“Come in K.C. 7-1 this is K.C. 2-3, I’ve got Echo squad and we’re en route to Ponyville town square, over.” said the King Crow pilot.

A voice came on over the chopper’s speakers. “Copy that, 2-3. Golf’s on board, and we’re right behind you. See you at the L.Z. over.”

Axle and Tank Tread were seated in the rear end of the chopper facing the nose. “Damn, we are really...fucking...high. Maybe even too high.” Tank Tread had stuck his head out of the side of the chopper, and was enjoying the view. He wasn’t particularly fond of heights, but sucked it up whenever they had to take a Crow. The only thing keeping him from falling was his seat belt.

Axle had a zoned out look on his face, and a smile. “Ha, what?” He asked.

Tank turned back to Axle, “I said, I think we’re too high.”

Jackknife, on the opposite side the chopper trying to ignore their conversation, asked Phoenix, “So what happened at Manehattan that got you demoted?”

Phoenix looked at the ground for a moment, then out the side of the helicopter. “It’s a long story.”

“We got a little bit till we get to Ponyville.” He wanted to know exactly what happened.

Phoenix closed his eyes then let out a breath. “Well alright. About six years ago my squad and I were assigned to defend Manehattan from the Locust. We were in over our heads. The barricades and traps we had set were useless, they came up from under the damn ground and passed all our defences. Those of us that didn’t fall into the holes or get shot to death, managed to fall back to the Trade Centaur building. We made it to the roof and tried to call for an evac. but the L.Z. was too hot. For three days we held out on that Celestia forsaken roof, just barley holding em’ back. Eventually they got through our defences and were about to over run us.” He paused for a moment looking at the bottom of the Crow.

Jackknife noticed the blank look on his face. It was almost as if he was watching what happened that day. “We were almost out of ammo, and had heard about what the locust did to prisoners. None of us wanted to go out as some grub’s lunch, so we considered ending it ourselves. We couldn't jump off because the edges were too high to get over. There were only enough shells for everypony, but one. I decided that it was my duty as squad leader to keep them from being eaten alive by the Locust. One by one I put a bullet in each of their heads, each thanked me and told me I was doing the right thing before I did.”

“Wow that’s rough man, I’m sorry.” Jackknife couldn’t imagine what it would be like to put down one of his squad, let alone all of them.

Phoenix looked at him with his almost angry ice blue eyes. “That’s not even the worst part. Right after, the grubs were just about to get to me when the Crow finally came up from one side of the building. It killed em’ all with it’s guns and landed to pick me up, but that’s sill not the worst of it. Once I told them what happened, Prescolt court-marshaled me for killing my own men and sent me to that prison you guys busted me out of.”

“Das some bullshit man!” Tank had started listening in half way and couldn’t believe that the Chairman would do that. “After all that he sent you slab? Ain’t that a bitch.”

Phoenix looked out the side again. “Your tellin’ me.”

The pilot’s voice cam over the radio. “Alright boys, 7-1 and I are going to drop off you and Golf in the town square. We’ll refuel and come back to pick....wait what the hay. Oh shit, LOOK OUT!” The pilot banked left to avoid an enemy nemacist that flew right by the chopper and hit K.C. 7-1.

“Son of a bitch! 2-3 we are hit, mayday mayday! Everypony hold on, we’re goin’ down!” The Chopper spun out of control and crashed landed right into the library.

“Oh Twi’s gonna be pissed.” Jackknife said while holding on the handle of his chair.

Another two nemacists flew at Echo’s chopper who just barley dodged them. “Damn it, the L.Z.s too hot. I got to put her down, now!” The pilot landed just out side of Ponyville, and Echo squad jumped out and readied their weapons. As the pilot headed back to base he radioed Jackknife, “Hey Echo, there’s green smoke where 7-1 went down. That means there are survivors.”

Phoenix turned to Jackknife. “If they’re alive they’ll need help before the Locust get to em’. We’re not the only one’s who are gonna be following smoke. We need to make that our top priority sir.”

