The adventure continues
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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1460 replies and 5 files omitted.
>>139234
She doesn't seem to e interested in something oudoors-y per se, at least if her choice of sections is a reflection of her preferences and not her ignorance of the selection. She is nearer the fancy clothing.
She doesn't seem to e interested in something oudoors-y per se, at least if her choice of sections is a reflection of her preferences and not her ignorance of the selection. She is nearer the fancy clothing.
>>139233
"It will just be minute."
Motioning for his squad to follow, he leads the group, now including the Lieutenant, into a secluded room. He makes sure to close the door before he pulls out his flashlight and turns to the Lieutenant.
"First, I need to check that you have not been replaced by changeling. Keep your eyes open, please."
"It will just be minute."
Motioning for his squad to follow, he leads the group, now including the Lieutenant, into a secluded room. He makes sure to close the door before he pulls out his flashlight and turns to the Lieutenant.
"First, I need to check that you have not been replaced by changeling. Keep your eyes open, please."
>>139236
She's an off white, middle age mare wearing a black semi-formal outfit. She turns to Amber. "Hi. Yes. I need something for the rain."
>>139237
There's a room in the hallway from which they entered off to the side, which contains cabinets, several sinks, a stove, a table, has a tile floor, and generally seems to be intended to be a kitchen. The corporal follows Brisbuck and Silver to the location, but the door is closed behind them. It's a large room, and there is a door on the other side, but that is also closed.
"... Sargent?"
Silver still manages to pull his flashlight on Brisbuck. His pupils dilate, and there is some reflection from his irises, though nothing else seems abnormal. He manages to keep his eyes open.
She's an off white, middle age mare wearing a black semi-formal outfit. She turns to Amber. "Hi. Yes. I need something for the rain."
>>139237
There's a room in the hallway from which they entered off to the side, which contains cabinets, several sinks, a stove, a table, has a tile floor, and generally seems to be intended to be a kitchen. The corporal follows Brisbuck and Silver to the location, but the door is closed behind them. It's a large room, and there is a door on the other side, but that is also closed.
"... Sargent?"
Silver still manages to pull his flashlight on Brisbuck. His pupils dilate, and there is some reflection from his irises, though nothing else seems abnormal. He manages to keep his eyes open.
>>139238
Silver lets out a sigh of relief, and puts his flashlight away.
"I apologize for that Lieutenant, but we can not take any risks. We investigated telegraph lines, as you ordered. They have been cut deliberately and evenly with sharp object, in place that is unlikely to have been result of intense wind, wild animals, or debris, right here in town."
Silver lets out a sigh of relief, and puts his flashlight away.
"I apologize for that Lieutenant, but we can not take any risks. We investigated telegraph lines, as you ordered. They have been cut deliberately and evenly with sharp object, in place that is unlikely to have been result of intense wind, wild animals, or debris, right here in town."
>>139241
Alas, these were the days before Gore-Tex, unless if a magical equivalent exists. This store is not known for its selection of enchanted clothing.
"Wool will keep you warm even when wet. Something else to consider is a trenchcoat, made of…what was it…'gab-ar-dine.' It's called a trenchcoat because it's worn by soldiers, and if it's good enough for them, it must be fine for you!"
Alas, these were the days before Gore-Tex, unless if a magical equivalent exists. This store is not known for its selection of enchanted clothing.
"Wool will keep you warm even when wet. Something else to consider is a trenchcoat, made of…what was it…'gab-ar-dine.' It's called a trenchcoat because it's worn by soldiers, and if it's good enough for them, it must be fine for you!"
>>139241
"Little, definitively. They were cut early this morning, and whoever did so did their best to hide it. It was made in one of few places where it would not cut lines between poles, but still disable our connection with Wald, where telegraph, telephone, and power lines intersect on roof of Feed Store. And while I have no definite proof...I have suspicions on where those responsible are. I think 332nd has been infiltrated by Changelings."
"Little, definitively. They were cut early this morning, and whoever did so did their best to hide it. It was made in one of few places where it would not cut lines between poles, but still disable our connection with Wald, where telegraph, telephone, and power lines intersect on roof of Feed Store. And while I have no definite proof...I have suspicions on where those responsible are. I think 332nd has been infiltrated by Changelings."
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>>139242
Pretty sure Governor Bush won Texas
"Trenchcoat?" She seems a bit astonished by this. "I think I'll try a woolen coat then. More ladylike."
>>139243
He blinks
"We're well past the front lines. And there's not much cover to hide behind except the rolling hills, and even those aren't very helpful. How many Changelings could we be facing?"
Pretty sure Governor Bush won Texas
"Trenchcoat?" She seems a bit astonished by this. "I think I'll try a woolen coat then. More ladylike."
>>139243
He blinks
"We're well past the front lines. And there's not much cover to hide behind except the rolling hills, and even those aren't very helpful. How many Changelings could we be facing?"
>>139244
"I am unsure to what extent. At minimum, I am suspect of Captain and those of his soldiers who greeted us as we arrived to town, as well as three of 332nd's Support Staff."
"I am unsure to what extent. At minimum, I am suspect of Captain and those of his soldiers who greeted us as we arrived to town, as well as three of 332nd's Support Staff."
>>139246
"At the moment? Black. It matches more of my outfits than most colors."
>>139245
Briskbuck breathes out, and then back in
"He has been avoiding basic questions, like when the last supply shipment came in or how much stock they have, but he'll ask me questions like what units we're going to be assigned to or where we'll be placed."
"At the moment? Black. It matches more of my outfits than most colors."
>>139245
Briskbuck breathes out, and then back in
"He has been avoiding basic questions, like when the last supply shipment came in or how much stock they have, but he'll ask me questions like what units we're going to be assigned to or where we'll be placed."
>>139247
"He was unaware of our impending arrival today, did not have anything prepared for our unit, and seemed to want us to move on. Unless High Command left him completely high and dry in intel since yesterday, I can not see explanation for his behavior or that of some of his subordinates."
Silver paces back and forth in the room.
"Our platoon is in danger longer we stay here, but we can not let Changelings have Vale if 332nd really has been infiltrated. I have working plan of action, but as you are our Platoon Lieutenant, I wish to hear if you have any plan for us to follow, first."
"He was unaware of our impending arrival today, did not have anything prepared for our unit, and seemed to want us to move on. Unless High Command left him completely high and dry in intel since yesterday, I can not see explanation for his behavior or that of some of his subordinates."
Silver paces back and forth in the room.
"Our platoon is in danger longer we stay here, but we can not let Changelings have Vale if 332nd really has been infiltrated. I have working plan of action, but as you are our Platoon Lieutenant, I wish to hear if you have any plan for us to follow, first."
>>139249
"Well, maybe he has some complaint against replacement troops, command, or combat troops. He might be opposed to the war, or be offended to have to share resources with another unit. I'm not sure. We shouldn't rule out mutiny either. Somepony doesn't have to be a changeling to be a threat to Equestria... but it would be hard to tell if they were a changeling... what is your plan?"
"Well, maybe he has some complaint against replacement troops, command, or combat troops. He might be opposed to the war, or be offended to have to share resources with another unit. I'm not sure. We shouldn't rule out mutiny either. Somepony doesn't have to be a changeling to be a threat to Equestria... but it would be hard to tell if they were a changeling... what is your plan?"
>>139250
"We gather our platoon in center of town as we did earlier, but this time we check each of them to see if any have been replaced by changelings. We must keep quiet on this however, to prevent information leak, and if we must we should present it as necessary medical examination. Once that is out of way, and any infiltrators dealt with justly and appropriately, we will assign squad to fix telegraph line while you, I, and another squad go to confront Captain to discover whether or not he truly is changeling. Even if he is not, changeling or not, his behavior has been inexcusable and must be addressed. Rest of our platoon should be ordered to stay on guard, in case something were to go wrong."
"We gather our platoon in center of town as we did earlier, but this time we check each of them to see if any have been replaced by changelings. We must keep quiet on this however, to prevent information leak, and if we must we should present it as necessary medical examination. Once that is out of way, and any infiltrators dealt with justly and appropriately, we will assign squad to fix telegraph line while you, I, and another squad go to confront Captain to discover whether or not he truly is changeling. Even if he is not, changeling or not, his behavior has been inexcusable and must be addressed. Rest of our platoon should be ordered to stay on guard, in case something were to go wrong."
