The meat farm was about 15 kilometers from the bottom of the bowl in the center of Mohs. It sat in a range of grasses which looked like a tiny Sahel amidst the pines and streams of the Rail Mountains. The farm was about five hundred meters square, and in the center of the rectangular property was the hole leading to the tunnels.

Red Field chewed a protein bar as he studied the map. He saw a patch of rocks about two hundred meters from the fence.

“There.” He said. “I should have a good view of the buildings.”

“Red’s got a position for cover. Full Wing, I want you with him in case he’s compromised.” Locked Breech said. “Could be anything from a few guys with rifles to a full-on detail. File doesn’t give any details about security.” He turned to Chesterfield. “I want you dropping in with me. Cat and Blackout are on overwatch from the chariot. Red’s going to check and make sure security isn’t too tight, but still, the less hooves on the ground the better.”

“Won’t they hear you guys flying over them?” Asked Full Wing.

“Chariot’s pretty much silent at low speed and completely silent when stable.” Blackout said. “And I wouldn’t worry about us making noise.” He placed a certain emphasis on the “us” that made everypony look to Full Wing. Full Wing lowered his eyes.

“Shit, I’m really sorry.” He said softly.

“Let’s address that.” Said Locked Breech. “Full Wing, I think you know how you messed up.”

“Yes sir.”

“Last time was a low risk op, which is why I had you and Red with me. We’re still trying to get used to you as teammates and we want to make sure there aren’t going to be any problems going forward. You just needed to have better awareness. Work on keeping yourself alert, just remember that every action of yours has some kind of consequence, no matter how small.” Full Wing nodded. “And Red.” Red Field looked up. He didn’t know he’d done anything wrong. “You were on top of things but you can’t be yelling things to civilians that aren’t mission essential.”

He had been yelling to comfort the dog.

“I was-”

“Eyes to the front at all times.” Locked Breech said.

“That guy wasn’t-”

“Hey, Red, no talking.” Blackout said. Red Field looked over at Blackout. Blackout looked back at him.

“Sure.” Red Field said.

“And you Black.” Locked Breech said. “If I ask you to pilot us out of somewhere, I think it’s reasonable to require you to know how to start the exfil vehicle.” He chuckled. “Okay?”

“Yeah, just got spooked from all that barking. Fumbled the ignition.” He said with a shrug. Red Field had to keep himself from pointing out Blackout’s mistake would have gotten them killed in a higher risk situation.

“And Cat, learn how to pick a lock from this country.” Locked Breech said.

“Guess that’s reasonable.” Said Wildcat with a shrug.

“I should have made sure we had better retention on our guy.” Locked Breech said. “Chess is the only one here who gets an atta colt today. He got ahold of the dog and kept him secure.”

“Heyhey good job!” Blackout began to clap for Chesterfield and Wildcat joined in.

“Oh now who do I thank first for this honor?” Chesterfield asked with a grin.

“Your C.O. for giving you an easy assignment.” Locked Breech said. “Last time was a little rough so let’s do things by the book this time.” He pointed to the map. “We’ve got an hour and a half before this guy heads to work, let’s move out.”

Déjà vu caught Red Field as they piled into the chariot. The sun still waited on the other side of the planet and the moon lit the mountainside. They’d kidnapped Lambchop maybe four hours prior. Red Field climbed into the chariot and took his seat beside Full Wing.

They flew directly down the mountain. The wind whistled past the chariot as they descended toward the grasslands. The angle at which they flew lurched Red Field forward and he was posed like he was about to vomit.

Within ten minutes, Recon team arrived.

Recon dropped Red Field and Full Wing at the edge of the prairie. Red Field wore his ghillie suit and had wrapped his rifle in burlap. The grasses rustled and thrashed around him as he hopped down.

“If there’s more than two armed guards, we’re calling this off.” Locked Breech said to Red Field. “This is still too fast for my liking.”

“Yes sir.” Red Field said, pulling his hood over his head.

“Okay, I’m ready.” Full Wing wore his CCUs; his oversized ghillie suit was still being tailored back at Gale Force. Despite the camouflage on his uniform, Full Wing, his training, and his size still made Red Field’s suit irrelevant. Red Field crouched low and told his spotter to follow close behind. Full Wing could be minimized, not hidden.

The two set off into the prairie.