Jackknife nodded then said, “Understood. Copy that 2-3 we’re en route to the library. We’ll contact you as soon as the mission’s complete for evac. over.”

“Roger that Echo, good hunting.” The pilot said over the tac-com.

Jackknife waved and said, “Thanks 2-3, Echo out.” Once the chopper was gone, he gathered his squad in a huddle. “Alright Echo, here’s the plan; Mac, you and Phoenix scout ahead to find out where the grubs got their shit stashed. Tank, Axle you’re with me, we’re gonna go see if anypony survived the crash. We’ll all regroup at Rarity’s old boutique once we’re done, got it.”

“Yes sir!” they all said at once.

He stomped on the ground with his front hoof. “Good, let’s head out.”

The team split up into two groups. Echo-1 made it’s way to the downed Crow, when Pot asked, “Okay Phoenix, which way to the supply base?”

Phoenix motioned his head north west. “It’s this way, close to the Apple’s old farm.” With that, Echo-2 made their way to Sweet Apple Acres.

Echo-1 crept up and down the streets of Ponyville with their weapons ready to fire. “Okay guys we’re enemy territory so stay sharp. Control, this Echo-1. We’ve split up and are en route to our objectives.” Jackknife waited for a response.

Rarity’s voice came on over the tac-com. “Roger that Echo. I’ll be here feeding you info.”

Jackknife was a little disappointed that it wasn’t Twilight’s shift, but he was also glad because she wouldn’t see how bad the town she once lived in had gotten. All of the once proud buildings that stood years ago were now in shambles, and decaying from years of neglect. The only thing that was remotely in good condition was the Town Hall, ironically since Professor Derpy Hooves used to work construction on it before the war. Now she’s the lead weapon’s designer at Derp Inc. located in C.O.G. tower.

Echo-1 rounded the corner of the Library then entered it. The downed Crow was wedged between two large book shelves. “Over here, help!” It was 7-1’s pilot. He was stuck between on of the book shelves and the cockpit.

“Tank give me a hoof with this.” Tank and Jackknife both lifted up the shelf with an ‘Umph’. Once the shelf was off they pulled the pilot out of the cockpit, his hind legs were badly injured. “There you go, can you walk?” they asked.

“I don’t think so, but I’ll try.” The pilot tried to stand but collapsed. “Nope, but thanks boys, you saved my life. Wish I could say the same for Golf.” He pointed to the three mangled figures scattered along the floor. “Well most of Golf. The rook Carbine flew out of the chopper before we crashed.”

Jackknife activated the tac-com, “Rarity can you give me a fix on Carbine’s position.”

It was silent for a moment then her voice came over the radio. “He is about two clicks west of your position, near Sweet Apple Acres. His vital signs appear to be normal, but his tac-com is not responding.

Axle chimed in, “Jack, that’s where Mac and Phoenix are headed.”

He nodded at Axle, “Got it.” He switched his frequency. “Echo-2, this is Echo-1. We’re at the library and have rescued the pilot. Golf squad’s K.I.A. except for private Carbine, who’s position is close to your objective. If you see him, give him a sit rep then find the base. Once you’ve confirmed the coordinates, rendezvous with us at the boutique.”

“Copy that lad, Echo-2 out.” Whispered Pot.

Jackknife put the pilot on his and Tank’s shoulder, and were about to leave when Rarity voice came from the tac-com. “Echo-1, you have multiple hostiles inbound to your location. I suggest you take defensive measures immediately.”

“Shit! Echo, get ready!” Jackknife placed the pilot in the corner of the room behind some turned over books and desks, and gave him a pistol. “Axle, get behind the cover with him. Tank your with me behind the chopper We have to protect the pilot!”

Axle hopped over the cover with the pilot and readied his lancer. Jackknife and Tank Tread took position behind the downed crow and waited for the attack. All was quite for only a few moments that the most terrifying, blood curdling roar rang out from the other side of the library. A grenadier kicked open a door, threw a frag grenade, then ran in firing his shotgun. Drones followed him in firing their rifles in Echo’s direction.

