Mesa

by Ebony Gryphon

Chapters

• Chapter one a room with a view
• Chapter two Welcome to the neighborhood
• Chapter three Settling in
• Chapter four The mate, the mom, and the Mesa
• Chapter five The third degree
• Chapter six Protoge
• Chapter seven Clarke

Chapter one a room with a view

"For thou have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy" psalm 61:3

On October 12th, year 2017, humanity made first contact with another sentient race. At 01700 hours, standard time, Celestia and her sister Luna, diarchy of their races world, walked into the United Nations counsel in Geneva, and made the existence of her and her peoples known. This race reffered to themselves as ponies, but many humans referred to them as equines. After an initial dust up of shock, and the usual threats of certain despots, the two sisters had naturally found most of the delegates a pack of useless cunts, but managed an amicable truce with Australian, North American, and various European dignitaries. And within a few months, a treaty was signed between those countries and the diarchy.

In exchange for labor and technology, the equines would provide resources and pegasi to stabilize the somewhat tumultuous weather patterns of the humans world. To wit, the diarchs and dignitaries also agreed that in order to maintain peace, there should be a mixture of equine and humans to oversee the exchanges and eventual immigration of both races. And so, the Bureau of Interdimensional Mediation and Exchange was born, or simply called The Bureau. Within the stone walls surrounding the portals, humans and ponies work together, filing the papers, asking the questions, and removing the contraband of their respective species trying to smuggle between the realms. And when it goes fubar, as it inevitably does, there is only one answer.

The Corps

An agency within a agency, the corp is the first and last defense of both humans and equines. Called into duty in times of need, they answer only to the government’s of earth, or when acting in Equestria, directly to Luna and Celestia. Picked from the finest and most outstanding figures of either world’s military, they are tasked with the protection of both worlds, and as such are given extraterritorial privileges. Sometimes acting as peaceful delegates, other times as assassins, these males and females of both worlds have shown themselves above the rank and file, and act as they deem necessary. And in truth, because of their work, none get the recognition deserved.

They are a shield, and when needed, a sword. They are loved and admired, marred and despised, they preserve peace through strength. So it has been, and shall remain: though many are born, few are made. For sacred honor they shall wait, to be let loosed as the last option before war is waged. These equines and humans are united in the cause of peace.

They are the Corps, and these stories are only of one of their soldiers.

.....

A lone figure stood in the bathroom of the Bureaus main building, wiping the sweat from his brow. Adrenaline pumped through his veins, his body trembled, his entire form shaking in anticipation. Looking up, he nodded resolutely at his reflection in the bathrooms mirror. Today was the day. Shifting his sweater around to better hide the explosives vest hidden under it, he whistled as he walked out into the busy atrium of the main portal hub of Equestria. Smiling outwardly, giving a small smile and nod to the guards standing behind the bullet and magic proof windows, he inwardly shuddered. Heathens... he mused.

It wasn't bad enough those infidel Americans dared to bar the will of Allah, but then to actually support these.... things, to actually allow them passage to the world God himself had given them... no, it was too much. Another inward shudder, this time of ecstasy. When those filthy beasts had dared to walk on his peoples sands, they were shown the wrath of God, yes indeed. Nostalgia washed over him as he remembered the first day of his true feelings of dedication, the day he watched as his beloved father slit the throat of a blind folded equine, and then proceeded to cut rest of the way, severing the head fully. He smiled, remembering his mother clapping, and giving him a hug as they both reveled her husband’s victory.

Smile fading, his memories shifted to what truly solidified his views. A few days later, he and his mother watched in horror as the names of the fallen were read, his fathers name among them. Those damned American had killed him in a firefight. Wanting to spit, he relished in an assumed image, the Americans drunk and laughing as they shit and pissed on his father’s corpse, taking pictures of their victory. Though he had never seen this done, he knew they did it, because that was what was what filth like them did. But even they, and their worthless allies in the U.N, were better than.... these equines.

What truly repulsed this nameless fanatic, what truly drove him, was the diarchy. How dare they.... how dare they assume the title of Allah, and how dare the equines worship them as only God deserved. Face unmoving, guts threatening to upchuck his meal, he pushed his hands into his pockets, one clasping his vests detonator, taking a moment of pleasure in its weight as he lifted it out. Lifting his arm, he took further pleasure as the passing equines and civilian humans began to panic, his heartbeat muting out their cries. Glaring at the guards behind the barrier, he thought happily, 'to late.' Opening his mouth, he bellowed 'ALLAH AQB...' suddenly his words were cut off as a familiar sound thundered through the room, and his hand seemed to evaporate above his head and into the air in a fine red mist, the detonator along with it. For an instant he could only look up stunned, then lowering the newly made spurting stump, he clutched his wrist, and fell to his knees. The pain was agonizing, but paled compared to the pain of vengeance denied.

Tears of anguish streaming down his cheeks, he looked around wildly, screeching "Where, where are you....' then another sound like thunder, and the would have been terrorist flew back, and slid across the floor a moment from the bullets hit, the back of his head bursting open and it contents splattering across the tiles, the gore adding further traction the sudden slide of its former owners body. The cries of fear rose into a cacophony of terror as equines and humans fled to the safety of the outside, but some humans only stood, or knelt to take horrified equines into their embrace, stroking manes as once again the ugly side of humans reared its head, and they could only look glumly on an all too familiar scene.

.....

A light brown coated pegasi looked down at the scene from his vantage point, eyes wide with his own personal horror at what just happened, the contents of his stomach threatening to make a return. Glancing sideways at the stunned equine a moment, his human companion muttered into the microphone of the head set he wore.

“Check, check. At 0830, spotter Dust cleared shot for sniper Ramires. Over.”

A females voice answered back, “Roger that El-tee. Verify.”

Looking back through his scope, he muttered, “Targets hand was first disabled, then was taken down with final shot to the head, center of forehead. Waiting for final stat check.'”

As he spoke, three equines in full golden armor, and three humans in full black combat gear walked briskly to the newly made corpse, the humans MP5'S drawn. As they made their way closer unicorns horns glowed, surrounding the body in the blue aura of barriers. Kneeling down, the lead human gave a nod, and the barrier was lifted. Pulling a hand slowly from the weapon, he pressed two fingers to the neck of the target, the made a slashing movement across his own neck.

Letting out a breath, Mesa muttered, 'Verify command, target is confirmed. Orders?"

A pause, then a hiss over the radio, "Verification cleared. Come back for debriefing.”

Mesa nodded, and pulled away from the scope, muttering "Check."

Still in a crouch, he turned to walk out of the cramped space he was in, but paused when he saw the look on the equines face. The pony sat somewhat slumped, breathing hard, his eyes downcast and glazed over somewhat. Concerned, Ramires lay his hand against the equine shoulders, and Dust flinched slightly, and looked up.

"Sargeant...' the human paused a moment, then damning protocol, continued, 'Dust... Dust, you ok?'

Looking back, he set his jaw, nodding, 'Yes Lieutenant, I'm...' he suddenly shook his head, looking down. "No, I... this is the first time...' he clenched his eyes, and Mesa nodded, understanding, 'the first time you've really seen someone get shot.' the pegasus bit his lip, and tears began to flow. Mesa just knelt next to him, and wrapped his arms around his neck, drawing the equine close.

"It's ok, let it out soldier."

And for a few minutes they just sat like that, Dust sorting through his feelings. Then Mesa's radio clicked, a voice asking, 'Ramires, verify.'

"Verify command, just taking it slow."

"Roger, command out.' and then a hiss, and silence. Loosening his hug, Ramires gave the equine a pat. "We got to get back Sergeant."

Dust nodded, and Mesa rose into his crouched form, and stretched when he made it out of the nest. Looking at the snipers previous spot, Dust asked, ' Lieutenant?"

Ramires looked back over his shoulder. "Yes Sargeant?'

"What did you feel when you killed him?'

For a moment, both soldiers were silent, the only sound was of Dust crawling out onto the ledge. Then walking to get down onto the walkway below, Mesa answered simply, 'Recoil.' then climbed down to the walkway, the pegasus following suit.

.....

A few days later, Shining Armor and Mesa stood in front of Celestia and Luna. Hands folded behind his back, the human retained his stoic face as Shining relayed the events.

"After Sergeant Dust brought the Lieutenant’s attention to the target, Lieutenant Ramires confirmed his movements as suspicious, and seeing the targets hand clenched as he took it out, Sergeant Dust gave the go for Ramires to take the shot.'

As he spoke, Luna quill went swiftly over the parchment she was looking over, the equines every utterance recorded. Celestia cleared her throat, and lifting her glass with magic a moment to take a sip, looked at the human.

"Lieutenant, did you feel justified in...' she cleared her throat again. 'In your actions on the day in question?”

"I did Ma'am, and still do."

Looking over her notes a moment, she continued, 'Tell me what you know of the target.'

"The target, ma'm, was a member of an Islamic fundamentalist splinter group. From what the Bureau has been able to establish, this group is dedicated to not only the removal of equines from the Middle East, but their removal  from my world entirely. This is achieved by not only the killing of civilians and military there, but on this world as well.'

After a moment of writing, Luna lay down her quill, and scowled. "Madness."

Looking at her the other half of the diarchy, Celestia's eyes narrowed, and she said warningly, "Sister....'

"No Celestia, its true what some humans have said.' She glared at Ramires. 'There will always be a button, and always be those mad enough to push it.'

Turning back to the human, Celestia began to apologize, then stopped when she saw the human smiling. Looking at Luna evenly, he said 'Ma,m, with all due respect, as I have proven, the target cannot push a button if you disable his hand.'

Too this, the mare only scowled. Smiling at the human, Celestia closed the folder that held Rumirez's files, and said softly 'For what its worth Lieutenant, you saved many lives today. You are dismissed.'

After the two soldiers, Celestia looked over at her sister. Seeing her musing look, she asked, 'What is wrong Luna? Scared?"

The lady of the nights head swiveled to glare at her sister, and she snapped, 'I fear no man, Celestia!' she started to shake, bowing her head, 'but Ramires, that thing.... it scares me.'

Sighing, Celestia shook her head. "Luna... I know your only concerned for our little ponies, but Ramires is a man, not a monster. I wish you'd give him a chance. And besides...' she rose, and Luna rose with her, 'In so far as his desire to protect, he is only a monster in the way we are.'

.....

Shining Armor shook his vehemently, and stamping his right forehoof, scowled at the human in front of his desk. "No, damn it. I hear where your coming from Clarence, but this is cut and dry."

Shaking his head, the normally stoic marine scowled at the use of his much hated first name, and scowl now in place, he began to pace the floor. Watching him a moment, the blue maned stallion nodded sagely.

"I get it. This isn't about the new location, or the new assignment is it?"

Mesa scowl deepened as he walked to the window overlooking the castle grounds. Below, he watched a few fillies and colts playing, and couldn’t help but smile. But still, in his heart... "Captain, I'm... I'm not much for civilization or interaction with others anymore. This whole damn thing is just a fucking babysitting."

Shining sighed, and rose up from behind his desk "Mesa, look...' The unicorn began to walk over to the soldier, 'Personally, I'd much rather have those sharp blue eyes roaming Canterlot...' as the human turned around, a glimmer of hope in aforementioned blue eyes, Shining armor held up a hoof 'But... we both know you need this soldier." Narrowing his eyes, he added sharply, "And it's an order directly from Luna and Celestia."

Shoulder slumping a second at the words, Ramires set his jaw, and clicking his boots together, saluted "Sir."

.....