The grass was tall enough they could walk briskly toward their observation point: a patch of boulders. But as they arrived, they saw the rocks were much smaller than depicted in the map. Only three stones, about the size of those in Red Field’s backyard in Rockvale, stood over the grass.

Red Field slid his rifle atop the smoothest boulder and pulled himself up.

“Get a line to Breech, I’m going to get eyes on.” He said, laying across the stone and righting his rifle.

“Aren’t you going to get skylined?” Asked Full Wing, who still crouched in the grass.

“I’m staying low. And I doubt they’ll look out this far.” Red Field inched back from the edge of the rock nonetheless.

Red Field lifted his binoculars and scanned the farm. Red Field could see what looked like a farmhouse, and a barn. The majority of the space inside the barbed wire was bare mud. The lights were out in the farmhouse and the yard laid quiet. He slowly read over the entire property, spotting no dogs. The mud was trod with countless hoofsteps and Red Field tried not to think about what kind of animals the dogs raised for meat.

“Don’t see much.” He said. “Looks like a pretty bare operation, most of it seems to be space for the animals.” Full Wing relayed this to the rest of Recon. A wind passed over the field and Red Field felt it blow through his mane. He was technically skylined, but who would look for him? “Looks clear of anyone inside the fence, target is probably in the farmhouse.”

“What about personnel? Any guards?”

“I said I didn’t see any.” Red Field said.

“Breech wants you to check the exits of the house.”

Red Field ran over the house again.

“Front door, side door, can’t see the other side but possibly a cellar.” A patch of grey atop the porch caught his eye and he looked back. A dog sitting on a rocking chair came into focus. The dog’s head was tilted back against the headrest of the chair and his mouth was open.

In the lap of the sleeping dog lay a Molot.

“Shit, one guard on the porch of the house. He’s asleep.”

“Is he the only guard?” Asked Full Wing.

“Yeah, it’s just him.” Red Field said once he was certain.

They sat in silence for about two minutes. Red Field continued to watch the sleeping dog, occasionally flitting his sights to the other doors to the farmhouse.

“Has he moved at all or been asleep the entire time?” Full Wing asked.

The rest of Recon was trying to decide if they should continue.

“He looks like he’s been asleep for a while.” Red Field said.

“They want you to keep eyes on.” Said Full Wing. “They’re moving.”

“Roger that.” Red Field pulled the DMR to his shoulder. Red Field heard the soft rumble of chariot behind him and a shadow passed over his body. The sky was turning a light pink as the sun began to rise. The chariot flew only twenty meters off of the ground as it slid toward the sleeping farm.

Red Field peered through the scope at the porch. The dog still slept. The chariot came into view as it passed over the fence and hovered only a few meters above the roof of the farmhouse.

A rope fell over the side of the chariot. Locked Breech climbed out of the chariot and begin to slide down. Another rope fell over the side and Chesterfield followed after Locked Breech.

“How’s the guard?” Full Wing asked. Red Field looked down at the sleeping dog. It had risen and leaned against the deck, looking out over the farmyard.

“Shit he’s awake. He’s up.” Red Field said. “Fuck, tell them to hold off.” The ropes dangled just to the right of the porch. The dog would see them if he leaned.

“He’s up, don’t move.” Full Wing said into his radio. Both roping ponies stopped just above the roof of the porch. Locked Breech drew his hoofgun. “Red, what’s going on?” Full Wing asked.

Red Field watched as the dog continued to look at the empty farm.

“He’s looking at the farm, isn’t suspicious.” The dog turned and looked back at the door. Another dog exited the house. “Got another one coming out.” The second dog carried a Molot. “He’s armed. There’s two armed dogs right under you on the porch.” Locked Breech motioned for Chesterfield to climb back and both ponies began to pull themselves up.

“Red, they’re dropping the op, watch those guys.” Full Wing said. Red Field didn’t reply. Both dogs were talking. They turned toward the door to the farmhouse.

“They’re going inside.” Red Field said. Both dogs stopped, the first laughed and pointed to the barn. They turned for the steps of the porch. “Fuck, they’re moving into the yard.”

Locked Breech and Chesterfield were still climbing to the chariot as the dogs walked from the porch and into the yard. The sun was peeking into the Rail Mountains and poured light into the farm. The massive black shadow cast by the chariot lay on the ground just a few meters ahead of the dogs.

