My host and her squad seemed to stare at the zebra for an awkwardly long time. Even Zec seemed to feel the eyes staring at him, visibly shrinking on his haunches a bit. If that many eyes were on me back at the base, I’m pretty sure I’d look like that as well.

“Ummm... Hello Zec.” The awkward silence was finally broken by Blue Leaf. “It’s nice to meet you.” She spoke in a timid voice. It was very strange to me how everypony was acting. The shock of seeing their fellow ponies killed put them in a state of near denial it seem.

“Yeah, we meet your kin Zec. They killed Maplewood in cold blood.” Apex said in a growing angry voice. “Or maybe it was you who did it.”

Zec tooked a step back, edging back a bit from Apex. It’s a smart move to make when dealing with somepony who just accused him of betraying the squad and killing two of their squad mates.

“No, I did no such thing. I did not betray you nor kill your kin,” Zec said defensively.

“I don’t believe you.” Apex grabbed his rifle and held it tightly. “You betrayed your own kin and your own faction. So I think its rather easy for you to betray us to get back to your kin,” Apex said raising his rifle and pointing at Zec. “Once a traitor, always a traitor.”

“Apex! Stop what are you doing?” Blue Leaf said.

“This stripe bastard knew where we were camped.” Apex looked over to Blue. “We heard sounds from a rifle like the one on his back. You had to have heard it as well. I’m damn sure he is probably even a skilled shot with it.” Apex said as he looked back down his rifle sight.

“I did no such thing! I may have given up on being a pirate, but I am here to stop my kin from killing more ponies.” Zec snorted finally standing his ground. “You may not trust me, but I will not betray what I know is right. Stopping the pirates from pushing this war forwarded is the right thing to do for both my kind and ponies.” Zec said.

“Your full of Horse Sh-” Apex said before being stopped by My host. It was the first thing she’d done, this whole time other than being very quiet.

“That’s enough, Apex!” My host yelled. “If you’d stop to think for a moment, you’d realize that he’s not the zebra that shot them.”

“How would you know?” Apex said with a snarl. He seemed to drop the military formality in favor for his blind hatred of the stripe equine in front of him.

“Because the zebra that killed our friends was shot in the hind leg.” My host said, pointing to the hind legs of Zec. “If you’d taken a second to look, you’d have noticed that Zec has no holes in his back legs.” A tense moment passed as the two of them stood there. Apex just stared at my host for a few seconds, his expression softening before he lowered his rifle.

“Yes, Ma’am.” He muttered, now regaining his military formality.

“Ok, Zec. Welcome to camp, but we’re on a timetable, and will be leaving very soon.” My host said as she gave a short nod to him. “Everypony... and zebra gather around the table.”

“I can assume you are this group’s commanding pony.” Zec said as he looked at my host.

“Yeah.” My host paused for a moment. “... Kind of got the promotion about a hour ago during the firefight. If I had a choice, I’d give it up just to have my friends back,” My host said looking down a bit. “But that isn’t the world we live in.”

“I am sorry for what my Kin have done,” Zec said. “The work we will do will make their deaths worthwhile, I assure you.”

“Thank you, but save it for now. We’ve got a lot to do and I’m just trying to get it all done.” My host said. I could kind of hear her tearing up a bit.

“As you wish.” Zec said stepping around the side of the table.

My host tooked a long breath before looking at the map, then up at the squad.

“Okay, I know what Lieutenant Maplewood wanted to do, but we don’t have the numbers to do it. We can’t let them know that we are there.” My host said pointing to the hill with the words ‘mines’ written on it. “So we are going to sneak in on the South West side of the camp.”

“Ummm... Ma’am?” Silver said. “You know that says mines, right? I don’t think we supposed to stand or walk on them.”

“Yes, I know Silver and I know what we are going to do about them. Well I think I know what we are going to do about them.” My host said with a waver in her voice.

“You think?” North Star asked with a nervous fidget.

“Depends on what Zec can tell me about the mines,” My host said turning to Zec. “You want to help? Now’s your chance.”

“What do you wish to know?” Zec asked.

“Are they the same as they were last year? Are they just the stander Party Poppers?” My host asked back. “Or should we expect a different model?”

“Yes they are the same,” Zec replied back.

“Good. Okay, we are going to set up on the top of this hill and when I give the single we will roll large rocks down the hill setting off the mines.” My host gestured at the map as she spoke. “At the same time we will open fire on the zebras in the camp. While Ink hits the camp with lighting, and after the mines are set off, we’ll head down the path that the rocks cleared. If we can take down at least a few of them, we can force them to surrender. ” My host said with a firm tap of the map.

“Uhh, this plan seems kind of...simplified.” Coffee Bean said, seeming kind of confused. She scrunched up her muzzle trying to find a better word that what she wanted to say.

“Yes it’s simple, and this way we’ll be able to surprise the zebras.” My host replied back.

“But they will know where we are coming from,” Blue Leaf said. “What do we do when they start massing fire against us?”

“Not at first. They’ll be confused in the first few moments, more so if we each take down a zebra. Then the odds will be in our favor, let alone we will be on the hill looking down at the camp. Even if we lose the advantage, and we are forced back, we can use the hill for cover while we retreat.” My host said before turning to look over at the zebra. “Zec what do you think?”

“I am not a strategist.” Zec said looking down at the map. “But your plan may work. I remember when you attack our first camp, and were able to confuse most of us quickly.” Zec said. “They might not expect it to happen again.”

“Okay then, that's what we are going to do. When we get to this stream just before the hill Apex, Coffee, Zec and I will find some large boulders to roll down the hill.” My host ordered looking at each pony when there name came up. “North and Silver, I want you two to keep watch while we work. Blue, you set up in this little patch right here in case some pony gets hurt.” My host quickly tapped out the location on the map. “Ink, when we are pulling the boulders together, that’s when you go off and collect clouds. You need to get them ready as soon as possible.”

“Yes ma,am,” Everypony said.

“Okay then, lets head out.” My host said as her muzzle pulled into a confident smirk. “We’ve got to get a lot of swamp covered to reach the camp, so let’s get to it!”

Everypony stepped away from the table and grabbed their gear. They all tooked a moment to pull them onto their backs before they turned away. After a moment, my host and the others were all assembled at the end of the pond where the swampy forest started. My host looked down at the hole she dug herself in earlier. The blood in the cracks had already dried, and it seemed to almost blend in with the darker pond bed.

My host and her squad proceeded into the tree line. Not far from the pond I could see trees with bullet holes in them from the battle earlier. It seem their wild shots hit everywhere they could. As my host began to walk, she notice a crimson red on some of the leaves and dirt. It was most likely from the now injured zebra that had attacked them. My host stared at the blood for a few seconds. Then continued to trot into what I figure would be a tense march.