3 days later. 01100 hours, Everfree Forest

Yellow eyes danced in the foliage of the woods, wearily regarding the scene before them. In the clearing, leathery bat wings still twitching, scorpion tail limp lay perhaps one of the deadliest creatures in all the woods, the manticore, and under him, what was thought an easy meal, Mesa. Sweating from the row, the human struggled and squirmed out from under the slumped form of his foe, saying between clenched teeth "Get... the fuck... off....' with one last almighty pull and a grunt, the human pulled his form fully from the dead beast, then belly crawling across the twigs, leaves, and dirt for a moment, flipped over onto his back, still breathing hard from the impromptu work out. Closing his eyes, he steadied his breath, and with it, his heart rate began to return to its usual rhythm. Now relatively calm, he regarded the sky a moment, then rolled over onto his stomach again, and got back up. Turning to the dead beast, he wrapped his fingers around the knifes handle, and with one swift jerk, pulled the blade from the creatures skull with a sickening noise, and the wiped the blade across his pants, staining the camo from its usual mismatched of greens to a sodden crimson, which darkened as it dried onto the cloth. After regarding the blade a moment in the sunlight that filtered through the dense leave of the woods, he sheathed the tool, and went over to the river that ran close by.

Bending over, he cupped his hands, and splashed the crisp liquid across his face, and began to scrub the sweat and blood from the scuffle away. Rubbing his hand together one last time in the running water, he stood back up, and walked over to the duffle bag a few feet from the waters edge, his rifle propped against the rock next to the bag. Undoing the zipper, he reached in, and pulling out a brown package, looked at the writing. Chicken teriyaki. Opening the rations, his eyebrows raised slightly at the bags contents, which closer resembled trail mix then the meal claimed. Taking a fist full, he sat on the rock, and chewed thoughtfully. After a few minutes of silent eating, he finished his lunch, and crumbling the bag into a ball, he pushed the digestible wrapper into his mouth, and chewing that, picked up his rifle. After shaking the weapon a moment, he jiggled the magazine slightly. Nodding, he shouldered the weapon as he got up from the rock, then bending over to rustle around once more, he suddenly said out loud, 'That’s very good. I almost didn't notice you.'

As Mesa straightened, the foliage of the woods behind him rustled, and turning he regarded the equine who walked into the clearing. Lighter toned tail swishing to swap away a troublesome leaf that still clung to her side, a teal colored unicorn walked from the gloom of the woods, her hooves not making a sound as she made her way over to the human. Nodding approvingly, she flashed a cheerful smile.

"Hardly as impressive as you, my good human. It's very rare to find ponies who are able to sense my presence, never mind one of your people."

Returning the smile, Mesa saluted. "Lyra Heartstring, I assume?" Lowering his hand, he held it out in the usual human method of greeting.

Still smiling, she nodded, and pressed her hoof into the outstrecthed palm. "Yep! Thats me. I take it Shining Armor told you about me."

The human shook his head, letting the hoof go as his brows knitted together slightly at the equines words.

"No , nothing about you. Captain Armor only told me to meet you here, and you'd walk me to Ponyville so I wouldn't frighten anyone. Then after registering my weapons at the Mayors office, you were too take me to someone named Twilight."

Giggling, she indicated with a tilt of her head to follow her. Getting up, he place a beret on his head, and shouldering the duffle and rifle, they walked into the woods. A few moments of silent contemplation passed, then Mesa asked "You seem to know the Captain ma'am. I'm aware your in the Royal Guards reserves, so I'd imagine you know the Captain."

Eye rolling internally, the mare turned her head to regard the human with a eye. "Oh, yes. I suppose we've been aware of each other for quite some time."

"And this Twilight fellow?"

Eyes forward again, the mare suppressed another giggle, and replied cheerfully, "She actually. Town librarian."

"I take it you two know each other then."

"Oh, I suppose, we cross paths now and again."

Somehow more exhausted then when he was fighting the manticore, Mesa fell silent. Talking in general was not his forte, so  such an extended conversation had taken its toll. And Lyra didn't feel any need to fill the silence with idle chatter, so for a time they only walked silently. Looking up at the sky a moment, Lyra suddenly said "That knife you have is rather unusual. Custom job?"

Nodding, he patted the sheathed weapon at his side. "Yes ma'am."

Looking over her shoulder, she regarded the human again. "Judging from your accent, your northern United States correct?"

"Good ears ma'am."

"Lyra, please. So, if your from there, why are you carrying a Kalashnikoph? I thought your country tended to favor the M-16 as standard."

Eyebrows lifting slightly, the human replied "Good eyes too, ma'.... umm, Lyra. And my names Mesa. I have to say its rare to see an equine whose interested in my people. From what I've seen, both humans and equines have no interest in the other outside of trade agreements."

Suppressing another giggle, Lyra only nodded. "Oh, I suppose you could say  I have an idle fancy in your species."

Nodding, he thought a moment. "Well, I don’t know why, but I've always have a fondness for the old AK. M-16 is a great rifle, and I love it too, but there a bit of a pain to clean, and since I was walking here, and am stationed here fore the foreseeable future, I needed something a bit easier to maintain."

Lyra hmmed slightly, and for a few they continued there trek through the Everfree.

"So, Ramires, any special somepony in your life."

Mesa grunted making the mare pause midstride, and she looked behind her. Mesa let out a breath, and said "Call me Mesa. And yeah... had a husband, died a few years back."

Lyra looked away, rubbing her right fore-hoof against her left fore-leg. "I'm... I'm sorry Mesa."

Mesa chuckled, and patted the equine on the shoulder, and Lyra smiled slightly back, then suddenly lifted her head, and looked at the human confused. "Wait, so that means your gay?"

The human shrugged. "Bi, I guess. I don’t much care for that label though, it makes me sound promiscuous."

Mesa snorted again, and crossed his arms. "You seem shocked."

Lyra pursed her muzzle, eyes tilted upwards thoughtfully. "Well, I've met other males of your species in Canterlot who like males, and they were a little..."

Mesa sighed, shaking his head. "Flighty, girly, feminine?"

"More like... not military material."

"Lyra, first of all, I'm  not technically homosexual. And secondly, my husband served proudly for two years in the marine corp, and he was anything but girly."

A little abashed, Lyra looked down again, flattening her ears against her skull slightly. Mesa rolled his eyes. Five minutes with a new equine, and already he hurt her. New fucking record.

"I'm sorry Mesa..."

Another sigh. "No, I am." Mesa rubbed the back of his neck, and the equine looked up hopefully.

"It's been a long road here, and I shouldn't take it out on you."

At this, Lyra brightened immediateley, and snapping her head back, nuzzled the humans cheek.  

"Its ok."

And with that she turned back around, humming cheerfully as the prooceded. Mesa shook his head again thinking, Incredible. You could strip your gears switching emotions like that, whole damn species must be bipolar or something.

"Say Mesa, that’s an interesting hat you have on. What’s that emblem?"

Grinning, the human suddenly stopped, and clicked his heels together. As Lyra turned to look at him, he saluted. "This 'hat' ma'am is the symbol of the brave men and women af the green beret!"

Lyra nodded, ohhing softly. "Oh right. Human military unit. Best equipment, best missions..." Mesa nodded, and added "And they expect the best in return." and with that they continued their walk. Still looking back, Lyra smirked.

"So, does that mean your the best Mesa?"

The human winked, and said, 'You bet your pretty tail I am." Lyra giggled, and looked forward once more, blushing. After a few minutes of thoughtful thought, she frowned. "Wait, how old are you?"

"Twenty one."

Lyra stopped, eyes widening, she gawked. "But... as I understand it, your military asks you to serve a total of eight years on your contract."

Mesa shrugged. "Joined when I was sixteen. Had already excelled in school, and got special permission from my parents."

Lyra still looked shocked. " But the green berets... they're an elite unit. To join them is grueling even by equines standards."

Mesa grinned again. "Took the exam right after basic. Got a perfect score."

Lyra felt like her jaw was gonna dislodge itself from the sudden drop. Since humans had begun to immigrate, she and every other guard got every piece of material they could on the humans military structure. The first time the teal unicorn had found out about the courses of joining the American special ops, she shuddered. A perfect score of three hundred to even get the chance to become a green beret was by itself was agony. First was the two mile run in under fourteen minutes, followed by one hundred sit ups in under two minutes, and ended with one hundred pushups in under two minutes. And that was only to get in! Her stallion Lero was fit, no doubt about that, but this human...

,

Mesa chuckled, and his face softened somewhat. "That was where I met my husband. Took me under his wing after training, and the day he said he loved me was the happiest I've ever been."

Lyra snapped her jaw shut, and smiled "I'd imagine so."

Mesa snorted, rolling his eyes. "But if he hadn't, I'd probably still remember that day."

Lyra's smile lessened somewhat. "Uhh, why?"

"Well, he confessed to me while we hunkered down in a bunker in the Australian outback, the Chinese military launching mortars."

To this, Lyra blinked. One of the first things Lero had learned after getting contact with his family was the war. In 2016, some country on Earth called China apparently made a large military push to take control of the rest of the world. Eventually, the invaded two island nations, one named Australia, the other New Zealand, Though the New Zealand force were crushed under the firepower of a superior force, Australia proved to be a more difficult challenge. But despite the ruggedness of the terrain, and the sturdiness of its people, they had been slowly losing the war. One week into the conflict, despite emphatic objections of the United Nations, a country called the United States stepped in, and with the Australian forces, forced the usurping army into retreat. The next day, after the armies had pulled out, the Chinese delegate to the U.N was found in his embassy, guards missing, a self-inflicted gunshot to his head. Another week past, and war was declared. As United States and NATO forces rolled, a message was sent out to every channel, radio, or simply shouted from entrenched positions: Surrender. Apparently, there had been a coup against the government, and after killing the heads of the communist nation, the head general ordered an immediate surrender.

Apparently, after the defeat of their military, the government was planning to detonate every nuclear ordinance they had underground as the invading forces rolled in. The general, seeing not only the insanity of his leaders but also heartsick over a unnecessary slaughter, finally acted. While the consulate was in session, he had busted down the door, killed the delegates, and took command of the country. After deactivating the ordinances, he ordered every last soldier to immediately and unconditionally surrender. And with that, three months in, world war three came to an immediate and abrupt end. But not before Leros only brother was lost in the conflict. It had taken Lero a long time to smile again after receiving the news.

Lyra smiled. "Well, better late than never I suppose."

Chapter two Welcome to the neighborhood

"Good people sleep soundly at night in the knowledge there there are rough men will to do harm to others on their behalf."-George Orwells

The Mayor frowned as her eyes ran over the words before, or rather she frowned at a lack there of. Nosing the manilla folder closed, she looked up at the human standing in front of her desk. Though the soldier easily towered over the equine by a near good two feet, she still managed to look down on him over her nose and say, "Lieutenant, would you be so kind as to answer a question?"

Though his features was set in the usual neutral soldier face, inside he wanted to kick this troublesome bitch right in the plot. Not only had she made him wait three hours after arriving in town, she had him sit in a cell, giving some shit about "assume hostile till proven otherwise.' He knew for a fact that those orders had been hand delivered two days before he left Cantarlot to the Mayor. Racist twat. But he only said pleasantly "Of course Mayor."

Tapping the top of the folder with a hoof, she said "Tell me, why are there these black lines running through most of these papers sentences."

"Those sections are redacted, ma'am."

Groaning, the mayor face hoofed. Damn it all. When the diarchs first opened the respective embassies on both worlds, she had recieved a bunch of guards from the country called America whose files had the same pattern of black marks. Returning to Earth, she demanded that if they were to continue as allies, that she should have final veto power over security on both side of the portal. Her request was approved, on the condition that all files must remain secure, to which Celestia took too with a passion. After reading the file, she and her sister locked them away in a vault that even rivaled the door that contained the elements. And whenever a human guard was reassigned, the file was copied, then blacked out of any doings before Equestria. Lero was bad enough, she knew that monkey. But really, to assign another of those things to her town... the princesses must be off their bloody rockers.