“Tell them to stop climbing.” Red Field said. Both ponies stopped moving so quickly Red Field wondered if they had somehow heard him. They looked down at the yard and saw the dogs walking directly toward the oval shadow of the chariot.

“Red, Breech says if they turn around you gotta hit them.” Full Wing said.

“I know.”

The dogs were about two hundred and thirty meters away, walking at a thirty degree angle from his position. A negligible breeze bent the stalks of grass beneath the rock on which Red Field laid. The two dogs passed through the shadow of the chariot and Red Field set the DMR to fire.

He waited for one to turn.

The dogs talked like friends and the one who’d exited the house laid his rifle over his shoulder like a shovel. Red Field noticed the dog who’d been sleeping on the porch was significantly older. The pair reached the barn and younger one unlocked the door. Waiting for his companion to open the door, the older dog looked out into the field surrounding the farm.

At eighteen times magnification, the scope showed the soft haze of cataracts within the older dog’s dark green eyes. His muzzle was fuzzy and a lighter shade of grey. He looked like a grandfather. The younger dog opened the door and the older dog followed him inside. They shut the door behind them and Red Field took a deep breath. Both Chesterfield and Locked Breech climbed into the chariot and the vehicle drifted away from the house.

“Red, they’re going to set it down in the field.” Full Wing said.

“Got it.” Red Field watched the door of the barn as the chariot flew back over the fence.

Red Field’s heart rate slowed as he returned the rifle to safe. He gave a sigh of relief at not having to shoot a grandfather for accidentally spotting trespassers. He kept watch over the barn with his binoculars as the chariot landed behind him.
Two more dogs, much younger than the first two, walked to the barn from the farmhouse. Thankfully, the chariot was out of sight and these dogs seemed much sleepier than the other pair. They too went into the barn.

“Are we good?” Full Wing asked. Red Field nodded as he slid off of the rock and they made their way back to the chariot.

Locked Breech allowed Blackout to fly them back to base. He sat in the copilot’s seat and undid his vest. Chesterfield stretched out on the floor of the chariot and closed his eyes. Wildcat leaned against the side of the chariot with his legs ahead of him.

“Well that didn’t work.” Said Wildcat.

“Sure didn’t.” Chesterfield said. “Wasn’t too fun hanging there with some dog with a Molot right below me.”

“It was a terrible plan to begin with.” Locked Breech said, stuffing his vest under his seat. “That café was easy enough, but we can’t be dropping into compounds with armed guards with an hour of prep work. We should have just waited and done some actual recon. I should have called it off before we left.”

“Princess ain’t big into waiting.” Said Blackout.

“Yeah well if it’s mission safety or her patience I know what we’re choosing. We’ll go back tonight, or tomorrow morning.” Locked Breech said.

“What is her rank? What authority does she have?” Asked Wildcat.

“She has full authority.” Said Locked Breech. “Hope she’s smart enough to leave the tactical planning to the officers though.”

“Be funny to see what happens when she crosses paths with Bombs Away.” Said Blackout.

“I doubt that’d be very pleasant to watch.” Locked Breech said. He looked back at Red Field and Full Wing. “Solid work on that spotting, both of you.”

“That shadow thing. I didn’t even think of that.” Chesterfield added. “You definitely saved us back there.” He held up his hoof to Red Field for a brohoof. “That's the way Red.”

“Thanks.” Red Field said, giving Chesterfield a brohoof. "I'm looking out for you guys."

Luna exited their barracks as they landed.

“Impressive expediency.” She said. “Any trouble?”

Locked Breech climbed out of the chariot and shook his head.

“We didn’t move on the target, they had-”

“What was the problem?” Luna asked, dropping her kind intonation.

“The farm had at least two guards, we were not in a position to drop in and capture the target without alerting them.”

Luna cocked her head at him.

“Two? Is that an issue for you?”

“We didn’t have the capacity to capture him without firing on the guards.” Said Locked Breech.

“Is the terrain poor for a hot extraction?” She asked. Locked Breech paused, realizing Luna did not understand why they’d aborted the mission.

“We can return tonight and capture the target. We did not have time or the situational control to proceed without harming anyone.”

“Oh.” Luna raised her eyebrows. She looked back at the chariot. “You say you can return tonight?”

