged his chin so that he looked back at her. “Now, I don’t see there being much pressure on you at all.” Luna directed her gaze to Red Field and he recalled how much she scared him. “And of course, I don’t doubt that you’ll perform to the highest degree Red Field.”

“Thank you madam.” Red Field said.

“I am proud to have you both working with me. You are both obviously committed to our goals and for that I thank you.” Luna stayed with the two until the UATs began to return to the chariots. Luna waited until everypony arrived before she spoke.
“Many of you have experience conducting operations beneath me and I am glad to see you. But it appears that there is a new generation of UATs before me. I am glad to see that as well. To you I say: yours is a noble and elite distinction among the defenders of Equestria and tonight you are going to add another act of service to the UATs’ lengthy history. Tonight we are beginning a campaign against a Conspiracy born of the wicked desire to see Equestria destroyed. Tonight we are taking the first steps in delivering justice which has been nearly a year coming. Good luck, and I await your success.” Luna gave a salute to the stallions and started back toward the officer’s quarters.

“Teams one through eight, you guys are meeting in room two. Eight through recon, room one. We’re mobile directly after briefing.” Bombs Away exited the house and passed Luna. Following his lead, the UATs mounted the chariots. Bombs Away called down to Red Field and Full Wing, who hadn’t moved since Luna had spoken to them. “Up here with me. I’ll get you to Recon.”

The chariots formed a tight formation as they flew from the main base to the secretive compound deeper in the forest. They cut through the damp air just above the trees, rustling the wet leaves. The UATs reached the base within a few minutes.

The flickering fluorescent lights buzzed quietly as the soldiers took their seats in the planning room. Red Field and Full Wing sat with the rest of Recon in the second row. Nopony spoke as they waited for the briefing to begin.

Wildcat chewed his hooves lightly and Blackout adjusted the cuffs of his uniform. Locked Breech had a notebook open before him and wrote a few lines onto a blank page. Chesterfield ran his hoof quietly over the scratches and dents in the pressboard table.

Red Field sat between Locked Breech and Full Wing.

Red Field and Full Wing had landed and met them outside of the planning room. They had gotten no introduction and Red Field was pretty sure they didn’t know Full Wing wasn’t Siplinski, or that their sniper had assaulted an officer earlier that night.

“Good evening gentleponies.” Midlothian carried a thin file folder and strode up to the lectern at the front of the room. He set the folder atop the lectern and looked up at them. “I was supposed to be leaving for retirement tomorrow, or today actually since it’s past midnight.” He picked up a remote and clicked it once. A projector hanging from the ceiling whirred on and the smooth white wall behind him became the colorful mural of a map. “But you aren’t out till you’re out and I’m one of the few guys with experience up in this area so here we are.” He pointed back to the map, which was mostly white. A few veins of rivers and some ponds were scattered throughout the image, and green forest was visible on the bottom edge- but most the map showed snowy tundra.
“According to the information provided by Princess Luna’s sources, Queen Chrysalis has erected a-” somepony chuckled and Midlothian stopped talking. He shook his head and smirked. “Y’all need to grow up.” Red Field didn’t know how anypony could joke during the planning of a raid. “Anyway, she’s built a small outpost or something similar right in here.” He reached out into the map, casting a long shadow over the snow and pointed to a small black patch just a few centimeters above the line of green on the southern border. “This is an older map so the permafrost may have shifted a little but we’ve been told it’s still within the snow, well, snowy woods at least. As you know our objective is the capture of Queen Chrysalis for interrogation regarding the Blast. Now, it’s worth mentioning that she’s still in command of between fifty and a hundred changelings, so this will be a true raid.”

“What’s our ROE on this?” Asked one UAT leader.

“Bombs says loud and safety first.” Midlothian shrugged. “We have next to no intel and the Princess would like this done tonight so take out anyone that presents a problem.”

“What kind of weapons?” Asked another pony.

“Again, no intel. I would say expect the worst, full small arms, possibly some booby traps. The only spells that I know they can deploy are deception-based and you’ll be hitting them fast enough that those shouldn’t matter. Also, remember that their whole “changing” bullshit takes like three to five days to activate, so you shouldn’t run into any of that.”