The squad was quiet for the first part of their trip. The sun had already reached the top of the sky, and the forest seem to light up a little bit more in the sunny weather. I figured the ponies were trying to be quiet to hide their position, but the several sticks and brush that cracked under hoof seemed to hinder that. Maybe they were all lost in thought of the battle with the camp that would come shortly. Or they were still slightly shocked from the last one, and that two of their squad mates were no longer with them.

The snapping of dry twigs soon moved to a soft squishing sound as the forest trek turned into trotting through marshlands. The trees seem to look less like the perfectly shape trees I saw when they entered the forest. The trees around them now were twisted with roots poking out of the mud and puddles.

The only thing it was missing was smell of ash and clouds and it would be the wasteland. With each hoof step, or squish to be more precise, the swamp seemed to get more and more inhospitable. It seem like a rather good idea to me that the zebras place there camp in the deep parts. The swamp provided a natural barrier for them.

From behind I could hear North Star slip in the mud. I knew it was her when she yelped. She slid down a small hill next to a slightly less muddy path that the squad was walking on. My host turned just in time to see North Star fall face first into the mud. She quickly popped her head out and started wiping her face off.

“Bleh... This mud smells horrible.” North Star said, scrunching her muzzle in disgust. Blue Left quickly slid down the hill carefully. She helped North Star back up to her hooves and got her moving again.

“Ya, its not like the mud at the spa,” Blue Leaf said with a giggle in her voice. I could hear Silver and Coffee Bean laugh as well. It was good to see that the tension of the trip was broken for a bit, I was sure they’d needed a good laugh.

“I forgot that spas do mud baths for some ponies.” Silver said as she trudged through the field of brown slop. “Though I don’t think they would like using this muk,”

“Really? I would think ponies like you would love this stuff.” Coffee Bean replied back, seemingly undaunted by the mud. “It’s supposed to do fancy things, like make our coats look great, or at least that what they say outside the spas. Funny though, because I would think you be a pony that visited the spa frequently.”

“Why? Because I work in theater?” Silver asked with a bit of snark.

“Well kind of ya. I mean, usually I see those kind of ponies when I pass by Crystal Coats Spa,” Coffee Bean replied back. Though sounding a bit embarrassed it seem. Maybe because she was implying that all the theater ponies go to spas. I had no idea what pre-war ponies did to relax, so I was just as lost as her.

“I would like to relax at a spa or something similar.” Silver said. “I see Rose Stem, our lead, and most of the front stage performers all go to the spa. When she comes back, she always looks amazing. Though, usually the more front stage ponies need to look that way.”

“So? All that means is when you get back and get a front stage performance, you can go to the spa.” North Star said joining in the conversation after reaching back up to the path with the help of Blue Leaf. .

“Well at least then I could afford it.” Silver said looking back over at North Star. He then started to laugh again. “Trying to live in Baltimare as a small time actor is rather hard.”

“Yeah yeah. Covered in mud, very funny. You're not much better off,” North said pointing to Silvers legs which were covered in mud as well. “Only one here that been clean and clear is Ink.” North Star said then turn to the hovering pegasus who was about a pony length above the ground.

“Hey, only natural for a pegasus to fly.” Ink Jar said. “Or at least hover above a mess.”

“Why aren’t you down on the ground with us?” North Star said, still removing a stick that got stuck in her mane. “Don’t you want to know what it’s like and write about what's down here, not above the trees?”

“I can easily write about my experience from a meter off the ground. It’s not needed for me to get messy to write a good story.” Ink Jar said.

“Have you thought about what you are going to write about?” Silver asked. Trying to hold back another bout of laughter as North Star continued to whip the mud off of her.

Out of the corner of my host’s eye, I could see that Zec was starting to get a bit ansie. My guess was that he didn’t like standing in one spot talking about mud. Sitting in a wide open area that kept you moving a hoof a minute did seem like a perfect place to get ambushed again.

“Ya a bit. I mean I going to write about all of use and the mission where on. I know I’ll have to try to remember everything that happens when we attack the pirate camp. That should make more an interesting read.” Ink Jar said.

“What are you going to write about us?” Coffee Bean asked.

“Well maybe a little story about each of you and what you experience here,” Ink Jar said.

“What are you going to say about the lieutenant and sergeant?” North Star asked. Ink Jar paused a second, nearly dropping to the ground. Everypony else also seemed to stop and wait for the answer.

“I don’t really know.” I could tell he was trying to find a way to be respectful. “I mean, I didn’t see them go down. I heard the gunfire, and then yelling soon after my cloud was being shot at.

“North, you got the gunk off of you, so lets keep moving.” my host said. Her tone was lower and more neutral than before. I could tell she wasn’t in the mood to discuss the death of her commander. From what I could see of the expression on Blue Leaf’s face, it seemed that she noticed it as well. “Keep your ears perked. Could be more damn zebras ahead of us. No offense Zec,” my host said looking at Zec.

“Non taken,” Zec replied.

“Yes ma’am,” North Star said and quickly gathered herself. Without much trouble, she got back in line. The other ponies quickly follow suit. Soon the Squad was back trotting towards the hopefully unexpecting camp. If the zebras knew they were coming, then even I expected the squad wouldn’t survive.

The silence had started to get to me again. I was here to learn, not just watch ponies walk around. At the very least, it would be nicer if the terrain was better. Maybe a nice field here or there, or even some of those trees from that Saddle Tail Forest. Come to think of it, it would also been nice to see Vanhoover before it was a destroyed.

After the squad passed through another stream, they had to stop and remove various leeches that had been waiting in the water. Clear of the pesky parasites, Blue Leaf went around to each pony and checked on the wounds. After she cleared them all, she walked up to my host and sat down next to her.

“I think we should take a break. A lot of the ponies are exhausted, and the fact that we have to keep pulling these annoying leeches off isn’t helping moral.” Blue Leaf said as she reached behind my host. When she pulled her hoof back, it had a leech in it that had presumably been on my host.

“We need to get to the camp before sunset.” My host replied back. “I don’t want us out here for another night. The last thing we need is a chance for the zebras to figure out we are still in the area.”

“yes ma’am, but I really think they need to be rested.” Blue Leaf said pointing to the squad. My host tooked a good look at each of them. Even I could tell that they looked worn out and a bit frail. Silver and Coffee were sitting together, propped up against one another just to stay upright.

“I know you were able to pull them all together for the mission after what happen, but they are still traumatized from it.” Blue Leaf said. She reached over and put her hoof on my host’s shoulder. “Remember, me and you have experience with dealing with this; they don’t.”

“I understand,” my host said then sat up. “Okay five minute break everypony. Then it’s back to walking until we hit the camp.”

The other ponies in the squad where rather excited to hear that they get a break even if it was a small break. You could almost hear their collective sigh of relief as the ones who were still up slumped down to give their legs a break. Zec had been the only one that seem to remain standing. I didn’t know if my host could tell, but to me he looked ansiey.

It didn’t take Apex to long to note Zec’s anxiety. “You seem to be in a hurry to get to your brothers and sisters Zec,” Apex said walking up to the zebra. “Any reason why?”