Seeing the face hoof, and hearing the groan, Mesa continued in the same neutral tone 'Is there a problem Mayor?'

Scowling, the equine pulled her hoof away, and snapped, 'Frankly sir, I fail to see why the Diarchy deemed it necessary to put another of your kind in my town."

My kind, the human seethed internally. But he merely said 'With all due respect Mayor, these are orders. If you truly have a problem with this assignment, you are more then welcome to take it up with the Princesses.' he paused, then before he could stop himself added 'do your worst four eyes.'

The mare jolted onto all fours, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Looking at the human, her eye twitched, her fury growing. But she remembered what Lyra told her about that manticore, and she bit her tongue. Breathing heavily, she growled, "Theres a spare cot in the basement, good sir. You are more then welcome to."

Smiling, Mesa nodded. "Thank you madam Mayor, that is more then generous of you."

.....

0900 Ponyville, day 1 posting

Mesa yawned, covering his mouth to stifle the sound as he walked out into the village. For the first day, he had been, he was supposed to get situated, and get to know the locals. Pulling his rifle further up on his shoulder, he watched bemusedly as stallions took one look at him and fled, while mares grabbed fillies and colts of the street to drag them into the closest open door. Looking over his shoulder, he winked at the mare leaning at the town hall wall.

"Morning Lyra. Just couldn't stay away from this pretty face huh?"

The teal colored equine rolled her gold colored eyes, and stuck her tongue out at the human. "Bad boy Mesa, teasing a poor helpless old mare like me." Giggling, she looked at the humans weapon pointedly. 'Besides, I don't think your constant companion there would approve."

Chuckling, Mesa rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, sorry. They don't have any decent lockers where I could stow it, so for now, I gotta take it along with me."

Frowning, Lyra leaned up off the wall, and walked over to the new guard in town. "Don't you trust us?"

Mind flashing to Mayor automatically, he replied, 'Its not really a matter of trust. I'd just rather not make anyone more nervous then I already."

Lyra rolled her eyes again, and over the pause in words, their was the sound of doors and windows being barred, and the scrapping of furniture as it was moved across the floor. "Bit too late for that, don't you think?"

.....

0915 Ponyville Library

Lyra's magical aura surrounded the doors handle and opening, she said, "Hey Twi, you in?" Ducking under the door frame slightly, Mesa made his way into the library, and what he saw gave him pause. As was common with almost all libraries, this one was lined wall to wall with books, but what drew his attention was the mare in the far corner of the tree. Sitting at a large desk with its back to them, which seemed to be bending slightly under the weight of the tomes on top of, a lavender equine sat, and judging from the glowing appendage the jutting from her head, Mesa safely drew the conclusion it was a unicorn, who, Mesa again concluded, was writing something judging from the slight scratching noise of a quill. Lyra stepped in front of the human, and said "Hey, Twi. We gotta a new guard, he.... Twi?"

Lyra's muzzle puckered as she realized her words fell on dead ears. She loved Twilight to pieces, but sometimes that filly drove her crazy the way she could get caught up in work. Suddenly, she grinned, and looked over and up at Mesa. "Watch this."

Undoing the silence spell surround her hooves, she purposefully clopped across the wooden floor. The purple mare merely hummed a tune as she went about her work. Sitting back on her haunches, Lyra leaned forward, and pursing her lips, blew gently into the mare left ear, which twitched, but Twilight gave no other acknowledgement. Shaking her head, Lyra leaned back again. As he watched this, Mesa's eyebrows raised slightly. What in the name of God was Lyra doing?

Smirking, Lyra brought her hoof up, pausing a moment for dramatic effect, then brought it back down up the right part of her herdmates right flank with an audible slap. Twilight yelped and whirled, eyes furious, starting to say "Hey, you can't mmmphhh!" after can't with the mare whirled around fully in front of her, Lyra pressed her lips to her lavender herdmates, and as she tried to pull back in surprise, Lyra put a foreleg behind her neck, holding her in place. Slowly, she felt the uptight librarian loosen under her kiss, so Lyra pulled back eliciting a small desperate whine of protest as she did, leaving a panting mare in her wake, eyes half lidded and somewhat glazed over.

Seeing the look on Twilight's face, Lyra giggled. Eyes opening fully, Twilight spat to the side, and wiped her muzzle furiously. "Damn it.... pah... Lyra." She took a indigent pose, glaring at the chuckling figure before her. "Didn't I tell you not to do that?"

Not repentant in the least, Lyra smirked, rolling her eyes. Seeing this, Twilight's right brow raised, and she gave Lyra a small smile which gave the teal unicorn pause. Leaning forward, Twilight licked the right jawline of her herdmate, making Lyra irk and jump slightly.

"And in any case..." Twilight kissed the tip the muzzle, and slowly drew her closed lips down the length of Lyras jaw to her neck, and coming to it, the lavender mare nuzzled Lyras neck. "Didn't Lero and I....' she licked the mares neck, and her herdmate whimpered, her eyes rolling into the back of her head somewhat, then gasped as she felt her little filly's teeth nip the flesh 'Service you enough... my naughty herdmate...' She pressed her lips to Lyras neck fully, tongue pressed to the fur and skin, feeling the quickening pulse under it. Eyes fluttering, Lyra stammered, 'Uhhh... oh... Twi.. we...'

Growling again, Twilight pulled away from the neck of her lover, snarling 'Silence slut...' hearing this, Lyra's eyes went wide. Uh-oh, Twilight only got like this when she was really turned on, and as she pressed her mouth against Lyra's neck, the mare knew there was only one way to snap her out of it. Putting a hoof on either side of her herdmate, and with a heavy heart, she pushed the mare away, shout "Twilight Sparkle, enough!"

Pouting, Twilight huffed 'Lyra...' and the poor teal mares heart almost broke at the look in her lavender eyes. Shaking her head, Lyra hissed 'Twi, we have guests...' eyes widening, Twilight looked over her lovers shoulder frantic, then frowned.

"Uh, Lyra. What guest?"

Lyra turned around, and seeing no one else, muttered "Damn it...' and fled the library, leaving a very confused and somewhat hurt lavender bearer of an element in her wake.

.....

Lyra chuckled at the human leaning against as she levitated the glass of water to him. "Sorry about El-tee."

The human in question merely nodded, and taking the glass, sipped it, maintaining his composure. Lyra had was quite impressed. Two hot mares making out in front of him, and without so much as a blush, he turned and walked out. Smiling at the gesture, she turned to one who was anything but stoic. Twilight held her covered her face with hooves, and was the embodiment of the word mortified. She long ago got over any feelings of discomfort in regards to public showing of affection, of course, but still.... what she was going to do.... and what Lyra was... it was all to much! Biting her bottom lip, Lyra poured a cup of tea for her distressed mare, and unclasping her teeth, she said 'Here you are my dear." and laid the cup and sauce next to the lavender unicorn. Raising her hoof, she looked at her herdmate, Seeing the beautiful toned looking out from the shade of a raised foreleg was too much for the teal mare, who giggled.

"I just cant help it. My little Twili is just such a cutey!"

Hearing this, Twili suddenly actually bared her teeth and growled. Sitting back on her haunches, Lyra raised her forelegs, and placed one below her horn and across her forehead, the other across her heart, and cried dramatically "Ohhhh nooooo! The evil Lady Sparkle wishes me dead! Wont some brave knight of Earth come to my defense!"

Deciding to play along, Mesa said 'Don't look at me lady, It's my day off."  Chuckling, he laid his now empty glass. "So you two are herdmates huh?"

Lero nodded. "Yep, us and a pegasus named Rainbow Dash."

"Whats the name of your stallion."

Lyra looked down at Twilight, and Twilight looked at her, and the answered in unison "Lero." then Lyra rose to nuzzle the top of the lavender mares head.

As she did that, neither of them could see the sudden jerk of their guest. Lero. Gulping, he shook his internally... no, it couldn't be... but he knew it was true, the man he wanted to see more then anyone and at the same time dreaded more than anything was the stallion of two ponies... no, people he actually was starting to like. No, he resolved to himself. No, I have to speak to this man. Some things are more then friendship, even new ones.

Smiling, he looked at the loving pair of equines, and said softly, 'This man is very lucky.'

As Lyra took the glass and empty cup of tea into the kitchenette, Twilight smiled at the newest addition to their town sheepishly. "I'm sorry again about before. I know how skittish your people are around matters of mating."

At this, Mesa crossed his arms, and said 'You do, do you?"

Twilight nodded. "Indeed, in fact, I've written a book about it four years ago."

"How?"

At this, and the tone of his voice, Twilights smile faded somewhat. "Uhhmm, how?"

"Yes, how?' he smiled, and Twilight felt an odd twinge of her brain, as though something had shaken loose. 'Too my knowledge, there were no other humans aside the stallion of you herd four years ago, correct?"

"Correct..,' the mare said reluctantly, the memory showing itself only a moment then slipped.

"And forgive a water head soldier like me, but wouldn't you need more then one subject to do any study of a species." He looked up, the smile still in place as he studied the ceiling.

Twilight nodded, then her eyes widened as her memory became clearer.

"So, that being the case,' he looked down, frowning. 'How can you say in any fairness you know jack shit about humans, ma'am?'

Twilights head shot up, and she began to do the same look the mayor had just yesterday. Her memory was crystal clear now: she as a filly, bragging of powers she did not possess, to a teacher who couldn't be less impressed, then Twilight making the same face she was now when her teacher asked her to prove. Frowning at the image in her minds eye, Twilight asked 'How old are you Mesa?"

"Twenty one."

Akking, Twilight face-planted into the bench she was laying on. She and her friends had defeated two demi gods, helped bring the crystal empire back. Hay, she had earned three doctorates by the time she was twenty five, and was the personal student of Celestia, and a confidant to Luna. And yet, despite all that, she had just been decidedly rebuked my a mere sprig of human.

Looking up, she scowled at the figure leaning in the kitchen doorway. "And you! Letting this man do that to me! What sort of herdmate are you?"

Lyra pursed her outer lip and rolled her eyes up in a mock contemplative look. "Mmm, they kinda of herdmate who knows when to defend the ones she loves, and when to let a near total stranger come into her own place of work and knock her down a peg." Smirking at the scowl given to her, she pursed her lips again, this time to make a smooching noise. "Love you babe, even when your insufferable."

Twilights eyes flashed, and she opened her mouth to give a crushing response, when suddenly Lyra straightened up suddenly from leaning on the frame. At the same time Twilight suddenly looked at the door to the library, and they both gazed at the entrance eyes widening. Seeing this, Mesa's eyebrows knitted together. The closest he could describe their expressions was like two kids at Christmas

The handle began to turn, and as it did Mesa began to see the wide eyes of the equines grow wider still at the movement. The door began to open, and as voice,

"Hey girls, I'm..." Suddenly, the two mares seemed to blur temporarily into near non existence letting twin sound of shrill squees of excitement. At sudden movement and the noise, Mesa dove down and flattened his back against back of the libraries front counter. Feeling his thumb click the safety off, he knew it was time to rain hot lead down on the one who dared too.... laugh? Face palming, he berated himself to calm the fuck down. Laying his rifle on the floor, he rose, and regarded the scene that was playing out in front of the counter.

Sitting between the two licking and nuzzling mares sat who Mesa could only think was Lero. Shoulder length reddish blonde hair tied in a a ponytail cast over his left shoulder, he also bore a trimmed beard and goatee, and was laughing at the administrations of his two mares. Giving them both a kiss in return, he snorted and growled playfully.

"Really you two, every day with this?"

Twilight hmmphed, and turned away as Lero tried to kiss her again, sticking her nose in the air, saying in mock offense "Its your fault, my dear. Your the one who spends all day away from your loving herd."