“How big is the compound?” Somepony asked. Midlothian sighed and shook his head.

“Goddamn, wish I had better intel for you guys. Although that Nacht guy did say Chrysalis had bad relations with pretty much everypony out there so it’s unlikely her camp’ll be very big. After her banishment there couldn’t have been many places for her to turn.” The room grew quiet and Midlothian waited for any more questions. “All right, so since we have no idea what the base looks like, no idea what our opposition is running, and no time to find out, we’ll be running an adaptive plan today.” He picked up a marker and drew a lopsided half-circle around the trees denoting the location of the alleged base. “Majority of the other teams are going to push straight through from the south, clearing everything they see as they go.” He pointed to the group ahead of Red Field’s. “Team Nine, you guys and team Ten will be dropping down on the flanks, you’re pulling security. You’ll be no more than two hundred meters from the edge of the walls or whatever is being used to mark the camp. Once we find the AO, you’ll drop down and move to positions you determine as you go. I know you know what security is but I have to go over it: Your job is to shoot anything that tries to run away.” The team ahead of Red Field’s nodded. “’Cept if it’s Chrysalis, then kneecap her or something.” He laughed here, along with the other two teams. “Now, where’s Recon?” He noticed Red Field and turned his attention to the last group. “You guys are rear security, we’re going to have full coverage on this op so you guys will be directly in the line of whoever the other teams are flushing out. You’re still on security too, but you’ll most likely get the majority of any runners. Those other guys know you’ll be in the line of fire for them so they’re going to go light on the trigger, you guys need to honor that and keep them safe from any shit they might run into.” Midlothian pointed at Red Field. “Especially you Red, this doesn’t read like a bad op, but it’s your first time and you’ll be providing close fire support.” Red Field shrank down in his seat as the UAT ponies looked to him. “Just check the boxes as you go.” The almost-retired sniper looked around the room. “That goes for all of you. Most this shit you’ll figure out when you get there. You’re shoving off in thirty minutes so gear up for cold weather.”

Everypony rose out of their seats and the first two teams began to discuss plans immediately. Recon team, however, didn’t seem to care much about their apparently vital role.

“Chesterfield, grab the parkas from storage.” Locked Breech said. “Rest of you get your gear and meet at the chariot.”

“Make sure mine doesn’t smell like crap this time.” Wildcat said to Chesterfield.

“You stole mine last time so what do you care?” Asked Blackout.

“Don’t make my last day here suck gentleponies!” Called Midlothian as they ambled out of the briefing room.

The air grew progressively colder and colder as they flew. After forty minutes of flight, Recon team was well within the icy grip of the Frigid North. Red Field had read about the absurd extremes of weather that coexisted in Equestria, so the sudden temperature drop didn’t catch him entirely by surprise. The chariot rocked back and forth in the frigid air and the stock of the DMR pressed into Red Field’s chest. He adjusted his grip on the rifle and the muzzle scraped the floor of the chariot.

Full Wing looked up at him.

The pair sat on the floor of the vehicle, both had started to shiver from the wind and had taken refuge behind the thin metal walls of the black vehicle. Locked Breech flew their chariot, which was the last in the formation.

Red Field’s stomach kept turning. Part of his mind still tried to digest the Princess’s presence and desperately sought to uncover a solid emotion toward her. However the impending mission dominated Red Field’s mind.

He was probably going to have to shoot someone. Within three or four hundred meters behind that person would be other UAT ponies and he would have to try to keep them out of the line of fire. He would have to make sure he was watching every single exit point of the yet unseen compound.

“So you’re Siplinski?” Wildcat asked Full Wing. Blackout and Locked Breech sat up in the cockpit of the chariot, leaving the sniper team, Chesterfield and Wildcat in the rear of the vehicle.

“Uh, no, I’m Full Wing. Why do you ask?”

“Cause he fuckin’ told us he was bringing a pony named Siplinski as his spotter.” Wildcat pointed at Red Field.

“I changed my selection.” Red Field said before Full Wing could speak. Wildcat raised an eyebrow, then nodded.