“I am not in a hurry,” Zec replied back. He seem to pause for a few seconds looking at Apex questably. You would have had to be blind to see he wasn’t telling the truth.

“Are you sure? You have the look of a young foal waiting for the school bell.” Apex said in an accusatory tone. “I don’t think you're in that much of a hurry to shot your own kind.”

That statement in that tone seem to upset my host. Without a word, she got up and walked over to them. However, she was not quick enough to stop Zec’s response.

“They are not my brothers and sisters. We share the same stripes but I make my own choice,” Zec replied back, sounding more than a little offended. “and unlike them, I know what is right.”

“Apex come here,” My host ordered.

“Yes ma’am,” Apex trotted over quickly. “What can I do for you?”

“I understand that you don’t trust him, but you need to leave Zec alone.” My host said in a quieter voice trying to not let the others hear. “You’re not helping moral around here, and I know that he is not here to cause trouble for us.”

“But,” Apex replied back in a similar quiet voice. “you’ve seen him just wanting to keep moving. Doesn’t that strike you as even a little bit strange?”

“Normally, I would say yes.” My host said with a much sterner tone. “However, what I know about zebras is that they tend to not want to be out in the open to well. You know about their lands and what the animals out there do to a hapless creature, right? Now, on top of that fear of being out in the open, for him to receive some rather unhelpful statements from others like you has got to make you feel pretty shitty about helping.”

“Well I’m referring to this zebra here ma’am.” Apex spoke in a way that would make my superiors kick my flank out of the rangers in a minute. “I mean think about it. A pirate strikes a deal with ponies to fight other pirates, and before he arrives, our sergeant and lieutenant are killed. Then he just shows up as soon as we’re done getting our flank’s kicked? A bit convenient in a way don’t you think.”

“We talked about this already, Apex.” My host said. “I thought we’d put the issue to rest. Now, what is your problem with Zec?”

“I have already told you my issue.” Apex glared at my host and pointed to Zec. “I don’t trust this zebra.”

Blue Leaf stepped towards Apex. “Apex I understand you’re scared, but accusing Zec of being the one that attack us is not going to help. We all know he did not attack us. It was just bad timing that he showed up so soon after the fight.”

“I’m not scared, Blue Leaf. Hell, I even have more determination now to stop these zebras,” Apex said.

“And Zec here is doing the same thing, so you two should be friends or at the very least temporary comrades.” Blue Leaf said. “He is here to help keep us safe and to stop the pirates.”

“I think he more than likely he will try to turn us over to the zebra camp so he’ll be able to join up with them again.” Apex snapped back.

“I will not betray you.” Zec finally step in to the conversation that he was the center of. “I may have worked with zebra pirates, but I know my loyalties. I am loyal to my nation, and I know that these pirates must be stopped in order for my lands to survive.” Zec said.

“Loyalty? Really? Look at you.” Apex said, increasing in tone. “You’re telling me that you're loyal to your nation, but your nation is fighting my people you're on the wrong side of the street.”

“Loyalty is not just on the uniform you wear. If you carried more stripes on your back and live in your lands, I think you would understand. These pirates are only worsening the problem. You ponies are winning the war, and all we’ve been able to do is push you back out of our lands. I know it only by the fact that we don’t kill each other, but one day I fear it will change. When that happens, I’ll see my brothers and sisters dying.” Zec said as he lowered his head.

“What do you mean we are not killing each other?” Apex said. “You... your fellow brothers and sister just got done killing two of my colleagues!”

“Yes, your friends were killed, and soon we will be killing some of theirs. But this is not what I mean. I fear that one day, our two nations will no longer kill as a last resort; or as part of forcing a group to surrender.” Zec sighed and gave a sad look. “You offered my camp the chance to surrender, and some did, while others did not. Their own foolishness saw them dead.” Zec said. “When we truly start killing each other, then no kindness or courtesies will be given. Only death and blood will be offered across the street, as you put it.”

Apex seemed to pause for a second at Zec’s statement. “Then why not just return to your home and stay out of the fight?” Apex asked this time with less anger in his voice.

“For the same reason you are here to fight.” Zec said. “To save my home. My village is near the northern desert. You ponies call the badlands.” He shook his head sadly. “If this war grew, then my village will certainly be destroyed.”

“But my town is already in danger.” Apex replied back. “You are just guessing at what would happen.”

“As are you.” My host said as she stepped forward.

“You said your town is in ruins, but all you really need to do is turn it into something new. When we left for the swamp didn't you say that you could build a town anywhere?” My host asked.

“Yeah, its my job to figure out and design to fit the land that I have,” Apex replied back. “What are you getting at?”

“Could you build a town in this swamp?” My host asked.

“Might take three or four tries but I could get a building to stand in this muk.” Apex said before looking around. “Though nopony would live here.”

“There are some swamp towns out there,” My host replied back

“Ya, but i'm not getting your point here ma’am,” Apex said. “how does this relate to a village in the middle of nowhere.”

“My point is that you're the same as Zec. You are just guessing what’s going to happen to your town, but you’d be able to turn it into something new if you wanted.” My host said.

Apex open his mouth to say something but then closed it, accepting defeat. After a few seconds, he spoke up.

“Maybe, but I still think your nation is full of foals for letting this war start.” Apex said looking at Zec.

This time, Zec had to pause before he responded. “I can’t argue with you much on that Apex. My nation has made some foalish choices. However, measure those choices on the zebras that made them, not zebras that have to live by them. Nor the one standing in front of you. I did not decide on how we value coal or gems, nor did my village kill your grand flying team. We both are suffering from this war, and these pirates are our common enemy.” Zec said. “So let us work together to solve our common problems.”

Apex smiled a bit. It seem that Zec may have convinced him that he is on Apex side, or at least that he understood Apex’s reasons.

“Ma’am, I think we should get going. I want to make sure we get there in time,” Apex said turning and walking back into the formation.

The quick break had lasted a bit longer, but Silver and Coffee Bean didn’t mind. They were sitting down using each others backs to support one another. Sadly that had to get up and assemble. When everypony assembled back into the formation they begin to trot toward the pirate camp. The squad seemed more whole now, and that was something they desperately needed.

The squad continued to trot down the ever increasingly muddy trail that borderline stopped being a trail what felt like hours ago. The sun was high above the squad, but you could not tell from where they were. Every now and again, small conversations broke out in the squad. Coffee Bean and Silver seemed to have become better friends during their trot. Silver was talking to Coffee Bean about the shows he had work in.

“In one of our shows, the main set piece collapsed. Sometimes its nice to be a background performer, seeing as we got off scot free. Wind Shoes fared the worst of us in the collapse though. He tooked a nasty fall, but thankfully he wasn’t hurt. We joked about the ego of his cutie mark breaking his fall.” Silver said laughing a bit.