>>139253
"Changelings... when they are found... They don't like to be found. Not at all. We should be worried about what they will do when they are caught. And if he, or somepony else here is something like a pacifist anarchist... those are more common in the West than you may think, well... who is in on the plot?"
>>139254
She nods, but is mostly quiet, pulling out the jacket, and trying it on. She comes back, and pays in paper bits that Amber can see is a new currency.
"Changelings... when they are found... They don't like to be found. Not at all. We should be worried about what they will do when they are caught. And if he, or somepony else here is something like a pacifist anarchist... those are more common in the West than you may think, well... who is in on the plot?"
>>139254
She nods, but is mostly quiet, pulling out the jacket, and trying it on. She comes back, and pays in paper bits that Amber can see is a new currency.
>>139255
"They will lash out, and attack. As I said, we must keep quiet, at least until we have confirmed our platoon as being changeling free. If there are rebel Anarchists, we will deal with them justly yet firmly. We are not cruel, but we must not let rebels undermine Equestria in her time of greatest need."
"They will lash out, and attack. As I said, we must keep quiet, at least until we have confirmed our platoon as being changeling free. If there are rebel Anarchists, we will deal with them justly yet firmly. We are not cruel, but we must not let rebels undermine Equestria in her time of greatest need."
>>139262
"Indeed. We will also want to stay as one group as we gather our platoon together. If indeed there are changelings here, any of us would make for tempting target to try to replace."
"Indeed. We will also want to stay as one group as we gather our platoon together. If indeed there are changelings here, any of us would make for tempting target to try to replace."
There's a number of patterns of intersecting lines along the back that could only be guessed to be some kind of anti-counterfeiting measure. That or they really didn't want the piece of paper to be plain. Everything is in red ink. Over these lines in the center, are two horseshoes opposed to each other, and to each side are big red "50"s. And in red text, at the top in the red band around the sides of the bill is:
"New Mareland Military Authority"
Below that:
"In
Circulation Set
In
East Equestria
Fifty Bits"
>>139263
He nods, clearly frightened but a least in control of himself
"New Mareland Military Authority"
Below that:
"In
Circulation Set
In
East Equestria
Fifty Bits"
>>139263
He nods, clearly frightened but a least in control of himself
>>139264
Silver smiles at Brisbuck.
"I am impressed, Lieutenant, despite being afraid you have control over yourself. That is excellent quality to have. Now, let us go gather platoon, starting with..."
Silver opens the door again, and goes out to address the corporal.
"Alright corporal, unless you are finished conversing with Lieutenant Brisbuck, we have task for you.
Silver smiles at Brisbuck.
"I am impressed, Lieutenant, despite being afraid you have control over yourself. That is excellent quality to have. Now, let us go gather platoon, starting with..."
Silver opens the door again, and goes out to address the corporal.
"Alright corporal, unless you are finished conversing with Lieutenant Brisbuck, we have task for you.
>>139264
It's not as pretty as the old money.
She accepts this currency, provided it's the amount listed for the coat, and wishes the mare to have a nice day and to keep warm.
It's not as pretty as the old money.
She accepts this currency, provided it's the amount listed for the coat, and wishes the mare to have a nice day and to keep warm.
>>139267
She goes to meet the new customer. "Hello, can I help you with anything?" she asks cheerily.
She goes to meet the new customer. "Hello, can I help you with anything?" she asks cheerily.
>>139268
He nods, and is on his way. Presumably, Silver orders the same to his Platoon Guide, Sargent Amber Grain, who goes to assemble the platoon.
He nods, and is on his way. Presumably, Silver orders the same to his Platoon Guide, Sargent Amber Grain, who goes to assemble the platoon.
>>139270
That he does. He also turns to the remaining three ponies.
"Let us go find our medical officer, and convince him to help us with this 'surprise medical examination'."
That he does. He also turns to the remaining three ponies.
"Let us go find our medical officer, and convince him to help us with this 'surprise medical examination'."
>>139272
Naturally this first thing Silver does is check that Firm Heart isn't a changeling, before swearing him to secrecy, filling him in on the current situation, and letting him in on the plan to check the entire platoon for changelings under the guise of a routine surprise medical examination.
Naturally this first thing Silver does is check that Firm Heart isn't a changeling, before swearing him to secrecy, filling him in on the current situation, and letting him in on the plan to check the entire platoon for changelings under the guise of a routine surprise medical examination.
>>139274
Firm Heart seems more than a little unsettled about the situation.
"Uh... Okay. You may want to figure out where to do this for the best privacy, and also, be prepared if we actually do find something."
Firm Heart seems more than a little unsettled about the situation.
"Uh... Okay. You may want to figure out where to do this for the best privacy, and also, be prepared if we actually do find something."
>>139275
>>139276
"Hmm. Perhaps Town Hall, if we can figure out way to keep 332nd away. We will also have ponies watching to make sure nothing happens if changeling is found. As for what story to use...would it be too obvious to use eye examination? Perhaps for cataracts, near-sightedness, and just general poor vision. Soldiers need to be able to see what they are shooting at, after all."
>>139276
"Hmm. Perhaps Town Hall, if we can figure out way to keep 332nd away. We will also have ponies watching to make sure nothing happens if changeling is found. As for what story to use...would it be too obvious to use eye examination? Perhaps for cataracts, near-sightedness, and just general poor vision. Soldiers need to be able to see what they are shooting at, after all."
>>139279
Silver rubs his temples in thought and frustration.
"Lying convincingly has never been my specialty. Maybe Equestria was too concerned with making sure we had enough units, so they skipped processes they normally would have done earlier."
He puts some more thought into where they should perform their examination.
"Hmm...think one of these abandoned houses would do trick?"
Silver rubs his temples in thought and frustration.
"Lying convincingly has never been my specialty. Maybe Equestria was too concerned with making sure we had enough units, so they skipped processes they normally would have done earlier."
He puts some more thought into where they should perform their examination.
"Hmm...think one of these abandoned houses would do trick?"
>>139281
"Doable, yes. We'd need everypony, or almost everypony, outside while they enter a group at a time."
"Doable, yes. We'd need everypony, or almost everypony, outside while they enter a group at a time."
>>139284
Silver nods, and looks to Saltlick and the machine gunner.
"Go find empty house quickly and assist Firm Heart in his preparations. Lieutenant Brisbuck and I will go see how Sargent Amber Grain and corporal are handling assembling platoon."
He pauses for a moment, before dismissing the group.
"Before we dismiss, there is one issue we should address. We should come up with code phrase to speak, so we can know we are not changelings without having to shine lights in each other's eyes."
Silver nods, and looks to Saltlick and the machine gunner.
"Go find empty house quickly and assist Firm Heart in his preparations. Lieutenant Brisbuck and I will go see how Sargent Amber Grain and corporal are handling assembling platoon."
He pauses for a moment, before dismissing the group.
"Before we dismiss, there is one issue we should address. We should come up with code phrase to speak, so we can know we are not changelings without having to shine lights in each other's eyes."
>>139286
Silver scratches his chin some more, before he comes up with something he's certain nopony or 'ling in their right mind would ever think to say:
"Klutzy...draconequus."
Silver scratches his chin some more, before he comes up with something he's certain nopony or 'ling in their right mind would ever think to say:
"Klutzy...draconequus."
>>139288
"It is kind of creature Discord is."
He looks around at the group.
"...how do none of you know that? Have you never read any stories about him?"
"It is kind of creature Discord is."
He looks around at the group.
"...how do none of you know that? Have you never read any stories about him?"
>>139289
"Oh... So that's what those are called."
The machine gunner adds
"Well, you're sure right about one thing. No changeling would ever think to say that."
"Oh... So that's what those are called."
The machine gunner adds
"Well, you're sure right about one thing. No changeling would ever think to say that."
>>139291
They nod, and leave
Outside, the platoon stands at attention on the road.
Brisbuck stands besides Silver, as does Firm Heart, and Amber Grain is in front of Silver. Behind him, Saltlick is absent (as ordered) and Hazelred stands at attention. Behind him, A company, including the corporal, are at attention. Behind them is B squad, which includes private Frostbark (this time), but not the squad machine gunner (as ordered). C squad, notably, has two ponies missing - scout riflestallions assigned to the machinegun secton. They were a "buddy pair" together, so both ponies assigned to keep track of the other are missing.