“Well if there’s one time I like last minute decisions it’s when we’re on a live fire op and the decision is about who’s going to be informing the guy shooting over my head.” He nudged Full Wing. “Can you tell the difference between my ass and a changeling?”

“Haha yeah I think.” Said Full Wing.

“Great, you’re a pass in my book.” Said Wildcat, pulling the parka hood over his face.

The chariot rumbled through a patch of turbulence.

“Where are we?” Wildcat called up to the front of the chariot.

“We should be within fifteen kilos.” Locked Breech called back.

“Wake me up when we get there.” Wildcat buried himself in his parka.

Wildcat napped while Chesterfield asked Full Wing about himself. Full Wing shivered as he spoke and Chesterfield tossed him a hoofwarmer. Red Field closed his eyes and went over the ballistic alterations of freezing air on .343 trajectory.

Locked Breech called for Wildcat to get up. Red Field, already on edge, stood with the medic and waited for their next instruction. Full Wing stood a second after him.

“That looks like it.” Locked Breech said as they flew over the tundra. The permafrost had been pushed back and a meager patch of thin woods stood edge of the formerly frozen grasslands. “Should be right down there.” The snow had receded just far enough that anything in the patch of trees melded into the distant blot of brown.

“Recon team this is Team Six, we’re positive on a mass of buildings in the AO with changeling presence. Head to your position and ready up, we’re good to go in thirty.” Said one of the team leaders through the radio. Locked Breech gave his acknowledgement.

“Looks like we’ve got a job.” Said Blackout.

“Load up and get your gear on, we’re going to hoof it two kilos to the point of observation.” Blackout said, pulling a white parka over his body. Wildcat did the same and Red Field searched around for one of his own. He panicked as everypony but he and Full Wing donned the white outfits.

“Hey.” Chesterfield held out a small parka for Red Field.

“Thank you.” Red Field said. Chesterfield nodded and held another out to Full Wing, who thanked him as well.

“You colts get a pass since it’s your first time.” Said Chesterfield.

“I dunno, maybe we make them carry our gear.” Said Wildcat, slinging his pack over his shoulder.

They landed atop the crisp, dead hoarfrost. The black chariot stood out amidst the sea of snow drifts and Red Field worried that two kilometers wasn’t enough distance between them and the changelings. To the north, the snow continued, and the distant walls of the Crystal Kingdom shimmered faintly in the distance. Behind them, just a few kilometers away, sat the browned, then slowly greening grasslands of Equestria. Locked Breech zipped his parka up and completed the squad of fluffy soldiers. He checked his rifle before starting to jog toward the trees. Without a word, Recon followed.

Red Field ran in the center of the group. His pack, tied securely between his shoulders, moved and shifted only slightly. The DMR, however, flopped and bumped him no matter how hard he tugged at the sling. Each step dug the rounded bells of the scope into his shoulder. The charging handle occasionally stabbed his side, reminding him that he was charged solely with killing.

The run took only eleven minutes. Full Wing was winded and a bit of his bandage had unwrapped. Wildcat helped him tighten the wrapping again. Locked Breech halted the group about four hundred meters from the first of the candlestick trees and they laid down atop a particularly tall mound of snow. Red Field squinted into the trees, searching for movement.

“Set up here, make it fast. Dig in and blend in.” Said Locked Breech.

“Hey, is this angle good?” Full Wing looked up at Red Field from in a small bowl he’d dug into the snow. He had set up his spotting scope, pointed it toward the trees. He fumbled with the lens caps with frozen hooves.

“That works.” Red Field took the DMR from his back and tossed it into the snow. He started to dig himself a small divot in the bare snow. He barely felt the brittle frost scrape at his fetlocks.

“Lotta open out here.” Blackout laid a white tarp over the group. “Are we sure they’re not going to get behind us somehow?”

“We’re not sure of anything.” Chesterfield said as he laid a white rag over the muzzle of his KKAT.

“Christ.” Blackout said, shaking his head and beginning his own foxhole in the shallow snow.

Red Field and Full Wing laid beside one another in the center of the small firing line.