“Ego of his cutie mark?” Coffee Bean asked looking confused. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“If you worked with him, you’d know.” Silver chuckled. “He toted his mark like a badge of pride all the time. Made sure it was always visible. He always said that its how he became a big name.” Silver sighed and shrugged. “But I think he just loved his mark so much. It had a lot of shine to it; however I think it was more due to him anding sparkles to his coat.”

“Why would he do that?” Ink Jar asked from above.

“My guess was to show himself off more,” SIlver said looking up at Ink Jar with a smile. “If that didn’t make you turn to look when he came into a room, I don’t think anything would have.”

“Would make sense for a show pony to show off,” Zec said.

Zec joining in the conversation surprised even me. Not only that, but it seemed from the way my host stiffened up, even she was surprised. She turned to look at Zec and found him walking along with the two other ponies.

“I guess,” Silver shook his head in nostalgia. “It’s probably why he is a lead all the time, but he just totes it around so much. Its annoying. He walks in, turns, and then sticks his flank in everypony’s face. The only pony that can really do that is Celestia or Luna, and even they aren’t that self absorbed.” Silver said.

“Maybe you should get a bit flasher, Silver,” Coffee Bean said.

“Na I don’t want to get front stage by being like that jerk.” Silver said. “If I want to get there, I’m going to get there on my own. That starts by doing what we have to today.”

“So your plan is to kill to gain the strength to be on the front stage?” Zec asked. From my view, I couldn’t tell if Zec was serious, or if that was a joke.

“What oh Celestia no.” Silver replied in disgust. “I don’t want to kill any pony.”

“You don’t have to kill ponies you have to kill zebras,” Zec said.

“Thats not what I mean. I don’t want to kill anypo... any zebra?” Silver asked wonder if that was the right term to use.

“I think you just use people to mean everyone,” Ink Jar said. “or better yet just say anyone.”

Their conversation was getting weird. It was just leading into semantics, and I had enough of those conversations back home to fill up a memory orb of my own.

“You don’t want to kill, why are you here?” Zec spoke up through the confusion. “If you are in the military, you know you may have to kill.” He looked over to silver and canted his head. “We have to kill in order to get rid of the pirates,”

“I kind of hoping… that they will surrender first.” Silver replied softly.

“That idea is foalish at best. They will not surrender without fighting.” Zec said. “We... I mean, the pirates will try to push back, I guarantee it. You have already been shot at, they have already seen their kin die. It will take time to convince them to surrender, if it happens at all. Even when my old pirate camp surrender. It required some of them to be killed in order for the surrender to even be considered.”

“Oh.” Silver said as he lowered his head. “I guess I will have to hurt someone.”

“Did you ponies not get trained on how to fight?” Zec asked.

“Well, yeah.” Silver replied. “but I try to imagine not having to kill anyone.”

“Then what are you doing in a sword squad?” My host asked, turning to Silver.

“I was a good shot. Easy to hit a target drawn on a bail of hay,” Silver said, getting defensive. “but trying to kill another is wrong. I shouldn’t be shooting to kill, just to get them to surrender.”

“I didn't want to kill either Silver, but we are here to stop these pirates and I really need everypony and zebra for this.” My host said. “They won’t be shooting to wound, or to make you surrender. The moment you think that, our mission will fail.”

“I understand ma’am. I will do my job,” SIlver said hesitantly.

Zec hold up his hoof and single to my host who turn to see him pointing to his ears. My host noded and raised a hoof to her mouth. My guess is to tell everypony to shut up. My host then quickly and quietly moved over to where Zec was.

“We are outside their camp I think.” Zec whispered into my host’s ear. “I can hear them.”

My host raised her head up. I could see in her shadow that she had perked her ears, swiveling them about to listen for the slightest sound. I started to hear combination of conversations amongst the sound of running water and other things. My host then shifted and pulled her map out. She looked down at it and then looked around at the surrounding area. After a moment, she traced her hoof to a treeline and stream just outside of the Zebra camp on the map.

I realised they almost walked right into the camp because they were distracted with their conversations. Watching this was a reminder of wasteland 101. If you’re scouting somewhere, keep your muzzle shut.

My host waved for everypony to move over to her. I watched as she studied the map, probably deciding on how to get everypony ready. Without using words, she pointed to the mined hill on the map. With a group nod, slowly everypony started moving along the waters edge.

From across the stream, she began to talk softly. I realised that she was being smart and using the stream to council there voices and movements. It seemed risky, especially when North Star almost fell in. They were lucky that Ink Jar was able to catch her quickly, or the sound would have surely given them away.

Once they’d past the stream, they moved a bit more confidently. The area they were in was still a bit mud covered, however they were able to move a little more quickly to the hill that had the mines.

“Zec, do you think they would buried mines on this side of the hill?” My host asked.

“Doubtful. They would want to catch the attackers coming down the hill into the mines. They are probably just as scared of these things as you are.” Zec said as he looked at the map. “This is more of a Northern Tribes weapon, and very few of us really understand how they made them.”

“Okay; me, Zec, and North are going to go up to the top and take a peek.” My host whispered. “Apex and Coffee, I want you two to look around and see if you can find any large round rocks that you can move up this hill.” My host turned to Ink. “Ink, now’s the time to go gather clouds. Stay low on the tree line once you have them just wait. When I see you are ready, I’ll give the single to attack.” She looked back around to the others. “After we start, Ink will bring his cloud around and start to hit them with lighting. Silver and Blue, you two stay down here and keep watch for right now.” My host ordered.

Silver seemed confused and it took me a second to realise why. Earlier in the day, when my host told them the plan, she was going to have Silver and North go up and look. Now, she’s changed it probably because of how he felt.

Everypony nodded.

My host turned and started to careful walk up the hill. Zec and North Star followed close, keeping an eye on the others as they did. At the top of the hill, my host slowly crept up and peeked over the edge. I could see what look like scrambled together structures. They were made out of the junk, from old ship parts and wood to scrap metal even. There were about 6 small structures in a half circle around two larger buildings. In the middle was kind of a court yard. A few zebras worked on different things in there, too far to see what exactly though. My host seemed to start to focus on each of the zebras that she could see, possibly noting their locations. I notice that she was looking at the hind legs of each one. My guess was that she was trying to find the zebra that attack them earlier.

“Okay, North.” My host whispered. “Stay up here and keep an eye on the zebras. We will bring up the boulders and get ready to attack.”

“Yes ma’am,” North whispered back.

“Zec, lets head back down and get ready.” My host whispered to Zec. He simply nodded and began to move back down the hill. My host followed slowly, her vision lingering on the village as she did.

Part way down the hill Zec turn to my host. “What are you going to do about Silver?”

“What do you mean?” My host asked back.

“Silver does not want to kill any zebra down there, but he must in order for us to survive.” Zec place a hoof on my host, causing her to stop sliding down the hill. “I know he has hope, but we need all the shots we can bring down on them.” Zec said. “They will not relent unless the threat is absolute.”

“I know, he should be fine.” My host replied back. “I’m having him push the rocks down with Coffee. That way if we need him, he can join in if it goes south.”