More unsettling, is the absence of the entire machine gun attachment to the squad.
They nod, and leave
Outside, the platoon stands at attention on the road.
Brisbuck stands besides Silver, as does Firm Heart, and Amber Grain is in front of Silver. Behind him, Saltlick is absent (as ordered) and Hazelred stands at attention. Behind him, A company, including the corporal, are at attention. Behind them is B squad, which includes private Frostbark (this time), but not the squad machine gunner (as ordered). C squad, notably, has two ponies missing - scout riflestallions assigned to the machinegun secton. They were a "buddy pair" together, so both ponies assigned to keep track of the other are missing.
More unsettling, is the absence of the entire machine gun attachment to the squad.
>>139292
Silver looks bewildered as to the disappearence of the entire machine gun section. He calls out to the congregation.
"I am count lot of missing soldiers. While some have been excused by me personally, two scouts from C squad and our machine gun section are missing. Anypony care to fill in details?"
Silver looks bewildered as to the disappearence of the entire machine gun section. He calls out to the congregation.
"I am count lot of missing soldiers. While some have been excused by me personally, two scouts from C squad and our machine gun section are missing. Anypony care to fill in details?"
>>139293
The Sargent who leads C section volunteers the following
"Sir, the platoon has been heavily dispersed since we ended lunch. Troopers have walked around and explored. They must be somewhere around town."
The Sargent who leads C section volunteers the following
"Sir, the platoon has been heavily dispersed since we ended lunch. Troopers have walked around and explored. They must be somewhere around town."
>>139294
"I am afraid this meeting is manditory for all soldiers. Sargent, take two soldiers and bring them back ASAP. As for your own missing scouts, it might be beneficial to check their room incase they returned there after lunch."
"I am afraid this meeting is manditory for all soldiers. Sargent, take two soldiers and bring them back ASAP. As for your own missing scouts, it might be beneficial to check their room incase they returned there after lunch."
>>139296
"As for rest of you, I am afraid you will have to find way of entertaining yourselves here until your compatriots return. Nopony is allowed to wander off until we have finished here."
"As for rest of you, I am afraid you will have to find way of entertaining yourselves here until your compatriots return. Nopony is allowed to wander off until we have finished here."
>>139297
The soldiers begin the time honored tradition of standing still while memorizing the number of bricks on the street-face of the courthouse, and counting the number of birds to fly by in a given minute.
C squad sargent comes back denying that the missing scouts are inside the hotel.
The soldiers begin the time honored tradition of standing still while memorizing the number of bricks on the street-face of the courthouse, and counting the number of birds to fly by in a given minute.
C squad sargent comes back denying that the missing scouts are inside the hotel.
>>139298
"It was worth shot. We do not have forever, but please keep looking, Sargent."
Silver looks at the rest of the soldiers.
"I did not meant you could not converse in meantime. Just do not leave area and make us look for you."
"It was worth shot. We do not have forever, but please keep looking, Sargent."
Silver looks at the rest of the soldiers.
"I did not meant you could not converse in meantime. Just do not leave area and make us look for you."
>>139299
One brave soldier sits, and soon, another follows, then another, until half of the platoon is sitting. They start talking.
The Sargent comes back with what seems to be the entire machine gun attachment.
"They took up occupancy of a house just across the river, and did not hear the call to line up." The sergeant answers
One brave soldier sits, and soon, another follows, then another, until half of the platoon is sitting. They start talking.
The Sargent comes back with what seems to be the entire machine gun attachment.
"They took up occupancy of a house just across the river, and did not hear the call to line up." The sergeant answers
>>139300
"They are excused then. Though it makes me wonder if I should reverse my decision regarding B Squad..."
He regains focus, and looks at the Sargent.
"Still no sign of your missing scouts?"
"They are excused then. Though it makes me wonder if I should reverse my decision regarding B Squad..."
He regains focus, and looks at the Sargent.
"Still no sign of your missing scouts?"
>>139301
With added time, the two scouts come into view. They are followed by three members of the 332nd with their carbines out. The two parties are in dispute:
A brown stallion of the 332nd claims:
"We found these two near he outside of town looking through house of an evacuee. They had broken a window and kicked in the door when we came by and noticed the disturbance."
A dark purple scout responds:
"We were just looking around. We saw a house where the window was busted and the door was kicked in so we stopped by to take a look. Then these ponies came by. We didn't take anything!"
The brown pony responds:
"Perhaps only because we stopped you."
With added time, the two scouts come into view. They are followed by three members of the 332nd with their carbines out. The two parties are in dispute:
A brown stallion of the 332nd claims:
"We found these two near he outside of town looking through house of an evacuee. They had broken a window and kicked in the door when we came by and noticed the disturbance."
A dark purple scout responds:
"We were just looking around. We saw a house where the window was busted and the door was kicked in so we stopped by to take a look. Then these ponies came by. We didn't take anything!"
The brown pony responds:
"Perhaps only because we stopped you."
>>139302
Silver just lets out a sigh of relief. He also makes a mental note about that house.
"Thank you for returning our missing soldiers to us. They have been keeping us waiting for some time. We will deal with this disturbance in due time, I assure you."
Silver just lets out a sigh of relief. He also makes a mental note about that house.
"Thank you for returning our missing soldiers to us. They have been keeping us waiting for some time. We will deal with this disturbance in due time, I assure you."
>>139303
The brown stallion - he looks to be a corporal by his insignia, does not back away, but moves forward.
"You should keep your soldiers on a shorter leash. They are burglarizing the houses of evacuees. If they had done in this in foreign lands it would be unacceptable. But this is the homeland. This is unacceptable! Make an example of it now before all these new greens, rejects from the first round of the draft, sack our own cities in the future."
He holds the carbine out in front of himself, wings spread in evident excitement.
The brown stallion - he looks to be a corporal by his insignia, does not back away, but moves forward.
"You should keep your soldiers on a shorter leash. They are burglarizing the houses of evacuees. If they had done in this in foreign lands it would be unacceptable. But this is the homeland. This is unacceptable! Make an example of it now before all these new greens, rejects from the first round of the draft, sack our own cities in the future."
He holds the carbine out in front of himself, wings spread in evident excitement.
>>139304
>>139305
Silver's expression quickly fades from his relieved smile to an annoyed frown, and his face becomes quite firm after both groups speak. He trots forward slowly towards both the scouts and the group from the 332nd...but seems to be focusing mostly on the brown stallion.
"Corporal Asswipe, what is name and rank of Supreme Arbiter of Justice in this platoon?"
>>139305
Silver's expression quickly fades from his relieved smile to an annoyed frown, and his face becomes quite firm after both groups speak. He trots forward slowly towards both the scouts and the group from the 332nd...but seems to be focusing mostly on the brown stallion.
"Corporal Asswipe, what is name and rank of Supreme Arbiter of Justice in this platoon?"
>>139306
This definitely gets him to step back, and pull the carbine closer to himself. But he does not crumble
"I do not know your unit, but Captain Forrester is the highest ranking Stallion here."
This definitely gets him to step back, and pull the carbine closer to himself. But he does not crumble
"I do not know your unit, but Captain Forrester is the highest ranking Stallion here."
>>139307
Silver does not back down, and makes a loud buzzer noise in response.
"EEEEENNNNNHHHH!!! Wrong answer, Corporal Skidmark! 'Platoon Sargent Silver Sword' was your correct answer, do you want to see what you could have won?"
Silver does not back down, and makes a loud buzzer noise in response.
"EEEEENNNNNHHHH!!! Wrong answer, Corporal Skidmark! 'Platoon Sargent Silver Sword' was your correct answer, do you want to see what you could have won?"
feels kind of bad for not having another segment for Amber
>>139308
Evidently not.
He backs away, at first in a single step, but then several steps, though always facing Silver. The other two soldiers, who never moved as far forward as the brown stallion, move back when the brown stallion comes closer to them. Quickly enough, they move off and away.
>>139308
Evidently not.
He backs away, at first in a single step, but then several steps, though always facing Silver. The other two soldiers, who never moved as far forward as the brown stallion, move back when the brown stallion comes closer to them. Quickly enough, they move off and away.
>>139309
Silver shouts after them as they hurriedly leave.