Red Field unstuck as he performed the routine of setting up for fire. He loaded the DMR and settled the rifle into the snow. In the few minutes he spent readying himself, Red Field grew numb. Numb to the cold and numb to his feelings.

“Uh, see that like stump thing?” Full Wing asked. Red Field flipped open the scope covers and scanned the tree line, looking for the first of the markers. He focused on a frozen stump a few meters from the edge of the first trees.

“Yes.”

“Okay so that’s three-fifty- like within a few meters.”

“Got it.”

“First, no second tree, the one with that knothole.”

“Got it.”

“Three seventy-five or so.” The rest of Recon laid silently as Red Field and Full Wing continued ranging their position. Red Field grew self-conscious as everypony listened to Full Wing’s informal vocabulary.

“First building, Four thirty-three I’d say.” Three buildings were visible. All three were sturdy log cabins that looked like they’d belong in a nice resort somewhere. Two had black, sooty chimneys poking from their roofs and the third looked like a supply shed. None had any windows or doors facing the team. “Second building, three four, er, I mean four fou-”

“All teams this is Bombs Away.” The radio’s volume was set too high and it startled everypony. Locked Breech scrambled to turn it down. “Entry teams are advancing on the compound.” Red Field’s breath picked up. He shouldered the DMR and looked to the southern edge of the trees.

Red Field glanced around the trees, trying in vain to spot the advancing group of UATs.

How could he not see anypony moving through sparse woods?

“Anypony got eyes on our guys?” Asked Chesterfield.

“Yeah, Red, where are they at?” Asked Blackout.

“I can’t see anypony.” Red Field continued to look back and forth. Somepony wearing a woodland uniform leaped over a low lying log on the left side of the building closest to them. “I got one of our guys.”

“Who is it?” Asked Wildcat.

“Guys cut the chatter,” said Locked Breech in a low voice, “Red, just keep watch for anything black and with holes. Rest of you keep eyes out for movers on the sides.”

The pony in Red Field’s scope crawled up to the wall of the building and stood. The soldier, who Red Field saw was a white unicorn like himself, crouched on the side of the building. Red Field looked for other ponies. He could only see the one. The tiny figure shook some mud from his tiny carbine. He looked like he was out of breath and he glanced over his shoulder and along the wall behind him.

Red Field felt like a strange voyeur watching the stallion creep along the side of the building. He pushed his aim to the opposite corner of the wall and readied himself to kill anything that might attempt to sneak up on his unnamed comrade.
His anxiety eased a little as he took a job protecting somepony rather than killing somepony.

“Fuck me, my glass is fogged.” Blackout muttered. “Siplinski, er, Full Wing, do you see anything?” Red Field glanced over to his partner and saw Full Wing squinting at the lens of the spotting scope. His tongue was out and his brow was a mess of wrinkles.

“Uh, no, I don’t see a thing.” Said Full Wing. Red Field checked his scope.
The soldier had left.

“Red, what’s going on?” Locked Breech asked.

“I don’t see anything either.” Red Field replied.

“What do both of you see?” Locked Breech spoke calmly but Red Field could tell that he and his skills were being questioned.

“I can see the rear of those three buildings and the gaps between them. They’re blocking the rest of the base sir.” Full Wing said.

“Should we displace?” Blackout asked. “I can get started on a low trench, head right with Cat?” Red Field continued to parse the small space he could see between the cabins. Nothing moved and he grew uneasy at his helplessness. His gaze flashed to the bases of the trees. They sat on a slight incline that positioned the compound just above them. He should have checked the topographical map.

“Yeah, start digging now.” Locked Breech said after a moment.

“Roger that.” Blackout rolled over and started to scrape at the snow. Locked Breech tapped Chesterfield on the shoulder.

“You’re security; something’s up.”

“Got it.” Chesterfield rolled onto his back and adjusted the sling of his rifle.

“All teams this is Bombs Away, we’ve secured the compound.” Said Bombs Away over the radio and Blackout stopped digging.

“Wait, what?” Chesterfield asked.

“This is Recon- did you say you’ve secured the compound?” Asked Locked Breech. The group waited a few moments.