“No, that is a bad idea.” Zec whispered sternly. “Silver said he was a good shooter. We will only have a few quick shots at the start, so you will need all the good hits we can get.” He glanced over my host’s shoulder to what I assumed was Silver. “He will also be able to get shot in turn. With his attitude toward violence, do you think he will be able to fight if he was being shot at? Could he pull the trigger and end a life if forced to?”

“Maybe thats all he needs.” My host sighed. “I was there once. I know that all you need is to have some zebra wanting to shoot you.” My host replied back in a somber tone. “He doesn’t need to make that choice if everything goes smoothly.”

“It won't.” Zec said as if it were as plain as day. “You’ll need his accuracy. I can’t, nor won’t force you to change your plan, but you need all the clean shots you can get.” Zec said then moved his hoof off my host and started sliding down the hill again. “Make your own call.”

At the bottom of the hill, Apex and Coffee Bean already found two, pony sized round rocks, and had already began moving them up the hill. Blue had quietly cleared a small area and set up some of her medical pouches. As she did, Apex seemed to look on disapprovingly.

“That’ll bring bad luck if you set up like that,” Apex said. “It implies we’ll get hurt once we start.”

“Rather have a nice spot ready to treat you if I need too.” Blue Leaf said laying out a thin pad on the ground. “Hopefully, all I’ll be treating is some bruises or scrapes from the bushes around here.”

My host, stopped and looked at the others. She watched as both Coffee and Apex strained to move the boulders up. Even from inside a memory orb, I cringed at the thought of how hard that must have been.

“Okay Coffee, Apex can you two get these rocks up the hill or do you need help?” my host asked.

“We are earth ponies,” Apex said between heaves. “We can easily get these up the hill.”

“Okay, then get them up the hill and get ready.” My host said, looking up at Ink Jar behind a veil of clouds. “I can see Ink already has some clouds ready.”

Everypony proceeded up the hill, while Coffee Bean and Apex pushed the rocks up as slowly and quietly as they could. When they reached the top, they held the rocks just behind the edge, ready to push them over on command.

“North, Zec, Silver, and Me will open fire on the zebras as soon as the rocks start to roll.” My host said turning back and looking at the camp. “Apex, Coffee soon you done pushing the rocks over open fire on the camp. Blue stay up here and grab anypony that gets hurt.”

After a moment, everypony had their rifles unslung and at the ready. I could feel my hosts heart beat faster against the dirt. She scanned the camp again, looking over the zebra’s flanks.

“Okay, pick a zebra and get ready to fire.” My host said.

I could see Silver on my host right side shivering a bit. He seem to be fighting a urge to run. I was starting to wonder if he was even going to fire or not.

North, Zec, and Silver raised their rifles over the hill. I could tell my host was zeroing in on a zebra mare working on a wooden carving in the middle of the court yard area. As one of the first targets in the fight, she would never see the pony attack coming. I could’ve only hazarded a guess at what my host was feeling at this time. Knowing it or not, she was in the same position that the zebra sniper had been in. She sat on the edge of a moment that could become what happened to her squad back in the camp. As she paused, my thought was that she must feel horrible about it.

Either that, or vengeful.

All my host said was ‘now’, and everything started. Apex and Coffee Bean pushed the boulders over the hill. Within a few seconds, the mines hidden under the plants and dirt on the hill erupted. My host shouted ‘Fire!’. The zebra that my host was targeting turned and was jolted back. Her chest ripped open from the shot that my host planted square on her. A second later, another shot hit the zebra mare, this one taring a gash in her left foreleg.

Another shot struck the ground next to her. My host seem surprised by that, but I knew what had happened. I released that she did not cornate on who would shoot what target, and the others target the same mare. Instead of taking down three zebras in the opening. Only two were removed. Zec pick off a zebra that was cleaning a rifle. The moment of realisation faded as she turn her attention and crosshairs to a zebra running across the courtyard towards one of the shacks. My host lined up and fired a shot. Striking the speeding zebra in his chest. He stumbled and tripped with enough force to cause his body to somersault over its self, landing on the ground in a spreading pool of crimson.

Apex and Coffee quickly join in firing down at the camp. Both of them targeting a zebra that was trying to take cover behind a tree. For as great stealth opponents they were, this zebra was not successful. I could see out of the corner of my EFD, the body of the zebra bouncing off the tree and collapsing to the ground.

My host lined up on another zebra, and fired. The shot struck him in the hind leg, causing him to collapse. She raised her crosshairs onto the chest of the zebra but stopped short of pulling the trigger. It seem she did not want to kill this zebra; probably feeling that he was incapacitated enough. The dirt next to my host was sent up in a spray as a bullet struck it.

The zebras were starting to fire back. One was firing at my host from one of the ships that was pulled up on the beach. The zebra continue to fire at my host, forcing her to duck back away from the ledge.

A flash of light erupted from the sky, and a bolt of lightning struck near the zebra. Ink Jar was able to maneuver into positions and start to hit them with lighting. Unforchantly it was true his aim was not that good. The bolt struck near the zebra but not on them. However it was enough to cause the zebra to drop behind the ship. When he poked his head out again, my host had set up again and lined him up for a shot.

The round struck the zebra in the head. His black and white mane erupted with gore, and he slumped backwards next to the boat. After that shot, my host seemed to pause for a second. I could see what look like a blurry after image of the zebra collapsing again, but the zebra seemed to be wearing the royal guard armor that the Lieutenant was wearing earlier. Was the system glitching? Maybe it something with the host.

That train of thought was interrupted by Ink Jar hitting one of the boats again with lighting, but this time, his bolt set the boat on fire. The zebras wouldn’t have a chance to escape now.

My host glanced over to the squad it seem she was checking to see if they were okay. All but Blue Leaf were firing down at the zebras. Even though he was shooting, Silver did seem to have tears rolling down his cheeks. I had a feeling that he was not going to come out too well from this event. If anything it seem he should been the subject more since this was a study of the WTSD and he seem to have the signs of it. Maybe one of the next orbs in the machine will be through his eyes even.

My host turn back to the camp and targeted a zebra setting up in one of the windows in the large hut. I could see the rifle barrel sticking out of the window. My host quickly took aim and fired. The shot was low, and instead struck the window frame. She then lined up another shot, but the gun did not fire. The gun clicked on an empty chamber, and my host quickly hoofed the bolt open. It was out of ammo.

Quickly, she pulled back and raised her rifle up. I could see her hoof grab onto a lever that stick out on the bottom, pulling it back to release the magazine. She quickly placed another one in, and return her rifle to the hill. The dirt next to her erupted again as the window zebra was now taking shots up at the hill. Now, Silver and Coffee were also trying to hit the shooter in the window.

Zec began to fire at the wall near the window. Bullet holes formed in the wood where he aimed every shot. My host glance over to Zec to see why he was missing so much. He was focused, and looking through his gun sight correctly. I did not see any blood on him, or any reason he should be missing, but he was completely focused on that wall.