“Yes madam.” Locked Breech said.

“Very well, make the necessary plans and be ready to move as soon as possible.” She said.

“Yes madam, of course.” Locked Breech pointed to the barracks. “Get some rest team.”

“I’ll send my assistant Nacht with you.” Luna said as the ponies disembarked past her. “He is a capable soldier and he’ll help with the extraction.”

“That won’t be necessary. We’re a closed unit, we can take care of this.” Locked Breech said.

“He is an eminently cooperative operator; he’ll only augment your force for this mission.” Luna said. Locked Breech gave her a listless nod.

“All right. We’ll need him to be ready by 2230.”

“Certainly.” Luna said. “I assure you he will be of great aid.”

Locked Breech did not reply, but followed the rest of Recon into the barracks.

“Are we really taking that weirdo with us?” Asked Blackout once they’d returned to their room. Locked Breech shook his head and laid down on his cot.

“She’s pissed we didn’t shoot those dogs and get the guy right then. I’m not going to piss her off twice in thirty seconds. She’s under a different R.O.E. than what we’re used to.” He said. “Best thing is to let command deal with that at some point and just let her have her way.”

“So, we’re stuck with that guy for the op?” Chesterfield asked. Locked Breech sighed and pulled the blanket over his legs.

“We’re keeping him in the vehicle the whole time, tell him he’s security. Right now let’s just get some sleep.”

“Roger that.” Chesterfield said. Recon returned to their beds and soon all were asleep.

Red Field felt a bit better after sleeping. He awoke at 2200 with a severe hunger and devoured most of an MSRP before the rest of Recon arose. Though almost a day had passed since Recon had kidnapped Lambchop, Red Field felt as if only a few hours had gone by. His skin itched from sweat and he wished he could take a shower. But the other ponies awoke before he'd discarded the wrapper to his MSRP.

Blackout went to the planning table but Locked Breech, who was changing the battery in his radio, shook his head.

“We’re doing exactly what we did before, but hopefully without a bunch of dogs waking up.” He replaced the cover on the radio and picked up his backpack. “Load up everypony.”

“Okay then, meat farm kidnappers, take two.” Said Wildcat.

“Always love retrying stuff after it doesn’t work.” Said Blackout. He picked up his rifle and tossed his vest over his shoulder. “Bombs Away better get Luna out of here soon and let us do our jobs.”

“Hope this one goes better than before.” Chesterfield said.

Red Field hadn’t even changed since they’d returned to base. He pulled his ghillie suit tight to his body and adjusted the collar. He could smell his sweat already starting to molder.

Locked Breech motioned to the door.

“You can finish gearing up on the way over. I want to be ready to shove off as soon as possible in case that Nacht guy is late.” Locked Breech turned to the sniper team as they walked out of their room. “Same positions as earlier, but make sure you’re suppressed. Same R.O.E but take them out if you have to. The Princess wants this done and we’re not going back a third time.”

“Yes sir.” Said Red Field, not at all comfortable with murdering a farmer over an Alicorn’s impatience.

“Good evening sirs.” Nacht stood next to their chariot. He wore a version of their CCUs, though his was in the same dark blue pattern as Luna’s outfit.

He was unarmed.

“Good evening.” Said Locked Breech. “We were planning on having you remain with the chariot to provide security.”

“The Princess would like for me to accompany you inside of the farm and help you with extraction.” Said Nacht.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.” Said Locked Breech.

“The Princess was very clear in her instruction regarding supplementing your entry team. Either I will join you or I will notify captain Fo and allow him to send his best dog.”

“No, that will not be necessary.” Locked Breech said. He took a deep breath though his nose before speaking again. “You must understand that we do not typically allow outside persons to join our teams.”

“Then allow me to demonstrate my capability, Captain Breech.” Nacht said.

“Do you have a gun?” Blackout asked.

“I thought it best to allow you to give me one to standardize our loadouts.”

“Of course you did.” Blackout said. He unholstered his hoofgun and thrust it to Nacht. “Do you know how to use a gun?”

“Yes.”

Nacht took the weapon and remained passive as Locked Breech gave him two extra magazines.

“You’re to stay behind myself and my team when we enter. Do not fire unless I explicitly authorize you to.” Said Locked Breech.