“FRAG!” shouted Axle. The pilot shot the grenade in mid air with his pistol, causing it to explode, killing the grenadier and two other drones. Axle looked down at the crippled pilot, “Nice shot man.”

Both sides exchanged fire with one another until finally Jackknife shouted. “There’s too many of them! We have to fall back!”

Tank Tread, firing bursts of his mulcher at the grubs, said, “Fall back to where Corporal? We pinned down like a bitch bout to get raped! But it’s okay baby, I took self-defense classes to I know to aim....” He popped out from behind the Crow and began to spray bullets at drone, shredding his lower body. Then he went back behind the chopper. and said “....right in the gootch.”

“Seriously, we can’t hold out for much longer. We have to do something!” Shouted Axle from behind the cover.

Tank Tread bobbed his head up and down while saying, “Oh, I’mma do somthin’ alright.” He came out from behind the chopper again only he started slowly walking towards the enemy tearing apart every Locust in his path with his Mulcher. “AAAAWWWW YYEEEAAAHHH, baby! Bring it on bitches. I see you in the back motha’ fucka’, I got somthin’ for ya’. Oh, oh you want some to huh? There you go, there’s plenty for all y’all.”

The pilot was in awe at Tank Tread. “Damn, that’s one crazy son of a bitch.”

Axle laughed and continued to give supporting fire. “Your tellin’ me.”

“Ha ha, that all you got bitch?” The Locust began to retreat back the way they came. “Yeah run home to ya’ mama!” Tank turned back to the downed chopper. “Ha ha, you see that shit? I could do that all ni......” A sniper on the second floor shot Tank right the head and he hit the ground hard.

“TANK!!” Jackknife ran to aid his friend when the sniper shot him in the shoulder, causing him do flip over a desk and land on his back.

While the sniper was reloading, Axle noticed that Tank’s body twitched slightly. Tank jumped back up on his back legs, threw off his damaged helmet and picked up his mulcher with his front hoofs, which was very unconventional. Their armor was designed to hold and fire their weapons on their backs.

“You fucked up my fro you piece a shit!” With his head exposed he fired at the Locust sniper and ground him into pieces.

With the attacking Locust gone Echo-1 went to check on Jackknife. “Yo, you okay Jack?” Tank asked

Jackknife was surprised that Tank Tread was still alive after being shot in the head. “How...the hell.....are you not dead.”

“Damn, and I thought you’d be happy to see me.” Tank pointed at the hole in his Afro. “It just skimmed me boss, but it looks like you weren’t so lucky.” Tank pointed at the bullet wound in Jackknife’s shoulder.

Axle had the pilot on his back. Even though he was the smallest of the group, he was still strong enough carry a fully grown stallion like the pilot on his back. “We should get to the rendezvous point before they come back, sir.”

Tank put a gauze on Jackknife’s wound and helped him up. “Alright Echo, lets get outta here. Jackknife and his squad collected themselves and left for Rarity’s old boutique.

Meanwhile, Echo-2 had just reached the fence outside of Sweet Apple Acres, and were scouting out the perimeter. “So, Phoenix, what were you before you got the shaft?” Pot had a funny way of talking to ponies, that’s probably why he didn’t do it too often.

Phoenix had the binoculars to his face. “I was a Sergent. I fought at the battle of White Tale fields.”

Pot had heard of the battle. “White Tale fields? That was one hell of a fight, too bad we lost. So they just bumped you up for that?”

“Not just for that, I had drove a gas tanker into one of their weapons cashes. We still lost, but we went out with a....bang.” He put the binoculars down.

Pot was surprised. “That was you? Well done lad.”

The conversation was interrupted by movement at the farm house. Two Locust were dragging something into the shed.