“Recon team this is Command.” Bombs Away said. “You heard right, suckers didn’t even know what hit ‘em.” He didn’t sound pleased and he barked a few orders to somepony before speaking again. “Need you to bring your transport by to load up some intel, see you in a few.” The radio deadened and the group looked at one another.

“That was fucking fast.” Wildcat said, sitting up out of his cover.

“I didn’t hear anything. Maybe it’s deserted?” Said Blackout.

“You can find out when we get there.” Locked Breech pulled the tarp from over the team’s gear. “Right now let’s hustle and get our transport over there.” He pointed to Red Field and Full Wing. “You two, go with Chesterfield and head over there now and see if they need any help. We’ll meet you over there.”

Once more, the world passed by Red Field in a haze. He’d only picked up his DMR, shaken the snow off of the bipod and slung his satchel over his shoulder when both Full Wing and Chesterfield took off toward the trees. The snow gushed by under Red Field’s hooves.

Dawn broke over the arctic landscape and Red Field entered a comatose state as he ran; he’d been awake and combat-active for almost twenty-four hours. Flashpoint, Luna, the mission, digging the hide and watching the lone UAT all seemed to fall into the distant and unremarkable past.

The changelings’ base wasn’t any more than the three buildings Red Field had first seen. They passed by the first of the narrow, sickly trees and reached the cabins. Patches of filthy snow dotted the muddy ground of the forest and only a few hardy plants poked out of the ground.

A horde of UATs swarmed the buildings. Some dragged crates out of the cabins, some radioed the events of the raid to the base, and a couple officers huddled in a group and talked over a map. Everypony had a job and the camp looked like the backstage of a theatrical production.

Bombs Away stood by the door of one of the cabins, directing the opening and sorting of the crates. Chesterfield walked over to him, followed closely by Red Field and Full Wing.

“Sir, excuse me.” Said Chesterfield. Bombs Away opened one of the crates being bussed out of the building and rooted around through it. He picked through some patched clothes. Chesterfield paused, waiting for Bombs Away to notice the pony beside him. “Excuse me sir.”

“What is it soldier?” Bombs Away looked up, he’d lit his cigar and the end glowed red in the cold air. He looked tired.

“How did the raid go sir?” Asked Chesterfield. Bombs Away nodded to the pony carrying the crate, who in turn set it amidst the growing pile next to the door.

“How did it go?” Bombs Away laughed, sending a few dusty embers into the air. “Sergeant, it went like a damn stop and frisk. Our guys just walked up and told them to put ‘em up.” He pointed to the pile of crates. “And now we’re digging through their laundry like there’s some secret to be found.” A UAT pony carrying a small barrel labeled “bacon” accidentally bumped into Bombs Away.

“Sorry sir.” Said the pony. Bombs Away gave the pony a pat on the shoulder.

“Not your fault you’re sleepy soldier.” He pointed to the pile. “Just put it with the others.” He stopped the pony. “Make sure you tell your CO to get good photos of everything for the Princess.” He turned back to Chesterfield. “Intel from that Nacht jackwagon made this place sound like the stronghold of Sombra.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Sure as hell ain’t a stronghold, and I sure wouldn’t call those nubs ‘enemy combatants’.” He gestured over Chesterfield’s shoulder and the three Recon ponies looked behind them.

Nine changelings sat against the wall of one of the cabins. Their legs were stretched out before them and two UAT ponies stood over them with KKATs. The changelings’ heads were bowed and they seemed to sink into the mud like aging statues.

Red Field was fascinated with them, but Bombs Away’s booming voice pulled him back.

“Queen’s not here and those idiots aren’t saying much.” Bombs Away shook his head. “Looks like we busted up a little outpost of some pretty subpar bad guys. We’ll put ‘em through the wringer but it doesn’t look like she’s been here in a long time.”

“Is there anything we can do sir?” Chesterfield asked.

“Sure, you can load up your chariot with this crap and take it back to base per Luna’s orders. I can tell you right now there’s nothing we’re going to find out. But the Princess wants it done by the book.” He shrugged. “Can’t blame her for being a bit fanatical, that Blast is going to make everypony a suspect to her.”

“Isn’t that the first step in a proper investigation?” Red Field’s spine tingled from her voice. Full Wing yelped and took a few steps away as the Princess approached the group.