"NEVER SPEAK TO YOUR SUPERIOR THAT WAY AGAIN, OR YOUR ASS WILL BE GRASS, YOU HEAR ME!"
With a heavy snort of air from his flared nostrils, Silver calms himself down, and addresses the two scouts. His voice has a measure of concern for his soldiers.
"You two alright?"
Silver shouts after them as they hurriedly leave.
"NEVER SPEAK TO YOUR SUPERIOR THAT WAY AGAIN, OR YOUR ASS WILL BE GRASS, YOU HEAR ME!"
With a heavy snort of air from his flared nostrils, Silver calms himself down, and addresses the two scouts. His voice has a measure of concern for his soldiers.
"You two alright?"
>>139311
The group from the 332nd turns around and leaves more quickly.
The two scouts are also slightly cowering, with their ears down.
"Uh... Yes?"
The group from the 332nd turns around and leaves more quickly.
The two scouts are also slightly cowering, with their ears down.
"Uh... Yes?"
>>139312
He smiles at the pair, and offers them a hoof to help pull them up from their slightly cowed position.
"Good. Not going to let some Corporal Shitstain from another platoon bully my troops, tell me how to run my own damned platoon, and demand I discipline my own soldiers."
He smiles at the pair, and offers them a hoof to help pull them up from their slightly cowed position.
"Good. Not going to let some Corporal Shitstain from another platoon bully my troops, tell me how to run my own damned platoon, and demand I discipline my own soldiers."
>>139313
The deep purple stallion smiles, though kind of awkwardly, and extends his hoof to be pulled up, which he presumably is. The other stallion, an aquamarine colored stallion, also rises. both lift their ears.
"Thank you, Sargent"
The deep purple stallion smiles, though kind of awkwardly, and extends his hoof to be pulled up, which he presumably is. The other stallion, an aquamarine colored stallion, also rises. both lift their ears.
"Thank you, Sargent"
>>139315
"Well... the house had been broken into. A window was broken, a door was broken. Some furniture was turned over, I think. Bedsheets were pulled down. There weren't drawers turned over or anything though, like the house was searched. I don't know if anything was stolen."
"Well... the house had been broken into. A window was broken, a door was broken. Some furniture was turned over, I think. Bedsheets were pulled down. There weren't drawers turned over or anything though, like the house was searched. I don't know if anything was stolen."
>>139316
He nods, and turns to go back to being in front of the platoon. Before he does so, he briefly pauses to turn his head back to the scouts.
"And there is no need to thank me. It is part of my job to protect you from dungheaps like that thinking they can bully you into submission. You are my soldiers, not theirs."
He turns to look at the platoon.
"And that goes for rest of you. If anypony tries that shit on you, even if it is Captain Forrester himself, you come to me. I will sort it out."
He nods, and turns to go back to being in front of the platoon. Before he does so, he briefly pauses to turn his head back to the scouts.
"And there is no need to thank me. It is part of my job to protect you from dungheaps like that thinking they can bully you into submission. You are my soldiers, not theirs."
He turns to look at the platoon.
"And that goes for rest of you. If anypony tries that shit on you, even if it is Captain Forrester himself, you come to me. I will sort it out."
>>139318
Silver steps to be in front of the Platoon.
"Alright now, I believe that is everypony accounted for? Those few still missing have already been excused by me. If you all would line up once more, we can begin."
Silver steps to be in front of the Platoon.
"Alright now, I believe that is everypony accounted for? Those few still missing have already been excused by me. If you all would line up once more, we can begin."
>>139319
The ponies line up, of course missing the aforementioned ponies excused by Silver. They stand up at attention.
The ponies line up, of course missing the aforementioned ponies excused by Silver. They stand up at attention.
>>139320
"Now, I know you are all eager to continue your well deserved rest, but there are still couple of things to get through first. Now, first, due to speed with which Equestria performed most recent draft and recruitment, many of you have skipped steps in recruitment process you would not have had skipped otherwise. This is natural, Equestria is in its greatest need it has been in for over millenia, and you have all risen to occasion. Among these steps I have learned some of you skipped is eye examination, so to ensure I know you can actually see what you are shooting at, Firm Heart here will be performing quick, routine eye examinations on each of you. So long as he has your full cooperation, this should not take very long. Once it is complete, I have important tasks for all squads."
"Now, I know you are all eager to continue your well deserved rest, but there are still couple of things to get through first. Now, first, due to speed with which Equestria performed most recent draft and recruitment, many of you have skipped steps in recruitment process you would not have had skipped otherwise. This is natural, Equestria is in its greatest need it has been in for over millenia, and you have all risen to occasion. Among these steps I have learned some of you skipped is eye examination, so to ensure I know you can actually see what you are shooting at, Firm Heart here will be performing quick, routine eye examinations on each of you. So long as he has your full cooperation, this should not take very long. Once it is complete, I have important tasks for all squads."
>>139321
Within the ranks, some are confused by the idea that something as essential as an eye examination has been skipped, while a few chalk it up to the incompetency of Equestrian High Command. They talk amongst themselves
Within the ranks, some are confused by the idea that something as essential as an eye examination has been skipped, while a few chalk it up to the incompetency of Equestrian High Command. They talk amongst themselves
>>139321
>>139322
Firm Heart is not quite done with the platoon. He addresses them all:
"Unfortunately, it isn't only lazy eye and deteriorated vision we need to be worried about. Unfortunately a particular variety of parasitic worm has been more prevalent this season than most here in the Equestrian West. You see, there is a variety of roundworm that is spread by flies and bad water that crawls around under the skin. The easiest way to identify it is when it moves around the eyes, which it loves to do. The worm is mostly harmless but, well, with your eyes essential to the defense of Equestria, Command isn't taking any chances. So they've ordered screening for the worms, and any permanent damage caused by them as well."
This explanation doesn't seem to comfort them much more.
>>139322
Firm Heart is not quite done with the platoon. He addresses them all:
"Unfortunately, it isn't only lazy eye and deteriorated vision we need to be worried about. Unfortunately a particular variety of parasitic worm has been more prevalent this season than most here in the Equestrian West. You see, there is a variety of roundworm that is spread by flies and bad water that crawls around under the skin. The easiest way to identify it is when it moves around the eyes, which it loves to do. The worm is mostly harmless but, well, with your eyes essential to the defense of Equestria, Command isn't taking any chances. So they've ordered screening for the worms, and any permanent damage caused by them as well."
This explanation doesn't seem to comfort them much more.
>>139322
Silver speaks up over the congregation, holding up his hooves to quiet the ponies down.
"I know, I know, it is odd. But if we get through this quickly, it will be last we have to worry about it until after we win this War. Now, if I may direct your attention to Firm Heart, he will show you where to go for examination."
Silver speaks up over the congregation, holding up his hooves to quiet the ponies down.
"I know, I know, it is odd. But if we get through this quickly, it will be last we have to worry about it until after we win this War. Now, if I may direct your attention to Firm Heart, he will show you where to go for examination."
>>139325
He whispers back, hopefully briefly enough that it doesn't worry the soldiers.
"Saltlick and that machinegunner from Squad B will be your assistants, so they will always be there with you and patients. We will also make such patients are disarmed before going in."
He whispers back, hopefully briefly enough that it doesn't worry the soldiers.
"Saltlick and that machinegunner from Squad B will be your assistants, so they will always be there with you and patients. We will also make such patients are disarmed before going in."
>>139327
Silver allows Firm Heart to take command of actually leading the troops, and motions for the Lieutenant and Amber Grain to help him keep the soldiers in check.
Silver allows Firm Heart to take command of actually leading the troops, and motions for the Lieutenant and Amber Grain to help him keep the soldiers in check.
>>139328
Presumably, the ponies are taken to a ranch house somewhere, and kept outside while the examinations take place in a bedroom.
Presumably, the ponies are taken to a ranch house somewhere, and kept outside while the examinations take place in a bedroom.
>>139329
Silver, Brisbuck, and Amber Grain make sure to disarm each pony before they enter, under the reasoning of not wanting an accidental discharge to hit the platoon's medic, and give their weapons back once they leave. Only Saltlick and the machinegunner still have their weapons inside, though they should probably keep them out of sight until it's necessary.
Silver, Brisbuck, and Amber Grain make sure to disarm each pony before they enter, under the reasoning of not wanting an accidental discharge to hit the platoon's medic, and give their weapons back once they leave. Only Saltlick and the machinegunner still have their weapons inside, though they should probably keep them out of sight until it's necessary.