Lyra nodded sagely. "Ditto!" Causing both her lovers to look at her in confusion. Looking back, she stuck her tongue out at them then said "Hey, they can't Still Way philosophy quotes."

Rolling his eyes, he pushed the mares reluctant hooves off of him, and the all rose as one. As he leaned in to give another peck to Twilight, he looked up and ohhed in surprise. Scratching Twilight behind the ear while stroking Lyras mane, he said "Who's this?"

"This is Mesa.'Lyra said brightly looking up at her stallion lovingly.

Meanwhile, her herdmate regarded their guest wearily. "He's got a big mouth..."

Lyra giggled, "Pot calling the kettle black, don't you think my dear?" Earning a tongue sticking out at her from the lavender mare. Walking forward, Lero shrugged, and chuckled. "Sorry, they get like that."

Shaking his head, he held out  his hand, and continued over to Mesa. "Pleased to meet you, I'm..."

Not leaving his leaned spot on the counter, Mesa looked away to a spot on the floor, and interrupted. "Bellerophon Michaelinas."

Leros smiling slid into one of shock as he was stunned enough to stop moving towards Mesa. Slowly lowering his hand, he said, 'Yes, but how..." he shook his head, incredulous.

Twilight frowned, and cocked her head tilted her head slightly to the left in a gesture of confusion "Yeah, that's true. I never told him your full name. Lyra, did you..."

"Twilight..." the lavender mare jumped slightly. Lyra hadn't really used her full named much for the last three years, so any use had become a warning. Splaying her ears slightly against her skull, she glanced back at her herdmate. Seeing the slight shake, she sighed, then with an slight upward movement of the teal unicorns head, they both moved into the kitchen.

Lero crossed his own arms, frown set in confusion, and walked slowly behind the counter. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"

Mesa chuckled, and seeing the flash in to other mans eyes, said "Sorry, you just remind so much of him."

Leaning up against the opposite end of the libraries counter, Lero asked "Who?"

"Jacob..."

At this Leros arms fell limp, and his neck seemed to have lost its ability to support his head. The little sickly kid who he used to torture till he cried, and that same second the tears began to shed Lero grabbed him roughly and give him a hug and tell him not to be such a baby, had grown up while he was gone. Grown up and become a soldier. He fought in a war that was waged while Lero was happily living out his days in the glow of his lovers, and that little kid came back to his mother in a black bag. He could still remember the weight in his hands at the large brown envelope that was delivered to him after he sent a letter to his parents after the portals were opened, and he could still remember the muzzled confusion he got when he opened the envelope, and upending it, his brother Medal of Honor slipping into his open palm, and he could still remember his tears when he found out what happened. But still, there was one question.

"Sir... what happened to my brother? How did he die?"

Mesa's brows knitted together. "We were on mission, and got sold out.'

Lero began to breath deeper, teeth grinding 'Do you know who did it?"

"I do."

Leros fingers curled into fists, 'Did you find this person again."

"Yes sir."

"And..."

Mesa's mind drew back into memories, or one specific memory. A airport runway, a figure being pushed from the back of a van, the vehicle quickly away... the figure in a kneeling position, laughing as he told his comrade how he spent every last red fucking cent on booze, blow, and every whore in sight. The man glancing up at his brother, Mesa's sidearm pushing against his right temple. Seeing his finger away from the trigger, the soldier begins to scream, come on, what are you waiting for, do it, do it, i killed our best friend, i killed your lover, come on, three muscles to send me on my way, come on, come on, come on damn you, blow my brains out onto the black tar and skull fuck the still smoking exit hole, you fucking pansy, fag, pussy, fucking woman, pull it now...

Standing straight, he clicked his heels, and folding his hands behind has back, said "Sir, I holstered my weapon, and walked away."

It took two seconds before the words registered, and Lero's fist slammed into Mesa's jaw.

.....

Six seconds from that, an audible thud sounded through the library, followed by a screech. "You let him go!"

Gasping, Twilight rushed past, and seeing her stallion beginning to lift his fist for another blow, she rushed in between, screaming, "NOOO, NO LERO, STOP THIS..." she gasped as his fingers into her mane an with a surprising ease he yanked her hard to the left Teetering for a moment on her hind legs, she fell back on her haunches with a cry of pain as her shoulder slammed into the library shelves, jostling a number of books to the floor, and as her eyes locked with Lero, she tucked forehooves against her chest as her lover raised a fist again, and whimpered, 'Stop.... please...' she winced as the fist made an meaty thunk against the  mans cheek. "Lero... this isn't... you cant...' tears began to stream down her cheeks as he lifted his fist, cocking it back for another blow, only to have it stilled in a blue aura. Looking over his shoulder, Lero snarled at Lyra, 'Let...go...now.,,' Lyra shook her head, no smile on her lips. As she folded the other arm behind his back, Lero lunged forward, attempting to rip out the neck of Mesa with his teeth. As Lyra pushed him out, he began to sob.

Twilight glared at the slumped soldier. "Sir, you'll need to leave."

Chapter three Settling in

"God have mercy on those who do such deeds, because I  wont."-Ebony Gryph

Lyra hated the dark. Though bon bon often complained of the light from her room initially, she eventually bought blinds when her pleas for darkness on death ears. Even when she became part of Lero's herd, at night she'd sometimes woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, shivering and sweating in the middle of the dark room. Most times, Lero woke with her, and slowly stroked her sides or mane. Every time he ran over her old scars, she could see the question in his eyes, but he never asked why, and Lyra never volunteered an answer. Sometimes, she had trouble going to a simple restaurant with her lovers, claiming illness. And every time she watched out the window, she hated her gutless self.

Mother... thats where it began. When the teal equine was only a filly, often Mother would shove her in a closet. Those where the worst, those minutes, hours, and a few times days before Mother would drag her daughter out for... Correction. And sometimes mother would disappear, leaving a scared unicorn huddling in a corner of their apartment, praying to whatever kind and loving deity that could be listening that maybe, if Lyra was good, the worst she would get was a beating. But most nights, or after Correction Mother wrapped a her forelegs around her, nibbling her neck, telling her what a sweet filly she was, what a good girl she was, and then she always "Do you love Mama?' And always Lyra would nod. And Mother would kiss her. It would take many sleepless nights talking with old Crackhorn before she was able to heal from Mothers "love", and even when she joined the Guard, she still never really slept with anyone. But, as Master said, we must not look at what was. but look at what is. And what "is" right now was two of the most important beings in her life were upset, and she needed to make some sort of peace with the towns newest member.

And that is where she was at the moment, look down at her hated enemy. The dark. Flicking an ear, she slowly stepped onto the step, and made another, and what seemed and eternity later, she found herself at the bottom step of the basement of the of the town hall. Looking behind her, she saw five concrete steps. Sighing, she lit up the end of her horn, and made her way deeper into the gloom. In the distance, she could see a lantern, a form next to the cot, which after a moment she briskly walked too. As she began through the miles long trek, whispers were in her ears, of how she needed correction. How sweet she was, what a tasty treat she was... Closing her eyes, Lyra cantered forward, heart hammering as Mothers voice told her how much she loved her, and she could feel her Mothers sweat and stench on her again. Finally, she reached Mesa. Looking back, she saw a room not much larger then fifteen feet of shade between her and where Mesa's cot. Shivering at the voices that still lingered in the dark, she turned back to Mesa's sleeping form.

As the gripping fear slowly left her, it was replaced with confusion. He was sleeping on the concrete floor. Slowly, she let her eyes roam over his uncovered upper body. Well built, no doubt, but look at all those scars. And when she saw his face... it was odd. When he slept, he looked so sad. Shaking her head, she raised a hoof to gently shake him.

"I'm awake."

Gasping, she leaped back, and glared at the human.

"Damn it Mesa! Whats wrong with you?"

Slowly, he got into a cross legged posistion. And looking up at Lyra, he shrugged.

"I'm not standing in the middle of your home oggling you while you sleep." Suddenly seeing the fearful look in her features, he added 'You'd probably kill me if I did."

Lyra snorted, and a gave the human a small smile. "Indeed."

Again, Mesa shrugged. "I can think of worse ways to go." Looking up at her again, his expression softened. 'You ok?'

Sighing, she sat on her haunches next to him. "Just tired. I had to stay up all comforting my herd is all.' seeing him start, she added 'Now stop right there. What Lero did was completely inappropriate. I know what you said, but nonetheless....'

Seeing him relax, her horn glowed for a split second, and suddenly Mesa felt a sharp slap on the back, as he looked on the back his head. As he turned to look, Lyra slapped him again. Looking at her, he said '"Wait a second...Ouch... you said..ow fuck..."

She frowned giving him another good whack.

"You and Lero made my lovely Twilight upset.Now, after your patrol, you will go in her library, and you will give your heartfelt and utmost sincere remorse.' She wrapped her magic around her ear, and tugged it. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes damn it, fuck let go!" Smiling brightly, she nodded, and her horn went dim. Rubbing the now sore ear, Mesa said 'Sheesh, woman...' Sighing, he lowered his hand. 'I'm sorry I put you through this Lyra. But... I made a promise...'

Lyra nodded, 'I thought there was more to this story.' She looked down at the ground. "Mesa, why did you let that man go?"

"Lyra... If I tell you, you must swear it never leaves this basement. You cannot tell Lero, Twilight, or your other herdmate whats her name."

Lyra nodded, murmuring, 'Its Rainbow Dash, and you have my word as a member of the Royal Guard, and upon the name of stallion Lero that not one syllable of what you say shall pass this muzzle."

"Well said..." after a brief moment of looking up at the ceiling, he began.

"It was during the war, me and my squad were doing recon on a town. What was done to those people... the enemy was trying to demoralize us I think... but..." sighing, he pinched the light green shirt he had 'See how this t-shirt is cut?' Lyra nodded, and he looked back at her, tears threatening to leak out at his memory 'That's how the cut the skin off the torso of the people in the town."

Lyra started, her mouth spread into an "O" of horror.

"They weren't even soldier. Woman and kids mostly, a few old men who couldn't fight even if the wanted too. We found out later, the town had already surrendered. But that scene... it broke one of us. And there was no punishment I could do to him that compared to the hell he was still in."

Lyra clenched her eyes, and shook her head viciously, her tears scattering. "That's... Thats un... I can't even give a proper response. I mean, gryphons and dragons...' she bared her teeth, and let out a strangled sob. 'How do you do it Mesa? How do you go on after that?"

She opened her, and saw him giving her a grim smile. "It helps that all of us made sure that the bastards who did it never left that town alive." Rising into a crouch, he continued, 'hey Lyra, I gotta wait outside for a bit. There gonna drop off my supplies, and I could use some help bringing them in. Wanna join me?"

Lyra nodded numbly, and as she rose, Mesa said softly. "You know, Lero's brother asked me later if I believed in God. I did then, and I still do. But some people just have no soul."

For a moment, Lyra watched as Mesa went away from her and up the stone steps. Then she walked into the dark, no longer afraid of the monsters there, because they were tame compared to the real beasts walking in the light.

.....

0840 Ponyville, Supply drop

Another human in green military fatigues handed a clipboard and pencil to Mesa, seeming not to notice the teal unicorn glaring at him. Lyra had spent some time reading books of earth, and the variants of humans theres. They angle of the eyes, the skin... this human was one of those monsters. For a moment, she wondered if these ones were used as attack dogs on Lero's world. No, no way humans would be so stupid... such viciousness wouldn't be allowed to live. After signing the form, and the boxes being unloaded by Mesa and the other human onto the ground, the truck pulled away. Folding his pink copy of the requisition order, Mesa put it into his pocket as he turned and frowned at Lyra.

"Hey, whats wrong? Why were you giving that private the stink eye?"