“Zec, what are you shooting at?” my host did her best to yell over the raging gunfire.

Zec did not respond. He just kept carefully aiming shots. Then, without warning, he called out to Apex.

“Now!.”

My host turn to see a figure moving from one side of the window to the other. But before the figure could make it, a bullet struck the dark figure. It caused them to drop to the ground, and the rifle to fall back into the shack window. I realized then that Zec was only shooting the wall to spook the zebra into trying to move to the other side. In doing so, it gave the perfect shot to Apex.

I could see more flashes of light coming from above. Ink Jar was starting to get his rhythm, and he was now scoring some good hits. I could see the smoking remains of a zebra slump over a fallen log by the campfire. Some of the zebras were firing at him, but he was moving his cloud around far too quickly for them to get a good shot.

Return fire from the camp start to diminish quickly. Two zebra mares had their hooves up in surrender. There were still a few stray shots from behind one of the ships, but with little resistance, the squad would easily mop it up. My host tooked aim and waited for the zebra to stick its head out. When his head finally poked out to shoot, the shot my host sent ripped his ear clean off. With a fading scream, he collapsed to the ground. My host seem to shutter again. I started to release that she seem to have hit the zebra the same way that the Lieutenant Maplewood was.

After that there were no more shots coming from the camp.

“Stop firing,” my host shouted. To my amazement, the squad quickly followed the orders and held off from firing again. My host looked over at the squad. Each one of them were breathing heavily, with mud caked onto their armor and coats. Next to them, my host saw several magazines on the ground, along with numerous spent casings.

“Everypony still have ammunition left?” my Host asked.

Each pony nodded, as well as Zec. Coffee and Silver both reloaded their empty magazines.

“Okay lets move into the camp.” My host said as she pulled her rifle close. “Stick to the path the boulders made, and keep an eye on those huts.” She turned her gaze back down the hill. “Blue Leaf, you can start moving your equipment up.”

I could hear Blue Leaf call up “Yes ma’am.”

My host turn and looked back down at the zebra camp. She raised her rifle up and started to trot down the hill. I could hear the other members of the squad slowly get up and follow.

The camp was full of smoke now, and fire was rising from the burning ship. One of the zebras that Ink Jar hit was fighting was still smoldering, it’s face locked in an eternal scream. Ink Jar stopped darting his cloud around now, and was peering over it’s edge to keep watch.

I could see the zebra that my host shot in the hind leg. He appeared to have sucome to his injuries and died, his lifeless body lay in the courtyard surrounded by a pool of his blood.

“Ahh, damn ivy,” North Star said from behind me. My host turned to see her hoof was tangled up in a some ivy that had been blown off one of the trees. She struggled for a few seconds, then her belly burst open followed by a crack from the camp.

North Star screamed from the shock of being hit. She quickly collapses to the ground and rolled on her side, curling up.

“Shit! Blue Leaf, North been hit!” My host shouted, turning towards the town. “Coffee, Silver, go cover Blue and North!”

I then saw the small puff of smoke come up from the boat. I release what it was before my host did. It was the smoke from a fresh shot. The round hit the tree near Blue Leaf as she came running down the hill.

Apex raised his rifle and fired down at where the ship was. My host turned back and took aim, placing her crosshairs on the zebra. For a moment, she hesitated. It was the same one that she’d shot in the head. Even I though that he’d died from the shot, but it seemed that her hit was only a ear ripping flesh wound. However, this time my host made sure he was going to die. She fired two shots, both of which struck his chest. He slumped over and stopped moving.

North Star was still screaming and whining in pain when Blue Leaf got to her. She quickly grabbed her medical pouch. As she did, she placed a hoof on her and rolled her over to inspect the wound. After a moment, she looked up at my host with what looked like fear in her eyes.

Zec quickly ran over and open up a pouch that he wore slung over his gear. He dug out a small jar with some strange brown goop in it. He held it out to Blue and spoke quickly. “Quickly, you must place this over the wound to stop the bleeding.”

Blue Leaf looked at the jar and grab it firmly. Without hesitation, she began applying the goop onto the grievous wound. It seemed to be working, and the bleeding looked to be stopping. With that, Blue Leaf gave a soft sigh of relief. Her hooves slightly trembled as she thinly wrap bandages around North Star, who’s scream diminished to weak moans and whines.

With North stable for the moment, my host looked around in a panic. I think she released that they were far too exposed, and needed to get out of there. The longer they took to secure the camp, the more at risk they’d be from another shooter somewhere.

My host looked back towards the camp, focusing on a hut. “Apex, go and make sure there no zebras in that hut.” She then looked up to the solitary low cloud overhead. “Ink Jar, I want you down here to help Blue Leaf.”

He nodded and spread his wings. Quickly, he floated down and in the direction where Blue was.

My host turned again. “Zec and Coffee, keep Blue and Ink covered while they move North to that hut.” Her voice was cold and authoritative as she gave these orders. I know that seeing any one of my friends hurt would probably galvanize my want to finish the mission. “Silver, you and me are going to check the two huts next to it. Lets move,”

“Yes ma’am,” The others replied back.

Ink Jar flew past my host and softly landed next to North. “Hang on North, I’ll help you out.” He spoke as he quickly wrapped his fore hooves around North Stars hindhooves.

Apex rushed down the hill and looked threw the window of the hut. He swept the inside with his rifle, pulling it back when he pulled his head out. “Its good!,” he shouted back.

“Alright, one, two…” Blue Leaf grabbed onto the forehooves of North Star and lifted along with Ink Jar. “...three!”

My host and silver walked around the hut Apex had cleared. The both of them lined up and checked the two different huts. My host looked into the window and saw only a small dwelling with a few items some looking like they were from different lands.

She looked over to Silver, who had already finished checking his hut and was already starting to step back towards the one that they were taking cover in. My host shortly follow suit.

When my host enter the hut, North Star was laying in the middle of it. The wound she had was covered in the odd goo that Zec had provided. It seem to be doing its job and preventing her from losing more blood, however it appeared that she’d lost enough that she’d become unconscious. Both Zec and Apex were looking out the window keeping an eye on the now oddly silent camp. Most of the zebras were either dead, or had fled it seemed.

“Blue, how is North?” My host asked. “Will she make it?”

“Stable, but she is out cold. I can’t tell too much about the injury without the chance to make it worse. Whatever it is that Zec provided stopped the bleeding, but I don’t think it’s protecting it from further damage and I can’t make an assessment of the injury. Besides, I don’t dare remove the stuff either. I think its the only thing keep North’s wound together at the moment.” Blue Leaf said as she placed a cold pad on North’s forehead.

“Well, I guess that some good news.” My host said with a sigh.

“This whole operation seems like a bust,” Apex said looking out the window. “I don’t think there are even any zebra’s left to talk too.”