“Captain there is no need to attempt to hamstring me.” Said Nacht, sounding somewhat bored. “I will follow you and act only on your command.” He tucked the hoofgun into his uniform. “Are we ready to leave?”

“Yes.” Locked Breech said. “Take a seat near the back.”

Nacht sat beside Red Field, saying nothing. Red Field could hear Blackout and Wildcat whispering to one another in the seats across from them. They were looking out at the forest beneath them, but he knew they were talking about Nacht.

Red Field was pretty sure Nacht could hear them too.

“Red, you and Full are going to that same rock." Said Locked Breech. "Chess you’re with me again. Cat and Black are holding the chariot. Once we get the target, we’re bringing him to the yard. We might raise some alarms if we don’t muzzle him fast so be ready for a fight.” He pointed at Red Field with this last sentence. “Forever one team, right?”

“Forever one team.” Repeated everypony but Red Field and Nacht.

“Red?” Full Wing poked him. Red Field looked up. Everypony was looking at him.

“Yeah.” He said.

“What’s our motto?” Asked Wildcat.

“Forever one team.” Red Field said. The ponies nodded and Red Field felt the chariot start to descend.

“Don’t forget that when you’re watching out for us.” Blackout said as the sniper team climbed out and into the grass. Red Field and Full Wing walked out into the field and the chariot lifted off.

They took fifteen minutes to find the same rock. A mass of clouds weakened the light of the moon and they stumbled a few times on their way. Red Field climbed up on the rock and drew his rifle. He’d remembered a night vision scope and had clamped the bulky gizmo just ahead of the primary scope of the rifle. He flicked the switch and the machine whirred.

A circle of sickly green lit atop the DMR.

The farm was deserted. A single light on the first floor of the farmhouse gave a meager glow and Red Field looked to the porch for the dog he’d seen earlier. The dog sat in the same rocking chair, his rifle lying across his lap. He was awake and he looked into the darkened farmyard with a bored frown. He was Red Field’s only target and Red Field lowered the stadia of the reticule onto the dog’s chest. Red Field slowed his breathing and soon the crosshairs were slowly looping across his target.

“Got the same guy in sight, he’s on the porch. Awake. Only one in sight.” He said to Full Wing.

Full Wing relayed the message to the chariot, which had since slid over the farmhouse. Red Field watched as two ropes slid to the ground. This time, Chesterfield and Locked Breech slid to the ground without hesitation. They landed on the side of the house out of sight of the porch. The dog continued to look out over the farm. Nacht’s grey form, almost invisible against the dark backdrop, swung out of the chariot and down the rope. He landed beside the two UATs without disturbing the dirt at their hooves. Locked Breech pointed to the back door of the farmhouse and Chesterfield knelt to pick the lock. Locked Breech watched one corner of the house and Nacht slid to the other.

“How’s the guy out front?” Asked Full Wing.

“Good, he’s not moving.” Said Red Field. Nacht stood on the corner of the house closest to the porch. He stood on two hooves and had an experienced grip on the pistol. His dead eyes stared ahead. Red Field worried a bit for the drowsy dog. Chesterfield opened the door and tapped Locked Breech’s shoulder. Without any notification, Nacht turned and joined the two at the open door. Red Field watched first Chesterfield, then Locked Breech, then Nacht step into the darkness.

The dog on the porch continued to gaze into the night while the UATs broke into his house. A moth brushed Red Field’s cheek as it sought the dim glow of the night vision. The scope dipped while Red Field clenched his jaw. The dog yawned as the crosshairs returned to his chest.

“Red, is that guy still there?” Asked Full Wing.

“Yes.” Red Field said irritably. The moth was flitting around his ears and Red Field writhed inwardly as the dusty insect bumped his skin.

“Keep an eye on him. They’re about to grab the target and they might make some noise.”

“Okay.” Red Field slowed his breathing and took the rifle off of safe. The farmhouse remained dark. The moth drifted in and out of Red Field’s ear and he was on the verge of stabbing at it with his hoof.

The dog stood. He arched his back as if he was listening to something.

“Shit, he’s-” Red Field began. The dog bolted into the house. “Fuck he’s going into the house, I don’t have eyes on. He’s in the house, he’s alerted to something.” All three ponies bolted out of the back door. With them was a tall diamond dog with a bag pulled over his head and his arms zip tied behind his back.