Glaring now at Mesa, she snapped back 'How could you? One of those... chinese, and you not only are almost pleasent, you shake his hand! His variant slaughtered an already pacified town, and you...' she snorted, and looked at the ground disgusted.

Mesa rubbed the back of his neck, now thoroughly confused. "Actually, judging from his name, I'd say he was Japanese." to this Lyra huffed and eye rolled "And in any case, so what? He's an American, one of my countries fellow citizens."

Lyra blinked, and said "So you do use them as attack dogs."

Mesa grunted, clenched his eyes shut, and pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, a gesture Lyra had gathered meant the human in question was getting a headache.

"Lyra... look, in the first place, not all Chinese agreed with the actions of their government. Look at the general who stopped them from blowing their own country,' as he talked, he turned an picked up box and a long case.

"Secondly, its very bad form to assume something of any members of any species merely based on the tone of ones skin, or what country they may be from.' He looked down a moment, then added 'And what they did is hardly the first time humans have done such things."

The teal unicorns frown softened, and she let out a sigh. "Your right, of course. I'll try to be more mindful of this in the future." As she spoke, her horn glowed, surround the remain large boxes. As she lifted them easily, Mesa let out a low whistle. Turning around, containers floating close, she continued

"But its still nice to have humans like you and Lero show us ponies what your species is capable off."

As she turned her head back, she couldn't see Mesas face as he whispered "Yeah, all we're capable off."

.....

"One hundred 7.62x39 ammo mags..." Mesa muttered as he stacked the last one on the newly set up locker.

"Check...' Lyra made the mark on the clipboard she had floating, her eyes roaming over the brown plastic packages she stacked on one of the basements shelves,

"That's ninety-six MRE..."

Mesa hmmed as he began to open another box.

"I'm going to have to send a letter. I only eat two of those, sometimes one a day. Don't need that many."

Lyra clucked her tongue as the human began stacking more ammo. 'You know, we do have food here, and your more then welcome to buy. The restaurants are quite nice too.'

Mesa shook his head. "I'm sure its delicious, but way to easy for someone to poison it, and it be to awkward testing the chow in front of others.' Seeing her somewhat insulted look, he shrugged slightly, and resumed stacking the clips. "Hey, when your in our line of work, you gotta worry about this shit. Hell, I've got this fancy little device that tells me of anything someone could have slipped into the MRE's, so don't get sore or take it personal, I'd just like to err on the side of caution."

Coming to the bottom, he said, "And that's fifty 5.7x28mm ammo clips,"

Eyebrows raised, his assistant for the day pursed her lips. "Not 9mm? I thought your infantry used the 1911?"

Grinning, Mesa opened another box. 'Well, in general we do. Another fine weapon the 1911.' As he spoke, he began to stock the shelves again. 'And you are right, we American soldiers are usually stuck with what they give us. But for us in the Corps, we have a wider selection, and greater flexibility in choosing from that selection. Thats twenty boxes of 00 twelve gauge shell' she made the mark on the paper, and Mesa continued 'And five boxes of 2-3/4 rifled slugs."

For a few minutes, there was only silence aside from the slightl clack of something on the bottom shelf. "Thats four 5.56mm ammo boxes."

"Check. How many rounds do those hold anyway?'

Mesa hmmed, 'Well, theses ones are the small ones, so one hundred a box."

Lyra irked, and gaped at the human as he opened another box. "Sheesh, you could take out a whole platoon with that!'

Mesa chuckled, and began loading more magazines on the next to last shelf. 'Thats what one usually hopes to achieve.' After finishing, he said 'Thats twenty  7.62×51mm magazines. And the rest are spare rounds for when those clips are emptied.' He frowned at the boxes he set beside the locker. 'Except for those ones.'

"Whats in there?"

He looked back at her. "Twenty five clips of .50 caliber, and fifty clips of .45. I don't use anything that needs that kinda round."

He closed the locker, and a small glyph on its doors flashed. Lyra walked over and tilted her head looking at it

. "Is that... a temperature spell... no, there's more to it. what is that?"

Mesa shrugged, walking over to the cases next to his cot.

"Bullets need to be kept under certain conditions. I had a unicorn do that for me."

He bent over, opened the smaller case, and held out the weapon. "This is what I took instead of the 1911." Lyra walked closer, looking over the sleek metal

"This is what the 5.7 pistol ammo's for. Its called the FN FiveseveN. This offers a bit more punch then your standard 9mm, but its not as accurate long range."

He opened another locker and put the pistol in a slot on the door. Frowning, his eyes wandered over the extra spaces made into the storage space. Damn paper jockies. Turning back, he opened another, and Lyras eyes widened as the massive rifle was lifted out.

"This ones the M-249. Its the one those ammo boxes go too.' After placing the into its place, he opened another one, and Lyra nodded. "Ah, a sniper rifle. But this seems different.

"Good eye. The one I used in canterlot at the Bureau was the M40A1 bolt action. This one is the M39 semi auto. Semi's dont have the same range or accuracy, but I figured If I was going to do sniping here, I need more ammo and quicker timing between shots then bolt actions have." As Lyra nodded and made the check on the clipboard, Mesa stored the rifle. Walking back, he opened a third case. Lyra looked over the weapon in his hands.

"A shotgun right?"

"Correct. This is the M-1014 combat shotgun. This uses scattershot as both main ammo and door breaching, and the rifled slugs are usually for hard targets."

He placed the rifle in the locker, then looked back at the two other gun cases. Frowning he opened the smaller one, his eyes widening at what was inside. A telescope baton with a note, and the rest of the case holding a sub machine gun. Picking up the baton, he undid the note as he unfolded the weapon, and after it made its clacking noise as it extended, he read out loud.

"Dear Clarence,' he scowled at this ' I'd imagine that since you've been to town, you've noticed how leery my subjects can be around firearms. So, in leau of this, I've sent you this baton along with the other weapon. I'd also suggest carrying it with instead of your pistol. May you turn to this before you are forced the other. Yours truly, Princess Celestia."

Chuckling, he looked at Lyra. "This lady is good."

Lyra smiled and nodded, then made a surprised sound. "There's something on the back."

Turning it over, Mesa said, 'It a post script. 'Your bet your pretty flank I am. Celestia.'

Lyra pressed a hoof to her muzzle as Mesa muttered darkly 'You dirty old buzzard...'

Giggles suppressed, she nodded towards the weapon still in the case. 'Whats that?'

Bending over, he wrapped his hand around the grip and pulled it from its home 'I guess this is the .45 ammo mags are for. Its called the KRISS vector.' as he walked over to the locker, he explained 'You see, problem with the .45 caliber is that while its powerful, it jerks the old Thompson around, so it was hard to be accurate."

Pointing to the long bit behind where the ammo clip went and the triggers guard and the grip with his baton, he continued.

"See this here? This part houses the part that recoils so that when the weapon is fired, the energy goes down, rather then into my shoulder, so its easier to stay on target,"

Lyra nodded, then as Mesa stored the weapon, she undid the catch on the last case. Frowning at weapon, she could see why this case was so long. 'Uhh, hey Mesa. Don't you already have a sniper rifle."

Turning, he said 'I do, why?' then stopped and stared. 'A M107? What the...' walking over, he noticed the note tied around the barrel. Undoing it, he said out loud "Dear Mesa, I thought you might need this. Never know when a dragon might pop by. Love, Luna."

Lyra paused her exam of the new weapon, and waggled her brows at the human.

"Love luna? Ahh, you dog... a human a royal stud."

Mesa cleared his throat, and stood. "I neiter confirm nor deny any actions I may or may not have performed."

Lyras giggled, and lowered her voice conspiratorially.

"Come on cutie, just between soldiers. Tell me..."

"No comment."

The equine rasberried. "Human statesmanship at its finest."

Mesa rolled his eyes, 'Fine then. I refuse to answer on the grounds I'll be chucked into the sun.' He turned, and sighed 'Look Lyra, seriously. Whether or not anything did happen, the last thing either Diarch needs is a media bloodbath.'

Lyra snorted. "Oh fuck Mesa. I know that! You think I'd do something like that?"

Mesa nodded, and as they walked out of the basement, Lyra muttered, 'So, which sister got the better flank?'

"No comment, and no opinion."

Chapter four The mate, the mom, and the Mesa

"What I've found oddest here is the pegasi love of Patton. Looking at them, the equines strike us as more the Lord Byron-esque swordsman types, would appear to be more followers of Sun Tzu, but Pattons biography is a best seller among the flighty fuckers." -Private journal of Mesa

Day 5 of transfer 0800, outskirts of Sweet apple acres

Mesa ambled down the road on his patrol, apple recently purchased from the farm in hand. Though his cover was that of a simple guard, he was in fact on orders of both worlds governments to solely keep an eye on the elements. As much as Celestia wanted them to have a normal life, they were a valuable asset to the state's defenses. And since she couldn't exactly dispatch an entire battalion, or even a few guards from her own army due to politics, she could plug the Corps. As part of the agreement, members of the Corps could be called on to supplement the defenses of territory, or act as soldiers in times of threat. While this policy was rarely used on Earth, the Diarch's had taken advantage, and while many of the human Corps members bitched when they were sent to someplace like the Crystal Empire, or the Badlands, all in all the various perks and increased pay was more then sufficient, one of said perks being during the spring, and early summer months when many lonely heat consumed mare could usually find a more then willing human stud to service her. All the fun with none of the commitment, Mesa thought as he chucked the apple still whole into the bushes. While he sort of liked the idea of it happening someday, the soldier knew that bringing up young urchins of any species was no fun.

Speaking of no fun... Lero was walking down the same road he was, toolbox in hand. From what he was able to establish, Mesa knew that Lero was more or less a jack of all trades around town. As the walked up on each other, they stopped. Mesa nodded.

"Sup."

"Hey... Mesa was it?"

"Yeah?"

Lero shrugged, and kicked the dirt a little with his right foot "Sorry."

"Its okay. And I'm sorry about your brother. He was a good man."

Lero nodded, and with that, the two humans parted ways.

.....

As he continues his way into town, Mesa thought of Jacob. They were never romantic, or even slept together at all for that matter, but the night he died was one of the worst nights Mesa ever weathered. Jacob was... important to him. He didn't love him like he did Paul, but still... the guy was quiet, like Mesa was, but more approachable. While most of the barracks  were filled with the usual blowhards and dicks, Paul usually in the thick of it, he and Jacob just silently sat in a corner, talking or checking their gear. Of course, that night his husband died as well, but the pain he had was different for both of them. As he walked, his mind wasn't focused, and he suddenly felt something sharp poke him in the stomach, and he let out an ommph, taking a surprised step back. Rubbing the spot, he looked down and into a pair of lavender eyes hidden somewhat behind a pink and purple forelock. Sighing he said "Twilight Sparkle, right?"

She gulped, and weakly nodded her head. Mesa did a double take. She looked, for lack of better term, like hammered shit. The mane he once saw as firmly set into place was frayed and sticking up. Her eyes were bloodshot and sad, as though she'd been crying, the fur under them darkened by the skin under them turning that shade from exhaustion. Kneeling slowly so he could look at her evenly, he said 'Ma'am... Mrs. Sparkle, are you all right?"

Nodding again, she gulped and worked her jaw a moment, then said 'I'm fine Mesa, and please call me Twilight."

Mesa winced as she rubbed her throat with a forehoof. The raspiness of her voice made his throat hurt at the sound.

Chuckling, and wincing at the simple sound, Twilight continued 'I'm sorry I'm such a fright, good sir. It's been... rough the last couple of days.'

Sighing himself now, Mesa scratched his forehead. 'No Mrs Sp... Twilight. I'm not sorry for telling your stallion, but I am sorry for what I what I put you through."