My host turned to Apex, “We need to finish securing all the huts. It’s not a bust until we finish our search.” My host said pulling out her map. “Okay we are in this one right now.” She moved her hoof to a square next to the one they were in. “Silver and I will check the large huts.”

“I think we should head back.” Apex grumbled. “This camp is trash and their ships are burning. I think we should get out of here before they return with friends and we get shot at again.”

I had to agree with Apex. It seemed every time this squad got into a shooting fight one of them was killed or in North Star case severely wounded. I knew it wasn’t really relevant, as this recording was from so long ago, but Apex might have had the instincts to have made a decent wastelander.

“We got the zebras dealt with, so the best we can do is at least search the huts for some useful information. I don’t think North would be too happy to find out that we let her get shot for nothing,” My host said with her authoritative tone on the rise again.

“We are down two ponies, and North is hurt. There only seven of us left and one of us is not in any condition to fight.” Apex said. “Do those sound like winning odds if they come back?”

“Apex, I know we’re at a disadvantage, but my order is still the same. Whether you like it or not, it’s got to be done. We will work in two pony Search groups. Silver and I will search these huts here like I said.” My host said pointing again to the two large huts that were nearest the group. “Apex and Coffee, you two will check the smaller huts around the corner, also swing by and check the small dock just next to that area. Look for any information that might tell us what the pirates were doing or who they were in contact with recently. Ink and Zec, you two stay here and protect North Star and Blue Leaf.”

“Yes ma’am,” The ponies and zebra replied, even Apex.

“Okay, Silver. Let’s get moving.” My host said slipping out of the hut slowly. Silver followed with close steps right behind my host.

It was only ten meters or so until my host neared the first of the large huts. It was mostly made of scrap metal, hastily tied together with wire and loose plant fibers. She climbed up on to the small deck that ran around the base, and moved past one of the windows toward the door. Silver follow suit, but in the other direction to approach from the other side. My host placed her hoof on the door and pressed against it. From the way it stiffly held, it seemed to be locked. With a quick spin, she turned her back to the door and bucked the shoddy thing right off it’s hinges. With the door open she quickly turned back around and raised her rifle.

Inside the dark large room which looked like a mess hall was three zebra bodies. One zebra mare seem to had been hit from stray fire that had been put into the room to try to stop the window shooter. The body of the shooter himself was laid out on the floor by the window, his muzzle gaping and a sizable chunk of his head blown clean off.

The other, final zebra seemed different. The zebra had more ceremonial garb on him, far outdressing any of the other bodies in the camp. Was he an officer? It didn’t seem to be any sort of normal military uniform, it was too eccentric for that. The only other interesting thing about this zebra, was that a pistol still lay in between his jaws. The hole in his head that it lined up with was more than enough evidence to show that he had taken his own life rather than fight.

Silver stepped into the building, first sweeping the room for any zebra else. “It’s only these three, and unfortunately, they are dead.” Silver said.

My host slowly stepped in and looked around for herself. She started to check the zebra that tooked his own life, searching the pockets of his outfit. She seemed to be looking for any intelligence; however all she could find was different medical pouches. “I don’t get it. He might have just been a shaman or something, but I don’t know why he’d have been here.” My host said rolling the body of the zebra over. “Nothing useful here regardless. Let’s check the next room.”

The rooms did not connect to each other on the inside. My host and Silver had to step out and go around the building to another outside door. When they approached the door, the sharp cracks of gunfire started from behind them. My host and Silver quickly turn and raised there rifle. I could see Coffee waving us off from one of the windows in the one of the small huts. “We got her, don’t worry.”

My host and Silver approach the second door of the first large hut. This time Silver was first too the door. He did not wait for my host, simply spinning to buck open the door, then raising his rifle to step in. My host approached the door, but as she did, the door frame erupted into wooden splinters. At first I thought it was a grenade or something, but more and more splinters ripped off. It tooked both my host and I to a second to realize that it was infact enemy gunfire striking the wood all around her. Before my host could react Silver’s bullet riddled body fell out the door and onto the deck. His silver coat was turning red from his blood.

My Host seem to just stare at the blank eyes of Silver. The rasping of breath slowed quickly, then stopped completely as my host went rigid in fear. My field of view became distorted from the tears in my host eyes she dove down below the deck, and approached the door from her better hidden angle. She swung her body and rifle up above the deck and fired wildly into the room.

I thought I could see something moving in the room, but the smoke from the gunfire had obscured everything after just a moment. My host emptied her entire magazine into the room in the frame of just a few seconds. My host ducked down to reload quickly, before she turned and pulled herself onto the porch. Slowly, she stepped over Silvers corpse and into the room. Inside the dust and smoke from the engagement created a silent fog. All I could think to myself was she going to get herself killed. I could see her sweep the room with her rifle firmly ready.

As the smoke cleared, a figured appeared sitting upright by an overturned table. My host pointed her rifle right at the figured, ready to fire again, but paused as it simply lay still. She looked at the figured as it became clearer, and then she let out a soft gasp.

“Xur…” She spoke with quiet words. The pirate leader sat before her at the table. At first he looked like he had surrendered, as he was just sitting there. However, as more of the dust and smoke cleared, it became obvious that her shooting had felled him. His body had slumped up against the overturned table, propping him against it. Several bullet holes spotted his chest and belly, each with thick lines of blood drained out of them.

“Silver!” Coffee Bean shouted from outside. “Blue! quick we need you!”

I could hear the deck creek as some pony ran up it and entered the building. Who it was went unknown to me as my host simply just stared at Xur’s lifeless body.

“Ma’am?... Ma’am... Archer are you okay?” Apex asked from behind my host.

“I should've just listened to you Apex.” My host said, her watering eyes hazing more with each moment. She turned to look at Apex, who was standing at the door way. “I’m...I’m going to finish checking the last hut. Search this room for any information,” My host said walking towards the door pass Apex.

“Ma’am?” Apex said, hesitation heavy on his words. “Maybe you should wait.”

My host did not respond to him. She simply stepped out of the room and onto the deck. Coffee Bean sat there before her, crying into Silvers mane. She grabbed onto Silvers hoof and pulled him to hold his body against hers as she wailed. Blue could only stand there and watch. He’d died almost instantly, and her regret was written across her face that she couldn’t help him. Zec stood near by, keeping a watchful eye to protect everyone. Ink Jar seemed to have stayed behind to protect North Star.

After a minute, my host walked over to the last large hut. There was only one door to this one. On the door there was a dented sign hanging on the door. The symbol on it looked like a red plus sign with writing under it that said ‘Emergency room’. My host looked down at the door of the hut, where small drops of blood run under it along the deck.

I could tell my host had a lot on her mind. Her body movement was sluggish, and her vision was still clouded by tears and unfocused. Still, she pushed open the door and took what felt like an eternity for her to raise her rifle up. She raised the sights to her muzzle and pointed them at the zebra laying in the makeshift bed in the corner.