>>139330
The ponies are kept in line outside of the house, taken into a living room where their weapons and non-essential packs are removed, and then they are taken to a bedroom where the door is closed.
It's actually not very long into the process at all that there is a "thonk," loud cursing, a smash, and a crash from inside the room.
The ponies are kept in line outside of the house, taken into a living room where their weapons and non-essential packs are removed, and then they are taken to a bedroom where the door is closed.
It's actually not very long into the process at all that there is a "thonk," loud cursing, a smash, and a crash from inside the room.
>>139333
Silver barges inside to see what is going on, leaving Brisbuck and Amber Grain to keep control of the ponies in line.
Silver barges inside to see what is going on, leaving Brisbuck and Amber Grain to keep control of the ponies in line.
>>139334
Standing over the edge of the bed and aiming his rifle - with full bayonet - downwards is Saltlick. Firmheart lies on his back on the floor grabbing at his shoulders and making strange breathing noises. A dresser looks pushed out of the way, and there is a lampshade and a broken lamp next to him. The machinegun colt stands over part of the floor next to the bed. Silver has to move over to see what is obscured by the edge of the bed and both Saltlick and the Machinegunner. It's what Silver could have expected: a black, almost beetlelike thing with insectoid eyes, black chitinous skin, and holes in its limbs, all together in an equiform body. It bleeds out from part of its uniform a blue, slightly green tinted substance that must be an alien blood. Silver can see this blood on the floor and on the edge of the bayonet, and the dropped machine gun not far off. The creature tries to rise and fight its captors as the machine gunner tries to keep it on the floor. It hisses as the machine gunner recognizes he must keep distance from its face.
Standing over the edge of the bed and aiming his rifle - with full bayonet - downwards is Saltlick. Firmheart lies on his back on the floor grabbing at his shoulders and making strange breathing noises. A dresser looks pushed out of the way, and there is a lampshade and a broken lamp next to him. The machinegun colt stands over part of the floor next to the bed. Silver has to move over to see what is obscured by the edge of the bed and both Saltlick and the Machinegunner. It's what Silver could have expected: a black, almost beetlelike thing with insectoid eyes, black chitinous skin, and holes in its limbs, all together in an equiform body. It bleeds out from part of its uniform a blue, slightly green tinted substance that must be an alien blood. Silver can see this blood on the floor and on the edge of the bayonet, and the dropped machine gun not far off. The creature tries to rise and fight its captors as the machine gunner tries to keep it on the floor. It hisses as the machine gunner recognizes he must keep distance from its face.
>>139335
Silver jumps to help the machinegunner keep the changeling down.
"What did he do to Firm Heart!?"
Silver jumps to help the machinegunner keep the changeling down.
"What did he do to Firm Heart!?"
>>139336
Saltlick answers
"Stay away from its face. That's how it got Firm Heart. Firm Heart saw it was the creature. You could see it in how he stopped; looked afraid. The thing knew it. It lunged forward, opened its mouth, and used its magic. I think it bit him too. With its teeth."
When Silver has part of his body on the changeling, the black colt pulls back, awkwardly past Silver, jumps back to stand up, pick up his automatic rifle, and then smashes the butt of the automatic rifle against the creature. But the automatic rifle is an inferior club, being too heavy, too unwieldy. The black colt looses control of the weapon as it smashes into the muzzle of the creature, and falls back, with the gun resting ontop of the creature's face until he can pull it up and off.
Saltlick answers
"Stay away from its face. That's how it got Firm Heart. Firm Heart saw it was the creature. You could see it in how he stopped; looked afraid. The thing knew it. It lunged forward, opened its mouth, and used its magic. I think it bit him too. With its teeth."
When Silver has part of his body on the changeling, the black colt pulls back, awkwardly past Silver, jumps back to stand up, pick up his automatic rifle, and then smashes the butt of the automatic rifle against the creature. But the automatic rifle is an inferior club, being too heavy, too unwieldy. The black colt looses control of the weapon as it smashes into the muzzle of the creature, and falls back, with the gun resting ontop of the creature's face until he can pull it up and off.
>>139340
Looks like the black colt may have beaten Silver to it. It bleeds from its mouth, and one of its fangs hangs lose. It gurgles as it attempts a hiss. Nevertheless, Saltlick gives his rifle to Silver, while he backs up, and attempts to walk to Firm Heart.
Looks like the black colt may have beaten Silver to it. It bleeds from its mouth, and one of its fangs hangs lose. It gurgles as it attempts a hiss. Nevertheless, Saltlick gives his rifle to Silver, while he backs up, and attempts to walk to Firm Heart.
[1d20+5 = 14]
>>139341
Silver grabs Saltlick's rifle with his magic, and bashes the rifle's butt against the changeling's head once more for good measure.
>>139341
Silver grabs Saltlick's rifle with his magic, and bashes the rifle's butt against the changeling's head once more for good measure.
>>139343
A heavily panting Silver gets off of the changeling imposter and looks over at the black colt.
"Help me drag this somewhere out of sight."
A heavily panting Silver gets off of the changeling imposter and looks over at the black colt.
"Help me drag this somewhere out of sight."
>>139344
"Where? Like a closet?"
It's a small bedroom. There is a window in the room (that can be covered with a curtain), but few other ways to look inside. There is a bed, a dresser, and a table on the other end, as well as a closet.
"Where? Like a closet?"
It's a small bedroom. There is a window in the room (that can be covered with a curtain), but few other ways to look inside. There is a bed, a dresser, and a table on the other end, as well as a closet.
>>139345
"That is good idea. We should also tie it up and gag it."
Silver bends down to look at the name and rank on the uniform.
"That is good idea. We should also tie it up and gag it."
Silver bends down to look at the name and rank on the uniform.
>>139346
Silver can look at it, but the black colt answers for Silver once he notices his intentions.
"Hazelred. Technical Private Hazelred."
The black colt helps shove a sock in its mouth - which may have been necessary just to keep it from choking on its own blood - and ties the creature.
Silver can look at it, but the black colt answers for Silver once he notices his intentions.
"Hazelred. Technical Private Hazelred."
The black colt helps shove a sock in its mouth - which may have been necessary just to keep it from choking on its own blood - and ties the creature.
>>139347
"Селестия, черт возьми. We will find you, Hazelred. I promise."
Once that's finished, he and the black colt drag the changeling into the closet, close it, and then Silver goes to check on Firm Heart.
"Селестия, черт возьми. We will find you, Hazelred. I promise."
Once that's finished, he and the black colt drag the changeling into the closet, close it, and then Silver goes to check on Firm Heart.
>>139348
Firm Heart is conscious, but breathing heavy. His lips are shrunken, almost like he's dehydrated. He is bleeding from the shoulder, although the wound is not very deep.
Firm Heart is conscious, but breathing heavy. His lips are shrunken, almost like he's dehydrated. He is bleeding from the shoulder, although the wound is not very deep.
>>139349
"He is changeling bitten alright, in both senses of word. Ugh...this was stupid plan on my part. Never should have put him in such danger."
"He is changeling bitten alright, in both senses of word. Ugh...this was stupid plan on my part. Never should have put him in such danger."
>>139351
"Yes, he will. Water and something sweet to eat will help, but to fully recover either he needs rest, or if we are lucky this fake Hazelred will have some changeling honey. Stay here with Firm Heart, I am going to go back out and check his bags."
Silver leaves the bedroom and closes the door behind him. He looks around for where they set Hazelred's bags.
"Yes, he will. Water and something sweet to eat will help, but to fully recover either he needs rest, or if we are lucky this fake Hazelred will have some changeling honey. Stay here with Firm Heart, I am going to go back out and check his bags."
Silver leaves the bedroom and closes the door behind him. He looks around for where they set Hazelred's bags.
>>139354
He nods, and the door is closed behind him. The bags lie between the entrance of the house, and a sofa, on the floor
He nods, and the door is closed behind him. The bags lie between the entrance of the house, and a sofa, on the floor
>>139355
Silver looks through Hazelred's bags for either a vial of changeling honey, or some kind of container the changeling might have been using to disguise the substance.
Silver looks through Hazelred's bags for either a vial of changeling honey, or some kind of container the changeling might have been using to disguise the substance.