Pot looked through his rifle scope to see what it was. “Bollocks, It’s Carbine. It looks like they’re takin’ em’ into that shed.” They both continued to watch as the Locust put him on the table then tie him down. “What are they doing to em’ Phoenix? Phoenix?”

He was gone, Pot looked back down the sights. “What is that crazy bastard doin’?” He spotted Phoenix running towards the shed. Pot looked back at the grubs who came back to Carbine with some knives and a bucket. “They’re gonna eat the poor bastard.” Phoenix made it to the shed and waited on the other side of the wall, then signaled Pot with a hand sign. He knew what it meant and signed back. Phoenix nodded then burst through the wall and chain sawed both of the grubs then untied Carbine.

Rarity came over the tac-com. “Echo-2, Echo-1 is at the rendezvous point and are waiting for your report, over.”

“That’s good to hear lass. Let them know that we’ve got Carbine and have found the supply base. We’re on our way. Echo-2 out.” Pot waved them over and started heading for the boutique.

Once Echo-2 made it to the boutique, they started thinking of a plan to take out the base. “Alright everypony, we need a way to take out the base with one fell swoop.” Jackknife announced.

Carbine, still hurt from the crash, said, “Well, we were supposed to handle that with a new weapon Commander Macintosh gave us, but it’s smashed.”

Axle was intrigued. “What new weapon?”

Rarity came on the radio, “It is a laser designator for a satellite to send down a massive orbital strike of thermal energy. It was just recently approved by the Chairman, and was designed by Dr. Derpy herself.” Rarity saw what had become of her store over the years and was horrified. “Oh heavens, just look at my workshop! Jackknife, you must destroy that base and avenge what is left of my poor boutique!” She said angrily.

Axle was in aw. “Wow, what will those guys at Derp Inc. think of next? Let me take a look at that, and don’t worry Rarity. We’ll take care of em.”

Carbine handed him the Hammer. “It’s not too bad just needs a screw here, some duct tape here, maybe a new mirror.” After a few minuets later Axle had the whole thing fixed. “It should be fine now, but the sound it makes is a little different.”

Jackknife didn’t care about the sound. “As long as it works Ax let’s go.” He tried to stand but fell.

Pot checked out the wound then said, “You’re not going anywhere with that, lad. We don’t need all of us to take out the base, Phoenix and I will go. Tank, you and Axle take the rest of them back to town square and call in a Crow for evac. You’ll know when it’s done.”

Phoenix and Pot were back at the same spot when they rescued Carbine. “Alright, let’s do this.” Phoenix aimed the red laser at the center of the farm house. As he did the Hammer started to sound off faster with each passing second. ‘Derp.........derp.......derp.....derp...’

They both looked at each other with a confused face. “So that’s what he meant when he said ‘the sound it makes is a little different’.”

The pace of the ‘derps’ quickened. ‘Derp, derp, derp, DURRRRRRRRR!’ A bright red and yellow light cam down from the sky and completely destroyed the farm causing all the ammunition to go off at once, which made an even bigger explosion.

After a few seconds the evac. Crow flew touched down and picked the two of them up. As the flew away, the pilot looked down and pointed out, “Hey look, that’s the Seeder that brought down 7-1. Ha ha look at the sucker burn!” The large, insect like creature, was rolling around in pain, screaming. “That’ll teach you to shoot down one of us!”

Jackknife was on a stretcher in the back of the chopper. “Good work Echo, lets go back to base.” They all made their way back to Canterlot for some well deserved rest.

The chopper was almost out of sight when, amongst the rubble, a figure stood watching them as they flew away. It was the large black armored Locust that Jackknife had seen back at the prison, and was still accompanied by the two armored guards. He looked around at the remains of the destroyed base, then glared back a the chopper. He growled quietly to himself then let out a loud roar of frustration.

Immediately after the roar, three Reavers landed in front of them. They all climbed on the ferocious looking creatures and flew off after the chopper that was now very far away. The black armored Locust squinted his small red eyes as he rode the beast and said in an animal like growl, “Slaughter them.”