The zebra’s eye grew wide at the sight of my host. She could not move to hide, as her left hind leg was suspended up above her in a sling. The bandage around her leg was red with her blood, and obviously held a nasty wound under it.

My host just stared at the zebra. The only one alive they’d found, so she also happened to be the prisoner they could claim. Even I could tell though, that she wasn’t even a good prize. She seemed like a low level pirate, maybe cabin colt...well filly.

The zebra did not move, rather she just layed there silent. She knew she could not escape. Still, she trembled at the sight of my host.

My host began to focus on the bandage leg. The blood seemed fresher than it would of been if it was an older injury, and I know that they had already killed the medic of the zebra group. Through this, I believe she had been treated before the battle.

It had to be her then, seeing as her wound fit the time and place. The shooter that killed Yellow Cherry and Maplewood was sitting right in front of my host. It hadn’t taken long before my host looked to have the same realisation.

My field of view blurred again as the tears welled up from my host. My host started to cry. It seem the moment of everything that had happened today came to her all at once. Three of her squad mates were dead. Two of them were her mentors and who saved her before. The other was a pony who died following her orders, orders that she herself gave to another squad member that got them killed..

“You cost me everything.” my host said.

Through the haze of my host’s vision, the zebra mare chest exploded. As the ringing from the shot fell from my hosts ears, it took me a second to realise that my host’s rifle was smoking.

My host memory flashed away into a small room.

Text appeared on the lower right side of my E.F.D. Session 1 of 15 for subject Cpl. Archer.

It had seemed that I’d reached the end of the events that caused her to suffer through W.T.S.D. Though I was confused by why she’d said. ‘You cost me everything’. While I was stuck on that thought, I didn’t realise the session started to play.

The scene in front of me was not that of a memory, more like a recording. I could see my host and Dr. Winter both seated in a room.

“Hello Archer I happy to see you again. I know last time we meet you were not feeling well, but I know that with a little help we can get you back on your hooves,” Dr. Winter said.

“I hope you can.” my former host said with a tired smile. “I’m tired of it all. All the things I’ve seen and the stuff I have done, I just want to be done with it.”

“I understand. First I would like you to tell me the story of what happen. As much as you can remember of it.” Dr. Winter said. “I know it hurts, but the more you tell us, the better the treatment will be for you.”

“Pause” I said.

The video paused.

I don’t really have time to listen to her say everything that I just saw. I’d spent quite a bit of time on this memory already, and outside of my own curiosities about her experience, there hadn’t been anything useful for the rangers in here.

“A.I.?” I asked.

“A.I. ready for command,” The A.I. replied.

“Please fast forward again. Also same as the last subject, please pull up any information related to this system or memory removal process,” I said.

“Order confirmed, please stand by,” A.I. replied

This time instead of a bright memory flash. The video on screen just moved faster and faster. I started to notice that each session my former host Archer seemed sadder and sadder. Then, just as I wondered how long this would go on, the video slowed down and resumed play. I could hear their conversation.

“This is a very powerful process, I know you been dealing with these memories for years, but are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this?” Dr. Winter asked.

“Goddess yes. I’m tired of panicking at all the simple noises in my life, let alone when my foal runs thru a doorway that I dont know whats on the other side.” Archer said with a groaning sigh. “We were on a play date three weeks ago. Even though I been to the Iron’s family house many times, when Cinder ran threw the door I almost screamed.”

“I understand, but that just one example and there are ways to deal with the situation that may be a bit tougher, but are much safer.” Dr. Winter said in a concerned tone. “The process of Memory Removal and re-write can be hard, and being a relatively new process, it could have unintended side effects.”

“Fine, I’ll give it a few more sessions,” Archer said. “So far, I can’t say that it’s helping me, doc.”

I already knew that she would end up choosing to lose the memories. Not like it mattered to me anyway, as these ponies had all died long before I got here. Still, it’s been hard to watch innocent ponies go through what they had to back then. Even harder is knowing that it was all for nothing. For all their hard work and sacrifices, Equestria still became the wasteland it is.

The video fast forwarded again and a few seconds later it faded away.

My field of view returned with My host looking at a mirror. Similar to what Orange Harvest did. “My name is Archer I would like the memories of Rotten Melon Swamp removed, along with everything related to it. I have no desire to keep any memories related to this event. I only ask to have memories related to my family kept intact. I love my family, and I don’t want to ever forget them.” My host said before she lowered her head and looked down at the floor.

“As requested I will begin the process of removing the memories.” Dr. Winter said. “Please relax and concentrate on the events that happened at Rotten Melon Swamp.”

A light appeared behind my host, and I could see the silouate of Dr. Winter on the wall. The light got brighter and my field of view began to phase into a singular, bright light. Then, it faded to black.

<=======ooO Ooo=======>

Text appeared on my E.F.D. ‘Archer Memory complete’

“Dr. Winter, would you like to give your final report on subject Archer?” The A.I. asked abruptly. I became worried that the A.I. might question who I am, but I really didn't know what to say.I had no clue about anything an old world doctor would say about it.

“ummm... Subject Archer suffered greatly from the lost of her colleagues and...” I began to say, but stopped when I thought about what happen as a whole.

I was still stuck on her saying ‘you cost me everything’. They were the last words she said to that zebra and they made a point to include it in the orb. I thought more and more until I realized that Archer found that she’d changed and lost who she was before that day.

She’d shot the zebra purely for vengeance. Lieutenant Maplewood and Sergeant Yellow Cherry died to that zebra. She also witness the death of Silver, who died the same way as one of her friends in the story she told to the squad the night before. I could understand and, in her hooves, would have done the same. With little to no after thought. Then again, the wasteland makes you cold to death and suffering. It was different back then, back when Equestria was still green. Archer, my host, had lost what made her a citizen of Equestria. That was the cost of the war to her.

This was the first memories were I felt like I could see part of the wasteland before the bombs fell. “Subject Archer lost what she felt was her soul. In the end it broke her down and forced her to seek treatment, end report.” I said.

“Report filed and stored. Thank you Dr. Winter.” The A.I. responded without any comprehension to what my ‘final report’ even meant. “Would you like to take a break?”

“No, load up the next orb” I said.

The next orb began to load. The subject was a pony named Pvt. Fire Tail. the memories came from the 3rd year during the 12th month of the war. I noticed something interesting in the files that displayed. There seem to be a film attach to this memory. Maybe it was like the recording of the sessions? However I did not see a film attach to the last memory.

I had to ask. “What is this film?”

“Film is of a newsreel covering the events related to this subject’s file.” The A.I. replied.

“You mean a news story about the subject?” I followed up.

“No. Subject Private Fire Tail is not mention in the newsreel; however events that were related to subject events are covered.” The A.I. said.

“Okay, Then load the film and lets get started. Please maintain the highest level of compression.” I ordered.

“Order confirmed, please stand by.” The A.I. said.

Author's Notes:

Yet again a massive thanks to Gamma Deekay with Editing. https://www.fimfiction.net/user/Gamma+Deekay