>>139356
No honey, nothing out of the ordinary. Only a few salt crackers, a canteen, a pair of Automatic Rifle magazines, ten ammo clips, and the platoon's lone radio set and an extra battery for it.
No honey, nothing out of the ordinary. Only a few salt crackers, a canteen, a pair of Automatic Rifle magazines, ten ammo clips, and the platoon's lone radio set and an extra battery for it.
>>139357
Silver mutters a curse under his breath, though now he knows why they targetted Hazelred. He finds Brisbuck, and whispers to him.
"Technical Private Hazelred. Firm Heart got bit."
Silver mutters a curse under his breath, though now he knows why they targetted Hazelred. He finds Brisbuck, and whispers to him.
"Technical Private Hazelred. Firm Heart got bit."
>>139358
There is no stopping his ears from falling down, nor his hair from standing up.
"That's our only radio operator. And one of the very first soldiers to be examined."
There is no stopping his ears from falling down, nor his hair from standing up.
"That's our only radio operator. And one of the very first soldiers to be examined."
>>139359
"Explains why he was targetted. We will find him, but I just need you to keep soldiers calm and orderly while we sort things out in examination room."
"Explains why he was targetted. We will find him, but I just need you to keep soldiers calm and orderly while we sort things out in examination room."
>>139361
Silver pats the younger pony's shoulder.
"Do not worry about that right now. Focus on getting us through this."
Silver pats the younger pony's shoulder.
"Do not worry about that right now. Focus on getting us through this."
>>139365
It is so. The black colt is placing the imposter in the closet, while Saltlick has moved Firm Heart to the side of the bed
It is so. The black colt is placing the imposter in the closet, while Saltlick has moved Firm Heart to the side of the bed
>>139372
"Hmm...anypony have ideas on how to get Firm Heart out of here? He is in no shape to continue this, and I do not think I would put him through this again either way. I will continue examinations."
"Hmm...anypony have ideas on how to get Firm Heart out of here? He is in no shape to continue this, and I do not think I would put him through this again either way. I will continue examinations."
>>139373
The black colt nods
Saltlick:
"Keep ponies away from the living room and hallways, we can take him to the bathroom"
The black colt nods
Saltlick:
"Keep ponies away from the living room and hallways, we can take him to the bathroom"
>>139376
Direct the soldiers to temporarily keep out of the living room and hallways so Firm Heart can be put in the bathroom.
Direct the soldiers to temporarily keep out of the living room and hallways so Firm Heart can be put in the bathroom.
>>139377
This is done, with the house cleared, and Firm Heart moved to the bathroom, placed down in the bathtub
This is done, with the house cleared, and Firm Heart moved to the bathroom, placed down in the bathtub
File (): 71779C36317BF4F08F5C38E34D63DB05-92850.gif (90.7 KB, 320x320, 1568687357340.gif)
>>139378
Once he's safe in the bathroom, they reorganize the line of soldiers, and Silver enters the bedroom with Saltlick and the black colt.
"Alright, this should not be too hard...I hope. You two saw what Firm Heart did, think you can guide me through process?"
Once he's safe in the bathroom, they reorganize the line of soldiers, and Silver enters the bedroom with Saltlick and the black colt.
"Alright, this should not be too hard...I hope. You two saw what Firm Heart did, think you can guide me through process?"
>>139381
"Uh... The light is shined above, or maybe it was into the eyes.... I don't know the rest." Is as much as Saltlick can answer.
"Uh... The light is shined above, or maybe it was into the eyes.... I don't know the rest." Is as much as Saltlick can answer.
>>139382
"Ah, so it is just as I already knew. Good! Now, if I act as if something is off, like Firm Heart did, please interfere. While I think I can take more than he can, I would like to avoid getting changeling bitten if I can."
"Ah, so it is just as I already knew. Good! Now, if I act as if something is off, like Firm Heart did, please interfere. While I think I can take more than he can, I would like to avoid getting changeling bitten if I can."
>>139384
"Well, I don't know that he wasn't going to do more... but the creature attacked him."
Then they answer Silver
"Okay."
And Silver presumably starts again
[1d4 = 2]
"Well, I don't know that he wasn't going to do more... but the creature attacked him."
Then they answer Silver
"Okay."
And Silver presumably starts again
[1d4 = 2]
>>139386
The soldiers come in one by one. Some times they are silent, sometimes they ask questions.
"Okay, so what is this for?"
"So what do I do?"
"Is that it?"
One small snow white stallion even asks
"Are you looking for a Changeling?"
Silver doesn't detect any changelings in the first big batch. At least, he hasn't identified any, and none have revealed themselves.
The soldiers come in one by one. Some times they are silent, sometimes they ask questions.
"Okay, so what is this for?"
"So what do I do?"
"Is that it?"
One small snow white stallion even asks
"Are you looking for a Changeling?"
Silver doesn't detect any changelings in the first big batch. At least, he hasn't identified any, and none have revealed themselves.
>>139387
Silver does his best to answer their questions. As for the snow white stallion, the best he can do is to smile awkwardly and tell him the following:
"Everything will be explained once we have finished. Do not say anything to others to give them false impression of what is going on before then."
Silver does his best to answer their questions. As for the snow white stallion, the best he can do is to smile awkwardly and tell him the following:
"Everything will be explained once we have finished. Do not say anything to others to give them false impression of what is going on before then."
>>139388
Silver does not find any Changelings. Well... if there is a white spot in the pupil, that's something like a cataract, or other natural thing, right? They aren't Changelings? Are they?
Amber Grain intrudes inside the room
"Sir. One of the members of the Machine Gun Attachment has vanished."
Silver does not find any Changelings. Well... if there is a white spot in the pupil, that's something like a cataract, or other natural thing, right? They aren't Changelings? Are they?
Amber Grain intrudes inside the room
"Sir. One of the members of the Machine Gun Attachment has vanished."
>>139390
"Everypony else is accounted for. Except of course, Technical Private Hazelred." He answers, not happy with this predicament.
"Everypony else is accounted for. Except of course, Technical Private Hazelred." He answers, not happy with this predicament.
>>139391
"We need to hurry and finish. We do not have much time before changelings decide to do something. Keep close eye on our soldiers."
"We need to hurry and finish. We do not have much time before changelings decide to do something. Keep close eye on our soldiers."
>>139392
Silver finishes the set. Silver didn't detect any Changelings, assuming he knows exactly what a Changeling looks like. Brisbuck has the whole set at attention outside.
Silver finishes the set. Silver didn't detect any Changelings, assuming he knows exactly what a Changeling looks like. Brisbuck has the whole set at attention outside.
>>139393
He sighs, puts on the bravest face he can, and addresses the platoon.
"Soldiers, I am afraid I owe you explanation, and grave news to go along with it. Changelings have infiltrated Vale, and 332nd. What you just went through was test to sus out any disguised changelings. Those of you gathered here have passed. Technical Private Hazelred, as well as one member from our machinegun attachment who has already fled, have unfortunately been replaced. If we are to get through this alive and find our missing compatriots, I must have your complete cooperation and attention."
He sighs, puts on the bravest face he can, and addresses the platoon.
"Soldiers, I am afraid I owe you explanation, and grave news to go along with it. Changelings have infiltrated Vale, and 332nd. What you just went through was test to sus out any disguised changelings. Those of you gathered here have passed. Technical Private Hazelred, as well as one member from our machinegun attachment who has already fled, have unfortunately been replaced. If we are to get through this alive and find our missing compatriots, I must have your complete cooperation and attention."
>>139394
Some, perhaps even most, take the announcement stoically and accepting the situation. Some seem excited for potential combat, grabbing their rifles. And some are genuinely terrified. Silver can't see them shake from where he stands, but he can see ears drooping and hear gasps.
They all listen to him.
Some, perhaps even most, take the announcement stoically and accepting the situation. Some seem excited for potential combat, grabbing their rifles. And some are genuinely terrified. Silver can't see them shake from where he stands, but he can see ears drooping and hear gasps.
They all listen to him.