Twilight smiled softly, and looked away a moment. She rubbed her right  foreleg with the opposing legs hoof a moment, then said 'You were right though."

"Ma'am?"

She looked down. "About me not knowing anything about humans. I mean, aside from Lero, I've had no actual contact with your species."

Shit... the diarchs and Shining were right, Mesa mused to himself. Repressing a shudder from the memory of the impromptu visit from his current commanding officers the day after his first encounter with the Lero herd, he rubbed the back of his neck. He had to salvage this AO. Hearing Twilight sniffle and the way her ears drooped and the downcast of her  eyes, he amended, and I'd better do it now. Rubbing the back of his, he struck on an idea.

Smiling softly, he said “So, why don’t we fix that?”

Raising her head, she tilted her head thoughtfully, and the sad look in her eyes retreated somewhat. Seeing this, Mesa went into the next step.

Nodding, he said “Yeah… Well, I won’t be patrolling all the time you know. So,” he chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck again, “Why not in my off hours I come to the library and we can talk. You can ask me questions about my life, and being a soldier.” As he spoke, Twilights eyes brightened, and a small smile began to play across her muzzle as he finished his proposistion. Ears perked fully now, she said softly, “You’d… You’d do that for me Lieutenant?”

Nodding firmly, he replied “Absolutely, Mrs. Sparkle.”

For a moment, they only looked at each other, then Mesa jumped slightly in his kneeled position as Twilight suddenly squealed excitedly, and sitting back on her haunches clapped her fore-hooves together, then leaping forward she took the man in her forelegs in an embrace, saying “Oh, thank you , thank you so much!” Feeling the soldier tensing under her, she gasped, and scooted back, rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof

“Uh, sorry. I sort of forgot how touch shy you guards can be.”

Chuckling, Mesa visibly loosened, then replied “Not at all Mrs. Sparkle. I’m honored to be hugged by a hero like you.”

Blushing under her fur, she giggled and rose of her seated position. Taking the cue, Mesa rose as well, and after a quick dust off, said “So, when would you like to do this?”

Tapping her chin with a hoof, she made a thoughtful humming noise a moment.

“Well, do you have time this afternoon?” Receiving a nod in assent, she nodded back. “Well then, It’s a date, Lieutenant.”

“Please, Ma’am, Its Mesa.”

Smiling now, she turned and as she walked away said, “Ok, Mesa. And I’m Twilight.”

………..

Twilight hummed happily as she lifted an apple telekinetically from her saddlebags, and took a bite as she bounced down the street to her place of work. The last few days had been particularly bad. After she got home after that night, Lero just sat on the couch, looking at the floor, not answering when she talked to him. Poor Lyra stood up all night with her, nuzzling her neck and singing softly. The morning after, Lero had apologized, and of course Twilight forgave him. But as for her herdmate…

Blushing at the sudden warmth in her heart at the thought of herdmate, she took another bite of her fruit, chewing thoughtfully. Lyra was one of the kindest, most warm mares the lavender equine had ever come across, but could be a beast when someone threatened her loved ones. Chuckling, she shook her head at the memory how she practically hissed in anger when their stallion entered the bedroom. Sighing, she chucked the apples core into a nearby trash can as she swallowed the last mouthful. As she came upon the libraries door, she thanked her lucky stars that Dash was on deployment. She shuddered to think what the rainbow maned mare would have done if she’d been in town.

Feeling another fluttering in her heart at her other lover, she wrapped the handle of the libraries door, and opening it, thought “Well, at least things are looking up for us now.”

“Why, hello dear.”

Eyes widening, she looked in the direction of the voice, and seeing the white and purple maned older mare standing in front of a bookcase, lips pursed and brows raised, eyes still carrying the coldness from all these years, she sighed, and said meekly “Hello mother.”

……….

Twilight laid her head mournfully on the libraries table, rubbing her temples with her hooves as her mother perused the shelves, occasionally wrapping a book in her magic and idly flicked through the pages. Seemingly oblivious to her daughters distress, she continued, “Really dear.  Wasting your time in this tacky and wretched little library. You bring such shame on your family wiling away your time when you could be teaching in some of the most prestigious universities, could see the world…”

Scowling, Twilight said “Mom, I…” Whirling around, Velvet snapped “Hold your tongue when mothers speaking!”

Wincing, Twilight bit the inside of her cheeks. She could remember years back as her mother and Shinings mother engaged their children in some petty squabble, using the foals as pawns in their game of her fathers approval. For years, Twilight Velvet had pushed her little girl relentlessly, saying “I refuse to let that… mare beat me. You, my little filly, will not lose out to her son.” Looking at the disapproving of her mother, Twilight scowl returned as she remembered the night Shining ended it. Overturning the dinner table and the meal it bore, he shouted and kicked, telling the two mares and his father he refused to play this game anymore, too which Night Light, and asked “What game? Why are you so upset Shiny?”

When he found out, he was, for lack of a better term pissed, and told his wives in no uncertain terms if they didn’t stop, they should consider themselves out of his house. They both relented, but Twilight remembered the day before she left for Ponyville, her mother saying to a friend “Oh, that filly. She’s just so dull. never does anything, just spends all her time with those dusty books in a dark corner.”

Gulping, she ventured “Mom, may I ask something?”

Raising her right brow, Velvet nodded.

“When I left… you said I was dull…” Looking up from the table, she watched as her mother frowned. “Mom… I… I did all that for you…”

Lips pursed a moment, Velvets eyes narrowed as she said softly “Are you… blaming me for your shamelessness?”

“No… Mom… I was…” Twilight winced as her mother snorted and shrugged. “Perhaps your right. Your obvious failures are mine as a mother…’ Velvets features stiffened into a grimace “And undoubtedly your fathers coddling.”

Twilight lept to her feet, mouth working, and Velvet snapped “Perhaps its time for a change. Perhaps I should leave your precious daddy for his weakness.”

The lavender mare winced, falling back on her haunches. In unicorn circles, it was not uncommon for matings to be more political then the other equine subspecies. With his marriage to Twilight Velvet, Night Light was graced with a very generous dowry, along with Velvets personal allowance from the family trust. And though it baffled both of his children, more then that, he loved Velvet, and had done everything he could to make her happy, succeeding to a degree. A divorce would break his heart, and Twilight was loath to even elicit a threat in the matter. Sighing, she hung her head in defeat. Smirking in her victory, Velvet opened her mouth to continue, but was interrupted by a soft voice saying “Twilight?”

Whirling around, Velvet frowned at the interruption. Mesa stood leaning against the door, arms crossed, and frown of his own set . Eyes not breaking with the glaring matriarchs, he asked “Is she bothering you ma’am?”

Shaking her head, she opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by her mother “Good sir, would you be so kind as not to interfere in my herds business?”

Bolting off the door, Mesa stalked across the floor. Seeing the movement, Twilight stammered “Uhh… Mesa its ok… you don’t…” seeing his warning gaze, she snapped her mouth shut. Locking his gaze once again with Velvets, he snarled “Listen here, you stupid cunt, we’d better get an understanding.”

Velvets jaw dropped as her daughter gasped at the expletive. Pointing a finger an inch from the stunned mare, Mesa said in his silkiest most intimidating voice “If you ever, ever come here, and verbally abuse or threaten her again, I'll come down on you like a ton of bricks."

Finding her voice again, she shouted, sparks flying from her horn "How dare you, you worthless mon...."

"Finish that sentence ma'am, and you spend the next five days in a cell."

Snapping her jaw shut, she glared at the human, and hissed "The diarchy will hear about this, I promise you that, young man..."

Snorting, Mesa crossed his arms "Go ahead.They'll be the ones to tell you that they told me that her students life and well being is my priority." Seeing her right eye begin to twitch, he smiled pleasantly folding his hands behind his back "Of course, feel free to bring your concerns to them. I'm sure Celestia and Luna would adore addressing your treatment of your daughter."

Jaw flapping, sputtering in anger, she was cut off from her diatribe as Mesa continued "Go ahead, mess with me. See where it gets you. By the time I'm done, you'll think God in all his glory reached down and squished you like a bug."

Eyes bulging, she glared daggers at the human, who merely looked down, eyebrows raised. Setting her jaw, Velvet stuck her nose in the air with a hmmph, and stomped out, slamming the door as she left. Groaning, Twilight covered her head with her hooves, whimpering "Damn it Mesa. Why did you do that?"

Looking away from the door, Mesa responded "Twilight..." taking her hoof away from her eyes, and watched as the human sat cross legged in front of her. "Look, like I said, your health and well being are my priority. I refuse to allow you to be abused in such a way."

Sticking her bottom lip out, she raised her head. "You heard her... she'll...'

"Do nothing. She's not going anywhere in her situation."

Brows knitting together, Twilight tilted her head quizzically. Shrugging, Mesa clarified "Twilight, your mothers family is more or less destitute. Financially, your father has no incentive to keep her around, though from what I've heard, he adores her."

Twilight gaped. "She's... she's broke? But... she's a professor..."

"They've revoked her tenure. Not only that, from what I've heard, she's not well loved at the university and is on thin ice."

Twilight shook her head sadly, and rose. "Umm, Mesa, could you wait a few minutes. I have to send a letter home to see how I can help."

As she walked away, Mesa said "Twilight, your really going to help her after this?"

She looked back, and smiled softly "She's my mother, and despite everything, I still love her."

Mesa grunted, running his fingers through his hair. "Ma'am, you are a better person then me."

Chapter five The third degree

Chapter five The third degree

Mesa eyes followed Twilights movements as she bustled around the library's main room, paper poised in the air surround by blue aura as a quill quickly jotted across it, while its owner gushed excitedly.

"Ohh. this is so great! I've really never had a lengthy discussion with a soldier. Even Shining is somewhat reluctant to talk to me about it!" gasping, she rushed over, looking at Mesa expectantly, nose inches from his face. "Ohh, what sort of food do you eat? Have you seen combat? Was basic difficult? I see those letters on your emblems, but there in a language I don't know! Ohhh, whats it like living the life of a jarhead?"

Laughing, Mesa patted the unicorn on the head.

"Easy girl! Sit, breathe." Sighing, Twilight sat back on her haunches, and looked at Mesa expectantly.

"First, thats the wrong term for my branch of military. A jarhead is another term for a marine. The term for someone in the army would be grunt."

Twilight oh'd softly, quill working, then asked "Marines... like at battle of Elira's eyrie?"

Mesa nodded after a moment. When he first arrived in Equestria, Head quarters was abuzz. Apparently, a few months before hand, and gryphon matriarch named Elira took a bunch of her fellow gryphs and went rogue, making numerous assaults across the equines borders. Celestia enlisted the help of a deployed troops from the Third Battalion, who assaulted Elira's base of operations with artillery. After a few hours, she made an offer. Rather then risk her people, she challenged the commanding officer to a melee. If the human won, she would surrender. If he lost, then he would be taken prisoner. After dulling her claWs to avoid and deadly blows, she met the man in the fields at the base of her eyries range. It took a total of two minutes for her to yield. Surrendering, she disbanded her warriors. And apparently the day before Mesa, she had given the news she was to married to the c.o who beat her.

"Hmm...' Twilights ear flicked as she looked over her notes 'So, whats the difference between the army and marines?"

Mesa grinned. "Well, marines fight battles. Grunts fight wars."

Twilight cocked a brow, frowning.

"I should elaborate. You see, the marines are in fact a relatively small branch of the Navy. Their mission as I understand it is primarily to conduct initial combat operations from a forward deployed platform, such as a large boat, and establish a beachhead from which they can operate until follow on forces arrive." at the end of his sentence, the human shrugged. "I may be mistaken. I'm not a marine."

Twilight nodded, quill working overtime. "What does the army do?"