Bombs Away bit into his cigar.

“Your majesty, I wasn’t aware you’d be in attendance.” He said. “How did you-”

“I wanted to personally observe your operation and interpret the results for myself.” She bowed her head. “If you don’t mind the intrusion.”

“Not at all your majesty.” He said. “We’ve got the situation in hoof. You’re in no danger.”

“Madam, please.” She said. Luna walked to the small pile of crates and barrels and lifted the lid of one of the round barrels labeled “bacon”. She glanced inside, then turned back to Bombs Away. “Are those the only prisoners?”

“Yes madam, they’re not saying much. They aren’t in the best shape. We’ll-”

“Is this the largest building you found?” She asked, knocking her hoof against one of the cabins.

“Yes ma’am, we just found some supplies and-”

“Thank you.” Luna said, walking toward the cabin. “You, sniper, mind lending me a hoof in here?” She asked, looking to Red Field. Red Field’s blood ran cold.

“Yes of course.” He said. Luna opened the door of the cabin and stepped inside. Red Field tried to see into the unlit interior of the cabin.

“Go.” Bombs Away shoved him forward. “Don’t keep her waiting.”

Red Field stepped into almost complete darkness and lost sight of Luna. The door shut behind him and his stomach rolled as he fell into total darkness. Red Field’s eyes slowly adjusted and he saw several anemic candles lit the walls. A few bunks lined the walls.

Something clomped just ahead of him and he flinched.

“Apologies.” Luna stood in the corner of the room. She gave the wooden floor another kick. Red Field tried to stop himself from trembling as she took a few steps and kicked the boards below her. “I just need somepony here in case I need help lifting something.” She kicked again. “Your name is Red Field correct?”

“Yes madam.”

“Well Red Field, I am sure you are just as surprised as those stallions out there to see me.” She walked past him. “As I said I’m here to find those responsible for the death of my sister and the plot to destroy Equestria.” She stood next to him and threw a kick into the floor. “You seem to have a trustworthy air about you.”

“Thank you madam.”

“You are welcome private. Is this your first operation with your Urban Assault Team?”

“Yes madam.”

“Well I certainly don’t want to take any time away from your integration and training, but I was wondering if you would indulge me in a favor. I need a pony to help me with some matters related to the investigation.” She glanced down at him. “My assistant Nacht usually aids me with this sort of thing, but I need a few extra hooves in this instance. Of course, if that wouldn’t trouble you.”

“What do you need help with?” Asked Red Field, hoping he could find a reason to avoid her.

“Just some investigative matters. I’ll speak with you more when I have something.” Luna raised her hoof and stomped the floor. She tilted her head, then the room glowed dark blue as she launched a thin spell. Red Field trembled as the energy passed around his hooves. Luna waited until the spell covered the floor, then dropped another kick.

The boards made a hollow clunk. Luna took a few steps past Red Field and pulled at a knothole.

Luna swung a trapdoor open and Red Field lifted his rifle. The door opened away from him and he watched Luna’s face as she peered into the hole. She cracked her jaw and Red Field took a step toward the trapdoor.

“Get up.” Luna said. Red Field listened for a response. He tensed sharply as Nacht passed him. How had he gotten inside?

A greyish-black changeling climbed out of the trapdoor. Her wings were cracked and full of holes and she wasn’t much larger than Red Field. Luna took the changeling by the shoulder and pulled her up. An airy cry of pain filled the room. The changeling nearly fell and Nacht grabbed her other shoulder. His horn glowed grey and its energy wrapped around the changeling’s neck.

“You may leave now Red Field.” Luna said as she and Nacht walked the weak creature to one of the bunks. “Please tell your commander that I do not wish to be disturbed. I would like him to compile a list of locations where he suspects Chrysalis might be hiding.” She looked up. “I’ll be in touch about that investigation.”

Bombs Away thumped Red Field on the back as he closed the door to the cabin.

“What’s she up to soldier? Looking for breadcrumbs?”

“Y-yeah. Something like that.” Red Field said.

Next Chapter: Chapter 19 Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 13 Minutes