>>139395
"There is not much time, but we will get through this. Vale can not fall into Changeling hooves. Now, first I will expect you all to remain in your squads until this has been settled. Second, do not let your squadmates leave your sights. Third, we will use code phrase to distinguish ourselves from any changeling infiltrators. It will be in two parts, phrase and counterphrase. For phrase, you tell your fellow platoon member 'klutsy', and for counterphrase, they will reply 'draconequus'. Memorize this. Only use it when necessary to avoid changelings picking it up and using it to trick us. If other pony fails to use counterphrase, assume they are disguised changeling. Finally, I want all of you to ready yourselves and perform these tasks I am going to give you to their letter. C Squad and our machinegun attachment are going to be watching and guarding town hall, where much of 332nd has been occupying. A Squad, you will take equipment to fix telegraph line on top of feed store, then you will join C Squad and machinegunners. B Squad, you, myself, Liuetenant Brisbuck, and Sargent Amber Grain will go into town hall and confront Captain Forrester. Understood, Soldiers?"
"There is not much time, but we will get through this. Vale can not fall into Changeling hooves. Now, first I will expect you all to remain in your squads until this has been settled. Second, do not let your squadmates leave your sights. Third, we will use code phrase to distinguish ourselves from any changeling infiltrators. It will be in two parts, phrase and counterphrase. For phrase, you tell your fellow platoon member 'klutsy', and for counterphrase, they will reply 'draconequus'. Memorize this. Only use it when necessary to avoid changelings picking it up and using it to trick us. If other pony fails to use counterphrase, assume they are disguised changeling. Finally, I want all of you to ready yourselves and perform these tasks I am going to give you to their letter. C Squad and our machinegun attachment are going to be watching and guarding town hall, where much of 332nd has been occupying. A Squad, you will take equipment to fix telegraph line on top of feed store, then you will join C Squad and machinegunners. B Squad, you, myself, Liuetenant Brisbuck, and Sargent Amber Grain will go into town hall and confront Captain Forrester. Understood, Soldiers?"
>>139396
"Sir, yes sir!"
While Brisbuck is content to more or less go along with this, he still feels the need to override Silver on one thing
"But first, we have a wagon filled with a belt-fed machine gun, two automatic rifles, a 2-inch mortar, and two dozen rifle grenades near the hotel that we are not leaving unattended."
"Sir, yes sir!"
While Brisbuck is content to more or less go along with this, he still feels the need to override Silver on one thing
"But first, we have a wagon filled with a belt-fed machine gun, two automatic rifles, a 2-inch mortar, and two dozen rifle grenades near the hotel that we are not leaving unattended."
>>139397
He nods, grateful for the reminder.
"Of course. Machinegunners, go and fetch that wagon and bring it along with you to C Squad. Unless Lieutenant Brisbuck or Sargent Amber Grain have anything they would like to add, I believe you are all dismissed. You know what to do."
He nods, grateful for the reminder.
"Of course. Machinegunners, go and fetch that wagon and bring it along with you to C Squad. Unless Lieutenant Brisbuck or Sargent Amber Grain have anything they would like to add, I believe you are all dismissed. You know what to do."
>>139398
So it begins. Now the question becomes where to set up around Town Hall, where to confront Forrester... and to wait for the pieces to fall in place
So it begins. Now the question becomes where to set up around Town Hall, where to confront Forrester... and to wait for the pieces to fall in place
>>139399
Silver instructs them to set up outside the front of town hall, and for them to try to keep themselves in inconspiculous locations such as alleys and side streets, and for sharpshooters and scouts to get onto as high a ground as they can, such as on the rooftops.
As for Captain Forrester, Silver hopes he can draw him out into the open, where they stand a better chance, but failing that he might just have to face him in the town hall.
Silver instructs them to set up outside the front of town hall, and for them to try to keep themselves in inconspiculous locations such as alleys and side streets, and for sharpshooters and scouts to get onto as high a ground as they can, such as on the rooftops.
As for Captain Forrester, Silver hopes he can draw him out into the open, where they stand a better chance, but failing that he might just have to face him in the town hall.
>>139400
A squad goes off for the telegraph line along with Salt Litck, while C and B squad go to pull the contents of the wagon. At least it's still there so far, but the platoon is getting looks from members of the 332nd already.
A squad goes off for the telegraph line along with Salt Litck, while C and B squad go to pull the contents of the wagon. At least it's still there so far, but the platoon is getting looks from members of the 332nd already.
>>139401
"They know we know," Silver utters under his breath, as he helps his troops move the wagon and get set up outside town hall.
"They know we know," Silver utters under his breath, as he helps his troops move the wagon and get set up outside town hall.
>>139406
He nods, and goes off, leaving Silver to himself. A section from C squad goes over to the sheriff's office, while another goes to the adjacent Courthouse, along with the one machine gun team. Already, a pony or so from the 332nd questions the deployment, but a squad sargent claims this is standard garrisoning of the town until further instructions are received. Getting behind the Townhall seems to require more ponies, and Brisbuck seems to want to wait for the completion of the task of A Squad.
He nods, and goes off, leaving Silver to himself. A section from C squad goes over to the sheriff's office, while another goes to the adjacent Courthouse, along with the one machine gun team. Already, a pony or so from the 332nd questions the deployment, but a squad sargent claims this is standard garrisoning of the town until further instructions are received. Getting behind the Townhall seems to require more ponies, and Brisbuck seems to want to wait for the completion of the task of A Squad.
>>139407
Silver follows this instruction from Brisbuck. Not only does he think it's a wise decision, but he wants the colt to get some experience commanding the platoon.
Silver follows this instruction from Brisbuck. Not only does he think it's a wise decision, but he wants the colt to get some experience commanding the platoon.
>>139408
The sun is low on the horizon. It will set soon.
A squad arrives, and seems to move in to a house just behind the town hall.
The sun is low on the horizon. It will set soon.
A squad arrives, and seems to move in to a house just behind the town hall.
>>139411
"Of course, but let us focus on task at hoof first. If you are ready, let us take B squad inside."
"Of course, but let us focus on task at hoof first. If you are ready, let us take B squad inside."
>>139412
B Squad is composed of its sergeant, a peach unicorn named Hartley armed with a submachine gun, along with the black colt who is the squad machine gunner, a smaller purple unicorn who is the assistant machine gunner, and three other ponies who act as scouts or riflestallions. Besides these is the rifle section, including a corporal and private Frostbark, who total six stallions with rifles. Twelve ponies, one light machine gun, one submachine gun, and ten rifles, of which two are grenade capable and one possesses a scope.
B Squad is composed of its sergeant, a peach unicorn named Hartley armed with a submachine gun, along with the black colt who is the squad machine gunner, a smaller purple unicorn who is the assistant machine gunner, and three other ponies who act as scouts or riflestallions. Besides these is the rifle section, including a corporal and private Frostbark, who total six stallions with rifles. Twelve ponies, one light machine gun, one submachine gun, and ten rifles, of which two are grenade capable and one possesses a scope.
>>139413
Silver addresses the squad before they proceed.
"Alright Soldiers, this is it. Remain calm and cool, follow our lead, and we will come out of this alright. Ready?"
Silver addresses the squad before they proceed.
"Alright Soldiers, this is it. Remain calm and cool, follow our lead, and we will come out of this alright. Ready?"
>>139419
Silver advances slowly, along with his squad.
"Captain Forrester? We need to talk, there is something gone wrong in Vale."
Silver advances slowly, along with his squad.
"Captain Forrester? We need to talk, there is something gone wrong in Vale."
>>139419
There are many parts of the Town hall building, including a pair of offices off to the left, a kitchen, bathroom facilities, a big room with tile floor that seems to be used for food... But it's the main hall, and the stage behind it, which takes up half of the building. That, presumably, is where Silver and company go.
The room is darker than when Silver first entered there a couple hours before with the setting of the sun, and Silver ca see that objects are moved somewhat on the stage. Or, more likely, Silver takes notice of things on the stage he had not before: a few cardboard boxes, and a table. At the table sits Captain Forrester, hat removed. The greyish white stallion sits upright, leaning over a set of papers, looking down at them, and holding a pen through magic embrace. Standing, reservedly, to either side, are two guards, all with weapons, though none brandishing them threateningly. Two carry carbines, and two carry submachine guns. One of the submachine guns is a Changeling model and issue.
Behind Silver and the group, on the opposite side of the hall, at the very end of a row of seats, are a group of soliders reclining in their seats, the exact numbers hopefully being counted by the corporal, but hard for Silver to discern at the time. They sit down and don't carry their weapons, but Silver can see rifles - full sized rifles, not carbines - to their sides.