"Well, our missions tend to be on a much larger scale.  Along with establishing a foothold, we also expand the foothold into entire theaters of operations. Also, one aspect of the marines is that they are not a self sustaining force. They take the beach, or whatever, and hold it until support arrives. It might sound like this is a bad thing, but in reality this is part of what makes them such an elite force. There is a lot of pride in knowing that you are at the tip of the spear."

Twilight nodded. "True. Say, I once saw a coat of arms of the marines. What does semper fidelis mean."

"Always faithful. Though the marines use the phrase almost exclusively, it applies to all forces of the United States."

"I also saw your coat of arms. What was written there, I didn't get a good look."

"De Oppresso Liber. It means to free the oppressed."

Twilight nodded, quill scritching gently. "Do you have any tattoos?"

Grinning, Mesa rolled up the sleeve of his gear, and flexed his arm. On it was sketched in dark green ink a skull, a knife sticking out of the top. Squinting, Twilight read out loud "Sum custodis,I non cedere, I Inflictum,."

"It means "For I am a protector, I do not yield, I strike."

Twilight ahh'd, and looked over her notes.

"May I ask a question ma'am?"

Twilight looked up, and nodded. "Of course."

"Well, I dont know why, but folks around here are often asking me to hold there newborns." Chuckling, he rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess I should feel honored they feel such respect for the military."

Twilight chuckled nervously. "Uh, sorry to burst your bubble Mesa, but thats not why they do it."

"Oh?"

The lavender mare sighed. "No, I'm afraid it's an old tradition. Protection against the eye of envy. Foals were often held in the hands of soldiers, for what mother could be jealous of anothers offspring when that childs been touched by blood soaked hands."

The human, resting his chin on his palm. "I thought it was something like that."

The mare hung her head. "I'm... I'm sorry Mesa. Shining went through the same the thing."

Mesa raised his head back, waving off her apology with his now free hand. "Oh, it's no problem. That sort of thing comes with the territory. Consider my country. Right now, there are people burning the symbol of the freedom they enjoy, and cursing the people who protect those freedoms everyday."

To this, Twilight snorted and scowled.

“I love this town, but sometimes the ponies here drive me crazy. When me and Lero first got together, that…” her scowl deepened “Honey whatever her name is, tried repeatedly to kick my stallion out. And even now, she’s still stirring the fucking pot, trying to provoke us.  And what she’s said about Rainbow…. My herdmate is out there, risking her life, and that bitch says she shouldn’t even be allowed in the Guard, never mind be a wonderbolt.” She sighed, and laying the quill and parchment down, laid her head down alongside them.

"It's just not fair."

Mesa looked up at the ceiling, contemplating what the unicorn had said.

"No, Twilight. No its not. But thats life, you know?" Looking back down, he smiled. "But you know, whenever I hear idiots like them, I'm happy you know? Means I've done my job, and they can wax idiotic another day."

Twilight pursed her lips a moment, then rasberried. Raising her head, she replied, "True, but that doesn't mean I wish some of them would go jump up a rope."

Raising her quill again, she cleared her throat.

"Mesa, when I was in Canterlot, I watched a demonstration of anti humanists. One of them stomped on your countries flag, and was quickly... well, clobbered. Why is that piece of cloth so important?"

Mesa rubbed his chin.

"Well Twilight.... hmm, please forgive for bragging, but that piece of cloth, Old Glory, has been with us a good two hundred years. It was there when Washington crossed the Delaware, and when Francis Scott wrote Oh say can you see she was there. She was there in Chancellorsville, almost fell at the alamo. She survived the guns of world war one, and turned black with blood in World war two. She was with us in Korea, Vietnam. In our war with China, it waved from the top of our tanks as we heard that the war was over. For nearly two hundred years, she waved from our ships and our barracks, all the time it being forbidden to wave in our country. In America, she's be burned, dishonored, stepped on, and the government that she represents is going from one scandal to another. The old girls getting threadbare, but she's in good shape for the shape she's in, cause she's been through the fire before, and she can take everything thrown at her. She is our symbol, our emblem, so every day we lift her up, and every night we fold her up right."

As Mesa spoke, Twilight's eyes widened, her quill working furiously as she noted the names. She'd definitely have to look up most of them later. Mesa smile softened, "On second thought, ma'am, I do like to brag, because I'm mighty proud of the old girl."

Twilight chuckled. "You seem to love her."

Mesa nodded sagely. "Oh I do. But you know, I would happily, and with my own two hands, tear, rip, and burn every last strand to ashes to protect the freedom she represents."

"That is really interesting logic Mesa..."

Chapter six Protoge

Day 9 of assignment 01230

Lero stretched after out from under the town hall, his clothes covered in the muck and grime of the underside of the building. It may be a disgusting job working on the towns pipes, but still brought him the simple pleasure of a hard days work. Bending back down, he dragged his tool box the rest of the way out from the shade of the building, then as he rose, he caught sight of Mesa. Catching his eye, the soldier smiled and nodded, and as he walked through the double doors, Lero tipped his hat in response. After the casual greeting, the human looked down at the ground, frowning. After the initial dust up, Lero was ashamed of how he acted, the feeling compounded by how his brother would have responded if he had seen Lero in such a state. Though both Lyra and Twi had forgiven him, his insides still twisted every time he remembered what he had done. And really, Mesa wasn't such a bad guy, a little cold perhaps, and Lero certainly wasn't thrilled over him letting the man who sold his brother out, but still, striking him or hating him wasn't going to bring little Jake back.Despite this inner reasoning, Lero still couldn't figure out why the soldier was here.

In general, other humans tended to stick to the cities. Since the portals opened, not hide or hair of Lero's species been seen anywhere near Ponyville or the woods surrounding it. And now, all of the sudden, a soldier from his former nation shows up, and not only a soldier but an elite one to boot. And why would a man like Mesa be assigned to a backwater post like this anyway. With his skills, or at least what was assumed he possesed, he should have been leading a squad against human  raiders or diamond dogs. Hell, if he wanted, he could have served as one of the Diarchs personal guards on his contract was up. It all seemed a waste to Lero, and as such meant no sense.

Lero raised his head and looked up into the sky. It was such a beautiful day, he mused. Reaching up, he gently stroked the pegasi feather he had braided in his hair, and his mind turned to his mare. Smiling, he closed his eyes, basking in the moment, then with a sigh lowered his hand. All this worrying was pointless. If he wanted answers, there was only one choice.

Turning, he walked into the town hall.

.....

As Lero contemplated outside, Mesa sat at the bench in his new home, and began to strip his ak. While he was out practicing, he noticed while at range the trigger of his rifle wasn't working. Removing the top cover of his weapon, he laid it down on the cloth on the table, then removed the receiving bolt. And after removing the recoil spring, he turned on the lamp over his work area, and scowled at what he saw. The triggers workings were shot to hell, no wonder the damn thing didn't fire. He hadn't checked it when he took it out, making the assumption that the armory maintained its stock. Sighing, he removed the springs and bolts, tossing the whole trigger mechanism into the trash next to him. Taking out another assembled peace, he reassembled the trigger, the began to oil the rest of the ak. As he began running a slickened toothbrush across the frame, he said "Do you need something?"

Lero lay his toolbox on the bench, and frowned. "Yeah, I want to know what the hell your doing here?"

Chuckling, Mesa continued his cleaning, and replied, "I was wondering when you'd come to me. I guess your brother got the brains in your family, not to mention the looks."

Seeing the other humans face slide into a scowl, Mesa looked up and batted his lashes. "Not to say your not a stud muffin in your own right cutie."

Lero groaned, and his palm made an audible slap as it made contact with his face.

"Are you gonna answer me or not?"

Grinning, Mesa lifted the rifles barrel to get a better look at it in the lamp.

"I guess your brother got all the humor too."

Sighing, Mesa face sombered as he began to reassemble his weapon.

"Ok, here's the deal. Lyra already knows this, but you can't tell Twilight or Rainbow Dash."

Lero leaned back against the bench and crossed his arms.

Sliding the spring back into place, Mesa continued, "Your know that two of your mares are elements correct? Well, their valuable assets, but Luna and Celestia wanted to make sure there safe. I don't know if you know this, but over the years, numerous attempts have been made on all their lives. And about a month back, one of the hired goons got a little to close. Unfortunately, as much as they'd like too, they can't deploy any of their own forces because it would appear to be unfair favortism, so instead they sent me."

For a moment, the only sound was Mesa tinkering, the Lero asked softly, "Is it enough."

Mesa shrugged, and put the cover back over his AK. "Well, you've got Lyra, a still way master, a green beret, plus Twilight who is perhaps the most powerful unicorn in current history, and your mare Dash, who as I understand it is coming home on leave, and who I also I hear a expert in not one but three martial arts."

Lero shook his head.

"No, it's not." He looked at Mesa.

Grinning, Mesa snarked "Hey there sailor. Lookings free, the rest will cost you."

"Teach me."

The soldier jolted out of his chair, too stunned to even speak.

"You heard me. I wanna learn what you know."

Mesa shook his head, and walked over the gun cabinet.

"Forget it."

"Why not? From what I understand, thats what green berets do,"

Rolling his eyes, Mesa took the SAW from its slot, and snapped back "Look Lero, you don't need to be a soldier." After inspecting the weapon a moment, he turned back with it in his hands, and paused at the look in Lero's face. Sighing, the soldier scratched his neck "Look, Lero, I know you miss your brother and all..."

"This isn't about that."

Sitting back at the bench, Mesa began to disassemble the weapon.

"Ok, then what is this about."

For a moment, Lero only looked at the floor, and Mesa watched him out of the corner of his eye. Looking up, Lero's face was set.

"I want to protect my herd."

Mesa paused in his work.

"It won't be easy, and it takes commitment. Theres no half assing your way through it."

"I can handle it."

"Even the killing part?"

Lero nodded firmly. Looking at him fully a moment, Mesa shrugged again. "Ok then, soldier. In that case, theres only one last thing." Suddenly, Mesa sprang from his seat and before Lero could react, the soldier was behind him, Grasping the ponytail, he pulled it back hard as the other hand lanced up, his combat knife clenched between the fingers. In one fell swing, it sliced through the hair, and he dangled it over Leros shoulder in front of his face, and said evenly "We have to get rid of this first."

Lero took a quick succession of breaths, eyes wide as he looked over his shoulder. Tossing the ponytail in the trash, Mesa walked around Lero, saying softly "Have a seat."

Slowly, Lero sat on the padded work stool, watching as Mesa walked over to his cot. Leaning down, he opened his duffle bag, and as he turned back and began to return to the slightly shivering human, Lero saw a can of shaving cream in one hand, the knife in the other. Standing in front of his new recruit, Mesa sheathed his knife then squirted out a dollop of white foam into his left palm. Lero winced slightly as he began to rub the cleaning product across he cheeks and under his upper and lower lip.

Nodding, Mesa removed his knife from its home, and taking Lero's chin firmly in one hand, he tilted his new recruits head to the side, and began to slowly scrape the sharp instrument over Lero's cheek. For a few moments, the only sound was the slight sound of grunts as his beard hairs were pulled. Tilting the recruits head to the other side, Mesa said "Say Lero, do you know where the armies hair style comes from?"

Putting a hand on the top of Lero's head and tilting it back, the soldier placed the blade against his recruits throat, and continued "It started with the romans. They'd wear it short or even bald so no one could snatch their hair and slit their throat from behind." At this, Lero's eyes bulged, and his adams apple worked against the knife as he gulped. Smirking, Mesa slowly slid the blade upward, removing the beard and foam, then with two swift motions, he finished the job by removing the beard from his new recruits upper and lower lip. Taking a small towel from his pocket, he silently handed it to Lero, and after taking it, his new recruit began to pat his cheeks, removing the excess cream and shavings. Turning around, Mesa walked back to his bag, saying "You can't be an official member of the army, and as such cannot receive pay, pension, or benefits."