“Red watch for that guy. They’re coming out.” Full Wing said.

“I can see that.” Said Red Field, sweeping his scope from the open door to the front porch. The ponies inside the fence ran toward the ropes hanging beneath the chariot, which had drifted a few meters from the house. Red Field immediately saw they couldn’t climb back up with such a large dog. Locked Breech saw this too and waved for the chariot to land.
The chariot was still two meters off of the ground and Locked Breech and Chesterfield were hoisting up their target when the older dog ran out of the door behind them. He saw the two UATs and lifted his rifle.

Red Field let out his breath and the crosshairs settled on the dog.

A burst of dark blue magic gripped the muzzle of the dog’s rifle. Nacht had been hiding against the wall of the house and even Red Field hadn’t seen him. Nacht’s horn glowed for only an instant as he took hold of the gun. He whipped the rifle upward and the front sight struck the dog in the face. Red Field’s eyes narrowed as he winced. The grandfather dog fell against the wall of the farmhouse and Nacht turned for the chariot.

Wildcat had grabbed their target by the scruff of his neck and managed to drag him into the vehicle. Locked Breech and Chesterfield grabbed Nacht’s fore hooves and pulled him up as they lifted off. Red Field looked back at the grandfather laying by the door. He was holding his face.

The chariot ascended sharply, throwing a small dust storm into the air. Lights appeared in the windows of the farmhouse and Red Field heard barking as the chariot shot toward them. The vehicle created a crater in the grass as it lowered over the rock.

“Get in, we gotta go.” Said Wildcat as Red Field and Full Wing jumped in. Red Field stepped back to his seat and started to strap himself in as they pulled away. The meat farmer lay in the middle of the chariot and Chesterfield had his hoof dug into the dog’s back.

“Keep that guy secure.” Locked Breech called. "We're out of here."

A burst of gunfire banged into the side of the chariot and everypony ducked.

“Fucker's firing at us.” Blackout shouted. “Red, hit him.” Red Field swung his DMR up and looked back at the farm.

The chariot swayed as they banked and Red Field pushed his support hoof against the frame of the door to steady the rifle. He caught sight of the dog firing at them. The chariot had already put two hundred and fifty meters between them and the grandfather.

His aim was off by several degrees since he hadn't adjusted from his first shot. Blood ran down the dog’s head from where the sight had struck him. The sniper waited and the dog fired again. The bullets missed the chariot and Red Field watched the tiny figure’s arms shake as the recoil knocked him around.

They were now four hundred meters away and the Molot's sight would obscure the entire chariot.

“Red hit him.” Blackout shouted. The ground around the farmhouse was illuminated sharply as the occupants turned the lights on. The old dog’s night vision would be gone with such a sudden burst of light. Red Field watched as two more dogs bolted from front door. The old dog was still looking in the chariot’s direction, but he lowered his rifle. The other two dogs began barking at him. Red Field saw him shake his head.

Red Field slid the rifle off of the door frame.

“Hey, we’re still in range!” Blackout shouted.

“He’s not going to fire anymore.” Red Field said, taking his seat beside Nacht.

“What?” Blackout asked.

“We’re gone.” Locked Breech said. “Black, keep your eyes forward.”

Blackout stared at Red Field, in his eyes Red Field saw a mixture of shock at Red Field’s disobedience, and disgust at Red Field’s unwillingness to kill a dog who posed no threat to them. Red Field stared back, willing to answer for what he knew Blackout would bring up when they returned to base.

I’ve often wondered what would have happened if Red Field had fired on the old dog, whose name was Bonemeal. I have wondered how such a story might differ from this account of Red Field. Certainly Red Field would have killed the dog, at least within a few shots. I am curious as to why Luna's assets did not flag Bonemeal in their search for the Conspiracy. In any case, Bonemeal soon fell to his death after being knocked off a cliff by one of the infamous and unpredictable gusts of wind characteristic of the mountains of Mohs.
I decided perhaps Gale Force might have been saved, and perhaps more lives might have been spared, had Red Field killed Bonemeal as they pulled away from the farm. But no matter how many alternative stories I consider, Red Field’s always ends the same way. A tragedy, as I have come to understand it, is the fulfillment of a person’s most consistent traits.
Red Field’s story would have been a tragedy, even if he’d never left Rockvale.