Forrester looks up with yellow-green eyes:
"Yes, Sargent Sword? Given that your platoon is still here at dusk, I would have to assume something is wrong, to disrupt your march to the frontline."
There are many parts of the Town hall building, including a pair of offices off to the left, a kitchen, bathroom facilities, a big room with tile floor that seems to be used for food... But it's the main hall, and the stage behind it, which takes up half of the building. That, presumably, is where Silver and company go.
The room is darker than when Silver first entered there a couple hours before with the setting of the sun, and Silver ca see that objects are moved somewhat on the stage. Or, more likely, Silver takes notice of things on the stage he had not before: a few cardboard boxes, and a table. At the table sits Captain Forrester, hat removed. The greyish white stallion sits upright, leaning over a set of papers, looking down at them, and holding a pen through magic embrace. Standing, reservedly, to either side, are two guards, all with weapons, though none brandishing them threateningly. Two carry carbines, and two carry submachine guns. One of the submachine guns is a Changeling model and issue.
Behind Silver and the group, on the opposite side of the hall, at the very end of a row of seats, are a group of soliders reclining in their seats, the exact numbers hopefully being counted by the corporal, but hard for Silver to discern at the time. They sit down and don't carry their weapons, but Silver can see rifles - full sized rifles, not carbines - to their sides.
Forrester looks up with yellow-green eyes:
"Yes, Sargent Sword? Given that your platoon is still here at dusk, I would have to assume something is wrong, to disrupt your march to the frontline."
>>139421
Silver maintains a firm, unshaken tone in his voice, though even he recognizes that they are currently surrounded.
"Indeed Sir. We have located source of telegraph line problem. It is clearly work of saboteur."
Silver maintains a firm, unshaken tone in his voice, though even he recognizes that they are currently surrounded.
"Indeed Sir. We have located source of telegraph line problem. It is clearly work of saboteur."
>>139423
"Indeed, we think it is work of anarchist rebels, or changeling saboteurs. Either way, it is clearly deliberate attempt to cut communication of our Frontline forces in area from Command in Wald, and as such we are to remain here to garrison and guard Vale from any future attempts."
"Indeed, we think it is work of anarchist rebels, or changeling saboteurs. Either way, it is clearly deliberate attempt to cut communication of our Frontline forces in area from Command in Wald, and as such we are to remain here to garrison and guard Vale from any future attempts."
>>139424
He raises an eyebrow
"Is that what you were told to do when you left Wald? Garrison a location until further notice when a line is cut?"
He raises an eyebrow
"Is that what you were told to do when you left Wald? Garrison a location until further notice when a line is cut?"
>>139493
"No, that is what we were told to do by Command when we fixed telegraph line just now. Vale is too important to let rebels or Changelings get hold of, so our platoon is to garrison Vale. This brings me to second item: Command was most concerned with your lackadaisical methods of protecting Vale. You missed several important telegraphs while line was out, you did not send out repair teams to locate source of outage and fix it despite having more than enough supplies, and Vale is improperly garrisoned for being such important location. They have decided to transfer command of Vale Garrison to our own Lieutenant Brisbuck."
"No, that is what we were told to do by Command when we fixed telegraph line just now. Vale is too important to let rebels or Changelings get hold of, so our platoon is to garrison Vale. This brings me to second item: Command was most concerned with your lackadaisical methods of protecting Vale. You missed several important telegraphs while line was out, you did not send out repair teams to locate source of outage and fix it despite having more than enough supplies, and Vale is improperly garrisoned for being such important location. They have decided to transfer command of Vale Garrison to our own Lieutenant Brisbuck."
>>139494
"Heh, all orders from Brigadier General and up must be written on signed orders." He is smiling, though there is something unusual in it
"Are you who you claim you are?"
"Heh, all orders from Brigadier General and up must be written on signed orders." He is smiling, though there is something unusual in it
"Are you who you claim you are?"
>>139495
Silver maintains his stoic expression, and appears unfazed by the Captain's accusation.
"You will have to bring this up with Command yourself when you go to receive your new orders, but for now you have been ordered to turn over all documents and orders related to defense of Vale to Lieutenant Brisbuck and to cede Town Hall to him and our Command Squad."
Silver maintains his stoic expression, and appears unfazed by the Captain's accusation.
"You will have to bring this up with Command yourself when you go to receive your new orders, but for now you have been ordered to turn over all documents and orders related to defense of Vale to Lieutenant Brisbuck and to cede Town Hall to him and our Command Squad."
>>139496
"I repeat" he now says more angrily and forcefully
"All orders issued from the Brigadier General and up must be in writing and signed"
The ponies at the far end have taken notice, and stand up
"I repeat" he now says more angrily and forcefully
"All orders issued from the Brigadier General and up must be in writing and signed"
The ponies at the far end have taken notice, and stand up
>>139497
The unicorn does not give ground.
"Sir, I must request you calm yourself. These are not my orders I am giving you."
The unicorn does not give ground.
"Sir, I must request you calm yourself. These are not my orders I am giving you."
>>139499
"Actually, that brings me to final item. Due to threat that this sabotage was performed by Changeling Infiltrators, and that they may have replaced members of our platoons, Command has ordered both of our platoons to perform mandatory testing to determine if any changelings exist."
"Actually, that brings me to final item. Due to threat that this sabotage was performed by Changeling Infiltrators, and that they may have replaced members of our platoons, Command has ordered both of our platoons to perform mandatory testing to determine if any changelings exist."
>>139501
"Our medical officer, Firm Heart, is most qualified to do so, however it is likely any member of our platoon would be suitable candidate as it is unlikely there are many if any at all who are Infiltrators. Command mentioned that it would be preferable that it was not performed by any members of 332nd, however, as you have been here longer and there is greater chance of Infiltrators among your ranks."
"Our medical officer, Firm Heart, is most qualified to do so, however it is likely any member of our platoon would be suitable candidate as it is unlikely there are many if any at all who are Infiltrators. Command mentioned that it would be preferable that it was not performed by any members of 332nd, however, as you have been here longer and there is greater chance of Infiltrators among your ranks."
>>139503
"As I said, it was sent through telegraph from Wald. This testing is non-negotiable, Sir, and we are under strict orders to place any who decline under arrest."
"As I said, it was sent through telegraph from Wald. This testing is non-negotiable, Sir, and we are under strict orders to place any who decline under arrest."
>>139509
"Hmph! Then let's go see this alleged telegraph. These sorts of things leave paper trails, and I'm sure the ponies at the office will be willing to help. As for any 'testing,' we have a couple medical personnel of our own who are trained to help."
"Hmph! Then let's go see this alleged telegraph. These sorts of things leave paper trails, and I'm sure the ponies at the office will be willing to help. As for any 'testing,' we have a couple medical personnel of our own who are trained to help."
>>139516
Silver motions for his squad to back out and step aside to allow for the Captain and his soldiers to exit the building.
Silver motions for his squad to back out and step aside to allow for the Captain and his soldiers to exit the building.
>>139518
The captain stands up, staring back at Silver and Brisbuck to Silver's side
"Stallions! Up!" Forrester calls out to the ponies at the back, who pick up their rifles and stand up. Two of the ponies in Forrester's guard detail move forward, going to the door and through it. The other two ponies move around to Forrester's side.
The captain stands up, staring back at Silver and Brisbuck to Silver's side
"Stallions! Up!" Forrester calls out to the ponies at the back, who pick up their rifles and stand up. Two of the ponies in Forrester's guard detail move forward, going to the door and through it. The other two ponies move around to Forrester's side.
>>139519
Silver waits for Captain Forrester himself to leave before he follows. He makes sure he has his flashlight at the ready, and keeps it out of sight.
Silver waits for Captain Forrester himself to leave before he follows. He makes sure he has his flashlight at the ready, and keeps it out of sight.
>>139520
The two guards who move through yell "clear," and Forrester moves across the stage, onto a set of stairs at the far left end that takes him down to ground level. His other two guards follow quickly behind. Forrester slowly exists the building, before saying "follow them" to the troops in the back.
The two guards who move through yell "clear," and Forrester moves across the stage, onto a set of stairs at the far left end that takes him down to ground level. His other two guards follow quickly behind. Forrester slowly exists the building, before saying "follow them" to the troops in the back.
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