Lero nodded, and after placed the can back into his duffle, Mesa looked over his shoulder.

"Lero, I'm giving you today and tommorow to think it over. The day after that, about four or five in the morning, I'm coming for you and you begin nine weeks of training. Is that understood?"

Lero grinned, and snapping to attention, he saluted. "Sir yes sir."

.....

Two days later, 0300

Lyra looked up from her book, and gazed quizically as Mesa walked through the door. Smiling, he pressed his fingers to his lips. Pursing her muzzle, she shrugged, then went back to her reading. Walking silently through the hall, he opened the bedroom door. Ahh, there he was, sleeping beauty. Tiptooing over, Mesa mouther sorry to the other sleeping form next to Lero, then raised his whistle to his mouth.

As the accursed let out its shrill screech, Lero body jerked hard to the left, and he cursed as he fell hard from his warm sheets. Twilight jerked up with a loud cry and glanced around quickly, trying to determine the origin of her wake up call. Grinning now, Mesa tossed a pair of sweats and shirt to Lero.

"Morning there recruit!"

Lero yawned and stretched. "What time is it?"

"zero three hundred!"

Lero jaw dropped. "You said you'd get me at four or five!"

"I lied." Clapping his hands together, Mesa rubbed them together enthusiastically. "Come on soldier, no time to laze about. Its time for all good men to come to the aid of their nation!"

Lero rubbed his temple, groaning out "Who wakes up at this ungodly hour?"

"We do recruit! Come hell or high water be damned, these are the times that test mens souls!"

.....

"Well my old granny she's ninety one!"

Lero gasped and stumbled, clutching his side as he ran well behind his companion. Looking over his shoulder, Mesa jogged in place a moment and shouted "She did PT just for fun!"

"When my granny was 92!"

Turning around fully to face his recruit, the soldier began to jog backwards.

"She did PT better than you!"

Lero scowled, and spat out "Evil basterd...."

"When my granny was 93!"

Mesa turned around again, and bellowed out "She did PT better than me!"

The two man jogged past Quills and sofas as Mesa sang out "When my granny was 94!"

Mesa waved to its owner, and shouted "She did PT more and more!"

Lero stumbled again, and almost fell on his face, but recovering quickly, gave a weak wave of his own to the baker.

Mrs Cake waved to the two men as they passed, and as she did Mesa belted out "When my granny was 95!"

As they passed the first couple of house next to the bakery, Mesa continued "She did PT to stay alive!"

The two joggers were coming up on Bon Bons shop as Mesa belted out "When my granny was 96!"

Mesa smiled and nodded at the bleary eyed confectioner at her shops door. "She did PT just for kicks!"

Raising his whistle to his lips, the soldier gave two quick tweets, and at the last tweet, Lero fell to his knees. Grinning Mesa walked over.

"Hey there kiddo whats wrong. Its only zero five thirty, we've got three and a half hours!"

Chapter seven Clarke

"On one of my missions to the human world, I visited what those of the world called death camps. At one time, humans were gathered and either executed, or starved to death. As I walked, I met an old man, who through a translator, related to me the horrors that happened. I asked him, "Were you one the prisoners?" He shook his head, and said "No, a guard." From what I know, this old human spent the rest of his days in solitude and repentance, telling the story of what happened in this sad and wretched place. Truly, there is more to humans then what even our eyes tell us."- Luna's private journal

Day 14 of assignment, first week of training

Lero frowned as he gripped the charging handle of the m-16 Mesa had lent to him, jerked it back, and looking down the length of the weapon, could see it cleared. Turning the weapon around, he located the retaining pin, and with the aid of pen pressed it, causing the upper receiver to swing free.

As it did, he said "Nah, I don't buy it. No way Jeanie was ever committed to Major Nelson."

Mesa scowled from the other side of the table, pushing the recoil spring back into his AK.

"Oh come on, how do you figure that?"

The recruit shrugged, and he continued his repairs said "Come on yourself, the girl didn't even get rid of her apartment."

Mesa rolled his eyes as he began to screw the top covering of his weapon back into place.

"Oh come off it, for heavens sake it was just a bottle on the mantle man."

Lero shook his head vehemently as he wiped the rifle, and opened his mouth, then paused. Eyebrows knitting together, said "What the hell are we talking about?"

Mesa shrugged, and pushed the magazine of his weapon back into place, and after a moment of reassembly, Lero followed suit. Taking the weapon from Lero, Mesa slowly looked it over, and after giving a quick jostling of its magazine and a shake of the weapon itself, he let out a low whistle.

"Not bad kiddo. And I have to say, first day aside, you've excelled at your physical conditioning. Most people don't stick out the first day, never mind a week."

The recruit grinned sheepishly, and rubbed the top of his recently shortened hair. "Uh, thanks. But I'll admit, work around town keeps me in pretty good shape, so I may have had an advantage in that regard. Though I might have been a little pudgy without Dash around to rough house with."

Mesa passed the rifle back, and nodded. "I take this Dash is the one who gave that blue feather you wear all the time."

Lero smiled softly, and slowly ran a finger over the pinion. Though he was initially loath to part from its braid, it simply wasn't possible with the cropped styling of his hair he had now. And when Twi and Lyra saw him when he first got home later the day of his new do, he thought they were gonna bust something with all the laughing they did over his newly shave face. Shaking off the warm feelings of nostalgia, he took back his rifle and laid it on the floor next to him.

As he straightened up in his seat, Mesa said "You know though, that necklace of yours looks awfully lonely."

Lero frowned, and sitting up fully, suddenly shot his hand up, and caught something freshly tossed across the table. Opening his fingers, he looked down at the chain and twin steel rectangles, his name emblazoned across both.

"Dog tags."

Mesa nodded. "Yep kiddo, your first step. This past week during our work I've taught you conditioning and the difference between discomfort and pain, and you've learned the basics of equipment maintenance. And you've spared my vocal cords because your quick on the draw in regards to learning things. So, along with the usual workout, I'm gonna start teaching you hand to hand combat. If you get past that, we'll move onto the baton, then the knife. And if your still around, we'll move from the melee to actually firing your weapon."

As Mesa spoke, Lero draped the chain over his head, and laid down around his neck. Tucking the identification pieces into his shirt, he nodded as information was relayed.

"So, when do we get started?"

Mesa opened his mouth to respond, when a blue colored earth mare burst through the door, eyes wide with panic. Pink mane now disjointed from it usual perch, she rushed over to the two soldiers, and grabbed Mesa's fingers in her mouth, and began to tug him towards the now knocked down doors.

Pulling his fingers loose carefully, Mesa held the mares chin and said calmly "Mrs. Cake... calmly. What's wrong?"

Shaking her head, tears began to leak from her eyes, and she stammered, "Pinkie... our shop... Clarke..."

At the name, both humans faces hardened. Taking a spare baton from its holster, Mesa tossed it Lero, who nimbly caught and took a grim satisfaction as it clacked and extended.

"Lets go."

.....

Lero and Mesa pushed through the crowd of ponies in front of Sugar Cube corner, the sounds of Mr. Cakes suddenly screaming filling. Pushing harder, the two men ran into the shop. The place, usually kept neat as a pin, was in a shambles. Broken cups and plates mixed with the ruined confections were scattered across the floor. Propped up against an overturned table, Mr. Cakes sat wincing as he rubbed the side if his head, the fur beginning to swell from the blow he had just received. In the corner, the cake twins whimpered and sobbed, the pegasus of the two being restrained by his sibling as he strained screaming "NO, MISTER, DONT HURT PINKIE!"

The mister in question was a brown coated grey maned stallion, he was poised over the element of laughter, his hindquarters holding her down while he took her mane in his hooves snarling, as his daughter lay weeping under the male.

Looking over her shoulder, she screeched "No, you can't do this! I won't!" and began to buck under him.

Hat now fully dislodged, Clarke bared his teeth fully, and brought a hoof down hard on her head, bellowing "Like hay you won't, you wretched girl!"

As he raised his hoof for another blow, Lero reached out with his free hand. Eyes wide in fury, Clarke bucked a leg back, and the human skidded backwards, clutching his stomach. Still holding Pinkie down, he glare balefully over his shoulder and screamed "Back the buck off monkey! Your whole thrice damn town has done enough damage."

As Lero kneeled for a moment clutching his gut, through the haze of pain he heard the words. The words, though they seemed to come to him as though he were underwater, for a moment helped Lero out of the darkness, and he felt something other then his recent pains.

Rage. Pure, unadulterated, naked fury.

Gritting his teeth, the hand on his gut leaving to tense on his raised knee, Lero tightened his grip around the handle of the telescopic baton he had been given. Pushing on his knee, he slowly began to rise, and as he did, he raised his head and watched in horror as Clarke took Pinkie's head between his hooves and wrenched it up and then down, slamming her jaw hard into the wooden floor. Standing fully now, Leros knuckles turned white and the baton began to shake in his fury.

Through the screams and cries, through the terror of Clarkes wrath, a voice rang out, softly, almost pleasantly, "Damage?"

Everyone paused, Mesa tending to Mr. Cake, who gazed disbelievingly at Lero. In the corner, the cake twins clutched each other at the look in their neighbors eyes, and under her father Pinkie whimpered at the way Lero's lips were set in a horrible grimace, like a smile that wasn't a smile, but a showing of teeth by a beast. Clarkes eye twitched as he slowly turned, and then those eyes went from anger to fear in half a second as he beheld the expression on Lero's face.

Breathing through the gritted teeth, his nostrils flaring, Lero walked forward, and said in the same conversational tone "My dear sir, I'll show you some damage."

Gasping, Clarke tried to jolt off of Pinkie, but as his hooves scrambled, he screeched as he felt fingers dig into his mane, pulling him sharply back. As he teetered on his hindlegs, his forelegs futilely looking for purchase in the air, Lero arched his baton back, and it whistled as he brought it down across Clarkes temple. Grunting, Clarke collapsed, and Lero fell with him, wailing upon his shoulders and back, one hand holding the stallions head down as its owner screamed and begged.

Eye's bulging, Lero screamed incoherently as he arched his arm for another blow, but was stilled by Mesa's hand. Breathing heavily, he looked back, his grimace softening as the soldier said "Enough, recruit." He looked for a moment at his wrist wrapped in the hand of Mesa, then he looked down at Clarke, who lay whimpering, his head covered with his hooves, numerous bloody indents from the batons end covering his neck and upper shoulders.

Looking up, his eyes grew teary as he saw the twins clutching each other, eyes wide. Slowly, he smiled, and the pegasus hide his neck against his sister, the unicorn foal clenching her eyes. Lero's smile faded as he looked behind him. During his assault, Pinkie had crawled to Mr and Mrs Cake, and was weeping, her entire body shaking with sobs. Looking down again, he saw one of Clarkes eyes uncovered, and was looking up at him hopefully. Letting the baton slip from his fingers, Lero rose, his shoulders shaking, and without a word, left the shop, not even noticing when Pinkie called out to him.

Clarke began to breathe rapidly, lips widening in a smile as he realized he would live, but he cried out again as Mesa's fingers curled into the back of his neck. Knelt down, the human ground the stallions chin into the floor, and snarled "The only reason your alive is because I don't want Lero to feel guilty killing the dad of one of his mates best friends."

Clenching the mane, Mesa pushed Clarke onto his back, then grasping a piece of the stallions vest in both hand, he drew him close, his muzzle inches from his nose. Grimacing at the smell on the equines breath, he continued "But after you spend a few nights in lock up, if I ever see you ragged ass again, I swear I will kick you plot into your shoulder blades, is that clear?"

Not waiting for a response, Mesa yanked the equine off the ground, and pushed him out the doors.